All Hallow's Eve - Dean age 11 Sam age 7

Dean kicked the leaves in front of him that covered the sidewalk. He and Sam couldn't help but notice all the Halloween decorations surrounding them. It was October 30th and it was jack 'o lanterns, ghosts and skeletons as far as the eye could see. The two Winchester boys were feeling a bit left out. Well not so much Dean if you asked him but the 11 year old felt badly for his little brother who was only 7 and just wanted to be a part of it all. But John had said no, he didn't have time to pick up a costume for Sam's party at school and he said absolutely not after being asked about trick or treating. Sam had whined John had yelled and Dean felt helpless. The kid needed a break, some fun in his life. They had been in this town for a few weeks and the costume parade at school was the highlight of year for the elementary school students. So it just broke both their hearts that Sam would have to sit in the office while the rest of the kids paraded around showing off their alter-egos.

The weeks had flown by and before he knew it the boys were talking about Halloween. Sammy wanted to be some superhero, but by the time John finished up every night the stores were closed. He didn't mind so much if he participated in the activities at school but he would absolutely not have them roaming the streets at night by themselves. He promised them each a bag of candy of their own. M & M's for Dean and gummy worms for Sam. Dean had accepted John's denial of the holiday but little Sammy was not taking the news well.

"But everybody else will have a costume," he complained.

"I will try but no promises," John replied.

And it was a good thing he didn't promise because it was the night of the 30th and as he rolled back into town the stores were dark and empty.

Dean couldn't stand the sad face his brother had been wearing since he had walked him home from school. He so badly wanted to cheer the little fella up but didn't know what he could do. They had finished eating the macaroni and cheese dinner that Dean was getting so good at making when the epiphany hit him.

"I know what we can do Sammy," Dean said jumping off the couch.

"Huh, do for what?" the little guy asked following his brother.

"I'll make you a costume," Dean said rolling the bedspread off of his bed.

"But Dad will get mad," Sammy said sadly.

"He won't even know, because you are a great secret keeper," Dean praised as he began to pull his top sheet off the bed. "Come here and let me see."
The 11 year old draped the twin sheet over his pint sized brother and told him to wait while he ran for the scissors. Sam did as he was told standing very still until he heard Dean come back into the room.

"What ya gonna do?" he asked.

"I'm going to make this shorter so you don't trip on it and then I'm going to give you two holes for your eyes and for your mouth too."

"What am I?" Sam asked.

"A ghost, you'll be an old fashioned ghost. I bet nobody else will be dressed like you."

"Really?" Sammy asked getting excited.

The 7 year old tried to remain still as his brother worked on the alterations and was a bit nervous as the scissors clipped around his face but he couldn't contain his excitement as Dean led him to the full length mirror in the bathroom.

"I look spooky," he squealed.

"You sure do," Dean agreed.

The two carefully folded the newly made costume and put it in Sam's book bag so John wouldn't see it and Sam wouldn't forget it.

The next morning John stretched and yawned and asked how the boy's nights were.

"Fine Dad just fine," Dean said hurriedly, "I'm going to walk Sam to school today a little early so I can play in the kickball game this morning."

"Okay then, Dean remember what I said about tonight; you do not go out, you turn the light off and stay in this house. Do not answer the door to anybody. I hope to be home by 8:00 but I'll call if I'm going to be late."

"Okay," Dean said as he pushed Sam out the door.

John quickly made his way to the door in time to catch his boys before they got away completely. "Dean what I just told you is an order I expect you to follow."

"Yes sir," came the distant reply.

Dean was practically bouncing up and down as he waited for Sam to get out of school. He had hoped all day long that the parade and party went well and that Sam was able to have a good time. Dean had enjoyed homemade cupcakes and cookies that his teacher provided along with apple cider. Most if not all of the kids in his class planned on trick or treating but Dean felt he was much too old for such things, but Sammy on the other hand deserved to go out and enjoy the festival of candy.

