TAKEN FOR GRANTED

CHAPTER SEVEN-QUESTIONS AND CONFUSION

A/N: I am so sorry! Both reality and my connection have been horrible and frankly, one writer, whom I considered my twin(you know who you are)-quit emailing suddenly, and that, combined with the way my friendships and life have been going, well, suffice to say, I lost the desire to write. I have not even accessed my ffnet acct lately, so I apologize to those who have reviewed or messaged me. I will do my best to answer PMs, but please remember, my connection apparently has it in for me and spends it's time figuring out ways to keep pissing me off-like the inability to access my account most of the time. ;( Though I will always thank those who took a bit of time to leave a tiny review. ;)

And one last time, my writings are dedicated to Chelsea-whose stories rock! I haven't forgotten, I promise-first chap is almost done-and who just might have a little surprise in store in the next chapter; Luscious in Pain-got the underlying message and I miss you; and of course, Maknatuna-who without fail, always reviews, and writes the most wonderful stories and posts weekly-(unlike me.)

And to Thinkingwithportals, Perry123, .wonderland, Libranfate, and Ryane-Foxx for such wonderful comments and feedback. Love you girls. My love also goes out to those who alerted, favorited and followed.

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT MY DIRTY MIND AND THE FREAKY SEX THAT DRIVES OUR BOYS TO DO ANATOMICALLY IMPOSSIBLE…THINGS.

Previously:

"I'm going to...I'm gonna go to the bar-."

"Finally, let's go-."

"No."

"No? What the hell you mean no?"

"Just what I said. You're not going anywhere, not until you talk to Castiel. I know how bad you want me to shut up so you can drink and fuck whatever shows any interest. Bar's way the hell on the other side of town, guess you're gonna have to call the angel to get you there."

"Fuck you, Sam. It's my car. There's no way in hell-."

"Yeah, Dean. Hell. You know, the place that...Cas pulled you out of? Risked his damn...whatever it is they have, just to get you out! Every damn time, he shows when you call him! So fucking fix this! Or I'll have Gabriel-"

"God, fine! Shut the hell up! Just go! And don't friggin' call him that!"

"What? Cas? You do-."

"Just don't."

Sam sighed, what was his brother's problem-didn't matter, "you're going to straighten out this mess with Castiel, right?"

"Yes. Fine. Whatever. Just leave me the hell alone!"

Dean felt like throwing something at him at that smug smile he received. Bitch.

"Jerk."

Now:

Sam just smiled, gave Dean his 'I'm-glad-we-had-this-talk-and-don't-you-feel-bett er-now' look. Dean just rolled his eyes and started walking towards his brother, Sam squeaked in the way all little brothers do when big brothers advance on said smug little brothers. He spun around and grabbed the doorknob, twisted and slammed it the door behind him. Walking a few feet, (just in case Dean decided to follow him), and when that didn't happen, he leaned against the car to catch his breath.

Damn. How the hell did his brother do that? He was friggin' taller, bigger and grown; he could kill creatures and demons and sewn up his own wounds; what was it about Dean that turned the younger Winchester into a five year old? Sometimes it really sucked being younger. Something he knew Castiel had dealt with for…well, all of his existence. Shaking his head at the storm all around him, he got in the car and drove off.

Dean smiled at his brother's girly squeak and rush to get out of his vicinity. Because that? Never gets old. That's some funny shit right there. Doesn't matter how tall or grown up his sister thinks he is, Dean can totally make Sasquatch scream like a little girl. Hah. The evil big-brother grin fell from his face as he remembered just why Sammy had deserted him. God! Bitch didn't even know what was going on and he was still giving him crap. Whatever.

What the hell is he supposed to do about Cas? There was no way he was having the post-sex talk with him. Because, he knew it had to have been the angel's first time doing…anything and he just knew Cas was gonna read more into it, confess something dumb, like it was more than sex or how it meant more because it was Dean...God, if he started in on the profound bond crap, he was gonna hurl. Then he stopped mid-thought. Had he really just thought that? He really was a first-rate bastard. How the hell did he do this without making Cas feel like shit? He didn't want to see that look again or hear that tone in his voice. Dean wasn't gonna lie, not to Cas-he frowned, he didn't have a problem lying; not to anyone, except Sammy or Bobby, so why? Didn't matter. He wouldn't lie or pretend there'd been more to it than what it was-heat of the moment; convenience. That's it. Might as well get this over with. Dean walked back to the bed, sat down, ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath.

"Hey Cas! Important shit to talk to you about! Need you to use those wings and come down here, pronto!"

Castiel appeared just inside the gates of heaven; within Jonathon's peaceful domicile. His loving friend-so different from his charge-still sat on the bench of the swing, waiting for his return. The youngest angel felt guilt run through him as he thought of his earlier activities and every cell of his vessel wanted nothing more than to go back and engage in carnal activity. With Dean. A sexual act, apparently, only he wanted; the eldest Winchester had been very clear on this point, even if he was unaware of the angel's proximity. Castiel felt shame for his desires and lowering himself to eavesdropping as Dean sat in the car without knowledge of the angel's presence. Anger replaced shame. Anger at how the hunter had turned what they'd shared into something dirty and common; it made the angel feel small and insignificant. His existence would have been easier if Father had given him Jonathon as his charge. Sighing, he smiled as his eternally young friend looked up at him and grinned, pulling on Castiel's wrist to convince him to sit down.

"Castiel! I've waited right here, just like you said!"

