Out Of The Ashes (3/?)
Author's note: Thank you all for your reviews! Thanks to those who pointed out grammatical errors, I'll fix them. If anyone is interested in being a beta for me, please let me know! Again, I really appreciate all of you guys! I basically have the plot figured out, but if you have any suggestions or something you want to see, feel free to let me know and I'll see what I can do. Thank you for reading!
Title: Out Of The Ashes (3/?)
Disclaimer: I do not own these wonderful men or anything that had to do with Supernatural.
Rating: NC-17, this part
Warnings: AU, so no spoilers that I can think of.
Everyone went to bed when they were ready to pass out. Castiel almost whimpered when he drew the plush covers up to his chin and shimmied down as far as he could, hiding his head. Sammy went next, sprawling out on the mattress to cover as much space as humanly possible and snoring. Dean fell into his covers on the floor about an hour later, sleeping instantly.
* * * *
Dean woke with a start. Well, to be truthful, it only resulted in a moments consciousness before he fell back into a mostly sleeping state. Realizing he was in need of the facilities, he climbed to his feet and made the torturous journey to the bathroom.
After flushing and washing his hands he made his way to the door, not remembering why the hell he had curled up on the floor in the first place. He yawned and stretched, feeling the loosening of his frustrated body. Rubbing his stomach absently he roamed the very short hallway to Sam's room and checked on his little brother as he did every night he woke. Seeing Sammy snore softly against the pillow was enough to confirm he was still alive and Dean crawled back to his room.
He tossed his pillow back onto the bed and wrapped the covers around himself. Once again in his cocoon of warmth, he quickly fell asleep.
* * * *
Sammy grumbled. He tossed and grumbled again.
Darn sun. Darn himself for not closing the curtains.
Whatever. He was up now and his tummy was rumbling, telling him breakfast was a must as well as a trip to the bathroom.
He used the facilities then decided to take a shower. Sam stripped his sweatpants off and climbed into the tub, the shower head slathering him with burning water. Soon after washing himself he turned so the back of his neck was taking the brunt of the spray and began to wonder about Dean's friend. Dean never had friends, that was the thing. He was the loner kind. Not really by choice, he just didn't like to take shit from others. Sammy smirked at the memories of the pranks they played on each other.
And yeah, sure, he'd had a few girlfriends when dad was here, then a few flings with some guys when dad had left, but nothing serious. He was always happier with the guys and when he told Sammy that he was gay, he wasn't really surprised. He always thought the girls were to appease dad. Dean had been happy for a while, and Sam liked it best when his brother was happy.
Yet he seemed uncomfortable around Castiel. Why would he allow someone he didn't like to come home with him? Unsure where this was all going in his mind, Sam turned the water off and stepped out.
He tugged his change of pants on and slipped on his shirt as he walked to the kitchen.
A quick perusal of the cupboards informed him there was only cereal, his favorite, and bacon and eggs, Deans favorite.
Figures.
Sammy decided he was hungry for something solid and hot so bacon and eggs it was. He pulled out the frying pan with his tongue between his teeth, a severe look of concentration on his face. Setting the heat and tugging the plastic off the meat, he began to crack eggs and cook. The food was ready in a few minutes, the aroma of cooked fat and scrambled eggs slathered the room in an aroma that slithered down the hall. He could still smell it as he reached Dean's door and turned the knob. As the door swung open, he was wide eyed, shocked slightly but not really all that surprised.
The boys on the bed awoke at the sound.
They were obviously surprised.
* * * *
Dean awoke gently to his favorite scent in the world; bacon. The smell imbedded in his brain, dragging him from dreams that were quickly forgotten at the prospect of getting some of that self-indulgence down his throat and into his stomach. He tried to sit up but found he couldn't. He squeezed the body closer, more against his body, brushed the longish hair back and gently kissed the forehead. The body shimmied closer, absorbing the nice touch. At first he thought it was Sammy, perhaps having slipped into bed with him in the middle of the night as he still does some nights, but felt the weight on his chest to be more than he remembered. Opening his eyes and looking down, he caught a mouthful of silky black hair. His mind froze, his body along with it.
There was a man in his bed.
A man he didn't remember bringing home.
A man that was now stirring in his arms. Arms that quickly dropped from around him, brain finally finding room around the hunger to realize that Castiel was in his bed, wrapped up in his arms.
Shit.
He heard the door swing open and saw Sammy staring at him, first with shocked, round eyes, then with a knowing smirk.
