It's been 3 months since Senior year began for me. I was already hating myself. The truth is, I'm strong, but soft at the same time. Middle school and Freshman years were hell for me. I was bullied, beat, blackmailed and I was done with it. If you can't beat them, Join them, right? The big school bus arrived and i stepped on. The smaller kids sat up front, so they could get off the bus faster. they cowered as I made my way past them to my place in the back. I was greeted by the "Boss" as everyone calls him. I do everything he says, I have to, or else he'll probably crush my skull with his big meaty hands. I hate him. I hate everyone else in his gang. Even me.

"Dean, where's your faggot little brother?" He hollered, his cheeks grew red rom laughter. The rest of the gang laughed in response, If we didn't appeal him, the consequences were extreme.

"After you tripped him and sprained his ankle on the bus last week, he bikes everyday. He says it's healthier anyways." Hurt was in the back of my words, I loved Sammy, I's his first year in high school and he has to deal with this shit from the Boss after two months of school.

"Good, never want to see his scrawny freshman face again. How dare he stand up to me." He grinned. God I wanted to punch his fat face in. I couldn't though, his gang would beat the shit out me ad leave me to die in the street somewhere. My dad also said if I got into serious trouble again involving these boys, I'd get the beating of my lifetime. Sam was a good kid, and I hated not being able to defend him like he does with me. He did his homework every night and helped me with mine when I even bothered with it. He ate healthy and took care of himself. Maybe I'd do the same if I didn't wish I was dead. I hated my guts and my entire life. I made horrible decisions and suffered, I never found myself and let me become a tool to society. I would probably end this suffering if it wasn't for Sam. I loved him more than anything in the world, my little brother was my life.

The bus came to a stop, the rush of kids dying to leave the bus suffocated the driver. I sighed and slung my bag over my shoulder. And waited until I could squeeze into the aisle before trying to leave, the boss gets off before any of the gang though. Selfish prick. The air bit my cheeks departing the bus, my boots crushed the thin layer of frost that the cold season brought. I wanted to find Sam, to make sure he was okay or needed anything. I made my way towards the bike racks in hope of being alone with Sam. I felt a tug at my leather jacket from behind. Shit, I thought, Bridgette.

"Babe," A high voice whined, "I got here early to see you."

I turned around, "Hey Bridge." Bridgette was pretty, she was a cheerleader, popular, and had big breasts. Most guys in the school would kill to date her, I wasn't feeling too great about her. Her bleach blonde hair was long and put up in a high pony tail, a big blue, white, and silver ribbon pinned at the base. Our school colors. She was 5"5 and had big C cup breasts. Her skin was tanned and she had brown eyes, she wore smokey eyeshadow a lot. I wasn't a fan of her makeup, but It isn't my say in anything. She grabbed my jacket and looked up at me grinning, she wanted something.

"Soo, there is a party next week on Friday and I was wondering if you were going?" She was fumbling with my jacket and shirt playfully.

"No." I hated parties, it was a sad excuse for teens to get wasted and fuck each other. Thats all Bridgette seemed to want from me, steal her my dads booze and make out.

She huffed, and slid her hands down to my thighs, "But Dean, I have so many things to show you," She purred, looking lustfully up at me, "I'll do anything."

"Look, I have to care for my brother and I-"

"Fuck your brother! Babe what about meeee?" She whined some more, god I hated her, "We have a rep to keep you know. Don't make me look like a loser."

"Fine, I'll pick you up." She leaned up and kissed me before skipping off to her other friends. The bell was going to Ring in a few minutes, I missed Sam. He always shows up to his class early.


I arrived to second period on time today, trying to rush and dodge the Boss and Bridge. The bell rang and the class slowly began to settle down, whispers flooded the room about the boy at the front of the class. He was new obviously, talking to the teacher about whatever. Mrs Capo, the history teacher pointed to the empty seat by me in the back of the class, the boy nodded and made his way towards me, making eye contact with no one. He was unique in my eyes, he seemed to not care too much about the other students opinions or comments. He took a seat by me and looked straight ahead.

