Chapter 1
The air had a crisp touch to it as Sam leaned against his SUV waiting for his son to come out of school. He turned up the collar of his jacket as the breeze tickled the back of his neck making him shiver. He looked up as the bell inside the school rang and a few minutes later a horde of kids came pouring out the front doors. The older ones came out first since they were not accompanied by a teacher. A few minutes later, the younger ones were escorted out by their teachers. He spotted his son's head above the other kids and was amazed at how much he had shot up in the past few months. DJ was tall for his age, taking after his father making it easy to see among his classmates.
"Daddy!" DJ cried hurrying toward Sam a big smile plastered on his face.
"Hi son, have a good day?" he asked giving him a warm hug.
"Look! I the drew Uncle Dee's 'pala." he said proudly holding up a picture that did looked like a black car.
"Wow that's good."
"Uncle Dee is driving, I made this for him."
"I'm sure he will like it. Climb in, let's head home."
"Ok." he said getting into the back seat and into his booster. Sam checked he was fastened in before starting the car and pulling out.
"Is Uncle Dee home yet?"
"No son, he should be home sometime late tonight."
"He's ok right?"
"Yes, he's ok." Sam replied looking at his son in the rear view mirror. Ever since it came out that DJ knew about the monsters out there, he always asked what kind of monster was Dean hunting and if he was ok.
Sam had gone on a hunt with Dean when he couldn't find anyone else and DJ had called every day they were gone being sure both were ok. Bobby told him that he searched his books doing research on the monster so he could tell his Dad about it. To be honest, he had helped them zero in on it and kill it without either of them getting more than a few bruises and scraps. DJ had a wealth of information on the supernatural in his head. Sam still could not believe his son could read as well as he did and understand what he read. Bobby found DJ could do research with the best of them and used him on a couple of occasions to help. They tried not to involve him in the hunts if possible, but DJ seemed to enjoy the unknown and discovering new bits of information.
spn
"Daddy can I stay up 'til Uncle Dee comes home? Wanna give him my drawing." DJ asked as he pulled his pajama top over his head.
"I don't know son, he may be pretty late."
"I don't go school tomorrow, please!"
"We'll see, now go brush your teeth, you can watch some TV while I finish up some paperwork."
"Ok Daddy." he said skipping toward the bathroom.
Sam settled DJ on the couch and found a suitable program for him to watch. He stepped over Gabe who made himself at home in front of the couch. Bobby was sitting in the kitchen sipping on some coffee and reading the paper when Sam joined him with his paperwork.
"Yer brother due in tonight?"
"That's what he said when I last talked to him." Sam replied.
"How's little man doing?"
"Ok I guess, considering he knows more about everything out there, than I did when I was twice his age." Sam sighed. "I didn't want this for him; I wanted him to be normal." he whispered.
"Sam, DJ is a normal kid, as normal as any of us. Just 'cause he's so smart and knows 'bout this stuff doesn't mean he's messed up in any way." Bobby assured him. "You should be proud of him."
"I am; I'm very proud of him."
"Just make sure he knows that."
"I try; I want him to not be afraid to tell me anything that's on his mind. I want him to be open and honest with me." he said glancing in at his son who was trying his best to stay awake. Sam smiled to himself as he watched DJ's head slowly tilt forward and then jerk up before it hit his chest. He rubbed his eyes with a balled up fist and yawned widely.
"He still awake?"
"Barely." Sam chuckled as he started working on his paperwork.
spn
Sam rubbed his tired eyes with his index and thumb when he heard the familiar rumble of the Impala pull into the driveway. He looked toward the back door waiting for his brother to come inside. A few minutes later, Dean strolled into the kitchen with his bags in his hands. He had several bruises on the left side of his face and walked with a slight limp.
"Hey, didn't think anyone would be up." Dean commented.
"Was doing some extra paperwork so I'd have the weekend free." Sam yawned stretching his shoulders and back. "What happened?"
"Nothing serious, just a few scraps and bruises."
"Some one else tried to wait up for you." he nodded toward the living room.
Dean moved to where he could see into the room and smiled when he saw his nephew curled up on the couch asleep. Bobby had tossed a blanket over his prone form before heading to his bedroom to turn in.
"You wanna put him to bed? Are you able?"
