Flashbacks are Italic.

Benjamin POV

Benjamin walks through the hallways without paying any attention to the people around him. He fails to see everyone moving out of his way or making themselves scarce. His mind is just too preoccupied with what he saw yesterday in the training room.

Benjamin stands on the side of the room as he watches two trainees spar. From time to time, the trainees smile at each other or banter without stopping trading blows. Slowly a crowd gathers around them. A few voices begin to cheer on the side while others harass one of the combatants. This view brings back good memories were it not for who those two trainees are.

He looks at them closely. Another blow is traded which is accompanied by a smile. He frowns at this. They're close. So close. Since when? Last he heard, they had a strained if not an outright antagonistic relationship. So what changed this? And when? A voice speaking next to him draws him out of his contemplation.

"Ah, Benjamin, how are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine, Robert. I'm just watching this sparring match."

"Yeah, you're doing that and also being confused by it based on the look on your face. So what's so interesting about it?"

"Maybe I'm surprised or I could be surprised by this recent development."

"Recent development? Oh, you mean Dean and Noah's friendship. That must be what you find so interesting about this sparring match."

"Yes, it is. Do you know how that came to be?"

"How? I'm not sure. All I know is that things changed between those two after that one particular hunt."

"The one where Dean saved Noah's life? I've heard about it. I just can't believe it's the reason why their interactions changed so drastically."

"It certainly seems to be the reason. I know they spend a lot of time together but can't be sure what caused this change exactly. All I know about is that hunt so…"

"I get what you're pointing out but I disagree with you. There's something else which caused it. That hunt might have been the beginning but it's not the full reason and that's what I'm trying to find out."

"Here? I doubt you'll find the answers here. You'll only see how close they've gotten. Mhh, maybe if we're lucky then we're able to see two Parabatai sparring. Wouldn't that be great?"

"Parabatai? Where did you get that idea from? They're close yes but they don't know each other for long. So I doubt they'll make that decision and besides neither has mentioned anything in that direction before, so…"

"Come on, I was just teasing. It's a great dream, I admit, but a dream. So, I did not mean anything with it. But Benjamin, maybe if you want to know, you should just seek those boys out and ask them."

"Maybe I will. If only they are willing to tell me."

"You won't know until you talk to them."

He knows what Robert said is true but it doesn't mean he likes it. He won't know the real answers until he has talked to them both. To do that, he's seeking out Noah. And depending on what he learns, he'll execute the plan he's been forming till now. It'll also tell him if he needs to seek out Dean later. But first, Noah.

Turning a corner, he realizes he's nearly reached his goal. A goal he decided on after questioning a few people about Noah's whereabouts. He walks a bit further until he stops when a door opens in the background. He stops and watches a familiar form leave the room. He smiles. This is even better.

"Noah!"

Noah turns and looks around. When their eyes meet, Noah's eyes widen. Whatever goes through Noah's mind, he can't tell fully due to the distance between them but he has some ideas. He steps forward and at the same time, Noah shuffles toward him.

"Grandfather, is something wrong?"

"Nothing's truly wrong. There's just something I'd like to talk about with you."

"Of course."

"Shall we return to your room?"

Noah nods but says no more. As they quietly walk towards Noah's room, he glances at his grandson who just stares ahead. He knows what this means but can't do anything about it right now. A door opening has him looking up to see Noah stepping into his room. He follows in silence. Once they're in the room Noah looks at him questionably but also hesitantly. He quickly addresses it and explains what he wants to discuss.

"Mhh, I'm sure you've heard enough about it."

"Yes, I have but I want to hear it from you."

It takes him a while to reassure Noah that he has good intentions. He does not even have to wonder where this suspicion comes from. But in the end, he succeeds.

"Well, he's still much a stranger to our society but he's learning. He's a skilled scout and hunter and a valuable addition to this institute. … What more?"

"What do you think of him personally?"

He bites back a smile as Noah glares at him. Thankfully, Noah quickly responds.

"Well, he's loyal to a fault to his family - and also to his friends, I'm sure of it -, dedicated, and skilled. He never leaves anyone behind and never gives up on a mission even if he fails to deal with all demons in one night. He just goes back the next day to finish it."

"You say he's trustworthy?"

"Yes, but why do you ask, grandfather? You've trained him in the beginning. It's something you should know."

