Never Let You Go

Chapter One

"He looked into the eyes of pure gold,

Letting himself unfold,

For he knew that they condemned him to hell."

He could only smell liquor and cigar. The bodies moved like a current, moving up and down in a perfect flow-a perfect rhythm. He moved with them, his feet lifting and landing on the solid floor, the lights tinting his skin an emerald green. His heart moved at an uneasy beat, his breath coming out ragged, but the constant thrill kept him moving to the beat. The Weeknd blasted through the speakers, vibrating through his bones.

Hannah-a girl from his high school-danced close beside him, moving her hands slowly up his waist. His sides tingled at the touch, his blue eyes fixing on her gaze. Her dark, brown eyes looked up at him through her lashes, a playful grin spreading across his lips. He grinned back, still moving to the beat.

After at least an hour of dancing to the Weeknd, a slow and beautiful sound filled the house, all of the people slowing their moves and picking a partner. A slow dance, if he recalled it correctly. Hannah, shyly, moved her hands up his sides, fixing them on his broad shoulders.

"Cas?" She whispered loud enough for him to hear. He smiled softly, moving his hands to her waist, holding her carefully. She had a relieved look in her eyes, and slowly, her body sank into his own.

They moved slowly like a rock of a ship, slowly moving through an ocean. He breathed in her scent as he rested his chin in her hair, slowly rocking them back an fourth. He nearly forgot that they weren't alone, and that they were at a high school party, with at least a hundred other individuals dancing beside them. Hannah sunk deeper into his chest, then felt her tug at his black hair. He removed his chin and looked down at her, finding her staring right back with shy eyes.

"I-" Cas began, but her lips had pressed into his own, kissing him endlessly. Though, he didn't kiss back. What had happened? She slowly pulled away, licking her lips. But when she noted the shock in his blue eyes, her smile turned into a frown. He never thought this would happen... that she would want him in this sort of way. They had been best friends for nearly five years-since middle school-and only thought of them as close friends. But had they been more than that? Had there been something between them? No. Only within her, because he slowly pushed her away, dragging a hand through his silk, black hair.

"I'm sorry..." Hannah said, but her voice trailed off, silver lining her eyes. Her breath began ragged gasps and she ran away, bumping past a couple and nearly knocking them off their feet. What had happened? He dragged a hand down his face, feeling ashamed. But why should he? He had no feelings for her, besides wanting her as a friend. But... were they ever going to be as close again? He bit his lip, turning it ivory. He had to get out of here.

He slowly slipped past people, his heart racing. He couldn't stop thinking about that hurt and so broken look on her face. He walked by a couch, nearly tripping over a fallen vase. He dodged many people making out and drunken teens. What had happened? The world thundered, leaving nothing but a faded darkness. He couldn't think, he couldn't breathe. What had happened?

All of a sudden, he slammed into a body and nearly fell over, but a hand grabbed him, lifting him to his feet. His vision cleared and he met emerald green eyes, leaving him dazed. He stared at the boy for a long moment, taking in his features: short, cropped brown hair, green eyes, a perfectly cut chin and his shirt framing his muscles clearly. He blinked and shook his head, pressing two fingers in the bridge of his nose.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you-"

The boy interrupted, "it's alright." Then the boy with beautiful, beautiful eyes turned away, talking to his companion. He rubbed the back of his neck and walked away, quicker than he had before. He was so very confused. But, for some reason, he couldn't get those eyes out of his mind. It was as if he had stared at the most perfect and magnificent painting in his life... He rubbed his eyes, trying to get the picture out. Why was he thinking this way?

He found himself walking towards the door, an arm's length away, before a hand blocked his path. He bumped into someone and stepped back, letting out an exasperated breath. "We have to stop bumping into each other like this." The boy from before laughed, giving him a wolfish grin.

Cas furrowed his brows, crossing his arms. "I was about to leave, but turns out you blocked me from my path."

The boy snorted, still not letting him free. "Do you not like that I did so?" He questioned, the boy leaning closer with a grin. Castiel took a step back, not unfolding his arms. Who did this boy think he was? He did not like what was happening.

"Frankly, I did not. Now if I have my leave-"

"And why would you want to leave? The party just started!" The boy exclaimed, his green eyes glinting. Cas let out a sigh, rubbing his temples.

"This party started four hours ago. It's way past midnight, and I would like to leave." He said, shoving his watch into the boy's face. It perfectly read 2:23, and he did not have time for this nonsense. He needed to study for exams!

"Did it now? Feels like this party only just started," the boy said, examining the scene around them. His eyes fixed on Cas once again and smiled. "What's you name?"

"And why would you want to know my name?" He questioned, narrowing his blue eyes at the boy.

"Because I'm very interested in you. And because we're talking, wouldn't it be nice to address you with your name?"

