Samandriel was sitting in his window watching as the rain pelted down into the earth, an almost whimsical smile gracing his lips. The soft flow of music was muted against the rain but he could still hear it, humming along with the strings. His journal sat untouched in his lap...he'd been meaning to write in it for awhile now, the smell of rain had distracted him. The house was quiet, everyone had left for their usual activities for a Friday night, leaving him blessedly alone. He sighed, his eyes closing as a breeze flitted through the screen of his window.

He was so comfortable wrapped up in his huge comforter and sweater that he nearly fell asleep, almost missing the glow of his phone. The little chime startled him, making him sit up and look around. He didn't want to move out of his cocoon but did anyway, he didn't want to accidentally miss a message from Castiel...or Benny.

Over the last few weeks he had become very close to that little group of "misfits", almost inseparable to Castiel. It didn't matter to him anymore what his family threatened him with, he still ate with them at school and accepted rides in the morning and even daring to say yes to the ones to home. He loved sitting in the back seat of the Impala and listen to Sam and Dean bicker while Castiel sat with him laughing. But more often than not, it was Benny waiting for him, giving him a shy smile before Samandriel would climb onto the back of his motorcycle. Most Friday or Saturday nights he would sneak out and find himself spending the night over at their house. He'd start the night off on the couch, only to sneak into Benny's room to snuggle up with the bear of a man.

Samandriel didn't understand or really know where it was going...but what he did know, is that he liked having Benny's arms around him, hugging him throughout the night. Whether Benny did or not, he never seemed to show any displeasure about it. He'd always have to rush home afterward but it was worth it, especially to see Malachi's face each time he wasn't caught. His cousin knew something was up...but never once said anything about it.

He glanced down at the screen and smiled, biting his bottom lip as he read over the text.

Message from Benny: Hey Angel...if it's not raining tomorrow night, would you wanna do something?

Was this going to be a date or would everyone else be there as well? Samandriel mulled it over for a few minutes...the very thought of this being a date exciting him to no end. He wanted to type a message to Castiel but laughed, he was probably sitting in the same room with the man. Sam was out of the question as well, he'd just go and ask Benny what was going on. And Dean would most likely send him a vague answer consisting of the words I don't know.

Samandriel licked his dry lips and held his breath before quickly typing his reply, not wanting Benny to think anything bad.

Message from Samandriel: I would love too. What did you have in mind?

Message from Benny: That would be a surprise...when do you think you can sneak out?

Samandriel glanced over at his clock and tried to remember what usually happened on Saturday's around here. Zachariah always made them go to church in the morning, then would be sent up to their rooms for homework and studying. Naomi usually had dinner prepared around 6ish and that was it from what he could think of. He'd lock himself up in his room afterward, mostly to keep to himself, only letting in Anna if she really needed him.

Message from Samandriel: Maybe around 7?

Message from Benny: Sounds good...I'll be waiting for you in the usual spot. Sweet dreams Angel.

Message from Samandriel: You too Benny, can't wait for tomorrow :)

Samandriel let himself giggle softly, hugging the phone to his chest. Now he only had to get through tonight and tomorrow before he could see him...and whatever this surprise was.

Samandriel stared at his uncle, trying to keep his mouth from flopping open. They had been walking out of the church when he had been informed that they were going over to the Novak's house for dinner...and would be spending several hours there. Ruining the plans he had made with Benny...he swallowed hard and succeeded in not stomping over to the car like a child. He had to think fast...there was no way he was going over to that house, not when he could be having a much better time. He wasn't stupid, he knew what his Uncle was playing at, wanting the Novak's to plead with him once again about turning into their son.

All of them would be surprised to know that he would be ecstatic to even be a fraction of the amazing person Castiel was. On the rare occasion that the two of them got to be alone, Castiel had shared with him his artwork and photography. It was beautiful, the way he would capture the small moments that everyone would over look. And he was sneaky too. There were quite a few shots of himself in Castiel's book, ones where he was caught staring at Benny, or smiling at a compliment thrown his way from one of the others.

There was one that had caught his breath...it had been storming again one night and he couldn't help climbing into the downstairs bay window, his knees pulled up to his chest as the rain fell. The image had caught Benny, who was sitting at the table playing cards with the others, glancing over at him. A hint of a smile on his lips. Samandriel had begged Castiel for a copy, only to receive the one right out of the book. He had it tucked away in his journal that he hid carefully...not wanting prying eyes to find it.

