Chapter 2

"Castiel Novak... Genius with an IQ of 187, hoping to graduate senior year at the age of 14... Will he scream like the others? Will he beg? Only one way to find out... I'll see you soon Castiel, you will be so fun to play with..."

Dean smiled once more at the short genius sitting next to him. Over half of the class had already passed. Castiel glanced over to his right and gave Dean another smile and looked back down at the paper in front of him. According to what Dean had mentioned when he leaned over earlier, it was their end of the year project. He was a little confused at why he was given this paper so early so he gestured for Dean to lean a little closer.

"Hey quick question, why'd he hand this out now? Don't we have over half a year left?" Castiel asked in a hushed whisper.

Dean nodded and opened his mouth to speak. "Perhaps Dean would like to explain to us all about your next project due at the end of the month." Castiel and Dean looked up and smiled sheepishly at their teacher who was now standing in front of both of their desks.

"Um... I honestly...Sorry Mr. Allen... I wasn't paying attention. It won't happen again." Dean sent a playful glare Castiel's way as their teacher nodded once and moved back to the front of the class.

"It better not happen again Mr. Winchester or I will keep you and Mr. Novak after class to scrape the gum off of the bottom of your desks. Now please, pay attention." After receiving twin nods their teacher continued on with his explanation.

"As I was saying, your projects are due by the end of the month. You are all to choose something that interests you and create a column for the school newspaper. Now just because you're creating it does not mean it will end up in the paper. You are to create it as though it will and I will be the one to choose which columns are put in. You can do this alone, or you can work with a partner. If you want to, I will also accept groups of 3-4 people no more than that. Whoever's column I choose will receive extra credit towards their next exam as well as two tickets to the movies." Castiel startled in his seat a bit at the loudness in which the rest of his classmates erupted in cheers and excited chatter. Dean was the loudest of them all and Castiel found himself smiling widely in his direction before laughing softly to himself at the way his teacher started yelling in order to be heard.

"Alright you guys! Remember, it's due at the end of the month if you have any questions stay after class for a bit or contact me by email! Have a great rest of the day and weekend, I'll see you all on Tuesday!" Castiel looked up at the clock confused and noticed they still had 20 minutes before the bell rang. He glanced around and noticed the majority of his classmates had already packed up and were heading out the door.

"Hey man, you planning on sitting there for the next 20 minutes or you coming along?" Dean watched as his new friend looked around confusedly before meeting his eyes.

"Where are we going?" Dean pointed out the door and took a step towards it.

"Oh right, well in Allen's class we usually always get out early so we can go cover some stories or work on our columns in the library or just go and help out the staff in the cafeteria set up for break. Come on, I can give you a tour of the rest of the school." Castiel slowly stood up and grabbed his bag before remembering what he was going to ask Dean earlier.

"Oh yeah, so how come we get the paper talking about the end of the year project so early... don't we usually get those at...I don't know, the end of the year?" Dean smiled and led the short genius to the door and held it open for him before answering.

"Well, most schools do that but here the staff want us to have more than enough time to complete our projects. Allen always makes sure to give us our assignments early so we have enough time to ask questions and make sure we're doing everything right." Castiel nodded in understanding and moved from in front of the door so that he wouldn't get hit by it, and glanced around. He saw the foreign language classes to his left and could barely make out a pool and field to his right.

"So anyways the small building in front of you is the girls' locker room, past that open fence you can clearly see the pool. Come on" Castiel followed closely behind Dean towards the open gates and noticed another two buildings. One was huge and the second one was right next to the girl's locker room.

"So that small building is the weight room, usually the weight lifting class, and football players are in there. The huge building in front of you is the main gym and you can't see it from here but right there by the weight room is a small walkway that leads to the mini gym. It's where two of the p.e. classes meet to play volleyball or basketball away from the other 4 or 5 that are in the main gym or out on the field. Oh and the boys' locker room is to the right of the main gym." Castiel nodded and made sure he was extremely attentive as Winchester kept talking and leading him back the way they came from.

"This building is the one where the electronics, woodshop, and mechanic classes take place. That door at the end of the building is open during every break because it's the student store. The huge building we're about to pass is the music and theatre building. If you look right, over there past palm lane, that is the math building and in front of that is the science building. You've already seen where the offices are and you've walked down palm lane so you should be fine but if you need help let me know."

Castiel smiled and nodded, "What's palm lane and which building is the one we're heading to right now?"

