Cheeseburgers and Pie (Chapter 1)
Thirty minutes. Thirty agonizing minutes of listening to his brother belt out song after song on his mix tapes. If he had to listen to “Stairway to Heaven” from the little twerp’s mouth one more time he was going to push Sam out of the truck. Dean Winchester used the word little in a relative term. Sam had hit his growth spurt not long ago and towered over both his father and his older brother, his lanky frame developed the tendency to fold up against the dash of Dean’s rusted out pick-up. As the last few notes were basically screamed at him from the passenger seat, he was beginning to wonder why he had agreed to take the big lug with him and not forced his father to take Sam in his car. Dean remembered saying something about the ‘last chance to bond for months’ but now he wasn’t so sure he’d miss it as much as he had originally thought.
“Sammy, seriously, can you just shut the fuck up for four seconds?” Dean’s tone was more forceful than his face apparently because his younger brother just scoffed.
“Gabe thinks I have a beautiful voice,” Sam beamed at Dean from across the torn leather bench seat. He hummed the rest of the way, staring out the window and smiling in that dopey way you only see kids in love smile. Dean recorded the moment for future reference; perfect bitchface fuel.
Sam’s boyfriend Gabriel shouldn’t be considered an expert in anything really, let alone singing. Dean remembered the time Sam had dragged Dean out on what could be considered their first date. As “moral support” for Sam. It was his first boyfriend and even though Sam was a completely confident member of the gay community, first dates were universally rough. Gabriel had spent half the night on stage at the local karaoke bar having pretty obvious eye sex with his little brother, who was oblivious and just ogled his new boyfriend from one of the front tables, and sounding more and more like a dying moose at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with each passing song. Needless to say it was one of Dean’s worst nights and Sam had owed him a month's worth of chores after. Flash forward halfway through his senior year, Sam’s freshman, and Dean is in the kitchen with Sam trying to explain to John that the person Sam has been seeing for three months is not actually going to give him any grandbabies. After an hour of confusion settled into silence, the boys left John alone to process his thoughts. Half a bottle of Jack later, John sauntered into the living room and told Sam he’d better let Gabriel know what was on the menu for Christmas dinner. Dean remembers that night fondly. How, as soon as John had left the room and gone upstairs, Sam had jumped up from the couch and done the most shameful victory dance Dean had ever seen. It was one of those moments that made Dean’s world pause for just a few seconds, made him realize how lucky he was to have a supportive, hard-working father who just wanted the best for his children, and a brother who had the courage to be his own person, to be the black sheep of the family and proudly embrace it. Even if it was a little flamboyant at times, but Dean was sure he’d grow out of that. Please God let him grow out of it. It was not that Dean didn’t support his brother with every fiber of his being, he just didn’t want to have to worry about Sam getting mugged on his way home from Gabe’s one night. Or worse. Dean didn’t have the stomach to think about “worse”.
Lost in his thoughts Dean almost missed his exit. Sam took it as Dean being nervous about finally getting his ass to college after taking a few years off. Dean let him keep thinking that, much better than admitting to his brother he was worried for his safety. Sam would have laughed in his face.
After an exhausting forty-five minute car ride, Dean finally drags his worn-out truck up the driveway of the University of Kansas. John’s already waiting outside his dorm building, leaning against the Impala and soaking in the sun. Not to mention catching the eye of many underclassmen and getting double takes from all of the female students. Dean couldn’t help but smile and admit to himself that, yeah, his dad still had it. Dean woke up and said a silent prayer into the mirror every day in thanks for his dad’s impressive gene pool. Not that he was conceited or narcissistic, but Dean knew his face was considered well above average. In fact, several girls in the photography program at his high school had asked him to pose for their projects. Or at least that’s how it always started, it was not his fault those girls like to really, really, study their subject. They were very thorough.
“Dean!” There you go, leave it to Sammy to break a perfectly good daydream. “Come on man, you parked the car ten minutes ago.”
