By Chance

Shooting Star...

===3==

"Why am I going again?" Castiel asked as he looked at himself in the mirror with a frown; checking his clothes if they look okay.

"Because, it would be rude of you not to." Gabriel said, going over to Castiel to fix his hair a little—given the fact that he's shorter and that Castiel's hair doesn't really comply without the use of gel.

"I know, but," he paused with a frown, thoughtful for a while, then looked away from his brother "I remember making it clear to him that I'm not interested in him. So what's the point of going? Wouldn't it look like I'm leading him on?" he finished as he looked back to his brother.

Gabriel sighed due to Castiel's stubbornness. "Castiel. Just. Please." He said sternly, sounding the superior older brother that he is. Castiel sighed, knowing he really can't argue with authority figures. He can't even argue with Balthazar when he's giving him that voice. But there is no way he is giving up on the argument.

"But... he kissed me."

"Yes, yes. On the cheek. You told me that for the hundredth time already. Just fix yourself. He'll be here any minute."

"Fine. But if he ends up wanting something else, I'm going to kill you."

"Cas," Gabriel started and saw Castiel's expression start to change a little, "tiel," that seemed to do the trick, "Dean seems like a nice guy. I don't think he'll 'want something else', so don't be stubborn. And besides, Balthazar told me some interesting things when Dean was with you guys at the bar a few nights back." He said teasingly, waggling his eyebrows at Castiel with a small smirk.

Castiel didn't understand what his brother was saying, instead, he tilted his head to the side while his brows furrowed. "What things?"

"Oh nothing. Some things that older brothers need to know." He replied with a wink. Before Castiel could respond, someone knocked at the door. "I'll get it!" Gabriel exclaimed. Castiel sighed and faced the mirror again; trying and failing to fix his hair. He let it go and went out of his room to see who just came.

Dean was sitting on the couch. He was wearing a white t-shirt under a dark gray coat. He wore dark jeans that fit snugly on him and black converse shoes. For a second there, Castiel thought Dean was actually stunning; but he erased the thought as quickly as it came; no way is he turning gay again.

Castiel on the other hand wore a black long sleeved shirt, two buttons were loose that almost showed off his firm chest. It was folded a quarter from his wrist. Black jeans that fit him just fine and black leather shoes made him look like a real life Adonis. His hair still looked a little out of place but no one would actually realize that, he simply looked perfect.

Dean turned his head to see Castiel standing there, looking stunning as always. His breath hitched at the sight of the man standing a few feet behind him. His jaw dropped as his eyes just kept on staring at Castiel. His heart felt like it ran a marathon while his stomach was flipped inside.

Castiel tilted his head on one side—a habit of his that Dean found attractive and extremely adorable—while his brows furrowed a little. Confusion was written all over his face as he searched Dean's face for answers. "Is there something on my face?" he finally asked.

It took a moment for Dean to realize that a question has been asked. "Uh," he started then cleared his throat the moment he realized he sounded weak, "No. You just... it's just... um..." he stammered, making Castiel furrow his brows deeper. "You look amazing." He finally finished.

"Thanks." Castiel shrugged. "You too." He said with a smile and with full sincerity. It was the first time he praised Dean and he wasn't lying at all. He really thought Dean looked great in those clothes.

"Well then," Dean started as he stood up, "shall we go?" he finished with a fond smile. Castiel simply nodded and led the way out of the apartment. After they got out, Dean led them to his car and opened the door for Castiel. Castiel raised an eyebrow at the act and Dean smiled sheepishly, ducking his head in the process. Castiel got in the passenger seat while Dean walked to the driver's seat.

Their drive was silent but not awkward. The car was filled with Dean's favourite rock music. Castiel wasn't a fan of rock but enjoyed what was playing anyway. Although he's more of a balladeer, listens to classical music and other mellow sounds, he learned to enjoy rock music because of Michael. He also learned how to play drums because of Michael.

Dean parked in front of a fancy restaurant. Castiel examined it carefully and realized that he has been there before with his brothers. The said restaurant was owned by a French man who was close to his oldest brother—Lucifer. After his brother's death, he swore to never return to that place. He felt a slight stab of pain in his chest but ignored it. He wanted things to go smoothly and definitely doesn't want Dean to see him weak.

"I'm not sure if you like French cuisine but I swear, they have amazing food here. I eat here to loosen up every Saturday night." Dean said as he opened the passenger door for Castiel. Amazing was an understatement, for Castiel knew the best food is in the said restaurant.

As they entered, he automatically spotted his brother's friend, Francois. The said man's attention was also caught by the appearing Castiel. The moment their eyes met, Castiel gave a small but fond smile while the other man smiled widely and walked straight to him—not realizing Castiel's company for the night.

"Castiel." He breathes into Castiel's neck as he pulled him into an embraced. Castiel wrapped his arms lightly around him in return.

"Hello." He replied.

Francois pulled away at arms' length and studied the young man carefully. Sadness was starting to resurface in his eyes and some sympathy. He knew Castiel took it the hardest after Lucifer died. He pulled him in for another swift hug before he finally let him go.

