Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

September 4th | 1:42am

Cas lied vigilant in his bed, sprawled out and out of it all but felt so panicky. He wasn't ready for school– he never was from the start. Everyone had got him so screwed up and he - himself - did too.

It was forthcoming of Senior year, he should be glad he was finally getting out of that hellhole, but he didn't feel anything but rage, weariness, and reverence.

He's dealt with the jocks and preps last year, what difference was this year going to make? He had a dealer not that long ago and his emotions were out of whack. He was tired, but he couldn't fall asleep and he didn't know why. Honestly, he liked to sleep, but he hated dreaming.

Like a poor soul

who was thrown into the lake

and finally climbed to the edge.

He drowned in drugs

and hid away.

Too terrified to face himself

and the things he has done.

School would start at around 8, but Cas wasn't ready to deal with the retched prison. No, he had an idea on how he was going to deal with it, the way he always did. He'd take pills or smoke a blunt while he blasted music in his ears, just lose himself in reality. No one would know or care. He didn't, so he expected everyone else not to.

He didn't plan on making it through anyways, he was going to off himself whenever he wanted to. What if he ends up dying twice like Vince Neil? That would never happen to him cause he was going to make damn sure of it.

His family didn't know what happened in one another's room cause they all believed in privacy. If anyone did know what he was doing he was pretty sure he would've been shipped off to ReHab. I'll never get better... Cas thought to himself, reminiscing on a song. He knew it, no matter how much he would laugh, smile, play around, and party. He never was going to get better.

He propped himself up on his elbows and looked up at the clock, the red digits blinking 2:34. He let out a sigh, not willing a groan. He tapped at the glass bottle of Bourbon Whiskey on his nightstand, watching the liquid swish around before plucking it unto his hand. He twisted the top off before taking a swig of it, despite the aching that will occur in the morning.

He was going to wait until he saw the sun peeking up from the horizon, incapable of sleeping now. He listened to the wind chimes sound out in the dead of night and stared up at the boring chipped white of his ceiling. He picked at his nail as he lied still and awake, nothing occupying his mind as he stared mindlessly.

He had no one except his family, but they always seemed so far away. They barely talked, just him and Gabriel. Lucifer and Michael were together despite them being family, but Cas didn't care who dated who as long as they were happy together though they nearly killed each other four years ago, now they're fucking each other and getting wasted together.

Though he didn't have friends, he had fuck buddies and dealers who - most of the time - pleased him enough. Yeah, everyone knew who he was, but that didn't mean that they took kindly to him at all. He'd receive names like 'whore', 'fuckboy', 'slut', 'crackhead', etc., but he couldn't care any less. He would take whatever drug that worked and do anyone who could do good in the bed without caring what anyone thought about him. Retrospectively, he feels encouraged.

"Tomorrow never dies, never matter who does...." He recalls a stranger saying before the day that they offed theirself. He never did forget that after two years of the incident. He never did get their name...

Cas glanced back up at the digital clock, 3:03am blinking back at him. With a 'fuck it', he sat up and kicked his legs off the bed before getting up. He stretched tiredly, his back popped at the action and made him groan aloud. He scratched at his messy black hair as he walked out of his room.

He pulled out a carton of cigarettes from his jacket pocket when he walked out the house into the night sky, the only source of light being a lamppost standing nearby and the moon. He flicked his lighter open and lit up a cig, placing the cancer stick to his lips and inhaling smoke, he'd hold it in before letting it go with a blow.

He glanced at the small shop that stood next to his house, thinking back to all the stolen things that came from there. He'd steal what he couldn't afford and use a fake ID to get what he wasn't allowed, he was like a dog scavenging around for scraps and anything to satisfy it's needs and wants.

His family didn't know except Gabriel and Lucifer, hell, Lucifer was the one who helped him make one (the fake ID) and Cas returned the favour by buying him condoms. Anna and Raphael would've killed them if they ever found out about what they did. But he is greatly muddled with how they don't suspect a thing about him with the way he is.

Cas took one last drag of his cig before throwing it down and booting it out, letting out a slow breath of the smoke. He stared out at the empty road, eyeing the broken glass shards that scattered the sides and the dead butts of cigarettes that lied disarrayed. His fingers twitched, itching for something familiar, but so far he has steered clear of it for a year.

He let out a sigh as he looked up at the dark sky, watching the stars shift slowly to behind him, before he turned back to head back inside, already missing the comforts of his bed. Maybe this time he could actually get some sleep in.

Stripping his jacket, he toed open his door, entering the dark room and tossing his jacket to the head of the bed. He tossed himself down onto his bed, a breath escaping his lips. He propped himself up on his elbows to steal a glance at the time, the red digits blinking 4:00am. Letting out a yawn, he smothered his face into his pillow and let his eyelids fall shut, welcoming him into the darkness.

Self-Esteem by The Offspring

Chapter Text

September 4th | 2:44AM

Dean tossed and turned in his bed, trying so hard to get well-off and get some sleep in, but nothing was working out for him and it was making him mad. He was already panicky enough, he didn't want to turn out like this, but his dreams were also keeping him up and inept of getting any rest.