"This isn't the 1940's anymore faggot." Josh, one of the Boss's petty followers whispered over to the new kid. "Dean get a look at him and his coat."

He never made any comments back, but he didn't seem scared or concerned by it at all. I looked up at Josh who was laughing his ass off, his golden blonde hair waved with each dick head laugh. I never said anything back, I just looked over at the new kid. He seemed nice, independent, someone who knew his priorities.

20 minutes into class and I thought I'd introduce myself. "Hey, I'm Dean." I whispered over to him.

"I know." He replied, not even looking at me. His voice was stern.

"Look, Josh is a prick, I'm really sorry." I begged. He didn't reply, he continued to stare at the front of the class. Josh had left class after 10 minutes to "Use the bathroom".

"Uh, whats your name?" I asked. His dark brown hair was a tad messy, A little longer than mine.

"Castiel Novak."

"What?" I wasn't sure if I heard him right, he had such a weird name. He still never made any eye contact.

He sighed and turned slowly to me, "Cas, you can call me Cas." His eyes were a light blue and looked directly into mine, it shocked me a bit. He was a pretty good looking guy, even if he never smiled.

"Soo, Cas-" I began to speak some more. The bell interrupted and Cas grabbed his stuff quickly.

"I'll talk to you later." He said. He left the room without ever looking back. I stood up to leave, Cas had something about him that I really admired. Maybe I was envious of his bravery and self dependence, strength and to me, his charm.

I had him 3rd period again, he sat across the room by the windows. He gazed out and hardly paid attention. Maybe he was shy, I felt nervous but I really wanted to get to know him. I was desperate to ditch my thuggish "friends" and find someone who might set me on a right path. He never smiled when anyone spoke to him, he hardly showed any emotion.

I decided to go into the lunch room with Bridgette, she always meets me and walks me to the back doors where the Boss and the rest of us hangout for the break. Today she seemed super happy that I was going in with her, I just wanted to find Cas and keep him company. Well, I was the one that needed it the most, a break from second-hand smoking around the Boss or being touched all over by Bridgette in front of her other slut friends.

I looked around the crowded cafeteria, hoping to spot the new kid in the trench coat, no luck, he was no where. Maybe he was outside..

"Right Dean?" Bridgette chirped, her red head friend looked up at him like he was the most delicious thing in the room?

"What?" I shook my head. She had been talking tome for around 20 minutes and I wasn't even aware.

"You're funny." She shot me a nasty glare. They sat at their table, where all the cheerleaders sit, and started gossiping like there was no tomorrow. "Dean," She batted her eyelashes. Fuck. I pulled out my wallet and threw a 10 dollar bill down on the table. That's all she ever wants. My wallet was draining fast. The girls all got up to buy beverages and I took this chance to bolt.

The library was nearly empty. No Castiel. The back field wasn't the place either. I checked the halls, even the places where the kids go to smoke and vandalize. I took the long way around through the messy shrubbery and garbage, hopefully no one would talk to me. Maybe I should have kept being the kid that gets beat up and gets his money stolen. Now I'm beat and bruised on the inside, my girlfriend is in love with my wallet, AND I'm a douche that hangs around and slaves for the Boss and the rest of his gang. I feel like I'm some kinda worthless prick who disappoints my father and can't be an idol for Sam. When my mother died at the age of 5, my dad blamed it on me, the fire started in Sams room which I was playing in before heading to bed. Our mom put Sam and I first and she said she forgot something and ran back in, but never came out. My father insisted it was me playing with the electrical socket and started it. It wasn't, but whats the point in changing his mind if that's what he wants to think. Sam knows it's not my fault, we rarely argue, and when we do, It's because I did something to fuck up real bad and he is concerned, and I'm not ready to face myself about it. He listens, coaches, and loves me. He is the world to me, I wish I could do more for him.

"Dean?" A low voice questioned.

I flinched and looked around, the short kid in the beige trench coat looked up at me, still expressionless. He was behind a tree, near the front of the building, hidden under overgrown vegetation.

"Cas, I didn't see you." I said, "What're you doing over here, no one goes over here?"

