My December
A/N: This was originally going to be a fun chapter, but time has passed, and my mind has changed. I'm not sure how it's going to turn out, but I hope you guys like it. I'm glad to be back, btw ^-^
Setting: We're back in the past. This chapter takes place three weeks after the last on a Monday. It starts at the end of the school day.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
~D*C~
Chapter Seven: Never Again
Naomi's POV
"So, Castiel, have you thought about your future?"
He looks up slowly, blue eyes bearing deep into my soul. Even though I've gotten used to talking to him now, his gaze still unnerves me. It's like you can't keep anything from him, even though you have no reason to.
"It's you. How quaint."
Meg.
I don't dislike the girl, but I'm not a fan of hers, either. She's a surprisingly intelligent, almost frighteningly so. She absolutely hates me, which is a little surprising. I've never had any issue with her, but whatever. I'm just here to work, not make friends.
"Nice to see you, too, Meg. Castiel, may I speak with you for a moment?"
He looks over at Meg, the two sharing a look. It takes me aback for a moment. The ease and intensity of the silent communication between the two of them is shocking, to say the least. I knew Meg would benefit from being around Castiel, but I never thought the two would…connect like this. Hm…
After a bit, he nods and stands, leading me off to a quiet part of the hallway.
"What's on your mind, Naomi?" he asks evenly. He's watching me like a hawk.
"I was wondering what your plans are when you graduate? I know we've spoken about college, but I was wondering where you've considered going."
He quirks an eyebrow at me before frowning, settling deep into thought. Good.
Castiel is one of those rare students who is in a league all his own. I had watched his siblings when they were here, and all of them had astounding potential, even the trickster, Gabriel. Castiel is no less amazing, if not more so than the others. I want to see him become someone truly magnificent, and I plan on seeing to it that he does so.
"As of late, I haven't. I've been attempting to entertain some semblance of a social life," he answers honestly. It's my turn to frown.
"You're usually much more focused, Castiel. Don't let someone who may or may not be there for you tomorrow hinder your chances at success." He looks to the side for a second.
"You sound like my father. I do not like it," he states bluntly. I raise my hands in defense.
"I did not mean to incite your ire. I do apologize…" He stops me with a look.
"No need. I know you mean well. I'll give it thought, though, and I'll get back to you. Is there a particular reason you are asking?"
I sigh in relief. It seems like this conversation may go in my favor after all.
"Actually, there is. Here's a packet I want you to look at. You have a very strong sense of right and wrong, so I think this may be perfect for you. Ever consider New York? Law school?" He nods slowly, eyeing me critically.
"I have considered a future in law, but not particularly in New York. I'll definitely give this consideration. I knew I'd more than likely have to…leave…" I look at him curiously as his attention is diverted. I offhandedly hear Meg mutter 'about damn time' under her breath somewhere behind me.
A boy walks by us, smirking over at Castiel and glaring at Meg. To say that he is enticing would be an understatement. I haven't had an interest in a man in quite some time, my work holding my attention indefinitely. However, this one both intrigues and frightens me. I have not seen him before, which is odd. I usually see everyone unless they don't want to be seen.
Interesting.
What's even more interesting is the fact that Castiel has not only stopped talking to me, but is now moving over to openly converse with this mystery student.
"I think you are officially done now, Naomi. Feel free to take your leave!" Meg chirps brightly beside me. I just glare at her before returning my attention to the two males chatting animatedly before me.
I have never seen Castiel like this, but I can definitely see why. This guy makes me want to act out of character…
"Who is he?" I ask Meg. She snorts derisively.
"I figured you'd know. You know everything, do you not?" I choose to ignore her and find out what I desire.
I walk up to them quietly, not wanting to have them stop abruptly and decide to leave. I know how young people can be.
"You can go with him, but you won't go with me? I'm hurt!" says the blond. Castiel smirks.
"Jealous?"
"Shut it, Angel Boy. And who do we have here?" he asks, eyeing me skeptically.
