Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s an average morning, or about as average as it can get at the Shurley-Milton house. Castiel quietly eats his cereal at the kitchen table, reading the ‘what to expect’ email from his Drama teacher for the tenth time as he tries tuning out the guitar in the other room.

He doesn’t look up, but the click of heels signals his stepmother’s arrival. She shouts, “Chuck, will you keep it down? It is too early for a concert!”

She comes over, resting a hand on the back of Castiel’s chair. “Castiel, dear, you have no idea how thrilled I am that you have your father’s creativity and not his ego.”

“Some people would disagree.”

Anna giggles from her seat across the table. “Cas is right, Mom. You know how he gets during play season.”

Castiel finally looks up to see Naomi’s red-lipped smile as she says, “Yes, perhaps I spoke too soon. Do you know what you’re working on now that spring break is over, Castiel?”

“Um, not yet,” Castiel skims through the email again. “Balthazar believes in the element of surprise.”

“Of course. That man has theatrics in his blood.”

There’s a particularly loud guitar riff from the other room, and Naomi adds, “Just like your father. Both of you finish your breakfast; the car is running.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Castiel and Anna both say, watching her leave the room again. Castiel could swear Naomi mutters, “You would think four less children would make this house a little quieter…”

Castiel tips his head in silent agreement. His brothers only went back to college a few days ago and the difference is already obvious.

As they both finish their cereal, Anna asks him, “What do you think the show will be this year?”

“My answer is the same as last year; I don’t know. I trust Balthazar’s judgment.”

“I hope it’s Beauty and the Beast. I’ve always wanted to see that live.”

Castiel scoffs out a quiet laugh, dropping his spoon in his empty bowl. “I think the costuming alone is a little more than a high school Drama Club can afford, Anna.”

“A girl can dream.”

With a fond roll of his eyes, Castiel grabs Anna’s bowl to stack it on top of his. As he gets up from the table, Anna says, “Whatever it is, I hope you get the lead. You deserve it.”

Warmth lights up Castiel’s chest, and he gives her a small smile and nod, going to put the dishes in the sink. Then they grab their bags and head through to the living room/Chuck’s ‘office’, where Castiel waves to his father, sitting on the couch scribbling on a notepad. “Goodbye, Dad.”

“See you later,” Anna adds as they head for the door.

“Have a good day, kids,” Chuck says, whic from a workaholic like him is already more than enough, but then he adds, “And Castiel?”

Castiel pauses, turning back to him. “Yes?”

Chuck gives him a rare smile. “Good luck with your next show.”

Castiel blinks and tentatively returns the smile, that warmth in his chest again. “Thanks, Dad.”

While Chuck waves him off and goes back to writing, he turns to follow Anna out the door. As they walk down the front steps, Anna looks back at him and says, “He’s really proud of you, you know. We all are.”

“I know, Anna. It’s just…rare that he shows it.”

As they reach the pathway, Anna gently pats Castiel’s shoulder. “Hey, we’re off to a good start. Maybe he’ll be better this year.”

Castiel just shrugs, before a car horn going off makes them both jump. With a wry smile, Anna says, “Mom’s waiting.”

“Yeah.” Clearing her throat, Castiel gestures for them to move along. If Naomi is late for work, they’ll never hear the end of it.

///

Luckily, they make it to school in no time, waving to Naomi and watching her leave before they go in. As they pass through the flood of other students, Anna asks, “Is it weird that I still don’t feel like a sophomore yet?”

“It’s hardly been four months,” Castiel answers. “Once you’ve been a freshman, it’s not something you can shake all that easily.”

“I know, I know, I’m still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”

Castiel chuckles, stopping in front of his locker. “That’s definitely one way to put it.”

Putting in the combination, he glances over at her. “Shouldn’t you be going?”

“I’m waiting for Charlie. She has all the best gossip.”

“You can’t be serious-“

“I heard my name!”

Startling, Castiel looks over at Charlie, leaning on her locker beside his. “How do you always do that?”

