Fic: Prince Incognito (2/3)

[firesign10]

Back to Part 1

The visit to the Singers went better than Castiel even expected. Sam hit it off right away with Bobby; the two of them talked and talked about all kinds of obscure historical texts and mythological tales. Ellen fussed over Sam, saying he needed to eat up and flesh out those long bones. She made a roast chicken, all golden and juicy, with glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, and home-made biscuits. After the meal, they relaxed and chatted with one of Bobby's favorite documentary shows on in the background. There was home-made pumpkin pie and apple crisp both for dessert, and Sam had some of each.

He and Castiel were not demonstrative with their feelings, deciding to keep things low-key for now, but they didn't fool anyone. After the desserts, Ellen addressed it head-on.

"Well, boys, I'm real glad you came out to visit tonight. Y'all need a good meal after all that cardboard cafeteria food. And while I appreciate your discretion, please don't harbor any illusions that the way you feel about each other isn't written all over your faces."

She smiled as they looked at her with astonishment. "You'll have to drive that buggy around the bend a few more times before something like that gets past me. Sam, Cas told me a long time ago how he felt about dating who, and it's never mattered to me and Bobby one iota. So just relax, okay? Unless -- how about your family? Do they know you're gay? Is it going to be a problem?"

Sam sighed as he took Castiel's hand and gently squeezed it.

"My family doesn't know yet. I don't think there will be a problem -- there's precedent in family history. As it happens, my older brother is coming for a visit this week, and I thought I'd start with him. I was planning to tell him privately, talk it over with him and get his support to tell the family."

He looked at Ellen and then at Bobby, his gaze open and straightforward.

"I care a lot about Cas, and I'm not going to have him hurt. By anyone. That's my promise."

Castiel felt his eyes moistening and blinked hard. Sam's hand lay in his, hard bone and soft skin, long fingers that even now ran over his own in tiny caresses. So lucky -- how had he gotten so lucky?

Ellen and Bobby exchanged glances and smiles.

"Those are words to make any father happy, Sam," Bobby said gruffly.

\o/\o/\o/ \o/\o/\o/ \o/\o/\o/ \o/\o/\o/

When Monday rolled around, Castiel felt a fresh set of nerves kicking in. Sam's older brother Dean would be arriving today, and Sam was going to tell him about Castiel and that he was gay. Sam didn't seem too worried about it, but Castiel couldn't help fretting, wondering if it was going to go alright and if Dean was going to like him.

He reflected for a moment that Sam didn't talk much about his family. He sounded like he had a good relationship with them, judging by the way he referred to them, but Castiel didn't know any actual facts, like what his dad did for a job and so on. He sighed and shrugged. He was going to meet Dean today, and that was a start.

Deep in these thoughts, Castiel didn't notice someone approaching him. A young woman stopped him and spoke to him.

"Castiel? Castiel Singer? I'm Lisa Braeden, from the dean's Office. Dean Henriksen would like to see you at his office right away, please."

Castiel was surprised -- what on earth could the dean want with him? He looked curiously at the pretty girl, all big brown eyes and glossy black hair, and she smiled as she regarded him patiently.

"Of course, I'll come right now. Do you know what this is about?" he asked.

He fell into step with her as she guided him to the Administration building, and then upstairs to the Dean's office.

"I really can't say, Mr. Singer. I was simply told to bring you to Dean Henriksen."

Opening a dark wooden door, she ushered Castiel into a large office. He went through the door and stopped, immediately seeing the dean standing in front of his desk. He was a tall, well-built man, with handsome features and skin the color of dark chocolate. He beckoned Castiel to come farther in, extending his arm to shake Castiel's hand.

"Mr. Singer, I've called you in here because we seem to have a problem, and I want to resolve it ASAP. I must report that there has been a serious accusation made against you. You have been accused of starting a fight, of using vile slurs and name-calling, and generally behaving like some kind of hooligan. Now, I am not going to judge a case without hearing both sides, but understand right now that I will not permit this type of behavior on my campus. Is that clear?"

