Safe and Sound

John Winchester looked over at his youngest son, Sam, who was leaning to his left and had his legs rested upon the car's dashboard - headphones on listening to the CD walk man Dean had got him for his 16th birthday. His son finally had had a growth spurt and was now 5'8, still smaller than him (6'3) and Dean (6'2) but at least he was not as short as he was last year. The pediatric MD that had seen him at Jim's place confirmed that he was still growing. He might even surpass Dean and John - the doctor had said that even though he'd started his growth spurt at 16, boys grew until 18 to 22 so still had time. That would be something to see John mused to himself.

Sam might be 17, but something had been bothering John since Sam was 13, took the test and been categorized. Until now, he'd not wanted to acknowledge his doubts, since the center's tests were rarely wrong. However now that Sam was 17, a senior in high school, and would be turning 18 in two months, graduating in 3 – he could no longer ignore the signs which had been there since he'd first done the test.

Especially after this weekend's incident.

John sighed remembering. He felt like crap after the fiasco. They'd gotten Sam home, showered and tucked in bed. After, John had watched his youngest curled up on his side, one hand gripped on Dean's t-shirt, as Dean rubbed Sam's back. John had realized he and Dean needed to talk, but he knew that Dean wouldn't want to see anything wrong with Sam. "Sam is just being Sam" was Dean's first reaction last night, but John had finally convinced Dean to allow him to get Sam re-tested.

What harm could that do?

Sunday (Last Night)

Dean had sighed, looking at his dad arms crossed "He's gonna flip."

"And there-in lies the problem Dean. He is always freaking out or throwing temper tantrums."

"Not with me."

"No Dean. That's not true. You have to coax him, trick him, bribe him or find ways to get him to cooperate. That's just as exhausting as when he argues with me and starts hollering."

"I don't mind as long as it keeps Sammy happy."

"Dean, I am not doing this to make Sam unhappy. I'm doing this so we can better understand what is going on with him and maybe actually keep him happy."

"He already took the test, like everyone else, at 13. Why make him take a second one? He passed with flying colors" Dean reminded John.

"Exactly. He passed with flying colors, although his behavior and actions have proven contrary to the results. The thing about your brother is that he treats all tests as a challenge. He attacks with gusto to pass them."

"What are you saying?" Dean was curious.

"Come on Dean. I know you have the same suspicions as me. Sam found a way to beat the program so he could get the results he wanted to score, not the actual results the program was meant to provide to categorize him."

"Well, Sammy is smart enough to pass it and not let himself be tricked."

"It's not about passing or failing; it's about helping you so later you don't explode in a negative way later in life" John argued, then sighed "imagine if someone who had 100% submissive personality got scored as a Dominant or a Dominant as a submissive?"

"Well that would never happen. It would would be a catastrophe waiting to happen."

"That's why some people need to get tested twice, due to their environment and up bringing, especially if they show certain signs."

"I don't follow."

"It's been known to happen. "If the true personality is never found out and the person continues denying themselves, it can come out in negative ways; frustration, depression, argumentativeness or even self- harm, because they don't not know what they want or need. They'll only feel a constant empty need."

John continued, "However, someone can function as a submissive or vice versa. For example, a submissive could be the head boss of a conglomerate corporation - but when he gets home he unwinds to his true personality trait. For some it's not a 24 hour lifestyle."

"Okay I get that, but what does all this have to do with Sam?"

Dean paused for a second, as if a light came on in his head "So you think Sammy's melt down in that our door large flea market was something like that?"

"Melt down? Dean, he took out three security guards while sobbing his eyes out calling for you."

Dean rubbed the back of his neck "Sammy hates strangers, we taught him not to talk to them" Dean accused. "They should not have approached him and took him by surprise."

"Dean they were only doing their job. One of them noticed Sam looking confused and scared. He just wanted to help him, see if he was lost."

"It was my fault! I shouldn't have left him alone. I thought he was behind me. I didn't notice when he got distracted and moved away."

"Hey it wasn't your fault Ace. If anything its mine for failing to read the signs sooner than now. This could have been completely avoided."

"So how do you think we should proceed? If Sammy did outsmart the test at 13, can you imagine how much faster he can do it at 17?" Dean questioned.

"Not this time Dean, this one comes highly recommend by Jim."

"How?"

"This one is specifically for a functioning human with either A/B/O, Dominant or submissive traits. Most importantly it's for functioning "little ones". Also they specialize in people with our back ground" John smiled.

"What do you mean?"

"Hunters."

"You're kidding? Really?" Dean sounded surprised.

"So what do you say Dean-O. On board with me?" John asked.

"If you really believe it will help Sammy, then yeah."

"I know it will and I know you know deep down it's the best thing that we can do for him."

"Yeah okay, but he's still not going to be happy" Dean remarked.

"I'm not going to give him a choice" John replied.

"What are you going to tell him?"

"You'll see and your gonna help with this plan" John smiled.

Back to the present: Monday 10 am

John reached over and tapped Sam on the shoulder. Sam looked over to his dad and took the head phones off.

"We're here son" John informed Sam.

Sam sat up and looked around and saw the light gray building with the reflective sliding glass doors. He scrunched up his face and looked over at his dad "You said we were going to the doctor's?" Sam looked confused.

"We are" John got out of the truck.

Sam followed suit, "Wait, this is a center, not a doctor's office."