Charlie makes a ‘shh’ gesture. “A magician never reveals her secrets. But it’s nice to see you too, Cas. Excited for the show? The tech department’s supposed to get an upgrade this year, it’s gonna be crazy.”

Castiel rolls his eyes, but it’s hard not to smile as he opens his locker. “Sure, Charlie.”

While he puts away some of his books, he can practically hear Anna bouncing as she asks, “Any news about what happened over break?”

“Girl, you have no idea,” Charlie says. “I’ve been here under ten minutes and I can already name six people who are almost definitely hooking up. But here’s something really crazy; did you know Dean Winchester has a brother?”

Even Castiel can’t help but gawk. “He does?”

“Yeah, I saw Dean giving him the grand tour earlier. The kid looks like a puppy, so I’m betting he’s a freshman - maybe Anna will have a class or two with him.”

Bouncing again, Anna gushes, “That would be so cool!”

“I know, right? At least there’s another Winchester who’ll be around when Dean graduates. Hopefully it’ll keep things interesting.”

As Castiel shuts his locker, Anna asks, “What do you think, Cas?”

Looking at her, Castiel shrugs. “A new student isn’t exactly rare.”

“Oh, bull!” Charlie says. “Dean’s only been here two years and he’s already the most popular guy in school. Any news about him is the news.”

“What she said,” Anna agrees. “Plus he’s hot and he drives a cool car. There’s no way you don’t understand the appeal.”

Castiel can feel his ears turning red, but he just shrugs again, locking his locker. “Forgive me if I’m just a little distracted. I only have a week to prepare for whatever Balthazar has in store.”

Charlie laughs, shaking her head. “Oh, Cas, you are way too generous with him sometimes. When was the last time he waited a full week to announce the show?”

“I’m still keeping my fingers crossed.”

That’s when the bell rings, catching all of their attention. Charlie claps her hands together and tells Anna, “That’s your cue! Run along, little doe.”

“Stop calling me - never-mind, I’m going. I’m going.” Grabbing the arm of her bag, Anna moves down the hall. “Bye, Cas!”

“Don’t be late!” Castiel calls after her.

“No promises!”

Rolling his eyes, Castiel adjusts his own bag on his shoulder. “I’ll see you at lunch, Charlie.”

“Guess so. Later,” Throwing up a peace sign, Charlie ducks away into the oncoming crowd. 

Castiel sighs and starts walking, sticking near the lockers so he doesn’t get trampled before he can make it to History.

///

The first half of the day is unremarkable, all things considered, then it’s time for the juniors and seniors’ lunch out on the quad. Castiel sits at the usual table taking notes for tonight’s homework, alone until Charlie slides in across from him. “Watcha working on?”

“Biology.”

“Ah, the squishy sciences are so…well, squishy. Computers are way better.”

“It’s required course, Charlie. You act like I have a choice.”

“Nothing against you, obviously! But my point stands.”

Castiel just hums in response, fixing a spelling mistake in his notes. “And how has your day been so far?”

He looks up to see Charlie shrug as she takes a small bite of her sandwich. “Fine. There was someone throwing paper airplanes in English, but the teacher shut it down before it got interesting.”

She points as she adds, “I did talk to Anna, though, and turns out she did meet the little Winchester after all - ‘little’ being the operative term, since he’s actually sort of a giant. That family doesn’t skip out on their Wheaties, I’ll tell you that much.”

Castiel scoffs out a laugh at that last comment. He’s still determined that he doesn’t care and that he’s mostly indulging her by asking, “Apart from the height, does she think he takes after his brother?”

“No, actually, that’s the weird thing! I guess Sam is quiet and, I don’t know, more bookish or whatever. Anna did say it’s obvious that he worships Dean, though, and that’s kinda cute.”

“You say that like it’s abnormal.”

Charlie chuckles, grabbing her water bottle. “Okay, good point. You’re probably the only one at this school not going ga-ga over him.”

She sips her water and gets up from the table. “Watch my stuff, I’m gonna go bother Dorothy for a minute.”

