Author's Note: Hi guys! So it took some time, but I finally finished chapter 2! Reviews are greatly appreciated! Happy reading!


Chapter 2: Welcome Buddies


Dean was surprised at how disappointed he was when he parked the Impala in front of Lawrence High School. He was even more surprised when he realized that the root of the disappointment was the thought that he would have to part ways with his strange new acquaintance.

Why do you care? Dean asked himself. You just met the guy, and besides, he doesn't exactly seem thrilled to know you.

Still, Dean couldn't help but ask, "So, where you headed, Cas?"

Castiel blinked. "I'm going to school, Dean. I thought I had made that clear when I accepted your ride." Castiel looked at building in front of him, and then back at Dean, finally registering something he had said. "What did you call me?"

"Cas? That's just a nickname I came up with for you, since Castiel is such a mouthful," Dean shrugged. "And what I meant was what class are you going to?"

Castiel looked as though he was fighting a losing battle in his own head as he stared at Dean, his eyes swirling with emotions that Dean couldn't recognize. He ran a hand through his hair as he sighed, and answered, "I have Drama Lit Theories with Mr. Crowley. I'm only taking it because it's required in order to graduate," he added, as if he worried Dean would think less of his intelligence because he was taking the course.

Dean tried ignore the way his heart soared and did his best to dim his beaming smile as he replied, "Me too. Wanna walk together?"

Castiel looked Dean over for a minute, as if trying to analyze him. "No, thank you. I have to stop at my locker and go talk to the principal before class for an 'orientation'," he finally responded.

Dean felt his heart deflate in his chest. "Oh. Alright. See you in class, I guess," he said in a way that he hoped sounded nonchalant.

Castiel hesitated as if he had something to say to Dean, but at the last second he turned and walked towards the school entrance without looking back.

Dean didn't even realize he was watching him go until he heard Sammy groan. "What?" he asked, turning away from the blue-eyed boy.

"Please don't tell me you have a crush on the new neighbor," Sam begged. "Leave the poor guy alone. He seems like he's been through enough - he doesn't need you harassing him in an attempt to flirt."

Dean turned as red as a strawberry. "Shut up, Sammy," he retorted, embarrassed that Sam could read him so easily. Dean started walking towards the school.

"It's Sam!" He heard his brother call after him in frustration. Dean chuckled and entered the building, leaving Sam's accusations outside.


Castiel reviewed the morning's events in his mind as he sat outside the principal's office. He certainly hadn't expected to converse with any peers quite so soon, but to his surprise, he hadn't minded the unanticipated intrusion of his morning routine. Hard as he tried, he couldn't force himself to be angry at the two brothers for being so stubborn as to try and befriend him. Baffled, he realized that he wasn't even annoyed - not in the slightest.

I told you so. You just can't separate your feelings, you pathetic-

"Mr. Novak, I presume? I'm Jody Mills, the principal. Sorry to have kept you waiting."

Castiel looked up at the woman standing in front of him. She was dressed in black pants and a simple button up, with her hair pulled back into a bun. Castiel liked her instantly - he could tell she was down-to-earth, and preferred doing the right thing to doing the popular one. She seemed like the type of person who believed in enforcing justice. Castiel wondered if she had ever considered being a police officer.

"It's not a problem," he replied as he stood up and shook her outstretched hand. "I understand that you have other responsibilities."

Ms. Mills blinked in surprise at his statement. "Thank you," she responded hesitantly, "that's very considerate of you." She gestured towards the door to her office. "Would you mind stepping into my office so we can get started?"

"Not at all," Castiel said as he followed her inside.

As Ms. Mills started explaining all the different courses and extracurricular activities the school offered, Castiel found his mind wandering to thoughts of Dean Winchester. He remembered the way he had said his name - Cas. No one's called me Cas in years, he realized sadly as he recalled exactly who had originally given him the name.