Castiel gaped at Henriksen. He was accused of fighting? Him? It was all that little goon Brady's fault, it was Brady who --

Who was standing right there near the dean's desk, looking like the cat that ate the canary. And next to him was his rich, sleazy father, Dick Roman, wearing an incredibly expensive suit and smiling like he was the Grand Marshall of the Rose Bowl Parade. Except when his eyes flicked over Castiel; then the smile turned into something dark and cold, and Castiel shivered.

Castiel was so upset that he couldn't even speak. Brady did not suffer the same problem, and he spoke heatedly to Henriksen.

"This is what happened, Dean Henriksen. I was walking to my two o'clock class when I saw Castiel across the lawn a few yards away. When he saw me, he appeared to get very angry, and he ran over to me and started yelling at me! He was swearing like a sailor, calling me names and saying horrible things! I couldn't believe it! i barely even know who he is, and this attack out of the blue -- well, it just surprised the heck out of me! He actually scared me a little!"

Brady tried to look timid, but it came across more as arrogant to Castiel. Henriksen's expression remained impassive during Brady's rant, and now he turned his attention to Castiel.

"Now, Castiel. Your version of the events, if you please. Take your time. Everybody is going to be heard on this."

Castiel cleared his throat, feeling very nervous. It was hard enough to speak out about Brady, but with Brady's father right there? He realized he had no choice, however, so he coughed and began.

"I was walking across the lawn by the science building with a friend, and then he left to go to his class. I continued on my way when I was accosted by Brady Roman. He called me . . . ugly names and mocked me, then began shoving me around. He knocked my books onto the grass. I was afraid he was about to start punching me when my friend came back and stopped him. If he had not returned, I'm not sure how far Brady would have gone. I was . . ." Castiel stopped and swallowed hard. "I was afraid for my safety."

Dick and Brady Roman snorted derisively in unison.

Henriksen held up a hand to them, glaring at both men. "I need to know Mr. Singer's actions and his state of mind. There's no need to be disrespectful to him."

He turned back to Castiel with a serious expression. "I must tell you, Castiel, that this is not the first complaint in your file. There are a couple of other incidents, although much less severe in nature, that Brady has brought to my attention. To me, therefore, there is a pattern of behavior that is escalating, and this escalation concerns me. It concerns me very much."

Castiel was dumbfounded. Other incidents? What was Henriksen talking about? The only incidents he know about were when Brady had harassed him! And Castiel had never told anyone about it, much less the Dean! This was crazy! His head felt like it was spinning.

"I didn't -- I never did anything to Brady! He's been the one bullying me! And I never said anything about it because his family is so rich and powerful, and I didn't think anyone would believe me!"

He felt tears pricking his eyes and took some deep breaths to regain his composure. He'd be damned if he was going to cry in front of the Romans. He wasn't going to give Brady that satisfaction.

Henriksen looked thoughtful. He walked back and forth for a few minutes, tapping his finger on his chin as he mused. The Romans looked bored; Dick even checked his watch, like he had better places to be, as Brady thumbed at his cell phone.

Henriksen stopped his pacing, leaning against the front of his desk.

"Well, Castiel, since Brady has established a pattern here, I can't simply brush away his statement. However, I would be curious to speak with the friend you say was with you and get his observations as a third party. What is his name? I'll send Miss Braeden for him at once."

Castiel cringed at bringing Sam into this mess, but it didn't look like it could be helped. "Sam Wesson. He lives in D dorm, although he's probably in class now."

"Thank you. I'll have Lisa pull his schedule and we'll get him in here ASAP. In the meantime, I'm going to ask that all of you not leave this building, although you are free to leave my office. Please feel free to get some coffee or water, stretch your legs, or use the men's room in the lobby."

Lisa came back into Henriksen's office and ushered Castiel and the Romans out. Castiel left the dean's office entirely, moving quickly to the building's foyer where there were vending machines by the bathrooms. He got a bottle of water, gulping some quickly as he struggled to calm down. This, he thought frustratedly, this is why I never told! I knew it would be like this! He found an empty alcove under the stairs and slumped to the floor, burying his face in his arms.

Fifteen minutes later, his phone chirped as he received a text from Sam.

Dude! What's going on? Why does the dean want me? R u ok?

Kind of. Not really. It's Brady. :-(

Sam's response was a frowny face. That dick. OMW

Ten minutes later, Castiel heard his name called from the stairs. He got up and saw Lisa beckoning him.

