AN: this will mostly be a lot of dialogue and email conversations, just as a warning.

Dean shut his locker, jumping to see Crowley stood behind it grinning.

"Morning Sunshine, got the notebook?"

Dean nodded and pulled Castiel's notebook from his bag, pushing it in to Crowley's hands; "how did you get my email?"

Crowley smirked and tapped the side of his nose; "a magician never reveals his secrets, besides, little Cas insisted it was urgent."

"Fine. I've got to get to home-room."

"Very well."

Dean pushed past Crowley and made his way through the corridors to his home-room; there were only a few people already sat around waiting, Chuck was one of them. Dean took his seat next to the odd boy and dropped his bag on the desk.

"What're you writing?"

Chuck shrugged and continued scribbling away furiously; "my novel."

"Your novel?"

"Everyone has a novel in them somewhere, Dean, this is mine."

"Oh... What's it about?"

"Can't say... What are your plans for staying away from the Novaks today? Or do you actually plan on getting your ass handed to you?"

Dean frowned and began playing with the straps in his bag; "I just, planned on keeping out of their way, they also said they'd keep away from me."

"When did they say that?"

Dean shrugged; "Gabriel text me, Castiel emailed me."

Chuck looked up from his book; "they have your number and email?"

"Um... Yes? Is that bad?"

Chuck's eyes were wide; "bad if people find out, but, Castiel seriously emailed you?"

"Yes... Why?"

Shaking his head, Chuck looked back down at his work; "nothing, I just never thought I'd hear the words come from my mouth. Someone I know, is corresponding with a Novak."

Dean smirked; "you're that far down?"

"Hmm. No one knows my name, I'm just, that kid who sits in the corner writing."

"Oh. If it's any consolation, I'm that kid who needs his ass kicking."

Chuck smirked; "yeah, at least I'm not wanted for high treason."

"So, uh... Why, do people want be friends with them? What is it?"

"What, aside from their vast wealth? People here are shallow, but, I suppose they want to be their friends for the same reason... People want to be, Johnny Depp's friend. No real reason, just, because. Castiel Novak is to Kripke High what, George Clooney is Hollywood."

Dean frowned; "...What? So it's all about status?"

"Pretty much. I'd blame Balthazar for it mainly, he left such a legacy. Bit of a dick, but, the coolest kid in school. Obviously, the rest of the family must be the same. And obviously, people like Gabriel and Anna are."

"But?"

"But, I don't know, Castiel just wants to be left alone. He's much to shy to tell people though. He once thought about dropping out and getting home-schooled, Gabriel talked him out of it though."

"How do you know all this?"

Chuck shrugged; "no one ever notices me when I'm around, so, I get all the gossip. Then again, who am I going to spread it to?"

"No friends?"

"One, Becky, but if it's not about Buffy she doesn't want to know."

Dean snorted and rest his head on his bag, watching Chuck write; "Buffy?"

"The Vampire Slayer? Yeah, she's obsessed, writes fanfiction about it."

"But, it finished years ago."

"Don't I know! I've had to proof read many letters addressed to Joss Whedon ordering him to bring it back. More specifically, develop more of a romantic story-line between Buffy and Spike."

Dean snorted again; "she sounds a little, mental. Besides, I thought they did? Last time I checked they were having sex!"

Chuck laughed; "I know, her voice goes up a few octaves when she's watched those episodes."

Dean shook his head and looked up to the front of the class, it had filled, students were chattering wildly about whatever had happened the previous night, the teacher was stood at the front of the class reading over a newsletter. Dean's attention was grabbed by Castiel walking into class, once again sporting a shirt, tie and waistcoat. He smiled subtly at Dean before taking his seat.

"Hey, why does he wear that?"

Chuck looked up and glanced over at Castiel before shrugging; "that's his shtick, y'know? Wait until you see him in jeans and a t-shirt, weirdest fucking sight! I'm telling you!"

Dean laughed and went back to resting his head on his bag. He watched Chuck scribble down his novel ideas, unable to make out his handwriting whilst morning announcements were made and attendance was taken.

His first lesson was ICT, and once again, he shared the lesson with Castiel. However, he didn't have to worry about sitting next to him in this lesson, the only available seat being at the back of the room. Like the majority of the students, Dean logged on to his school account and went straight to the internet, disappointed to find nearly every website available had been blocked. Sighing, he opened up his email. There, sitting in his inbox was another email from Castiel.

"RE: Tonight Dean.
You said yesterday that you could drive, may I ask, do you have a car?
Castiel."

