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Of anything that was awkward, this had to top it all for Dean. His whole life had changed when he came out of the army, and for good reason, too. But it felt as if coming back here was a mistake. He didn't feel invited, and hell - he couldn't blame anyone for not wanting him around. Not only did he bring back a lot of bad memories for people, but he also brought back a lot of bad memories for himself. The urges of drugs and alcohol, the events of what had went down before, and now being put in awkward situations with people he really never wanted to see again. Granted, seeing Keirra was not terrible, and he had missed her like ******** hell, but this really was weird. Both of them were put in awkward positions right now, though it seemed that it was more-so Dean than her. "Yeah," he muttered, giving a nervous laugh to her calling him out on being one-worded and not the same. Clearly, he was different. Hell, even his physical appearance was different! There was much more muscle on him now, rather than him being just a little fit. On top of that, he didn't look as sick as he did when he was in high school. Being addicted to drugs had done a number on his physical appearance, but now, he was clean - and anyone could tell by just looking at him, if they knew the signs.

Listening to her current work-situation, Dean gave a light, half-smile on one corner of his mouth. Hazel eyes lifted from the ground to look over at her, and he nodded his head some. "Yeah... you were never much of a cook. Hopefully baking suits you a bit more," he spat, though it was clearly joking. The half-smile turned into a light smirk, and it was obvious that he was trying to lighten the situation a little. Sure, he was still completely nervous and awkward right now, but it was worth a shot. "Yeah, I have. Got a few freelance jobs for right now. Nothing serious... still looking for something more permanent, though." With a nod of the head, his eyes once again diverted away from her, looking off into another direction. It was hard to make eye contact now, though it really wasn't because of her. The army hadn't only changed his reactions and appearance, but it also changed his personality. Well, for the most part. He was still quite hot-headed and aggressive when it came down to it, but he was less up-front in everyday conversation.

There was another chuckle, though this time to the mention of wanting to keep all the students away from the school. He didn't reply to it, but instead let her continue on - this time about getting the party started more. And then about her slow loris. At the mention of the animal, Dean blinked a few times and turned his eyes over to her - just in time for her to pull up some pictures and show him the small creature. Ah, yes, he'd seen this sort of creature before - and he knew quite a few facts about it. While touring over seas, he'd managed to travel through one of the cities that had been famous for illegal trade. A slow loris was found with one of the women, though it was kept under wraps. Dean didn't think much on it at the time, but soon learned more about the animal and was informed of its label of being endangered and vulnerable. "You realize it's illegal to have one of those, right?" he asked, raising his eyes to her this time. Perhaps she didn't know much about the animal, or received it from someone without being informed. He didn't know, but surely she had to have at least been aware that it was illegal, right? Then again... when did it ever matter to them what was illegal? The drugs sure didn't change their minds.

Once he finished asking the question, Dean studied her face. Oh, how he'd missed her, but he would never admit it out loud. Why would he? She had abandoned him when he needed her, and he was made a single man while overseas fighting for his damn country. All because she couldn't handle the distance? How about the fact that he couldn't handle being shot at, or being held captive, or being bossed around by a man who had a temper and a problem with yelling, when all Dean wanted to do was punch him in his face? How about that? She clearly didn't think about his side, now did she? The thoughts just angered him, and his hands balled into tightly-clenched fists to calm himself down. His chest slowly rose to take a deep breath in order for her to not see his temper rising. Then again, she probably already knew all the signs of his anger, as she would have known him better than anyone else.



ooc xx

xxxxAgain with the short replies, this wasn't the Dean she knew and Keirra was starting to get nervous. Could she handle this? Maybe it wasn't too late to walk away, just go hide in the bathroom. Leaving the party wouldn't be an option, the weather outside was much too bad and she looked around, trying to find an escape. If this was the way things were going to be, she was considering just trying to walk but she would be an icicle by the time she got home. A walking icicle, at that. Blue lips, blue skin, frostbite all the way around. She wasn't dressed for this weather, hell, she wasn't even dressed for this reunion. Trying to find a distraction from the changes in Deans' attitude, she allowed herself to shamelessly check him out, deciding that if he caught her, he caught her. It wasn't that big a deal, she wasn't taken and as far as she knew, he wasn't either. Then again, part of Keirra felt as if Dean had always been hers, nothing would really change that until she felt she could move on. And as many times as she had tried, no one could fulfill her in the way he could.