"We're ready, Castiel. If you would please come back to the Dean's office with me?"

She smiled kindly at him, and Castiel smiled back weakly. His hands were sweaty, and he felt like his sweater was strangling him. His stomach was a knot, and he was having trouble staying focused.

When he re-entered Henriksen's office, Sam was already there. Standing next to him was another tall man, although not as tall as Sam. He had artfully mussed light brown hair, and when he turned to look at Castiel, Castiel saw he had vibrant green eyes. Lisa was blushing as she darted sideways looks at the strange man, who noticed and gave her a little smirk, until Sam discreetly elbowed him. Hard. The green-eyed man coughed.

"I'm Sam Wesson, and this is my older brother, Dean. He's just arrived for a visit. What is this all about?" Sam looked and sounded politely confused.

Henriksen shook both Sam's and Dean's hands.

"Thank you for heeding my request so quickly, Mr. Wesson, especially with your brother visiting. We'll try to deal with this as quickly as possible and let you get back to your family time. Now, I've been told that you were present during a recent altercation between Castiel Singer and Brady Roman. Unfortunately, their stories conflict, which is where I'm hoping you can help. Could you please tell me what happened last Thursday afternoon, outside on the lawn? The rest of you, please do not interrupt while Sam is speaking."

Sam looked at Castiel with astonishment, and Castiel could see anger building in his boyfriend's face. Sam took a deep breath, then turned to face Henriksen and the Romans. Dean watched intently as Sam, standing very straight, began to speak in clear, clipped sentences.

"Last Thursday, I met up with Castiel Singer at the student union. We had coffee together. We left the union and walked across the lawn together toward our classes. I turned right to go to my class, leaving Cas to head over to his class. I turned back to look at him again and saw Brady Roman pushing him around on the sidewalk with increasing force. I ran back over and pushed Brady off Cas. Brady rushed at me and I put my fist out to block him. Brady ran into my fist with his face and fell down. He got up, threw some more insults at us, and ran away. I helped Cas pick his books back up from where they'd been knocked onto the ground. The end." He crossed his arms and looked hard at Henriksen.

"I believe that you don't condone bullying behavior on your campus, Dean Henriksen, but you are looking at the wrong person. Castiel Singer is the target of the bullying, not the source. Brady Roman has been harassing him for weeks."

Brady burst out in anger, jabbing his hand at Castiel.

"That's a fucking lie! He's a fag, a goddamn cockroach, and he needs to be squashed like the pest he is!"

Sam moved closer to Castiel, while Dean Wesson gaped at Brady's outburst. Dick Roman turned to his son and cuffed him sharply on the head, stopping Brady cold. The young man stood sullenly, rubbing his head where his father had struck him.

"Gentlemen, I am terribly sorry for my son's boorish outburst," Dick said smoothly. "Clearly he is under excessive stress and not in any way responsible for his actions. I'll make sure he takes a little break and gets some therapy."

"Of course, I'd be happy to . . . compensate Mr. Singer for any inconvenience. Then we can all put this unfortunate incident behind us."

Dick Roman stopped and preened for a minute, smoothing non-existent wrinkles out of his expensive suit jacket. Clearly he thought his words had settled the whole matter. His eyes snapped sharply to Castiel and Sam before his attention returned to the dean. He smiled the slick smile of a snake oil salesman.

"I will say, Henriksen, that there are other behaviors you should think about regulating on your campus. What Brady has not said, out of respect to his fellow students here, is that what triggered his anger that afternoon was the sight of these two young . . . men openly kissing in the student union. They ignored any consideration for other students as well as the moral code that I'm confident you uphold here, instead making out like the dirty homos that they are. Frankly, sir, I want to know what kind of disciplinary action you plan for them, rather than for my poor son, who was simply overwhelmed by the moral turpitude displayed before him."

Castiel covered his face with his hands. He didn't have a problem being outed -- he didn't really think of himself as "in" -- but Sam had just been unexpectedly outed to his brother. So much for their plan to discuss it privately with Dean. Dropping his hands, Castiel saw that Dean was in fact regarding Sam with a surprised look. Sam ignored Dean and simply stared impassively at Henriksen and Dick, his back straight and his jaw clenched. Castiel found the word regal going through his mind.

