castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

calloused fingers fiddled with the gold ring on his finger, his other hand holding onto his drink for dear life. every holiday seemed tinted by grief now. there was no rest. celebrations felt like betrayals, each party just another event that highlighted the absence evermore. and new years eve was just another holiday to get this treatment. it also only marked another year that would come and go without her. the though pushed another long drink from his glass down his throat.

"I said that it should be a war crime that they replaced the coke in my rum and coke with pepsi." his laugh low and his smile somewhat crooked. vince had become somewhat of a friend, though 'friend' was an odd title for someone who was around the same age of his oldest child for him. kindred spirit, he guessed, was a better title. someone who has an idea of what this fucking hell is like. "think I have enough to sue them for unnecessary mental anguish."

cas studied the man next to him, noticing the way his brow furrowed in thought. "you okay? think too hard like that and I think you'll become a fire hazard from all the smoke." he offered the small bit of teasing to hopefully lighten the air.

open starter : @aurorabaystarter

where : nye ball // the seascape hotel

The soft lighting enveloped the polished wood countertop in a cozy glow, his eyes tracing every grain of the oak with his gaze as his fingertips lightly tapped against the whiskey glass he had been nursing for what felt like ages. He was too lost in thought to take a sip of the bottom-shelf liquor, a victim of his own thoughts as his mind wrestled with what the approaching new year might hold for him and his family. “Sorry, I’m not trying to be an asshole, I promise,” he said, glancing over at the person next to him. “But I’m going to need you to repeat whatever you just said.”

[castillo-aargon]

CASTILLO AARGÓN uploaded a new picture DECEMBER 18TH

@aurorabayaesthetic

[castillo-aargon]

who: open for all @aurorabaystarter where: the botanical gardens when: december 18th, evening

a shadow of a figure amongst happy families and overtly affectionate young couples, cas looked horribly out of place as he walked through the crowd. the day he had been dreading all week had finally come. the 18th day of december used to be just that, a day. another mundane day that most wished went by faster as the oncoming lights of christmas day became brighter and brighter. a day that used to be filled with trying to wrap things up at work for the holiday season as judges didn't like going into court from the 25th to the 1st without good reason. it used to just be a goddamned day.

but now? now it was a dark stain of memory. as of 1:45 am, two years ago it marked a new chapter. one without the love of his life. one where he lost the very spark that made him himself. it marked another set of milestones that had come and gone without her there. just more moments she had to miss. every ounce of his being wanted to cease existing. to go back to a time when he just felt numb, not this unwelcome feeling of pure hopelessness.

cas' jacket hung off his frame as his shoulders hunched, still excusing himself past the faces that reminded him of how much 'cheer' he was missing out on. rosalyn had loved the gardens. a botanical woman at heart, she even insisted if her name was to be shortened that people would call her rose instead of roz (monsters inc. coming out when their children were young only cemented this request). many a date night was spent amongst the colors and greenery, conversations flowing throughout the night. he wanted her back. it wasn't fair. why did she have to be the one who went? he would have given anything to have switched places with her. to let her continue brightening people's lives. to enjoy all that she had missed. she was the one who did good, who made magic in people's lives, who truly brightened every dark corner of the lives she touched. she deserved to be here.

'rosalyn jane aargón. 1980-2022. to the moon and back, love.'

the words etched into stone burred holes into his heart. it only made sense to memorialize her at her favorite place. but seeing her name in cold, unforgiving granite instead of on mail or signed on cards felt so wrong. the rose he had been holding in his hand began to crumple under his fists, which clenched with a mixture of anger and pure grief. he soon unclenched his hand and the flower fell unceremoniously onto the brick.

a sudden bump against him pulled him out of his trance. he quickly cleared his throat, slyly wiped the tears from his eyes, and began to walk away after offering a soft 'excuse me.' though when words were spoken back to him, he turned to face the owner.

