Nothing Else Matters Part 3 contd
Ten minutes later, he was standing in the well-light Roadhouse warehouse shaking hands with, or rather roaming his hands over, a large black muscle car with silver reams. Jo had unlocked the door then conspicuously disappeared. Now he and Dean were completely alone with Dean's baby.
"'67 Chevy Impala," Dean gushed proudly. "Heavy-duty suspension. 385 Brake horsepower. 427 cubic-inch V8 Turbo-jet engine. Isn't she a beauty?"
Cas hummed in agreement. He wasn't a car person, but Nicky had been and he had loved that beat-up old Charger of his as much as he loved his baby brother and Meg. And if Dean was anything like Nick, which Cas suspected he was, then this was a test of the "Meet the Family" variety. After all he had already met the "in-laws" and "extended family" so obviously the last hurdle would be "the baby", and he was determined to not screw it up.
So he caressed the roof quietly taking in as much as he could. The car was in a pristine condition… well loved, well maintained. Dean said Jo was looking after her for him, making sure she stayed fit and running, and Cas decided he loved Jo. He glanced inside. The interior was adorned with whitish leather, a rare choice and… wait! Was that a cassette player? Huh! "She's lovely," he finally answered and meant every word. "I wish we could take her for a ride," he added softly. Dean looked at him in surprise. "A wild beauty like her shouldn't be locked up," he continued running his hands over the gleaming black trunk. "She should be allowed to fly free… untethered. She's made to run with the wind. I bet she could take on the Devil himself if you gave her the chance."
"Cas?" Dean said a bit louder, and Cas realised his mistake.
"Sorry," he guiltily. "I must've zoned out. I didn't mean it. Let's just go in…" he turned in direction of the exit, mentally chastising himself for his stupidity. He was determined to not make a big deal of the wheelchair thing. Dean wasn't an invalid and did not need to be treated as such. He was just like anything other guy he'd courted, and that's how Cas was determined to treat him. But sometimes he wasn't. And this… this… what he'd done… that was downright insensitive. He'd just managed to bitch-slap and sucker-punch Dean at the same time. And he'd totally screwed everything up. He set his jaw straight, eyes ahead and started walking when a hand shot out and pulled him back.
"Wait. Did you really mean what you said?" Dean asked.
He looked at Dean's face about to deny every word, but Dean didn't look hurt, he looked… hopeful. Like he wanted this. Cas smiled. "Every word," he swore. "I would really love to take you both for a drive. Should I ask Jo for the keys?"
Dean beamed up at him. "No need," he said pulling out his key-bunch from the pocket and handing them to Cas. "You really thought I had only one set of keys?" Cas chuckled, shaking his head, and unlocked the passenger door first, before walking over to the other side to open his door. Dean climbed in, then twisted around folding his wheelchair. "Hey Cas?" he called out softly. "Mind helping with the chair-car here?"
Cas looked up from his door to see Dean struggling to pull the whole thing in his lap. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked incredulously.
"Well… I called out for you, but you looked busy, so I thought I'll just pull it in, then dump it in the backseat. Jo usually does that."
"Leave it," Cas replied.
"What?"
"Leave it. We don't need it. Just trust me on this, okay?"
Dean exhaled as he came to a conclusion and let it go. The folded wheelchair fell on the ground with a thud, as Dean looked straight ahead and locked his door. Cas slipped in beside him and locked his.
Cas started the car. The engine gave a grunt and wheeze, then stuttered to a halt. He counted backwards from 10 then tried again, with the same results. He looked at Dean who looked like someone had kicked his puppy. Evidently Major was not used to his baby sputtering and dying. "It's okay, Dean," Cas consoled, remembering the lesson Nick had taught him a long back. "Sometimes if a car hasn't been in the running too long…" he stopped because Dean was glaring at him. Of course Dean knew that. He was a bloody mechanic. What was wrong with him? "Well, third time's a charm," he said turning the key once again. No dice! The stupid car determined to cock-block him.