"Yeah, no problem." he replied making his way into the living room. Dean gazed down at the still boy and watched the steady breathing and soft snore he emitted. He reached down and gathered him in his arms letting his head cuddle into his neck. Gabe grumbled as he got pushed out of the way and headed up to DJ's room.
"Un' Dee." DJ mumbled into his neck as he tried to wake up.
"Hey Tiger, go on back to sleep." he whispered.
"Wait, picture, 'pala." he whined trying to reach for the drawing lying on the couch.
Dean reached down and picked it up looking carefully at the drawing. He could tell it was the Impala and he had to admit, it was pretty good for someone so young.
"You did this for me? I love it." he praised him giving him a small hug. "Let's get ya to bed Tiger."
Dean headed up the stairs and to DJ's bedroom. He laid the limp body in the bed and tucked the covers around him making sure he was comfortable. Gabe watched him from his bed as he leaned down and kissed his nephew then turned on the nightlight.
"Sweet dreams little man." he told him brushing his hair out of his face. "Watch over him." he told Gabe before walking out. Gabe huffed at him as if telling him doesn't he always.
spn
"Here." Sam said pushing a beer his way as he dropped into the chair beside him.
"Thanks." Dean sighed accepting the bottle and taking a long swig. "How are things here?"
"Ok, DJ's doing good in school, I've talked to his teacher, she said he's well ahead of everyone else. She's trying to find him more advanced things for him to do to keep him interested and not be bored."
"At least she sees it. How can he not be smart, look at his parents?"
"So you gonna be here for Thanksgiving right?"
"Yeah, it'll be our first together, don't plan on missing it."
"Good, I was goin' to start making a list of things to get and plan a menu since its less than two weeks away."
"How 'bout adding an extra plate?"
"Who Caleb?"
"Make that two extra plates. I was thinking of asking Sheriff Mills to eat with us."
"Really? Sure, I don't see why not." Sam answered slightly puzzled. "Do you...I mean are you and her..." he tried to ask, but couldn't quite bring himself to do it.
"What? Me and Sheriff Mills, naw. I just know she's alone and thought it would be neighborly." he shrugged. "Might be a good idea to stay on her good side and all. Plus, there might be someone else who would be interested in her." he snickered.
"I'll text Caleb and tell him he's welcome to stop by if he's near us." Sam said and looked up at that remark. "You mean Bobby?"
"Well it's not you. I'm heading to bed, I'm beat."
"Right behind ya, hopefully someone will sleep in tomorrow." Sam yawned glancing at the clock.
"Dream on bro, you know he's a morning guy."
spn
"Can you watch DJ today so I can go to the store?" Sam asked Dean when he strolled into the kitchen.
"Yeah, he can help me work on a couple of cars for Bobby." Dean responded. "Where is he?"
"Brushing his teeth, he'll be down in a minute."
"He can help me make the pies for tomorrow too."
"You sure you can handle that?"
"I've got recipes; it gives you step by step directions."
"Alright then. Did Sheriff Mills confirm?"
"She's to let me know today. Said she might be on call, but would like to come."
"You told Bobby right?"
"Yeah, he kind of got flustered for a sec; I do think he might have a thing for her?"
"Don't know, but it wouldn't be a bad match." Sam said giving the idea some thought. "Where is he anyway?"
"Went to tow someone in."
"I'll be back before lunch, want me to pick something up?"
"Sure, you know what I want."
"Uncle Dee!" DJ yelled running into the kitchen with Gabe on his heels. "You're up."
"Hey Tiger, wanna hang out with me while Daddy runs some errands?"
"Yea!" he cheered.
"Let's get you some breakfast and you can help me fix a car." Dean told him getting up to make his breakfast.
"You mind your uncle son." Sam told him opening the door to let Gabe out. "You want a chef salad for lunch?"
"Yes, please."
"Oh God Sammy, let the kid have some meat, he needs to build his muscles up, he's a growin' boy." Dean complained.
"Yeah Daddy, I'm a growing boy." DJ repeated poking his chest out.
"I know he's growing, his pants are almost too short already and there is meat in the salad." he added closing the door on Dean's snide comment without replying.
"So, pancakes or waffles Tiger?"
"Waffles!" he chirped clapping his hands happily.
"Waffles it is." he agreed pulling out the mix and milk from the fridge and a bowl from the cabinet.
"Can I help?"
