Whew! This was not an easy chapter to write, and probably I could have made this whole day a bunch of chapters, but it was exhausting nevertheless.
I apologize for my lack of accuracy in detailing highschool life, as I was not a public schooler I have literally no clue how it is done. (which is why I'm pretty vague about it all...) but I did my best.
Warnings: Bullying, violence, overall just a darker chapter.
PS: This chapter installment marks the story word count as officially over 50,000 words! Super proud of this, and its thanks to all you who read this and encourage me to continue that I've gotten this far! Thank you!
Dean shot up from his bed as the radio blasted Asia into his ears. He sat up, and shook his head to get rid of the sleepiness that lingered. Other mornings he would turn off the radio, but this morning, he decided to let the song play out, and let it influence his step. He felt almost giddy this particular morning. His thoughts went to Cass, who he wondered would probably be up as well, planning out his morning, and trying to wake up. He pulled on a grey tshirt and then a pair of jeans before pulling on his normal boots. He ran his fingers through his hair, making sure it didn't look too dirty or anything like that. This was a big deal day, and nothing, not Crowley or any of his rumors about Dean and Cass were going to ruin the fact that this was Cass' first day at public school ever.
"Dean," said Sam, peaking into Dean's room, "Mom has your breakfast set out."
"Thanks, Sammy!"
"Sam! And turn down that music, I can hear it from all the way downstairs."
"Asia Sammy! Asia! Just enjoy it," Dean said, to which Sam rolled his eyes and closed his door. Dean went over to the radio and turned it off, then grabbed his backpack from his desk and carried it hurrying it down the stairs.
"I thought you might want eggs and bacon today," said Mary.
"Thanks Mom!" said Dean, placing the bag down by his chair and sitting, taking a whiff of the fresh food and then jumping in with his fork.
"Dean, don't eat like that! You'll make yourself sick. You aren't running late, so don't rush," said Mary, sitting down at the table. Dean saw his father come down the stairs and come in to join them.
"Sorry, Mom," he said, slowing down. "Just ready to go," he continued.
"You have a project due today or something?" asked John.
"Oh, no. Today Cass is shadowing at school. I don't know who with, but I know I get to eat lunch with him, and he might be in one or more of my classes."
"Cass, huh?" said John. Dean knew his dad was doing his best, but sometimes he seemed to forget that Dean was dating a boy, and then at moments like this Dean could see it hit him. His eldest son was gay. Which, was not ever something John had expected in his son, but Dean didn't think too hard about it. It just was clear this morning.
"Do you think Cass would like to join us for dinner after school?" asked Mary, cutting in.
"Maybe, I'll ask him this morning."
"Anna's been telling me how excited he is," said Sam.
Dan looked at his little brother.
"Hey Sammy, what's up with you and that Jess girl?" asked Dean. Sam glared at his brother.
"Is there something with that Jess girl and you," asked Mary, turning to the youngest Winchester.
"No, I mean. She just invited me to her party...I mean…" While Sam stumbled over his words Dean finished his breakfast, and quickly grabbed his bag in one hand and the plate in the other.
"You heading, son?"
"Yep! Gonna walk over early and meet up with Cass on the way."
"Be safe!" said Mary. She stood up and gave Dean a kiss on his forehead.
Dean smiled at his mother's affections and gave a wave to his family. While leaving the house he overheard the conversation return to Sam stammering and he smiled smugly at his brother's discomfort. He'd probably pay for it later with some prank by the younger boy, but it was totally worth it to make sure his brother felt just as much of the parental focus as he did for the whole relationship thing.
When the door closed behind him, Dean breathed in the crisp morning air, and took off, the backpack slung over one shoulder as he walked quickly to the place he and Cass had decided quickly the night before over text where to meet in the morning. When he got there, he checked his watch. He knew he was early, but he was so antsy to see Cass, to get to the day. This moment had felt like a cloud hanging over them both. This was either going to shield them from the sun, or downpour on them. Dean closed his eyes and just listened to the sounds around him. It was mostly the sounds of garage doors opening, cars pulling out, little children, and them closer the sound of feet walking near him. Dean opened his eyes and saw the dark hair over the fence before anything else. Cass' hair was wild as normal, and as he walked around the corner Dean saw that Cass had decided to dress nicer than he had expected him to. Cass was wearing a white button up that was tucked into a pair of black pants. His sleeves were rolled up, which gave him the presence of someone who was about to deal with some serious business. Dean saw that he had a bag, and draped over the bag was the trench coat that he'd seen Cass wear prior. When Cass finally got closer to him, Dean motioned up and down.
