The night of his twenty four shift started the same as it always does. It's Saturday night after all. The men don't stray from tradition. So, their night starts with poker, putting a good portion of his salary for the next two weeks on the line. Luckily he knew he will win, much unlike the rest of them. They don't call him the king of Poker for nothing. His poker face didn't give away his bluffs, true wins, or even his signature fake sigh. Why they didn't ever fold was beyond him, hell it was far beyond him that they even let him play anymore.
"Winchester, report to the Chiefs office" Someone blared into the loud speaker, the voice of the man who Dean could push around like a chess piece, and the only punishment was mopping the locker room. That was far better than Dean had ever been used to, aside the short time he spent with Uncle Bobby as a kid when he'd run away. That man, out of any of them, was a saint. Soon after his fathers death, he'd gotten a temporary job that paid just enough to get a two bedroom home in a small neighborhood. After that, he joined the forces of Sioux Falls Fire Squad Station eight, his dream job.
"Read em' and weep, ladies, I'll be heading to the chiefs office with my pockets jangling with your pay checks." He said smuggly, with a giant cocky grin on his face. Victor threw his cards angerly at the table, walking away while mumbling, "Nothing but a cheating bastard."
When he reached Chief Rufus' office, he had no guilt or worry in his gut. Just a smug smile and a cocky, "Hey old man." Knowing far too well he could slide by without a scratch. Sometimes with multiple men raising you, none of which knowing what the hell they were doing, had it's perks. This being one of them. Bobby was like a father, even though they addressed him as Uncle Bobby despite no blood relation. Rufus was the one they came for when there was something jackpot insane going on and they needed help, and fast.
"We need you to do the career fair at the high school this year." Rufus deadpanned, Dean followed with a low groan. The career fair was a mess, the firefighter booth was filled with adrenaline fuled junkies and people staring at his body while salivating. Believe it or not, he wasn't just a steak in a meat case. He'd done the craft fair for two years, he was done. He wasn't a rookie they could order around anymore.
"Can't, fourty-eight Monday, for the little strip tease I did." Dean replied with a devious smirk, remembering that night vividly. A man can't have a pole around and not start to strip. He'd only gotten his shirt off, and a few swings around the pole before Rufus pulled the plug on all his fun. He was sure that Danny boy over there was having a spark of fun, at least his crotch was. The rest of them were groaning miserably, saying they already saw way too much of him on a normal day. Working at a firehouse had a certain lack of privacy. The worst part of it all, it was like sex detox. That's nothing that could cool a hard on that faster than these apes, they were too much of a family as it is. Day in and day out with people tends to do that. Along with the newly placed "No sex anywhere people can find you." Suprisingly that wasn't Dean's fault.
"Consider yourself relieved, Dean. Career fest or I'm eating your pie." Rufus threatened, making Dean gape. You don't mess with Dean Winchesters pie, and what's worse was he knew that Rufus was dead serious. He'd done it before, far too many times. It was never a mistake, no matter how many times he claimed it to be.
"Please tell me you're joking, man! Last year I got groped! Twice! I haven't looked at my dick the same way ever again!" Dean sputtered, slightly horrified.
"Not joking, kid. Eight AM, the suit overalls, boots, and navy shirt. No exceptions. You're officially off the clock, I know what you're up to Saturday nights. Just don't let that hangover carry over into Monday. Capiche?" Dean sighed, nodding, knowing he'd lost this battle, usually he fought harder (usually winning because Rufus didn't want to deal with Dean.) Rufus, hell everyone knew that the fire department booth did far better when Dean was behind it with his big green eyes and swoon worthy smile. Looked like he'd be groped by Juniors and Seniors another year. Maybe one day when he's old they'll stop. Who's he kidding, good looks don't just vanish over night. Especially with an ass like his.
"I'm going to go change and head out. See you after the grope session, Ruf." Dean said gruffly with a nod in Rufus' direction. His clothes smelt like motor oil and sweat. Maybe he should have changed before coming to work. He had been working on his car, the harmonic balancer seal had started to leak. With a short mornings work in the fire house garage, he had it fixed in no time. When he has his twenty four hours off tomorrow, he'll fix it up properly. He just didn't want to risk the unlikelyhood of being stranded. Especially while he was between phones. Sam and him were testing who could win in a fight, and after a broken coffee table and smashed phone, they decided Dean could take Sam easily. That reminds him, he really needs to pick up the remnants of the table, instead of walking around or over them. The table was never truly used, except for as a place for the mens feet. Ellen would kill them if she knew.
