A/N: I've had this idea in my head for a while, so I eventually gave up and wrote it down. I'm not sure if anyone will like it, BUT...I'm hoping that I'll get some positive feedback at least.

This is an AU. All human with no supernatural occurrences. Also, I do not have a Beta, so please excuse any grammatical errors you may find. I did the best I could xD Enjoy!

Chapter One:

Helena couldn't believe her sister. Here she was, at some frat party, standing at the foot of the stairs and waiting for her sister to come down from doing God knows what with God knows who. She'd promised her they were just going to go get something to eat. She should have known. The second she said, 'I'm just gonna drop in and say hi to everyone.' that she'd get abandoned. She'd walk back to their apartment, that is, if it wasn't twenty miles away. She half thought about just taking her sisters car and leaving her there. But, one: she didn't have the keys...and two: despite what she was doing, she couldn't leave her sister there with no way to leave.

Sighing, she looked around. The house was absolutely packed, smelling of alcohol, sweat, and weed. Helena found it disgusting. She looked at her watch, seeing it was already midnight, and she became even more irritated. She had finals at the beginning of next week, and she really should be home studying...not waiting on her sister to be done being a tramp.

If her mom was here, it wouldn't be that way.

She shook her head. She couldn't think about that. Not now, not with all these people around.

"Hey, darlin'." a voice came from beside her, making her flinch in disgust at the slurring sound.

"Hello." she said politely, not looking towards the source of the voice, hoping he'd take the hint and go away.

"I don't remember seeing your sweet face around before," he continued, slurring next to her and making her cringe. "You new here?"

"I don't go to this school." she said flatly, looking off to the side.

"Well, why you here then?"

Helena sighed. She could wait to get into college, if all the men were this dumb.

"I'm waiting for my sister," she said tersely. "I go to Henley."

"...The high school?" he asked, sounding surprised.

"Yes." Helena answered, hoping he'd know she was underage and buzz off now.

"How old ar' ya anyway?"

Helena sighed again, finally turning her head. The 'boy' in question stood a good foot over her, his blond hair sweaty and sticking to his forehead, his hazel eyes staring drunkenly at her like she was something to eat. He was muscular and large, making her very uncomfortable.

"I'm seventeen." she answered, snapping her eyes away.

"Oh, I'm twenty-two," he said suggestively, making her frown. Was that supposed to impress her? When she didn't respond, he spoke up again.

"Hey, do you wanna go somewhere and talk?" he asked, making her cringe again. "I promise I won't try anything. I just want to talk is all."

'Oh, I'm sure you do.' she scoffed in her head.

Turning to him, she gave a weak smile.

"Thanks for the offer, but I need to wait for my sister." she said in the most polite tone she could muster.

"Oh, come on angel face..." he slurred, moving closer to her and making her lean away from him in alarm.

"I said no, I'm sorry." she tried again, shifting away from him.

Suddenly, she felt an arm wrap around her waist, and her eyes widened before landing on the drunk beside her, who was grinning cheekily at her.

"Come on now. I don't bite." he laughed.

"P-please let go." she murmured, feeling very vulnerable and scared. He could easily over power her, and she wondered if everyone was too drunk or high to even try to help if he tried to drag her away.

"Don't be such a party pooper," he laughed, yanking her in his direction and causing her to stumble. "I just wanna talk. Don't be rude."

"Let me go!" she said loudly, slightly panicked. But, from the loud music and all the chattering, no one was paying attention to her.

"Be a doll and talk to me." he said, smiling somewhat sinisterly.

"P-please, just l-leave me alone." she stuttered, grabbing his large arm and trying to pull him off of her. His smile fell into an irritated look.

"Stop being such a bit-"

"Leave her alone."

Helena's head whipped around, seeing a very tall man standing there, looking at the drunk with narrowed eyes. His blue jeans looked greasy, as his black boots. His black shirt was faded, and the brown leather jacket he was sporting looked as though it had been passed down from a great-grandparent it looked so worn.

Despite all this, Helena flushed lightly when she saw how incredibly...handsome he was. His green eyes were intense below his short brown hair, his smooth lips set in a straight line. A tendon was flexing near his strong jaw, and he wasn't taking his eyes off the drunk that still had a hold of her waist. In some ways, he looked a lot scarier than the man that was clutching her waist, even though he wasn't nearly as burly.

"I think you need to mind your own business man." the drunk laughed, pulling at her and making the other man intensify his glare.

"I don't think she wants to go with you." he said darkly, threatening undertones in his calm voice.

"Well, I think she does." he snapped, making Helena shake her head and come out of her daze.

"No, I don't! Will you just leave me alone..." she hissed, pushing against his chest.

"Oh, come on baby-"

The drunk looked down at her, and raised his hand towards her hair. In an instant, the leather clad man was beside them, grabbing the mans hand mid-air.

"Man!" the drunk yelled, letting go of her waist and flinging his arm back as Helena stumbled away.

He threw a punch forward, and Helena gasped as he caught his punch in one hand, before shoving his other fist forward, punching the drunk square in the nose. Helena gasped as the man instantly went down, clutching his bleeding nose and whining.

