The Perk, Wednesday afternoon

[likethegun]

Sam had been trying not to focus on the date, but his laptop, not caring about his feelings, had oh-so-helpfully reminded him that today was Peter's birthday. Looking for Sylar was a little too hard when all he could think about was how happy he and Peter had been a year ago, and since Caritas wasn't open yet, Sam had little choice but to drown his sorrows in coffee instead. He sat down with his drink and pulled out his phone, debating whether or not to call Claire, or maybe Dean. He didn't want to bring Claire down though, and he didn't want to worry Dean when he was already heading to town, so instead, he left yet another message for Chuck. It was a short distraction, but one he definitely needed.

[Open for all your coffee needs, of course!]

Comments

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

Claire was all too aware of today's date and had actually gone looking for Sam. She was not at all surprised to find him at the Perk.

She ordered herself a large hot chocolate with extra whipped cream and went to sit with him.

"Hey," she said.

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel came in with his laptop, the Cat trailing close on his heels. He turned at the door and gave the Cat a hard look to remind it that its presence might not be welcome in the coffee shop. The Cat blithely ignored him, but paused on the front step anyway, seeming intent on cleaning any road salt from its paws.

Castiel turned again and nodded to Sam. "Good afternoon."

[likethegun]

"Hey," Sam said, flipping his phone shut. He'd thought about sending Chuck some text messages too, but that just seemed like overkill. "How are you?"

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"All right, I guess," Claire said with a shrug. "How are you?"

[likethegun]

Sam glanced up and gave Castiel a weak smile. "Uh, hey," he said, nodding to the laptop. "Coming to do some work?"

[likethegun]

"I'm okay," he said, still with the not wanting to bring her down. "Ready for Christmas, I think."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel paused possibly ever so slightly too long for his answer to be entirely believed.

"Yes. Of course."

[likethegun]

"The internet isn't quite as active during the holidays. There might not be as many people to argue with," Sam said. "You know, in case that helps."

[scruffnfeathers]

"I wasn't intending to argue with people." This time. Maybe. Well, if he found something to argue with. . . . "I have a very special sermon to plan."

That wasn't why he was here. But it was true that he did have to plan it at some point. Maybe. You know, if he didn't decide to just wing it again.

[likethegun]

"Are you doing a special one for Christmas?" Sam asked. "I imagine this could be a big time of year for you."

[scruffnfeathers]

"Yes, I suppose you would." Castiel said. "I've been requested to do a sermon on Friday for the holiday."

[likethegun]

"Is Christmas not a big deal to you?" Sam asked. By now, he should have learned not to assume things about Castiel, but it was harder than it sounded.

[scruffnfeathers]

"The birth of the Son of God is a very big deal to us. The appropriation of other cultural traditions in the name of the birth of the Son of God is . . . somewhat less so."

[likethegun]

Sam looked a little relieved at not having his angel expectations totally turned upside down. "You're not a fan of the Christmas shopping season starting in October?" he said, smirking softly. "You could make that part of your sermon."

[scruffnfeathers]

"I've already noted that there were no reindeer, elves, or conifers in Bethlehem," said Castiel. "I was told I should view the meta for? the 'Charlie Brown Christmas Special'."

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"That's good," she said. "You're lucky your family is here and you don't have to go anywhere."

[likethegun]

"Yeah, it works out well. Dean's coming back too," Sam said. "So we'll all be together."

[likethegun]

"Yeah, you might actually like that," Sam said, which was saying something considering how few things Castiel seemed to enjoy. "It's about the real meaning of Christmas and all."

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"That will be nice," Claire said. "I've got a portal booked to take me home tomorrow. I'll probably be back in town Sunday. We should get together."

[scruffnfeathers]

"Layla said as much, yes. I admit I have yet to watch it."

[likethegun]

"Yeah, we should," Sam said. "Maybe we can keep each other's minds off of who isn't around this year."

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"Think that'll work?" Claire asked.

[likethegun]

"You'll have to take time out of your busy internet schedule for it," Sam said, managing a straight face.

[likethegun]

"It's worth a shot," Sam said, pausing for a second before adding, "Today's his birthday, you know."

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

Claire nodded. "Yeah. I was looking for you. Wanted to make sure you were doing okay."

[likethegun]

"As okay as I can be, I guess," Sam said. "I thought maybe it would start hurting a little less by now, but no, not really. How are you doing?"

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"Some days are easier than others," Claire said. "Jon has helped me realize it's not my fault though."

[likethegun]

"Of course it's not your fault," Sam said. "You weren't the one who was supposed to keep Peter safe, like I was. You shouldn't let yourself feel guilty at all."

[wantstocheer.livejournal.com]

"It's not your fault either, Sam," Claire said, leaning forward and frowning a bit. "We both tried. But Angela Petrelli is an evil bitch who doesn't care about her sons."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel had been on the island just long enough to realize that Sam might not possibly be entirely serious.

"Sometimes sacrifices must be made."

[likethegun]

"People will still be wrong when you're done, and you can get to them then. In the meantime, you'll have done something for your own enjoyment. I know that might be a strange concept to you," Sam said, "but it's good, really."

[likethegun]

"This doesn't have anything to do with Mrs. Petrelli," Sam said. "It's Sylar's fault for going after Peter."

[scruffnfeathers]

Castiel frowned a bit at the very concept.

Do something . . . for himself?

"I'll keep your advice in mind, Sam."