When he spoke up, she was glad to hear more than the usual "yeah", this time he was picking on her and she gave a grin. "Maybe you'll have to stop by the shop some time and figure out? I haven't had any complaints so far, I've owned the shop for maybe a year or two? Is that a good sign?" She questioned, giving a thoughtful look. Thank the gods, he was finally starting to actually talk, this was the old Dean, picking on her. And she didn't mind it at all, normally she'd throw it back at him but what was there to pick on? She didn't want to upset him or make things more awkward than they already were. And he answered her on the freelance jobs, too bad it was nothing serious. Freelance jobs only got you so far but so long as it paid the bills and got food on the table, it would be fine. "I thought they had programs to help guys like you find jobs?" She questioned, raising a brow. She didn't know why he had come home, but now wasn't the time to ask, things were much too awkward.

And he was looking around, was he trying to ignore her? Even with the awkwardness of the situation, and just how hard it was to keep the conversation going, Keirra was not going to be ignored. He was looking around, seeming all nervous as if he'd just done something terrible and was making sure the cops wouldn't find out. He acknowledged her though as she rambled on, soon asking if she knew it was illegal to own her pet. Giving a smirk, she looked up to him, doing her best to come off as innocent before the facade failed. "Yes, I knew. But.. She's better off with me than she was with the idiot who had her before. I won't tell if you won't?" She questioned, hoping that he'd keep the secret for her. Stuff being illegal hadn't ever really mattered and she took good care of her pet. Part of her wanted to take it to a zoo at first but after getting the adorable little animal back to it's normal state of health, she'd grown attached.

But something else caught her attention, he was staring at her, and he seemed to be lost in her thoughts. This made her curious and again, she looked him over, her eyes landing on his hands to find out that they were balled up. She knew that look, she knew that posture and she narrowed her eyes, wondering just what had him so pissed off. When did he become an animal rights activist? Was he seriously getting pissed at her for owning an endangered animal? People did it all the time, it really wasn't that bad. She was starting to get defensive, wondering just why he was angry and outspoken as always, she wasn't going to keep her mouth shut. "What's got your balls in a knot?" She questioned, crossing her arms over her chest and tilting her head to look up at him directly. Whatever his problem was, why he was getting so angry all of a sudden - out of no where, she wanted to know.

Location; Highschool cafetera - by the refreshment tables With; Dean Thoughts; Is he bipolar now? Why is he so pissy all of a sudden?

xxxxxLaughing at the thought, Danielle shook her head, "no, no, they honestly have nothing to do with them. I assume he was just trying to start some sort of conversation." She smiled and examined his game a bit more before shutting it off and setting it back down on the table in front of her. Pokemon was completely different from the Avengers. Listening about the storm, Danielle pursed her lips a bit and sighed, "well, if e have to get stuck here, at least I have you two to talk to. I don't think it'll be that bad, don't worry! I'm sure it'll blow over and we'll be out of here faster than a speeding bullet." Nodding towards the window, Danielle pointed and smiled, "just look! I'm sure it will be--" The young baker stopped mid-sentence when she stared out the window which blended in with the white walls next to it. Gasping a bit, she turned back just as Riley came back with their food.

Staring at him as he set it all down she grabbed her plate of raspberries and sat with it close to her body and ate them. Boy, did she ever love raspberries. It was her all time favorite snack and a pleasure to eat. These made her completely forget about the site she had seen outside. Turning back to Riley she nearly spit her raspberries all over him. He did the unthinkable. He bashed Loki then went and bashed Tony Stark also. If her eyes were like a cartoon characters, they would be popping out of her head right about now. She stood up and raised her hand, "one, I don't care Marvel or DC. Two, Tom Hiddlestone is a very handsome man, thank you very much. Three--" At this point, Danielle was right up in Riley's face and staring him down, poking his nose. "Tony Stark has no superpowers. He has a handmade butler named Jarvis. And he. Is. Awesome." Danielle stared at Riley for a minute, trying to finish making her point then slumped back down in her chair and ate her raspberries. Batman was not her favorite hero. To her, he couldn't be considered a super hero. Neither could Tony Stark. The did not have super powers, the whole point of a superhero.