"So? Figured out what to wear, I see."
"Took your advice. Just chose what felt most like me, and went with it."
"Definitely feels you," said Dean. He smiled at Cass, who returned one to him.
"So, when I get there will you show me to the office? Cause thats where I go to meet whoever I'm shadowing."
"Do you have any clue who it is?" asked Dean.
"No, just that it is someone in some of the AP classes, cause that's what I'd be in."
"So, basically, I'm probably only going to see you at lunch?"
"Most likely. Unless you know the person, and are in any classes with them."
"You ready for this?" asked Dean. He knew it was a stupid question, and mostly he felt it was directed at himself rather than at Cass.
Dean felt something touch his hand, and he looked down to see that Cass had grabbed his hand, and was squeezing it.
"I'm ready," he said, with a confidence and comfortability that he had only seen Cass poses in the company of Balthazar and Gabe. As if to prove Dean's point Cass pulled at Dean's hand causing Dean to come closer to Cass where he was then kissed by the shorter boy. Dean broke the kiss, giving Cass' cheek and nose a quick kiss then returning to give one more short kiss before they both pulled apart. Without any other words they both turned, still linked by their interwoven fingers, and walked down the sidewalk towards the school.
On arrival, Dean saw the building from a far, and heard the familiar noises of the early morning bustle to get to the locker, catch up with friends, and then head to class.
"The office is through that door, and you will see it right at the beginning on the left. If I don't see you before lunch, well, I hope you have the best-"
Dean was cut off by Cass giving him a quick kiss.
"Thanks," the blue-eyed boy said quickly, releasing his grip on Dean's hand.
A warm blush rose to Dean's cheeks. Sometimes Cass was just, like a little child, so much energy, and had no tendency to hide anything, or feel embarrassed. Dean envied that sometimes. He watched as Cass headed in the opposite entrance as he was going to. He slid his hand into his pockets and walked quickly to the door when he felt a rough knocking on his left side. He lost his step slightly, trying to turn quickly to see who had bumped into him.
"Watch it gay-boy!" yelled Lilith. She was alone, and rushing up the stairs. Dean swiveled around to see where Uriel and Crowley were, but they were no where in sight, so Dean tried to continue on with the same resilience as he'd had moments before.
"Where's Cass?" asked Jo, giving Dean a little start as she surprised him from behind his locker door.
"Oh. Not sure, cause I'm not sure who's showing him around today."
"Well, at least you know it's not Crowley," said Jo, nodding her head towards the short boy who was a bit of the ways down the hall talking to the bulky Uriel.
Dean felt his pocket buzz and quickly pulled out his phone.
Talked with people at the office and met the person I'm shadowing. His name is Manny. Do you know him? He knows about you, but seems nice. ~Cass
Dean thought, Manny...didn't ring a bell.
"Hey Jo, he asked as they headed down the hall towards their first class, "Do you know who Manny is?"
"Manny...oh, do you mean that kid who sells the hotdogs at the fair games?"
"Right!" exclaimed Dean, snapping his fingers. He knew the name rang a bell.
"Is he Cass' show and tell leader?" asked Jo.
"Seems so," Dean said.
"Well, guess on the bright side you don't have to worry about Manny picking on Cass," Jo started.
"But- on the other hand?"
"Manny is like one of the most niave people I've ever seen. I've seen someone steal his books and the kid just bought all new ones. Benny told me he just said he figured the kid needed then notes and books more than he did."
"Crap."
"Ya, but I mean, they are going to be in all the AP classes this morning, so you shouldn't have to much to worry about. He's joining us for lunch right?"
"Yes, he is," said Dean, a bit absentmindedly. He pulled out his phone and texted Cass back.
Glad you got a good tour guide. Guess I will see you at lunch. ~Dean
It wasn't long when he heard his phone buzz again.
In AP History. Classrooms are so weird, but I think I could get used to them. See you soon! ~Cass
Once the morning periods had all finished and the bell signaling lunch period rang Dean threw his things quickly into his locker and then headed to the cafeteria.