[castillo-aargon]

"you're not bothering them, bas, they're your sisters." he reassured, eyes softened with compassion. though, deep down, he understood the feeling all too well: the feeling of not wanting to bother family with your deepest worries. family was supposed to be the group of people you could go to with everything and anything, but he knew the want to spare them from those feelings intimately. he had siblings of his own but they were not privy to the immense feelings he was dealing with right now. no one really was. "I'm sure they'd be more than happy to talk to you if you need them."

maybe he was projecting too much of his younger self onto his son. though rosalyn's face was interwoven with his, bas reminded him so much of himself. he too had that intrinsic need to succeed, to be the best at whatever he had put his mind to academically. but he worried what would happen if bas continued to ignore the social side of it all. "I'm just saying that I don't want you to forget to have a life outside the courtroom too." he offered a tight-lipped smile, trying in vain to lighten the mood. cas couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at his examples of him having time for fun. "okay, okay." his hands rose in feigned surrender. "I'll stop the nagging dad act, then. just wanted to make sure you're not going to burn yourself out there."

the sound of the sob bubbling up from his son's throat brought back a pain that he wasn't yet numb to. it reminded him too much of the funeral: his children crying, his family crying, his in-laws crying. and him? he was numb. just hot tears streaming down his face as the ceremony went on. his sobs were left for when he was alone. cas outstretched his hand to rest a hand on his shoulder, giving him as much comfort as he could muster. "I-I know you're not me." his voice low yet comforting. "but you can't just work yourself to the bone. you'll begin to resent it all. plus, the friends you make in college could just be those friends you have for life." he urged. "I just don't want you to have any regrets."

Over the years Bas had tried to remind himself that this wasn't his fault. Accidents happened all the time. He wished he could fix it all, but there were some feelings that even Bas couldn't help and he had accepted that. Of course there were days when the grief hit him hard, but if he didn't really think about it, then he didn't have to feel anything. Working hard at school and at his job meant he didn't have time for spare feelings. That's what he was doing. He wasn't emotionally available—he'd learned from the best after all. Sometimes, he didn't feel like he had anyone but himself and his work ethic.

He bit back his words, not wanting to admit he felt alone. Coming home meant that he got to look into his dad's hollow stare. There was only so much screaming into the void he could do. Bas had been in therapy since he was little for his own issues—and he knew the grief was a lot for him. "I know I just don't want to bother them." As much as he loved his family, there was only so much he could bother them about. This wasn't one of those things.

"What about me? You don't need to worry about me." Maybe that was a bit of a lie. He wished his dad did worry about him because he was already suffering from exhaustion most days. "I have plenty of fun." He didn't have the type of fun that his father was talking about. Going out to parties hadn't ever been fun for him. "The other day I watched a movie for fun." Okay, it had been a legal documentary, but it was for fun. "I even read a book that was only partially for class." Only one small section had been for class—Bas read the whole thing.

"Dad—" he started, but a sob got lodged in his throat. He had no idea what to say. He sat there for a minute, waiting for words to convey how he felt. "I'm not you. I'm not looking for a relationship." It was the only thing he could say.

[castillo-aargon]

"that's one way to describe your ideas, that's for damn sure." another coy smirk formed on his lips as he watched him have a not-so-subtle, purely facial tantrum. "don't think I won't warn him not to give anything to a certain blonde owner of aurora bay's most mediocre cafe." though his words were harsh, the tone kept it in that teasing space he basically lived in with jace. maybe it would be a christmas idea. he was practically an honorary child, after all. a stocking with a 'J' on it seemed to make its way into his house every december.

cas gave him a once over, arms crossed firmly over his chest. "ah, yes, because it's a universally known fact that women are very into the 'herbie the want to be dentist from rudolph if he was dressed as jiffy pop' look." another smug smirk fell onto his lips as his chuckles continued. his head tilted as he looked over jace again, his eyebrow rising as he studied him. "in fact, you also kind of look like a grown-up baby new year from that sequel they made to rudolph. were you one of their models for those characters? probably should look into getting royalties from their estates." he flashed him a cheesy smile. "happen to know a damn good lawyer."

though his joking nature was soon soured by the mention of 'finding him someone'. an unwelcome lump rose in his throat as his mind was inundated with thoughts of what could have been: one of her hands firmly placed in his, the other giving him a light tap and telling him to ease up on the kid. the idea that anyone but rosalyn would be in that spot made his stomach turn. a guilt, an undying devotion lingered in his thoughts. he was free to do as he wished as far as romantic partners went, but it still felt so wrong to think of anyone else but her in that position. "n-no, don't need you to do that." the shakiness in his voice was attempted to be hidden by another long drink from his glass. "aurora bay needs a resident curmudgeon and no one will take my role, thank you."