He was going to start his Senior year tomorrow, but he wasn't sure if he was ever set, hell, he has never been set. This year was going to be immense and diverse, John wanted him out of the house by the time he finished his last year, but he was terrified to leave and he was going to miss Sam, the one who always stuck by his side and helped him through tough times. Of course, he felt bad for Sam helping him out, he already had his own problems and Dean was pretty sure that Sam was just doing it to be nice. He felt horrible for making Sam carry his burdens and problems.

He reminisced on memories and thought about the future, he wasn't ready at all. Where was he going to go? What if Bobby makes him find a different job? What if John goes after Sam in his drunken moments? Oh god, what if he got jumped by a bunch of thugs?! He needed to calm down, but he couldn't stop thinking of what could happen. I'll be okay, I can make it through... He tried to convince himself as he clutched his chest tightly and steadied his breathing. Now wasn't a time to have a fucking panic attack.

Dean let out a breath before looking up at his digital clock, it blinking 2:46AM in red. God, was he ever going to get any sleep? He was going to need it for when school starts. He didn't want to go back, but he knew he had to do his years and get through long enough to live on his own. Sammy told Dean that they'll both be okay, told him to be sure to come by every once in a while.

He squirmed around some more, trying to think of something else that could possibly ease his mind and help him sleep. He honestly didn't want to result to sleeping pills, having been prescribed one too many different prescriptions. 

John had expectations for Dean. He wanted Dean to have a girlfriend who'd be housewife material and wanted him to work as an animal hunter, but Dean's too terrified to tell him all the things he wanted. John was homophobic and sneered at all the things Dean liked. When Dean had brought his friend, Charlie, over, John actually thought she was his girlfriend and he had confronted the two about it and embarrassed Dean. Charlie knew something about Dean that John didn't, and she knew better to ever tell him too.

To be honest, Dean was terrified of what John could do to him, having gotten into arguments with him. Dean had developed some of John's anger issues, which wasn't a good thing, especially if he were to lose his temper. They make pills for those, but he can't recall all the ones he has.

Dean picked at his fingers as he laid on his side, staring at the pale cream colour of the wall that was littered with posters and random drawings. What if I could be a musician? He thought as he looked over his Aerosmith poster, the thought making him dwell on the good part of getting out and making a life of his own without his dad's expectations getting in the way. Maybe he could make a band of his own, and maybe Charlie and Jo will join him. He could jump band to band with a single instrument, he's seen some famous members of bands who do that.

You're not going to make it, Dean. You're too much a wimp to do something like that. You're not going to even live that long, what makes you think you can accomplish that? Dean placed his hands over his ears and quivered, tears starting to build up already. When was it going to end? No, he needed them now.

Dean quickly got up, out of bed, and went straight to his closet, rummaging through to find the bag he kept all his pill bottles in. He fished out a bottle of Amytal and Deliriants, glad he could find them since he usually misplaces everything. He swiftly popped the tops off of them before taking two of each and downing them dryly.

He gagged slightly and grimaced before placing the bottles back into the bag, they didn't take long to kick in so he headed out of his room. He walked across the hall to the bathroom, not bothering to switch the lights on cause he knew that would give him a headache. He picked up the glass cup that stood on the sink counter, turning the tap on and pouring him a glass of water. He tipped the glass up and chugged down half the glass before taking a breather.

He settled the glass down with a clink before looking at himself in the mirror. The bags beneath his eyes were already becoming noticeable, he hasn't gotten enough sleep in the past week, startled up around 12 and kept so late, up around 3. He hated it, he wanted nothing more than to sleep peacefully without any nightmares or voices trying to speak to him.

Snatching his attention, he heard soft paddings of someone coming closer. He hoped it wasn't John cause he knew that he would get mad and spit names at him. He was lucky to see Sam come in, but now he felt guilty for waking him up with his problems. "Dean...?" He heard his soft voice call out in a whisper. He looked up to see his little brother standing at the door with a small frown and worried eyes.

"Sorry, Sammy.... Go back to sleep..." Dean said, keeping his face hidden from Sam. Sam ignored him and stepped into the bathroom, standing near Dean. He wrapped his arms around his big brother, "it's okay, Dean. I'm here for you." Dean felt tears brim his eyes at his words, hating himself and loving his brother. No matter what, Sam was always there for him, never leaving his side. Dean hated it cause he knew that he was keeping Sam from going out and having friends, he was practically chained to Dean and Dean hated it. He hated himself for having damn mental problems.

Dean let out a sob, tears falling down more. He was acting like a baby in front of his little brother again, he was the one who was supposed to look after his baby brother, not the other way around. "I'm sorry, Sammy..." He spoke as he wrapped his arms around Sam. "For what?" Sam asked, not letting go of Dean.

"You know what... All I ever did was keep you awake and from making any friends...." he muttered as another sob broke out. He felt Sam clutch him tighter. "I don't care about that, as long as I can comfort you and keep you here...." His voice caught in his throat. Dean knows exactly why and he regretted that stunt he pulled back then, he was tempted to try again for what he was doing to Sam.

He wanted Sam to live his life and not worry about him, he wanted Sam to forget him and wanted John to get better for Sam.

"I'm okay, Sammy..." he sobbed lightly, trying to make his heart calm down. He could feel drowsiness sweep over him and he let out a yawn, still holding onto Sam. His chin rested on Sam's shoulder and he could feel himself become weak. Sam gripped him harder as he felt his brother slowly go limp in his arms.

