Aquamarine

“Aw shit.” Dean nearly bangs his head on the headboard when he hears the rooster crow, making him wonder how society was going to put up with this ever-loving pest into the future because it really was hard to tolerate.

Nevertheless, Castiel’s letter thrusts to the forward of his mind, making him jump out of bed and throw on a decent outfit, similar to what he wore the first time the pair met, before he brushed his teeth and made his way into the kitchen.

Of course, Sam was already there. Dean sighs, because this boy and his stomach…

“Dean! Off to meet…Cas…right?” Sam giggles and winks and this time, Dean doesn’t find it too irritating but rather endearing.

“That’s true little brother.” Dean is getting ready to make breakfast before he realizes two bowls are already on the table, filled with food. He turns and smiles, feeling pride surge into his chest.

“Sammy, ya made this for us?” Dean was so preoccupied with thinking about his meeting with Castiel that the smells of porridge, mixed in with brown sugar, a very eccentric and rare taste he’d been given to try, was permeating the air.

“Well, no, I made it for you. Didn’t brush my teeth yet so I figured I’d make myself useful ‘cause you’ve got extra work with the Mr.Novak. Made you one with and without brown sugar, although…” Sam stares at the bowls he set down, suddenly confused. “I forget which one is which Dean. Sorry.” His looks become forlorn, like he genuinely messed something up and Dean is quick to step in.

“Sammy, you’re always enough for me and generally too, don’t you ever forget, yeah? You’re the best little brother ever. I’m sure it tastes great. Let me try?” Sam’s grip tightens around his brother’s waist and he’s left with no choice but to give a kiss to his shoulder and ruffle his hair.

“Alright. Alright.” Sam moves away reluctantly before sitting down, bouncing his knee in anticipation.

Dean sits down, taking a spoon to his lips and instantly he realizes that he’s eaten the one with brown sugar. Immediate contact with his tongue, and the flavor is bursting throughout his mouth, a welcome change he realizes could’ve been used for the two of them before. He practically moans, making Sam’s smile brighten.

“That good Dean?” Sam asks softly, blushing.

Dean puts the spoon down before trying the other bowl, which also happens to be the same.

“Sammy, it’s so good I think the other magically turned into brown sugar porridge too.” Dean smirks before Sam’s face turns white.

“Oh man. I guess I mixed ‘em up and made it all brown sugar. At least it tastes good.” Sam stares at Dean who waits a few seconds before toppling in laughter, slapping his little brother’s shoulder.

Dean quickly eats, noting the minutes that have likely passed by before serving a fresh bowl for Sam and keeping it on the stove. He looks back and Sam’s already winking and walking away.

“Brushing my teeth. Go to work! I’ll get my own breakfast.” Sam yells and Dean would’ve normally scolded him, but today, he doesn’t care.

So Dean? Dean does just that.

Empty.

Dean hurriedly looks around the back of Rowena’s Stay, which is strikingly dirty and clean at the same time, two words he never thought he’d put into one sentence. Nevertheless, he looks around, slowly daring to open a door or two inside. Even if Rowena had caught him, it wouldn’t even be a crime. Hell, she’s their landlady!

But Dean is absolutely sure enough time has passed and suddenly, Sam’s porridge comes to his throat. Maybe he shouldn’t have eaten for so long, but if he indulged in that thought, then it meant discrediting Sam’s food, which he didn’t want to do.

Dean figures he took too long to get ready, then.

“Dean Winchester.” Dean whips his head to the side and instantly breaks out into a smile. There he is, the Castiel Novak, saying his full name. Castiel seems to be matching his fervor, also giving a bright smile despite the day barely breaking dawn.

“Cas! I-I’m really sorry I was late. Was eating breakfast my brother made a-and it was so good!” Dean stops himself from rambling and it makes Castiel have a hearty laugh.

“Dean, that’s good to hear, but you realize I was also late right? I was a bit foolish in telling you to come as soon as the rooster crows, considering we only wake up but… we don’t wake up ready for a gala, now do we?” Cas smirks and Dean nods, letting out a giggle before Cas cocks his head to the side.

“Come inside, we can discuss the details in my room.” That’s an intimate gesture, Dean thinks, but he knows he shouldn’t get so worked up considering how they spent a significant amount of time together in Alastair’s bar rooms discussing their childhood trauma, but maybe it’s the residual joy from the previous day that makes him feel all giddy.

Dean bites back a smile, seeing how Rowena’s Stay is similarly creaky like the place where he and Sam live. Typical, he thinks, while moving to train his eyes on Castiel who is making his way up the steps. The overcoat he’s wearing this time, something akin to a trench coat, flows majestically. It’s the usual one most men in the town wear, but it looks different on Castiel. A noble lawyer that is demanding yet kind.

