The end of the day had finally rolled around and I was more than excited. I would finally have a night off from my parental duties, hoping to get at least buzzed while I was at it. Not that caring for Jack was a burden, but I was more than excepting of one night off, which is something I haven't seen in years. After Gabriel picked me up from the school at around 5, even though I clearly said 4:30, we headed to Jack's daycare. When we arrived, Jack was the only kid left, which was unusual for us. Ms. Anna wasn't upset and even said Jack was a pleasure to sit with while they waited for us to get him. I simply smiled as gratitude.
"Uncle Gabby was late, huh Papa?" Jack said as he folded his arms in false annoyance. I laughed and Ms. Anna chuckled as Gabriel stood flustered. He quickly picked Jack up and tossed him around playfully. Jack always loved playing with his Uncle Gabby. I thanked Ms. Anna for staying late with Jack and we all headed home. By the time we arrived, it was a little past six and I decided to put some Dino nuggets in the oven for Jack.
"Cassie, go on and get ready for your date"
"Gabe, it is not a date. And I can still take care of -"
"No need, baby bro. I'm still here for a reason other than to steal Jack's nuggets. And please, I haven't seen you his giddy in a about 3 years so I'd call it a date."
I simply scoffed and walked to my room upstairs. It was only then when I realized I had practically nothing to wear. I mean I could stay in my work clothes from the day but that seems a bit formal for few drinks with a guy. I practically trashed my closet looking for a plain sweater and settled for my blue knit sweater I had received as a birthday present from Micheal last year. I threw on some dark denim jeans that were hanging over the spare chair in my room that smelled decent. Just as I tied up my casual oxfords, I heard the similar rumble of Deans car, subconsciously smiling. Before I could a hear a knock I heard the joyful sound of Jack playing with what sounded like Sam as he tumbled through the front door. Something about these Winchesters really has Jack coming out of his shell.
"Hi Mr. Novak, Dean is waiting by the car" Sam smiled. "Thanks again Sam for volunteering your evening. I imagine you had better plans than to watch a strangely energetic toddler. And please, call me Cas." Sam responded "Honestly it's no biggie. I'm glad Dean is going out more which he hasn't gotten to much. Don't tell him I said anything, but he's like a hermit who stays locked up with his dog most weekends." I smiled, I didn't take Dean as a dog guy at first but now I find it very adorable.
I said my goodbyes to Sam and Jack while Gabriel followed me out the door. He was making chatty conversation with the younger Winchester brother and I could tell Sam wasn't used to such a chatter box. Gabriel headed straight for his car and pulled out of my driveway while I stood on my front doorstep eyes locked on Dean. He looked handsome with his leather jacket and flannel combo. The best part is I think he knew that I was checking him out, or if not the guy could really fake his confidence. Dean stood there leaned against his car with his hands purposely placed in his jean pockets. He wore a smug smile and had a gleam in his eye that could only confirm how attractive he was.
"Heya, Cas"
"Hello Dean."
He opened his car door for me and we took off to start tonight's events together.
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"Care for some music to accompany us, Cas?" Dean asked me while keeping his attention toward the road. "I don't suppose your ride has Bluetooth?" I ask, almost regretting it when Dean tenses and turns his gaze towards me. He could tell I was being playful though when I chuckled.
"Whoa now, Baby doesn't need flashy features such as Bluetooth or seat warmers. And last I checked, my nerdy English teacher pal lost his ride so let's show some appreciation" Dean laughed back.
"Haha very funny." Dean points to under my seat telling me to grab whatever it is down there. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a map of the town considering he had no GPS system set up in his car. As if he reads my thoughts he says "Relax, the foldable map is in my glove department." We both laughed. Instead, I pull out a warn down cardboard box filled with old cassettes and mixtapes sorting from Zeppelin to Bon Jovi. "You have great taste I see." Dean's face lights up and flushes with what I assume is slight embarrassment of me rummaging through his things.
"I'd taken you for more of a Queen or Green Day kinda guy" Dean says as he grabs a Zeppelin cassette and slides it in.
"Both are some of my favorites but I do have an appreciation for the classics."
"I knew I liked you" Dean smiles. My thoughts of what Dean could have meant by that statement are cut off when "Ramble On" starts playing. Dean hums along and taps the steering wheel to the beat as we continue down the roads. I find peace in Dean's car, something about the leather interior that smells intoxicatingly like white musk and masculinity. Dean's Baby was enough of a character, but Dean himself was more. His soothing hums could put me to sleep any day and they almost succeeded. Instead of succumbing to a peaceful slumber I dedicated my attention to the trees and buildings passing by us letting the aroma sway me. It was almost as if we were passing through time and I could get used to that feeling.
