The next couple of days were quite hectic for Seth. As expected, he was summoned to be questioned by the academy.

They had started off with the testimony from his Rune Master. Hearing him talk about their training and how Seth left. Orton occasionally had looked at Seth to see his reactions but Seth had just tried to be cool about it. But on the inside he had been a total wreck and really just wanted to make himself as small as possible.

After they were finished with Orton, they had turned their full attention to Seth. It had been every emotion all over again. Hearing the accusations and how they didn't seem to believe his case was true. He had kind of been prepared for some of it because both his father and Mr Helmsley had been talking about this happening. But it had still been overwhelming and frustrating. Seth hadn't been able to talk about anything but the truth of what had happened. And they still hadn't seemed to believe him; thinking he just made everything up to avoid the sealing, just using the monster issue as an excuse. He had tried mentioning Dean and Roman again, but they weren't to be heard because they weren't the academy's business. Seth hadn't liked that. Those men were his witnesses…

But then the Guild's intervention had been brought up, and Mr Helmsley had made an appearance to speak for the Guild and his Hunters. He had talked to them beforehand as well, this was more like a formality from his side. Maybe that was the reason why Dean and Roman hadn't been summoned as well. Because the head of the Guild had made Seth their business. Or maybe they weren't available. But why would they be out then they were his witnesses? He knew he sounded selfish, but the thought had just popped up anyway. Why did he even care so much about them…?

Anyway, the academy hadn't seemed to take the Guild master seriously, so Seth had felt quite relieved when they finally started to talk about the arrangement between the academy and the Guild.

Mr Helmsley had had a meeting with the Rune Masters, telling them about his findings in young Mr Rollins. And as the academy had been leaning towards Seth's sealing, they had agreed on the Guild's terms, how unusual it may have been: Seth was supposed to prove he could handle his Magic, show proof that he knew his Magic levels and how to use his Magic wisely. If he was Exhausted, he would fail. A fail meant sealing, nothing strange about that. He didn't know what the Trial was about though, that would be revealed on the day for the Trial. There would be Rune Masters around, observing him and deciding if he'd pass or not. And then there was this special arrangement: if Seth was approved he'd join the Guild, which would be training him to become a Hunter.

Seth suspected the reason why the academy agreed on this was because they expected Seth to fail, mostly because of his still quite new Runes, and the fact that he hadn't fulfilled the Rune training and failed to be recommended. They didn't think he could do it, so that he'd be sealed in any case.

It was not something that had been said out loud, it was more of the vibes the company sent out.

Orton had just rolled his eyes at the Guild's terms, and had spat out that Seth wasn't fit to become a Hunter. But that hadn't been any of his business as this arrangement had already been decided.

But it sure was a very rare arrangement, a recommendation from someone that wasn't a Rune Master.

His parents were worried about Seth's Trial. They seemed a little supportive this time around that he'd pass it at least, seemed like they actually had some faith in their son's abilities. But they just couldn't avoid the talk about the threat of becoming sealed. It was like they always had to put this negative tone to any conversation. How sad it would be if Seth was sealed, him being a Healer and all. Seth didn't need that. He really didn't have the intention of failing. He had his Trial and he had something to fight for, but all this negative reminders of the sealing made it hard for him to focus. Mostly because how discouraged he'd become over these past few days. He almost didn't recognize himself in that… but it was some major doubt that had been sown in him.

But having that Trial really was something positive. He didn't need his parents' what-ifs and buts. Why couldn't they just be like a normal family and support him already…

They had been relieved hearing about the Trial, but they hadn't been too happy about the conditions. Firstly the sealing, of course, but secondly the fact that he'd become a Hunter if he passed. When he passed, he wanted to think. His aunt didn't like Hunters, never had, so she nagged about that. His mother was just worried in general. But Seth thought he'd be fine, he had managed that battle before, and he'd be getting some training. He knew how to protect himself. And others.

His father said he had always wanted Seth to become a medic at the hospital, using his Healing ability to help people. But Seth would be helping people with his Magic being a Hunter too.

It wasn't like he could turn the offer down. He'd be sealed, and he couldn't just accept that. And he wanted to be a Hunter, and Mr Helmsley believed in him. Kind of handpicked him actually, and succeeding in making a Guild-academy arrangement.

