Chapter Eleven:

Summer Surprises

It was boiling hot, as if someone had turned the heat up to 'ridiculously hot' and wanted me to suffer.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead and glanced at Nix from my desk. He looked like he was suffering, with the fur and all.

"Why don't we head to the beach?" I suggested to him and his ear twitched slightly before he got off my bed and went downstairs. Looking through my draws, I found the swimsuit with purple charms I recently bought.

I slipped a white blouse over the top and went downstairs to see the same sight as always. Nix with his leash in his mouth sitting in front of the front door with his tail wagging.

"He's gotten bigger" Aunt Abbey noted from the kitchen, a cup of ice tea in her hand as she flipped through a magazine.

"Yeah" I agreed, seeing as how Nix was past my hip. "We're going to the beach"

She smiled. "Have fun and swim between the flags! Oh and don't get sunburnt!"

"Will do" I answered and opened the door as Nix bolted from the house. He waited until I opened the door to the front seat and jumped in immediately.

"Make sure you don't scratch Bumblebee" I warned him, shutting the door and getting into the driver's seat. I did the seat belt on Nix before starting the car and driving to the beach. Okay, I used the GPS installed only because I had no clue where the beach was, I just knew it existed thanks to Rosalyn's constant talking of how Leigh was going to take her.

On the way, Nix lightly tapped his paw onto the radio and I smiled, reaching over and turning it on as 'Battle Scars' by Guy Sebastian started. Nix let out a howl and stuck his head out the window.

I giggled and shook my head as I turned a corner. The beach was in sight and I looked around for a parking spot. It was packed, cars everywhere and practically not a spot in sight.

A blue BMW was reversing and I quickly took the spot it left. I sighed happily and turned the car off as Nix whined impatiently. Smiling, I unclipped the seat belt and he jumped out of the window.

"Nix!" I shouted, getting out of the car as he stood, waiting for me. "Stay"

He whined, placing his head on his paws as he laid on his stomach, a look of apology in his eyes. I grabbed my white bag, locked the car and walked over to him.

"How about you find us a spot?" I suggested and he took off down to the beach. I smiled and followed him, finding his jumping up and down in excitement at finding a place to set up.

"Good boy Nix" I cooed, rubbing his head and scratching him under his chin before putting my stuff down. I laid a purple towel out and rubbed some sunscreen before running to the water. Nix followed me and ran around, barking happily as I splashed some water at him.

He retaliated by pouncing onto me and I fell into the water. Coming up for air, I glared before splashing him and running back to the spot. I grabbed the red Frisbee and threw it into the air.

Nix jumped up into the air and caught it in his mouth before running over and handing it to me as I threw it again. We continued this for a while before taking a rest.

I gave him a couple of dog biscuits before eating a nutella sandwich I packed in the bag. Just as I finished eating it, Nix's ears perked up and he ran off without warning.

"Nix!" I shouted, getting up and chasing after him. "Nix get back here!"

Of course, being the excited dog he was, Nix completely ignored me and continued running, much to my dismay. Instead, he tackled another dog and both of them barked happily at each other.

My heart fluttered excitedly. That Belgian Shepherd…

Yep, I was right; Castiel appeared just as the two dogs ran into the ocean, playing near the sand.

"Castiel" I greeted happily and then grimaced quietly as he shot me an annoyed look.

"You idiot! You couldn't have caught him!?" Castiel shouted. "Oh man! You couldn't have held on to him? I've been running have him forever! Demon! Come here!"

Demon ignored Castiel's command and continued playing near the water with Nix.

Castiel growled. "What a pest…I wanted to take off his collar to let him enjoy the beach and it looks like he's enjoying watching me run after him more"

"Now you understand what I felt like when I had to catch the principal's dog then" I commented and he glared. "Relax, he's with Nix"

"That's the problem" he replied and I glared at him with my arms crossed over my chest.

"Excuse me? You did not just insult my dog!" I exclaimed and he rolled his eyes.

"I meant, he'll disobey when he's with another dog and it's not easy to get him back. The solution is to catch him when he is close to you, but you weren't even capable…"

You're not capable of not being so full of hormones I wanted to say but figured it wouldn't go down well.

Instead I said this: "Hey! Don't take your frustration out on me"

"You're useless" Castiel snapped angrily and started walking away. "I'm not wasting my time on you!"

I glared at his back and then looked away, frustrated. I heard a bark and looked over to see Nix running over to me while Castiel continued to chase after Demon. Nix nudged my hand with his nose and whined softly, staring up at me with his eyes.

"You really want to help the jerk out?" I asked him and his tail began wagging. I sighed and nodded. Just as we were about to take a step, I heard someone call my name.

