Happy New Years everyone! Gabe sends you all champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to celebrate!
Ten Years Ago
Bela left for London the following day and Dean didn't hear from the British femme fatale. Dean bought a case of Johnny Walker Blue Label with a fake ID his friend Ash had procured for him. The Winchester banged his head against a living room wall. He'd been sitting on the floor for over an hour as he got hammered. He drank from the nearly empty bottle before speed dialing Cas' number for the thirteenth time that day and still received no answer. Dean called Castiel's home number but Gabe informed him he hadn't heard from his cousin since Saturday night.
An entire week passed and Dean was driving himself crazy worrying over Cas. He took a cold shower and changed his clothes. Dean drank a hot cup of coffee and left his apartment for the first time since the shit hit the fan. First he dropped Baby off at a nearby body shop. The owner informed him she would be good as new within a week. Castiel's temper tantrum ended up costing him four grand. Dean couldn't blame the idiot. He knew he'd fucked things up between them big time. Through the auto insurance company, Dean was able to rent a silver Toyota Camry. He wanted to hurl, when he plopped his ass in the car's vinyl seats.
Dean drove to Cas' neighborhood. The apartment he shared with Gabriel was located in a section of LA which used to host warehouses. He parked the Camry across the street and turned the engine off. Dean dozed off waiting for any sign of his boyfriend. At around ten pm he observed Gabriel skipping down the street wearing the most flamboyant outfit Dean's ever seen with two women. They were obviously on their way to a club. Dean's eyes landed on the second floor, where Cas' apartment was at. All the lights were off. Dean dozed off soon after.
He was startled out of his nap by shouting. Dean rubbed his eyes and stretched out his neck which was sore due to the uncomfortable position he'd been sleeping in. Balthazar stood enraged outside of a taxi. He was trying to drag someone out from inside the yellow vehicle. "Damn it, Cassie, I am not in the mood. Get your ass out of the fucking taxi or I swear I will kick you out!"
Dean silently vacated the rented car and crossed the street. He heard giggling being emitted from within the taxi. It was Castiel, who sounded plastered. Zar sensed Dean's presence and breathed a sigh of relief. "Am I glad to see you? Please help me get this drunken sailor inside. I've had enough."
Dean grabbed one of Castiel's arms and Zar held on to the other. On the count of three the duo dragged a hammered Cas out. Dean had never seen his boyfriend so damn wasted. Cas usually stayed away from liquor. Castiel ceased giggling as soon as his blood shot eyes saw Dean. "Unhand me! I hate you!"
"What the hell happened between the two of you?" Zar asked. "I've never seen him like this. The Jim Morrison routine doesn't suit him. I've never seen anyone consume so much alcohol before."
Dean slid Castiel's arm across his shoulder. "We had a fight. Everything will be ok." Cas tried to move away from Dean. Zar raised his brows as the two of them led Castiel up the building's steps.
The two teens dropped their friend as if he was a sack of potatoes on the mattress. Castiel started giggling again and lay down in a fetal position. "I will leave my little brother in your capable hands, Deano. I have an early flight to London tomorrow. I'll return in two weeks. Please take good care of him." Zar leaned down and kissed the top of Castiel's head. Cas held on tight to his dear friend. He also loved Balthazar as a brother. Zar waved bye to Dean and left the apartment.
"I'm going to make you a pot of black coffee. What the hell have you been up to? You reek of booze and pot…amongst other things." Dean said as he walked out of Cas' room.
Castiel giggled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Dean narrowed his eyes. His heart felt as if Castiel stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. Did Cas have sex with someone? The thought itself practically killed Dean. He wanted to be the only person to ever have complete possession of Cas' heart and body. He swallowed hard. Dean prepared Cas' coffee and a turkey and cheese pita sandwich.
His hands shook as he returned to Castiel's bedroom. He placed the food and coffee mug on top of the nightstand. Dean walked to the mattress and helped Castiel sit. "Get your fucking hands off of me!"
