AN: adfasdjfdsalf I just had my last driving lesson and my test is Monday and I'm freaking out. Also, in my school play, we practiced the scene where I get beat, and the stick doesn't hurt, but I rammed my hip into a square pole and now it hurts.

Chapter 4

"So, what, you and him friends now? That's it?" Meg asked, Castiel having just told her about his most recent art class.

"It's not that simple!" Castiel tried to explain. "I don't think Dean's friends with people. Clearly, it hasn't worked for him in the past. I doubt he's going to just let me in that easily."

"Why'd he even let you speak- er, write- to him in the first place?" Meg demanded. Castiel was thrown off- Meg almost seemed angry, like she'd been insulted.

"I don't know! Why do you care so much?"

Meg just folded her arms and glared away from Cas. Suddenly, it hit him.

"You like him, don't you!" Castiel couldn't help but laugh. "You've got a thing for Dean Winchester!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Meg rolled her eyes.

"Oh, come on, don't lie to me. I can tell. You're completely jealous of me. You just wish he would talk or write notes or whatever with you."

"Whatever," she snapped. "Think what you want." She turned and began to walk away from Castiel.

"Don't be like that, Meg! I'm sorry," he ran to catch up with her. "I was only teasing you, I swear."

Meg ignored Castiel, jaw set. He reached and grabbed her hand, yanking her around to look at him.

"Really. I'm sorry. It was just a joke." Castiel gave her his best puppy dog look, blue eyes wide and sparkling, head tucked ever so slightly, lower lip jutting out just a little bit. Meg tried to keep the glare on her face, but within seconds it was melted.

"Alright, alright," she surrendered. "Enough with the kicked puppy look."

Castiel grinned, aware that no one could resist his pout.

"Now come on," Meg said, grabbing Cas's hand and dragging him down the hallway. "It's lunchtime and I'm starving." Castiel just laughed, stumbling behind her as she towed him down the hallway.

When Castiel and Meg walked into the cafeteria minutes later, their hands were still linked together. It was nothing special or unusual for them; the two were such close friends that the majority of the school was convinced they were dating anyways. Meg and Cas never bothered to correct anyone- after all, they knew they were just friends, so why did it matter what anyone else thought?

They walked up to their table, Castiel still laughing at a joke Meg had just told. His smile widened when he saw Dean sitting at their table. His posture was tense, like it had been the day before, but his eyes were searching the room, rather than being glued to the table. He relaxed minutely when he saw Meg and Cas approach, his eyes darting to their intertwined fingers momentarily.

"Oh," Meg said, releasing Castiel's hand when she saw Dean at their table. "I didn't realize we were a package deal."

"Don't be like that," Castiel scolded, pushing her lightly with his shoulder.

"Hey, I never signed up for this 'friends' thing. Being friends with one weirdo is hard enough."

"Play nicely." Cas shot her a warning look as they sat down. He then turned to Dean, giving him a warm smile. Dean's lip twitched in response, the closest he could get to returning the expression. Castiel reached in his bag for the usual sheet of paper and pen.

Enjoying lunch? Cas asked. Dean shrugged in response, eyeing Meg warily.

Don't mind her, Cas continued. Meg's just not very good at being friendly.

Why? Dean quirked his head to the side, body language conveying the confusion and curiosity he couldn't display with his voice.

She's got one of those 'do-whatever-I-want' attitudes. I think most people are intimidated by it, Castiel explained.

But it doesn't bother you.

Castiel grinned, noticing the intentional placement of a period instead of a question mark.

Guess not.

Meg suddenly stood up. "As much fun as it is watching you two send each other secret love letters, I have better things to do." She gathered up her stuff. "See you after school?" she asked, looking at Castiel.

"See you then," Castiel nodded sadly. He was disappointed she wasn't being more welcoming.

Did I do something wrong? Dean poked Castiel with his pen, grabbing his attention to show him the new note.

Not at all, Castiel assured him. That's just Meg being Meg.

Well, don't worry about me. You're more than welcome to eat lunch with your girlfriend.

Cas laughed, shaking his head as he began to respond. She's not my girlfriend. You're not the first to assume that, though.

Well, where is your girlfriend? Dean underlined the word, identifying the emphasis.

Don't have one.

Dean, raised his eyes in surprise? Seriously?

Why does that shock you so much?

I don't know. Guy like you, nice, friendly, attractive- you're bound to have a girlfriend.

Cas read the note, dumbfounded for a moment.

You think I'm attractive?

You don't?

You didn't answer the question, Cas pressed.

Yes, I think you're attractive. Does that bother you?

Castiel sat back, thinking about it for a moment.

A little bit, yeah, Cas answered.

What part bothers you?

No one's ever thought that about me before. It feels a little weird.

So let me get this straight. Cas could see the amused smile on Dean's face as he wrote. You're more bothered by the thought that someone would find you attractive than that it's the new, deaf guy at your school?

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

Fair enough, Dean wrote, shrugging as he pushed the paper back to Castiel.

So, you're gay then? Cas asked.

Damn, could you be any more blunt?

Is that a yes?

Dean rolled his yes. No. I don't really have a preference. Honestly, it doesn't make that much of a difference, anyways. Dates are hard to come by either way when you're deaf.

Dean hesitated before writing his next question. Have you ever liked anyone?

Why do you ask?

I figured if you had you'd be dating them right now.

You find me much more appealing than anyone else in this school. Castiel quirked his eyebrow, amused.

You didn't answer the question, Dean copied Castiel's remark from earlier.

No, I haven't. Honestly, at this point I figure I never will. People just annoy me too much. Castiel was shocked at how open he was being with Dean, who was practically a stranger.

Dean shot Castiel a half-smile. Do I annoy you?

No, Castiel replied honestly.

Good. I never thought I'd say this, but for once, I'm actually glad I'm not pissing someone off. You were right. Having a friend is nice.

Castiel didn't know how to respond, other than to smile widely at Dean. Dean suddenly grinned mischievously, grabbing back the pen and paper.

Especially when they're as good-looking as you. Dean smirked.

You're going to make it your mission in life to make me uncomfortable by flirting with me, aren't you? Castiel handed Dean the note, wishing he could speak it so Dean could hear how dry his voice would be.

See? Dean grinned. We know each other so well already.