The leather jacket guy scrunched his nose in disgust, looking down at the man as he pathetically clutched his nose.

"If I ever see you near that girl again," he hissed down at him. "I'll break your fucking arm."

People were looking now, Helena noticed. Some were gasping, others just watching with an amused expression. She nervously crossed her hands over her chest, gulping.

He slowly straightened, looking around the room, noticing everyone staring.

He raised his eyebrows. "Got a problem?" he asked loudly, glaring at them.

People started to look away, going back to whatever they were doing before.

Finally, his green eyes fell on her, and her eyes widened slightly as she looked down, pretty embarrassed. Her hands trembled slightly as she saw his black boots move to approach her.

"Are you alright?" he asked from above her, and Helena felt slightly better, hearing that the dark undertones in his deep voice were completely gone now.

Helena automatically nodded her head. "Y-yes...I'm alright. Um, t-thank you." she stuttered, feeling completely idiotic as her face flushed.

"..."

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"What are you doing here anyway?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"My sister...I-I'm waiting for her."

"Hey, look up."

Helena gulped, bracing her nerves before looking up at him, seeing his brows furrowed worriedly as he looked at her.

"What's your sister doing bringing a kid like you to a party like this?"

Helena blinked a few times. A kid?

"I'm not a kid!" she snapped, all traces of nervousness gone. His eyebrows raised in shock, before lowering them as amusement sparkled in his eyes, his lips curling into a crooked smile. She took a sharp intake of breath. He really was, very handsome...it was a shame he looked like convict.

"Really? So you're not underage then?" he asked, smiling crookedly and raising one eyebrow.

"I..." Helena trailed off, scrunching her lips and looking off to the side, irritated. "I'll be eighteen in a few weeks."

"I thought so," he chuckled deeply. "Where's your sister? We'll go get her. She needs to take you home. You shouldn't be here."

Helena's eyes widened, and she didn't move as he started to turn and walk. He paused, looking back at her questioningly.

"What? Aren't you coming?"

Helena gulped. "I...we probably shouldn't bother her." she said lowly, looking down at the floor, blushing profusely and praying that he'd know what she meant.

"...I see," he said after a moments pause, sighing. She looked up, seeing him run his hand through his hair. "How long have you been waiting for her?"

"About...two hours?" she answered, looking off to the side and wrapping her arms around herself tighter.

"Two hours?" he said in a suddenly angry voice, making her jump and look back to him. Sure enough, his eyes were narrowed.

"Your sister left her underage sister at a wild frat party all by herself for two hours?"

Helena looked down, ashamed. She knew there was no excuse, but he didn't know them. Her sister was having a hard time...she didn't mean to do things like this to her. She was just suffering, and Helena knew that.

"S-she's going through a hard time..." she offered weakly, blinking tears away as she stared at the ground. Thinking her sister was doing her bad on her own was something, but hearing that someone else thought it, hurt her.

"I don't give a shit what she's going through," he said angrily, bringing her eyes up. "You're family, and you don't put your family in danger like this...especially your younger sibling."

"You don't even know my sister!" she snapped, pursing her lips together. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'm grateful for you helping me and all, but I've known you for five minutes. You have no right to say a damn thing about my family! You don't know anything."

His eyebrows lifted farther and farther as each word fell from her lips, and she glared at him.

"Thank you for your help, but you can go now." she said, turning her back and walking towards an empty chair near the door. She perched herself on the edge, crossing her arms and glaring at the wall.

Without looking, she heard those black boots thudding, approaching her.

"Hey, I'm sorry," he said softly, making her eyes snap up to look at him. He was grinning and rubbing the back of his head. "You were right. It wasn't my place to say something like that. If our situations were reversed, I would have done the same I'm sure."

Helena's gaze softened some. Perhaps she'd overreacted?

"I'm sorry as well. I shouldn't have gotten so angry." she said softly, glancing down at his shoes.

"No, don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong sweetheart." he grumbled, and her eyes lifted again, giving him a small smile.

"So, what's your name?" he asked, surprising her when he leaned against the wall opposite of her, crossing his arms and smirking. He wanted to talk to her?

"M-my names Helena..."

"Cute," he smirked, making her blush again. "I'm Dean. Dean Winchester."

Helena's eyebrows raised. She'd heard that name before...if she wasn't mistaken, her sister use to date his brother. She'd always go on about how Dean was a trouble-maker, but very hot just like his brother she was dating.

He noticed her shock, apparently.

"I take it you know me?" he laughed, raising his eyebrows.

"Um yeah...well, kinda," she flushed. "I think my sister dated your brother back in high school...is his name Sam?"

Shock flitted across his face and he looked genuinely surprised.

"Uh yeah, it is," he said, chuckling. "That's my lil' bro." he smirked. "What's your sisters name?"

"Um, Juliet." she said quietly, hoping he didn't have bad memories of her. But, her and Sam had dated only for like two months...it was a summer romance. And besides, that was before...

