"Let me take those for you." Dean offered, handing the rose out for Castiel to hold and picking up the dropped shopping bags. Castiel let them both inside his apartment and Dean gently placed everything in the kitchen while Cas watched this new Dean with wonder.

"Okay, give it up." Castiel said, arms folded across his chest. He was leaning one shoulder against the wall in the lounge when Dean came back out. Castiel squinted at Dean and Dean raised an eyebrow at Castiel.

"What do you mea-"

"Where is Dean Winchester and what have you done with him?" He held a straight face for as long as he could, but Dean's confused look was too much. He laughed, walking over to the smartly dressed ghost of an asshole he'd once known.

Dean grinned and played along. "He's been cleaned, shaven and washed away with a little magic." Castiel noticed he was still chewing gum despite the rest of his change. Maybe it was a habit. He smiled, walking over to the couch and patting the spot next to him. He twirled the rose around in between his fingers.

"Yes, but... I know you must have spent a bit doing all that.. the rose and the obviously rented suit as well..." He laughed at Dean's small gasp. "- But really Dean, you didn't need to do all that." Dean was about to protest when Castiel stopped him, scooting closer towards him on the couch. He could smell the aftershave up close and missed the cinnamon that was hiding underneath, trying to break through.

"I like the leather jacket and the scruffy hair." He smiled softly. "I like the work boots and the jeans, it's you. You didn't need to put on all this just to ask me on a date..." He mumbled blushing like a fool, taking in his own words as he spoke them. Dean had dressed up in something he was obviously uncomfortable in by the way he sat on the end of the couch, playing with the sleeve cuffs. His eyes darted around the room as if he were nervous and he fiercely chewed on his gum, and it was all to ask Castiel on a date.

"Why?" He asked before he could stop the word escaping his lips. Dean stopped looking around the room and focused his green eyes on Cas, making him shiver slightly under the intensity.

"Why'd I change or why'd I pretend to forget everything?"

Castiel bit his lip but didn't break their gaze. "Well, both. But... Why do all of this, why'd you change all to ask a simple question?"

Dean's smile faltered but he recovered quickly, biting down on his lower lip. "I uh..." He chuckled slightly finally breaking their locked eyes and hung his head. "I thought maybe if I changed you'd give me a chance."

Castiel's heart stopped in his chest. Oh. "Why wouldn't I give you a chance?" He muttered, but he already knew the answer. Dean sighed softly, a hint of sadness in his eyes that made Castiel's heart ache to comfort him.

"I don't know." He mumbled. "You always made me feel like I'd done something to offend you when I attempted to flirt with you. I'd never flirted with a guy before, it was a bit over the top yes, but I was nervous. I was trying to be confident. You gave me these death glares and walked away from me, or you bit your tongue to keep your job then made me leave... I don't know." Dean sighed. "I thought you hated me." He admitted, leaning back into the couch. He still looked uncomfortable in the suit, but at least now he wasn't awkwardly sitting at the edge.

Castiel rested a hand softly on Dean's arm. "I don't hate you." He almost whispered.

"But-"

"I do not hate you." He repeated, firmer this time. "I shared my coffee with you, I don't share my coffee with just anyone Dean." He attempted a smile, but Dean still didn't believe him. "I shared secrets with you too- I, I told you I was gay. I shared my favourite song, movie and colour with you. I've shared a couch for over 12 hours with you." He paused, taking in Dean's forlorn emotions. "And you know what they say?" Castiel grinned.

Dean shrugged, clueless. "I don't know, what?"

Castiel leaned in closer. He moved his hand from Dean's arm to his shoulder for support. His lips were almost a centimetre away from Dean's ear. He parted them slightly, whispering, "Sharing is caring."

Dean pushed Castiel off playfully, a smile breaking through his sudden sadness. "Weirdo."

Castiel rolled his eyes. "A weirdo you asked on a date."

"To which he still hasn't rejected or accepted." Dean commented, making Castiel blush, rolling against his side on the couch. He took a deep breath and wiped his face in his hands.

"Okay, how about I test this." Castiel started and put a hand up when Dean raised an eyebrow quizzically. "To prove yourself you must answer this." He mocked a game show host's voice. "... my favourite TV show is Sherlock, yes or no?"

Dean um'd and ah'd, going through their conversation from the previous day in his head. He'd told Dean he'd just finished American Horror Story... but he had mentioned Sherlock somewhere during the many hours. He took a deep breath and answered.

"...Yes?

"Yes." Castiel smiled.

"Yes...?" Dean continued, trying to get him to elaborate.

"Yes." He repeated. "I think it is time was went through with the deal." Castiel reached over a hand and lay it on top of Dean's, squeezing softly. Dean's face immediately lit up, his green eyes -already a vivid colour- intensifying.

"Thank you, Castiel. You won't regret giving met his chance."

Castiel laughed slightly and started walking towards his bedroom to get changed for his date. "I already gave you the chance." He said, turning his head back before shutting the door. "You just finally decided to take it."

-

Dean sat waiting for Castiel to change nervously. He was bi, yes, but he'd only ever dated one other male previously and that went horribly wrong. It was in high school and the guy's parents found them... they weren't very accepting. He was hoping Castiel would be different.

The door creaked open slightly and Castiel came out of his room in a hand-me-down suit, his hair slicked back like Dean's and a bow tie horrendously tied at his neck. Dean chuckled, pushing himself off the couch.

"Here, let me."

Dean slowly undid his bow tie and re-tied it, his fingertips brushing against Castiel's neck. Goosebumps rose slightly and Dean couldn't help but smirk at the control he had over him.

"What?" Castiel breathed out and Dean could smell toothpaste fresh on his breath.

"Nothing." Dean shook his head smiling, taking a step back to admire Castiel. "You look great." He complimented. Castiel blushed and Dean smirked again. He took a step forward and grabbed Cas' hand, entwining their fingers. "But I see what you mean. You didn't have to dress up like that." He glanced at Cas' water slicked hair. "I think I like sex hair Cas the best." Dean winked and kissed his cheek, pulling them towards the apartment door leaving Castiel giggling and blushing like a child.

Maybe people don't really change at all.