Cas let out a long, long sigh. "I'm Castiel. Now may I please leave?" He tapped his foot impatiently, his head pounding. He had nearly forgotten about what had happened not long before... he didn't want to think about it. It would all be lost by the morning, right?

"I'm Dean. Dean Winchester," Dean told him, his grin wolfish. "I like the sound to Castiel. And you may take your leave." He finally said, removing his hand from the wall. Castiel let out a relieved sigh and pushed past him, not bothering with a goodbye. What was the point, anyways? "Goodbye to you, too." He heard him murmur, but then it faded with the distant music.

He walked silently down the frigid streets. He nuzzled close to his overcoat, shivering because of the cold air. It was only autumn, but it felt like the harsh winter. His breath came out like clouds, and the wind blew past, causing a shiver down his spine. He thought about Dean. About how his green eyes glinted and how they were just so perfect... Why was he thinking about him, anyways? He hardly knew the guy! But at least it shut out the kiss, which he failed to return to Hannah. They would forget about it in the morning, he insisted in his mind, but he still knew that didn't just happen so easily.

His feet tapped against the sidewalk, echoing down the cold streets of Louisiana. He clutched his jacket, savouring the little warmth. It was only a couple more blocks towards home, but it felt like forever. He sighed, scratching at his hair with impatience. He just wanted to be home and-

The sound of an engine took his thoughts away. He whirled around, finding a '67 Chevy Impala in mint condition. He never saw those around! He was very fond of old cars-the way their engines roared, and the style was amazing. The engine was cut off, and he heard the whine of the door swinging open. He narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding as the figure walked towards him.

He stepped back and began to walk the opposite direction, bleeding with the shadows. Though, his trench obviously gave him away, because a hand grabbed his shoulder. He let out a panicked yelp as he was spun around. A laugh covered his panic, and his eyes met with the familiar, green eyes of Dean Winchester.

"What the hell!" He exclaimed, shoving Dean. "Why the hell are you following me?"

"I didn't mean to frighten you, Cas," Dean began, sounding mockingly apologetic. "And I just thought it'd be fun-"

"Fun?" He laughed, not believing what he was hearing. "You followed me for fun?" He shook his head, pressing his back against the alley wall. "You do realize how creepy and messed up that sounds, right?"

Dean let out a short laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. Why was he following him? And why was it worth his time? "I don't know..." His voice trailed off, a blush spreading across his cheeks. Cas shook his head.

"Well that's pretty, damn stupid if you don't know. Now would you please leave me alone?" He begged and began to walk away. A hand grabbed his shoulder once again, and he nearly punched Dean in the face. He lifted his hand away, showing his acquiesce. "What is your problem?"

"I-I'm sorry," he began, biting his lip. "It's just..." His voice trailed off, his face turning crimson.

"It's just what, exactly? That you stalk people and don't leave them alone?" He asked, pleased to see Dean's face look as if he were on fire.

He struggled for words, then let out a defeated sigh. "I'm not a stalker... I'll just leave." He whispered, then started to walk away. Cas nearly felt hurt about his actions, but he only rolled his eyes and began to walk home again.

During the rest of his walk, he made sure Dean hadn't followed him, again. He thought it was strange for Dean to do so... But maybe there was more to it? He shook his head to himself, let out a shaky breath, then walked up the front steps of his home. He lived with his two brothers, Gabriel and Michael. His parents died when he was an infant, so he didn't really miss them.

He placed the key in the lock and opened the door, the warmth of the house relieving his bones. He smiled and shut the door, shrugging off his trench, and then tiptoed up to his room, ever-so-often hearing the creak of the floor boards. He admired his home. With all the paintings and few book shelves. Even though they had old furniture from around the 90's, he didn't mind it. He flicked the light on to his small room, shutting the door behind him. He pealed his clothes off, slipping into bed with only his boxers.

He should have studied that night, but he was so damn tired, he needed his beauty sleep. And he had forgotten Hannah's shy kiss, only to remember Dean's ever-so-green eyes. Those green eyes from out of this world...

He woke up to his door bursting open, and his brother, Gabriel, storming it. "Where were you last night?" He demanded.

Cas groaned, shoving his head under a pillow. But his blankets were ripped from his body, leaving him exposed to the not-so-warm air. "Leave me alone..." He moaned, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"It's fucking 10:00, and you're telling me to leave you alone? You're an hour late for school, damnit!" Gabe snapped, storming out of the room with his usual temper leaving. Cas' eyes widened and he jumped from bed, throwing on a t-shirt and jeans, and then darted downstairs, grabbing his backpack.

"Jesus Christ, Gabe! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" He snapped at his older brother, only to receive a snort.

