Chapter 3
…~)*(~…
"mail's here!" yelled Gabriel from downstairs. Michael and Lucifer came from different sides of the house. "This is for Luci, this for Mikie, Anna, Cassie and I. Oh and Raphael." he distributed the envelopes according to its recipient.
"What is this?" asked Anna looking at the front and back of the envelope. "Oh, wait, I thought the Summer Ball was cancelled this year. Why are they sending invitations?"
"They decided not to, apparently, parents complained that it was a long tradition of the school and it must be done." Gabriel rolled his eyes uninterested and weary of the fancy dances that required dressing formal which seemed ridiculous to him yet he would not pass an opportunity to bless the people with one of his pranks.
"I'm going to call Lisa so we can go dress shopping!" squealed Anna running out of the room upstairs with Gabriel following to give his twin the invitation.
"Are you going?" Castiel looked up at Gabriel from his desk and shook his head.
"I do not have time for these things, I rather spend it on activities that are of benefit to my knowledge." Castiel sat at his desk with papers sprawled across his desk.
"You spend too much time locked in this room and with those damn books, Cassie. I don't want to go but I figure it's better than staying at home doing nothing, besides, I'm gonna give the school a surprise." he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Not one of your pranks, I hope." he said continuing with his work.
"Exactly that!" Castiel sighed and looked at his older brother.
"Do you realise how much trouble you could get in for always doing immature pranks at school? You could get expelled, Gabriel."
"Hey, I don't break most rules and they are not illegal!"
"But you are still breaking some of the rules."
"I'll be fine, besides, people love my pranks." he giggled remembering how the entire school had applauded him for what he had done to Mr. Howard, even the teachers seemed to think it comical.
"Alright, Gabriel. As you say."
"Just think about it, okay? Anna is going and I'm sure all my friends are going too, you can come with us." Castiel nodded and Gabriel left the room. He had no intentions on going to the Ball, even if he did, he would need a date.
Castiel nor Dean nor Gabriel had difficulties finding a date, quite the opposite yet it was a complex decision since most of the girls became obsessed with them over a simple date, as it had happened to Gabriel the previous year; he had attended Summer Ball with one of the most popular and attractive cheerleaders, after an unfortunate decision they'd sneaked out of the ballroom into a supply closet, their teenage hormones were altered and they had intercourse. Gabriel had forgotten by the next day about the girl but after a week he started receiving letters, love letters, roses, reminders, stuffed animals with hearts, she had acquired his mobile number invading his inbox with messages each day and to his frustration she had told the entire class they were dating. It had been a rather awkward confrontation, a heartbreak to the girl and a slap to Gabriel but it ended.
Dean had a reputation of being with a different girl every week, he had no interest in a relationship yet no one seemed to care as long as they got into his pants which was an apparent goal to the girls in his class.
Castiel was the prince charming of the school, the beautiful androgynous boy they all admired from afar, the one they bet to one another would steal his heart yet they were unsuccessful. He seemed to avoid social events as much as possible, politely declined invitations from his mates to interact outside of school; no one understood him yet he did not care whether they did or didn't.
~x)*(x~
The halls and classrooms at James Monroe High School were jovial, enthusiastic, anxious and loud. The Summer Ball seemed the topic of interest for everyone since it would be in two weeks; Castiel avoided people more than ever being weary of hearing of it and declining invitations politely, he wanted to scream or run as far as possible to be left alone. Gabriel and Dean seemed too boastful and arrogant, comparing how many girls had asked them, Castiel rolled his eyes at their imprudent behaviour.
"Have you decided yet?" Gabriel asked his twin who was sitting in lunchroom with them since Gabriel insisted he did ever since the first day of school.
"The Summer Ball? No." he responded not meeting his brother's gaze, he picked at his salad with the fork yet he had no appetite.
"Why not?"
"I do not see what benefit comes of it. It is just another unnecessary social event." he shrugged.
"It's just for fun, you need friends, people can't live without friends." Gabriel knit his eyebrows still looking at his twin.
"I have friends. And I can live without them."
"Balthazar and Crowley don't count, they're your cousins." Castiel rolled his eyes.
"I do not need friendship from anyone who is simply interested in what may benefit them because of our reputation and our surname, Gabriel. I rather be alone and I am quite content this way." he frowned staring at his brother.
