This chapter contains some awkward play fighting. Just a warning in case anyone doesn't like stuff like that.
o0o
"Who is this specialist you spoke of earlier, Dean?" Castiel watched the elder Winchester as they rode side by side. Their bodies lightly swaying with the horses' movements. Sam rode silently on the other side of Dean, listening to the angel's question. Lifting his hand to scratch his scalp, the ebony thought about his little sparrow friend who stayed behind at the encampment with Jo and Ellen.
"Rowena McLeod. Sassiest witch I've ever met. A real spitfire." Dean grinned, winking at Sam, causing his little brother to blush. Sam cleared his throat and looked away pointedly, making Dean throw his head back with a barking laugh. "She's got her eyes set on Sammy, Cas. She wants to turn him into her little witch bitch."
Castiel watched the brothers' interaction, curious about this witch. He'd met a few witches long ago, but usually kept his distance, because as soon as they realized he was an angel, they wanted to get their hands on his feathers. This was because angel feathers were ingredients to some of the most powerful and potent spells known to man. Luckily, most thought that angels were a myth. Just stories created long ago, both for entertainment and to instill fear.
"Shut up, Jerk!" Sam pouted, his blush intensifying. Dean laughed again at his brother's expense, causing Castiel to smile. He was grateful to have found such lively companions. He was looking forward to meeting this Rowena. Based on how the Winchester's spoke of her, she didn't appear to a threat.
"I think you'll like her, Cas." Sam smiled, finally pushing his blush down to a faint shade. "She'll know how to make something more powerful than the amulet."
o0o
An hour later, they continued their journey, passing the buildings of a small village. They had ridden in companionable silence for the space of thirty minutes, making Castiel and Sam start at Dean's sudden exclamation.
"Alright! A bath house! I haven't been to one of those in a while." Dean exclaimed as their horses trotted through the village. "We don't really have time for this, Dean. We have somewhere to be." Sam tried to reason, looking at Castiel for backup. The angel just shrugged, knowing by now there was no swaying the elder Winchester.
"When something's important, you make time, Sammy." Dean grinned, turning Baby in the direction of the large building, Sam and Castiel following behind.
"What is the purpose of a bath house, Sam?" Castiel asked the younger man trotting beside him. He tilted his head at Sam's small laugh. "It's where people go to take baths. Well, more like where people go to get pampered while taking a bath." Sam replied with a smile, before shifting his gaze to look at his brother trotting ahead of them. Who was he to deny his brother's desires, he thought with a chuckle.
"Anyway, I've never seen you bathe anywhere. Not at Bobby's, or in a river, or any place really. Do angel's not need to?" Sam asked curiously, turning to face the angel once again. Castiel looked pensive for a moment before answering.
"I have no need to. Just as I don't need to eat, sleep, or defecate. My grace sustains this vessel sufficiently." Castiel smiled at Sam. "James introduced me to
a few communal bath houses long ago, but they were too crowded, and the water was filthy. Neither of us enjoyed the experience. We preferred bathing in rivers or lakes on rare occasions." He finished with a slight grimace at the description of the bathhouse pools. He had later heard of the wonderful Roman bathhouses, but he and James did not wish to relive their experiences.
"Have you ever wanted to try it again? To see what if it's different this time? Bathing, I mean." The younger Winchester wondered while looking ahead at the nearing bathhouse.
"Perhaps. Dean seems to enjoy it. Do you, Sam?" Castiel closed his eyes and tilted his head up slightly as the wind brushed past his face and through his hair,
enjoying the sensation it created.
"I do. It's very relaxing for me to sit in a nice hot bath. Gives me time to think and calms my body when I'm stressed." Sam nodded with a smile, before adding,
"I really think you'll enjoy it, Cas. But don't feel like you have to be pressured into anything. Dean gets excited about things and when he does he likes to try to
get everyone else involved."
"I don't mind. Really, Sam. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to re-experience this joy of humanity." The angel smiled back, before noticing that Dean had stopped and was looking at them with a playful glare. "You know I could hear every word you were saying. And I don't always try to get everyone involved, Sammy."