"Exactly," He set down a turkey sandwich and closed his book, "But you're back here, why?"

"Hiding. I guess." I stared down at my feet, old trash framing them.

"You look upset," He said, his tone was different this time, concerned, "Aren't you at the top of the food-chain here in Crowley high?"

"It's not like that." I scoffed, annoyed that I already came off as a bully to the new kid. I can't even meet new people my reputation is that bad.

"Do you want to sit?" Cas asked, clearing the spot next to him, "I know you're a good guy Dean, I can tell. But please explain."

Man, Cas talked like a politician or a GPS navigator. Whatever, Dean liked it, It was a little nerdy but kinda cute. "I hate Bridgette."

"Why?" Cas asked, picking his sandwich back up, "Is she the one with the bleach blonde hair, the cheerleader?"

"Yea, the walking wallet destroyer. Every buck I work for goes to her makeup supply or smoothies her and her friends get everyday. She's really rich, her dad owns an entire company for fucks sake." I said, pulling out my old leather wallet, there were only a few ones in it. "I started out with 60 last week. I was saving to treat Sammy to something special."

"Who's Sammy?"

"Oh, my little brother, I love him a lot, practically raise him. He's a good kid, nothing like me."

"Your parents? What about them?"

"My mom died when I was 5, my dad says its my fault, ever since he has been a sloppy drunk who neglects us and doesn't come home for days."

"I'm so sorry about that, My parents died too. My aunt raises me." Castiel mentioned, he was lighting up a bit, more relaxed. Castiel reached into his bag and pulled out a slice of apple pie. "Do you want this? I'm not much a fan of sweets. My aunt insisted I take it."

"Fuck, you're like my brother. I'd take that any day." I grabbed the pie and dove right in. "You know, my mom used to bake pies all the time."

"I see, you find it comforting." Cas smiled. He fucking smiled. I must have said something right.

I smiled back. I was desperate for someone to come into my life and help me, be there for me, someone to call a friend. "Cas, why did you switch to this school? Did you move?"

Cas looked down, his expression was more serious. "I couldn't save someone I cared about, he hung himself after school. He was the only one who liked me, he had a lot of problems at home and with the other kids, he just got fed up one day." His thumbs fumbled with each other and h struggled with a lump in his throat.

I looked at his nervous hands and spoke up, "Cas, I'm sure it wasn't your fault, don't beat yourself up. Maybe I can be someone to lean on?"

Castiel looked up, obviously holding back tears as best he could. "Dean, thank you. I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, I don't want to be known as someone who can't save a soul."

The lunch bell rang, and I helped Cas pack up his belongings and we went to the front of the school. Josh was throwing paper balls over to Rich, his best friend. He noticed me and smirked, walking over to me he got Rich to follow his heels. "Dean, man, what are you doing with this nerd?" He grinned over at Cas, who wasn't speaking.

"Man, nothing. Just let him go, he's new." I rolled my head, I was so fucking tired of this.

"Homo." Rich coughed, the two boys burst into laughter and walked towards the doors. I was taken back by his words, i felt so confused and upset. Ive never been called that before. It.. it wasn't as rude as I thought.

"Dean, are you actually gay?" Cas questioned, walking me into the building. He never broke eye contact, he sure opened up to me fast.

"Fuck, man, I have Bridgette. Just don't talk about It anymore." I grumbled. I showed Cas to his art class and then walked over to my cooking class, barely making it. God, can I not cook! I burn everything, pour salt instead of sugar, read measurements wrong, I was so used to buying boxed meals or take-out for Sammy. Our father rarely got us food, he sometimes leaves a 20 on the counter so I can buy groceries after school. I think the teacher is so fed up with me that she hardly bothers to check my food. C'mon, we all know what grade i'm getting. Today we were supposed to make cookies. Cookies. And I managed to fuck that up somehow. I don't even wan't to talk about how they tasted. Class was over before I knew it, and fourth and fifth period too. God, all these classes were boring. Bridgette waited outside my fifth period class.

