Strings Attached

Chapter 15

So that's what happens. Dean quickly grabs his football stuff and leads Castiel out to his car. Castiel isn't a car person, but he has to admit, this thing is a beauty.

"Cas, meet Baby," Dean says with a grin, sliding in the driver's seat. Castiel sits shotgun with him.

"You named your car?" Castiel repeats.

Dean nods. "Damn straight I did."

He turns the key, and suddenly, music begins playing through the speakers. Castiel doesn't even have to think before he realizes what song this is. "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi. One of Castiel's old favorites, actually.

"And no messing with my music," Dean adds. "Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cake hole."

Castiel chuckles. "I wasn't going to mess with your music, so that works out fine," he replies.

"In that case... Shot through the heart! And you're to blame!"

Castiel grins and sings along. "You give love a bad name. I play my part and you play your game. You give love a bad name."

Castiel stops singing after this as he repeats the words in his mind. He hasn't heard this song in ages. Not since he went to high school. The words ring truer than ever. The first thing he thinks of is Crowley. It's not even that he still likes the guy. He's not sure he ever did, honestly. But the fact that he still makes his life a living hell makes him hard to forget.

Dean turns the volume down and glances over at Castiel. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Castiel says quickly.

"I don't believe that for a second."

"If I wanted to vent about my problems, I'd hire a therapist," Castiel replies.

"But I'm better than a therapist," Dean says. "I do it for free. Plus, I'm way hotter."

Castiel chuckles, but it's sort of a nervous laugh. Is that a dig at his sexuality? Well, it was bound to come sooner or later.

"But I feel ya," Dean continues. "I don't like talking about my problems, either. No chick flick moments. This street?"

"Yeah," Castiel confirms. So maybe it wasn't an insult. Castiel can't even tell anymore.

"Well, here ya go," Dean says, stopping the car in front of the Novak house. "See ya later, Cas."

"Bye," Castiel replies. "Good luck at your game." He slips out of the car and slowly walks towards the door, waiting for Dean to drive off so he can leave.
Dean rolls down his window and calls out, "Don't bother! I'll be here 'til you get inside!"

Castiel rolls his eyes and reluctantly walks up to the door. He hesitates before opening it and stepping inside.

"Hey, Castiel," Chuck greets him when he sees the boy.

"Hi," Castiel murmurs.

"Ooh, Castiel is home?" Lucifer says excitedly, running out to meet him. "Hey!"

"Hi?" Castiel says uncertainly.

"Anna, Samandriel, and I are watching Sherlock," Lucifer tells him. "You should watch with us!"

"Where are Michael and Gabriel?" Castiel asks curiously.

"Michael's studying and Gabriel's at some football game for Sam," Lucifer replies. "Come on, Sherlock time!"

"Actually, I was just going to go to my room," Castiel says.

"Nope. Can't do that. Dad's rules."

Castiel frowns. "Right," he mutters. "Um... My phone is still in there, so I'm just gonna grab that."

"Why, waiting for Dean to hit you up?" Lucifer asks with a smirk.

"What?"

"Well, we all knew you were at his house. He practically told us. Are you two finally together or what?"

"No! No, I am not dating Dean Winchester, of all people."

"Are you gonna give me the 'not friends' spiel now?" Lucifer asks. "Cuz that really hurt Gabriel's feelings."

"He'll live," Castiel replies. "I'm gonna go grab my phone."

Castiel hurries to his room, uncomfortably aware of his brother following him. Wow, Chuck must really not want him to be alone. Well, screw them. As soon as Castiel gets in his room, he shuts the door, reaching for the lock.

"Nice try, Castiel," Lucifer calls from the other side. "Dad knew you were gonna do this so he got rid of the lock."

Castiel frowns. He should probably go out now, save him some trouble, but when has he ever done the smart thing? Instead, he leans against the door, holding it shut.

With one push, Lucifer opens the door easily from the other side, knocking Castiel over and onto the ground. Lucifer offers him a hand to help him up, but he ignores it and stands up himself.

"Come on," Lucifer says, taking Castiel by the arm and dragging him to the living room.

He pushes Castiel into the couch, not very gently. Castiel crosses his arms. He may not be able to escape, but he definitely isn't going along with this with a smile.

"Lighten up, Castiel," Lucifer says, rolling his eyes. "It's Sherlock!"

"I don't like Sherlock," Castiel replies.

"You've never seen Sherlock," Lucifer reminds him.

"Well, if you like it, it can't be that good."

Lucifer gasps in mock offense, clutching his heart as if shot. "Castiel!"

Castiel just rolls his eyes and curls up in the end if the couch. Maybe he'll get lucky and fall asleep during this.