3 - Why did you disappear in thin air?

"Lobster it is !" Gabriel wriggled his eyebrows, making Castiel laugh. "You asked for it, daddy. Don't complain that it's too much now!"

Castiel had a fond look for his family, before focusing more on Balthazar. "Well I do like Kalyan. He is quite... frantic too. And he never complained about me"

And Chuck started immediately complaining, taking a big turn on what he had just said ("C'mon Gabe you know I wasn't talking seriously, an entire lobster might be too big for your old man!")!

"Why should anyone with a brain complaining about you?", Balthazar huffed. "You're a very good person. That's plenty enough. And, you are very likeable anyway!"

"Hmm maybe" Castiel squinted, quite unsure about it. "Also, Balthazar. How do you know if you prefer girls or boys?" ** ZBAF **

Balthazar almost choked on his own breath at that. "Well - pardon me but this is- a bit sudden, Castiel", he finally managed to let out, almost struggling to keep himself from laughing because of his brother's bluntness. "Why do you ask? Are you interested in someone and you are feeling confused about it?" He was more than ready to snoop around in his brother's private life- I mean to help! Of course.

"No I...maybe" Suddenly, Castiel felt shy. And for once, he didn't want to be honest. "Listen I'm just curious since... You know. I'm single" ** ZBAF **

"And pray tell, why did you feel the need to state that, Cas? I didn't ask", Balthazar teased him a bit, but smiled kindly. "Your sexuality is kind of a personal trip. What I can say to you is this: most of the times, the first person you ever find attractive means a lot. Did that ever happen to you, to feel that way? To think 'That person is so beautiful'? To wish someone would..." He threw a worried look to his father, before going to a different road. "... I don't know, smile only at you? Hold your hand, kiss you?"

"...I never thought of that" Castiel sighed and looked at his hands. "But I did wish they would look at me and be proud to be with me. That they would accept me"

Balthazar smiled, even if he was still terribly curious. "Aaw. That's puppy love", he said, gently bumping Castiel with his elbow. "Could also simply be a wish to be close friends, though. And are they a boy, or a girl?"

"...I want to be more than friends. I want to be special" He looked a bit away, a bit embarrassed. "They...are a "he" "

Balthazar smiled gently at his brother. How... awfully cute. "Then you might be either gay or bisexual. Either that, or this 'he' is very, very special and a unique case", he answered. "Either way. Only you can understand it fully, because it is yourself. But if you ever need any help, you know I am here for you!"

"..Yeah. Thank you, Balthazar." Indeed, Castiel seemed relieved. Of course, he didn't plan to confess, but to put a word on his feeling was a good thing

"Hey, no problem", Balthazar answered with a large smile, patting his arm. A waiter briefly stopped by to take their orders (probably Gabriel obnoxiously asked for all lobsters, ignoring Chuck's protests), and then he added in a whisper, "I'll want details, if you manage o ask your 'him' out!"

"If I succeed, I promise" Castiel smiled at him, then focused on his dad, a bit worried. "Is Gabriel being a problem again?"

"Yes!", Chuck answered to Castiel right away, glaring daggers at Gabriel. "He ordered lobsters for everyone. And pricey wine. I told him to moderate himself, but he doesn't listen", he sighed then, apparently surrendering to the fact that he had a son who did not listen ever!

"What? It's very nice to eat something that is not meat for once" Gabriel sighed with exageration. "I mean. Dad. You cannot eat potatoes and steack at every meal. That is not healthy"

"Well, maybe it's not healthy, but you exaggerated", Chuck reproached him, gently. "I mean - this dinner is going to cost so much money!"

"Nah that's ok! Besides I hadn't seen you in ages, let me spoil you a bit!" Gabriel smiled at him. "You refused to come to Monaco when I invited you"

"That would be because I wouldn't let you pay for the plane ticket", CHuck smiled at him. "And because, unfortunately, work has been very demanding lately. Ask Cas - I've been barely able to attend his graduation. But I made it a point to be there with him!"

"I know, he is your favorite" Gabriel sighed. "We all know that, dad"

"I am not the favorite" Castiel protested. "I'm just the youngest, so I need more help"

"He is right, Gabe", Chuck retorted, frowning a bit. "I've never played favourites with you boys - that was your mom's specialty. But you others are older, and with a career on the go - which I am proud for, whatever is the job you chose. Cas was still studying until a month ago. Of course I am following him a bit closely", he protested again. Well, he was a bit offended!

Gabriel smiled at him, not really believing him. Welp, being the porn star of the family, that was something weird for everyone, he could guess. But he didn't really care. "If you say so. At least I hope you will enjoy that lobster"

"I say so, and I'll enjoy that lobster", Chuck answered candidly. "Also - I heard you want to retire, but what are you planning to do, then?" He was genuinely curious!

"Hmmm I dunno" Gabriel played with his napking, lost in his thoughts. "I think I'm a bit tired of leaving far away. I would like to come back and...find what I'm good for"

Chuck smiled at him. "That sounds nice", he approved, patting his arm. "I think we'd all like it if we lived closer to each other."
"Yes, I agree", Balthazar piped in, smiling as well. "Especially since I am staying here now too. We could have more evenings where we eat out and just chat."

"And soon you'll get a boyfriend and we won't see you that often" Gabriel joked and elbowed his brother. "I didn't know you were that romantic by the way"