Why Not Me?

Chapter 4 Both POV

Cas sat at the bar waiting for Dean to arrive. He wanted to be happy for Arnie, but seeing him live out his fantasy shook Cas to his core. It just made him realize he would never have that. He knew Dean would never admit to having feelings for him, and certainly wouldn't do it with a grand gesture. Not that Edgar had been romantic, but it was grand all the same. Edgar had beat on the door until Arnie answered, wearing nothing but his boxers. He pushed past a still very drunk Arnie, to confront Cas. Telling him just because he slept with Arnie once, it didn't give Cas the right to go home with him and take advantage.

Cas downed his drink and asked for another. He smiled to himself as he remembered how angry Arnie got. He told Edgar he didn't have a right to bust into his apartment just because he went home with someone. What Edgar failed to notice was that while Arnie was practically naked, Cas was still fully dressed. While Arnie was yelling at him, Edgar dropped to the couch, cradling his head in his hands. Through choked sobs, he told Arnie everything. How he was scared, that he didn't want to be gay, but couldn't help how much he loved Arnie, but also couldn't bring himself to admit his feelings because he couldn't stand the rejection if Arnie didn't love him back. And then sobbed harder because he never dared to tell Arnie while he was sober, and now he's lost his chance. It was at that time Edgar remembered Cas and looked at him wide-eyed, mouth gaping. He apologized to Cas telling him that he couldn't let Arnie choose him, not if Edgar had a shot. He said that Cas was just the type of guy Arnie needed in his life, and if he didn't do something now, he might lose any hope he had to be with Arnie.

As he sat in the bar, Cas had suppressed a laugh—he was anything but the perfect guy for Arnie. Hell, he wasn't even a guy, but he was happy that their short-lived romance helped Edgar get his head out of his ass.

Cas had kissed Arnie on the cheek and asked him to call when things were worked out. That he still needed a friend who understood him. Arnie's eyes softened as he hugged Cas, assuring him that they would always be friends, and he would be there anytime Cas needed to get away from Dean.

"Hey, buddy." Dean slid his palm across Dean's shoulders, sitting on the stool next to him.

Cas nodded his greeting and signaled the bartender for another drink. Dean didn't press Cas to talk about what happened, but Cas knew that he would be interested. Dean seemed oddly invested in their relationship. So Cas told him everything. Everything...but the envy he felt for their budding relationship.

"Shit, man. That's gotta sting. I mean, I know you guys weren't really dating or anything, but damn, Edgar literally stole him right out from under you."

"Well, he wasn't literally under me. Arnie was far too drunk to consent to sexual congress."

Dean smiled and raised his glass to cheers his friend. "Good call, buddy." Dean slapped him on the back. "You're a good guy, Cas. You'll find someone if that's what you really want."

The conversation was too heavy for Cas' mood, so he pasted on a bright smile and challenged Dean to a round of shots. Before long Candi was shuffling the guys outside, telling they were too drunk and needed to go home.

The upside to being an angel was you didn't have to stay drunk. Cas closed his eyes and pushed his grace through his body, clearing his bloodstream of the accumulated alcohol. Dean had his arm wrapped around his shoulders as they swayed towards the car. Dean never accepted when Cas offered to sober him up. Claiming it would be wasted money, and since Dean spent well over fifty dollars for their drinks, he didn't even offer.

"Where are your keys, Dean?" Cas asked as he pushed the other man against the car.

"I'm good." Dean shrugged him off.