“Whatever, at least I haven’t been staring out the window for the past half hour thinking about how adorable my boyfriend is and smiling like a goon.” Dean was right, perfect bitchface fuel.
Dean and Sam unpacked the truck with relative ease, the Winchesters had never been the most material people. Not that John’s job didn’t bring in enough money, they just preferred a simple life. All Dean ever needed was a roof over his head, a worn out pair of jeans, his favorite Zeppelin shirt, and the safety of his family. And some pie. Dean couldn’t live without pie.
John was waiting for them on the sidewalk with the last of the boxes from the trunk of the Impala when Dean finally took a break to look around. College. He knew he’d get here eventually, he just thought it would feel different. Like some kind of rite of passage or major accomplishment. All it felts like was being dropped off at high school to stay for months at a time. Dean cringed at the thought. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. If he hadn’t already taken out the loan he’d be on his knees begging John to take his stupid ass back home now. He just wanted to curl up on the couch watching reruns of Buffy. He’s about to start suggesting they pack up and come back in a couple weeks when the semester actually starts when he catches John’s eye. Dean had only seen that look on his dad’s face on four occasions. Three of them he hadn’t actually been present or aware of, the fourth was Dean’s graduation. All thoughts of running were blown from his mind. Dean was going to do this, and he was going to succeed. He couldn’t let John down. He was a Winchester, goddamnit, Winchesters don’t run away.
The slap on his shoulder brought Dean back. He looked up into his father’s face and Dean could tell John knew what he was thinking. “Let’s go get you settled in, huh?” Dean just nodded, letting his father’s hand firmly guide him towards the dorm building.
After about two hours of unpacking, organizing, and a couple wrestling matches between the brothers, it was time.
“Hey, why don’t we get a pizza? I’m starving, it’s my treat.” Dean hoped they couldn’t tell he was just stalling the goodbye that he knew would be an unmanly display of affection.
“You’re buying?” The mock surprise on his brother’s face made Dean reconsider for a split second, but he didn’t have time to respond. Sam sprinted past him down the hall yelling something about a race to the car. Dean was just gonna let him tire himself out. He turned to John and gave him a sly smile. John just laughed and took one last look around the room.
“You think your roommate’s gonna show today?” John was raising a skeptical eyebrow over towards the other side of the room, “I was hoping to meet the kid. I don’t want no slacker party animal rooming with you. Gotta keep your focus, you’re a Winchester after all. We have a tendency to get into trouble.”
“Dad, you’ve got to be kidding me. With the loans we took out to get me here, like I’d dream of messing this up.” Dean knew his father was just joking, but he needed to let John know he was serious - he wouldn’t let him down.
“I know, son,” John turned with a sigh towards the door where Dean was propped up against the frame. “You think Sammy’s figured out you aren't following him yet?”
“You kidding me? Gigantor probably made it to the car in five seconds flat. No way I’m racing that kid anywhere.” And with that Dean motioned for John to take the lead down the cramped hallway, stealing a last look at the empty bed frame. God, please give me a halfway decent roommate.
It was nearly ten by the time they made it back to the driveway in front of Dean’s dorm. John had let Dean drive the Impala back, mainly because he needed a nap in the back seat since he’d stuffed himself so full of pizza and pie he could barely move. Sam was sprawled out lazily across the front seat slipping into his own food coma. Dean, being the empty pit he always was, found himself wondering if the cafeteria was still open for another round of pie after his family left. Parking the car, Dean reached over and flicked his brother on the nose. Sam nearly fell off the seat in shock and made a noise similar to a strangled goose, waking John as well. Dean would have loved the look on his father’s face if he could have seen through the tears welling up in his eyes from laughter. Once all three Winchesters had regained composure they piled out to say their last goodbyes.
