Don't Fear the Reaper (song title by Blue Oyster Cult)
By: Quick-Demon
Raiting:T (just to be safe)
Disclaimer: Just borrowing the guys, I wish I could steal them tho (sigh) but I can't. Angry fangirls will chase me down if I did...
Summary: Everything is normal, well as normal in the life of a Winchester. That is until people start dying suddenly and they could be next… Pre-series. Sam 17 and Dean (turning) 21. Hurt Dean and Hurt Sam! Some brotherly stuff and maybe (if you're good) some angsty big brother stuff... but we'll see...
Sam felt the breath knocked out of him. He wheezed as his stomach recoiled with hurt. He wanted desperately to cover his midsection with his arms but two pairs of arms held his own. So all he could do was stand on wobbly on two legs gritting his teeth and sucking his breath as the pain continued to throb.
He opened his eyes in mere slits and saw how empty and blue the sky was, the sun seemed to be hiding somewhere behind a tree. He never realized how nice of a day it was today, despite the bitter chill of the cold weather. A menacing face appeared before him.
"Sammy, Sammy, Sammy" the face mocked, twisted in a malicious glee
Sam straightened his legs again and stared at his adversary defiantly, his mask never giving this person the satisfaction of his suffering. He opened his eyes more taking in more details. The guy before him was blond haired; he was well toned and had an air of arrogance.
He was part of the school football team and had been playing the sport for all of his life. He was more well off that most people in the school and always had the latest things and always went out with the most beautiful and popular girls. He was a little shorter than Sam but his arrogance and the ability to command people was extraordinary and Sam being a new kid at this school had no hope against this man.
"I suppose you're wondering why you're here. It's plain and simple" the jock used his throwing arm and embedded his knuckles into his stomach with one powerful strike.
Sam sagged against his human restraints as he gagged, his stomach begging to be comforted and protected.
"I know you only been here for a few weeks but you also know that the end of year exams will be here in a several months and to ensure my future in football I need to pass. And you're gonna help me"
"You know could've asked like normal people…" Sam gasped getting his breath back somewhat channeling his 'inner Dean'.
The guy snorted before kicking Sam in his shin. Sam groaned.
"Oh Sammy, I don't ask, I take. This is my school. I own everyone and I own you! Why do you think no one wants to be friends with you? Because they know that I don't want them to and anyone who disobeys me gets a good beating from my mates here"
He gestured to the two guys on either side of him, currently holding him up by his arms, sneering and chuckling. Sam stood back up again.
"I suppose you have to learn the hard way on how the chain of command works around here" The jock smirked cracking his knuckles
"Look if you want me to help you pass the exams then I can" Sam reasoned forcefully as the man approached him
The jock smirked, "How nice of you to offer Sammy"
"It's Sam" he snapped
That earned him a punch just below the rib cage.
"I can call you what ever I want to" he sneered, "And I don't need help, I just need answers. I need correct answers to the test. You see I'm very busy playing football and normal studies and working part time that I have no time to study…. And that's where you come in. I know you're really smart and I need a near perfect score to pass so I can do football as a career. Understand?"
Sam wheezed looking at the neatly trimmed grass below his feet. He wished they weren't behind the school in a secluded area. There were no teachers, no students and no witnesses. He knew that this jerk wouldn't do anything horrific but he would feel better if this guy stopped.
"And don't even think of telling anyone of this, not your family or anyone" the bully threatened, "Or I'll really make your life hell!"
Sam couldn't help but snort at the man's threat of hell and that earned him another punch.
"You think I'm bluffing?" the man snapped, "Maybe I'll make your family's life hell. I have connections and don't think I won't carry out my threats"
Sam would have snorted at that as well knowing how nothing fazes his family after all the supernatural turmoil they've went through but just the mere threat of someone hurting his family, the only people he ever knew that he could truly trust and rely upon, made him tense with rage.
The jock saw the man's anger in his eyes and not fear like he was expecting. Every time he threatened someone's family they usually beg and plead with fear. He could see the steely resolve and knew that his guy had spirit. A spirit he was going to enjoy breaking while being here for the rest of the year.