Sam knew about all the pills and problems that have been circling Dean like a wolf would a rabbit. His heart ached when he thought about what ran through his brother's head. He knew Dean had fallen asleep now, having gone completely limp and letting out even breaths. He gently lifted Dean up and hauled him to his room, gently placing him on his bed and pulling the sheets up to cover him up. He glanced at the closet, seeing as it was open and closed it. He looked over his brother's tired figure before quietly walking out, shutting the door behind him silently.

"Love you, Dean...." he whispered, knowing he didn't hear him, he hopes Dean knows he loves him too.

Waiting by Alice Boman

Chapter Text

September 4th | 6:10AM

Cas woke up with a start as his alarm screamed next to his head, making him gasp lightly and groan aloud, rubbing his eyes tiredly and pinching the bridge of his nose. He reached over to slap a hand over his alarm clock, shutting the wretched thing off.

He heaved himself onto his stomach and reached his hands under his pillow to press it against his face, not wanting to get up. No, he wasn't going to get up, he was going to sleep some more and finally get up in half an hour.

Like usual, Davie and Nick did their usual morning count with a "Good Morning, Des Plaines! Nick and I here to bring all the news we've dug up!" Then it continues off, but it sounded like mumbling to Cas and he didn't really care. He'd close his eyes and get some sleep in, even just for a couple of minutes.

He could hear soft murmuring outside his door and footfalls walking pass by, obviously heading to the kitchen where everyone gathered up and ate breakfast. He could hear the said movements of someone entering his room swiftly and shutting it quietly behind them. Gabriel, he knew cause Gabriel was the only one, aside from Lucifer, who'd come in.

Cas let out a small groan as he felt a finger poke at his cheek, bringing a hand up to wipe away the sweet-toothed teen. "Mmm... No, go away...." he groaned. "C'mon, you gotta get up, it's already 6:45," Gabriel spoke as he continued to poke Cas' cheek, the other reaching into his jacket pocket to pull out a sucker. "Breakfast?" he questioned rhetorically as he slid the sucker beneath the slobbered-on pillow.

Finally turning over, Cas gave Gabe an incredulous look. "Already?" he asked, squinting his eyes. Gabe nodded in reply, "yeah, and I'm sure you don't wanna miss your schedule." Cas pulled his arm out from beneath his pillow and threw them over his face, letting out another groan.

"I wouldn't care, but I need to make damn sure they gave me a free period..." he spoke, but mostly sounding muffled. "Lucky, I'm stuck in pointless classes," Gabriel complained. Yeah, being a Sophomore meant having to take all the "necessary" classes (algebra, English, history, physical science (gym if he's lucky)). Senior had its perks and Cas had already taken both years of gym, the horrible class where you were forced to play "fun games" of dodgeball.

Now that he has thought about it, he wasn't going to deal with much. He signed up for Visual Arts, French, Art, and Drama. He was sure to have a free period or two his last year since he never really joined any clubs. Plus, they didn't really give all the "necessary classes'' if you were a Senior.

"Well, c'mon before you become late," Gabriel said as he turned to walk out of Cas' room. "Also, might wanna take a break from you-know-what cause by the first day of next month they're gonna start checking handfuls of people..." Gabriel warned wearily. Cas nodded slowly in response, "right..."

He reached around tiredly for his phone, wanting to put some music on to give him some motivation to get up and dressed. School was going to be shit and so was everyone else, honestly, he didn't want to deal with the outside world, he just wanted to sleep, drink, and get high.

Lazily, Cas dragged himself out of bed and walked across his room to look through his closet for some clean clothes to wear.

Black boxers, dark ripped jeans, a Cigarettes After Sex shirt, and a dark flannel. And to be honest, that was Cas' lazy clothes, which he was, basically, always lazy. No , he wasn't lazy, he just didn't like doing things he didn't want to do.

"7:25!" He hears Gabriel's voice call out. Without rush, Cas changed into his choice of clothing before grabbing his bag from beside his closet. Quickly, he searched for a book to read, settling on just rereading Heroin Diaries . He looked back to see if he was forgetting anything else, going swiftly for his pack of gum and earbuds, nearly forgetting to get his keys.

That was it, then he was out the door, walking out and looking past his family. "Breakfast?" Michael asked as he spotted Cas passing by without a word. In response, Cas pulled out the sucker Gabriel had given him and left the house. He walked to his station wagon before hopping into it, pulling his keys out of his pocket and starting his car up.

He pulled out of the gravel driveway and made it off down the road to the high school. He turned up his radio, a mixtape already being in and playing Nirvana . It was a calming drive, not a lot of people on the road, maybe a few cars would pass by, they'd head their separate ways and just forget each other. It was early September and the weather was pretty good, the past month was shit and he'd stayed inside all day, every day. Finally, the weather had let up and cooled down some. Maybe Cas'll get out more, he didn't know.

Like always, the highschool was never far from where he lived, maybe a mile or a mile and a half, he didn't care to know how far it was, just that he got there. Time didn't matter, if he was late then oh well , he didn't care.

He'd pull up in the lot of the high school and park in the spot he owned since last year and just let it settle there, letting his music play and prepared himself for the hell that awaited him. He let out a sigh as he finally turned off the ignition and pocketed his key. He grabbed his bag and moved to push the door open, stepping out and locking his Station wagon.