Seriously… he didn't understand his parents at all. Okay, so they were proud of him and wanted him to succeed. But why wasn't he allowed to make his own decisions? Living his own life…?

They really put some major expectations on him, because of the Healing… they probably were very scared before of losing the Runes because of the unapproved Magic. And maybe they were scared of losing him when he became a Hunter.

But he was so happy to have gotten this opportunity. This was all he ever wanted. He couldn't fail.

He tried to tell himself that at least.

So here he sat, on a bench in the small park in the middle of Authority, awaiting his Trial. The summoning had been received the same morning and now it was soon time. He didn't want to be home and wait, he could sit here instead, trying to do some not-at-home focusing surrounded by some nature.

He was nervous of course. Had he thought of everything? He knew his attacks and defence. All his spells. He knew his Runes. He wondered what the Trial would be. Like his training? If it was, it shouldn't be a problem, but what if it was like Orton's curve balls…? Thankfully Orton wouldn't be attending though.

He tried to calm himself. He got this… He knew his Runes…

His Runes…

He totally froze. He was low on his Magic levels…!

Shit…!

He almost got into panic mode. Why were his Runes almost depleted? Then he realized. He hadn't Re-Set them after the fight together with Dean and Roman. How the hell could he have overlooked that…!?

He quickly got up on his feet. He had about two hours before the Trial. And he needed two hours of Recovery for his Runes to be stable. Unstable Runes would be devastating.

He didn't have much time.

How could he be so stupid? Re-Setting one's Runes was the most basic and vital thing for a Rune Bearer. He couldn't believe how that detail had totally flown out of his mind.

Shit… shit… shit…

His best bet was going back home, hoping his parents were still at home. Audience wasn't allowed at the Trial so they wouldn't be around. His father was probably at work though, but he worked in the field, and who knew where he was. But maybe his mother would be home… with his aunt… Beggars can't be choosers. He just hoped they would still be at home. They had said something about them maybe going out. Shit… what if they were out. He hated having to ask someone else to Re-Set him. The process of Re-Setting left this strange tingly feeling and having it in the presence of someone else made him feel bad. Having someone random making him feel like so… His parents were okay though. But it still was awkward.

May his mother be home…

He left the park and headed down the alleyways to find the fastest route home. Swiftly, he turned a corner.

And hit the ground.

"Ouch…" he said, looking up. He was shocked by the sight.

Dean.

"Um… hi?" he said, suddenly feeling very foolish to have been bumping into him twice. Seriously, who did that?

"You…" Dean just said, giving him a look. Seth couldn't make out the kind of it though. It could be annoyed, or it could be surprised. Maybe both.

The mage got up on his feet. "Sorry…" he mumbled. "I didn't mean to run into you again…"

"Yeah, whatever…" Dean went past him so keep heading his direction.

Seth suddenly was hit by a thought. Would Dean be able to Re-Set him? He hated to ask a stranger, but Dean, well… they had at least met before…

"D-Dean…?" he said, his heart beating hard in his chest.

The Hunter just kept walking.

"Dean…! Please wait", he said, running after him. If he asked Dean, he just might be able to Recover before the Trial.

"What?" Dean actually stopped and turned.

Seth put his hair behind his ear, looking down in pure embarrassment. He almost felt like it was below his dignity of sorts, having to ask this of Dean.

"I… I need your help…" he said, feeling his cheeks heat up.

"I don't owe you anything", the Hunter said.

"No no… it's nothing like that. Please… I… I need you to Re-Set me…!" he knew he sounded desperate. But then again, he kind of was…

"No way", Dean started to walk off again.

Seth wouldn't let him. He grabbed his arm, only to be swatted away. "I said no." Dean gave him a hard stare.

"I'm sorry… but I need your help. I'm having this Trial in a couple of hours and I'm low on Magic", Seth said quickly.

"Then just Re-Set yourself." He made another move to leave him.

"I can't!" Seth almost shouted, trying to get his attention. Dean froze and Seth looked at him, straight into his eyes. "I can't… I can't reach it myself…" he continued, feeling even more embarrassed again, this time to admit his weakness. "I'm unable to Re-Set myself… I have my Rune on my back…"

Dean gave him another long look.

