I apologize if this chapter feels a little jumbled, but I wanted to get some plot down to hopefully explain a bit. Please enjoy though, I do plan on making the next chapter a little more fluid.
"I have lived here for the past five years, I inherited the land from my father..." Castiel began as he took a seat at the dining table, gesturing for Dean to join him.
"I did enjoy the solitude, at first... But over the past year I suppose it's not quite the life I had expected," he continued when Dean sat down in the chair to his right.
"Don't get me wrong, I still like the peace and quiet, it's just... I've grown lonely," he finished looking up at Dean's face, smiling slightly.
"I get it, I like my peace too but that's hard to find when I got family to care for..." Dean spoke with a shrug. He wasn't quite ready to tell Castiel about his past, yet.
Castiel was quiet, studying Dean as if trying to get answers from the words he wasn't saying but he shook himself before speaking again.
"Why did you truly choose to seek work with a lonely ranch owner?"
Dean considered how to answer him, wanting to be as honest as he possibly could.
"Well I do need the money, as I mentioned before... But also, I just needed to get away from my life," Dean responded, flashing Castiel a sincere smile.
"Ah... Now it makes sense, that feeling I had about you," Castiel said with a knowing look that Dean had no idea what it meant.
Castiel laid in bed, staring at the ceiling unable to sleep. He was trying to sort his thoughts when a gunshot ringing out got him out of bed, grabbing the shotgun he kept by the nightstand as he ran out of his room.
He rushed into the living room, surprised to see Dean wielding two single action pistols, back against the wall beside the front door with Gabriel behind him growling at the door.
"I know you're in there, come on out now!" a strange gruff voice called out from the other side of the door followed by another gunshot.
Castiel and Dean shared a look of confusion and concern before Castiel kicked the door open, shotgun aimed in front of him as he stepped out onto the porch.
"I suggest you leave this property, unless you wanna be buried six feet under it, friend..." Castiel said in a voice so calm it sent shivers down Dean's spine.
He came out beside Castiel, guns aimed at the stranger with his fingers hovering lightly over the triggers.
"Come now, I'm not here for you... I'm here for him," the man spoke, dark eyes flicking from Castiel to Dean.
Castiel fired a warning shot at the man's feet, scattering the dirt as the man flinched.
"I don't care what your business is, if you don't leave I'll have no problem dropping you where you stand," Castiel's voice filled with a raspy gravel that made Dean's hands twitch.
The man turned his gaze on Castiel, glaring darkly at him as he heaved a sigh.
"Fine... That bastard ain't worth my life," he spat turning around to leave. Castiel shot another round into the dirt behind him as he went.
The next morning Dean walked into the kitchen to see Castiel leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee, sipping it slowly.
"Are you going to ask about last night?" Dean questioned as he poured himself a cup, turning to look at Castiel.
"Are you going to tell me?" Castiel replied returning his gaze, taking a sip of his coffee.
Dean ran his free hand through his hair, letting out a breath he hadn't realize he was holding in.
"Honestly..." he began but was cut off as Castiel held up a hand, immediately making him stop.
"It's none of my business, but if it brings me trouble again then we'll have an issue..." Castiel spoke solemnly, looking down into his cup.
"I don't care to know about your past, just keep it off my ranch, understood?" he finished looking back up at Dean.
"Yes'sir... I... Thank you," Dean responded with a nod, a faint smile curving his lips.
"Now, I have some business in town and could use your help,"
"If that's not a problem, of course..." Castiel spoke after a few moments of silence hanging between them.
"No sir, I'd be happy to help," Dean said brightly.
Dean made sure the saddle was secure on Baby, tugging the straps around her waist before he was satisfied. He easily jumped up into the saddle, patting the mare's neck to calm her.
Castiel came out of a nearby stall with a beautiful dapple grey already saddled up, stepping over to Dean.
The sight of Dean atop the black mare was something Castiel would have to remember, it was like a scene from a dream.
"Ready?" Dean asked snapping Castiel out of his thoughts. He couldn't help but chuckle when Castiel shook himself as a blush snuck up his cheeks.
"Y-yes..." Castiel got up into his saddle, nodding to Dean.
Dean kicked Baby behind the saddle and shouted as she broke into a run out of the barn, Castiel galloping behind him.
They raced down to the edge of the property, slowing down as they reached the path that led into town.
Dean watched Castiel as he rode, he was amazed at how fluid his movements were in the saddle. He came to find Castiel was a bit awkward when he saw him walking around the house or the ranch.
It was definitely a huge difference, and Dean wondered if Castiel was as fluid in other activities akin to horseback riding.
They reached the town, stopping outside the stables as Castiel swung himself out of the saddle and tied his horse to a post. Dean mimicked his moves, trying Baby up to the same post.
"I need to speak with the owner about some sheep," Castiel announced as Dean followed him into the stable, looking around at the horses either being stored or for sale.
They walked up to a burly looking man with a unruly beard dressed in a dirty shirt, overalls and old boots.
"Howdy friends, how may I help ya's?" the man inquired turning around from his work on cleaning up a pile of horse shit.
"I was wondering when your men would be bringing those sheep up to my ranch?" Castiel questioned, smiling politely at the man. Dean stood off to the side, watching the men conversate.
"Oh, yes of course sir... My men juts brought 'em down from up north this morning and will be moving 'em to your ranch tomorrow," the man explained, gesturing wildly with his hands at Castiel.
Dean stepped up beside Castiel, to which the man instantly took a step back from him with a sideways glance at Dean.
"How's about you get your men to move them today, bring them up to the ranch by sundown," Dean spoke, eyeing the man. He had the feeling he was trying to scam Castiel and didn't appreciate it.
Before Castiel could interfere, the man nodded slowly before speaking.
"Yes, o-of course I can arrange that for you sirs... Not a problem at all,"
Castiel shared a look with Dean buy didn't say anything, he simply shook the man's hand and turned to walk away, Dean following behind him.