Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm just a fan.
A Small Town in Kansas
Sister story/sequel to 'About to turn in'.
Supernatural... season1/Smallville...season4.
Dean, Sam, Clark
Supernatural biased
"Why are we here? This isn't our usual kind of thing?" Sam asked whilst looking out of the Impala's windows at the small mid western town. The place was certainly colourful.
"Dude! 'Meteor Freaks!' You gotta wanna know if they're real or just something for the cover of Bizarre weekly?" replied Dean spotting a diner and pulling to the kerb in front. "Besides, what was all that weird stuff about cave paintings you were looking up? That was round here wasn't it?"
Sam hid his face from his brother as it went pink. Dean had crept up behind him whilst he was on the web intending to catch him looking at porn. But in actual fact, Sam had a much more intimate quest on his hands. He had been trying to find some reference to the symbol, certain it was some kind of rune, that had been around the neck of his 'mystery man' in that nightclub in Metropolis a couple of months back.
He had convinced himself it was just idle curiosity about the Sigel. That he did not really want to find the man who had given him an experience he was never likely to forget. Yeah right. And his prick had not just started to harden at the thought of him either.
Even if Sam could have forgotten the encounter, his brother would always remind him about 'jerking around' on the job after finding him in that corridor with his hand down his pants. He had not disabused Dean of the notion because, no matter how embarrassing it was to be thought to have been seeing to himself at an inopportune moment, the thought of Dean knowing what had actually happened was mortifying.
So he had garbled something about interesting 'mystic' cave paintings that had been found in a small town named Smallville. Dean had gotten excited about the afore mentioned 'Meteor Freaks' that he had read about on some website blog. So here they were. They had been passing close by anyway, two states away. But once Dean had gotten it into his head, there was no dissuading him, and Sam did not try too hard. It was a long shot but you never knew. Stranger things had happened to them. Much stranger.
Getting out of the car, the pair headed towards the diner only to find it 'closed for business'. "What else would it be open for?" Dean wanted to know feeling disgruntled. It was obviously a personal insult. He needed caffeine after driving for near six hours straight. Not to mention the 'facilities'.
Casting around, Sam pointed down the street. "There. Lets try that," indicating to something that looked to have been an art deco picture house at one time. Now the neon declared that it was 'The Talon' and just about the brightest thing about.
Shrugging his shoulders, with nothing better to suggest, Dean led the way nodding back to a greeting from a passing teenager. Fifty yards later he stopped turning to Sam. "Friendly bunch round here," commenting on the smiles and 'Hi's' and 'Hello's' he had received. Sam nodded in agreement as he had noticed it too, although to him, the greetings had come as an after thought and with a touch of curiosity.
"Okay. That's weird," Dean commented as yet another teenager said 'Hey' and smiled at him as he walked past.
"Our whole lives are weird. You know that." Sam laughed as he continued to look around the main street. He was kind of on edge but it was a useless feeling. Just because a guy wore a pendent, unique as it was, did not mean he had ever been in this place.
"Yeah but this is, 'have I got a doppelganger?' weird." Because he knew he was attractive but had never considered himself to be 'God's gift' to teenage boys. Girls, oh yes, but not boys. Not all of them anyway.
"How come?" Sam asked bringing Dean's attention back to his brother.
"Well, all these High School kids keep speaking to me and look surprised to see me."
"Huh," having no other idea of what to say to that.
"Yeah. But hey, at least they look happy surprised, not, 'I'm gonna call the Sheriff' surprised," Dean said with a grin.
"Jason!" shocked breathless and defiantly female this time.
The pair stopped and turned to look at a slim brunette, sweetly pretty with long straight hair. 'So not my type', Dean thought as she stared at him. "Erm.. sorry. But.. no," he said cautiously.
The woman grabbed Dean by the arm, pulling him away from Sam. "It's bad enough that you run off and leave without a word but don't pretend you don't know me." She was angry with the whisper loud enough for Sam to hear and raise his eyebrows smirking. Another conquest Dean had forgotten maybe?
Pulling his arm from her grip easily, he replied, "Look, I'm sorry you've been dumped…." not meaning it, "but you've got the wrong guy." And he stepped back.