Watching her walk away, Castiel drily remarks, “It’s a wonder how she puts up with you.”

“I am a joy to be around! Don’t you deny it!”

Sniffing out another laugh, Castiel grabs his own sandwich for a bite, skimming through his notes again. He jumps, nearly choking when something lands in front of him in a sudden crash, and he looks up to see a football rolling across the table.

Just as he’s managed to convince himself he’s not having a heart attack, footsteps rush over, and a voice he vaguely recognizes says, “Shit, I’m sorry about that. You okay?”

Castiel looks up into forest green eyes, warm in the afternoon sun. He lets himself have only a second to register the fact Dean Winchester is talking to him before he answers, “Yes, I-I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”

“No big deal. You’re lucky Ash is a terrible shot.”

Castiel musters a soft laugh, and when he’s faced with Dean’s thousand-watt smile for the first time, he’ll admit he can understand how all the girls swoon over him. Clearing his throat against the burn forming on his face, Castiel uses his pencil to push the football across the table. “Here.”

Dean takes the ball with a quiet ‘thanks’ and says, “Hope this didn’t spoil your lunch or anything.”

“No, I think I’ll manage.”

“That’s good. Hey, you’re in the Drama Club, right?”

Castiel blinks and answers, “Yes.”

“Cool, cool. Just wonderin’.” Dean pats the football a few times, studying Castiel for a beat longer before he says, “Anyway, uh, see ya.”

He throws one hand up in a wave and runs, joining his friends on a bare patch of grass. Castiel blinks some more, watching as Dean tosses the football - even at a distance, it’s impossible not to notice how his muscles strain against his t-shirt. Castiel can feel the blush traveling to his neck, and he quickly shakes his head, turning to grab his water for a drink.

Glancing over toward Dorothy’s table, he can see Charlie in the middle of a passionate rant. He hopes she didn’t see anything that just happened, and that she can’t see how even as he tries to focus on lunch, his eyes still drift over toward Dean.

Now, this…this may be a problem.

Chapter Text

Castiel will happily thank his years of theater work for the fact that he manages to survive the rest of lunch without anyone, particularly Charlie, suspecting a thing. Still, he’s only half-present for his final two classes, kicking himself for being so hung up on this - literally, once, which earns him a weird look from his seat mate.

Blessedly, though, the bell rings soon enough, and Castiel gathers his things before heading to the auditorium. Just as he reaches the doors, Charlie appears from down the other hallway, almost making him jump. “We need to put a bell on you.”

“Not my fault you don’t have any depth perception.”

Rolling his eyes, Castiel turns to push the door open, holding it for Charlie to walk in behind him. He calls out, “Balthazar.”

Drama Teacher Extraordinaire, as he insists on being called even though no one actually does it, Balthazar looks up from the script he’s reading. “Ah, right on time as always, Castiel. And lovely to see you, Charlotte.”

Charlie salutes him, dropping her bag on one of the chairs. “Ready for the next show, boss!”

“Your enthusiasm is precious. Castiel, your thoughts?”

Castiel shrugs, leaving his bag next to Charlie’s. “I’m intrigued, if anything.”

“Perfect. I think you’re going to be very pleased this year. Both of you, please sit.”

As Balthazar gestures, Castiel and Charlie both sit down. While they watch him pace the stage reading that script, Charlie nudges Castiel’s shoulder. “See, he’s totally announcing it today.”

“Well, he’s nothing if not spontaneous.”

“He said you’ll be happy this year. You’re totally getting the lead, right?”

Castiel shrugs again, drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair. “I’d still rather not get my hopes up.”

“Sure, buddy. Whatever you say.”

Over the next few minutes, more members of the club arrive, actors and techies alike. As soon as Balthazar finishes welcoming everyone back, Jo raises her hand and asks, “Are you going to tell us what show we’re doing, sir?”

“Ah, Joanna, I do admire your tenacity. You’ll have your answer once our new member arrives.”

Castiel perks up, sharing a surprised look with Charlie as murmurs fill the room. Jo asks, “We’re getting a new member?”