"Yes. You do." Sam replied with a grin, nudging Ruby to move forward, leaving a sputtering Dean behind him with a laugh.
"Cas. You believe me, right? I wouldn't force you to do anything you don't want to." Dean looked expectantly at the angel, who smiled and kissed the air, letting
Akobel know to move forward. "Oh, come on, Cas! Don't be that way." Dean grumbled as he moved Baby forward, following his brother and the angel to the livery.
They quickly dismounted and gathered their personal effects and payed the stable hand to give the horses a good and relaxing time. "You know what to do, Akobel. Keep the girls out of trouble." Castiel smiled as he brushed the stallion's neck tenderly, looking into the horse's eyes, who shook his head up and down with a grunt. He leaned his head down, biting a bit of the angel's hair and softly yanking it as he grunted affectionately. With a smile, Castiel patted the horse once more before pulling a cube of sugar from the pouch in his arms. "How could I forget your treat, Akobel." He let the stallion eat it from his palm, chuckling at the ticklish sensation. Before he could move, the angel felt a nudge from behind. Turning his head he found Baby looking at him expectantly.
"How could I ever forget you, Baby." He chuckled again, pulling another cube of sugar from the pouch. The black mare ate it quickly before squeaking and pressing her muzzle to his face, causing the angel to turn his head side to side so he could breath with a laugh. Once he was able to push her away, he turned to face the other mare.
"Would you like one?" He asked Ruby, who was busy munching hay. She looked at him and then turned her head away to keep munching eating. Castiel smiled and put the cube on a ledge near the black mare.
As he left the livery, he turned to see the sugar was gone. With a smile, he strode towards the brothers who were already halfway to the bathhouse. Once they entered the large building, Dean flashed the attractive dark haired woman at the front desk a charming smile. "Well, hello there, gorgeous! We're here for three adult baths. What do you have here?"
The woman giggled with a blush. "Well, Sir. We have the community hot spring in the back. Or there's the separate spring for just men, and another for just women. We also have smaller pools in the building with food accommodations, herbal relaxations, foot and shoulder massages, and rooms to spend the night if you have a long ride ahead of you."
Dean's eyes lit up at the options. Especially the mention of food, causing Sam and Castiel to roll their eyes as they shook their heads. "Guys! What do you think? Hot spring out back, or pampering inside?" He looked at Sam and Castiel with excitement.
"Well, Cas hasn't been to one of these in a long time. Maybe we should start small so we don't overwhelm him?" Sam spoke up, looking at Castiel for his thoughts.
"You could do both. Hot springs first, then I can get you boys a larger pool to share with all the accommodations." The woman spoke up with a smile, giggling at the flabbergasted look on Dean's face. "Really? Won't that cost a lot?"
The girl just nodded, but smirked at Dean. "It's not every day I get customers as handsome as you three. I'd say eye candy covers half the cost for today's visit."
"Oh, we've got a wild one here. I like her." Dean leaned forward, winking at the dark haired woman and causing her to blush. She took their money and pulled three thick pieces of fabric, handing them to Dean. "The men's changing room is down the hall and to the right. Enjoy your time here, boys."
"Thanks, babe." Dean winked and moved to walk down the hall. Sam simply bowed before heading to walk down the hallway.
"Thank you, Madam." Castiel nodded his head to her with a smile, causing her to blush again. "Oh, my. You're so formal. I'm gonna like you." She smirked and winked at him while sniffing the air and let out a content sigh, causing Castiel to tilt his head. He was surprised when Dean strode behind him and pushed him down the hall with a laughing Sam waiting by the door.
When they made it to the changing room, they were pleasantly surprised to be the only ones occupying it at the moment. There were cupboards full of clothing and other items from other customers. There were plenty of empty spaces, so the boys split up and each took a different corner of the room. Sam and Dean quickly removed their armor and weapons, putting them away first, while Castiel removed his clothes.
Sam turned his head to look at Castiel when a snap filled the room, causing the bandages to disappear. He silently observed the angel's back, where large dark scars sat noticeably on the ebony's flesh. "Will you be alright in the water with those?" He asked, nodding towards the wounds.
