The Men of Letters, thankfully, wrote cookbooks in addition to their other work. It did not take Castiel very long to find these collections of recipes among the shelves. There were recipes for soups, sandwiches, something called Watergate Salad, cakes, and, most importantly of all, pie. Since he had failed to purchase pie for Dean at the Stop-and-Go, he figured he might as well make one in an attempt to heal their friendship. It could not be too difficult if the "Dude" at the Stop-and-Go could accomplish it.
Castiel decides on a recipe which includes copious amounts of alcohol. He wonders if perhaps he should substitute beer for brandy as it seems to be the alcoholic beverage Dean prefers. Having never baked before, he doesn't know if this is can be done, but he sees no harm in it. If it does not come out correctly, he can always try again.
In the kitchen, Castiel begins searching through the cabinets and refrigerator for the other ingredients. Surprisingly, he finds more of them than he expects to. The raisin box is covered in a thick layer of dust, but as the box is unopened, the raisins themselves have been spared. The flour is chunky and slightly damp, but smells as it is supposed to so it cannot be spoiled. There is plenty of sugar, but none of it brown. It cannot matter, Castiel thinks. Sugar is sugar. The boys do not buy fruit if they can help it so he must go abroad for apples. He whisks away from a brief moment to the orchards of the Midwest. They are not quite in bloom yet, but extra sugar should help with the tartness.
Once Castiel has collected all of the ingredients, he lays them out on the countertop. It seems as if something is missing. Perhaps, Dean would like a pie which included his favourite things. Jerky and hamburger might also help hide the underripened apple taste.
. . .
"Dean?" Castiel asks softly.
Dean doesn't look up from the journal he's reading. "What is it, Cas?"
"I made you a pie. I understand that the giving of baked goods can be applied to almost any context in human relationships, but here it is a peace offering."
He pulls the pie from behind his back and holds it out to Dean. It looks normal enough, but Dean's skeptical.
"You made pie?"
"Yes."
"That's nice," Sam says helpfully. (He's been sitting next to Dean the entire time, trying to stay out of their business. This, however, is too bizarre for him to ignore.)
"I'm not eating it."
Sam elbows him in the side.
"I just ate. Sorry. Not hungry, Cas."
"You have not eaten for two hours. Certainly, you can have a bite."
Dean looks to his brother. Sam raises his eyebrows and Dean sighs.
"Alright. I'll try it."
Castiel brings the pie to Dean and offers him a plate and fork. Dean hacks out a piece and tries not to gag at the smell.
"Looks really good, Cas." Sam says.
"You may have some too. Although, you have eaten within the last hour so perhaps you should wait."
"Maybe I should."
Dean gives Sam a death glare as he slowly raises his first bite to his lips. He takes a bite and immediately raises his fist to his lips to keep himself from immediately throwing the bite back up. Sam covers his laughter by coughing into his sleeve.
"It's savory. Why is it savory?" Dean asks under his breath.
"Do you like it?" Castiel asks.
Dean winces and swallows. He tries to open his mouth to reply but gags. Instead, he gives Castiel the thumbs up.
Castiel looks confused and Sam gathers himself long enough to speak.
"He loves it, Cas. Thank you. It was very thoughtful of you to bake a pie."
"I baked twenty."
"What?" The brothers say simultaneously.
"They are in the kitchen. They did not come out as well as this one, but I imagine they are still edible."