The expression on his face says everything Jace needs to know, even before Cas can utter the word 'no.' His blue eyes observe as the man takes a sip of his drink, a pout forming on his lips, reminiscent of a child whose parent has just refused to let him have a pet. If Cas won’t get it for him, he’ll find a way to do it himself—one way or another. “I always have funny ideas,” he quipped.

“And hey now,” he said, glancing at the man who looked like he was about to burst from laughter at his own joke. “I’m a lady killer,” he announced cheerfully, before his brain caught up with his words. “Not literally, but you know, ladies love me.” Of course, he was boosting his own ego with those words.

“But do you need me to fetch someone for you? With this sword right here, I’m sure I could find you a keeper,” he said, giving the scabbard a pat before gesturing with his thumb towards the crowd on the dance floor. “Especially if that’s what it takes for you to stop being such an ass all the time.”

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

with the liquor coursing through his veins, cas found himself in a bit more of a talkative mood. most days he stalked around like a shadow of a man rather than a man himself. though, there was a possibility the 'old cas' was trying to pop his head above the surface: it's who he had been for so many years, after all. his family could never just run an errand, since they were always being sidetracked by him bumping into someone he knew. and maybe a bit of that man could come back. a step had to be taken at some point, right?

"nice to meet you, jaz." his voice was low yet convivial. a soft nod followed her inquiry. "short answer? yes. long answer? born in cuba, raised in new york, and have been in aurora bay since high school."

"and you?"

Warmth reached her lips as she brought her glass back down and took a drink of it.

“No worries," She placed her elbow on the bar, resting it as she ran her hand through her hair as she looked at him. "It's nice to meet you Castillo.”

If there was one thing she figured out about life was making connections. It helped in the long run whether it was small or big and right now, she was in a social mood.

“My names Jazmin but you can call me Jaz.” It was nice introducing herself as just Jazmin here. No one knew her unless they watched the show or lived in proximity of where she was filming. "You from here?" She asked, taking another sip from her drink. @castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

bright eyes followed her gaze as she looked down at his attire, another soft chuckle passing through greying whiskers. "it could be a look. I'm sure this will be considered couture one day." though as she continued, he felt as if he was being verbally dragged into shark-infested waters. cas' features suddenly turned stony; the bluntness of her question left himself unable to prepare himself. to find a way out of this conversation. to avoid every moment of ever having to think about why he was in this state. "that's what you have to do sometimes in this business. law doesn't stop just because your cup may be empty."

a nasty feeling began rising up in him. the kind of feeling that made your face flush with the flames of anguish, equally hot tears threatened to fall at any moment, and your stomach acted like it wanted to flip itself inside out. it left him feeling like an embarrassed child, trying to hold back what would have certainly been sobs if he hadn't held them back. a large hand rested on guagua's head as he curled up by his feet, though everything around him seemed as if someone had taken volume control to all of his senses and turned them down low. "I mean, the ac- fuck." his words hitched, and attempted to leave. "the accident happened. and my view on a lot of things changed."

he knew she was right. anyone with any cursory prior knowledge of cas as a person knew he wasn't alright. if it had been just some months ago, there would have been dinner parties, get-togethers, laughing, stories shared--the light would have been there. but now, there was stillness. his once warm home now stood as a mausoleum. he hadn't touched any of her belongings. down to the work clothes she had tried to throw into the laundry basket that now lay at their permanent residence just centimeters from the basket's lid. her heels stood firmly in their usual spot as if she'd come down the large oak stairs and would slip them on before running off to work. people who were okay didn't refuse to touch any of the items their late had left on the dresser that night when she had expected to spend a quiet night in. "I know, I know." his voice barely holding on. "and I appreciate it."

"I just...I can't." the voice so faint it seemingly seeped through the walls of the house itself. "I can't."

