A/N: Hey guys. Sorry this chapter is still kinda short. I came back and edited it (11/6/14) because I thought it needed some touching up. Anyway, I'm really sorry I never update anymore. I've got college, work, friends, a boyfriend, I'm thinking about moving far away and starting a new life. Lots of stuff. Plus I've been depressed and having panic attacks, which gave me writer's block. But I'm trying to make a comeback. Thank you for being patient with me. I really appreciate it.
Remember that if you review, you'll end up on the wall of fame for the next chapter. Please read, review and enjoy!
"Okay, here we go," Dean said, sliding a sandwich on a glass plate across the table to Sam. He then sat down with his own sandwich – turkey, with cheddar cheese and plenty of veggies. He struggled not to laugh when Sam unfolded a napkin, spreading it in his lap like such a lady.
Sam noticed and rolled his eyes. "Grow up, Dean. These uniforms are hard as hell to wash stains out of." He'd stopped by for lunch, still clad in his beige sheriff uniform. It was a good look for him.
They were quiet for a few minutes, just enjoying their meals, until Dean asked, "So how'd things go Sunday night?" As far as he knew, Sam and Castiel were supposed to have told their mother, Mary, about their relationship.
Sam gave a nod, taking a minute to chew the bite in his mouth. Once he swallowed, he replied, "It went pretty well, actually." He took a drink of his beer before continuing. "She was kinda surprised, but she seemed happy." Dean replied with a 'hmm,' and they both chuckled a little. For another moment, they were silent, then Sam stated, "Castiel really had a good time with you the other night." There was a tone to his voice that Dean nearly missed. It almost sounded like irritation.
Dean pursed his lips. "Really? He seemed pretty miserable when I picked him up." He struggled to hide his amusement. Dean would've thought it impossible to cheer up the soggy cat Cas had been that night. He couldn't help but feel a little lighthearted to know he'd perked Cas up, even if just a bit.
Though he had a smile, Sam's jaw was locked, like he was trying not to get angry. "Well, you must've put him better spirits. He mentioned wanting to do it again sometime."
Swallowing hard, Dean asked, "He said that?"
"And you said it, too."
Dean chuckled nervously, but stopped when he caught Sam's eye. Sam was not happy. "Yeah, well, like I said, he's a good cook," Dean noted as his smile faded away. It made him strangely happy to know that Castiel had a good time, despite being wet and cold at first. He remembered Castiel's laugh, and the look on his face when Dean called him Cas. And Dean thought about Castiel's reaction to he thought Castiel was beautiful. He cleared his throat, pulling himself from this thoughts. "So, what d'you guys have planned? Anything?"
Nodding as he chewed, Sam answered, "Yeah, we're celebrating our one month this weekend."
With wide eyes, Dean said, "Oh, uh, wow. One month already?" He knew that Sam and Castiel had already been dating for two weeks before Dean found out, but man, the time had flown. Had they had sex yet? Dean immediately shot that thought out of the air.
Sam chuckled, nodding again. "Yeah, I know. It's kinda bizarre. But we're going to the movies, and I'm taking him to dinner. Somewhere nice."
"Oh yeah?" On the inside, Dean was frowning. Really? Dinner and a movie? That wasn't really a special date. Sam should be more creative, like making a picnic for Castiel on the outskirts of town. He could do the classic blanket and basket, bring some potato salad and burgers. Maybe he could coerce Castiel into making a bundt cake or a cobbler a few days before, not telling him what it was really for.
They could just lay on the blanket, maybe feeding each other, sharing secrets and childhood memories. And when the sun went down, they could lay down and Sam could hold Castiel in his arms and quietly sing "A Horse with No Name," just to be so random that it would make Castiel laugh. Castiel had the greatest laugh. And they could watch the stars together, Castiel pointing out the constellations. Dean figured Castiel would know stuff like that. Would Sam appreciate something like that?
