I blinked my eyes open, my brain still a little foggy from trying to wake up. Slowly I rubbed my eyes, wishing the sun would go back to sleep. Stretching my arms above me, I looked over at the digital clock on my desk where it was displaying in electric blue the numbers 10:15. With a gasp, I sprang from the comfortable hotel bed and grabbed the clock in shock. I looked over at Auntie's bed, which was devoid of my auntie, but some clothes and a large bag with a colorful floral print were laid neatly on it with a sheet of paper on the bag. I walked over to Auntie's bed and picked up the note.

Good morning, Sweetheart! When I woke up you looked so peaceful I couldn't bear to wake you, so I turned off your alarm. I hope you got a good night's sleep. Have fun at the beach! There is money in the inside pocket of your new bag and I expect you to use it all! And the sundress is for you to put over your swimsuit if you decide to go to town after the beach. Have fun. I love you!!!! <3 <3 

Smiling, I shook my head. I had wanted to see Auntie off to her meetings, but she had her own plan for me as usual. The sundress she had chosen for me was a halter top with a V-neckline, a wide band around the waist, and a flowy skirt. The fabric was covered in a large rose pattern in several shades of blue and white. Opening the bag I packed a towel, the dress, my new swimsuit, sunblock, and lastly I tucked my cell phone into the pocket with the money. Even with all that there was still plenty of space left.

I took a quick shower and then pulled on some knee-length jean shorts and a pink T-shirt. Just before I left the bathroom I found another note from Auntie instructing me to put sunblock on every two hours and to remember mascara. Rolling my eyes, I put on a little mascara and some lip gloss and, on a whim, I put them into my bag. Making sure I had my keycard tucked in a separate pocket from my cell phone, I left a note for Auntie telling her I'd be home after sunset in case she beat me back. I skipped happily to the elevator and rode it down to the lobby. As I walked up to the desk the concierge smiled at me.

"Hello Miss, where are you off to today?"

"I'm not sure. I need to eat, and then I'm going to go to the beach."

"Well, we do have a restaurant in the hotel that is quite excellent. Although if you are hoping for more of a tourist attraction, Coral Bay is famous for their open market down Albany Street."

"Open market?" I asked curiously. The concierge grinned and handed me a flyer.

"It's sort of like a global farmer's market. You can find cuisines from every part of the globe, little trinkets for sale, and there is an entire section devoted to selling flowers."

"Really? That sounds amazing! I'll have to go check it out. Where is Albany street?"

"There's a map on the back of the flyer. Our hotel is the starting point then just follow the green route and you'll find it in no time," the concierge explained with a smile and I grinned back at him.

"Thank you so much! Where is the restaurant you were telling me about?"

"Just go down the hall to the left. I would recommend the grilled snapper, fresh this morning," the concierge said with a wink.

"That sounds great, thank you!" I said and headed for the restaurant. 

I took the concierge's advice and enjoyed my brunch. After I was finished it was almost noon and the restaurant had gotten busy. I left a large tip, knowing that's what Auntie would do, picked up my bag, and headed for the beach with excitement.

As soon as I hit the sand I took off my sandals and walked barefoot, smiling at the soft, warm sand under my feet. I spotted a building where people could get changed and headed over. After finding an empty stall I changed into my new swimsuit. I still felt exposed, but I was slowly getting used to it.

Pulling out my sunblock I began rubbing it all over myself. I couldn't quite reach my back but a motherly woman saw my struggles and offered to help, lathering my back for me. Truly grateful, I thanked her profusely and she smiled before taking the hand of a toddler with brown pigtails and leaving the changing room. I smiled as I watched them leave, glad that the little girl had such a nice mom.

Lastly, I pulled my hair into a high ponytail, braided it, and then wrapped it into a bun before pinning it in place. Nervously, I rubbed some more sunblock onto my face and shoulders, looking at the door that would lead back to the beach.

Do I really want to go out there like this? I thought nervously but then shook my head sharply. Auntie wanted me to have fun. I wasn't going to have fun if I didn't go out. Determinedly, I packed everything back in my bag and placed it in a locker before slipping a quarter in it to make sure it was locked.

