Ch. 2: The Weight
"All right, we're all set. This is gonna be so groovy! Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, good music, man," said Dean, bouncing on the balls of his feet like a child who has had too much candy.
Sam handed him the cooler full of food he prepared for the journey. Dean peeked inside...health food. Dean made a face.
"C'mon man, can't we just stop at one of those burger joints on the way?" asked Dean, almost pouting.
"No, Dean, those places are awful representation of the establishment and everything they represent. This is food made with love," said Sam wistfully, ever the social advocate. Gabriel had finally convinced him to come along after he found out there would actually be healthy food there, and they would execute the plan.
"Whatever, man. It's rabbit food, so I packed my own provisions," said Gabriel with a grin.
He pulled what looked to be several chocolate bars from his knapsack, content with a sugar high.
"Well, when you ralph all over Dean's upholstery from the sugar and he kills you, we'll see who's laughing then," said Cas, climbing into the back seat of the Impala, sketchbook in hand.
"You do, and I kill you," said Dean, dead serious as he climbed in the driver's side.
Sam crammed his lanky body into the passenger seat as Dean started the black beauty. Dean had bought her new two years ago and she became his pride and joy ever since.
They said their goodbyes to their Uncle Bobby, who promised to watch their apartment while they were gone.
As they started on their way, Dean could have sworn the sense of adventure in all of them was palpable, hanging in the air like the humid July weather. He glanced in his rear view mirror to see Cas, hunched over his sketchbook, intently working, the same stern look of concentration on his face as when he painted. For reasons unknown to him, Dean found this very...arousing. He shook his head and returned his attention to the road.
"I CAN'T GET NO SAT-IS-FAC-TION!" sang Gabriel at the top of his lungs along with Mick Jagger on the radio, very off key to be exact. Sam put his hands over his ears, trying to block out the horrible noises.
"Jesus Christ, Gabriel, I'm trying to meditate," said Sam with a scowl. Cas poked Gabriel with his pencil, attempting to shut him up, drawing a loud yelp from his older brother.
"You little shit! You wanna rumble?"
"Ow, Gabe, what the hell, man?"
"Children! Seriously, I will turn this car around and we will go home!" said Dean. Sam couldn't help but crack a smile, he sounded so much like their father. Dean rubbed his face; he was getting tired and Gabriel's singing wasn't helping.
Dean felt relieved when he spotted a small roadside diner, everyone having finished the food Sam had made earlier.
"Hooray, real food!" said Garbriel. Sam scowled.
"Is it really that hard to eat something healthy for once in your life?" asked Sam, shaking his head.
As they walked into the small, homey restaurant, Dean can smell two things he loves the most, coffee and fresh baked apple pie. He couldn't wait for dessert.
As they ate their food, Dean devouring the cheeseburger he wanted 400 miles ago, he remembered how the four of them were like family. Well, Sammy is family, but Gabe and Cas were just as close.
But then it hit him. Cas. Cas. Cas.
Sure, Cas was quiet and kind of shy, quirky but easy going, and boy, did that kid know how to party. But when he looked at Cas, he saw more than a best friend, he saw love.
Like the Beatles had said, All you need is love, and Cas was that love.
Sure, Dean could appreciate a lady, but Cas gave him something more. Companionship without the hassle, that was for sure.
He was snapped out of his daydream by Sam.
"We're going to go pay for the food, alright?" said Sam, getting up from the table, Gabriel behind him.
"Alright, we'll meet you at the car then," said Dean, reaching for a napkin, only to have Cas reach for it at the same time. Their finger brushed, giving Dean what felt like a shock across his hand.
Cas visibly blushed and looked away. Dean cleared his throat.
"Well, I guess we're going to the car then?" asked Cas, brushing his hair out of his eyes. Dean cracked a grin.
"I guess we are. C'mon," Dean said, standing up, holding the door for Cas.
As they left, Gabriel and Sam had seen the entire scene unfold before them.
Their plan was working.
And they were happy.