Respite - The Four Thursdays
Possessions aren't my thing, don't own them, don't want to own them, but when the boys need some time off, I'm glad it's me they choose to come and visit.
Respite: "Postponement; delay; temporary relief from labour or effort; an interval of rest."
Chapter One - The First Thursday
"Oh God no, 6:30 already, I haven't even been to sleep yet" I groaned to myself. "Work today...shit, why did I have that last cup of coffee so late, I'm sure paying for it now." After a few more minutes of groaning and pleading and wishing and finally relenting, I dragged my sorry ass out of bed and hit the shower. Nothing was going to help me get through this day (well, that wasn't quite true I reminded myself, it was Thursday and therefore Thursday night wasn't too far off - I just had to get through these next hours).
On days like these, even the simplest acts seemed hard. Dress simple girl, nothing complicated today I thought, as I put on my very worn and also very favourite black top and black skirt, along with black leggings.
"Damn, that was close" I thought to myself as I ran across the street, narrowly missing getting dinged by a car on my way to cutting through the shopping centre's parking lot and drawing ever closer to my daily fix of a three shot expresso (no green tea for this gal today).
This was actually a part of my routine I enjoyed. Empty and still somewhat darkened parking lots have that supernatural feel to them, especially on the days when the groupings of pigeons decide to scatter for no apparent reason other than the feeling of something edgy in the air. The only thing different about the lot today, was that it wasn't completely deserted, there was one hot looking car parked off to the side, just under the concrete easement. "Hmph, weird a car like that in a shopping centre parking lot, I mean does whoever drive that type of car, even do shopping centres?" I wondered as I gave it the once over. On turning away, I caught a figure moving inside it, out of the corner of my eye. An exceeding tired looking guy glanced out the lowered window and gave me a weak smile. "Poor guy" I thought to myself, he looks wiped. Against my better judgement (who was I kidding, my judgement had never better) I walked over to the car.
"Hey guy, you okay, do you need anything?" I asked.
"No we're fine" Mr. Tall, Dark and Dimpled replied. "We?" I asked and then noticed the second body laid out in the backseat asleep. "That's my brother Dean and I'm Sam" he stated quietly. "I'm Gabriella" and put on what I hoped was my best smile.
"Listen Sam, it's none of my business okay, but I'm feeling something is very off here and I don't even know you guys. It's 2007 and here I am going against every single rule in the book, but I'm taking a leap here and trusting my gut, I just live up the block, so why don't you and your brother drive over to my place and hang out, instead of here in the parking lot. You look pretty darn tired and I can see your brother has been through something, (those type of bruises sure just don't happen walking into a door). It's the white house on the corner, just up the street there." There, I said it, my big Karma moment, my balance check, my debits and credits column now equal. "I'll just run back and get the door open, trust me okay Sam, I'm not some freaked out whack job, I just want to help" and with that I turned and ran back out through the lot.
"Dean...Dean c'mon, wake up man" Sam whispered as he leaned over into the backseat and gently rubbed Dean's shoulder. "I don't want too Sammy, I'm so tired I just want to sleep" Dean mumbled trying to turn away from Sam's hand. "I think the Gods may be smiling on us today brother. I just met this really nice person and she invited us to come over to her place."
That sure got Dean's attention. "Tell me Sammy, what kind of woman in 2007 is going to invite two complete strangers into her home, she's got to be off her rocker somewhere."
"I don't think so Dean, I got a really good feeling when I spoke with her, let's just go and see okay, it's just up the block and I really need to check on your injuries, you've been sleeping a lot and those bruises are wicked looking" Sam said as manoeuvered himself into the driver's seat and started the engine. He looked back and caught Dean's eye roll through the rear view mirror, but Dean didn't say anything further.
As Sam pulled into the driveway, Dean was sitting up in the back, rubbing his hair and wondering what Sam had gotten them into now.
"Gabriella this is my now awake brother Dean and Dean this is Gabriella" Sam introduced them. "Pleased to meet you Dean." I extended my hand and watched as who I presumed was the older brother decided whether to take it or not. Finally relenting, he did, and then to his brother's clear amazement, thanked me for inviting them in. This alone must have been a monumental statement coming from Dean, for Sam just still stood there slack-jawed. "Glad I could help Dean, do you guys need some help hauling in your gear?" I asked. "No we've got it" Sam replied, as he turned back to the car and its trunk.
