dudeimbatman | This is Halloween

On the other hand, Halloween is a very confusing time for a certain angel. Sure, the concept has been explained to him. Though different people have offered conflicting rationals over the years. If Dean is to believed, it's about candy. If Sam is, then it has to do with the Gaelic festival Samhain. Though how costumes come into it is something he still can't grasp. However, to be fair, some of the better costumes are deceiving. It takes him a second glance sometimes to be sure he isn't looking a real monster.

It's, of course, a breath of fresh air when he steps into the restaurant Lucy works as it's nearly cleared out and free from the sensory overload. It's no secret that he is human today because he walks in. On a scale of one to ten to how hungry he is, he's about a six or seven. He sits down in his regular spot as all the other times when he's seen Lucy by himself and waits rather than feign interest in the menu. When she comes over in her mermaid attire, all the extra skin he can see causes his chest to feel tight. "You dressed up." He acknowledges, less articulately than desired. Compliments are not his strong suit.

It's best to just embrace the benefits of Halloween and not worry too much about how it does or doesn't make sense. Lucy actually knows the answer to why they wear costumes though: to hide from the demons, ghosts and other monsters that are rumored to come out on Halloween night. In that case, whether the costume-wearer meant it or not, the costume is doing its job. To be fair, a lot of modern costumes probably don't make much sense in this context either.

It's quiet this time of day. Lucy does have some music on, but the volume isn't too loud. It's true, Castiel usually does pop in when he's an angel, but she's not entirely certain that he's human until he makes his observation. A bright smile curves her lips at both the realization and the observation. "Every year and sometimes even when it's not Halloween," she admits then turns in a slow circle so he can get a better look at her costume. "What do you think? Are they going to kick me out of the ocean?" It's okay; she'll guide him into a compliment.

No, they don't. If it weren't for the people still dressing up as ghoulies and monsters, the more modern costumes would look like people simply to work. Cas, at least, wouldn't know the difference between "casual" wear and sexy costume. He's seen all types around the Winchesters and the back roads of America.

Though the attempt here is more obvious. Cas has been getting better at noticing not just faces and moods, but the intricacies of those around him. Maybe the volume isn't loud, but the pop music is soothing in the way that it lets him know that Lucy is around. Hers is a smile that prompts him to test one of his own out on her. "Yes, you do have a habit of dressing up." There is a slight bit of approval when he nods at her circling around, though for a moment he looks as if he can't latch onto the point. "... I believe they would keep you."

Fashion is weird and subjective. Cas isn't alone in thinking that. To some people, there is no difference in casual wear and sexy costume. Casual is also one of those things that are subjective. For instance, Lucy wears a dress nearly every day and considers it 'casual'.

Subtle isn't really one of Lucy's qualities. She's considering knocking off for the day, but Cas has caught her just in time. His smile is a good one. He ought to use it more. That's one of the things that Lucy is trying to do: get him to use that smile more. "Maybe because I never did decide what I want to be when I grow up," she suggests. "Is mermaid a career?" she jokes. That approval combined with his confusion makes Lucy smile and she plops down sideways, lightly in Cas's lap. "What are you eating, Handsome?"

She could tell him his timing caught her on her way out and he would respect that. There's more than the restaurant where either of them could be right now. His smile is a work in progress. He's better at it only because he has a good teacher. "Yes. That is one plausible reason. Humans are complex creatures." He is aware he is also human right now and thus wonders how it affects him. His head tilts at the question as it's a strange thing to ask in a light tone. "... I've learned that the impossible does not stop humans from trying. Perhaps you would be the first to find a way."

This is not the first time she has sat on his lap and nor is it the first time a tingle creeps up his spine. He is a little more used to what it signifies too. Yes, he feels flattered being called handsome too. She has his attention when she smiles and he places his hands where they might only keep her from sliding at the odd angle. "I'd be happy to have leftovers."

She could, but she won't. After all, they've got the Houndstooth to themselves and she's got food in the kitchen. Lucy always did have problems with the concept of growing up. Maybe that's what makes her ask in a light tone of voice. His answer makes her smile. His honest belief in people is one of her favorite things about Castiel.