"Hey Adrianne!" Iris called when I turned around. She looked happy to see me as she ran over in her blue strapless one piece with a pink bow around her waist. "I wasn't expecting to see you here"

"Nix looked like he was melting at home so I thought it'd be nice to take him out to the beach" I replied just as Nix whined again.

Wait a minute, does this mean she came with Castiel? I thought as my chest tightened and then I shook it off. Nah, the girls I know I like Castiel since Melody's slumber party.

"Are you coming to swim? I have lots of beach toys, it'll be fun!" she pleaded and I gave her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry but I'm going to help jerk-face catch his dog" I replied but then smiled at Nix. "Why don't you play with Nix? I have to warn you though, he's a splasher"

Iris giggled and nodded. "Let me know when you want to play! It's so nice and hot outside; it would be a shame to not enjoy it!"

I nodded as she ran off towards the ocean with Nix happily beside her.

Sighing quietly, I scanned the beach for Castiel when I heard the familiar bark and growl of Demon. Turns out he was standing next to me and I tried to pat him but he sped off.

"Demon! Come back here!" I shouted, running after him. What is it with dogs and making me run after them?

Eventually I lost sight of Demon, after slipping over in the hot sand a couple of times, and Castiel sighed.

"You aren't gonna look for Demon?" I asked curiously and he shook his head.

"He'll come back on his own. The call of food is louder than my voice" he answered and I had to agree with past experiences with Nix.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Then why are you waiting to give him biscuits then?"

"I didn't bring any with me. I wasn't planning on staying here this long"

Shoot, this is the only time I'll see Castiel with a shirt on. I need to get him to stay here a little longer I thought and then something dawned on me. Oh god, I'm turning into Rosalyn!

Castiel snapped me out of my thoughts. "You wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him while I go get him something? There should be a store not too far away"

I nodded. "Why don't you borrow some of Nix's biscuits? I've got plenty in my bag"

"It's a pure breed, he doesn't eat just anything" Castiel snapped. "I'm going to the store and you stay here and watch him"

Before I could say another word, he started to storm off. I growled quietly to myself, wondering how I could like a guy like him when he called my name again.

"What now?" I snapped, glaring at him.

"Well, I was looking for something nice to say for once, but I can't seem to think of anything…" he broke off and saw my glare, doing the right thing and walked away.

I sighed and saw Demon running towards Nix. I put two fingers to my lips and whistled loudly, getting the attention of both dogs. Both Nix and Demon ran up to me along with Iris not far behind.

"You aren't going to swim anymore?" I asked and she smiled.

"I just took a dip, I'm going to get me a tan by the end of the summer" she declared and I laughed.

"My stuff is just over there" I pointed to where Nix and I sat. "You can join me if you like"

She nodded and went over to put her stuff down. While Iris did that, I tried to focus on something both dogs would like.

"Demon, Nix, sit" I ordered and Nix obeyed but Demon growled. I scratched him behind the ear and he whined happily, sitting down. I smiled and pointed to where Iris laid on her towel with black sunglasses on and headphones in. "Both of you go sit down there"

Surprisingly, they both obeyed and walked over to my towel, laying down on it and staring at me. I walked over and scratched both of them behind their ears, much to their pleasure.

"Did you catch him?"

I looked behind me to see Castiel carrying a small plastic bag with a surprised look on his face.

"He came all by himself" I admitted as Demon happily barked at Castiel.

"Not bad, you aren't that useless after all" he said and then held up the plastic bag. "But I bought all of this for nothing"

Demon barked and I giggled.

"Maybe not" I commented, grabbing a biscuit from the bag and handing one to Demon. Nix whined in protest so I handed him one from my bag and he happily shut up.

Castiel sat down beside me, watching the two dogs. "It's odd that he is staying close to you"

"You think?" I asked in surprise. "He's played with Nix so many times now I think he'd know me"

Castiel shrugged his shoulders.

"Alright, well, thanks. It was nice of you to help" he said, standing up and Demon stood up with him. "See you at school after the vacation"

"You're leaving already?" I asked, not wanting him to leave.

"I told you I wasn't planning on staying very long" he reminded me and I played with Nix's ear for a bit.

"I helped you find Demon, you could stay with me for a while" I pointed out and Nix barked in agreement. Sometimes, that is why I love my dog so much.

A smirked crossed Castiel's face. "You need me, is that it?" he asked and my mouth fell open as my face turned five shades of red.

"No!" I exclaimed. "I just thought it'd be nice since we've met up outside of school"

Castiel bent down and blew cold air onto my neck. "Come on…Admit that it's just to look at me in my bathing suit longer"

"I-I-I.." I broke off. What do I say to that?

He stood up and looked down at me strangely. "Well? No comeback? I was right then?"

Dead right I thought and somehow found my voice. "Are you kidding? That has nothing to do with it!"