After showing the guys around the lower levels, I opened the door to the attic room and told them they could have it for as long as they needed, the only problem being that it had one comfortable king size bed up there, but only one. However, this didn't seem to be a problem for them, as we climbed the stairs and eventually all stood in the brown carpeted and funky designed wallpapered room. Sam was certainly going to have to remember to bend I chuckled to myself as I watched him position himself against the open space in the room, and not the slanted ceiling parts.
"Okay guys I'm off to work, here's my work number if you need anything, I'm usually home around 6:00 and I'll make supper then, I kinda have a routine on Thursday evenings - enjoy your day" and with that I was on my way to work again.
As I retraced my steps back up the street and back through the parking lot, I was still in disbelief over my earlier actions and yet, no matter what, I sensed I had done the right thing. There was no doubt, none of the if's gremlins making an appearance, it just felt right.
"I'm home" I yelled as I entered the house. "Hey Gabby how was your day?" Sam asked as he entered the kitchen (she liked the nickname). " Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. How about you and Dean, everything alright?" "It's really good, Gabby, I just wanted to thank you for trusting and well just for doing it, I mean for..." Sam stammered. "You're welcome Sam" I answered, as I noted the table had been set for three. "Thanks for doing that Sam, much appreciated." "Well actually, it was Dean" Sam exclaimed, a look of surprise still alive in his eyes. "What did I do now?" Dean asked as he entered the kitchen, looking still quite battered but a little refreshed too and smelling delicious, I couldn't help but notice. Strawberry shampoo - yummy. "Nothing, nothing at all, except setting the table - are you sure you're okay man? Sam ribbed good naturedly. "Thanks Dean for doing it" I intervened and enjoyed watching the slow blush creep into those bruised cheeks.
"Now, what can I get you guys for supper?" I asked. "I have some steaks in the freezer which I can pull out and throw in some baked potatoes, carrots - sound okay". "Sound great!" they both exclaimed. "Is there anything we can help you with?" "Actually not tonight there isn't, I have my routine down and just as long as we're done by 8:57, it's all good." "8:57?" asked Sam. "8:57" I replied smiling. "It's Thursday night and my very favourite show is on at 9:00 - never miss it, plan my activities around it, and sometimes I wonder if not my life (well, actually yeah, pretty much my life too). It's the best show out there and has a legion of very loyal global fans, all four corners of the world are represented in this show's fanbase." "We'll be sure to be done by 8:57" Sam answered, his interest piqued.
Supper that night was a lot of fun, the conversation was relaxed and easy, it also lasted longer than expected and when I glanced at the clock it was already 8:59. I scraped my chair back and told the guys that we needed to go, we needed to go now and ran upstairs to what was at least temporarily their room. I hadn't set-up the tape in the morning, because ooh what a morning it had been and wouldn't you know it, I was already late and would miss the first taping sequence, I thought as I rammed the tape into the vcr and got it all set.
As Dean and Sam followed me up the stairs I could hear Dean saying "addictive much" to Sam. Well yeah I suppose, from an outsider's point of view, from someone who just didn't get it (yet), it could appear pretty intense.
As I went to sit down on the floor, as the bed just didn't feel like mine anymore, I noticed a cute little grinning green frog laying in the pillows. "Those guys are adorable", I thought to myself, not for the first time today. As the guys entered the room, Sam went to insist that I take the bed and they'd take the floor. "I'm good Sam, I'm good, just grab a comfortable position and ... okay it's on now, from now on, we maintain radio silence - okay - no joking." Sam and Dean stretched out on the bed, adjusting themselves as needed to see my tiny twelve inch tv (at least it was in colour).
"What a fantastic episode it was" I gushed inside my own mind. I LOVE THOSE GUYS so much and who chooses the music, I wondered for the millionth time, because they sure get it too. Normally, I would re-watch the episode I just saw and ooh how I wanted to do that now - so badly, but Sam and Dean were here and well, maybe Dean had it a bit right earlier, it is kinda of addictive.
As I turned to look at the guys and gage their reactions, they were both staring back at me and smiling. "So, what did you think?" I asked. "That's a good show" Dean replied. "That older brother sure has it together, tough as nails, belligerent, I like him and Sammy here I'm sure could equate to the younger brother, couldn't you Sam?" Dean asked as he laid his arm around his brother's shoulders and pulled him in for a squeeze. "Ha ha very funny" Sam replied but did say he too enjoyed the show. However, I just wasn't feeling the level of love from them about MY show that I thought I should be.