"Dean, Dean," the 2nd grader yelled, "I had so much fun at school, I got to march in the parade and we had a party with cupcakes and then I got candy and treat bags. Here," the little guy said shoving a handful of candy towards his big brother, "have some cause you made my day so happy."

"That's okay buddy you keep it, it's your candy."

"Really? No you get some too," Sam said not giving up.

"Okay then," Dean relented taking the offering.

Sam practically skipped home talking about how his teacher loved his costume and the wonderful day he had. Dean was thrilled it had gone so well for his little brother.

Dean didn't feel like cooking dinner so the boys munched on candy and watched all the holiday programs on TV. "I wish I could trick or treat," Sam said as another cartoon hit the airwaves.

"I know Sammy but Dad said no."

"When is he going to come home?"

"Soon I guess," Dean said as the phone began to ring.

As if on cue Dean heard John's voice, "hey buddy how are you two doing?"

"Fine," Dean responded.

"I was hoping to be home but I don't think that will happen. Tell Sammy I'm sorry."

"How come you won't be here?"

"Things just didn't go as planned son I am sorry, but hey I do have your candy already so you can have some for your lunch tomorrow," John said hoping it would cheer his son up as he felt guilty about not making it home.

"Okay Dad," Dean said quietly.

"Are there any kids out there yet?"

"No sir, it starts in a few minutes."

"Is the porch light off?"

"Yes sir."

"Okay don't stay up too late and no scary movies," John warned.

"Yes sir we are going to watch It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown," Dean said before hanging up.

"Dad's not coming home tonight is he?" Sam asked sadly.

Dean smiled confusing Sammy, "No he's not so get your costume you're going trick or treating."

"Are you sure we could get in big trouble," Sammy said wide eyed.

"Yep, he won't be here and you already proved to be a great secret keeper so do you want to do this or not?"

"Yes!" Sam said with excitement. But then the youngsters face fell and he looked totally crushed.

"What's wrong Sammy?" Dean asked concerned.

"I left my costume at school," he said looking as if he could just cry.

Dean's shoulders slumped in disappointment with his brother. But then his eyes lit up as he raced to John's bedroom.

"What ya doin'?" Sam asked.

"Getting you another costume," Dean said with a smile.

"Another one?" Sam questioned.

"Yes siree bub another one," Dean said as he opened the first aid kit and found just what he was looking for. "For your evening act you are going to be a mummy. Come on we have to hurry trick or treating starts real soon."

Dean wrapped and taped and tucked and rewrapped until Sam looked like a proper mummy. "It's still missing something," Dean said standing back to look at his brother. "Your face needs to be green or something."

"I know," Sammy said running out of the bathroom. "My markers," he suggested.

"No that would be too hard to get off and how will I explain that to Dad? Do you have any water paints?"

"Yeah," Sam said face lit up. He rummaged through the box that was dedicated to his items. "Here some green," he said holding it up.

"Do you have white too, I want to tone it down so you don't look like a leprechaun in rags."

Paint applied gauze in place Sam looked like a million bucks; well at least Dean thought so.

"Hey watcha doing with my pillow?" Sam asked as Dean pulled his pillow out of its case.

"I gave you my sheet so you have to use your pillowcase," Dean said handing it to the boy.

"What for?"

"For the candy you're going to get, dummy."

"Oh I get it." And with that they were on their way.

.

They hit the streets with fervor that their fellow revelers didn't posses. Sam bounded down the street with enthusiasm that Dean rarely saw outside of school. They saw witches, pirates, clowns which forced Dean to take Sam across the street before he had a meltdown and various assorted other worldly creatures. At the first house they followed a group of girls dressed as cats.

"And what do we have here?" the home owner asked the girls.

"We're a litter of kittens," they giggled back.

It was then Sammy's turn, he tentatively walked up and stood there mute until Dean nudged him. "Um trickertreat," he said quickly.

"Oh what an adorable little mummy," she exclaimed.

"I am?" Sam asked.