"Sure, you can mix the batter, but ya gotta be careful; we wanna keep it in the bowl this time."
"Ok Uncle Dee."
spn
"Man, Bobby, you clean up nice." Dean commented when Bobby walked into the living room with beard and hair trimmed, hair slicked back, minus his signature ball cap and dressed in what looked like new jeans and flannel shirt.
"Stick a sock in it dumb ass." Bobby growled menacingly as he self-consciously straightened his shirt and brushed down his hair.
"Uncle Bobby I helped make the stuffin'." DJ grinned happily.
"You did? Well I'll be sure to have some of that." he told him pride showing in his voice.
A knock sounded at the front door and the adults turned toward it.
"Go answered it old man." Dean said, snickering under his breathe.
"Watch who you call old idjit, I can still take ya down." Bobby warned him as he walked toward the door. He opened it to find Sheriff Mills standing there in civilian clothes with a couple of six packs in her hands.
"Bobby Singer, gonna invite me in?" she asked when he didn't say anything.
"Right, come on in Sheriff Mills." he said stepping back and allowing her entrance.
"Please, we're not being formal today call me Jody." she smiled slipping past him.
"Jody it is." he smiled standing a little straighter.
"Boys how's it going in here?" she asked sitting the beer on the table. "And how are you young man?"
"Ok." DJ said shyly as he slid closer to his father.
"Sheriff, hope you came hungry, Sammy cooked enough for an Army." Dean said taking the beer and putting it in the fridge. "Thanks for the beer."
"I figured if we were gonna watch the game, we needed to be well stocked."
"Hello Sheriff, good to see you." Sam called from the stove. He was checking pots and stirring the contents of several while trying to check the turkey in the oven.
"Please call me Jody." she insisted. "We're all informal here today. Can I help?"
"No, no, go entertain the old man and kid, we got this." Dean said shooing her into the other room. "Can I bring you something to drink? We have iced or hot tea, coffee or beer."
"Iced tea is fine."
"Bobby?"
"Coffee son."
"Can I have a juice box Uncle Dee." DJ asked from the doorway.
"Son, you can get a juice box." Sam told his son as he buttered the rolls.
"Ok Daddy."
Dean poured a glass of tea and cup of coffee and headed for the living room with them. He found Bobby and Jody sitting on opposite sides of the room from each other. He grabbed DJ and whispered into his ear before sending him back into the living room.
"Dean, what mischief do you have DJ gettin' into?" Sam mumbled to Dean seeing that glint in his eyes.
"Nothin'." he faked innocent walking away to set the table. "Heard from Caleb?"
"He's 'bout an hour out, he said to start without him."
"Alright, how much longer?"
"Umm-mm...I think...Crap!...Twenty minutes." Sam finally got out sticking a finger in his mouth that he burnt.
"Easy there bro, don't lose it now you're almost done." he encouraged. "Give me orders, I'm yours to use and abuse."
"You know how that sounded right?" Sam asked arching an eyebrow at his brother.
"Bite me. What can I do? You don't get many chances to boss me around so enjoy it."
"Ok mash the potatoes and don't forget to add the butter first to melt it." Sam instructed. "Then the milk."
"Got it." Dean said taking the pot of cooked potatoes. "Mash with what?" he asked looking around on the counter.
"Over there, the masher thingy." Sam nodded to the medal item lying at the end of counter.
Dean picked it up and looked it over before using it. Sam pushed the butter his way and Dean cut off a piece to add to the pot. After the butter looked melted, he added milk and continued to mix and mash until they looked the right texture.
"Here." Dean said sticking a spoon of mashed potatoes in front of Sam's face. "Taste."
"Crap Dean, don't poke my eye out." Sam complained jerking his face back.
"Come on open up I need a taster." he insisted.
"Fine." he said sampling a bit of the potatoes. "Salt, needs salt and a little pepper."
"Got it." he said looking around for the salt.
"Move over I need to get the turkey out now so it can set for ten minutes." Sam told him using his hips to butt him out of the way.
"Hey! Quit pushing. You almost made me drop the potatoes."
"You can put the rest of the food in bowls too."
"Everything alright in here boys?" Bobby asked walking into the kitchen and eyeing the two brothers who were still picking at each other.
"Its fine, lunch should be ready in ten minutes." Sam told him pushing Dean to the side out of his way.
