Thanks so much to Becka Readsalot, Pryde23, Snowin' You, Lee Marie Jack (thanks to her I got my sh-t in gear and wrote a new chapter), Lyle Ray, and Applebom for reviewing the first chapter. Glad you guys liked the beginning. Sorry for the month long delay. Hopefully, I won't take that long in between updates from now on.
Castiel licked his chapped lips and cleared his parched throat. Dean narrowed his eyes at him, while waiting for a response to his inquiry of where he was headed to. "Dude, you can talk right?" He smiled revealing a dazzling, sparkling, white smile. Cas wondered whether this stranger was a toothpaste model.
Dean glanced at the rearview and side mirrors before returning to the gravelly road. He discreetly eyed Chilly Willy. "Well I'm heading to Lawrence, Kansas. So you can stick around till then. You can reach the North Pole via plane." He gave Castiel a toothy grin. Castiel tilted his head to the side and gazed at Dean in a confused manner. "Get it…North Pole cuz you're a penguin."
Cas arched a brow. Dean rolled his eyes. "Never mind," the green eyed man mumbled under his breath. "You seem parched. Help yourself to some water." He pointed at the back floor by pointing at a cooler with his right thumb.
"Thank you," Castiel finally spoke.
"Hallelujah! Praise the Lord Jesus H Christ himself!" Dean laughed and smacked the steering wheel.
Castiel gulped greedily from a cool water bottle. It was the most heavenly thing he'd ever tasted. He wiped his mouth with one of the sleeves from the penguin costume. He looked at Dean. "Really…thank you so much."
The Winchester stared at him, as if trying to figure a difficult puzzle. Castiel stiffened. Great his identity had been discovered by the Adonis. His fingers clutched frantically at the water bottle. "You seem familiar," Dean tapped the steering wheel with his left thumb.
Castiel shrugged his shoulders. "Were you ever in the Peace Corps?"
"Nah, but I served over in Afghanistan." Dean returned his full attention to the road ahead. "I usually have a pretty decent memory. You look damn familiar."
Cas wiped sweat from his brow. "Can't say we crossed paths before."
"You never answered my question. Where you heading to?" Dean turned on the radio and inserted a cassette into the player. "Bad Moon Rising" began to play.
Castiel scrunched his brows. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Where exactly was he going? He just wanted to remain anonymous through his travels for at least a couple of months. Then he would return home and apologize to Meg personally. Cas knew he took the cowardly way out by leaving Meg at the altar through a letter.
"Yo Willy!" It seems Dean had been trying to capture his attention for a while now. Cas jumped. "I asked you what's your name…unless you want to be called Willy." Dean winked.
"Jimmy," Cas responded. Technically he wasn't lying. James was his middle name. Jimmy was the most common nickname for the name James.
"Okay Jimmy, mind telling me now where you going to," Dean said.
"Lawrence sounds good. I'm actually in between jobs." Castiel winced. He was getting real good at fabricating lies.
"Hmm…I have a friend, who owns a bar. He's always hiring. I can hook you up with a job. Mind you, it won't be a fancy position."
"I really would appreciate it. I'm not picky." All the walking had made him tired. His feet were killing him.
"So I guess we're stuck with each other until we reach Lawrence." Dean grinned. Castiel instantly fell in love with the crinkles that formed at the corner of Dean's eyes, whenever he laughed or smiled.
Castiel knew he needed to contribute money for the duration of the road trip. It would take them between two to three days to reach their intended destination. Dean needed to drive through the State of Missouri in order to arrive at Kansas. He smiled. In one of his slacks pockets lay an expensive and vintage Rolex watch, which his maternal grandfather left him in his will. Castiel hated himself for what he was about to do.
"Dean, would you mind stopping at a pawn shop? I can get a decent amount of money for a watch."
"I can sure use the help, Jimmy. I'm also on a job hunt. Needed to clear my noggin and be by myself after I returned from Afghanistan. I decided to take a road trip across the country before heading home." Dean's fingers turned white as they dug into the steering wheel. Castiel glanced at the kind stranger. The green eyes that were focused on the road seemed haunted. Cas heard war did that to people. Who knew all the horrors Dean must've witnessed in Afghanistan.