Dean looked around the class, spotting Castiel sat on the opposite side of the room, idly doing what he guessed was the work. The teacher still hadn't arrived, so he quickly wrote a response.

"Castiel, I sure do, why?
- D"

The teacher finally entered the room, looking flustered, papers sticking out of his briefcase, his tie hanging loosely around his neck, a polystyrene cup of coffee in his hand/

"Sorry class, running late, so many things I need to do, um, just, get on with your work!"

He didn't seem to notice Dean at the back, not having any work to get with. However, Castiel had the matter covered.

"Dean.
I hate to ask, but, whilst both Gabriel and Anna can drive, acquiring a car isn't a simple task in my household, to put it simply, we have no way of driving. Would you mind picking us up later? We'll all be happy to cover the cost.
Also, we're currently working on a creating a mock data-base for a company of our choice. If you go to the schools public drive, and go to the ICT folder, [subfolder class 6] there's the introductory worksheet, it will explain everything for you.
Castiel."

"Castiel, sure I'll pick you guys up, where? And don't worry about paying, I'd be driving there anyway right?
And thanks, I think. I was sort of looking forward to not having any work to do, not that there was anything else I could do, the stiffs have blocked the pre-installed games! Who does that?
- D"

As Dean began to locate his work on the schools public drive, he glanced over to Castiel, noticing him snigger to himself. Believing himself to be the cause of Castiel's mirth, Dean started reading the course requirements with a large grin on his face. He'd just gotten started on actually working, when he noticed another email sat in his inbox.

"Dean.
Thank you so much, you're very kind. Do you know of the cenotaph outside the park? We'll be there.
Very funny Dean, but, I do think the 'stiffs' would want you to do work and not play games throughout their lesson. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but there's not very much you can do on these computers. Besides, school is a place of learning, not fun.
Castiel."

Dean's grin got bigger, he was the reason Castiel had laughed. It also seemed that this lesson would be spent doing little work in between emailing back and forth with Castiel; for a guy who apparently didn't want any friends, he was quite eager to talk to Dean. He could have easily asked for a ride and explained the work and left it at that, but every time Dean replied, he got a response right back.

"Castiel, park's a pretty public place, you sure? And it's raining, you'll be wet, I don't really want my baby to have wet seats.
I've noticed this place is devoid of fun, one day and already I wanted to slit my wrists! Although, I have made one friend, he's odd, but beggars can't be choosers. Unlike you, having people throw themselves at your feet hoping you'll walk over them. Besides, don't you have work to be doing yourself?
- D"

"Dean.
I'm sure, no one ever goes to the park that much, and as for the rain, I'll try my best to stay dry, wouldn't want to get your 'baby' wet, especially seeing as you're kind enough to drive us. However, if something were to happen to her, I'd be happy to cover the cost.
I'm glad to hear you've made a friend, is it Chuck Shurly? I saw you talking to him in home-room. He's a nice enough boy from what I've heard.
I have no desires for friends, especially not from here. No one actually wants to be my friend, they just want the status that goes along with being my friend. Were I just an ordinary person, with no ties to my family, no one would even know who I was. Having friends is an unnecessary luxury; I tried it once, it didn't turn out that well, never again. However, I wish I had the confidence to tell people to just leave me alone.
I do not have work to be doing. I've already finished this unit, I've been allocated free time until we start the next unit. Why, am I distracting you? If you'd like, I could forward you some of my work to help you get a better understanding. Which reminds me, did my English notes help at all?
Castiel."

Dean stared blankly at his latest email, mainly at the vast amount Castiel had written, but also at the fact he was discussing things with him he guessed he'd never really shared with any one.

"Castiel, don't worry about it, I was kidding. If anything happens to her I can sort it, I'm a mechanic, part time, kind of.
Yeah, Chuck's a pretty cool guy, the only one who didn't berate me for looking at you.
It must be pretty hard then, being stalked by all these crazies, not understanding you want be alone? What happened with your friend? If you don't mind me asking, you don't have to tell me of course, I mean, you don't even know me, why would you spill your guts to me?
Distract me all you like dude, I really don't mind. And you don't have to send me any work, I'd rather fail this class on my own than get an A from copying you. And yeah, I didn't actually understand a lot of them, you use too many long words, but they helped. Also, my brother thinks you're awesome. He loves 1984 and completely agreed with a lot of your points - he's a MASSIVE nerd.
- D"

Dean didn't get another reply from Castiel for the rest of the lesson. He contemplated hitting himself over the head with the keyboard, he had no right to ask about Castiel's life. Although, it could have been the nerd comment, even though it was directed at Sam. Whatever it was, Dean spent the rest of the lesson chastising himself for stepping over the line. He didn't see any of the Novaks for the rest of the morning's lessons, however, he didn't get one or two texts from Gabriel containing dirty jokes. He assumed they were mass-sent to everyone in his contact list, and never expected Gabriel to corner him at lunch.