Dean shoved the mug against Castiel's chest. Some of the dark liquid splattered over Castiel's black button down shirt. "What the fuck?!" Cas smashed the mug against the wall. Coffee stained the lower half of the eggshell wall.
He got up on unsteady feet and unbuttoned the shirt. Dean gasped as he noticed the hickeys that littered across Castiel's torso. He grabbed Castiel's shoulders and slammed him hard against the wall. "Who did you fuck, Cas?!" His fingers dug deep into Cas' biceps.
Castiel laughed and closed his eyes. "Zar took me to a club last night and I hooked up with some hot boy with fuckable lips and green eyes."
Dean punched the wall next to Castiel's head. The shorter teen flinched. Castiel changed their positions slamming Dean against the wall. His body plastered against Dean's. Cas' nostrils flared. His electric blue eyes crashed into Dean's amber orbs. "I fucked him hard and slow against a bathroom stall. He probably needed stitches after I was finished with him." He spoke into Dean's ear. "I did to him what I wanted to do to you. Punish you for breaking my heart." The Winchester's heart shattered into a million pieces upon hearing the harsh words leave Castiel's mouth.
Dean trailed his right thumb across Castiel's stubble covered jaw. "I'm so fucking sorry, ma petite pomme. I don't even remember sleeping with her. You know you'll always be the only one for me."
Castiel inhaled Dean's scent for the last time. "I am no longer your petite pomme. You destroyed everything we had by fucking Bela, the whore. The two of you deserve each other."
"Oh so it was ok for you to fuck some random stranger to get even. Well kudos to you, dude cuz I'm fucking hurting. The thought of someone else's hands all over your body makes me sick! You're mine!" Dean dragged his fingers through Cas' unruly hair and crashed his mouth into the shorter teen's. He felt Castiel kiss him back but then Cas left him shaking against the wall. Dean licked his lips. He tasted Castiel. A tear slid down his cheek. He was terrified this was the last time they'd be together.
"I hope you're happy with Bela, Dean." Castiel strolled to a six drawer mahogany dresser and retrieved a pair of white boxer briefs and a Kansas City Royals jersey Dean had given him last year, when they went to see a major league game together. He tossed it at Dean.
"Cas, please don't be this way man." Dean approached Castiel.
"Dean, can't you see that I will continue finding ways to hurt you. The vision of you and Bela in bed together will remain branded in my head for the rest of my life."
"Cas, I'm telling you man I don't remember anything. I was wasted." Dean tried holding on to Castiel's hands but the dark haired teen took two steps back. Dean's heart continued breaking. He knew he'd lost Cas.
"You lied to me. Remember when you said you'd never leave me. You have a funny way of showing it." Castiel opened the bathroom door. "Good bye, Dean. I wish you the best with your whore." He closed the door. He leaned against it until he heard Dean's footsteps retreat away. Castiel slid down, until he sat on the floor. He cried his heart out. "Why did you do this, Dean? Were you playing me along all this time?"
Dean wiped his nose with the sleeve of his t-shirt. He inhaled deeply as he stepped out of the building. He really fucked everything up. Why did he fuck Bela? He'd never been attracted to the girl. He was drunk and that was the only reason. But still that wasn't a valid excuse. He sat on the building's front steps. Castiel never got over his father walking out on him and his mom, when he was two years old. The guy had major abandonment issues and now this shit happened. Dean cursed at himself. He sobbed harder. Dean wiped his eyes. An elderly couple walking their white toy poodle stared at him with pity in their eyes. He managed to smile at them as he headed to the Camry.
He had no idea what to do with his life now. Without Cas he didn't know what to do. They'd been best friends for a decade and boyfriends for five. Dean didn't know to live in a world without Castiel in it. They were in each other's lives practically on a daily basis. Dean wanted to fuck and kick Cas at the same time. How could the little fucker have sex with some random stranger? He said in a few words the dude resembled him. He was searching for Dean in a fucking club. Dean got his shit together and drove off. He gazed at Cas' apartment building one last time. At least he could start fresh in New York. The producer of Evita called him two days ago and informed Dean he was one of two finalists for the role of Che.
