Shivering, Castiel pressed his nose into the warmth of his scarf, away from the nipping breeze. His hands were burrowed deeply into his pockets in attempt start up blood flow again, because despite the gloves he made sure to take before heading out, he felt as if his fists had frozen solid.

"Cas!"

Castiel temporarily forgot how his nose was about to break off and cheered up slightly at the sound of his name. He followed the direction of the call to see Sam jogging towards him with his hair bouncing enthusiastically beneath his beanie, uneven breath escaping as puffs of steam. Much like Castiel, his cheeks and ears were tipped a pale shade of pink, but the smile remained on his face regardless.

However, all the joy Sam's presence had brought Castiel was dampened at the sight of his companion.

"Sorry you had to wait. We had to run back to Ruby's for a second 'cause she forgot her gloves," Sam explained, nodding to the short brunette beside him. "Have you been here long?"

"No. I came a few minutes before you did." Castiel added politely to Sam's girlfriend, "Hello, Ruby."

Ruby gave him one of her customary catty grins. "Hey, Cas."

"How about we go inside and get something warm to drink? The movie doesn't start in another... thirty minutes, right?" Sam said after he consulted his watch.

"Sounds good," Ruby responded, and though Castiel wouldn't have thought it possible, pressed up against Sam's arm even further.

"Great," Castiel said with more enthusiasm than he actually felt.

The following half-hour passed in a flurry of hot chocolate and chatter, topped off with a hasty purchase of popcorn and a run to the theatre after an over-extended bathroom stop. The projection had already started upon entering, but luckily the commercials provided sufficient amount of light for them to track down their seats. Sam sat between Castiel and Ruby, though the latter hogged most of the Winchester to her side.

Although primarily occupied with keeping track of the amount of popcorn eaten in order to have enough for the actual film, Castiel could still hear Ruby comment none too quietly – and politely – to Sam about the commercial momentarily playing. More than once did she receive shushes from surrounding members of the audience, to which her replies were as sarcastic as Sam's apologies were constant. For the most part, Cas tried to pretend he was part of the furniture by sinking down as far as his seat allowed, pitying his best friend.

It was escapades like this that made Cas find Ruby unfit to be Sam's girlfriend. How Sam couldn't see that was a mystery. And this wasn't Cas overreacting like he did two years ago with Madison. In fact, he actually got on well with all of Sam's girlfriends that followed her – or at least as well as a person with his social skills could. However, Ruby was not on this list. She was wild, brash and impulsive. She skipped class often, and Castiel wouldn't normally care about this – he wasn't interested in the way others treated their education – but she'd gotten Sam to do it too on several occasions, one of which landed them both in detention.

The problem in all of this was that Sam remained blissfully ignorant of his significant other's behaviour, as Cas had found out the Saturday afternoon following their trip to the cinema. While Sam prepared a new file on Dragon Age: Origins on Cas' PlayStation, Castiel pondered on the best way to approach the subject. He waited until they were done with customizing their character, then ignored the cut scene (they both knew the gist of it anyway) in favour of asking,

"Did you enjoy the movie we watched yesterday?"

Sam gave a sort of half-shrug, half-gesticulation with his hand. "It was okay, I kinda expected it to be better."

Castiel nodded in agreement, before saying in what he hoped was nonchalance, "And the company? Was it... nice?"

When Sam turned to look at him fully, Cas knew he was caught. The other regarded him with a bemused frown. "You're terrible at small-talk, Cas. What's up?" Sam chuckled.

"Fine. I was just wondering whether you liked spending time with Ruby." Castiel huffed in defeat.

Sam picked up his controller and got ready to start the game, but made it clear he was still following the conversation by nodding. "Yeah, she's great. She's really funny. And hot."

Cas snorted, rolling his eyes. "You sound like your brother." There was a pause in conversation as they laughed, Sam simultaneously shoving Cas and fighting off enemies. "I just want to know," Castiel went on, "are you dating her?"

Sam's face scrunched up as his character took a blow to the back. "Well, we've been going out for like, a week and a half? I think it's official."