In the locker room he stripped down to his boxers easily, despite being slightly shy while so unclothed in a public area. He'd always been like that, avoiding the locker room as much as possible. In high school he'd hide in the bathroom, and change in one of the stalls. But he couldn't do that at work, he knew that wouldn't work. He manned up within a few weeks. Though he refused to go farther than his boxers. Gotta let them wonder. He changed into a henly, jacket, and faded jeans that had holes in places that he wasn't proud of. At this time, all the extra money he earned is going to Sam's college fund, not that he knows that. Choosing Stanford was a heavy bill. So he's been saving for as long as he knew.
Walking to the bar was normal, one man was playing a tuba for money. That was the only excepton. He could see Jo in their normal booth in the back, away from the drunken madness that is Saturday night. Drink, Sex, and any drug some stranger gave you. He'd already gone through that phase. Sixteen with a fake ID with someone around his arm. After he was declared Sammy's guardian. That sobered him up nice and quick. His house became a home when Sam moved in. It didn't feel so empty, and alone. They moved soon after into a two bedroomer that was theirs instead of his. Dean may not be good with huge crowd, but he liked having him around. He'd already practically raised the kid, he was nearly adult. That was something Dean wasn't ready for, but he had to jump in if he wanted to keep Sam.
Sliding into the booth, relaxing. He leaned against her shoulder for support. This shift was a killer, so Dean was exhausted. All he wanted to curl up in bed and sleep for eternity. But he wanted to see his friends more, so here he was.
"Wanna play flirt?" Jo asked deviously. She always brought up this game when she saw a guy she wanted to talk to. They did it all through high school. Every time she snagged a man in under twenty minutes. But then he spotted a gorgeous man, in a trench chout with a suit underneath. Dean couldn't help seeing his tie was backwards, and his hair was a sexual mess. Tonight, he was defnitely playing flirt. He slid out of the booth, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. He walked up to the table the blue eyed man was sitting at, with a beer in his hand.
"Can I sit here?" Dean asked sheepishly, very unlike his coky brave personality. Soemthing about this guy caught his attention. He looked just as exhausted as Dean felt. It seems like everyone is busy this time of year.
"Uh, um, yes!" He said, blust creeping up his neck and face. Dean couldn;t help but smile, thinking it was adorable. Wait. Adorable? God this guy will end me, Dean thought.
"What's your name?" Dean asked quietly in the loud bar, but it was loud enough for him to hear.
"Castiel Novak, but most people call me Cas. Which I do prefer." He said with a small smile, a smile that was barely noticable.
"I'm Dean Winchester, Unfortunately a lot of people say Winchester, so please call me Dean." He laughed, relaxing into the chair. In the corner of his eye he could see Ellen smirking. She was always a snoop in his love life. Usually hating the boys and girls he brought around. But this boy seems respectable, and won't hurt Dean again. She was sure one more break would kill him. This boy has had more heartbreak than Ellen thought was possible. Losing both of his parents, losing Eric, and he believed all of it was his fault.
"Glad to meet you Dean." Castiel smiled looking up and down Dean's visable body. He has to admit, it's hot.
"So Cas, wha do you do for a living?" Dean asked with half smile. This was the trap. Whenever he drops the bomb there are multiple reaction, "I cant do this", hitting Dean, after realising who he is. He hadn't been on a proper date since Eric died. Though rarely they run off as fast as possible. All thought they did have some girl with a fireman kink. Ash ended up stealing Dean's uniform to bone her. That was a weird one.
"I'm a Literature teacher at the high school, what about you?" Dean couldn't help but smirk, Cas had sexy teacher written all over him. Dean could tell whether the guy liked him or not, he'd be having teacher kink dreams tonight.
"I love literature! I have to admit, I'd probably marry him if he was still around. His writing is amazing." Dean said smiling, with complete honesty.
"You're pretty good at skipping topics, Dean." Castiel laughed, sipping his nearly empty beer. Dean laughed, throwing his head back. Cas could see his muscles stretch in all the right places and he was already having dirty thoughts.
