Chapter Four

After the lecture, Cas knew he had to talk to this mysteriously enchanting professor. While everyone packed up their things and began to leave, Castiel stayed calmly in his seat and patiently waited.

"Did you need something?"

There it was. There was that voice again. For a second he couldn't even think about what he wanted to say. Trying to regain composure, but failing, Cas just blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. "What I wanted is not of import. I came here to see you."

"Came here to see me, huh? Have we met before, or have you just fallen in love with me at first sight?" the mysterious man joked.

"What…uh…I don't understand what you mean!" exclaimed Cas, just a little bit too exuberantly.

The man laughed. It was a satisfying and sincere type of chuckle, and Castiel felt better about his social blunder almost immediately. "I'm Dean Winchester, but I guess you can call me Professor if you're into that." Had Dean said that flirtatiously on purpose? Is my mind playing tricks on me? How was this stranger having such an effect on me? Cas wondered with frustration.

When he looked up and saw two stunning green eyes staring at him inquisitively, he realized that he had been thinking to himself for quite some time.

"I'm, uh…My name is Castiel. Or Cas. Either way. It doesn't matter," he finally managed to sputter out. What am I even saying?

Dean smiled and Cas thought his heart might melt. "Well Cas, I don't know about you, but I'm starving. How 'bout we talk over a burger and a beer?"

Cas smiled shyly and nodded. "I should like that." Because he was hungry, of course. Just because he was hungry.

The walk to the nearby diner brought back more memories than he could count. Although he wanted to get to know Dean, he couldn't help but be sucked into reminiscing on his past.

After meeting for the first time in that first class, Sam and Castiel had become fast friends. They saw each other almost every day and they grew very close. A few months later they were taking a walk. They were actually walking where Cas and Dean were walking now, come to think of it.

"So do you miss your family at all, Cas?" asked Sam, trying to engage the generally quiet Castiel in a meaningful conversation. It wasn't an easy task, but he did seem strangely open today.

"Sometimes, but not recently. Not now. My brothers haven't been what you might call brotherly. I was the youngest, the least important. I was the always the kid brother. Usually, I would crave their attention. But now…"Cas trailed off.

"Has something changed recently?"

"I've got a friend. I've got you. It's something I never had before, and it actually helps a great deal," Castiel looked up at Sam, suddenly very serious, "I thank you for that, Sam."

Sam looked back at Castiel, nodded, and looked down. He had to think of the most fitting way to say this. If it came out the wrong way, everything would be screwed up.

"Look man. We both are lucky to have each other. I mean, I'm just…I'm glad we are in each other's lives," Cas looked a little lost about where Sam was going with this, but patiently waited to hear what he had to say, "I guess I'm saying, I know our lives aren't just lollipops and candy canes, but I also know that mine is better when we're together. Cas, I…I think I love you."

Castiel was shocked. Although you never would be able to read it from his face, thousands of thoughts were running through his mind at what seemed like one thousand miles an hour. Sam didn't seem the type to be gay. He also didn't seem the type to fall for someone like Cas. Maybe this was some sort of strange-humored joke; he's just kidding. He didn't look kidding, though. In fact, he looked like he expected Cas to say something. But what?

"Sam…I'm not…" Cas started, but Sam waved his hand to stop him. He could tell just by Castiel's bewildered and all-around tired expression that he didn't feel the same way. Sam got up and walked back to their dorm, packing up his things. He thought he would save Cas from the confrontation, knowing how much he hated it.

Castiel got home just in time to see Sam turning the corner. He could tell just by his posture that Sam was crying, and Cas had never felt so guilty. He watched Sam disappear around the turn, knowing full well that it would be a long time until he saw him again, if he saw him at all.

"Hey, Cas. Sorry to interrupt your little trip down memory lane, but we're here," Dean quipped. He was half-joking, half wondering what it was that he was remembering. This nerdy-looking man in a trench coat was mysterious. But he was mysterious in the way that made Dean want to know more about him. A lot more.

They sat down at a table and a waitress immediately came to take their orders. Dean ordered his usual: a double cheeseburger and a beer to wash it down.

"I'll have a triple-decker burger; nothing on it. Please," Cas added as an afterthought.

Dean was surprised. He had expected this Castiel guy to eat a salad or something more…calm. This guy just looked to gentle for a triple-decker hamburger. Dean was confused, but he liked the contradiction. It was…intriguing.

"So you came all the way out here, don't you have something important to say?" Dean demanded suddenly, trying to sound gruff and detached. He was starting to feel odd about his interest in this man that had sparked so suddenly and without warning.

Castiel looked up, a little taken aback by this unexpected change in tone. Dean saw the hurt in his bright blue eyes. No matter how small and inconsequential the look was, Dean wished that he had never said it.

Dean began to sputter, "I mean…I didn't mean…" He felt very out of character. Luckily, Cas stopped him before he could embarrass himself too much more.

"Do not worry, Dean. I understand. I have intruded on your time alone. I will get to the point."

Castiel took a pause that may have seemed dramatic, but really he was just floundering for something to say. Cas did not, in fact, have a reason for talking to Dean; he only wanted to talk to the mysterious man in the auditorium a little more.

"I, uh…wanted to—" Cas started shakily, but fortunately was interrupted by the waitress bringing their food. Dean thanked the waitress and smiled, but it was more to himself than her. Castiel being so nervous was surprisingly endearing. He did wonder I why he was so nervous, though.

Castiel was starving. He hadn't eaten since a nauseating breakfast at the motel. He grabbed his burger and was mid-way through an enormous bite when he saw Dean smirking across the table.

"Whaaorh?" Cas attempted through his mouthful of food. Now Dean was laughing outright— a perfectly amazing sound. Cas, having swallowed by now, began laughing too. Soon they were both laughing so hard that people were staring, but they didn't care.

The rest of the meal they discussed everything from art to their families. The topic of why Cas had come in the first place was completely forgotten. The fact that he came at all was enough explanation for the both of them. Both Dean and Cas were surprised as they thought they had never felt so completely comfortable around anyone in their entire lives.

"How long are you staying in town, Cas?" asked Dean, hoping it was longer rather than shorter.

"I planned on leaving tomorrow, but…"

"But…?" Dean asked a bit too quickly for it to only be curiosity.

"But… I might have found a reason to stay…" Cas finished shyly, with a smile so small Dean wondered if he was imagining it.

Dean, on the other hand, could barely contain his own smile. But he quickly regained control, for he wanted to ask a question, but wasn't sure how.

"You could crash at my apartment, until you're ready to leave," he began. He soon realized how it sounded and what it could imply. He tried to fix his social blunder, "Because the motel is so—"

"I would love to stay at your apartment, Dean Winchester," Cas interrupted. He now wore a full smile and he felt ecstatic to the point of bursting. He didn't know what was happening to him, but he didn't want it to stop.

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