1 - Have you seen this dork?

Castiel held back a smile. "To be fair, you don't know me much either. But- we could give it a try for a week or two before I move in. I'll pay for my expenses, of course," he added, his expression serious. "And for part of the rent. But that should give you an idea of how it's like to live with me."

Carleen was grinning. "That's so precious! So he's at your flat right now? He's not too bummed to stay inside all day long?" She straightened up. "Does that mean you'll need to walk him tonight?"

Dean grinned. Castiel looked super serious sometimes, and for some reason that just cracked him up a little bit. "Sounds good to me!", he exclaimed, before offering him his hand. "Welcome aboard for the next couple of weeks, then! I feel compelled to tell you that I am definitely not the tidiest person around, and that I hate being woken up before my alarm clock rings. ... which sometimes means well over eleven in the morning."

"Nah, he doesn't get too bummed - he's a very... sleep-oriented dog. But we do leave the glass doors to the balcony open if the weather is nice, so he can decide to nap in the sun, if he wants to", Horknath answered distractedly, before tilting his head at Carleen suddenly straightening up on her seat. He quickly checked the time on his phone. "Well - yes, I'll need to get back to the flat to walk him. We'll probably go pick Asterius up together."

Castiel shook Dean's hand. "I have been told I'm- how did my brothers put it?" He paused, and then nodded to himself. "'Freakishly silent'. I am quite light on my feet, so I'm confident I'm not going to wake you up earlier than expected, unless there's an emergency."

"Oh, do you think I could tag along?" Carleen brought a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile a little more shy. "I mean- I'd get to thank Spike for probably being the reason I found you again. And I can't wait to see which one of our brothers bested the other!"

Dean burst into laughter. "Freakishly silent? Oh, wow", he exclaimed, still chuckling. He shook Castiel's hand as well before letting go of it, grinning. "That's not very nice of your brothers to say - but alright then, that's cool. I guess I'm lucky I only have one of those that likes to make fun of me."

Horknath flushed a little. Oh. Oh- Carleen wanted to tag along with him. She wanted to spend more time with him, maybe to get to know him better, maybe they could meet again another day, maybe they could go on a date- "Of course. I mean - I'm sure Spike would like to see someone different for a change", he answered awkwardly, smiling a little. "And yeah, I'm curious too. By the time we get to the University, the match will probably have ended already anyway." Oh, poor unassuming Horknath.

Castiel held back a smile. "I have my sister for that. She's very kind to me. And- I do hope this has actually nothing to do with the fact that she couldn't hear me anyway, should she wish to." He had to hold back a chuckle. Eileen had always been the only one he didn't startle with his light feet, oddly enough.

Carleen beamed at Horknath, and nodded, before she seemed to remember something. "Oh! Right!" She grabbed her phone again. "I've been texting you from my best friend's phone so far! Do you mind giving me your number again?" Again, there was this shy smile on her lips. Never before had she felt that comfortable around a guy, and she sure hoped Horknath and her might go on an official date anytime soon.

Dean chuckled. "Aw - wait, she can't hear you? Ah, she's deaf?", he asked curiously. "Does she come to this University too?" Her brother had talked to him about a cute deaf girl who studied in the History department (or the Law department as well, maybe? He didn't remember too well) that he liked - but c'mon, there couldn't be that many coincidences in a lifetime, right?
If me and Alcka are writing the plot, the answer is yes Dean


"O-oh, sure", Horknath answered, quickly taking a hold of his phone and tapping his number to show it to her. He found it less awkward than just straight up dictate it to her. "Is your best friend him?", he asked on a second thought, nodding towards Dean. He didn't seem to be weirded out about the possibility of Carleen having a guy as her best friend. "I'm glad that he seems to be getting along well with my friend."

"She's deaf, yes." Castiel smiled. "And she does attend this university too, she's in the History department. But- has a bit of Law classes as well. She's studying to become a researcher in Archeology, so she needs to have some jurisdictional knowledge as well." Eileen truly inspired him, and he often looked out to her. To think she was only one year older than him!
Oh Dean, if you knew

Carleen registered Horknath's number, and sent him a wink emoji so he could register hers. She lifted her gaze, however, and smiled. "Dean is my best friend, yes. But I was thinking about my other best friend, Selena. I'll introduce you to her someday. She's already dying to know how our meeting went." She pressed her lips together, and threw a glance at Dean and Castiel, before she focused on Horknath again. "So... you don't need confirmation that Dean and I aren't a thing, or haven't had a thing in the past?" Well... that was new, to her. And definitely refreshing.

"Aah", Dean nodded. Honestly anything that was outside of his own area of expertise (Engineering, fyi) tended to fly a little over his head. But surely Castiel's sister sounded like someone who had lots of brains to spare! "Hey, no way! My little brother is in the Law department too! He's studying to become a lawyer - he's a year younger than me though, so I don't know if your sister will ever cross him", he reflected out loud.