But Cas wasn't about let a golden opportunity slip away. "Look," he told the car. Of course, he wasn't talking loudly, because normal humans did not commute with inanimate objects. "I really like him. I mean really. He's kind and generous and possibly the bravest person I've ever met. And you are important to him. And you liking me is a very important step in this relationship. So please… please… please… give me a chance. Please. I swear I'm nice guy. And I promise I'll be good to him." He looked at Dean, who was looking at him with rapt fascination as if he was reading his thoughts, shrugged and turned the key once more. Mercifully, the car started and kept running. "Thanks, baby," he told the car. "I owe you." He felt the car purr under him and took it as an affirmation.
He turned to Dean. "Okay Major, where do you want to go?"
-x-x-x-
Like their last two car rides, this one too was filled only with sounds from the radio and an occasional direction from Dean, but unlike the last two times, the silence was not comfortable. Both were itching to say something… to do something about the obvious tension that had only magnified since they first laid eyes on each other only two days ago.
Dean directed him the down the main road, then out the town limits towards the highway. Cas put the car in 5th and relaxed. The car knew what she was doing and melted beneath his touch. It didn't just run on the wind, it flew. "Listen to my baby purr…" Dean gushed beside him. Cas hummed in approval. Yup! He could get used to this. Dean, him and the Impala with nothing but road and winds for company. He wondered what Dean thought about road trips. Finally Dean asked him to turn into a small neglected grassy pathway that led off the road and go to the very end. Cas followed until the road ended in what looked like a tiny neglected pond and shut off the engine.
The pond was completely hidden among the tall trees and had no other roads leading to it. The apart from the wild animals, they were probably the only two living beings in at least 10 mile radius. The skies were clear and the moon was shining brightly. The water reflected the moonlight and appeared sparkly silver. A perfect contrast against the otherwise black of the night.
Dean reached under his seat and pulled the lever, pushing the seat back with his shoulders. The springs groaned, but the backrest gave away to the pressure. Not many people knew the Impala had reclining seats. It was like an Easter Egg feature. The only reason he knew was because he had chanced upon it while looking for a dropped condom. He leaned back till he was comfortable, released the lever and closed his eyes, breathing in the crisp night air and sounds of the insects and small animals. He had usually come here when the home life got a bit too overwhelming. Dad and Sam could never see eye to eye and he'd have to be the buffer between them. Most of the times they got along fine, but sometimes… he just couldn't. And no one knew about this place. No one but him… and Castiel.
"What is this place?" The object of his thoughts spoke up.
Dean turned in direction of the voice and stifled a gasp. Cas was lying beside him, his face titled towards Dean. The silver moonbeams shining through the windshield landed directly on the pale skin giving it a slightly ethereal otherworldly glow. They reflected in the bright blue orbs making them sparkle with the wisdom of the ages and flames of desire. It was beautiful… mesmerizing… Angelic!
Angel, Dean thought. An Angel, so close… and his for taking. All he had do to was reach out and take it. But he couldn't. The angel deserved better, much better, not a hollow shell of man like him. He swallowed dryly, turned his head to look at the roof of his car and answered, "It was my hiding place when I was younger. Only I know about this place. And now you."
"Does this mean I'm special?" Cas asked softly. Dean looked at his companion again, the angelic eyes staring back into his soul, the chapped reddish lips looking gorgeously pale pink and soft and kissable… and damn if he didn't just want to tear into them right now. He looked away again and shifted uncomfortably, his pants suddenly feeling tight. He took a few deep breaths to calm his heart rate and felt pressure ease off his pants.
He looked at his companion again. "Maybe," he finally replied. "So… what did you tell her?" he asked the question had been on his mind since they left the civilization behind.
"Who?"
"The car. Back at the warehouse, when she wouldn't start. You talked to her… you told her something."
"What? No! That's… that's preposterous. People don't talk to cars," Cas replied sceptically. Even in the pale moonlight Dean could see a faint blush creeping up his neck.
