Out of Touch [Astrid]

[ASTRID NIGHT]

There it was again, though not accompanied by laughter as it had been earlier, Castiel’s lips were turned up into a grin. It was a pleasant surprise when he extended his hand out to her for a handshake and she quickly reached forward to place her smaller hand in his, grasping tightly. The evening seemed to be shaping up a bit better now, and the worry that seemed to have been caught in her chest loosened. Astrid had not felt this comfortable with someone in a long time, to be honest she hadn’t spent much time with anyone in quite awhile and it was refreshing. Her smile broadened with his question about her choosing to stay in Las Vegas. She could imagine the theories that were flying through his head. Castiel was correct, Vegas was not a wholesome place, there was an opportunity for sin at every corner, but that wasn’t what she enjoyed.

“Vegas is not only about decadence, Castiel. There are many things I enjoy here. The city is always awake, I enjoy the crowds and there is such a wide variety of people. I see new and different people every day from many different places.”

She stopped momentarily to laugh to herself at her next revelation, it was something silly, but it was something that she had always felt strongly about since her time on Earth.

“The air is always warm here. I dislike the cold and whether I step outside during the night or during the day it is never cold”

That was the honest truth, it was just the small and simple aspects of Vegas that she enjoyed and it was a place where she felt comfortable. The only other place she found herself enjoying as much was when she would stand with her feet in the sand on the coast of California, the waves washing over her ankles. Occasionally while on a hunt she found herself near the ocean and she always enjoyed that.

When Castiel tugged on her hand, carefully pulling her out of her chair she let out a surprised laugh. He looked excited and she didn’t care that people had looked over at the volume of his voice and she let him pull her along and out of the bar. He hadn’t let go of her hand and that was both pleasing and intriguing to her. Astrid had never had the opportunity to hold hands with anyone before and his palm was warm against hers. Just as she had told him the streets were still alive with people, despite the fact that it was fairly late. Each person seemed to be in a state of joy and she took pleasure in the laughter that erupted from many people walking by who seemed to be just as immersed in the city as she was.

The other angel led the way and she followed eagerly. Though she knew the city well, she had no doubt that he would be able to find an establishment that would satisfy his cravings.

[CASTIEL]

He realized how warm it was, and how correct her statement had been as they stepped outside. The angel smiled as he stared up at the lights for a moment, still holding onto her hand tightly. It was not if she could wriggle out of his grip but he had a slight fear that if he let go, she would vanish, and then he would be alone again – alone in an expansive world that was not made for his kind. Those sort of thoughts made him sad and it was one of the reasons he had come here to drink in the first place.

Still he led them through the crowds, keeping his coat layered over his left arm as he kept Astrid close. He wanted to make sure that he could see her through his blurred peripheral vision. He quietly led them down the street for a moment before he started talking. He was speaking with a very low slur in his gravelly voice as he talked about the joys of red meat. Castiel, in a state like this, could simply go on for hours about the joys of burgers.

Eventually he spotted a diner of sorts. He squinted at the lights slightly and let go of Astrid’s hand for a brief time. Instead, he lightly pressed his hand against her back, bringing the other angel closer and guiding her to the door, as if she couldn’t find the opening on her own. Oh he was going to be writing miles of apologies to her for his behavior once he had sobered up enough.

Castiel walked into the old fashioned diner, that seemed quite out of place for Vegas. Still, he had been in places like these many times with Dean and Sam. He seated himself against the burgundy red plush chairs and didn’t even bother to look at the menu. He knew what he wanted and he would obtain it by any means necessary. Once he had sat down he looked back at Astrid and started to speak again.

“They make me very happy,” he said, speaking of the burgers, but her presence here also pleased him.

[ASTRID NIGHT]

Astrid couldn't remember the last time she had felt excitement like this. Recently there had not been much to be excited for and the warmth of the city, and the flashes of light around her were intoxicating, not in the same way the alcohol had been but in a way that still sent her senses buzzing. While listening to Castiel explain red meat to her, Astrid made a mental note to get a cup of coffee and have him try it out. There were many Earthly pleasures that Astrid could live without, but she was almost positive she would never have it in her to give up such a simple thing as coffee.