Or maybe, if they were a little braver, they could go kayaking in the river. People never went out there this time of the year because the waters were a little higher, and it could be an adventure. Castiel would get a chance to use those secretly-sculpted arms of his, finally wear something more casual than a button up. He could see Castiel in a plain t-shirt and swimming trunks, feeling self conscious about being so naked in public. He himself would be shirtless, because he didn't care if anyone saw him that way.
They'd probably end up racing to calmer waters, and Dean would win, and Castiel would laugh and use his oar to tip Dean's kayak over. And he wouldn't be coming up, and Castiel would get really worried. He'd lean over his boat, calling out Dean's name, and Dean would pop up, overturning Castiel's kayak. Castiel would come up for air, acting determinedly furious with Dean, saying, "You could've killed me!" But he'd forgive Dean a few seconds later, because he would be laughing and flashing that smile Castiel loved so much, and so he'd just swim over by Dean and splash him before wrapping his arms around his neck-
What?
When did this become a date between Dean and Castiel?
Dean stared at his sandwich in disbelief. What did this mean? Did Dean have a secret crush on Ca- ah yeah, let's not go there. Dean waved the image away, taking a huge bite of his sandwich. When he had finished chewing, he asked, "Hey, so you've been with Castiel for a while." Sam looked at him with eyebrows raised, so Dean continued. "What's the tattoo on his back?"
Sam smiled. "Oh, did Gabe tell you about that? It's a wing." A wing? "It goes all the way from the top of his shoulder," as he spoke, Sam ran a hand over his own back to show what he was talking about, "all the way down past his hips. It ends at the very top of his backside." Why didn't Sam say ass? "It's really cool, from what I hear."
That confused Dean. "Wait, you haven't seen it? Haven't you seen him without a shirt yet?"
Looking a little offended, Sam scoffed. "Geez, what kinda guy do you think I am, Dean? No, we haven't slept together yet. Not even close. He told me what it was on our second date."
A very befuddling situation, indeed. So, Sam hadn't seen it, and Castiel had told him what it was himself. But, wasn't it that Castiel only told people what his tattoo was if he wasn't interested in having a relationship with them? That was what Gabriel had told Dean. So, if Castiel just told Sam what the tattoo was, he wasn't interested in being with him long term? And why did he hide what it was from Dean? Did he like Dean?
His thoughts were interrupted – thankfully – when there was a knock at the door. A grateful Dean didn't hesitate to stand, walking with long strides into the living room. He wet his lips before swinging the door open. On the other side of the screen door was Castiel, holding a pie. He was smiling. "Hello, Dean," he said in a soft voice. Castiel was wearing a light orange (kinda peachy) button up shirt, the sleeves rolled up like last time, and faded jeans. He still wore dress shoes, though. Dean liked seeing him in casual wear. He looked really nice, like he was ready for an Easter BBQ and meeting Dean's – ah, I mean Sam's family.
Dean swallowed, smiling back. "Hi, Cas." Castiel stepped back so Dean could open the screen door for him. "Come on in-"
"Castiel?"
The smile dropped off Castiel's face as he peered around Dean to see Sam standing in the archway of the kitchen. He seemed visibly nervous. "Oh, hello Sam. I…" What was that sentence going to be? I made pie. Or I didn't expect you to be here. Dean's heart was going crazy.
Sam smiled, walking towards him. "Did you make a pie?"
Castiel was quiet, just staring, and then he looked down at the pie he was holding. "Yeah." He walked inside, and Dean closed the doors behind him. "I wasn't planning on staying, I was just going to drop this off." He half smiled at Dean. "I asked Gabe. He said peach pie was your favorite."
Dean's eyes lit up. "You made me a peach pie?" He happily took it from the smiling Castiel. The glass plate it was in was still warm. With a grin, he said, "Oh god, you're a keeper." Then he saved himself, looking at Sam, telling him, "Don't let go of this one." Okay, everything's okay.