He really hoped it wasn't, but Castiel wouldn't know. Sam was the one with more experience under his belt.

Cas cleared his throat a little. "Don't you think she's a little... energetic?"

Sam looked at him from the corner of his eye. "Sort of, I guess, but that's just part of her personality. I kinda like it, don't you?"

Castiel wasn't planning on lying. He really wasn't. But one look at Sam's face, eager to have his best friend's consent, and the only thing that came out was, "Yeah, definitely."

He left it at that. Sam's attention turned back to the game and Cas did his best to follow, but he couldn't ignore the burning shame of guilt that settled in his chest.

So Castiel called the Winchesters' home phone at three the next day, when he knew Sam was out with his mother for groceries. After three rings, Cas heard a deep-voiced, "Yeah?"

"Dean?" Cas said.

"Hey! You just missed Sam, man. He went out with Mom-"

"No, I know," Castiel interrupted. "I need to talk to you."

"Me?"

Refraining from rolling his eyes, the thirteen-year-old answered, "Yes, are you busy?"

"Uh..." A momentary pause. "No, I'm free for a minute. Shoot."

Keeping the time given to him in mind, Cas got straight to the point. "I don't like Ruby."

"Dude, seriously?" Cas braced himself for a lecture on respecting Sam's opinions and how they "already went through this, Cas" and started on counter-arguments when he heard the last thing he expected Dean to say: "Me neither."

Castiel blinked. "Really?"

"She's bad news. Mom thinks so too."

"Really?" Cas repeated in surprise, although he felt bad that they were conspiring against Sam like this.

"Heh, yeah. Sam brought her over for lunch last week. None of us were really wowed, to be honest."

As pleasing as this information was, Castiel admitted dejectedly, "I don't know what to do, Dean. Sam likes her a lot. I don't think he sees any of her faults."

"Thanks, Sherlock, I figured as much. He won't stop yapping about her."

"I'm being serious, Dean."

"I don't know what to tell you, Cas! Like I said, Mom talked to him a little, but it didn't make much of a difference. Sammy's stubborn that way. Have you mentioned anything to him?"

"...I was going to, but I chickened out," Cas said in a rush.

Dean's bark of laughter tickled Castiel's ears in a way that was sort of pleasant. "Okay, but try again, will you? He'll listen. Your opinion means a lot to him, y'know."

He was sure Dean meant it as a compliment, but his words only left Castiel feeling guiltier than before. "Thanks."

"Sure. Are you-" Whatever Dean had intended to say was cut off by a female voice calling out his name. Castiel didn't recognize it. "Hold on a sec, Cas." The Novak didn't have a chance to reply, but he heard a ruffle over the mouth piece and assumed that Dean had placed a hand over it. Despite this, he still managed to hear a muffled, "Yeah, Lisa?"

Castiel waited somewhat awkwardly on his end, flushing a little at the realization that Dean had someone over. He politely held the earpiece at a distance to minimize eavesdropping until he heard the other's voice again.

"Hey, Cas? I'm gonna have to go. You got this?"

"I think so. Thanks again."

"No problem. I'll see ya."

"Bye, Dean."

Castiel set his cell phone back on his desk, going over Dean's advice once again. In the end, he decided he'd talk to Sam on Monday after school. They were meeting at the Winchesters' again for homework and preps for a quiz due on Wednesday. He'd tell him the truth and they'd work their way through it from there. He could do this. Probably.


He couldn't do this.

But he had to.

But why?

Because Ruby would only get Sam into more trouble.

"Cas? Everything okay?"

In the future, it would be wise to refrain from mentally arguing with one's conscious in public, especially if it leaves you standing on the pavement without reason beside an understandably confused best friend.

"Yeah, everything's fine," Castiel finally answered as he began to walk again. It was somewhat warmer today, even a bit sunnier, but the exercise was still necessary to keep the chill from seeping into his bones. Sam fell into step with him quickly, but still regarded him with doubt.

"You sure? You're not feeling sick or anything, are you?" the other asked. "Because Dean can drive you home if you are. He won't mind."

