The Blood You Drink

Chapter 4: Time

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Dean's alarm sounded much too early for his taste. He pulled his pillow over his head and tried to block out the sound. After a moment he realized he had promised Jo he'd arrive to work early again. He would have huffed if he could, and sat up, turning off the alarm. Getting up and looking in the mirror, he could see the life draining out of him. He needed to feed badly, but he only had one blood bag left. He opened his mini fridge and sucked down half of a bag. A little color returned to his face and the bags under his eyes faded enough to where they weren't as noticeable. If anyone asked why he looked sick, he could blame it on actually being sick.

He looked out his window to see heavy cloud cover. He was thankful storm season had finally come. Looking over at his table, he saw it as if Castiel was still sitting there talking with him. Everything had gone better than expected, but he still had to be careful. If anything happened to Castiel he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. His mind raced with scenarios as he began his walk to work. The air was thick with humidity, the streets busy with people headed to their jobs.

Dean opened the door to the pet shop to be greeted by Jo, "Hey, Dean!" she said giving him a quick hug. "Thanks so much for coming early to help me."

"Don't mention it," replied Dean as he tied his apron around his waist just like always. He started sweeping the floor as he looked at all the cages, mentally making a list of what needed attention.

Jo was busy behind the counter when she spoke, "That's weird." Dean made a sound like 'hm?' and continued his work. "You didn't bring the umbrella you carry around like an extra limb," she said in a teasing voice. Dean's eyes widened. SHIT. He was so busy thinking about Castiel, that he completely forgot about it with the cloud cover keeping the sun off his mind.

"Must have forgotten it," observed Dean with a forced smile. "I had other things on my mind." Jo slowly approached him, like a cat prowling, making him suddenly nervous. She narrowed her eyes as if looking into his soul.

"I knew it," she said. Dean raised an eyebrow. "What's her name?" Dean would have been holding his breath if he could. He relaxed his shoulders, making it look like he sighed. "Come on. Tell me. Tell me. Tell me."

Dean rolled his eyes. "There's no girl, and you're an adult. Act like it," he gently pushed her away. Jo smirked.

"Lies, I'd know that look any day. Dean's finally in loooove," she teased as she happily made her way over to get cleaning supplies. "I want a name."

"Can you please act like you're in your twenties?" asked Dean more embarrassed than annoyed. He could feel himself blushing. Of all the human things he could do, he didn't like that one.

Jo walked back over to Dean and shoved a bottle of spray against his chest. "Gimme a name and I'll act like an adult," she closed her eyes and smiled like a child.

Dean had to think for a moment. What could he say? "Cassie," was what came out of his mouth. Cassie? Are you some special kind of stupid?

"Oooo, Cassie!" said Jo. "Where'd you meet her? You only go two places in this whole town, church and here. I don't think I've even seen you buy groceries."

Dean's mind was racing. Come on. You've been a liar you're whole life. It's survival. But lying to Jo was harder than he had thought. Jo was like family to him, real family. Think, think, think. "She's an old friend. She was in town and stopped by. I probably won't see her again."

Jo's smile faded, "That's too bad. You seem so happy today." Dean couldn't help to smile a little. He was happy. Of all the things that could have gone wrong, nothing did go wrong. When he kissed Castiel, he didn't expect Castiel to kiss him back. That was a pleasant surprise he wanted to experience again more than anything. As Dean cleaned some of the cages—the part of the job he disliked the most— with a grin and spring in his step, Jo looked at him with a soft smile. "You've got it bad."

"Shut up and clean," said Dean, his smile still going strong.

The day passed by in a quick blur. Dean spent most of the day thinking about the clan. He had noticed a few members walking by the store; one even came in and bought a dog toy. He didn't say a word to them, but he knew why they were there. Sam was getting impatient, very impatient if he was having members of the clan check on Dean during the day. Dean looked over at the calendar that hung on the wall behind the register. He had less than two weeks to turn his mate and bring them back to the clan. What was he going to do? He couldn't turn Jo, he wouldn't. But if Sam found out about Castiel, he could only imagine what would happen. He knew he would be punished, and Castiel would probably be killed. The phrase, "caught between a rock and hard place" didn't even come close to how he was feeling about the situation.

Dean looked at the time and saw his shift was just about over. Looking out the doors, he saw the sun was blazing. Great! Now what? He had forgotten his umbrella, and it was too far of a walk to make without burning to death. Staying at the store until night wasn't an option. Jo would definitely ask why, and he was running out of excuses. Sure enough, about twenty minutes after his shift ended, Jo gave him a curious look, "What are you still doing here, Dean?"