"Please Dean… I need help… I have my Trial… I have to pass or I'm sealed… without my Magic I can't pass… I'm gonna be sealed… and without my Magic… I'm…" He felt his eyes sting, but he really didn't want to cry. As always when he got emotional, he started to ramble. "I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't serious. I can't just ask anyone to do this… Dean… I beg you…. Can you please Re-Set me?"

Dean hadn't taken his eyes off him.

"I… I can't do it…" he said, his voice had reluctance instead of his normal hostility. Or was Seth just having wishful thinking, making Dean sound softer…?

"I know you don't like me… but please… I beg you… I know I have no right what-so-ever to ask you… but I'm desperate. I need time for Recovery, and that time's running out. I can't go to the Trial with unstable Runes… Dean…"

Time really started to tick away from him, convincing Dean took precious minutes from his Recovery. Should he try to just ask a stranger instead? He really wanted to avoid that at all costs. He really didn't want just anyone to do it…

But Dean turned around again and Seth felt like this was really to try to talk to a wall. He had tried… he had no other choice than to ask someone else if he was to be Recovered in time.

He turned to walk away, already scanning the area to see someone, hopefully familiar. In worst case, anyone.

"Where is it?"

Seth quickly turned again, staring incredulously at Dean's back. "What…?"

"The Rune, stupid."

"O-on my back." His heart started to beat faster again.

The Hunter turned and faced him, his face expressionless and he didn't look directly at him.

Seth felt very shy all of a sudden as he turned away a little again and pushing his back piece of his coat aside, revealing his Runes to Dean. "It's the most middle one…" It felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest. "Between the shoulder blades." He made a small nervous pause. "Um… can you… can you hug me…? It would make it feel less awkward", Seth said before he managed to stop himself. Come on, Seth as if this situation wasn't awkward enough as it was! He cursed himself.

He was certain he had totally blown it by having his emotionally driven mouth of his ramble on when he was turned and actually was embraced by the taller man. He stiffened, but put his arms around the man as well, automatically returning the hug. Dean's hand found its way on his back, placing it on his spine, between the shoulder blades, as instructed.

Seth felt his Runes being refilled with energy, leaving him all tingly. He involuntarily pressed himself closer to Dean. Having some body contact always helped him through his Re-Set (which also was a reason why he didn't want just anyone to do it).

He saw the silhouette of a couple of men walk past them as they stood there, seemingly hugging, but he didn't care, he closed his eyes, riding the refilling through.

But this felt differently. The tingling wasn't as sharp, it was more like… fluttering? It still felt weird, but it didn't feel… bad?

It was over in maybe seconds but it always felt longer due to the energy surge as it was transferred. He soon felt his Runes sending out less energy, meaning they were filled up and unstable, leaving him clueless about his levels.

Even though the process was over, he found himself just standing there. Being held by those arms. It was weird but it felt… safe…

"Is it done…?"

His feeling was interrupted and he realized it was Dean's arms. He pulled himself away from him, feeling embarrassed all over again, this time over having had some… secure feelings.

"… Thank you…" he said quietly, but sincerely.

"Yeah, sure whatever." Dean avoided eye contact, and tried looking cool by scratching the back of his head.

Seth felt drained. The Runes made him feel light-headed, his vision got a little blurred and his hearing was muffled, like he was in water.

"Hey, you okay?" he heard Dean say, or thought it was anyway. Seth lifted his hand to wave it off when he felt himself wobble, and fell to the ground.


Seth came around sometime later. He didn't know where he was but he remembered being Re-Set.

Shit…! The Trial…!

What was the time!? He quickly sat up, realizing he had been lying down on a bench, and started to look around for his bag in where he had a pocket watch.

It was then he noticed he wasn't alone on the bench. Dean was still with him. Sitting beside him. Closely.

"Time to wake up now, princess?" he asked.

Seth decided not to comment on stupid remark that as he looked for his bag.

"You okay?"

"Where's my bag?" Seth asked, started to feel stressed out.

"This?" Dean said and reached over his other side and handed over the knitted carrying item. Seth grabbed it from him and quickly rummaged around in it, finding his watch.

Seriously?

He had an hour left before the Trial? What the? He focused on his Runes. He could feel his levels… They were full and completely stable. He was Recovered? How was that possible? He had a Recovery time of two hours. He had developed his Recovery capacity? Just like that? He wouldn't complain that it had happened now though, considering the limited time he got.