There are certain things I let go in life and others I'll get up on my soap box to speak about. This was certainly a soap box moment.
"It's like the best show out there guys and Dean I need to set you straight on a few things. Yeah, the older tv brother may appear to be tough as nails and belligerent, but he's got a warm heart inside and just doesn't know how to express it except when it comes to his little brother and then it's not like it's all chick flick moments or anything, just a committed family guy doing his best all the time to look out for his little brother. As for the little tv brother, he may appear all warm and cozy on the outside, but his inner strength and his love for his older brother shines through in each episode. Further, I want you guys to know, that we've all been waiting for a hug to happen between the brothers, (cause that one that happened in an earlier episode sort of counted but not really cause the younger brother was out of it). I think we're working up to it before the season finale this year (I hope and pray we are at least), cause the brothers so need this (and so do all the fans)." I was really cooking on my soapbox now. "And now, to make matters worse, this show is in the worst timeslot in tv history and the station that holds its future in its hands hasn't decided whether to renew it for next season, I'm just sick over it, I've written letters, signed petitions, got the word out, got everybody I know to turn on their sets at 9:00 just to get the ratings in. It's just too good a show to let go of and why the network doesn't get this is beyond me." "Alrighty then" Dean said as he looked at me with somewhat of a puzzled look in his eyes. "I know, I know I can get pretty wound up over this, but it's such a good show and I so don't want to lose it." I exclaimed as I made my way up from the floor.
Changing the topic, I asked about the grinning green frog, which I noticed was now positioned between the guys. "Dean got it for me awhile back" Sam giggled and Dean smiled. Gosh these guys are so cute together I thought to myself. "Well, see you tomorrow fellas, have a good rest of the night." "Thanks again for everything Gabby." "You're welcome Dean."
As I made my way downstairs and into the small bedroom, I realized my nightgown was still upstairs. What could I do - I couldn't really go back up. Well, it looks like its commando for you tonight girl.
"Dean, let me get a look at your side okay, I just want to be sure I don't need to re-stitch anything and then we'll get all settled for bed okay" Sam whispered, as he noticed Dean's eyes begin to close. "I'm fine Sam, I really am" Dean breathed as he turned his head to look at his brother who was looking back at him with those warm and wonderful chocolate brown eyes. "Just humour me okay Dean" Sam said as he got off the bed and came around to the other side. He helped Dean shift over. Sam noticed that some blood had leaked onto Dean's shirt and his concern grew. As Sam began to gently pull the t-shirt up, he winced as he heard his brother's intake of breath. "I'm sorry Dean, I'm sorry babe" Sam leaned down to kiss Dean's side "I'll be as quick as I can" Sam stated and Dean could only nod. "It looks like a small tear Dean, I don't think I'll need to re-stitch now, but it also looks like a small infection is starting." Sam was concerned as he continued to apply the anti-bacterial cream to Dean's injury and then couldn't help but smile as he felt Dean start to relax under his hand. Sam finished his work and went to wash up.
As he came back to bed, and got in, he breathed a long sigh of relief. This was one comfortable bed he thought. Dean rolled into him and Sam moved his arms to encircle Dean. "All comfy?" Sam asked as Dean mumbled something and nuzzled against Sam. "For as long as they needed" Sam thought, "for as long as they needed" Gabby had said. This respite was a good thing. He and Dean needed the time, for Dean to heal, for Sam to play nurse and for both of them just to be - no hunting, no travelling, no crappy motel rooms and no gross food.
At some point during the night Sam was awoken to a very hot and slightly confused Dean, the infection clearly running its course through his system. Sam quickly made his way downstairs, looking for more towels to wet and lay over Dean in an attempt to get his temperature down.
"Gabby, are you awake?" Sam asked through the crack in the door. "What the - Sam is that you, is everything okay?" I asked as I struggled to wake-up. "It's Dean, his temperature is really high and I need to get him cooled down, do you have any extra towels?" "Sure Sam hang on a minute okay, I'm coming." "Great" I groaned to myself, no nightgown, yesterday's clothes and Sam, what a combination, as I pulled the sheet around me and made my way out the door, blinking and looking up at Sam's worried face.
"Here you go Sam, I've included the rubbing alcohol too. Just a question, but don't you think a bath might help a bit more to get it down quicker?" I asked. "It probably would Gabby, but I know my brother and right at this moment, I doubt I could get him to move, so I'll try the towels first." Sam responded. "Okay, if you need anything else, just let me know" as I watched Sam make his way back upstairs with the wet towels and rubbing alcohol. "Thanks Gabby" Sam looked back and smiled.
