Later that night, Dean and Sam were sitting with Howard, hard whiskey in their hands. He had convinced them to take a break in the research and continue in the morning. They had come this far, why not catch up for a little while? Fisher and Casey were now sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching the three adults make fools of themselves. Cas was standing off to the side, watching the proceedings.
"Your friend over there is odd," Fisher observed.
Casey nodded. "Can't argue with you there. He's sweet though, in his own way."
He nodded. "Fair enough."
"Gosh, my brothers are idiots."
Fisher laughed. "I'm inclined to agree with you. Can I ask, why aren't you drinking?"
Fisher had a beer in his hand but was nursing it slowly, not wanting to get drunk.
"I'm the designated driver," she replied. "But even if I wasn't, I'm not a big fan of getting wasted to the point of not having any idea what you did the night before."
"Why can't your friend drive you all home?" he asked.
"He doesn't know how to drive. Long story," she said quickly, seeing that Fisher was about to ask.
He seemed to be contemplating something. Casey sat expectantly, waiting patiently.
"Do you… I hope I'm not being too forward," he started. "But um… do you want to go out with me?"
Casey's eyes widened. "Um… like… on a date?"
He laughed. "Yeah, like on a date."
She thought for a moment before responding. "Okay."
From the other side of the room, Cas was tuned into their conversation.
"Can I pick you up tomorrow night? Will that work?"
She nodded. "Yeah, that should work. Knowing those two knuckleheads, they won't be in any condition to object. We're staying at the only motel in town. I'll meet you out front."
He nodded. "Sounds good."
She glanced over at the boys again and grimaced. "Okay. I think it's time for me to take them home and put them to bed."
She stood and gestured to Cas to come and help her get them out of their chairs.
"Hey, Cas, you look just like Casey," Dean slurred at her. He stumbled out of the door and proceeded to gag outside, but managed to keep his liquor down.
Cas had an arm around Sam, guiding him over the threshold and outside to his brother.
"Does seven work?" Fisher called out the door.
"Seven works!" she called back, pushing Dean into the back seat. She pried the keys from his jacket pocket.
"Stop tickling me Sammy…." he mumbled.
ooOOoo
When Casey came back to the room after getting coffee the next morning, she found Dean still asleep and Sam's bed empty. Based on the noises coming from the bathroom, she guessed that Sam's system wasn't reacting well to the alcohol.
"You okay in there, Sam?" she asked.
There were some more retching noises in response.
"I brought coffee for when you're done, but maybe you'd like a mint first," she continued apologetically.
Dean mumbled something about the room being too bright.
"Sorry about that," she replied, closing the curtains. "Want some aspirin? Dunno that I'd recommend taking it with coffee, but there's a first time for everything I guess."
"Don't wanna get up today…"
"I bet I can make you get up without even touching you," she replied.
"Hmm?"
"I've got a date tonight."
Dean's head shot up off the pillow. "You've got a what?"
"A date."
The bathroom door opened, revealing a sickish looking Sam. Casey tossed him a lifesaver mint, which he fumbled in catching due to his fine motor skills still being a little off.
"Hey Sam," Dean said groggily.
Sam groaned. "What?"
"Casey has a date tonight."
Sam was almost instantly more alert. "You have a what?"
"A date. Why is that so surprising? I'm not that unattractive, am I?"
"Who's the date with?" Dean asked, more awake now. "And toss me one of those."
Casey chucked a lifesaver mint at him. "Fisher."
"Really? The hard-headed kid from last night? Why him?" Sam asked.
Casey shrugged. "Cause he asked. And he's cute. And if either of you tells anyone I said that you will wake up tomorrow morning to find that you are both bald."
ooOOoo
When Casey stepped out of the bathroom later that night, Dean raised an eyebrow.
"Don't think I've ever seen you get this dressed up, Bug," he commented. "You really like him, huh?"
She nodded, opening her mouth to threaten him.
He raised his hands. "I know, I know! If I say anything, I'll wake up bald. Trust me, I got the memo."
"I told him the motel we're staying at but not the room number. Figured it would be a bit safer that way. I just told him that I'd meet him out front."
"You look very pretty, Casey," Castiel commented. "Have fun."
Casey smiled. "Thank you, Cas. I will."
She walked out the front door, head held high.
"Why do I have such a bad feeling about this?" Dean muttered after she'd left.
"Because you're her brother," Sam answered, not lifting his head from his book. "It's your job to feel uncomfortable with any boy she decides to go out with."
"Remind me to threaten him when he brings her back," Dean requested, turning toward Sam and grabbing one of the many lore books scattered around him.
"Consider it done."