Castiel sat at his desk, squinting at his math book, derivatives and integrals swimming in his blurred vision. He closed the heavy tome, placed his glasses on the nightstand and flung himself into bed. He was too wiped to study anymore; it would just have to be enough for the Calculus test tomorrow. He sighed, thinking he should at least change into pajamas and brush his teeth. The clock read 11:11. Make a wish, he thought. He glanced out his window.

The light was on in his neighbor's bedroom. The shades were up and he could see right in. The houses were only 20 feet apart, probably due to some miscalculation when the extension had been built to add another bedroom next door.

Castiel put his glasses back on and saw Dean sitting on his bed, shirtless on a hot night. He was talking on the phone. He seemed agitated and kept running one hand roughly through his hair. Suddenly, he stood up and flung the phone angrily across the room. Castiel blushed and looked away. He really shouldn't be spying. Now Dean was coming up to his window. He cranked it open to let in air. Castiel's window was open too, despite the muggy air. He noticed Castiel at the window.

"Hey Cas," Dean called across the way. He was lighting a cigarette, leaning halfway out so his parents wouldn't smell the smoke in his room.

Castiel shyly poked his head out.
"Hi Dean."

Dean took a drag and exhaled.
"Dude. Chicks are crazy."

Castiel nodded like he knew what Dean meant. He had never been in any sort of relationship. Too busy building up his school portfolio for college; at least that was what he told himself when he wasn't feeling sorry for himself. He knew he was a nerd though.

Castiel forced a laugh. "Yup. They sure are. Girlfriend trouble?"

"Yeah. Lisa is bitching about me spending too much time with my buddies. Dude, she just wants me to go shopping with her or see chick flicks when we're together. And she claims I looked at one of her friends. Yeah, so I friggin' looked! It's not like I'm touching!"

Castiel nodded again. "Lovers spat."

Dean chuckled. "Well, she does let me in her pants. So I guess it's worth the drama. Anyways, thanks for talking." He took another drag and flung his half finished cigarette into the grass. It landed on Castiel's side.

"Sorry dude. I'll clean it up later. Thanks again." He waved and smiled at Castiel.

"Bye." Castiel managed. He waved but Dean was already out of sight.

"You know cigarettes are bad for you." He said softly to the night air.

Castiel was always flustered and confused around Dean. Dean was so friendly and open during their next door window chats, but at school he only gave him a small smile when they passed in the hall. Castiel knew it was because Dean was a popular jock and he was a uncool nerd. They just travelled in different circles. Might as well be different planets, Castiel thought.

He looked at his alarm clock. The red numbers read 11:45 PM. Castiel groaned. He'd be barely getting 6 hours of sleep. He glanced back at Dean's window, but Dean had turned out the light already. Castiel sighed again and went to go brush his teeth.

...

It was a Friday night, and there was a football game scheduled. Robert Singer High School was a big sports school, and despite the unseasonally warm September evening, the stands were packed. Castiel was sitting in the bleachers, in his band uniform, which was a dark blue with gold trim. His matching hat was buckled under his chin, and sat on top of his head with a ridiculous feather in additional to the gold trim. He was sweating in the uniform. His trumpet lay next to him on the bench.

Castiel took his glasses off and wiped them on his pants. He put them back on, blinking at the lights illuminating the field. He could just make out Dean's number, 13, on the back of his jersey. Dean was the quarterback for the school team.

Castiel's mind wandered as the team played, waiting for the first half to end so the band could do its halftime show. Not that people really paid attention when they played. Instead the cheerleaders were always everyone's favorite. Dean's girlfriend was head cheerleader. Castiel could see her near the players' bench, her sweater tight against her chest, and the flippy short skirt showing off her tan legs. She seemed to be flirting with one of the other guys there. Castiel frowned. He looked back at the field. Dean was concentrating on the next play.

During halftime, Castiel and the school band marched onto the field and played the school song, and a few favorites like "The Saints Go Marching In". Afterwards he sat back down, and wiped the sweat from his brow. He could see Dean on the sidelines, his helmet off, chugging his water. Next, the cheerleaders were doing their portion. Lisa and the other girls were dancing and doing flips, and finally making a human pyramid before flouncing away in a flurry of dazzling smiles and short skirts that charmed the crowd.

During the rest of the game, Castiel relaxed, unbuttoning his uniform, and removing his hat. Again, he noticed Lisa flirting with the same player. He recalled Dean complaining about her saying he was looking at her friend. Hypocrite, Castiel thought. He wiped his trumpet down and placed it carefully back in its case. Soon enough, the game was over. He saw Dean remove his helmet and spit out his mouthguard. He was heading over to Lisa, who was still talking to the other guy.

Castiel couldn't hear what they were saying but he saw Dean speaking angrily and throwing his helmet down. He tried to pull Lisa away but she was angry too and pushed him away. Dean held his hands out and stomped away. As the stands began clearing, Castiel noted that Lisa left with the same player that had caused the commotion, and also that Dean's helmet was still on the ground where he had slammed it down. He said bye to his bandmates and trotted over to retrieve the helmet. It was dirt streaked and sweaty. Castiel figured he'd give it back to Dean later.

The stands were mostly empty now and Castiel saw Dean suddenly running back to the field. He must have remembered his helmet. Castiel held it awkwardly in one hand.

"Oh, hey dude." Dean slowed as he neared Castiel. He took the proffered helmet. "Thanks."

"No problem," Castiel answered. They looked at each other. Castiel noted the green of Dean's eyes, and he broke eye contact, dropping his gaze to the ground.

"So, uh, see you around." Dean said, turning to go.

"I saw what Lisa did." Castiel said to Dean's retreating figure, but he was already out of earshot. Castiel shook his head and started walking back to the parking lot.