The autumn day was cold. The cruel wind pushed pedestrians along pavements bestrewn with discarded litter. Leaves were falling all around, coating the wet ground below. The fallen leaves collaged the school grounds, in beautiful reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, almost making a scenic landscape. However, moving through the grounds, ugly takes true form disguising itself within jealously, anger, prejudice, and discrimination. A body pushed to the ground, coated a yellow leaf with a splodge of red. Blood.

Castiel had hit the ground with a hard bang, the side of his face hitting the cold wet surface. A cut across his temple began to drip onto his tan trench coat. He pushed himself up, knowing it was useless. The other boy merely kicked him in the ribs, and watched as Castiel flailed onto the floor once again. Callous hands grabbed the collar of his once pristine, now dotted red, white shirt and pulled him up. The boy aimed his fist towards Castiel's face. Castiel braced himself for impact, scrunching his face up and turning his head down. But the fist never connected.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" A voice called out. Castiel opened his eyes blearily to see a familiar figure stood in front of a crowd of people milling about, curious to know what was going on.

"Do you want to let him go?" The figure demanded.

The grip was loosened from around Castiel's collar, the other boy's footsteps echoed as he took off running. A stampede of footsteps could also be heard approaching Castiel as he tried to keep himself from collapsing onto the blood coated bed of leaves.

"Guys, help me get him over to those benches." The figure spoke again.

Castiel, disoriented as he was, felt about four pairs arms pull him from the ground, and half carry him over to a formation of wooden benches underneath a shelter. The rotting wood of the tables, and the bird faeces, made the shelter an undesirable place to eat.

Castiel was placed down onto one of the benches, facing out of the shelter with his back against the adjacent table. A tall boy, with shaggy long brown hair sat down next to Castiel.

"Are you okay?"

Castiel gestures towards for the boy to lean forward.

"Don't ask stupid questions." Castiel said into the boy's ear.

The tall boy laughed, using his whole body to express his amusement. "At least he has a sense of humour."

"Sam, leave the guy alone." A new voice called out. This time it belonged to a short girl, with brunette hair and a pale complexion. She brushed a few of the curls from her hair from the sides of her face to the back, then settled on the other side of Castiel. Her hazel eyes stared into his then turned to face the tall, muscular figure.

"The cut on his face isn't too bad. But he should probably go to the nurse." She looked back at him, her hair flying as she turned her head. "Hi, I'm Hael. And you are?" She said with a sweet smile.

"Castiel." His whole face hurt. The throbbing headache made him feel slightly light headed. "Look, uh... Hael?" She nodded, her smile turning into frown, "I'm fine, it's nothing I can't handle."

"Yeah and there goes a flying pig." She said and walked off with a huff.

"Hey, she's just trying to help." This time it was the mysteriously familiar guy.

"Yeah, well I don't need help..." Castiel almost stopped talking in the middle of that preposterous statement. It was just as absurd as a pig that could fly.

"I find that hard to believe, so why won't you let us help you. It's not like we're giving you a kidney." The guy chuckled and held out his hand. "I'm Dean."

Castiel looked up from their entwined hands in the process of shaking to meet a pair of dazzling forest green eyes. A deep dark forest pulling him in. He couldn't help but get lost, in those mystical and endearing orbs. The connection was broken by the shrill ring of the bell signally that they now had two hours of hell left until freedom.

Dean stood up and walked over to the group of loud teenagers, beckoning Castiel to follow.

"Alright guys. Who can come out later?" Dean asked.

"Everyone but the twins." Sam said, causing everyone to turn and give a long stare at 'the twins'.

"Sorry, Gadreel left the gate to the snake enclosure open at home, and it got out. No one realised until mom's book club... So yeah, we're grounded." One of the twins explained.

"Well, Ezekiel, you were the one that wanted the diabolical, demonic animal in the first place." Gadreel exclaimed. Castiel watched as they continued to bicker and wandered over to where Dean was leaning against a pillar at the edge of the shelter.