The angel smiled. His sweet friend always made him smile.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry it took so long for me to rejoin you."

That's okay. I had Gabby and Bolly to keep me company."

"They were here?"

"Yes. Something was wrong with Gabby though."

"What do you mean, wrong?"

"He was not behaving in his usual manner."

"What was different about him?"

"Well, he was smiling and his eyes were all happy and he completely desisted causing mischief towards Bolly, even when he repeatedly rolled his eyes at Gabby; asking him why he looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. Why would he say that? The cat would choke on the bones and how come there are cats and I've never seen one?"

Castiel smiled once again. It was precisely this reason he received so much enjoyment in this human's company. Such a stark contrast to his charge. He blinked. Why must every thought or comment lead directly back to his infuriating human…His? Dean was not his and he should do well to remember that. Bringing his thoughts back to his sweet friend, he answered.

"It is simply a figure of speech, Jonathon."

"Oh. Okay. Castiel? I do not understand something. Perhaps you could advise me."

"Of course. What are you questioning? "

"Why do people feel the need to use slang? I may not be the most intelligent person in the world, but I believe our language is sufficiently beautiful without having to add idioms that only serve to confuse me and then there is Gabby and Bolly's references. They continue to use terms that leave me puzzled and frustrated."

The angel shook his head and grinned at his friend.

"Jonathon, that is a most excellent point and I am sorry I don't have a legitimate answer for you. I intensely dislike human slang and wonder at the ability of humanity to take a beautiful language and riddle it with inane stupidity. "

"Oh. Okay. Castiel?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me I will never have to use 'slang', I don't like it."

"Of course. As I said, I am unable to tolerate it as well."

Jonathon smiled and looked peaceful for seconds until his brow furrowed. Castiel waited.

"Castiel?"

"Yes?"

"Can I have a cat? I could teach it to leave the poor birds alone and keep it fed and give it milk and pet it and give it a really good name and-."

He smiled wider and put a hand on his shoulder to silence the boy. Jonathon reminded him of a very young Samuel Winchester. Which made him think of a comment Dean had made, something that was apparently so horrendous, so horrific, that it terrified his charge. He would have to remember to question the younger hunter.

"Perhaps, we shall see. I would like to ask you a question, if you would not mind Jonathon."

"Sure."

"My earthly charge-."

"Dean?"

"Yes. How did you know his name?"

"Bolly and Gabby. They both talk about him. They don't seem to like him very much and I don't like him either."

"Jonathon. You have not met him. I must speak to my brothers about the golden rule."'

"Silence?"

"Yes. Silence."

Castiel intended to firmly request Jonathon not speak of his charge in that way, but it seemed impossible to be cross with him. Moreover, he knew his brothers weren't fond of Dean, but would they talk badly of him to the younger human?

"When did Gabriel and Balthazar speak of the human to you?"

"Weren't talking to me, I was looking for the cat and the poor bird and overheard them."

"I See. What did you overhear?"

"Bolly was very adamant about the fact that the human manipulated you; he said he demanded and called for you 'every minute of the bloody day' and 'someone needs to teach him respect' and 'wouldn't it be a nice surprise if he fought his own battles for once instead of calling on Cassie-cat every time he got himself into a bloody jam.'"

Balthazar would be made aware of just how wrong he was about the relationship between the human and Castiel. He would make sure he knew firsthand how very wrong the older angel was. They just didn't understand Dean. Even through everything, he was sure that Dean did respect him; that he didn't think of the angel as one whose only purpose was to do as bid by the human, no matter what the request.

"And Gabriel?"

"Oh. He was talking about someone he called…I don't know, it was very confusing. I didn't understand just what he was saying."

"Tell me exactly what he said."

"He kept speaking of a human that he wanted to climb like a tree-although why would you climb a human? You can't make a fort or swing on the branches or-."

Castiel was going to hurt his brother.

"Slang, Jonathon. Anything else?"

"Yes, he spoke of…sex on legs and a hot tall drink of water that he'd love to swallow down. Is Gabby thirsty? I could get him water if he wants."

Castiel groaned inwardly. Did the archangel have no boundaries? He answered both his own question and Jonathon's with one comment, "no. He is being offensive, do not worry about it. It is unimportant", Balthazar was not the only one in line to receive a firm word regarding the Winchester brothers. The immature behavior would not be tolerated. It was clearly below them. It was bad enough they spoke so plainly in Jonathon's presence, but to say those things at all were unbecoming of their station. Once again, it seemed Castiel's duty to remind them.

"Castiel? Do you know someone named Sammykins?"

Oh, Father.

"My charge's brother is Samuel; I believe Gabriel believes it is a term of endearment."

"Why?"

"Some beings use shorter forms of names to indicate affection."

"Oh. Like your charge calls you Cas?"

"How did you know that?"

Jonathon just shrugged, "I think Gabby is sick."

"Sick? What would make you think that?"

"Gabby kept saying how hot he was. Maybe he has a fever. Mom used to make me drink lots of liquids and give me chicken soup and seven-up and cold wash cloths and rub my back. Maybe Gabby should do that-."

"Hmmm, I think you're on to something there, Jonny. Sammykins could use some…liquid and I think he'd feel so much better if I rubbed his-."

"Gabriel! That is quite enough!"

"Hey, lil' bro! Fancy meeting you here, what's going on with that Neanderthal of a charge?"

Castiel sighed. His brother was incorrigible.