"Dean," called Cass from behind him. Dean turned and saw the boy head towards him, another boy close behind.
"Cass, glad you caught me before we went in," he said, he felt a bit awkward with the other boy, and just glanced at him quick, trying to recognize him.
"Manny," said the boy, with a small raise of his hand in a quasi wave.
"Dean," he returned.
"Are you boys going to just sit there, or are we going to go get some food, please?" came Jo's voice.
"You ready," asked Dean, quietly to just Cass.
"Yes Dean, I feel as if you are making me into Cinderella coming in at the ball. It's going to be alright." To echo his words he gave Dean's shoulder a small squeeze before heading through the cafeteria doors.
Overall Dean was pretty sure he was being paranoid. He felt the eyes peer at him as he stood in line next to Cass, and when they sat down at their normal table, even when Cass, Jo, and Manny had started to discuss the newest movies coming out. Dean just could not shake the feeling, that is until he felt a hand on his knee. His eyes shot down, and then over to Cass.
"Good, I got your attention," he said with a laugh. "I said your name like four times."
Dean sighed, "Sorry, I just have this feeling that-"
"You are Castiel?" came a shrill voice.
Everyone looked up from the table to see Lisa standing near the end where Cass and Manny were sitting.
"Yes, and who are you?" Cass asked in his friendly tone.
"You disgust me!" she said.
If people weren't staring before, they were now.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," said Cass, to which Dean tried to tell Cass he had no reason to apologize to her for. "But, in truth, I don't see what I did to you."
"You're an abomination, all of you homos."
"Hey, shut up Lisa," yelled Jo, who was now standing at her seat.
"You shut up you whore," said Lisa.
"Stop it!" cried Manny.
Dean shot up when Lisa looked as if she were about to lunge at Jo. He stood up and blocked her. Lisa stepped forward and slapped Dean right across the face.
"Hey, don't touch him!" yelled Cass.
"Oh shut your trap you f-"
"Lisa Braedan! Stop it this instant!" cried the shrill voice of the principal, who during the commotion had come over behind Lisa. Lisa stopped and slowly turned to face the woman.
"But, they're-they're queers!"
"You, in my office. Immediately."
Lisa let out a shriek of indignation, before glaring at Cass. She seemed to think for a moment, and then in one quick movement spat in his general direction, to which Cass recoiled.
"Ms. Braedan!" yelled the principle. Lisa turned and stomped in the direction of the door. Everyone watched as she went. The principle followed right behind her, but stopped to turn to someone who was hidden by the crowd. "Thank you for getting me," she said before heading out of the doors with just a swift motion of her hand to brush her bangs out of her face.
Dean walked a little ways to see who had been hidden by the people. He saw the flat cap first.
"Benny?" he asked.
Benny looked up from his feet.
"Hey Dean."
"You got the principle?"
Benny shrugged. "Lisa looked like she was about to kill someone. She just totally cracked. I just went to find someone. She just happened to be walking in the hall heading to a meeting, so I-"
Dean cut Benny off. He silenced him as he wrapped his arms around him, pulling his friend into a hug. He pulled back from him, Dean's hands gripped on Benny's shoulders.
"Thanks, man," said Dean.
"Sure, Dean. Look I didn't mean- I just-"
"Benny, it's in the past. In my book. I know now its a bit of a mess, but you want to eat with us," Dean asked, motioning to where everyone else had been cleaning up the trays of food that had been dropped in the commotion.
"I'd like that," said Benny.
Dean and Benny headed over to the table. Jo stared in surprise at Benny, when he came around the table to sit next to her. She gave him a small smile, while still cleaning up. Cass gave Benny a nod, and Benny stalling for just a moment then gave a short nod back in return. Dean watching this unfold suddenly felt the pain from his cheek.
"You're bleeding," said Cass, taking a napkin and pressing it to Dean's cheek.
"She must sharpen her nails like cat claws," said Dean with a chuckle. "I'm fine, Cass."
Cass smirked. "I'll be the judge of that. Your cheek is really red."
"And not the 'blushing cause of Cass' red either. You look like rudolph's nose got transplanted on your face," said Jo.
"Or you threw back a few too many drinks," said Benny.
Jo and Dean looked at Benny, and then before they knew what was happening, they began to laugh. Manny looked at Cass and leaned forward towards the dark-haired boy.