By the time we pulled into a parking lot I was a lot more comfortable with Dean's presence. The sign on the building said "The Roadhouse" and I had remembered a bit where we were. Hannah and I had a date here eons ago but now all my mind could focus on was Dean who was now opening my car door for a second time this evening.
Dean continues the chivalry as he opens the door to the bar, allowing me in first. Okay, so he's either really courteous or this is a date?! My mind was absolutely jumbled at the thought of being on a first date and not even knowing it. I mean, are my clothes really first date appropriate? I literally have my casual oxfords on!
Noticing my eternal panic, Dean guides me by my shoulder to a booth in the corner so we are away from the usual hustle and bustle.
"Everything okay, Cas" his endearing tone was present again and I felt weird in my stomach.
"Everything is fine, Dean. I guess it has just been awhile that I have been out, since Jack."
Dean smiled and signaled a server over. I recognized her from town but Dean seemed to know her well. "Heya, Jo" Dean gleamed. "Hiya Dean" the attractive young and petite blonde girl said as she leaned down into the booth and gave Dean a kiss on the cheek. I felt a pain in my chest that I couldn't explain. "This is Cas, I met him and his (now dead) car yesterday." I waved hello and the girl enthusiastically shook my hand. Wow, she seems cheerful. "I'm Jo and Dean is like my fake older bro. Surprised to see him out and about, especially with a cute nerdy guy." Dean paused and I blushed. Well that explains their friendly relationship. Maybe this was a date? Dean awkwardly chuckled and placed our order of drinks.
Silence fell over our table swiftly after Jo left to get our drinks. "If you don't mind me asking, are y'a married or something?" I returned his comment with a surprised expression.
"Uh, no...no I'm not. Jack's mom is not in the picture and has not been since he was born. I'm just maneuvering being a single father and it is not as easy as it may seem, partially why I don't get out much."
Dean looked at me as if he were waiting for me to continue which I respected. I got lost in his glimmering green eyes as I attempted to push words out of my mouth. Dean must have noticed our growing staring contest and fell back into his seat more, making us both realize we were drawn to each other and were leaning over the table.
"Well, I am sorry to here that but it is better that Jack has people who want to be in life, people who care. And just from meeting you only a day ago I can tell you care and you are doing a hell of a job raising the kid." We both smiled wide at each other and I was now more sure that I was developing feelings for this stranger.
"So, Dean, you've seen my kid, my obnoxious brother, and my house and yet I know so little about you. Why relocate to such a small town?"
Dean shifted in his seat and I knew I was in for an interesting tale. "Well, it's only fair. Growing up it was mostly just me and Sammy. Da- John was there but not a great father. We moved around a lot after my mom passed in a house fire when I was four." He paused, and I almost regretted asking him because it was clear some bad memories were appearing again. Dean places his hand on top of mine and continues, "I've been a lot of places, Cas, but Sioux Falls just feels like home. I mean I got Bobby, Sammy, and a car garage waiting for me. I mean, hell, I even got some new friends, hopefully." Dean said that last line as if he were asking. "Yes, Dean, I'd consider this to be a blossoming friendship" I replied smiling forgetting our hands were now intertwined across the table. We both looked to our clasped hands and I thought I saw Dean blush. Then I finally caved.
"Dean, is this a date?"
My question may have caught Dean off because his eyes went a little wider and I immediately thought my bold assumption was inappropriate. Then he only squeezed my hand tighter. "I think this is whatever you want it to be, Cas" He grinned.
"I would like this to be a date, if that is alright. Though, I think we should take our time with this, whatever it may be." Dean chuckled and relaxed a bit, "I couldn't agree more." By now we were smiling and blushing so hard we surely looked like two middle schoolers. We didn't notice our drinks were on the table until Jo startled us by saying "Okay, lover boys. Two cold beers for y'a. Anything else I can get you two?"
Dean ordered himself something called a whiskey bacon burger and fries and I settled for my drink. I did reassure Dean that I'd take a fry if I wanted one and he grinned letting me know he did not mind. We sat with our drinks for a bit in a comfortable silence enjoying the surroundings of the crowded bar, hands still roped together.