Dean put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "Can't a guy hang around his work?" Jo opened her mouth to respond, but cut short by the bell of the store ringing, letting everyone know someone had come in. Dean turned and immediately felt fear brewing inside him.

"Hey, Dean," said Sam. He stepped into the store and closed his umbrella. "I thought I'd walk you home from work today." He looked over Jo and smiled. "Who's this?"

Dean looked at his brother with pure hatred. Threatening him in private was one thing, but to come to his work, the one place he had companionship and safety, that was low even for Sam. "Jo," said Dean not taking his eyes off Sam, "this is my brother, Sam. Sam, this is Jo."

Sam shook Jo's hand, "Nice to meet you. I'm surprised you can deal with my brother," he said in a joking tone. Jo giggled.

"Yeah, well, co-workers, what are you going to do?" she nudged Dean playfully. Sam laughed and handed Dean an umbrella. Dean's eyes widened slightly. How did Sam know?

"Come on little bro," said Sam gesturing towards the door. Dean unfolded the umbrella as he glared at Sam, suppressing an angry snarl.

Jo chuckled. "What is it with your family and umbrellas?"

"Long story," said Dean. He turned to face Jo and gave her a small smile. "See you tomorrow." Jo smiled in return and waved as Dean and Sam left the store. After Dean and Sam had walked down the street, Dean spoke up. "So why are you really here?"

Sam twirled his umbrella and pretended to sigh. "Can't a guy meet his brother's future mate? Thought I'd make a good impression."

"Once you're done talking bullshit, I'll listen," retorted Dean. Sam glanced around to make sure no one was near before he spoke his true intensions.

"One of the clan members said they saw you at the church," he said with danger in his voice. Dean felt like he was going to be sick. If vampires could vomit, he would have spewed everywhere by this point. "Then another said they saw the priest's car parked outside your apartment. Yes, I know where you live, Dean. It wasn't hard to figure out. Care to explain?"

Dean was on the verge of a breakdown. Everything was falling apart around him. He had to think of something quickly. "One of my co-workers invited me to attend church. I didn't want to be rude so I went the one time. And priest stopped by because he saw me there, and it was around the time that guy Matt was killed. He just wanted to be sure I was okay."

"Alright," replied Sam with a shrug. "Just wanted to be sure you remembered all the rules."

"I remember," stated Dean trying to stay relaxed. How could he not remember? It wasn't too long ago that a clan member had secretly been attending church. When they got caught, they were murdered in front of everyone else in the clan. Since vampires are damned, they viewed church as a waste of time and a threat to exposure. Whenever vampires tried to pray, they would burn slightly, almost like being in the sun. That had once caused a huge problem when someone saw, and the clan had to move.

Sam forced a smile. "Stay out of trouble little brother, and don't forget your time is running out." At that point, Dean snapped.

"Why?" he shouted. "Why is it so damn important for me to choose a mate? Every other member is going to get one, or already has one! Our numbers are fine! And you never get on one specific person like this! Why can't you just let me be?"

Sam narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on the umbrella as if it was his brother's throat. "You know better than to question me."

"Well I'm questioning you!" Dean was doing everything in his power not to feel intimidated. "I am sick of you kicking me around like a dog! I'm not interested in your title as clan leader!"

Sam backhanded Dean almost knocking him off of his feet. "That has nothing to do with this. And even if you did want my title, you are no threat to me. You will do as I say. Turn the girl," and with that said, Sam vanished. Dean held his cheek and winced in pain. He glanced back in the direction of the pet store. He couldn't let his brother win this one, no matter what.

Castiel was pacing in his living room. Taking in everything that had happened the previous night had him going on less than two hours of sleep. He had bags under his eyes and felt nauseous. He had barely eaten, and his legs were ready to give out. After making sure his cat had food, he decided to just go to Dean's apartment. Nothing else was going to help, and he had nothing to lose at this point. Getting in his car he began to drive over to the apartment complex.

Castiel's knuckles began to turn white as he gripped the steering wheel. What was he doing? He didn't even know if Dean was home, and it was rude to show up uninvited, but he felt like he didn't have a choice. He had to go back. Pulling up to the apartment, he saw light coming from the window, Dean was home. Dean walked by the window over to his mini fridge, and Castiel could see he was only in his boxers. I have really bad timing. Just when Castiel was about to let fear win and go home, Dean looked out his window and Castiel knew he saw. A wide smirk appeared on Dean's lips and he headed for the front door. Castiel swallowed and got out of his car. The front door opened and Dean leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed. "Well if it isn't my favorite priest," he said with a wink.