"Why the hell would I wake you up? That's your job! Now get the fuck to school before you miss your exam!" Gabriel shoved him out of the house, throwing the Chevy Camaro's keys at him. He widened his eyes, knowing he never got to drive the car. But he didn't protest, and jumped into the vehicle and began to drive towards school. He had never been late for school before. It felt so... Strange.

He parked in the school's parking lot and hopped out of the vehicle, running towards the building. His breath was caught, low of stamina as he reached the front doors and bursted in. The halls were empty, obviously due to the fact that school had started. He hurried down the halls, heading towards his classroom, and walked in on a lecture. He gulped and sat in his desk, facing his English teacher. Mr. Franklin laid his cold eyes on him, shaking his head disapprovingly. Like you were never late for class, he thought bitterly.

"Steven, please recap for Mr. Novak." The teacher told the boy sitting beside him. Castiel turned to his side, finding the pimple covered face of Steven-the strange red-head that always gave him the creeps. He gulped, and Steven began to feed him up on the details, leaving out how much the teacher was a douche. It was mostly about poems, the English history and shit. Stuff that he needed to know, but stuff that didn't exactly matter. He sighed and jotted down notes on a lined piece of paper.

After excruciating hours of class, they finally let them free for lunch. He decided to sit outside, hoping he would find Hannah and apologize. But when he stepped outside, he instantly laid his eyes on Dean Winchester. He couldn't help but notice that he was staring right back, eying him like prey. He widened his eyes and sat on a bench, his appetite dropping. Charlie and Kevin-two of his best friends-sat down with him, eying him with concern.

"You alright there, Cas?" Charlie asked, her red hair glinting in the sun. She was beautiful in her own way, even though she was nerdy. Well, they all were. They were mostly into physics, and Cas himself was saving up money for University, so he could become a doctor. He didn't exactly know why, but he just knew he wanted to help people as much as he could.

When Cas realized he was dazing, he blinked his eyes. "Sorry," Cas began. "It was a long night." He told them, rubbing his blue eyes from sleep. Those green eyes haunted him whenever he shut his eyes, and he felt like punching something because of it.

"Parties do that. I told you that you shouldn't have gone!" Kevin said triumphantly. Yeah... Kevin bet that it would be the worst night of his life, and that Hannah was gonna try something. It was strange how Kevin always ended up right.

"Well don't nag me about it," he snapped, glaring at his friend. Kevin rolled his eyes and Charlie bit her lip. He wanted to shoot someone because those damn eyes wouldn't leave him alone. Why were Dean Winchester's eyes haunting him?

"That bad, huh?" Charlie asked, resting her cheek on the palm of her hand, looking down at Castiel.

He nodded and groaned a bit. "Do you know if Hannah is here today?" He asked. Charlie thought for a moment, then shook her head. His stomach dropped, knowing he screwed everything up between them. But it wasn't his fault, was it? She had made the move and Cas just didn't feel like it was... Right.

"Just give her time," Kevin told him, patting his back. Cas nodded, his breath clouding. He was a jerk for pushing her away... But he felt absolutely nothing when she kissed him. It was as if it were just a normal hand shake, and it hadn't meant anything.

After a couple hours, school was finally over and the bell rung. He had finished his exam and handed it in. He was afraid for his mark, but didn't he always ace his tests? He walked down the halls of the school, people shoving past him. He felt small in this world. As if he were just an ant, and there were bigger creatures awaiting to stomp on him. Waiting for the right moment to punch and hurt... He sighed, putting his hands in his pockets and evacuated the building, heading towards the Camaro.

Before he reached the car, he noticed someone leaning against it, staring like a wolf as he neared. Without even seeing his face, he knew it had to be Dean. For some reason, his spirits lifted. He didn't have the slightest clue to why.

"What do you want?" Cas demanded, keeping a safe distance away. Dean eyed him up and down, making Cas' cheeks turn a faint, red hue.

"I wanted to see you off," Dean told him, pushing away from the car and stepping towards him.

"You do realize I still think you as a stalker?" Cas said, crossing his arms and looking up at him. His eyes were breathtaking...

"Do you, now?" Dean laughed, his grin never wavering.

Cas rolled his eyes, clutching the keys in his hand. "Is there something that you want?" He questioned, taking a step back.

Dean took a step forward. A muscle feathered in his jaw, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Yes, there is." He said vaguely.

"And would you tell me what that is so you leave me be?" He tapped his foot on the ground, ignoring the people passing by. Dean stared at him for a long moment, his grin widening.

"I don't think that'd help with my case, here, Cas." He said and walked away, a slight swagger in his steps. He admired that, for some reason, and watched him walk off. Something dropped in his stomach, but he ignored it and got into the Camaro.

