My eyes were heavy with sleep while I stirred awake, taking in my surroundings. I was back in the guest room, sitting up completely and I pressed a hand to my forehead. Surprisingly, my head wasn't pounding like it usually did after staying up for so long, and I was ultimately grateful I had gone back and eaten something last night, knowing my body would hate me if I hadn't.

Did I dream all that?

Looking to my right, I saw the grey blanket Dean had covered us with hanging on the back of a chair, making a slight blush fill my cheeks.

He read me to sleep.

Shaking my head, I pulled the covers of the duvet back and proceeded to clean the room making it appear as though I was never there. I changed into the clothes I wore to his house, folding the ones he gave me neatly and placing them at the foot of the bed. After that, I led myself out the door and to the living room.

The smell of toast filled my nose and my stomach rumbled with hunger, spotting Dean at the stove with his head tilted down.

My eyes traced over his clothes, grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt. Flicking my gaze to the clock, I noted the time.

It was a Saturday today so we both had no classes, and I was grateful for the break. School was kicking my ass and I was violently neglecting my homework.

My light pattering caught the attention of Dean, his head swinging back as he sent a nod of acknowledgment in my direction. I smiled back, pulling myself up to sit on the barstool.

"Thank you for letting me spend the night," I vocalized my appreciation, using the back of my hand to rub at my eye.

"It was no problem," He shrugged. "I've made toast and eggs. You like coffee, don't you?"

I nodded. "Wow, continue with all this hospitality, Dean, and I may have to fuck you as a thanks."

Dean wasn't much of a smiler, I noted that from the day we started talking so I didn't expect to see one now. Though, the small twitch of his lips was enough victory for me.

Sliding the eggs onto two plates, he turned off the stove and pushed a plate full of food towards me along with a mug. I noticed he had given me two pieces of toast while he had one, thinking back to last night wondering if my stomach had made any indication that I was extra hungry.

"Do you want milk?" He asked, holding up a carton with a milk bag in it. I shook my head, declining.

"I hate the taste of it. To be honest, the only memory I have of drinking milk is when my mom would give it to me before bed so I could fall asleep. Though, she'd put honey in it so I would be better accustomed to the taste."

"Ah," He nodded, a small frown. "I ran out of honey last week so I guess coffee will have to do."

Pouring me a cup, he motioned towards the sugar and cream but I shook my head.

"Not even creamer?" He paused, looking at me.

"No," I smiled weakly. After an incident, I took my coffee black.

We ate in silence, and I started to collect both our dishes when Dean stood up.

"I can do that," He said politely, moving towards me.

I flinched back slightly when his hands extended towards me, recovering quickly as I dropped the plates into his awaiting hands. I was still getting used to him and his quick reactions, my brain needing to speed up the process of realization and the difference between when I needed to get ready for an attack, or when I needed to chill the fuck out.

"I'll clean the counter, then." I avoided his gaze, focusing my attention on wiping down the island.

Dean watched me for a few seconds before talking. "We're doing your homework after I wash these."

"Oh, are we?" I raised an eyebrow, turning my head to look at him.

"Sweetheart, you're forgetting that you asked me for help." His hands were crossed over his chest now, the dirty dishes discarded in the sink.

I followed his lead, folding my arms over my own chest.  "What if I just asked you for help so I could get into your pants?"

"You did a terrible job if that's your plan."

"I still have time," I hummed.

He swallowed thickly before glaring at me. "Homework. Now."

"Bossy," I laughed under my breath. "Seems like you've got some balls on you, pretty boy."

"Oh, I've got more than balls." Amusement ran over his face, our banter turning him relaxed again. I was glad he didn't bring up the weird things I did, ultimately grateful we could easily slide past it like it never happened.

"Maybe one day you'll show me," I shrugged, walking out of the kitchen and towards my bag that remained by the couch. Crouching down, I started to slide the zipper open when I heard his response.

"That day will come when you're honest with me."

Stilling my hands for a few seconds, I took out my laptop and a notebook and walked back to the island.

"So you're saying I have a chance to ride your dick?"

