Uh oh.

Claire plastered an extra large smile across her face, as she went ahead and hugged Cas , then Dean-who lifted her off the ground with a bear hug, murmuring "hey kiddo"- and finally introduced Jeremy. Now, this was the part where she felt a little nervous. Cas and Dean had already made over a hundred opinions of Jeremy, right after they'd walked in- she had been sure. Why was she nervous about this part? Well, Dean was a fervent believer of evaluating a man via the first handshake. Castiel, like always, didn't quite understand this particular sentiment expressed by his fellow co- parent.

"Marry a man with a good, solid and strong handshake." Dean had told her and Krissy, at Thanksgiving dinner, two years ago. To stress upon what he'd meant, he demonstrated it for them with Sam(which, everyone in that room had realised had turned into a modified version of the game Hot Hands, but the Winchesters had been too proud to accept it). So, when she said, " Dean, Cas this Jeremy," Dean looked him up and down, as he offered his hand, smirking. Jeremy hadn't registered this.

"Hello!"Sweating as he was, he almost reflexively attempted an awkward hug, which died down immediately after Dean realised this, and went for the hug- only to receive a hand for a handshake. They both paused for a moment, till Dean grabbed his hand, shook it violently- and stared at Claire, as if saying, Really now? Cas, after obviously having sensed Jeremy's folly and his immediate discomfort, offered his hand and smiled, and Jeremy's 'shake'n confidence was restored, one tiny bit. Claire just smiled.

Dean cleared his throat, " Shall we sit?"

They all settled in their seats, and immediately started browsing through the menu. Claire threw Jeremy a reassuring look. After they'd ordered- Spinach Ravioli for Claire, Australian Beef for Jeremy and Dean(causing the former's eyes to go wide) and wine- the real talking began. A brief phone call was made to Sam from Dean, where the word stupid was rather popular- considering the amazing amount on emphasis on it. Jeremy refused to acknowledge this- or so it seemed. He kept asking questions like what they were doing in town, how they were liking the weather, the NBA game's score and if Sam was feeling better.

Boasting about Aiden, and how his job as a Computer programmer at Google was- casually mentioning about his raise- Dean asked Jeremy what his job was, with the literal usage of the words, " How much do you make?" Claire glared at Dean, who simply refused to pay attention to her. Jeremy answered, "Well I did my engineering degree at Stanford, then did my MS there, and finally an MBA in marketing. I actually work as Junior Executive Manager at Saber& Co. It's an Iron and Steele manufacturing giant."

This seemed to shut Dean up. Cas, then said, "That's really impressive, Jeremy. I'm sure you'll do great things as Junior Executive Manager." A debate, then about how he would not be Junior Executive Manager for the rest of his life, ensued between Jeremy and Cas. Where Cas-being nice, but unknowingly wrong- kept implying that he wouldn't rise to a greater post, and Jeremy-clearly nervous- desperately trying to explain how he'd get promoted, in the near future. The one person who found this conversation amusing, couldn't help but chuckle- providing no relief whatsoever.

Claire interrupted- as Jeremy said 'No,no, no' for the fifth time," What he meant, Cas, is that he won't stay Junior Executive Manager forever. He'll get a promotion."

That's when Chuckles jumped in, " And what Cas meant, Jeremy, was a compliment to you."

Cas and Jeremy nodded simultaneously. Out of nowhere, Cas nudged Dean. Who looked lost for a moment, but had seemed to realise something. "Oh!" Dean exclaimed, looking through his bag, and retrieving a box, handing it to Claire.

"It's from Charlie. She's back from Peru. She's got some stuff for you- spices and stuff- that's what you asked for, right?" Dean said.

"Oh my goodness! Yes! She did text me about that. Ahh! I thought I'll only get my hands on these at Thanksgiving! She stopped by the bunker? How is she?" Claire enquired.

"She's tanned and bruised, but mostly great." Cas replied, smiling. That's when Jeremy intervened, " Charlie...as in Hacker Charlie? Red hair? You and Krissy took that Kayak Trip with her?" Jeremy asked Claire.

"Yeah. Her. She's-" Claire was about to reply when Dean cut her off.

"Family. She's family. And speaking of Jeremy, what about your family?" Dean asked, failing at any attempt at subtlety.

"Oh. Just me and my old man. My mom..uh..died of tuberculosis when I was seven. No siblings. Dad raised me single handedly. Saved all his money for my college." Jeremy said, sincerely.

This was the moment, that precise moment, when Dean turned into a molten chocolate lava cake. Family problems, single parents, financial trouble, broken childhoods- Jeremy was one of us. He was one of us- and still chose to fight. He was one of us- and still managed to remain optimistic about life. No wonder Claire likes him. No wonder she confides in him. He gives her hope , Claire could read Dean's face. Cas confirmed his and Dean's approval of Jeremy by asking, " So what all rubbish has Claire spouted about us?"

Jeremy smiled.

The rest of dinner, was a breeze. Dean remained silent for a while, but defended himself thoroughly when the Ghost Disease story came up. Plates were passed on from here to there, and everybody's posture relaxed over time. A fit of laughter occurred, when the waiter-realising that Cas had no food before him- offered him a drink saying, " It's called Halo, sir, it's seriously heavenly." Cas denied it, politely.

When Jeremy offered to pay the cheque, Dean slapped his hand out of the way. "I got this, kiddo." As they left, Claire met her friend from school. She chatted away, as Jeremy and Dean went ahead to the parking to get their cars. After her friend left, Cas said, " Jeremy, he's a good guy. I like him. And so does Dean."

"I told you. You have nothing to worry about. " Claire said.

"I know...it's just, our responsibility, you know? To make sure you have everything you need. We want to look out for you." Cas said, looking down.

"I know. And that's what I love about all three of you." Claire kissed him on the cheek, as he embraced her, as they headed towards the cars. Dean and Jeremy were discussing about rifle shooting, " So if you're ever in town, call me...we have a great shooting range at the bunker. I can teach you."

"Sure thing. Thank You!" Jeremy shook Dean's hand confidently, and then Cas'. Dean kissed Claire goodbye, and they got into the Impala.

Just before leaving, Dean said, "Hey Jeremy, if you don't have plans for Thanksgiving, you and your Pop are welcome to join us, okay?"

And just like they drove off. Jeremy turned to Claire, " It went well, didn't it?"

Claire kissed him," It went great!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxc

Sorry for the late update! But I have exams! Ugh.

I hope you liked this shot!

Feel free to review and Pm me.

hugs and all.