#(the writer was in hawaii for conolulu & the artist's calendar alert never popped up!)

[withering-the-comic]

prologue | part one : pages 20-24  |  posting schedule

[image description for vision-impaired readers below the cut]

PAGE TWENTY

It’s a new day, and Castiel shuffles across the carpet in his bumblebee socks as he heads for the kitchen. His legs are bare. It may be late in the morning--already 9:24am--but it’s still too early for him to have bothered to dress. He’s wearing nothing but boxer shorts and a dark t-shirt. It’s almost as rumpled from sleep as his hair.

The kitchen is well equipped with a dishwasher and shelf space by the window, and the counter is well stocked with herbs and spices. A few wilting plants sit along the windowsill and on the counter beside Gabriel’s recipe books; Gabe’s Dessert Bible, Recipes for Poisoning Kali, Best Pies 2003-2004, All The Cake, and finally, Sausage Porn. This is one collection of books that Castiel has nothing to do with, and he doesn’t even glance at them before opening the fridge to peer blearily inside.

It contains a few ingredients, but not so much in the way of actual food.

Castiel: Ugh.

 PAGE TWENTY-ONE

Giving up on the contents of the fridge, Castiel slams it shut. Yawning, he rubs the sleep from his eyes, then notices a note taped to the door.

No coffee left, sorry bro :( See you in a few days, hopefully with Porkchop! - Gabe P.S. No parties while I’m away! I want in on that shit. P.P.S. Dude, you murdered the kitchen plants. Again.

Castiel rolls his eyes. He’s far too lacking in caffeine right now to deal with his brother--even in note form.

Castiel: Damn it, Gabe. Now I'll have to find pants.

PAGE TWENTY-TWO

Castiel checks his laptop bag, making sure he has his power cord and notebook before he leaves the house. He’s finally dressed--wearing a soft sweater and dark jeans, a pentacle pendant hanging around his neck on a leather cord.

It’s a bright, sunny day out, but it’s still chilly enough outside that he slips on his coat. He turns the collar up against the breeze.

The small town is quiet as he makes his way down the main street. He passes a store stocked with a little bit of everything, right beside the post office. Coffee and cheese and a gumball machine stand behind the window; sausages hang from the ceiling above. The glass door is marked Bess & Garth General Goods. A sandwich board advertises their wares--from dog toys to coffee and meat.

PAGE TWENTY-THREE

Eventually, he passes Bass Antique Books, but despite his usual interest in bookstores, he doesn’t even glance in the window.

His eyes are instead drawn to the man crouched in front of the next building, setting out a few small cacti in front of a chalkboard that reads ADOPT A CACTUS TODAY! Beneath the text, he’s drawn a cute little cactus with a smiling face.

This man is, of course, Dean Winchester. 

Castiel doesn’t know that yet, but he does know that whoever he is, he’s beautiful. Sandy hair and freckles, and a detailed tattoo that extends from his bicep and disappears under the short sleeve of his black t-shirt. Warm eyes.

Castiel can’t help but stare.

PAGE TWENTY-FOUR

As he passes by Winchester Flowers and Plants, Castiel shares a brief moment of eye contact with Dean. It’s charged. Exciting. 

His cheeks grow hot, and though he’s deeply embarrassed by this uncharacteristically strong reaction to a man he doesn’t even know, he’s gratified to see that he’s not the only one blushing. The pink of Dean’s cheeks makes his freckles stand out.

Crossing the street, Castiel allows himself a small, pleased smile.

Behind him, Dean glances down with a smile of his own.