Taking another deep breath to summon my courage, I walked out into the sun. Almost immediately I stopped and stood still, enjoying the feel of the sun's warmth against my skin. The beach was packed with families and teenagers; it looked like everyone had come with a group. I noticed a spot farther down the beach that wasn't as crowded and I slowly made my way to it, watching everyone playing as I walked. The sand was warm against my feet and I bent to scoop up a handful, running the fine grains through both my hands. Smiling to myself, I wondered if there had ever been a time I felt more relaxed.

"Bark bark bark!"

I looked around quickly, wondering where the dog to go along with the deep bark was. Suddenly I saw a large black dog running through the crowds of people. Screams and yelps followed as people dove out of the way of the dog's rampage. The dog was running in my direction so I got down on my knees and held out one hand.

"Come here, puppy. Come on," I called out to it with a feeling of pure glee bubbling through me.

The dog stopped, regarding me from its spot in the middle of an overturned basket, before it began running towards me, leaving the people to clean up after its path of destruction. With excitement, I watched as the closer it got the bigger it seemed to grow.

It was only a few feet from me when it came to a sudden stop. It stood regally, showing off its streamlined body which made it a natural-born runner. It was mainly black except for its ears, the underside of its chin and the lower parts of its legs were a tannish brown. Its ears stood straight up and it was easily as tall as my waist while standing. I had never seen a more beautiful dog. The big dog watched me with an imperious gaze and I stayed where I was, continuing to hold out my hand to it.

"Come here," I called softly. "Oh, you are so beautiful!" The dog growled menacingly in response to my words. I tilted my head in confusion before a thought came to me and I laughed. "My mistake, you're handsome, aren't you?" 

The growling stopped and the big dog took a short step toward me and sniffed the air as if wondering if I deserved to be in his presence.

"Come on, buddy! I won't bite." The dog huffed and I wondered if it was his way of laughing. He trotted the rest of the way up to me and stuck his nose in my hand. "Oh, that's right, buddy. You must be the most handsome dog I've ever seen!" The dog woofed happily and licked my face. "Ack! Hey stop that!" I said while laughing.

I brought my hands around his neck, one hand rubbing the top of his head and the other stroking his back. After a minute in that position and the dog showing no interest in moving, I pulled back and rubbed his chin, looking at his neck. I reached out and fingered the black chain that served as his collar.

"Hmmm, a collar but no tags? Who's your owner, buddy?" The dog sniffed my face and I laughed, rubbing his ears. "You rascal. Stop that already."

"Demon!" I looked up in surprise as I recognized the familiar voice.

I scanned the beach and could hardly believe it when I saw Castiel, clad in only some black swim trunks with a red design on the sides, running through the crowds calling out the word 'Demon.' My new friend barked and Castiel turned around to look at me.

"Is Castiel your owner, Rascal?" I asked the big dog who hadn't made a move to leave my side.

Castiel, on the other hand, began jogging towards us. I stood up slowly, keeping my hand on the dog's head, absently rubbing his ear as Castiel finally reached us. He stopped a few feet from us and regarded me and his large dog standing quietly next to each other.

"Opal, how did you catch him?" Castiel was out of breath from his little run but he knelt down and reached a hand out towards the dog just like I had done. "Come here, Demon."

The dog walked towards Castiel, but right before Castiel could reach him he whipped around and came running back to me. I laughed with delight and fell to my knees, wrapping my arms around the big dog again.

"Oh, come on. What was that, Demon?" Castiel asked as he got up and came next to me.

"His name is Demon?" I asked, while rubbing his ears. I looked into the big dog's eyes and I could almost see the glint of mischief in them. "I liked Rascal better," I whispered to Demon then looked up at Castiel. "But I guess it's not my choice." 

Castiel smirked at me and then knelt down, stroking Demon's back. "We went for a walk and he just took off; probably smelled hotdogs or something," Castiel said. Taking Demon's head into his hands he rubbed him roughly but affectionately. "Stupid dog."

"What are you doing here?" I asked curiously. 

