Dean was leaning against the railing of the paddock watching intently as the horses that were about to be raced were saddled and the jockeys hopped up onto their mounts. Belmont was alive with a bustling crowd, all who were excited to view some of the first races of the season. He wished he could feel as eager as the rest of them. Nerves had kept him tossing and turning all night and it hadn't subsided any as the day continued to progress. Luckily, Castiel was a heavy sleeper and it hadn't bothered him at all through the night.
Sucking in a deep breath he tightened the grip on the racing program that was in his hand. Written in pencil at the top corner of the page were several series of numbers followed by the words 'WPS', 'Trifecta Box', and 'Exacta' next to them. Not only did Dean have to fight off his nerves of the upcoming races for Lazarus and Mystery, but his not-so-secret addiction of gambling. John had been well known for his gambling problems, especially after the incident. Dean had kept his public instances mainly to drinking, but he was definitely known to gamble. Watching as one horse began to dance irritably once the jockey was on his back, he crossed out one of the numbers on his list and replaced it.
"Ah, there you are," Castiel purred as he placed a subtle hand at the dip of Dean's back. "What are you doing over here? Ah-," Castiel noticed the numbers on the sheet, "Dean Winchester, are you a gambling man?"
Dean twitched anxiously and folded the program over so that Castiel could no longer see, "You could say that." Dean was surprised Gabriel hadn't informed his brother of his problems, but a part of him was thankful for it. Castiel had never asked why he'd been banned from some tracks, and he had never offered up the reasons.
"I've never bet on horses before. Would you teach me?" Castiel asked as he leaned further into Dean to reach for the program.
Dean pulled away and offered his best smile, "Better you don't start, Cas. It can be a dangerous thing." Please just let it drop.
"Nonsense," He responded, "I won't put down anymore than the minimum bet. I just think it might make the races more interesting."
"That's how it all starts," Dean argued, his voice rising and getting more forceful, "With two dollars here and two dollars there until suddenly two dollars is all you have."
Castiel was taken back at the sudden explosion. "Dean, is this about your father?"
No, it's about me. Shaking his head Dean apologized, "Sorry. Look, if you want to learn I'll teach you but just promise me you'll keep it under wraps."
"Dean, if you really don't-," Castiel began to protest but Dean was already talking.
"First rule of betting is to know what you are laying your money down on. I never place a wage without seeing the horse in the paddock. You need to see how they are feeling that day. See number 4? The bay? He's a little agitated. His ears are back and he's tense. Even though his stats are good, he's not going to run well. You want something relaxed, but with a little bounce to it. I like number 8 for this race."
"I see," Castiel nodded. "And what exactly does Trifecta mean?"
"Ah, let's just stick with straight bets this go around," Dean suggested. "Win, Place, Show. Those are your straight bets. Win is obvious. If you put money on a horse to show, they can come in either first or second and you'll win money."
"But if they come in second you win less money," Castiel finished, indicating his understanding.
"Right. Show means they can come in first, second, or third. With this being one of the first races of the season, there isn't much to go on statistically. It's going to be all about workout numbers at this point," He finished.
"So, are you going to place your bet?" Castiel asked curiously.
Dean thought about it. It would be so easy to walk right up to the counter and place his bet. "Nah, this is just for fun. Come on, let's go check on Charlie. Mystery is up soon." They walked in behind the paddock towards the stables where Charlie was sitting quietly in a chair outside the stalls reading. "They doing ok?"
"They aren't nervous at all," she smiled. "I actually think Lazarus is the most relaxed."
"Yeah, well," Dean reached up and ran a hand down Lazarus's face, "They aren't in the starting gate yet. Mystery is up next, so go ahead and start getting him ready. We'll take him down to the paddock together to meet Gabriel." Gabriel was riding Mystery and Lazarus in their races, and Garth had Kansas as his mount.
Dean handed his racing program over to Castiel, "Here. You'll need this if you want to place some bets. I may or may not have left some cheat sheets in there for you. I think I'm going to just stay here. I don't think I can stand to watch any of the races."
Castiel gave a warm smile, "Dean, you have to watch your horses run."
"Nope," Dean objected, "I have you to do that for me."
Castiel took a step forward and leaned in so that his breath was hot against Dean's ear. "Dean, if you leave me in the stands to deal with this alone, I promise you that I will leave you in bed to deal with this," Castiel grasped at Dean through his slacks, "alone."
"Oh, he plays dirty," Charlie grinned as she grabbed the wraps for Mystery's hind legs.
Dean swallowed hard and bit at his inner cheek to stifle a threatening erection underneath Castiel's palm. "Yeah, ok, I'll be there."