She knows what that tingle up his spine signifies as well and she likes having that effect on him. He should place his hands a little lower on her hips, but she does like the way he holds onto her gently. She mock-gasps at him. "Like I would do that to you!" she says in a teasing tone of voice. "It won't take long to make chicken or a burger and fries. Oh! There is leftover homemade mac and cheese, but I made it just before lunch so it's not old."

It's for that reason Castiel sees a lot of light in her soul when his grace isn't on the fritz. To be fair, the Houndsooth is the most familiar place to him where he has her company.

Some part of him knows this, but is also certain the angle she currently has on him isn't sustainable without his hands on a firmest spot. Castiel can't see what is wrong with leftovers, but if he's learned anything from her mock gasps, it's that somehow he's seeing it in the wrong light. "Is there something wrong with the leftovers?" he asks in a puzzled tone. She confirms there is not when she brings up the mac and cheese and it sounds as appealing, if not more so than the burger and fries because it's ready. Castiel's stomach growls loud enough for the both of them to hear.

Lucy doesn't expect her soul to be light. She drinks too much and has too much sex (without being married) for one. Of course, her Baptist upbringing and Castiel don't have the same definition of good and evil. She likes his definition better.

She would grab onto his shoulders or neck if she started to slip, but she likes his hands on her regardless. There's nothing wrong with leftovers, but food is part of Lucy's love language and she doesn't want him to feel like she's slighting him by not making something especially for him. She shakes her head at his question. "I just want you to get something you like," she assures him. She laughs at the way his stomach growls. "I guess mac and cheese it is," she declares and slips out of his lap, heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

"I'll be right back," she promises him then pauses and tilts her head at him. "Or you can come to the kitchen with me. We'll raid the fridge and eat back there."

He could tell her humans have been having sex for centuries without the concept of marriage attached to it to signify the righteousness of it. However, he has some understanding why a person might not think their soul is light.

If she were to grab on to him, the result would probably not be what either of them expect and would be at somewhat passionate on his part. Firstly, food is unappealing only when he is an angel. Second, the quality he's had when he was human pales in comparison to Lucy's love language, even leftovers. He won't feel slighted over whatever she decides. He nods his head as if he understands it a little. "When you put it that way," he starts. His stomach rumbles more calmly the second time, which prompts another nod to her. "I believe that is what my stomach is trying to say, yes." Or his cravings. It's really unclear at the moment.

First she wants him to wait, then she indicates for him to follow; Cas stands on his feet, of course, without thinking too much about the mix message. "It sounds like I should go with you. I was not aware you were hungry too."

Lucy understands cravings. She also understands being hungry enough that you want the fastest food available. As long as he's happy, she's happy.

Sorry, Cas. She's not always direct. She is glad he chooses to go with her. "I'll eat a little," she assures him. Lucy tends to nibble throughout the day. She reaches for his hand, fingers threading with his fingers and leads him toward the kitchen through the swinging door. She gets a bowl of pasta and a bowl of three-cheese sauce from the industrial fridge. She puts some of both in a pot on the stovetop and turns the heat on low to start it heating. She leans her hip against the counter. "I can add lobster to it if you want. There are also cupcakes."

She also is a little better at navigating hunger than Castiel, which might be why she is his food buddy. Happiness is a complex feeling he has yet to understand, but he would think he is.

Nothing much is lost for her indirect cue. There would only be more rumors to float around if they were spotted kissing in the restaurant. ~~Or the health department would be called.~~ "Yes. Let me know how I can help." It does not occur to him that there would be any difference between a little or a lot. He folds his fingers through hers just the same as she does and matches her pace into the kitchen until it's natural that they both let go. He stands next to the fridge and observes her in a somewhat awkward fashion.

"Cupcakes um... will do. I can't speak for the lobster, but I know cupcakes stay delicious for up to a day." Because the question makes it sound like the only option was either or.

Happiness is complex and sometimes fleeting.

