Seth opened the door and stared at Rainbow. Her soft pink dyed hair could use a touch-up but that wasn't what worried him in that moment. Her baby blue eyes had a haunting look in them, and he didn't like the black eye she was sporting one bit.
"What happened?" He asked.
"Can I come in, please?" She asked.
"Of course," he answered.
He stepped aside and she entered his house. She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to comfort herself but he could see it wasn't working. He held out his hand as a gesture to continue to the living room, and she did.
His mind was racing. She was Dean's girlfriend and should go to him with whatever issues she was having. At the same time, he was in love with her too which was messed up. He already knew that and therefore kept it to himself. A small part of him did feel some hope that she had chosen to come to him in her time of need. Still it wasn't right not to include Dean.
"Should I call Dean?" He asked.
"I need your help to leave him," she said.
He narrowed his eyes and then it dawned on him. There was only one reason she had chosen to reach out to him for help. He didn't want to believe it but she sounded so fearful, and someone had given her that black eye.
"Dean did that to you?" He asked.
She nodded and tears spilled down her cheeks. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and held her for a while until she sniffled and moved out of his arms.
"I'm so scared, Seth," she said.
"Oh, Rainbow," he sighed.
He gently grabbed her chin to look at the damage but she hissed in pain and moved away.
"Sorry," he said. "I can't believe Dean would hit a woman."
"You don't know him as well as you think," she said.
"Clearly not," he started feeling angry. "I'm gonna fucking tear him a new one."
"Please, don't tell him I'm here. He'll come here to get me. He'll make me go back. Please, Seth," she pleaded.
He couldn't throw her to the wolves. He knew Dean had a way with words and that he would somehow manage to talk his way out of the situation, make Seth believe him, and - even worse - make Rainbow go back with him. He couldn't let that happen. He needed to protect her.
"Do you have a plan?" He asked.
"He has the day off tomorrow," she said.
"So do I," he said.
"I need your help," she said.
"I'll do anything for you," he said.
She gave him a little, sad smile. He meant it. He would do anything for her. He would go beat Dean's ass right this second if she asked him to.
"I need to borrow one of your cars so I can move my things," she said.
"Shouldn't you wait for a day he's out of the house?" He asked.
"He will be with your help," she said.
He cracked a little smile at her when it started to make sense. She needed him to take Dean far away from the house and keep him away so she had time to move. It was not a bad plan. Dean wouldn't suspect anything and it would all be done within the 24 hours window of her running off. Dean would never know what was coming until it was too late.
"You can count on me. I'll take him for a road trip somewhere," he said.
"Thank you," she said.
She rushed into his arms for another hug. He held her tight and took in the sweet coconut scent from her hair. He loved that scent on her. She always smelled so sweet which fit her perfectly. Everything about her was sweet from her name to her personality, and she was so beautiful too. Dean had gotten lucky. Seth had been jealous but now it was time to help her escape an abusive relationship and show her that not all men were bad. He would be her rock through this.
"Do you want my bed tonight? I'll take the couch," he said.
"I won't do that to you," she said.
"You're not doing anything. I'm offering you my bed. It's my choice," he said.
"Would it be crossing the line if we share the bed? I'm so scared he might come here and that he'll find me alone in a room. With you in the room with me, I feel more safe," she said.
He smiled to himself and tightened his arms around her.
"We can share," he said. "I'll protect you, Rainbow. I won't let him come near you ever again. I promise."