January 28, 2007
Dean loved barbecue. Specifically, barbecue ribs. More specifically, barbecue ribs from "Shorty's". "Shorty's" was the best barbecue joint in all of Lawrence, and thankfully not too many people seemed to know about it, because usually it wasn't too busy. So when Dean decided to take Cas out to dinner to commemorate a month of them being roommates it was an easy decision of where he wanted to go to celebrate. Cas had obliged, despite his comments that he had no need to consume food. To which Dean responded, "Well, try it tonight because I'm pretty sure even your angelic taste buds can enjoy this!"
When they walked in a waitress came over to them and handed them menus as she led the couple to their table. Dean smiled, but laid off on the charm he had been used to in the past. While he wasn't exactly entirely open about his sexuality, there wasn't as much of a need to pretend. He'd already told all the guys he was friends with, and most of his coworkers knew, and so far they'd all been pretty okay with it. Occasionally a few people would question, and in one case he suddenly was invited to join the decoration committee for the school dance-because apparently people think I'm Queer Eye-but nothing terrible happened. He was still pretty quiet about it at church, for somewhat obvious reasons, but in general he was more comfortable than he had been. Even Mom and Dad are less judgy than before, even if Mom is trying to get me to date one of her many friend's daughters…
The two sat across from each other at a booth on the edge of the restaurant, with Dean thanking the waitress after they'd placed their orders. Well, Dean placed their orders. He ended up ordering for both himself and Cas after the angel appeared absolutely lost trying to pick an item from the phone-book sized menu. He decided on a ranchero-burger, guessing it would be a safe enough option for the angel's non-existent palette. The waitress smiled as she noted the orders and promised to be back in a few minutes with their drinks.
"I still can't believe it's been a month." Dean noted, playing with the salt and pepper shakers, "I know that we didn't meet because of the best reason…" He paused to stop the rising bile at that thought, "But I'm glad we met."
Castiel returned his smile, "I am glad that we met as well Dean Beretta. I promise I will continue to help as much as I can, and I find it appropriate to commemorate one month together."
As the two continued chatting about nothing in particular an older woman stood up from her table a few feet away and walked over to the two diners. Dean turned toward her and was surprised to see a scowl when he responded, "Can I help you?"
"You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, spreading your vile nature in public. There are children here!"
Dean turned to see that there were a few kids in the restaurant, including two from his class, "Yeah, I see them." He turned toward them, "Hey Mrs. Jacobson! Hey Sarah, Hi Ted! Don't forget conferences are postponed a day because of the construction on the parking lot."
The mother nodded politely as the two students waved at their teacher, "Hi Mr. Beretta!" Ted called.
The woman reddened as she crossed her arms, "You are disgusting. You need God."
"Well, lady, based on how you're acting I don't want to join any church you're part of. After all, Judge not lest ye be judged… Or am I mistaken in my quotation of Matthew?" Dean shifted in his seat to face her. "I'm Catholic, and a pretty damn good one at that. For one, I don't cause a scene when I see two men out getting lunch together."
She reddened further, turning to Cas, "And what about you? Huh? Your boyfriend the only one who can talk?" She said the word as if it were poison.
"I have no need to speak to you. I know my father loves me, regardless of what a simple-minded bigot may think." Cas turned away to continue talking with Dean when he was suddenly soaked with a glass of Diet Dr. Pepper.
The other diners were silent as the woman stood, appearing triumphant. Dean was trembling with rage. Every fiber of his being wanted to flip over the table and deck this lady until she was eating her barbecue through a straw. But before he could, Cas placed a hand on Dean's chest and calmly stood up. He turned to the other diners. "Let this be a lesson in what happens when you allow hatred to overcome your ability to see each other as fellow humans." He turned toward Dean, "Let's leave."
**SPN**
The manager had apologized and offered to give Dean and Cas their dinner for free (after escorting the woman out), but they had decided to decline and instead return home. After a shower Cas was no longer sticky, but he certainly wasn't as neutral as normal. In fact, Dean almost thought that he looked upset.
"Hey? Are you okay?" Dean motioned for Cas to come into his room. He'd already changed into his pajamas and had been reading when he saw Cas hovering outside his door.
"I'm fine. I apologize for lingering."
"Cas, it's okay if you want to talk. I know you, and you look off. Is it because of what that lady did?" Dean sat up, "Because honestly, she's wrong. Look, I know you're the one here who's trying to comfort me and everything, but let me try to be the comforter for the night. Come over here." He patted the bed next to him. Castiel complied and sat next to Dean on the bed.
"It is disheartening to learn that people can be so cruel." Castiel frowned, "Particularly when they do not know those they hate."
"Unfortunately we humans are surprisingly good at hating others." Dean stuck his arm out to wrap around Castiel. "But, most of us aren't like that."
"I know."
Dean slowly rubbed Cas' back in circles as he leaned over and placed his temple against the angel's. "I'm not perfect, honestly I still feel a bit broken right now, but you're helping. Thank you."
Castiel brightened, "You are welcome. You are a good comforter, Dean."
"Well thank my Mom, she's the one who always used to do this when I felt bad as a kid."
"I certainly may." He replied.