"Not everyone is like that, you know."
"Really? Name someone." Castiel looked at his twin with a blank expression waiting for his brother to reply but he seemed to be thinking hard. "Exactly." he continued eating his lunch.
"I still think you should go though."
"I'll think about it." Dean glanced at Castiel and back to his friend. He hoped Castiel decided to go, he didn't know why but he wanted they younger boy to be there.
"Who are you taking?" Gabriel asked Dean unwrapping a lollipop and putting it in his mouth.
"Uh, I don't know." he shrugged, "I was going to ask Lisa but she might say no."
"Why would she say no? You're Dean Winchester, she wouldn't dare refuse, besides, a cheerleader who can bend like that would love to get in your pants, Dean-o."
"Everyone wants to get in my pants." he laughed, "And because she's older than me."
"Only for a year."
"Still, she might think it makes a big difference."
"You can still get anyone else though."
"I know." Dean cockily smiled. "Everyone wants some of this sweet piece of ass." Castiel stood up and walked out of the room unable to abide his brother and the other boy's arrogance; Gabriel and Dean watched in confusion as he left.
~x)*(x~
Castiel sat on the window seat in the third floor at the end of the hall, which was always isolated during lunch time; he turned his head looking out the window unto the vast field. There was a feeling of disappointment of how the boy he might be developing sentiments for considering himself as an object of usage for everyone, his arrogance and cocky smile bothered him. He sighed and stood up hearing the bell ring for class, the students gathered in masses around the halls, the chatter grew louder and Castiel walked alone passing each person with his hands in his pockets.
…~)D*G(~…
Friday nights were spent doing homework and all school related assignments, it was a rule Michael and Lucifer had imposed and so everyone had to obey their elders. Lucifer and Michael sat in the living room arguing over the Social Development Theory but Lucifer insisted Michael's outlook was pointless. Gabriel sat at the breakfast bar with a bag of skittles attempting to focus on his Algebra homework, Anna sat next to him writing an essay for English class. Raphael was somewhere in the house, perhaps asleep or doing homework as well. Castiel was in his room reading a book since he had finished all of his assignments. Their study time was interrupted by the door bell, Gabriel let his pencil drop on the counter, jumping off the stool and ran to the door for he knew who it was.
"Hey, Dean-o, hey Sammy." he let them in and closed the door behind them.
"Hey." Dean grinned stepping inside.
"Hey, Gabe and it's Sam." Sam rolled his eyes at Gabriel.
"Whatever, Sammy." Sam sighed and followed Gabriel and Dean to the game room.
"So, are you both ready for the most awesome game night eating all sorts of unhealthy junk food and staying up all night?" Gabriel stood inside the room holding up two large bags of Skittles, Sour patch Kids, Snickers, Twix bars, caramel popcorn, biscuits and other sweets; Dean and Sam grinned.
They set up the room to their comfort with Dean sitting on the right side of Sam on a bean bag and Gabriel on the other side, snacks all around them, the game controllers on their laps and stacks of games to be played in front of the TV. There was a knock on the door, Gabriel stood to answer it and found Michael standing there.
"Gabriel, is it much to ask to keep the volume down? We are trying to finish our work and it disturbs our concentration." he said with hands in his pockets.
"Oh, okay." Gabriel shrugged.
"And please do not leave a mess in this room." Michael pointed towards the mess around the boys.
"We won't, don't worry." the younger boy rolled his eyes exaggeratedly.
"Very well, dinner will be in an hour and all of you better be in the dining room by then."
"We will, Mikie."
"It's Michael." he rolled his eyes at Gabriel.
"Yeah, yeah." Gabriel closed the door as Michael disappeared down the hall.
~)*(~
Castiel by his window seat reading Lion Of Liberty by Harlow Giles Unger when he noticed a car stop in front of his house, he recognised it; it was a '67 black Impala. The passenger door opened and Dean stepped out, then Sam followed getting out from the back seat. They shared a laugh about something Castiel could not hear and walked to the front door. He fought the urge to go downstairs joining his siblings and the Winchesters knowing Gabriel would tease him, he decided to continue reading in vain since his mind was interrupted by the memory of his first kiss. He could hear the boys in the game room at the end of the hall being loud and yelling at each other for the death of their characters. Castiel did not understand what they meant but it sounded exciting and curiosity overtook him, he stood from his place and walked towards his door opening it slightly when he saw Michael pass by to call Gabriel's attention; he could hear a small conversation between them until a moment later, he noticed Michael walking back from the game room and closed the door fast. The older sibling walked towards his young brother's room and tried to listen what the teenager was doing yet there was no sound.