Her ear twitched a bit when she heard someone kind of loudly in the room. Looking around, she knew it was not Riley. It couldn't be Elena because her voice was not masculine. Turning, she saw Dean with his fists tight and kind of hot-headed at the moment. Danielle definitely wanted to see what was going on between the happy couple. She finished her raspberries and kept the plate in her hands as an excuse to go over there. "I-I'll be right back... I need more raspberries," she told the two, seeming a bit distant because she was focused on the turmoil. Walking over to the table with the raspberries on it, Danielle watched the two. Hoping his fists weren't clenched because he was going to hit Kierra. She wasn't quite sure what to do, perhaps they could avoid some sort of confrontation in some way. Sucking back her pride and setting the plate down on the table, Danielle moved around to get a closer look. She figured Kierra probably noticed her snooping so she had to do something. The baker turned her back to Kierra, but her front to Dean. She laid her hand gently on Dean's shoulder and cleared her throat a bit. By this point she was scared to death. Kierra had never been nice to her, which in turn made Dean be kind of rude to her. Oh, well, this was the time to make a difference. Danielle smiled at him and tilted her head a bit, "D-Dean? Dean Madoc? W-Well, I haven't seen you since we all graduated. You probably don't remember me, but I'm Danielle. Danielle Lewis, we had Senior English together..." She stared down bit when she remembered that class, "I was the girl you would cheat off and tease me. You used to pull on my hair and make fun of my eyes." Perhaps this can change his mind off frustrated to remembering what he had done to people in the past. True, he had been a complete d**k to her and probably a good portion of the school, but oh well, he needed help and she would be there to rescue anyone in danger.

As the two argued about who knows what, Elena took the time to look around the room, trying to ignore the fact that Danielle and Riley were having an argument over something she didn't know too much about. And maybe if she looked like she wasn't paying attention, they wouldn't try to drag her into the conversation. So she munched on her Doritos as quietly as she could, trying to avoid having to give her opinion. Of course, being quiet with the Doritos was impossible, there was no way as every time she tried to take a bite, all that was heard was a loud crunch. Followed by a few more and she focused her attention to the rest of her snacks, deciding to try a brownie. It was delicious and she was glad that she'd requested the treat, she could never pass up chocolate.

Staring into the distance, she once again allowed herself to scan the room, looking to see any more familiar faces. After all, she didn't quite want to be a third wheel in this type of conversation, especially if she were to be dragged into the middle. But the moment was short-lived, and the argument about whom was the best super hero ended rather quickly as Danielle got up. The girl seemed to get distracted before finally saying she needed more raspberries. Worried that she had gotten upset over the argument with Riley, she was tempted to get up and follow her just as she heard someone's voice get loud.. Well, someone was angry and looking around the room, she noticed that instead of getting her raspberries, she was going over towards Dean and Keirra. 'This won't end well, maybe I should stop her?' The last thing any of them needed at the reunion was drama but already, it was thick in the air.

Just as she was scooting her seat back, it was too late. The brunette, Keirra, had spoke to Danielle and just by the looks of things, Elena knew it wasn't a friendly "how are you?" No, it looked to be more of a "what the ******** do you think you're doing? Go away." type of speech and Elena waited to see the outcome, worrying that she would have to break up a fight. Why was Danielle even bothering to help the two? They weren't known for being particularly nice. They could handle their own problems amongst themselves. "I think Danielle may have gotten herself into trouble." She spoke up lightly, unsure if Riley even knew of the situation at hand. Would Danielle need her and Riley to come to the rescue?


Location; Highschool cafeteria With; Riley Thoughts; This isn't going to end well.



The Miserable Muse

The thought of this reunion going sour already for apparently no reason was not something that Dean wanted to happen. Though he was still unsure of why he even came to his high school reunion, he had no intentions of screwing it up for anybody else. Even in high school, Dean never went out of his way to cause problems. The issues either came to him, or were his own for a good reason. On top of that, drawing attention to himself tonight was just not a good idea. His anxiety was already blowing through the roof tonight and was just bound to get worse as the night went on.

With his simple question of ”what?”, regarding to why the hell she was trying to call him out, the both of them should have known that it would only get worse from there on out if they kept their aggression up. But knowing them, neither would back down. They would stand their grounds, even if it was simply about pride. The good thing, though, was that Dean usually would have been in her face by now; shouting, screaming, and possibly even pushing her; instead, he had yet to do anything aside from clench his fists and grind his teeth. She should have been able to tell the difference in his reaction, as it was nowhere near as bad as it used to be; but then again, with both of their tempers rising; it was easy to miss if she wasn’t looking for anything different.

At this time, the people around them had already taken notice of the beginning fight. While some were staring with interest, as well as a few trying to get a closer look, others were trying to ignore what was happening and just have a good time. Perhaps those were the ones who knew that Dean was involved, and it was just like another day of high school for them. Every day in high school was drama, whether it be with one person or another; and this day really seemed to be no different, even though it was years after they had graduated. What could they really expect? Still, it was a good thing that nobody was trying to intervene, as he was often left to hash it out with whoever was around; not many people got in the middle when it was him, so maybe that was a good thing that they still didn’t, even now.
Or maybe the thought was just too good to be true, as someone did intervene.