"Okay, fine. I'm a firefighter." Dean said without any emotion, his stance was ready for an attack. He'd been ready for an attack since his mother died. He tried to not hit anyone, but theres a point where defense isn't enough. He'd seen it a few times in abused kids, but Cas didn't say anything. It wasn't his business.
"Man in a uniform, you must get all the ladies." Castiel says with a fake laugh, hoping he'll correct him.
"No way, they all hate me at thi point." Dean huffed, rubbing his neck. "We were in th building and it imploded. I was okay, but Eric wan't; He was trapped under boards and pipes. You could carely see his face, but you could feel the piain in his voice. "Dean the rest is going to collapse, go. Now!" He yelled.
"I can't leave you here!" Dean yelled back dropping down closest to Eric as he could.
"You have to! Don't die for nothing, Dean! You have so much more to live for. Go!" He yelled as more things fell from the collapsing structure.
"I'm sorry!" Dean screamed as he got hit by a pipe. Painful, but not anything compared to what Eric was feeling. He was able to escape last minute as the whole building collapsed. No chance of survival or recovery.
Dean took a deep breath and pressed the button on the walkie-talkie.
"Man down, no chance of recovery. I'll notify Mrs. Stinsin.." Dean said gravely. Later after the EMT's have checked him, he walks to the Stinsin home, only two blocks away. There were children toys littering the yard, and when Molly opened the door her baby bump was even more visible. Second trimester. He'd been in their wedding, Best Man. It was an honor. They were a match truly made in heaven.
"Dean! What..What are you doing here?" She asked, her face dropping.
"Mrs. Stinsin, your husband died in the fire at the gun emporium." He said formally, his eyes glassy, with a single grief filled tear fell down Dean's face. Molly was completely bawling. Later when she learned the whole story, Dean wasn't allowed anywhere near her or her kids. That hurt, considering the kids had been calling him Uncle Dean.
Everyone in town aside the other firefighters were either blaming him for Eric's death or disgusted he didn't try to help. But they didn't know the whole story. They reminded him of it every day. The only reason he stayed was his family. They keep him grounded when he starts floating away from them.
"Ha. Not lately. Not to dump on you but I'm pretty hated here." Dean laughed without a hint of amusement. His eyes were slightly glassy, staring right at Cas, who stared back. But Cas didn't look angry or disgusted. He looked.. Sad.
"Well, what happened? I'm sure you can't make a majority of town angry without doing something." Cas said, his voice portrayed how sorry he felt, but Dean didn't need sorry. He knew what he did, he should have died in there.
"There was a fire at this gun super store, and one of my best friends was trapped. The fire was closing in, and fast. He was screaming at me to leave, I was saying no. But last second possible I left, screaming sorry. Then the place collapsed. He was found dead." Dean said, his voice scratchy and filled with sadness and regret.
"That's not your fault, Dean." He said, reaching out to put his hand on Dean's. Dean didn't pull away, it actually felt.. Nice. May look a little gay, but then again he's boned at least a quater of all the gay men in this town, so he's probably safe.
"It feels like it, though," He laughed humorlessly. "So, what brings you to Lawrence? It's not the most exciting place on earth." He asks, giving Cas his best smile.
"I have a brother here, and it seemed like a good place for my younger brother." Cas replied.
"Oh really? How old is he? I take of my younger brother too. Though sometimes he's the one taking care of me." Dean grinned genuinely.
"He's nearly seventeen, a junior at the high school I teach at, Lawrence high school.."
"Sammy too! I'd say playdate but I'd probably be killed in my sleep." He chuckled. Dean's laugh was the type of laugh where your whole body is involved, head back, muscles flexed, legs stretching out. Cas had to admit it was attractive.
"Gabriel would probably put mud in my coffee again. Never going there again." Cas chuckled back, slightly squeezing Dean's hand in the process. Both of them noticed, but neither said or did anything about it. Though both parties wanted more.
Dean's cell phone rang, he answered it grimly. He knew this meant he had a call, or Sam needed him. "Yeah? Pick me up at the Roadhouse." He frowned at Cas, "Maybe another time?"
"Definitely." Cas smiled as Dean got up and left. The smile faded when he realized, they'd forgotten to exchange numbers.
