Hey, everyone! Because I can't think of anymore chapter names having to do with sight, I'm switching it up a bit. The title of each chapter will be lyrics from a song, easy to decode of course, and whoever guesses the song first AND correctly will receive a spoiler in their PM box. You could also help me out and pick the next song (;
All right, my lovelies, continue on to the chapter! MWAHS!
The Innocent
Chapter 7: I Read That Jesus Walked A Stormy Sea
Song of the Chapter: Own Stunts- Breathe Owl Breathe
Castiel stood in the doorway to Dean's bedroom, watching him as he slept. He knew it was creepy, but he liked the peaceful expression on his face, how relaxed he appeared. Castiel glanced at the bedside clock he'd provided, realising a little too late that Dean wouldn't need it, and saw it was almost ten in the morning.
Castiel kept himself from waking Dean, he just looked so tired. The bags and circles beneath his eyes were dark and heavy, giving him the appearance of someone in their early thirties rather than mid-twenties.
He sighed and turned away from the sight, feeling the familiar ache in his chest that always made itself known when he was around Dean.
Dean stirred and groaned, blinking groggily. He wasn't too surprised when all he received through his open eyes was those confusing, varying shades of light. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the remnants from the sandman and his magic dust fade away. He yawned and stretched then sat there, unsure of how to begin his day.
He felt for the headboard of the bed and grasped it, standing slowly; he shuffled forward and stubbed his toe on something hard. He winced and backed up, his heel catching the end of Castiel's sleep pants. He twisted and stumbled, knocking something over in the process, and landed hard on his chin.
"Aaargh!" he cried.
"Dean!" came a distant call. The sound of rushing footsteps and Castiel's hands were helping him up.
"What were you doing?" asked Castiel, straightening the T-shirt that Dean was currently drowning in. It was an old one of his.
"Walking," Dean grumbled, rubbing his chin. Cool hands were placed over his and he leaned into the touch. Castiel took the hint and wrapped his arms around Dean, resting his head in the hollow of his throat.
"Good morning, Cas," said Dean quietly. He liked this, this sense of peace, not a trace of fear, no worries.
Castiel replied, "Good morning, Dean." He gave Dean's waist a gentle squeeze, loving the feel of how solid he was. Castiel had been alone for so long, hidden away, isolating himself. He'd thought he was doing the right thing by staying away from others, but he'd been wrong.
He now realised how nice it was to be holding someone, to talk to another person, to feel like he wasn't just something in the background.
"Are you hungry?" asked Castiel.
Dean's stomach growled, running on fumes from having not eaten for a day and a half. "A little," admitted Dean.
Castiel moved to separate himself from Dean but Dean clung to him, holding him tightly to his chest. He wasn't quite ready to let go of Castiel. Castiel rubbed Dean's back, completely content with staying in his arms for a little while longer.
It made tears come to Dean's eyes.
There was so much in those simple touches and that gentle embrace. Dean felt like he belonged, like he was actually someone, in Castiel's arms. In Castiel's arms, he felt real.
Dean swallowed thickly, idly watching the lights play across his damaged corneas. He rested his chin atop Castiel's head.
Eventually, Dean pulled away, albeit reluctantly. He ran his hand through Castiel's hair once, and then stepped back.
His stomach rumbled again and Dean groaned, putting one hand over his abdomen.
Castiel smiled. "Let's go get you some food."
"Are you sure you want to wear that coat, Dean? It looks a little small," commented Castiel, sliding on his own coat; a tan trench coat that had been in his possession for some time.
Dean pulled on the cuffs of his sleeves self-consciously. "This is the only one I have," said Dean. He hadn't told Cas everything about how he was treated while living with Sam. He still hadn't told him a lot of things, but he planned to. He didn't want to keep anything from him.
"Here," said Castiel, reaching into the hall closet and bringing out an old leather jacket. From what he could remember, it had been expensive and he'd been going through a phase, one that involved dangerous guys, leather, spikes, eyeliner and things he'd rather not think about.
He gently slid Dean's old coat off his shoulders and helped him thread his arms through the sleeves of the new one.
It was perfect.
"It fits great," said Castiel. A little too great, thought Castiel. The jacket outlined Dean's evenly muscled frame. He shoved the thought away, feeling guilty about thinking of Dean that way.
He placed a slightly shaky hand on Dean's shoulder and led him out the front door.
Dean felt like a new man wearing Castiel's jacket. He felt like a new man holding Castiel's hand as they walked the small distance from Castiel's apartment to the coffee shop. He just felt new.