Sam was first, sliding a packet of condoms into his hand he pulled Dean tight into a hug. “Seriously dude, remember those. I am not prepared to be an uncle.” Dean pulled back, ready to snap at Sam for ruining a nice family moment. The look in his brother’s eyes stopped him though. Sam was sending him silent messages about being safe, and responsible, and all that junk you’re supposed to say while tearing up. God, leave it to his little brother to crank the chick flick dial up to 11. Something he picked up from Gabriel, that guy was all sugar and fluff.
“Okay boys, that’s enough meaningful glances, I ain’t getting any younger here,” John pulled Sam away to step in front of Dean and grab his shoulders. “You take care of yourself. And check in. I might be on the road a lot in the near future, but you can always leave a message at the office or with Sammy.”
“I know Dad,” Dean was starting to get misty eyed now. He reached into his pockets to grab the keys to the Impala and started handing them over to his father. John just pushed them back in Dean’s hand. The Impala had always been John’s baby, once they’d fixed her up he’d barely let Dean hold a tool while standing next to her, and he’d only driven her twice. Giving the Impala to him, it said everything. After giving his dad a tear-filled “you sure?” look and receiving a firm head nod in return, Dean shoved the keys back into his jeans and gave his father the biggest hug he could muster. The Winchesters may be men of few words, but they know how to get their point across.
After parking Baby in the student lot and successfully scoring the last three slices of apple pie from the cafeteria, Dean wandered back to his room pumping himself up to meet his roommate. Dean swung the door open and flicked the light on, expecting to get a groan from the other bed. When he’s greeted with silence Dean finally took a look around. There’s no one here. Maybe he got lucky and he won’t even have to worry about a roommate this year. After all, move in time ended two hours ago and it was about a half hour past curfew for the campus. Too tired to worry about it anymore, Dean flopped on his bed to enjoy the rest of his pie.
Halfway through his second piece, as he was contemplating whether he should save some as a gesture of friendship towards his non existent roommate he heard screaming out in the hall. A fight already? God college was going to be exhausting. Dean just wanted to enjoy his pie in peace, save the bullshit drama for when he did not have delicious pastry sitting in his lap. He tried to will the shouting away, but it just got closer, more distinct. There was a guy out there, shouting in a gravely voice at a shrill woman. The words were still a blur but it was getting even closer now. Dean almost dropped his pie when the door to his room flung open to reveal a young man dragging three bulky bags that looked like they could hold four of him comfortably.
“WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHEN I CAN AND CANNOT START LIVING IN A PLACE I’VE PAID GOOD MONEY FOR?” The guy was flinging the bags into the middle of the room while he whipped around to face the screaming RA for the floor, matching her volume with every word.
“EXCUSE ME, BUT MOVE IN ENDED THREE HOURS AGO AND IT’S LONG PAST CURFEW!” The woman screamed back, “I’M REPORTING YOUR SORRY ASS NOVAK, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!”
“GOOD, I HOPE THEY LAUGH IN YOUR FACE FOR BRINGING UP SUCH TRIVIAL MATTERS!” The dude was holding his ground in the door frame as the woman stared up into his face, challenging him to give her something to really report in the morning. After a long period of staring that caused tension so thick Dean almost choked, the woman finally stormed away, muttering something about freshman. This guy wasn’t going to let her have the last word, he called after her, “yeah, well, you breed with the mouth of a goat!”
At that Dean finally made himself known, snickering a little too loudly at the ridiculous insult. The boy snapped around. He’d obviously been too busy screaming at the RA to notice he wasn’t alone. Stepping inside to close the door he locked his eyes on Dean.
“Uh, hey.” Dean was always terrible with introductions.
The guy just stood there. Staring. When Dean made a move to get off the bed and come shake hands, the guy titled his head and squinted, analyzing Dean like he was some foreign creature. Dean moved forward extending his hand. “My name’s Dean, Dean Winchester.”
Finally the guy blinked and grasped Dean’s hand firmly, “Castiel Novak. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dean.”