"Stop looking at me like that and I'll believe you" he said and I looked away quickly. Something warm touched my arm and lifted me up onto my feet while I yelped in surprise. "Calm down, let's just take the dogs for a walk"

I looked down at the ground as Nix and Demon ran off to the shore and I grabbed the red Frisbee.

"Nix!" I called and threw it into the air. Demon jumped up into the air before Nix and caught the red disc flawlessly. He ran over to Castiel who threw it as well.

Half an hour of doing this, I felt my skin burning so I walked over and reapplied some sunscreen. Unable to reach my back, I opened my mouth to ask Iris but she disappeared somewhere.

Probably to the vendor to get some food I thought with a sigh. Guess I'll just have to wait for her.

"Little Bunny can't reach her back huh? You really suck at this" Castiel called and I flipped him off. "Come on, give me that"

I smirked. "Is this your way of wanting to touch my back, Red?"

When he didn't reply, my mind began doing a victory lap. I had finally out witted Castiel.

"Says the one whose bathing suit is coming undone"

God dammit…

"Seriously?" I gasped and then tensed when I felt his fingers brush my back and tie the strings up. "Too tight!"

"Sorry" he murmured and loosened it a bit before helping me up.

I was blushing slightly as he studied me intently.

"I wouldn't have though, but a bathing suit suits you nicely" Castiel commented and I blushed further, my heart fluttering at the compliment.

"Tha—"

"But in the end, you are still as flat as a cutting board"

"—nks"

Yeah, I think my heart just took a nose dive straight to the ground. Thank you so much Castiel, you stupid jerk.

Demon's barking turned Castiel's attention away from me and I was silently thanking the huge dog, for once it decided to help me and not let me suffer unlike its owner…

Nix came running and licked my face, hoping for my discomfort to disappear. I smiled as Castiel sighed quietly.

"Do you wanna do something, cause I'm a little bored" Castiel complained and I rolled my eyes at him.

I pointed to the ocean. "We could go swimming" I suggested and he smirked at me, my stomach doing knots and the bad feeling crept in.

"You dream of seeing me soaked from head to toe, don't you?" he asked me, placing a hand on his stomach but I refused to see where it would wander to. I had a pretty good imagination where.

"Idiot! We're at the beach, it's normal that I thought to go swimming" I snapped at him and he chuckled.

"Right…" he said in a tone that screamed 'not believing you, pervert'. "Sorry to burst your bubble but I don't like to go swimming"

I frowned. "Then why come to the beach?"

He pointed his head at Demon was walking towards us. "I told you earlier, I wanted Demon to enjoy himself"

I nodded, remembering when he was being his hormonal self. "Then you find an idea then"

"I'll let you know that I'm not the one who wanted to stay" he reminded me and I rolled my eyes.

"Well I'm going since its ridiculously hot" I huffed, walking away from them and heading to the ocean. I dived in and swam around for a bit, occasionally looking back to see Iris back and chatting happily with Castiel. He was smiling and laughing, making my chest tighten and tears coming to my eyes.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry I thought over and over again as I held onto a nearby rock.

"Hey, are you alone?"

I spun around, my back pressed against the rock as my eyes found a guy with blonde hair tied back into a ponytail with tattoos on his chest and arm. His eyes were an interesting shade of green blue, kinda like the ocean. He also had a thick, Australian accent.

"Huh?" I asked in surprise. "Uh no, sorry, I'm uh…here with a friend"

He flashed a smile, my guess to be charming. "Forget about your friend! Come with me!"

I shook my head as he tried to grab my arm. "Uh…no it's okay, but thanks anyway"

"Don't be shy" he winked, reaching for my arm again but instead it was snatched up by another one.

"Hey! I think she asked you to leave her alone" Castiel growled in a threatening tone, placing me behind him in a protective manner.

"C-Castiel?" I whispered in shock, feeling safer behind him.

"Mind your own business, nobody asked you!"

I tried to peek around Castiel but he wouldn't let me move. Not that I wasn't happy or the gesture wasn't sweet, but I needed to stop Castiel before things turned ugly.

"I'm her boyfriend so it is my business" Castiel said lowly and my heart began to beat rapidly in my chest.

Don't get your hopes up; he's probably just saying this so the creepy hot guy will leave me alone I told myself, sighing under my breath in disappointment. That didn't stop my heart beating though.

"So, leave her alone right not or things are going to get messy" Castiel continued his threat and I winced quietly as I felt my scar rub up against something sharp.

"Pfff…You should've said you here with your boyfriend then I wouldn't have wasted my time" the guy sneered and left without another word.

I did say I was here with a friend I thought and winced as pain pounded on my side. Shit, this really hurts!