"Oh yeah," Dean laughed, shaking his head. "I vaguely remember a chick named Juliet. She wasn't around long, but what can I say? Sammy hasn't had many girlfriends. He isn't good with the ladies like I am." he grinned cockily, wiggling his eyebrows at her to make her laugh.

She raised her eyebrows at his bluntness, but started chuckling despite herself. She knew he was trying to cheer her up, and appreciated his effort. Despite his rough nature, she could tell he was a good man. At least that's what her instinct told her. She admired that he didn't comment on her sisters behavior again. He'd known her before, and was probably wondering what happened. But, he didn't stick his nose in, and she was grateful for that.

"Dean?!"

Helena looked over to see a pretty brunette girl rushing to him. She was wearing an impossibly tight, short, red dress and ridiculously high black heels.

"Oh, hey Lisa." Dean responded, sending her a devilish grin.

"Cas said you would come," she purred, walking up to him and putting a manicured hand on his chest. "I'm so glad you did. I had so much fun with you last week. We should do it again sometime..." she trailed off, her tone so suggestive that Helena even blushed.

Dean had obviously been talking to her, but she didn't think that woman even noticed. Helena might as well have been a part of the wall.

"Yeah, that sounds like fun." Dean answered suggestively, giving her a smirk and cocking his eyebrow.

Helena stared at the wall as though it was the most interesting thing in the world, trying to pretend she wasn't even there when she felt his eyes on her.

"Rain check?" Dean asked her. "I'm kind of otherwise preoccupied at the moment."

"Aww, are you sure baby?" the Lisa girl whined, making Helena's face grow even darker as she stared wide-eyed at the wall.

"Yeah, sorry hun," Dean chuckled. "I'll call ya though. Alright?"

"You better!" the woman giggled and Helena wanted to roll her eyes. She wasn't even evolved. Just being in the presence of a woman that was throwing herself at someone like that was making her get second hand awkward.

She heard the girls heels clicking away, and she couldn't bring herself to look at him.

"Ha, sorry about that." he voiced, and she was forced to bring her eyes to look at him.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," she said, looking off to the side. "I hope I'm not the reason you refused her. I really don't mind. You can go find her and...whatever. I'll stay here." she offered him a weak smile.

"Nah, she annoys me anyway," he said, waving a hand. "I'm glad for the excuse to escape her, actually."

"If she annoys you, why'd you go out with her?" Helena asked, tilting her head in confusion.

He let out a bark of laughter. "That is a much funnier story that you do not get to hear."

Helena stared at him. He was grinning cockily.

"O-okay..." she trailed off, not really sure what to say.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go get your sister?" Dean asked after a moments pause, a worried frown marring his face again. "I can go look real quick, although I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone here-"

"I'm not your responsibility or your boss. If you want to look, I won't try to stop you." she said, hoping he wouldn't think she was being too snarky. Apparently, he didn't, giving her an amused look.

"Alright, don't you move now," he smiled, pushing himself off the wall. "I'll be right back. Alright?" Helena gave him a small nod.

He gave her a small wink, making her blush and she watched as he bounded up the stairs. As soon as he was out of sight, she released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She probably shouldn't have let him go, but he seemed really keen on it, and one look at that crooked smile and she gave in.

She twisted her elbow length hair around her fingers, biting her lip and pulling her dress down with another hand. She looked around, looking at the college girls outfits and frowned. They were all scantily clad in halter tops, tight shirts or jeans. Helena was wearing a pink sundress that went to her knees with a thin, button up white sweater, and plain white keds. She suddenly felt self-conscious. Now realizing she stuck out like a green hat with an orange bill. She was amazed that one guy had even hit on her. Especially when so many girls were dressed sexily.

She pulled at her white head-band, needing to fidget with something. As she was staring down, tapping her foot, she saw black boots approaching her. Instantly, she looked up, seeing Dean standing there. His hands were shoved in his jeans, and his face was marred with an angry expression.

"Um, d-did you find her?" Helena asked standing and twisting her hands in front of her.

"No...but a few people told me she left with some guy." he said, looking at her with pitying eyes.

Helena blinked. What? Her sister...just forgot about her? Left her here? That was definitely a new low...How could she do that to her? Was she really that drunk?

"O-oh..." Helena frowned, blinking away tears. "I..." she trailed off, not even knowing what to say. What was she supposed to do now? She didn't have any money, and any friends that she had...well, it was so late and past their curfew. Also, their parents would know as they would have to ask them if they could leave. They might report Juliet and try to remove Helena from her...she couldn't let that happen.

"I think I should take you home." Dean said suddenly, making her eyes snap up and widen.

"N-no! That's okay...I mean, this isn't your problem. I don't want to ruin your night. I'll just..." she trailed off, frowning.

"No, it is my problem," Dean said seriously, looking down at her. "I'm involved now. Its my responsibility to make sure you're safe. Besides, this party blows. My friend insisted I check it out and he isn't even here. Trust me, you ain't interrupting my good time. I ain't even having one. Besides if we don't go, Lisa may come back. I might not be able to get rid of her this time."