"You've grown a lot. I almost didn't recognize you if not for your blue eyes. How are you?" he asked.

"I'm good. You? How's the business going?"

"Well, busy; as always. How's Gabriel?"

"He's okay too. He's finally a surgeon, by the way."

"Good! Good for him." he said and suddenly pause upon realizing that there was a man standing beside Castiel. "Oh, I'm sorry sir. I, uh... it's just that this kid is a friend. I'm really sorry Mr. Winchester. You have reserved for two for tonight, am I correct?" he said to Dean which made Castiel chuckle a little upon seeing his friend's professional side and left his friend being confused.

"Francois, this is Dean. A friend of mine. Dean, Francois, Lucifer's friend and a brother to me. In a way." He finished with a smile. The two men shook hand and Francois took the two of them to their table. Francois noticed the slight difference in Castiel and saw something in Dean's eyes automatically after they were settled in their seats. He smiled knowingly at Castiel even though he knew that Castiel wouldn't exactly understand and left to take care of their order.

The dinner went quite better than Castiel has expected. They simply talked to each other and shared different thoughts. At some point, Francois sat with them and had some fun time. Castiel excused himself, having the need to go to the wash room. Francois on the other hand took it as an opportunity to study Dean more and see for himself if Dean deserved Castiel—after talking to them for about an hour, he knew what he saw in Dean's eyes was a spark of love for Castiel waiting to turn into a flame.

"So, how did you meet Castiel?" he asked.

"Um, in a bar, two nights ago."

"You met in a bar?" he asked, Dean nodded, "Two nights ago?" another nod from Dean, "And you're here with him, on a... date?" Dean blushed and looked away. He bit his lip as he let go of a small nod. "What did you see in him?" he asked—which is obviously a test for Dean.

Dean looked back at him after the question has been said. Yes, what did he see in Castiel? His blue eyes? Maybe. His unruly hair that you'd like your fingers to run through while kissing him? Perhaps. His beautiful pink lips that you'd die for to kiss? Hmm. But if he was being honest, he doesn't really know. Castiel simply pulls him in, acting like gravity that keeps him at arms' length.

"To be honest, I don't really know. The moment I saw him enter, I just can't take my eyes off of him and all I want to do is get near him. I honestly don't know." Dean shook his head and sighed heavily, staring intently at the table in front of him. "He's like... gravity that makes sure I'm right where he wants me to be. That there's no way I'm getting away from him even if someone tries to take me away from him, it felt like, even if I try to fly away, it's just him that I would want to land on to." He looked back at the man sitting with him before who became thoughtful and continued. "But at times, he also felt like a safe place for me, like I know nothing could go wrong just by his presence. Like he's... this angel... guarding me...ready to protect me or whatever. I don't know." He finished as he looked back down at the table and sighed.

Francois was simply speechless. It wasn't what he wanted to hear neither was it what he expected to hear. It was better. He thought Dean would say what other people say that they think it's the eyes that they liked about someone, their personality, their beautiful smile or whatever. Dean has said something beyond what can be actually comprehended by other people. Dean has said something very meaningful and true. There was only one person that he knew would speak of Castiel in that manner and that would be Michael (okay, maybe two people because even Balthazar spoke in that manner. He knew both men had feelings for Castiel).

It is true that Castiel hasn't been back in that restaurant after Lucifer's death but Michael, Balthazar and Gabriel kept in touch with him for a while until they lost each others number. When he asked Michael what he saw in Castiel, what made him love Castiel, he said that he didn't know. All he knew is that being with Castiel makes him feel safe but protective at the same time. He felt like Castiel is someone who needs to be protected—emotionally of course—but at the same time a man that gives him great comfort and safety; like nothing would go wrong with him simply being there. Balthazar started off the same, not knowing what made him love Castiel. He said that Castiel was like the night to him, the one part of the day that he can simply relax. It felt like being able to know who he really is and appreciate everything he has by the end of the day.

"Wow." He breathes out and cleared his throat, "I'm glad that's how you see the young man."

Dean simply shrugged like it was no big deal but wasn't able to mask the fear he has, which Francois immediately read.

"What are you afraid of?" Francois asked when Dean didn't meet his gaze.

"I guess I'm just scared to get hurt. It's just, this is the first time I've felt this way for someone. And that's really scary as hell. And, just to make things worse, Castiel is straight and made it clear that he's not interested in me." He said with a sigh and smiled half-heartedly at Francois.

"Well, give him some time. It took him a long while to accept the fact that he wanted Michael." Was the confident and assuring reply he gave Dean.

Dean was about to respond when Castiel came back. He looked at the two men with a quizzical look. Francois simply smiled fondly and stood up. He clapped his hand on Castiel's shoulder and hugged him once more.

"Well, I am going back to work. Enjoy the rest of the night fellas." He said and winked at Dean. Dean smiled at the gesture, realizing just now that the question was meant to be a test and that he passed.