"Gabriel. Please do not speak of Dean in that matter. I do not appreciate it. And I would appreciate you both desist in speaking of", he narrowed his eyes at Balthazar, "my charge", then turned back to the archangel and glared, "and Samuel."

"Yeah, yeah. Hey Jonny, how's it hanging?"

Castiel smiled and both Gabriel and Balthazar held back a laugh as they watched Jonathon look around, confusion marring his features.

"Jonathon, he is asking how you are doing."

The boy crossed his arms and glared up at the archangel, "then why did he not simply say that?"

The littlest angel put a hand on Jonathon's shoulder in agreement and spoke, "because, like my charge, Gabriel has a fondness for human slang."

Gabriel arched an eyebrow, "it's not the only human thing I'm fond of, Cassie", and the rest of his comeback was drowned out by the brother of the current subject of their conversation. He looked at both of his brethren. Gabriel looked annoyed and Balthazar pissed at the interruption.

'Hey Cas! Important shit to talk to you about! Need you to use those wings and come down here, pronto!'

Castiel frowned. "Gabriel, do you sense Dean in immediate danger?"

Gabriel closed his eyes, opened them and answered, "Nope, he's in their room sitting on the bed...hmmm, I wonder where Sammy-."

"Gabriel. I need to speak with you, if possible", he turned to Jonathon and whispered, "I'm sure Bolly would help you in your search for a feline."

Jonathon just smiled and nodded, "I'll be back after you talk to Gabby. Bolly? Would you help me find that mean old cat that swallowed the canary?"

Balthazar, Gabriel and Castiel all turned to smile at the boy and then grinned as he grabbed Balthazar's hand and dragged him away.

Dean waited as patiently as he could for Castiel to show up. Nothing. Where was...he checked the motel clock. Five minutes? How the hell was he supposed to ignore the situation if Castiel didn't show up when the hunter called him? Seriously. Fuck it. He was willing to put it all in the past and not talk about it...ever and he doesn't even bother showing up? Nice. Another damn guy-person-angel that had his back. Fine. He didn't want to talk to him anyway. Sam was going to bring Baby back and he'd drive to the bar his damn self. He keyed in Sam's number and waited. As soon as he heard his brother pick up, he started speaking. Once Sam started bitching nothing stopped him and he was so not in the mood.

"Hey Sa-."

"I know damn well you aren't calling me to tell me he didn't answer and to come pick you up, so you can get drunk and laid."

Well, damn. That worked out well. God, Sam was a bitch. "No, asshole, just checking on baby."

"Mmmm-hmmm. Sure, he didn't show yet, did he? How long?"

"Too damn long."

"And just how long is too long?"

"How the fuck should I know? You think I watch the clock when I'm waiting for his ass to show up?"

Actually he had been but Sam didn't need to know that. Fucking angel, he felt like a girl waiting on her prom date, okay so maybe a hot girl, but still, a girl. Like Samantha.

"How long?"

"How long what?"

"How long have you been waiting?"

Crap. Honesty would not help him get to the bar any faster.

"Hours."

"Wanna try again?"

Damn Sasquatch. "How the fuck am I supposed to know? It's been a long damn time, think there's something wrong with the clock in the room. Must've stopped. What time you got?"

"Ten minutes since I left the motel. 7:32"

"Yeah, mine say the same. What the hell. Better not be damned witches!"

Sam rolled his eyes, "Witches? Wanna explain that one?"

"God, Sammy; for someone that went to Stanford, you're a little-."

"I'm waiting and you're stalling."

The motel clock, our watches and both cell phones have the same time."

"Yeah. So?"

"I'm thinkin' witches."

Sam had to mute the phone for a few seconds, he knew where this was leading and if Dean heard him laugh, he would get the standard 'I will shoot you in the face'. Dean was still talking when he unmuted.

"Sam? Sammy? Great! Now the phones? Fucking witches-CAS! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU! HELLO! WITCHES-."

"You're an idiot."

"Hey! I will shoot you in the face!-" Sam rolled his eyes again and snorted. His brother was nothing if not predictable.

"Real brave when you're not in the same room with me, Samantha."

"Whatever, Dean. You have any idea how many times in my life I've heard you say that?"

"One of these days, I'm not gonna say it. I'm just going to friggin' do it", Dean took a deep breath because he was on a roll, "oh and by the way, you wanna tell my when I came back you were sound asleep!"

"Huh? What does that have to do with shooting me in-."

"Shut it, I'm talking. Said it before and I'll say it again, nice to know you got my back! Shut. Up. For all you knew I'd crashed baby or got lost and was wandering around in the storm freezing to death and-."

"Oh my God. And you call me a girl…Deanna. And don't even think it."

Oh yeah, Sam was gonna get shot in the face. Fuckin' girl-wait. "Think about what, asshole?"

"Calling me a girl."

"How'd you know-?"

"Please. And do you actually think insulting me..."

Damn. He braced himself for some brotherly bitching. There were a few things Dean knew for sure, one-Bert and Ernie are Gay and B-Cas was pissing him off and three-his brother could whine for hours. Maybe he could just hang up on him. Yeah. Wait. No. He needs Sammy to bring the 'pala back. He sighed. Maybe if he changed the subject? He put the phone back to his ear and yep, he was still bitching.

"So, Samantha, need to get your ass back-."

"Uh-uh. You said hours. Wanna tell me exactly how long it's been-without exaggerating?"

I am not exaggerating! I told you!"