Danielle approached, and the first thing she did was shove herself between Dean and Keirra, as well as put her hand on his shoulder as if she were some sort of friend of his. Almost immediately, it sent Dean into panic mode. His muscles tensed and his fists balled out of pure reflex; his body ready to defend himself if need be. Even though he wouldn’t need to really defend himself from anybody in this situation, the reflexes were one of the minor things that the war had left him with. That, and the PTSD – which at the current moment was taking its toll on him. His mind was sent into a flashback; and with dilated pupils, Dean was mentally elsewhere.
”MADOC! MADOC COME ON! MOVE YOUR a**!” The voice boomed from nearby, forcing Dean’s head to turn in the direction of where it came from. Hazel eyes landed on one of the men from his unit, who was currently trying to get Dean moving and following the rest of the others. But with a frozen body, it seemed almost impossible to go anywhere. ”Madoc, you’ve got to move! They’re closing in on us, and we stand no chance. Our orders are to fall back.” The words were shouted over the blaring gunfire in the distance. Bullets whizzed past Dean’s face, but he didn’t move at all. It took a little bit more shouting before the man from his unit managed to make his way over to Dean, grabbing onto his arm and dragging the frozen soldier until he was moving on his own. With that, the two began to retreat, as their orders demanded.

They didn’t exactly get too far before they had to stop again, though they had finally regrouped with a few other men that were also from the same unit as Dean. This made a group of seven people now, as the rest of the men they had been with before were no longer around. They had made their way into a broken-down building, though it was enough coverage for them to not get shot. ”What’s the problem? Why aren’t we moving, boss?” asked the man that had somehow gotten Dean moving again.
”We’re surrounded, kids,” an older man answered. As Dean’s eyes looked over to the leading soldier, he could see the irritation in his eyes. It was then that Madoc knew it wasn’t going to end well for them. ”We need to keep them away for as long as we can. I’ve radioed help, but I don’t know when they will get here. So just—“ but before the older man went any further, the sound of something clanking against the broken-down building was heard. All heads turned, and one of the men yelled, “GRENADE!” just a bit too late. The object exploding, sending a flashing light and loud sound that not only temporarily blinded and deafened them, but also sent all of the men off balance.

Dean had fallen over onto his side, his gun being dropped and his body rolling lightly. His eyes saw nothing but white, and his ears heard nothing but a high-pitched ringing sound. It turned out that the ‘grenade’ was no ordinary explosive grenade – but that of which they called a flash-grenade; something that blew up and caused temporary blindness, deafness, and off-balance. That, however, was enough to disorient the group of soldiers long enough for the enemy to come in. Just as Dean’s eyes were coming back to focus, he saw someone stand over him – and then all went black.

Within seconds of his mind going elsewhere, he was back. His pupils enlarged, and the expression of fear took over his face. He gasped heavily, pulling his arm back to make Danielle’s hand come off of his shoulder, even though he didn’t know that was the thing that set him off. When they’d seen him before, Dean had never looked like this – he’d never looked scared and confused as he did now when someone got close to him. No, he’d always looked angry, so what had changed? The ex-soldier backed up a few steps, looking at the people around him; seeing their faces distort into those of the enemy he had once been imprisoned and tortured by. The surrounding area was all too familiar to him, but not from high school; instead, it was the place he had lived for an entire year. The walls were damp with water from the rain, and blood from the people who had been there before he had. His own clothes were not what he wore to the reunion, but instead he wore just a pair of shorts that they’d forced him to change into, having taken away his uniform. Hazel eyes looked down at his hands, taking in the sights of the scars that circled around his wrists from when he’d been hung by his wrists to the chains on the wall for who knows how many hours at a time. Though the scars were still very visible to everyone else, his own eyes saw them covered in blood and rust from the chains. Fresh wounds had opened up again, but the pain was numb. Dean was back in the hellhole that he had nightmares about every damn time he tried to sleep. There was no escaping this pace. No way at all.

As he raised his eyes to look at the distorted faces around him, he backed up a few more steps; having backed into someone accidentally, but it made him gasp again as he turned around to look at just who it was. Riley. Instead of seeing the boy he’d once went to school with, though, he saw one of the dead men from his unit; wearing the same type of shorts and no shirt, just staring right at him. ”No… no, no, no.”




ooc Please keep in mind that Dean was not a bully. He would not hang someone from the flagpole by their underwear, nor just randomly make fun of someone and pull their hair. He got into fights, did drugs, and just overall had anger issues that caused problems with people who did not avoid him but instead pressed his buttons. But he was not a bully.


Radioactive Snowflake


Atami Uchiha


The Miserable Muse