And Lucy has ceased to care about the rumors for a while now. In fact, she kind of likes being spotted kissing, particularly if it's Cas she's kissing. She shakes her head at his offer of help. "Just keep me company. Maybe help me work up an appetite," she winks at him.

That gets a curious look from her. "You have to try the lobster in the mac and cheese," she decides, interpreting his words as he'll take both. She gets a bowl of prepared lobster out of the fridge and dumps it into the pot of pasta and sauce heating on the stovetop, then gives it a couple of stirs, before grabbing a rootbeer float cupcake from a pastry box and presenting it to him on a black and white houndstooth napkin. "The pasta will be ready soon. Have this in the meantime." She's never abided by the rule that says dinner must be eaten before dessert.

Maybe tomorrow there will be a shocking exposé for being seen together after hours. The kissing her part is enjoyable. Double checking that she didn't need to any help only seems right. It takes him a moment to pick up her meaning behind 'appetite' and in a tongue in cheek manner, wink back. "It would help your appetite to you use Jasmine to season the mac and cheese."

Sam might have mentioned once it was an aphrodisiac in a long list of side effects.

Lobsters are the cockroaches of the sea and Castiel is no stranger to every civilization surviving off some amount of insect life. The offer is met with interest. "I would like that. And dijon mustard," he tells her, completely unaware that his tastes need to be worked on. She said to keep her company so he intends to do that the only way he knows how-- sticking relatively close, but at the same time not in her space. Offering his thoughts about food as she works is something he does real well too.

He takes the cupcake from her and after having a bite, offers a look of satisfaction. "Tasty! You make the best pastries I have ever tasted." Clearly Castiel is learning to navigate dinner from the best. Beer and dessert first.

Lucy will laugh at the expose. She might even frame it and put it on her apartment wall. The wink makes her smile because it means Cas has picked up on her flirting. He's a little like that foreign exchange student she saw a few times in college. He didn't always pick up on her flirting either. She tilts her head at Cas's suggestion. "There's Jasmine in my perfume, but I've never used it as a seasoning." Clearly she doesn't know about Jasmine being an aphrodisiac.

She considers his request with a frown then a shrug. "Okay. We'll put it on top," she says. She'll probably even try it as well. She likes trying new things, food included. H does a good job of keeping her company. She's happy to talk about food as she works and to tell him what she's doing.

She beams at his praise about the cupcakes. "thank you. I like baking. Mostly cupcakes." She tilts her head at him, stirring the pot of pasta as it begins to steam. "Have you ever tried cooking or baking?"

The picture of the two of them would have been blurry but intimate as if to convince the audience more was happening behind the scenes. It would frame neatly next to the pole in her room. Castiel picks up on things here or there, but it probably helps that he is human too. He can pick up on her flirting because he's experiencing human feelings. Comparing him to a foreign exchange student isn't far off. "I will go get some," Cas declares, though there is the element of a question there because he waits her answer. Also it's the obvious solution.

Mustard hasn't failed him yet. ~~Obama liked it.~~ It would make him happy if she did too. He smiles as if she just declared him Master Chef. Food is what seems to connect them.

When she smiles at his praise, there is an idea that takes him a second to grasp. "I have some experience with making fresh donuts. Yes, my former boss said the "microwave counts." He makes the quotation marks with his fingers and still working towards his point. "It would seem there is an opportunity for us to bake together more."

Well, now they need a picture. It doesn't bother her when he doesn't pick up on things, but it is very satisfying when he picks up on the flirting and even more so when he flirts back. She gives him a slightly confused look. "Now? Where?" She shakes her head a moment then pauses. "If you'll go look in the cabinet over there," she tilts her head to the right, "there should be some. I specified Jasmine for cooking. You'll have to tell me if they got it right." Yes, she did just wish for it.

Food and sex are easy connections.

She laughs at that. "Oh Sugar, your boss wasn't from the South, was he? The microwave does not count, but I'll show you the way," she promises and stirs the pasta once more before turning the burner off and scooping a generous helping into a large pasta bowl. She passes it over to Cas along with the mustard and makes herself a bowl.