“Breakfast.” Was all his little brother said before turning happily on his heal and going back down the hall toward the food.
Dean had felt Castiel stiffen, his body ready for rejection while his fingers clutched Deans arms lightly as if pleading to stay. The smaller mans head slowly turned to face the owner of the body he was clutching to, sapphires blazing with heat, a hot, molten lava that begged for acceptance and comfort.
“Morning.” Dean said softly as he forcefully loosened his body's tension. He had to admit that waking to someone who gave him that chick flick moment was well worth the happiness.
Castiel withdrew from the embrace they were in until they were no longer touching, flushing a delicate red. “I apologize. That should not have happened.” His fingers fiddled with the blanket laying on him, and when Dean laid his hand upon his shoulder he winced, expecting a slap instead of an embrace. Dean took his other hand and rested his fingers on the underside of Castiel's chin. He turned the mans head until it faced him and didn't say a word until those eyes rested on his again. Dean moved his hand from shoulder to face, moving his thumbs up and down Castiel's cheeks, coaxing those eyes to close with a smile. “I really think you should stop apologizing.”
Dean dropped a hand after a moment.
“I must have moved up here during the night.”
“So it would seem.”
A light silence rang between them, both listening to the sound of the television in the living room. Dean touched Castiel's elegant fingers with his fingertips, a featherlight brush that had Cas's cheeks turn that red color again. Chuckling, Dean carded their fingers together.
“Breakfast?” Dean asked.
Castiel's face lightened to the point that one side of his mouth drew up in a smile. “That would be nice.”
* * * *
Absolutely nothing happened that day for any of the boys in the apartment. That night found Dean on the hated couch and Castiel in the bed.
It was one of the best days they had all had in a while.
* * * *
I had to remove his hand. It wasn't proper for him to have it in such a place, but I could not move enough to dislodge it. I screamed, tried to flail my arms that were held down by harsh fingers whose nails bit into my wrists with mirth, and oh most definitely wanted to move that hand.
“Ah, Sweet, you're so soft...” The bastard commented, the fingertips of one hand brushing the back of my neck while the other greasy palm pulled my jeans down, the zipper grinding against my groin painfully. The denim was shoved down to my ankles and my heart stopped.
“So soft.”
His shudder of pleasure was enough to make bile rise up in my throat, threatening to show itself at any time, yet not wanting to show its face because even it feared him so.
Lucifer Hitch.
I cried out again. His flimsy fingers were prodding, trying to open me up. “Please, stop! Stop!” I was caught in a shiver, my whole body feeling like it was stalled in a shut down, that pins and needles place where your body was trying to wake from sleep when you lay on your arm for too long.
“Raph, I think Cassy Boy likes it.” Lucifer laughed. The sound grated my ears.
Raphael Hardy gritted his teeth as his grip on my wrists tightened. “Luc, he's a strong one.”
Lucifer grunted. Taking his fingers out, he gripped himself and placed the tip against me. Slamming in with one fluid movement, he bent over my arching back and touched his lips to my ear. “You'll love this, trust me.” A smile was against my skin as he pulled out and shoved back in.
I screamed again and all I could feel was hands and pain.
Falling from the bed woke Castiel. He sat up against the mattress, heart beating like hummingbird wings. One hand grabbed the bedsheets with white knuckles, his arms trying to pull him up but thinking better of it and dropping him on the floor again. The way he landed made him cry out again. He had just lifted one lower body cheek off the floor before the door was thrown open and Dean was standing in front of him, a blade in one hand and with a frightened face. He seemed to have assessed that there was no threat in the room because he tucked the knife away. Dean fell to his knees and pulled Cas to his chest.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
“No.” Was all Cas could get out before his arms curled around Dean and begged for comfort. Dean shuddered a breath before he wrapped Castiel in his arms and lifted him up. Castiel didn't remove his arms as Dean pulled them up onto the bed and had the covers situated around them. Breathing became difficult as his mind kept showing him Lucifer's face. Burying his eyes into Dean's chest, Cas let his shoulders shudder and his throat go hoarse from his cries.
“I'm right here. I won't leave you.”
* * * *
By unspoken word they all met in the kitchen around the table in the morning, cereal the meal of choice to start off the day.
“Do you want to stay?” Dean found himself asking and stilled. Where had that come from? He wanted him to stay, but why had he asked? Nervously sending a sideways glance at him, he waited.