Three months later, John and Mary Winchester surprised the eldest with an impromptu visit. "Sweetheart, we're so proud of you," Mary said as she hugged Dean.
John patted his first born's back. "You're doing great, kiddo."
"Mom and dad I wasn't expecting you guys." Dean helped Mary with her suitcase.
"We wanted to celebrate our son becoming a big Broadway star!"
"Mom, it's down to me and some other dude. I don't even know if the part is mine yet."
"It's yours, sweetie. You're so talented." Mary fixed his crooked collar.
John returned from the kitchen with a bottle of beer. "I'm surprised Castiel isn't here celebrating. The two of you are always joined at the hip." He winked.
"We're no longer friends."
"What happened?" Mary asked.
"A stupid fight…don't worry everything's fine." Dean couldn't gaze into Mary's eyes.
"Oh baby, I know he was your best friend for so long." Mary soothed her hand across Dean's back. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Mary, leave the kid alone for Pete's sake! You're making him uncomfortable." John bellowed from the sofa.
"Sammy should be here in twenty minutes. We're all going to dinner so change your clothes," Mary suggested. Dean managed to smile and disappeared down the hall.
John and Mary invited their sons to eat dinner at Toscano's, a small and quaint neighborhood restaurant. They stuffed themselves on garlic bread, meat lasagna, cappuccinos and tiramisu. The family strolled around Dean's neighborhood before returning to the apartment building. When the quartet exited the elevator, they were shocked to find Bela and her parents waiting outside of Dean's apartment.
Dean tugged his right earlobe. "Bela…Mr. and Mrs. Talbot what brings you across the pond?"
Alistair, Bela's father fisted his hands. "We should conduct this conversation inside."
"What's going on Lilith?" Mary asked Bela's mother.
Once everyone settled in Dean's living room, Alistair finally spoke. "My little girl is three months pregnant." He scowled at Dean.
Mary stood up. "Dean, please tell me the baby isn't yours." Her eyes watered.
Dean bowed his head in shame. Could his life get any worse? "Dean was the last person I had relations with," Bela murmured.
"Dude, you should've used protection!"
"You think, Sherlock!" Dean bellowed at Sam.
"Dean, how could you be so irresponsible. What about your career?" an exasperated John asked.
"It takes two to tango. Bela also was part of this. I'm surprised you weren't on the damn pill." Dean directed his words at the British teen.
"Believe me I wish I was. You think I'm going to throw a parade for being a pregnant teen mother?" Lilith embraced her only child.
"The reason we're here is because we want Dean to take responsibility for his actions," Alistair said as his chameleon eyes landed on the young man.
"Bela, do you want to have the baby? Maybe it can be given up for adoption or perhaps you can…" John suggested.
"My daughter will not have an abortion. Your son and she got themselves in this predicament which means he will have to put on his big boy pants and take responsibility!"
"So you want them to get married and raise the kid together?" John asked Alistair.
"Exactly…it's the least your Casanova of a son can do."
Dean felt as if the walls were closing in on him. Mary held his hand. "Sweetheart, are you ok?"
"No, I am not ok! I'm eighteen years old and just found out I knocked up a chick after a one night stand. I need some fresh air." He stormed out of the apartment.
"Dean is a sensible kid. He'll make the right choice," John said as he joined Mary on the couch.
A week later, Castiel ate breakfast with Gabriel at a local deli. The TV was set to Good Morning America. Gabe was telling Cas about the culinary courses he was set to start in the fall. Cas' attention was glued to the reporter saying former child actors Bela Talbot and Dean Winchester from Boy Robot were engaged. Gabriel noticed. "Oh yeah, Zar called me yesterday to inform me about the engagement."
