"Lena..." a soft, gentle voice hummed in my ear, "Wake up. You have to go to school today."

"Ow," I groaned as a fire burned in the back of my throat. The soothing tone of his voice could only get me do far. My shaking started shortly after along with a widest pain spreading through my body. Without any resistance, the floodgates holding back my tears burst and a flood of biblical proportions came out. I was in pain, dammit! Demon blood withdrawal sucked something awful, "Ow!"

"I know, darling," Crowley offered me some comfort, cradling me in his arms, "I know. You're hurting, aren't you? It's alright. I'm about to make it all better. No more shakes. No more fever. You're going to be ok. I'm going to make this all go away."

I greedily took his gushing wrist and started drinking like there was no tomorrow. With every heavy swallow, my shakes began to ease and the pain subsided a little. Nothing more blood and a couple aspirin wouldn't cure. I detached myself before I drank Crowley dry and caught my breath, "Thank you. I'd rather regular Hell than blood withdrawals."

"How are you feeling?" he cleaned things up, "Better?"

"So much better," I fell back onto my bed.

"Are you good enough to go to school now?" Crowley helped me up.

I felt the buzzing of the blood take the place of the pain. This is why I love demon blood. One minute, I feel like I'm dying. The next, I could move mountain ranges like they were made of Styrofoam, "Yeah. I'm all better. Let's go kick some ass!"

"Alright," he settled me, "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you still need to blend in. Dial it back a bit and I'll take you to school."

"You're getting way too excited about our onset domesticity," I jumped out of bed and dug through my bag for some clean clothes.

"Sue me for caring about your education," Crowley shrugged, "Fake or otherwise. Just know, Lena, Hell had no shortage of good lawyers."

"My brother was almost a good lawyer," I remembered reading something about Sammy getting into Stanford on a full ride. If Dean wouldn't have shown up, he would've been a damn good lawyer. I have no doubt. But for now, I had other things to take care of, "Do you mind? You don't need to see me get dressed."

"Sorry." Just when he thinks he's got the upper hand, I give Crowley the not so subtle reminder that I got him wrapped around my little finger. He wants to play pretend as my dad so bad. Most of them will say they're wrapped rather tightly. And with my innate ability to get anyone to do anything for me, it's cake.

"Alright," I finished the button on the top of my jeans, "You're good. Let's go!"

Don't get me wrong. I was a girl that learned to appreciate a good cup of coffee, but demon blood worked a whole hell of a lot better. For the first time in a while, I was genuinely excited to go to school. Things were relatively normal. I mean, if normal meant undercover work at seventeen while I'm saving this girl from vampires, but I did say relatively normal, didn't I?

Still, I had friends. I had a bitch I could not stand to save my life. Was this what other kids my age felt that weren't born into the life? All they had to worry about was finals and who they're taking to prom and other assorted John Hughes clichés. A couple years ago, I had to figure out how to get out of Hell. Actual Hell. I had to get Lucifer himself off my back. The damn King of Hell was currently posing as my dad! Regardless of my lineage, I had an English class to get to.

In order to do that, I had to duck that Rachael chick to the best of my ability. Although, I could probably find out more about Christina from her (because the student body president is going to have her fingers on the pulse of everything. Eye roll.), but personally, I'd rather an enema. By the way we were talking yesterday, Christina and I were already on the fast track to becoming friends. The less I can see Rachael, the better. Fortunately, I didn't have any classes with her, so I had that going for me. That doesn't mean she won't look for me.

Stealthily navigating through the Sioux Falls High School halls, I made it to English and took a seat in the back with the rest of the heathen students. I felt so at home. The old, angry bitch stood at the front, zeroing in on me. If she could shoot laser beams out of her eyes, I would've been extra crispy. Kill them with kindness, right? I took a pouch of demon blood out of my bag (Crowley was kind enough to replenish my stock before we left), rekindling my buzz. As I started sucking it down, I kept eye contact with her and a smile on my face.

"Hey, Charlie," Seth took a seat next to me, "How are we on this beautiful morning?"

"Are you stoned?" I looked him over.

"Nope," he shook his head, "Clear as a bell."