"My name is Naomi. I am one of the school counselors. Your name is…?" I ask, silently hoping that he's forthcoming with his information.
"Winchester. Dean Winchester," he answers nonchalantly albeit a little guardedly. He's dangerous, that much I can tell. However, I can't help but be intrigued by him. I'll definitely be looking into his file this evening.
"Well, Mr. Winchester, it's nice to meet you. Let me know if you ever need anything. Castiel and I have quite the rapport with one another." He raises an eyebrow in Castiel's direction, amused for some reason.
"Interesting. Well, I hate to leave good company, but it's time I take my leave. I expect to hear from you later, Novak. Maybe we too can build some…rapport."
He saunters off, leaving the three of us alone yet again. I go to say something to Castiel, but find myself watching him jog down the hall after Dean. I wonder if he is as flustered as I am.
"And that, my dear Naomi, is the threat to your 'hard work.' You might wanna retreat to your office and look him up. You may very well lose your prodigy to him."
I glare at her retreating form, wanting nothing more than to curse her for all that she's worth. Unfortunately, she might be right. I definitely need to know more about Dean Winchester, if not for myself.
~D*C~
Meg's POV
"Watch her, Castiel. She is a snake, and I can't stand her."
"You sound just like Jo," he deadpans. I just look at him blankly.
"I don't like that bitch either, but she is dead right about Naomi. She's not looking at you like a person. No, Castiel, you are nothing but another success story for her. And she needs to be kept away from Winchester at all costs."
I'm still not on the Dean Winchester bandwagon, but I don't dislike the guy. We just don't see quite eye to eye on things, especially Castiel. I saw how Naomi was looking at him, though, and I don't like it. She was torn between ripping him away from Castiel and ripping off his clothes. It was disgusting.
"Meg. She is not like that…" he starts to say, but tapers off into silence.
I've finally got those wheels turning. I want him to see just how dangerous the bitch is. I'm manipulative, true enough. However, I'm not the type to try and control someone's future, especially someone as innocent as Castiel. He's a beast in the classroom, but he's an angel in all other aspects of life.
"Whatever," he finally says after a bit of silence.
I smile to myself, happy to have finally gotten my point across. I plan on running over to Dean's later. He needs to be warned.
We finally pull up to my place, and for the first time, I'm happy to see the hellhole. I've got some counterplotting to do, as well as a few 'dates' to entertain. I might have to reschedule a couple of them, though. Wait…hm…
"I need Jo's number," I say to Castiel suddenly. We share a look.
After a couple of minutes, he wordlessly hands me his phone. I smile in thanks as I go straight to her contact information and text it to myself. If he were anyone else, I'd have copied the entire contact list for my own entertainment later on, but I love this guy and can't imagine hurting him in any way.
I hand him his phone and step out of the car. I have some work to do.
~D*C~
Castiel's POV
Great. Just great.
I sigh as I stare into the stern eyes of my oldest brother, Michael. I just don't understand what everybody is on about today!
"We are not discussing this, brother," I say with conviction. He glares at me, as expected.
"Father says you've been away from home lately…that you have…friends." I roll my eyes.
"I am just as focused as I've always been, so you can drop it. Now." I try not to leave any room for argument, but it seems like a futile effort.
"Castiel. I am not trying to control you in any way. I am just concerned about your well-being. You should not bother yourself with insignificants." I shoot him a lethal glare. He sighs, but backs off.
I stomp my way upstairs, seeking out my beloved father. Unlike my siblings, he's actually quite understanding.
"Father! You available?" I ask. It's rude to walk in unannounced.
"Come on in, son." He sounds apologetic. He knows how things often go with me and the others.
I step into his study, smiling as I notice him actually relaxing for once. He always stays so busy…
"What's going on, Castiel? And I apologize for not warning you about Michael's arrival. I was just as surprised," he offers. I believe him wholeheartedly. My father doesn't lie.
"Nothing really. Have you been worried that I've been going out?" I ask. He frowns a little.