Sunday came and went, nothing exciting, although he did help a girl who'd accidently set a greese fire in her kitchen. It was contained quickly and there was minimal damage. Aside that he'd fixed his car up properly and helped around Bobby's. So overall he was exhausted, cranky, and feeling overall disgusting. But waking up Monday morning felt dreadful. It was literally high school all over again. Sam was thankful that he'd have a ride to school, though. It meant waking up at six in the morning. It may be later than Dean's usual time but he was still cranky. His shower was relatively nice asides the slightly cold water. He swears an older burn scar still hurts, but everyone said it was just in his head. Probably was but it still hurt. Dean was slow with getting dressed, worn out jeans, biker boots and his favorite henley with a thin green overshirt unbuttoned on top. Walking downstairs, Dean could tell by the noise that Sam was already up and making himself breakfast. It was something vegan so Dean just opened up a box of poptarts and stuck them in the toaster.
"So you're still driving me, right?" Sam asked, taking a bite of his food, then breathing out because it was too hot.
"If I wasn't I wouldn't be up." Dean groaned. He'd just use his extra time setting up the booth for the career festival. Make it actually presentable instead of his signature "Firefighters" sign written in sharpie on a piece of paper, taped to his table. Teachers usually rolled their eyes at him, but he always got the most kids. Maybe this year he'll knock the teachers socks off.
"Dude, you usually are up at four, why are you so grouchy?" Sam asked, finally swallowing his now cool food.
"I'm not good with schedule change, you know that." Dean grumbled, eating his blueberry poptarts. He swears they're a gift from god. "I still can't believe I didn't get Castiel's friggin' number." Dean said, frowning. He'd been kicking himself for it since he got into the firetruck. Dean couldn't shake those blue eyes and the way it felt when their hands were touching. It felt complete. Something Dean hasn't felt in a long time. He loves his brother, he loves his job, but theres something missing, aside his parents. A little whole in his heart that he didn't know how to fill.
Sam picked both their plates up and put them in the sink to be washed by Dean later while Sam is doing homework. Their routine was relatively the same, sometimes Dean is home for it, sometimes not. Today, he was here.
"Time to go!" He said, wiping his mouth as he grabbed his backpack off the hook. Dean groaned in disappointment, wishing he had another ten minutes to just sit in peace like he did most mornings. But apparently Sam had other plans. Sam usually got a ride from his friend Brady but Brady was usually late, getting them both their right before the late bell, making them run to their classes every morning. So being able to be their before the first bell was a nerdy treat of his.
Dean picked up his keys from the bowl near the door, locking it as he exited. Sam said Dean had too many keys, house key, car key, locker key, deadbolt key, bank box key, and many more. But Dean whistled, ignoring Sam completly as he got into the drivers seat, sticking his favorite tape into the slot, letting the music nearly deafen the both of them. It was something Sam was unfortunately used to.
The ride to school was silent aside the music, people stared at the car as they pulled into the parking space. His baby was drawing attention. Dean's supplies for the booth were in the backseat, so he retrieved them while Sam was walking away to class. The box he had was heavy, it had his helmet inside and things Rufus had given him to get the kids interested. Pamphlets about their junior firefighter program, life of a firefighter, and so on. Personally Dean thought they wouldn't give two shakes but Rufus insisted.
He walked into the building without checking in at the front desk, he's been here so many times that they don't care much anymore, knowing it won't stop him. After so many home economics oven/microwave fires, and helping in the auto shop, people know him. The faculty were some of the few people in town that didn't blame him. The school almost was like a safe place, no dirty looks or angry glares.
The gymnasium wasn't hard to find, there were other people setting up their booths, his was in a corner which Dean didn't mind. Then he wouldn't feel so overwhelmed. They probably did that on purpose, trying to avoid the panic attack he had last year when he was in the middle of the gym. Too many people. Dean has had anxiety problems since he was a kid, nothing diagnosed. He knew it could cause problems with his job. So he just trudged on, learning how to deal with it on his own. But Eric's death had shaken his anxiety up like a childs snowglobe. His dreams were plagued with the same nightmare over and over. His problem with crowds had gotten worse, and his ADD was going mad. Not many people knew about any of this. Sam, Ash, and Jo.