The younger Winchester tilted his head to the side, smiling. "Yeah, he's great." He closed the distance between himself and Castiel, tilting the shorter man's head up to give him a kiss. And it wasn't a quick peck, or a slightly-drawn-out-yet-chaste kiss. No, Sam really planted one on him, gripping Castiel's chin in his fingers so he couldn't run away. Castiel let out a surprised noise, but seemed to kiss back, though he didn't close his eyes right away. It just went on and on, Sam really just taking control of Castiel's mouth. A kiss like that, and Dean wasn't supposed to suspect they'd spent any time in the bedroom? Not even close?
Something clenched deep inside of Dean; a fire was lit in his belly. It was kind of like the feeling you get when you do 1,000 sit ups, and the next day your stomach is so sore it hurts to move even a little. He grit his teeth, and his empty hand clenched into a fist, the other holding tightly onto the pie dish. The thing was, Dean couldn't blame this on homophobia, not at all. As hard as it may be to admit, this was jealousy. And that was what Sam wanted. He was making a spectacle of kissing Castiel just a foot away from Dean just to drive him crazy, to say stay away from this. This belongs to me.
Dean wanted to punch him. He wanted to tackle his little brother and tell him not to kiss Castiel like that. Especially since Castiel seemed like he hadn't planned on seeing Sam, and he acted like he didn't even want to be kissing Sam. Castiel came there for him, not Sam. Dean was fuming, even though he didn't want to be. When they parted, Sam just smiled at Castiel, who wasn't smiling back. "So what's on the agenda, angel? You have plans for tonight?"
Castiel looked down at the floor. "Well, I still have papers to grade. And I have to make dinner, yet. Gabriel requested macaroni casserole." Dean didn't think Castiel was all too happy to be around Sam. Hell, he could barely look at the guy. Sam was embarrassing him.
Sam frowned, but his voice didn't sound too disappointed. "That's too bad. I've missed you." Oh come on, you guys just had dinner a couple of days ago.
With a tiny smile, Castiel said, "That's sweet." He didn't mention missing Sam back. After clearing his throat, he looked at Dean. "Well, I hope you enjoy the pie. I haven't tried making peach before, so it might not be my best. Please don't hold it against me."
Dean just smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure it tastes like sunshine." Castiel smiled, and that made Dean happy. He glanced at Sam, then said, "Uh, I'll let you two tell each other goodbye." Quickly, he went to the kitchen, but he hid behind the arch where they couldn't see.
He heard Sam's voice say, "Well, call me later, angel." Then there was silence, so Dean peeked. They were kissing again. Dean grit his teeth. Castiel's eyes were initially closed, but then they opened, and Dean froze, afraid of being seen but not able to hide himself. Castiel looked like he was barely kissing Sam at all, but Sam had the attitude that if he grabbed something in Castiel's mouth he would win a prize
And then, Dean knew. Castiel wasn't happy. He had told Sam about his tattoo on the second date because he didn't really want to be with Sam anymore, but he didn't have the heart to break up with him. Dean could believe it; Castiel was entirely too kind to stomp on any hearts. And now, Castiel was stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he left now, things would always been awkward between himself and Sam, but the longer he stayed, the more miserable he was.
When they parted, Dean stopped watching and he walked away, placing the pie on the counter. He could hear Sam and Castiel talking, but not enough to understand, then he heard the door open and close.
Sam didn't stay too long after that. He made up some excuse about having to go on his rounds, and he left. So, Dean was left alone with his thoughts.
Was he really starting to think that he may like guys? Mr. Strictly Heterosexual Dean Winchester? Well, he'd run into a situation like this once before, when he was in his twenties. But it hadn't been everything he'd wanted – not because there was another man involved, but because of the absence of feelings. It was more like Dean was a pillow that the other guy could practice his moves on. Not much had happened there (as in, Dean still had his man virginity) but Dean still thought about him sometimes.
He'd never thought that it could mean he liked guys in general. That guy had been really special to Dean, so he always wanted to think that outside of that guy, Dean's sexuality only extended to girls. He was the only one that bent the rules. That was about eight years ago.