"Can I not be interested in what you think about him."

Noah glares once more. Their following conversation is much like the bickering he's observed Noah doing with Issy. In the end, he has to explain himself much to his dislike.

"It's not enough to my liking. I know what I have seen in a controlled area. I have only heard about the hunts he participated in but never have I been able to actually see him in action. So, I want to hear other opinions."

Noah raises an eyebrow as if he is unconvinced by his answer. He knows why he asked and what he has said and has hidden. But Noah notices he won't elaborate on his own. He smiles wryly. Noah narrows his eyes. Their conversation quickly turns into an interrogation which surprises him as he hasn't expected this from Noah.

"I have heard the rumors but you know how reliable they are. With that, I mean that they will contain some piece of the truth but whether or not they are completely true can't be determined without going to the source. So …"

Noah sighs and glares at him. He knows how this is going to end. He waits patiently for Noah to speak up which doesn't take long.

"Well, Dean's a skilled hunter who always looks out for others. I've been able to talk with him about some scouting missions. It helped me finish them with good results. He always has good advice."

"So you're fellow trainees who assist each other?

"Not only that; we're friends who look out for each other."

"Mhh, and I'm sure you'd like to hunt with him some more in the future right?"

"If it's possible but I'm not in charge of assigning teams for hunts."

"Mhh, maybe I can…"

He knows his son. Maybe he can arrange something but better not to tell Noah until he fully arranges it. Well, better to be silent about it and have it be a surprise. It will show them what Noah still needs to learn about leadership. He tilts his head. Maybe it is a good idea to make the first time a joined leadership with Dean. They can learn a lot from each other through this. It is important as he feels Dean will be highly important as a leader in time.

"Yes, grandfather? What are you conspiring about this time?"

"Nothing important, I was just lost in my thoughts but do tell me more about your interactions."

Noah pouts and nods before beginning to explain about their meetings in the library and one meeting in the War room. He gets the impression Noah is leaving something out but doesn't call him out on it. From what he hears, he already gains a good impression of how the pair works together. It only reinforces his idea to put them in charge of a hunt soon.

A few hours later, Benjamin walks out of his son's office with relaxed shoulders and an easy smile. After he left Noah, (Noah seemed to be confused and worried at that time but he has no idea as to why) he went to see his son with one purpose in mind. He smiles as he remembers their conversation.

As he enters the room, he is immediately confronted by his son who questions his presence. He tries to downplay it but fails to do so based on the reaction he receives.

"If that was your real reason for coming, yes, but I know you Dad; you're here for something so why are you here?"

"Alright, I need to discuss something with you."

"And that is?"

"Are you aware Noah has struck up a friendship with Dean?"

"You mean Dean Silverhood; the newcomer? Yes, I've heard about it though I have to admit I don't know the details about it."

"I doubt anyone but those two know those details. I've tried to get a read on them but only partially succeeded. Noah wasn't interested in sharing much but I think I managed to learn a few things."

Joshua taps on the desk and looks at him insistently. He looks to the side and knows what this means. Within a few minutes of silence, Joshua questions him about his discoveries. It is a question he is more than willing to answer.

"I feel they might become a good team if we foster it a bit more."

"A good team for what?"

"For leading hunts to begin with. It would give them an opportunity to prove themselves."

"Leading a hunt? They're teenagers, father. We never let teenagers lead a hunt unless it's absolutely necessary."

It quickly becomes a typical argument at least for them. He pushes for his idea while Joshua refuses to change their customs. Even though he taught him the importance of change. It's something he points out. Joshua sighs.

"You've indeed done that but I am not comfortable with letting a sixteen and fourteen-year-old lead a hunt."

"They will have each other and it will show Noah you trust him. You can't coddle him all the time."

Joshua glares at him while his amusement grows. Has he won? Maybe? The chances are certainly moving in his direction. Now, he only needs to make sure it moves entirely in his direction. A grin grows on his face as Joshua begins to pout and crosses his arms.

"Come on, you know I am right. If it settles your nerves then you can assign someone to keep an eye on them and report back to you."

"To me? I know you, father; you will know what goes on long before I do."

"Now, why would I do that?"

"Because that is how you are. So fine, I'll let them lead a mission only if they'll be writing a report later. That way, I'll know how it went and you can only stick your fingers into it after the mission is finished."

