Another fairly long update – their second date! Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, you're all amazing – you give me my inspiration! Your reviews were all lovely, it's incredible hearing what you have to say. I hope you like this chapter – there isn't that much action, but there's some nice cute Destiel feels and it sets the scene for something to happen (after all, it wouldn't be my story if something bad didn't happen somewhere... I'm very sorry.) Does anyone have any ideas about what might be about to rock the boat? Feel free to suggest or guess in a review! Please do review this chapter with what you think, I'll be eternally grateful!
An enormous thank-you again to my amazing beta rdmnss!
Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or any of the characters. If I did, Destiel would be canon, Gabriel would be alive and Metatron would never have gotten away with expelling all of the angels from Heaven... *sob*
Dean cheerfully sang along to the Led Zeppelin blaring from the Impala's speakers, drumming his hands on the steering wheel and nodding his head in time with the music. He was in an exceptionally good mood – his latest mechanic job at college had earned him a commendation from the head of the garage, Sammy had scored a try on his first outing with the school rugby team, and he was going on a date with Cas. Life couldn't get much better. Dean briefly took his hands off the wheel to play air guitar, grinning as he did so, before hurriedly grabbing the wheel again to turn into Cas's apartment complex. A few people were standing around staring – presumably people didn't normally turn up here in 67 Chevy Impalas playing classic rock as loud as they could. Dean raised his eyebrows at them as he turned the music off and slid out of the car, locking his Baby behind him. No way was he risking someone round here taking it, even if they were very unlikely to.
Continuing to hum under his breath, Dean walked over to the smart looking building he had parked outside. It was in much better condition than his complex – it even had a freaking receptionist on the ground floor who was currently staring at him like he was a stain on her existence. That explained why Cas had never encountered an intercom before. Laughing to himself about how posh it all was, Dean pushed the heavy glass doors open and practically swaggered over to the desk.
"Hello sweetheart, I'm here to see Castiel Novak." He smiled, unable to resist turning on the charm a little. It was a hard to forget habit.
Her eyes narrowed as she peered at him, clearly disapproving. "Mr Novak does not normally receive visitors and he has not informed me that he is expecting one today."
"My apologies – it will not happen again." The gruff voice sounded from behind Dean and he turned, grinning, to see Cas standing here.
"Cas! Damn, dude, you look awesome!" Dean practically did a double take at the sight of Cas standing there, without his usual trenchcoat, in a smartly fitted suit (although the blue tie was backwards and clearly knotted incorrectly).
"Thank you, Dean, you also look very handsome."
Dean chuckled slightly at the formality. "You ready to go?"
"Yes." Cas turned to the receptionist. "I do not know what time I will be back. Can you leave the door unlocked for me, please?"
Her face was a complete picture of shock at the way Cas and Dean were interacting, and Dean had to stop himself from bursting out laughing at it. Instead, he simply smirked and turned his head away, instead choosing to look over Cas's outfit again. Seriously, why did the guy insist on wearing that trenchcoat? He looked so much better without it.
"Of course, Mr Novak. You be careful now – remember that you don't have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable."
Dean frowned at that. "No offence lady, but I would never do anything like that to Cas. So stop with the judgemental attitude."
Her lips pursed even thinner at his outburst, but she said nothing.
"Let's go, Dean." Cas requested, stepping forward as if to leave.
"Wait, Cas, just let me..." Dean stepped in front of Cas and reached out, pulling off his tie. He carefully unknotted it before setting it neatly around his neck and retying it in an elaborate knot, ensuring that it sat snugly around Cas's neck. He didn't miss the way that Cas's breath hitched slightly as Dean hands gently moved over his collarbone as he took them away, and Dean had to remind himself once again that he had to take things slow.
Cas's face was flushed as Dean stepped away, and he subconsciously licked his lips. Cas really had no idea just how much of a turn on his innocence could be – this was a serious exercise for Dean's self-control.