"Good," Castiel smiled and shoved his hands into his pockets. "If you don't mind, I'd also like a bourbon on your way," he called back as he walked away from the stables.
"Dude," Charlie began as she entered Mystery's stall, "He's so got you whipped."
Dean couldn't argue with that. "Would you just get the damn horse ready?"
"Don't blame me that he threatens you with sex," Charlie responded, kneeling down in the stall to begin applying the wraps.
Dean chose to ignore the comment and waited outside the stall until Charlie opened the door and handed Dean one end of the lead. "We all set?"
"Let's go win us a race!" Charlie took the right side of the horse and they began leading the colt to the paddock area to meet up with Gabriel. They rounded Mystery into stall number 4, the crowd gathering in full to meet the next round of horses. Camera crews were also at the ready. Gabriel made it into their sights decked in his full silks and his saddle in his arms and whistling 'Heat of the Moment'. "Dude, you aren't riding Asia, you know that, right?"
"It's my good luck song, Dean-o. Don't ruin the moment. I promise I already have Laz's own tune picked out, though," He gave a wiggle of his eyebrows and threw the red saddle cloth up and over Mystery's back followed by the saddle.
Dean adjusted everything and tightened the girth for Gabriel. "Alright, I made sure to watch each of these guys train throughout the week. Number 3 is most likely going to break first, but he's not going to be able to last that the full 6 ½. Number 7 is who you need to watch out for. He's probably going to be the last of the pack, but watch him along the head of the stretch. He can come up on you quick. Ideally you want Mystery to hold the third position until you round the final turn."
Gabriel nodded in understanding. "I'm good at finding the hole and taking it," he winked.
Dean rolled his eyes and was about to provide comment when he heard the familiar sound of the bugle calling the riders and their mounts to the post. "Alright, it's go time." Charlie led Mystery out of the stall and Dean offered his hands out to give the jockey a boost on the colt's back.
Gabriel stuck his feet in the stirrups and adjusted the reigns. Mystery gave a toss of his head, but after a few calming whispers from the jockey he was settled in. "Don't worry, Dean-o, I'll be bringing home the first trophy in about ten minutes."
Dean gave the colt a pat on the rump and watched as Charlie filed them into the parade line towards the track. The anxiety was growing so fiercely in the pit of his stomach he was thinking a good shot of whiskey was needed. With a brisk walk he made his way to the bar right outside the owner and trainer stands and pulled out a chunk of bills as he ordered his and Castiel's drinks. The horses were beginning their warm up around the track as he descended the stairs to his seat next to Castiel and proffered the drink to the man.
Castiel gladly took the glass from Dean, "Thank you. Mystery looks calm."
Dean nodded, "He was tossing his head a bit, but nothing to worry about too much."
"Good, because my cheat sheet was telling me I should put money down on him to win," Castiel smiled as he pulled out a bet stub. "It also worked favorable in the race just before. I still am not sure how a Trifecta Box works, but it did win me a grand on a two dollar bet. I'll be sure to include a cut of that in your next paycheck."
Dean shook his head in amusement. "Well, good to know I still have it." The horses arrived at the starting gate and began loading. Several of the horses put up a fuss in their lack of experience, but it was relieving to know Mystery loaded without much trouble. With the last horse in the gate a hush fell over the crowd and Dean downed his shot of whiskey as the bell rang out and the horses leapt out.
Mystery broke well and Gabriel had him in at the third position as the pack began to settle in. Dean set the empty glass down and gripped the railing hard enough to turn his knuckles white. If he felt this terrible during Mystery's race, he could only imagine how he'd feel when Lazarus was up to bat. The horses headed into the turn, everyone positioned exactly how Gabriel told them they would be. "Keep him there, Gabe, keep him right there."
As they rounded into the final stretch Dean spotted the hole. Before Dean could even get the words out of his mouth for Gabriel to make his move, the jockey was there. Mystery squeezed in between two horses and began slipping past them to meet with the lead horse. Number 7 was opening up just like Dean had thought, but it was too late to be able to catch the lead. As they approached the finish line, however, Dean began to fear that the lead horse was going to be able to hold onto it. "Shit, shit, shit." Mystery was gaining on him, but they were running out of track fast.
They crossed the finish line too close to tell and the crowd sucked in a breath as the words 'photo finish' flashed on the screen. Dean felt Castiel's hand cover his own as they stood there in earnest waiting for the final result. It seemed like eternity as they waited, but finally the number '4' flashed in the first place position. Dean let out a groan of relief and Castiel was embracing him excitedly.
"We won!" Castiel exclaimed.