Ann’s lips pressed into a thin line as her gaze swept the room, pausing on the scattered case files and the forgotten cups of coffee. Her heart ached—not because of the mess or the obvious signs of a man drowning in his own routines, but because of the weight he clearly carried, trying to keep everything stitched together. She smoothed a hand over the worn fabric of the armchair she sat in, an anchor to keep herself from fussing over him too much.

“Me? Oh, I’m fine,” she answered, though she knew Cas wasn’t exactly being entirely honest with her, but that was to be expected she supposed. “You don’t need to deflect, Cas. You know I’m not here to judge your mess or your, uh…” She paused, eyes raking over his shirt, a small chuckle coming from her. “relaxed wardrobe.” Her voice softened as she continued, “I’m more concerned about you. You’re running yourself ragged, aren’t you? Big case or not, you can’t pour from an empty cup, Cas. And it’s been empty for a while, hasn’t it?”

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees, wanting to make sure that he was okay but she also didn’t want to pry too hard and make him retreat. “I know you’ve been holding it all together for work, for everyone else—but what about you? What about the guy who used to care about more than just case files and coffee cups?”

Ann let the words settle between them before her gaze softened further. “And before you ask again, yes, I’m fine. But I don’t think you’re okay. Not really.” Her hand brushed lightly over the edge of the end table, just wanting something to ground her right now with everything that had been said. “I’m here, Cas. For the mess, for Guagua, for whatever you need. You don’t have to pretend with me.” She wanted too to give him the option of pulling back and relaxing if he needed it too. “Beyond all that, if you don’t want to talk about it all I understand too. We can just eat, treat Guagua and have a conversation not about that I’m here too”

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

closed starter for @vincentquinn

where: grief & loss support group meeting when: evening

it had been a long fight: his therapist had been asking him to go to some group meetings for months now. he had been able to keep dodging the request and cover it up with big cases coming across his desk at a seemingly never-ending rate. but with both the lull of the holiday season and the two-year anniversary looming closer and closer, a firm foot was put down and cas was expected to be there at the next session.

an oversized trench coat hung off his shoulders, making him appear more shadow than man. the room was the exact kind of depressing he had imagined: a card table in the corner filled with generic, grocery store baked goods and thin paper plates, grey folding chairs all dented from years of other uses arranged in some sort of semi-circle, and a feeling of reluctant acceptance radiating off the other bodies that mulled about. every atom that made up his very being was screaming to leave, to turn heel and find his way to the nearest exit. he didn't feel ready. he hadn't even said her name, let alone recounted their life together. how was he supposed to do it in front of strangers?

a soft creek emitted from the chair he had claimed as his own. cas quickly grabbed his phone to distract himself with work emails. his fingers began lazily scrolling through countless case updates, holiday party invites, and the usual clerical updates. he barely registered as someone sat near him, the small group migrating over to the chairs like geese. there was an attempt to almost make himself invisible, to sink into the background as the therapist started to prepare the session. he didn't even notice when words were being directed towards him.

"huh?" his voice low and holding a tiredness that only loss could have created.

[castillo-aargon]

"sometimes." the words felt so distant to him, it was almost as if cas wasn't the one saying them. much of his life the past year had felt like he was watching things happen to him. his new memories weren't memories lived but memories observed. dissociation was common after trauma, something his therapist was always reminding him. but deep down, he knew he was missing out on key moments of his children's lives. they were young adults making their own foundations of their future. and yet, there he sat: unable to be a part of it as his wife's memory haunted every feature of their faces.

his next words stung. there had been nothing about this in the parenting books he had read with rosalyn as they awaited their children's arrival. it wasn't common knowledge how you moved forward after such a loss, especially when the memories that should have been his salvation were tainted with an ache of wanting to go back to that stupid night and tell himself not to get so drunk. to have stayed his buddy's house and not have worried about getting his work done early in the morning so he could enjoy the holidays in peace. the holidays. two years was almost here. two years since that fucking holiday party. two years since the storm and the screeching tires and the sparks and smoke and -- the inky black nights of winter were almost as if that horrible memoriam was causing it.