"Castiel?" he knocked on the door.
"Yes, Michael?" Castiel opened the door slightly, Michael stared at him with his brows furrowed.
"You should go in there with them. Have you finished all your work?"
"Yes, I have." he nodded, "I believe it is they are Gabriel's friends, not mine, I fear I may not be welcomed."
"Nonsense, Castiel. I know the Winchesters are nice boys, they would happily accept you." he gave Castiel a small smile. "dinner is in an hour, perhaps you might consider talking to them then?"
"Perhaps." he shrugged. Michael patted his shoulder and walked downstairs. Castiel returned to his book and this time he actually read.
~)*(~
The evening was warm and dark, one could hear the silence of families in their own homes and the streets already empty. Downstairs, Michael, Raphael, Lucifer and Anna were about to finish preparing dinner; Michael began cutting the lasagna while Lucifer finished making the Baci Cake With Drunken Cherry Sauce, Raphael and Anna set up the table.
"Dinner is ready, be down within five minutes." Lucifer knocked on the door gaining the attention from the three boys playing video games, without waiting for an answer he walked towards Castiel's room.
"Castiel, dinner is ready." he said knocking on the door, the young boy opened it slowly and nodding followed Lucifer.
Dinner was eaten as a family prepared by the three oldest with often help from the younger ones except Gabriel, he'd been prohibited to enter the kitchen by himself for the safety of everyone. Each one, however had a chore to do afterwards, Gabriel took the trash to the dumpster while Anna and Castiel took care of the dishes. Michael sat at one end of the table and Lucifer at the other, Raphael to the right of Michael, Anna on the other side of Lucifer, the twins sat in the middle, Dean sat next to Gabriel and Sam next to Castiel. They were served by their lasagna and Tomato Bruschetta.
"Do you guys always eat this fancy?" asked Dean savouring the succulent Bruschetta. "This is really good!"
"Almost always." said Michael with a small smile, "Thank you, I made them."
"Hey, I helped too!" half pouted Lucifer, Michael chuckled and gave him credit for helping. Dinner was rather pleasant with small, quiet conversations between them. Castiel kept silent, only answering questions asked to him specifically. Dean kept glancing over to him when the boy was not looking, but he was not aware that Castiel as well stole glances when he turned away.
"Who wants dessert?" asked Lucifer getting up with his plate, Anna followed with Raphael removing the used plates from the table and replacing them with new ones.
"I do!" jumped Gabriel and everyone laughed. "Wait, I'll be right back." he ran to the bathroom. Sam, Michael, Castiel and Dean were left at the table. Sam took his mobile from his pocket to reply to a message from his best friend Jessica, whom he had developed a crush on. Michael was about to speak to Castiel when he noticed his younger bother focused on something, rather someone, he followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow when he noticed Dean and Castiel having a "staring contest". Sam looked up noticing instantly the awkward silence, then he understood its cause; Michael looked at the younger Winchester with a confused expression and Sam simply shrugged in confusion as well.
Raphael returned from the kitchen carrying two plates of Baci cake, Anna followed carrying a small gravy saucer and Lucifer with more plates. The three sat down quietly looking around the room at the lack of interaction or movement, they turned to ask what was happening but soon noticed the younger Novak and Dean staring at each other without blinking. Lucifer smirked and glanced at Michael with a knowing look and they both nodded.
"So guys, I-" Gabriel returned yet stopped when he noticed everyone at the table was silent, he turned to look at Dean to Castiel to Michael to Raphael to Anna to Lucifer then back at Dean and Castiel. 'Oh, I see." he muttered with a smirk.
"CHERRY!" he said loud enough that both boys jumped and became aware of the world around once again as if nothing had happened. "Can we have dessert now?" Gabriel asked grinning while he waved a hand in front of him, Michael nodded with a small smile.