"Now we can go." Dean's voice had lowered slightly with his suppressed arousal, and Cas's pupils dilated slightly at the sound, before he nodded and followed Dean out.
"This is your car?" Cas asked when they reached Baby.
Dean grinned at him. "Yup. This is my baby. She's gorgeous, isn't she?"
Cas looked over the car, smiling. "She's very well looked after."
Dean looked at Cas with mock-hurt in his eyes. "Of course she is! I'm a trainee mechanic; I know how to take care of my car!"
"I'm sorry, I wasn't insinuating -"
"It's cool, dude!" Dean laughed. "I'm just messin' around."
Carefully, he unlocked the car, before opening the passenger door and holding it open for Cas. He felt a surge of pride as Cas gave him a warm, surprised smile at the gentlemanly action and slipped in, running his hands over the surprisingly clean interior. Baby was one thing that Dean would never allow to be dirty, unlike his apartment.
Dean started to hum again as he closed the door and walked around to the other side, slipping into the driver's seat.
"Alright, Cas, first things first. What do you think about classic rock?"
Cas tilted his head to one side. "As in the genre of music?"
Dean blinked. "Well, yeah, obviously."
"I don't listen to much music. The only music I own is classic, because it helps inspire my artwork."
Dean's eyes widened. "Wow, dude – you are missing out on so much! Trust me; this is going to blow your mind."
Grinning at Cas, Dean turned the key in the ignition, the engine flaring into life – and, at the same time, Led Zeppelin resuming its blasting from the speakers.
Cas's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock, and Dean laughed as he put the car into reverse and turned around, driving out of the complex.
"What do you think?" He yelled over 'The Battle of Evermore'.
Cas leaned in. "If by 'blow my mind' you meant 'destroy my eardrums', then you are succeeding!" He shouted back.
Dean grinned. "You think this is loud? I take it you've never been to a concert?"
"If it's louder than this then I do not want to!"
Dean laughed again as he started to sing along, drumming his hands on the steering wheel and regularly turning to look at Cas. As the drive continued, Cas relaxed, and he seemed to be amused by Dean's actions. Dean found his good mood soaring even higher, and he resisted the urge to start fully headbanging, deciding not to freak Cas out too much the first time he was driving him anywhere.
Soon enough he was pulling into the parking lot at the Roadhouse, and he grinned as Cas gave an obvious expression of relief when he stopped Baby and turned the music off.
"Your music is too loud. If it had been slightly quieter, I might actually have enjoyed it." Cas had amusement shining in his eyes, and Dean felt a thrill that he was able to make Cas loosen up a bit.
"If you want, I'll give you a couple of mix-tapes of my favourite songs so you can listen to them at home. Who knows, you might find them inspiring too. Do you have a CD player or whatever?"
"I have an iPod."
Dean rolled his eyes. "Ugh, Sammy has one too. They're so overrated. But anyway, if you give it to me at some point I can stick some songs on there for you, if you want."
"That would be nice." Cas smiled at Dean, and he grinned back, before realising that they had been sitting in the car for several minutes now despite the fact that they had arrived.
"Anyway, shall we go in now? Ellen's set up a special table for us; I think she's thrilled that I've finally got a real date."
"You've never dated before either?" Cas seemed genuinely surprised, looking at Dean with raised eyebrows as he exited the car.
Dean rubbed his neck awkwardly, leaning against Baby as he locked her. "Well, I've been with girls, but I've never had a proper date, if you know what I mean. You're the first person I've been serious about."
"You mean you've always had one-night stands?" Cas asked.
"Well, yeah... you know what those are?" Dean was slightly surprised – Cas was a very innocent guy.
"Dean, I may not have much personal experience, but I'm not an idiot. My brother Gabriel has had many one-night stands; he enjoys talking about his latest ones whenever we meet up. He's not exactly one for commitment."
"He doesn't know what he's missin'." Dean replied without really thinking, then felt himself blush slightly under Cas's heavy gaze.