"Yes. They are fully healed now. I no longer need the bandages. Thank you for taking care of them for me. Both of you." With a nod, Sam turned around to face his belongings again.
Dean had just taken his shirt off, leaving his upper body bare as he turned around to talk to reply, stopping with wide eyes at the nude angel in the corner.
"You're welcome, Ca-Dude! Put something on!" Dean blushed in embarrassment and turned to face his items again. He didn't like seeing other men naked, because it was creepy. He was even uncomfortable when he and Sam would bathe in rivers during past quests.
"It's a changing room, Dean. I am changing." Castiel simply replied, not seeming to be fazed.
"Uh, Dean. Why'd you turn around then? You knew we were getting naked." Sam barked, wrapping the thick white fabric around his hips. Castiel soon did the same. Dean released the breath he'd been holding. He grumbled softly as he removed his trousers and boots. "Don't look at my ass!" He growled, feeling embarrassed getting naked in front of others, even if it was just Sam and Castiel.
"We're not, Dean. You're too paranoid." Sam laughed as he walked by, slapping his brother's ass, causing Dean to yelp. "Bitch!"
"Jerk." Sam laughed again as he left the room with Castiel in tow. Dean quickly shoved his clothes in the cupboard and wrapped the fabric around his hips. Leaving the room, he found Sam and Castiel deciding which pool to go to.
"Alright, Cas. We've got the community pool here." Sam pointed ahead at the large pool with several men and women relaxing. Dean noticed several women, and some men looking their way with smirks on their faces. Obviously Dean and his companions were total heartthrobs. "And the men's pool over there." The younger man pointed to a smaller pool further away which looked full. "Ok, maybe not. Looks like this is our option." Sam chuckled as he walked forward and took careful steps into the hot spring so he wouldn't slip. Dean followed quickly, slapping Castiel on the shoulder as he passed the angel. "Come on, Cas."
Castiel stepped into the pool, feeling the hot water touch his skin and making it tingle. He kind of liked it. Sitting near Dean on the bench, he inhaled sharply at
the intense heat wrapping around stomach and torso, making it slightly hard to breathe. After a minute, his body relaxed and it felt good. Turning to look at the
brothers, he watched as they leaned back, with their arms stretched across the edge of the pool behind them. Their heads lay back with their eyes closed as they exhaled deeply in relaxation. Following their lead, Castiel found himself enjoying the heat of the water and relative silence in the pool. He liked the sound of the moving water as other customers moved about the pool. The feeling of the water swaying against his torso slightly tickled, causing him to chuckle softly. Taking a deep breath, he enjoyed the hot smell of the water filling his senses. He'd forgotten how good it felt to be surrounded by hot water, having pushed the previous experience with James to the back of his mind for so long.
"So, Cas. What do you think? Better than last time?" The angel heard Dean ask, nodding as he kept his eyes closed. "I like it very much. Thank you, Dean."
"Good." Dean replied, looking at the angel's relaxed body. He noticed Castiel was still wearing the amulet that hid him from Demons. He briefly wondered if there were any demons at the bathhouse today. Turning his head to look at his brother, he watched as Sam lowered himself further into the water until only his face was above the water. His long hair floated on the surface as he was completely relaxed. Satisfied that his brother and the angel were enjoying themselves, he leaned his head back down and shut his eyes, enjoyed the cool air as the wind gently brushed against his upper body.
He must have fallen asleep, because the next time he opened his eyes the sun had set, leaving them in utter darkness, save the stars sparkling above and the torches surrounding the pool. The reflections of the fires dancing on the water entranced him for some time before he looked around the pool when he noticed that Sam wasn't beside him anymore. The pool was mostly empty now, except for a few men and women who stayed behind to enjoy the stars. He found his brother floating in the middle of the pool, eyes closed as if he were sleeping. A few women nearby were giggling at Sam as he floated passed them.