"Did you get my jokes?"

Dean looked up, confused; "um, yes."

"Good, I thought you'd like them. Right, Sammy around? No, good. I need help pranking him, does he have any fears? Spiders? Worms? You know?"

"...I thought you said you'd keep away from me."

"Don't worry, no one can see us, so come on, spill. Oh, and Cas said he was talking to you earlier, and to tell you he was sorry he stopped emailing, people had started talking to him, and he didn't want them to see he was emailing you. You know, keeping to his word. Oh and thanks for giving us a ride tonight, my dad's a real dick when it comes to actually letting us drive. So anyway, Sammy, need to get him! What's he afraid of?"

Dean nodded trying to take it in; "oh, um, right, I thought I'd said something to offend him... And uh, he's not really afraid of much, maybe, his subscription to his game running out? His laptop breaking?"

Gabriel frowned; "well that's no fun. What game does he play?"

"World of..."

"Warcraft? Michael plays that sometimes, by sometimes I mean, all the fucking time, so... Maybe I could get him to find Sam online and dupe him in raids and stuff!"

Dean laughed; "that's pretty cruel, you have no idea how much he rages when someone steals his kill."

Gabriel laughed; "brilliant! That's what I'll do. Also, I may have left something in your locker... Later!"

Dean sighed and watched Gabriel run off over to the table he shared with his family. He waited a few moments before going over to the table Sam was sat at, tucking in to his burger. As soon as he sat himself down, Chuck and a girl sat down opposite.

"Hey Dean, you don't mind if we...?"

Dean shook his head; "not at all, this Becky?"

The small blonde girl grinned; "you been talking about me?"

"He mentioned you, I'm Dean. This is Sam."

"Hey! Do either of you like Buffy?"

Chuck groaned and began tucking in to his dinner; Sam shot an awkward glance at Dean before shrugging.

"I've seen an episode or two..."

"Oh my God, I have to get you watching it! It's awesome! Spike and Buffy-"

Becky was interrupted by a girl walking over to Sam, holding a blue notepad. When Sam noticed, a wide grin spread across his face.

"Hey Sam, you dropped this on your way out."

"Yeah, thanks a lot."

The girl smiled; "don't mention it, is this, your brother?"

"Oh, yeah, this is Dean, Dean this is Jess."

Dean smirked; "ah, the elusive Jess, Sam's told me a lot about you!"

Sam kicked Dean under the table, trying to smile away his embarrassment.

"Aw, so sweet, anyway, I'll meet you at your locker after lunch, yeah?"

Sam nodded; "yeah. See you later."

"Bye, bye Dean."

"Bye Jess!"

Dean grinned and waved as the girl walked away. As soon as she was gone, Sam spun round and punched Dean in the arm.

"What did you do that for? Now she's going to think I'm weird!"

Dean laughed and made a start on his lunch; "yeah, because you're so normal, Sammy."

Sam scowled and ate his lunch in peace, occasionally glaring over at Dean. However, Dean wouldn't have noticed, every spare moment he got he spent staring at the Novak table. Gabriel was laughing wildly with Anna and he assumed Joshua, by his large bulky size. Castiel was sat on the edge of the table, picking leaves out of his salad at random, not saying a word to anyone, whilst the rest of the family chattered between themselves. Even in his family, he seemed to be a bit outcast, not really talking to anyone, just being alone.

"Have you met any of the Novaks yet?" he suddenly asked, turning to Sam. Sam finished chewing before answering.

"Just the twins, didn't talk to them obviously. No one did, actually, it was just the two of them, arguing..."

Chuck nodded; "they kind of hate each other. Lucifer's the eldest so thinks he's superior. Michael obviously, hates that. But they still spend all their time together, trying to out do each other."

Dean nodded and shoved some more food in to his mouth, averting his gaze back over to the Novaks.

The rest of the day went by without incident. He had French with Gabriel, who continued his barrage of dirty jokes, but in French.

"Do u text every1 jokes or is it just me?"

He saw Gabriel grin across the room.