The grapefruit Cas swallowed felt as if he gulped down a brick. "The reason for the rushed nuptials is because Bela is preggers." Gabriel scarfed down French toast which was smothered in maple syrup. Castiel excused himself to empty his stomach in the bathroom. When he finished, he wiped his mouth and sat on the cold linoleum floor.
"I'm over you, Dean. I'm not crying over you ever again." A light bulb flicked on in Cas' head. He grinned as he made his way out of the bathroom.
"You alright, Cassie Bear; you look really pale," a concerned Gabe asked.
"How would you like to take a trip to New York, dear cousin?"
"Hellz yeah…we're going to the Big Apple?" Gabe got up and hugged the hell out of his cousin. "Why?"
"I'm going to audition for Evita. I hear they still haven't casted the role of Che." Castiel strolled to the counter and left a twenty.
Gabriel scurried to catch up to his cousin's longer strides. "But Cassie…isn't Deano up for the role?"
"So…suddenly I have an itch to wet my feet in Broadway. Are you coming with me or what?"
"Of course but I thought Dean was your friend." Gabriel sat in the passenger seat.
"Was being the magic word; contact that friend of yours, who designs clothes. I want him to create a period outfit that Che would wear in the musical. I plan on killing at my audition." Castiel smirked as he started the engine.
Bela painted her toenails with a corral color. She munched on Twizzlers in between strokes. The teen craved the candy like crazy. Dean got off a phone call. "That was a producer for the show. He wants me to fly to New York tomorrow for a final audition."
"That's great. You need a steady job. Babies are expensive." She continued painting her toenails.
"Well maybe you can work after the baby is born you know."
"You bet I am. First I will have to get rid of all the pounds I've been gaining. I was offered to model for Victoria's Secret but now that will have to wait until I push the rug rat out."
"Don't call him or her names." Dean couldn't stand the shallow girl at times. She was so full of herself.
"Whatever"
The following afternoon Dean prepped for his final audition. He gargled with hot tea and lemon. Castiel taught him that during their first vocal lesson. A stagehand came to get Dean. He walked on stage and a spotlight was focused on him. The director and producers sat in the second row. "When you're ready, Dean," the director said. The actor nodded to the piano player. Dean began singing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall". Once he was finished, he was happy with the outcome.
"Thank you, Dean"
The other actor, who was a finalist for the role had already performed his audition. He signaled for Dean to join him in the back of the theater. "You were really good," Matthew told Dean.
"Thanks, man, you kicked ass as well. Why are we still here? They'll call us with their final decision." Dean stated.
"Some actor decided to throw his hat in the ring. His audition is up next."
"What?" Dean's mouth remained open. Great now he wasn't guaranteed to get the fucking part. He really needs this gag with the baby coming. Who was the fucker that was going to try out for Che?
"Castiel, you can make your way to the stage," one of the producers said.
Dean turned to face the stage. His eyes widened in disbelief. Castiel sauntered up the stage filled with confidence. The bastard even donned clothing that Che would use. "Shit what a smart ass. The producers and director will give him credit for his creativity. Why didn't I think of coming in costume?" Matthew whispered.
The piano player started playing the intro to "What a Circus". Castiel walked comfortably across the stage. He sang his ass off and used his hands dramatically throughout the performance. The little fucker had the nerve to wink at the female producer before the song came to an end.
"That was phenomenal, Castiel," the female producer said.
"Thanks and I truly appreciate the three of you taking your time to see my audition. I know it's not common to allow someone in the game during the ninth inning." He smiled at the trio revealing perfect gleaming white teeth. His eyes shone bright under the spotlight.
"Fucking asshole," Dean mumbled under his breath. How could he do this to Dean? Cas knew how badly Dean wanted this gig. He even helped him prep for the part. Castiel most likely heard the news of his engagement to Bela and about the baby. This was his way of getting even. Well the role wasn't his yet.