She came closer, fixing him with a scowl. "Jason. This is not funny. Where have you been?"
"Look!" Dean said forcefully, getting angry himself, holding his hands up in a 'back off' gesture, "I'm not this Jason guy!"
The girl clearly did not believe him, then looked closer making Dean squirm. She must have seen something and stepped back, a shocked look covering her face. "I'm sorry." She admitted, "It's just you look so much like him. But maybe a little older, a little more worn." Then blushed realising her words.
"A little more worn?" Dean practically spluttered and took a step forwards.
Laughing, Sam thought it was time he interceded. Grabbing hold of his brother by the shoulders, he pulled him back before he did anything stupid. "Come on, Dean. ….. Sorry Miss," nodding at her, then Sam dragged Dean away from the confused looking girl towards the coffee shop.
==000==
Once inside the coffee shop, Sam thought Dean might calm down a bit, but he seemed to get worse, staring around him scowling, even with a forkful of the pie he had gotten him as a distraction held aloft. Dean must have been anxious indeed as the uneaten load landed back on the plate with an almost slam.
"What?" Sam asked. He kind of liked the place. It was lively and filled with colour, being so different to their usual haunts, complete with lots of conversation and laughter. It reminded him somewhat of Stanford, but the age group was a little lower. The after school hangout obviously.
"Can't you see it?" Dean asked in answer.
"See what?" looking around him once more.
His brother gestured, "They keep looking at me."
"You always think women are looking at you," 'and if not, you're always looking at them' Sam thought.
"No….. The kids. All those Lettermen kids!" and Dean nodded over at one, smiling a bit painfully as the lad called over, "Hey!" "See?" he asked.
And Sam did see something or rather someone over at the back of the place that made his pulse pound and his breath hitch. 'No it couldn't be could it?' He just was not that lucky. It was too much of a coincidence. But then again, there was always synchronicity or just maybe his research on a hunch had been correct. "Yeah … sure … whatever. Gotta go. See you later," he said distractedly and Dean tried unsuccessfully to grab Sam as he practically ran from the place.
"Dude! You can't leave me here alone!" through gritted teeth. But Sam was gone. "Oh, Hi," Dean answered as yet another High School kid told him it was great to see him back.
==000==
"Hey," Sam felt almost shy as he caught up to, damn, he still did not know his name never mind what to call him, mysterious stranger, lover, fuck buddy?
"Hi?" still walking along, looking a little baffled but obviously not wanting to offend.
Sam had not been certain at first that this was him. The demeanour was different, not to mention the dress sense and he looked much younger but, after surreptitiously watching and, yes, stalking the man for the last ten minutes or so since he left the coffee place, he had ascertained it was his 'partner' from the club.
He tried again, "So, you live around here?" Damn, that was so lame especially seeing the, 'oh crap it's a loony look' "I mean, you don't live in Metropolis then?" Not a whole lot better but at least the man stopped and turned to him.
"Sorry, do I know you?" the other asked, looking intently at Sam with a neutral but still pleasant look on his face.
Sam was crestfallen. He had been dreaming about his encounter with this man, could feel an attraction working his body just stood this close to him in broad daylight out in the street. The disappointment must have shown on his face as the man apologised again. "I'm sorry. You look familiar but… I can't place you," and sort of sheepishly shrugged.
He should take his remaining pride and just walk away, but the flip in his belly as he watched the man stand there and … just breathe stopped him. He had not been too chuffed about the bruises he had come away from the encounter with but he would not be averse to getting a few more. He had sort of planned on it. He tried not to be embarrassed as he had to remind the man who he was. Maybe he had as long a list as Dean but standing here, facing this 'youth'? it did not seem applicable.
"We met a couple of months ago…. In Metropolis….? In a nightclub..? The O…." and stopped at the look of almost dawning terror that appeared on the man's face which went pale then scarlet as he shuffled his feet looking everywhere but at Sam, acting for all the world like a kid caught looking at his Dad's porn. 'Been there done that' thought Sam.
"Oh….. Yeah….Hi?" He appeared nervous then looked up suddenly, a seriously worried expression on the young features. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Sam grinned, trying to lighten the mood of the strange encounter. It was as if the man was schizophrenic or something. Maybe every one around here had a double and not just his brother? "A bit but.." moving closer into the man's personal space, "…it was worth it."