When Castiel let go of her hand she missed the warmth, but that was short lived as she felt his hand come up against her back to guide her forward. It was such a natural, human gesture that it took her by surprise. Astrid turned her head to the side to look up at him and she smiled brightly at him and followed him to sit down at one of the tables. Astrid sat across from him, getting comfortable and removing her jacket again. Astrid reached up and pulled her hair out of it's ponytail, it was giving her a bit of a headache and it felt much better to let it tumble back down over her shoulders then to leave it up and constricted. She had to admit the diner smelled amazing and she wanted the other angel to be happy and he obviously took joy in this simple pleasure.

A young dark haired waitress came over to take their order and Castiel seemed to know exactly what he wanted. He was very excited about the burger so Astrid followed his lead and ordered the same. Not before stopping her and asking for a cup of coffee. She wasn't sure the two would go together, but she hadn't actually stopped to have a cup throughout her day and she had already decided she wanted him to try it. Astrid wasn't sure if he would like it or not, but it was a night of new experiences so far and she wanted to take advantage of that.

"Coffee makes me very happy" she said sort of mimicking what he had previously just stated. "Will you try some when it comes out?"

Right after she had said that the waitress set a cup of coffee in front of her along with cream and sugar which Astrid had always seemed to use far too much of. She had discovered early on that she liked her coffee best when it was sweet.

"Thank you"

This time when she spoke she locked eyes with him, she wasn't sure exactly what she was thanking him for, but she felt incredibly grateful and she wanted him to know that. After taking a sip to make sure it was the way she liked it, she pushed her cup towards him, offering him a drink.

[CASTIEL]

Castiel was still getting used to this feeling of drunkenness. It was fun, thus far. He didn’t know the repercussions that would happen after the fun wore off. He would experience that later when it happened. He had heard the Winchesters talk about hangovers, but he had not been sure what that was in reference to for the longest time. He shifted in the booth, loosening his already loose tie even further. A smile spread over his face as he rested his arms on the table. He took a moment to roll up the sleeves of his business suit and peal back the white sleeves of his button shirt as well. He was feeling…warm.

“Coffee?” he inquired.

Cas had never tried coffee before. Still, he nodded that he would try some of her coffee when it came to the table. Cas was a ball of energy in his drunken excitement. He turned his head to his sibling and kept smiling. His anticipation for the burger growing by the minute; and he had most certainly forgotten that he could will a burger to his table. Oh well. He blinked for a moment, confused if she had been talking to the waitress or him. He tilted his head slightly as he took in the smell of the coffee.

“I believe the Winchesters have that in the morning…It supposedly helps wake them up. They get such little sleep as it is. The boys need proper rest. ” he kind of blabbed absent mindedly.

He reached out for the cup as she slid it to him. He ignored the heat coming off of it. It was probably still too hot to properly drink in large amounts, but he didn’t know that. He lifted the cup to his mouth and took a decent sized gulp. His vessel’s eyes started to water from the heat that was killing the cells in his throat. For a split second, he forgotten that humans needed to swallow. He gulped down the coffee, the bold flavor, the heat, the strange sweetness to it from the added sugar was a strange combination.

Castiel coughed a few times, his eyes squinted for a moment.
“I do not care for coffee…” he grunted as his eyes watered.

[ASTRID NIGHT]

Astrid tried to keep the grin off of her face not wanting to offend the angel. He looked almost as if he was having the same reaction she had the first time she had tried strong alcohol back during her first visit in Vegas. She had not been accustomed to the strong taste, and the burning sensation as the liquid slid down her throat and she had sputtered and coughed and made quite the fool of herself. From then on she had stuck to weaker drinks, not wanting to take on more then she could handle.

"I probably should have warned you it was going to be really hot"

Astrid felt her face flush, it was true, she could have made him aware that after the beverage had come out that it was going to be very hot. Astrid reached over took the cup, sliding it back over to her side and raising the mug to her lips to blow on the hot liquid before taking a small drink. For the most part she was accustomed to the heat, but she still drank slowly not wanting to burn her tongue. Though she could understand why he would not enjoy it, it was not a taste that was entirely easy to get used to. Especially when it was just black coffee, that she did not particular enjoy. After another larger drink, she turned her attention back to Castiel.

"What else do you enjoy, Castiel?"