Dean hadn't realised how close Castiel lived to where he worked. He wished he could see him and not the jumbled mess of grey, blue and various parts of the upper body. Maybe he'd passed him in the street and not even noticed. It made Dean wonder how much he'd missed by keeping his head down.
"Well, here we are. Cup O'Bliss. I've never actually been inside, but it's been recommended to me many times," said Castiel, pulling to a stop.
Dean smiled. "Well, let's go inside then," said Dean, letting himself be pulled along by Castiel. The bell above the door tinkled and Dean sighed as he was engulfed in the smells of coffee beans, creamer and the sounds of light chatter.
Castiel helped Dean over to a table and helped him sit down.
"I'll be right back. Don't knock anything over while I'm gone," said Castiel, kissing Dean's cheek before walking away.
Dean touched his cheek absently, a small smile on his lips.
"Dean." Dean jumped and nearly knocked his chair over. "Relax, it's just me," said Alistair. Dean exhaled.
"Don't do that!"
"Sorry, just came by to see how you were doing. Gabriel's taking over for a bit. So, all your parts there? Not missing anything, right?" asked Alistair, watching as Dean toyed with the sunglasses over his eyes.
"More or less," said Dean quietly, who removed the glasses.
"Well, shit. How you dealing with that?" asked Alistair, squinting at Dean's milky white eyes. Dean pointed to his chin where a bruise was forming.
"I can't walk yet, we're working on it," said Dean. He was comfortable around Alistair, he was one of the few people that Dean felt safe around. He was on the even smaller list of people who Dean trusted.
Alistair patted Dean's hand. "Well, you let me know if you need anything. The shop's always open." Alistair stood and walked back behind the counter, ready to deal with the elderly woman was currently threatening to beat Gabriel down with her cane if she didn't receive a discount on her muffin.
Dean idly listened to the conversation with a smile on his face.
"Well, hey there…Dean," sneered a voice behind him.
Dean froze and closed his eyes, fear lancing through his heart. No, no, no. It couldn't be, not here, not now. Dean bit his lip, tasting blood.
No.
Castiel turned with the two British Toffee cappuccinos and box of croissants just in time to see Sam lean over the back of Dean's chair.
Dean's body was tense, his fingers gripping the edge of the table, his lower lip trembling. Dean looked as if he were about to cry. Sam was whispering in his ear and Castiel felt the familiar bubble of anger rise in his throat like bile. He set their breakfast down on the counter and walked quickly to Dean's side.
"Sam," he muttered gruffly. He felt a sense of pride at the sight of Sam's face. A dark purple bruise donned his right cheek and cut on his left. His right eye was swollen and his lip was split. "You need to leave."
"Why? This is a public place. I have every right to be here," said Sam, straightening to face Castiel, who was trying very hard not to hit him again.
"But you don't have the right to taunt Dean. Either you leave and find another place for your coffee, or I throw you out myself." Castiel crossed his arms over his chest.
The coffee shop had long since gone completely silent as it watched the confrontation.
Sam snorted. "I'd like to see you try. I told you this whole standing up for yourself wouldn't last long. I've come to take him home," Sam said, placing a hand on Dean's arm and hauling him to his feet.
That did it.
Castiel grasped Sam's wrist and twisted, causing him to cry out and release Dean, who stumbled away and into the condiments cart. Everyone in the shop had frozen, eyes flicking back and forth between Sam and Cas like a tennis match.
"Leave."
"Make me." Sam swung hard, aiming for Castiel's chest. Castiel blocked it with his forearm and grabbed his wrist again; twisting it behind his back and pushing Sam face down on the table. Sam grunted with the force.
Castiel leaned forward so his lips were an inch away from Sam's ear. "Leave, now. Don't come back," Castiel whispered viciously, pushing Sam out the door, who nearly stumbled into a parked car.
Castiel immediately turned and rushed to Dean's side. He was standing frozen in front of the condiments cart. Castiel placed his hand on Dean's face.
"Dean? Are you okay?" Castiel asked.
"Oh, Cas," said Dean, his bottle lip trembling, throwing his arms around him. The shop exploded into applause as Castiel held Dean tightly.
Dean pulled away slightly. "Cas, I…I love you," he said, his unseeing eyes watering.
"I love you, too, Dean," Castiel said and pulled him in for a kiss that sent the shop into another fit of applause.
Damn you, chapter 7! Y U NO B LONGER?
Sigh, sorry everyone. I've got to plan a New Year's Eve party and haven't started yet! So, I thought I'd get this out before crunch time.
Remember, I love you all, you guys are awesome and try to guess the song (;
Salt and Burn,
Dublin O'Malley
XOXOX