"Hello, Dean," said Castiel, feeling his stomach knot. He walked up until he stood right in front of Dean. "May I come in?" he asked trying to sound braver than he felt. Dean stepped aside and let Castiel walk in just like before.

Dean closed the door behind them, "You look like hell," he turned Castiel around to get a better look at him. "Did you sleep?"

Castiel shook his head, "Not really. Maybe an hour or two," he could feel his stomach growling in protest of not eating. He winced slightly.

"Haven't eaten either, I'm guessing," said Dean. He gingerly brushed back a stray piece of hair that was swept across Castiel's forehead. "I made a mess of you, didn't I?" he observed as he trailed his hand to Castiel's neck. "Let me make it up to you." Castiel felt like he could breathe. Dean was so close, and there was so little separating them. Only two layers of clothing were between them. Castiel felt his breath hitch as he felt Dean gently brush his lips against his own. Dean licked Castiel's bottom lip and then slowly pulled away. "I'll get dressed and I'll take you somewhere to eat." Dean gave Castiel a wink and went into his room to get changed. Castiel stood frozen, completely dazed.

Dean came out of his room wearing a green jacket over a grey t-shirt, and dark blue jeans. It was then that Castiel noticed a little gold charm on black rope that was resting around Dean's neck. Dean grabbed his house keys and umbrella, just in case. "Ready?" Castiel nodded his head and followed Dean outside. Without even thinking he walked over to his car and went to unlock it, but stopped when Dean whistled. "No offense, Cas, but that thing's a hunk of junk," he held up his car keys and gestured to the impala. "We're driving downtown in style." Castiel nearly shuttered hearing Dean call him Cas. He simply smiled at Dean and put his keys in his pocket. Dean waited for Castiel to get in the passenger seat, and then locked the car and blasted the radio. He revved the engine, backed out of the parkway, and began to speed downtown.

Castiel was gripping the dashboard as Dean drove. He had never driven so fast in his life. Dean had taken a back road where there were no lights, cops, and thankfully, no other cars. Occasionally, he drive over a small bump and caused the car to lift into the air before smacking down on the road again. He drove over another bump. "Whoo!" he shouted as the car hit the ground again. He looked over and saw Castiel's terrified expression. "You don't get out much do you?" Castiel shook his head and closed his eyes when he saw another bump in the road coming. He nearly came unglued when he felt the wheels lift off the road. "We need to change that. No mate of mine is going to be a stick in the mud," Dean looked over at Castiel and bit his bottom lip and winked playfully. Castiel thought he might be sick, if there was anything in his system to vomit. Between Dean making his stomach fill with butterflies, and the driving, he was glad he hadn't eaten.

Dean pulled up to a slightly crowded restaurant that was much further downtown than Castiel was used to. Castiel suddenly felt uneasy when he saw how many motorcycles were parked in the "handicap" lanes. Was there a gang inside? Where was he? He turned to Dean when he heard the engine of the car stop running. "Dean, where are we?"

"Just a restaurant," replied Dean. He smiled and got out of the car and opened Castiel's door for him. Castiel stepped out of the car and allowed Dean to shut the door.

"Dean," he started, "I can smell the alcohol out here." Dean laughed as he put his arm around Castiel, leading him to the doors.

"There's still food to order," he said. "Trust me. You'll like it here." Castiel relaxed his shoulders and decided to trust Dean. Dean led Castiel inside, and Castiel's stomach immediately dropped. Everywhere were men that looked like they belonged in gangs. Women wearing hardly anything waited the tables and the bar tender looked like someone out of a Rocky movie.

Castiel sat down at a table with Dean, "Dean, I'm a priest," he whispered. Dean was about to reply when a woman with blonde curls walked over to their table.

"What can I get you boys?" she asked placing her hands on the table and leaning forward. Castiel shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Dean smiled at her, "Hey, Rene, I'll take the usual," he turned to Castiel, "Cas what do you want?" Castiel seemed to snap out of a trance.

"I…um," he picked up the menu and nearly dropped it. "I'm not sure yet. Go ahead and get whatever Dean ordered."