"Dean Henriksen, there is nothing that Castiel and I did or have done that is in any way immoral. We are in love, but have not engaged in any kind of PDA that could be considered distasteful." Sam's voice was controlled, but growly at the same time.

Dick Roman scoffed loudly at this, crossing his arms and fixing an angry scowl on his face. He began to rant at Castiel and Sam.

"I find that hard to believe, seeing as you're already moral degenerates! What kind of standards could you even have? Disgusting! Lowlifes, both of you!"

Roman turned his full attention to the Dean, speaking even louder and more forcefully. "Henriksen, I demand that there be some stringent measures taken here! My company -- indeed, my entire conglomerate -- has contributed substantial monies to this institution, and by God, I want to see some disciplinary action! If you hope to continue being a recipient of my largesse, you will kick these two cockroaches off your campus ASAP! I think there's been some early talk about an addition to the Business School in the next five years? Trust me, Henriksen, those funds will evaporate in a flash if I don't get satisfaction here!"

Dick's voice sharpened as he spoke until Castiel thought his words would physically cut him and Sam. It took all of his resolve to keep from flinching.

Sam glared at Brady, who was starting to cower in his father's shadow. He tried to return Sam's fixed stare, but wilted and turned his face away.

Henriksen looked around at all the parties in question, his thoughtful expression revealing little. A tense silence filled the room as they waited for his decision.

"Excuse me," Dean spoke suddenly. "I realize I am a visitor here -- I simply came to see my little brother, Sam. This is his first time living away from home, and I wanted to make sure he was doing alright, settling in here well. I'm rather appalled to find him embroiled in something so unfortunate as another student hurling accusations at him. Sam has always behaved a great deal of integrity, as befits his position."

Henriksen looked curiously at Dean, his ears practically perking up at Dean's statement.

"And just what is his position, Mr. Winchester?"

Dean looked stricken, turning to look apologetically at Sam. Sam sighed, shrugged, and nodded back at him. "It's okay. I was going to have to tell Cas soon anyway -- I don't want our relationship to be built on a lie. Go ahead, bro."

Castiel stared at Sam, fear running down his spine. What? Built on what lie? His stomach started churning again, and he wrapped his arms around his middle, his eyes fixed on Sam. Now what was happening?

Dean clapped a hand on Sam's shoulder, squeezing it and making him smile for a moment. "Sorry, dude. I know you wanted it on the down-low as long as possible, but we can still keep it just in this room, okay? No need for the rest of the campus to know anything for now."

Sam nodded. Henriksen raised his eyebrows as he tapped his fingers on his crossed arms. Dick and Brady were also intently focused as they watched Dean and Sam, waiting to find out what on earth Dean was talking about.

Dean turned to face them all and said, "I am the Crown Prince Dean Winchester, heir to the throne of Lawrencia. I present to you my younger brother, His Royal Highness, Prince Samuel Winchester, also of Lawrencia and currently residing here in America as Sam Wesson, Stanford freshman. Sam asked our father, the King, for permission to attend this American university, and to do so incognito, so that he could experience his college years as a normal student, as much as possible. Although somewhat reluctant at first, the King agreed. Sam is here with a bodyguard in attendance, but otherwise he is living as any other college student."

Castiel blurted out, "Benny!"

Sam laughed. "Yeah, Cas, Benny. That's why he's always around. It was the one stipulation my father wouldn't bend on, but Benny has worked hard to stay pretty unobtrusive."

Castiel was stunned. Sam -- his Sam -- was a prince! The prince, the mystery one everyone had been buzzing about all semester. He felt like crying again. Sam had the world spread out before him -- he would never choose to be just with Castiel. Sam could have anyone in the world. He'd just started getting used to Sam actually being in his life, and now . . .

His daze was broken by Henriksen's voice.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your input on this matter. Welcome to Stanford, despite this contretemps. As for you, Sam, I'm pleased to know your true status. Rest assured that I will not treat you any differently from the other students, nor will I reveal your identity unless you wish me to. Clearly your choice is to have a normal collegiate experience, and I will afford you one as much as possible. That will include, of course, your obeying all the campus regulations as all the other students do."