“Indeed!” Balthazar says, obviously thrilled to have shocked them all. Castiel hears the door open just as he perks up. “And here he is now!”

There are a few gasps, but Castiel doesn’t understand why until he manages to turn far enough around. His jaw falls as he looks at Dean, standing there with his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.

“Holy shit,” Charlie whispers, grabbing Castiel’s bicep so tight it almost hurts. “Holy shit.”

Meanwhile, Castiel’s brain may or may not be short-circuiting. He shakes his head, snapping himself out of it just as Balthazar says, “Dean, so nice of you to join us!”

Dean is normally the picture of confidence, but he actually looks awkward as he shuffles his feet a little. “Yeah, uh, sorry I’m late. I was with my brother.”

“Yes, I understand it’s his first day. You’re excused - just don’t make it a habit. Come, sit down.”

Dean glances around before moving down the aisle, taking the empty seat at the end of the third row on the other side of the room. His eyes flicker and, for a split second, land on Castiel’s.

Castiel almost backflips into sitting normally again, gripping the arm of his chair and forcing his heartbeat to slow down. He glances over at Charlie, who just mouths at him again ‘holy shit’.

Appropriate reaction, honestly.

Balthazar gets everyone’s attention again by clapping his hands together. “Now, to answer your question, Joanna, I know it is very soon, but I will be announcing the show today.”

There’s more quiet chatter, until he stops it by raising his hand. “Please save the gossip, for now.”

He grabs that script from where he left it on the edge of the stage, flipping to the front cover. “Our show this year is…” He turns the script around for them to see. “Eurydice.”

Raising her hand, Charlie asks, “Ooh, like the Greek myth?”

“Precisely, Charlotte. It was adapted into a play back in 2003, as some of you might know.” Balthazar looks around the room. “Not exactly a spectacle or anything, but I’m interested to see us pull it off. Digital copies of the script will be sent to your emails tonight, but I do also have paperback. Kevin, would you just-?”

Kevin stands and goes to grab the handful of scripts Balthazar passes him, handing them out to everyone. When he sits back down, Balthazar says, “Thank you. And now to announce our cast.”

Castiel would say that definitely feels too soon, but he knows better than to question the man’s methods. You learn that the hard way after over three years with him.

Balthazar ends up calling a handful of people to join him on-stage, Castiel included - Charlie almost shoves him out of his chair, quietly cheering him on as he goes. Once everyone is lined up, Balthazar grabs the ornate black and gold cane he always uses for cast listings and moves in a small circle. “For our leading man,”

He turns and, dramatically as ever, touches his cane to the top of Castiel’s head. “Castiel.”

Over the polite applause of everyone still sitting, Charlie whoops and calls out, “Go, Cas!”

Castiel blinks for a moment, but he smiles, giving Balthazar a nod. He read the novelized edition of the play back in freshman year; he could definitely pull off Orpheus.

“And our leading lady,” Balthazar continues, touching his cane to the top of Meg’s head. “Megan.”

Meg smirks and throws up a peace sign in response to the next round of claps, shooting Castiel a wink that he can’t help but return.

If you ignore the elephant in the room, they’re actually off to a great start.

///

Balthazar names the rest of the cast, and he tells them that a list will be posted outside the auditorium tomorrow as usual. The rest of the meeting is spent talking about the play and how they’re going to adapt it, then Balthazar dismisses them and it’s time to leave.

Charlie bounces behind Castiel on the way out the door, coming up next to him and shaking his arm. “I told you, I told you!”

Castiel lightly shrugs her off, but he’s grinning as he says, “I almost can’t believe it.”

“You’re going to kick so much ass!”

Castiel laughs, waving it off as they all head outside. Charlie gives him a side-hug and says “I’m so proud of you”, then she’s running, probably to go tell Dorothy. Castiel is about to go look for Anna, until a voice says, “Well, Clarence, looks like we’re gonna be partners in crime.”