Castiel almost looked visibly shaken by the prospect. His eyes became round again. “No. No, I believe I will go home today, if that's alright with you.”
“Why would you want to go home?” Sammy asked around a mouthful of cocoa flavored crispies.
“My father would be upset with me. He already is since I didn't call last night.” The words sounded like he was scolding himself.
Dean sighed. “You did call, right? Your dad will understand why you didn't go right home after...”
“He will not know.” Castiel's fists clutched in a painful display of anger, the spoon in his hand shaking.
“You're not going to tell him?” Dean asked.
“No one needs to know.”
“Cas, the police can help...”
“No.” The finality shut Dean up. It was the harshest thing Castiel had ever said to him. The strongest passion in that one word. “It's to be forgotten.”
Dean slammed his shaking fist into the tabletop, the force of it rattling the bowls and spilling some of Sammy's milk. Frustrated, he walked away from the table to take a shower.
* * * *
Sammy looked across the table at Castiel. The scrutiny was almost upsetting, those brown eyes piercing beyond their years.
“Yes, Sam?” Castiel asked, setting his spoon down to rest in the bowl, meal half finished and forgotten. Why had Dean been so furious at him for not wanting to pursue the justice for the crime? It's not like anything would have happened. Castiel was the son of a preacher, a preacher who would be shamed by his son. A son who never would have chosen to be violated. Hell, he wouldn't wish that on anyone. Ever. Father would blame it on him, no matter if he spoke of his sisters involvement or not.
He'll never know Castiel was raped.
Ever.
“Cas, you okay?” Sam asked in a way that said he was there to listen. Actually listen; not judge, not scrutinize, not nit-pic every little detail and wonder if he was telling the truth. To be an ally.
“As good as I can be, I think.” Trying for a soft smile as he thought of how Dean had held him last night in comfort and actually kissing Cas's tears away when he had thought Cas was asleep. The smile turned into a slight grimace when Dean's face morphed into Lucifer. He finished his drink and dumped his now soggy mush into the trash.
* * * *
“Father, this is Dean. We have been working on a project at his house for school.” Castiel said as he introduced Dean to his father.
Father Novak scoffed lightly without much thought on the boy as he extended his hand for a shake. “I appreciate you having my boy at your home, but I would have rather you asked to take him before just doing so.”
“My fault.” Dean assured when Castiel began to say he was sorry. They shared a glare before Dean continued. “I kinda told Castiel I would do some of the work before this weekend but got caught up with my brother, so I had him over for a while. Our parents are gone and I have to look after Sam. He had some things that needed to come first. Family comes first, am I right?” He chuckled once to show that even to him it was obvious.
“Hmm.”
Father Novak scrutinized his son's friend up and down, his eyes landing on the ratty leather jacket, the worn denim jeans, and boots. They took in his openly friendly stance, the tilt of his head slightly to the side, the sense of obviousness in his green eyes. “Hmm.” He mumbled again before lowering the arms he hadn't known he'd crossed.
“Castiel, help your brother with dinner.”
“Yes, Father.” He left with a slight nod and a downward stare.
“So,” Father Novak began after Castiel had slid closed the living room door that blocked them from the kitchen. “What is it you are really doing with my son?”
* * * *
Gabriel stalled in his stirring to see his brother come in. “Look who finally decided to come back.” He chastised as he turned back to his task. “You really started something.”
Castiel didn't reply.
“Figures he'd send you in here. Your food doesn't kill people.” Gabriel tried with a smile.
Chuckling once, Cas went up to his brother and stole the spoon. He looked pointedly at the soup that was congealing slowly when not stirred before sending his eyes to Gabriel with lifted brows as if to ask 'Really? The best you can do?'
Gabriels lips spread into a shit eating grin. “That, brother, is the reason I love you.”
Cas gave his brother a dead pan stare. 'I could do better than this.'
“Try me.”
* * * *
Dean choked on his breath and tried to cover the noise with a cough. He kept his eyes around the mans face as if he's not trying to lie. “Nothing. We were working on a project. Actually, Cas did most of the work because I don't really...”
“Obviously.”
“Right.”
Father Novak sliced his eyes and shot the younger man daggers. “Are you and my son friends?”
Dean nodded.
“Where are your parents?”
Trying not to cringe, he replied, “They're gone.” The tone was one that was spoken softly but screamed volumes. One that said that conversation was over.
“Protective. That's good.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “This brother of yours. How old is he?”
