Castiel was stuck to the spot. His nerves were tingling; he had no idea what was going on in his mind. Holy shit he touched me. He couldn't believe how he was acting. He may not be as experienced as some, but he was definitely no blushing virgin. How can this guy have this sort of affect on me? He still hadn't recovered by the time Dean came sauntering back over with a toolbox.
The thought of Dean sweaty and greasy and bent over his hood immediately popped into his head and sent a shiver down his body and straight to his crotch. Surreptitiously adjusting himself, Castiel smiled meekly at Dean hoping he wouldn't notice. His timid smile was returned with a dazzling open smile that made his stomach flip. He hoped his blush wasn't that obvious, but as he watched Dean's smile grow even wider, he cursed inwardly.
"Alright Cas, let me see what's going on under here."
Castiel watched as Dean bent over the engine. Granted he'd already seen that ass completely uncovered, but he had to admit those jeans did every inch of it justice. Trying and subsequently failing not to ogle the mechanic, Castiel started to approach Dean.
"So do you know what's wrong with it?"
"Uh ya Cas, this car is a piece."
"A piece of what Dean."
"Shit!" Dean looked up only to find Castiel standing extremely close. He watched the green eyes widen and he jerked up hitting his head on the hood of the car.
"Sorry Dean, I've been told I have issues respecting personal space."
"Nah, you're good Cas, just wasn't expecting you there. You're quiet…"
Castiel cursed himself internally. His brothers often made fun of him for his social ineptitude. Being in a large family was never particularly easy, but Castiel never was able to grasp how to properly interact with others. He realized all too late that he had been staring intently at Dean for what was probably an inappropriate amount of time. He held on just a little bit longer, counting the freckles on his sharp nose.
"You ok Cas?" He could see a small smirk playing on Dean's lips, a smirk he would enjoy wiping off. However Castiel decided to turn his head to the car.
"Yes Dean. Are you able to fix my car?"
Castiel looked up once more into Dean's bemused expression. He watched as Dean shook his head, "Sorry Cas we've got to get this bad boy to a shop, I can get it to the garage I work at if you'd like."
"That's alright Dean, I just need to call someone to come pick me up…shit my phone…"
Castiel had completely forgotten that he'd lost his phone at school. A look of surprise flashed across Dean's face.
"Oh geez Cas, I totally forgot!" Dean rifled through the pocket in his jacket and produced his cell phone, "I picked this up in the studio after you bolted. I'm so sorry I completely spaced. I wasn't expecting to see you…but I can give ya a ride Cas, it's really no problem."
"…are you sure?" Castiel was more than hesitant about riding with Dean. His entire body was tingling just standing next to Dean, but being alone in a car with him? Deep breaths, deep breaths.
"Sure, you make your call and I'll grab my stuff from inside. Meet me at my car, it's the sweetest one here." He spoke this with audible pride, pointing over to a sleek black muscle car across the parking lot.
"Alright thank you Dean, this is very considerate of you." Castiel took his phone as Dean smiled and turned back to the Roadhouse. He reluctantly dialed his brother Gabriel's number. While waiting for Gabe to pick up, he watched Dean walk back inside. This was the first time he noticed the slight bowed out shape of his legs. That new information sent another twinge into his abdomen.
"Hello? Cassie?!" The sudden sound of Gabe's voice snapped Castiel out of his Dean-induced trance.
"Hello Gabriel. My car is dead and I need to get it towed. Can you take care of it for me?" Castiel watched Dean turn around just before shoving in the door.
"Sure Cassie, you need a ride back to your place?"
"No thank you Gabriel, a coworker is driving me home."
"Oh ya, you gonna get some ass tonight?" Gabriel's teasing did not come as a surprise to Castiel.
"Not that it is any of your business Gabriel but no, I just met him today." Even just the hint from his brother towards Dean's ass was enough to send a solid flush up Castiel's cheeks.
"Alright lil' bro I'll get your car picked up. Love you!"
"Love you too Gabriel." Castiel had reached Dean's car and as he hung up his phone he heard someone clear their throat. He looked up to see a slightly sad look on Dean's face just for a moment before he replaced it with his signature smirk.
"Let's hit the road Castiel."
Castiel didn't fail to notice the change in his moniker.
Dean's excitement over having some time alone with Cas vanished as he overheard the dark-haired man's phone call. He quickly grabbed his stuff, hurrying his goodbyes to all those left in the Roadhouse. He made his way to his baby just in time to hear Cas end his conversation.
"Love you too Gabriel."
Dean had no reason to be upset over this statement. He'd just barely met this guy. But no matter what he told himself, it did cause a painful twinge in his chest when he heard that. Cas looked up at him and he forced a smile.
"Let's hit the road Castiel."
He knew what forced him to say Castiel and when he saw the gorgeous man cock his head, he regretted the change. Why did that bastard have to look so cute doing that? Dammit Cas. Dean slid into the driver seat and waited to hear Cas's door slam. He couldn't bring himself to look over at his passenger. After giving Dean direction as to his place, Castiel fell quiet. The silence proved to be too much after a bit and Dean's instincts kicked in; he hated awkward situations and saw himself as proficient enough at diffusing them.
"So…you an art major?"
"Yes."
"Awesome. How much longer you have left?"
"I'll be graduating in May."
"Same here." Dean saw Cas nod out of the corner of his eye. He chanced a glance and was again struck by the sharp line that his jaw made with just a hint of stubble. He let himself imagine how good that stubble would feel against his lips before snapping his attention back to the road.
"So…" Dean was at a loss and decided to just get it out, "is your boyfriend taking care of your car?"
Cas looked at Dean inquisitively. Glancing over, Dean was captivated by the intensity in those curious eyes. He hadn't responded and seemed taken aback at the implication.
"Sorry, wasn't that who you were calling? I just overheard the love part so I assumed he wasn't just a roommate."
"Oh. No that was my older brother Gabriel. He is rather affectionate and takes great offense when it's not reciprocated."
Relief flooded through Dean's body. He was definitely screwed if just the thought of Cas being available caused his stomach to flip. He couldn't help the smile that broke across his face. Dean saw Cas looking at him and tried to cover his tracks.
"Hey speaking from the older brother perspective, you can't hear it enough."
"How many siblings do you have Dean?"
"I've just got my little brother Sammy, he just started at Stanford this year."
He couldn't help that his smile got even brighter. Dean was all too proud of his younger brother and all that he did. They'd been to hell and back and they'd done it together. Dean knew that without Sammy he never would have considered college for himself.
"So…do you have a boyfriend? Girlfriend?" Dean knew he was pushing it, prying like this, but he felt like he was going to explode.
"No…I haven't been in a relationship for awhile." Dean cursed internally at gender-neutral response. He remained silent, nodding his head in acknowledgment until Cas spoke up again.
"My last boyfriend…well it just did not end well."
Dean could tell how this was making Cas upset so without thinking he grabbed his hand and squeezed gently.
"I understand Cas, I've had my share of shit relationships."
He felt like he should move his hand but just when he was about to Cas squeezed back and looked up at him. Dean gazed into those perfect blue eyes and could see the intensity behind them. He cleared his throat and was barely able to articulate,
"Um Cas we're here…"