Castiel rolls his eyes a bit - fondly, of course - as he turns to Meg. “It’s A Wonderful Life was three years ago. You have to stop calling me that.”

“Never. You really should wear a trench-coat more often.”

That, Castiel can’t fight her on. He did look good in the trench-coat - but enough about his fashion statements. He says, “Balthazar has to know the risk of putting us together.”

“You mean our excellent banter? Something that’s probably useful for playing a married couple? Oh, what a travesty.”

Castiel scoffs out a quiet laugh and says, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Meg.”

“Likewise. Say hi to your sister for me.”

Castiel nods, watching Meg vanish into the crowd. He decides to just wait for Naomi’s car and hope Anna will find him, but right as he reaches the curb, a whistle grabs his attention. “Hey!”

Castiel looks over at Dean, leaning against his black Chevy wearing sunglasses. Castiel adjusts his bag on his shoulder, feeling his pulse fluttering through his wrist. “Hello.”

“Waitin’ for someone?”

“My sister. She has volleyball practice.”

“Ah. See, my brother’s probably still holed up in the library, so…”

Castiel nods. “I hope his first day went well.”

“Me too. We moved around a lot growing up, so he really doesn’t like change, but I think he’s doin’ alright. Sucks that he had to wait for me, though - but like I said, the books are probably keeping him busy.”

Nodding again, Castiel glances around, and he still can’t spot Anna’s signature red hair. Mostly to keep himself busy but also since he can’t help but be curious, he asks, “So what made you join the Drama Club this year?”

Dean shrugs, taking his hands from his pockets to fold his arms. “Needed an extra credit and it was a lot easier to invest in Drama than sports. But Balthazar obviously runs a pretty tight ship, so I’m betting that could change.”

Castiel chuckles and agrees, “He can definitely be intense at first. But he’ll usually tone it down if you don’t have theater experience.”

“Good to know. But since we’re kind of on the topic and all, congrats on getting the lead.”

A flush crossing his face that he hopes isn’t visible, Castiel smiles. “Thank you. I’m guessing my reputation precedes me.”

“Yeah, you’re kinda famous around here. Which I know is rich coming from me, but-“

They both laugh, which puts a warm feeling in Castiel’s chest, as Dean continues, “I’m gonna bet acting is pretty damn hard. So you deserve the credit.”

“I appreciate that. Orpheus should be simple enough - I’ve had roles that asked a lot more of me.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to watching you anyways. Maybe I can learn something.”

Castiel returns the smile Dean gives him even as his heart skips a beat, right before a voice calls out, “Dean!”

Dean whirls around and lifts up his sunglasses, his smile splitting into a grin. “Sammy!”

Castiel watches as Sam comes over, and he can see what Charlie was talking about; The guy is absolutely a giant puppy. Dean claps him on the arm and asks, “How was your first day?”

“Pretty good, all things considered. I think the teachers like me.”

“‘Course they do. Nerd.”

Sam rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling even as he says, “Shut up. How did Drama go?”

“Fine. Looks like we’re starting the play early this year. Actually, you can meet the star now - Castiel, this is my brother, Sam.”

Blanching for only a second, Castiel raises a hand in a wave. “Hello.”

Pointing, Sam says, “You’re Anna’s brother! She told me about you. I passed her on the way here, she just has to get something from her locker, I think, a-assuming you’re waiting.”

“Thank you.”

Dean pats the hood of his car and says, “Hop in, Sammy. Time to go.”

Sam circles the car to get in the passenger seat, and as Dean opens the driver’s side, he throws up a ‘rock on’ sign for Castiel. “See ya.”

Castiel just nods, watching him get in and drive off. As the Chevy disappears around the corner, Naomi’s car pulls up from the other way, and she honks the horn twice, so Castiel puts aside how rattled he honestly still is and heads over.

He barely has time to greet Naomi before Anna appears, wearing a hoodie over her clothes and with her hair in a messy ponytail. “Hey, Cas! Hi, Mom.”

“Just in time, sweetheart,” Naomi says through the cracked window. “Come along, both of you. We’re having lasagna for dinner.”