"That is fine but why were you so …"

Joshua just turns back to the papers before him and ignores him. He sighs. Well, he got what he wanted so he can't complain.

Dean POV

"So what do you say about our new assignment, Noah?"

"I'm not confused we got this assignment but it surprises me that we've been given the lead. They've never before let trainees lead a mission."

"Even for a simple scouting mission where they don't expect anything to go wrong?"

"Yes, especially for those. You know how it goes, right? You've experienced it with your family before."

"True, because when you don't expect it, something goes horribly wrong. But do you like it?"

"Yes, especially since we've already made plans. Now we only need to make sure they follow our plan."

"Yeah but not in a way which means we bully them into it."

"Would that really be a problem?"

"Would you follow someone who bullies you into doing something, Noah?"

"No, you're right, Dean, we shouldn't bully them."

The door opens behind them. It prevents him from responding. However, he notices the look on Noah's face and doesn't like it. He suspects Noah was lying to him or to them both. Footsteps echo in the room. Dean turns around and watches the trainees trail into the room. He catches a few familiar faces and smiles. Before long, the last member of their team enters the room.

"Good afternoon, I'm sure I don't need to tell you what's happening tonight."

All heads shake before him. He nods. He looks them over to see if there's someone who disagrees. When he doesn't find anyone, he explains what they'll be doing. A few times, someone offers a suggestion which is quickly shot down by Noah. He repeatedly shares a look with Noah wondering what he's doing before shaking his head. He knows what Noah's doing; the thing he promised not to do. It just proves his suspicion is right. Noah doesn't respond to his look. He shakes his head and turns back to his explanation.

Once he turns back to the conversation he notices the argument which broke out in the room. The others are fighting Noah on his dismissal of their suggestions. Noah fights back in the same manner. He sighs and clenches his fist. The argument grows louder. It's too much.

"Quiet! You all should fuck off if you can't talk normally. We have some things to go through yet and this useless fighting doesn't help."

He turns back to the next part which needs to be explained. Again suggestions are made. And again Noah dismisses them. And again the others fight Noah on it. Luckily, without shouting this time. At least, they've listened to him. Only once he intervenes is a solution made. This process repeats itself multiple times.

About thirty minutes later, he's boiling on the inside. Noah's been doing the same thing nearly every time someone offers a suggestion or protests. He's not even listening to their words. It's driving him crazy and it has to stop. Right now.

"Let's take a short break. We'll continue soon."

"Dean?"

He can tell Noah's annoyed but ignores it for now. The others stand up and move around the room. Within moments, chattering breaks out. He doesn't listen to it but turns to Noah with narrowed eyes. Noah crosses his arms. Dean sighs and motions for Noah to follow him. He guides them to a secluded corner.

"Noah, what were you just doing right now?"

"What I was doing? Making sure everything goes right. They were trying to sabotage things. They …"

"What did you promise me before?"

"That I won't bully them and I'm not doing that."

"You are. You're not letting them speak their mind."

"I don't have to do that if they are being stupid and needlessly difficult."

"The only one who's difficult is you, Noah."

"I'm not. I …"

Dean takes a deep breath knowing he's won this. He has to admit Noah has a point because only a few ideas were sound. The others were either impossible to use or just plain stupid. And on those, he wouldn't have agreed on either. But luckily no decision has been made. With Noah realizing what he's done wrong they can ensure everything goes fine. Or as much as one can do before the mission. He knows his track record; something will go wrong during the mission. It's just a matter of waiting. Besides, it's not something they can prepare for. Noah sighs.

"You're right, I shouldn't have reacted as I did."

"Good and you should know there are ideas which I don't agree with. So we've got to ensure the good ideas are better worked out and the bad ones dismissed. Without bullying them into it, that is."

"And how will we do that?"

"Just follow my lead."

"Follow your lead? You've got ideas on how to handle them?"

"Yeah."

He nods encouragingly. Noah looks at him confused. He smiles. Noah continues to stare. He nods once more. Noah sighs. His smile turns to a grin.

"Come on, Noah. Let's finish this."

"Yeah, couldn't agree more with you on that."