So he punched Sam again and waved his henchmen away. They released him and Sam fell to the ground and for good measure he kicked him in his side and the boy yelped curling into a fetal position. With a chuckle they left him there.
Sam never realized how good the grass felt and smelt after being beaten around. The grass was nice and soft and in his injured state wanted to lay here forever. He waited until the jocks were out of sight before he stubbornly rose to his feet. Stifling groans he bushed all the loose grass from his clothes and hair, trying to not make it so obvious of the injuries he had suffered and walked over to his discarded bag pack.
It was Wednesday afternoon, it was nice but cold. It was a great day to play sports or be out and about. Knowing their father he'll probably get him and Dean to do some conditioning. He mentally groaned as pain rippled up his chest. He really, really wasn't in the mood for that right now.
He made sure everything was in place and that he didn't look like he just received a beating and headed towards the front of the school. Most of the kids were gone by now, eagerly left as soon as the bell rang. He was on his way as well… until he got ambushed and threatened. Even with all his training he couldn't defend himself quick enough and mentally cursed himself. His injuries could have been avoided if he was more on guard.
"Focus Sam, you're not focused enough! The difference to being prepared or not can mean life or death" He could hear his father's reprimand. Or pride, Sam added to the thought sourly.
He made sure he walked in his normal lanky stride as he approached black 1967 Chevy Impala, knowing that if his brother knew he'd been injured he'll launch into his big brother mode and then go after the culprit. Not that he was afraid of the bully, he just didn't want to explain to his brother and his father how he was jumped and beaten, since it could have been avoided if he was on guard. It was embarrassing enough without his family knowing and besides he had worse before. Also if his father found out he may decide that he will need 'special' training so he wouldn't be jumped by humans again.
He mentally groaned at the thought.
He heard rock music blaring from the open windows as he approached the black car. He opened the door and slid in carefully but casually so he wouldn't aggravate his sore torso and throbbing leg.
"You took your sweet time Samantha" Dean greeted as he turned the ignition key, "I was beginning to think that I would have to go into the woman's bathroom and haul you out"
Sam gave a glare he so wasn't in the mood for his brother's comments, "Jerk"
"Bitch" Dean didn't miss a beat
Dean pushed the pedal and the car purred in response. He pulled out onto the road and made their way home.
Dean glanced over to his brother noticing how quiet he was. Ok sure, Sam being quiet and gazing out of the window wasn't unusual but his brother was late in coming out of the school. He noticed that Sam hadn't made any friends like he usually did and he never talked about school like he did in previous years. Dean put it down to being Sam's last year at school. Sam seemed to thrive on study and research which saved them on a number of their hunts and was sometimes was even more thorough than their father. Maybe, in a way, Sam was preparing himself for the end of school.
After all there was only one way for him to go after school and that was the family business.
His mind drifted to the hunt his father was following up on. He wasn't told much detail other than it could lead to The Demon. That and to watch out for Sam. When didn't he ever? He was 20 years old and he watched out for Sam all his life. The maintaince of Sam's wellbeing was ingrained into his very being that if Sam ever died he wasn't sure if he could ever continue.
He shook his head. He never wanted to go down that path, ever. His thought path switched to his much welcomed Birthday. He was finally going to be 21, not that it really matters, but at least in the legal world he was seen as an adult. He'd been into bars and clubs before under the guise of a fake ID but this felt a little different. It felt good somehow, like some unspoken rite of passage.
That idea was cemented when their Dad gave him down time on that day to do whatever he wanted to. Dean couldn't believe his ears when his father said that they weren't to come along with him to track The Demon down and that he should spend his Birthday however he'd wished. After that his Dad left.
It was that moment that Dean knew that his Dad wouldn't be home for his birthday.
Luckily he was use to their father on long hunts and hardly around on special occasions like Christmas's and Birthdays so his surprise quickly went as it came. Funnily enough the perfect birthday for him was to be with his family, together. No arguments, no hunts and all fun.