"They're very different, for two people who look the same." Castiel commented, looking back over to the twins.

"Yeah. All that means is that there's more arguing. And we're the one's who have to deal with it." Dean fake whined. He then turned back to Castiel, to say, "I hope we'll be seeing you here later."

"What?" Castiel looked shocked. "I can't. I don't want to intrude. I barely know any of you."

"Well, come here later and I'll introduce you." And with that he sauntered over to the heated discussion, which had now turned into an anti-human and pro-cats taking over the world debate.

Castiel turned on his heels and headed to the English class he was now... ah yes, five minutes late to.

At ten past three the shrill ring of the bell was heard again. Hundreds of students were now making the way from the East of the school towards the exit, but only one was making his way to the north side shelter. He approached the shelter in record time,only to find Hael sat next a short haired blonde girl, with a bored expression on her face. There was also two boys standing near them - one trying to get the attention of the other.

"Hey Castiel," Hael called out, and waved him over to where she and her friend were sitting.

"Hello." He said standing above them, yet feeling smaller than ever. The other girl looked up to him with a smile on her face.

"I'm Sofiel." For a moment it appeared that she might suddenly attack Castiel. She stood up and stared at him for a moment, before pulling him into a hug. Castiel was not sure what to do or what was going on. He held his arms out to the sides, unsure as to whether to touch the girl or not.

"Okay... Well..." Castiel started, stumbling over his words. "Where are the others?"

Hael looked at him with a jaded expression. "Dean, Gabriel, Charlie, Jo, and Benny have detention, and the others spend about a year in the bathroom."

"And this happens a lot?" Castiel asked. The look on Hael's face was almost comical.

"For Gabriel, every single bloody day. The rest frequent it a lot, yes."

Before Castiel could enquire about the reason they were there, there was an angry shout that interrupted his thought process.

"Oh my God, Michael what the hell?" The blonde was clutching his side, pouting at the other boy - Michael.

"You should not have provoked me. I needed to text Anna, and you were interfering."

"Well you didn't have to jab at my ribs."

"It is not my fault you decided it would be a good idea to initiate a foolish and puerile 'prank war', with Gabriel." Michael said, emphasising this with visual quotation marks.

"You are so mean, but I still love you anyway." The blond cupped Michael's face and brought his lips to the other boy's.

Castiel realised that he was staring, and quickly averted his eyes back to the girls at the table, who appeared to groaning inwardly at the two boys. Castiel shot them a confused look, which signalled to them to explain.

"That's Michael and Lucifer. The weirdest and the people you least expected to get it on with each other." Sofiel explained. All three of them looked over to the couple. Michael had retreated to his phone once again, and Lucifer was standing in front with his arms crossed over his chest, and was pouting at him. Lucifer let his arms flump to his sides and said:

"Micha, pay attention to me I'm bored."

Michael just hummed and went back to texting, leaving Lucifer to amble over to the three spectators.

"I don't even know why I put up with him."

A loud scoff was heard from behind him. "You put up with me? Is that so?" Michael raised his eyebrows at Lucifer.

Lucifer turned his head away, and plomped down next to Hael, and swung his arm over her shoulders, ignoring the grimace she gave at the contact.

"Dean just messaged me. They are making their way to us now." Michael said, and walked over to the others.

"Now we just have to wait for the toilet crew."

"Oh that'll just be another hour." Lucifer sighed. "In the mean time, why don't you introduce the awkward guy in the trench coat, which looks like he had punching match with someone?" That comment earned him a jab in the ribs from Hael, making Lucifer hiss, like a rabid animal, at Hael, and hide behind a unamused Michael.

"Lucifer and Michael, this is Castiel."

"Hello Castiel." Michael said, while Lucifer just waved.

...The mood began to grow more awkward by the second, fortunately the detention and the aforementioned 'toilet crew' made their arrival.

"Alright, guys we gotta go!" Dean shouted, and waved an arm in a summoning motion.