Astrid set her cup down on the table and leaned back in the booth crossing her arms over her chest and grinning at the angel across from her. She was getting impatient for the food to get to their table, Castiel had been so excited about the prospect of the burgers that she wanted to experience this herself. Plus, it was enjoyable seeing him in such a relaxed state. The little bit of alcohol she had consumed earlier seemed to be wearing off, but still she was feeling happy and content in her current situation. Castiel was good company and he seemed to be enjoying himself a fair bit and she hoped that he continued to do so as the night went on. Vegas was a place where something was always going on. The city was alive and bursting with people well into the night, there was always activities to be found. Astrid was not sure how long their time together would last, but she wanted to enjoy it while they were.

[CASTIEL]

Yes, the coffee was quite hot. He lightly pushed the cup back in her direction as he took a few seconds to heal the burned tissue in his vessel’s throat. He quietly said a drunken apology to Jimmy. Well, it was a very long apology because he was feeling…talkative. Which was strange, but he was certain that it was because of the alcohol in his system. The other shots he had at the second bar were starting to kick into his blood stream in fact. He smiled again, grinning a little as he leaned on the table for support.

What else did he enjoy? He pondered, brows furrowing as he contemplated her question in full. Castiel was silent for a few moments as he slowly started to string a list together.
“Burgers…” he started while counting on his fingers, Serving father, the Winchesters, burgers, the weather, alcohol currently, burgers, rain…though I would consider that would go with the weather.. he said as he got side tracked a little bit

“Oh, yes, burgers, and I also like those little umbrellas they put in some drinks…even though I do not understand why a drink would need an umbrella – especially when it is in an enclosed space. I also love all of Father’s creations, and there are these things…called hamburgers. They are quite delicious. I am getting one,” the angel said with somewhat enthused.

He went back to smiling at her and grasped the soda he had ordered. He was not sure what type it was, but it was cold, and bubbly, and delicious none the less. He had trouble working the straw for a few seconds. Eventually he pulled it from the glass and set it on the table instead. He understood how the contraption was supposed to work, but he had ended up pushing air though the straw, instead of trying to draw the liquid up to him. Cas was a little bit out of it, but his trouble with the plastic straw did not seem to upset him.

“And what of you Astrid?” he asked as he leaned forward a little, to hear her better. "Where would you like to go after we have eaten...Though I guess we don't need to eat...Considering our status. Still! The food. Is good. You should have some. Did the server come by? I cannot seem to remember..."

[ASTRID NIGHT]

Astrid couldn't help the giggle that seemed to tumble from her lips, Castiel had loosened up significantly and seemed to have lost some of his reservations and was speaking openly now and she found herself enjoying it very much. Careful to avoid burning herself on the hot plate, she pushed his food in front of him and took pleasure in the fact that he was able to consume something he seemed to enjoy so much.

Astrid regarded the burger in front of her seriously. She had been on Earth for quite some time now after falling and she had yet to enjoy a simple pleasure such as this. Castiel was right, they didn't have to eat technically and she only really indulged herself with food from time to time. When she did it was usually to satisfy a craving for the more simple things such as ice cream, or even french fries on occasion. She was pleased to see that they had also brought out some of those as well as the burger. Before answering his question she brought her own food up to her mouth and took a slow and tentative bite. She surprised herself when she let out a soft groan of pleasure, one she would certainly deny later, and raised her wide eyes up to Castiel's own blue ones.

"I can see why you enjoy this so immensely. I have not tasted anything quite like this during my time here"

She took another bite, letting herself focus on the variety of flavors she could taste before swallowing. Astrid brought then proceeded to wipe the excess grease from her lips, dabbing at them with a napkin before taking a large drink of the cup of water that had also been brought out. Astrid then bit her lip thoughtfully, returning her focus to Castiel's previous question. There was a lot to do in Vegas, but as the other angel had pointed out earlier, Vegas was not the purest of places and while she was used to the environment she did not want to make him uncomfortable.

"I could think of many things for us to do, I can run across a few ideas, then you tell me what sounds most appealing to you."

She paused for a moment, running a mental catalogue of the different activities that people usually invested in while spending time here.

"There are many clubs around here, which mostly consist of more alcohol, loud music, and people dancing together, not often innocently" she added as almost an after thought. "Then there are places to gamble, though I presume it would be considered cheating for two angel's to partake in such activities"

She tossed a wink in his direction before continuing.

"There are pools open, many people like to indulge in swimming, even at this hour there are pools open that people are splashing around in. There are more bars, and a few strip joints, though I prefer to stay far away from those. There is only so much I can handle. Other then that, many people have simply checked into their hotels for the night. What is it that you would like to do? We can make it happen."