Turning his attention to the angel, Dean noticed Castiel was resting with his eyes closed. His chest rose and fell in a steady pattern, and he looked so peaceful. Pulling a hand from the water, the elder Winchester rubbed his face, enjoying the heat before it quickly cooled. He shivered at a sudden brush of cool wind, dipping himself further into the hot water and breathed out a sigh of relief. Deciding another nap was in order, Dean closed his eyes and allowed himself to dream.
Some time passed before Dean felt something tickling his face. Swatting at the offending thing, he heard a giggle beside him. He opened his eyes to see his brother holding a long blade of grass. "Wake up, Dean. It's getting colder out here. Let's go inside where it's nice and hot." Sam slightly shivered as another cool wind brushed by.
Dean sat up, shivering at the wind. He watched as Sam moved to stop in front of the angel, the water rippling gently around him. Sam put a hand on Castiel's chest, shaking the ebony awake. "Cas. Hey, Cas. Wake up. It's time to go inside."
Castiel opened his incredibly blue eyes, looking between Sam and Dean as he released a deep sigh. "Alright." He muttered as he brought a hand up to rub his face, sending water droplets to slide down his skin and back into the water. With another sigh, he quickly stood up, not seeming to be affected by the cool wind.
Dean stood up next, but quickly plopped back into the water, clacking his teeth at the cold air. "Dammit! It's freezing."
"It's not that bad." Sam chuckled as he stood up as well, earning a glare from his brother. "Shut up, Sammy."
"Jerk."
"Bitch."
"Assbutt."
Dean and Sam's eyes widened as they stared at the angel who wore a smug expression. Sam desperately tried to contain his giggles. "A-Assbu-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He barked in laughter, falling backwards into the water and creating large rippling waves across the pool. The few people on the other side of the water scowled in agitation.
"Assbutt? Really, Cas? You couldn't think of a better word?" Dean raised his eyebrows and shook his head with a grin, his body still under the hot water.
"You and Sam are always referring to each other with curses. I thought I'd add to it." Castiel narrowed his eyes in thought, before extending his arm and gently
brushing his fingertips against the elder Winchester's forehead, making his body warm up. Dean shook his head and stood up, not feeling the cold air touch his skin and patted Castiel on the shoulder. "Thanks, Cas. Let's go have more fun." He walked towards the pool exit with Castiel and Sam in tow.
"I already asked someone to get our bath prepared. So it should be ready by the time we get inside." Sam spoke up as they walked up the steps carefully. "Great. Thanks, Sammy."
By the time they got inside, the woman from the front desk met them with a blushing smirk. "My, my. You boys get more attractive each time I see you." She said while ogling their chests. Sam and Castiel squirmed under her gaze. Dean lavished in it, throwing her a wink. She pretended to fan herself with a giggle and turned around.
"If you'll follow me, I'll bring you to your next bath." She stopped briefly and looked at them over her shoulder. "Will you be spending the night? Or riding out
when you're finished."
"I don't think I could ride anywhere after this. So we'll stay for a night. Thanks, babe." Dean smirked at her again, following her when she continued forward. The boys looked around the various pools divided by walls for privacy, their eyes widening at the various creatures they spotted among the humans. Some pools contained Djinn, vampires, werewolves, shifters, witches, and ghosts. As they passed, Dean felt their eyes on him, not in a good way. He was sure some of these creatures he'd
hunted in the past.
"This bathhouse is neutral ground for everyone, especially the different creatures. There is so much violence and bloodshed going on in the world. It's nice to have a place to relax and be safe for a while, at least." The woman said with a smile as she stopped at a pool that looked about ten feet around. "And
here we are. Get comfortable and we'll bring your food shortly." Before she left though, she turned to Castiel and put a soft hand on his bicep, looking him in the eyes, ignoring Sam and Dean's curious looks. "This place is safe for all creatures, including you. I can smell that you're not human. You're something powerful and very pure. Something no one's seen for ages. Am I right, Angel?" She whispered, with a kind smile, running her hand up and down his arm, watching him fidget slightly.