Castiel looked up and my breath caught in my throat. Castiel's eyes were as piercingly grey as ever, but the fact that he wasn't wearing anything to cover his muscular torso was making me feel slightly lightheaded. He let go of Demon who immediately came back to lick my face which seemed to break the spell and let me breathe again. Castiel pulled him back as I laughed.

"My parents own a summer home here. I usually come here for summer break. What did you do to Demon? I've never seen him warm up to someone so fast. Aren't you scared of him?"

"Scared? Of this big puppy?" I asked in amazement. I turned to Demon and rubbed his chin. "Not a chance." 

Suddenly Demon jumped, putting his front legs on my shoulders and pushing me back so he could lick my face again.

"Ack! Demon, stop it! Silly dog, let me up! Castiel, help me!" I gasped between Demon's licks and my giggles. Castiel smirked at me.

"You're the one who said you weren't scared of him." I could hardly hear him over my laughter. Finally, I wrestled Demon off of me and wiped the slobber off my face, still laughing.

"Castiel!" I looked up to see Iris walking toward us. She was wearing a bright blue one-piece swimsuit with a hot pink ribbon going diagonally across her stomach. I looked down at my own swimsuit then looked longingly back at the one-piece, wishing Auntie had let me wear something like that.

"Iris?" I called, standing up and waving. She blinked in surprise and then smiled.

"Opal! What are you doing here? Your swimsuit is so cute!"

"I like yours better," I said honestly, trying to cover my stomach with my arms. "Auntie picked this out for me."

"Couldn't stand up to your Aunt, huh?" Castiel asked sarcastically. I turned wide eyes to Castiel.

"Obviously you've never met my Auntie."

"I have, actually," Castiel shot back and I smirked, trying to impersonate him.

"Then you must not have been paying attention. Auntie gets what she wants. Always." Castiel and Iris both laughed at that.

"It's true. Yuki is a force to be reckoned with. Say, Opal, now that you're here do you want to come swimming with Castiel and me?"

"Swimming..." I repeated the word nervously and felt small shivers go up and down my spine.

"I don't want to swim. Iris. Demon will get wet and then I'll have to smell wet dog all the way home," Castiel said and Iris's mouth formed the most perfect pout I had ever seen. 

Does Iris like Castiel, I wondered in shock, but then Iris turned to me and smiled.

"Castiel and I are childhood friends. My family comes to Coral Bay for a week every summer vacation and we would always hang out together. To this day he still hasn't beaten me in a race to the island."

"That isn't true and you know it," Castiel retorted with a growl. Iris smiled sweetly.

"What a sore loser you are, Castiel. Can't admit that a girl beat you?"

"I know what you're trying to do but I'm not falling for it. You're not the one who has to live with a stinky dog."

"I'll watch him," I interrupted. Both Iris and Castiel looked at me with surprise. "I actually don't know how to swim. I'd be happy to watch Demon while you guys have your race."

"But..." Castiel started and Iris jumped in,

"Opal, that's so nice of you. Are you sure?"

"Positive! Go on, I promise to keep Demon out of the water." 

Castiel again tried to argue but Iris took off towards the ocean yelling, "You're just scared I'll beat you again!" Castiel's face flushed with anger and he took off after Iris.

Demon tried to follow, but I held onto his collar and he stayed with me as we watched the two hit the water and swim for all they were worth towards a small patch of rocks that I assumed was their island. Castiel swam with long, powerful strokes and I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks warming up. Instead, I looked at Demon who was watching Castiel with longing.

"Hey buddy, I know you want to go in the water but I promised Castiel to keep you dry. So while they're swimming let's go for a walk, huh?" Demon barked and bounded away from me quickly. After he had gone a few feet though he turned around and barked at me. I laughed and chased after him.

I don't know how long I chased him around the beach but eventually I was so out of breath I fell onto my back in the sand and just lay there. Pretty soon a wet nose was pressed into my cheek and I rubbed Demon's head lovingly. I had always wanted a dog, and Demon was everything I could have imagined. Demon seemed to sense I needed a break so he laid down next to me and put his head on my stomach. Grinning quietly to myself, I pet his head and looked up at the clouds, seeing if I could find any pictures up there. Suddenly Demon raised his head and began growling menacingly.