He shook hands with both Sam and Dean, then turned to the Romans, eyeing Dick sternly and with disapproval.

"Mr. Roman, this university does not and will not tolerate homophobic behavior such as your son has exhibited. I strongly suggest that Brady withdraw from this institution immediately and enroll somewhere far, far away. Dubai sounds good. If he does, I will seal this matter in his file. If not, then I will be forced to pursue disciplinary action of a highly visible and uncomplimentary nature. The visibility of this discipline will include a widely-published depiction of Roman Enterprises as being narrow-minded, homophobic, supporting a bully ethic, and riddled with favoritism." He paused. "Do you understand?"

He stared at the Romans. Even the normally unflappable Dick found himself clearing his throat and cutting his glance sideways under Henriksen's steely gaze and icy words.

"Yes, er . . . I think that's an acceptable plan. We'll go to Brady's room and pack his things now, as long as I'm here. Send his records to my business office, and we'll all put this unfortunate matter behind us."

Dick Roman nodded quickly at Henriksen, and then flicked his eyes at the Winchesters and Castiel.

"Good afternoon," he said stiffly, with the barest inclination of his head to Castiel and a small bow to the Winchesters. Grabbing Brady's arm, he hauled his dumbfounded son out of the office, letting the door slam behind them.

Dean, Sam, and Henriksen all exchanged quizzical looks, then burst out laughing. Castiel looked at them blankly, still lost in the speed of what had just happened as well as Sam's true identity.

"God, what an asshole!" Dean said. "Tell me, Henriksen, are many of the students like him? And the dad! What a blowhard!" He slapped Sam on the back. "Dude, you could've told me about the gay. Like I give a shit! My question is . . . are you happy?"

Sam smiled at Castiel, prompting Dean to look at him too.

"Yeah, Dean, I'm happy. I was going to tell you -- during this visit, in fact -- just the Romans beat me to the punch."

Sam went to Castiel and hugged him. As Castiel felt those strong arms go around him, that warmth embracing him, he finally began to relax. He slipped his arms around Sam's waist and squeezed back. Sam nuzzled Castiel's hair, making the smaller man laugh.

Castiel pulled back from Sam's hug, feeling warm and reassured. Dean stepped over to him and said, "Hello, Castiel. I'm Dean Winchester, and I'm very pleased to meet you."

They shook hands solemnly. Then Dean cracked a big grin and said, "So -- where can we get some beers? And I'm starving for a good American burger! With cheese and bacon and -- oh! Fried onion rings!" He licked his lips and rubbed his stomach. "God, I love American food!"

They all laughed heartily, the tension banished. Henriksen sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"You all go on and have a good time. I've got to push some papers around to get Brady Roman off this campus ASAP. Your Highness, good to meet you. Sam, mum's the word, and good luck. And Castiel . . ." He looked seriously at Castiel. Castiel felt a nervous tremor go through him, but then he took a deep breath and met Henriksen's eyes squarely. Henriksen smiled.

"There you are. Castiel, I'm terribly sorry for this nasty experience. Please . . . never be afraid to tell me -- or anyone -- something as important as that again. You were brave enough to withstand Brady's torment, so you're brave enough to report it. I understand being uneasy about the power of the Roman money, but I'm here for the students, not for payoffs from a shyster like Dick Roman. My only regret is that you had to deal with that unpleasantness for so long."

He gripped Castiel's arm with a firm hand. "You're a good student, Castiel, but even more importantly, you're a good person. Go on out with your boyfriend now and show his brother a good time, okay?"

He smiled and shook Castiel's hand. Castiel nodded dumbly and turned to Sam, who wrapped an arm around his shoulders. The contact seemed to break the daze Castiel was in, and a wide smile spread across his face. He turned back to Henriksen.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you so much. And -- I will!"

They all laughed, and then the Winchesters and Castiel turned to leave the Dean's office, heading out in search of beer and food.

"Hey, do you guys think the Dean's assistant would go out with us? She's hot!" Dean said, nudging Sam's arm. Sam rolled his eyes.

"Cas, this is my brother, the world's biggest ladies' man!" Castiel and Sam laughed as Dean huffed on out the door.

On to Part 3