Skin to Skin

Chapter 24

Dean was slowly losing control each day, his anger getting worse, his paranoia and jealousy reaching new heights. Dean's Sergeant requested him to talk to someone, he seemed on edge, that maybe being on a ship isn't meant for him. Dean was sitting on the edge of his bed, polishing his boots, when Fergus joined him in the close quarters. "What do you want?" Fergus scoffed at Dean's immediate attitude. He was really getting tired of the much shorter man's smart ass comments. "What has your panties all in a knot? It isn't because I've been joking you about princess Cassy is it?" Dean dropped a boot, making Fergus jump, then picked up his left one and began polishing it. "Why do you think I would get upset over something like that?" Fergus rubbed his chin, a a smirk spreading across his face. "Because maybe it's true. Maybe Castiel is back home, sleeping with people. It happens all the time, mate. What makes you any different?" Fergus gestured at Dean, "I'm just a friend trying to get you to face reality." Dean paused, his anger was at its boiling point, if Fergus said one more fucking thing about Castiel. "He's probably like every other gay man in college. Just slutt-" Dean knocked Fergus's legs from under him with the boot he had been polishing. Got on top of him and punched him in the jaw, the skin splitting on his knuckles from the force. He held a hand over Fergus's mouth and whispered quietly, "Do not talk to me about Castiel. His name does not belong in your mouth." Dean got up and kicked Fergus in the ribs, ripping a shattered gasp from him. Dean put his boots on, wiped the blood off his knuckles and left. He had tasks to perform on deck before sundown.Castiel still wasn't sleeping well, still was drinking a little too much, but he was beginning to feel better. He was walking through the parking lot, looking for Kevin's car because they were going to the grocery store. "Cassy?" Castiel sighed with relief, there he is, he was beginning to think he would never find Kevin. "Where are we going?" Kevin shrugged, "I dunno, Walmart?" "Okay."
The car was silent, Castiel got lost in thought, staring out the passenger window. He wondered where Dean was, what he's doing, how he's doing. He didn't get as depressed as he used to, he isnt as numb. It almost feels like it's happening to someone else now, as if he's just a bystander. They arrived at Walmart and Kevin locked the car doors after they got out. "What's on the menu?" Castiel chuckled, like what could they actually afford. "Ramen? A shit load of ramen." Kevin laughed as they walked through the sliding doors. "We need hot sauce and lemon juice then." Castiel froze, the man in front of him seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place it. Then it dawned on him, Sam. "S-sam?" The very tall man blinked confused eyes at him, it had been months since they met once. "I'm Castiel." The man nodded, pursing his lips in recognition. "Right, Dean's um boyfriend. I've been looking for you actually." Castiel eyes widened, then panic washed over him. "Did something happen to Dean?" Sam threw his hands up. "No, no. He couldn't get in contact with you. Wanted me to tell you its going to be another month." Castiel felt relief while his heart broke all at the same time. "Thanks." Castiel whispered. "I know it's a long drive." Sam nodded, acting really awkward. "I would offer to hang out but I need to get back home. I have a lecture first thing in the morning." Castiel nodded in in understanding, the taller man patted his shoulder. "Maybe another time." Sam walked pass them out the store, Kevin looked at Castiel probably watching for signs of a breakdown. "I'm okay, let's get what we need."