Clipped Wings

[SIX] Silent Night

"So, uh, this is the bathroom. And, here's the kitchen... and here's the living room— even though it's quite small and only really has a couch and a t.v. But, that's apartments for ya." Dean chuckled.

Cas insisted on Dean giving him a tour of his apartment when they arrived. Cas could've figured it out by himself, but he wanted to learn more about Dean. He didn't want Dean to pretend he was a stranger.

Cas just nodded and smiled as Dean showed him around his tight, small but homey apartment flat. It was quite colorful, actually. Dean had posters and paintings of cars with girls, with custom wallpaper than just seemed to fit Dean's hidden personality. He realized Dean didn't have any Christmas decorations displayed, but decided to ask about it later.

"But, yeah. That's about it." Dean said, clasping his hands together.

Cas smiled with a nod, his eyes flickering around the room. "It's very nice in here. And warm."

"Yeah." Dean breathed, his lips quirking into a smile.

"Thanks... thanks for taking me— here. I mean, somewhere besides in the snow." Cas thanked, shyly.

"Well, I couldn't have left you out there all by yourself. Everyone needs a friend, especially around this time of year."

Friend. Cas smiled to himself. His first human friend.

Dean cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose I could get you some blankets and a pillow. I hope you don't mind sleeping on the couch?"

Cas shook his head. "I would even be happy with sleeping on the ground. Thank you, you humans are so... generous."

"Riiiight." Dean said with a goofy smile. "I'll be right back."

While Dean searched his bedroom closest for a spare blanket, Cas walked over to the couch and sat down. The couch was a little stiff, but it would do just perfectly. Next to the couch was a square end table with a half empty beer bottle and a framed photo. Cas picked up the frame. It was a photo of a younger looking Dean, about 20, and another boy with shaggy brown hair. The younger boy had a black gown and a black square hat on. They both looked happy, standing next to each other with wide, toothy smiles. Cas recognized them both.

"Oh, whoops. Sorry, I don't usually have guests." Dean said, coming back with a thick blanket. He swiped the beer bottle from the table and brought it to the kitchen.

"Is this your brother in the black gown in this photo?" Cas asked, when Dean walked back into the living room.

Dean cracked a smile. "Yep. That dork is my little brother, Sam. That's when he was graduating from high school. I guess it is kinda silly to wear a gown when you graduate, huh?"

"So, this graduation is a celebration?" Cas added, narrowing his eyes at the photo.

Dean does that goofy smile again. "Well... yeah, I guess. Didn't you have a graduation?"

"Oh, no." Cas said, carefully placing the frame back on the table. "I didn't attend school."

Dean furrowed his eyebrows. "But, you seem very educated...? I'm or I don't mean to be rude."

Cas shrugs. "You're not being rude. But, thank you, I have learned many languages throughout my years."

"Uh, huh... well. It's getting pretty late. If you need anything during the night, I'll just be down the hall. See you in the morning, Cas." Dean said, smiling.