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Sam was leaning over the motel room sink, examining the strands of hair he had meticulously been combing only seconds ago. He had left the bathroom door open. From his vantage point on the bed, Dean watched his brother with a smirk.
Sam started fidgeting with the buttons on his shirt next. Smoothing the front down, almost obsessively trying to get rid of some non-existent crease.
At some point through this strange ritual, Castiel had appeared and was watching intently, too.
“Why is Sam preening?” he asked, head cocked to one side.
Dean snickered. “He has a date tonight.” He absently wondered if he would be able to stick a 'kick me' sign on his brother's back just before he was due to leave.
“A date?” Castiel replied, mulling the term over.
Sam was spraying aftershave now like it was going out of fashion. Dean coughed involuntarily. Castiel's nostrils flared but he said nothing about it. They both let Sam do a little twirl in the room before he started asking how he looked.
Dean rolled his eyes. “You got protection?”
Sam huffed. “It's a first date Dean. I'm not you.”
Dean snorted.
After a few more backwards glances at the mirror, Sam was leaving, anxiously wringing his fingers as he did.
Dean had a magazine on his night stand that he made to reach for, but thought better of it when he noticed Castiel staring out the motel room window, watching Sam leave on foot.
“Is it wise for him to be walking somewhere that he may require protection at some point?”
Dean flipped his legs over the edge of the bed and laughed. “It's just a date, dude. He'll be fine.”
Castiel's fingers were still twitching in the curtain. He didn't seem convinced.
“What is a date?” he asked Dean then, still by the window. Sam was long out of sight by now.
Dean raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You've never been on a date before?”
Castiel shrugged his shoulders, finally letting the curtain go. It fell back into place unceremoniously.
Dean let out a sigh as he considered how to answer. After a few moments he said “I guess it's when two people meet up just to, y'know, hang out. Get to know each other a little better.”
Castiel drew his bottom lip between his teeth, chewed on it a little. Dean tried not to notice.
“So it's just, hanging out?”
Dean ran a rand through the back of his hair. “Yeah, I guess. Hanging out with, subtext.”
“Subtext?”
“Yeah” Dean was feeling a bit more flustered than he had been seconds ago and was not entirely sure why. “Usually you go on a date with someone you want to get to know more...intimately.”
Castiel nodded his head. “Intimately” he repeated.
“It's not a big deal” Dean forced himself to say. “Or I mean, it can be a big deal. I guess. Depends on who you're with.”
“And this date” Cas said, with misplaced air quotes, “Is a big deal to Sam?”
“Exactly”
“Exactly.”
Dean thought that might be the end of it until he felt the bed sag next to him. Cas was sitting down and his face was full of questions.
“And where do people go, on these dates?”
Dean let out a nervous laugh that Cas either didn't hear or chose not to acknowledge. “I dunno Cas, depends.”
“On?”
“On...how well you already know each other. Like, if you've just met, probably something casual. Coffee, or drinks.”
Castiel looked like he was about to point out that coffee was a drink, but thought better of it and remained patiently waiting for Dean to continue his explanation.
“Or dinner and a movie, that's a classic.”
He realised as he was saying all of this that he couldn't remember the last time he'd actually been on a date himself. Couldn't remember the last time doing anything remotely date like with another person. Sips of liquor in a brown bagged bottle passed between kisses and motel sheets didn't exactly seem to constitute anything meaningful.
“Have you really never been on a date?”
Cas shrugged his shoulders again. “Who would ask me?”
Had anyone else said that it might have sounded self deprecating. But Dean could tell Cas was genuinely wondering, probably thinking about the handful of people that he had met whilst being on Earth and considering whether he would actually want to get to know any of them in any sort of casual situation.
Then the words were forming in Dean's mouth and spoken into the air before he could give it any real thought of consequence. “I could ask you.”
His face flushed and he pointedly stared at the floor, at his boots, at anything other than the angel sitting next to him.
“You could.” Castiel agreed.
They remained at a silent impasse. Dean wondering if he should ask, Castiel wondering if Dean already had and he hadn't understood the question.
After what felt like an impossibly long period of time, that in reality probably only spanned several minutes, Dean looked up at the ceiling and let out the breath he'd been holding.
“Would you like to go on a date with me, Castiel?”
Castiel was surprised that Dean had used his full name. Was surprised at how flushed Dean's face and neck had gotten. Wanted to reach out and feel his forehead for signs of fever.
“I would like that, Dean.” he said finally, still trying to decide whether taking Dean's temperature was a good idea or not.
“Okay”
“Okay”
*
Fifteen minutes later, Dean was sat behind the wheel of the Impala, Cas in the passenger seat beside him. He glanced into his mirror, wishing he'd done a bit of preening himself. He had planned to stay in the motel all night, drinking beer and watching TV. So changing out of his ripped jeans and old flannel hadn't seemed important.
Cas didn't seem to mind. It wasn't like he was prepared for this, either. He looked the same as he always did. Dean was just now noticing for the first time, or the first time that he'd allow himself to, that Cas looked good. Better than good.