Awww, is little Cas gonna cry? Poor Cas. Poor, poor Cas. Unloved. Unwanted. And with good reason. After all, if it weren't for you, she would still be here. It's your fault. It's all your fault. It's always been your-

Shut up, Castiel told the demons in his head. Shut up shut up shut up shutupshutupshutupshutupshut-

"Mr. Novak? Are you alright?" Ms. Mills concern broke through Castiel's cloud of self-hate and snapped him back to reality.

"Yes, sorry. I'm just rather tired - I was up fairly late reading," Castiel lied.

He saw Ms. Mills' face soften. "Yeah, I've been there," she said with an understanding smile. "Come on, let's get you to your first class at Lawrence High School."


After Dean had gone through his brother's schedule with him and walked him to his first class, Dean headed to Drama Lit. While he was walking through the dreary halls, he spotted a head covered in familiar bright red hair.

"Is that the Queen of Moondoor I see?" He called out with a grin as he walked towards her.

The redhead turned around with an equally wide grin. "Hell yeah it is, peasant. I recommend you bow down before my knights chop off your head," she joked.

Dean laughed, and picked her up in a bear hug. "How was Comic Con?"

"You tell me," she said mischievously, showing him her tattoo of Princess Leia in a bikini straddling a 20-sided die.

"I'd say it was pretty damn good," he replied with a chuckle. "How've you been, Charlie?"

Charlie smiled. "Can't complain. What about you? Pick up any hot dates while I was gone?"

"Nah - you know there's are no single girls left in Kansas," He said with a wink. "Or guys, for that matter."

Charlie sighed. "It's no fair," she said crossly. "The fact that you're bisexual really makes it a tough competition for straight AND gay people."

"Hey, I can't help the fact that I'm an ungodly attractive male who happens to be attracted to all genders," Dean shrugged.

"You're ungodly annoying is what you are," she retorted. She glanced over Dean's head to look at the clock. "Shit, I gotta go. I'll see you at lunch!" She called over her shoulder as she turned her back on Dean.

"Looking forward to it!" He shouted down the hall to her with a grin. He looked at the clock himself and swore under his breath, and started down the hall towards Drama Lit.

As Dean neared the classroom, he felt as if he had swallowed an entire flock of butterflies at the thought of seeing Cas again.

Obsessed much? he asked himself. No, I'm just… excited to see my new friend.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Dean was snapped out of his thoughts as the bell rang, signaling that class was starting. Within 10 seconds flat, the hallways were completely empty except for Dean and someone else in a familiar tan trench coat ahead of him.

"Cas!" he called. "Wait up!"

Castiel stopped and turned around, surprise flashing across his gorgeous features. "Dean," he acknowledged.

Once Dean caught up to his blue-eyed neighbor, he realized that Cas was not alone.

"Oh. Hi, Ms. Mills," He said with a sheepish grin.

"Late on the first day, Winchester?" Ms. Mills said with a raised eyebrow. "Is that really how you want to start your last year at Lawrence High?"

"No, ma'am," Dean mumbled, slightly ashamed.

Ms. Mills shook her head, deciding to change the subject. "So, I see you already know our newest student."

"Yep," Dean replied, smiling at Cas. "We're neighbors." His grin widened at the blue-eyed boy's obvious embarrassment.

"So I guess you wouldn't mind showing Mr. Novak around, then? Walk him to and from each class to make sure he doesn't run into any trouble? You'd be excused from any tardiness, of course," Ms. Mills offered.

"That sounds great, Ms. Mills," Dean beamed.

Cas jumped in, saying, "That's very kind, but totally unnecess-"

"It's decided, then," Ms. Mills announced with a clap of her hands. "Dean will be your welcome buddy, Mr. Novak. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. This school doesn't run itself, you know!" With that, she turned her back on the boys and walked away.

Dean smiled at Cas's terrified expression. "So, shall we get to class?"

Castiel stared in horror at Dean.

Dean laughed. "I'm not gonna bite, Cas. Come on," he said as he swung an arm around the younger boy and pulled him towards the classroom. "You're gonna love it here."


Author's Note: If there are any other ships you guys would like to see, feel free to suggest them!