Turning around and gazing at the school building, Cas slung his bag over his shoulder and turned his gaze down to the asphalt before willing himself to take those steps to the wretched building.

No one there to wait for him or say good morning to him, but that was okay, he didn't mind... Everyone looked miserable and happy at the same time, glad to see all their friends and despising ever going to school. He dreamt of having someone waiting up on him and joking about how he's so slow to get to school, exaggerating minutes to hours of waiting upon him, smiling toothily and dumbly.

Cas didn't allow himself to think any further of that dream and just walked ahead to the school building. Teachers waited outside to look out for students, seeing who's skipping and who's doing what, but mostly looked to the other and talked about what's been going or what's going to happen.

Mornings were given as he passed by and walked into the building, he made his way to the gymnasium where everyone waited for their schedule. There were multiple tables everywhere with two teachers at each to pass out schedules to students that were at their table. It was going to be a long morning before they would get to their actual classes, it was going to be a half-day and all their classes were cut short.

He looked around to see if he recognized anyone, gazing to the left then to the right and behind him. He noticed the small figure of his brother, Gabriel, waving at him maniacally, a sucker already in his mouth. Meg, Crowley, Anne, Balthazar, Raphael, and Adam. There were many others, but listing them all off would be like counting all the branches on a tree, so he just stuck with counting the ones he knew, sorta, personally.

Meg was something of a slut, he had banged her before and she gave way to Benny who provided him with some stuff that druggies would kill for. Crowley was an asshat who got a bunch of random jocks to gang him cause apparently Cas said and did something wrong. Raphael had got Cas in trouble with the cops cause he vandalised the side of a building, also, Cas had gotten into a disagreement with him and they both ended up getting into a fight.

Cas barely knew any good people, nearly everyone was a slut or a sports player or some big brainy who won trophies from tournaments. All were a bunch of cocksuckers. Goody two-shoes. Clean whores. Filthy mutts. Cas was none of them except for the filthy mutt, he was the filthiest of them all and he'd pride it.

He didn't know why he does all the things he does, he just didn't know how it came to be this way. All he knew was that life tired him out and makes him yearn for drugs that draws him away from the nausea he feels every time without them. Guess he should've taken something before coming to school, he wasn't stupid enough to carry any unprescribed pills or whiskey in his bag.

Lots of people loved bringing things they shouldn't to the building, making authorities ring out the K9s and be given rights to everyone's personal belongings. Damn, and he's been questioning why he didn't bring his stuff but finally remembering why. They usually brought stuff like that to brag off about it.

***

Castiel let out a sigh as he sat himself down on the bottom set of the bleacher, like everyone else who got their schedule, waiting till the principal shows up to give a "welcoming" speech.

He'd look over his schedule, pretty impressed with what he had and who he had.

• Room 202 -     Mechanics     - Mr. Singer
• Room 108 -        Drama        - Mrs. Audrey
• Room 220 -   Photography   - Mr. Tanner
• Room 241 -     Computer      - Mr. Böldwen

                   — Lunch Block —

• Room 319 -     Free Block     - Mrs. Lesley
• Room 319 -     Free Block     - Mrs. Lesley
• Room 666 -       Art Club        - Mr. Charles
• Room 313 - Public Speaking - Mrs. Casslie

Free block was held in the library, he knew not a lot of people would be in there since they're usually off making videos for the school news. Some people wanted him to be in it due to some of his speeches and projects, but he refused the offer.

A lot of people take him as that one person who fails all his classes and does nothing but sleep and do drugs. They weren't wrong about the latter, but they were wrong about him being a dunce. He aced all his classes just to earn himself some freedom during school. To him, it wasn't anything too special. He wasn't special or better than anyone.

A little while after, the principal and assistance made their way up the stage, ready to give their warm welcoming for any exchanged students then give some "grand" speech for everyone. They went on about some new policies, new rules, ridden rules, etc.

In the end, everyone was dismissed to their classes once announcements were done and over with.

Twist and Shout by The Beatles

Chapter Text

September 4th | 5:46AM

Dean jolted at the sound of his alarm going off, blaring on the nightstand by his bed. He let out a groan before reaching out a hand to smack the clock off. He leaned up to check the time, reading the flashing red digits; 5:47AM.

He had to get up earlier since he had to wake Sam up cause John was essentially never home. He blessed that though. Without another thought, Dean soon got up, stretching and letting out a groan.

He'd swiftly change into a fresh pair of clothes; a pair of jeans over a pair of black boxers, an Aerosmith shirt, a flannel over his shirt, then his leather jacket. He'd throw on his shoes before making his way out of his room then down the flight of steps.

He usually made breakfast for him and Sam, he actually became pretty great at cooking due to the myriad times he had to.

He'd make some scrambled eggs, bacon, and brewed some coffee. He let out a content sigh as the pleasant scent invaded his senses. He couldn't say that he was the best, but he knew people enjoyed his cooking.

With a little pep in his step, Dean made his way back upstairs to wake Sam. Swiftly passing some baby pictures that were saved, portraits hanging on the walls.

Quietly, he opened the stainless, pallid door and strode in, making his way over to the bed Sam lied asleep in.