"Not everyone, but some do," Dean replied. "I mean… I talk to my car. Growing up I felt like she was my only real friend, y'know. The only one who could understand me and wouldn't judge me or anything. Sometimes I would come here, just her and me, and we would spend hours just sitting and um…umf-"
He was cut short because Cas had had enough and crushed their lips together. First it was just that, just their lips pressed together trying to mash into each other until Dean made a "urgh…mph" sound and opened his mouth, as his hand cupped Cas' head pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Tongues fought for dominance as both delved into each other's mouths with gusto, whimpering and moaning, hands pawing all over, finding purchase in each other's bodies, until the only reason Cas wasn't on top of Dean grinding him to High Heaven, was because his legs were trapped under the fucking steering wheel. When they finally separated for air, both sporting equally raging boners, they were panting like marathon runners.
"What was that?" Dean broke the silence when his breath settled and brain finally shifted into focus.
"A kiss," Cas stated sitting up. He looked down at the man beside him with a cheeky smile. God, how he wanted to go for a round two.
Dean reached under the seat, pulled the lever and released it. The seat sprung forward with such force that he had to brace himself on the dashboard. A sharp pain shot through his left shoulder, but he ignored it in lieu of shooting Cas with "What do you think I am? Stupid?" bitchface that would've given Sam a run for his money. "I mean… Why did you kiss me?" he asked turning to face the culprit.
"Isn't it obvious?" Cas asked. "I like you Dean. I really do. You wanted to know what I told your car?" Dean nodded, not sure if he really wanted to know the answer. "I told her if she gave me a chance, I'd be good for you. I am asking you for the same thing."
"Cas," Dean shook his head and replied. "I like you too. A lot. But let's face it. I'm not exactly boyfriend material. I've got a roving eye… and it never stays on one person for long. I'm just not the right guy for you."
"Well... you never know," Cas replied. "People always change." For a 30 year old former Marine, he really made a decent 14 year old girl justifying her crush on the high school bad-boy.
"You wouldn't be the first who thought that," Dean replied, his voice dipping a notch. "I had someone, y'know. Thought she could change me if she persisted. Finally realised that the love of her life wasn't me. I've never seen her happier than when she's with him."
"You mean Carmen?" Cas asked.
"Oh… so Jo told all what a great slut Dean Winchester is," Dean retorted.
"No… but she did tell me what an awesome guy you are," Cas answered.
"That's because the kid's been in love with me since she was 15," Dean smiled sadly. "But I wouldn't listen to her. I'm not a nice guy, Cas. I am an asshole. I flirt with entire town…"
"But you never take them home," Cas interjected.
"What?"
Cas huffed a smile. "You flirt with the entire the town but you never take anyone home. How long has it been since you got laid, Major?"
Dean flinched. "That's none of your business," he snapped.
"Maybe not, but as you said I'm your friend. And as far as I know it's a friend's job to make sure a friend's alright. And you, my Major, are not alright."
"And you think I'll be alright if I'm with you?" Dean asked sceptically.
"Could be. Who knows…" Cas shrugged. "You'll never know until you give it a chance, right?"
"You're just wasting your time, Novak," Dean snapped.
"Then it's my time to waste," Cas snapped back. "Nicky always said I was too impulsive. Unlike you, Major, I always rush in first… And who knows maybe you'll realise that you like me back."
"It's never gonna happen," Dean stated, a bit unsurely.
Cas smiled. It was already happening. "Doesn't matter, I'll keep trying anyway. And you of all people should know I never give up. So do your best, Major. Coz you're about to be courted by the most persistent man you've ever known," he stated conspiratorially, turning on the engine and backing out.
"Fine! But don't expect me to break down easily." Dean reached forward to turn on the radio, and switched to the late night Rock Station, before closing his eyes and basking in the familiar rhythm of drums and guitars. He sat up with a start when he realised what was playing, cursing his fate as he listened to the Axl Rose singing "November Rain".