Castiel fought the urge to hold one of Dean's hands. He didn't know the man. Maybe he was homophobic and would punch Cas' lights out. Cas wasn't going to screw his only chance of remaining anonymous. So far Dean wasn't emitting any Charles Manson vibes.
"You hungry, Jimmy?" Besides being tired, Castiel was starving. He nodded in affirmation. "Cool…there's a small diner about three miles ahead. They make a mean chili burger and peach cobbler."
"I would like to pay for our meal," Cas said. He folded his hands on top of his lap.
"I think there may be a pawn shop like half a block from the diner. We can go there first." Dean turned up the volume. Queen's "I Want to Break Free" played. Castiel leaned his head against the leather bench seat and closed his eyes. He listened intently to the lyrics. He lips quirked into a smile. The song could've been written for him.
Half an hour later, Cas left a mom and pop pawn shop. Guilt riddled Castiel, as soon as he set foot out of the shop. Naomi would spank him and then go into cardiac arrest, if she discovered her son got rid of her late father's beloved watch. Cas fingered the fat wad of cash that was nestled in his trousers pocket. The pawn shop owner, a craggy old man, who reeked of cigars, paid Cas $1200 in exchange for the vintage Rolex.
Cas opted to think of something else. He took in the slight evening breeze. It felt glorious to be out of the penguin costume. Dean remained outside during Castiel's pawn shop excursion. He waved at Cas. The 6'1 man leaned against the hood of the Impala speaking on an old cell phone. Dean practically whispered. Castiel was unable to hear anything. A minute later, Dean finished his phone conversation.
He turned to Cas. "Sorry about that, man; ready to grab some grub?"
Castiel's eyes landed on a thrift shop located across the street from the pawn shop. His eyes lit up. Luckily, the thrift store was still open. "Uhm Dean, do you mind a quick stop?" He motioned across the street by tilting his head towards the store.
"I guess. You will need clothes and stuff."
The two men jogged across the street. A tall, red haired woman wearing a long, flower dress and strappy sandals welcomed them. Castiel didn't make eye contact and kept his head low. That was what he did at the pawn shop, too. He couldn't risk being recognized. He grabbed a basket and scurried over to the men's clothing section. The basket was stuffed in no time. There was a tiny section that contained toiletries. Castiel helped himself to toothpaste, mouth wash, tooth brush, razors and shaving cream. Dean helped him carry some of the stuff over to the cashier's counter.
The total came up to $82.00. Castiel asked the red head for the bathroom key. He immediately changed his current outfit to one comprised of comfortable jeans, a plain black t-shirt, navy blue hoodie and black Converse. Cas stuffed his clothes and toiletries inside a large gym bag. He turned on the faucet and splashed water on his face. Electric blue orbs ran inventory of his new look.
Castiel was known for his formal wear. The only time he didn't wear suit and tie combo or sweater vests was during his tenure at the Peace Corps. Cas really liked wearing casual clothes. His eyes landed on his neatly combed hair. He ran his fingers through the dark locks. Castiel gave his hair an after sex look. He remembered the KC Royals baseball cap inside the gym bag. He rummaged through the clothes and found it on the bottom. Cas covered his head with the cap. He fetched a pair of black framed glasses from his tuxedo jacket and placed them over his nose and behind his ears. Now he should be unrecognizable.
Dean leaned on the counter, where he chatted amicably with the red head. She giggled at something the green eyed man said. Castiel cleared his throat. Dean rapidly turned around and stayed frozen. His eyes ran up and down Cas' body real slow. He licked his lips. "Damn Jimmy, you look like a different person!"
"Ready to go?" Cas asked.
Dean winked at the cashier and said bye. The red head flushed. She reminded Cas of a carrot with a wig on. Dean told Cas it was ok for him to leave the gym bag in the car's trunk. The evening was so pleasant; Dean suggested they walk over to the diner.
The two men were welcomed by a sweet old lady, who ushered them to a booth by a big window. A middle aged waitress approached their table after the hostess left them settled. She introduced herself as Dolores and asked them for their order. Dean ordered a chili burger with curly fries, a beer and slice of peach cobbler. Castiel asked for a cranberry, walnut and chicken salad and iced tea.