"Woah, dog, calm down." A deep male voice said and I quickly sat up.

In front of me was a very tall, very muscular boy with long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, but he left some down around his face. He had several black tattoos on his shoulder, chest, arm, and even one on his stomach.

"Hey, are you alright?" the stranger asked while extending a hand. Demon growled menacingly and lunged to bite his hand. The boy jerked away just as I threw my arms around Demon's neck.

"Demon, it's okay," I said reassuringly, even though I wasn't so sure it was. I stayed on my knees, holding Demon to me as the boy looked down at me with a charming smile.

"Your dog is pretty freaky," he said with a smile. I felt one eyebrow twitch up in irritation at his comment though.

"You think so?" I asked, barely keeping the irritation from my voice. I stood, keeping one hand on Demon's head. He was still growling deep in his throat but he stayed by my side. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that. Have a nice day. Come on, Demon."

"No, wait! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. Your dog is great." 

I turned to walk away but the boy ran up in front of me, cutting me off. Once again Demon barked threateningly and I knelt down, holding his tense shoulders loosely. The boy looked at Demon with trepidation.

"Demon, huh? Good name choice," he muttered and then brightened. I could almost see him flip on his charm switch. "Speaking of names, my name is Dakota, but my friends call me Dake." 

He flashed me another of his charming smiles and Demon snorted, sounding thoroughly unimpressed, which prompted me to duck my head to keep from laughing.

"What's your name?" Dake asked and I sighed before looking up at him again.

"I'm sorry, Dakota..."

"Dake," he interrupted and I barely kept from rolling my eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I kind of have a thing about not talking to strangers. So have a good day. Come on, Demon."

I turned to go but Dake took my arm saying, "Wait just a..." Like clockwork, Demon again tried to attack him. Dake let go of my arm and I grabbed onto Demon's collar. When I had gotten Demon calmed down I was almost surprised to see Dake hadn't left. He stood there watching me intently and I felt a flush come into my cheeks. I looked away and stroked Demon some more until he had once again gone back to his low, menacing growl.

"I'm sorry. I understand not wanting to talk to a stranger, but if you get to know me then I won't be a stranger anymore," Dake reasoned. 

I frowned slightly and looked down at Demon. He had a point, but I was hesitant when Demon obviously didn't like him. I'd much rather spend time with Demon than a pushy stranger.

"I'm just walking with Demon. Why don't you go find someone else to meet? There are tons of prettier girls on this beach than me."

"Oh, you're wrong about that," Dake said with an extra shot of charm. Again Demon snorted and I smiled while ruffling his ears the way Castiel had.

"Come on, buddy. Let's go for a walk." I stood up, keeping Demon in between Dake and me, and began to walk back to where I had last seen Castiel and Iris. I almost groaned when Dake fell into step next to me, although he did give Demon the space he obviously desired.

"So... am I going to get that name?" he wheedled and I sighed.

"It's Opal."

"Ah, a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Where are you from, Opal?"

"Why do you care?" I asked and instantly felt bad. Even if he was being pushy, he was still being very nice.

"I get it, the whole stranger thing. How about I go first? I'm actually from Australia. My family just moved here. I came to the beach to surf but there are no good waves here. I was going to just go back home when I saw you running around with your dog and I knew I had to introduce myself to you," Dake said with another gleaming smile. I covered my mouth to hide the instant frown my lips had pulled down into in response to his smile. I cleared my throat and rested a hand on Demon's head.

"I'm from Sweet Amoris. My aunt brought me along with her because she is at a work conference." I rubbed Demon's ears and let my eyes wander.

"Maybe I'll have to transfer to Sweet Amoris if all the girls are as pretty as you," Dake commented with a wink, and this time I did roll my eyes.

"They are actually prettier. Just like many of the girls here," I said, gesturing to a group of girls in the water splashing each other. Dake looked over and seemed to be considering something before he turned back to me with a smile.

