Cas was happy that morning, even though Aaron wasn't there. After Cas woke up, he found Ginger curled up in his laundry basket.

"Hello kitty. You look comfortable," Cas said, stroking Ginger's side. Ginger yawned and stretched. "You're so pretty," Cas said. Ginger purred and jumped out onto the floor. Cas spent most of the rest of the morning reading and playing with Ginger. He would have to make a supply run soon and get some food for her. But in the mean time, he would just play with her and wait for Aaron to get home.

***

As soon as Cas heard Aaron's keys in the lock, he scooped up Ginger and ran to the door.

"Hey look! I found a cat! I named her Ginger, isn't she cute?" Cas said as soon as Aaron came through the door. Aaron stared at Ginger.

"You brought that ratty flea infested thing into the apartment?" Aaron asked. The grin slipped off Cas' face.

"I... you don't like cats?" Cas asked, his voice quiet.

"Like them? I hate them, and you know it!" Aaron exclaimed.

"I muh-must have forgotten, I'm s-sorry," Cas said. Ginger jumped out of Cas' arms and stalked over to Aaron, winding around his legs. Aaron pulled his leg back and kicked Ginger, sending her across the room, and started towards her again. Cas let out a cry and grabbed Aaron's arm.

"No!" He shouted. Aaron turned back towards Cas slowly.

"What did you just say to me?" He said quietly. Cas let go of his arm, shrinking away from him, suddenly scared.

"I-I-I-I-" Aaron slapped Cas.

"Shut up!" He shouted. Cas lifted a hand to his face, tears leaking from his eyes.

"S-S-S-Sorry..." Cas said softly. Aaron grabbed Cas roughly and dragged him into their bedroom, grabbing a belt out of the dresser.

"N-No, p-p-please, I'll b-b-be good, I w-won't do that ag-gain," Cas said.

"I thought I told you to shut up, Castiel!" Aaron shouted, lashing out at Cas with the belt. Cas ducked his head and accepted his punishment.

***

As soon as Aaron was finished, he told Cas to take the cat and get it away. So Cas had taken Ginger and practically ran out the door. When he got outside, he tried to decide what to do. He didn't want to leave Ginger alone, but there was nowhere to take her. Except maybe... Cas wiped away his tears and pulled out his phone.

"Hey Cas," they picked up after just a few rings.

"Hello D-Dean. Are you f-free?"