A/N: Chapter 9:
Hello there, friends. It has come to my attention that much of you don't understand why Dean is getting so much flack when he hasn't done anything to Cas since the party. The reason why Cas and his friends are so pissed at Dean is because as far as they know, Dean had been a part of the bullying all along. Dean had left class shortly before Cas found his locker spray painted so it could have very easily been him who wrote it. Since Dean hasn't had a chance to explain himself to Cas, Cas doesn't know that Dean hasn't been a part of any of the bullying and that is why Dean is still getting accused of it. Hope that clears it up!
Anyway thank you mucho to zeke899, DwaejiTokki, ImaGleekBaby, Animelover5510, LyricReilly, YoungHopeful, Castianamicheals, Livthereader, lana-445, Jesspanda, No Available Pen Names, TheOneandOnlyGodessofAwesome for the reviews and thank you to guest reviewer Annie once again for your ideas, you're my guardian angel, friend and you are helping me greatly with this story. :')
Dean looked down to where Michael was still trying to help Adam get up, who was sporting a split lip and a busted nose. Not for the first time Dean found himself astonished and dare he say, even a little bit impressed over Castiel's actions. The dude clearly knew how to hold his own, and could have easily thrown a punch in the direction of one of his tormentors but he never did, and that must take some real self restraint. He figured that everyone had their breaking point and the mere fact that Castiel didn't even fight for himself but for a fellow school mate in need is honorable.
Despite the initial shock of Cas verbally beating him, and very physically beating Adam, what shocked Dean the most is the fact that Cas admitted he had once liked Dean. That should bother him, right? A dude had the hots for him, and a dude isn't supposed to like a dude. It's not right, it's not...normal. But Dean found himself replaying that kiss in his head, the fire in Castiel's eyes as he defended what he thought was right and the fury of fists he threw at Adam and Dean couldn't help but to be a little bit flattered that someone that strong liked him.
Castiel was a force to be reckoned with, he was unlike anyone Dean has come across before. He was intelligent, like, Kevin Tran intelligent, he was kind, he was optimistic, a loyal friend, and just when Dean thought he had the strange kid figured out, he goes and does something like this, shaking up any idea Dean thought he had about the oldest Novak. It made him curious, made him want to peel the many layers of Cas apart, and the knowledge that Cas had a thing for Dean made him want to break the wall Cas had put up with him even more. He didn't know why, but there was something about Cas that made him want to befriend the man, to hang out with him, laugh with him, touch him-
Dean cut his thoughts off there. He couldn't let this get to him. He was not gay. Not even curious. He was a ladies man and he loved women. Like he was supposed to. He had to keep these thoughts in check, he couldn't afford have these thoughts.
OoO
Castiel and his friends decided to leave school grounds for lunch, opting to pick a little spot in the park to sit and enjoy their food. It was chilly out and the grass was littered with fallen leaves but they all needed the space from their ignorant school mates and time to let everything settle a bit. They cleaned Samandriel up and invited him for lunch which he accepted the invitation with an appreciative smile.
Cas dug into his sandwich, feeling hungry and drained from his physical activities with Adam's face and groaned. His brother made his lunch that morning out of sympathy over what happened the previous day and if he did say so himself, his brother was damn good with food.
"I didn't know you could fight like that" Garth said, sinking into his own sandwich.
Cas chewed and swallowed, giving a small shrug.
"My dad used to box, when I was younger I would go with him to train and when I was old enough I trained with him. He always taught me that you should only fight if you feel it's absolutely necessary, and I felt the situation warranted a little bit of justice."
"That was really cool of you, Castiel. You didn't have to stick up for me, though." Samandriel said with a small smile.
"It was no problem. You stuck up for me, and you were very brave to do so, Samandriel. Dean and his croonies needed to be taken down a peg or two. It is because of people like them that people like us feel the need to hide who we truly are. Gender preference does not define who a person is, and we should be able to love who we want without the fear of being attacked for it." Cas said, passion lacing his voice.
"Well, Castiel Novak you proved to them that being gay isn't a stereotype when you kicked the shit out of Adam. I'd like to see them call you a pansy now." Jo laughed.
Cas smiled and nodded in agreement.
He knew he would get in trouble for resorting to violence but in his opinion, it was completely justified and he could care less about the repercussions.
OoO
As expected, when Cas and his clan returned to school he was called to the principal's office.
"Castiel Novak, it has come to my attention that you had assaulted another student today." Principal Barnes said.
Cas simply nodded.
"That's correct." he deadpanned.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself, young man? You're such a good student, what could have possibly made you resort to violence?" She asked.
"I have to say that I feel no remorse in my actions, Ms. Barnes. The bullying in this school is at an outrageous level and while I try not to let the harsh words of my peers get to me, there are other people who aren't emotionally strong enough to put up with the torment. My friend was being bullied, nobody was helping him. It is disappointing that only a handful of students are willing to be decent human beings and help someone in need."
"That doesn't quite justify your actions, "
Castiel was started to feel annoyed.
"With all due respect, Ms. Barnes, I believe my actions were quite justified. There were around 20 students crowded around a helpless young man. He was covered in someone's cheap soda and our peers were laughing at him, calling him derogatory names, belittling him because of his sexual preference. Being gay myself, I wouldn't- no I couldn't stand for that type of behavior. None of the staff here are doing anything about the hate speech and physical abuse that the more popular kids dish out. I wasn't planning on using violence, Ms. Barnes, I swear it, but after I had tried to help Samandriel, we were both called the most vial names you could think of before being told we would be better off to just 'blow our brains out'" Castiel said, fists clenched.