He mentally snorted skeptical as that would ever happen at all, let alone on his birthday.
He finally pulled up at their cheap rental home. Dean shut the engine and music off and opened the door. He turned to see Sam climbing out as well, taking a little longer than he did . Dean gave a small smile knowing his little brother wasn't so little any more and took him time to climb out of the car. The Impala didn't provide a lot of leg room and secretly wondered how Sam could stay in the car hours at a time being cramped.
They entered the house, Dean had to push on the door to get it to open. The home was small, musty and really made for one person. In his mind it was in no condition to house a party so he decided on going to a stripper club with a couple of old high school friends and also with Caleb and some his known friends. Since his father practically gave him permission to do what he liked on his birthday he was doing just that.
His mind was drawn back to reality as he heard a door shut. He realized that he was alone and that Sam had gone to one of he small rooms. He also realized that he had been slowly making his way to the kitchen all the while daydreaming about his planned night. He shook his head and blinked wondering why he was getting so lost in his head. It wasn't like him; it was more like Sammy's job to be daydreaming and to be full of ideas. He smirked and opened the bare fridge. He looked around and the only object inside was some moldy bread.
"I suppose we'll be ordering tonight" he chided to himself
Sam laid on his small rickety bed. He had already assessed his torso and just appeared to only have bruising. It was still sore and was annoying to move about so he laid there not even bothered to get up and do his homework.
Feeling comfortable he started to drift off only to be woken up by the smell of Pizza. His stomach growled with anticipation and he mentally groaned knowing he would have to get up to fulfill his stomach's request. He managed to sit up when Dean opened the door and walked in with the Pizza box. Dean sat on his bed which was situated next to the door and open the pizza box.
Sam reached out and grabbed a slice.
"No food in the fridge again?"
Dean shrugged, "What can I say? I forgot to do some shopping. I'll go tomorrow"
"When's Dad coming back?" he asked
Dean shrugged, "He didn't really say. Probably sometime after my birthday"
Sam bit into his warm slice of pizza as Dean shoved the rest of his crust into his mouth, chewed for a little bit then swallowed.
"No homework tonight?" Dean gestured to the empty bed
Sam shrugged cursing Dean's powers of observation. Usually his bed was scattered with books and homework, since he didn't have a study desk, but tonight he wasn't feeling up to doing anything but to lie down and sleep the aching away.
"No I've done it already" he lied taking another bite into his pizza.
Sam was a little thankful that his brother was occupied in planning his 21st. birthday. He would have never gotten to his room without arousing suspicion if his brother wasn't daydreaming. Sam knew how excited Dean was and he was happy for him. In his mind Dean deserved it and much, much more. Sam even saved up enough money to by something really good for Dean this year. Every other year their birthdays have been meager and humble but this year Dean is going all out and he was as well. He just had to find the time and hide it from him before the day. With Dean preoccupied he knew it wouldn't be that hard to find time.
"Well you're as about as exciting as bat crap" Dean got up and shoved the open pizza box towards him, "You want any more?"
Sam shook his head. Dean shrugged.
"Suit yourself! Baywatch here I come!" he announced before leaving the small room for the living room
Sam finished his slice and laid back down on the bed. His stomach satisfied and his body finally relieved to be not moving he drifted back to sleep with the murmur of the TV blaring in his ears somewhere from the living room.
Sam entered the school grounds after being dropped off by his brother. He zipped up his jacket, the cold bit his exposed hands and face. Much to his relief it didn't snow around these parts but it was really cold, especially in the morning. This morning he wasn't in the mood to get up. It was cold, he was tired and sore. Sure he got up earlier and colder than that in previous years but that doesn't mean he liked it. Even Dean was hard pressed to get up this morning and complained how cold it was, predicting snow.
He made his way towards the school building passing various students joining the stream of people entering the warm building. His chest throbbed with every stepped and mentally growled wondering why it hurt so much. It was better than yesterday and noticed he wasn't as sore but it was defiantly annoying. At least now it would be easier to hide without wincing every so often.
