Thanks for reading. Here's the next chapter. I hope you like it. Still don't own the cannon.

Chapter 52: Chi-town night 1

Too soon Dean was rousing me from my sleep. "We're landing Mav." Dean said.

I wiped the sleep from my eyes then sat up and put my seatbelt back on. The plane landed and sure enough Dean kept his hand in mine through the entire trip.

As we came off the plane I gripped Dean's hand and he gave me a reassuring smile. It was nearly 10:30 at night and I just wanted to go to sleep.

"We'll be home soon enough. Then you can go to bed and not worry about my family."

"We still have to meet Alyssa here."

"Relax, you'll do fine." Dean said. "Just be yourself. You've never cared about what anyone else has thought."

"I'm going to be trapped in the same house as these people for the next two days of course I'm going to freak." I said.

"Just relax." He told me as we walked towards two blonds and a redhead.

"Dean." The girl shrieked running toward him.

"Hey sis." He answered scooping her into a one armed hug. I shied away from them and bit my lip. I surveyed the other two, both men, and noticed the other blonde looked like Alyssa so the redhead must have been Mitch.

"And you must be Lizzy then." She said.

I looked back at her and nodded seeing she had pulled away from Dean to look at me.

"Dean has told us so much about you. It's alright sweetheart we won't hurt you." Alyssa said.

"I don't know what's gotten into her. I've never seen her this reserved." Dean smiled and pulled me in front of him wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.

"You're Alyssa then?" I asked quietly blinking up at her.

"Yup, I go by Lissy. You know, I thought you'd be taller." She said.

Now normally that statement would have gotten to me but then I realized she wasn't much taller than I was.

"Liz, meet my brother and soon to be brother-in-law." Dean said softly. I could tell his voice was only pleasant because his sister was standing close enough to hear.

"You must be Tony," I said pointing to the blonde, "and if that's true that makes you Mitch." I finished pointing to the redhead.

"Nice." Dean said.

"Thank you. Tony does look like you, at least a bit." I said.

"See this is why I love you. You're really smart." Dean said.

"Aw Dean," I blushed. "I love you too."

"You're finally letting a girl who isn't related to you call you Dean? I'm impressed." Tony said.

"Did you notice he said the L word too?" Lissy asked.

"She's a special girl." Dean answered then leaned down and kissed me.

I reached up and pushed him away. "Dean, your family," I hissed.

"Hey don't worry about it." Lissy said. "We've seen it all week from Jeff and Krista."

"It's still not proper." Knowing I had to change the subject I looked back at Tony. That's when I saw why they picked on him. "I can see why Dean said they pick on you, Tony." I said.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yup, you look like the stereotypical nerd."

His face fell.

"I said you look like one, not that you are one. I don't know you well enough to actually judge you. However there is nothing really wrong with being a nerd either. You should be proud of who you are." I cut myself off not knowing exactly what else to say to make sure I hadn't hurt his feelings. When a smile crossed his face I knew I hadn't insulted him.

"And there's the real Lizzy I know and love." Dean said.

"Ok, who are you and what have you done with my kid brother?" Lissy asked.

"Dean, you're walking a fine line. I want to see what you're like around your family, it makes up who you are though I do appreciate how hard you're working."

"I told you Lizzy is a very special girl." Dean said to his sister.

"Are we going to stand here all night or are we going home?" Mitch asked.

My gut feeling was flaring up and something about his voice just rubbed me wrong or maybe it was the way he said what he did.

"You guys bring luggage?" Lissy asked.

"Just our hockey bags," I answered.

"Our?" Tony asked as we made our way down to baggage claim.

"Yep, hence the jersey," I said still wearing my Eden Hall jersey.

"How long have you been playing?" Lissy asked.

"Since I was five. I was only on teams in the fifth and sixth grade and right now it's only for a couple weeks until Adam brings his grades back up." I said.

"You play hockey? Women's team?" Tony asked.