Helena didn't know what to say. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, but words failed her. All she wanted to do was cry. There was a dull ache of betrayal in her chest, and it was hurting. How could her sister do this? Didn't she care about anything anymore?

"If you trust me, I have to insist." he said seriously, looking at her with sad eyes.

"I..." she trailed off, looking at him. Getting in the car with him was probably a lot safer than staying here, what? All night? "I'll go with you...but I live, like twenty miles from here and I don't have any money to give you for gas-"

"Eh," he smiled waving his hand dismissively. "Don't concern yourself with that."

Helena smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Thank you, so much."

"Don't even worry about it," he said, pulling keys out of his pocket and twirling the keys around his fingers. "Well, lets hit it!" he exclaimed walking out the door with Helena following sheepishly behind him, her heart pumping frantically.

They walked across the lawn and road, avoiding the people scattered everywhere.

"Right over here's my baby." he called over his shoulder, laughing.

Helena raised her eyebrows as they approached a sleek, black, classic car.

"1967 Chevy Impala" he informed her, raising his eyebrows and patting the hood as he walked around to the passenger side, unlocking the door for her.

"Isn't she a beaut?"

Helena chuckled as he opened the door for her.

"Yeah, this is a nice car." she smiled, and he jutted his bottom lip out.

"Just nice? Now, come on. You're gonna to hurt her feelings..." he joked, making her laugh as she climbed into the passenger seat. He patted the hood, closing the door behind her. She tucked her hair again as she watched him stride in front of the car, his lips puckered, looking like he was whistling.

He climbed into the drivers seat, give her a crooked smile before starting the engine, making her jump lightly at how loud it was.

"Ah, listen to that purr." he said, putting it into gear and peeling out onto the road.

Despite everything, Helena couldn't wipe the smile off her face. She could see now that he probably wasn't joking when he said he was good with ladies...she could see it. After all, he was very charming and handsome. It made sense. She was sure that were she a little older, he'd probably make a pass at her, and she just might fall for it. She didn't consider herself some idiot, either.

He stretched and turned on the radio.

"Don't mind some music, do ya?" he asked, smiling over at her as she twisted her hands in her lap.

"Oh no, not at all." she answered, smiling as classic rock flowed from the speakers.

"Old Metallica?" she asked, smiling over at him.

He looked momentarily shocked, glancing over at her.

"Hell yeah! No offense, but its surprising to see someone your age that can appreciate the classics." he smirked.

She chuckled. "Well, I grew up listening to this type of music. So, I'll always like it..."

It was true. Her dad absolutely loved classic rock. That was about all he listened to. Helena liked it, and a big part of it was the nostalgic feeling it brought to her.

She sighed as, 'Nothing Else Matters' flowed through the speakers. One of their best songs, in her opinion.

"So, do you go to college?" she asked, trying to be polite and make conversation.

Dean laughed and she watched his lips spread, revealing pearly white teeth.

"College, me?" he chuckled, shaking his head. "Not hardly. You're looking at a high school drop out that works as a mechanic."

Helena raised her eyebrows. She wanted to say that she was surprised, but honestly, she wasn't. He seemed the type. But, what surprised her was the lack of regret in his voice. More than just a few times, people that had dropped out and had talked about it...well, they always had this deep regret in their voice. You could always tell they'd wished they'd done something different. But no, not him. She assumed he was in his late twenties, and she could tell he didn't regret not finishing high school for a minute.

"Me and college, don't mix," he smirked, pulling a pack of Marlboro's from his jacket pocket. "Do you mind if I smoke? I'd offer you one, but you ain't old enough...not that it stopped me. For your sake, I'm just gonna be a hypocrite."

Helena wished he wouldn't, but it was his car and he was giving her a ride...he could smoke if he wanted too. Besides, Juliet smoked and she was use to it.

"Go ahead," she said, gesturing her hand as he lit one up, taking a long drag and cracking his window. "I don't smoke anyway."

"Good girl," he clicked his tongue. "What about you? I'm assuming you're in high school, right? Damn, that feels like an eternity ago for me."

"Yeah, senior," she smiled, seeing an opportunity to find out how old he was. "How long ago was it really?" she laughed.

"Pfft...over ten years." he winked, and her eyes widened. Then that meant he was about...

"Yeah, twenty-nine," he whistled, taking another drag. "I'm an old man."

Helena was surprised. There was a boyish quality about his face...She'd thought he was about twenty-five or so. Yeah, there was no way he'd ever be attracted to her. She had eyes, though. Of course she found him attractive. She wasn't blind. But she wasn't stupid enough to ever think he'd ever think that way about her.

"Sammy is twenty-four. I'm the big bro," he chuckled. "Feels like I'm still raising that kid."

"Yeah, Juliet is twenty-three..." she responded, frowning as she was reminded of her sister.

"Hey now," he said, obviously noticing her frown. "I don't really know her or what's going on...but, I'm sure your sister will be sorry. She didn't seem like a bad person when I met her. I'm sure it was just a mistake she'll regret. Try not to take it to heart. I'm an older sibling too. I've hurt Sammy before, and it about killed me. Don't get me wrong, I ain't making excuses for her. I'm just saying, I'm sure she loves ya."