"Shit," Dean clenched at his heart, "I'm too old for this shit. Horse is going to give me a goddamn heart attack." Taking several breaths to calm himself he took Castiel's hand and began dragging him down the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Castiel called out in confusion.
"Winner's Circle, Cas!" Dean responded with a smile. "That's where we go if we, you know, win."
Photographers and TV crews were all lined up as Mystery and Gabriel were led to the winners circle. Dean motioned for Castiel to come up closer to Mystery, "He's your horse, hold him for the picture." Castiel moved hesitantly, but grabbed at the reigns and gave Mystery a congratulatory head rub.
"Congratulations, Dean," One of the men in suits spoke as he held out a hand.
Dean took it and gave him a firm shake. "Thanks, Tim."
Tim picked up a small trophy off the table and handed it out to the trainer. "Looks like you might be starting to break that curse. Hope to see you in the winner's circle more often."
Dean gratefully took the trophy and positioned himself next to Castiel. The photographer held his fingers up and was snapping pictures of the group in rapid succession before they were being waved off.
Charlie was there to intercept Mystery as Gabriel hopped off and pulled the saddle off the colt's back. "I need more track, Dean!"
"No shit," Dean responded as they made their way back towards the stables. "I won't enter him anything less than 7, I promise. You did well; now go get ready for Lazarus. You've got two races until she's up." He gave the jockey a congratulatory pat on the back and let him walk away.
"You need to relax," Castiel said as they headed back towards the stands for an hour of downtime.
"It's not your job on the line, Cas," Dean retorted as he pulled more bills out of his pocket for another round of whiskey.
"Your job is not on the line, I assure you," Castiel promised. He came up behind Dean and whispered in his ear as he curled his fingers just beneath the waistband of his slacks, "I bargain with sex, not money. You've already earned yourself a blow job. Let's see what else you can win today."
The bartender gave them a questioning look causing Dean to grab his shot and scurry away. "Jesus, Cas," he growled, "You trying to get me hard?"
Castiel straightened his crooked tie with a grin, "I've always thought the idea of public sexcapades intriguing."
"Really? Well ain't you a kinky son-of-a-bitch," Dean grinned. There was no way he could let loose with all the built up stress today, but he was going to certainly keep that knowledge in mind for another time.
The next hour flew by far too quickly and Dean found himself back at the stables with Lazarus. He took her head into his hands and looked the filly in the eye. "You better win, girl, you hear me? There's a lot riding on you, for both of us." Lazarus gave a snort in response and Dean grinned. "Well, alright, then. Charlie, we ready?"
"All quiet on the western front," she smiled and opened up the stall door. "Stop being such a worry wart. The two of us have been having girl talk all day and she's ready to kick ass and take names."
"Girl talk, huh?" Dean gave her a questioning look but took the lead and they led Lazarus to the paddock together. Lazarus had drawn the seventh post which Dean didn't know to take as good luck or a mocking omen. There was a waiting period before the jockeys started coming out, and instantly Dean was spouting out information. "Number 2 and 5 are going to want to set the pace. I noticed they liked to break fast and get out there when they were training earlier this week. They might get far enough ahead you are going to feel like you need to chase them, but I want you to just sit back and wait, don't let them suck you into it."
"Dean," Gabriel said with an agitated tone, "I've got this. Me and this filly are like two peas in a pod." He gave the filly a good pat on the neck. The Call to the Post was made and he motioned for Dean to give him a boost up.
Dean felt like he was going to pass out as he watched the two make their way to the track. Shit, shit, shit. He needed another shot. Or two. Maybe three. He scurried towards the bar, but out of the corner of his eye he noticed the line to the $100 bet minimum counter was completely empty. He stopped dead in his tracks and stared. His fingers played with the cash in his pocket as he contemplated. Everything in his was telling him not to do it, but he couldn't fight himself as he pulled the $100 bill from his pocket and found himself right at the counter. "Race 6, $100, Win, Number 7."
The woman at the counter typed in the information and took the bill from Dean's hand. A white ticket dispensed from the machine and she handed it to him. "Good luck, sir."
Dean knew he should have regretted what he had just done, but the feel of the stub in his hand just got him excited. Placing it safely in the inside pocket of his coat he headed back towards the stands and settled in next to Castiel who offered him a comforting smile.
"You'd never know this was her first race. She looks so graceful out there. Beautiful," Castiel beamed.
Lazarus was indeed a sight to look at. She was all leg and stood much taller than the other fillies out in the field. Her head was held up high and prideful as they moved up into a trot around the track. The horses began loading, Lazarus one of the last to go in. With all nine horses settled Dean waited for the sound of the bell. Nothing happened, and Dean began to grow more nervous the longer they sat in the gates. Finally the bell echoed and Castiel was instantly grabbing at Dean.