"Bitch."
"Jerk."
"Boys we got company, how 'bout acting more yer ages instead of four year olds."
"He started it." Dean pouted pushing Sam back before stepping out of the line of fire.
Bobby shook his head at the brothers and went to get Jody and DJ.
spn
"I have to say Sam, this food is delicious." Jody complemented Sam as she sampled everything he had cooked.
"Hey, I had a hand in it too." Dean butted in.
Before anyone could say anything loud knocking got their attention. Dean got up and headed for the door figuring it was Caleb.
"Hey man come on we're still eating." Dean smiled giving him a manly hug and showing him to the table.
"Jody, this is Caleb a close friend, Caleb, Jody our sheriff."
"Sheriff, well nice to meet you." Caleb greeted her and eyeing Bobby and Dean knowing how they felt about cops.
"You too Caleb." she said shaking his hand.
"You're over here." Sam told him. "Help yourself to the food, there's plenty."
"Man, you went all out Sam, I'm impressed."
"Thanks."
"Hey little man, how's it goin'?"
"Ok." DJ said in between bites.
"Make sure ya save room for pie, kid and me made two different kinds." Dean told everyone proudly.
"I ro'do'." DJ tried to say with a mouth of mashed potatoes.
"Son, manners." Sam told him wiping food from his chin.
"Sorry Daddy."
"That's ok, you get it honestly." he said looking directly at his older brother.
"What?" Dean asked glancing up to see he was the center of attention. "What did I do?"
"Nothing son." Bobby chuckled. "All three of you did good."
"Amen to that." Caleb nodded holding his glass of tea up to salute them.
"Since you all cooked, it's only right Bobby and I do the dishes." Jody told them.
"That's ok, we can handle it." Dean objected.
"She's right boys, you did all the hard work, we can clean up." Bobby insisted sending them both a message to shut up he wanted to do it.
"I tried to clean some as I went, so there shouldn't be too much to do." Sam said picking up on his hint.
"Yeah, we'll find the game and move another chair into the living room." Dean added trying to keep the smirk off his face. "Who else is ready for pie?"
"I don't know, I may have to wait a bit." Jody said with a happy sigh.
"Well if ya can't eat it now, I'll send some home with ya."
"Dean why is there a piece missing from each pie?" Sam asked when he sat them on the table.
"Guess a mouse got them." he shrugged.
"No Uncle Dee we tested them." DJ reminded him.
"Busted!" Sam laughed as the others joined in.
spn
Bobby and Jody stood side by side at the sink doing the dishes when a loud thunk came from the other room accompanied by some not so loud raised voices. Bobby looked that way with a frown wondering what the boys could be doing.
"Do I want to know?" Jody asked as another loud noise made her look toward the living room.
"Excuse the boys, sometimes they can be jackasses." Bobby growled stepping away to see what they were doing.
"Awe, leave them alone, you know they mean well." Jody laughed handing him another bowl to dry.
Bobby accepted the bowl and gave her a small smile while listening to her laugh. His home hadn't had that sound in it in a long time and it made his heart swell with happiness and a sense of longing and sadness. He was pulled from his thoughts by DJ trooping in and going to the fridge to heft a six pack out and carefully carry it back to the living room. He heard some mummers and hushed voices talking to DJ before everything suddenly got quiet except for the sound of the television playing to game.
spn
Bobby and Jody walked into the living room to find everyone intently watching the game trying to act innocent. The brothers and DJ were on the couch, Caleb was in Bobby's usual seat in the recliner and there was a small love seat pulled to the side with a good view of the game, for them to sit on. Jody made herself comfortable on the small couch and Bobby joined her after giving the brothers a you're gonna die look. He settled beside her, very aware of how close he was sitting to Jody and the slight scent of her perfume. It was obvious what the boys had done, Bobby just hoped Jody wasn't offended.
It was almost half time when a cell went off and everyone started looking for their cell.
"It's mine guys, sorry." Jody said getting up to take the call.
"Don't think I don't know what you two did." Bobby spat at them just loud enough for the brothers to hear.
"Don't know what ya mean old man." Dean grunted a smile playing on his lips as he repositioned DJ who was laying half in his lap and half in Sam's lap.
"Sorry guys." Jody said coming back into the room. "Gotta go answer a call, looks like someone partied a little too much. Thanks for a delicious lunch and the company."