"To answer your question," I put my applesauce down, "I'm peachy. How are you?"

"Not too bad," Seth giggled a little, "Hoping we get to see the teacher piss herself again."

"Good times," I kicked my feet up on the desk.

"And," he added, "I'm hoping your dad doesn't bust up lunch for us again."

"You know," I suggested, "Why don't we invite Christina to come with us?"

"Christina?" Seth gave me a look, "What for?"

"When we were in art yesterday," I explained, "She just seemed like she could use a friend. Maybe she's gone dark because she's got some things going on. I don't know about you, but when I get that bad, it's nice to have friends you can count on."

"But," he bit his bottom lip, "I was kind of hoping that it'd be just the two of us."

"Come on," I insisted, "Please?"

Besides, I needed to know some things and I always was crafty with my words. Even though Seth was a good dude, I had a feeling I knew what he wanted me alone for. As cute as he is and as big of a peach he's been since I got here, I'm not looking for that right now. It'd be cool to say it happened in the backseat of a Corvette, but not right now. Maybe if I blow back through town again, I'll look him up.

"Alright." I could see the strain in his eyes, but he wanted to make me happy. For some reason or another. Was it just for my body? The world may never know. But for my sake, he faked a little smile, "We can do that. You know where my car is, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "Probably the only bright red Corvette in the parking lot."

"Yes, ma'am," Seth started coming around, "You got your Mustang?"

"Unfortunately, no," I pouted, "Dad took it."

"What a buddy, what a pal," he jabbed, "When he got you yesterday, I almost had a moment. She's beautiful."

"Thanks," I smiled, "My brother fixed it up for me for my birthday a couple years ago and it's been the apple of my eye ever since. She's my baby."

"Mine, too," Seth agreed, "They grow up so fast, don't they?"

"You couldn't pay me to take a new Mustang over mine," I scoffed, "I grew up around classic American muscle."

"You need to meet my dad," he demanded, "I'm sure he'd love you."

"Meeting the parents already?" I gasped, "It's so sudden. Next thing you know, you'll be asking me for my hand."

"I never said we were a thing," Seth retaliated, "Ha! I knew you were into me."

"I was being sarcastic," I settled him, "Now, I know your true feelings. Sorry, Seth. I'm a master of psychological warfare. I've had every psychiatric professional in the area play around in my head and I can defend against just about anything. Hit me. You will not see the other side of the trenches."

"Jesus," he was taken aback, giving me the same, pitiful look I've seen many a time before, "Who hurt you, Charlie?"

"Lot of people," I admitted, "But enough about me."

"Can I hug you?"

"What the hell?" I shrugged, "Sure."

In a totally unexpected move, Seth hugged me tight in a way I've only felt once. It was two, almost three, years ago. Damn near to the date. I just met a new social worker that turned out to be God himself. The only home I ever knew at the time just burned down. The following morning, I'd get a hug that felt a lot like this. All it was missing was the smell of a hunter. Newsprint, lighter fluid, a little gunpowder, and (for this hunter in particular) leather. Maybe a hint of whiskey for good measure.

"If you ever need anything, Charlie," Seth's voice broke a bit, "Please. Don't ever hesitate to talk to me. I was too late with Christina. I don't want to make that mistake again."

And here I thought Rachael would've been the one devastated when I leave. This felt strangely genuine. Because I didn't need Seth crying on me, my arms snaked around his waist, "Ok."

"Good girl." If I didn't know any better, I'd think he just kissed the top of my head, making me weak at the knees.

All through English, I couldn't focus. I don't like this. I don't like this at all. You had one rule since you struck out on your own, Lena. Everything and everyone is temporary. Don't get too involved with locals. You're just going to leave and it's going to kill them inside. Damn my delightful personality! And Seth wasn't making it any easier.

I liked him. There was no arguing that anymore. He was giving me a warm, fuzzy feeling I've had a total of three times in my life. Each time was a little different from the last. But Seth...He was different. He made me feel special. I don't know how, but he managed to find a way.