Castiel smiled at his friend. Sam was incredible, always putting others before him. It was one of the many reasons why Cas adored him. And now he felt worse than ever, because he knew that the truth would hurt Sam. He hated that. But...

Castiel stopped again. "There is something, actually. That I, um, have to tell you." He was doing it for Sam's own good.

If only Sam would stop looking at him with those big, hazel eyes, it would make this much easier.

"Sure, what is it?"

Just do it fast. Like ripping off a band-aid.

"Sam, I think Ruby isn't a good girlfriend for you, and that you two should break up."

In hindsight, maybe Cas should have eased him into it first, if the way Sam's face twisted with shock was any indication.

Oh, no.

"I mean, I just don't think she's right for you, Sam. You're so kind and friendly, and she's..."

"Not?" Sam finished hesitantly.

"Well, yes."

Castiel tried not to take note of the way Sam's frown grew deeper and deeper. "So, you don't like her? Is that it?"

The words felt like lead on his tongue, but Castiel said firmly, "No, I do not."

He watched as Sam's face contorted from hurt to anger. Oh, no, no, no.

"Meaning you lied when you said you liked her." It wasn't a question. Sam's tone was ice cold, it made Cas' chest constrict painfully.

Castiel swallowed the brick in his throat and answered anyway. "Yes, I did and I'm sorry."

"What the hell, Cas? I thought you were supposed to be my friend," Sam snapped.

Now Castiel felt this was a bit over-dramatic. Somewhat defensively, he responded, "Sam, I don't understand. I can't like every person you date, I'm sorry you feel that I do."

"I don't care about that!" Sam retorted. "I care that you lied. Friends don't do that. We're supposed to be honest with each other."

Sam's words felt like a bucket of freezing water over the head. Shame washed over Cas, he could feel the back of his neck burn red.

"Sam..." What? What could he say to make this better? I'm sorry seemed utterly meaningless. He betrayed Sam's trust. What could possibly excuse that?

It didn't matter anyway. Sam wasn't intending on giving him a chance to finish.

"Forget it."

And he was gone. So Cas turned around and left too.


They didn't see each other for the rest of the week.

Schoolwork kept Castiel's mind occupied, but it was a poor replacement for Sam's friendship. Books and TV were useless distractions because they only left Cas with the need to retell the story to his best friend. And while Castiel loved all three of his big brothers, talking to them just was not the same as talking to Sam.

For the first time in a really long while, Castiel didn't look forward to going to school. Not when he knew that Sam would be ignoring him the entire time. They didn't even spend lunch together anymore; Sam moved to sit with Ruby and her friends, while Cas remained with their mutual acquaintances, but he didn't make an effort to talk to any of them. And when the dismissal bell rang at the end of his last period on Friday, Castiel was relieved to be able to get away and hide beneath his blankets all weekend.

His plan was foiled first thing on Saturday morning when he was forced out of his pillow fort in order to get his cell phone from his desk. Vaguely registering the time as ten-thirty, Castiel answered.

"H'llo?" he murmured, sluggishly rubbing an eye.

"What the hell's going on? You didn't come over on Monday like you were supposed to, and I haven't seen you around since."

"Hello, Dean."

"What happened, Cas? Sam's not talkin'."

"I told him the truth," Cas replied, sighing in defeat as he vaguely listed through the pornographic magazine Gabriel had given him in attempt to cheer him up. He pushed it away in distaste as Dean went on.

"You mean about Ruby? What did he say?"

"He became furious because I lied," Cas explained monotonously. He really didn't feel like having this conversation again. "I did it to make him happy, but he's right. I should have told him the truth the first time he asked."

"Yeah, well, Sam's big on honesty. He's annoying that way."

"You aren't helping, Dean." There was a pause during which neither spoke. Castiel listened to Dean's even breaths, and he started mirroring the rhythm with his own. It was soothing, in a way. "I have no idea how to fix this. I feel awful."

"Did you call him?"

"To say what?"

"How about apologizing for a start? Think he'd appreciate that?"