He sputtered on the coffee he was drinking, giving me a harsh look as he set it down again. "Watch your damn mouth, Sophia. It'll get you killed one day."

"Hasn't yet."

Dean was done washing the dishes, running a clean rag over the last glass before he placed it back into his cabinet.

He walked towards me, sitting down as I opened up the lesson for that day. 

"What don't you get," His proximity made it hard to breathe, all I wanted to focus on was his chest but I forced myself to get back on track.

"Um," I cleared my throat. "Basically, all of it?"

"Hm," He hummed, leaning over so he could read the notes I had written down along with the assignment we were given.

I held my breath as I watched his eyes scan over the document, the slight murmur of his lips as he mouthed the words.

"Okay," He nodded, pulling back. "What the assignment is telling you to do is identify which laws will help the case move forward along with how you think the defense will be prosecuted. Understand?" He watched me for an answer.

"Okay, I get that but look," I pulled up my unfinished homework, pointing to it. "I don't understand how we can use actus reus in this particular case. It seems like it should be about their mind, right? We're trying to figure out why this mother didn't take her child to the doctor after falling down the stairs. Shouldn't we be able to apply mens rea here too?"

He shook his head, shifting his body closer so he could explain. "Murder cases are different than cases like these."

I gave him a look. "I'm not that stupid. I know that."

He rolled his eyes, continuing. "Well in this case, it's significantly different. Sky is a mother therefore she has a duty to take care of her child's needs. In this situation, she broke 215 of the Criminal Code which means she failed to provide the necessaries of life to someone who is under the age of 16. It doesn't matter what she thought in the moment, what matters is that as a mother it was her job to take her child to the hospital or at least, a doctor in order to make sure nothing was wrong. Her actions are what's important, the judges don't give a fuck about her mind."

"Ohh," I stretched out, nodding my head. "Okay, I think I get it. And since we're using objective standard of fault we can then see her as guilty. Thank you," Giving him a grateful smile, I reached forward to close my laptop when his hand stopped me.

"Where are you going?"

I gave him a confused look. "Back to campus? Why? Do you want a reward for helping me?"

His eyes darkened at my insinuation, shaking his head. "You can stay here and finish it, if you want."

I smirked, "You miss me already, pretty boy?" I taunt, leaning closer towards him in my seat.

"No," He scowled. "I was just offering like a good friend," He tilted his head down at me, leaning in as well making me catch my breath.

"Oh, so we're friends now?"

"We did pinky promise," he murmured, shrugging lightly. "Or did you forget?"

"Oh no," I nodded. "How could I ever forget about that."

We stared at each other for a moment, his eyes remained focused onto mine causing me to internally sweat.

All of a sudden it was really hot.

"Don't you get tired?" His question hung in the air in a whisper.

I swallowed thickly. "Tired of what?"

"Pretending."

When I didn't respond, he spoke up.

"Sophia..." He softly said, mouth so terribly close to mine. He looked so soft at that moment, his lips pretty and plush making me want to sink my teeth into them just to get a taste.

Before I could respond, his phone rang causing him to let out a curse under his breath, shooting me an apologetic look before standing up and taking the call. His footsteps echoed and I placed a hand over my beating heart, the rapidness thumping against my ribcage.

Was he going to kiss me?

Breathing heavily for a few moments, I turned back to my work, my brain fogging over as I remembered how close our lips were from touching.

He smelled so good, like warm citrus and vanilla. It was faint but it was there, like it was some kind of shower gel and not cologne.

"Looks like it's your lucky day, troublemaker."

I loved hearing my nickname on his tongue.

"And why is that?" I dwelled out loud.

"My friends are back from vacation," He smirked. "And they're on their way here."

- - -

"Do they bully you?" I asked, preparing for his friend's arrival. I was excited yet nervous, I never had any friends growing up so I was still getting used to Dean. But a whole group of people? I felt like I was going to shit myself.

"Sometimes," His expression went weary with curiosity. "Why?"

"No reason," I laughed, wringing my hands together.