There was something rich about who Castiel was as a person that drove Dean to the edge of the line that separated admiration from attraction. He only met the man yesterday, but Castiel held himself together so well. There was an ease that reminded him of what it was like to woo the girls in his younger days.

This time, it was a very handsome man doing it back to him.

“You’re staring Mr.Winchester.” Castiel is smiling and Dean snaps out of his thoughts, realizing that they got to the very top of the staircase and he probably was staring at Castiel’s back the entire time, not realizing the lawyer even turned around. “You’re going to fall down the steps, so I suggest you take a few steps forward instead of back.” Cas is smirking, likely realizing the effect he had on Dean.

Dean blushes hard, following Cas down the hallway until a rackety door opens to a well-kept and clean room, one that smells quite divine.

“Y-You can just call me Dean.” He’s folded his arm, standing in a far corner of Cas’s room as not to pervade his comfortable atmosphere. Cas turns around, raising a single eyebrow before taking his trench coat off, something that makes Dean swallow so hard he’s sure someone outside of the room would’ve heard him.

“I enjoy teasing you, Dean.” Cas is simple in his choice words, yet that succinct statement seems to make the blood rush where it shouldn’t, instantly making Dean accept the chair the lawyer pushes his way. He gives Dean another look, waiting to see if he has anything to say, but he’s at a loss of words, wordlessly staring back to wait for Cas’s move.

Castiel gives a subtle nod before pulling out a stack of papers.

“Here is just a random pile of all my cases in the news. I’m not so organized myself, which many people find quite hard to believe, so I use the newspapers to keep myself abreast with my own work.” Castiel smiles, a glint of humor in his eyes. “It certainly catches people off guard.” Dean takes the pile as Cas points it in his direction, skimming the words to get a grasp of Cas’s work.

“This is real impressive work Cas. But why show me?” Dean asks.

“Many of these are interviews that I had partaken in, answering questions about why and how I completed these cases. I figured it would help you narrow down what details to look for when you were observing Alastair – it’s certainly easier than listening to me talk for hours about them. You would probably have to take notes on things that are already sufficiently written in this clippings. Is that alright with you?” Cas cocks his head to the side, expecting Dean to answer, who simply nods.

I’d listen to him talk for however long he wanted to.

Dean doesn’t let it show, but it takes an effort to stop his thoughts from drifting into much more romantic territory.

“Perfectly alright. Although, there’s one problem.” Dean lets out a sigh before looking into Cas’s now confused, hooded eyes. He finds it quite adorable.

“I’m not sure I can read these without my brother trying to rob me of ‘em. The kid’s obsessed with you.” Dean lets out a laugh and Cas’s expression changes in less than a blink of an eye.

“Samuel Winchester is obsessed with me?” Cas animatedly points to himself and it sets off Dean to laugh more, making the lawyer smile. “I find myself honored yet again to be in likings of yet another Winchester.”

“Sure thing boss. Kid’s 4 years younger than me so he’s 18. Say, why don’t you come by for dinner tomorrow?” The invitation is casual, slipping Dean’s mind and lips before he can reconsider and now that it’s out, he waits for an answer.

Cas, without any hesitation, says yes.

“I would be delighted. Would you like me to bring any food over for you boys? You can also give me an update on what you find tomorrow, then.” Boys. It makes Dean cringe, feeling like a child because he certainly had thoughts like a man when he dreamed about Cas, but he ignores them.

“Sure thing, but it’s my invitation for you, which means I’ll be makin’ dinner for us. All you need to do is walk your pretty legs over and sit in our house.” Dean speaks before realizing what he just said, making doe eyes from nerves.

Cas squints his eyes a bit before humming in affirmation.

“You just made that offer much more tempting, as if I hadn’t said yes already.” Cas smiles and Dean lets out a breath he’s holding, nodding his head while still blushing.

Thanks to the peak of sunlight coming through, he can tell that Cas was blushing too.

“Now, there anythin’ else I ought-a know about this deal? Seems too easy for me.” Dean taps his fingers on the papers, thinking about whether he had any other questions.

“For now, I’ll only ask of you…observations. Give me any names, nicknames included, along with any numbers that represent tangible deals. Whatever you can remember, please bring back.” Cas finishes his sentence before popping out an oh and going on.

“Dean, I also expect you to tell me how your day goes with Alastair. I want to know every insult he might hurl or anytime he lays a hand on you. The latter is something I can safely assume he will not do, but in any case, I’d like all of the details. Your safety is now my highest concern. If there’s anything I can do for your brother too, please let me know. Those you love, I love too. This, if anything, is non-negotiable. I expect nothing but the truth coming from your beautiful lips Dean. Alright?” Cas has a tiny smirk drawn on his face and the compliment makes Dean freeze, legs tightening as he stares at the man across from him.

