Chapter Text
Dean drove down the quiet street, his mind filled with thoughts of what could unfold as he made his way to the Novak house. As he pulled into the driveway, he took a deep breath before turning off the car engine and heading towards the front porch. Although Dean had been to the Novak house many times before, this time felt different. Castiel Novak had become more involved in his life. Dean knocked on the door, waiting anxiously, trying to calm his nerves. Just as he imagined, Castiel answered the door.
“Dean! Please, come in,” the older man said with a smile, guiding Dean inside.
“Thanks for inviting me, Mr. Novak,” Dean replied, a touch of shyness in his voice.
“Oh come on, kid. You’re always welcome here. And please, drop the ‘Mr.’ stuff. You’re going to make me feel older than I am, Castiel chuckled.
“Well, I thought since you’re my teacher and all…” Dean trailed off. Cas smiled and placed a gentle hand on Dean’s shoulder.
“Dean, you know you’re more than just a student to me,” Dean blushed at the implication. “That being said, in school, publicly, stick with ‘Mr. Novak’. But right now, just call me Cas,” Castiel said, patting Dean’s shoulder. “Yes sir—sorry,” Dean replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Castiel tensed for a moment, his hand still resting on Dean’s shoulder.
“No need to apologize. I’m sure me being your teacher is an adjustment. But I hope it won’t make things strange between us,” Cas said. Dean smiled shyly and nodded in agreement. Cas removed his hand from the younger boy’s shoulder and led the way into the kitchen.
“What’s wrong with me?” Castiel wondered to himself. “ He called me ‘sir’. It shouldn’t be weird. Why would it be? Castiel set up the table for dinner, contemplating his thoughts. He called out to his daughter, letting her know that Dean had arrived. Soon enough, Claire made her way downstairs to the kitchen.
“It took you long enough,” Claire groaned.
“Dean’s been here, he was helping me set up the table, right Dean?” Castiel smiled, glancing over at Dean. “Yeah, that’s…yeah, I was,” Dean replied, lacking confidence.
“Mhm okay, weirdo,” Claire laughed, walking over to the stove. Dean followed her. “You made lasagna! Hell yeah!” he exclaimed.
“Dean. Language.” Cas said sternly. Well if those words didn’t go straight to Dean’s groin. “Right, sorry,” Dean muttered quietly. Claire rolled her eyes at her father’s strict rule and dished out the food to both her dad and Dean.
“Thank you, Claire. This looks amazing.” Castiel expressed his gratitude. Claire gave a quick smile before sitting down to eat. “Claire put the fork down. You know the rules, prayer before dining,” Claire sighed, reaching out to hold both Dean's and her dad’s hands. Cas extended his hand toward Dean, who placed his hand in the older man’s just as he’s down many times before. But now, it felt different, and Castiel couldn’t help but notice.
After the prayer, Claire immediately began eating. Dean and Castiel were the last to let go of each other’s hands. Cas cleared his throat awkwardly and started eating as well. Dean dug into his food and couldn’t help but let out a quiet moan of delight. Castiel coughed slightly.
“Is it that good?” Claire looked over at Dean, laughing. Castiel remained silent, occasionally stealing glances at Dean’s lips.
“Good? This is freaking awesome! I’ve said it before, but you definitely inherited your cooking skills from your dad,” Cas smirked, continuing to eat. Around 8 o’clock, everyone had finished their meal. Claire excused herself to take a shower, leaving Dean alone in the kitchen. The teenager gathered the dishes and began washing them.
“Dean, how many times do I have to tell you? You’re our guest. You don’t have to help with the dishes,” Castiel remarked.
“I don’t know, probably a few more times,” Dean smirked. “Besides, I enjoy doing the dishes. You can dry, if it makes you feel better,” Dean replied with a smile, handing Cas a towel. They stood together in comfortable silence, and it was Castiel who eventually broke it.
“So, how was your first day back?” Castiel inquired.
“It went pretty well. I even have a new history teacher. Gotta admit, he seems a bit boring,” Dean commented. Castiel looked offended, playfully hitting Dean with the dish towel. “Wow Winchester, now I know how you really feel about me. Don’t make me hold you after class,” Dean rolled his eyes, laughing before continuing to wash the dishes.
“How about your first day? How did it go?” Dean asked, looking up at the taller man.
“It went better than I expected. The staff were very nice, and I think I’m going to enjoy working there. Plus, I know two pretty cool seniors who will help me if I need anything,” Castiel replied. Dean blushed. All Dean could think about was the things he could do to help his teacher.
It was nearing 9 o’clock when they finished washing the dishes. Claire had finished her shower and made her way downstairs.
“Thanks again for inviting me to dinner. I really appreciate it,” Dean said gratefully.
“It’s no problem, Dean. You’re always welcome here, anytime,” Cas replied with a warm smile, handing Dean his leather jacket from the chair he had been sitting on.
“Well, I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Dean laughed, realizing it was something he would have to get used to saying. Dean made his way to his car but was stopped by the noise of the Novaks’ front door opening. Castiel stood awkwardly for a few seconds on the front porch.
“Hey Cas, did I forget something?” Dean asked, patting his pockets for his phone and wallet. But he had everything he had.
“No, you’ve got everything. I just wanted to say, drive safe,” The older man said. Dean smiled.
“Thanks,” Dean replied before driving off. Castiel went back inside, waiting for Dean to text Claire, confirming that he had gotten home safely. Once Claire received the text, Cas made his way upstairs for a shower. Staring at himself in the bathroom mirror, he couldn’t help but think to himself, “What is going on with me right now? Does Dean always look as pretty as he did at dinner? NO. I can’t think of things like that. He’s my student. And a guy… “