"Palm lane is that strip of walkway you went down earlier to get to class, that is surrounded by palm trees. It leads towards the back of the school where some of the old classrooms used to be held but with the amount of students that transferred to the new school we don't have any use for them anymore. The building we're heading towards my pretty little genius, is the cafeteria. I don't know about you, but I am starving. Come on my aunt works there." Castiel laughed softly and surprised himself when instead of moving away from Dean's arm over his shoulders he instead moved closer.

Dean seemed to sense this as well and smiled down at the kid before wrapping his arm tighter around the younger boy.

"FEED ME! I'm dying of hunger!" Dean exaggerated as they walked through the double doors and came face to face with a gorgeous young lady who Castiel figured would be Dean's aunt.

"Dean Winchester you quit that complaining and lower your voice. Do you realize how much trouble I would be in if word got out to my boss that I sneak you and your friends' food before your breaks?!" Dean groaned and shrugged before looking down amusedly at his new friend as he started talking.

"Dean...Technically it's not possible for you to die from hunger in just the small walk from class to here... there are tests that show the human body can survive anywhere from 30-40 days without food as long as they're hydrated... while I'm on this topic did you know we would only be able to survive a week to ten days without water before we die of dehydration."

Castiel flushed brightly at the amused stares being directed his way and cleared his throat nervously while fidgeting.

"Well isn't he just precious." Dean laughed at his aunts' words before rolling his eyes and heading into the cafeteria's kitchen.

"My nephew seems to have forgotten his manners, I'm Ellen Harvelle. Dean's aunt not blood related but, I helped his momma raise him and his brother so they see me as their aunt." He watched as she shot a glare at Dean's retreating back before turning a bright smile his way.

"Castiel Novak... I uh...I'm new here and he was showing me around. Before you ask I'm um... I'm 14 years old and in my senior year." He found himself smiling brightly at the soft giggle that escaped the lady.

"Well, Castiel, what do you say about getting some food in you. Come on sweetheart, you can help me keep my nephew out of the food until break." Ellen noticed how tense the young boy seemed at contact and instead led the way to the kitchen where they were met with the sight of Dean sitting on the counter with an open bag of chips next to him.

"Boy have some common sense and manners! Get your butt off of that counter, we prepare food there!" Castiel found himself trying to contain his laughter at his classmate's surprise and pout.

"Yes ma'am. Oh Ellen, mom wanted to know if you were still going to be coming over this weekend for our monthly barbecue." Dean asked as he jumped off of the counter and dodged a dish rag being thrown his way.

"For the millionth time yes Dean. When have I ever missed out? And before you ask, yes I will make you my potato salad." Castiel watched as his classmate, and at this point only friend, smiled and gave Ellen a kiss on the cheek.

"God, you are an angel. Thanks, hey listen we'll see you later we're going to head out to get a table before the bell rings and every single one is filled." Dean smiled and motioned for his new friend to follow him as they made their way outside. He smiled when they reached a table and put their things down just as the bell rang. Castiel looked around and watched as students filed out happily from their classes and found their friends. Just as he turned back to ask Dean where his next class was he heard a shout from behind him.

"Winchester! Sweet you got a table!" Castiel turned to see two teenagers walking towards them while waving.

"Hey guys, I want you to meet Castiel Novak, he's new he-"

"I know you! Well I don't know you but I overheard the principal talking about you. I'm Joanna Harvelle but my friends call me Jo. It's nice to put a face to the name." Castiel looked up to see the short blonde setting her things down and taking a seat on the bench next to him.

"It's...nice to meet you Joanna."

"Oh no, it's Jo."

"But you just said..."

"I know what I said Castiel, but you are friends with Dean so that makes you my friend by default, so it's Jo to you." Castiel looked over to see Dean smiling at him before hesitatingly turning and nodding to Jo.

"Great, this is Benny Lafitte, but he just goes by Benny so remember that." Benny gave him a small smile and wave before turning to Dean and comparing notes from their Social Studies class.

Castiel watched as Jo got up and pointed to the food cart, mouthing that she'll be back in a bit before turning his attention down at his schedule and smiled at the prospect of having English next.

"Well well, who's this adorable little thing?" Castiel looked up and felt his eyes widen at the red haired girl dressed in the brightest colors he had ever seen anyone wear.

"Charlie, don't scare him..." Castiel let his eyes fall to Jo who was now walking back with food in her hands followed closely by another red haired girl.

"Castiel these are my friends Charlie Bradburry and Anna Milton. Oh and that guy running over here right now is Sam Winchester, Dean's younger brother." Dean waited until Sam reached the table and ignored his quizzical look before speaking again.

"Everyone this is Castiel Novak, he's new here and before you ask because trust me he seemed pretty tired of everyone asking. He's a 14-year-old senior." Castiel hunched in on himself at the feeling of all 6 pairs of eyes on him and started to fidget.