'I'm the older sibling.' Helena thought dejectedly to herself. He had no idea. But, she didn't know if she felt comfortable enough to confide in him in that way.

"Yeah...thank you." she smiled.

"Hey, do you know who this is?" he asked, looking over at her expectantly at the new song on the radio.

"Creedence Clearwater Revival," Helena smirked at his nod of approval. "Bad Moon Rising."

"Very good..." he nodded to himself. "There is hope for the new generation after all."

Helena laughed, shaking her head.

"Hey, you hungry?" he asked, eying a drive-in burger joint coming up.

"Uh..." Helena hesitated. Of course, her sister had never taken her to dinner...so yes, she was hungry. She just didn't have any money. "I-I'm okay."

He looked at her skeptically. "Hey, if you're hungry, you better tell me. I'm gonna eat either way...so make me feel less fat and eat with me?"

Helena looked down at her lap, feeling guilty. Why was he so nice to her? She had a nagging feeling that he was doing all of this out of pity. The thought irritated her slightly. After all, she didn't want anyone's pity. But, he was being so nice...there was no way she could be irritated, even if it was out of pity.

"If you insist," she said softly. "I don't have money though..." she repeated, in case he forgot and wanted her to pay for her own.

"Even if you did, I'd pay anyway," he shrugged, pulling up to a space. "Have you ever had their bacon burgers?" he asked, turning towards her, with his eyes wide and slightly childlike. "They are seriously orgas...er, awesome."

Helena blinked. Did he almost say orgasmic? There was an awkward silence for moments, but Helena broke it when she burst into laughter. Even he looked slightly embarrassed.

She clutched her sides, laughing, then she wiped her eyes.

"Urgh, shit..." he murmured, chuckling beside her. Even so, she could feel that he was embarrassed, even if he wasn't really showing it.

Helena finally stopped, but was still giggling lightly every few seconds.

"No, I haven't had their orgasmic bacon cheeseburgers." she answered finally, smirking at his stunned expression.

"Well...I mean," he stumbled lightly, scratching the back of his head. "They're just...really good. I mean, I'd...recommend that." he finished quickly.

"I'll have whatever you're having," she smiled, shaking her head. "I'm not a very picky eater."

"Now, that's what I like to hear." he said, pointing at her in approval as he reached out and pushed the order button.

He ordered two bacon cheeseburgers, two fries, a large coke and a large strawberry milkshake.

She looked at him, tilting her head slightly. Was the coke for her or the milkshake? He didn't even ask. What if she didn't like strawberry? What if she didn't like milkshakes at all?

"Milkshakes for you." he smirked, pulling a wallet out and pulling some bills out. Helena's eyes widened as she saw his wallet was jammed with bills.

"But...how did you know I like strawberry?" she asked, confused.

"I dunno," he shrugged, smiling. "Seems like you would."

"What if I don't even like milkshakes?" she pressed, raising her eyebrow.

"Then I'd say you're a weirdo," he laughed. "And then whatever, I'd drink it."

Helena looked at him, somewhat stunned. He was the one that was strange.

"Do you like milkshakes?" he asked, looking at her.

"Well, yeah-"

"And what's your favorite?"

"...Strawberry." she muttered, pursing her lips and admitting defeat.

"See? I'm a sugar food genius."

"And you believe that's something brag worthy?" she raised her eyebrows, joking with him.

"Of course it is!" he smirked. "I could marry some pie."

Helena chuckled, shaking her head. It was alarming how comfortable she was around him. She supposed he was just one of those people that could get along with anyone...except, perhaps, when he was angry. Like how he'd punched that guy without a second thought. But then again, the other was the one to throw one first. He was just defending himself, so it was perfectly justified to her.

Her thoughts were interrupted as their food arrived.

"So, what's twenty-nine year old mechanic that hates school doing at a frat party?" Helena asked as she took a sip of her strawberry milkshake.

"Well," he said, taking a big bite out of his burger. "There's a guy that goes to college that works the register at the shop part time. We're friends. He mentioned the party to me and that there would be lots of..." he trailed off, looking at her. "Uh, fun...I was free tonight so I decided to check it out. But, asshole wasn't even there. Probably ran off with a bunch of chicks. Frickin' hippie."

Helena knew perfectly well what he meant to say instead of 'fun'.

"So...you go to random parties and pick up girls?" she asked, eating a french fry.

"Well, you say anything with that tone and it'll sound bad," he responded, talking with his mouth full. "But nah, not often. I just got bored and said screw it."

"I see," she said nodding. "Also, you don't have to censor your words around me. I'll know what you're saying anyway...I'm seventeen, not seven. I'm plenty mature."

"Yeah," he grinned, chewing and looking down at his burger. "I can't help it, ya know. You just look so..." he trailed off, his eyes flicking over at her and making her pause from taking a bite of her burger.

"I look so what?" she asked. 'Dorky' she thought...he's gonna say dorky.