"Yeah, witches. Wanna try the truth?"

"Not especially and shut up. At least an hour. That's how I know someone's fucking with us."

Dean smirked, that'll get him to come back and then he'll take off without-.

"Wait, I've only been gone for..." there was silence and then a bitchy huff. Goddammit! Was today everyone-fuck-with-Dean-Day? He sighed, he knew what was next.

"Oh my God, Dean! It's been five damn minutes!"

"Hah! Wrong again! It's been ten!"

"Gotcha! You admitted it was ten!"

Son of a bitch! "Fine! Whatever! I bow to your debating prowess!"

"Good to know. I think that you should-."

"Tell me whatever the hell it is when you get here. Just...get your girly butt in the car and come and get me! I'm not waiting any longer for his ass to-."

"No. Shut up. I was going to say call him again. Might be a little busy. Y'know, heaven's warrior and all."

"I'm his damn charge. What's more important than-Sam?"

He looked down at the phone, still able to hear a dial tone and it hit him; the little bastard hung up on him! He threw down the phone, looked up at the ceiling and yelled.

"Dammit Cas! Be really nice if you'd get your ass down here!"

There. He'd show now. Fucking people fucking with him! God!

Sam put his phone back in his pocket as he shook his head at his brother's sheer audacity concerning Castiel. Dean was acting like a spoiled brat and it wasn't going to end until the angel put Dean firmly in his place, which he didn't think was going to happen. Ever. The angel didn't seem to be affected by the thought that his brother was treating the angel like his own personal bitch. Fucking Dean was starting to really weird out his younger sibling. Especially when it came to the angel. Pissed off when he didn't show, treating him like crap when he did; he thought they were getting to be friends. Dean had seemed to enjoy himself when the angel was around. Restless and bored when he wasn't. But the way he'd been acting for the past month was worse than his usual-way worse. Especially after those few months where Castiel's presence had been constant. And Dean's usual stress relievers-sex, food, alcohol, hunts-not doing the trick-and what about how weird he'd acted earlier? Was it possible the unthinkable had happened? Had Dean actually met someone he liked? And if he had, why was he being such a bitch? That one was easy-it was scaring the hell out of his brother. Dean didn't do emotional; didn't get involved, not on a personal level? How many times had Dean told him that it wasn't possible not with the lifestyle he had. No room for 'em, wouldn't drag anybody into this shit. He'd once asked Dean why that was and he'd stared at him, shook his head and spoke low; painfully, sad. Final.

"Told two of 'em the truth; one called me a liar and the other almost died. If I'd stayed, she…they would have died. Dad once told us that he was tired of losing people we loved and I have enough blood on my hands as it is. And what we do? Who the hell would want that? Crappy motel rooms, fast food, always moving. You know damn well that every time we leave on a hunt, it just might be the one we don't walk away from. And frankly, I've known for a long time that this is all there is for me. I don't get the house, two point five kids. Someone who isn't you 'getting' me, understanding all my shit issues. I been to hell Sam and that's something no civilian can ever know. No, Sam…I lie on a daily basis; to witnesses, suspects, cops and the chicks at the bar; sick of it. I can't have a life, not like that and I realized that a long fucking time ago. And the hell thing? What I did…became? I got you and Bobby…and Cas. It's a lot more than I deserve. This shit is important. I'm not."

And no matter what Sam had said to try to convince him otherwise, Dean shut him down. Threatening to walk out if he continued and then doing just that. Sam sighed, shaking himself. And that's exactly what had him freaking out. And why? Because someone new was challenging his brother's life-long agenda. Who? He wondered if Castiel had any idea. He'd have to ask him. It started a month ago, so was it someone he'd met then? Someone here? God he hoped it wasn't that slutty waitress from the diner. She was so not Dean's type. One-night-stand type, yeah. Emotional-connection type? He didn't think Dean had one. But then maybe it was her, he'd had sex with her three times in two days and even being the manwhore that his brother was, this still was way over the top. Maybe she was different around his brother or maybe he'd met somebody else. Or maybe, Sam was just full of shit, which was possible considering how confused he'd been since Gabriel had started showing up. Sam's head darted up to the ceiling when he heard a loud crack of thunder. Fuck, he was cold. What had he been thinking? He could be nice and warm right now. Stupid Dean. He wanted something to warm him up…Gabriel-no. He wasn't falling for the Archangel's tricks. He'd be damned if he was just one more in a long line of sex partners. But, Christ, earlier in the motel room, knowing his kinks; making him feel so good, making him moan and gasp. It made him hard just remembering-groaning; he slammed a door on his thoughts and hot chocolate, yeah. That sounded good. He looked toward the bartender's attention and cringed when he saw some local girl staring at him, licking her lips. She looked familiar. He turned away; thanking God he'd grabbed a booth in the corner. He proceeded to make himself as small as possible, yeah, Dean would have thought that was hysterical and laughed his ass off. Then approached her, taken her into the back room and…well, like he did with the waitress and-oh. Crap. It was the waitress. He picked up his phone and pretended to speak to Dean-maybe knowing his brother would be showing up soon would keep her away from him. It was worth a shot. Dean just better hurry the hell up.

Gabriel and Castiel watched Balthazar and Jonathon walk away until they were out of sight. The youngest angel looked down at the folded hands on his vessel's lap until the archangel spoke.

"Cassie?"

"I have a...situation and I need your advice."

"This is about Deano, isn't it?"