Rene giggled, "Alright," she walked away with a sway in her hips. Dean turned to Castiel and chuckled. Castiel hid behind his menu.

"Not a word out of you," he snapped.

Dean sighed contently. "Oh dude, you have got to get out more. I've seen you with your friends at the church. Don't you guys ever go out for a drink?"

Castiel wished he could shrink and disappear in his seat. "We do go out for drink sometimes. We just go to places that are more…sophisticated."

"So you get your beer in a wine glass at the olive garden," replied Dean. Castiel sank down in his chair slightly. Dean rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh.

Rene returned with a beer for Dean, "Have you decided?" she asked turning to Castiel. Castiel nodded and handed her the menu.

"I'll just have burger," he said. Rene smiled and skipped away. Castiel let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair and placed his hands on the table.

Dean reached over and put his hand over Castiel's. "Listen, if this place makes you that uncomfortable we can just—"

"No," said Castiel shaking his head. "You're right. I need to just relax. I'm sure we'll have a good time here." He smiled softly and Dean nearly melted at the sight. Crystal blue eyes and a perfect smile, Castiel was absolutely perfect. Dean smiled back and squeezed Castiel's hand.

Rene brought Castiel his food and left quickly, knowing she wasn't going to be getting anywhere with either of the boys. She had seen them holding hands and instantly was bummed out. The cute ones always swung the other way.

Castiel ate slowly knowing he might get sick if he ate as fast as he wanted to. Dean drank his beer while keeping an eye on the billiards table. Castiel followed his gaze. "What are you looking at?" he asked. Dean gestured to a man that was currently taking his turn in the game.

"He and I have a bit of a rivalry in the game," he said with a small laugh. Castiel looked at him questioningly. "Look I may be the town shut in that people never see other than at work and church, but this is downtown. Nothing's weird out here. So I come here a lot just to get away. I know a lot of the folks here." He gestured to the bar tender, "That's Harry. He looks like a tough guy but he's got a yorkie at home the size of a tea cup." He pointed his beer at a brunette waitress. "That's Grace. Complete man hater. She went lezbo last year and has an on and off thing with Britney back there," he pointed at another brunette that had pecked a kiss on Grace's lips. He turned back to Castiel and laughed. "What's with the look?"

Castiel hadn't realized he had been giving Dean any type of look. He licked his lips nervously. "I guess I just never thought of you as someone that was, well, social. It's kind of nice. I like it," the corners of his mouth rose. Dean smirked.

"There's lots you don't know about me, baby," he said. Castiel felt his cheeks turn red. Dean stood up and gestured for Castiel to follow him. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" asked Castiel. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it aside as he got to his feet. Dean walked over to the billiards table and waited for Castiel to join him.

"We are going to play some pool," said Dean picking up a cue stick. He grabbed a second one and handed it to Castiel. Before Castiel could protest, the man Dean had spoken about stepped forward.

"Back for more, Dean?" he asked. He was a thin man with dark brown hair and a cigarette in his mouth. He pulled out a wad of cash from his leather jacket pocket. He slapped it down on the table.

Dean pulled out his own money and smacked it down with the other pile, "Keep talking tough, Ricky. You and Miles against me and Cas here." He grabbed a cube of chalk and slicked it on the tip of the cue. "I'll break."

"Um, Dean," mumbled Castiel. Dean positioned himself at the end of the table and shot the cue ball. He smirked when he sank both the 3 ball and the 6 ball.

"We're solid. Your turn, Cas," he said stepping aside.

Castiel suddenly felt very embarrassed and uncomfortable with the three men staring at him, waiting. "Dean," he said to where Dean was the only one that could hear him. Dean made his way over to Castiel. "I don't know how to play; I don't want you to lose your money." Dean came up behind Castiel and moved him to be in the position to take his turn. He kept both arms around Castiel and placed his hand over the priest's. Castiel felt slightly awkward having Ricky and Miles watching, but neither seemed to care. With Dean's help, Castiel was able to make a shot.

Castiel was surprised when he and the others actually got along. He drank a beer alongside Dean while they played a few rounds of billiards. For the first time in a long time, he felt relaxed; he felt like he could just have some fun for a change. He wasn't on call, he wasn't praying over anyone, he was just out with a friend having a good time. That's when it dawned upon him. Dean wasn't a friend, he barely knew him. But everything about Dean made him feel like he had known him forever. He felt himself slowly giving into Dean; even the idea of being turned didn't seem so bad, and he wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

Dean and Castiel left about an hour after their games were finished. Dean took the same back road home, which would have made Castiel nervous had he not been a tad tipsy. Dean knew the road well, which was good since his headlights did little to help him see at the speed he was driving. His senses as a vampire did help, however. Castiel yelled when they went over a bump, but instead of panicking, he laughed. Dean laughed with him and cheered every time the car was airborne.

