asgardeventide | Romans 12:10 }{ VIDEO

[The scene opens to a rather ridiculous sight, as either Castiel or Jimmy--it’s hard to tell which, as they’re both in the frame--is pondering a somewhat beat up but still functional looking bike. That’s nothing particularly noteworthy, though; what stands out most is that said individual is wearing very improvised knee and elbow pads, made of what looks a combo of small pillows and duct tape.]

I don’t understand why this is a necessary skill.

[The voice gives it away; the perplexed and safeguarded speaker is Castiel, eyeing the bike with some level of suspicion as he directs his comment at his doppelganger.]

Because! [A girl’s voice rings from somewhere off-screen.] You’re finally old enough for a paper route!

[Jimmy busts up at the comment from off screen but calms himself in order to focus on the situation at hand.] Dammit Mary... [He checks the bike and its riggings to make sure it’s good to go. Once he gets in control of himself again he goes back to reassuring Castiel.]

Think of it as a right of passage. You’re protected, thanks to Claire. [He tries to hide his laughter and fails miserably, looking more like a kid that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar than anything else.]

I’m not afraid of injury.

[A bicycle isn’t scary... Really. But this just seems like a bad idea all around. Still, Castiel determinedly grasps the handlebars and then awkwardly tries to swing a leg over it, and manages to topple right over, bike and all.]

[Whatever the hell happens next is punctured by a-] Oh god, is he- [That dissolves almost immediately into unseen giggles throughout the rest of the scene.]]

[A tinier voice in the background makes a startled noise somewhere near the laughter that’s off camera.] Are you okay, Castiel?

[Jimmy reaches down to help Cas and the bike back up and grips the handlebars to help him find his balance.] He’s fine, sweetie. [Jimmy answers for him so they can get this show on the road.]

[Castiel glances back to give Claire a nod, unharmed aside from a few small scratches he dutifully ignores, intent on figuring this out. Jimmy holding the handlebars helps and he manages to actually get on the bike correctly, a foot on the ground for balance, the other resting awkwardly on the pedals. There’s a pause.]

What do I do now?

Just pedal, I’ll guide you. [A common lie every parent tells their child, but Jimmy grips the rubber on the bars tighter to reassure Cas. He still has every intention of letting go once he picks up speed.]

[Castiel gives Jimmy a clear ‘I don’t trust you’ look, but he does what he’s told anyway, beginning to pedal slowly, trying to figure out how he’s supposed to keep his balance and do at the same time.]

[Jimmy helps him along for a few feet until Cas starts getting the hang of it and picks up speed, he runs alongside him until it looks like he’s figured it out for the most part and then lets go.]

[Castiel manages great, if a bit wobbly, for approximately ten seconds, until he’s out of frame. A moment later there’s a massive crashing noise and what sounds like glass shattering.]

[Claire gasps and runs out of frame after her father who’s reassuring her that it’s okay and to remember her first time on a bike. Jimmy cuts the feed purposefully so he can help Cas back to his feet and pat his back for trying.]

color key: light blue = Castiel, dark blue = Jimmy, light pink = Claire, dark pink = Mary Campbell-Winchester

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[She still doesn't quite get the whole Castiel and Jimmy thing, but she can tell them apart quite easily, so she knows who got hurt. Either way, she doesn't find this a laughing matter.]

Oh my God! Was that glass? Is he okay?!

He's fine, trust me.

What was that glass breaking?

A window.

A window?! Did he go right through it?!

Calm down. He's fine.

Well, he's talking, so he must be okay... he's not losing too much blood, though, is he? If you need a healer, I know lots...

[Riding a bike through a window is not conducive to making her calm.]

It's just a bump on the head.

If you're sure... [Next question.] Why did you decide he should ride a bike?

Because he hadn't yet.

Does everyone really need to ride a bike?

Once you figure it out, it's fun.

But it's way easier for kids to learn than adults. It just seems so dangerous.

It's the same process. I wouldn't say it's easier.

Have you thought about training wheels? [Totally serious, not seeing the potential for shame here at all.]

(no subject)

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I'm fine, Nakama.

[Just a tiny bump on the head. He barely even feels it.

The window's a little less well off, though.]

I think maybe you should try some training wheels... they might make it easier.

Training wheels?

You attach them to the back wheels, and they stick out on either side and make it balance while you're learning. I don't know if you can get them for an adult bike, though...

Oh.

[A pause.]

That seems like cheating.

No, not at all! It's just a way to get you used to the sensation of riding. You take them off eventually.

[But Nakama if he can't master it at the hardest difficulty on the first try then it's cheating.]

I'm not certain this is truly as essential a skill as Jimmy claims it to be, regardless.

They're probably just trying to give you as many human experiences as possible. It's a nice thought, but this was kind of a dangerous one.

I suppose.

[About the human experiences, not the danger; he doesn't consider this dangerous in the slightest, just... Awkward. And pointless. Slightly embarrassing.]

Regardless, it's nothing I have particular desire to repeat.

Well, that's okay. It's not like swimming, where it could save your life one day. It's just a practical thing here, an easier and quicker way to get around, but only if you want to.