"Innocent," he finished, shrugging his shoulders. "When I walked in and saw that guy harassing you...well, you just looked so helpless. It left me seeing red. I can't stand assholes like that."

Helena flushed. Yeah, he saw her as some defenseless little girl he needed to protect. The thought saddened her quite a bit.

"I mean, your clothes scream innocence." he continued, motioning his finger over her outfit.

"Oh, since I don't dress like a two dollar whore, that makes me virgin Mary?" she snipped, a little more aggressively than she intended. But God, she was starting to get offended.

"Hey hey, I didn't say that," he said, throwing his burger up in defense. "Its a good thing. Its nice to see some class in girls nowadays...Wow, I can't believe I just went against skanky clothing." he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

Helena stayed quiet and observed him as she chewed her burger. She could see his type...a chick like the one at the party with two tons of makeup or something. Helena, herself, was blonde naturally and it was pale...but not that super light blonde of a lot of girls that dunked their heads in bleach. Hell, she didn't even wear makeup. So, she was a little plain. That was okay, wasn't it?

"I'm kind of plain I guess," she admitted, shrugging lightly. "I don't color my hair and I don't even wear makeup. Juliet was always the one that did stuff like that."

"How come you don't?" he asked, looking over at her again.

"I just...I don't know," she flushed, looking away. "I guess I felt like I didn't need to. But I guess I'm wrong."

"No, you're not wrong," he instantly responded, his mouth full of food again. "Not to come off as a creepy old guy, but you're a very beautiful girl. You don't need makeup caked on your face to be pretty. Why paint the peacock? It's been my experience that most girls that don't need the makeup are the ones that wear the most...and the ones that need it the most, don't know what it is. Nice to see a change."

Helena swallowed heavily. He thought she was pretty? Even though he'd said it in a completely non-flirty way, her heart fluttered slightly.

"You got a boyfriend?" he asked, smiling wolfishly at her.

"Um, no..." she flushed. She'd had a total of one boyfriend in her life. She was quiet, and people ignored her for the most part. She was okay with that, being a little socially awkward and just a person that kept to herself and close friends.

"Hmm, weird," he mused, pulling the corners of his mouth down and raised his eyebrows. "Stay away from guys like me."

Helena choked on her burger a little. "What?"

He laughed. "Stay away from younger versions of me. Ya know...leather and jeans type dudes. Especially if they have a motorcycle."

"Why?"

He clicked his tongue and shoved the last of his burger in his mouth.

"Let's just say, when I was your age, I'd get in the pants of anything that walked," he chuckled, scratching his head. "Broke a lot of hearts in my day...I was a jerk, more or less."

"And you're not a jerk now?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Nah, not really," he answered, shaking his head. "Women that I'm with at least know what I'm about. I'm honest, and if they still want to get with me, they know what they're getting into at least. If they get hurt, that's on them. I'm not the relationship type."

"How come?" she asked, interested. Hopefully, he wouldn't think she was being nosey. But, from the look on his face, he looked eager for a listener of his story.

"Dunno," he responded. "Its just...never worked for me. Every woman I'm with tries to change me, and that shit don't fly with me. Can't blame em' though. They want a stable guy to get married and have children with...they try to turn me into that. If I change, it isn't gonna be because some broad is pressuring me to...no offense." he smirked.

"I see..." she trailed off. Well, clearly...he was sort of a player. He had no intention of settling down with anyone, and his relationships never worked because of that...and they never would, not as long as he felt that way. He was right.

"What's your story? Why no boyfriend?"

"I...don't think anyone likes me really," she shrugged, kind of embarrassed. "Well, I think one of my best friends, Xander, might like me but..." she bit her lip, sighing. "I just don't feel that way about him though."

"Ah, the classic guy in love with his friend," Dean chuckled. "Poor bastard."

Helena frowned. Well, he didn't have to make her feel guilty about it. She already felt bad enough that she'd never see him as anything other than a brother.

Suddenly, Madonna's 'Like a Prayer.' started playing on the radio.

Dean groaned, reaching to change it.

"Hey, this is a good song!" Helena exclaimed, not wanting him to change it.

He looked at her in disbelief. "You almost had me convinced you were kinda cool." he shook his head, but pulled his hand away.

"You gotta admit, its catchy." she smiled at him.

"I ain't gotta admit nothing," he said, his mouth full of fries. "I'd rather lose a limb than admit I liked Madonna, even if I did."

"Mhmm, right." she smirked as he glared at her out of the corner of his eye. It might have been intimidating, had there not been amusement there.

"So, I'm not cool?" she asked, jutting her bottom lip out mockingly and making him laugh.

"Damn, I guess you're pretty cool," he said, reaching over to her and causing her eyes to widen for moments in shock. He simply just rubbed his hand of the top of her head, messing up her hair. "Ya know, for a squirt."

"I'm like, five-five." she frowned, using her hands to pat her hair down, ignoring the chill that went through her body at his touch.

"I'm six-two. So, that still makes you a squirt."

Her eyes narrowed and she scrunched her lips and nose together, glaring at him. He stared at her for moments, before bursting out laughing.