She deserves the credit for helping him get there. Of course he can't read everything. Her confused looks stops him in his tracks. "The store," he answers. Her suggestion is much more logical though. He wouldn't have thought of that because it isn't his kitchen. He turns to the cabinet she tilts her head to and goes to bring the Jasmine to her. Before he hands it to her, he twists the lid off and gives it a couple sniffs. "Yes. This should be it," he declares after a moment. The scent isn't as strong as a human but his gut tells him it's it.

Especially would be for an angel, reborn human.

He thinks about that for a second. "No, I don't believe he was." He looks at her as if she presented him with a mystery, however, because if the microwave does not count, then what does count at the minimum. What does being the South have to do with it? He'll take his pasta and squirt the dijon on it, eat a little. It still has him on the edge of his proverbial seat to be shown the way. "You mentioned showing me the way? What is that?" he finally asks.

Yes, but this is much more convenient. Lucy abuses the wish magic often. She takes the jar from him and dips her head to take a deep breath of the Jasmine. "Do I just sprinkle it over the pasta?" she asks.

They're good connections that Lucy encourages.

Her words are a little bit of a mystery to someone without context. She really ought to explain herself more. Lucy levers herself up onto the kitchen counter and dishes up her own bowl of pasta. It takes her a second to catch up and figure out what Cas is asking about. "Oh! Cooking. What constitutes real cooking and cheating."

That particular word choice makes her pause. "Are you having sex with other people?" she blurts out.

Castiel could learn a thing or two from her. In many ways, he already has, as well. Her question turns his on the spaghetti. "Yes. That sounds correct." Of course Cas feels like there's something they're missing, a step which he can't not place. For instance, the sauce should go on top of the spaghetti beforehand.

It goes without saying that Cas could benefit from an explanation rather than none at all. Even so, the language between them is less and less a barrier each day. It does not go unnoticed that Lucy served him an ungodly amount of pasta, just like his body requires. Yes, ungodly in that God (Chuck) has a small appetite befitting his size. "I see. So, some things constitute as cheating." He nods, beginning to understand.

There could be stranger things about his word choice and the connection she draws from it. As for the shift in conversation, it seems no stranger than the ones he's had with the Winchesters. But no, he does not need to think about it to answer her. "As in right at this period of time. No. No one has expressed any interest to." In translation, neither has he.

As long as he learns the good things. Lucy does the sprinkling and finishes the pasta up. (Shhhh no missing steps).

Explanations are always good. Lucy likes communication. She's not always clear in her communication, but she thinks it's important to have. For three-fourths of his time, he doesn't eat much or at all. He has to make up for it when he's human. "Usually if you're using a mix or a microwave, it's cheating when you're cooking." See, she can clarify a little.

It's been on her mind lately. She considers his answer, mouth frowning a little as she tries to make the proper translation. "Well, that can't be accurate," she assures him. "You probably just don't realize people are interested." Which isn't her point at all. "I mean...do you want to? Have sex with other people not me. Not now, necessarily because I'm considering this a date and calling dibs on any sex you have in the next 24 to 48 hours, but in the near past or future."

Mostly good, or highly educational. The pasta looks exceptional! (No steps are missed as far as Castiel is aware.)

Communication is a good way to help Cas understand as well. Maybe it'd be in their best interest to communicate on a frequent basis. Sam would say there is plenty of lore to back up Lucy's assumption of the angel needing to eat to make up for the days his host did not. Boxed mixes in conjunction the microwave? These two things don't correlate the same in his head as they do hers, but for at least a while, he tries to grasp what she means. "There is something wrong with a mix?"

Her translation for him there is easier to grasp. Still, Castiel shakes his head as he can not recall such explicit interest from anybody. "I assure you there has not been." Lucy is correct, however, as there have been a few that have either offered him a coffee or looked like they had something in their eye. With Castiel, the hints can't just be subtle. Lucy's question provokes the thought but the answer has been clear for some time. "Oh... I see what you mean. I can't say that I have thought about having sex with other people in the last 24 to 48 hours, nor with anyone in recent past or near future. As for if I want to, I'm not sure that I do."