Castiel's eyes snapped to his brothers, "In a roundabout way, yes. How did you know?"

Gabriel sighed, "you only get like this with your boy-."

"He's not my boy; no one knows that better than me. I...something happened earlier and I am very confused. I am feeling emotions. Gabriel? I do not know what they mean or why I feel as I do. I thought perhaps you could counsel me."

"You had sex with your charge."

"Gabriel! No, Dean and I did not have sexual congress."

"Okay, but you got yourself a little, didn't you and Deano has something to do with it?"

Castiel sighed. He should have known the archangel would realize immediately what issues he was struggling with. He always knew.

"Yes, Gabriel, you are correct. How did you know?"

"Ahhh, Cassie. Lots of ways. First of all, Deano's the only one that confuses you. Second, you've got this look-not sure, but it's like...halfway after-sex glow, halfway puzzlement and halfway...I don't know. Pain? Hurt? Regret? And you've got the whole 'I-had-sex-and-it-rocked' thing going on."

"That's four halves, Gabriel."

"Stop changing the subject. So...talk."

Castiel sighed, no matter what, Gabriel always convinced him to talk, even when he did not want to. Remarkably like the way it had been with Dean before…the anger and unpleasantness of the last month.

"Very well. I have been bombarded with emotions and feelings since I rescued Dean from his latest hunt. Things like physical pain, exhaustion-."

"Get to the juicy stuff, Cassie."

"Dean and I had previously enjoyed a...friendship I suppose, I am not sure. I have no experience in these matters. He thought it was time I participated in 'human experiences.'"

Gabriel laughed to himself when Cassie used air quotes. It was such a...Castiel thing to do. He frowned slightly, he'd been trying to convince Castiel to enhance his existence with earthly pleasures for a long damn time and not once had he received more than a 'you-are-an archangel of the lord and you would do well to act like it' look or the one he really hated, 'Father would be truly upset if he saw the depths of your depravity.' And now he was...well, not only was he not being his requisite pissy self, he was enjoying said pleasures. Why? Hell, he knew why.

Deano. Figured. Gabriel and Balthazar had watched over Casty for most of the youngest angel's life and both had finally admitted defeat in trying to get him laid over three centuries ago. They gave up when they figured out it was never going to happen. And then it does? Because of Sam's obnoxious manwhore of an older brother? Ass. Something about Dean just annoyed the hell out of him. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what bothered him, but the human was loud, obnoxious, and aggressive and had a history of fucking anyone who had a pair of nice legs, (although, unlike the archangel, he only slept with the female of his species). Wait. Who else did he know like that? Shrugging his shoulders, he let the thought go. He wondered if Cassie even realized what it meant for the baby of the family to do such an about face. To even be questioning the archangel. This was huge! He'd waited millennia for him to discover sex and it ends up being Deano who, in a round-about way, was the one to bring the change? And why does it keep coming back to the human? Easy. Because he is well aware that Casty had a thing for him; he also knew Dean would never reciprocate and he'd be damned if he let the human hurt his little brother, no matter how innocent or indirect his actions were. Thoughts of Dean led to thoughts of his younger brother. Apparently, Cassie wasn't the only one who had a kink for a Winchester. Gabriel didn't know what it was about Sam that made the archangel want so badly. Was it because he reminded him of her? A little maybe, but the human was different from any other. Especially the way he behaved towards the heavenly being. He did not fall to his knees and express his undying love-which kind of sucked, because imagining his soon-to-be-lover on his knees made his mouth water.

"Gabriel! Are you even listening to me? I had assumed I could come to you with this and you'd try to assist me; if you cannot even give me the courtesy of listening, then I believe I will take my leave-."

Shit. "Course Casty, Deano made it his goal to give you the human experience. Tell me, what about sex? Because Baby bro, sex? The single best human invention...ever."

"Human? Humans did not create sexual intercourse, Gabriel. Father did. Procreation. Perhaps you have heard of it?"

"Smartass. Doesn't change the fact. Still the best thing ever."

"Yes. I...agree-."

"Wait. You agree? You never agree!"

Gabriel scooted back and looked intently at his own charge. Yep. His lil' bro definitely had the whole glowing…"You had sex!"

Castiel was beginning to lose his patience with his brother. "I believe I already mentioned that. Have you been listening to me at all?"

The archangel smirked; Casty could bitch with the best of 'em. Like Sammy.

"But-YOU HAD SEX!"

"Gabriel! I do not need every being ever created privy to my sexual experience! And no, my...encounter was not penetrative."

The archangel rolled his eyes at his brother's clinical terminology, "details! I want details!"

"I do not think so. You will only use them later to annoy me."

Gabriel would not be put off, he needed details. And he would damn well get 'em, "fine. I'll figure it out on my own. Hmmm, okay. I'm betting it wasn't some girl at a bar...not your style. You been hanging out in Dad's gardens? Oh my Father, it was an angel", and then a horrifying thought came to the archangel's mind, "please tell me it wasn't Sarial, because that would be-."

"Of course it was-."

"I can't believe you finally said yes to her! She's been-."

"Gabriel, if you would silence yourself I would tell you that-."

"She wore you down. Is that what happened? That damn girl's been after you since you were both fledglings…so; she finally got herself a little something-."

"Gabriel! That is quite enough! It wasn't-."

"What? How you thought it'd be?"

