The Bodyguard (is the Omega)

23.

As they drove further away from L.A. the mood in the van lifted. The police patrol cars hanging out behind them peeled away as they crossed the state border. Benny rode next to them for another hour interchanging with Cain at the next stretch of highway. By mid-morning their entourage had left and it was just Castiel and Ketch keeping an eye on things. With Ruby on board it was necessary to make pit stops along the way and the atmosphere changed when Jack spotted a roadside diner.

"I don't want to be a hassle but uh we're all a little hungry..."

Before Dean had finished his lament Charlie was already turning the van off the highway. "This is the one Cain's already scoped out right?"

Castiel smiled when he saw Jack and Dean's excitement. "We can go in."

Jack cheered and darted out of the van with Ketch. Sam on their heels with Ruby on a lead. Charlie came out of the driver's seat wheeling her arms. It was already cold, the air more chill and crisp.

"Dean," Castiel put his hand on Dean's arm, guiding him aside. "Here."

He took off his scarf and wound it around Dean's neck, pulling the fabric up high to cover Dean's sharp jawline. "Hmm..."

Dean pulled out the baseball cap he usually wore when they were going out.

"Looks a little off," Castiel appraised his sunglasses, cap and scarf combination. "But it'll do."

"Well Cas if anyone takes too much interest we can always do the rom com thing and french kiss," Dean joked.

"I don't see how that would lessen attention," Castiel said.

"We don't know it won't work till we try it," Dean was insistent. "Come on, I'm not doing it with Ketch."

"No, you are not," Castiel said tersely, pushing open the diner door. He took in the overwhelming pink and red surrounds. For a split second he considered not going in.

The diner was already decorated with a Valentines Day theme though it was the first week of February. There were little paper chains of cupids and red hearts, the pie special had a crimson brandy cherry filling and pale pink whipped cream topping.

"Aww," Dean smiled at Castiel as they took a seat in a booth. Dean sniffed the little rose bud bouquet set up in a tiny vase on their table. It turned out to be plastic but it still made him grin.

Castiel cleared his throat. "Cain didn't mention the uh decor on the pager message."

To Castiel's consternation Jack, Sam, Charlie and Ketch piled onto a different table in the outdoor dining area so they can eat and pass scraps onto Ruby. Dean needed to be indoors since it was less exposed. Castiel's not sure why the server had to put them in what was clearly demarcated as the intimate date section though. She even flicked on the lighter and lit the tea light though it was broad daylight, the little votive scattering more hearts and pink all over the table. Dean stared at the little tacky display with a broad grin, Castiel just knew he was going to tip her extra.

The food came on big plates, the pancakes were served in fat short stacks dripping with syrup, the breakfast burgers full of bacon and came with a side of hot corn bread, everything looked like they were big enough to share. Dean threw his pre-Oscars eating regime to the wind and ordered the 'love pie' for dessert. The mushroom soup, Castiel had to admit, was delicious and the chopped salad was heartily tossed through with buttery roast vegetables. Dean ate his breakfast burrito in such a sinful display that Castiel was actually glad for their private booth. The coffee came hot and sweet and Dean sipped it with gastronomic satisfaction, his eyes crinkling as he watched Jack tuck into a burger through the window.