But now there was Castiel. He was generous and caring, and Dean had this feeling that Castiel was one of those guys that didn't get angry easily. Dean needed that in a partner, probably more than anything, because he always seemed to be doing stupid things that pissed off the other person. Plus, Castiel had just brought him a peach pie. He could've brought any pie – he didn't even have to bring a pie. Castiel just made him a pie to be nice; not only that, but he asked Gabe was Dean's favorite was so he could make it special just for him. Now that was amazing. The only other person who'd done stuff like that for him was his mother.
Even better, Castiel wasn't all goody-two-shoes. He had two tattoos, one of which was incredibly huge and didn't stop until it reached his ass. That was immensely sexy and rebellious, just like if Castiel had been the preacher's daughter that dated a bad boy with a motorcycle. (Hmm, Dean had a motorcycle in the garage he hadn't driven in forever. Maybe Castiel would enjoy a ride sometime?)
Not matter what, though, Dean told himself it was wrong. Castiel was dating his little brother, so there was nothing Dean could do. Except, Castiel wasn't happy, and he wasn't courageous enough to end it himself, Dean assumed. He didn't want to break Sam's heart. And Sam was obviously nutty about Castiel, so he wasn't going to end the relationship anytime soon. So then, what? Castiel and Sam would just continue this dance forever, well after the sun went down?
No, something had to be done. Dean couldn't just stand back and watch this happen and not do anything. Castiel wasn't happy, but he couldn't save himself. And Sam was oblivious. Because if Sam had any inkling that Castiel was unhappy, he'd never push as hard as he did. They had to break up. It was the only way. Sam would find someone else. Why not Gabriel? Gabriel could give Sam everything he needed or wanted, Dean was sure of it.
And then, maybe Dean could have a shot with Castiel…
Was he really thinking about this? Well of course he was. If he was honest with himself, Dean had thought of almost nothing but Castiel for the past week. Going crazy trying to figure out what his tattoo was, thinking about how helpless and adorable he looked soaking wet in Gabe's shop, wondering what Castiel really thought of him, imagining their own perfect dates together. Dean didn't intend to go crazy about his little brother's boyfriend, but now the lights were on, and the evidence was there. Dean had red hands, and as far as he could tell, there was no washing it away.
He'd let himself start to fall for someone he couldn't have. And there was always the possibility that Castiel wasn't interested in him. Hell, Dean barely knew Castiel. It was all a big mistake, of course it was. But there had to be some way for it to work out. Yes, okay, Dean was slightly interested in men. Not all men, just some of them. So far, Castiel was only the second. And it'd taken Dean years to get over the first.
No, this one wasn't going to get away from him. Not this time. He'd let everything with the other guy fall apart, and he wasn't going to let it happen again. Was he afraid? Shit yes. He knew someone was going to get hurt, but anything would have to be better than Castiel suffering in silence. And his little brother deserved someone who could reciprocate his feelings.
So, the plan became that Dean would find a way to draw Sam's interest away from Castiel and towards Gabriel. Then, when Castiel was open for grabs, maybe Dean would see what Castiel really thought of him. Dean called it Operation: One Winged Angel. Step one: Get Castiel to admit he's unhappy with Sam. Dean wasn't really sure how he was going to do that…
A/N: Okay, two new reviews this chapter. You guys get to be on the wall of fame!
Wall of Fame
katie1689, angel de acuario
katie1689: Mine is actually spelled with a D. Kadie. Weird, I know. I think I might be named after Joshua Kadison... angel de acuario: Hmm, I speak a little Spanish, but I'm not too good at it. Google translate thinks you said you hope Sam and Gabriel end up dating. I can't give spoilers, but I can promise you'll probably be satisfied with the ending of the story.
And the tidbit about how painful you feel the next day after 1,000 sit ups, yeah that's purely from experience. My abs are killin' me right now.