"Don't worry, handsome. I won't tell anyone. Werewolf promise. Besides, no one else should know you what you are. The only reason I know is because my 84th great-grandmother passed down her accounts with the angels, including the wonderful smell they exude." She said softly, sniffing the air with a happy sigh. With that she left to head back the way she came.
"I can't believe I was flirting with a werewolf." Dean shivered in digust as he stepped into the pool. Sitting down next to Sam who had already claimed a spot.
"I think she's quite charming, and kind." Castiel spoke softly as he took a step into the heated water. Looking over his shoulder, he noticed several of the creatures looking sympathetically at the scarred wounds on his back. He quickly stepped further into the pool, sitting down to hide his back from view.
"So. She knows your a...you know. Let's make sure she's the only one. We don't need demons tracking us after this." Dean looked sternly between the angel and his brother. Casting his eyes about to glare at the curious eyes looking at his angel friend.
"I like this pool better than the one out back. It smells sweet and earthy like Lavender and Frankincense." Sam said happily, changing the subject as he sniffed the water earning an eye roll from his brother. "You and your scents."
"I agree with Sam. It is quite a refreshing and relaxing smell." Castiel mumbled as he closed his eyes and sank into the pool with a sigh. "I regret that I have not tried this human joy again, until now. To think I could have been bathing with the ancient peoples long ago."
"I'm just glad I got you to do it again." Dean smirked, slapping his hand across the water and splashing Castiel in the
face. Sam sank into the water more, muttering, "Oh, here we go", as Castiel splashed water right back at Dean.
"Take that, you assbutt!" Castiel growled playfully with another splash.
"Come on, Cas! Can't you think of a better curse?" Dean grumbled, spitting the water from his mouth.
"I like it. Or maybe I should just call you an ass."
"No, you're right. Assbutt is fine." Dean chuckled as he jumped forward, grabbing the angel's head and pushing him underwater as they began to wrestle, causing waves to lap against the edges of the pool, and Sam.
"Come on, guys. Settle down." Sam grumbled, quickly swimming out of the way when the wrestling pair invaded his vicinity. "The food's going to be here soon."
"Then we'll stop when it gets here." Dean huffed as he pinned Castiel to the edge of the pool, staring down at the angel playfully. "You ready to give up, Cas?"
"You won't triumph over me. You're not strong enough." Castiel bit back with a smirk, pushing Dean off him and pouncing on the fallen warrior, pushing him under the water as they continued to wrestle. Dean held his breath, and circled his arms around the angel's waist below the water to bring himself closer to the angelic body. With a smirk he opened his mouth and bit Castiel's stomach, leaving a mark. He heard the angel's shout above the water and felt the arms trying to push him away, but Dean would not relent. He bit once more before popping out of the water, the angel still in his arms.
"Did you just bite me?" Castiel glared at Dean incredulously as he attempted to push himself away from the offending man, causing the elder Winchester to smirk. "When you're up against a powerful foe, you've got to find their weak spots." Dean watched as Castiel struggled, arching his back and pushing against the man's shoulders to no avail.
"I have no weaknesses, Dean! At least none that you could use on me here." Castiel bit out, frustrated at Dean's arms tightening around him. "Shall we test that theory then?" Dean laughed as he rushed forward in the water, confusing Castiel in where the man was taking him until his lower back pressed against the edge of the pool, confining him.
"Dean." Castiel growled, not liking the look in the elder Winchester's eyes as he lowered his eyes to the angel's chest. "No, Dean! Not here!" Sam
barked, a mad blush crawling up his face.
"Sorry, Sammy, but he asked for it." Dean grinned darkly, pulling his arms from around the angel, but used his body to keep Castiel pinned against the edge. Castiel glanced at Sam in confusion, because the younger Winchester obviously knew what his brother was planning. He briefly watched Sam's eyes widen before a sudden pain shot through his body.
Dean barked in laughter at Castiel's embarrassing squawk when he pinched the angel's nipples, twisting them viciously as he watched the ebony writhe against.