“Yeah, likewise. Do you uh, need some help?” Dean glanced down at the three huge bags Castiel had thrown into their room.
“I don’t believe I will require assistance.” Castiel still had not let Dean’s hand go, not sure of what to do from here Dean just cleared his throat and gave Castiel’s hand a final squeeze. Castiel let go quickly, bringing his hands to his sides before crouching low to open his bags. He started unpacking with quick, graceful movements. Dean tried to look like he was reading panels of his Batman comic, but all he could focus on was studying Castiel and his belongings. He was trying his best to look for signs of who Castiel was. After all, the guy storms into the room carrying more weight than his lean frame should possibly be able to hold, tells off the RA, then becomes some sort of formal statue. What if he’s a fucking serial killer? Dean was desperately scanning his new roommate’s belongings when he realized Castiel had finished and was now sitting on the bed opposite him, staring again. Shit.
“I’m truly sorry about my outburst. I didn't mean to disturb you.” Castiel dropped his gaze and started shifting his feet awkwardly, but after a moment looked back up with intensity.
“No, man, it’s totally fine.” Dean flopped back on his bed and pulled his comic over his face, but he could still feel Castiel staring.
“Really, I usually don’t snap like that. I just wanted to assure you I’m quite the opposite of a serial killer.” Castiel was looking out the window now, a sly smirk on his face. Dean snapped up from his position on the bed, wide eyed and mouth open.
“How did - I mean, uh, it’s no worries, seriously. I just wasn’t expecting you to show, it’s pretty late an’ all.” Dean felt the blush on his neck and cheeks and tried to rub it away, succeeding only in intensifying the redness.
“I saw how you were watching me just now, I wanted to make sure we start this year off on a good foot. I’m really nothing like that, it’s just been a.... stressful time.” Castiel’s voice was almost a whisper as he ended his sentence. Dean wasn’t sure where to go from here, the guy seemed decent enough, didn’t own anything out of the ordinary, and had just apologized for having a bad day. Castiel was definitely weird, but not dangerous. Dean shifted on the bed and caught a glimpse of the pie pan with its last piece still in tact. He eyed it longingly for a few moments before grabbing it and stepping across the room to hand it to Castiel.
“Thank you, it’s my favorite.” Castiel accepted, smiled up at Dean in childish delight before promptly devouring the pie.
Oh yeah, this is gonna work out just fine.
Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Epilogue |
“Sammy, seriously, can you just shut the fuck up for four seconds?” Dean’s tone was more forceful than his face apparently because his younger brother just scoffed.
“Gabe thinks I have a beautiful voice,” Sam beamed at Dean from across the torn leather bench seat. He hummed the rest of the way, staring out the window and smiling in that dopey way you only see kids in love smile. Dean recorded the moment for future reference; perfect bitchface fuel.
Sam’s boyfriend Gabriel shouldn’t be considered an expert in anything really, let alone singing. Dean remembered the time Sam had dragged Dean out on what could be considered their first date. As “moral support” for Sam. It was his first boyfriend and even though Sam was a completely confident member of the gay community, first dates were universally rough. Gabriel had spent half the night on stage at the local karaoke bar having pretty obvious eye sex with his little brother, who was oblivious and just ogled his new boyfriend from one of the front tables, and sounding more and more like a dying moose at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with each passing song. Needless to say it was one of Dean’s worst nights and Sam had owed him a month's worth of chores after. Flash forward halfway through his senior year, Sam’s freshman, and Dean is in the kitchen with Sam trying to explain to John that the person Sam has been seeing for three months is not actually going to give him any grandbabies. After an hour of confusion settled into silence, the boys left John alone to process his thoughts. Half a bottle of Jack later, John sauntered into the living room and told Sam he’d better let Gabriel know what was on the menu for Christmas dinner. Dean remembers that night fondly. How, as soon as John had left the room and gone upstairs, Sam had jumped up from the couch and done the most shameful victory dance Dean had ever seen. It was one of those moments that made Dean’s world pause for just a few seconds, made him realize how lucky he was to have a supportive, hard-working father who just wanted the best for his children, and a brother who had the courage to be his own person, to be the black sheep of the family and proudly embrace it. Even if it was a little flamboyant at times, but Dean was sure he’d grow out of that. Please God let him grow out of it. It was not that Dean didn’t support his brother with every fiber of his being, he just didn’t want to have to worry about Sam getting mugged on his way home from Gabe’s one night. Or worse. Dean didn’t have the stomach to think about “worse”.