"Hey Bridge." I grabbed her hands and we walked to the next class, I had sixth period with Bridge and the Boss. Her hands were really smooth, but they were small. It was really uncomfortable when we held hands. Her fake nails rubbing against my knuckles drove me insane, plastic digging into my skin.

"...And then Carly slept with him at the last party but he is denying it and saying it was Alex, but I KNOW Alex would never! I mean, have you seen her nose? Ben is the only one who would be desperate enough to bang Carly and then regret it morning after and-"

Shut up, shut up shut up shut up! No one even cares! I for sure don't care. I know she blows other guys for presents and stuff, but I don't care. I would dump her, but Josh would beat me up, they're step-siblings. Her father would most likely come after me with a rifle if I "Broke her heart" and let me tell you, the night I met him was agitating. Her cheerleader friends would set up a big scene to ruin my life with, It's happened to one of their ex's before. We got in class and i took my seat, Bridgette invited herself onto my lap. I turned around and saw Cas sitting behind me, reading his book. He looked really involved in it.

"Is it good?" I asked, ignoring Bridgette while she texts, her frail little body sitting on me.

Cas didn't look up, "Everyone is dying and coming back." he sighed "Supernatural is a terrible series. Don't read it if you can."

I laughed, Cas looked up and grinned. His smile was really nice and big, It made me happy.

"Your boyfriend and you really get along huh?" The boss sat down with a thump, he was a little big. Castiel slowly stopped grinning and turned back to his book. This fucking sucked, Bridgette sat in front of me, the boss sat next to me, and now poor Cas sits behind me.

"Shut the hell up dick." I sputtered.

Bridgette stopped texting and stared wide eyed up at me, The Boss's glare made me want to die right then and there.

"What the fuck did you just say to me?" He stood and and took a step toward me.

"Look I'm-"

He grabbed my shirt and pulled me into a choking grip."Next time you speak to me I will leave you and your boyfriends body in a dumpster. Hear me?"

"Why do you do this? Make others tremble in your presence?" Castiel spoke up. His tone calm and serious.

"You better watch your fucking back, gay boy."

"My sexuality has no part in this dispute."

"Who the hell are you?"

Castiel remained calm the entire time, he was defiantly going to get beat up later. Before anyone could say anything else, the class bell rang and the teacher walked in, she was always across the hall talking to the janitor. thats why she is always late to class. It was gross, two 50 year olds getting at in in the custodian closet. The boss shoved Cas into his chair, hard. I turned to Bridgette, she shrugged. I shot her a nasty glare and she fake pouted. If only I could just beat the living shit out of everyone. I turned to the Boss, his real name is Bradley, he hated it when anyone but the teachers call him that. Bradley smirked at me and shook his head, a grave expression spread across his lips.

I let out the painful breath I was holding in. This wasn't good at all.


I dropped Bridgette off at her bus, she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and hurried onto the bus, everyone got a real good view of her ass. I turned around and sighed, I just wanted to find Sam before he leaves campus. I wanted to catch up and walk home with him, just the two of us. I pushed my way through the flood of students in desperation to get to Sam in time. He usually grabs his bike and leaves, never lingering. But some days he will be with his girlfriend Jessica. I caught view of the bike racks and his bike was already gone. Fuck, I just want to be with someone who makes me happy.

"Dean!" A smaller boy ran up to me gasping, he had sweat on his hairline and looked really scared, "The -uh- Boss wants you to meet him out by the hangout."

I gulped, "Why did he send you? What does he need today?" Huffing and slinging my duffle bag over my other shoulder.

"He says that if you don't come you're going to seriously regret it."

The boy ran off and I prepared myself to get a serious ass kicking from him and the rest of the guys. I trudged my leather boots against the concrete and walked toward the sports field, behind the far set of bleachers is where I found them.

"What did you need?" I snapped, impatient. I scanned the area, a few of the group members were smoking some pot with the school stoners. The boss and Josh were pinning someones arms back.

"Dean, hey man, we got your boyfriend here," They shifted and exposed the smaller boy looking weak and slightly struggling, "We were just going to threaten you two and leave it at that, but this moron decided to confront us."