Horknath's tongue was peeking out in concentration while he registered Carleen's name in his phone - he still honestly couldn't believe he was having this kind of luck. He did look a little confused when he raised his eyes to look at her again, and straightened up. "I... don't know? Should I ask you for a confirmation?", he asked, sounding careful. "I mean- I don't think you'd be chatting in a dating app if you were already seeing someone." At least, it seemed logical to him. "And I think that, even if you broke up with someone on very friendly terms, wouldn't it be very awkward to bring them to a-" His ears flushed in embarrassment as he abruptly interrupted himself. To a what? Was that a date? How should he call this that they were having? A meeting of interest? "... to a, uhm. Date? If you were to be going on a date, I mean", he added quickly, getting more red in the face. "You just don't strike me as that kind of person, that's all", he concluded. "Boys and girls can be friends, and people need to get over it."

Castiel shrugged. "Maybe not indeed. But they do study in the same building," he said with a smile, before he tilted his head. "Wait, so- your brother studies here but doesn't share your apartment?" Well, to him it was weird that Dean would be more willing of finding a new roommate rather than reaching out to his brother to fill in the other room.

If Carleen had found Horknath damn adorable until now - peaking at the moment when he had been sticking out his tongue in concentration - she felt her chest swell with a newfound feeling of affection for him. Not only was he adorable, he was a decent human being, that respected her, her choices and her friends.
And he was adorable. She'd never stress that enough. She actually let out a chuckle.
"No indeed, I wouldn't be on a dating app, or bring an ex to a date. Which it is. Sort of. I mean you and I both have chaperones for this one, but-" she bit on her lower lip, and shrugged. "You know, if rugby doesn't take too much of your time... I'm free on Friday evening."

"Well..." Dean scratched the back of his neck. "... he studies a lot, and tends to take his duties pretty seriously", he simply said in the end. "If he had to look for a part-time job in order to pay his half of the rent, he'd end up overworking himself in order not to be left behind - and I know him, he would do that. It's better if he keeps concentrating only on his grades."

Horknath stared at her for what felt like a whole too much time, let's be honest - until he finally snapped out of his trance, suddenly looking even more flustered than before. "O-oh", he stupidly said at first, fidgeting a bit. A date. This was a date - and she wanted to go on a realer date! Wow. "I'm- I don't have practice on Friday evenings", he finally blurted out, peeking at her and trying to straighten up. He took a deep breath, seemingly relaxing a little and smiling sheepishly at her. "And I'd- love to take you out. Somewhere. Anywhere you want. Without chaperones", he added quickly.

Castiel let out a smile. "I see. Well, then- when would you like me to start my trial period at your place? This weekend, or the next one?" He figured he'd need to allow Dean some time before he'd welcome a new soul within his walls and, well. Even if he didn't move in with all of his stuff right away he'd have bags to get ready for his semi move-in.

Truth be told, Carleen had felt worried for a split second there that Hroknath might downright refuse to see her again. But she beamed upon hearing his answer. "Great! How about we grab dinner together on Friday? At your favourite place around, perhaps? It doesn't have to be fine cuisine, honestly." She pointed her thumb at Dean. "This guy had me try all of the burgers around campus, so as long as you're not taking me to McDonald's I'll be fine with anything!"

"Well, you'll probably need to get organized with a couple of bags with your stuff in, so I'd say next weekend would be ideal- hEY", Dean suddenly interrupted himself mid-speech to turn towards Carleen, pointing an accusing finger towards her. "All the burger places I've brought you to were great, so don't try to complain behind my shoulders or I will get back to you!"
Whenever anything he liked was involved in a discussion, his hearing suddenly went from normal to Superman-level.

Horknath snorted at Dean's not-so-quiet observation. "Ah, damn it. No McDonald's? That was my first choice for a date", he protested jokingly. "There's actually a nice Thai place where I go sometimes, it's not very far from the University complex - just a couple of blocks away. If you like that kind of stuff?", he asked, still a little unsure. "Not fancy, very easy-going. They make some Chinese dishes, too."

Castiel blinked and turned back towards Carleen and Horknath too, startled to realize that Dean had heard whatever they were talking about, even though they too were chatting just now!

Carleen scoffed and rolled her eyes at Dean. "You and your burgers. I know you had me try the best and I'm grateful for that, don't worry."
She brought her attention back to Horknath, and smiled kindly at him. "Sounds great to me! We should do that, then. For now..." she looked at her phone. "How about we head out? I don't think our brothers will be sparing forever," she added on a playful tone.
Oh Carleen, if only you knew.

Dean scoffed. "Yeah, good. Try to remember that", he added with a little smirk before turning to face Castiel again. "Sorry about that. I can overhear the word 'burgers' from a mile away - it's like a beacon." He seemed to think about it for a second. "It's the same with 'pie', really."

Horknath smiled. "Sure. I'll just need to go and fetch Spike at my apartment - it's not far, just behind the corner." He fished for money in his pockets before suddenly looking sheepish again. "You can ask your friend to come, if you want. I understand that following a guy you've just met up to his apartment can feel a little..." He gestured vaguely with his free hand. "... unsafe." He finally got the money on the table. It was enough to pay for the both of them, she figured.