He remembers what happened the day before, when Cas had held his chin and demanded an answer and as much as he wanted to give one, he couldn’t. With a simple jumble of words, Castiel Novak had rendered Dean Winchester speechless.

“Dean?” Cas has a bite in his tone, one that is suave but demanding. Dean is still staring, but lets his eyes swivel before looking back into the blue again.

“Sorry. Yes sir.” Dean gives a small smile and it seems to satisfy Cas.

“Alright then. My pretty legs for your beautiful lips. Seems like a fair exchange to me… unless you have any other questions, you’re free to leave. Is there anything else I can do for you Dean?” Cas uncrosses his legs, slightly manspreading which sends unholy thoughts to Dean’s head.

Well fuck.

“I-I-I n-no I don’t think so I think I’ll get on with readin’ and whatnot and makin’ it b-b- I-“ Dean gulps hard, trying his level best to not stare at Castiel’s legs, the man only making it harder but spreading out more.

He gives in, giving one glance down before looking back at Cas, who has a single eyebrow raised.

Dean gulps, staying silent, watching as Cas gets up and towers over him just like the day before.

“Answer my question Dean. It’s a good skill to have.” Cas isn’t mean, but both understanding and stern in his tone. His fingers, though, don’t hold his chin, but his eyes certainly hold Dean’s attention.

Breathing out shamelessly, Dean whispers a quiet no, nothing else, licking his lips almost imagining Cas’s on his.

But instead, Cas gently places his hand on the side of Dean’s neck, rubbing a few circles before bending down to whisper back into his ear.

“Good boy.” And with that, Cas tips his hat and walks out of the room, allowing Dean to assume he can do the same.

And for the first time, he wants to be roughed up by Castiel. In anyway the lawyer deems appropriate.

Dean had to sneak into his house, thankful that Sam was snoring away, to hide the newspapers. He didn’t have the time to read them now, so he made sure he could keep them safely before tip-toeing out.

There was a sustained change with Alastair not using Dean for the sake of preserving him for Castiel, as he had put it, and instead gave him an earful of insults that Dean got so used to it was like a fly buzzing around his ear. Alastair had assigned a handful of typical tasks - cleaning, serving food and drinks, taking care of some money books - nothing out of the ordinary except for the fact that Dean wasn't being slutted out, a new phrase he heard when Alastair had talked his ear off.

Dean specifically told Sam not to visit him today, just so that he could work that extra time and make the money since his pay had decreased, which Sam had protested against but nonetheless stood firm on because in part, making more money was important - it wasn't right to singularly ride off of Cas's money, but also, he had a facade to maintain: Dean, the weak and poor boy desperate to appease Alastair in any manner possible. The forced but better treatment made Dean wonder what exactly the lawyer had said to put Al in his place, thankful that the lawyer stepped foot into this town.

Dean had mentally taken note of some things Alastair had going on for the day, quietly repeating names and numbers that he could note down after work, but he knew this was not sustainable. Dean would have to find a way to keep track of these things which led him to the general store after work.

The air, despite smelling the same, felt different to Dean because now, he had an extra degree of freedom he could practice along with it. The turn of events complimented him rather providing him with an abundance of resistance, something he was enjoying for as long as he could have it.

"Heya Jody." The bells ring as Dean open the door to the inviting smells and scents of the general store. He didn't really memorize the name, always calling if Jody's General which irked her because she insisted it was a 'team effort' on account of the entire community keeping it alive.

"Hello there Dean." A beat passes. "What's put a spring in your step, young man?" Jody smiles, her voice motherly as ever, curious about what has gotten into Dean.

Dean doesn't answer, just turning his head back to give a wink before strolling over the to the dusty corner where a few ink bottles, pens, and books were laying around. 

"I need a book!" Dean yells out from across the store and Jody just gives a confused expression before responding. "Alright Dean. I hope you find what you need!" 

There isn't much to look at, until Dean accidentally knocks over a wooden stand and an entire shelf of blank leatherbacks appear before him, looking like gold and if anything, second to Castiel's surprise stack of cash from yesterday. There's a lot to think about for Dean, because he needs to find something small and portable where he can quickly takes notes. The only issue was finding ink which led him to call Jody over.

"Jody!" Dean is facing the book while calling her name, but regardless, she hears, walking over.

Dean turns around while holding four or five books of his interest. Her eyebrows raise as she inspects his position, taking note of his cheeky smile.

"I need a pen that can last me a few hours Jo. Somethin' that'll always have some ink ready when I need it." Dean nearly falls over before Jody's hand is on his back, dragging a chair which he happily plops down into.

