Chapter Text
The drive from the studio to the restaurant was wrought with silence. Castiel was attempting to focus on driving, as well as what he could possible say or do to impress Dean, while Dean sat beside him fiddling with the small floral bee air freshener that hung from his rear-view mirror.
“So... You like bees, huh?” Dean asked, Cas barely able to catch the small smile that flitted across his face as he looked around the mostly yellow and black vehicle.
“Yes, very much so.” Cas nodded, keeping his eyes on the road, “When I was a toddler, I was playing with some particularly mean children that were rather adverse to my silence. I know it was probably just a crazy random happening, but I ran off and hid from them in a bush and either they or I must have disturbed a nest somewhere, but instead of stinging me, they went after the kids looking through the bush for me.” The two men shared a laugh for a moment, “They ran off and I just kind of stuck it out until I was sure they were completely gone and then went back to my family. I've had a fondness for bees ever since. The insides of the car are unintentional though.” Cas's laughter continued, and Dean couldn't help but stare; just a little, out of the corner of his eye.
His eyes crinkled just a little bit when he laughed, and the smile always seemed to reach Castiel's eyes, even though the lack of laugh lines helped Dean to determine that he did not do so nearly enough. The laugh itself was hearty and boisterous, holding nothing back, unlike everyone else who had come to interview him. He almost couldn't believe the women and Cas worked in the same place. While they had laughed in all the right places, the laughter hadn't been real, just noises set in place in an attempt to gather information rather than show any form of actual amusement.
It took approximately 20 minutes for Cas to drive through town and pull up outside of a tiny diner. No where near the posh places the others had tried to take him; Dean put another positive strike in his mental 'Cas' list. “I hope this is alright. They have the most amazing burgers. They make me very happy.” He looked over to Dean as he removed his seat belt, “Also, the owners are not too big on sports so there is far less of a chance of being disturbed during the meal.”
“Sounds great Cas. I never could turn down a good burger. How is the pie here?”
“You'll have to see.” Cas slipped out of the car, his eyes dancing with a slightly playful shimmer. Dean coughed and looked away as he felt himself beginning to blush. Could a full grown man really be so adorable?
They sat themselves, Cas receiving quite a few greetings along the way, but no fans rushed Dean. “I think I like this place already Cas.” He smiled.
“I am glad to hear that. Though, I will admit, I probably would have continued to come back here even if you did not.”
“I like you Cas, you're honest. Straight to the point.” Dean nodded, looking over the menu, “I can't remember the last time I was able to walk into a place and not get mobbed. I mean, I'm just a guy who happens to be good at throwing a ball.” He sighed a little, “But no one else seems to realize that I really am just a guy who got lucky. They think sports are glamorous, but if one say I break anything around my pitching arm and I'd be out of a job faster than a kid down a slip and slide.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I will happily treat you like I treat everyone else.” Cas shrugged, “Not that I honestly planned to treat you any different.” He quickly added.
“It's appreciated, Cas.” Dean grinned, setting down the menu.
“You should do that more often.” Cas blurted out, scarlet covered his face and he quickly tried to hide behind his own menu.
“Huh?”
“Smile. Like, really smile. Since I met you at the studio, you've 'smiled' but it was more like a smirk or an involuntary quirk of the facial muscles... but just then, that was a real smile. It suits you far better.” He sped out the words, “I hope my remark was not to... Becky-esqe.”
“Not in the slightest, Cas. Don't worry.” The smile remained and the two continued to idly chit chat until the waitress reached their table.
“Rachel. How are you tonight?” Cas smiled, setting down his menu.
“Oh, not too awful Caught a few extra shifts since Will has a god awful case of strep throat. Poor baby... Luckily, my momma can watch over him and won't charge me, so we can put any extra money into his medicine. How about yourself Castiel? You don't normally bring company, you on a date?” She winked, appearing quite proud when the scarlet of his cheeks turned a deep burgundy. None the less, Cas made sure to add a mental note to provide her a higher tip than normal to assist with the medical bills. Rachel always treated him kindly and had helped him on more than one occasion and it was the least he could do.
“No, not a date. Dean is potentially helping me with a piece for the magazine...”
“Oh, well, pooh. Here I was hoping you'd found a nice man to settle down with.” She paused, pulling out her order slip, “Well, what can I get you two tonight? The usual for you Castiel?”
“Yes, please. Dean?”
“You know what, just get me what he's getting.” Dean kept his eyes on Cas as he set his own menu down on top of his, “Plus some pie, please. Whatever you'd best recommend.”
“Coming right up boys. Thank you kindly.” She grabbed the menus and, with one last wink to Castiel, walked away to place their orders.
“So. Gay?”
“Yes.”
“Cool.” Dean nodded, and that was the last thing said on the subject.