Lazarus broke bad. She was late to get out and she just missed sideswiping another horse on her way out. Dean cursed loudly, his hands grabbing at his hair. "Dammit!" The field settled and Lazarus sat there in dead last.
"I don't understand, why did that happen?" Castiel asked in a hurried panic.
"She doesn't like sitting in the gate that long! Fuck!" Dean grabbed at the railing, biting at his lip hard enough to draw blood. Lazarus moved up two spots, but Dean doubted she would make it up before the finish line. "I can't do this." He pulled away from Castiel and headed towards the stairs. Castiel called after him, but he ignored him, shoving his hands in his pockets and continuing on. The only thing that stopped him was the eruption of cries from the crowd indicated they had made the turn towards home. Dean gave a glance back and did a double-take before turning back around completely. Lazarus was breaking away from the pack. Sprinting all the way down the stairs to the bottom rail he cried out, "GO LAZARUS! GO!"
Lazarus just kept pulling away, one length, two lengths, finish line. Dean let out a laugh as the official results popped up on the board. Lazarus had won by 2 ½ lengths. "Un-believable!"
"Dean!" Castiel came dashing down the stairs with a huge smile on his face.
Dean wanted to do nothing but take Castiel in his arms and land a wet one on his lips, but he settled for a loving embrace. The two wasted no time in making it to the Winner's Circle. Dean knew he had the most idiotic grin on his face as he shook hands with Tim a second time that day.
"I'll be damned," Tim smiled as he handed over another trophy to Dean. "Two in one day, Winchester. How many more you have up your sleeve?"
"She's my girl, Tim. We're going to go all the way," Dean promised.
"Now surely we aren't talking about the Triple Crown here, Dean," Tim scoffed playfully.
"That's exactly what I mean," Dean stated as he turned and smiled for the camera as photos were snapped.
"I can't believe it!" Gabriel exclaimed as he hopped off the filly and wrapped his arms around her neck. "This girl is incredible! That was the worst break I've ever had the displeasure of riding, and she still came up on top!"
"Did she feel ok? She didn't get hurt or anything with the break, did she?" Dean questioned as they began walking back.
"No, no, she's fine, she just got agitated sitting there in the gate," Gabriel said as he took off his helmet and shook out his hair. "Shit, imagine our margin of win if we had broken good."
Dean grinned, "Good job, Gabriel. You've earned this. We've still got a lot to prove, though. One race against other fillies doesn't mean shit."
"She can do it," Gabriel assured him, shaking his hand and making his way back to the jockey lockers to shower and change.
As Gabriel walked way Castiel pulled Dean into a dark corner of the barn and shoved him against the wall, locking lips as he did so. "Congratulations," he breathed in between deep kisses.
Dean groaned into the kiss, "I think I could get used to winning if this is my reward."
"Oh, Dean," Castiel growled in a low voice, "The best is yet to come." He nipped at Dean's earlobe before stepping back and pulling a betting stub out of his pocket and offering it to Dean. "I think you should take this."
Dean took the stub and read it. It was a $5 Win bet on Lazarus. "Five dollars? You bet five dollars on our horse?!"
"You told me not to bet high, Dean!" Castiel huffed.
Dean rolled his eyes and shoved the ticket into his chest, simultaneously pulling out his own. "Next time, you should have a little more confidence in what you own."
Castiel grabbed the ticket and his eyes went wide behind his glasses. "You bet $100! Dean! You told me it was just for fun!"
"I lied," Dean grinned and captured Castiel's lips once more. "Now, we have three races until Kansas runs. Why don't you use that time to tell me all the things you are going to reward me with when we get back to the hotel?"
Castiel hummed with pleasure as he ran his hands down Dean's sides. "How about I suck you off until you are begging for me to let you come, and right before you feel ready to burst I back off. You'll be upset, and complain, but I'll sit you down in the chair across the room and then I'll crawl onto the bed and let you watch as I spread myself open for you."
Dean licked his lips and thrust his hips out towards Castiel, but the man refused to provide any sort of friction to the area. Instead, he snaked his hands up his chest and raked his fingernails over Dean's nipples between the soft fabric of his dress shirt. "And then, maybe if Kansas wins his race, I'll ride you hard without a saddle and," he leaned in his that his lips were just missing contact with Dean's, "I'll let you come inside me."
And that was it. Dean let out a painful whimper as grabbed on to Castiel's tie and spun them around so that Castiel was against the wall. He ground their groins together, teeth hitting teeth as they kissed. "You want to find out what public sex is like so bad? Well you're about to get it."