I had a lunch date with him. At least we wouldn't be alone. In fact, I was more excited to talk to Christina again. As long as Crowley doesn't bust things up again, we should be golden. Then again, Crowley's also Crowley. He ruins things for fun and out of sheer spite. However, Crowley was the least of my worries. It's that black Impala Seth was talking about yesterday at the Sunset Inn that had me jumpy. I love my boys, but as far as I was concerned, this was my case. I've done this before and I sure as hell can do it again. Especially in my state.

As soon as the lunch bell rang, I went on a manhunt for Christina. I already knew where Seth would be. Either at his car or near the art room. Now, if I were a vampire's feeding bag, where would I be? Probably in the bathroom. But I was just there and Christina wasn't. I got nothing. Christina...Where the hell are you? I just want you to come out and play...

"Charlie!" Seth flagged me down by the art room with Christina standing next to him.

"There you are," I relaxed, "I've been looking all over the place for you."

"I always tell you to meet me by the art room," he pointed out, "Christina's usually there, too. You ready?"

Ring, ring.

I took my phone out of my pocket where the caller ID said Daddy. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Dammit, Crowley, "You guys go ahead. I have to take this. I'll be there in a sec."

"Alright." Seth and Christina left me in the hall while I answered my call.

"Daddy?" I growled, "Really?"

"It's nice to hear from you, too, Lena," Crowley chimed on the other end, "How are things?"

"I'm about to get lunch," I reported, making a mental note to change his name back to pain in the ass.

"By yourself?" he sounded a lot more alarmed than he should.

"No," I swear to god…

"Who are you going to be with?" Crowley asked, being the overly protective father he wasn't to me.

"The guy you saw yesterday," I rested my forehead on the wall, resisting the urge to run my head through it, "And my new best friend."

"And where are you going?"

"I don't know," I squeaked, "Somewhere."

"How are you feeling?" he worried, "Are you kept in good supply?"

"I'm fine." Why the hell was Crowley keeping me on such a short leash? I mean, it's nice to have someone concerned, but I was more than capable of taking care of myself, "What's with you today?"

"What?" Crowley jumped on the defensive, "I can't worry about you? I can't love you? My god, Lena…Have you considered seeing someone?"

"Do you forget what my last name is?" I retaliated, heading out of the building.

"Just checking in," he settled me, "Be careful when you're out today. I'd avoid any diners for lunch if I were you."

"Got it," I saw Seth and Christina standing at his car, waiting on me, "I have to go. I'm starving and I'm sure they are, too. I'll call you later."

"Fine," Crowley threw a white flag, "But if your new little boyfriend says you're going to the Come and Go Diner, say no."

"Why?" I chuckled, "Bad food poisoning incident?"

"Your brothers are taking a lunch break, too."

"Ah," I thought so, but I didn't want to say it.

"Go play with your friends, sweetheart," Crowley started laying on the domestics thicker than fog again, "I love you."

"I love you, too, Daddy," I gagged a little, hanging up on him.

"I'm guessing your dad?" Seth got my door for me.

"Unfortunately," I jumped in the front seat, "Pain in the ass, but he's the pain in my ass, so I can't be too mad. Where to?"

"I don't know," he shrugged, "Christina? Any requests?"

"Somewhere vegan?" she asked.

"That's fine," Seth allowed, "Charlie? That cool with you?"

"Sure." One time, I tried eating vegan. I've never seen Dean with a weirder look on his face. It's like I shot his puppy in the face in front of him. That probably puts the Come and Go Diner off the list. Good news.

There was a place not too far from it, though, that looked exactly what I'd imagine a vegan restaurant would. Whoever did the decorating has ran a successful health spa before and had to lead a Zumba class on the side. Or hot yoga. Now, I understood why we stayed away from places like this. Although, I'm not surprised Christina picked a vegan place. I'm sure she's kept eating ridiculously healthy, so her blood flow isn't restricted.

As we sat and had lunch like normal high school kids, I studied Christina's movements. Slow, tired, and this girl was hiding some serious dark circles. Whoever did her makeup needed to learn to blend a little better. Poor thing. She didn't deserve to be kept like this. Alive for the sake of her blood. It's sick…I'll be able to save you, Christina. I promise. And for Seth to be so in the dark. But today was not the day for the X-Files talk. If all goes well, I won't have to give that talk.