Castiel thought about telling his brother how wrong he was, but he realized it was the perfect way to keep Dean out of it, at least for now. Lying was a sin, but it was vastly preferable to having his charge immolated by his guardian archangel. And then Gabriel became animated, jumping up and down, excited. This could not be good.

"Oh. Ohhhh! You know, you should have a go with one of the women your charge picks up. Pretty sure they have a shitload of experience. Think they'd blow...your mind."

"I am not sure a human female is what I need, particularly the type my charge insists on taking to his bed. They are beneath-."

"What? You?" Gabriel frowned, Castiel has never been one to feel morally superior to humans; on the contrary, he loved humanity.

"No, Gabriel; they are beneath…him."

Gabriel watched as Castiel clenched his fist. He recognized the emotions behind the words. Possessiveness, perhaps a bit of jealousy? Something was up. "Something happened-."

The abrupt turn of the younger angel's head towards Gabriel gave him his answer. He waited.

"It is not of…very well, I was busy earlier today with Father's duties and Dean called me to his location, I sensed he was not in danger, so I arrived in my own time. Dean was…involved with a female and when I stated she was beneath him, he became angry with me. I could tell by his tone and words. They were also beneath him.

"Lemme guess, 'when you clear out then she's definitely going to be beneath me', that about cover it."

"Yes, although he was a bit more…crass and impatient. Upset with my arrival, even though he bade me to appear. I do not understand his need to call for me and then treat me in this way."

Gabriel knew it wasn't the first time. He was going to chew the hunter a new one, "it's been happening a lot lately, hasn't it, Cassie", Castiel sighed. It was a comment, not a question.

"Yes, in the past month. He's under a lot of stress."

Dean was really starting to piss the archangel off.

"Stop defending him, Castiel! Its bull and you know it! Let me have a few moments-."

"No. Now, can we please get back to our previous discussion?"

"Alright, alright...so your first time wasn't all that. Maybe it's because it was her", Castiel shook his head, "okay, so maybe not her specifically, maybe", Castiel sighed again, his brother was almost vibrating with excitement, "maybe…and think about this carefully, maybe you're into guys."

Gabriel did not know how correct he was, although he still did not know if it was sex in general or the hunter specifically-.

"What about your charge? I assume he has something to do with this-", Gabriel held his hand up to stop the younger angel's words before he spoke them, "sooner or later, it always comes back to him and you know it…wait, did you tell him? About Sarial? About your possible 'type'? Because if he's having a problem because he's a homophobe, well I am the trickster or maybe it's a possessive thing…I mean he does get bitchy when you're not focused on him."

"He does not! But, yes. Dean is not happy about-."

"I knew it! Okay, so not precisely, but-He's either pissed that you had the gall to actually leave him to his own crap while you did the dirty or…he's got a problem with guy-on-guy action. And believe me Cassie-I have a shit load of experience in the area-although, currently my enormous wealth of past trysts is not helping me at all. Feel like a damn virgin. Anyway, what the fuck does he care who or what gender-for that matter, species- you sleep with? Think I need to talk to that boy. Close-minded idiot! I take it that you are upset because of his reaction to your favored gender or is friggin' Sarial the one he has a problem with-which, she got her a little Cassie-ohh, can I be the one to tell her you're not interested? Oh fine. Anyway, I get why she'd piss off Deano-she's an annoying little-. "

"Gabriel!"

"What?"

"Are you done?"

"If I get to give her the bad news, I'm done."

"Gabriel, I will inform Father of your attitude towards one of his creations."

"Pshaw! Like Dad doesn't already know everything I do and oh shit, I hope he was busy earlier today, because that could just be embarrassing…"

"Guardian or not, I am going to hurt you, Gabriel!"

"Oh, don't get your shorts in a twist, I'm listening. Geesh. "

Castiel realized Gabriel could not help him with this. His protective older-brother instincts would take over and when he found out Dean had rejected him, Gabriel would become the Archangel and his easy-going brother would turn his wrath on the hunter. No. He would have to get his answers another way. He needed a distraction. Samuel. He turned and looked closely at his guardian and noticed Jonathon had been correct when he spoke of Gabriel's change in attitude.

"Something has changed with you, Gabriel. You look...Gabriel? What have you done?"

"Nothing bad-well, you might think it was bad, but Father, it was good. Really fucking good-."

"Stop blaspheming in Father's heaven", the archangel just smiled, his eyes bright. Castiel watched the archangel closely as he questioned him, "this pertains to Samuel, doesn't it?"

Gabriel grinned and shifted himself on the bench. Yes, there was definitely something between the archangel and the younger hunter. Good. And then he saw what was next. Gabriel would try to 'sleaze it up', make it less important than it was. He briefly wondered if Dean would react in the same way regarding Castiel-he shook his head. Why did the fact that Dean felt nothing besides anger and disgust at their earlier activities seem to hurt so much? He stopped the troubling thoughts and raised a hand, forestalling any grandstanding his brother would try to do, just as Dean would; although with Dean, it would not be to save-face, it would be the truth. And oh Father, he had just used slang. Perhaps he had been spending too much time with the hunter.

"Don't, Gabriel. Just tell me honestly. Is there something between you and my charge's younger brother?"

Gabriel just grinned, "oh, Cassie, that boy is just yummy. I could eat him up and I think I will do just-."

"Gabriel! You are talking about Dean's brother!"

"Oh, I know, lil' bro. I know."

Castiel came dangerously close to huffing just as Sam did when the angel's charge spoke in the same way, "Dean will not be happy."