"You sure are, and what are you young man?" she asked Dean.

"Nothing, I'm just taking my little brother around," Dean answered.

"Okay so here's some candy for the little mummy and something for the big brother," she said handing Dean several pieces of candy.

The boys both gave their enthusiastic thank you's and headed off to the next house.

John let out a big breath as he turned down the street narrowly missing Frankenstein and a set of salt and pepper shakers. "Stupid holiday," he mumbled. He had given up on his search for the night and decided to pack it in and be with the boys. He was exhausted and just wanted to crash on the couch with a boy in each arm. He smiled at the thought as he pulled into the driveway. He could see the light burning brightly in the living room but became concerned as the usual flicker wasn't emanating from the TV. Maybe they are in the bedroom or Dean is keeping an eye on Sam in the bathtub or maybe as John came up empty as he searched the house they disobeyed his order and went out to celebrate the holiday.

He stood there and dry washed his face wondering what he should do. He glanced at his watch which indicated there was 35 minutes left of trick or treating time. There was no way with all the chaos on the streets that he would be able to find his sons or that they would even reveal themselves if they did cross paths out of fear of public retribution. No he would just have to wait it out and try to figure out a way not to kill them when they did finally get home.

"Well little brother we better get home," Dean said as the time had come and porch lights began to go out.

"That was so much fun, you are the best big brother ever," Sammy said as he wrapped his arms around Dean.

"I'm glad you had a good time, come on we have to hurry just in case Dad comes home early."

It took only minutes to get home but it was many minutes too late as Dean hit the brakes as they neared the small rental house. "What's wrong," Sammy asked as he bumped into Dean.

"Dad's home."

"Uh oh," Sammy said his lower lip already jutting out and his eyes beginning to moisten. He knew what this meant; it meant that they were in big, no, huge trouble.

"Just let me do the talking," Dean said. "Oh let me have your bag of candy."

"Why," the 7 year old screeched.

"Trust me okay?" Dean said dumping more than half of the loot into a bucket that was near the water spigot next to the house. He also pulled most of his candy out of his pocket and added it to Sam's. "Don't forget some of that is mine," he whispered.

Sam merely nodded and with his puppy dog eyes in full gear Dean slowly opened the door.

Dean opened the door to find John sitting in the middle of the couch munching on popcorn and watching an old black and white Dracula movie. "Well if it isn't my two little wayward sons," he said. "Come on over here and sit with me," he said patting the couch.

The boys looked at each other and slowly made their way to the couch. "I see we have a mummy and what are you Dean?"

"Um a big brother who took his little brother trick or treating without permission and who is in major trouble," Dean offered.

"Yeah just what I was thinking, not only without permission but expressly forbidden not to go," John reminded.

"So what do you have in that bag Sammy?" John asked.

"Candy," Sam said lip trembling.

"Let's see it," John asked reaching out for it. "You must not have gone out for long, there's not much in here."

"We just went to a few houses, you know of people we've seen around here. It wasn't for long; I just wanted Sam to have some fun tonight."

"I see, so it was all for Sam."

"Yes sir it was, look I'm not even dressed up."

"Sam go get your face washed and pajama's on then brush your teeth and get into bed," John ordered.

But the boy just sat, "now Sam," John said sternly.

"It's okay Sammy do what Dad said," Dean encouraged with as big of a smile as he could manage.

"He was being nice to me Daddy, he was a good big brother tonight," Sam tried.

"Well that's great that he was a good big brother, because he wasn't a very good son."

"Yes he was," Sam said his voice elevating.

"I will only say this one more time young man, go do as I ask or you will not be happy with the outcome."

"Go Sammy," Dean urged.

Sammy was still reluctant but finally yielded to Dean's urging and departed for the bathroom. John could hear the water begin to run as he turned to his eldest son.

"We need to talk."

"Yes sir," Dean replied head hung low.

"Apparently the words that's an order were misunderstood. Was I not clear enough?"