"I understand but-" Ms. Barnes started, but Cas interrupted her.
"No, you don't understand. Do you know how much strength it takes to come out to a group of kids who openly hate on homosexuals? Do you know how many people spend their lives hiding who they really are out of fear of being ostracized by their peers? And do you know how many people like us have taken their own lives because of pieces of shit like Adam Milligan telling us we're dirty and wrong and the world would be better off without us? If nobody in this school will stand up for the rights of homosexuals then I will, because it will be a cold day in hell the day I watch one of my friends take their own lives because they feel they're alone and dirty." Cas spat out, harsher than he intended to.
Ms. Barnes stared at him, dumbfounded. She appeared to be thinking of a proper response to what Cas had said and after a moment her expression softened.
"I'm sorry, Castiel. I was not aware that the bullying was that bad. I assure you that Adam will be properly punished and that the staff will be told to be on the look out for such behavior. I appreciate you being so invested in the rights of others and between me and you, I do now believe your actions were justified. I will let you off with a warning, Mr. Novak for I feel that you were right, but I can't look like I'm choosing favorites here so I'm going to have to send you home for the day. Come back tomorrow and refrain from punching anyone in the face." Ms. Barnes said with a small smile.
Castiel felt his anger diminish and nodded, returning the smile.
"Thank you, Ms. Barnes."
"You're welcome, Castiel. Now get outta here."
OoO
Dean had heard through the gossip mill that Castiel had been sent home for the day, and he took the opportunity to skip 3rd period and try to catch Cas as he left the school. He stood outside the front doors, ignoring the chill that was flowing through him. He was startled when the front door of the school swung open, a surprisingly calm looking Castiel filing out.
"Castiel, I need to talk to you" Dean said, clearly spooking the smaller man as he didn't realize Dean was standing there.
"What, you come out here to get your revenge, Dean? Because I promise you I will not hesitate to fight back." Castiel said. Dean never realized down deep and gravelly Cas's voice was. There was a power to it that he never noticed before.
"No, no man. Just please. I want to talk to you." Dean pleaded.
Castiel scoffed.
"I have nothing to say to you, Dean Winchester." Cas said, starting to walk away.
Dean reached out and grabbed Castiel's arm and when Cas tried to yank it away, Dean held on tighter, gripping Cas's other arm, turning his body and pressing him against the wall, pushing his arm against Castiel's chest to keep him in place. Castiel fought wildly.
"Castiel fucking stop it, okay? Just let me talk to you then I'll leave you alone forever." Dean said through gritted teeth, trying to keep Cas still. Man, that kid had some serious fight in him.
Castiel stopped fighting but remained tense, as if he was going to bolt the second he had the chance.
"What do you want, Dean? I'm not really in the mood for any of your shit."
"I wanted to apologize, for the party. I shouldn't have reacted like I did and I feel like a big dick about it." Dean said, hoping Cas seen the sincerity in his eyes.
Cas let out a humorless laugh, and Dean was able to feel the hot breath of Cas on his face, as he still had him pinned to the wall. He tried to ignore the warm feeling that washed through his body from being that close to Cas.
"You apologize? Wow, that's rich. You started a fucking hate campaign on me, Dean. You and your friends have done nothing but terrorize me since that stupid fucking party."
"Castiel, I swear I haven't done or said anything since the party. I had nothing to do with your locker or what my friends have done to you or Samandriel."
Cas narrowed his eyes, searching Dean's expression.
"Hard to believe coming from the guy who shoved me down and threatened me if I ever touched you again? Doesn't it make you uncomfortable being this close to me, Dean?" Cas started, leaning his face in closer to Dean's, their noses touching. He could feel Cas's breath on his lips and he swallowed hard. "Aren't you afraid that I'm going to kiss you or shove my gay tongue down your manly straight throat?" Cas asked.
Dean stared into Cas's eyes. Man, they were blue. They were so close, the gap could so easily be closed between them. It would be so simple to just push forward and feel the press of those full, pink lips against his. But no. No. Dean wasn't gay. And so he forced himself to stay still, ignoring the urges he felt.
"I'm sorry, Castiel. I freaked out. That's never happened to me before and I just reacted badly. I'm not afraid that you'll 'rub your gay off on me' and I promise you that I don't think any less of you or anybody else like you for being gay. Just, please believe me man." Dean pleaded.
"Why do you care so much, Dean?" Cas asked, pulling his face away from Dean's, resting his head against the cold concrete of the wall behind him. Dean immediately missed the warmth.
"Because someone pointed out to me how big of an asshole I've been, and Sam is pissed at me for being such a dick and he's right. You didn't deserve what happened and I won't do anything like that again. I won't pick on you or anyone else who might be gay, because I just don't want to be that person. My dad is like that and I need Sam to grow up knowing that the world isn't such a hateful place."
Cas did that staring thing that he was so famous for and slowly nodded.
"Fine, Dean. You're forgiven but I do not wish to become your friend. And I would appreciate you letting me go home now." Cas said impassively.
Dean considered it a small victory as he forced himself away from the warmth and sweet scent of Cas and watched as Cas pushed himself off the wall, adjusting the black pea coat he was wearing.
"Thanks, Cas. For hearing me out."
"Yeah, okay. See you around, Dean." Cas said, not making eye contacts he he started to walk off. Dean watched him and sighed. Maybe one day he could make things right with Cas.
OoO
A/N: There you go sweet peas! It might be a bit before I update because I have school all week and a weekend planned of Halloween festivities so I'll be bit busy but if I have any free time this week I'll try to update. Hope you enjoy :)