"Don't forget your pie." Dean reminded her as she found her jacket and slipped it on.
"Thanks again." she said getting the box from the dining room table.
"I'll walk you out." Bobby said.
"Glad you could come, you're welcome back anytime." Dean called to her.
"Yes, come back again." Sam agreed.
DJ stirred and looked up seeing Jody getting ready to leave.
"Daddy I like Miss Jody." he yawned rubbing his eyes. "Is Papa Bobby gonna marry her?"
Dean choked on his beer and Sam sputtered some unintelligent words trying to hush him hoping Jody didn't hear. Bobby cast them a warning look as he guided Jody out of the house before anything else was said. Caleb was sure he was missing something and just sat still taking it all in amused at the whole thing.
spn
Christmas was upon them before they knew it. Bobby, the boys and DJ went out into the woods and found a tree for the living room. DJ was ecstatic about everything. He helped decorate the tree, the front porch, his room and the living room. Dean put his foot down with anything being put on his Baby.
Bobby invited Jody since they had gone out a few times since Thanksgiving. Caleb came in on Christmas Eve to be there Christmas morning with DJ. He had been adopted into the Winchester family also since he didn't have family to spend the holiday with. Christmas morning was a flurry of cooking, opening presents, making sure everyone got breakfast and watching the parade on television.
Sam got DJ a bike with training wheels, DVD's, drawing pads and pencils and clothes. Bobby got him a Lego set, new winter coat, puzzle books and his first small folding knife with his initials engraved on it with a promise not to take it to school. Dean wanted to get him an off the road motorcycle, but Sam put his foot down that he was too young, maybe next year. Dean settled on cowboy boots, a sled, binoculars, couple of puzzles, bag of his own M&M's and a promise to go sledding. Caleb got him a couple of classic books per Sam's suggestions and Jody brought him a soccer ball and pads.
Everyone enjoyed the day; they ate too much and drank a little too much and enjoyed an afternoon of cheering on their favorite team. DJ passed out within the first fifteen minutes of the game so Sam took him to his room to nap in peace away from his over energetic uncle who wanted everyone to know his team was winning, even the neighbors down the road.
spn
The winter months passed by without much interesting happening for the Winchesters. DJ was really enjoying school and the extra work Ms. Kelly gave him to challenge his mind. Dean got a broken arm and bruised ribs on a hunt that didn't go as planned. Sam continued to work with the research firm who wanted to hire him full time, but he turned it down because it would take too much time from his son. Bobby still continued to see Jody, especially when a hunt turned up in Sioux Falls. He broke it to her slowly about the monsters that were out there. She started doing her research with Bobby's help to educate herself. She had a soft spot for Bobby and his rough, grumpy, brash exterior because she knew there was a heart of gold under it all. She had lunch with Dean at least once a week to keep abreast of everything. Jody enjoyed the young man's company and his devotion to his family. DJ reminded her of the son she lost and she enjoyed spending time with him and learning how amazing and unique he was. She felt blessed that this unique family was allowing her to be a part of it.
spn
"Alright class, everyone put their books away and get ready for recess." Ms. Kelly announced to her class watching to be sure her instructions were being followed.
DJ marked his spot and put his book away sitting quietly while the others did the same. He enjoyed being outside with nature. The days were warming now as spring spread across the land and the area was being reborn. Trees were budding, flowers were breaking through the soil, animals were coming out of their winter hibernations and the days were growing longer. Winter clothes were being replaced with lighter ones and people were coming out to enjoy the sun on their faces and the warm breeze blowing through their hair.
"Single line now and no pushing. Let's see how quit we can be." she instructed as the kids lined up at the door. "Emily you lead." she told her teacher's assistant as she counted the kids going out the door. Once the last one was out, she followed them to the play ground and let them enjoy the sunny day swinging, playing ball, tag, slides, monkey bars, whatever they liked to burn off their excess energy for an hour.
DJ ran after the ball and tossed it back to the ones playing. Something caught his attention and he walked over to the other side of the slide to see two older boys pushing a smaller kid between them. He knew the kid from another class and saw how scared he was and the tears running down his face.
"Stop that." DJ told them pulling the boy toward him and away from the bullies. The boy looked hopefully to DJ as his savior as he hid behind him.