"I … erm…..Don't really know what to say. I .. erm… wasn't quite myself?" looking really embarrassed and tensing as Sam's palm pressed against his chest. The man, youth, Sam thought him to be a few years his junior, looked at the hand then up into Sam's eyes studying his intent.
It was not often that Sam found himself at eyelevel with another person, so used to having to gaze down and a crooked smile curved his lips as his left hand moved to lie against the other man's side under his jacket. It was broad daylight, on a residential street in a mid western town, but he risked it. What he wanted was worth it.
The man did not pull away but tilting his head, looked at him quizzically. Leaning closer Sam's gaze flicked between the grey eyes and parted lips. "I want to kiss you," he breathed onto that mouth, not caring if anyone saw.
"Not a good idea," came the reply, equally low but still he did not pull away. "I'm not who you think I am." But Sam noted the fingertips pressing at his stomach.
"Let me find out?" He was in uncertain territory. It was a damned long time since he had 'chatted someone up' that Dean had not thrown him at and he wanted this man to like him. And that just made it worse as, it was a really long time since he had flirted with a male. He knew the other found him attractive. Hell, he had fucked him against a wall, all passion and ardour, but he did not know him and he wanted to.
"I can't. I sorry," and he took a step back.
Sam was not to be put off so easily and he held onto the man's shirt. "Take me somewhere. Somewhere I can touch you," after all they had history. There was no need to be shy. He made his intentions blatant, moving in close once more, his face inches from the other.
"I'd only hurt you," his head dropped, looking sad.
"I can look after myself," Sam assured him gently, tugging at the sides of the blue t-shirt.
"Everyone I like ends up getting hurt," almost a whisper.
"You like me then?" a grin splitting Sam's face that his brother would have been proud of.
"Yes," almost sounding shy if Sam could not remember what this man felt like ramming into him.
"So …. Take me …somewhere." A foot placed between the other's, pressing his body against him.
There was a quick in take of breath but then, "I have to go….somewhere." And the younger man retreated, using his hands to gently, but firmly, remove Sam's from his shirt. He looked down regretfully then and, as if realising he still lightly held the others hands, looked up and stared Sam in the eye. "If we do this, let's do it right. Let me take you out tonight."
"A date?" a little surprised and a little pleased, although he did not know how he would survive the wait as his boxers were already constricting.
"Yeah," colouring slightly.
"Okay," smiling. "Pick me up outside the motel at eight?"
"Urm. There is no motel in Smallville," sounding confused.
"Oh," Sam said nonplussed.
"Yeah, it burnt down. An …accident," guiltily.
"Oh," not really interested, just staring at the other's lips.
"How long have you been in town?" a little suspiciously.
"Only a couple of hours. We haven't got a room yet. Recommend anywhere?"
"We?" curious.
"My brother." A warm glow appeared in his belly at the hint of jealously Sam hoped he was not imagining. So with directions to Mrs Thompson's guest house, Sam swung around ludicrously happy at the promise to meet at eight.
"By the way I'm….." and Sam turned back, the smile still on his face. "Clark," and the 'stranger' held out his hand. Laughing, shaking the offered hand, "Sam," he replied.
==000==
"Jason?"
'Not again,' Dean thought. He had headed out to the street looking for his brother. He could not stand to sit in that place one moment more, especially as that simpering brunette girl had turned up again. This time, behind the counter, sending half curious, half reproachful looks at him. He had been wondering around 'down town', all three streets of it, and giving up, had headed back to the Impala figuring to wait for Sam there.
This time the voice had sounded stunned, sad and scared, all at the same time, and male. He turned to look at the figure as the youth reached for him then thought better of it. He looked up and up. Damn, he was nearly as tall as Sam but bigger, in fact he looked a fair bit like his brother. More than he himself did at any rate he thought. The man looked younger than Sam and also very nervous and regretful. Unlike the girl that had annoyed the hell out of him for some reason, Dean took pity on this kid. He looked like he was about to cry.