"You're funny too, you know that?" he asked, laughing. "You try to be angry, but you're about as intimidating as a newborn kitten trying to hiss."

"I'm not trying to be intimidating!" she said defensively.

"Yeah, cause you know you aren't." he laughed, reaching up and turning the car on again with a roar.

Helena fell quiet and glared out the window, trying not to smile.

"If you don't mind me asking...Where are your parents?" he asked after a few minutes. Helena froze. Of course, he'd wonder why she didn't call her parents when her sister did that.

"Well, um..." she shifted. "M-my dad died when I was eight in a car accident..."

"I'm sorry." he said lowly, not looking at her with a frown.

"A-and my mom..." her breath caught in her throat. She didn't like saying it. Every time she did, it was like it made it more real. "She...had a brain tumor about a year ago. They did the surgery, and it was a success. They said she'd be fine...my sister got home two months later and found her. It was a blood clot. Complication from the surgery. I was at school when all this happened."

He was quiet for moments, and she felt her eyes sting lightly.

"I'm very sorry about your mom..." he said softly. "So, its just you and your sister?"

"Yeah..." Helena smiled. "Just me and her...she didn't take moms death well and I, well, I'm trying to be sympathetic."

"She should take better care of you," he said suddenly, frowning. "Doesn't she know that she wasn't the only one it hurt?"

"I can take care of myself," Helena said. He had no idea..."I've been doing it for a while now. Juliets never home. All she does is give me some money from moms insurance and then runs off. I do everything. I go to school, cook, clean, pay the bills...all of it. I do it."

Dean shifted in his seat, clearing his throat. "Damn, thought I had it bad," he murmured. "You know, that's not fair to you at all..."

"It may have escaped your notice at some point, but life isn't fair." Helena said, giving him a small smile. "You need to make a right here."

"Nah, I've noticed," he said, returning her small smile. "I'll be damned. You live just a few blocks from me. I work at Singer's auto repair."

"Do you really?" Helena asked, surprised. She'd never been in there, but she passed it everyday on her way to school.

"Yeah," he chuckled, nodding his head. "Small world. Is it the building right there?" he asked, pointing to the brick apartment complex up ahead.

"Yeah, that's it." Helena sighed, looking up at the window and seeing no lights on. That meant Juliet wasn't home yet and she didn't see her car. Come to think of it, she hadn't seen it when she left either.

"I'll walk you up." Dean said, and before she could protest, he'd already exited the car, slamming the heavy door closed.

Helena grabbed her handle and started to push open the door, only to have him rip it open for her. She flushed lightly as muttered her thanks.

"No prob." he grinned cheekily, walking behind her and whistling a tune as she quickly made her way into the building and towards the stairs.

"Wha-wait!" Dean called behind her, making her spin around and look in shock.

"What is it?" she asked, looking around for what had caused his alarm.

"We aren't taking the elevator?" he asked, looking at the stairs.

"Urm, its out of order and besides, I don't like them." Helena shrugged and turned back around, walking up the stairs.

She heard him coming up the stairs behind her, grumbling.

"Urgh. You forget, I'm old." he muttered, dragging up the stairs.

"You aren't old." Helena laughed, rolling her eyes as she bounded up the last flight of stairs.

She walked up to the door and quickly pulled the key out of her bra before he could see. She slipped it in the lock and opened the door. Stepping inside, she turned to face him. She smiled seeing his hands shoved in his pockets again, a wolfish smile of his face.

"Well...thank you," she gave him a warm smile. "You know, for everything. The ride, the food...saving me from a drunken pervert." she chuckled.

"No need to thank me," he smiled, then his eyes looked behind her in the dark apartment. "Uh, do you know when your sister is coming back?"

"No idea," she sighed. "She's been gone for days before...Had to get my friend to take me to school or miss it if they couldn't."

He sighed, shaking his head in a disappointed way. "Let me in." he said, standing up straighter.

Helena blinked, but stood aside nonetheless. Her brain was yelling at her. It had been dangerous enough to ride with him alone, but now she just let him in her apartment when they were alone?

He walked by her as she stumbled back, and her face flushed as she caught of whiff of him. He didn't smell anything like she thought he would...he smelt like a hint of tobacco, coffee, and...a spicy scent. Almost like warm sandalwood. It was odd, but she found the spicy scent quite pleasant as she inhaled again, a small smile gracing her face. For some reason, she thought he'd smell like the oil filter of a car. She wasn't sure why she didn't notice before.

"Uh, where's your phone?" he asked, turning around in the living room to look at her.

"Um...we don't have a house phone," she mumbled, finally closing the door. "We have a cell phone but...Juliet has it."

"Un-fucking-believeable," he said, shaking his head and putting his hands on his hips. "Look, I'll come by Monday morning before work. If your sister isn't here, I'll give you a ride to school, okay?"

Helena was shocked. He was offering to take her to school now? Why was he doing all this?