"P-pleasure t-to meet you all..." Castiel flinched slightly when he saw the boy named Sam Winchester raise his hand and felt silly for thinking he was going to get hurt, when the boy patted his shoulder lightly.

"Relax Castiel, we're all friends here. It's nice to meet you, if you need anything you can come to me, seeing as how we're the same age and all." Castiel met Sam's soft smile and nodded hesitantly.

"Or any one of us!" Charlie piped in from his left side.

"Yes yes, or any one of them...but come to me first" Sam smiled and sat down with Charlie on the other bench next to him. Castiel met everyone's eyes and blushed when he met Dean's worried and suspicious look.

"Um...okay yeah..."

"Hey we have English together! Oh you are just going to love Carol; she is an amazing teacher. Not to mention she's such a fun dance instructor. She is the Ballroom club's dance instructor; I mean granted we learn things like the Waltz or Tango but it's super fun. Oh we have a meeting today! You should come with!" Castiel stared wide eyed and slightly horrified at the thought of dancing and being in close quarters with other people.

"Charlie, relax look at him you probably scared him senseless. Cas, can I call you Cas? If I can't well too bad, I'm going to call you Cas. Anyways, we're all in the ballroom club it's pretty fun and you're more than welcome to stay afterschool with us and just watch if that's what you prefer." Castiel bit his lip lightly as he looked around and gave Benny a small smile.

"Yeah Benny thank you...um do…do you guys have a phone I can borrow to give my mom a call?" Before anyone could answer a phone was tossed into his lap and Castiel looked up to see Dean smiling and withdrawing his hand.

"Thanks Dean..." He watched as Dean nodded and smiled.

"Dean?" Castiel watched as Jo quirked an eyebrow in his friends' direction before shrugging it off and dialing his mom's number. He flushed when he overheard Jo making fun of Dean's blush and quick attachment to the new kid.

Castiel got permission from his overly enthusiastic mother, who was proud to hear he would be hanging out with friends, and hung up the phone just as the bell rang. He handed Dean his phone and stood up as Charlie tugged him towards their class. Castiel smiled at the feeling of actually having friends for once.

In his English class, Castiel was surprised to find out his seat would be right next to Charlie's and he was happy he at least knew someone if only by name, but she seemed pretty harmless and felt himself warming up to her mother henning to make sure he was comfortable. Before Castiel realized it, his English class was quickly coming to an end, Charlie was right Carol was an amazing teacher. He also found almost every teacher went by their last names, or well the majority of the teacher's he knew. He found out they didn't like being called by Mr. or Mrs. They instead preferred the students call them by their first names or last names without the suffix.

"Charlie, can I see you after class?" Castiel looked up to see their English teacher standing in front of them both. He watched as Charlie smiled and nodded.

About 15 minutes later the bell rang and the room quickly cleared out. He glanced over at Charlie, unsure of what to do. He fidgeted and found himself playing with the strap on his satchel again.

"Cas, you can head on out to find Dean and the others if you'd like. I need to go over some stuff about attendance and snacks for Ballroom, I'll catch up with you." Castiel nodded and smiled at the teacher standing behind Charlie.

"Do you...um do you know where they would be?" Charlie thought for a minute and nodded.

"They're either at the cafeteria eating or they're lounging around underneath the trees just down palm lane, you remember how to get there right?" Castiel nodded and mumbled softly about his eidetic memory which caused Charlie to giggle and ruffle his hair.

Castiel fixed his hair and threw Charlie a half-hearted glare before walking out and heading towards palm lane to check there since it was on his way. He was surprised to see the back of the school empty but he chalked it up as everyone else waiting in line for lunch. Just as he was rounding the corner he found himself face to chest with a very annoyed and very angry voice.

"Hey there freak, me and my buddies were just talking about you."

Castiel felt a shiver run down his spine as Crowely pushed him against the wall. He looked up and saw two other teenagers as equally evil looking as Crowley and tried to push his way through them to find Dean or even Sam.

"Whoa now, where are you off to in a hurry?" Crowley shoved him back against the wall again and fisted the front of his shirt.

"I...um...My friends are waiting for me Crowley..." Crowley quirked an eyebrow and nodded.

"Well, they'll keep waiting, only place you're going right now is with me to finish our little uh... talk from earlier." Castiel shivered in fear and felt himself hunch down to make himself smaller as Crowley threw his arm around his shoulders and started dragging him towards the bathrooms by the foreign classes.

"HEY!" Castiel never felt more relieved and terrified to hear a voice he knew. Relieved because he was about to be saved even if it was Jo's voice, terrified because Crowley and his moronic goons were picking up the pace.