He entered, the whole school was quiet than normal. Sam looked around and saw people were speaking in hush tones glancing around. Curious he went to his own locker and saw another student nearby filling their locker. He was a kid on the other end of the popularity scale so he knew he could at least wiggle some information out of him.
"Hey do you know what's going on?" he implored
The other kid looked back him, looked around and then leaned in closer. Sam leaned in with him.
"Didn't you hear? Yesterday Scott and his goons were killed" he whispered
Sam blinked. Scott was the arrogant jock who decided to use him as a punching bag yesterday. He was dead?
"How?" Sam asked
"He was killed in a car accident while going home from school. He and his friends were hit by a large truck, while crossing the road and died instantly"
Sam let the suddenness of the situation sink in. He couldn't believe it. The guy was alive yesterday being his arrogant self but alive and then on the same afternoon he died. Sam felt somewhat relieved but then quickly felt guilty. It wasn't his first time for being singled out by bullies at schools and even though at the age of seventeen he had hoped he would see the last of them at this school.
He was wrong.
This school seemed to be controlled by Scott and his henchmen. Sam realized this fact when he tried to make friends. At first he thought it was strange when people wouldn't even look at him, shy away or walk away and then he began to realize that this jock was in control. He never came across it this type of thing before (and he's been to a lot of schools) and naturally thought it maybe a supernatural thing. That was until yesterday when Scott jumped him. Sam was convinced he was as human as ever. An arrogant, evil jerk but he was human. He would have chosen to reveal himself and even killed Sam if he was a supernatural creature.
For some reason Sam had a bad feeling and he knew his feelings always turned out right. Maybe he felt a little responsible since he was the last one to see them alive before they had the accident… He had to look more into this. The hunter in him couldn't leave this well enough alone. Sam pulled away as the other kid ran off and then the bell rang for the beginning of class. Sam grabbed his books and headed off to First Period.
Dean walked into the small town supermarket eager to grab a few things and go. He wasn't the shopping type and he hated to tag along. So in the store and grabbed a basket and went along the aisles grabbing a few staple foods like bread and milk, as well as grabbing tinned food and 'meals in a can' food. He toyed with the idea of cooking tonight but he wasn't much in the mood today so he settled with some microwave ready made meals.
Once making the rounds he approached the checkout. He grinned at the check out chick. The girl seemed to perk up at his presence as if he was the light in her boring monotonous day.
"Hi" she chirped torn between scanning his items and gazing at him
Dean smirked secretly proud he still had the looks in the family. Knowing what effect he had on girls he flashed a charming smile.
"It's a beautiful day outside isn't it?"
She looked up.
"Oh yes very beautiful… erh day, yes day" she stumbled on her own words before looking down to try and hide her embarrassment
Dean watched as her cheeks grew to a pinky red and thought it was somewhat cute. She quickly scanned through the items now. She looked at the cash register.
"That's Fifty dollars and forty two cents" she forced out bravely but not meeting his green eyes.
"Sure" he looked at her name badge, "Nancy"
He handed her a few notes. She quickly gave him his change and he left the store grinning as he went to his car. He turned unexpectedly to see the girl looking at him as he left, then she noticed he was looking at her and she quickly turned away to serve the next customer. He gave a chuckle and pulled out his keys.
Oh yeah! I still got it!
Placing the groceries in the trunk he entered his beloved car. His cellphone rang. He pulled out his bulky phone and answered.
"Dean" the voice on the other end addressed
His good mood became serious as his mind preparing for what ever news his father was going to give him
"Dad" Dean acknowledged
"I've got a call from an old friend of mine. He tipped me off to a Black Dog hunting in your area. He's busy on a hunt and had known we were in this state so he had asked me, but since I'm also out of town I want you to take it out"
"Yes sir"
"Good. I'll be home in a few days and keep an eye on Sammy"
"Yes sir"
"Also be careful son"
Then the phone went dead. Dean pocketed his phone, for once not really happy to go hunting. It was before his birthday and he selfishly wanted not to go out and do it but the longer the dog was out there the more chance that people go missing and get to become dog chow.
