It's been about a month since Castiel started his online classes. He's rarely left the house, with the exception of the times he'd go places with friends, but even that was mostly restricted to their houses. Now, he doesn't have that luxury. He's going back in public today. He has to, really. It's prom night.

"Oh my god, Anna," Castiel groans.

"Shut it," Anna snaps, fixing his suit. She takes a step away, her eyes scanning his outfit. She grins proudly. "There. Perfect." She pauses. "Except your hair. Your hair is a mess."

"I'm keeping it like this," Castiel says immediately.

"But it's prom!" Anna protests.

"I don't care," Castiel says stubbornly. "I look fine."

Anna rolls her eyes. "Ugh, fine. Whatever. But you're gonna regret it in twenty years when you look back at pictures from today and see what a mess you are."

"I'm always a mess," Castiel replies. "No point in changing now."

~~

Castiel knows immediately when the doorbell rings who it is. He rushes down the stairs and opens the door to reveal Dean standing there with a smile that makes Castiel's heart melt.

"Hey, Cas."

"Hey, Dean."

They stare into each other's eyes for all of eternity like in the show until they hear a camera click. They both glance over to see Lucifer holding a camera, a big smile on his face.

"Carry on," Lucifer instructs them. "Just pretend I'm not even here."

Dean chuckles. "We're just gonna go," he says, taking Castiel's hand and leading him to the car. "Not a limo, I know, but I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all," Castiel assures him. "I may be your date, but I know this thing is your true love."

"Of course she is," Dean agrees with a laugh. He pats the top of his car. "Baby never lets me down."

Dean slides in the car, and Castiel sits shotgun. As soon as the car starts, music begins playing, and Castiel can't help but smile.

"'Dust in the Wind'?" Castiel observes.

"Yep," Dean confirms. "I know how much you like that one."

"Is this the 'Best of Kansas' album?" Castiel asks.

"Yeah, why?"

"Because I have a new theme song," Castiel tells him. He reaches for the radio, then remembers Dean's rule. "May I?"

Dean hesitates. "Just this once. And that's only because you're my prom date and I'm morally obligated to make you happy."

Castiel chuckles and changes the song. He waits for the first fifteen seconds or so as the instrumental plays before the lyrics start.

"Look in the mirror and tell me just what you see."

Dean grins. "'Hold On'?"

Castiel nods, though Dean can't see it because he's driving. "Yep."

"You probably could have used this one more a few months ago," Dean observes.

"Well, better late than never," Castiel replies with a shrug.

There's a brief pause in the conversation before Dean revives it by saying, "I just want to apologize in advance for the number of people I tell to fuck off tonight."

Castiel laughs. "Then I'll thank you in advance for it."

"Great," Dean replies. "So I'm allowed to do it?"

Castiel nods. "Definitely. No, not allowed. I'm asking you to, because god knows I won't."

"You should really learn to," Dean tells him. "It's not even like they care about you or your music. They just want to be famous."

"I know," Castiel replies. "But I can't. I don't know why, but I can't."

"Then learn to, because I won't always be able to save you."

"No, but you will be for tonight," Castiel reminds him. "So, uh, don't leave me alone."

"Deal."

They pull into the fancy place that the school is holding their prom, though they unfortunately have to park towards the back of the parking lot because so many people have already showed up. Dean pulls into the parking space expertly, which doesn't surprise Castiel because he must drive this thing all the time to have become so attached to it.

Dean hops out of the Impala and hurries to get Castiel's door before he can get it himself. Castiel isn't sure whether to be grateful or amused by his actions. This isn't really the Dean he knows. Sure, he's nice, but this is just sweet. Dean is rarely sweet. Apparently prom changes people, in more ways that just music choices.

Dean takes Castiel's hand, interlocking their fingers as they walk inside the venue. Immediately, they're greeted by a bright flash of light, momentarily blinding them before they see Donna holding a camera, a big smile on her face.

"I'm the paparazzi today. Don't mind me," she tells them.

"Alright," Castiel says with a laugh.

He allows Dean to lead him to the big room full of couples dancing and friends chatting. Dean pulls him to an open space, not quite on the edge of the room but not in the middle, either. A slow song is playing, prompting Dean to pull Castiel close, rocking back and forth slowly.

"So," Dean murmurs in his ear, "how long do you think we have together before you get overrun by fangirls?"

Castiel laughs softly. "Hopefully the whole time."

"And, if not, I'll scare the crap out of them and they'll leave us alone forever," Dean proposes, only partially joking.

"I wouldn't be opposed to that," Castiel agrees. "Or," he adds as the idea occurs, a playful smile, "I could just hide my face every time someone walks by. You know, maybe like this."

He presses their lips together, and Dean laughs softly as he kisses back. As they pull apart, their faces remain close to each other's, looking into each other's eyes, and he couldn't be happier than he is right now.