Jody sighs before re-setting the fallen stand, making sure it sits a few inches to the side so Dean can still look at her selection. She trots over to the opposing corner, pulling out two neatly organized boxes and opening them up in front of him. The boxes are covered in velvet, something which makes Dean's mouth drool just looking at the opulence.

"These are some special pens that I have, imported from Hungary. Not sure why but a friend of mine had suggested I keep these in case someone was interested and this town didn't have the richest gals or guys, so I always kept 'em in the corner here. But seein' you stroll in here all interested makes me think you need something just as special." Jody unveils multiple layers of neatly wrapped pens, all a combination of varying colors which look like candy.

"How much for these pens Jo?" Dean bites his lips, feeling worry bubble up because he didn't want to waste the money he just earned. Jody seems to read his expression before answering.

"I'd normally put these for fifteen a piece, but I'll give it to you for ten." She doesn't wait a moment before adding another layer. "I've got s'more real special pens in the second box which are twenty, but I'll give 'em for fifteen.

Dean feels his heart swell with appreciation before giving his verdict instantly. 

"I'll take three. One of these and two of the extra special pens." Dean's smile practically erupts across his face and Jody, naturally so, is quite surprised.

"Well then...Why don't you pick your favorite 'n I'll get the extra special ones ready for you to look at? And also, I'll give you a few bottles of free ink. Got too many of 'em lyin' around." Jody sounds like she's grumbling to herself, which makes Dean laugh as he gets to scanning through the colors.

The pens are sleek and bright in their sheen, but the one that caught Dean’s eyes was a marbled green – a mixture of light and dark shades – adorned with a gold paper clasp and tip. He didn’t have favorite colors because everything in the town was so lifeless, but if there was any color that was his favorite, it would’ve been that of his eyes: green.

So, Dean picks it up for himself to use and just in time, Jody walks over with another similar looking box, covered in a slightly lighter shade of blue velvet.

“These aren’t much differ’nt sweetheart. Just gold dipped for the tip. I suppose it’s quick money making and I’ll be real honest, I doubt it’s true.” Jody laughs lightly, the two share a brief lock of crinkled eyes, before Dean is delicately inspecting the pens in this collection, handing the first green pen to Jody.

“Can you ring me up for this one first Jo? I’ll be right up with two more.” Dean doesn’t look up, instead digging away at the other designs before choosing a white, red, and blue beautifully blended together for Sam, still deciding what would Cas.

“Of course sweetheart!” Jody responds from a distance, leaving Dean to his exploration.

He didn’t know much about Cas’s favorite colors, which made this harder, but he knew whatever he chose had to look rich. It had to scream or rather, bellow with money because it just suited Castiel so well.

It was getting increasingly difficult until Dean let out a gasp.

There it was, a navy blue and white marbled pen with it’s gold plated tip and coincidentally, the letter ‘C’ engraved on the in-built paper clip. It makes Dean buzz with excitement because this is exactly what he’s looking for, but he didn’t know. The blue complimented Cas’s eyes while the gold added a touch of fame and bedazzle…

Dean places the box down before walking up the front, happily displaying the two pens he picked out.

“Sweetheart, the book is just $2 but all three pens combined are $40. You sure of buyin’ these? Don’t forget the ink is free.” Jody raises an eyebrow, seemingly conflicted but Dean knew she was like him, trying to get by. It didn’t need a second thought, but nonetheless, Dean took a few moments to look at the items sprawled before him.

“I’m real sure Jo. I’ll take ‘em.” Dean is quick to drag out his stack of cash while Jody is busy neatly wrapping them.

“Which of these is a gift kid?” Jody smiles and Dean gives confused smile back.

“How do you know Jo? Never told you nothin’!” Dean leans over the counter, making a pout which Jo rolls her eyes at, handing him a thick, pastel colored back with everything inside.

A lack of answer isn’t surprising, as Dean hands her a generous $50 which Jody tries to protest, but Dean already has his eyes closed, shaking his head side to side.

“Keep it Jo. Besides, ‘m too tired to count exact change.” Dean smiles before grabbing the bag and walking towards the front of the store.

“Dean!” Jo calls after him just before he can leave the shop, making him turn on his heels, with a smile of course.

“You want to know how I know the last two pens you bought were the gifts?” Jody is walking towards him, wiping her hands with a towel. Dean turns around, eventually nodding slow.

“Sure do.” Dean crosses his arms, careful to keep the bag secure in his hands.

“Kid, when you do something good, it’s always meant for someone else other than you.” Jody stares at him for a second with an unreadable expression, still maintaining a smile before walking away leaving Dean feeling conflicted.

It’s true. And perhaps, Dean should do something about it this time.

And so, Dean’s left with a smile and something to think about while walking home feeling happier than he’s ever been.