He always placed others before himself.
He turned the ignition and revved the engine. The car roared in response then settled to a growly purr. He pulled out of the car park and headed for home.
Sam was finally relieved that school was over. Students were too busy mucking around or feigning sickness because of the recent tragedy. Sam could feel in the air that everyone was happy, somehow liberated from the oppression of this bully. This guy had such a hold in the school and the students that it wasn't noticeable until now. Sam also felt relieved and happy that he didn't have to face another year of bulling and humiliation. Then he felt guilty for feeling that way.
He tried to piece more information from other students but they ended up to be rumors and hearsay that had developed from this morning. By the end of the day the Scott had died from being pushed in front of the truck by the ex- girlfriend of a guy who had a grudge against him.
He swiped the local paper off the teacher's desk to hunt for more information but it just told him what he already knew. At least he knew where it happened; it was two blocks away on a quiet junction. The odds of a truck traveling through there were minimal which struck more suspicion in him.
Sam slid into the passenger seat of the Impala. Loud classic rock, that blared from the speakers, was turned down as he settled in and closed the door. Sam looked over to Dean and his brother smirked.
Dean started the engine and they pulled off into the street. Sam glanced over to Dean who was tapping in fingers in time with the beat of the song. He felt Dean was a little stand off-ish, like he wasn't happy about something. He knew his brother, probably more than he knew himself. Dean learnt to hide everything under a mask and is never the touchy feely type. So Sam learnt to read the signs and mannerisms so when Dean was trying to hide an emotion he could always tell.
Dean must of noticed his silent imploring gaze and shifted in seat, "What?"
Sam considered telling him of his suspicions about the traffic accident and he was about to when Dean looked at him.
Dean gave a sigh, "We got another job"
Sam looked at him, "What?"
"Dad called and got a tip off that there is a Black Dog in the area" Dean said not looking at him, knowing what his reaction would be
Sam sighed feeling annoyed, "And he wants us to take it out?"
Dean nodded, "He's sent me the co-ordinates and its out in the nearby woods. Its routine, we track it and kill it"
Sam sighed. He was getting tired of this life. He had no idea how Dean could live it and breathe it and be ok with it. He saw how his past friends had normal lives, with parents or parent. In a way he envied their ignorance. They had no idea what was beyond the darkness, what evil and supernatural events occur without them knowing. In a way he longed for that ignorance; to not have to worry about their father every time he went off hunting or Dean when he did it with Dad. He knew even if he ever broke away from this life he would always salt the doors and windows and keep weapons hidden and ready.
Because he knew what was out there.
Sam looked at Dean. His focus was on the road but he could see that he wasn't too happy about this either. Sam knew that mood. It was a quiet sulky mood. He wondered why he was in such a mood until he reminded himself Dean was in party mode in his mind. All he was thinking was his birthday in a few days and this was dampening his spirits.
"So lets do it tonight" Sam said suddenly
Dean looked at him strangely, "What?"
"Lets just get this over and done with" Sam explained
"It's a school night"
Sam shrugged, "It's not like we hunted on school nights before"
"That's because Dad made you" Dean muttered
Sam sighed not wanting to have an argument with his brother over their Dad. It was pointless and would be a waste of energy and time. Something he wasn't willing to give at the moment.
"Alright we'll do it tonight. No need to get your panties in a twist" Dean growled
Sam rolled his eyes but he knew his brother was silently happy for the hunt to go ahead tonight. It was good for him too. The sooner they do this the better.
To Be Continued...
Wow someone died already (its the first chapter) and a hunt is on, but knowing Winchester luck nothing goes to plan...
Please Review! Please let me know what you think of the story! If its good, or its bad then tell me! You're opinions matter... (hmm I heard that phrase before...) You'll get a free virtual cookie with every review submission (yay!)