The rather large group of teens began to make their way towards the bus stop, following an over confident Dean. Castiel hid at the back of the group trying to hide and protect himself from the blister inducing wind.

Castiel hadn't had long to meet and greet anyone, but using his excellent listening - mostly used for eavesdropping - skills, he had deciphered who everyone was.

At the front steering the group was obviously Dean, next to him scowling was Sam. Then behind them is Charlie, Dorothy, Jo - who he was pretty sure he was once told to stay away from - and Benny, who he had seen in some of his classes. Trailing behind them was Hael and Sofiel talking to another girl - Muriel. Then there was a British boy talking on the phone in French, and it appeared somewhat heated. That left Castiel and Gabriel, and Michael and Lucifer at the back.

"Dean, do you even know what bus we're meant to catch?" Sam enquired, a scowl apparent on his face.

"Of course, Samuel! It's the 94... B?"

"You don't know do you?" Sam scowled.

"No, not really..." Sam threw his hands up in the air out of disbelief.

"What the actual hell Dean?!" Sam shrieked.

"Keep your hair on, princess."

Castiel was watching from the back with a look of amusement embedded on his face. Gabriel was next to him chuckling to himself.

"Do they ever not act like this?" Castiel asked.

"Like an old married couple? No, I can't say they do."

Gabriel pulled out a Twix from his pocket, even though moments before he had been eating a packet of Skittles.

"Do you ever stop eating candy?" Castiel frowned.

"Nope. I'm pretty sure the group has a wager on whether Dean or I will get diabetes first."

The group continued to move forwards to the long busy road where most of the bus stops stand. - because i'm too lazy to describe rn.

"I asked the driver, he said we need the 94. So suck it Sam." Dean said with a triumphant smirk.

"Jerk."

"Bitch."

Sam scoffed and jogged over to Gabriel who offered him a lollipop. Castiel wondered where he keeps it all. - because why the hell not. especially cause i made him like 5'4 in the story atm. i actually have everyone's heights documented

"There's a 93!"

"We need a 94."

After a steady commentary from Gabriel of the arriving 95, 94b, and a 92a, Dean finally snapped.

"I DON'T CARE HOW CLOSE IT IS TO 94, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME."

"TWO NUMBERS! IT'S TWO NUMBERS!"

Lucifer broke away from where he and Michael were 'keeping each other warm' to shout:

"Would you shut up! Nobody cares for your addition."

After 20 minutes of sitting and standing around Gabriel suddenly announced:

"I am not going if it's not a bendy bus."

"But they run every hour." Sam groaned.

"Look there's the bus!" Hael exclaims, but her excitement died down as soon as she saw it was just a regular bus. "The non-bendy style..."

"Not getting on." Gabriel planted himself onto the ground, crossed his arms and legs. He looked back at the somewhat more agitated group.

"You guys get your tickets, I'll get him on." Lucifer said with a grin as wicked as sin spread across his face. Gabriel lept up and ran to hide behind Michael, making him almost trip over his own feet.

"He's going to kill me! Mikey save me!"

"I would prefer it if you did not call me 'Mikey'. My name is Michael."

"Yeah but Mikey is shorter." Gabriel said, clutching onto Michael's black coat.

"It has the exact same syllable count. It is just annoying."

After they eventually managed to corral Gabriel onto the bus - a team consisting of Lucifer and Dean - they arrived at the lake in an hour.

The lake was an alluring sight. The way the water lapped to the bank, and shimmered along the ripples. Trees on the edges swept in, creating reflections that stretched across the lake. The sight was a work of art.

The group moved down to the water, setting their bags underneath a nearby tree.

Castiel looked over to the lake, breathing in the serenity of the lake. But he was soon cut off by a huge splash.

"Lucifer, what the hell?!" Gabriel shouted, submerged in the lake. He swam to the bank and was pulled up by Sam and Dean, and glared at Lucifer. He stood in front of his brother, dripping from head to toe, and said:

"Lucifer, you are my brother and I love you, but you are a great big bag of dicks."