Lost in his thoughts Dean almost missed his exit. Sam took it as Dean being nervous about finally getting his ass to college after taking a few years off. Dean let him keep thinking that, much better than admitting to his brother he was worried for his safety. Sam would have laughed in his face.
After an exhausting forty-five minute car ride, Dean finally drags his worn-out truck up the driveway of the University of Kansas. John’s already waiting outside his dorm building, leaning against the Impala and soaking in the sun. Not to mention catching the eye of many underclassmen and getting double takes from all of the female students. Dean couldn’t help but smile and admit to himself that, yeah, his dad still had it. Dean woke up and said a silent prayer into the mirror every day in thanks for his dad’s impressive gene pool. Not that he was conceited or narcissistic, but Dean knew his face was considered well above average. In fact, several girls in the photography program at his high school had asked him to pose for their projects. Or at least that’s how it always started, it was not his fault those girls like to really, really, study their subject. They were very thorough.
“Dean!” There you go, leave it to Sammy to break a perfectly good daydream. “Come on man, you parked the car ten minutes ago.”
“Whatever, at least I haven’t been staring out the window for the past half hour thinking about how adorable my boyfriend is and smiling like a goon.” Dean was right, perfect bitchface fuel.
Dean and Sam unpacked the truck with relative ease, the Winchesters had never been the most material people. Not that John’s job didn’t bring in enough money, they just preferred a simple life. All Dean ever needed was a roof over his head, a worn out pair of jeans, his favorite Zeppelin shirt, and the safety of his family. And some pie. Dean couldn’t live without pie.
John was waiting for them on the sidewalk with the last of the boxes from the trunk of the Impala when Dean finally took a break to look around. College. He knew he’d get here eventually, he just thought it would feel different. Like some kind of rite of passage or major accomplishment. All it felts like was being dropped off at high school to stay for months at a time. Dean cringed at the thought. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. If he hadn’t already taken out the loan he’d be on his knees begging John to take his stupid ass back home now. He just wanted to curl up on the couch watching reruns of Buffy. He’s about to start suggesting they pack up and come back in a couple weeks when the semester actually starts when he catches John’s eye. Dean had only seen that look on his dad’s face on four occasions. Three of them he hadn’t actually been present or aware of, the fourth was Dean’s graduation. All thoughts of running were blown from his mind. Dean was going to do this, and he was going to succeed. He couldn’t let John down. He was a Winchester, goddamnit, Winchesters don’t run away.
The slap on his shoulder brought Dean back. He looked up into his father’s face and Dean could tell John knew what he was thinking. “Let’s go get you settled in, huh?” Dean just nodded, letting his father’s hand firmly guide him towards the dorm building.
After about two hours of unpacking, organizing, and a couple wrestling matches between the brothers, it was time.
“Hey, why don’t we get a pizza? I’m starving, it’s my treat.” Dean hoped they couldn’t tell he was just stalling the goodbye that he knew would be an unmanly display of affection.
“You’re buying?” The mock surprise on his brother’s face made Dean reconsider for a split second, but he didn’t have time to respond. Sam sprinted past him down the hall yelling something about a race to the car. Dean was just gonna let him tire himself out. He turned to John and gave him a sly smile. John just laughed and took one last look around the room.
