Chapter Text
The next day, after Dean's shift, he showers quickly and is out of there before Bobby can question him about why he's in such a hurry. He drives downtown, parks his car at the park and ride, and walks the three blocks to where the blue-eyed man usually hangs out. He carries an old backpack with the gloves, a sandwich, an apple, and a large water bottle. He stuffed a burger and fries in there too. Finally, he rounds the corner into the alley and sees the man sitting there wrapped up in a dirty trench coat. He's asleep, and Dean can't help but feel instant relief that the man looks unharmed.
Dean bends down and taps him on the shoulder, "Hey," The man opens his eyes and pulls the coat up as if to hide from an intruder.
"Sorry, I... I'm...sorry."
"Hey, no need to apologize. Didn't mean to scare you. I brought you some stuff yesterday, and you weren't here. Kinda freaked me out, man. It's getting colder out here," Dean stands, and his eyes land on the man's face. He looks awful. He could use a shower and a shave. Maybe some food.
Dean pulls the pack off his back, and the man's eyes land on the bag, following it as Dean unzips it. He tenses as he pulls out the bag with the hamburger and fries and hands it to the guy. It's still warm. The man relaxes, takes the burger, unwraps it faster than possible, and shoves it in his mouth.
"These make me very...happy," He says, smiling around his second bite. Dean can't help but smile too.
"Yeah, me too," Dean sits next to the guy, and the guy stops chewing and stares at him. "What?"
"Why do you keep bringing me things?" The man asks. He sets the burger down on his lap and frowns. Dean feels like he should tell him the truth. It could be a half-truth.
Dean sighs and looks around the area, "I was in a similar position a few years ago. There weren't many people who helped me, and those who did weren't what they seemed to be."
At least it wasn't a total lie.
"Are you like those people?"
"No, no. I'm nothing like them," Dean turns to the guy and sighs, "When I was down on my luck, no one really cared what happened to me. You weren't here yesterday, and I...I just wanted to make sure you're alright."
The man stares at him, his face softens, and his cheeks slightly turn pink, "Thank you."
"No problem. So, what's your name?" Dean asks. He pulls the open backpack towards himself, pulls out a bottle of water, and hands it to the guy.
"Castiel," He replies and takes the bottle from Dean's hands. He opens it, drinking half the bottle in just a few seconds.
"Weird name. Are you named after a family member or something?"
"I'm named after an angel. My family is very religious. I have three brothers and a sister. We're all named after angels," Castiel sets the bottle down and picks up the burger again.
"That's pretty cool. I'm Dean," Dean smiles, and so does Castiel. Dean feels himself starting to feel comfortable, and panic sets in. He came to this town to get away and start over. He didn't want to get to know people. He stands up quickly, wiping his hands on his jeans, "I'm gonna get going, but this stuff is for you," He pokes the backpack with the toe of his boot.
"Thank you, Dean." Cas stands and reaches out the hand not occupied by a hamburger. Dean takes it and gives it a firm shake before turning to leave. He feels a little guilty for suddenly leaving, but he's done okay without friends. The guy seems normal, aside from his weird name, but who knows.
He's halfway back to his car when he remembers he didn't ask about Castiel's plans for Thanksgiving. Something in his brain tells him to keep walking; he doesn't need to let anyone in. But he can also hear his brother saying, "Help him. Turn back and help him." So he turns around with a groan.
As he approaches Castiel again, he sees he's putting things into the backpack Dean had left. Dean shoves his hands into his pockets and leans up against the dumpster next to him.
"You leaving?" Dean asks.
Castiel looks up and nods, "Yes, I'm allowed to stay here until 4. The owner of this building is very kind."
Dean's heart clenches, and he hates what he's about to do, "I don't do this. But I have a couch if you want to get off the street for a bit. My apartment is small but warm, and you can shower and whatever."
Castiel takes his time to answer, "No, thank you."
Dean's mouth drops open, "What?"
"I appreciate what you have done for me, but this is where I belong."
"Hey, man, no one just belongs on the street." Dean's shocked at how upset he feels and how worried he is that Castiel wants to take his chances in the elements. "I don't know your story, and I'm not askin', but I've got more than enough at home."
"I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you." Castiel starts to walk away, and Dean follows. Castiel stops abruptly and spins around; his face is so close to Dean's that he can feel the man's warm breath, "I said no."
"Alright. Sorry. I didn't mean to push," Dean puts his hands up in defense and takes a step back.
"Goodbye, Dean," Castiel says, turns around, and walks away, clutching the backpack to his body as if it's going to protect him. Dean scrubs and hand over his face and watches as Cas rounds the corner