"Do you want to have sex with other people?"

Edited 2020-02-28 03:51 (UTC)

It probably would be good for them to actually talk on a regular basis as opposed to the pointless flirting that Lucy usually does with Cas. She is happy to help him catch up. Feeding people is one way that Lucy shows she cares. He'll get there eventually if he cooks much with her. "Half the work is done for you," she tells him. "Plus, there's less love in a mix and everyone knows making things with love makes them taste better. Clearly.

Good. She's trying to be very clear with him. She's not always good at being clear. She just rolls her eyes at him. She is not buying his assurances. She's pretty sure she's witnessed such interest while working at the Houndstooth. It's fortunate for Castiel that Lucy gave up subtle years ago (maybe around the same time that she learned to talk). She considers his answer, taking a bite of pasta to give her a little more time to think about it.

"No. More no than I ever remember since I learned about sex. It's sort of become like a job that I don't want to do anymore and..." she pauses, trying to decide how honest to be with him. "I also don't know how I feel about that."

It is a matter of prospective, and hers is not any less valid, but Castiel would not call the flirting pointless. He can understand it better when she puts that way. Love is a human concept that he himself finds he desires too. And humans have a habit of placing affection on the labor they do for others. "I think I am beginning to understand." He nods. "Next time, it would please me greatly to make you a dish."

She's being very clear... just like how he is being very clear with her. In his record keeping of events, he is not offering anything close to assurances as he only knows it as the truth. There's a lot he needs to work on to understand people in general to be less of the clueless angel he is. Yes, food is very appealing, while she takes her time to think about, he slurps up some of the noodles, using the fork more as bridge to his mouth.

"I'm not sure I follow what you are trying to say. But if you do not want to have sex anymore, then you are more than free to do so." Oh Cas, grab a clue. Lucy is not saying that at all, though he can't hide a new sense of deflatedness. "Whatever you decide, I'm still interested in maintaining a relationship with you." So where does that leave them?

His perspective is important since he's the recipient of the flirting. Maybe that's what makes him different (better) than other angels: his desire for love. It's called acts of service, Cas and it's a love language. It is a good way to express affection, particularly when words are difficult or seem inadequate.His offer gets a bright, big smile out of her. "Yes, please," she quips. She'll appreciate the effort even if it's inedible. However, Cas is good at following instructions and really, that's all a recipe is.

The cluelessness has it's charm so Lucy isn't sure she'd like to see him lose it. However, it might make living in a human world easier.

She's definitely not saying that at all. She notices the way he deflates a little and it pleases her that he looks forward to it. "You are?" She latches onto that word 'relationship'. "Do you--what am I to you, Cassie?" she tilts her head at him, curiousity clear in her expression.

Then there was no flirting. It is a trait that makes him different from most. Where he learned it though, maybe it was time or from the Winchesters example. Faith is something he would likely more proscribe it to, but he could use to learn what it is called to humans. He has a long way to go still. However, he tell that she is pleased, which in turn allows him a sense of fulfilment before he's even delivered on the promise. "Tomorrow morning," he declares. She doesn't know it but she gave him something to do in the wee hours when he's inevitably awake.

It's not likely that he will ever lose his clueless demeanour, specially when he's lived much longer than the host he inhabits, but the years he's been on Earth and knowledge he's gained will continue to enlighten him. For instance, Lucy has gotten through to him with the reasons why he shouldn't eat toothpaste anymore. That's a feat even Sam couldn't do.

Apologies there. Honestly, Castiel has no idea what she is saying and he's learned enough over time to assume such language means some space is needed. Perhaps he needs a new teacher. When she looks pleased, he finds himself even more puzzled. "Yes." Did he not say that clearly enough? He goes over the exact words he said in his head, and what she means to him to find an answer for her. "I'm not sure there is a word that describes what you are," he decides. Because friend is close and lover ("girlfriend") isn't quite where he understands it is.

This is Halloween | Itinere

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