"Um Cas we're here…"

Cas abruptly looked away from Dean's gaze. They had arrived at the university. He had moved into the dorms this year after his break up at the beginning of the summer. He had temporarily moved in with Gabriel but the pranks his brother enjoyed so much had run Castiel's patience thin. Moving into the run down dorms wasn't ideal but it was the last resort for Castiel at that point, especially trying to find somewhere vacant near campus halfway through the summer.

Castiel's mind had wandered once more as he stared towards the dorms. He realized that he was still clasping Dean's hand as he stared down at them intertwined. He felt Dean's gaze and slowly lifted his head to look once more into those eyes. There was an indiscernible expression. It wasn't quite expectant, maybe hopeful, but there was a definite amount of want.

Castiel's breath hitched in his throat as conflict raged in his mind. On one hand he could just tell the type of guy Dean was: amazingly attractive and he knew it, he knew he could get anyone he could ever want. He was probably the same guy that lost complete interest after he achieved that conquest, But Castiel could not deny that that same want was undoubtedly reflected back at Dean. He wanted this Adonis more than anything right now and he couldn't believe it was possibly reciprocated. The war between these sides raged on until Castiel felt Dean's lips crash into his own.

Castiel's mind was wiped blank as the hard press of Dean's lips softened. He hadn't been kissed like this in a long time, possibly ever. His eyes slammed shut as a gasp escaped him. Dean took full advantage of this and slipped his tongue past Castiel's lips. As the kiss deepened, Castiel could feel Dean's strong fingers tangle themselves into his hair. Their tongues fought for dominance in the kiss and when Dean tugged lightly on the dark strands of hair, Castiel felt something ignite within him. It was more than lust for Dean, which was obviously there. But this feeling, it overpowered the want, the desire for this man currently pressed to his lips. It was determination and that solved the battle that had reappeared in his mind. There was suddenly a very clear winner. His hands, that had taken residence on Dean's chest, clutching his t-shirt, suddenly loosened and resolutely pushed him away. Dean's confused face was almost cute enough to destroy his resolve. But Castiel had lost enough self-respect after his last relationship had ended, and he had come too far to let himself fall for this again.

"Cas what's wrong?"

Cas steeled himself and replied with absolute determination, choosing his words carefully.

"Look Dean, I realize that you are the type of guy who gets every…conquest that he pursues. But I am not going to be one of your one-night stands. I apologize if I gave that impression; it was not my intention to lead you on. I am very grateful for your assistance with my car but I respect myself too much to give into your well practiced…charms."

Charlie had drilled this speech into Castiel after the third time he had turned up at her place with tear filled eyes. After the last time he let Balthazar back into his heart. As much as it killed him to pull away from Dean, a better part of him felt a long lost swell of pride. He gave Dean one last look, the confusion had turned into shock and maybe it was just wishful thinking on Castiel's part, but maybe a little hurt as well. His mouth opened, undoubtedly to soothe Castiel's qualms and resume his plans for the night but Castiel quickly uttered,

"Thank you for your assistance Dean, good night." And with that he exited the car, closing the door on Dean's surprised face.

Castiel made it to his dorm, let himself into the locked room and leaned against the closed door. His knees felt weak as he felt the confidence from the interaction leave him. He didn't regret what he did although the semi he was still sporting would beg to differ. He realized all too late that in about seven hours he would have to see literally all of Dean at the studio. Shit. He took out his newly returned phone and dialed his best friend.

"Charlie? Sorry it's so late but I really need some advice."

Dean was floored. Castiel was so wrong…sorta. Yes he knew he could get just about anyone into his bed. His track record was proof enough of that and yes sometimes it was like a game in its…intricacies but still…it wasn't like he led anyone on! Those flings used him for the same purpose that he did to them. Yes maybe some wanted more later on but if anything, he was honest. He always cut it off before anyone could get truly hurt.

He had even given up on that lifestyle. He had moved to California at the end of the spring and had resumed his regular dating style. It was easier for him to find a release with a nightly companion than to start anything serious. He had Sammy to focus on growing up and now he worked too much to have time for anyone else. But after Sam had started at Stanford, he had met Jess. The girl was great, a perfect match for Sam, and Dean had found himself envious of what his little brother had found. Even harder was to watch Sammy mourn over her death. It made Dean realize that no matter how brief, he wanted what Sam had had. He wanted something real.

Dean however, was much too emotionally stunted to let anyone know. He played off his dwindling habits by taking on more shifts and passed off any questions with his usual sarcasm. He knew Bobby and Ellen saw right through him, but they were never ones to rat anyone out before they were ready.

Dean couldn't tell if he was more pissed at Cas or himself. Of course it wasn't that Cas had rejected him. He wasn't that much of a dick. It was more that Cas had so accurately pegged his least favorite aspects of his personality. Dean knew what he was talking about too. He had been in his element that night at the bar, flirting with the patrons, strutting around, getting as many tips as possible. But what Cas wasn't aware of was that he was the intended audience. All the flaunting and smiles, Dean had been praying that Castiel was the one watching.

But Dean was honestly angrier with himself. He had let himself get so detached, he no longer could just be with someone, always had to put on that over confident mask. He hadn't felt so drawn to someone in what felt like forever. And no one stood out the way Cas did. He slammed his hands down on the steering wheel. He had arrived at his apartment but was too frustrated to care.

Finally he stormed inside, trying not to slam his door but failing miserably. Taking a beer out of the fridge, he flung himself on his couch, hoping to drown his angst in Dr. Sexy MD. He realized all too late that he had to model tomorrow morning for Cas…er…the class that Castiel was in. Shit. His thoughts were filled with turmoil as he traced his lips with two fingers. He could still feel the ghost of Cas's perfect lips on his. He steeled his resolve, he could get him, no…he could earn Castiel's respect. He'd never wanted anything more.