"Gosh, I always have to keep an eye on you, you are unbelievable" Castiel growled, turning to me and seeing the pain on my face. "Shit, are you okay?"

Unable to speak, I shook my head and noticed the blood floating around us, near my hip. Castiel saw this too and swore under his breath. Without warning, I was lifted into the air and pressed close to Castiel's chest as he carried me bridal-style to where Iris stood worried.

Nix sniffed the air and began barking madly, running towards us and growling at Castiel.

"Growl at me later" Castiel snapped at him, sitting me down onto my towel as Iris laid me onto my back. "Iris, can you go get some rubbing alcohol and bandages from the vendor?"

"Be right back" Iris said and she ran off as I bit my bottom lip hard, the pain getting worse.

"Did that bastard hurt you?" Castiel questioned, I could detect the raw anger in his voice and swallowed.

"No, the rock did it" I answered through my teeth and Castiel gave me his hand, a look of sympathy on his face.

"Squeeze it to help the pain" he instructed and I raised my eyebrow.

"You sure?" I asked and he nodded.

Yeah, he regretted it later.

By the time Iris came back, Castiel's hand was sore from my squeezing but he didn't complain one bit. Without a word, Castiel nodded at Iris who rubbed something on my scar.

My back arched instantly, curse words flying out of my mouth, worse than a foul-mouthed sailor I might add, and I practically crushed Castiel's hand.

"Shh, it's over" Castiel murmured as Iris sat me up to wrap the bandage around my waist. I whimpered, my body shaking from the pain as Nix licked my face, hoping to take all my pain away. Demon licked Castiel's hand that I had assaulted brutally.

"There" Iris smiled. "All done"

I looked down at her handy work and sighed out shakily in relief. "Thanks Iris"

She grinned. "No problem, I'll go get you some ice as well" she said, standing up and heading back over to the vendor. I looked at Castiel and winced quietly at how red his hand was.

"I am so sorry" I apologised quietly and he gave me a warm smile, patting my head in reassurance.

"It's fine, just bruised" he replied. "I didn't know such a tiny person could be that strong"

I nodded and watched as Nix placed his head on my lap, his nose close to the bandage. "You were watching me in the water"

Castiel shrugged, blushing slightly. "I…I just saw that a weird guy was bothering you, anyone would have done the same thing"

He wanted to protect me then? I smiled to myself as Iris returned with the ice.

Since that incident, while Castiel stayed at the beach long after Iris went home, he ordered for me to stay out of the water and sit down on my towel 'like a good bunny' as he had put it.

Jerk.

But I had to admit, it was really sweet of him earlier and my heart couldn't stop pounding.

I glanced down at Nix who had fallen asleep beside me. Castiel wasn't the only overprotective male around here…

"Here" Castiel said, handing me a strawberry ice cream cone and I smiled at him.

"Thanks, that's nice of you" I replied, taking a lick of mine as he ate his down quickly. Demon was also asleep but beside Nix, his head on Nix's back.

I was just about to eat more of my ice cream but Castiel leaned towards me. For a split second, my imaginative mind automatically thought he was going to kiss when instead; he ate some of my ice cream. I was so surprised that I let it fall on the ground.

Castiel laughed. "Don't count on me to buy you another one"

I flushed and tried to glare at him. "It's your fault! You surprised me!" I exclaimed and then winced.

Long, slender fingers lightly touched where my scar was and Castiel hushed me.

"You're going to make it worse if you get excited" he scolded and I glared.

"Can you not do that? It makes it look like I'm pregnant and you're touching my stomach" I told him and he smirked as he held his hands up in surrender.

"You'd love that huh?" he asked and Nix growled, seeing as he woke up from me loud voice. He was glaring at Castiel who chuckled. "I won't do anything, calm Lassie"

"It's Nix" I reminded him and he rolled his eyes.

"Why'd you call him Nix?" he asked and I shrugged my shoulders, patting Nix on his head.

"It's Latin for Snow since he's mostly white" I answered.

We continued hanging out at the beach for a bit longer, with Castiel poking fun at me A LOT…in his own annoying way though. I'm glad to have brought Nix to the beach, even if I did get injured in the process…

Something devastating happens in episode 16: Castiel tells us to leave him alone forever!

Horrible, isn't it?

Oh and a funny fact: If you chose Castiel's picture that Rosalyn gives you in episode 6 (while admitting she's a creepy stalker who take photos of hot guys without their permission..) You see Jerk-Face smiling at his phone. I have one word for you ladies:

Debra.

Go on Youtube and search it up. Some chick name Sylwia110 plays the French one and translates it to spot-of-tea-Big-Ben-English! Some of it doesn't make sense but you will understand when you see it.

And I have an idea of where to go with the end of that episode...mwahahaha