"Why? You gonna make us." the leader sneered at DJ stepping toward him.
"It's not nice, you could hurt him." he said putting himself between the boy and the bullies.
"You wanna take his place shrimp?"
A couple of kids saw the confrontation and ran to Ms. Kelly for help. She was hurrying toward the boys when she saw DJ go down after being hit by one of the older boys.
"Take that for interrupting us." the leader growled punching DJ hard enough to knock him down.
DJ got up slowly and faced the bully not backing down.
"You gonna cry baby?"
"No, but you might." he said sweeping his legs to knock the boy down and to deliver a hard punch to the stomach knocking the breath out of the bully. He stepped back and watched the boy gasping for breath as tears dripped from his eyes. DJ had actually pulled the punch not wanting to hurt the boy, just show him he meant business. Dean had taught his nephew well on how to defend himself. The other boys ran before Ms. Kelly got there seeing the look in DJ's eyes and not wanting to mess with him.
"Break this up." Ms. Kelly told the kids that had gathered around. "Go on and play Emily will take you in when recess is over. Come on you three we need to go to the principal's office."
spn
Sam looked at his ringing cell and saw the school ID pop up and quickly answered it.
"Hello?" he questioned concerned that something had happened to DJ.
"Mr. Winchester, DJ's father?" a female voice asked.
"Yes, is something wrong with my son?"
"We need you to come to the school please. Your son is fine. There's been a small altercation we need to discuss."
"I'm on my way." Sam said hanging up and grabbing his jacket before heading for the door. "Hey Troy, I need to take the rest of the day off, something's happened at DJ's school."
"Sure Sam, I'll let the others know." Troy called to him.
Sam did his best to stay within the speed limit as he sped toward the school. Too many scenarios raced through this mind of what could be wrong as he tried to keep his emotions from overwhelming him. He skidded into the school parking lot, killed the engine and ran for the school.
Sam hurried down the hall to the main office and saw his son sitting outside the principal's office on one side and another boy on the other side. He could already see the hint of a bruise marring his left cheek as DJ looked up to see him.
"Daddy." he said softly standing up to be engulfed in his embrace.
"It's ok son." Sam told his gently brushing the hair from his face.
"Davie." a deep male voice growled from behind them.
Sam turned to see a burley, middle age man marching toward the other boy across from them.
"What the hell is going on, you know I was called on a job boy, this is costing me money." he ranted at the boy who cringed in the seat trying to make himself as small as possible.
"I don't think that's necessary." Sam told the man who quickly turned on him.
"You mind your own f- business." he spat at him.
"Gentlemen, the principal will see you now." a female voice broke in stopping Sam from answering.
spn
"Mr. Winchester, Mr. Wilson, the reason I called you in was because your boys were fighting." the principal stated to each man.
"My boy don't fight." Mr. Wilson told her. "If he did the other one wouldn't be getting up."
"A teacher and other students saw him and a couple of other boys bullying a smaller student. There is zero tolerance for that type of behavior. Davie is suspended for two weeks and I want him to meet with our school counselor."
"My boy don't need no flipping school counseling lady."
"It's mandatory Mr. Wilson; I will have the counselor contact you or your wife with times."
"Is that all?" he asked shoving the chair back and getting up. "You keep your damn boy away from mine." he shot at Sam before leaving.
"You can pick up Davie's school work from his teacher Mr. Wilson." she told him as he stalked out to get his son and leave.
Sam sat quietly waiting for the principal to talk to him. He stilled his bouncing leg when she turned to him.
"Mr. Winchester, DJ is not in trouble, in fact he was the one who stopped the bullying. Davie hit him first and DJ did defend himself and I know it's not fair, but I do have suspend him too. The rules are pretty strict in these matters. I talked to DJ, got his side of the story. He told me his uncle showed him how to fight, that he pulled his punch so he wouldn't hurt Davie. Is this true?"
"Yes my brother has been training him. He wanted him to be able to protect himself."
"I think he did a good job and I am impressed with his control and not wanting to hurt Davie."
"I understand ma'am." Sam said surprised by what she said.
"I am suspending him for the rest of the day and tomorrow since it is Friday. I've looked at his record and I don't think he will have any problem with his school work. For that matter, I'm surprised at his intelligence and his attitude. Ms. Kelly says he's a prefect student and she wished she had more like him."