"you're never alone, bas. you always have me." he dared not move his eyes up from the paper as if they had caught the light, the presence of hot tears pricking his eyes would have been all too evident. "and your sisters." a slight cough was like a shield, keeping the pain in his voice at bay.

his next words gave him something else to latch on to, a welcome respite from the guilt and grief. "and what about time for you?" cas finally looked up over his reading glasses, the calm, almost vacant expression he had adopted finding itself comfortably back. "I mean, believe me I am very proud of your drive and your work ethic, but this is also time for you to have fun too."

something that could be described as a smile flickered on his lips. "I'm sure abuela has told you stories of what I got up to." though he graduated with honors or at the top of his class in every educational endeavor he had attempted, cas still always found time for ridiculous antics in between all of the studying. smuggling kegs of beer into his hall, 'decorating' the founder's statue, and other things his mother would never find out about (if he had anything to do with it). "hell, it was at one of those hall parties my fellow law students and I threw where I met m-"

her title. her name. he hadn't uttered either since the funeral. they had stayed firmly in his thoughts. it was as if the letters passed through his lips, they'd be as deadly as nightshade. saying her name with past tense surrounding it made it too real. too final. "I m-mean, she was in undergrad and--" the vice of grief grabbed hold, stopping his words in their tracks.

"anyway, my point is that there are relationships you could make for life by going out and having a little fun."

He had tried so hard when he got home from school to help his dad, but he was met with only a man who was different. Bas missed the way things had been between the two of them. Sometimes he wondered if his dad would even notice if he decided to drop out. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if he did. Being a lawyer was the only thing he'd ever wanted to do—and he never expected this was the path he'd take to become one. Bas fully expected to go to college and get into a good law school—Ivy league if he had a say. Funny that life didn't work out the way he expected. One day, he hoped that things would be easier on him. He wished he could take his dad's pain away, but he couldn't and it made him feel like a failure. It had to get easier. Bas needed to believe that. If he thought being around made things easier, he'd have moved out of the dorms right away. But he'd made that mistake in the past and he wasn't keen on trying again when it was clear nothing would change. He wished he could shout, to say he was still here, still alive, still thriving. He didn't think it would help at all.

"Sometimes the noise is nice." Half the time, Bas welcomed the noise because it wasn't the quiet he'd gotten used to around his father. Bas really wished that he could focus at the dorms tonight, but he couldn't. "At least it reminds me that I'm not alone." He winced at how harsh that was, but it was the truth.

"It's alright. I wish I could focus on just school, but I like work."

[castillo-aargon]

cas couldn't help but laugh, as he shouldn't have expected anything different. between ann and noelle, he was almost certain he'd never have to cook for himself again. which, judging by the state of him most days, was a blessing. "how do you find the time?" he asked, peeking over her shoulder to look at not only the spread elegantly laid out but at all the decorations and activities she had compiled together. "I'm tired just looking at all of it."

following behind like a dutiful dog, cas shrugged off his jacket and placed the drinks at their place on the counter. "I mean, if I have to do it to help you out, I'm sure I could have one." a soft smile pulling on his lips.

"rum and coke would be fantastic."

"Oh, hush!" Noelle dismissed his comment with a wave of her hand. "I made so much food myself I'm going to have to send everyone home with leftovers and I'm sure I'll still have some!"

Noelle happily returned the hug to her friend before thanking him and leading him to the kitchen. "Can I get you anything to drink? I also may or may not have bought enough alcohol to last us a century."

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

a low chuckle passed his lips, his head shaking at her questions. "no, no. it was a good day. this whole outing was a celebration." his words followed by a drink of his own rum and coke.

"currently, I'm the district attorney for the country." cas divulged as he pardoned her own pardon with a soft wave of his hand. even under the blanket of liquor, he still felt quite green in the area of small talk. why does it seem that grief not only took away rosalyn, but also my ability to exist as a human in this world. though he knew he had to try. he couldn't stay like this forever (especially with his therapist and his co-workers on his ass about not sequestering himself). "but when that's over, I'm the lead prosecutor of the aargón and associates law firm."

"what about you?"

She smiled and nodded in response to his handshake. He seemed like a nice man right off the bat. "Oh? Getting drinks with colleagues... is that the sign of a good day or an especially bad one?" She asked before bringing her wine glass to her lips.