"Nope. You're still the prettiest."

I opened my mouth but couldn't seem to form words. Dake smiled triumphantly and my mouth snapped shut. This had never happened to me before, but I had heard about guys that tried to "pick up" girls, and I wanted no part of it. It would only end badly for both of us. I picked up my pace but Dake matched my stride easily and I sighed.

"Look, Dakota..."

"It's Dake," he insisted but I ignored him completely.

"You are very nice. Very flattering and kind, and I give you credit for braving Demon's anger, but... I don't think I'm the kind of girl you're looking for. It was lovely meeting you, but I think I'll just continue the walk by myself," I said, giving him a polite smile and then turned around and walked quickly away, not looking behind me.

After my hurried escape, I was delighted when I spotted a large stick to my right. I picked it up with a grin and Demon's tail started to wag like mad.

"Do you want to play fetch?" Demon barked excitedly, prancing back and forth. "Alright buddy, go get it!" I said, tossing it gently away from us.

Demon ran and brought it back within seconds, depositing it and lowering his face to the ground while wagging his rear end in anticipation. I picked the stick up while trying not to laugh and threw it a little harder, but Demon still brought it back within seconds.

"Okay buddy. I'm serious this time," I said as he watched the stick eagerly. With all my might I hurled the stick, sending it flying down the empty stretch of beach. Demon took after it, barking happily. Suddenly I felt a strong grip on my arm and Dake appeared in front of me.

"Come on, Opal. Let's ditch the dog and go swimming," he said with his charming smile.

"Let me go, Dakota!" I yelled, trying to pull my arm out of his hand. His grip was like iron and a sliver of fear began to run down my spine. Just as I was about to throw a punch into Dake's shoulder to make him let go, an arm circled my waist and a large hand reached out and grabbed Dake's arm.

"She said to let go." Castiel's voice was as hard as steel as he stared down Dake. 

Dake met his eyes and straightened to his imposing height, which was a good handspan taller than Castiel. Just then Demon came back and started growling threateningly at Dake while baring his teeth. I watched as Dake appeared to deflate before my eyes and he slowly let go of my arm which I snatched away from him and brought to rest against Castiel's chest. Dake raised his arms in a peaceful gesture.

"Okay, let's stay calm. I didn't know she was with anyone," he said in a placating tone, moving away from Demon.

"Well, she is. So move on," Castiel stated harshly and Demon barked as if in assent.

"It was nice meeting you, Opal," Dake said, looking straight at me. Without waiting for a reply he turned and sauntered off down the beach.

As he slowly went out of sight I took stock of my current situation and froze. Castiel still had one arm firmly around my waist, pressing me against his chest which was still a little wet, no doubt from his swim. Suddenly my mind went blank. I couldn't think. I could feel Castiel's heartbeat and the sound of my own racing heart was drowning out all other noise. Was I breathing? I couldn't tell. Suddenly I felt warmth under my chin and my head was forced up so that I was staring at Castiel who was mere inches away from me.

"Are you okay?" His tone suggested that this wasn't his first time asking that same question. 

As my brain processed what he had just said all of a sudden my body was once again under my control. I sprang back from Castiel only to trip over Demon and land hard on my back, looking up at the clouds and letting out a strangled cough.

"Opal!" Castiel reached down as if to help me and I scrambled into a kneeling position. Bowing my head slightly and very nearly dropping into a dogeza I gripped my hands into fists and rested them on my knees.

"Thank you for helping me, and I'm so sorry!" I knew my face was completely red and I wished with all my might that Castiel would just leave. I could still feel the shadow of his strong arm around my waist and his heartbeat.... NO! I screamed at my brain, clamping down on the memory but unable to keep the heat in my face from going up another notch and I bowed even lower. "I'm so sorry!"

"Opal, calm down. Look at me," Castiel said and the gentleness in his voice surprised me enough to make me raise my head. He was smiling like he was trying to keep from laughing and Demon was standing next to him, whining slightly and looking at me like he was worried. I reached out a hand and Demon immediately came over and placed his nose in it. Castiel smiled and sat down facing me.