Sam looked so tranquil when he was dormant, Dean didn't want to wake him, but he knew he had to. He had future plans for his little brother. He was going to take Sam away from this place and keep him at his place. He hated what he had to go through, all the hostility and repugnance.

Dean let out a sigh before jarring Sam lightly awake. "Come one, Sammy. Gotta wake up," he whispered. Sam had shifted slightly before slowly peeling his eyes open with a groan, a hand unconsciously balling up and coming up to rub his eyes wearily. Dean smiled faintly, " morning, sunshine." A small smile spread across Sam's lip. "Mornin', De," he greeted.

Standing back up, Dean took a step back. "Come on, I made breakfast," he announced before disappearing out into the hall, leaving Sam to get dressed and ready.

It wasn't much longer until Sam, fully dressed with a tired look, was coming down and taking a seat at the dining table. Breakfast was already set out on the table, ready for Sam to dig in. "Whatcha want to drink?" Dean asked, looking to Sam as he reclined against the counter. " Coffee," Sam croaked.

Dean set out two mugs before pouring the freshly brewed coffee into them. He'd set one mug down in front of Sam then sat down across from him. He took a sip of his coffee before digging into his own breakfast.

"Amazing as always, De," Sam complimented, an appreciative smile on his face. Dean grinned, quickly glancing down then back up to his little brother, "thanks."

Half expectantly, Dean's phone went off in his pocket, alerting him of a call. He dug out the cellular device and checked who was calling. Of course, John Winchester.

Sam had looked up expectantly, wondering who it was, half guessing their dad. "Dad," Dean spoke before answering the call. "Yeah?" he questioned.

It was silent for Sam, aside from Dean's line of speaking from time-to-time. Then the line went dead. Dean shook his head as though bad news had arisen. "He'll be back by next week..." he announced. Then silence filled the room.

***

The Winchesters were now in the Impala, Dean driving them to the high school.

His heart was pounding in his chest, he felt so nervous and sick. He was mentally unprepared on his first day back. Senior year— his last year before he is sent off to live on his own. 

Sam must have noticed just how nervous Dean was as he placed a hand on his older brother's shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "It's going to be okay, Dean. Trust me, plus, I'm sure you have a free period," Sam tried to console. Dean nodded along, trying to think up more reasons not to be so worried and incapable. 

Dean let out a sigh, he couldn't be letting this get to him. He's supposed to be happy that he was close to living on his own. No, this wasn't going to bring him down– not today.

"I'm good, Sammy," he breathed, turning to look at his little brother and give him a reassuring smile. Sam returned the smile, his dimples making an appearance. Sam patted his shoulder, letting him know that it was all going to be okay.

Hell, Dean was supposed to be consoling Sam– not the other way around. But it did feel good to know that his little brother always looked out for him when he was left vulnerable.

Once at the school, Dean cut the engine to the Impala.

The boys stepped out then walked the distance to the school doors, being greeted by tired and "devoted" teachers. Their friends should be there soon to give them much more motivation and courage like they usually did.

***

Dean and Sam had to part ways since they were both in different grades, but it's not like they were in separate rooms or anything, sets of tables were labelled with Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior.

It would be a while before either of them got their schedule since there were thousands of students in the gymnasium.

Dean had looked around to see if he recognized anyone. Of course, there was Charlie who looked as though she's ready to leave. Jo was mindlessly looking around until she caught Dean's eyes, a small uplifting her cheeks and making her give a small wave to him.

There were many more, but he barely knew them, he didn't care to get to know anyone else.

He'd spot out Crowley, the walking, talking drama-show of the school. Lisa, a girl he had dated who then left him to get back with her older boyfriend. Ash, Jo's brother, who knew a lot about hacking into things like Charlie, but he was a polar opposite to the redhead.

Then there's Garth, Anna, Adam, and Benny. Guess he did know more than he thought.

And then there was Castiel. He didn't know him, but he always looked like he didn't want to be at school at all. Something about him made him different from everyone else— but what?

He simply had short, black hair. Bright blue eyes. Was an inch or two smaller than him. Wore comfy looking clothes. But he always seemed so distant...

Dean turned his attention back ahead of him, feeling his legs get tired from standing a while. At least he didn't have to wait too long since the line was dying down.

Wonder how Sammy is holding up , he thought to himself.

***

Dean was glad to be out of the dreaded line and to be able to finally sit down and let his legs take a break. He'd glance at the crowd, waiting for his friends and Sam to join him so that they check each other's schedule.

He scanned over the classes he had for this year, his heart lightly racing in his chest.

• Room 202   -     Mechanics       -  Mr. Singer
• Room 108   -        Drama           -   Mrs. Audrey
• Room 219   -      Computer       -   Mrs. Anne
• Room 220   -    Photography   -   Mr. Tanner

                     —    Lunch Block   —

• Room 313   - Public Speaking -  Mrs. Casslie
• Room 319   -     Free Block       -  Mrs. Lesley
• Room 666   -       Art Club          -  Mr. Charles
• Room 319   -     Free Block        -  Mrs. Lesley

Mentally fist-bumping the air because he had two free periods, a small smile crept onto Dean's lips.

"You seem happy about your classes, Dean," Charlie interrupted Dean's train of thoughts, making him jump at the suddenness. Dean let out a small laugh, nodding, "yeah, it's just that I have two free periods, which is better than one."