Then he was yet again reminded that he wasn't alone. Dean was still here…

"Um…" he said. "Thank you… but you didn't have to stay…"

"You collapsed", Dean said, as if that said everything.

"Well… it was just my Recovery…" Seth said, scratching the back of his head. Usually it wasn't like that. He could become sleepy and such, but he figured this wasn't anything too out of the ordinary. He had been under a lot of stress lately. It probably took its toll.

"It wasn't like I was worried about you or anything. Just felt like it would be bad for a scrawny kid like you to be sleeping in the street", Dean said, having some major don't-care attitude.

"That's very nice of you…" Seth said shyly.

"Don't you dare tell anyone, don't wanna ruin my reputation."

Seth smiled at that. He didn't get one in return though. Not that he expected one. "Thank you for helping me… I feel bad having to ask you… it's just…" he continued but didn't get to the end of his sentence.

"Don't mention it, okay." Dean seemed quite uncomfortable.

But Seth was curious. "Why'd you do it?"

"I dunno, okay? Just drop it, alright."

Seth didn't get him. Dean didn't like him, but he still helped him. And he had stayed during his… collapse as he had described it. But the guy obviously avoided the subject. Seth guessed he shouldn't press the matter, but he was still very curious about the Hunter's reasoning. And he still hadn't left; Seth was awake and fine.

"What?" Dean said. He must have caught Seth starting. Had he been staring…? How embarrassing…!

"Um…" he tucked his hair behind his ear. "N-nothing…"

Awkward silence. Seth glanced sideways towards the Hunter, noticing he had cuts and bruises on his body again. He probably was back from another mission. The initial thought was of Healing him, but then he hesitated because of how Dean had reacted before. And maybe he needed the Magic later on.

"I'm nervous…" Seth said instead. He wasn't sure why he kept on trying to start conversations with him. "Having this Trial and all… what if I'm not good enough? What if I fail and get sealed? I don't know what else I'd do… What if I'm too finely tuned… my Master said I was… What if-"

"You think too much."

"Huh?" Okay, there he was. Of course Dean couldn't be friendly for too long. Seth felt his shoulders sink, feeling bad. Yeah… he thought a lot… as if he could help it. He had always been considered smart and now Dean was going to take that away from him too? As Orton took away his Magic confidence. Was he really that weak? Letting just anyone ruin his spirit…?

"Just go on instinct", Dean continued, surprising Seth again. "You obviously did that before."

During the fight? Yeah… he guessed it had been a lot of instinct going on there. But then again, that was the reason why he was in this situation. Of course, he could become a Hunter, but there's always the fear of failing.

But he had managed before, during the fight. And he had received a very rare kind of recommendation. He just couldn't blow it. His strengths were his brains and his Magic control. He couldn't do it any other way. Those were his assets. Was that the instinct Dean talked about?

And he had promised Mr Helmsley he wouldn't fail. He believed in him. Even though Seth had just been telling him about his performance… had Dean and Roman talked to him? Or as the head of the Guild, he guess he had eyes and ears everywhere. Who knew what kind of connections he had. But still…

"Shut up, man, your thinking is giving me a headache."

Seth was abruptly taken back to reality. He wondered if that was even possible, to give Dean a headache for thinking. But he stayed silent for a while.

"Dean… why don't you like me…?" Where did that come from?

The Hunter kept his inscrutable gaze on him.

"It has something to do with me being a Rune Bearer, isn't it? Then… why are you helping me?"

Dean rose from the bench.

"I'm sorry…!" Seth said quickly, feeling he really had tread too far now. "It's just that… I don't understand."

"I don't have to explain myself. Okay, I helped you, but that's it. I just did, deal with it. Impulse or whatever. Better be passing that freaking Trial now, you hear? Don't want my effort to be wasted."

He started to walk off.

"Thank you~" Seth called after him. Not just because of the Re-Set and staying with him. But because he actually had given him some kind of pep talk…? Yeah… some really unexpected pep talk…

Dean raised his hand but Seth wasn't sure if he waved it off or if he flipped him off…


Author's Note: Seth sure has a habit of running into Dean x'3 I hope you liked it, them having another encounter :')