Lucifer smirked and crossed his arms.

"Watch your tone, I could throw you back in."

Sam walked over to the enraged Gabriel, and lead him over to where most of the girls had settled down. Castiel felt left out of the group. He didn't know any of them, and it was kind of awkward - and he was sure the feeling was mutual.

"It's pretty isn't it." Castiel hadn't realised anyone was around him, and nearly lept out of his skin.

Castiel turned his head to the left, to see the prepossessing features of Dean.

"It's so peaceful." Castiel sighed, wishing that he could stay in this moment forever. The calming waves, the slight breeze, and the calm skies. And Dean?

"Not for long. I think Gabriel's gonna fight Luci to death."

"I'm slightly confused. Gabriel and Lucifer are brothers?" Castiel said tilting his head to the side slightly.

"Yeah?"

"Is everyone related or in a relationship in this group?"

"Pretty much." Dean shrugged.

"Wow." Castiel looked over to where the others had gathered in a circle.

As the sun moved across the sky, afternoon soon becoming evening, the group talked about their days - the good and the bad. But Gabriel had other ideas.

"I'm cold." Gabriel shivered, teeth chattering. Many of the group had donated their coats and jackets to the drenched boy, but of course, this wasn't enough to stop Gabriel from complaining.

"We know. You don't have to repeat it every other minute." Muriel said through chattering teeth. She had given her thickest layer to stop Gabriel from whining, but it hadn't been enough to stop the incessant moaning and complaining. Her khaki bomber jacket was laid across a smug Gabriel's shoulders.

"You guys suck." Gabriel sighed.

"Well nobody's too fond of you either." Said a shivering Sofiel, who had given her hoodie.

They sat in a circle for a while, conversation drawing to a close, until Charlie got bored and took her earphones out of her ears.

"Okay bitches, we're going to play a game." Charlie said. She stood in the middle of the wide circle, took her phone from the pocket of her red hoodie, and lets it dangle from her earphones.

"What do we do?" Sofiel asked with a tired sigh.

"Duck."

"Okay..." Dean started, "Wait... what?!"

Dean barely had a moment to think before Charlie swung the phone towards him.

"Jesus- Charlie stop!" Lucifer shouted. He picked up a small stone from nearby and hurled it towards her, hitting her leg. Charlie stopped spinning and Hael darted forwards to unplug the phone from the earphones. Sam, Balthazar and Gabe had also joined in throwing stones at Charlie. Soon enough everyone - bar Dorothy - was throwing them at her.

"Guys! What the hell?!" Charlie shrieked, trying to shield away from the incoming stones. The group ceased.

"We have your phone, now just stop." Sam said. Charlie was left standing, in what used to be the circle. Her earphones still dangling down by her legs.

"No, this'll hurt more." Charlie said as she whipped it at Hael, hitting her in the arm, who in turn screamed.

"And you wonder why we throw stones at you!" Muriel shouted.

A few of the boys - Balthazar, Benny and Sam - began to chase Charlie away, while being whipped at.

Castiel was hiding behind a tree along with Hael and Sofiel. He began think what he would have doing right about now if Dean hadn't called after the bully, or if he had taken no for an answer? But of course he doesn't need to think too hard. He'd be sitting in his room, reading or doing the week's homework. Then his little brother, Samandriel, would pester him to go to the park. As much as he loved his brother, he wanted to sulk in his room more. It was like his own personal self pity sanctuary, where he could reflect on every 'mistake' he'd ever made in his life - which to him, was a long list.

"Okay I think that's enough fun for one day." Dean declared, coming out from his hiding place behind one of the rocks.

A few people hummed in agreement, and everyone began to collect their belongings.

"Wait... Where's Balthazar?" Benny asked, searching around any sight of the teen.

"On the bench. He had a late night." Jo said.

"Doing what? He's like 16." Benny sighed. He'd know Balthazar for years. He knew exactly what he had been doing.