"Gentlemen, give us a couple of hours. Why don't you go out for lunch and when you return we'll have our final decision?" The director stood up and led the producers backstage.
Castiel's eyes landed on Dean's furious ones. He had the audacity to smirk. Gabriel ran to the stage and hugged his cousin. "OMG you were fucking amazing! Who knew you had that glorious voice in you? I think I'm going to cry."
"You're not the only one who's going to cry," Dean thought to himself.
Dean went to a bar and drank a beer. His stomach would not handle food so he bailed on lunch with Matthew. Two hours later he was back at the theatre. Matthew wished him luck. Castiel sat at the other side of the theater with Gabe besides him. The director and producers finally emerged from the backstage area.
The female producer was the one selected to speak. "Gentlemen, first let me tell all of you this was an extremely difficult decision. This has been an unconventional casting process but we are sure we made the right decision in giving the role to Castiel."
Gabriel jumped up and down on his seat. "You did it, kiddo!" He kissed his cousin on the cheek.
The producer cleared her throat for Gabriel to shut up. He sat back down. "Matthew you will be Castiel's understudy."
"Sorry Dean you need to work a bit more on your stage presence. You did a good job in all your auditions though."
Dean nodded. He felt Castiel's eyes on him. He'd never been so humiliated. What the hell was he going to do now? He had a kid on the way and he was unemployed. Bela was going to be a bigger bitch than usual when he got home. Dean's traitorous eyes sought Castiel out. The blue eyed teen smirked at him. Dean fisted his hands. He really hated Castiel. That was an emotion he never thought he'd feel towards his ex.
Months flew and Castiel's successful Broadway debut was underway in the Big Apple. Critics praised the newcomer's debut. Cas was a shoe in for a Tony award nomination. While Castiel's career bloomed, Dean's remained stagnate. He married Bela in a civil ceremony at the LA Courthouse surrounded by their parents and Sam. The Winchester auditioned for guest appearances on sitcoms but had no luck. The only semi bright spot on his resume was a co-starring role in a low budget vampire/sci-fi western. The paycheck was only fifteen thousand but it helped the newlyweds purchase the crib and items for the baby's nursery. Dean refused monetary assistance from his and Bela's parents. Since they got themselves in this predicament, they would find a way out.
Bela's water broke on a Sunday afternoon. A frantic Dean drove her in the Impala to Mount Sinai Hospital. She almost broke his hand, whenever she got a contraction. Bela cursed at her husband and vowed to castrate him. Dean dried her sweaty forehead and neck, when he wasn't feeding her ice chips. After being in labor for seven hours, Bela finally gave birth to a baby boy. Her voice was hoarse due to all of her screaming and pushing.
Dean turned to jello as soon as a nurse placed his small baby boy in his arms. The kid had a lot of tawny hair on his head for a newborn. Dean chuckled because it looked as if the little guy wore a toupee. A tear slid down Dean's face. "I'm so sorry for hating you at first. In a way I blamed you for breaking me and Cas up. How could I hate such a beautiful little guy?" He kissed his son's red chubby cheek.
The nurse informed Dean she had to take the baby to be examined by a pediatrician. Dean reluctantly handed her his son. Bela was asleep as she was taken to her own private room. Dean walked to the waiting room to get coffee from a vending machine. A TV was on and the three people in the waiting room watched the Tony Awards. Dean's eyes travelled towards the small screen. As luck would have it, the actor in a musical revival category was being announced. And of course Castiel, the slimy bastard won. Dean tossed the vile coffee cup into a waste basket. He punched the vending machine on his way out.
An hour later, John, Mary and Sam stood on the other side of the glass in the baby nursery. Dean held his sleeping son in his arms. Mary cried as John held her. Sam waved at his nephew. Dean strolled closer to the window. He traced his song's cheek with a forefinger. "Meet your family, Adam Winchester"