"Now, why are you saying sorry? It's that creep's fault for targeting you."

"Ah, but maybe if I had been more firm..." I started and Castiel scoffed dismissively.

"Guy's like him don't understand the word no. He saw you were the prettiest girl on the beach so he was going to make you his no matter what. I hate guys like him," Castiel spat vehemently and my cheeks colored.

"But I'm really not that pretty," I argued quietly. Castiel gave me a hard look that made me turn away.

"I said you were, so live with it," Castiel said gruffly and after a moment I nodded, not knowing what else to do. "Did he hurt you?" I looked up in surprise to see the genuine concern on Castiel's face.

"Oh, no, not really," I said, inspecting my arm for any bruising. It looked fine so I smiled at Castiel who smiled in relief.

"Good, because I might have needed to pound him if he did." I giggled and Castiel regarded me coldly. "What? You think I couldn't?"

"No, it's not that. I was just thinking that with Demon I don't think you'd get close enough to actually hit him," I observed with a grin and Castiel smirked, tussling Demon's ears.

"You have a point."

"So, what happened to Iris?" I asked, looking around for the other redhead.

"She had plans with her parents. What about you? Are you heading back soon?" I looked up at the sky for a minute before meeting Castiel's gaze.

"Actually, I think I'm going to check out the open market. Auntie has meetings until eight tonight so there's no point going back to an empty hotel room, and I want to be back here for the sunset anyways."

"Why?" Castiel asked.

"I've always wanted to watch the sun setting over the ocean. Now that I'm here there's no way I'm going to miss it," I proclaimed with excitement. 

Demon suddenly stood, walked over to me, and then laid down next to me, resting his head on my bare legs. Castiel chuckled and shook his head.

"I honestly have never seen Demon be like this with anyone but me. What did you do to him?"

"I didn't do anything. I just love him, that's all," I said while stroking his head and neck. Nervously, I bit my lip, wondering if I dared voice the thoughts in my head. I glanced up at Castiel who was watching Demon with an expression I couldn't read.

"Umm, Castiel..." I started nervously and he looked up to meet my eyes, "Would you maybe want to go with me? I mean, if you didn't have anything else planned?" 

Castiel blinked and studied me intently. I felt my cheeks begin to warm under the scrutiny and I looked down at Demon.

"I don't know. The market isn't really my scene," he said slowly and a small breath of disappointment escaped me before I could stop myself.

"Oh, that's okay, I understand. I'm going to go change into some normal clothes and head out. You're welcome to join me if you change your mind," I offered as I gently moved Demon's head off my lap and stood up, brushing sand off my legs and hands.

Castiel was silent as he watched me get up. I felt like I was supposed to say something, but I couldn't think of what so I turned around and went to the building where I had left my bag. As I walked I tried to keep my disappointment from surfacing. 

Why do I care if Castiel doesn't want to hang out with me? I'm used to being on my own after all, and he probably has stuff planned for this afternoon, I told myself as I walked into a changing stall.

I quickly pulled my sundress on and undid my hair from its braid, letting it fall down my back. As I glanced in the mirror I reapplied my sunscreen on my exposed skin. As I was putting the sunscreen away I happened to see the lip gloss I had stuck in my bag. Hesitantly I reached for it and slowly pulled it out. 

My lips are chapped is all, I told myself as I applied another coat. The last step was to slip my sandals back on and I was ready to go. Facing the doorway with a sigh, I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and walked out the door only to have a large black object hurl itself at me.

"Demon!" I exclaimed in delight, rubbing his ears affectionately. "Did you run away from Castiel, again?"

"Not this time." I looked up in shock to see Castiel leaning against a bench with his usual smirk. He had slipped on a gray shirt and some flip-flops while I had gotten changed.

"So, are you coming with me?" I asked, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. Castiel shrugged and walked over.

"I don't have anything else to do. But if I'm bored I'm leaving." I beamed up at him.

"Fair enough! Let's go!"

A/N The next chapter is going to be in Castiel's POV so I hope you like the different perspective :D I don't do other POV's very often, but I enjoy exploring the different characters' inner thoughts