"What is it you do, Castillo?" She said, blue eyes diverting her entire attention to him. Layne always had an interest in other people. Hence why her entire career, she had focused on the talents of others. Switching how her legs were crossed she accidentally nudged him. "Oh pardon me.." She said and quickly tucked ankles back to the bar of her chair.

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

cas had probably looked the best he had in months: greying hair combed down in something that could have been called a respectable hairstyle, a freshly dry-cleaned suit matched with complementing pocket square. It was all a good start. the man sheepishly held out the bag filled with multiple liters of sodas, juices, and a few gallons of water. "as you know, I wasn't the cook of the family." the twinge of pain at even alluding to rosalyn was more damaging then he expected. "so, am I officially the worst contributor of the potluck?"

he pulled noelle into a gentle yet loving hug. "the place looks great. you're an angel."

open starter: @aurorabaystarter

where: Noelle's home in Seabrook Quarter on November 21st, the day of her Friendsgiving

"Oh my god, hi!" Noelle beamed as she opened her front door to greet her guests. "I'm so glad you could make it! Please, come in and make yourself at home. We have plenty of food, drinks, desserts... Oh, I have little coloring books and things for the kids, too! Thank you for being here."

[castillo-aargon]

[castillo-aargon]

there were days cas though he was getting better; the clouds of grief finally parting towards the blue skies of the future. but it was never for long. memories tended to have that pesky habit of crawling back and igniting the flame of despair. what he hated most was that feeling lived in the faces of his children. the people he should be able to, most of all, support and share his feelings with during this time were the ones who made it that much harder to cope. it killed him. there was a part of him that just wanted to scoop up his grown children like they were young again and let them know it would all soon be alright. to have that parental magic to make their own troubles go away. but, instead, the loss had made him another trouble. as badly, as much he wished to change it, the wall was just too tall to climb. so there he sat, in his spot on the couch and at an emotional arms length.

cas' therapy dog's, guagua, dark brown eyes followed bas as he moved across the room with his giant tail wagging yet was hard-pressed to move from his spot next to his owner. "yeah? that does sound annoying." a sad smile resting on his lips as his eyes moved back to the file in front of him. the way stillness sat in the air so comfortably was a huge contrast to just even three years ago. back then, it seemed cas would find himself internally begging for a moment of quiet. be careful what you wish for, right?

"besides annoying dormmates, how's school going?"

Sometimes the dorms got too loud for Bas to do his work and today was one of those days. Most of the time he'd end up moving to the library and finding a study room, but sometimes, just sometimes he'd head back home. It was one of those days where he couldn't focus in his dorm room and the library would be too quiet. Every little sound was annoying him. So he packed up his belongings and hoped that his house would be empty—or at least hoped that maybe possibly for once he was asleep.

Creaking the door open quietly, he made his way inside the house, hoping he was at least quiet enough that his dad wouldn't hear him. Bas felt like he was sixteen years old again, sneaking in after breaking curfew—not that Bas often snuck in. Still. He really didn't want to look into his dad's face and see the grief. Unfortunately, there was a light on in the living room. He froze, thinking that maybe his dad just wouldn't talk to him.

Bas didn't like the look on his dad's face as he turned around. "Hi, dad." He nodded slowly. This was why he'd moved away. That look was too much. "I think my neighbors are playing a board game or something. It was too loud." He dropped his backpack on the ground beside the couch and took a seat on the other end from his dad.

[castillo-aargon]

as she took her seat, cas made sure to quickly move his briefcase out of her way (a remnant of work now a huge burden). "of course." his eyes scanned over her for just another moment. "my pleasure."

cas took her hand, returning the firmness and professionalism in the handshake. "pleasure to meet you as well, layne." he waved his hand at her next statement. "no, no I'm actually the straggler of my group. was out with a few colleagues. what about you?"