On one of those nights, Samandriel had expressed that he didn't think he had any talents...laughing softly as he admitted that all he was good at was getting good grades. Castiel had blanched, waving his hands almost spastically in front of him with how upset he was. Samandriel nearly fell off the bed laughing, finally calming down enough to hear Castiel chide him for that comment.

"What do you like to do? Besides studying," Castiel asked. Samandriel wrung his hands together in his lap...there was one thing he loved but never got the chance to really play around with it...he whispered it quietly only to have Castiel flick him in the shoulder.

"Alright alright...I like writing," he said flicking his friend back. Castiel beamed, nodding his head in approval. They spent the next couple of hours talking about it, ending the conversation with a promise from Samandriel to show him some of his work. Which, was what he was going to do this weekend...but he could only sneak out once and he was going to use that for the "date" with Benny.

But now even that was looking to be impossible. The second they arrived back to the house, Samandriel shot out of the car to close himself in his bedroom. It was almost noon, leaving him only about 5 hours to come up with some excuse to not go. He groaned loudly and fished his phone out from under his mattress. His uncle had tried taking it away from him last week...now he hid it along with his journal.

It only rang twice when Castiel finally answered with a laugh, barely able to get a hello out.

"Castiel...I need your help," Samandriel said. It got quiet on the other end, only the sound of rustling.

"Samandriel...what's wrong?" Castiel asked. There was another voice in the background but Castiel shushed who he assumed was Dean.

"I'm supposed to go on a d...hang out with Benny tonight but now my uncle wants us to have dinner...at your parents house," Samandriel said with a heavy sigh. Castiel groaned, staying silent for a few seconds before there was another rustle and the sound of a door closing.

"Is there any way you can pretend to be sick?" Castiel asked. Samandriel shook his head, forgetting for a moment that Castiel couldn't see him.

"I don't think so...he'd see right though it..."

"I'd...I'd try and go over there to pretend to talk to them...but Dean would loose it if I went anywhere near them..." Castiel said quietly. Samandriel bit hard on his lip already shaking his head.

"No...Cas. As much as I'd appreciate you doing that...you can't. I'm with Dean..." he said quickly. He had finally learned what exactly Castiel had gone through living with those people. He didn't remember what brought it on but Castiel was drinking one of the nights he sneaked over, loosening his friends tongue. It started off with him laughing, using humor as a buffer for the abuse inflicted on him. It steadily got worse, laughter turned to sobs as Castiel confided in him. The Novaks had treated Castiel as their own personal punching bag, verbally and physically. Azazel would yell and scream, then watch as Lilith would beat him all the while drinking his scotch with a smile.

Samandriel hadn't known what to do but he held onto his friend, letting him cry it out until he fell asleep. Dean found them, telling him once again, that he only drank when things were really bothering him. Guilt poured through him, realizing he had talked about them, brought up Castiel being adopted. It wasn't until the next morning when his friend reassured him that it wasn't his fault...it just happened.

"Well...have you considered just...out right disobeying them? I mean...the worst they can do is kick you out right? But that joke would be on them...because you already have a home here...with us," Castiel said with a little laugh. Samandriel swallowed down the lump in his throat...he did have a home there. As much as he loved his parents...he never felt more at ease or just...free then when he was there with them.

"I know...I just...I can't do that to you guys. I don't have any money..."

"Shush Samandriel...we've talked about this...if it comes down to it, we'll make things work," Castiel said sternly. Samandriel nodded again, whispering an Ok. They talked for a little bit longer before he hung up, pacing his room slowly. His phone chirped at him and he almost didn't want to look, knowing exactly who it was from.

Message from Benny: Everything OK Angel?

Message from Samandriel: Yes...just have to find a way around my uncle...don't worry though. I'll be there.

Message from Benny: You let me know if you need me to come get you.

Message from Samandriel: I will...

Samandriel hadn't stopped pacing his room, his hands wringing together almost frantically in front of him. He had tried the sick act...but like he had predicted, Zachariah saw right through it. Telling him to go back to his room and "feel better" because he was not canceling. He was so tempted to call his parents, ask them their permission if he could go out. The fact that they didn't even know he was gay stopped him...he had no clue how they would take that news.

There was only about 20 minutes left until they were due to leave...his backpack sitting right next to his door just in case he had to make a quick exit. He had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that this wasn't going to end well...at all.