"Lucky, I have to deal with Mrs. Millie," Sam chimed in, waving his schedule about. "What classes do you have, Sam?" Dean questioned, eyeing the piece of paper. Sam handed him the schedule.

• Room 219   -        Computer         -  Mrs. Anne
• Room 213   -         Algebra Ⅱ         -   Mr. Bower
• Room 313   -  Public Speaking   -  Mrs. Casslie    
• Room 169   -         Home Ec.         -   Mrs. Millie

                      —    Lunch Block   —

• Room 240   -         English Ⅱ          -  Mr. Wilson
• Room 111   -            Gym               -  Mrs. Steven
• Room 190   -     Phys. Science     -  Mr. Stine
• Room 108   -          Drama             -  Mrs. Audrey

Charlie had looked over Dean's shoulder as they scanned the paper. Charlie let out a short, loud laugh, drawing some attention to them. "I remember Mrs. Millie, she made us put condoms on bananas so we could learn "protection", it was hilarious!"

Sam let out a small groan, "did everyone have to do?" Charlie nodded with a shit-eating grin, earning another groan from Sam.

A little while after most students had gotten their schedule, the principal and assistance started an open ceremony. Like every year, they announced events that will happen during the first month, pestering everyone with rules.

Most paid attention to what the staff had to say, but Dean couldn't help but glance at the mystery guy, Castiel. 

Daddy Issues by The Neighborhood

Chapter Text

September 4th | 1:37pm

Classes went by swiftly, barely any progress made in any past classes—which students were very grateful for since all their classes had lasted for about 20minutes that day.

Cas must've been stuck in the library for more than half an hour since he had a free block for two classes in a row, so he wasn't going to have anything to do anyways except read a book, doodle in his sketchbook, or take short naps in between.

He could've interrogated some of his older teachers, but he knew that would've made him look high and mighty and stuck up. He was anything but that, plus, it would've been weird and awkward.

What made his free block all the more boring was that no one ever talks to him, that and he never cared to engage in any conversations with anyone.

Cas didn't pay any attention to whoever walked in, his pencil continued to draw small flies on his sketch paper. His attention snapped up to the person who braved a seat in front of him, wondering who in their right mind would sit across from him.

It was the boy from his first two classes; Mechanics and Drama. Dean Winchester. The boy with anger issues. The boy that all the girls seemed to dispute over.

The guy's gay anyway, or at least bi... Cas thought to himself before flicking his eyes back down to his paper, ignoring the newcomer.

Hell, Dean probably sat in front of him just to pick a fight with him cause he didn't look like everyone else. Well, probably not, but he just looks like the type of person who would.

Dean was probably a football star. A man-whore. Or a stuck-up prick. 

"You're Castiel, right?" Dean finally spoke up, catching the person in question's attention.

Cas knew he wasn't going to be able to avoid him and looked up to meet Dean. "Yeah. What?"

Dean must've been a bit affronted by the tome of the question if the soft pinch between his brows didn't indicate anything.

"Well, I was told by Meg to find you and tell you about the party if you forgot about it," Dean spoke, subconsciously  picking at his nail. 

Ah, the party. Nearly forgot about those.

At the beginning of every school year, Meg would hold a party at her house cause her parents would always go off to Paris or Colorado just to get away and enjoy themselves. Every party had a bunch of illegal stuff cause she was friends with a bunch of older chics and guys—also, her family was rich.

Cas went to all the parties cause he never had anything to do, but instead he has a job now. He didn't have to work today or tomorrow, so he was clear.

"Yeah, I remember now," Cas acknowledged, going back to drawing on his sketch paper, this time drawing piles of shit. 

Dean hadn't left yet. Damn, how long does he plan on sticking around? Cas couldn't help but catch Dean watching him draw like he had nothing to do either. If he was going to judge, couldn't he just go ahead and say something?

"So, how long are you going to be in here?" Dean questioned. God, leave already. Cas inwardly groaned before sitting back in the wooden chair. 

"Not for much longer, I'm gone by next block," Cas returned, a spiteful smile on his face and a brow raised. "You?" he questioned.

Dean shrugged, "same here. What class do you have next?" Another question. Cas was sure Dean wasn't going to leave him alone any time soon.

"Art," he answered. "Exactly, how long are going to stick around?" he wondered aloud, but there was no taking it back now and he didn't regret asking it.

Dean gave him a questionable look like Cas had said something wrong. "What, you got a problem or something?" he questioned, brows furrowed.

Cas shrugged, "I don't know who you are. So, why are you talking to me?" 

Castiel knew the steps to become a complete asshole and make people stop talking to him. Sadly, they never fail to disappoint him.

Dean sat back in his chair. "Well, sorry if I was trying to make conversation," he spoke with a hint of sarcasm. He didn't care, he was like the rest.

"Well, it's annoying," Cas muttered, glaring at the boy across from him.

"Screw you," Dean muttered.

"Aw, did I hurt your feelings? Or your ego?" Cas carelessly smirked, raising a brow.

To be honest, that was a good look on Cas. Dean thought it was pretty sexy but he also hated it so much that he wanted to punch it off of his face.

Dean reached across the table to fist the front of Castiel's shirt in his hand, yanking him forward. "Shut the hell up," he growled.