“You think your roommate’s gonna show today?” John was raising a skeptical eyebrow over towards the other side of the room, “I was hoping to meet the kid. I don’t want no slacker party animal rooming with you. Gotta keep your focus, you’re a Winchester after all. We have a tendency to get into trouble.”
“Dad, you’ve got to be kidding me. With the loans we took out to get me here, like I’d dream of messing this up.” Dean knew his father was just joking, but he needed to let John know he was serious - he wouldn’t let him down.
“I know, son,” John turned with a sigh towards the door where Dean was propped up against the frame. “You think Sammy’s figured out you aren't following him yet?”
“You kidding me? Gigantor probably made it to the car in five seconds flat. No way I’m racing that kid anywhere.” And with that Dean motioned for John to take the lead down the cramped hallway, stealing a last look at the empty bed frame. God, please give me a halfway decent roommate.
It was nearly ten by the time they made it back to the driveway in front of Dean’s dorm. John had let Dean drive the Impala back, mainly because he needed a nap in the back seat since he’d stuffed himself so full of pizza and pie he could barely move. Sam was sprawled out lazily across the front seat slipping into his own food coma. Dean, being the empty pit he always was, found himself wondering if the cafeteria was still open for another round of pie after his family left. Parking the car, Dean reached over and flicked his brother on the nose. Sam nearly fell off the seat in shock and made a noise similar to a strangled goose, waking John as well. Dean would have loved the look on his father’s face if he could have seen through the tears welling up in his eyes from laughter. Once all three Winchesters had regained composure they piled out to say their last goodbyes.
Sam was first, sliding a packet of condoms into his hand he pulled Dean tight into a hug. “Seriously dude, remember those. I am not prepared to be an uncle.” Dean pulled back, ready to snap at Sam for ruining a nice family moment. The look in his brother’s eyes stopped him though. Sam was sending him silent messages about being safe, and responsible, and all that junk you’re supposed to say while tearing up. God, leave it to his little brother to crank the chick flick dial up to 11. Something he picked up from Gabriel, that guy was all sugar and fluff.
“Okay boys, that’s enough meaningful glances, I ain’t getting any younger here,” John pulled Sam away to step in front of Dean and grab his shoulders. “You take care of yourself. And check in. I might be on the road a lot in the near future, but you can always leave a message at the office or with Sammy.”
“I know Dad,” Dean was starting to get misty eyed now. He reached into his pockets to grab the keys to the Impala and started handing them over to his father. John just pushed them back in Dean’s hand. The Impala had always been John’s baby, once they’d fixed her up he’d barely let Dean hold a tool while standing next to her, and he’d only driven her twice. Giving the Impala to him, it said everything. After giving his dad a tear-filled “you sure?” look and receiving a firm head nod in return, Dean shoved the keys back into his jeans and gave his father the biggest hug he could muster. The Winchesters may be men of few words, but they know how to get their point across.
After parking Baby in the student lot and successfully scoring the last three slices of apple pie from the cafeteria, Dean wandered back to his room pumping himself up to meet his roommate. Dean swung the door open and flicked the light on, expecting to get a groan from the other bed. When he’s greeted with silence Dean finally took a look around. There’s no one here. Maybe he got lucky and he won’t even have to worry about a roommate this year. After all, move in time ended two hours ago and it was about a half hour past curfew for the campus. Too tired to worry about it anymore, Dean flopped on his bed to enjoy the rest of his pie.
Halfway through his second piece, as he was contemplating whether he should save some as a gesture of friendship towards his non existent roommate he heard screaming out in the hall. A fight already? God college was going to be exhausting. Dean just wanted to enjoy his pie in peace, save the bullshit drama for when he did not have delicious pastry sitting in his lap. He tried to will the shouting away, but it just got closer, more distinct. There was a guy out there, shouting in a gravely voice at a shrill woman. The words were still a blur but it was getting even closer now. Dean almost dropped his pie when the door to his room flung open to reveal a young man dragging three bulky bags that looked like they could hold four of him comfortably.
“WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHEN I CAN AND CANNOT START LIVING IN A PLACE I’VE PAID GOOD MONEY FOR?” The guy was flinging the bags into the middle of the room while he whipped around to face the screaming RA for the floor, matching her volume with every word.
“EXCUSE ME, BUT MOVE IN ENDED THREE HOURS AGO AND IT’S LONG PAST CURFEW!” The woman screamed back, “I’M REPORTING YOUR SORRY ASS NOVAK, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!”
“GOOD, I HOPE THEY LAUGH IN YOUR FACE FOR BRINGING UP SUCH TRIVIAL MATTERS!” The dude was holding his ground in the door frame as the woman stared up into his face, challenging him to give her something to really report in the morning. After a long period of staring that caused tension so thick Dean almost choked, the woman finally stormed away, muttering something about freshman. This guy wasn’t going to let her have the last word, he called after her, “yeah, well, you breed with the mouth of a goat!”
At that Dean finally made himself known, snickering a little too loudly at the ridiculous insult. The boy snapped around. He’d obviously been too busy screaming at the RA to notice he wasn’t alone. Stepping inside to close the door he locked his eyes on Dean.
“Uh, hey.” Dean was always terrible with introductions.
The guy just stood there. Staring. When Dean made a move to get off the bed and come shake hands, the guy titled his head and squinted, analyzing Dean like he was some foreign creature. Dean moved forward extending his hand. “My name’s Dean, Dean Winchester.”
Finally the guy blinked and grasped Dean’s hand firmly, “Castiel Novak. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dean.”
“Yeah, likewise. Do you uh, need some help?” Dean glanced down at the three huge bags Castiel had thrown into their room.
“I don’t believe I will require assistance.” Castiel still had not let Dean’s hand go, not sure of what to do from here Dean just cleared his throat and gave Castiel’s hand a final squeeze. Castiel let go quickly, bringing his hands to his sides before crouching low to open his bags. He started unpacking with quick, graceful movements. Dean tried to look like he was reading panels of his Batman comic, but all he could focus on was studying Castiel and his belongings. He was trying his best to look for signs of who Castiel was. After all, the guy storms into the room carrying more weight than his lean frame should possibly be able to hold, tells off the RA, then becomes some sort of formal statue. What if he’s a fucking serial killer? Dean was desperately scanning his new roommate’s belongings when he realized Castiel had finished and was now sitting on the bed opposite him, staring again. Shit.
“I’m truly sorry about my outburst. I didn't mean to disturb you.” Castiel dropped his gaze and started shifting his feet awkwardly, but after a moment looked back up with intensity.
“No, man, it’s totally fine.” Dean flopped back on his bed and pulled his comic over his face, but he could still feel Castiel staring.
“Really, I usually don’t snap like that. I just wanted to assure you I’m quite the opposite of a serial killer.” Castiel was looking out the window now, a sly smirk on his face. Dean snapped up from his position on the bed, wide eyed and mouth open.
“How did - I mean, uh, it’s no worries, seriously. I just wasn’t expecting you to show, it’s pretty late an’ all.” Dean felt the blush on his neck and cheeks and tried to rub it away, succeeding only in intensifying the redness.
“I saw how you were watching me just now, I wanted to make sure we start this year off on a good foot. I’m really nothing like that, it’s just been a.... stressful time.” Castiel’s voice was almost a whisper as he ended his sentence. Dean wasn’t sure where to go from here, the guy seemed decent enough, didn’t own anything out of the ordinary, and had just apologized for having a bad day. Castiel was definitely weird, but not dangerous. Dean shifted on the bed and caught a glimpse of the pie pan with its last piece still in tact. He eyed it longingly for a few moments before grabbing it and stepping across the room to hand it to Castiel.
“Thank you, it’s my favorite.” Castiel accepted, smiled up at Dean in childish delight before promptly devouring the pie.
Oh yeah, this is gonna work out just fine.
Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Epilogue |