"Ugh! You're into rabbit food like Sammy." Dean made a gagging sound. Castiel furrowed his brows. "Sammy's my baby brother." Cas nodded in understanding.
Ten minutes later, Dolores returned with their food. She chewed hard on her gum. The elderly hostess turned on the ancient TV. Castiel's eyes were glued to the screen. The old lady left a local station on. A picture of him and Meg as teenagers appeared on the screen. Cas swallowed hard. The volume was low and Dean's back was towards the TV. He was vacuuming his fries.
Castiel focused on the waitress and elderly hostess. The two women shook their heads while gawking at the TV. "How could someone do that?" Dolores asked.
"He was always a good boy. I am still in denial Castiel Novak did something so cold hearted to that pretty Meg girl." The old woman returned to the front podium to retrieve four menus for a small family that had just entered the diner.
Dean ceased inhaling his food and looked up at Castiel. "Jimbo, you alright there man? You're fucking pale."
Castiel managed to take a sip of the iced tea. His appetite evaporated. "Better eat the rabbit food, dude. We'll probably stop at a motel tonight and then drive most of tomorrow." Dean returned to devour the chili burger.
Cas forced himself to eat half of the salad. It was delicious, but his stomach felt as if a huge stone was sitting in the middle. Dean slid the peach cobbler plate over to Castiel. "Here I left you a piece. Try it…it tastes like Heaven, man."
Castiel took a bite and closed his eyes to moan in ecstasy. He moaned out loud. Dean smirked. "Told you so."
Castiel paid for the meal and Dean thanked him. The Winchester drove to a gas station located on the outskirts of the small town. Cas insisted he would pay for the gas. Dean argued a little with him, but the blue eyed man won the argument. After filling the tank, Dean headed to the bathroom. Castiel inhaled and exhaled deeply. He couldn't believe he got away with his "Great Escape". No one had recognized him and alerted the press.
Maybe this hare brained scheme of his would work out. Castiel turned the radio on and couldn't settle on a station. Finally, he heard Taylor Swift singing "Shake it Off". Castiel perked up. No one knew he had a boner for pop music. He swayed his hips and sang along.
I never miss a beat
I'm lightning on my feet
And that's what they don't see, mmm-mmm
that's what they don't see, mmm-mmm
"What the fuck?!" Dean opened the driver's door and entered the Impala. Castiel froze and looked at him with huge eyes. He must resemble a cherry tomato. "Dude, number one rule, when riding Baby: Driver picks the music; shotgun shuts his cakehole!" Dean turned the radio off.
Castiel mumbled, "Sorry" and sunk down the seat.
"Taylor Swift…really Jimmy? I thought you were cooler than that, bro." Dean shook his head and started the ignition.
Two hours later, they reached the Golden Corral Motel. Castiel told Dean he'd stay in the car, while he got the keys and paid for the room. Ten minutes later, Dean appeared with the room key. The two men retrieved their bags from the trunk. The room was Western themed and had two queen beds. Castiel stared at a tacky Roy Rogers picture.
"I'm going to shower first." Dean grabbed his bag and took it with him to the bathroom.
"I saw a Gas-n-Sip a block away. I forgot to get some stuff." Castiel was by the door.
"Be careful," Dean stated.
Cas fetched a six pack of beer for Dean and a 2 liter of Coke for himself. He also got two bags of chips. He strolled to the beauty products aisle. His eyes landed on the hair dye shelf. There weren't many options. He fingered a box labeled "Paparazzi Highlighted" blond dye. After Dean falls asleep, Cas planned to lock himself in the bathroom and change his hair color. No one would think to search for a blond man.
When he returned to the motel room, Castiel found Dean wearing only a thin towel over his narrow hips. Droplets of water cascaded down his toned and bronzed torso. Cas licked his lips. "I thought you'd take longer." Dean fetched underwear and socks from his second bag, which he'd left on the small, oval eating table. He soon disappeared inside the bathroom.
Castiel placed the six pack and soda inside the tiny refrigerator. Dean returned to the bedroom wearing flannel pajama pants, an old Lynyrd Skynyrd t-shirt and socks. His hair was damp. "There's beer in the fridge."