"Nope, Junior Varsity. I also play baseball. I grew up with four brothers." I said. Alyssa, Tony, and Mitch took seats as Dean and I walked over to the conveyer belt. When I was sure they couldn't hear us, I turned to Dean. "I don't like Mitch at all. My gut's saying I shouldn't trust him like I shouldn't trust my step-uncle. He's dangerous."

"Hey I trust your gut but we need proof. Lissy and my parents trust him too much. I know you and I think we can get proof this weekend but just chill till we get some." Dean said. He leaned down and kissed me then grabbed both his Eden Hall bag and my Ducks bag. Then he led us back to his family.

"One bag for a girl?" Tony asked. I nodded. "Now that's my kind of girl."

"Hands off brother. She's my girlfriend."

"I know." Tony said.

Alyssa led us out to a dark green Ford Focus. "I know it'll be a tight squeeze but my car isn't running today and this was at the end of the driveway."

"Whose car is it?" I asked.

"Krista's. You have a problem with a Ford?" Lissy asked.

"No, I drive a Mustang. My brother Seth on the other hand can't stand Fords. Each of my brothers has something specific they won't or can't drive." I said.

"How many brothers did you say you had?" Mitch asked.

"Four. They're all older too." I said.

"Spoiled baby girl?" Tony asked.

"Spoiled sometimes, baby all the time," I answered as Krista started the car taking us to the house.

"It's hell growing up with all guys isn't it?"

"Yep. Especially when you include my cousin who is a few days older than me and my best friend who lived right down the road till we were like 12."

"Did I mention Mav here is Fulton's best friend?" Dean asked.

"Mav? As in the same Maverick you couldn't stop talking about two summers ago?" Alyssa asked.

"The same," Dean answered.

"I hear I have you to thank for getting my brother to go to that prep school." Tony said.

"You're welcome." I said trying not to yawn and failing horribly.

Then we pulled into their driveway. "Welcome home Dean." Lissy said.

Dean smirked and when the car parked he helped me out. I looked at the house and my jaw dropped. "You live here?" I asked.

"Yes. Matt's is bigger though." Dean answered walking to the trunk.

"That is true." I answered.

"Who is Matt?" Tony asked.

"My oldest brother. He owns the house we grew up in. Though truly to be honest Banksie's house is the biggest I've ever seen." I said.

"Even though your home contains a full size skating rink and it's four stories tall?"

"Yes Dean. It does probably have less land than this place though."

"That's still pretty big."

"Dean." I said plainly.

"Hmmm?" He hummed.

"Dean." I said trying to catch his attention.

"Oh right." He said after looking at me carefully finally getting the cue to shut up and leave it alone. "Right, let's go inside."

"Wait is that what I think it is?" I asked as we weaved our way through the cars parked out front stopping next to one.

"What?" Dean asked.

"A 1969 Chevelle Convertible?" I asked walking over to it. I peered in the window and about melted. "Pristine condition from what I can tell, black leather interior, manual transmission, original radio, and fire engine red with a white top. I'd give an arm and a leg to drive this car."

"You like my dad's baby?" Lissy asked.

"Like? I love this car. In this condition it's got to be worth at least 60K."

"My dad never lets anyone drive it. Not even my mom." Dean said behind me.

I sighed and reluctantly followed Dean up the drive towards the house. Then there it was. Past the Chevy truck, a jeep, a Cadillac, and a Saturn was the prettiest, red car I had ever seen. I stopped in my tracks and stared.

"Liz?" Dean asked from behind me somewhere. Suddenly his hand was on my shoulder. "You alright?"

I glanced back at him and swallowed. "Is that ... Is that ..."

"An '89 Pontiac Firebird Formula?" Dean asked. "Yes. Do you like it?"

I finally walked towards the car and checked inside.

"Lizzy." Dean taunted.

"I would give anything, anything, to drive this car. It is so sweet." I said stunned.

