Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters - these were created by Eric Kripke - I'm just borrowing them. I'm not making any commercial gain. No harm or infringement intended.
E/O Challenge: Wayward. 200 word drabble. When Sam rejects the 'family business' for Stanford, John considers his son's personalities. Set pre-series. John PoV.
I'd already used 'wayward' and references to the lyrics of "Carry on Wayward Son" back in my October 2012 "Pillow Therapy" drabbles – so this is a prequel to the first one, "Peace When You're Done".
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Wayward Son
"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them" - Hosea 14:4
John stared after Sam's receding back. He was too full of rage to follow, no matter how much he wished he could take back his words.
He mourned how they did nothing but lock horns these days. Outwardly, Sam might seem quiet and conscientious, but really he was the wayward one of his sons. It was Dean who was obedient, despite that others only ever seemed to see the occasional bursts of steam he blew off between missions. Like even the best soldier, the boy just needed a firm hand to keep him in line.
Hard work and discipline had kept John alive through 'Nam, and it's what would get them all through this war too.
"He'll come back when he's ready," said John, unsure whom he was trying to convince, it sounded hopelessly optimistic even to his own ears. He struggled to meet his eldest's reproachful gaze. "Finish your chores," he added in a gruff voice.
"Yes, sir," answered Dean mechanically, sitting down to resume his gun cleaning.
John steeled himself to ignore the tears that dripped to the table's surface. He placed a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Carry on," he said finally, past the lump in his throat.
(;,;)