"I am here for you. No matter what is going on, I will always be here for you. I just need you to know that."
Dean held his brother close, the room dark. He could feel each tremble, each sob that overtook him. His lips were turned down in a small frown. Cars passed by, illuminating the room for a brief second. His hand stroked Sam's back, trying to quell the tremors.
"Why does it hurt, Dean?"
The older male shook his head. "I don't know, Sammy. But we are going to get through this. I promise."
-time skip-
Coffee didn't help the headache. The body aches didn't go away when he took painkillers. But like every day, he got dressed, got in his car, and went to work. He had students to teach and a brother to support.
"Hey, Mr. Winchester!"
Dean waved at the students who called out to him. They seemed okay. That was what mattered. He entered his classroom and shut the door after him. His things were put in their rightful places, and he got ready for the long day ahead of him.
The bell rung and students flooded the room. The voices rang in his ears, making him wince slightly. His eyes fell on each of them as they walked in, the casual good morning leaving his lips. Girls smiled, boys nodded. It started as ever other day had started.
After a few classes had passed, Dean slouched at his desk, head in his hands. He was exhausted, and the day wasn't even over yet. There was laughter in the hallway, seeping in along with light from underneath the door. The dark calmed him slightly. Nothing to think about. Nothing demanding his attention. A sigh filled the air.
"Mr. Winchester?"
His head rose, turning to the figure in the doorway. He blinked, eyes adjusting to the light. The door closed as the boy entered. Dean ran a hand through his hair and smiled, brushing away his fatigue. "Good afternoon, Castiel."
Cas sat his things down at his desk. He glanced around. "I guess I'm early." His eyes returned to Dean, uneasy. Dean seemed to watch his every move and analyzed every movement of his eyes. He didn't like it. "I'll just run to the bathroom."
"Wait." Dean stood. "Have a seat."
Cas tensed ever so slightly. He pushed his shoulders back and turned back to him. "I have to use the bathroom."
Dean sighed and sat back down, gesturing to the door. "Turn on the light when you leave, please."
Cas left, moving quickly to the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror, frowning. He splashed some water on his face. "Get it together, Novak." Other boys walked in, and he grabbed some paper towels, wiping his face. He nodded hello to them as they passed. Maybe it was safer in Dean's classroom. He didn't want anyone to see him on the brink, but Dean was better than his peers.
He moved quickly back to the room, shutting the door behind him. Dean turned to look at the boy.
"Castiel?" Dean stood, eyebrows drawn.
The door opened behind Cas, almost making him lose his balance. He moved quickly to his seat, mumbling something about being tired. His head went down as everyone filed in, class starting.
-time skip forty minutes later-
At the front of the classroom stood Dean, teaching as he normally did, getting the class involved in discussions. All but one student. Cas kept his head down, still as a rock. His eyes stared at his desk. Dean's eyes flicked to him from time to time. He kept the concern from his face.
The bell rang and students packed up, heading out the door. "Make sure to do your homework! Page 245!" Dean called after them. Cas stood and moved to follow everyone else. Dean stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. Cas tensed but turned to look into his eyes.
Dean met his eyes with a level gaze. "After school. I need to see you."
Cas stared at him for a moment, teeth biting the inside of his cheek. He said nothing but shrugged off Dean's hand and left the room, not once looking back. "Goodbye, Mr. Winchester," he mumbled as he pushed the door open and let it swing closed behind him.
The roar of the hall seemed to be white noise. It drowned out his heartbeat, the voices that were in his head, and the words that were still echoing in his head. Cas took a deep breath and pushed forward, knowing that there was a day he had to get through. He wouldn't live it down if someone saw him being weak. He wasn't weak. He would manage. He always did.
-time skip, after school-
Dean sat at his desk, eyes on the clock. It hit 3 o'clock. His class remained empty. He sighed and reached for his bag.
The door clicked and Dean stood quickly. "Cast-," He froze. "Mr. Roman."
The principal stepped in, making note of the uneasiness Dean expressed. "Mr. Winchester." He nodded for him to sit. Dean did so, smoothing a hand over his pants.
"May I ask why you are here?"
"It has been brought to my attention that a student is receiving unwanted contact." He clasped his hands together in front of him.
Dean frowned. "Contact? I haven't touched any of my students."
Mr. Roman lifted an eyebrow. "Mr. Winchester, I would appreciate it if you told me the truth. I don't want any of this to get out of hand. You understand that I tolerate no sexual harassment." His eyes narrowed. "I am going to ask once more. What is the relationship between you and Mr. Castiel Novak?"
Dean's eyes widened. "Castiel?" He frowned. "Nothing is going on between him and I, sir. I'm just concerned about him, that's all."
"Concerned about him?"
"Yes, sir. He seems to have some feelings bottled up, and they appear to be eating at his well-being." Dean sighed. "My brother has a similar problem. I just wanted to make sure that he knows that there are people he can reach out to for help on this topic. I don't like seeing any of my students suffer."
Mr. Roman studied Dean for a moment. After a while, he spoke again. "Alright then. But, if I find out that anything else is going on, with him or any other student, I'm afraid I'll have to act."
Dean nodded. "Of course, sir." He stood once more.
The principal nodded and turned toward the door. "Good evening, Mr. Winchester."
"Good evening, Mr. Roman."
The door shut behind him, and Dean sank back in his chair. "…Castiel.." He shook his head, frowning.