"Dean is your problem, not mine. Thank Father! Now I know why Dad chose you. How you haven't killed him by now is beyond me."

"Gabriel! That is enough! Dean has a lot to deal with and he is dealing with it in the best way he knows-."

"Lemme guess? Your poor trodden down charge is trodding all over you."

"Must I repeat what I just said? It is you, so apparently I must. It is not like that! Dean respects me. When he calls me to his side, his reason is sound. He does not pray for my presence for trivial matters-Gabriel?"

"You are either the most patient one dad ever created or you're full of shit-."

"That. Is. Enough! I may not have the power to smite you, but I am willing to take the chance-Gabriel!"

Castiel looked at him. Why did he even bother? The archangel was listening to something he himself could not hear and he thanked Father for Gabriel's distraction. He wondered if Dean knew. He didn't think so. He shook his head as Gabriel's face broke out in the most lascivious and dirty grin he'd ever seen on his brother's face.

"Oh, Cassie, we done here? There is certain person down there who seems to be all alone. Can't have that."

"Yes, Gabriel. Thank you for listening."

"Hey, no prob. 'S what I'm here for...toodles."

Castiel looked at the space just vacated by his guardian and sighed. He hoped to Father that when he found Samuel, he wasn't otherwise engaged with another, as Dean usually was when the angel appeared in answer to his call. But then, that would not happen, Samuel was far different than his older brother. He had his share of sexual companions, but there was always an emotional connection, someone seen as more than just a convenient body. Perhaps the younger Winchester could enlighten him. He would have to think on it. He turned his attention to Jonathon and Balthazar and smiled at how easily the older angel had earned the young human's friendship. He pushed the thoughts of his charge to the back of his mind and watched them, content until the next time Dean bellowed.

Dean was pacing the room, impatient. He needed a drink. Strong one. And a girl. Or, (and this thought made him grin), two of them…hell, maybe three. Where the hell was he? Three damn times he's called and what's he get for his trouble? Not a damn thing. He narrowed his eyes and continued pacing. Every few seconds he looked up towards the ceiling, stare, jerk his arm up towards said ceiling and yell, wait and then narrow his eyes. When nothing happened he started pacing again, mumbling about the missing angel.

"Hellooo! This is Dean Winchester. Paging Castiel-Angel of the Lord! You know, the" Dean made air quotes, "Righteous One. Saver of Humanity. Killer of Evil! Oh and don't forget the friggin' bright soul you saved from hell! Any of this ringing a bell?"

The hunter turned towards the mirror and pointed a finger at his reflection and bitched.

"It's your own damn fault you're sitting in a motel room! You know why? I'll tell you why! Because you're soft, that's why you're stuck in this motel room and Sammy is…not. Because you let him have his way. Again. Spoiled! That's what he is…and after everything you've done for him! Feed him, clothe him, tell the brat about sex, let him drive baby and give him the last of the Lucky Charms! And how does he repay you? Kidnapping the 'pala and taking his happy ass to a bar where he's probably doing Jell-O shots off…hot girls, girls from out of town-probably broken down in front of the bar and in desperate need of a mechanic…girls who were on their way to a 'Best of Playboy' shoot….girls that would be very appreciative and very…flexible…and who's there to give them a hand? NOT YOU-oh no, Sammy, with his stupid tallness and his stupid floppy hair and his stupid stupidness. Hell, he'll probably sit down and talk to them about his damn feelings! "

By the time Dean was done with his little rant, he was out of breath and sweating. Great. Now he needed a shower. Overhead the lights flickered and thunder clapped. He stomped over to the door and twisted the knob. Damn. Sammy hadn't been kidding. He couldn't see five feet in front of him. He cocked his head. How far away had Samantha said the bar was? Across town. Okay, town couldn't be that big, couple of miles maybe? He could do that in his sleep. He smiled to himself. He walked back inside, grabbed his jacket and pocketed the motel key. Sticking out of Sam's bag was an umbrella. He rolled his eyes. Fucking Sam. He's surprised he doesn't beg off of hunts for fear of breaking a damn nail. Dean smirked, he was gonna have to remember that. Turning back to the mirror, he checked his image.

"Oh yeah, I am one hot mother-fucker."

Shrugging into his jacket, he winked at the mirror and walked to the door. The window next to him suddenly vibrated. Hard. Shit. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. Cas. He'd call Cas. He'd mojo Dean's perfect ass to the bar and…

"DAMMIT!"

Fucking angel was the reason he was in this mess in the first place. And Sam. They were both assholes. One can't take time out of his busy schedule to help him out. Mom might have said angels were watching him but she sure as hell wasn't talking about Castiel! This was all his fault. What was the fucking problem with stopping by for two seconds? God. Fucking. Forbid. After all, it was only Dean. No biggie. Probably friggin' sitting by a lake and gently pulling rose petals off a flower one by one, whispering he loves me, he loves me not. And that probably wasn't all. He'd bet money that the angel probably had a pink foofy notebook with Dean's name inside a heart and the whole damn thing was sprinkled with glitter. Pink glitter. Goddd! Today should have never happened-once again he'd underestimated his sexual power. But how could he have known? Angel's weren't exactly into sex-well, except for Anna and…Cas. He really had to turn down his sexual magnetism quotient. Too bad he couldn't use it to save the world. Five minutes. 'S all it would take to end it. But why stop there? He could use his magnetism to end war, poverty, homelessness. The whole shebang. And then sit back and wait for the chicks that would throw themselves at him in awe and wonder. Worshipped as a god among men. Altars would be built, books written, paintings and statues created to honor him. He was just that good. He blinked the water out of his eyes. Fuck. Talk about high self-esteem. It was a good thing he wasn't gay. Why? Because he was already so full of himself, nobody else would fit. He looked to the side and bit his lip, thinking. He's heard that somewhere. Whatever. And what made him think of that? First of all, he wasn't gay and even if he was, he would so be the pitcher. His sweet ass wasn't catching shit. Alpha Male. He rolled his eyes at his thoughts. Really Dean? Really? He shook his head and looked around the parking lot. He was already getting soaked and he was still in the damn doorway. He made one last effort to get Cas down to where he wanted him. And didn't that just bring up an image…and then he remembered just why he was stuck at the motel. Damn angel.

