Dean was about to start a conversation with Castiel, but class had already started. Their teacher, Mrs. Peterson, started going over what they would be learning that year.

   "Welcome to hell, I mean math class," she said, smiling at the chorus of laughter coming from her class. "I know math sucks, but I'm going to try to make it a little more bearable. Before we begin, I'd like to take a couple days to get to know each other. Unfortunately, you're going to have homework tonight." 

The class let out a collective groan. 

"Don't worry, it's  really easy. I want you to bring in 3 items that represent you. That's it," she explained.

They spent the rest of the hour getting to know each other's names.

Dean didn't see Castiel again until 5th period. It was drawing class. Dean wasn't happy about it, but he needed an art credit. There wasn't a seating chart thus time. The tables were arranged in groups of four, so that they could work in groups. Castiel was sitting at the back of the class, clearly uncomfortable with the rest of his group. They were talking nonstop at a volume level that could be heard a mile away. Dean decided to help him.

"Scram," he ordered. 

The three boisterous kids quickly got up and found another table. Cas started to get up too, but Dean stopped him.

"No, it's fine. You can stay. I just saw how uncomfortable you looked around those other kids, and wanted to help," he blushed.

"Thank you, Dean," he replied, sitting back down.

Once class started, Dean knew he was going to love it. Not the work, of course, but working with Castiel.

They watched a video on various painting techniques, but Dean spent the entire time looking at Castiel. He had had crushes before, but none like this. As much as he loved being popular, he would rather be friends with Castiel. After debating with himself for at least five minutes, he decided to give Castiel his phone number, but wanted to play it off like he wanted to be just friends.

"Hey, Cas!" Dean said after class.

The boy cocked his head. "Cas?"

Dean got flustered. "I-I give my friends nicknames. Is that okay?"

"I kind of like it."

"Anyway, since we're friends now... I wanted to give you my phone number in case you wanted to hang out after school sometime."

Cas seemed skeptical at first, and Dean thought that maybe he he knew about his crush.

"Sure. That sounds great," he finally said.

Dean was elated. He gave Cas his number, then hurried to his next class.