Sam slumped into his seat, usually Theater Arts 1 perked him up, but after arguing with his Dad that morning and Dean interfering, plus no breakfast - his blood sugar and enthusiasm for the course was fairly low. It didn't help that Becky, a nerdy girl with a bad touching problem (not with everyone, just him), was excitingly telling him about the latest episode of Doctor Who right into his ear. It was days like these that Sam wished he wasn't so polite, or else he would have told Becky to take a hike in the very beginning.

It had been a couple of weeks since his dad's declaration of his hatred towards band kids, so Sam had avoided the library when Castiel was in there. He missed talking to him, even if it was one conversation. He had seen Gabriel a few times, but he was either in the senior wing of the school or in the band hall. Sam would pass it on his way to Theater, sometimes hearing Gabe soloing through the walls. He and the trumpet had many similar qualities – small, loud, and sometimes annoying.

The director (not teacher) starting talking then, and called out to a group of students, "These students are thespians in the theater department."

She waited for someone to make a joke about "lesbian thespians" before continuing, "Since most of you have expressed a need for more involvement in the department, I've paired you up with one of my thespians as kind of a 'big brother' or 'big sister' to explore your options."

She started naming off pairs, Becky with a sophomore named Chuck, who was instantly hesitant to work with the bubbly girl. Sam was paired with Charlie, a red head who could rival Becky's knowledge of anything fantasy and sci-fi. She even invited him over to her house one day so they could play video games.

"If you want, I can get you into football games for free." She was currently writing down her address and every social account she owned.

"How?" he asked.

Charlie grinned, "Well, the band has a pit crew that always needs help."

"Oh, you're in band?" he gulped, "I, uh, I don't know—."

She smirked, obviously not catching his shock, "What? Are you banned from the band?"

The look on Sam's face and a shrug of his shoulders told her enough, "Oh wow, you're serious." She was shocked.

Sam nodded, "My dad."

Charlie stared at him for the longest time, then broke out in another grin, "What he doesn't know, won't hurt him, right?"

"But my brother…"

"Dean Winchester, right? Don't look surprised, I can put two last names together, and Castiel's been bitching about him for a while now. Trust me, Dean wants to please daddy as much as you do."

Sam thought it, mulling over. Dean would never rat Sam out, but that didn't mean he wasn't opposed to giving Sam Hell about it either. Which Sam will probably have to do a lot of if he finds out that he's hanging out with band people, much less helping them at football games. Charlie's watching him with a wide eyed puppy dog look that could rival his own. He finally nods and she begins to go over theater related subjects again, to his relief.

Castiel was a good half way through his book when a hand slammed onto the librarian's desk. He jumped, scattering papers and almost falling out of the chair. When he finally recovered, Castiel found himself glaring up at Dean Winchester. Blue eyes flitted to the student's credit recovery computer, noticing he had already finished and logged out. Huffing, he stuck his nose back into the book, trying to ignore Dean.

"Cas."

Castiel didn't take his eyes off the sentence he'd been reading for the past minute.

"C'mon, Cas, don't be an asshole."

Castiel slammed his book onto the desk, gaining looks of surprise from the freshman English class researching credible sources, "I shouldn't be an asshole? What was that the other day, Dean? Or the bullying by your little gang of neanderthals? And what about Sam no longer accepting rides from my brother anymore? Do you know how mopey Gabriel is right now? I have a right to be an asshole, Dean."

"Look, Cas, that wasn't my idea, but—"

"Dean Winchester, so help me God, if you try to make an excuse for your actions I will climb a ladder and kick your ass." Castiel hissed, slowly picking up the book.

Dean blinked, obviously caught off guard, "Cas, I'm sorry. My dad has something against the band and word's spread around the football boosters. If any of those guys were to see me right now, talking to you, my dad would lose his shit."

"And I should feel warm and fuzzy by your half ass apology?"

"The football team would also come down on you, Cas, even if you look at them the wrong way. I'm trying to protect you."

"I think I can handle a few gorillas, thanks." Castiel almost growled, Dean's hands were held in a mock surrender.

"Fine, Cas, fine. If that's what you want, fine." He started to walk to another part of the library.

"Dean."

The senior turned to Cas, who had set his book down, bookmarked instead of halved like before. Castiel removed himself from the desk. Two blue eyes pinned him to the spot and Dean had to make himself look anywhere so he wouldn't drown. Castiel wrung his hands, figuring out an explanation. Finally, he spoke, "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but your previous actions have made me…cautious. Until something substantial happens, I can't trust you, or your intentions."

The senior almost smirked, but swallowed it down when he saw the seriousness in Castiel's eyes. "Sure, Cas, sure."

"Thank you, for warning me, it was very noble of you."

"You're welcome, Cas." The bell saved them from making more awkward sincerities. Dean half-waved and slung his backpack onto one shoulder. Castiel settled back behind the desk, picking up his copy of The Great Gatsby once again. His next class would be meeting in the library. Just as he was about to flip the page, Dean was in front of him again, holding up what looked like a Twix bar, and looking kind of breathless.

"Sam sends his apologies to Gabriel, as well."

He ran out of the library in a flurry of denim and his bag slapping against his back. Castiel could see the younger Winchester waiting outside of the entrance, waving enthusiastically as he followed his older brother's lead. Dean shot a wink his way – Castiel tried to not think anything of it.

Castiel picked up the candy bar, examining it before sliding it in the side pocket of his bag. Gabriel would be pleased that Sam was thinking of him. He almost reminded himself of "the wink" when his class filed in and another student relieved him of his librarian's aid duties. That memory would have to wait after this history class and band.

But it didn't stop wiggling in the back of his mind.

So, uh, how's everyone doin'?

So after I said I would update more I leave y'all hanging. Dick move, I know, but I PROMISE I will finish this fic. It's my goal and I'll feel really bad if I don't finish. :(

So yeah, conflict next chapter! Yay! :D