"No. I'm sorry, I'm not. Names, Dean," and he held out his hand smiling. "But you're not the first person around here to call me that." He faltered as the youth stared at his offered hand as if it would burn him. "And,…" he added laughingly, trying to bridge the awkward silence, "I seem to coach football." But the other did not take it lightly, instead he backed off, muttering that he was sorry and had to go.
Dean stood stunned but slightly amused as the figure practically fled from him, nearly tripping over his own feet. Well that was different.
"Huh!" he commented.
"What?" Sam asked as he approached, holding out a paper cup of coffee to his brother. Having found Dean had left the Talon, he had thought he had probably fled to his beloved car and … surprise!
Dean pointed after the figure but the boy had vanished. "Some guy thought I was 'the other one' again and nearly burst into tears." Then he accepted the drink.
"Huh!" was all Sam could think to say.
"Exactly. Can we leave now?" he had had enough.
"What about your Meteor Freaks?"
"They're all freaks in this freakin' place!" and Sam laughed heading for the car.
Once behind the wheel Dean asked, "Right. Where to? Let's go find ourselves a real hunt."
Sam panicked slightly. There was no way he was leaving Smallville. Not today at least. Still keeping his tone light, he answered, "No. I think we should stick it out for a couple of days."
"It's alright for you. You haven't got High School Lettermen traipsing after you wherever you go. Where are all the Cheerleaders? That would be worth sticking around for," getting exasperated over the whole experience.
"Jail bait," coughed Sam. But, 'No,' he thought, 'with me it's the other way around. I'm chasing school kids.' But he still could not think of, Clark, a name at last, as a school kid. He was a grown man. Well grown! "It's not that bad."
"Dude. Some kid just took one look at me and bolted!" hiking his thumb over his shoulder.
"But that's normal. If I weren't related to you I'd bolt," trying desperately to keep a straight face. Sam found the situation Dean was in highly amusing as well as curious.
"Bitch."
"Jerk."
"Seriously. It's time we left."
"But aren't you at all curious as to who this Jason person is and why everyone is happy to see him?"
"Nope." And actually he was not really. He had had enough of look-alikes for one lifetime. "Let's go," reaching for the ignition.
"We can't," sounding more desperate than he intended.
"Why the Hell not?" Dean demanded to know.
"Maybe you should try and track that 'blog chick' down? You know, the one that coined that phrase you like so much?" 'Just don't make me tell you the truth,' Sam begged silently. He knew his brother well, very well, but was not certain on the reception an admission that he had a date with the real reason Dean had caught him in such a compromising position back in that Metropolis club would receive.
"Bet she'd turn out to be at school too,." Dean mumbled under his breath, crossing his arms, feeling really put upon.
"Still could be legal," Sam suggested.
"Or f'ugly. No one good looking spends that much time on the 'net," said with finality.
Sam gave an incredulous laugh. "Dude! I spend about half my life on the damn thing!"
"Point proven," Dean grinned wickedly, then reached forwards and switched on the ignition. "Come on. We're out of here."
"We are not!" anger covering Sam's panic.
Sitting back "I'll say again, why the Hell not?" also beginning to get angry.
"I've got something to do. Best get a room somewhere," not looking at his older bother.
"What something?" Dean turned on the seat, arm on the backrest to pin Sam with a suspicious look.
"Just something," none committal.
"Well let's do it and book." Why was Sam suddenly getting cagey?
"You can't come." Why did Dean have to know and argue about everything?
"Sammy?" spoken in that tone of voice that says, 'I don't know what you've done but I know you've done it and I know I'm not going to like it'.
"It's Sam!"
Dean recognised that inflection from the Kid's teenage years, "Sammy? You got a date?" laughing incredulously.
What was the point? "Yes," he admitted in a small voice.
"I don't believe it." Dean hit Sam on the back of the head. "Finally! Who is she? When did you have time to meet some chick without me there?"
"I had time." Not really wanting to lie to his brother but letting him continue with the assumsion.
"I guess I need to find a room after all 'cause little Sammy's finally goin' to get some? Let's hope it keeps your hands out your pants when were working, yeah?"
Would he never let him forget? Still, Sam did not rise to the bait. 'Quit while you're ahead' he told himself and stared out of the side window as Dean pulled the car away from the curb.
==000==
TBC...