"It. Supposedly." Dean said.

"Are you also such children that you can't utter the word 'sex'?" Jo remarked.

"Think of the children!" Dean exclaimed with false shock-horror, slapping his hands over Sam's ears, as if to protect them from the words.

"Dean get the fuck off!" Sam struggled to pull away from Dean grasp. "I'm fourteen, not ten. And you're the one who taught me them!"

Dean let out whistle. "Language, young man."

Sam let out an agitated sigh. "I hate you."

"So you say." Dean ruffled Sam's hair, and strolled over to where Charlie and Castiel had got into a passionate debate about Drarry or Dramione.

"Woah, guys. Chill." Dean said, holding his arms up in false surrender - also in fear of being hit - when Charlie turned to him with a murderous glint in her eyes.

"Cas here, truly believes that Dramione is better than Drarry. Would you get your boyfriend under control." Charlie shouted. Making Dean and Castiel blush simultaneously.

Dorothy was alerted by all the shouting, and made her way over to Charlie. Leading her away, and patting her shoulders comfortingly.

"She's really..." Castiel started.

"Crazy, scary... the list goes on." Dean said. "Sometimes she kind of has this 'psychotic break' where she goes really pale, then her pupils get really small, and her eyes get kind of red. Yeah, thank god you haven't witnessed that."

Once everyone had shuffled onto the bus once more, and played the same tedious games on the bus. They finally disperse at the bus stop near the school, and dusk was falling onto them like a blanket in time for bed.

"See you later Cas." Dean said with a smile tugging across his lips. Damn, those lips were just as endearing as his eyes.

Cowan street was clear and silent on this night. Not a sound to be heard. No curious cats, running around. And no cars, navigating their way around the streets. The street lights beamed down a golden glow, stopping the shadows from taking over the night.

Castiel approached the old scratched wooden front door. His keys janged for as he took them out of his pocket. Castiel then put them into the door, sighing as he turned them, and pushed in. Face as solemn as ever.

"Mom? Dad?" Castiel called out, but instead was greeted by the shout of his little brother running down the stairs. His expression soon turned a light-hearted smile.

"Casssssieeeee!"

"Hey Sammie. Where's mom and dad?" He asked. Surely they wouldn't leave an eleven year old alone? Right? Wrong.

"They went out at four... They didn't - uh - leave food or anything..." Castiel's mind started whirring with guilt. How could he have gone out, while his parents ran off to do whatever they wanted, leaving his little brother alone, and with no food. He should have expected this.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here. Let's see if I can fix us up something now." Castiel followed Samandriel into the kitchen, where as usual, the wooden counters were bare. The kitchen did not seem lived in. Compared to the rest of the house, which was filled with toys, elementary school art works - an attempt to make it look like they actually cared, in Castiel's opinion.

The kitchen was a small room. There was only space for three cupboards above the counters, and a tiny wooden table, that could definitely not fit four people, unless you were really determined. The rest of the house followed the same . Naturally, Samandriel got the smallest room, but he didn't seem to mind, and their parents got the largest. Samandriel's room was what you could easily call a shoe box. It was maybe 6ft wide and 7ft long. They had a high bed fitted to the room, so that Samandriel could play underneath. Castiel's room was plain. He never bothered to decorate it, and neither did his parents, and so they left it at that. A single bed, pushed to the window. A towering cupboard in the far corner, and a desk cluttered by his busy school life, and non-existent social life.

"Where were you?" Samandriel asked, looking up to Castiel from the small table.

"Out with... friends." Castiel replied, rummaging through the cupboards, looking for something that could pass for food. Samandriel snorted at Castiel's answer, and was given a glare.

"You're serious? I thought you didn't have friends."

"Well I do. Don't listen to what mom and dad say."

"Oh, okay. I'm sorry."

Castiel returned to searching the cupboards, sighing when he found a tin of tomato soup and some probably stale - definitely stale - bread.

I rest on childhood memories.