Castiel held back a smile, and remained thoughtful for a bit. "Do you have an oven in your apartment? I don't cook much, but if you like pies, I could have you try my mother's apple pie one of these days. To... formerly celebrate our colocation, even if it's just temporary."

Carleen held back a smile, and looked at Horknath for a while. "Nah. I'll tell Dean I'll be okay. You don't strike me as the kind of douchebag who would try to drag me all the way into your room on day one. Besides, I'll have you know I have pepper spray in my pocket at all times." She grinned at Horknath, trying to have it pass as a joke.
But she did have pepper spray on herself at all times, ever since she had almost been assaulted. And she wished it wasn't her first bottle either, but. She really had a good feeling about Horknath.

Dean beamed. "That sounds a great way to start", he commented, grinning. "I do have a oven, yeah - but it's a little old. I always struggle a bit to make it work, but maybe you'll manage!"

Horknath looked flustered. "O-of course I wouldn't do that", he stammered, looking a little outraged despite himself. He got up from the table, though, grabbing his belongings. "But, uhm. I'll try not to make abrupt movements then. I kind of like seeing things", he added with a little smile, joking back with her.
Even though he wasn't quite so sure that this was a joke.

Castiel smiled. "I'll take a look at it as soon as I move in, then-" he turned around, seeing as Carleen was walking towards them.

Carleen who had winked at Horknath, and had indeed made her way to the counter to tap Dean's shoulder. "Hey! We're going to fetch Horknath's dog for a walk and then we're going to the wrestling arena - Theseus and Horknath's brother are apparently having a match. Want to grab dinner at my place later?"

Dean turned around to face his friend and grinned. "Yeah, sure I'll come by! Oh, I hope Horknath's brother is as big as he is - seeing Theseus' grumpy face after losing against someone always makes me feel better." raised an eyebrow at Carleen, as if to silently ask "Are you sure everything will be alright?"

Horknath had awkwardly shuffled away from the table. Probably almost knocking down a chair in the meantime, and fussing over putting it back before walking towards Carleen and their two friends.

Carleen smiled at Dean and nodded, turning her head to look at Horknath while she held back a smile. "Well- if your own date doesn't mind it, you could still tag along. Especially if you're dying Theseus' face after his defeat."

Castiel had let out an apologetic smile while watching Horknath, and felt his face flush slightly when Carleen called him Dean's date. He didn't stop smiling though.

Dean laughed. "Nah, it's fine. You know how it is - if I have to bear his presence there must be food around. I'll see you at dinner", he added, before his grin grew even larger at her jab about Castiel being his 'date'. "Me and my date are fine where we are. Actually - this might even be better than a date, because I might have found myself a roommate!"

Horknath had finally reached the group, and looked a little less awkward now that his friend was closer to him. "I'm glad you two are getting along that well. That way I don't feel guilty for dragging Cas over with me", he commented with an apologetic smile of his own.

Carleen's brow raised, and she let out a smile. "Really? Wow! So you were really going along fine then!" She actually bit back a teasing remark for Dean since Cas was right next to them, but it felt like Dean was diving head first into a new type of relationship way faster than she did!

Castiel smiled at Horknath. "Don't worry, I'd have been fine otherwise. But Dean and I actually found out we have a common friend, and have met before, so it was nice to chat a bit."

"Yep! He's friend with Charlie. Don't know if you know her - I've never seen you at her place, actually", Dean exclaimed in Horknath's direction, still grinning. Before his expression turned into a teasing one when he turned back to Carleen. "Have fun with on your date your new boyfriend, by the way~"

Horknath had just barely the time to confirm that he indeed didn't know Charlie before turning as red as a beet at the insinuation that he was Carleen's boyfriend and insistingly looking down at his own feet to try distracting himself.

Carleen let out a kind laugh. "Thanks, Dean. See you later, then." She walked towards Horknath, and bit on her lower lip briefly before she took his hand in hers. She didn't contradict Dean- since Horknath and her had agreed to go on a date again on Friday, they had officially began to date.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Castiel told Horknath with a kind laugh, before Carleen would take him out of the café.

Horknath bit his own lip when Carleen took his hand in hers - but he swallowed down his nervousness and actually smiled a sweet smile at Carleen as he gently squeezed her hand. "I'll- I'll guide you. It's not very far away", he said then as they walked out of the café, still feeling very much shy, but more resolute in not having her making all the first steps into this newborn relationship of theirs.
He was still struggling at looking at her in the eye, but. One step at the time.

Dean snorted. "Well. Sure seems like my friend likes your friend a whole lot", he commented with a smile. "But I'm glad. he doesn't look like one of the usual douchebags she ends up dating."

Carleen nodded and followed Horknath, before she glanced at him with a soft smile. "You know... You don't have to indulge every single one of my whims. If I do or say anything that makes you comfortable, you are free to tell me so." She gently squeezed his hand. "I know I'm the kind to... show my affection openly."

Castiel tilted his head, frowning slightly. "But there must be some kind of quality that she finds in those douchebags if she always end up dating them, isn't there?"