"…So if you want to love me, then darlin' don't refrain… Or I'll just end up walkin', In the cold November rain…"
Oh, you gotta be shitting me! Then Cas joined in, "I know it's hard to keep an open heart, when even friends seem out to harm you… But if you could heal a broken heart… Wouldn't time be out to charm you…"
Dean smiled to himself as he settled back in his seat. There really was going to be no escape from this determined blue-eyed warrior. This guy would definitely find a way into his heart. One day, maybe. But not today. And who knew maybe Cas would give up before he wore down. He relaxed and let Cas' soothing voice rock him to sleep.
"And when your fears subside, and shadows still remain… I know that you can love me, when there's no one left to blame…
So never mind the darkness, we still can find a way… 'Cause nothin' lasts forever… Even cold November rain…"
-x-x-x-
Cas looked at his companion, eyes closed, slightly twisted away from him, sleeping peacefully for the time being and thought about what had been Dean saying. Even though he hadn't said anything, he knew that Dean was scared of people getting tired of him and walking away. But Dean would never admit it out loud and if he had his way, he would never have to.
He would make Dean Winchester fall in with love him. He just had to. He had felt more at home in the last two days than he had ever felt in his entire life, and he wasn't just gonna let it get away from him.
Nicky had always said a true warrior never lost hope… he kept fighting even when everything was against him… a true warrior never quit. And James Castiel Novak, brother of Nicholas Delaware Novak, was no quitter.
-x-x-x-
When they reached the house, the garage door was open and Dean's white van was already parked inside. Jo was sitting on the unfolded wheelchair, silently rolling back and forth, with a large brown bag on her lap.
Cas stopped in the driveway, killed the engine. He glanced at his passenger - looking like a cherub, in a blissful, possibly dreamless sleep, his features relaxed and all the tension seeped away - got down and walked over to the girl.
"Hey, Cas!" The girl greeted "Mind if I call you 'Cas'? Castiel sounds a bit handful."
Cas laughed. "Welcome aboard. Though I think with Dean renaming me 'Cas', it was gonna catch up sooner or later," he replied keeping his voice low so as to not awake the sleeping cherub. "Thanks for bringing it over," he added pointing to the wheelchair.
Jo waved a hand dismissively. "Dean's family. And just coz you're here, don't mean I am giving up anytime soon." Cas laughed. "'Sides," Jo continued, "Mom sent over your dinner," handing him the brown bag.
"Does Ellen always send food over?" Cas asked suddenly curious.
"Most of the time. Dean loves to eat, but can't cook. Or rather hates it… like "I'd rather set myself on fire than set foot in the kitchen" kind of hates it. What can you do?" she asked rubbing her hands on the arms of the coat. "It's cold out here."
Cas nodded, belatedly noticing the chill in the air. The car had been warm and toasty. He extended the keys to her and told her to get inside, then walked purposefully back to the car. He saw Jo pushing the wheelchair behind him. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Aren't you gonna wake him up?" she asked confused. Cas shook his head. "Then how will you get him inside?" Cas silenced her with a finger on his lips and motioned her to go inside. Jo hovered around unsurely and he chose to ignore her.
He reached forward and pulled the passenger door open, catching Dean just in time to prevent him from toppling over. Dean grunted in his sleep but made no move to wake up. He threw Dean's right hand across his shoulder, then easily plucked him off the seat, bridal style, and stepped back, kicking the door shut in the process. The door connected with Dean's left hand and a shudder passed through him. Cas cradled him closer then effortlessly carried him inside the house, directly to his bedroom and gently placed him on his bed, still ignoring the gaping Jo who had carried the wheelchair in and placed it just within an arm's reach.
His hands moved deftly as he began unbuttoning the shirt he had so carefully picked out in the morning. He was pushing the shirt off the shoulders when Jo cleared her throat, mumbled something about making coffee and went outside, leaving them alone. As soon as the room cleared, Dean opened his eyes and his hand shot up to grasp Cas' wrist. Cas met his gaze but made no move to remove his hands.
"You're just not gonna back off, are you?" Dean asked, his voice serious but his eyes smiling.