Castiel pinched the bridge of his nose, contemplating whether or not it was worth it to hang up and go back to sleep. He decided against it, because he didn't need to piss off another Winchester. Dean was only trying to help, however sarcastic he may be. "Sorry just isn't enough, Dean. I should... I don't know, explain my actions, then beg for forgiveness."

"Do what you gotta," Dean told him. "Just do it, man. I can't take any more of Sam's pathetic moping."

The information made him feel a bit better. Maybe there was hope after all. Castiel chewed on his lip thoughtfully, then asked, "Are you guys busy today?"

"Nah, I'm just gonna head on over to Dad's shop in a bit. You thinkin' of coming over?"

Cracking a sight smile, Cas responded, "Obviously."

"Good. I'm sorry I'll miss you, though. Don't forget to grovel when you get there, okay?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Cas snorted.

When Dean hung up, Castiel was dressed with his phone and keys in his pockets and out the door in ten minutes. It took him 15 minutes to get to the Winchesters' by bike, the duration of which was spent practising his apology over and over again. He propped up his bicycle beside Sam's, at the same time noticing that there was no Chevrolet Impala parked in the driveway, meaning Dean had already left after his father.

His heart pounded against his ribs as Castiel pressed the doorbell, and he didn't even realize the door was opening until he was staring right into Sam's bitch-face.

"Hello," Castiel said.

"Hello." Sam's response was the same, although somewhat lacking in warmth.

An awkward pause followed.

"Are you busy?"

"No."

"...May I come in?"

For a second, Cas was scared Sam would reply in the negative, but instead, the other turned to walk further into the hall, leaving the door open. Cas followed him hesitantly, then got to unlacing his sneakers and promptly toeing them off. Sam kept up the uncomfortable silence until they were upstairs in his room, the former settling on his bed with his arms crossed and Castiel across him.

Cas rubbed one knuckle with his palm. Sam wiggled his nose and coughed.

"Um, I came to apologize."

"Okay. I'm listening."

Shifting a little and clearing his throat, Cas started. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you the truth about my opinion of Ruby. I didn't want to hurt your feelings because you seem to like her very much. I thought I'd be a bad friend if I didn't support your relationship, but lying about it didn't make me any better either." He took a second to breathe and blink a few times. "I'm sorry I lied, Sam. I really am. Your trust means a lot to me, and taking it for granted like that wasn't right. I promise I won't do it again."

Sam's face remained an unreadable mask for a moment, until he asked amusedly, "Did you rehearse your apology?"

"A little. I wanted it to be good."

Sam bit into his lip. "It was. Thanks, Cas."

"Does that mean we're friends again?" Castiel asked.

Hearing Sam's laugh again was wonderful, especially after being deprived of it for a week. Then he nodded and pulled the other into a hug. Cas felt a little childish – they were thirteen, after all – but Sam was much bigger than him, all gangly limbs and huge torso, so he was snugly engulfed into it.

"Come on," Sam said, letting go and hopping off the bed, "let's go play Assassin's Creed III. I cannot get past sequence two."


By Monday, things were back to normal. When Castiel went to get books out of his locker before sixth period, Sam was already there to greet him, leaning against a nearby locker door with one shoulder and holding his bag up on the other.

"So get this," he said after Cas greeted him, "I was talking to Ruby and apparently her friend, Meg – you know her, right?"

Nodding, Castiel thought to the sassy brunette he'd once been partnered with for labwork.

"Yeah, so Ruby says that Meg's got a crush on you, and-"

"What?" Castiel's brow furrowed. "Sam, I don't believe that."

"But Ruby says she definitely does, Cas! Anyway, I was thinking since Ruby and I were going for pizza on Thursday, maybe you can come along with Meg? Like a double date?"

Honestly, Castiel only had a conversation with Meg once – and it was mostly about the work they were doing in class. She was nice, underneath her coarse nature and all the sarcasm, but he didn't really see her as his friend, much less someone he'd date.

But on the other hand, he'd just made up with Sam, and he didn't want to mess it up again. And although Sam's grin was huge as he spoke, it was obvious it was still a little awkward for him to talk about Ruby with him, and Cas was determined to fix that. He wanted his best friend to be able to talk to him about his relationships openly, knowing he had Cas' full support.