"Dean!" Castiel growled pitifully, grabbing Dean's hands and trying to pull them away from him, only to realize it caused more pain. "Get your hands off me!" He dug his nails into the grinning man's hands. "Not until you admit that I found a weakness." Dean growled back, twisting harder and cackled when Castiel arched his back again, this time pressing the back of his head and his shoulders against the elevated floor. His chest heaved with rapid breaths, but he refused to let go of Dean's hands as he attempted to remove the man's fingers from his body.
"Uh uh, that's not how you yield, Cas. You need to admit defeat, to me, your vanquisher." Dean bent forward, pressing his body against Castiel's while whispering his words.
"I will never admit defeat, Dean. Least of all to you." The angel sneered playfully, groaning in pain when Dean's fingers pinched harder.
"Come on, Dean. I think he's had enough. This is so embarrassing!" Sam pleaded with a dark blush, lowering himself into the water to avoid the many eyes looking their way.
"Not until he admits defeat!" Dean growled, turning his head to face his brother, not realizing he'd just sealed his fate. Castiel smirked, releasing Dean's hands
and grabbing the elder Winchester's hair and shoulder, quickly pulling the man towards him.
"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing, Cas?!" Dean barked, letting go of Castiel's nipples to grab at the angel's hands, reversing their predicament.
"I am simply retaliating, Dean." Castiel smirked as he pulled the elder Winchester onto him as he lifted his head to bite the man's neck roughly, despite Dean's
valiant struggles, but not enough to draw blood. He laughed against the grappling man's neck when Dean did a squawk of his own.
Once Dean was clearly outsmarted, Castiel pushed him backwards, making him fall into the water with an 'oomf'. "Who defeated who, Dean? Do you surrender? Or do you need another lesson?" Castiel narrowed his brilliant blue eyes at Dean, who bared his teeth with a growl.
"You got me when I was distracted! That doesn't count!" Dean strode up to the angel until they were nose to nose. "I saw an opportunity, and I seized it. A lesson I've learned from watching humans in battle for millennia." Castiel hissed playfully, watching Dean's green orbs shake slightly as he stared back with a frown. He tilted his back with a defeated groan, opening his mouth he was about to respond until someone cleared their throat.
"Ahem! Are we interrupting your lover's quarrel?" A familiar feminine voice asked, causing Dean to suddenly become aware of how close he was to Castiel. The elder Winchester jumped back and turned to face the intruder. "It's not what it looks like. We were just playing around." He chuckled with a blush, while rubbing the back of his neck. The girl just shrugged her shoulders before directing the two other women to place the three trays of food down, nearest each man.
"Now since you're all so big and strong, I figured you boys would like your own food rather than share. Especially you, big boy." She winked at Sam, laughing at his blush.
"Gee, thanks...We didn't introduce ourselves yet have we?" Dean remarked, walking towards the edge of the pool nearest the girl, holding out his hand to shake hers. "I'm Dean Winchester. That's my brother, Sammy." Dean directed at Sam, who waved a hand at them and making the two other women blush madly while giggling. "And that's Cas." He finished, pointing his thumb at Castiel over his shoulder without taking his eyes off the young hostess.
"The mighty Winchester brothers. Your reputation precedes you. Though I admit I knew who you were when you arrived. I'm Martie, by the way." She grinned, before standing up. "Now would you boys like a shoulder massage while you eat?" Martie asked, slipping her shoes off as if she already knew the answer.
"Of course, M'Lady." Dean smirked, sending her a wink which she threw right back at him. "Unfortunately for you Dean, I've staked my claim on dear Cas." Martie sniggered at Dean's flabbergasted look, causing Sam to bark in laughter while swimming forward and slapping his brother on the back. "She got you good."
Castiel watched as Martie sat on the edge of the pool, letting her legs sink in the water, walking up to her when she motioned for him to come closer. "Alright, Cas. I wanted to spend some more time with you, since I've never actually seen an angel before tonight. I want to understand some of the things my Great Grandmother experienced.
"I am happy to grant you this wish, but aren't you needed at the front desk in case other customers come along?" Castiel asked, tilting his head in confusion as he looked upon her smiling face. "No, Cas. I got another girl to cover for me. I'm not letting this opportunity slip past me. Now turn around and sit down." She twirled her finger, indicating her instructions, smiling when the angel obeyed and sat between her legs.
