Dean and Cas are 25 it's about May or June
"Gabe's stopping by for a visit," Cas states emotionlessly as he brings their plates out onto the patio.
"How long's the troll staying?" Dean asks idly, taking a bite of his salad.
"It's just a stop by; he's heading to Seattle for business."
"Great," he nods smirking.
"You won't even have to see him, Dean," Cas sits down at his place, "You will probably still be at work."
"Even better," Dean smiles, "Tell him I say hi," he jokes, Cas just glares at him as he goes to take a bite.
On Wednesday, Cas gets off of work and stops at the little grocery store to pick up some hard strawberry lemonade for Gabriel. The alcohol content is so low it's mostly sugar, just the way his brother likes it. When he gets to the house, Gabe's all ready waiting for him.
"Bout time you showed up, bro!" He gripes, "Ooo, these for me?" Gabe takes the six-pack from Cas as they head to the front door.
"Hello Gabriel." Cas unlocks the door and leads them inside, tossing his bag on the coat rack.
"So… where's tall, dumb and ugly?" Gabe smirks, looking around, taking a sip from a bottle he already popped open.
Castiel glares at his brother, stooping to pick up the bottle cap from the hard wood, "Dean is at work," he states heading to the kitchen and tossing the metal cap in the trash and grabs a beer from the fridge.
"Darn, I'm gunna miss seeing him," he fakes distress as his brother leads him to the back porch. Gabe whistles, "I'll never get used to this view, Cassie!" he states in awe.
"It is lovely," Cas agrees, staring out across the ocean. "How's work?"
"Sweet as usual," Gabe jokes, "Corny I know, but enough small talk here Cassie," he starts to get a little serious, Castiel eyeing him suspiciously. "You won't believe who I ran into."
"God?" He deadpans.
"Look who grew a sense of humor," He looks at him approvingly, "I suppose Dean's to blame for that," he chuckles, "Um… but no it was… it was Jimmy."
"Oh," Cas replies stoically, all good humor gone.
"Don't get mad, but I may have given him your address and phone number," he looks at his brother nervously as if Cas is going to strike him.
Sucking in a breath forcefully he feigns calm, "Why?"
"He's different bro, honestly, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think it was a good idea."
"I can't believe you, Gabe!" He rounds on him.
"He just wants to talk."
"I am aware," Cas narrows his eyes as he looks out at the water.
"I thought you wanted to fix all that, he's your twin…"
"I know Gabe!" he snaps at him, heading back into the house.
"Then what is it Cassie? You always talk about forgiveness and bullshit."
"I'm not ready!" Cas yells at him, "He gave me his number at mom's funeral, I just need time."
"That was like five years ago!" Gabe places his hands on his hips, "This is not just going to go away, bro. I think it's about time."
Cas turns his back, his hands gripping the counter as he leans over the sink. He knows his brother is right, but he can't help the feeling that if he ignores it then maybe it will go away. It's childish, he know, it's how he feels none the less.
"He's marrying that girl," Gabe shrugs, "Jimmy said he'd call with in the week," he adds. "He's not expecting a miracle bro, just a conversation." He pats Cas's shoulder before leaving to get back on the road.
Friday, he gets the call. Dean answers slightly confused at a semi familiar voice on the other end.
"Um, is Castiel available?"
"Ya, just a sec," Dean hands Cas the phone.
"Who is it?" he inquires suspiciously.
"You," Dean jokes.
Cas takes a deep breath, paling slightly as he answers the phone, "Hello?" he asks tentatively.
Dean motioning to his watch telling Cas that they need to hurry up or they'll be late for the movie with Daryl and his wife and slipping from the room, Dean works with him at the shop and his wife goes to the same church. Cas steps out onto the balcony so as not to be disturbed.
"Hello, Castiel." Jimmy greets him cautiously.
"Jimmy."
"How's it been?"
"I'm doing well," Cas states flatly, wincing slightly at how awkward this is. "How are you?"
"I'm good, um I'm sure Gabriel mentioned I'm getting married," Jimmy states unable to hide his excitement.
"Yes, um congratulations… It's Amelia I presume."
"Ya, ya, she's stuck out this long," he jokes slightly.
"Indeed," Cas nods blankly.
"So you moved?"
"Yes, we are by the ocean."
"That sounds pleasant," Jimmy offers, "So there's a special lady then?"
Cas squeezes his eyes shut, it's clear that Jimmy was still fairly oblivious to a lot of things from the past; Cas knew he was partially to blame for that. "Um…" he starts, awkwardly, not sure what to say, "He is very special," he stresses.
"Oh, um… ya, that's great, Castiel," he clears his throat, it was clear he wasn't really prepared for that; but he was at least trying.
"Yes…" Dean raps on the window, mouthing that they had to go now. "I'm sorry, I really have to go."
"Oh, right, ya, um call anytime," he offers, "Maybe we can meet up to talk…in person."
"Very well," Cas replies flatly, "Good night."
"Bye Cassie," he slips, as they hang up.
Castiel takes a moment to compose himself then heads back in so they can leave.
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