"Hey Dean, hey buddy, I'm right here, I'm right here" Sam whispered tenderly as he began to move the blankets down and replace them with the towels. Dean shivered and Sam placed his hand on his forehead. "I know it's uncomfortable, but it needs to be done, just for a little while" Sam reassured Dean.
"Sammy I think I'm going to be sick" Dean groaned as he leaned over the side of the bed. Sam raced over and grabbed the garbage tin as Dean began to heave violently. It was kinda gross really, that splatter kind and Sam's hands were covered, not that it mattered to him, as he would do anything for Dean, but Dean felt embarrassed and could feel the tears leaking from this eyes. "I'm so sorry Sammy, I'm so sorry for that, I'll clean you up don't worry" and as he moved to get up, he was struck by how dizzy he felt and no matter what, could not lift his head any further off the pillow. Sam meanwhile had begun to clean things up and told Dean not to worry about it, as these things happen and when you love someone you just go with it.
Once everything was cleaned up, Sam sat beside Dean on the bed, holding his hand and humming to him. Sam had discovered that Dean loved to hear him hum and every chance Sam got, he would do it for Dean. Dean's glazed eyes caught Sammy's. "Close your eyes babe, I've got you" Sam whispered into Dean's ear.
Just as Gabby had predicted, the towels didn't seem to be doing much good and Sam headed back downstairs where he heard the bath water already being run. Gabby was just coming out of the door, when she bumped into Sam.
"I can take those and wash them for you" I said. "I better do it, there's stuff on them". Sam replied. "Don't worry about it Sam, I'm sure I've seen worse, you go and get Dean and get him into that tub of water, a fever's a dangerous thing when it starts really climbing."
Sam had the devil's own time getting Dean up and then down the stairs to the bathtub. Dean was all puppet like and Sam was the string master. "Okay Dean we're almost there, just keep putting one foot in front of the other, that's right, here we are. Now, I'm going to sit you right here on the toliet seat and pull off your t-shirt and boxers okay." Sam advised as he slowly pulled off the garments. Dean did not protest - a sure sign as to how ill he truly was. "That's my boy" Sam said as he lifted Dean up and stored him safe in his arms. "Now, one leg in Dean, just raise one leg and step in and then the other, I've got you, I'm right behind you" Sam exclaimed, as the positioned himself against the back bath wall and braced for taking Dean's weight down with him. Slowly, he moved into position behind Dean and lowered both of them into the water.
Gabby had left out some face clothes which Sam took and soaked and gently began to run over Dean's body. "You okay my darling?" Sam murmured to Dean who was laying against his younger brother. "Dean, you alright" Sam persisted finally eliciting a small sigh from Dean.
Holding Dean like this, even in illness, never ceased to amaze Sam, that Dean allowed his walls to come down in these gentle acts of kindness, from the love words, to the gentle touches and murmurings, Sam's heart melted every time.
"Sam, do you need anything" I whispered through the door. "I think we'll be okay Gabby, I'm just going to get Dean to stay in a while longer." Sam answered. "You know where I am if you need anything, take care of him and your self Sam, goodnight." I responded.
"Okay doll, let's get you up and out of the tub okay" Sam said as he gently wrestled Dean's body to a standing position. Towelling Dean off, Sam couldn't help but admire the wonderful physique of his brother and all the little crevices and indents that were unique to Dean and Dean alone.
"Mmmm..Sam" Dean opened his eyes and smiled crookedly at Sam. "I love you so much Sammy, thanks for taking care of me man" and his eyes began to close again. "I love you too Dean, more than you'll ever know. Just keep your eyes open a bit longer k'ay, I need to get you back upstairs and into bed." Sam chuckled as Dean held onto him and they made their way back up.
Sam steered Dean to the bed and gently lowered him down. Dean curled into the bed and Sam placed the covers over him and gave him a kiss on the forehead. The bath sure did seem to help.
As Sam turned off the light and crawled in beside Dean and pulled him close, he said a silent prayer of thanks for meeting Gabby, for loving Dean and that the fifth day of the week was the beginning of the respite.
To be continued.
Author's note: This series can be read as a standalone piece or in conjunction with Recipe for a Definite Chick Flick Moment (located under the M/Romance section) for some of the background details which will be taking place throughout this series. Remember: Life's a gift, enjoy the time! If you would like to review, I look forward to receiving them. Thank you.