The moment her hands touched his shoulders, she felt a wave of power rush through her hands and up her arms, causing her to shiver. "Wow." She whispered into his ear, keeping her promise of not letting others know of his identity. "That's some power you've got there, Cas. My Great Grandmother wrote something similar in her journals. Said something like, "The moment my fingers brushed his flesh, I felt a sense of calming wash over me to the point that I felt my sorrows washed away", you know. I think she was in love with the angel dude she met, though she didn't write his name down. Maybe he didn't want her documenting his name for someone to find later on." Martie reminisced, digging her fingers and thumbs into the strong muscles of the angel's shoulders, feeling Castiel relax. His closed his eyes, allowing his head to drop back to rest against her stomach, giving her a nice view of his chest. Biting her lip, she slid her hands down his shoulders and onto his chest, gently massaging his firm pectoral muscles.
Castiel opened his eyes when something pressed against his lips, looking to see a large red grape in Martie's hand. The young werewolf was smiling down at him, once again pressing the grape to his lips until he opened his mouth, allowing her to push it in with a finger. Both blushed as her finger traced his bottom lip when she removed her finger from his mouth, before reaching to grab another grape, this time popping it into her own mouth.
Several grapes later, Martie gently pushed Castiel forward so she could massage his back, pausing to look at the jagged scars from his shoulder blades to the small of his back. Castiel expected her to ask about them, but was happily surprised that she seemed to ignore them all together as she tenderly worked her hands along his back, being sure to be gentle around the scars.
Looking towards Sam and Dean, Castiel noticed that Dean appeared to be asleep with his head resting on the girl's thigh as she massaged her fingers along his scalp. Most of the food on his tray was gone, eaten either by him or his masseuse. Sam smiled at Castiel when their eyes met. He was enjoying the girl's fingers digging into his back, his eyes rolling upwards in delight.
Another hour has passed, and by then all the food from the platters were gone. The girls left some time ago, giving them some privacy before it was time to close the pools.
"Ah, man. This day has been awesome!" Dean sighed in contentment, sliding his body back into the water after sitting on the edge of the pool to cool his heated body for a few minutes.
"Indeed it has, Dean." Castiel agreed with a smile, waving his hands just beneath the water's surface, watching the small waves forming from the motion of his hands. "I am truly grateful for this experience. James would have liked this bathhouse."
"Alright, boys. The pools are shutting down for the night. You can go back to the changing rooms and change into your clothes. Then I'll take you to your room for the night." Martie smiled happily as she walked up to the pool, watching the brothers and angel stand up and carefully exit their pool, like all the other customers were doing. Castiel followed Sam and Dean towards the exit, along with the other patrons, stopping only when he felt a hand lightly touch the back of his arm. Turning around, he didn't see anyone beside him.
"Cas. Come on." Dean called from further ahead, having noticed the angel wasn't with them. Turning to face the Winchesters, Castiel continued forward, wondering who it was. The touch felt more curious than malevolent. Perhaps another creature was curious about his species. "Did something happen, Cas?" Sam asked, looking behind the angel when Castiel caught up to them, watching as the ebony shook his head. "No, Sam." Castiel answered, following them as the brothers continued forward after shrugging their shoulders.
By the time they reached the changing room, they stopped outside the door, hearing the boisterous laughter and many voices inside, indicating the room was quite crowded. "I think I'll wait out here till it clears up." Dean plopped down onto the floor outside the door, Castiel and Sam joined him soon after. They waited fifteen minutes before a few groups of tired and laughing men trickled out of the room. Ten more minutes passed before another group exited. Not a single woman left their changing room yet. Dean figured they were all chatting up a storm and probably planned on leaving in one herd.
The last group of men to leave consisted of five bodies. "Hey, it's all yours, man." A young Djinn pointed his thumb behind him towards the door, before he continued walking. Dean could faintly hear one of the other men whisper, "Dude. That was Dean Winchester, and his brother Sam. I don't know who the other guy was, but this is so cool. I hope they don't kill us in our sleep." Another djinn soon answered in a loud whisper. "They can't here. This place is neutral ground."
