A/N: I really need to learn to be motivated more often and not just have random bursts of it every few weeks. I was literally only at about 1,600 words when I came back to this today... Now here is the finished chapter.

Saying that, I WAS back down with my girlfriend for a few nights again, and my health has been a bit worse than usual for a couple of days as viruses never mix well with it. So I guess I've done okay considering.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!

I'll Save You

Chapter Six - Bravery

Whether he was faking it or not, Seth's positivity and confidence seemed to grow over the next week. Perhaps slowly, but still, it grew. That was more than anyone could ask for. It seemed like something impossible after everything that happened that day. It's unbelievable that someone could change from thinking that suicide is the only answer to someone, whether it was forced or not, who was smiling. Just having the willpower to smile was something which could be seen as impressive.

It would be something to be proud of even if it was fake, for it takes strength for a person in pain to smile, but what was incredible was how it seemed real.

He was starting to speak again, not just when he was spoken to. There is a difference between simply answering other's questions and starting a conversation yourself. Speaking even when you are not spoken too takes more courage than merely responding to another person's words. Though after everything that happened, even mere answers would have been somewhat impressive. Seth's building confidence was unexpected. Or, at least, the speed that it was growing was.

There were still moments where he felt nervous, or when he would flinch when someone moved near him, but that was understandable. Neither Dean nor Roman expected Seth to change overnight. Just by how he was improving over the space of merely a week was more than they could ask for. Even Daniel, when he came round to visit, mentioned to Dean and Roman that Seth seemed to be more confident than when they had first met. Last time, Seth hadn't said one word. But this time, though he was a little anxious about it at first, joined their conversation and soon realised that he and Daniel got on well together.

Kaitlyn also visited during the week. Her friendly and confident attitude helped to increase the already positive atmosphere in the house even further. She seemed to grow fond of Seth quickly. It was when Roman and Dean were in the kitchen making coffee that the two spoke properly.

"Dean really likes you, you know," she said, leaning back against the sofa with her hands behind her head. "He's protective, but it's in a good way. It's nice to see."

"Roman seems to be a little similar to you. Maybe not protective, but he definitely cares a lot about you," Seth smiled.

"Yeah, I know he does. He and I actually dated for a little while in high school, but it didn't really last."

"You sound like you're a little disappointed about that. Have you missed him?"

"I definitely have. It would be great to try it again, really. Don't tell him I told you that, though! Don't tell Dean, either. Those two are like young teenage girls sometimes."

"I've already noticed that," Seth laughed. Dean and Roman had such an incredibly close friendship, one which anyone would wish for. But sometimes, the way they argued and talked about certain things did make them sound like teenage girls.

"They're joined at the hip, seriously. You could hardly ever separate them in school. Sure, they talked to other people, mainly Daniel, me and a few other people. But sometimes it was like they were in a world of their own. Dean wasn't ever the third wheel when it came to me and Roman – it was always me with those two!"

"I can see why."

"Hopefully they're not like that with you."

"Oh no, I never feel left out around them," Seth said quickly. It wasn't a lie – even if Seth wasn't a part of Dean and Roman's conversation, he was perfectly happy being around to simply listen. Though was often included with their conversations, especially now he was starting to feel completely comfortable around them. He was starting to become closer to Roman as well as Dean, but the latter was the person Seth still, naturally, felt the happiest to be around. He couldn't have been more relieved that it was someone as kind and considerate as Dean who had found him. But that wasn't just the only thing which was a relief; it was also that the two had become friends so easily. With any other person who might have been kind enough to let him stay, it might not have been as easy to get along. But Dean – which both Roman and Kaitlyn also could see – was different than that. It was obvious how much he cared for Seth.

"That's good," Kaitlyn grinned. "I wouldn't want things to be awkward for you while you stay here."

"It's not awkward at all. I feel more at home here than I did in my own home."

"I'm glad, but I personally can't see how you put up with them as well as you do," she joked, winking.

"I feel insulted, Kaitlyn. I thought you liked me more than that," Roman chuckled as he walked into the room, a cup of coffee in his hand. Dean followed him from behind.

"You wish," Kaitlyn smirked.

"It's like you haven't changed at all since school," Dean commented, sitting down on the sofa next to Seth and Kaitlyn.

"I feel the same way about you two."

"We're not that bad."

"No, you are. Trust me," Kaitlyn said, before pushing herself up off the couch. "I should get going now. Paige wants me to go to the mall with her to help find a good birthday present for AJ. If I remember rightly, she said she wanted something which was 'nice', but not 'too bloody romantic, I'm not that sappy.'"

"I knew those two were together," Roman chuckled. "Come on, I'll walk you to the door."

Barely after the two of them left the room, Dean had turned to Seth, smirking.

"Roman clearly has the hots again for Kaitlyn," he said, leaning back on the sofa. "I could tell from miles away."

"You really think so?" Seth questioned.

"Of course. She probably feels the same way about him. It's just a case of them being too scared to admit it to each other."

"They'll probably get together soon enough, if they both feel that way."

"Did Kaitlyn say anything to you about it?"

"...Maybe."

"I can tell that she did," Dean chuckled. "She probably told you not to tell either of us, right?"