"Sure," he said eventually. "I don't know if it should count as a date, but we can go as friends and see what happens?"

The answer seemed to work fine with Sam. "Awesome. Okay, you and I can meet up at your place at six thirty-ish? Ruby says she and Meg can meet us at the restaurant."


Castiel's Friday afternoon was supposed to be spent hanging out with Sam, but due to a call from the latter involving an unfinished science project, an accident involving an abundance of glitter and a fast-approaching deadline, Dean suggested that he and Cas visit the park while Sam stayed at his lab partner's house an extra half-hour, with the plan of returning to the Winchester home afterwards. That was how Castiel ended up pushing a 153-pound seventeen-year-old on a swing that was entirely too small for him.

"Dude, push harder. I'm barely moving here."

Castiel rolled his eyes, but did as he was told. "How old are you again?" he asked, grunting as he pushed Dean again. This time, the swing travelled a larger distance, before easily sliding back towards him. "Twelve, was it?"

"Hilarious, Cas," Dean countered, but flashed a grin over his shoulder. He brought himself to a skidding stop, then hogged the neighbouring swing and offered it to Castiel.

Cas accepted it with a thank-you, fishing out his phone when he heard a text arrive. As Dean got to twirling himself left and right, he opened the message and quickly scanned through it. "Sam says he'll be another five minutes, then he's heading home," he announced.

"Everything's okay with you two, then?" Dean asked.

"Yes. I'm not really happy about Sam still dating Ruby, but I'll let him deal with it. I'm done with meddling, I'll just stick around to keep him out of trouble," Cas said with a grin. "And to say, 'I told you so'."

Dean chuckled. "Good. Hey, how'd the date go yesterday? Sammy told me about it, said you guys had fun."

"It was pleasant," Cas said. "Sam really enjoyed himself. I'm glad about that."

Dean gave him a lopsided smile. "Not askin' about Sammy, I'm askin' about you, man."

"Oh," was Castiel's intelligent response. "I had a good time too. Meg had some... interesting topics to discuss."

"I'll bet."

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Castiel said, "But it wasn't really a date."

"Meg not the right girl for you?" Dean teased.

"I don't think any girl is." It came out without Cas planning it to. His face tingled a little as he became very aware of Dean's halt in movement and curious stare. "I... I've never liked girls that way," Cas explained, scratching the side of his neck as his eyes flitted to and from Dean's.

Dean sat up straighter as he took in Cas' body language. "Hey, man. You know that I'm cool with you being whatever way you are, right?"

"No, I know, I just." Cas shrugged, attempting a smile. "Never really admitted it outside my family, I think."

"Yeah, well. If you ever need to talk..." Dean made a small gesture at himself. "Talk."

Knowing that Dean was offering his support, was willing to talk to him, even though he avoided discussing feelings as a rule, well. It made something akin to admiration stir deep in Cas' stomach.

"Thank you." It didn't nearly sum up what he felt at the moment, but Dean seemed to get it.

They settled into a comfortable silence after that. Admittedly, Castiel was staring at the blond longer than strictly necessary, but then again, Dean was doing the same. It could have gone on for a minute or even five, he wasn't sure. It wasn't until the ringtone of his phone shook him from his reverie and made him blink away.

"Where the heck are you guys? I'm at home." Sam's voice sounded over the phone.

"In the park, we'll be there in three minutes," Castiel assured him, getting up from the swing and gesturing that Dean should do the same. "Don't you dare start playing without me. I worked hard to get us past that second sequence." With one inquiringly raised eyebrow, Dean jerked his head in the direction of the exit and Castiel nodded.

"Get here in a minute and I won't," Sam teased, promptly hanging up.

Castiel barely had enough time to gasp indignantly, grab Dean's wrist and run.


A/N: *updates a week late with no Starbucks* I am so sorry, guys. I know I promised to get this up sooner, but it's been a hectic few days and stuff has only just started to calm down.

Honestly, this chapter might be a little choppy and not up to standard because I haven't been writing a while, so sorry for that too. Next chapter will be more exciting, I promise. And on time.