And then a startling realisation hit Dean. “You don't eat, do you?”
Cas glanced over at him, shaking his head. “I don't need to. I physically can, if it would make you more comfortable to see me doing so.”
Dean thought about this as he started the engine and peeled out of the car park. He wasn't too sure about taking Cas to a restaurant without any sort of pre planning. He didn't know what was around the generic small town they'd found themselves in this time. Plus he ran the risk of running into Sam who actually had done research and was taking his date somewhere nice for dinner.
Whilst he thought on it further, he passed a billboard for a drive in movie theatre showing a Hitchcock marathon all weekend. He slowed the car down, pulled into the side of the road to temporarily park whilst he fished his phone out of his pocket.
There was a showing of Vertigo in an hours time. He leaned over the bench seat, showing Cas the film poster on his phone.
“Wanna go?”
Cas was reading the synopsis on the theatre's website. He handed the phone back with a smile that Dean took as a yes.
“Okay, got an idea then!”
He started the engine back up, checked his mirrors, pulled away from the side of the road with a grin.
*
They had made a pit stop at a local burger bar. Dean had left Castiel in the Impala, listening to an old Rolling Stones cassette. On the drive there, Cas had tried to explain to Dean how he experienced food. Tasted it on a molecular level that made Dean's head hurt when he tried to imagine it.
Still, Cas agreed to give it a go for the sake of their date and Dean was excited to share one of his favourite things with the angel.
He leaned on the diner counter, waiting for their burgers, drumming his hands against the shiny surface. The place was busy, but it was a Friday night after all. He was tempted to order some slices of pie to go but changed his mind at the last minute. If they had pie, there wouldn't be room for movie snacks, and to Dean, that just seemed criminal.
He settled for two bacon cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings and two milkshakes; one chocolate, one vanilla. He tipped the waitress that handed him his to go bags. She flashed him a smile. When he returned to the car with his spoils, Cas was happily bobbing his head along to the music, in his own little world. Dean thought he looked cute as he did so.
*
Dean had suggested that Cas might want to take off his coat to get more comfortable. As he drove to the drive in theatre, he could see Castiel in his peripheral vision, first removing his trench coat and jacket, then after some internal debate, his tie. He had loosened his top two buttons on his dress shirt and Dean accidentally let the car swerve when he noticed this.
The theatre car park was fairly packed. Dean pulled up to the concession booth, paid for their tickets and bought a tub of popcorn and some red vines. Castiel raised his eyebrows questioningly.
“Didn't you already buy us some food?”
Dean smiled as he found a parking space. “This is movie food. Totally different.”
Castiel threw him a suspicious look but didn't question him on it.
Dean tuned them into the theatre radio frequency then unfastened his seat belt, sitting back with a contended smile. He opened up the takeaway bag, handed a burger to Castiel then sat his own burger temporarily in his lap. He placed the fries and the onion rings on the dash.
“Okay, chocolate or vanilla?”
He was holding the milkshakes and Castiel seemed to be wondering if there was a right or wrong answer. Another smile tugged at Dean's lips. “Wanna share them then?”
“How does one share, whatever these are?”
Dean laughed a little. “Milkshakes. I dunno, take a few sips then we'll switch?”
“Sip and switch” Cas repeated, as if he was going to be tested on the subject at a later date.
Dean unwrapped his cheeseburger. Closed his eyes, savoured the first bite. Castiel followed suit, unwrapping the burger and sinking his teeth through the bun and the layers it held. His head was tilted to one side as he chewed, unsure what to think.
“These are my favourite” Dean told him. “Greasy bacon, plastic cheese. Can't go wrong”
Castiel looked like he might disagree at any moment. He decided to try a shake, picking a cup at random and studying the straw before putting it between his lips and taking a tentative suck.
“Frosty”
Dean grinned, “Yeah, they are a bit.” He picked up the second shake, discovered that it was chocolate and took a big sip. Next, he grabbed a bunch of fries, shoving them in his mouth all at once.
Cas decided to try an onion ring. Examined it in his fingers before pulling it apart. He ate it delicately, his lips glistening with grease.
Dean continued with his cheeseburger, thinking about how Sammy was getting on with his date and whether they'd ordered rabbit food or not.
He hadn't anticipated having a date tonight, and definitely hadn't anticipated having one with Cas. But he had to admit, he was enjoying himself. He liked that he already knew Cas, that there was an air of comfort between them that was often absent in these kind of situations.
Castiel had some sauce from the burger on his fingertips. He brought them slowly to his lips, licking them clean. Dean watched him. It was so human of him, but also incredibly hot.
“So, fast food?” Dean asked, dispersing the sudden influx of racy thoughts that were bombarding his imagination.
“It wasn't unpleasant” Cas said softly. Dean considered that to be a win.
The film would be starting soon. Adverts started playing on the projected screen outside. Dean's mind wandered to what would happen next. If this had been an ordinary movie date for him he would be scooting across to sit next to his companion, throwing his arm around their shoulders and seeing how far he could progress things whilst remaining in a public space.