"Come on, let's go inside." He tried to ignore the weight of Cas's stare on his back, turning and walking into the Roadhouse feeling really awkward.
"Dean! It's great to see you; we've missed you for the past few weeks!" Ellen stepped out and embraced Dean, and he grinned as he hugged back.
"Sorry Ellen, I've just been busy with stuff." He stepped back and looked around to see Castiel staring slightly oddly. "Ellen, this is my b – this is Cas. Cas, this is Ellen – she's an old family friend."
"I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance." Cas stepped forward and offered a hand to shake.
"Gosh, boy, where on Earth did you find him? It's lovely to meet you too." Ellen took Cas's hand warmly, clearly amused at his manners. "I set you two up a table at the back, in the private booth. Dean, I'm sure you know where it is. Let me know when you want to order drinks, yeah?"
Dean nodded gratefully, reaching for Cas's hand and grasping it in his own. Cas looked shocked for a moment, unsure of what was happening, but Dean gave a reassuring squeeze and he relaxed, following Dean into the booth at the back.
"So," Dean said, dropping his hand and sitting down opposite, "How's the art stuff goin'?"
Cas blinked as if surprised at the topic, before smiling slightly. "It's going fairly well, thank you. I have already completed several drawings and digitally edited pieces based on the original photographs, and I'm planning to start a painted canvas next week. I do not know yet what my main piece will be; I am experimenting with several different portrait mediums at the moment."
"That's cool. I'll be interested to see what you've done at the end." Dean meant it – he really was interested in seeing some of Cas's artwork, especially seeing as it was of him.
Cas fidgeted slightly. "Do not be surprised if I haven't captured all of your looks in my work – it is hard to do justice to how someone looks in a simple picture sometimes."
Dean grinned, leaning forward. "Are you sayin' that you think I'm hot?"
Cas looked confused. "No, Dean, I do not think that you are running a temperature. I think that you are physically attractive."
Dean had to restrain himself from laughing at the adorableness. "Cheers, Cas."
"You are very welcome."
There was a small pause, where Dean and Cas just stared at each other intently, before they were interrupted by the arrival of Ellen.
"Alright, boys, so what can I get you?"
"I'll have my usual, Ellen. Cas?" Dean glanced at Cas, who seemed a little confused by the menu.
"I'll have a Wadworth beer and a steak pie with chips. Please."
"Coming right up." Ellen winked at the pair before leaving.
"Pie? Good choice! Pie is awesome."
"I like pie. My brother Gabriel used to make pies at home before he left. They were normally desserts with too much sugar in, but it's still a nice memory."
Dean smiled at Cas's story. "My mum used to make pies too, before she died. I don't remember much about her, but I remember how we used to make pies together, and then we would eat them in the garden swing on the porch. She used to tease me when I got the filling all over me – but then, I was only three or four at the time."
Cas nodded. "Thank you." He said suddenly.
"For what?" Dean was baffled.
"For talking to me. For persuading me to spend time with you even though I thought work was more important. For wanting to be my friend even though I had no interest in friendship. For listening to all my problems and sharing your own with me so I felt less like a freak. Just thank you, Dean Winchester, for being in my life."
Dean stared at Cas for a moment, before leaning over and brushing his lips lightly over Cas's. "You don't need to thank me, Cas. I'm not exactly the greatest guy out there, I'm nowhere near what you deserve; I should be thanking you for puttin' up with me."
"Don't be absurd." Cas's voice had a tone of finality in it.
Dean was about to reply when Ellen appeared with drinks. "One coke for the designated driver and one beer for his date."
Dean chuckled. "Cheers Ellen. By the way, how's Jo doing?"
Ellen smiled down at Dean. "She's doing good. Says she misses me but I know she's lying – she couldn't wait to get away. I'm half expecting her not to come back at the end of term."
"Ahh, I'm sure she'll be back. Even if it's only for the food."
Ellen laughed. "True, that girl never could resist my cooking." She walked off and Dean grinned over at Cas, who looked slightly left out.