With a chuckle, Dean stood up and pushed open the door, entering the room with Sam and Castiel hot on his heels. They changed quickly and met Martie at the front desk.
"Alright, boys. If you'll follow me." She grinned and headed down a long hallway lined with doors on either side. "This looks like the halls of Heaven. Except
everything in Heaven is white." Castiel mumbled quietly, noticing Dean and Sam turning their heads towards him from the corner of his eye.
"Really?" Sam asked, thoughtfully observing the angel's face as they continued to walk. "What's Heaven like?" He wondered. Castiel's face remained stoic as he answered, looking into Sam's eyes. "Heaven is filled with memories. You're very best memories that you relive after you die. Each door in Heaven represents a soul, and some souls, like soulmates, are able to share a Heaven."
"And we're here!" Martie sang happily as she stopped in front of a door, unlocking it with a key. As soon as the door was opened, she ushered them in, allowing them to look in awe at the spacious room. A window on the far wall let them see out over a lake, with mountains in the background.
"Wait. There are no mountains or lakes around her. So why-?" Dean was cut off as Martie intervened with a chuckle. "We had a witch cast a spell over the rooms, giving each room a different scenic view. We thought it might be more relaxing for our customers, instead of looking out at the busy streets."
"I think it is very nice. Quite relaxing indeed. Thank you, Miss Martie." Castiel bowed to her with a charming smile. "Oh, you're welcome, my dear angel." She smirked back, brushing her fingers through his hair before leaving for the door. "Breakfast is at sunrise. Don't be late, or you won't get any of the good stuff. Also, the privy is out back. I would suggest using it before you go to bed. It gets mighty cold at night outside, and you wouldn't want your bum freezing to the seat. Have a good night, my handsome guests." She winked before shutting the door behind her.
"Man, I'm ready for some shut eye." Dean stretched with a sigh, his back popping before flopping down into one of the three spacious cots in the room.
"I'm going to use the privy. You should too, Dean." Sam walked to the door, opening it slowly. "Cas, can you let us in when we get back?" He asked, watching his brother stalk towards him grumpily, obviously not wanting to go anywhere.
"Of course, Sam." Castiel smiled as he looked upon the scenic mountain view, hearing the door shut softly, and began to undress until he remained in only his trousers to allow him to sleep in comfort. He'd grown used to sleeping this way since inhabiting James's vessel. The amulet hung from his neck, continuing to hide his presence from any demons. He hoped there were no demons at the bathhouse this night. It would be troublesome for him and the Winchesters if someone recognized him and warned other demons of his whereabouts. Shivering at the memories of Alistaire torturing him, he rubbed his face with shaking hands, hoping the contact would dispel his thoughts.
A knock at the door broke him from his reverie, causing him to shake his head. This was neutral ground. If there were any demons, they had to respect the law of this place, just like everyone else. With haste, he moved to the door, opening it to reveal the Winchesters shivering in the hallway.
"Damn, it's cold out there." Dean stuttered, his teeth chattering as he rubbed his hands down his arms, trying to create warmth through friction. Sam, however, didn't seem to be bothered by the cold.
"Let me help you, Dean." Castiel spoke up, raising his hand and gently gripped Dean's shoulder. Closing his eyes to concentrate, he pushed a
small portion of his grace into the man's body, feeling Dean relax beneath his touch.
"Thanks, Cas. That's much better." Dean clapped Castiel on the shoulder, before going to his cot and removing his armor, boots, and shirt. When done, he snuggled under the blankets on his cot, listening to Sam finish in removing his armor, and Castiel's creaking cot as the angel situated himself into a comfortable position. The angel didn't plan to sleep, but he wasn't going to refuse laying in a comfortable bed.
"Night, Sam. Night, Cas." Dean mumbled, closing his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep as Sam and Castiel muttered their own good nights.
o0o
The bath house seen was loosely based on the movie 'Spirited Away'. I couldn't resist it.