"Alright, I'll talk to DJ about this matter." Sam assured her.
"Mr. Winchester your son stood up for another student and stopped the bullying even thought he was smaller and could of been hurt too. We don't condone touching other students, but in this case, he wasn't doing anything wrong."
"I know, he doesn't like to see anyone or anything being hurt." Sam said getting up feeling the meeting was over.
"Thank you for coming in."
DJ looked up as his father walked out of the office. He stood waiting to see what was going to happen. Sam knelt down beside his son to talk to him.
"Your principal told me what happened and I'm very proud of you. You stood up for that boy and protected him."
"That's what we do." DJ answered.
"Come on, you are suspended for the rest of the day and tomorrow, school policy for fighting. She didn't have a choice with the rules."
"Ok, can I go get my pack?"
"Sure let's go see Ms. Kelly."
spn
"Hey Tiger you're home early." Dean said looking up from the papers he was reading.
"I got suspended." DJ said going to the fridge for a juice box and petting Gabe who was butting his arm.
"Sammy?" Dean asked looking to his brother for answers.
"DJ stopped two kids from bullying another smaller kid." Sam said sitting down beside his brother at the table. "The bully hit DJ and he hit back."
"Alright!" Dean beamed starting to high five DJ but stopped with Sam gave him the don't even think of it bitch face and put it down before DJ saw him. "I mean, you shouldn't fight, but you did good protecting the kid."
"I did what you told me, pull the punch so not to hurt him." he shrugged. "Davie's not really bad. Daddy can I go out and play with Gabe?"
"Yes but stay in the yard."
"Ok, come on Gabe, let's play ball." he said heading out the back door with Gabe close behind.
"So wanna elaborate?" Dean asked.
"Ms. Kelly said DJ stood up to three of the older students who were picking on a younger one. DJ asked them to stop and one hit him and he fought back. The smaller kids are looking at him as a hero. Ms. Kelly said she was amazed he took the older kid down."
"That's my boy. Told you he was a fast learner." Dean beamed proud of his teaching.
"He still got suspended for two days." Sam said.
"That's all, hell that's a slap on the wrist."
"Well you have DJ duty tomorrow since I need to work."
"That's ok, I like hanging out with the kid."
"Just stay out of trouble, ok?"
Dean huffed at him insulted that he could think he would get them in trouble. Dean got up and put his research away deciding to go help Bobby.
"Goin' to check on Bobby see if he needs any help."
"Ok, don't forget it's your turn to cook."
"Yeah, yeah." he waves at him.
"Could we have something a little healthy." he called to get the finger as Dean walked outside.
"Jerk." Sam muttered.
"Bitch." Dean yelled from the yard.
spn
"DJ, it's been two weeks, Davie should be back in school today so I want you to be watchful because he might have a grudge."
"Ok Daddy, I will." he said picking his book bag up.
"Don't forget, Gabe goes to the vet today, we'll take him after you get out of school."
"I remember." he said opening the door of the SUV. "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too son. Have a good day." he called after him as he hurried toward the school entrance.
spn
DJ's class was outside for their hourly recess time and DJ was swinging slowly on the swing looking around. He spotted Davie over near the monkey bars by himself and got up walking slowly toward him. Davie looked up when he felt someone near him and jerked back with a look of fear in his eyes.
"Hi Davie." DJ said not venturing any closer. "I wanted to say sorry for hitting you."
Davie looked at him suspiciously at first and saw that he seemed sincere. He hung his head before answering him.
"I'm sorry I hit you too." he finally said.
"Was your Daddy real mad?" he asked softly and saw Davis stiffen and look away.
"Momma and me don't live with Daddy anymore. He hurt Momma and hit me, the police took him away."
'I'm sorry." DJ told him stepping closer now. "Wanna go play?"
"Ok." he agreed following DJ to the slide. They took their turns sliding and then headed over to a corner of the playground to look around. DJ pulled his light jacket off since the sun was warming the day up nicely.
DJ heard it before he saw it. He stopped short of the brick wall and looked closely at a small area that seemed to be moving. He stepped closer hearing the low pitched whine that seemed to be coming from it.
"What's that?" Davie asked fear showing in his voice.