Despite the fact that my oatmeal cookie was oddly good for it being vegan, I needed something a little stronger, "Hey, guys, I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Sure," Seth let me go, "We're not going anywhere."

I got up from our table and locked a bathroom stall behind me. Now, for real lunch. Ever since I've been hitting Crowley's blood regularly, I haven't been dying for a cigarette, so I guess this had more perks than I thought. After I emptied a pouch of applesauce and dealt with the initial buzzing through my veins, I stepped back out to the restaurant and noticed a man in a really nicely fitting suit talking with Seth. Crap. Not good.

"Seventy-four?" the man gasped, "She's in great shape."

"Thanks, man," Seth beamed, taking pride in his baby, "You're pretty lucky to be with the FBI and still get to drive around in your beauty."

"It's a blessing," he agreed, "That's for sure."

"You need to talk to my friend Charlie," Seth insisted, putting an immediate pit in my stomach. Shut up, Seth. Catch my mental telepathy. Shut up, "That Mustang is swoon worthy. But her dad's got it for now. She's in the bathroom right now. You can stick around another minute or two, right?"

"Sorry," the suit shot him down, "I have to get back to work. If you two hear anything about the Jane Doe, either one of them, give me a call, ok?"

"No problem," Seth took his business card, "Agent Morello."

"Stay in school."

Thank God…I let out a heavy sigh of relief. Seth, you idiot. If you would've kept talking, Dean would've started putting pieces together. It's bad enough you dropped mentions of my Mustang. I just hope Crowley wasn't stupid enough to leave her out in the open for the world to see. He even said when I was in Baltimore that a better way of hiding was to stay away from muscle cars. And that included my Mustang. Maybe he knew something for cloaking. Either way. Seth needed to learn to not be so trusting.

"Hey there." Speak of the devil, "You just missed the guy that owns that Impala we were drooling over. He was drooling over my Corvette."

"Yeah," I cringed internally, "That sucks."

"I got his number, though!" Seth slid his card to me. Agent Morello, huh? Going Rage Against the Machine with the aliases, are we, boys? Cute, "I'd love to get a better look at his Impala."

"I bet he's a dick, though," I figured, trying to throw him off Dean's scent, "There's no way a guy with a car like that is a good dude."

"I got a car like that," he pointed out, "And I'm a sweetheart, am I not?"

"That's not what I meant," I got nothing, "I saw the guy and he came off as a dick. That's all I'm saying."

"So, Charlie," Seth switched tangents, "What are you doing after school?"

"I don't know," I thought it over. Probably a little more investigating on these vamps in town. Deliberate with Crowley. Get a drink. Call it a night, "Why?"

"Because," he begged, "I want you to meet my dad. I told you earlier. You need to see his car. If you think mine's gorgeous, it's got nothing on his. Please? If you want, just so it's not weird and you're not alone, you should come, too, Christina."

"Yeah," Christina kept her voice down. But she was different. She was jumpier than usual. She looked like she was about to come out of her skin.

"But we should be getting back," Seth thought, "I'm sure the teacher's going to be pissed if we're late."

Christina's change in demeanor still had me worried. I kept an eye on her from the rearview mirror as we made our way back to school. She was twitchy and shifty and the chances of her sitting still for very long were virtually nonexistent. Whenever Seth mentioned me meeting his dad, she was just as jittery. Off her meds? Was she even on any to begin with? I've never wanted to come clean and tell someone what I was and that I could keep her safe more in my life than right now. But that's something for me to tell her when we can get a minute alone.

A/N: This is a very long chapter. The plot thickens. I'm very tired, friends. But look at this. Lena's a real girl now. She's getting human emotion. And I think she's not the only one. Let's go back to the very beginning when poor little Lena was in absolute hell. Who made her feel all better? Well…She does have him as Daddy in her phone. And he's definitely treating her like she's Daddy's little girl. I'm such a dick. But just wait, friends. Just you wait. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to bed. Maybe. I don't know. But I'll be here. See you next chapter! xx