"Anything?" Dean asked in my ear.

"Anything. Tell me who I have to plead my case to to get to drive that car."

"Dean, don't do this." Alyssa said.

"Will you spend the rest of the night in my arms no matter what my parents say about it?" Dean asked as I trailed my hand around the car.

"Dean, that wouldn't be right. They have graciously opened their home to me and to betray their trust—"

"Lizzy..."

"To drive this car ... I guess I don't have a choice. Wait a minute how is that going to allow me to drive this car?"

"You can drive my car tomorrow." Dean said.

"Your car?" I asked looking at him as I stood next to him again.

"Yes, my car. Jeff gave it to me when he got the Saturn. Said he needed a more "practical" car if he was going to land "the one." I think he was crazy but that's just me." Dean answered.

"I ought to beat you. You should let me drive your car because I'm your girlfriend. I shouldn't have to beg."

"Do you ever let me drive your car? I feel the same way." Dean said.

"Alright, I get it." My Mustang was my baby and I couldn't let anyone drive it. I guess he felt the same about his Pontiac.

Dean led me up to the house and the minute I was in the door I was attacked by a strong, sudden mass. I put up my hands and pushed the mass backwards a bit. When I saw what the mass was, I found my hand around a dog's throat. I instantly dropped my hands to under the dog's front legs.

"Sheba, get down." I heard a female voice say.

I dropped the dog to the floor and looked her over to see the prettiest German Shepherd I had ever seen. Then I noticed a hand attached to the dog's collar. I followed the hand up to an arm then to a shoulder and finally a face staring down at the dog. I was only slightly shocked to see Star holding the dog back.

"I'm sorry she's normally really nice. She's never done that before." Star said. "Stupid dog you know better."

"It's fine, she probably just smells Dean." I answered as Dean wrapped an arm around me.

"Oh hey," Star said finally looking up.

"My boyfriend," I said.

"Sheba, sit." Lissy said. The dog sat but grinned up at me.

"She's so pretty." I said.

"Star, honey let them in." Mrs. Portman said appearing behind Star.

"Right where are my manners?" Star asked moving out of the way. Lissy took Sheba and Dean and I followed her inside.

"Living room," I heard Mrs. Portman say. Then I felt Dean's hand on my shoulder steering me with a light touch. When I entered the living room all eyes turned to me though Mitch's flickered to me for a moment then went back to the TV. I caught a glimpse of a Mustangs versus the Rangers game on before Tony reached over and shut it off. "Jeff! They're here." Mrs. Portman called down a hallway.

As everyone took their seats I stood at the arm of the couch fiddling with my fingers and Dean smirked.

"We don't bite Lizzy." Lissy said.

Suddenly Dean pulled me into his lap and my face turned bright red. "Dean." I hissed.

"Chill out." He answered. "My brother is worse with his fiancée than I am with you."

"Your brother is getting married in two days and I'm just your girlfriend." I said softly.

Dean smirked. "Ah there you are." Dean said. I looked up and saw another blonde enter the room from the hallway Mrs. Portman called down, holding the hand of a brunette with brown eyes who was a fair bit shorter than the blonde. "Jeff this is my girlfriend Lizzy, Lizzy this is my brother Jeff and his fiancée Krista Perry."

A couple greetings were exchanged then I noticed that the only dark haired ones in the room were me, Krista, and Dean. "Uh Dean, I don't mean to sound rude but uh..."

"I was not adopted. Their parents are my parents." Dean said. I stared at him in shock wondering how he read my mind. "I get that question all the time. People either think I'm adopted or I'm the milkman's baby. I'm the spitting image of my dad, for the most part; he's just not around as often as he should be. Dark curly hair and a perfect smile."

"I love your smile." I said leaning my head on his shoulder. That's when all the questions started flowing at me. After a while Jeff asked about my family and I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I looked at Dean and he gave me a weak smile.