"Dean, I-" Cas tried to sputter, blood dripping out of his nose.

"Let him go," I yelled, "What the hell does he have to do with anything?!"

"Tell him what you did." Josh elbowed him in the ribs, Cas squinted hard and groaned his next words.

"Dean, I- I was at my locker and I overheard them talking about you, saying you were worthless and a tool, I spoke up and told them about how you felt. I never meant for this to happen. I told them how you were a good guy underneath the bully act, and they grabbed me and took me here." He looked down, ashamed obviously.

I took a step forward, "Let him go or I'll kick all your ass's" I honestly could take one or two of them, but if five took me at once and pinned me down, I would die.
The Boss was angry, he took a big fist to my face, causing my nose to pour blood.

"You never talk about me like that again, hear me faggot?" He kicked me in the stomach, one of the boys was holding Castiel back and making him watch. He had a pained expression, trying to look away.

"Just let him go, please, do whatever you want to me!" I begged, enduring fist after fist to my face, my jaws ached and my eyes were almost swollen over. Another boy was kicking my side and I thought that I was going to die, I've never been beat this bad.

"Okay, lay off, I think he gets the point." Rich said, slowly the hits came to a stop. "Next fucking time Dean and you'll be rotting in Hell." they gathered their things and tossed one of their joints at me. Their laughing slowly faded until Dean and Cas were alone.

"Dean!" Castiel ran over to me, his face bruised and the blood drying. I groaned, I could hardly move without an intense sore feeling in my sides increasing, "I'm so sorry, I should never have opened my mouth, this is all my fault."

"Castiel," I managed to mutter, my face was hurting more and more, the pain kicking in, "I'm sorry for even getting you involved in my life, I'm bad news." I felt like crying, my sensitive side clawing to break through me.

Castiel grabbed my wrists and gently pulled me up. I was biting my tongue to keep myself from yelling out. He tried his best to lift me onto my feet and slung my arm over his shoulder, assisting me to the front of the school and onto one of the benches. I'll admit, I could have walked if I tried harder, but I oddly enjoyed how strong yet gentle Cas's grip was, and how determined he was to get me somewhere better. Cas slowly lowered me onto the bench near the front doors and sat beside me.

"Dean, are you in need of medical assistance? Would you like me to take you to a hospital?" Castiel rested his hand on my shoulder, looking genuinely concerned for my well being.

I looked up into his blue eyes, they were really nice, loving, "Cas, It's okay," I smiled, but i could taste blood in my mouth and quickly stopped smiling,"I just need to get cleaned up before I return home."

Castiel smiled back, "I have plenty of first aid at my place," His eyes shifted away from mine, "But only if you're okay with being over for awhile, my Aunt works late shifts and doesnt come home until 11."

I knew my dad wouldn't care if I was out until curfew,"Why the hell not, I hurt like a bitch" I coughed, my bruised muscles were really sensitive to any sudden movement. Cas stood up, and pulled me up with him.

"Let's catch a bus, I live a awhile away."


His house was impressive, bigger than mine, he had a huge front door and a gated lawn. The inside was even better, big kitchen and living room. The walls were covered in shelves full of books, The wood floor was really clean and there was no dust anywhere. He helped me up the stairs to a second floor, just as clean.

"My aunt cleans a lot in her free time." He mentioned, noticing my awe for his house. Cas took a small breath and opened the door to his room. The walls were blue and he had a massive bed. An overflowing shelf took up one of his walls. It was pretty clean, only a few shirts were lying on the floor. His walls were covered in posters and photographs. "Sit." Cas sat me on his bed. Oh my god it was really soft. He must have a lot of money to have things so grand and nice. He wandered into his bathroom to get supplies. His own fucking bathroom. It must be nice, I've been growing up with top ramen and a cheap ass place. Castiel came out with an armload of bandages and rubbing alcohol, setting everything beside me on his perfectly white sheets. He was silent as he walked to his door and took off his trench coat, hanging it up on a hook. He was really neat and organized, I usually toss my jacket at then end of my bed and call it good.

