December 31, 2006/January 1, 2007

Author's Note: I apologize for the delay with posting! I recently got a new job and had to relocate to a new city, and as such I have been super busy recently! I promise I will be back to normal posting (2 ish times a week) soon. Anyway, back to the story.

**SPN**

"I understand that this is the end of your calendar year, but I lack understanding of why this bears significance and necessitates that we attend a 'Gala Under the Stars'." Castiel placed the invitation on the table-Dean had forgotten to mention it to him until literally a few hours prior to the party. Which made sense, given he likely was deliberating being in public at all with the sting of trauma still quite recent and related so closely to parties… "However, I understand that this is one of your friends throwing a party for everyone to enjoy the New Year festivities-despite the actual time of creation being much closer to your concept of 'July'. I believe that if you are willing, going to it may help you with your recovery and re-acclimation." He paused, waiting for Dean to respond.

Dean inhaled and looked upward, "I guess…"

"Are you willing? If you are uncomfortable I do not want to force you to do it."

"I'll go-but promise if I say so we can leave." Dean hesitantly responded, attempting to maintain control of an evening he was unsure of.

"I promise."

"Well, if we're going, there's one thing…" Dean flipped over the invitation. On the back in large black letters it stated, "FORMAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED. COUPLES ONLY."

Castiel blinked a moment, "But I already own a suit."

"Not that part…" Dean rolled his eyes.

**SPN**

It was nearly nine when Dean parked his car in front of the large white colonial home. C.J. has done well for himself, investing in a bunch of different real estate companies that just kept churning out profits. With the housing market as crazy as it is, chances are he'll end up retiring to Boca while I'm still explaining addition to six year olds. He stepped out and waited for Cas to follow. Cas already had a suit-the one he had worn when he'd arrived-and Dean had dusted off the one from his parent's vow renewal to wear for the evening. As they walked up the brick path he nervously eyed the other partygoers. No one seemed to notice him yet-though surely someone would ask about Cas soon enough.

For his part, Cas had agreed to act as Dean's chaperone for the evening-his choice of words. But that didn't help the fact that he hadn't officially came out to all his friends yet-and showing up with Cas certainly wouldn't hamper any gossip. He spied Sam's car parked closer to the house (he and Jess had said they were going to be there around eight), and breathed a sigh of relief-if worse comes to worse I can duck out and have Sammy cover for me.

Dean rang the doorbell and was greeted with the loudest suit he'd ever seen. Never before had so many flame decals blended seamless with pseudo-tattoo decals.

"Dean!" C.J. embraced him in a bear hug-the husky man's firm grip momentarily knocking the wind out of Dean.

"Hey C.J." Dean smiled, "Never seen a Von Dutch suit before."

"I know! Totally bitchin' right?" He stuck his arms out to show off the many designs.

"For sure…"

"Who's that?" C.J. stuck his thumb out at Castiel.

Castiel nodded, "My name is Castiel. I am Dean's chaperone for the evening."

C.J.'s eyebrow lifted slightly, "Oh… I didn't know Dean was a switch hitter-so to speak."

Dean reddened.

"I do not see how baseball is related to this conversation." Castiel replied-only knowing the term because Dean had shown him a few old trophies from his sporting career in high school.

"It isn't." Dean stated.

"Anyway, come on in. Almost everyone else is here." C.J. moved aside to let Dean and Cas in. The two walked through the large foyer and into the middle of the house. The massive home had more than enough room for entertaining, with at least four living/family rooms on the first floor (by Dean's count), a library, formal dining room, and large kitchen.

"Your friend certainly has done well for himself." Cas stated as the two neared a group of people.

"Yeah, C.J.'s always seemed to be lucky when it came to money." Dean stated, slowing as they neared the group. Before they entered someone called their names.

"Dean! Cas!"It was Jess. "Come over here!" She motioned for the two to come over. "Sam's doing Bonnie Tyler on the karaoke machine!"

"Jesus, how drunk is he?" Dean glimpsed in to see Sam attempting to hit a high note in the middle of "Total Eclipse of the Heart".

"Actually, so far he's only had three beers." Jess smirked, "But he knows that I love a man who can sing so he decided to get up there."

Castiel stared for a moment, "It is a nice gesture of his admiration toward you and his romantic involvement. Seeing as he is not naturally gifted in this, yet he does it as a sign of commitment to you."

"Well, sometimes you do things you wouldn't normally when you're in love. You just have to show them you love them, even if it means doing something you aren't 100% used to." She smiled. "So, I'm glad to see you two came. How's everything?" She turned to Dean, implying a deeper meaning than the surface question.

"Cas and I are talking and he's trying to get me to work through it-I wanted to stay home, but it makes sense to still see people."

"As long as you're still comfortable." She turned to Cas. "Because the healing process is different for everyone."

"Of course." Castiel nodded.

Sam finished his song and stepped down, walking over to Jess and linking his arm back around her waist. "Hey, glad to see you guys here. Didn't think you'd end up coming."

"Yeah, well, Cas decided to nudge me." Dean commented.

And my personal calls apparently meant less than the words of an angel you've known for all of a few months at most… "Well, anyway, I'd love to chat but I promised C.J. a word-I'll catch you in a few…"

**SPN**

"5…4…3…2…1… Happy New Year!" The crowd shouted as the ball dropped on the big-screen in the center family room.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind…" The television played as a handful who knew the words sang along. Dean watched as some of the couples nearby kissed. Sam and Jess were holding close-their height difference not mattering when Sam kissed her forehead as she giggled. Dean sighed for a moment before he felt a tug on his shoulder. He turned to face Cas who-as always-was standing a bit too close.

"Hey Cas, what's…"

Before he could finish the question he felt the angel's lips pressed against his, the stubbly chin rubbing against his. He felt as if a bolt of lightning were surging into him. It was a split second, Dean swore he felt tongue, then Cas was standing next to him as if nothing had happened. Sam had noticed.

"Cas, we need to talk. Outside. Now." Dean grabbed his arm and the two walked out to the rear patio-massive gas heaters blasting the brick space to keep it warm for the guests who decided to be outside during the festivities.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Dean nearly shouted, only keeping his voice low to ensure others did not hear. "I mean, it isn't that I don't like you, but like…" Dean flailed about as he tried to process everything. "I've never been Frenched by an angel in front of a crowd before!"

Castiel was quiet a moment, "I apologize, I realize I was too forward. I should not have acted on the urges I had at the moment."

"No… I mean, Cas, that was great-really, like, I do like you… But like, maybe just say something first." Dean was flustered, his words running together as he tried to sort out the fifty different conflicting emotions running through him.

"You asked me to be your partner tonight, I thought that was you initiating a courtship."

Dean sighed as he sat down, "That wasn't what I had meant when I asked you to go with me. But, like, I do like you." Hell, I might be fucking in love with you.

"But you had not intended to be in a relationship." Castiel turned his face downward.

"Look, don't get me wrong-you're awesome, but right now I don't know. I'm still dealing with everything-and you're really helping, honestly." Dean smiled, "But I don't think I'm ready for a boyfriend. Maybe we keep the friend thing going for now, and when I'm back to being me we can see about maybe doing something…"

"I understand. I will remain vigilant in helping in your recovery." Castiel stated, seeming as emotionless as ever-though Dean swore he detected some slight dejection.

"Thank you for being my chaperone." Dean stuck out his hand.

"You are welcome." Castiel replied, receiving it as Dean pulled him into a brief hug.

"Let's get going. It's late, and while you don't sleep, I do." Dean wrapped his arm around Cas as the two walked around the side of the house and into the night.