Dean pulled into the apartment parkway and turned off the engine. "I had a good time," he said. Castiel nodded.

"I did too," he replied. Both men got out of the car and went to the front. They leaned against the hood the car and looked up at the sky. Where Dean lived, you could actually see some of the stars. "Thank you for everything."

"Not a problem," said Dean. "Hey are you okay to drive home?"

"Actually, not quite yet. I'm almost at 100 percent, but I don't think driving would be a good idea." Dean took Castiel's hand and led him to the apartment.

"Then come inside for a while," he said as he led Castiel inside. Castiel let out a sigh and sat down at the table. Dean walked over to his bed and took off his jacket, tossing it aside on the floor. He sat down and ran his fingers through his hair. Exhaustion was beginning to take him over. As he stood up he stumbled and fell to his knees.

"Are you okay?" asked Castiel as he knelt down by Dean. Dean shook his head. His skin had turned sickly pale and dark circles formed under his eyes again. It was much worse than before.

"Cas, get out of here!" he choked out. He was becoming desperate to feed, and since he was supposed to choose and change his mate, it was making instincts worse. His body shook as he tried to stand. "Please, you have to leave."

Castiel shook his head and helped Dean sit down on the bed. "I'm not leaving you." Dean shoved Castiel away.

"Go! I have to feed now. I don't want to hurt you," he said as he made his way over to the mini fridge. With shaky hands he pulled out the last blood bag and sucked down what was left. He tossed the bag aside, "It won't be enough. I'll collapse again." He sat back down on the mattress and stared at the floor. He would have to kill soon.

Castiel sat down next to him and caught his gaze with deep concern. "What will happen to you if you don't drink any blood?" He was scared for Dean's answer. Would Dean die?

"I'll go mad. I'll hunt and kill until I either snap out of it, or someone stops me. I don't know what I can do right now," replied Dean. He knew he could always return to the clan and ask for help, but he would rather die than receive assistance from his brother.

Castiel took a deep breath. "Dean, when you feed off of a person, do you have to drink all of their blood?"

Dean shook his head, "No, I can just," his eyes widened, "Cas, no!" he backed away from Castiel. "No! I won't drink your blood!"

"Dean, I'm offering," shouted Castiel. "Please. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." He looked at Dean with desperation flowing through the river in his eyes. Dean gently cupped Castiel's face. What if he killed him? What if he changed him? Castiel tilted his head, giving Dean access to his neck. Dean could feel his fangs coming out without his permission. Castiel closed his eyes and waited. He winced when he felt his flesh punctured. Dean's free hand snaked around Castiel and pulled him close. Castiel reached up put his hand on the back of Dean's neck, his other hand on Dean's back. They sat there in the same position for several moments. Castiel moaned slightly at the feeling of his blood being drained. There was something pleasurable about the sensation. "Dean…s-stop," he whispered as he began to feel lightheaded.

Dean managed to control his urges and pulled away, "Are you alright?" Castiel nodded his head. He felt nervous seeing his own blood splashed on Dean's teeth and lips, just like in his dreams. Dean hadn't moved his hand away from Castiel's face, and decided to use that to his advantage, pulling Castiel in for a kiss. Castiel felt the same terror and pleasure from tasting his own blood off of Dean's lips. Dean parted his lips and Castiel ran his tongue over Dean's teeth, taking in more. He pulled away slowly, wanting to change Castiel more than anything in that moment. "Thank you."

"Are you better?" asked Castiel. "Do you need anymore?"

"That could kill you. I'm fine, I promise," replied Dean with a small smile. Castiel's concern and generosity made him feel happier than he had felt in a very long time. "You should get home and get some rest."

Castiel slowly stood up. "Okay," he said. Dean stood up alongside him and kissed him again. They pecked kisses at each other all the way out to Castiel's car. Castiel got in his car and waved. Dean waved back and watched as Castiel drove away into the night. He grinned and made his way back inside. He lay on his bed and drifted to sleep peacefully.

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Hopefully I'll be updating soon! Be sure to let me know your thoughts in a review! And check out my other work for more stories if you liked it! Thanks again! Bye bye~