"I don't know, stay back it might be dangerous." DJ told him as he eased closer intrigued by the wavering of the air and the rainbow shimmering that was distorting the spot. Moving close enough, he reached his hand out and touched the surface feeling a vibration before suddenly he was pulled forward by a strong force and everything went black. The only thing remaining was the jacket DJ had been holding laying on the ground.
"DJ!" Davie screamed in fright falling back as the shimmering and vibrations stopped and disappeared.
The mystery spot was gone leaving on a charged, burning smell in the air. Davie screamed again and got to his feet running back toward the other students and teachers.
"Davie what's wrong?" Ms. Kelly asked him as he grabbed her arm jerking her toward the other side of the playground. "Hey calm down sweetie, now tell me what's wrong?" she asked gently knelling down in front of him.
"DJ's gone." he finally gasped out as he started hyper-ventilating.
"Emily, get the students inside and call the sheriff." Ms. Kelly told her looking around trying to spot DJ in the kids. "Calm down Davie, you need to slow your breathing. It's ok now deep breaths."
spn
Sam and Gabe pulled up to the school frowning when he saw a couple of sheriff cars parked in front of the school. A sudden chill ran down his back as he got out not seeing Gabe had followed him before he shut the door. Sam made his way toward where a couple of deputies were standing keeping everyone back. He spotted Ms. Kelly talking to Jody and his fear level went up dramatically.
"Sir, I'm sorry you can't go any farther." the deputy cautioned him holding his hand up.
Sam gave him one look and pushed him aside out of his way as he started to walk toward the two. He saw nothing else as tunnel vision had him focused only on the teacher and Jody. Gabe was sniffing around, going in a zigzag pattern smelling for DJ. He caught his scent and started following it around the playground looking for his charge.
"Sir!" the deputy insisted making the mistake of grabbing Sam's arm to stop him. Sam turned in one fluid motion and put the deputy on the ground and disarming him, before continuing on his mission.
"Stop or I'll shoot!" the other deputy shouted getting Jody's attention.
"Stand down Charles, don't shoot." she shouted quickly as she walked toward Sam meeting him partway.
"Where's my son?" he asked her in a voice that had her stepping back and looking at him closely. She had never seen what reflected back at her from his eyes since she had met him. She was seeing the gaze of a deadly hunter now, one with a determination that wouldn't be stopped.
"Easy now Sam, we're trying to get all the facts and I've got my guys searching the area." she said holding up her hands forgetting she had a child's jacket in an evidence bag in one of them.
"Jody, tell me where the hell is my son?" he repeated harder than the first time as he bore down on her as he jerked the bag from her and looked at it recognizing it as DJ's. He was wearing it this morning when Sam dropped him off at school.
Before Jody could answer Sam, a bone chilling howl broke the silence around them making everyone stare in the direction that was taped off with yellow police tape. It was repeated and Sam took off running toward the sound breaking the police tape as he rushed toward Gabe.
Gabe was growling, whining and prancing around digging at the dirt and biting the air in anger as he circled the spot that DJ disappeared from.
"Gabe what is it boy?" Sam asked as he tried to calm the dog. Gabe wouldn't be caught as he continued his ranting and howling and digging. Something caught Sam's eye and he reached around Gabe to brush the dirt from it. He picked up a colored pencil from the dirt and recognized it as one he had gotten DJ for Christmas. It was a special brand that he ordered online for him. Sam quickly scanned the area looking for any sign of his son but did not see anything that would tell him where he could be. "DJ!" he yelled as loud as he could before falling to his knees and screaming out a primal, animalistic roar that echoed around the school. He buried his fingers into the dirt and dug around hunting for signs of his son. "No! No!" he moaned beating the ground in frustration. Sam didn't see or hear anyone as he grief completely consumed him. He beat at the dirt again forcing bits of grit and small rocks into his hand, making them bleed slightly. Jody started toward the grieving man but pulled up short when Gabe moved between them and growled challengingly, daring anyone to come closer. Jody pulled her cell out of her jacket and quickly dialed a cell number.
"H'llo Jody." Dean answered on the third ring.
"Dean, you need to get to the school now, your brother needs you. Hurry!" she told him as Sam screamed again and Dean heard his brother's anguished cries.
"On my way." Dean said without hesitation.
A/N: Another story in my DJ series, hope you enjoy. It will be short only 3 chapters. Love to hear what you think, please review. NC