[CASTIEL]

His eyes widened as he looked upon the burger. He did enjoy the strips of potatoes that came with it. He didn’t understand how those things were paired together. Still, he wasn’t daunted by the starchy sticks that rested beside the burger. He smiled at it, looking upon the burger almost fondly. It was a weak spot for him in times of great stress. Though he was happy and not stressed at the moment, the copious amounts of booze had caused his vessel’s stomach to churn in hunger.

He didn’t understand why angels needed to consume so much booze to become as inebriated as humans. He supposed it was because of their true forms were so large; hundreds of feet tall to be exact. In the long run, drinking was not very cost effective. He reached over and clasped his hands around the burger as he lifted it, a glop of ketchup fell from it and onto a stray fry.

He admired the burger as if it was some sort of eatable trophy. He heard her and tilted his head slightly as he opened his mouth and took a large chunk of it. He was confused for a moment. Had she tried to speak to him, or was the food too hot, like the coffee? Castiel’s social skills were not the most grand. He chewed the burger for a moment before asking if she was okay – his mouth still partially full of food as he inquired about her well being.

As she spoke up he nodded in agreement. He didn’t mind the other items upon the burger, but it was the beef that he enjoyed the most. He looked up again with wide and slightly glassy eyes as he took another bite of the burger. He plucked a fry and dabbled it upon the spilled ketchup from the burger before popping it into his mouth like a pro.

“Clubs, alcohol?” he inquired, his interest quickly perked again.

As for the dancing. He did not understand what she was talking about. He paid no mind that he didn’t have a clue at this point. He did not gamble. He had heard of humans dancing in celebration of things. Gambling…well, it just seemed sinful to even say the word. He looked at her, even more befuddled as she winked at him. He presumed that there was something in her eye. He took another bite of the burger and chewed thoughtfully, eventually putting his head back into its regular position.

“I would like to go to one of those…clubs…” he mumbled as he swallowed down another bite. He smiled warmly at her and nodded, taking a drink of his soda before putting the cup back down. “Unless there is something that you would like to do?”

[ASTRID NIGHT]

The thought of Castiel in a club brought a smile to Astrid's face. She almost couldn't imagine him in that environment, she was also a bit concerned that he wouldn't be comfortable there. It was more then just a bar and a crowded room. She didn't often wander into them, but it had always proven to be an interesting night when she did stray inside on those few nights when curiosity had gotten the better of her. Astrid had always been fascinated with Vegas. The two of them were finishing up and it did sound like it could be fun. She chewed her last bite slowly, she wanted to savor the last one. The meal had been exceptionally good and she knew she probably wouldn't have another in awhile. She waited patiently for Castiel to finish before standing up and throwing enough money to cover them both on the table. Then she hesitantly held out her hand to him, there was a place that she knew of not too far away.

"Come on, I know of a p lace that I can show you."

The air as it had been before was still warm, the heat making her skin tingle pleasantly and her lips quirked up at the sensation. As the night wore on, people seemed to be getting more inebriated and stumbling to their next destination, she glanced at the angel watching next to her and saw he was on the same path, she had some catching up to do when they got there. Astrid led them across the street and up to the entrance of the club. When they stepped in she glanced over at the angel trying to see his reaction.

The club was loud, there was a heavy beat that seemed to be sending vibrations through the floor and it was packed full of people. As she knew there would be, there were people out on a dance floor, pressed together and moving to the beat. Maybe this had been a bad idea, she had been exposed to these types of things during her time here and she was unsure whether or not Cas had experienced the same exposure.

Drinks. They needed drinks. Astrid pushed her way through a few people, Castiel following behind her and lead him up to the bar. She would let him order whatever he wanted, but she ordered herself a shot of tequila and threw it back when the bartender set it in front of her. She licked her lips and ordered another one. She found herself relaxing a bit, if Castiel wanted to leave he would hopefully tell her and if that was the case she would have no problem with the two of them getting out of their, but it could be fun. There was a man sitting on her other side that seemed to be attempting to flirt with her, but she had no interest, he would most likely give up if she didn't respond. She turned her attention instead on the other angel.

"What do you think? As you can see, the clubs are far from innocent, but they are a place where people come to let loose and have fun. It's your call. Do we stay or do we go?"