Anna claps her hands and all-but dives into the backseat, and Castiel circles the car to do the same. As they start driving, Naomi asks how their days were, and Anna says, “Good! All my classes went okay, no pop quizzes - yet. Coach put us through a quick match just for fun and she says I’ve still got it!”

As she takes a drink from her water bottle, Naomi says, “That’s my girl. And what about you, Castiel?”

Castiel looks over, already anticipating Anna’s reaction. “I got the lead in this year’s play.”

Anna coughs and sputters, covering her mouth. Castiel simply reaches over to pat her back. “Deep breaths.”

Anna inhales slowly and lets it out, taking another small sip of water before she says, “Ah. Anyway; Oh, my God, congratulations! I knew you could do it!”

She grabs Castiel’s shoulder, shaking him a little just like Charlie. “What’s the show? Do you have a script yet? Tell me everything!”

“Eurydice. The script is in my bag. And since I know what you would consider ‘everything’; Dean Winchester is joining the club this year.”

Anna gapes, her hand slipping from Castiel’s shoulder. “What?”

Naomi asks, “Who is Dean Winchester?”

As Anna dives into an explanation, Castiel settles into his seat, resting his head against the window. He briefly thinks of Dean’s smile again and has to pinch himself before he can get too flustered.

This is going to be a long ride home.

Chapter Text

Luckily, Anna’s little history lesson is over quick enough, and the conversation turns to the play. Naomi says, “I’ve actually never heard of Eurydice before. Bold choice for a high school production.”

Castiel shrugs slightly, rubbing at a spot on the back of his neck that burns if he thinks about it too much. “Yeah, well, you know Balthazar. I’m sure he got tired of following the curriculum.”

Sipping from her water bottle, Anna rests it in her lap. “That would mean he probably had to fight the school board, wouldn’t it?”

Castiel looks plainly at her. “Would you put that past him?”

“Well, no, but still. He must have a lot of faith in you guys to get this done.”

“As he should,” Naomi chimes back in. “And we’ll all be there on opening night. Castiel, you’re going to make a wonderful Orpheus.”

Castiel leans over to smile at her in the rear-view. “Thank you, Naomi.”

For the rest of the drive, he takes questions and goes over what he remembers from the novelized version of the play. When Anna asks if he’ll have to kiss Meg on-stage, he pointedly reminds her that they’ll be acting, even as he feels himself blush. He never was great with intimate scenes; it’s probably something Balthazar will lecture him about once they get into rehearsals.

Soon enough, though, they make it home and head inside. As Castiel and Anna take off their shoes, Naomi calls out, “Chuck!”

There’s some shuffling and what sounds like a muffled curse from the kitchen, before Chuck appears from around the corner. He’s wearing his robe and on what should be his last cup of coffee for the day, so things are evidently winding down. He takes a half-eaten piece of toast from between his teeth and says, “Hey, kids! How was school?”

Anna scrambles to move closer, nearly knocking Castiel to the floor as she bursts out with, “Cas got the lead in the play!”

One hand planted on the wall, Castiel uses the other to remove hers from his shoulder. “Ow.”

“Sorry! Sorry.”

“You got the lead?” Chuck asks. “That’s great! When was the last time, freshman year?”

Straightening up and rubbing his shoulder, Castiel nods. “It’s A Wonderful Life. I’ve…grown a lot since then. Part of me wonders if I still have it in me to carry a show.”

Anna stops untying her second shoe to look at him. “Of course you do, Cas! I mean, this definitely isn’t a cozy Christmas story, but Balthazar picked you for a reason.”

Just as Castiel’s self-doubt is creeping in, Chuck whistles and beckons him. “Hey.”

Castiel hesitates, but he goes over, and his father says, “Your sister is right. It’s going to be great.”

He glances at the toast still in his hand before dropping it into his coffee and reaching out to lightly clap Castiel’s shoulder. “Good going, champ.”