"Father wants you downstairs Samandriel," Malachi called from his door. He turned to see his cousin smirking at him, his arms crossed over his chest. Samandriel nodded, waiting for him to leave before steeling his nerves. He made his way downstairs, his uncle standing in the living room with a tumbler in his hand. Naomi sat reading from her notebook on one of the couches.

"You ready to go nephew?" Zachariah asked barely giving him a glance. Samandriel swallowed hard, taking in a steady breath.

"I'm not going...I-I have other plans," Samandriel said. The tension in the room grew thicker, two sets of cold eyes glaring at him. Naomi slowly lowered her arms, her head shaking in disappointment. Zachariah forced a smile and laughed.

"Oh you do do you...and what plans might these be?" he asked superciliously. Samandriel bristled, lowering his eyes to stare down at the floor.

"My friends..."

"You mean the people I have been forbidding you to see? I don't' think so, you're coming with us and there will be no arguments about it. Do you understand?" Zachariah bellowed. Samandriel almost buckled...but he stood up taller, meeting his uncle's eyes.

"No..." Samandriel stated. Zachariah's face turned a dark shade of red and stomped over to him, slapping him hard across the face.

"You will do as your told!" Zachariah shouted close to his ear. Samandriel felt his eyes sting and pushed away from his uncle, stumbling a few steps back before running out of the room. He raced up the stairs to grab his bag, tears trailing down his cheeks as he popped out the screen of his window just as he heard the thundering footsteps.

"You open this door right now Samandriel!" Zachariah shouted, pounding his fist against the door. Samandriel slipped out his window, careful to climb down the trellis. Once his feet hit the pavement, he took off running, not bothering to look back to see if his uncle or Malachi were chasing after him.

He turned a corner and lost his footing on the sidewalk, falling down hard on his hands and knees. His vision was getting blurry with tears, he crawled onto the grass and hugged his knees close to his chest. The side of his face stung and now his knees hurt, probably bruised now.

Message to Benny: Please come get me...

Benny sat watching his housemates argue endlessly about what movie they would be watching tonight. It was the same every weekend but it still hadn't lost its humor, making him chuckle deep in his throat. He remembered first moving here, thinking he was going to be a 19 year old bachelor, living off his inheritance with a gusto. Granted, his grandparents had been loving people, doting on their grandson the best they could. But they died when he was 10, leaving a very gnarly hole in his chest...especially when other members of the Lafitte family started crawling out of the sewers.

On his 18th birthday he ran, leaving his home in Louisiana to settle down here in Lawrence. It was a nice little town, had it's pretty parts but he never knew just what the hell he was getting himself into. He accepted the job as head chef in one of the nicer restaurants in town and usually wouldn't get out of the damn place until around one in the morning. Now, on a rare occasion, he'd sneak into the bar...grab a beer and maybe play some pool. But on one night, he headed straight for his truck only to stop when he heard shouting. He couldn't make out what exactly was going on, but all he did see was three against one.

The next thing he knew, he was fighting off the guys, helping the one on the ground up to his feet. He tried pushing him off at first, thinking Benny was gonna hit him as well.

"I ain't gonna hit ya...what the hell was all that anyway?" he asked. The kid glared at him, green eyes flashing with years of pent of anger and hate.

"None of your damn business man...just mind your own!" he yelled going in to shove him. Benny grabbed up his arms and spun him into the wall, chest first.

"You listen hear ya little shit. I don't know you...sure...but that ain't the way you thank someone for saving your ass from a beating," Benny drawled pushing away from him. The kid stayed against the wall for a moment, taking a breath before turning to him. The obvious armor from before slowly melting away. The raw sadness he saw in those eyes nearly drowned him.

"I'm sorry...I'm...I played them...I deserved it," he stammered, his hand raising to rub nervously at the back of his neck. Benny hummed, taking a step back to look him over. He was roughed up...but not near as much as his clothes. All moth eaten and thread bear. The only thing that seemed to hold this kid together was the damn leather jacket that seemed to big for him.

"Why you hustlin kid?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest. The kid rolled his eyes, his defenses going straight back up.

"It's..."

"Yeah, yeah, heard ya the first time. Look...are you homeless? Do you have a place?" he asked bluntly. The kid bristled, his cheeks darkening with warmth. By the way he was avoiding looking up at him, he had to assume no...and it ripped his chest to shreds.

"C'mon..."