When he got home, Gabriel instantly snatched the keys from him. Cas frowned, but understood that it was just a one-time-thing. He plopped himself on the couch, the springs biting into his ass. He was used to it now, but his mattress was ten times more comfortable. He flipped on the television, the screen flashing advertisements before it finally turned on Doctor Who. He leaned into the couch, kicking off his shoes and opened up his note book. He began to read away, studying every inch and note on those damned pages. He sat there for hours, fed up with all the information, and hadn't even realized Gabe was leaning against the couch, watching whatever was on the TV.

After he memorized everything on the page, he let out a yawn and decided on a walk. He felt so restless, he didn't want to just sit there all day, doing nothing but study and listen to the television. The air bit at his skin, the day unforgivably cold. He nuzzled into his trench, taking every bit of warmth it gave.

Vehicles sped past, sending a breeze that bit his neck, causing an unforgiving shiver down his spine. His teeth started to chatter, and he decided it was best to return home. But as he looked at a street sign, he hadn't realized he had walked two hours away. He let out an exasperated sigh, and began to walk the opposite way of the street.

He continued to walk, the cold nearly freezing him to death, as he spotted a diner. He searched his pocket, finding a ten dollar bill and smiled. He walked towards it, entering the delicious warmth. The hostess with a high ponytail and overdone makeup showed him to his booth. He sat down, leaning into the comfortable chair. It was comfiest than his own couch... He bit his lip, knowing he couldn't just fall asleep here.

He ordered coffee and a slice of pie, and dove in, savouring the delicious warmth as the cherry flavour melted on his tongue. He couldn't help but groan in satisfaction. He never really got to eat this delicious food at home. They didn't have enough money to go buy chips and all of that shit.

He heard the bell ring of a customer walk in, and when he turned around, his heart dropped as Dean walked in. He was following him again. What the hell was his problem? As Dean strolled in, he didn't spare him a glance as he walked past, sitting himself with two others. He instantly recognized Lisa and a guy named Crowley. He let out a sigh of relief, but couldn't help but feel disappointed that he didn't sit down in front of him, casting those flirtatious grins of his.

He began to sip at his coffee, taking it black. The taste was bitter compared to the pie he had eaten, but it still satisfied him. He hummed a song as he looked out the window, fighting to not glance at Dean. Leaves flew passed the window, young men and woman strolled down the streets, and occasional cars passed by, roaring down the horrible, cold streets. He was thankful that he was inside the diner, but he knew he had to leave at one point.

After he finished his bitter coffee, he placed the bill under the mug and left the diner, ready to face the horrible, horrible cold. The bell sung behind him, hearing rushing steps as he walked down the patio and passed a couple tables with umbrellas spurting out. A hand grabbed his shoulder, but he didn't flinch. He already knew it was Dean.

He turned around and looked up at his perfect, cropped face. "Yes?" Cas asked, waiting for a response.

"I'm starting to think you're the one following me," Dean said with a wink, sending a shiver down his spine. He continued to tell himself that it was a common reaction to being flirted with... But he didn't know if that were the full truth.

Cas let out a snort, shaking his head softly. "I think you got it all wrong, pal. I was just enjoying a dessert when you strolled in," he said with a shrug. "Pretty sure you're the one that continues to follow me." Why was it so easy to joke about this?

Dean grinned, satisfied. "You got me! But I can't help it. The moment I laid eyes on you, you were a whole mystery. I just had to investigate and fill in the clues."

"Metaphorical?" He said, not entirely a question. "And why am I such a mystery to you?"

"You're hiding something. There's something... Different about you." Dean told him, his eyes examining his body. Cas couldn't help but feel the heating in his cheeks. Damn. Dean really had an effect on him, even when he didn't know shit about this guy.

"Everyone's different in their own kind of way." Cas retorted.

Dean laughed a bit, rubbing his neck, his cheeks reddening. Dean Winchester, blushing? "Yes... But I mean you're really different. There's something I cannot place."

Castiel frowned, stepping away. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?" It came out like venom. He didn't exactly like that he was being called, basically, out of the box. Yes, everyone is different in their own way, but if he was special...

"I didn't mean to offend!" Dean said hurriedly, his hand shoving into his pockets. "It's just... Ye' know... I'm really bad with words."

"I can see that," Cas said blandly, Dean's face flushing.

"Ugh," Dean laughed nervously, "I should get going." Then Dean began to walk away, his slight swagger turning into a sag. Cas bit his lip.

"I guess it's not that bad being called different," he called to Dean. He turned around, a smile forming across his lips.

"There's a party on Saturday, if you'd like to go," Dean offered, flashing a nervous smile. Cas knew what he meant by it, but he didn't want to upset this guy. He seemed like a nice one, he supposed.

"Thanks for telling me. I may pop in for a bit," he said, shrugging a bit. Dean's eyes brightened a bit, making Cas' heart skip a beat.

"See you then," Dean replied. And with that, he headed back home, grinning the whole way back.