"I understood."

"I figured you did, so what gives?"

"What I said before, Sammy just wanted to be like his friends and go out and have fun. It killed me to see him so sad; you weren't here and didn't have to see his disappointment like I did."

His son's words stopped him cold he hadn't thought about that until just now. Of course it was easy to say no and then not be around for the aftermath. "I guess that wasn't fair was it?"

"No sir," Dean said quietly hoping his slight outburst wouldn't cause him more problems.

"I had my reasons for saying no but you didn't seem to care about that did you?"

"I guess not, but everything was fine, it was probably safer out there than any other night," Dean tried.

"Maybe or maybe not either way Dean you disobeyed me and you know how I feel about that."

"Yes sir," Dean said head hung low once again.

Dean knew it was black and white, you disobeyed an order you paid for it with a pound of flesh, well probably more like several ounces but it was painful all the same. And now it was time to pay the man for his indiscretion. He hoped that John would wait until Sam was tucked away in bed because the worst part would be that Sam would know what was going on and that would break Dean's heart most of all.

John just stood and waited while Dean seemed to think about what had put him in this predicament when Sam came stomping out of the bathroom and headed into the bedroom. John sighed and told Dean to relax a moment as he went to check on his youngest. John opened the door and could barely contain his smile as the paint had been washed from the middle of Sam's face but there was a perfect ring around his cheeks and forehead.

"I think you need to check the edges of your face young man you seemed to have missed some paint," John said gently.

"Okay," Sam agreed as he tugged his pajamas into place.

John followed him back to the bathroom while and assisted Sam in the final cleansing. With that done they headed back towards the bedroom.

"What about my candy?" Sam asked.

"Since it was gotten in the act of disobedience I think I will be keeping it for now."

"That's not fair," Sam said stomping his foot.

"Oh I think it's quite fair and it will serve you well not to argue with me," John warned.

Dean was busy chewing and swallowing while this conversation was going on, figuring that a bit of sweetness would help him swallow the bitter pill he would be forced to take shortly.

John looked to the floor not wanting to argue with a 7 year old. Dean got Sam's attention and shook his head gently and motioned to the front of the house.

"Oh yeah," Sammy said.

"Hmmm?" John questioned.

"Oh yeah I guess it is fair," Sam recovered.

"I suggest you go to bed right now young man."

"Okay but Daddy don't be mad at Dean he did it for me and I had fun."

"Okay, little man don't you worry," John assured as his little one headed off to bed.

"I think tomorrow after school and on Saturday your time will best be served by raking the leaves in our yard and that of Mrs. Stillman's next door," John said indicating the 80 year old neighbor.

"Yes sir," Dean said.

"Sam will help you; he isn't completely innocent in all of this. Also I want all the candy from your pockets."

Dean's lips scrunched up angry that his dad was so detail oriented. He grudgingly gave up the sweets that he had tucked away from his neighborhood jaunt.

"Now for the matter before us, tell me how you feel?" John asked.

"Upset," Dean admitted.

"Why?"

"That we got caught," Dean said with the look of 'duh' all over his face.

John tried very hard to not smile at his son's answer. "Well I would hope you're upset for another reason as well."

"Cause I didn't listen to you," Dean admitted.

"And what happens when you don't listen to me?"

"Get punished," Dean said so quietly John had to strain to hear him.

"That's right so I guess we should get on with it then."

"Kay," Dean said sneaking a look up to see if John was reaching for his belt or was just going to use his hand.

John was on the same page as Dean unsure of what instrument to use, on one hand the boy had blatantly disobeyed an order and had included his brother in the escapade but on the other hand he had done it for his brother and John could understand why. He looked over as Dean was chewing on his lower lip and sneaking a peek at what John was doing.

"Dammit" the older man whispered. "Come here son," he said reaching out.

Dean shuffled over as John looked at his boy who he swore was growing as they stood there and began to unbuckle his belt. John sighed as did Dean knowing this was just the way it had to be.