Even if the drowning toast is just a little weird, just like this morning, Castiel will take any attention he can get. He says, “Thank you.”

Chuck gives him a smile, before Naomi passes behind him. “The lasagna should be done any minute.”

“Oh-” Chuck follows her. “My turn to set the table!”

Castiel briefly touches his shoulder, then he meets Anna back at the front door to finish taking off his shoes. As he leaves them both on the floor, Anna taps his back and says, “Told you he’d be better this year.”

Sighing, Castiel stands to look at her. “Maybe. But you don’t know him like I do.”

Anna gives him an understanding smile, then she’s nudging him towards the kitchen. “Come on, lasagna time.”

Over dinner, Castiel reiterates everything he just told Anna and Naomi for Chuck. What’s even more surprising for him is that Chuck is passionate about the story of Eurydice - in fact, at his excitement, Castiel can’t help but say, “I didn’t know you were a mythology fan.”

“Oh, not usually, but that story is some masterful writing; Back when I was your age, analyzing it was my favorite part of English class. Everyone loves a good Greek tragedy.”

Castiel almost can’t believe it actually feels like he might be bonding with his father for once…but it’s not long after that Anna takes over and starts gushing about Dean again. She says, “It’s still so crazy that he’s in the Drama Club now. Like, I don’t want to stereotype, but he’s just such a typical jock, you know?”

Stabbing his fork into what’s left of his lasagna, Castiel says, “Apparently he needs an extra credit and sports are too much of a commitment.”

“Hm. Well, do you think you’ll get the chance to act together? He didn’t get a part in the show, right?”

“Right, which, knowing Balthazar, means he’ll probably be an extra or understudy so he can ‘learn the ropes’.” Castiel briefly makes quotes with his fingers, then he thinks for a second. “I am curious to see what he’s like as an actor…but the only real characters are Orpheus and Eurydice, so I doubt I’ll get the chance any time soon.”

As he takes another bite of lasagna, Anna shrugs and says, “You never know.”

Castiel hums in agreement, then as Anna starts going on about volleyball practice, he finds his mind wandering again. As an actor - one of the best in the Drama Club, if Balthazar’s opinion means anything - of course he meant what he said, and he would love to see what Dean can do as someone with no theater experience. It’s always great to watch new performers come into their own.

But he would be lying to himself if he said the thought of spending real time with Dean - on the stage, in Castiel’s element where he’s always felt the most comfortable - wouldn’t be the real benefit. Even from how little they’ve talked already, it’s clear there’s more to Dean than just being the cool, popular guy…and, well, Castiel’s curiosity has always been both a blessing and a curse.

“Castiel,” Naomi catches his attention. “I understand you must have a lot on your mind, but please don’t let your dinner go cold.”

Shaking his head, Castiel grabs another bite of lasagna with his fork. “Sorry.”

He quickly gets back to focusing on eating. It’s best to leave those kinds of thoughts where they belong; in his head, where no one else can reach them.

What are the odds that he actually gets a chance, anyway, right?

///

“Ow.”

“Oh, quit whining!” Charlie says, finally letting go of Castiel once they’ve reached the auditorium. “You’re such a wimp sometimes.”

Castiel gives her an unimpressed look as he rubs his arm. “One day you’re going to dislocate my shoulder.”

“As if I would ever damage the merchandise.”

“Good to know that’s how you see me.”

“Now you’re just being petty. C’mere,” Charlie waves Castiel over to the bulletin board on the wall, pointing out the cast list. “Doesn’t it feel good to see your name at the top again?”

Even if his arm still hurts, Castiel can’t help his smile as he agrees, “It does.”

“That’s the spirit! We couldn’t ask for a better Orpheus - excuse me for wanting to make sure you know that.”

For all that Charlie’s love can be overwhelming at times, Castiel still appreciates it more than anything, and he nods. “I understand. Now we should really go in before Balthazar starts to worry.”

“Good point. He probably doesn’t want his star to be late.”

