Chapter Seven: Balthazar


Two days after his not-date, Cas received a voicemail from Balthazar explaining that he was back in town with the details on where to find him if he wished.

Three days after his not-date, Cas started panicking.

Four days after the fateful event, Cas was hyper-aware of just how badly he'd screwed up, having had way too much time on his hands to dwell on it over the four day weekend.

And on the fifth day the man finally broke, dialing Balthazar's number in a panic to confirm that he was still in town.

He was.

What was he even thinking? That was no way to win Dean's heart! Going to his restaurant on a straight date, and then flirting with him? Dammit! He took a deep breath and steadied his hand before knocking on Balthazar's door.

Cas's ex-agent knew who it was before he even saw him. Maybe it was the way he knocked, or the certain, but frustrated steps leading up to the door. Who knew. A smirk toyed at his lips. "Ah Cassie. Long time no see. Do come in."

When Cas entered, Balthazar's feet were slung up onto the polished wood desk and he was watching a daytime television show that was really quite boring. There was a pop as he caught a grape in his mouth.

His friend sat down in one of the empty chairs and fiddled his fingers. Finally he broke the silence, "Hey Balthz. Can you help me with something?" He didn't bother beating around the bush that he came there for a favor.

Balthazar smiled before dropping another grape into his mouth with a cocky smile poised lazily across his features. He sat up after a moment, becoming immediately more down-to-business. "Family giving you trouble again?" There was a soft tisk sound as he shook his head. "I thought that was over when you left." He'd personally ensured that it would be very difficult to find Cas again unless he wanted to be rediscovered.

Cas shook his head. "No. It's not family." There was a long pause. "It's about a guy...I screwed up a little. Or a lot. And I need your help to fix it so I can get him to admit that he likes me." He rushed the words out and his cheeks burned but he kept eye contact.

This time Balthazar truly seemed surprised. His eyebrows both piqued in shock and a slow grin spread across his face. "You're having trouble with a boy toy? Oh please, Cas. Tell me how you messed this up. I have to hear it." He looked a bit like a kid asking for a bedtime story.

Castiel rolled his eyes and sighed before launching into the woeful tale. "I was trying to make him jealous. So I went on a fake date at his work. But I ended up flirting with him more than focusing on my fake girlfriend and now I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm a player." It was silent for a moment. "And maybe straight." He finally added with a cringe.

Balthazar let out a deep, rumbling laugh and wiped at his eyes mostly just for effect. He took a moment to chuckle again before leaning his elbows onto the desk. "Cas you have a long history of botched plans but this one is by far the funniest." After another couple seconds of mocking laughter he slowly grew a little more serious, but still grinned smugly, eyes crinkling at the sides from smiling so much.

"So what do you need me for? I hope you aren't planning on crashing his workplace again with a gay date."

When Cas shifted in his seat and looked away for a split second, Balthazar's mouth hung open. "You are." He confirmed to himself. He leaned back in his chair for a bit as if pondering this. He was already dead certain that this was a bad idea. But much like Meg, he was going to let his friend figure that one out on his own. And this could actually be rather fun. "Could take quite a bit of convincing." He began.

"I know." Cas assured him.

"And if you really don't want him to think you're a player you're going to have to focus all of your attention on me. Not that it'll be hard. I'm really quite dashing when I clean up." He added smugly.

Cas let out a sarcastic laugh. "Incredibly hard." He drawled. He wiped at his cheek in thought after a moment and looked at Balthazar. "I understand if you're not up for it. I don't think just holding hands is going to cut it this time."

This was met with a chuckle and a shake of the head. "Trust me Cas. I've kissed my fair share of guys with these lips. Besides. You weren't the only one who started out as an actor. Now pick me up at seven tomorrow and don't be late." He smirked at him devilishly.

Cas's eyes widened and he bolted out of his seat, wrapping his friend into a quick hug. "Thank you!" He exclaimed. "I'll try to make it bearable for you." He rushed to the door and paused to give a quick wave. "See you at seven."

Balthazar smirked and shooed him away affectionately. "You'd better get me a steak or something to make it worth my while." He called after his friend.


So for those of you wondering, yes, Castiel and Balthazar do have a unique relationship in this story that will be addressed more later. But if you really need answers right now feel free to send me a message. :3 Otherwise, read on and trust that Destiel is just over the horizon.