But this was Cas and it was his first date in his entire existence. It didn't seem right to go so fast. He wasn't even sure how Cas was feeling about the date so far. Whether he could feel anything about it. Dean realised for the first time that this might just be a novelty for Cas. An experiment in humanity. The thought disappointed him.
Cas seemed to notice his change in demeanour. “Dean?”
Dean wanted to blurt out all the sudden doubts that were poking holes in his brain but he wasn't sure how to verbalise them.
“Dean?” Cas prompted again.
“I was just thinking,” Dean started slowly, choosing his words carefully. “If you might want to sit a little closer to me.”
He watched Castiel's face for a reaction whilst he tested the waters. It was getting harder to see him, the light outside dwindling and the projection screen flickering as the film started to play.
Cas responded by shuffling closer to Dean. Dean followed suit until their knees were gently touching. Dean decided to swallow his pride, held out his palm. Cas' eyes flicked from Dean's to his outstretched hand. Very slowly, he placed his hand on top of Dean's, slotting their fingers together. He looked up at Dean's face again, needing some sort of confirmation that he had understood.
Dean ever so slightly nodded.
“I should tell you,” he whispered, feeling his sudden influx of nerves begin to dissipate again. “You look nice tonight, Cas.”
He heard a surprised intake of breath. “Thank you, Dean. You look nice tonight, too.”
*
They watched the film mostly in silence, the popcorn and red vines all but forgotten. Their hands remained clasped together. At some point, Dean had rested his head on Castiel's shoulder. Cas leaned into the touch.
When the film ended, they remained in that position, neither wanting to move. Dean felt like to leave this moment would be to break the spell that was encasing them. Why had he never thought to ask Cas on a date before.
He knew the answer. Didn't even really need to think about it. He didn't want to admit to himself that the feelings he had for Cas could be anything other than platonic. But here he was, unravelling over what started out as an innocent enough suggestion.
“What happens now?” Cas asked quietly, pulling Dean out of his thoughts.
Castiel shifted slightly so he could look Dean in the eyes. A blush crept across the hunter's cheeks.
“Well, Cas, usually I'd give my date a kiss.”
He fought the urge to look away. He had to know, really know, if Cas was actually into this or just humouring him.
But Cas was smiling shyly, and his own cheeks looked a little pinker. Dean moved his free hand to the back of Castiel's head. Took a few moments to stroke the delicate skin on his neck, before grazing his fingertips along Cas' jaw, guiding his lips to Dean's.
He kissed Cas chastely, delicately. Let his eyes flutter closed as he held Cas. He assumed Cas had done the same. When they pulled apart, Cas opened his eyes dazedly. Dean was about to ask for Castiel's thoughts, then he felt the angel cup his cheek, just as he had done, and drew them back together.
Cas' lips were soft against Dean's, applying gentle pressure. Their bodies inched closer together, chests bumping. Dean ran his tongue along the bottom of Cas' lips, his grip on the angel's cheek a little tighter. He was sure Castiel could feel his heart beat. Feel his temperature start to climb. Cas slicked out his own tongue, letting Dean taste him, allowing his grace to slip between them. It was like a pulse through Dean's entire body. He shivered in surprise, let out a little sigh. Cas smiled into their kiss, satisfied.
The car park was completely empty when they finally pulled apart.
*
They were back at the motel car park. Dean noticed the lights in the motel room were off. Sammy must still be out, he thought.
Normally, this would be the part where he would either invite his date to his room, try and elicit an invitation to their room, or be walking them to their front door. He didn't know where Cas went when he wasn't with him. He hadn't ever given it any thought before, he didn't have much reason to.
He'd killed the engine, and now they were just sitting in the dark in silence. It was comfortable, and Cas was still holding Dean's hand.
Dean took a deep breath, trying to steady his mind. “Walk me to my door?”
Cas nodded. He slipped his jacket and his coat back on, meeting Dean outside. The cool night air felt nice against Dean's face. He was still feeling flushed, his stomach full of butterflies.
Cas reached for his hand instinctively now. They walked like that up the steps, along the pathway until they reached the door to the motel room.
They watched each other for a few minutes, neither sure what to say. Cas' eyes looked other wordly in the moonlight. Dean was transfixed in a way he never had been before.
“Thank you for inviting me on a date, Dean.” Cas said finally, his voice low and gentle.
Dean took a step towards him, brought their lips together again. Now that he had kissed Cas once, he didn't ever want to stop.
“Go out with me again” he rushed between kissed. He bumped their foreheads together lightly. “On another date, I mean.”
He could feel Cas nod his head. “I'd like that, Dean.”
Dean wanted to tell Cas he'd call him, but that seemed too cliché and contrite. He really wanted to ask when he could see him again, but with the lives they lived, that seemed like an improbable question to answer.
Instead, he kissed Cas one last time, for tonight. Ran the pad of his thumb across the angel's lips when they parted. Gave his hand a last squeeze before slipping into the room.
Cas disappeared into the night. From the same window Castiel had stood at hours ago, Dean now looked out into the empty car park, contented.