"Well, let's go. There's another place that I'll be taking you." He grinned widely at Castiel. Castiel simply looked confused as they went out to get to the car.

The drive was short and soon they were in a field. Dean went to the backseat to take out something. He pulled out a blanket, a plastic bag with some junk food and two bottles of beer. Castiel voluntarily took the plastic bag and the two bottles to let Dean spread the blanket down. He sat down and took the food and drinks from Castiel's hands, settled them down on the ground and patted the space next to him, inviting Castiel to sit.

Castiel took the offer and laid on his back; one hand under his head while the other rests on his stomach. He stared at the sky above him, taking in the beauty of the scattered lights. Dean passed him the bottle of beer and he propped up on his elbows.

"The sky's beautiful." Castiel whispered with a smile, without taking his eyes off the sky.

Dean smiled at Castiel's words, knowing that the other man is enjoying this night as much as he does. "It's about to get better." He said and caught Castiel's attention. Castiel looked at him with confusion but he simply smiled and looked back up in the sky. Castiel did the same after deciding to let it go. A few minutes later, a shooting star was witnessed. Castiel suddenly sat up. A few more stars came falling down and Castiel realized that it's a meteor shower.

"I know it's not exactly a shooting star, you know, the one you could wish into but... if you have any wish, you can do it now. Just make sure that no one'll get hurt." Dean broke the silence, trying to joke and saying things that are awkward to his ears.

"Nah. I don't want a wish and end up being disappointed for not getting it." He said with a sad smile on his face. He didn't believe in anything anymore except that there's this incredible being playing him.

"Well, it's still worth a shot." Dean shrug as he looked back up, wishing a happy life for Sam and him and of course, a life with Castiel. He inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly, smiling fondly by himself, imagining that life he has wished already. This gesture caught Castiel's attention and stared at Dean intently, burrowing his frows.

"What are you thinking?" Casiel finally asked. Dean looked back at him with a fond smile.

"Nothing." He shrugged. "Just... my wish and a... uh, a future. A future that I really wish to come true." He finished with a meaningful and fond smile. His eyes shine brightly under the moonlight.

"What is it?" Castiel asked with a smile starting to form on his beautiful face.

"Can't tell. My wish won't come true if I tell you." He said, smirking and winking at Castiel before he turned his head back up to the sky.

Castiel snorted at the retort but went back to looking at the sky with a smile. "You're gonna have to tell me eventually."

"Yeah. I'll tell you when the right time comes."

They simply sat there in silence. Dean was subtly and unconsciously moving closer to Castiel. Their arms are now brushing on each other. Castiel didn't seem to notice this because he was too caught up with the sight of the beautiful night sky. As he watched the stars, he remembers Lucifer and Gabriel taking him out late one night on his fourth birthday when, his mother was still alive and his father not being MIA in their lives. They took off in the middle of the night to let Castiel experience the beauty of night and watch the sunrise together. He sighed heavily and caught Dean's attention.

"What's wrong?" he asked, looking at Castiel worriedly and realizing how close he was to the other man. Castiel sighed once more.

"Nothing, it's just..." He started and paused for a while. Then, he looked at Dean. He didn't realize until then that Dean has somehow moved closer to him. They were a few inches apart and if one of them lean closer, they could actually kiss. Whatever explanation he was about to say simply vanished. Both men's hearts were running wildly inside. Castiel's breath hitched and Dean simply froze; eyes looking back at Castiel's.

They simply stared at each other's eyes, searching. Dean wet his lips that were starting to dry and swallowed thickly. Ever so slightly and unconsciously, he leaned forward, getting closer to Castiel. Castiel was still sitting firmly, eyes not looking away. He knew what Dean was trying to do but his body seemed to have a mind of its own and stayed frozen. Dean's hand slowly went up to cup Castiel's face, his fingers touching the back of the said man's neck. Slowly, Castiel leaned as well; his hand moving to Dean's collarbone, the tip of his fingers resting on the other man's shoulder.

They're close, very, very close and nothing could stop what was about to happen anymore. They were now inhaling each other's breath. Castiel momentarily froze and Dean closed the very small distance—their lips holding each other in place. Their eyes fluttered close. The kiss started simply as their lips simply touching, but Dean parted his lips and so did Castiel. It went soft and slow and sweet. Slowly and gently, Dean pulled Castiel closer to deepen the kiss. Castiel's other hand fisted Dean's shirt. Soon enough, tongues were exploring mouths, soft moans were being heard and air was becoming necessary. They pulled away a little, panting slightly, foreheads touching.

As their eyes fluttered open, Castiel stiffen as soon as he realized what happened. He pulled back gently, pursed his lips and looked away. Dean froze for a while and realized that he made a mistake, making things awkward for Castiel.

"I..." Dean whispered.

"No. Um, I shouldn't have..." Castiel interjected but trailed off as he shook his head. He bit his lower lip and frowned. He then looked back at Dean who seemed to be spaced out. "Just take me home. Please." He finished as he stood up. Dean nodded and stood up as well. They gathered the stuff they have and put it back in the backseat of the Impala.