"Don't worry, they'll like you."

"Oh, like how you do?" I shot back.

"No, I don't like you."

"It didn't seem that way earlier."

Rolling his eyes, he stood up. Seconds later a knock sounded at his door and he went to open it, my back straightening with anxiety. In came a group of people smiling widely at Dean, a few of them hugging him while the rest welcomed warmly with bright energy and wide smiles.

"I missed you, Deany." A girl with blonde wavy hair cooed as she hugged him tightly, a gift bag clutched in her hand. He hugged her back, laughing as he engaged in conversation with all of them.

The smile slowly slid down my face as I watched their interactions.

They were family to him, I could already tell.

"Oh! And who's this?" Someone spoke up, and I spotted the voice coming from a male.

He was no shorter than Dean, grinning wide as he trailed his gaze over me.

"That's Sophia," Dean gestured, waving everyone in before closing the door.

Walking back to me, I awkwardly hung by his side.

"Sophia, these are my friends. Alyan, Zayn, Ayesha,Vanessa and Brandon."

I smiled at all of them, my hands fidgeting with each other.

"Hi," I said awkwardly with a wave in their direction. "Um yeah, like Dean said I'm Sophia."

"You single, Sophia?" The same man from earlier had asked, sending me a wink. I flushed immediately, not being prone to questions like that. Luckily enough, I was saved.

"Stop it, Zayn. Sophia!" The blonde now identified as Vanessa jumped up, shoving the gift bag towards Dean as she pulled me in for a hug. My arms remained limp by my side, surprised, because I wasn't hugged very often.

Or at all, if I remembered correctly.

"It's so nice to meet you! I can already tell we'll be the best of friends. Now tell us, how did you and Dean meet?"

"Interrogate her later, V. Let's get you all settled in first."

Everyone chanted their agreement, Alyan and Dean deep in conversation as we moved towards the couches.

Dean pulled me back before I could sit, telling the others that we'd only be a second.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes searching my face for any signs of distress.

I let out a small breath. "I'm okay... you know when I told you I didn't have any friends?"

"Yeah," His eyes held questions but he didn't speak, allowing me to elaborate.

"Yeah, well, I meant I've never had friends. Like ever."

"What?" He gave me an incredulous look. "Are you telling me that I'm your first friend?"

"Surprise," I shook my hands out. "Looks like you've taken another one of my firsts," I noted out loud.

"Not the one I want," He grumbled under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing," He shook his head before giving me a hard stare. "They like you so don't worry. Let's get back out there, okay?" He softened his expression.

I nodded, letting him guide me back to the living room that was now filled with chatter. Sitting beside Vanessa, I watched Dean get settled on the couch in front of me, an easy look refreshing over him as he glanced around the room with a wide grin. Yet another indication that these people were family to him.

While it warmed my heart, I was simultaneously jealous. Imagine having a large group of people who cared so deeply about you? Though, I was grateful Dean was surrounded by this much love. I would never wish my upbringing on anybody.

"So, how did you guys meet?" Ayesha said, a smile playing on her lips as she looked between me and Dean like there was something going on. She was beautiful, no doubt. All of his friends were.

Everyone became quiet, waiting for an answer.

"I thought he was friendless so I decided to be his friend," I admitted quietly, making them laugh, my heart pulling in the best way hearing the sound.

"It was the way he carries himself, wasn't it?" Brandon beamed at me before turning to Dean. "Dude, I told you to stop with that bitch face. You'll drive girls away,"

Dean shrugged, looking over at me with a unknown emotion. "Didn't drive her away."

"That was a miracle," Alyan said. "And, she felt sorry for you."

"They'd feel sorry for you too," Vanessa muttered, rolling her eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alyan frowned.

"I don't know, Alyan." Vanessa crossed her arms over her chest, looking at him directly. "What could it possibly mean?"

"No I didn't," I interrupted their banter, not wanting them to start an argument. "Technically, I also wanted to be his friend. I'm new to this area so I figured I might as well be friends with someone who I can copy off of."

"I'm not letting you do that," Dean frowned at me.