"Dean! How have you been?" Someone asked behind him as he set down his box. He recognized the voice imediately. Lisa Braeden. She was an art teacher here. They tried dating, but it didn't end up anywhere, nothing more than a kiss that had zero chemistry. But they remained friends, she occasionally got Dean to hook her up with another one of his firemen friends. She's been dating Matt for a few weeks now. Though he doesn't enjoy when Matt talks about his 'fabulous' sex life. Apparently she's a firecracker in bed. Not something he wanted to know, because at this point she was like the little sister he never had. Sam's hard on for her is far too awkward to talk about.
"I've been me, what about you Lisa?" He smiled, taking the helmet out of the box and placing it on the tables corner for everyone to see. Next the huge banner 'Firemen of Sioux Falls' that everyone signed. Go big or go home. They were tired of Dean's half assed attempts. Dean signed the banner 'Dean Sex God Winchester' which made everyone in the firehouse groan.
"I've been good, you should let me hook you up with this hot teacher. I think he's gay. You'd definitely be into him. He hasn't been here too long, but god his ass!" She swooned, putting her hand to her forhead dramatically.
"I'm actually kinda into someone, but I didn't get his number. I've been kicking myself over it since." He mumbled while blushing slightly.
"Ooh, Dean's got a crush! Tell me the dirty details." Lisa demanded, hitting his arm, which made Dean laugh.
"He's hot and didn't find it weird that I'd marry Von., well if he did he didn't say it. That's already perfect." Dean laughed as students started to stream in. The famous Vonnegut test was something common he would do. If he was into someone, he's mention that he'd marry Vonnegut. Cas is the first person who didn't say something along the lines of 'That's really weird.' or 'What?'. He finished setting up as Lisa walked away to direct students. She had planning period first period, so they nagged her into helping with this instead. Dean sat behind the table and started to doze off until someone walked up to the table and woke him up to ask questions. He ended up taking the pamphlet on the junior firefighters program. Maybe Rufus was right afterall.
Half way through the fair, someone walks by the booth that catches Dean's eye. He jumps up from his chair to lean over the table and reaches out as far as he can to grab the mans wrist, not caring if its rude or not. It surprises the man but the surprise melts away when he sees Dean's face.
"Cas." He whispers, loud enough so only Cas could hear him. It felt intimate and personal.
"Dean." He whispered back with a goofy grin on his face, trying to hide his now blushing face. Dean let go of Cas' wrist and sat back in his chair, his giant grin never fading.
"Think I can get that number this time?" Dean asks laughing, Cas could swear his eyes sparkled like a childs, it was quite beautiful.
"You know what, see me again and you'll get it." He teases, playing hard to get.
"Man you're killing me!" Dean exclaimed with a laugh following.
"A guys got to be sure." Cas muses as he runs his fingers through his hair.
"Next time I see you I'm getting your number, at all costs, Mr. Novak." He winked at Cas playfully as Cas walked away with a grin that didn't disappear all day despite several papers having pornographic material in them. Dean's time at the career fair was long and boring, though he could say he was groped three times this year. He definitely needed a shower, horny high schoolers.
Dean drove Sam home afterschool, "So how was your day?" he asked, not even putting a tape in, which made Sam raise an eyebrow.
"It was normal, what about yours? You're not playing music, has someone died?" Sam asked, truly worried.
"No! What the hell, Sam! I can't have a good day? I saw Cas again but he's playing hard to get. I have to see him again to get his number, something about being sure. If I don't see him, someone will be dying!" Dean ranted as they drove.
"Lisa tried to set me up with some teacher but dammit I can't get this guy off my mind. He didn't even say anything about my wanting to marry Vonnegut! I mean that usually sends them off running for the hills but he didn't even skip a beat! Those eyes Sam, they're just so..I don't even know they're just perfect. He's perfect! I'm not good enough for him but Sam!" He continued, slightly freaking out. When they pulled into their driveway, he dropped his head on the steering wheel. "He even has a little brother, in your year. Cas teaches Lit. at your school. How sexy is that? Sexy literature teacher." A low groan of frustration escaped Dean's lips.
"I'm screwed, Sammy. I can't just show up at the school, that's creepy. But I don't know how else to find him. Sammy-y-y." He groaned. Sam rolled his eyes at his brother as a reponse and exited the car, leaving his brother to his thoughts. Dean hit his head on the steering wheel repeatedly, occassionally hitting the horn but not caring. Though he knew his neighbor will chew him out later for it.
"So screwed."