A/N: The best time to write is 2 AM when you're sleep-deprived.
Chapter 9:
Castiel returned to the checkout counter still smiling, and continued sorting out the new books. He hadn't gotten very far when he saw Dean storm out the door angrily. Castiel knew that Dean probably wanted to be left alone, but he was concerned, and he had to try to help him; it was his personality. He went to the door and looked through the glass to see Dean sitting on the bumper of his car, holding his head in his hands. Castiel pushed the door open as quietly as he could and stepped out into the crisp air. "Dean?" He said softly "Is everything alright?" "What's it to you?" Dean snapped, his face contorted with rage and self-loathing. His words were like a blow to Castiel's abdomen. He recoiled and stammered "I-y-you seemed upset and I just wanted to help-I'll just go now."
Castiel fumbled for the door, he was not going to cry in front of Dean Winchester. "Cas." Dean's voice stopped him in his tracks. Castiel turned, half-expecting to be yelled at again. "I'm sorry, Cas. I'm just having a rough day, alright?" Dean said, before clearing his throat. He looked very uncomfortable, and he couldn't make eye-contact. "What's wrong?" Cas asked him. He wanted to know if he could help. He really liked Dean. Dean murmured something unintelligible under his breath. "Can you repeat that?" Castiel asked him. "I can't read." Dean repeated, louder, and angrier. "I'm a fucking moron that can't read and I'm angry because I'm too fucking stupid to do anything about it." He was practically shouting now, his voice cracking with anger.
Castiel felt something flare up inside of him. Determination? Anger? He didn't know. "You are not stupid, and I am going to teach you to read even if you think it's impossible. Now, come inside; your first lesson starts now." Castiel said in a firm tone before heading back inside the store with his head held high and his shoulders back. Wordlessly, Dean followed him inside.