"You hang out with weird people," said Manny.
"Yes. But it does make life so much more enjoyable. Doesn't it?"
Manny looked at Cass like he was nuts to and then just sat down and took a bite out of his sandwich.
Besides the stares of practically everyone in the lunch room and the halls after they left the lunch room, Dean was amazed by (besides the Lisa affair) how well the day was going.
"So, I'm going to class," said Cass to Dean as they finally got to Dean's locker.
"Meet after school by the bike rack, right?" asked Dean.
"Sounds good! And then you said something about dinner?"
"Well, my parents might have mentioned it."
"And, does that mean that its gonna be dinner at the Winchesters?"
"If you'd like."
Cass looked at Dean as if he'd asked a really dumb question.
"No, Dean, I don't want to have dinner with my boyfriend."
"Are you trying to be sarcastic?"
"Too much?"
"No, it was...endearing."
"Um...guys," broke in Manny's voice, "Not to cut in but Castiel and I have to head to class."
"Sorry Manny," said Dean.
"Sorry," said Cass turning to Manny. He then turned back to Dean, and without warning gave Dean a quick peck on the lips, before turning and walking behind the other boy who led him down the halls. Dean glanced around and saw a couple of girls looking at him, then turning quickly and whispering amongst themselves. One of them giggled. Dean sighed, but then thought about the day. So far Cass had taken the reigns for initiation, and it felt nice to be surprised.
When the last bell rang, Dean let out a sigh of relief. Though he had seen the rough looking boy during the day, not once had Crowley done anything. Dean didn't understand why, but he was very thankful.
"Hey Dean," called Cass from the steps. Dean looked down and saw Cass. He was now wearing his trenchcoat over his clothes.
"Hey, you're here early."
"Yes, well Manny said he'd come and say good bye. I wanted to thank him. But he ran to the bathroom, and I didn't want to be late for you, but he hasn't come."
"Well, we can wait until he shows up, but you do know if you come here you will probably see Manny every day?" asked Dean.
"Yes, I know. But he was such a good guide, and he really is nice."
"I'd say that Samandriel is a bit too nice. Don't you think?"
Dean's insides turned as he heard that voice. He turned to his right, and there he was, the king of Hell he was.
"Oy, Dean, didja miss our...conversations?" asked Crowley.
"Somehow. No, I didn't"
"Oh, Dean, you hurt my feelings! I mean, after all I've done to make your life exciting. Especially today."
"What did you do today?" asked Dean.
"Nothing Dean. Isn't that the best? When you can freak someone out and not even lift up a finger?" asked Crowley.
"Dean?" whispered Cass. Dean didn't like the way that Crowley and his posse had now separated and were standing around them.
"But Lisa, she was a surprise for me too. Pleasant one at that, but I can't take credit with that wild little thing," continued Crowley.
"What's your endgame here Crowley? What's with the cornering? Hm? How'd you even know we'd be here?" asked Dean.
"Well your little tour guide of course. Uriel has this...problem. He has arm spasms. Sometimes people get hurt," said Crowley.
"You beat him up? Why?" asked Cass.
Crowley shrugged. He looked over to Lilith and Uriel as if to ask what they thought. They both just laughed.
"So you going to beat us up too?" asked Dean. "Hit the gay out of us? Cause I promise you it won't work."
"No. Dean, Dean, you're missing the point here," said Crowley coming closer to them both. "I don't care if you're gay. Other people do, so I just, insert the venom, let the blood do the rest."
"Then what?" asked Dean, confused.
"That! Dean, cause of that look, to your lover boy here. So confused. Cause I like making you look over your shoulder, and wondering where we are. And guess what, as long as your in school, and as long as blue-eyed beauty here is by your side, you're gonna have me as your shadow. Won't that be fun?"