"No. I'm actually glad to see that you have friends, and real ones at that. Ignore what Michael says. He means well, but really shouldn't share his inexperienced opinion on the matter." My heart warms hearing that.
"All I've heard today is that I need to focus on my future, foregoing my budding social life. I cannot do that, though. I feel like I'm beginning to understand life a little now. Does that make me inadequate, though? Am I dooming myself by making friends and not just relegating them to mere acquaintances?"
All of this talk about my life has begun to take its toll on me. I'm beginning to doubt my recent decisions, which is not like me at all. Damn Michael and Naomi…
"You have a war brewing within your spirit, Castiel, I can see it. Do not let the voice of others dominate over your own. If you do, you will lose the things most valuable to you…the ones most valuable to you. I see you moving towards that direction, and I pray that you divert yourself."
The sadness in my father's voice bothers me greatly. If anything, he's always positive, never letting anything upset him so. Even when he is truly pissed, he's smiling and calm. His wrath can be rather terrifying…
"I'll keep your words dear, father, I promise." He smiles at that.
We spend the next hour or so prattling on about general things, but I feel a most unnerving sense of dread blooming in my chest. My life is about to change, but I'm not sure how.
My mind begins to wander until it lands on a familiar topic, and I blush.
Dean Winchester.
~D*C~
Dean's POV
"I'm scared, Sammy."
His head whips up sharply, mouth falling open before shutting quickly. I've never really admitted my fear of anything to him, so I can understand his surprise.
"Of what, Dean? I mean, he's not coming back for a while, I don't think…" I hold up a hand to silence him.
"I'm beginning to want to let people in…let him in. Sam, I'm several shades of fucked up, and I can't do that to anyone." I run my fingers through my hair, frustration starting to settle in.
I've come to the realization that I want Cas, and not just physically. He's become a major part of Sammy's life, which in turn affects mine. We are so used to him now we consider him whenever we make decisions on dinner or what have you. I've made it very clear that I want to fuck him senseless, but I've kept the rest to myself. The poor guy just looks at me, probably wondering what the fuck he's gotten himself into.
"Dean, you've eventually got to loosen up on this self-imposed solitude. I have told you time and time again that you deserve to be happy, just like everyone else." I let his words sink in.
Sam was fortunate enough to not be dragged into Dad's fucked up ass 'business.' I had to take that particular bull by the horns, and even now, I'm still wrestling with the son of a bitch. Sometimes it's just memories, but other times, it's nightmares that haunt me. I can handle the memories because they can easily be defended against. Nightmares, however, come when you're most vulnerable. I can't defend against what I don't know is coming.
After Jo left, I realized that normal people can't handle the shit that we've been through. Both she and her mom fled, never to return. I can't really blame them, but I won't ever forgive them for the shit either. I still haven't spoken with Ellen, and Jo and I only speak when we have to. The silence is deafening for sure, but it's one that must exist for a bit.
"I know, Sammy boy. I know."
A knock at the door grabs both of our attentions. The knock is one that we both know, but we're wondering why the fuck it's here.
I slowly make my way to the door, ripping it open. I growl as Meg waltzes in uninvited.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Masters?" I ask as she moves to sit beside Sam. They greet each other pleasantly, which only serves to piss me off even more.
"Stop glaring, Dean. I don't want your precious Castiel. He's helping me graduate. That's all."
I roll my eyes, but say nothing further. My gaze asks all that it needs to.
"Asshat. Anyway, I'm here to warn you about…"
She's silenced by another knock at the door. This one I do not know.
"I wonder who this could be…" I mutter to myself.
I peak through the peephole, and frown to myself. I slowly reach to open the door, idly hearing Meg curse in the background before scurrying off to places unknown.
"Naomi?"
"Hello, Dean. Mind if I come in?"
~D*C~
I am never a fan of cliffhangers, but I'm leaving this chapter in one. The next chapter is a continuation of this one. I hope you guys liked this! And as always, love my beta, nimthriel, and a few of my newest fans! Chrisinele-hime, precious1075 and stephd91