"Oh, I'll break you, sir," Cas simply stated.
Dean grinned. "Exley or Wendell?" he asked.
"White," Cas replied. "I have this thing for righteous hot-heads with hearts of gold. But I'm guessing Exley's more of your type."
"Never could resist the arrogant golden boys," Dean nodded in agreement. "Mind getting rid of Jo while I finish undressing?" Cas grinned and purposefully strode out of the room. 5 minutes later, he heard the front door slam and Impala's familiar purr as the car pulled out of the driveway and started down the street.
Dean cringed as he pulled the t-shirt over his head. Mrs. Cage and her fucking cougarness. He gingerly pulled the shirt off and surveyed the damaged. The shoulder felt taut under his fingers and he could see a faint purplish bruise beginning to form. He decided to pull the t-shirt back on to prevent Cas from seeing it, but before he could accomplish the task, Cas appeared with what looked suspiciously like a pack of frozen peas and a large wrapping bandage, pushed his hands away and wrapped the peas around his shoulder, locking it in place. The pain eased instantly. "There's pain-killers in that drawer," he directed and Cas handed him a couple of pills. Dean popped them before turning to unbutton his pants. Cas looked away as he struggled to singlehandedly remove the jeans, but muttered an exasperated sigh before turning back and pulling them right off. Then he left Dean alone and went to reheat the dinner.
Dean winced as he moved from his bed to the wheelchair - times like these, he really missed his legs -and mentally thanking Cas for his lack of boundary issues, wheeled himself into the bathroom. He emerged half an hour later, wearing only his boxers. Pulling on his underwear had been too much of a chore and he was in no mood to strain his shoulder further. Besides it wasn't like Cas was going to complain about his lack of clothing.
Like the morning, he found Cas waiting for him at dining table - eyes closed, hands folded under his chin in a prayer. He stood up when Dean, this time as quietly as he could, entered the room and started serving. The entire dinner - lasagne with lots of extra cheese, carrots, fried mushrooms and onions on the side and beer, only for Cas, "because pain-killers and alcohol don't go together. I'll stab you if you argue about it" and Ellen's Cherry Cream-cheese Pie, "Dude, the angels would totally fall for this" - was passed minutely dissecting each and every scene of L. A. Confidential.
And Dean realised how much he'd missed this... just being in the same room with someone, talking about bullshit, not caring about running off once the sex was over, lounging around watching TV. He'd had that with Carmen, but he wasn't ready to settle down then and he could see the way Ash looked at her… like she was Venus incarnate. He was really glad they'd found each other. He wondered if he could have the same thing with Cas. With his luck, maybe not… but he could always enjoy the ride.
After dinner, Cas cleared away the dishes, letting Dean pack away the left-overs. When Dean wondered why Cas didn't mother him like everyone else, Cas set him straight, "I'm not going to adopt you. I am going to date you. You are a grown-up man and you can do your own shit." Dean smiled and set to work.
After everything was cleared away, locked up and in general set for the night, Cas leaned down kissed his temple, bid him good night and proceeded towards his own room.
"Wait," Dean called out behind him. "Aren't you gonna tuck me in?" That was seriously cheesy, even by chick flick and Dr. Sexy standards.
Cas walked over to him, leaned down till their eyes were level and holding onto the wheels so he was locked in place, gave him the cheesiest smile he could muster and very huskily replied, "Not till you say 'yes'."
"But what if I have a nightmare?" Dean pouted. He mentally grimaced as the words escaped his mouth. Now he had officially crossed the line from cheesy to corny. He waited for Cas to tease him about it, but Cas turned thoughtful… as if that was one thing he did not want to joke about.
"Then I'll be in the next room." He leaned in closer and added, "I may even sing for you."
Dean gulped. The bastard knew what his voice did to him. Then Cas pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, but separated when Dean leaned into it, pressed another kiss to his temple and walked towards his room without a backward glance.
That night Alistair did not pay him a visit. But a certain blue-eyed angel did.
[ Part 4]