"Who, may I ask, is Jo?" There was a slight hint of something in this voice – was that jealousy?
"She's Ellen's only daughter, she's Sammy's age. She's away at school somewhere else at the moment, she didn't like the atmosphere at the school here – said it was too posh for her. I don't blame her to be honest."
Cas frowned some more. "You and this Jo get on well?"
Dean shrugged. "We get on ok – she always spent more time with Sammy as they were the same age, but I think she looked up to me for some reason. I haven't seen her in months. Why do you ask?"
"You talk about her as if you two are friendly." Cas's voice had taken on a colder tone.
Dean's eyes widened. "You're jealous! Oh, sorry Cas, I didn't mean... she's Ellen's daughter, I've gotta be nice to her, I grew up with her. But we've never been like that, ever. Ellen would kill me – besides, I've never been interested."
Cas looked slightly happier at that.
Dean hurriedly tried to think of a way to lighten the atmosphere. "So, um, what's Gabriel like? You've mentioned him a few times now."
Cas shrugged, clearly accepting the change in topic. "He's a great lover of sweets and sugar, hence he now works in a sweet shop, so he permanently seems to be on a sugar rush. Aside from that, he's a big trickster and loves to play practical jokes, to the extent where you have to double check everything he gives you. But he's a very caring brother underneath all that – in fact, that's his way of showing that he cares."
Dean smiled. "Sammy can be a bit of a trickster too – we've had a few prank wars, which, naturally, I always win."
Cas raised his eyebrows.
"Ok, which I sometimes win. But my ideas are always best!"
Cas laughed slightly. "I'm sure they are."
The food arrived then, and the rest of the meal was spent in silence, aside from occasional appreciative sounds at a particularly delicious bite of food.
Once they were both full (and Cas slightly tipsy from the beer) Dean paid the bill before helping Cas outside to the car, Cas leaning on his shoulder. He was very happy about how the date had gone, even if nothing much had happened – it had been a nice companionable experience, and Dean didn't normally feel that relaxed with anyone else.
Resisting the urge to turn the music back on, Dean helped Cas into the car before driving home almost within the speed limit, smiling as he watched Cas out of the corner of his eye. He seemed tired but pleasantly buzzed and happy, leaning against the side of the car with a blissful expression on his face. Dean chuckled when he turned a corner and Cas lurched slightly against the frame, the action seemingly bringing him back into reality.
"We're almost back, Cas." Dean reassured him, sensing he was ready to climb into bed and collapse.
"Oh." Cas actually seemed quite disappointed.
Dean smiled. "I had fun tonight, I hope you enjoyed yourself. It was nice doing that with you."
"Yes. I enjoyed it too. We should do that again sometime, but next time I am paying."
Dean laughed. "If you insist."
Silence fell over the car again, but it was a comfortable silence, and it wasn't long before Dean was pulling up outside the now empty and silent apartment complex. He followed Cas out of the car and stood slightly awkwardly outside the glass doors.
"Well, 'night Cas. I'll talk to you soon or something."
Cas paused, clearly debating something, before walking back over to Dean and giving him a brief, chaste kiss on the lips. Dean smiled into it, reaching a hand up to cup Cas's cheek and keeping it there even as Cas moved away slightly.
"Goodnight, Dean." Cas said, his voice as gravelly as ever.
Dean smiled up at him, allowing his hand to fall back to his side, and Cas walked away, stepping through the doors only looking back once.
Dean remained standing there for a few minutes before he went back to his baby and prepared to drive home. It had been an amazing evening, and he wanted to savour the memories before it had to end. He didn't know how Cas had managed to get him so thoroughly obsessed in just a couple of weeks or less, but it had happened. Somehow, without Dean even noticing, Cas had become one of the important things in his life. He wasn't about to let that go – not for anything.
Once again, please review with any comments/ opinions – I hope the chapter lived up to you expectations! Thanks for reading.