"You say that like I'll ask," I grinned playfully.

"You guys are so adorable," Vanessa spoke up, watching our exchange. Her energy was off the walls, bright. Like she was a sunshine incarcerated and it instantly put me at ease. Something about her was so kind that I wanted to lean into her and have her sing reassurances to me.

A few moments passed and my eyes widened in alarm, understanding what she was trying to say. Before I could speak, Dean cleared it up.

"We're not together," He clarified.

"Really?" Zayn asked. "So what I'm hearing is, you're single?"

"Not to you," I accidentally blurted out. I was about to apologize when laughter rang around me, Zayn joining in making me relax.

I was never allowed to joke like this before. It felt nice, being able to talk with so many people so easily.

We went around, talking for a few more minutes. I had learned that Dean went with them up until two weeks ago, where he had to fly back for school. It was when Alyan was in the middle of rehashing something that Zayn had done in Greece that I stood up, walking over to the island to pack up my things.

"Sorry, guys but it's getting late and I need to be heading back to campus." I explained my abrupt departure, not wanting them to think terribly of me. As much as I liked them, they were Dean's friends and I wasn't going to intrude.

"It's alright, we'll talk to you later Sophia. Dean, send us her number," Ayesha demanded.

"Uh," Dean said, scratching the back of his head. "I don't have it..."

"What?" Vanessa shrieked. "What kind of a guy are you Dean Spencer Davis? You didn't even ask the poor girl for her number? What kind of a friend are you?"

"Well—"

"It's my fault," I stepped in to defend Dean, scared of getting him into trouble. "I forgot to ask. But I'll give it right now!" Ripping up a piece of my notebook paper, I scribbled on my number and pushed it towards him.

"There, now you have it. Don't use it, though."

Dean sent me an amused glance. "I'll be sure not to," He eyed the scrap of paper before shoving it into his pocket.

"Let me walk you out," He nodded towards my bag.

I complied, saying my goodbyes to everyone before the two of us headed out.

"You sure you're fine with walking back alone?" He questioned again.

"Yeah, don't worry your pretty little head off. I have pepper spray, remember?" I waved him off, opening the door to his apartment building. "I need the fresh air anyways."

"You sure, Sophia?"

I smirked. "I'm sure, Spencer."

Dean groaned, recognizing Vanessa's slip up revelation and I laughed, walking along the path that led to the sidewalk.

"You're never gonna let me live this down, are you?"

"Nope," We continued our way until we finally reached the sidewalk. Turning fully towards him, I looked up.

"Thank you for yesterday and today," I said genuinely.

"Of course. It's no big deal, Soph."

"Did your friends like me?"

"They think the only reason I'm sticking around is so I can get into your pants," He rolled his eyes.

"Well it's only fair," I shrugged. "That is the only reason why I'm sticking around."

"Liar," He laughed, leaning down so our lips were centimeters apart. His eyes moved between my mouth and my eyes, almost as if he was contemplating something.

"Why do you think I'm always lying?" I wondered.

"Because I know that you aren't telling the truth." He said simply.

"Wow, Sherlock Homes. You really do know everything, don't you? And how do you even know when I'm lying anyway? Do I have a tell?"

"Nice try," He smirked, his hand coming up to tuck a hair behind my ear. "But I'm not saying shit or else you'll try and cover it up."

"Whatever," I breathed. My gaze flickered to his lips and then back to his eyes. He followed suit, a heavy note in his eyes.

I could tell he was thinking, weighing something in his head before giving up, pulling away to stand his full height over me.

"I'll see you later, troublemaker." He sighed, hands deep in his pockets. His cargo pants looked good on him, if I'm being honest. He had a specific simplistic style and it boded well with his personality.

"Don't sound too happy to see me, pretty boy." I beamed before turning to walk the rest of the path home.

I forced myself to not look back at Dean, knowing if I saw him looking at me I'd create false hope.

And I wasn't going to do that again.

- - -

A/N: if anyone hates on vanessa, reevaluate yourself and remember that this is misogyny speaking LOL

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