A Vessel of Affection

Castiel stood in the middle of the Novak family kitchen, holding a bouquet of wilting grocery store daisies. He had watched Dean Winchester charm women with such gestures, but the results here were less than stellar. Jimmy Novak, his vessel, sat at the table with his arms crossed, a deep frown etched into his face.

“What is this, Castiel?” Jimmy asked, nodding at the flowers.

“I believe they are called ‘daisies.’ Humans often present them to signify romantic interest or apology. I am attempting both,” Castiel said, his head tilted.

Jimmy blinked. “You’re apologizing for possessing my body for years by… giving me flowers and asking me on a date?”

“Yes. I have observed that humans in romantic relationships spend significant time together, sometimes engaging in activities. I thought we could try one. The movies, perhaps?”

Jimmy rubbed his temples. “I have a wife, Castiel. A daughter.”

“I am aware. However, you are currently separated from them due to circumstances that are partially my fault. I wish to make amends, and I deduced that a romantic evening might facilitate emotional bonding.”

Jimmy let out a short laugh—not a happy one. “You can’t just decide we’re in a relationship because you read a book on human courtship.”

“I read seventeen books,” Castiel corrected. “And watched four seasons of ‘The Bachelor.’ It appears you are rejecting my advance. Is it because you find me unattractive? I can change vessels.”

“No! Stop. Look, I…” Jimmy’s voice softened. “I know you mean well, but you can’t force feelings. And besides, you’re an angel. We can’t have a normal relationship.”

“Why not? I have a vessel. I can experience physical sensations. I have grown quite fond of your vessel, and by extension, you. You are brave, Jimmy. You sacrificed yourself for your family. I admire that.”

Jimmy’s frown wavered. He took the daisies from Castiel’s hand, sniffing them. They smelled like nothing. “You really want to try this? A date?”

“Very much.”

An hour later, they sat in a decrepit diner that Dean recommended. The jukebox played a cheesy love song. Castiel had ordered pie, because Dean said pie was romantic. Jimmy nursed a coffee.

“So,” Jimmy said, “what’s your idea of a romantic date?”

Castiel considered. “I imagined we would converse about our feelings, then engage in a physical act such as holding hands or kissing. I have prepared a list of conversation topics.” He pulled out a crumpled paper from his trench coat.

Jimmy choked on his coffee. “You made a list?”

“Item one: discuss our childhoods. I do not have a childhood, but I researched yours. You had a dog named Buster. Tell me about Buster.”

Jimmy stared at him for a long moment, then burst out laughing. It was a genuine sound, full of warmth that surprised even himself. “Buster was a dumb mutt who ate my homework once. But he was a good boy.”

They talked for hours. Castiel asked about every mundane detail of Jimmy’s life, and Jimmy found himself sharing stories he hadn’t thought about in years. By the end, the pie was gone, and Jimmy’s hand lay on the table, inches from Castiel’s.

“This isn’t so bad,” Jimmy admitted. “But I still don’t know if I can—if we can—”

“I do not require a label,” Castiel said. “I merely wished to spend time with you. And to apologize for the inconvenience of being my vessel.”

Jimmy smiled. “You’re not that inconvenient. Annoying, maybe. But not inconvenient.”

Castiel’s lips twitched upward. “I consider that a compliment.”

As they left the diner, Jimmy paused. “If you really want to make up for taking over my life… you could start by teaching me how to smite a demon. Just in case.”

Castiel nodded solemnly. “I will teach you. But first, you must endure one more romantic gesture. Dean insisted that a ‘romantic walk’ is essential.”

Jimmy groaned, but he was smiling. “Fine. But no holding hands.”

“Agreed.” Castiel fell into step beside him. They walked into the night, the stars bright overhead. It wasn’t a fairy tale romance, but it was something—a beginning.