"She did."

"That's because she thinks that I would tell Roman straight away. But it's fine, my lips are sealed."

When Roman returned, he raised an eyebrow at Dean and Seth grinning at him.

"Were you two talking about me?"

"Of course not, what makes you think that?"

"Just the way you're looking at me."

"Well, it's me and Seth's little secret," he winked. Seth laughed when Roman sighed deeply.

"If it's about Kaitlyn and I, then you should know that I don't-"

"Yes, yes you do. You can't lie to me, Roman."

"You're right, I can't."

"So go on, she stopped to talk on the phone," Dean said, nodding in the direction of the window. Through it, they could see Kaitlyn sitting on a bench by the sidewalk, just about to end the phone call. "Before she goes and meets AJ, ask her out for a drink or something."

"But I can't-"

"Yes, you can. Go on, now is your chance."

Roman hesitated, before he nodded with a wide smile.

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it," he said, before rushing out of the room and out of the house to catch up to Kaitlyn. Dean chuckled, his eyes landing back on Seth.

"That, Seth, is how one plays their role as Cupid," he said, winking.

The highly positive atmosphere stayed for several more days. It was only when Seth was asked one question that the situation was a little tense.

"It's been a while since you were last out of the house..." Dean had started. "Would you like to come out with Roman and I while we go shopping? Kaitlyn will probably be coming along, too."

Seth's body shuddered when he thought about the last time he had dared to leave. It was the same thing – going out with Dean and Roman while they shopped for groceries. He could hardly believe that he was unlucky enough to come face-to-face with the man who he had been avoiding all these weeks during the one time he had plucked up the courage to go outside. But, he knew that he couldn't allow this past unfortunate event to stop him from leaving the house again, no matter how shaken he had been. How on Earth was he going to move on with his life and prove to himself that Randy isn't in control of him if he didn't?

"I'll come with you. I can't keep staying in the house, even after what happened. I'm not going to get any better that way."

Dean was apparently surprised at that answer. He personally believed that Seth had gotten better even inside the house – Seth probably thought that, too – but he knew that leaving the house once again and facing his fears would do him even more good. And so, he nodded with a smile.

"Come on, then. I told the two of them I'd meet them by the restaurant they went to for lunch. It's on the way to the shops."

The two males grabbed their jackets in the hallway, put on their shoes and left the house. Both of their eyes narrowed when the sun hit them.

"Well, you can certainly tell it's not winter anymore," Dean chuckled.

There was a silence while the two of them walked down the street, though it was comfortable rather than awkward. After a few minutes, however, Seth's previous confidence was beginning to rapidly turn into nervousness. Dean noticed this, and squeezed Seth's hand gently to show his support.

"It's gonna be alright, Seth. Don't worry."

After another couple of minutes, they were met with waves from both Roman and Kaitlyn. Both of them smiled, though their smiles were mainly directed at Seth. They both seemed proud to see him out of the house, and didn't need to voice this. Though Kaitlyn was still not completely informed about everything to do with Randy – Dean was still the person who knew the most – she had already put two and two together and realised that the man she had seen act so threateningly towards Seth in the supermarket was someone he was trying to avoid at all costs.

Seth's nerves were slowly starting to disappear, however, when they were in the process of shopping. Kaitlyn was such a friendly woman and though he was fine with just Roman and Dean's company, she always made times seem brighter. Her and Roman's occasional flirting always led to continuous jokes from Dean, which led to Roman and Kaitlyn's faces going bright red, and tears forming in Seth's eyes as he clutched his stomach from laughter.

By the time the four of them had exited the supermarket, Seth had completely forgotten about his previous worries. That was until, however, he saw a certain figure further down the street. His back was turned, but the tattoos he could make out on the man's arms – one of which was around the shoulders of a blonde girl – were unmistakeable. It's hard to forget the tattoos on the arms of someone whose hands often gripped your throat.

"Seth, you alright?" Dean said when he noticed he stopped walking. His gaze followed Seth's, and his eyes narrowed. He quickly grabbed Seth's hand in an attempt to pull him away – as much as he would have loved to punch Randy's face again, he knew that another confrontation wouldn't be good for Seth. "Let's go, before he sees you."

"No, I can't-"

"What's the matter?" Roman said as he and Kaitlyn walked back towards them.

"It's Randy further down the street," said Dean.

"Oh shit, we should-"

"No, I'm not going," Seth said, looking back at Randy and the girl. "I can't let her get hurt… If he is treating her like he treated me, it won't be long until she's as broken as I am- was. I can't let that happen."

He pulled out of Dean's grasp and quickly walked away before either of them could react in time.

"Seth, wait!" Dean shouted, but by the time he had caught up to Seth, Randy had already turned at the sound of the shout. "Seth, listen to me-"

"Well, I hadn't expected you to be out again so soon," Randy laughed as he stepped forward, stopping when he was stood in front of Seth and Dean, the girl stood by his side. "I thought you would still be cowering in this guy's place like the pathetic little thing you are."

"You fucking bastard," Dean growled, his fists clenching, though Seth didn't seem to be listening to Randy's words. He was, instead, focused on the girl next to him.

