December 29, 2006
He was right.
"Cas, did you move at all last night?" Dean cocked his head as the angel turned to face him. "Because it's kinda creepy just having you stand there for hours on end… No offense."
Castiel blinked as he registered what Dean had said, "I have no need to sleep, so I simply remained still and communed with my brethren. I apologize if it was unsettling."
Dean cocked an eyebrow, "How did you talk to the other angels? I didn't hear you."
"We speak in a different way than you-it is more like-" Castiel paused, unable to convey the method of communication in human terms, "-a radio built into my being that allows me to speak to them."
"Huh, so angel radio?" Dean nodded, "Well, in any case, we humans don't usually stand still for a few hours just zoned out. I don't mind if you do it-but maybe try a chair next time, for one it'll keep your knees from locking up."
"Duly noted." Castiel responded, mimicking the up and down motion of Dean's head-hoping that he was using the motion correctly.
Dean cleared his throat, "Well, I've got a few things to do before we can head out-unless you want to join me for my morning workout."
Castiel paused, "Exercise has been shown as an effective means to combat trauma, as has company with fellow individuals. I feel the combined effects may be cumulative. I would be fine with joining you."
"Okay, but I hope you don't mind-I tend to be pretty intense."
"I believe I can handle it."
**SPN**
After Dean lent Cas an old pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt (because the angel had thought he was going to work out in a suit), the two started with a circuit around the neighborhood. Cas had no issues keeping up, even as Dean started to get winded during the final mile. By time they returned to the house Dean was flushed, even though Cas didn't have a single bead of sweat on him. Dean went through his weight routine next-Cas just watched for this one, though it was nice to have a spotter-and ended with some stretching. While yoga was not his strong suit, he was continuing his training with it so that when he and Sammy met up to work on his Criss Angel powers he wouldn't be such a schlub at it.
"Alright Cas, I'm done for now. I'll be back in a few minutes so we can go and get you some other clothes and stuff." Dean panted as he headed for the bathroom.
Castiel nodded, understanding that they were going shopping to get him some 'human stuff' as Dean had called it. While Dean does not appear traumatized at the moment, that is likely due to the distraction of my new inclusion in his life. I will need to figure out what causes him distress in order to work to help him overcome his distress.
He furrowed his brow, If we are going shopping for 'human stuff', I suppose I should change out of this attire. I doubt many humans would wear exercise clothing in public. Castiel walked toward the door he'd seen Dean enter and swung it open.
"Cas!" Dean yelled, grabbing the shower curtain.
"Yes?"
"Dude! I'm naked! I just got out of the shower!" Dean's face reddened and his eyes dilated slightly and he adjusted the curtain toward his midsection.
Castiel remained still, "Based on your tone I am assuming that you are uncomfortable with my being in here with you."
Dean's redness moved from his whole face to just his cheeks, "Well…" He coughed, "It's customary to not enter when you know someone is naked somewhere. I'm not used to locking the door, so I guess it's kinda my fault…"
"I will leave."
"Wait." Dean rolled his eyes, "Honestly it really doesn't matter. You're like a little kid-you don't have any idea how sex works anyway, so if I accidentally flash you it won't do any harm." Dean paused, "Wait, that wasn't a good metaphor. Always keep your clothes on when children are present." He sighed, "Just hand me that towel, will you?"
Castiel complied.
"Thanks, Let me get changed and then we can head out." Dean tied the towel as he dropped the shower curtain.
**SPN**
The Wal*Mart in Lawrence was located in a large shopping center about ten minutes from Dean's house. Buried in the heart of suburbia, the large grey and blue building towered over everything else near it. Dean parked his car and the two men walked together through the sliding doors into the main entrance of the behemoth. Cas blinked as the hot-air blowers blasted him in the vestibule, with Dean dragging him out of the way and through the doors-pushing a shopping cart in front of him.
"Well, thank God it's after the holidays, because if not this would be a whole helluva lot more annoying." Dean commented, steering toward the men's department. Castiel remained mostly silent as he absorbed the large shopping center, turning briefly toward Dean to acknowledge that he was listening.
When they reached the men's pad Dean parked the cart and gestured toward the dozen-or-so racks in front of them. "Look around for a bit and pick out a few outfits." He paused, "And try something less formal, maybe?"
Castiel looked down at his suit and back up, "Should I emulate the way you dress?"
Dean blinked in surprise, "No-not really. Just kinda choose what you like."
"I do not know what I like. I am unaccustomed to purchasing garments." Castiel commented.
"Fine, I'll help. What size are you, anyway?" Dean started pawing through a rack of shirts.
Castiel stood silent a minute. "I am unsure."
Dean raised an eyebrow, "Ask your vessel."
"He is resting right now. I cannot wake him."
Dean huffed. "Fine. We'll need to check the tags then." Dean quickly added, "In private." Because you might start undressing right here, which I do NOT need at the moment.
Cas and Dean slipped into a fitting room and read off the sizes on his clothing. "Okay, so you're a 16 ½ shirt and an XL t-shirt…" Dean commented as he handed the garments back to Cas, "Now we need to see what size your pants are," Dean pointed toward the door, "So let me…"
Before Dean could step out the angel had removed his pants and was in the process of taking off his boxers. "Cas! Remember earlier?!" Dean nearly yelled.
He paused-and Dean swore he saw a spinning icon next to his forehead-"Humans prefer to remain clothed in public."
"Yes." Dean frantically stated.
"I understand."
"Good. Give me a minute, then read the tags." Dean unlatched the door and stepped out.
"The pants say that they are made by a company called Haband and are a mixture of polyester, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers. They should not be ironed or bleached." Castiel read.
"The size, Cas." Dean muttered.
"They are 34 waist and 34 height." There was a pause. "Size medium underwear."
Dean blushed slightly at the second mention before he replied, "Okay, get those back on, then we're getting you some stuff to wear.
In the end Cas ended up with a mix of business casual and Dean-esque clothing: a few khakis and some jeans, two polos, a couple of t-shirts (more nerdy ones-like Sam-because Dean had a feeling that there was no way in hell Cas would ever listen to any of the music he liked), some socks and underwear, and a pair of sneakers.
"This way you can have a few different outfits. I know you don't, like, sweat or anything, but if you never changed your clothes people would think you were weird." Dean explained as they checked out.
"That is understandable. Humans shed skin cells at a high rate, and their sebaceous oils and sweat cause odor and discoloration to fabrics necessitating a regular cycle of attire."
"Pretty much."