"Bathroom is down the hall to the left." Dean said softly.

I nodded and stood. "Please excuse me."

"What did I say?" Jeff asked the moment I was out of the room.

"Her family is complicated." Dean answered just before I walked out of hearing range.

I wandered down the hall and peaked in the doors on the left hand side of the hall. One door was completely shut so I cracked it a bit but found an office and not a bathroom. A dark haired figure was bent over a desk so I went to pull the door shut but suddenly had a better idea. This had to be the mysterious dad Dean rarely spoke of. I stepped into the room and silently walked closer to the desk trying to see what he was working on. It looked like a bunch of numbers, probably for his company. When he looked up he was almost the spitting image of Dean. They had different eye colors and this man was obviously older.

"Can I help you?" He asked glaring at me.

"I was wondering the same. You're Mr. Portman correct?"

"Yes and you are?" He asked sounding irritated.

"I am Elizabeth Jacobs." His brow furrowed when I said my last name but then he shook his head. "Your son's girlfriend. Most people call me Lizzy. I was looking for the bathroom when I saw you in here."

"Down the hall next door on the right," he said picking up his pencil again and going back to work. I stood there for a little while longer watching him. "Is there something else I can do for you, Ms. Jacobs was it?"

"Uh well... I just saw your work and it looked interesting, what exactly are you trying to do?"

He sighed deeply and looked at me as though he was trying to figure me out. "Projected budgets for the next three years." He finally admitted.

"Is there a problem?" I asked sweetly, clasping my hands behind my back.

"Yes." He explained the problem and I looked over his numbers. I may not have been really into accounting and all that but I could tell what his problem was.

"What if you tried...?" I explained the situation to him and smirked.

"That might actually work." He said.

"Math is my best subject."

"How old did you say you were?"

"I didn't but I'm a sophomore." I answered.

"A sophomore taking accounting classes. That's some advanced stuff."

"Wait ... which son do you think I'm dating?" I asked.

"Tony." He said simply.

"Tony? Oh no sir. I'm Dean's girlfriend."

"Dean?"

I knew instantly where his mind was going. "No sir I'm a sophomore in high school. Dean's a couple months older than I am. I'm just really good with numbers."

"Dean's only 14," Mr. Portman said.

"No sir he's 16." I answered.

Mr. Portman dropped his pencil and looked at me as though he was really seeing me for the first time.

"16? No, he can't be 16. It was like yesterday that he was playing for that peewee hockey team."

"Sir you do know your oldest is getting married on Sunday."

"Yes I know that. That's why you're here. Dean invited you to the wedding?"

"Yes sir."

"You know I used to be like superman, my kids thought I was their world but now ... how did this happen?"

"You were probably honestly busy at first but now, now you probably feel like a stranger in your own family."

"It's been like this since Jeff graduated high school Frank." I looked behind me and saw Mrs. Portman standing there. "For the first couple years you were really busy but now ... now you don't know how to act around your family."

"You just have to get back out there and take the plunge. Maybe not interact at first but just watch. Then you can get to know your family again. Especially Dean. He feels like he's lost you and it's horrible to have a family member there but totally inaccessible."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mr. Portman snapped.

"That it's one thing to lose a parent physically so that you don't have them anymore but when you lose them emotionally it takes a greater toll on a person. Dean's told me he never sees you any more, never talks to you and feels like your unapproachable. Pretty soon he'll give up on trying to talk to you." I said.

"Excuse you." Mr. Portman said.

"Now Frank you know she's right." Mrs. Portman said. She walked over to the desk and looked at it. "You're still working on this? We've hired some of the best accountants in Chicago, your soon to be daughter-in-law among them. Come spend some time with your family." Mrs. Portman looked at me with a look that said "leave" so they could figure it out and I walked back to the living room.

Check out my profile for the link to the photos. Looks like Lizzy's got some guts. Let me know what you think. And thanks for reviewing.