"Dean take your jacket off." He said, sitting next to me on the bed. I did as he said, his eyes watched the entire time. "You're bruised real bad." He shook his head, interrupting whatever was in his mind. Cas leaned towards me, patting a cloth on my facial wounds, the alcohol burned, but it was relieving of the pain. His hand slowly lifted off the bed and rested on my shoulder, balancing himself. His hands were delicate and his face was intent. "Are you alright? You're breathing is different suddenly." His hands drifted to my bottom lip, cleaning the cut on it. His fingers would sometimes lightly graze my mouth and he would quickly move his hand somewhere else. He kept going, lifting the sleeves of my T-shirt to get my entire arm. Every time I flinched or gasped from the burning sensation of the alcohol, Cas would immediately stop and ask if I was fine. It was really nice, someone patching your fucked up body with loving hands, hopefully he could fix my mind too.

"Uhm, I need to patch up your chest, you were kicked pretty hard.." He nervously rubbed his neck, "Would you mind removing your shirt?"

I sat there for a second, this was really weird. My face was hot while I pulled my dirty shirt over my head, embarrassed. I was in some guys house, on his bed, shirtless, and he was touching me. "Uh," I laughed, "This is sorta embarrassing."

"Would you like me to stop? I can respect that." He laughed.

"No, no, I'm fine."

Castiel shrugged and proceeded to run the alcohol soaked cloth run down my fit torso. The welts stinging on contact. My bruises were dark and purple around the ribs, "Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?" He said quietly.

"I'm already getting medical care from you, Doctor Novak." I smirked. Cas grinned wide.

"Well, Dean. It appears you have herpes." He said in his serious tone, I wondered how he could keep a straight face so well. I swear this has been the happiest I've been in a long time. It was insane how cool this guy was, making jokes with me and having small disputes over movies. We finished up, and I helped him organize the supplies. We went downstairs and he walked me to the front door.

"Thanks again man." I smiled, my joints were still sore. He was quiet for a bit, contemplating something. I couldn't help but notice how tight his blue T-shirt was, he was definitely fit, he did have a bunch of weights in the living room. I was envious, he was strong, caring, and has a pretty nice life all around. I wondered if he ever felt lonely, his aunt is hardly around for her job, and he doesn't seem to have left anyone behind from his old school.

"Uhm, I'll see you tomorrow." Castiel looked down, seeming suddenly upset. He shut the door slowly and I took a long walk home. It took around an hour, but I eventually arrived. My dad was furious, a light scent of alcohol on him. Sam was in his room.

"Dean where the hell were you?" He shouted, "What happened to your face?" He looked pissed.

"Nothing, drop it." I tried to walk past him, but he blocked me. His grip was strong, drunk anger in his eyes.

"Dean, you're a real screw up, I'm tired of you being so disobedient and selfish," His hands jerked away, "Why can't you just be like Sam?" He sighed and wandered to his room, slamming the door shut. He was right, I wish I could be sam. He was smart, loyal, honest, had a girlfriend who he loved, and did what was best for everyone. I decided to check up on him, hearing his music quietly play through the cracks in his door.

"Nice song." I smiled, opening the door to Sam's room. He was sitting on his bed with Jessica, his girlfriend. They were working on math homework together.

"Dean, what happened?" He asked, Jessica looked scared. I must come off as some kinda thug in her eyes, she always avoided me and no matter how many times Sam has tried to change her mind, it was useless.

"The guys were using the new kid as a hostage to get back at me. And I tried to change his mind, So they pinned me and beat me." I sighed, the look in Sam's eyes were painful to make contact with.

"Why were you out so late, when did this happen?"

"After school, then I went to Castiel's house and he cleaned me up."

"The new kid in your grade? He seems like a loner type, never smiles or interacts with anyone." Jessica spoke up. She was a nice girl, I think deep down she knew I wasn't as bad as she was making it seem.

"Yea, he is a good guy." I nodded and left them alone. I hope I'm not screwed tomorrow. I hope Cas will be okay too. I locked myself in my room and spent the entire night trying not to imagine the hell that comes in the morning.