Why Not Me?

Chapter 1 Cas' POV

Cas walked in ahead of Dean. He didn't feel like being out at the bar, but Dean was in one of his pushy moods, and it was easier to just go along with it. He didn't want to sit at a table in the back watching Dean hit on another patron, so he took a seat at the bar. They never sat at the bar, and he had his argument queued up in case Dean protested.

"Hey, Cas. How's it going?" Candi, the bartender asked.

"Hello, Candi," he replied.

It was only a moment longer before Dean joined him, offering a warm greeting to his favorite bartender. They had been coming to this bar for over a year, and it seemed as though Candi was always working. If they had a free night, Dean always insisted onthe bar in Smith Center . Cas couldn't even recall the name, it was always just known to them as "the bar".

No one ever talked about it, but Cas got the feeling that Candi knew he was more than human. She never complained about "over-serving" him or how there was no man alive that needed eight shots before he started to feel a buzz.

"Hey, sweetheart. How about a double Makers on the rocks for Cas and me." Candi nodded and set to work making their drinks. Dean licked his lips and smirked at Cas. "Look at that, I think we have a rookie at the tables. I'm going to scope him out."

Cas sighed. At least he would have Candi for company tonight. She was the one woman on staff that hadn't ever taken Dean home, immediately causing him to think she was a lesbian. Cas believed it was because she saw Dean for what he was, a lonely man finding companionship wherever he could. If he were honest with himself, he thought she wouldn't bring Dean home because she knew how much it would hurt him.

"When are you going to quit pining after that man, and give me a shot, huh?" Candi purred as she poured their drinks. Cas didn't realize he had been starting at Dean from across the room. He had been stopped on his way to the pool tables in the back by his most recent conquest, Sheila. She knew Dean's reputation around town and thought she was going to be the one to tie him down. She was a beautiful woman, with dark hair, blue eyes, and curves in all the right places. Cas almost felt embarrassed for her. Maybe in a different universe, she would have a shot at a real relationship with Dean, but not in this one.

Candi placed his drink in front of him, and gave Dean's to the man two stools away. She spoke loud enough for Cas to hear. "This is from that handsome fella over there. He's also pining after his straight best friend."

The man grimaced. "Jesus, Candi, tone it down, will ya?"

She gave the man a wink and suggested he join Cas. "If you're both sitting there miserable, might as well do it together, right?"

Cas shrugged and turned to look at the man fully. He hadn't noticed him when he walked in, but he was stunning. He stood, and Cas gaped at his height. He was taller than Sam, maybe only an inch or two taller, but it was rare to find someone taller than the youngest Winchester. He was trim and well toned, a thick layer of stubbled covered his chiseled jaw. With his deep blue eyes, long eyelashes, and perfectly tousled hair, Cas thought this guy could be a movie star, probably cast as Prince Charming in some remade version of Snow White.

"Looks like we've been outed," the prince said, sliding onto the stool next to Cas.

Cas raised his glass towards the man in a mock salute. "So we have." He placed the glass back on the bar, after gulping down its entire contents, and offered his hand. "I'm Casti—Cas."

"Hi, Casti—Cas. I'm Arnie. I'm guessing crew cut over there is the straight best friend?" He nodded in Dean's direction.

"Yes, that's him. Which one is yours?" Cas motioned Candi over, hoping to order another drink.