"Hey Castiel! Thanks a lot for showing when I called! Just so you know, I'm heading out…into the Fuckin' storm and if I get pneumonia and die, who's gonna save the damn world? Huh? This is dereliction of duty, dude!"

He waited. Again nothing. Great. Just great. What the hell was with him and Sam? Shit was starting to piss him off. Fucking angel. Fucking brother.

"That reminds me! Just what's up with you and him anyway? What am I? Chopped liver? Whatever. I'm going to the friggin' bar and it'd be really nice if you'd, oh, I don't know gave me a lift or something, seeing as its crap weather out here. Probably talking to Sammy or one of your other charges...wait. You have other charges? Is that where you are? Too busy because you have other friggin' humans to…"

A thought crossed his mind. Was he busy because he was doin' shit with his other 'humans'? Hanging out with them? Experiencing humanity? And he wasn't talking about food and music and pie-wait. If anyone was gonna be eating pie with Cas, it was damn well going to be him! Hell it had been him. Fucking people better keep their hands and shit away from the angel. Dean narrowed his eyes again. What if pie wasn't the only thing he was tasting, experiencing? Like what happened earlier? Thinking back, Cas had so not acted like the fumbling unemotional virgin angel that the hunter thought he was. Just where was he? Sure as hell wasn't here. Just what was so goddamned important that he was blowing Dean off…shit. Dean swallowed at the thought. Back on track, Winchester. Must be pretty damn good if he couldn't bother to see what was wrong when he yelled for him. He noticed a pattern. A month ago, hanging out less and less; taking longer and longer to arrive; pissy when he finally got there and vanishing as soon as he could. Just how many people had gotten up close and personal with his-the angel? Dean growled, low and threatening. Fuck, he was losing it. Cas was neither his nor anyone else's. And anyway, what the hell did he care if Cas was getting it on with anyone who looked at him twice? Because he was an angel, for God's sake! Way better than-he stopped that thought. And if he was focused on someone else? Well, no wonder he'd been missing so much. Didn't take a genius to see all the yahoos that watched him, wanted him, and approached him-that was, until they noticed Dean. It was why he stopped asking him to go with the hunter whenever he went out. Shit just pissed him off. They just wanted to get in the angel's pants…take advantage of the angel. He remembered the first few times they'd went out; he'd felt like a teacher. Castiel had spent the whole time close to Dean with his 'caught in the headlights' look on his face; refusing to even look up. Until Dean had half-turned and dipped his head to get the angel's attention; just as he had in the green room. It worked. Castiel had lifted his head to Dean's and smiled a thank you. Dean had noticed the smile. No one else would have. And that thought had made him happy. They'd had a really good night; movies and pie and Sam gone…somewhere with…Gabriel. Cas' shyness and inability to blend in became less and less of a problem. Dean still had to do the head-dip thing, but not very often, until finally it wasn't needed at all. Dean hadn't realized until then that he missed it. Regardless, they'd had a good time; Dean had fun with the angel. Spent a lot of time laughing and the hunter had been cool with hanging with him. Until he realized, he hadn't gotten laid in weeks. For some reason, hanging with Cas pushed out thoughts of hot chicks and his usual practice of studying his environment to choose his girl for the night was not happening. And it wouldn't hit him until Cas had left him at the motel. He'd swear the next time, he'd remember. He did, but it hadn't seemed a big deal. Until he realized it's been a few weeks. He hadn't even missed it. What was that about? Shit made him nervous. He didn't act like himself when he was hanging out with the angel. Cas had…had been cramping his style. Had to be. Too busy keeping all the sicko's away from the angel to take care of his own needs. Cas had shaken his head and said he was sorry and understood when the hunter had explained it to him. He'd grinned and patted his shoulder, said thanks for understanding and got up to look around. When he turned back, Cas had been gone.

Apparently, the hunter wasn't the only whose style was cramped. Understanding his ass. Cas had asked to learn and experience human interaction. He'd learned all right. He frowned at himself. What the hell did he care if Castiel was enjoying…he didn't, except he was totally ignoring his duties as Dean's guardian. In favor of focusing on every other damn human on the planet. He'd better not be. Damn angel.

Dean forced thoughts of Cas from his mind, slammed the door and began trudging through the rain, snow and wind towards what he hoped was the bar.

That's it for this one. I know it was short and filled with dialogue, but I had to split the chapter in two because of length and chapter eight will be out within a day or so. Promise no more long delays. Please review and tell me what you thought of Dean's rant. Too OOC? Liked it? Hated it? Suggestions. The bar scene with all of our boys is coming, I swear! Have a wonderful evening everyone! ;)