"2day u, 2morrow Cas, mayb Meg day after... Hu nos."

Shaking his head, Dean left his phone in his jacket pocket, making sure it didn't vibrate too loudly, not wanting to get his phone confiscated. The lesson dragged on, and before Dean knew it, he was meeting Sam by his locker, ready for the walk home.

"I'd call that a good day," Dean grunted, stretching his arms above his head. Sam smirked.

"No threats?"

"Nope, pretty soon I'll just blend in to the background, no one will know who I am."

"Sounds great..."

"Yup, so, how was Jess?"

Sam scowled; "get lost, you're lucky she found you cute!"

Dean grinned; "she thinks I'm cute?"

"Yeah, in the same way old people are cute."

"...Old people are cute?"

"Some, besides, I'm going to her's this Sunday, we have an English project together."

"Ooh, Sammy and Jessica, sitting in a tree."

Sam punched Dean in the arm and quickened his pace to get away. Dean laughed and caught up.

"You know I'm kidding Sammy. Anyway, I'll be out of your hair tonight."

"Oh yeah, your study date with Castiel."

"And Gabriel, and Anna."

Sam nodded; "what time are you going?"

"Oh... I don't know."

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he found he already had a text, from another unknown number.

"Hello, this is Castiel. Texting to tell you to meet us at half six. Is that okay?"

Dean grinned and saved the number to his phone before replying.

"Why are you grinning?"

"Castiel just text me."

Sam grinned too; "aww, moved on from email to text? Next you'll be up on the phone all night, then you'll be having sleepovers-"

He was cut short by a slap round the back of his head.

"Shut up, this is strictly, school related."

"Sure, what did he say?"

"Um, to pick him up at half six."

Sam snorted; "yeah, school."

"Shut up you dick."

"What are you texting back?"

"None of your business."

"Of course I will, love you! Hugs and kisses, Dean!"

Scowling, Dean punched Sam in the arm again and marched off ahead. Sam grinned and happily meandered behind, it not being often he gets to tease Dean.

The instant they got home, Dean rushed up to his room to do as much homework as possible, before jumping in the shower. Downstairs, Bobby was building himself a sandwich when he heard the water turn on.

"What's your brother up to?"

Sam grinned; "he's got a hot date."

"Already? With who?"

"Castiel."

Bobby frowned; "don't be lying, boy."

"I'm not! Maybe it's not a date, and maybe Gabriel and Anna will be there too, and maybe they'll be doing work, but, he's been emailing with Castiel like crazy!"

"A boy can't have a friend?"

"Castiel? I thought he was the friendless wonder."

Bobby shrugged and went back to building his sandwich; "well, maybe it's about time the kid found a friend. What he'd want with Dean though, I haven't a clue. He's more suited to Gabriel, they're both as stupid as each other."

Sam laughed and pulled his homework out of his bag.

Upstairs, Dean had climbed out of the shower and was staring into his wardrobe, wondering what to wear. He was only going out to the library to do some homework, but he felt like a good impression needed to be made. Maybe he could be the one and only friend of Castiel Novak. Glancing at the clock, he began to panic; deciding on a Led Zeppelin top, black over-shirt and his good jeans - the ones which weren't full of rips. He pulled on his boots, grabbed his jacket and went to bound out of the door before Bobby called him back.

"Is Sam right? You're off out with the Novaks?"

"Well, three of them. We're going to the library to do a History project."

"And you always dress up for the library?"

Dean could see Sam grinning like an idiot behind Bobby; "I got changed, besides, I don't want to be the odd one out."

"Uh-huh?"

"Look, I'm late, I'll get some food out, later!"

He leapt out of the house, pulling his keys from his pocket and rushed over to the black '67 Chevy Impala his dad had left for him. Grinning, he slid in to the drivers seat and made his way through town to the cenotaph outside the local park. It was raining, but not heavily, hard enough for people to be hurrying everywhere with umbrellas. He finally pulled up outside the park, Castiel, Anna and Gabriel huddled under a large black umbrella.

"Sorry I'm late, Spanish Inquisition on my way out. Where are you going? Who with? When will you be back?"

Gabriel laughed and walked up to the car; "nice wheels, Dean! She's gorgeous!"

Dean grinned; "I know, right! This is my baby. Hop in."

"Shotgun!"

Gabriel jumped in to the passenger seat, leaving Anna and Castiel to climb in to the back. Glancing up at Castiel through the rear-view mirror, Dean got the car back on the road.

"So, where's this library?"