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''Don't fuck this up for us.'' Cas says to the ominous figure in the corner, its tail flaps disapprovingly. ''Don't give me that look. You know you've cockblocked me plenty of times.''
This is going to be the first time Dean comes over; of course new love is always exciting but this will be the first time that Cas is not riddled with nerves. It’s been a long time since he has felt like this about someone. Apart from the effortless charm, his handsome face, or his quick witted humour; everything else about Dean is so open and easy. Cas loves the way Dean looks at him, how the corners of his eyes crinkle when he listens to him go on and on about all his niche interests. He never judges, is empathetic, and kind, and Cas loves how Dean always manages to insert a movie reference in all their conversations, even if he fails to get it most times. There are so many things he loves about Dean, it would take eons just to list them. But most of all, he loves how Dean has become his safe place; someone he can be vulnerable with without feeling too exposed. He knows, deep down, Dean is special.
The bell rings, and Cas almost jumps out of his skin. He does a mental check of himself, dusting off flour on his sleeve, runs a hand through his hair, and straightens his tie as best as he could. In his haste, Cas has forgotten to unhook the chain, causing the door to open then immediately slam shut with the force of his pull.
“Hey… Cas… you ok there, buddy?”
As soon as the door swings open, Dean is greeted by a flash of orange and black; Cas almost slamming head first into him, trying to prevent his unruly pet from escaping. They don't need another disemboweled rat neighbourhood discord.
Mission accomplished.
Dean is inside, and Cas is spared from another homicide by the hand of his ward.
"Erm... Dean, this is my cat Luci.''
Luci is one odd kitty from the first look. His fur’s a fiery kind of orange that looks almost unnatural, reddish eyes set a bit too wide, making him look extra derpy, teeth too long for his little mouth, pointed ears with black tips - almost horn-like, and a long and expressive tail. The cat head butts against his outstretched palm, willing Dean to pet him from head to toe, then suddenly turns around and hisses at him, tail still curling against his fingers. Dean retracts his hand, perplexed by the mixed signals. Luci changes direction and wedges himself between Cas’s legs, begging for attention but he ignores him; Dean's heart flutters at the silly thought that his boyfriend is defending his honour.
They make their way to the kitchen; Dean can see the aftermath of Cas's cooking: dishes, utensils piling up in the sink, a smudge of batter and grease, and an apron laying half heartedly over the stove. Endearingly dangerous and disorganised. Dean smiles to himself, perhaps he should have Cas over and cook for him next time, for the sake of fire safety. He hangs up the discarded apron, Luci rubs against his legs, eyeing him longingly. Who knew cats could give such good puppy dog eyes? Dean is weak and he easily accepts the apology.
.
.
.
Dean contemplates while the ginger kitty parades himself in front of them. ''He doesn't look like a Lucy to me.''
''What? Oh…” Cas mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well... his real name is Lucifer. Like the De— ''
''—Like from Cinderella?” Dean interrupts, “But isn't that Lucifer a tuxedo?''
"You know, Luci used to be a tuxedo with blue eyes. He... changed colour."
Dean is sure Cas is pulling his legs because what the fuck?
"No, really.” Cas titls his head, “One Christmas, he got upset that I only got him 2 boxes of wet food; so he snuck into the fireplace and chilled among the flames for two hours. I almost died looking for him.”
He then pulls back his sleeve, showing a long burn scar. “Got this trying to pull him out, the fucker still wouldn’t leave eventhough his hair’s burnt to crisp and he looked like a naked mole rat. To this day, I still don't know how he managed to get past the baby proofing and the fireplace lock. Anyway, his appearance changed since then."
"Dude — you can't seriously expect me to believe that.''
''It's true. The vet was confused too. She couldn't understand how he was even alive let alone change colour. You’ve noticed his eyes too, right? I honestly thought he went blind; I've had them checked many times. There's nothing wrong with him. He's just weird"
Cas starts serving up their food: smiley pancakes with bacon and orange juice - one of Dean’s comfort foods. The divine smell is a cruel temptation for his rumbling stomach, his fork debates where the first bite is going to land.
Luci takes full advantage of Dean’s distraction and pounces at his legs, swinging his head left and right, his claws dig through the thick fabric. He climbs up to his thigh, biting at every angle while bunny-kicking the ever loving shit out of his jeans. Dean understands the name now. He winces, tries hard not to make a show of weakness in front of Cas or hurt the little menace as he tries to peel it away.
''LUCI!!'' Cas reprimands. He makes a show of his juice glass, ''This is what happens to bad orange kitty!'' And finishes the drink in one go. Dean can't tear his eyes away from how Cas's apple bobs as he swallows.
The odd method works; Luci slowly lets go of Dean's leg, eyes train on Cas, mouth slacked, as if he's been hypnotised. He climbs down from the battered leg in slow motion but still leaves one paw touching Dean, egging Cas on.
''Don't make me get a second glass.''
Luci bolted to his room. And Dean is left half flabbergasted, half more in love than he's ever been. This is far from the last orange shenanigan he’ll get to experience.