So they head inside, and as usual, the rest of the club comes not long after. Balthazar gives them all a quick run-down of the plans for today and sends everyone off to do their respective jobs, which means Charlie gives Castiel a side-hug before jumping out of her seat to run off. “Good luck running your lines!”

Castiel waves after her as she goes up the steps to the stage. “Good luck running tech!”

While Charlie vanishes behind the curtain with the other techies, he starts looking around for Meg. That’s when she pops her head out from the row of seats behind him, throwing her arms over the back of a chair. “And then there were two.”

Castiel startles for only a second before he says, “They can never say you don’t know how to make an entrance.”

“Nope. Up and at ‘em, Clarence; time is money.”

With everyone still splitting off, it seems like things are starting to get a little too crowded, so they head to the front of the auditorium and sit down by the doors to run their lines. Castiel is glad to know they haven’t lost any of their chemistry since the last time they worked together, and he does take to the role of Orpheus well enough, at least in his opinion.

Eventually, Meg makes a note in the margins of her script and looks up to ask, “What do you think the melody we’re supposed to sing sounds like?”

Castiel skims over that section in his own script and shrugs. “Even the myth didn’t go into much detail. Maybe we’re supposed to improvise?”

“Hmm…”

After a second, Castiel gestures over toward the stage, where Balthazar stands twirling his cane and supervising everyone. “It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Fair point.” Meg moves to get up, grabbing her script from the floor. “I’ll go. Might as well practice walking into Hell.”

Castiel laughs as he watches her go. “He isn’t that bad, Meg!”

“You only say that ‘cause you’re his favorite!”

Castiel just shakes his head and starts going over the lines they’ve reviewed already, until the door opens barely a foot away. He knows it’s probably just someone coming back from the bathroom, but he still can’t help glancing over, and he does a double-take when he realizes just who he’s looking at. “Dean!”

Shutting the door, Dean looks down at him. “Oh, hey. Where’s your wife?”

“Meg just went to talk to Balthazar.”

“Ah. How’s the script look so far? I sort of breezed through it, and it seems easy enough, but, well, you’re the professional.”

Castiel chuckles under his breath, even as his heart skips a beat or two at the praise. “You’re right, it shouldn’t be too hard to perform. Still, I’d rather not jinx myself.”

“Good call. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be up on stage - at least, not yet.”

It’s been a long time since Castiel was new to the game, but he definitely remembers that feeling. He nods and says, “It can be nerve-wracking - sometimes, it still is, even for a ‘professional’ like me. But if understanding the character and putting on a great show is important enough, then it does get easier.”

Remembering where his train of thought ended up during dinner last night, he adds in spite of himself, “I think you could have what it takes, if the opportunity arises - and knowing Balthazar, it probably will.”

Dean chuckles, slipping his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, well, like I said yesterday, I’ll be happy to just learn from watching you until then.”

With a wink that has Castiel’s heart skipping another beat, he adds, “Don’t let me distract you too much. I’ll never hear the end of it if you lose track of the show.”

Composing himself thanks only to what years of training has taught him, Castiel says, “It takes a lot more than one conversation for me to lose focus.”

“‘Course it does. Alright, I’ll leave you to it.”

Castiel nods again, watching as Dean goes back to his seat. He lets out a sigh and drops his head into his hand, staying like that until Meg calls out, “What’s got you so down, Clarence?”

Looking up, Castiel watches her come back over. He fumbles for an excuse and settles on, “The bees are disappearing at an alarming rate.”

He figures he couldn’t possibly get his foot any further into his mouth, but Meg just chuckles as she resumes her seat next to him. “Right. So anyway, I talked to Balthazar.”

“Does he have an idea of the melody?”

As Meg dives into her explanation, Castiel makes notes in his script accordingly and tries to put everything that just happened out of his head. He can’t keep giving Dean all of his attention when he has the show to think about, whatever feelings he may or may not have be damned. If he really is a professional, he needs to act like one.

He’s still determined not to jinx himself, but something tells him there’s a bigger challenge on the way than just getting his lines in order. He’ll have to cross that bridge when he gets to it, though.