Cas still had that snarky look on his face, like he knew he was pushing the right buttons. "What are you gonna do, huh? Punch me? Beat me up?" Cas smirked. He must be crazy, but he sorta gets his kicks off on this.

Dean must've known what Cas was trying as he let his grip slip from the boy and sat back down. Castiel doing the same.

"They were right," Dean muttered, which earned a curious look from Cas, but the bell was ringing before another word was spoken between them.

Cas was already packing his things, taking his precious time as Dean was already making his way out of the library. 

He couldn't help but look to Dean, curious about the boy and wanting very much to mess with his temper. Letting out a sigh, he slung his bag over his shoulders and made his way out the other door.

Cas hated the crowded halls, everyone was always bunched up together and got in the way—on one occasion, it got him 5minutes late to his English class.

Once he made it to his Art class, he took the seat in the back corner where the windows shined a light into the room. Half the class was already seated, teens talking to their friends while most rushed in to avoid the late bell.

Cas had propped his chin on his hand as he looked out the window, watching the cars go by and few neighbouring people walking with dogs.

The bell rang, alarming any late teens. The teacher was stood in front of the whiteboard, ready to give a warm welcoming until the door opened.

Looking up to see who it was, Castiel's eyes widened to see the guy he had pissed off in the library, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. This is going to be fun.

"Dean, glad to have you in my class," Mr. Charles spoke sarcastically. "Take a seat," he demanded, a hand directing him towards the many desks.

Every seat was taken except the one beside Cas. Coincidence? Dean was walking down the isles of desks, searching for an empty one until he finally came upon Castiel.

Castiel's and Dean's eyes met, Dean glaring as he saw the smirk on Castiel's lips. "Son of a bitch," Dean huffed before taking the only seat left next to Cas. It was either Castiel's lucky day or a star-crossed day—he had to deal with this jock and get to kinda terrorize him. 

Guess it’s two sides of the same coin or some shit, Cas thought to himself before looking back out the window.

He could feel the other guy's stare on him, making him feel a bit uncomfortable. He turned to look back at Dean. "Like what you see? Take a picture" he smirked, looking Dean up and down before winking at him.

"Shut up," Dean murmured before turning his gaze away from Cas, deciding to stare down at his fingers as he felt his face become warm from the blush.

A couple of minutes of silence went by, the only speaking was the teacher talking about what would happen in Art. That was until Dean finally spoke up.

"Do you hate me or something?" Dean questioned as he looked at Cas, wanting to find out why Cas was being an ass when he has done nothing wrong.

Cas only shrugged, chin still propped on his palm as he looked ahead.

"Did I do something to make you hate me?" Dean pushed, hoping to fix up the bridge they've burned already. Brick by boring brick.

As soon as Cas opened his mouth to give Dean some half-assed-baked excuse, the bell was ringing, dismissing everyone from their classes.

Cas smirked to himself before getting up and leaving, leaving Dean frustrated and anxious before he, too, got up to leave.

What’s his problem? Dean wondered to himself as he low-key followed Castiel.

Castiel didn't share his last class with Dean, the only familiar faces he knew was Meg Master's and Adam Milligan's.

He must've caught Meg's attention as he saw a small grin on her face, the two making eye contact. Meg was making her way to Castiel's desk, taking the chair from the side and moving it next to his desk. She took a seat and crossed her arms on Castiel's desk.

"Hey, Clarence," she spoke like a snake. It always sounded like she was up to no good.

"So, I'm sure you've met Dean," she rose a brow, a small smirk on her face.

"Yeah, I met Dean. Sadly, he's in my Art class too," he said, a grim look on his face. He wasn't sure to be excited about that or think of it as something horrible.

He couldn't lie, Dean was pretty hot and seemed like he would do good in bed. But, who knew?

"Aww, lighten up, he ain't that bad," Meg looked down at her black polished nails. "He just has a crappy life," she added in a near whisper.

Cas raised a brow but decided not to question it cause it wasn't his business.

"Anyways, you coming to my party?" she asked, looking up at Cas with a raised brow.

Cas gave her a small smile, "sure, not like I got anything to do today or tomorrow." 

"Dean's gonna be there too, y'know, " Meg included. Cas didn't care, he was going to indulge himself in free alcohol and drugs despite Gabriel's warning.

He shrugged, "oh well." 

Chapter Text

September 4th | 11:29am

Sam swears up and down that Seniors are just assholes to be assholes– not for popularity or the girls. He just hopes that he doesn't come into contact with another Senior unless it's Dean.

He let out a sigh as he made his way into the gymnasium without getting into another scuffle, a small smile on his lips as he took the time to remember that this was his last semester of partaking in sweaty activities with perspiring teens with inhumane sweat glands and irrepressible hormones.

Standing imminent to the group of boys and girls, he waited– just like everyone– on the coach to appear and give some speech about how gym is necessary to keep people healthy and fit though no one cares and rather do so on their own duration.

"Well, if it isn't Dean's little brother–" a voice called out, catching Sam's attention immediately.

At first, an unsettling feeling was in Sam's chest until he realized that it was only Gabriel who was ten feet shorter than him (not literally though, but close). 

"It's Sam," he interrupted, tired of being called Dean's little brother or the youngest Winchester. It's not that he's against it, he just kinda wished that people would call him by his name and be known for who he is — not for who his brother is.