Layne was grateful that the man didn't shoo her off. She simply just wanted to enjoy some wine after a long work week. Gracefully hooking her purse over the back of her chair, she slid into her seat and set her glass down. "Thank you." she said as she hooked one ankle under the other. As the man introduced himself, she took a brief moment to look him over. He was dressed nice. Well put together. handsome. She knew a businessman when she met one. Extending her hand she took his for a firm handshake. "Layne Dell. Pleasure to meet you Castillo.... are you sure Im not taking someone's seat? Are you waiting for someone?" @castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

his fingers ran through greying hair as she commented on his attire. "oh really? I call this look simply 'it's my day off and I who cares how I look'." a soft smile on his lips as he adjusted his reading glasses. there was no use much lately for looking presentable outside of work, and it was the first thing to go after he began to shut down. what was the point? who cared what he looked like outside of work or work-related events? still, there was a part of the 'old' cas that felt embarrassed about his current appearance.

cas walked ann in, placing the food up on his end table (which was conveniently just out of reach from the dog's eager grasp). the old living room resembled more of a cave than somewhere his family had made so many happy memories: case files strewn about, half-drank cups of coffee (some multiple days old) acting as paperweights. another twinge of embarrassment flowed through him. "sorry about all this mess. big case coming up." though true, a hot flash of guilt still flowed through him for blaming his workload on his inability to look after himself.

"you always outdo yourself, ann." cas stated with a warm smile as he found his way back to his spot on the couch. a sigh struck the air at her treat for guagua. "he doesn't need any of that! he's already a tub of lard." the man chuckled as the dog continued to circle the two, as if jaws himself waiting for the right moment to strike the orca.

then it hit: that question. a question he had heard so many times over the past year. some version of 'how're you holding up?' or 'doing alright?' was always being directed his way, the words almost losing all meaning. though, he couldn't fault people much. he'd ask the same question if the shoe was on the other foot. "I'm....okay." cas said, letting the last word do most of the heavy lifting. "how're you doing?"

deflecting was a well crafted skill.

Ann chuckled as she stepped inside, giving Cas a knowing look as she took in his dishevelled state. “I must say, Cas, you’re really giving off the ‘eccentric genius’ vibe today,” she teased, her gaze flicking from his wild hair to the loose robe slipping off his shoulder. “A rockstar in rehab—Someone would have a field day with this look.” She set her bag down and gently quickly picking it back up when she noticed that the Guagua was getting a little too close to the bag for her own liking.

Crouching to Guagua’s level, Ann gave him an affectionate scratch behind his ears. “And you, sir, are as charming as ever," she said, raising an eyebrow at Cas. "Don’t worry, I’ll guard the food with my life. Can’t have this little mischief-maker taking your food when you’re probably all the hungrier smelling the food.” She stated, getting back up, which to be honest here was getting a little more difficult the older she got. 

Placing the bag up higher out of Guagua’s reach this time, she handed Cas a foil-covered dish from her bag, the smell of the ribs, mash, and greens honestly making her own stomach rumble a little. “Alright, feast time,” she said warmly. “I may have gone a little overboard, but hey, I thought we both deserved it today. And don't worry, I packed a little baggie just for Guagua—he won’t be left out, don’t be afraid to eat the ribs with your hands nothing polite about ribs. Now, tell me, how’ve you really been holding up?”

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

a stern look, something between annoyance and a hidden feeling of impressed at his gumption to even ask, pierced through cas' eyes at his request. "no." he said simply, taking another drink of his drink.

"and tomorrow it will also be no, so don't get any funny ideas."

a spark of mischief brightened up his face, ready to relish the opportunity to continue his ruse. "that's usually what happens when you let people out of captivity." a smirk and a chuckle intertwined with his tease. "you know because I imagine that's the only way you could get someone to go with you anywhere that could even be considered a date."

A laugh escapes his lips, and Cas's sarcasm is hard to miss. It’s one of the things he always adored about him-the quick wit that belied his serious demeanor. His brow raises at the mention of Cas's friend. Wait, Cas has friends? “Jasper Morgan, as in the Jasper Morgan?” He shouldn’t be surprised; the rich and powerful always seem to stick together-something his own father had taught him-but it’s still a shock. “Do you think you could snag me a signed napkin or maybe a picture for the store?” he asks.

The creases in his forehead deepen as his brows furrow. “Baked potato, I…” His eyes dart to his own outfit, widening as he realizes that his half-assed costume could actually fit with what the man just mentioned. “I…” He stumbles over his words. “It looks ridiculous, I know. But I have a Juliet running around here somewhere,” he says, almost as if that justifies the lack of effort in his costume.