"I can't man...I have to get back to my little brother..." he said, his voice suddenly becoming frantic.

"Hold on...we'll get your little brother too. But know this...if this is some kind of trick I will beat your ass into next week...ya hear?" he said. The kid nodded minutely, eagerly following him over to his truck. He would later find out that night...that the 16 year old kid's name was Dean and his little brother Sam were practically orphan's. Dean's father was never around, and when he was he was shit drunk. Benny had no idea what made him do it, but he invited both boys to come live with him. He had a large house and wouldn't mind the company.

Two years later and he didn't regret a damn thing. It actually turned out to be the best thing he ever did. Dean was the brother he never knew he needed along with Sam...and soon after, Castiel. They were a family...a strange one yes but a family none the less. Even Dean's father came around sometimes, just to talk to the boys. Never stayed long enough to leave creases in the couch though. There were others that milled about but didn't actually live with them. Charlie and Dory were here a lot on the weekends, trying to get away from their strict parents...and Garth who just needed some space.

Now it would seem they might be adding another...and Benny was more than OK with that. He knew it was wrong to hope the poor kid would just leave his family to come stay with them...but he knew, from what Castiel had gone through, that it might be best. Even though there were times when the need to just see Samandriel over rode the need to protect him.

He knew just from that one quick glance...he was a goner. He was so shy and sweet...but there was a strength in him that Benny wanted to bring out...make him revel in it. Castiel had been so anxiety ridden...almost bitter about everything that Benny didn't see what Dean found so amazing. Then something changed...and Castiel grew, and it was beautiful. Hopefully, he'd be able to help Samandriel the same way.

Just thinking about him made him smile...he couldn't wait to take him out...it was a silly idea but Benny didn't care. Castiel thought it was sweet and that's all he cared about. He glanced at the time above the TV and groaned...there was still a couple more hours left.

He heard his phone go off and fished it out of his pocket, frowning at Samandriel's name on his screen.

Message from Samandriel: Please come get me...

"Shit..." Benny hissed raising up to his feet to snatch up his coat from the back of the couch. Castiel, who was sitting on Dean's lap on the other couch, looked up at him with question.

"I think something happened," he said showing Castiel the message. The younger boy flinched, handing back the phone without looking at him.

"Cas?" he asked sharing a look with Dean. Castiel sighed and sat up a bit straighter.

"He...might have stood up to his uncle," he said softly. Benny sighed and rushed out of the house to his truck. Whatever the condition Samandriel was in, he'd help him no matter what. But if there was anything...physical...he didn't know if he'd be able to control his temper.

Samandriel managed to find his way to the little park that Benny had helped him get to before. There were only a few people there, mostly parents watching their kids play on the jungle jims. Samandriel swallowed hard and sat up on one of the picnic tables, lifting his leg to roll up his pants. It wasn't a bad scratch but it was enough to make him tear up pathetically. He didn't know how long he sat there, staring at his knee, the sound of a loud truck startling him out of his haze.

He watched as Benny hurried over to him a deep frown pulling down his lips.

"Hey...what happened?" he asked, eyes narrowing down at his knee. Samandriel opened his mouth to speak when Benny gently grabbed at his shin, the thumb of his other hand carefully tracing the outside of the scratch. Samandriel sucked in a breath as he stared up into Benny's concerned face.

"I...my uncle wanted me to go with them...and I said no," he said softy. Benny raised his eyes, the frown growing deeper as his eyes went hard. The hand that held his shin moved to cup his chin, moving his face to the side as a deep growl emanated from his chest.

"He fucking hit you?" his voice dropped a few octaves and as crappy as the situation was, Samandriel couldn't help squirming.

"It doesn't matter..."

"Of course it matters cher...he fucking hit you..." Benny placed his hands on either side of his legs and bowed his head, taking in a deep breath. Samandriel swallowed hard and tentatively reached out, cupping the back of Benny's neck. The older man slowly looked up at him, his beautiful steely blue eyes filled with concern.

"You called me cher?" Samandriel asked biting his lip. Benny laughed, pressing his forehead against his shoulder.

"It's a french term of endearment..." he explained, his voice slightly muffled. Samandriel smiled brightly, his thumb tracing the edge of Benny's hair line behind his ear.

"Oh...OK," he replied.

"Come on...let's get you back to the house," Benny smiled reaching out for his hand. Samandriel gladly took it, letting himself be pulled towards the truck.