Young and Beautiful [A Destiel Fanfic]

Chapter 7: Brotherly Advice

When Cas got back to the apartment, he was greeted Gabriel and Winchester Jumbo-sized cuddling on the couch. The sight filled Cas with a bittersweet delight. He couldn't be happier for Gabriel—his brother who had always been there for him, who did his best to support him, who suffered with his career, was finally happy. Gabriel hadn't had any kind of relationship since high school. To see him smiling and giggling like he was a schoolgirl warmed Cas's heart. And yet, it stung. His chest felt tight and he felt and overwhelming sense of jealousy. Why can't that be us? Cas wondered to himself. What did I say? Why is Dean like this? Ugh, I should have known better. Someone like him could never love someone like me...

Cas tried to quietly slip into his bedroom without being noticed. One of them must have noticed the movement, for Sam jumped to his feet suddenly. His long, hair billowing wildly in the process. The moose-man's eyes settled on Cas for a moment before he visibly relaxed. "Oh, hey Cas. Is Dean still outside?"

He didn't remember the older Winchester driving away, but he shrugged. "Uh, I'm not sure? I didn't hear him drive off so..."

Sam nodded and turned back to Gabriel. "I should probably go... My brother's waiting for me, I think," he said softly. Cas didn't miss the affection that filled Sam's eyes and voice as he addressed the smaller man. "I'll see you soon?"

Gabriel smirked. It would look devious to any outsider, but Cas saw the excitement lurking in his honey-colored eyes. "Definitely, Samsquatch."

The taller man snorted and ruffled Gabriel's hair. "Whatever, short-stuff." Both men chuckled before Sam turned towards the door. He glanced over at Cas and gave him a brief smile. "See ya, Cas."

"Goodbye, Sam," he replied, watching as the 6'4 man left their tiny apartment, ducking his head slightly in order to fit out the door. The moment the Winchester was gone, Cas went and flopped onto the couch. "Gabriel console me."

"What?" the older Novak asked, his voice thick with amusement.

"My date went horribly."

A sigh was the response as Gabriel lifted Cas's legs off the couch. Cas watched as his brother sat down before letting Cas's legs rest in his lap. "Tell Dr. Sexy MD all about it, Cassie."

"Never say that to me again. Save that kinky stuff for Sam," Cas grumbled, not in the mood for Gabriel's joke.

"Ouch, you're really in a bad mood, aren't you?"

Cas sighed. He wasn't mad at Gabriel for cracking jokes. He wasn't mad at Sam for having a happy relationship with his brother. He wasn't even mad at Dean for making him feel so terrible. He was mad at himself because he knew that, somehow, it was his fault and no one else's. "I fucked up, Gabriel... But I don't know what I did... Help."

"Alright, well why don't you just tell me what happened first?" he suggested.

Taking a deep breath, Cas recited the entire evening to Gabriel, even including the really good parts and, most importantly, the really bad. "I don't understand... What did I say? Like after I said that, Dean just got really quiet and... He just... kinda... seemed disappointed in me. I hate it. I want it to stop. Help me fix it."

Gabriel thought for a moment, not answering Cas at all. The younger Novak stared at the game show on the TV despondently as he waited for his brother's answer. He knew that Gabriel took a while to think things like this through, especially when asked a serious question. "You know," he finally said, his eyes narrowed and brow furrowed. "Dean's an attractive guy—you know I prefer Samsquatch, but, Dean is like... angel-worthy. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a modeling career. A guy like Dean... I don't doubt he gets hit on twenty-four-seven... Mostly because he is so fucking hot... Maybe... Maybe Dean is tired of being liked and... asked out because of his looks. I think he was looking for something less... physical. I mean, you included other stuff, but the whole physical thing might have bothered him?"