"Emma?"

"Seth?" the blonde said, looking shocked.

"Wait, I know you," Dean said. "Your Paige's friend. How do you know Seth?"

"We were in the same art class before he left."

"Emma, listen, this man-"

Seth stopped when he noticed a bruise on the side of her face, mostly covered by her long hair. Any fear that he had previously was replaced by anger.

"And what were you about to say?" Randy questioned, his eyebrow raised.

"You can't stay with him," Seth said, avoiding Randy's eyes and instead kept his gaze on the girl. "You're only going to get more hurt. Trust me, I know."

"Fucking hell, Seth, you're making me seem like such a bad person. She only got that bruise from falling down the stairs."

"Bullshit," Dean spat.

"And now you need a guy to help you fight your battles for you," Randy smirked. "Also, what exactly are those on your wrists?"

Seth quickly tried to roll the sleeves of his hooded top down, but Randy swiftly removed his arm from Emma's shoulders to grab one of Seth's wrists before he had the chance to do so.

"Well, isn't this all too familiar?" Randy chuckled, stroking across the healing cuts with one finger. "So you tried to kill yourself again, huh? Guess you seeing Paul and I got to you worst than I thought. Jesus Christ, Seth, at least try to do something right..."

Randy didn't have the chance to say much more before, once again, Dean's fist met his cheek. He didn't just stop there, however. He dug his knee straight into Randy's stomach, and when the man fell to his knees, he was pushed to the floor. Dean climbed on top of him, his fists pounding into him in between his shouts.

"You have no right to treat anyone this way! You're fucking going to pay for everything you've done to him, do you hear me? You're going to get exactly what you deserve!"

"Dean, that's enough!" Roman shouted from behind them. He grabbed onto Dean's shoulders and pulled him off Randy. Even with his muscles, it was difficult for him to, and it was only Kaitlyn's assistance that allowed him to manage it. Both of them had to hold him back for a few moments – it was clear that Dean was so angry, if he was let go, they probably wouldn't be able to stop him a second time.

Randy was now struggling to push himself to his knees. Seth was frozen to the spot for a moment, far too stunned at the sight of Randy, the man he had assaulted by many times, so beaten. He was glad that Dean had stopped, but then there was a small part of him which felt somewhat satisfied to see Randy like this, though he quickly felt guilty about that satisfaction.

"You fucking brat," Randy spat, wiping blood away from his mouth. "Getting your boyfriend to hit me because you can't do it yourself."

"Actually, I'm not his boyfriend," Dean said, a little calmer than he was a moment ago. "And he didn't get me to hit you. I just wanted to do that myself."

"I'll get you thrown behind bars for this!"

"Try it."

"Come on, Dean, that's enough," Roman murmured. He was about to help Randy off the ground, but his hand was pushed away. The man stumbled to his feet, glaring at Dean.

"You'll pay for this."

His eyes then turned to Emma, who had been watching them silently.

"Are you coming, or what?"

"No," she said. Her voice shook a little, but her gaze on him was firm. "I don't want to be treated badly anymore. These last couple of days have been awful for me, and I don't deserve it. I never want to see you again."

Randy's eyes narrowed further, though he left without another word. Emma looked at the others, smiling.

"Thank you… I probably wouldn't have had the courage to stand up to him myself."

"Would you like us to escort you home?" Roman asked.

"No, that's okay. I was going to see Paige soon anyway; I'll call her."

Roman nodded, and after another thank you and farewells, Dean, Seth, Roman and Kaitlyn began to make their way back. Dean's anger hadn't even settled fully by the time they arrived at the house. He slumped down onto the sofa, sighing. While Roman and Kaitlyn went to the kitchen to make coffee, Seth sat down next to Dean.

"I couldn't stand him speaking to you like that," Dean said. "It was awful. He's one of the most vile people I've ever met. I couldn't just sit back and let him treat you like that."

"I understand why you hurt him," Seth replied. "You don't need to explain yourself."

"What you did was brave, though. Going up to him like that, all so you could help that girl. Honestly, if that isn't courage, I don't know what is. You faced your fears so someone else didn't have to live the life you did. You should be proud of that, Seth, you really should."

Now that he thought about it, he was surprised that he had managed to do what he did. But the last thing he wanted was to see another person be hurt the way he did – especially someone he knew. He was willing to face the person he was the most terrified of to help someone else.

And that was definitely something he could be proud of.

A/N: Thanks so much for all of your reviews for this story. I'm so grateful for all of the positivity I have received! Each time I update I think to myself that the chapter is a disappointment, or that people are getting more and more impatient with me, but you always prove that wrong in your reviews. I appreciate that so much.

I think there are only going to be a few more chapters now. I'm not fully sure exactly how many, but I was aiming to make this about the same amount of chapters as Hostage, so it probably won't be that long until the end (well, by that I mean the chapters, not actual time as we all know how long I can take to update). I do apologise if that is a disappointment for anyone, but like I mentioned in Hostage, unless I have an idea I know for certain I can keep motivated with for many chapters, I don't like to make stories too long as I tend to lose motivation for it and end up rushing.

But anyway, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!