Gabriel quirked a brow, like what Sam had said hadn't processed in his mind. "What?" he questioned.

"My name's Sam," Sam returned, crossing his arm and looking down at the trickster.

"Now, what do you want?" he queried.

It's not every day that The Trickster would just simply talk just to talk, there was always something up his sleeves.

"Oh, c'mon, Samantha, I just wanted to talk," Gabriel spoke smoothly as he stalked closer to the taller teen.

"Sure," Sam groaned lightly, uncrossing his arms and shoving his hands into his pockets, waiting for Gabriel to speak up with an expectant look on his face.

"You're such a grump," Gabriel grinned, earning a glare from Sam. "Anyways, I noticed that we had Public Speaking together and gym," he stated, tossing his bag off his shoulder and began digging through it.

"And?" Sam questioned.

Gabriel pulled out his wrinkled schedule before waving it in Sam's face. "I just wanted to see if we had other classes together," he spoke, a hopeful look on his face that Sam did not like.

Gabe wasn't a bad person or anything, but people kind of made him out to seem like his tricks are extreme and it kinda set Sam off. It just feels like Gabe would be the kind of person to unrelentingly flirt and touch whoever he was messing with– which made Sam uncomfortable.

Sam had taken the schedule paper before scanning over it.

·Room 190   -  Phys. Science -   Mr. Stine

·Room 169   -   Home Ec.   -   Mrs. Millie

·Room 313 -Public Speaking- Mrs. Casslie

·Room 241   -  Computer   -  Mr. Böldwen

  —    Lunch Block   —

·Room 213   -    Algebra Ⅱ  -    Mr. Bower

·Room 111   -    Gym       -   Mrs. Steven

·Room 240   -   English Ⅱ   -   Mr. Wilson

·Room 108   -   Drama     -   Mrs. Audrey

With an internal groan and "hm", Sam handed Gabe back the schedule. He could feel the eternal dread set upon him– this was going to be a long year.

"What about your schedule, huh?" Gabe asked, a brow quirked and an eager look on his face.

Sam looked at him in disbelief, not really wanting to show him his schedule.

Before they knew it, the bell was ringing, alarming everyone to head to their next class.

With a sigh of relief, Sam began heading out.

Gabriel had caught up with Sam, striding next to him. "So, what class do you have next?" he questioned, a sorta dejected look on his face cause that he didn't get a chance to see Sam's schedule. 

Why's he so eager? Sam wondered as he continued to walk down the swarming hall, Gabriel tailing him. 

"Physical Science," he acknowledged, glancing back at Gabe. 

"Oh, okay- I have English next," he returned with a small smile.

Gabriel began digging through his jacket pocket before pulling out a root beer dumdum. "Want a sucker?" he questioned, showing the sucker off to Sam.

Sam rose a questioning brow before hesitantly taking the sucker. "Sure, but if you did something to it, I swear I will hunt you down and make you pay," he warned, glancing back between the trickster and the sucker.

"I would never add anything to my suckers," Gabe fussed before pulling another sucker out– this time cherry.

Sam hummed before sticking the sucker in his jacket pocket, wanting to save it for later. A small smile ghosted on his lips as his mind sauntering on the kind act.

"Welp, this is my stop," Gabriel spoke up, jabbing his thumb in the direction of his class.

"Oh, okay, " Sam uttered, a strange feeling lingering in his chest as he watched Gabriel walk away. He then went back to making his way to his Phys. class, feeling bored all of a sudden now.

****

It was only less than 40minutes, but to Sam, it felt like an hour of being stuck in Phys. Science. By the time the bell was ringing, Sam felt relief as he found out it was last period next.

Drama was his last period and Gabriel had Drama too— he wasn't sure if he should feel dread from what everyone says about him or joy that he won't be stuck bored in his class.

Gabriel didn't seem like he would hurt anyone or try to make them uncomfortable, maybe everyone just exaggerates things about him or lie like the always did. He won't know until he hangs around him for a while.

Sam was making his way down the crowded halls, not paying any mind to anyone, but the sudden feeling of someone hooking their arm with his hand immediately captures his awareness.

"Heya, Sammy!" Gabriel's voice rings out, like reassurance for Sam to know that it was only him and not another Senior or dick.

"A simple 'hey' would've been better," Sam grumbled, his left arm still hooked with Gabe's like he didn't mind.

"Oh... Well, hey, then," Gabriel greeted once more as he looked up at Sam with a cheeky grin. Sam couldn't help but smile back at him.

"So, what classes do you have next?" Gabe questioned.

Sam let out a sigh, knowing that Gabriel was going to know sooner or later. 

"Drama," he spoke in a near whisper.

"Yay! We'll be sharing Drama!" Gabriel beamed happily, a small prep in his step like he was almost skipping next to Sam.

Sam rolled his eyes, a faint smile still on his lips. The thud in his chest felt strange, the feeling lingering there, but he paid it no mind. 

Small conversation was spoken between the two boys as they made their way into the large Drama room.

Sam could feel himself become more comfortable with Gabriel and he was enjoying the trickster's company.

Gabriel was funny, sweet, handsome, and caring– he didn't match any of the descriptions of what everyone has said about him. He's probably misunderstood and needed someone who wasn't so quick to dismiss him cause of what everyone says.

Sam looked forth to the times he would be with Gabriel.