"Thanks Jimmy. You're the best. I'm glad you didn't turn into Norman Bates." Dean smiled at Cas and tapped him on the shoulder. He fetched a can of beer and headed to the bed closest to the door.
"No problem, Dean." Castiel gave Dean a gummy smile. He got his bag and went to the bathroom.
He was unaware Dean's eyes were on his retreating figure. The Winchester gazed at the dark haired man's ass. Dean shook his head. What the fuck was going on? John Winchester would tan his hide if he caught him ogling another man's ass. Dean needed to be back home. Once they arrived in Lawrence and Dean got Jimmy a job, they'd go their separate ways. Dean felt relief that Jimmy seemed to be a normal guy. He surprised himself by offering a ride to a complete stranger. There were a lot of sickos out there.
Dean surmised the main reason he gave Jimmy a ride was because he'd been wearing the Chilly Willy costume. Could a guy dressed like a penguin be dangerous? So far so good. Even though Dean knew Jimmy was hiding something. The dude was a tad fidgety and didn't look people in the eyes, except for him. He planned on getting the hottie to open up eventually. Whoa! Where did hottie come from? Okay he needed another beer. Dean gulped down the remainder of the can and walked over to the fridge. He grabbed two more cans.
Castiel shaved and brushed his teeth before showering. He didn't wash his hair, because he planned on dying it, as soon as Dean fell asleep. Cas dried his body and pulled on a black tank top and matching boxer briefs. He returned to the room. Dean was snoring softly. He held an empty can of beer. Two other cans littered the foot of the bed. Castiel frowned. Something told him that Dean Winchester held many demons on the inside. He retrieved the empty cans and tossed them in the trash bin.
Cas returned to Dean and pulled the bed covers over his slumbering form. He scurried to the bathroom and locked the door. He opened the box of hair dye and followed the instructions. Castiel put on gloves and mixed the ingredients. The smell was a little strong and made his eyes sting. He applied the dye carefully through his short cropped hair. Cas waited thirty minutes before rinsing the dye off. After he towel dried his hair. Castiel approached the sink and saw his reflection in the mirror.
Castiel giggled. He looked like a wannabe Spike. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was one of his and Meg's favorite TV shows in high school. He always had a thing for the bad boy vamp. He turned off the bathroom lights and entered the room. Castiel was extremely tired. He threw himself on the bed. Cas didn't bother covering himself with the bed cover. His eyes closed instantly and his breathing evened out.
Castiel was in a deep slumber, but the sound of crying woke up. Cas rubbed his tired eyes and looked at the digital clock on the night stand. It showed the time was five am. He became more alert, when he saw Dean thrashing and screaming on the adjacent bed. Castiel jogged over. He always heard it was bad to wake someone up during a nightmare. It was obvious Dean was experiencing one, but Cas couldn't bare seeing him in anguish.
He inched closer to the bed. All of a sudden, one of Dean's hands snaked around his right wrist. Castiel became scared. His heartbeat accelerated. Dean tugged him to the bed. Cas landed next to him. Dean slid his muscular arms around Castiel's middle. Cas calmed down, when the former soldier planted his chin over Cas' shoulder. Dean's breathing returned to normal and he rubbed his nose against Castiel's neck. The blue eyed man's skin shivered. Cas closed his eyes. The sound of Dean's light snoring and thump of the Winchester's heart against his back brought him back to sleep. Castiel kind of liked falling asleep with Dean's arms around him and feeling his warm breath against his neck.
Castiel woke up alone in bed. He immediately sensed Dean was no longer with him. Cas sat up and rubbed his eyes. The sun was out. He glanced around the room. His eyes found Dean sitting at the small table. He was seeing something in a laptop. A frown adorned his handsome face.
"Good morning, Dean." Castiel got up from Dean's bed and started to make the bed.
Dean took a while to answer. "Good morning, Jimmy, or is it Castiel?"
Cas froze. The bed cover slipped from his fingers. He looked at Dean, who turned the laptop screen towards him. Cas' stomach plummeted. A picture of him with the title of "Runaway Groom" was in MSNBC's main page. Castiel swallowed hard. The jig was up.