"HEY! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Castiel felt tears start falling down his eyes as they got even closer to the restroom, he knew if they made it there then Crowley could lock the door and do whatever he liked until a staff member arrived. He let his head drop forward so his hair covered his eyes and resigned himself to his fate.

Castiel sniffled and bit his lip confused as to the reason why he wasn't being dragged anymore.

"I believe the lady told you to let him go. Now Crowley, how many times have we been through this? Do you really need another lesson?" Castiel looked through his hair to see three faces he'd never been happier to see.

"Tch...you win for now Benny... watch your back freak." Castiel only had time to put his hands out to keep his face from hitting the ground as Crowley and his friends shoved him down before turning and walking away.

Castiel sniffled and felt himself shivering from his fright. "Castiel? Hey you okay? Look at us kiddo."

Castiel slowly raised his eyes to see the smiling faces of Jo, Sam, Benny, and Anna. Jo dropped to her knees in front of him and pulled him into a tight hug and felt Castiel tense up in her arms but didn't pull away. Jo took the hint though and released him before standing up and reaching out to help him up.

"Come on Cas." Castiel looked into JJ's kind eyes and nodded before taking her offered help and reaching out to take Anna's outstretched hand as well. He let them pull him up off the ground before pulling his hands away and wrapping his arms around himself in a hug.

"Th-thank you guys..." Castiel felt his tears start all over again and found himself sobbing in relief as he vaguely heard Benny on the phone with who he assumed was Dean. His assumptions were proven correct when he heard running footsteps rapidly approaching and was vaguely able to make out Dean through his blurry vision.

"Cas?! Hey you okay? What happened?" Castiel sobbed quietly as Benny told Dean everything they had seen. Before Castiel could even step away, Dean pulled him into a tight hug.

"Shhh, hey it's okay. You're okay, we won't let anything happen to you as long as we're around. I promise. Stop crying, you're okay." Castiel nodded and surprised himself as he buried his face in his friend's chest and clung tightly to him as he calmed down.

They stayed that way for at least ten minutes with the others watching them. Sometime within those ten minutes Charlie had shown up worried out of her mind and got the story from Anna. It took a while but Charlie had finally calmed down, all through Castiel's tears and sobs Dean ran his fingers through his hair and talked softly to calm him.

When Castiel finally let out his last sob and hiccup he slowly pulled away but stayed in Dean's arms and looked up at him and everyone else.

"Thank you... no one has ever stood up for me before...I was so scared...thank you..." Castiel whispered softly and blushed when the others gave him reassuring smiles and laughed as Charlie came up to him and scrubbed his tears off his face for him.

Before anyone could say anything afterwards the bell rang signaling the end of lunch. Castiel sniffled one last time and pulled out of Dean's arms and dug out his schedule to see his last class of the day.

"Um... what's FP?" Castiel asked confusedly and met everyone's wide grins.

"Well, Castiel, since they are all seniors and I am incredibly smart for a freshman… technically I would have been a senior with Dean but mom said no and yet I was still able to take all of my classes required in high school but that's a story for another day anyways, all of the required classes have been taken and the only ones you actually need this year are English, Social Studies/Government, and three electives. Which yours seem to be journalism with Dean, ceramics with all of us, and library aide with Anna, Benny, and Dean. FP stands for free period so guess what...you get to spend that period either at home or somewhere else. Seeing as how it's your last class on A-days, you're basically done with school by lunch and are free to go home." Sam explained while looking over Castiel's schedule.

"Wait... why aren't any of you guys going to class then?" Castiel watched as everyone's faces broke out into smiles again and Winchester answered this time.

"We all have a free period right now, we all requested it last year and we all ended up getting it, because a certain someone hacked into the school's system." Sam hinted a look at Charlie who smirked and shrugged. "We would've went home or went to go hang out somewhere but since we have Ballroom today we stayed on campus... Plus none of us wanted to leave you alone." Castiel chuckled softly and stared at all his new friends.

"So what should we do then..."

"Ellen will let us stay with her...I'm sure of it come on, besides she's been texting me and telling me to bring you whenever I can because you are skin and bones and she wants to fatten you up." Castiel laughed louder this time as he nodded and watched as everyone made their way to the cafeteria in higher spirits now that they heard him laugh.

He strayed behind them a bit and looked up at Dean. "Hey u-um...th-thanks for uh...f-for helping me calm d-down..." Dean laughed softly and ruffled his hair.

"Anytime Cas, anytime." Castiel smiled widely and found he didn't really care about Dean touching him as he followed after the rest of their friends.