“Why?”
“Curiosity.” The man shrugged.
Dean didn't have any idea where this was going, but he hoped it was a place that took a stick out of a particular orifice of the man. “Fourteen.”
“And you?”
“Eighteen. Why are you asking me these questions? Seriously.”
Father Novak had been turning away from Dean, but now snapped his attention back to him. His eyes narrowed, a paler version of Cas's oceans. The fingers, those dry, cracked fingers curled in upon themselves, their strain made apparent from the whites of his knuckles. “You steal my son, you give him a new name, you don't have the decency to have him call home, and you expect me to let you off without questioning? You are a sinner, Dean. It's written all over you.”
The incredulous look on the younger mans face must have triggered another round of anger from the Father, but just then Gabriel slid the adjoining door open and proclaimed dinner was served.
“Not now, Gabriel. I'm not finished yet.” Father Novak growled.
“Father.” Castiel said softly, a small plea mixed with frustration.
The older man heaved a sigh. “You are not to stay for dinner.”
“Father.” Castiel said the name with more conviction. He even made to step into the room and side with Dean when his father held his hand up to still him. The fingers sprawled across his chest. A small shove made the small frame move backward slightly.
A dark, warning growl escaped from his throat. “Do not question me, Castiel.”
Dean made to move toward Cas to protect him when Castiel lowered his head. Submission rang through him as his shoulders sagged and his eyes glazed over. Dean raised his hand to rest it on Cas's shoulder to comfort him, but the touch was shoved away with malice by the old man.
“You are not allowed here. Leave.” Father Novak's voice rung Dean's neck of a response. Castiel wouldn't look at him. With a nod, Dean left the house, the screen door shutting loudly behind him.
Without a word, all the Novak's entered the dining room for their meal.
“You are not to speak to that boy again. He is a sinner.” Father had said that about Dean four other times since they'd sat down to dinner. Spoons slid softly against the sides of the bowls as if even they didn't want to anger the man further. They all acted like they hadn't seen him dump half a flask of whiskey into his orange juice when they were all settling down.
Finally Castiel responded. “He is not a sinner.”
“He is.” Father took a spoonful of meat from the soup out of his bowl and let his hand still over the surface. “That boy is not clean.”
They all ate in silence.
* * * *
As the Novak kids were going to their rooms for instructed bed time, Castiel tapped Anna's door, waited for permission, then entered. Closing the door softly behind himself, he leaned against it.
“What's up?” She asked, half annoyed.
“Why were you so upset with me on the phone the other day?”
She was most definitely annoyed. She huffed a showing sigh and shrugged. “You weren't coming home, Castiel. Dad was pissed.”
He nodded once, accepting that. “I understand his anger, but not yours.”
“You... You would have gotten me into so much trouble. So much. I already am. Those guys...” She stopped, afraid she'd said too much.
“They what?” He questioned.
“You wouldn't understand.” Her voice was a low whisper making Castiel have to strain to hear her. Her eyes kept flashing to a drawer in her dresser and away. She was hiding something.
“I would like to.”
“You are the good child, Castiel. Stay that way.” Anna's brow knitted together and her lips puckered out slightly in a show of angry frustration.
“I'm not letting this go that easily. Tell me, please. Trust me.” Castiel was almost pleading with her. He had to understand.
Her anger won. “You ruined everything. You drove those men away, taking with them the things I wanted. I needed. I had everything lined up so it would be as smooth as possible. Raphael had said they had what I needed.” Her eyes were frantic now, flashing ceaselessly to the drawer.
“I do not understand.”
“Of course not!” Anna was yelling, she knew, and lowered her voice. “You have never needed something so much that you thought you would die. Never wanted something that would take all the pain and problems away that living in this shithole of a house gives you. I am drowning in the crap Father shovels above my head. I need what they had and you stole that from me. I couldn't call the cops because the deal was done and they would have sold me out. Father would've had a heart attack knowing what his baby girl was into. I'm so frustrated and it's the only thing that gives me a break from the shit, Castiel. You upset me when you took it away from me.”
“What's that?” His head was tilted in question, eyebrows knitted.
“You are so stupid.” She laughed. She laughed until her stomach ached and her body shivered from the tremors running through it. Without a thought, she opened the drawer and pulled out a prescription bottle filled with little pills. She took one in between her pointer and thumb and held it up to examine it. Finding it to her liking, she plopped it into her mouth.
“A good high, and all it costs is a kiss.”