So said, they return to the front of the room and call everyone back. Once everyone sits, they make short work of working out their plan while at the same time handling the suggestions of the others. When a dangerous suggestion is made, Dean quickly explains the dangers of it. Something Noah catches on too quickly for he joins him. It ends with the suggestion being abandoned without much fighting. Afterward, it is repeated a few times but with Noah pointing out the dangers. Those suggestions which are useful, he talks about in more detail to make them useful. All this ensures the meeting goes quickly.

"Now that we've gone over our strategy for tonight and have some time left, I think we can prepare ourselves alone."

"Yeah, and we can rest a bit."

"You mean, we can study."

"Yeah, you and studying. It's all you ever talk about."

The room ends up in bickering while Dean shares a look with Noah as smiles grow over their faces. They let the bickering continue for a while before dismissing everyone.

Later that night

Dean watches the others move around carefully. They've got their marks well covered this way. Now the only one remaining is his and Noah's; Where is it? He looks around. After a short time, he finds his mark. He sighs. Now, where's Noah? He can't find him. He moves a bit forward without losing sight of their mark. His eyes widen. There's Noah. A grin grows on his face.

"Noah, have you lost our mark?"

"What? Lost our mark. Never. You've more than likely lost him."

"Never."

"Then why did you accuse me of doing so?"

"Accuse you? I'd never do that. I was merely checking to see if you're paying attention."

"Why would you need to check it?"

Their bantering continues for a while. From time to time, laughter breaks out between them. And despite all this, they don't lose sight of their mark. Their mark does glance backward at times when they laugh. It tells him enough. They've found a good mark. Now, they've got to keep an eye on him until it can be dealt with accordingly.

He bites his lips. He doesn't like this way of dealing with them but knows he's got no choice. He can't fight it. At least not now. So he's got to bide his time until he can or until he can return to his family. But now, he's got to enjoy this peaceful scouting for as long as it lasts.

Isobel POV

Isobel looks into the hallway as tonight's hunting party returns. She has no interest in practically the entire party. No, her eyes only follow two boys. Boys who are leaning against each other and who laugh together. Those boys seem so comfortable around each other. It is as if tonight's hunt was a great past-time for them.

She bites her lips. An uneasy feeling grows in her. She doesn't know what it is. Nor can she tell where it comes from. All she knows is that she doesn't like it. It's as if she's jealous because it's not unlike how she felt when she was jealous in the past. However, it can't be jealousy. It just can't be. She likes Dean. Noah's her brother. So what's there for her to be jealous about? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Her eyes remain on them as she tries to ignore her feelings. Emphasis on try. No matter what she tries, the feeling remains. It increases with each passing second her eyes remain on them. She shakes her head and storms away. She can't stay here a minute longer. She needs to do something else but what?

Isobel thinks about it for a moment before she lets her mind wander. It instantly turns back to every previous interaction she has had with Dean and Noah together. Her feelings during those events she can't quite place. Just like before. However, she remembers clearly what she saw and heard. Their easy conversations or bantering, their relaxed body language, their teasing, and much, much more. Even their defense of each other.

It is all in stark contrast to how they acted around each other before that one hunt (she clearly remembers the aftermath of that hunt). They were highly distrustful and antagonistic with each other. It brings back feelings which she can identify easily. It is a feeling of ease and happiness. But why? Why? It makes no sense whatsoever.

Her eyes widen. She knows why but it can't be. She's not sure if she likes it. However, as she thinks about this, her mind moves back to what she felt just now. She clenches her fists. She takes a deep breath as she considers what these feelings truly mean for her. They mean she likes Dean a lot and wants to spend as much time with him as possible. But what about her dream? She bites her lips. It might never come true if she pursues these feelings. Something she is not sure if she will do yet. There's just so much she's got to figure out.

However, one thing she knows for certain; she's jealous of their close bond. And if she's honest with herself then she has felt it at least once before. So what will she do knowing this? She is not sure. She can do a few things. She shakes her head. She knows she felt jealousy of their close bond - that's for sure- however, it can't be hampering her. It just can't be.

She shakes her head once more. She's imagining things the more she thinks about it. She has to. Nevertheless, her mind keeps wandering back to what she just saw. Her feelings keep returning. It has to stop. It has to. But no matter how much she tries, she can't push it away. She sighs. She has to look at these feelings and determine how to handle them. Whether it is to let it fester or to accept them and let them go. She's just not sure what she'll really do.