"...Why are you doing this for me?" she asked quietly, tilting her head down and hoping she didn't sound ungrateful. She was, but she was curious. Did he expect something in return? People usually weren't this kind if they couldn't get anything out of it. Well, at least she could rule out him wanting to get in her pants.

He let his hands fall from his hips and sighed.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure," he said, looking seriously off to the side. "I suppose its just...we have a lot in common and we're connected in a way. You lost your dad when you were eight and I lost my mom when I was seven. Sammy use to date your sister, and now that same sister is making life really hard for you. I practically raised Sammy myself and I suppose when I look at you, I see him in a way and I just want to help..."

Helena sighed. He saw her as a little sister then? A girl version of her brother? And she hadn't known about his mom...she knew how that felt, and felt sympathy wash through her.

"I'm really sorry about your mom..." she trailed off, giving him a sad look.

"It's alright..." he murmured, looking away with a blank expression. "It was a long time ago."

They fell into silence for a while, while he stared at the wall in thought and she kept her eyes on him, watching for a change of expression.

"None of its your fault. You don't have to feel guilty if you don't want to help me anymore," she explained after the pause, crossing her arms over her chest. "You aren't responsible for me. I've been alright for months and I only have a month of school left. I don't want to interrupt your life...I'm not selfish in that way."

"See? You're a good girl. A nice person," he frowned, looking back at her. "I really don't mind. Your school isn't far from here. Giving your a few rides if I need to ain't exactly something huge. You're making it sound like I'm giving you an inheritance out of pity. It isn't like that. Besides, we get along pretty well, don't we squirt?" his frown turned into a smirk. "I had a pretty good time talking to ya tonight. Don't see why it has to be the last. Don't see why we can't be friends, right? And friends help each other out."

Helena's heart fluttered. Was all of that true? Was it that he just wanted to help her, and also...liked her company? But, what could he possibly enjoy about hanging around her? She wasn't 'cool' like he was...

"Y-yeah, we can be friends," she mumbled, flushing. "I'm just surprised you'd wanna be friends with me is all..."

"Why's that surprising?" he asked, smiling and spinning on his heel, walking towards her couch and flopping down. Her eyes widened as he clearly made himself at home, leaning back and putting his hands behind his head and propping his feet on her clean coffee table, making her eye twitch.

"..."

"Must you put your feet there?" Helena asked after a moments pause. She'd literally just cleaned that yesterday.

He looked up at her, grinning mischievously. "Oh, I see. Well, I'm sorry Princess. I didn't meant to ruffle your feathers." he chuckled, letting his boots drop to the floor.

"By all means, make yourself at home," she snorted. "If my sister comes home and sees you on the couch with me, drunk or not, she's probably gonna lose her mind."

He snorted back at her. "Let her get mad. If she'd done what she was supposed to, I wouldn't be here in the first place. Its her fault. Let her get mad at me, I really couldn't care less."

"She'll get mad at me," she said, sighing. "She'd yell...and accuse me of stuff."

Dean raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Are you trying to kick me out, Princess?"

"N-no! I'm not trying to kick you out!" she stuttered, embarrassed. Honestly, she didn't really want him to go at all...but on the off chance her sister walked in, well, it wouldn't be good. Even though her sister brought guys in all the time, Helena knew she wasn't allowed to have boys over. Except Xander maybe. Besides, he was not a boy. He was a man. A rugged man too.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, pulling himself off the couch. "I'll get out of your hair. You gonna be alright?"

"Yes me, a seventeen year old will be fine in my locked apartment." she chuckled, wrapping her arms around herself shyly. His concern was a little annoying, but at the same time, flattering.

"You got a pen and paper?" he asked, looking around.

"Erm, y-yeah..." she said, running over to the coffee table and picking up her notebook and pen, handing it to him.

"Thanks," he smiled, opening it. "Ugh. Math...I don't wanna look at this." he groaned, flipping to a blank page and making her laugh.

He pulled the cap off with his teeth, and wrote quickly with his left hand.

"I'm gonna leave you my number," he said, slurring over the pen cap in his mouth. "If something happens, don't hesitate to call me. Day or night. Just give me a ring, alright?"

"O-okay..." she trailed off, feeling slightly unnecessarily guilty. She knew it wasn't for the reasons she was hoping, but still...cute guy was giving her his number. She let a small part of her giggle on the inside.

He handed her the notebook and pen, which she took with shaky hands, smiling probably way too giddily.

"Well, I'll see you at...seven-thirty Monday morning? Does that sound good?" he grinned.

"Y-yeah, I'll be here..." she smiled, her heart fluttering.

"Alright then," he said, walking up to her again and ruffling her hair, making her heart pound against her ribcage. "I'll see ya Monday Princess. Be good."

She rolled her eyes at him, making him laugh lightly as she watched him stride out the door, winking at her before closing it behind him.

Helena instantly ripped open the notebook, finding the page he wrote on. She bit her lip and smiled as she observed his clumsy scrawl.

Dean

546-6928 OR 546-7820

She smiled to herself, walking over to the couch and falling down, sighing to herself and groaning. As she looked at his number, she felt her heart flutter, and she realized...she was in some serious trouble.