Dean felt a rush of tan color floor past him, and he heard a grunt of surprise as Crowley was completely knocked off his balance, and thrown onto his back. Dean, still not really realizing what was going on, saw Cass on top of Crowley. Dean saw the rise and fall of Cass' arm, and heard the sound of a fist hitting skin, but it wasn't until Uriel and Lilith came and began pulling Cass off of Crowley that Dean took action. He ran at Lilith, who had her hands wrapped around Cass' arm, and pulled at her hands to release the boy. Crowley got up from the ground and ran at Cass, punching him in the gut, which sent Cass reeling over his front. Crowley then brought his knee up into Cass' face. Dean yelled, trying to stop him, but Cass let out a cry as the hard knee made contact with his lips and nose. Dean didn't even realize that Uriel had gotten a hold of him as well, and began to hit Dean in the chest, making Dean release Lilith, who then went and stood behind Crowley, checking his face. Dean got a look at Crowley, and boy, did he look like a mess. Before Dean could process more he saw Cass stand up again, and in one quick shove he pushed Crowley back, his hands gripped on Crowley's shirt and ran him into the school outside wall. Lilith and Uriel started at him, but Crowley yelled,
"Stop!"
Cass was breathing hard, and his hands were gripped so tight on Crowley that he thought he might tear the boy in half.
"Leave us alone," said Cass, almost so low that Dean, as he got up to his feet, could barely hear him.
"Fine!" yelled Crowley, "Just, let go of me," said Crowley motioning to the grip hold on his shirt, and the grip that Dean saw was Crowley's hand curled into what must have been a very painful position. Cass did, and the boy and his goonies slowly back away. Dean and Cass didn't move until they had completely disappeared.
Dean ran over to Cass, whose clothes now had a mixture of red splattered on the front. Cass had blood gushing from his nose, and he was breathing heavily.
"Cass, your face," said Dean, reaching his hand up to touch Cass' nose. Cass let out a cry.
"I think..I think he broke it."
"That bastard!"
"Don't worry, I'm pretty sure I broke one of his fingers. I heard something."
"I'm calling my dad. You need to go to the hospital."
After Dean had gotten off a very short phone call, Dean and Cass sat on a bench waiting for him. Cass was in much worse shape, and was using his coat sleeve as a towel.
"Cass, my dad will be here in just a couple of minutes."
Cass nodded in acknowledgement.
"You. You didn't need to do what you did, Cass. You got hurt, and I...I didn't ask for you to beat him up."
"Someone had to pummel the little bastard."
Dean looked at Cass in surprise. Cass looked at him in return.
"I hope your nose heals okay. You had a cute nose." Cass smiled, and then flinched in pain. "Sorry! Sorry, don't smile."
"I'd kiss you if I could. But you see, I sacrificed my cute nose to protect my boyfriends honor."
"You totally beat the shit out of him."
"Ya, well I'd only just met him and nearly choked the life out of him. I'm amazed you haven't killed him already."
"Perhaps I'm not the tough one of the two."
"You've just been taking his abuse Dean. Cause of me, cause he saw us."
"But Cass-"
"No buts. Even if he didn't really care about us being gay, it doesn't change the fact that you've been taking the brunt. Guess I just couldn't help myself."
"Couldn't help beat him up? I get you there."
"No, Dean. I couldn't help but protect you. I want to protect you."
Dean looked at Cass long and hard, then broke into a grin.
"You are one badass guardian angel!" he said. Cass began to laugh, and then his laugh turned into a pained reaction. "Oh," Dean let out, "My poor broken nose angel."
"Dean!" came John voice from the car that had just pulled up on the other side of the street. The two boys sat up and hurried over to the car. The slid into the back of the car. John turned his head and gave a good look at Cass and Dean's faces.
"Looks like you guys were in a pretty good fight. Let's get you to the doctor bout that nose, shall we?"
"I should probably call my brother," said Cass.
"Ya, guess dinner at the Winchester's is going to have to wait?" asked Dean.
"Fraid so," said Cass, wincing at the words.
Dean slid his arm around Cass' neck as John pulled from the side of the road and left the street heading in the direction of the hospital.
So poor Cass! This was a very tiring day for these characters. I know a lot of you would have expected Crowley to be the one to confront them at lunch, but I really wanted to make you all think that he wasn't gonna get his comeuppance in this chapter. so Lisa...not sure why I felt like she should go psycho in this chapter...I really like her TV character...it just felt right. ALSO! BENNYS BACK! Yay! I was really excited to get him back into the story, but I knew it had to be something really like a good friend act. And act rather than words for Dean and Benny.
Well that is the chapter! Let me know what you thought. As always I LOVE YOU ALL for reading, reviewing, being YOU!
~IAmAPurpleLewie
