Chapter 2

'Uh…. I'm sorry, it's nothing. I was just thinking of something. I mean, my dad just told me that we used to be friends, so I was trying to recall that' dean barely managed to get it out before looking like more of an idiot than he already did.

'Oh, your dean! Michael told me that I might find you here… I mean, even I don't remember anything, but I guess we used to be pretty close back then.' Castile replied in that same nonchalant manner.

Dean blushed at castiel's words, reading too much between the lines. This night was getting weirder by the moment. Why were his cheeks feeling warm all of a sudden? He needed some air, and maybe that smoke he was about to have before this guy showed up with is brother!

'Yeah… excuse me, I need to... uh, I need to check on someone.´ dean mentally cursed himself for the lame excuse he used to get out, and for stammering while speaking making it all the more unbelievable. Awesome! First he stared at this guy, then he failed to form proper sentences in his presence and now he probably made him feel like he didn't want to be around him! And this guy, who was his supposed best friend at some point of time, and who he barely remembered, was going to live with him for the next, god knows how many semesters! Yeah, life was good for dean!

He begged his brain to shut up, and when it didn't listen, he decided to kill it, one cell at a time, with beer. He grabbed a bottle and made his way to bobby's terrace, as he knew that none of the guests would come there. He walked over to the edge, and closed his eyes, and cool wind ruffled his short tan hair. He tried to remember anything he could from 15 years ago. He remembered himself, riding a tricycle, running behind some chubby kid, giggling and laughing… and he remembered the name, 'cassie'. He knew he felt something when his father had used the word earlier. He didn't know what it was, but he definitely felt something in his stomach.

He was finally compelled to stop thinking about a certain blue-eyed kid as his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from Ash.

'Sorry dude, I over reacted. I just really wanted you to be there. Anyway, I know you had your reasons. So, everything cool?'

Dean smiled at his phone as he read the message. Finally, something went right on this day!

'All cool, man. See you in school tom?

Dean replied and then made his way downstairs. As soon as he reached the foot of the stairs, his eyes were scanning the crowd once again, for castile. He didn't even know why. He had excused himself from his company minutes ago in a very awkward manner, and now he was looking for him! He should just ask his dad and leave. Of course his dad can't say no, it's a school night! He had completed his social obligation and was free to leave. But he just couldn't leave without seeing him, castile, one last time.

Did he just think that! What is wrong with him! He has to leave! As soon as possible!

'Hey dad, I think I should leave. It's getting late and I have school tomorrow.'

After saying goodbye to bobby and a few other people, dean got out of the house. He started walking towards his street. His dad'll get the car, he could walk. He wasn't too tired anyway. Maybe a nice walk will give him time to realize just what was going on in that stupid head of his, which still refused to shut up!

He was walking at a pace slower than his usual. His hands were deep inside his jacket's pockets. He had walked for around five minutes only when a car came to a halt, right next to him. He stopped in his tracks as the owner of the car rolled down the window.

'Hey dean, can we give you a ride home. I know where you live and I am going in that direction anyway. It's freaking freezing out there. Come inside.' said Michael.

Dean looked inside the car, and saw castile sitting next to Michael, looking up at dean, waiting for him to reply. He dropped his eyes as soon as they made contact with castiel's blue ones, as he could not afford to stare into them while his brother offered him a ride home.

Michael took dean's brief silence as a yes and unlocked the backseat door for dean to sit. Dean slid in the warm car.

They sat in silence for a few moments, during which, dean unconsciously stared at the back of catiel's head. He kept his eyes on the curve of castiel's neck, where his messy hair brushed it. He had thick brown hair. Dean imagined running his fingers through them. Wait, what? What the hell? He is going insane! He lowered his eyes and started at his fingers, lying in his lap for the rest of the ride. Michael made small talk so that the silence didn't get too awkward. Castile remained silent throughout the ride. And dean, even though no one knew what he was thinking, felt ashamed, embarrassed and confused.

He got out of the car as soon as it came to a halt in front of his house.

'thanks Michael, for the ride. See you around. Goodnight' dean said, still looking a little embarrassed.

'goodnight, dean ´said castiel, finally acknowledging his presence.

Dean refused to meet castiel's eyes, as he said goodnight, looking past him and made his way back to him house. He refused to look back at the car, even though he wanted to and he refused to acknowledge the fact that he wanted to.

Sam was already asleep when dean reached home. He went to his room, stripped down to his boxers and got inside his bed. He looked at the poster of Angelina Jolie that stuck to his bedroom wall before he closed his eyes, and imagined himself to be on a beach with her. He barred any thought of the blue-eyed stranger he met today and went to sleep.