"The center is run and employed by doctors, you know that Sam, so come on."

"Yeah, I know but you never said we were going to a Center" Sam argued.

"I never said we weren't or what kind of doctor, you be doing a check-up with" John easily replied. John kept walking towards the center's doors and realized Sam had stopped walking alongside. He looked back and Sam was standing looking mad, but scared too.

"Sam now."

"No!" Sam crossed his arms standing his ground.

John sighed, he knew it was not going to be easy but this time he would not lose his temper. He knew how to react to Sammy's stand-off now. He wasn't being disobedient or disrespectful it was because Sam was scared, like any little kid was when faced with the unknown.

"It's okay, Sammy nothing to be afraid of" John gently told Sam.

Sam face turned red "I'm not afraid" he spurted anger in his voice.

"Really? Well all right then you'll have no problem going inside."

Sam was biting his lower lip whilst stepping back and forwards trying to decide what to do. John recognized the signs and inwardly smiled knowing this time Sam would be receptive.

"Sam I mean it, move your butt now" John ordered. Right on queue, Sam bitch faced his dad.

As Sam open his mouth to retort, John beat him to the punch "You got to the count of three little boy" John warned. John didn't think it was possible but Sam's face got even more red as he quickly scanned the area to see if anyone was listening. John had to bite the inside of his cheek to suppress a laugh from escaping.

"1" John started to count.

Sam blanched "Wait … you can't do that!"

"2."

"Okay, okay" Sam scrambled up the steps towards John. John turned around and smiled before walking through the sliding glass doors to enter the cool air conditioned lobby. Sam was right along-side him. He walked up to the receptionist desk.

"Hi John Winchester, friend of Jim Murphy. We have a 10:15am appointment with Dr. Matthew Jacobs" John smiled at the brunet with a silver streak in her hair.

"Hello Mr. Winchester, I'm Marsha the doctor's assistant. Yes Dr. Jacobs is expecting you and Sam" she smiled brightly as she looked over John's shoulder. He saw her trying to see over him and wondered why before it hit him. Sam was no longer next to him but behind him, hunched low. John smiled, apologetic, to the Nurse and reached with one arm behind him and grab Sam's arm and pulled him forward.

'Hello Sam nice to meet you" Marsha's voice was sweet and gentle like she knew what Sam's type was. Sam's reaction was expected.

He straitened up and looked defiant. "Hello" his voice was strong and self-confidant. Marsha looked over at John a small amused smile on her face.

"Well, right this way gentlemen' she said as she led the way.

Sam walked alongside John with a scowl on his face "This is stupid" he said to John.

"What do you mean?"

"I know why we're here and it's really dumb Dad, you want to get me re-tested" Sam's voice was accusing and mad.

John was not going to lie to Sam "Yes I do."

"Why?! You never got Dean re-tested and he's always acting more immature than his age!"

"No. He acts exactly like a young immature 21 year old should act. One who loves to tease his little brother" John supplied.

Before Sam could retort, Marsha stop in front of a door and knocked "Come in" a voice responded.

Marsha opened the door and lead John and Sam in. She stood to the side and nodded to the doctor before excusing herself.

A lithe built man was standing there. He had graying hair and wore glasses. He was exactly John's height and smiled warmly as he greeted them.

"Hello, nice to meet you Mr. Winchester" he said as he shook John's hand "and this must be Sam" he turns and addressed the adolescent.

Sam hesitated but then he gripped the doctor's hand with a firm shake. "Whoa quite a grip you have there" the doctor smiled. Sam looks at him puzzled, trying to decide if he testing him or just greeting him normally. Sam decides the latter.

"Well growing up with an ex-marine for a father, leaves no room for self-confidence issues" Sam answered smartly and relaxed. He knew how this worked. He was being tested now visually and could detect the doctor trying to see any psychological traits or vibes from Sam.

"I'll bet" Dr. Jacobs replied motioning to the big chairs in front of his desk for them to have a seat. He sat behind his desk and pulled a file in front of him.

"Wow" the doctor looked impressed "In all my life in this field I've never seen test scores like this, they are off the chart. I am surprised you didn't test Guardian or even a lead Alpha, but it came down to the final visual versus the written." Sam sat straighter and proud realizing that he had this in the bag.

However, he got a surprise instead of the doctor asking John – "How can we help him?" or "Why did you bring Sam in?" he said "Okay John, why don't you come back at around 1pm? I think Sam should be finished by that time. Don't worry about him getting hungry at lunch time, the center does provide snacks for him until you pick him up and take him home." Dr. Jacobs finished and stood up as did John. The doctor shook John's hand one more time.

Sam startled when he realized his dad was actually leaving. He jumped up from his seat. "Wait, where are you going?!

Johns stopped and gave Sam a reassuring smile "Hey it's all right kiddo. I'll be back before you know it." He reached out and ruffled Sam's hair. Sam shook his head but John walked out the door. Sam was stunned. "What the hell just happened?" he thought.

Once Dr. Jacobs closed the door, he crossed over to another door and smiled at Sam "Why don't you come this way and we can proceed?" Sam took a few steps back.

"Wait, why?"

"You're here to take a test Sam, I thought your father had informed you?"

"Yeah he did, but you just said I scored off the charts?"

Dr. Jacobs smiled at "Yes which is why we are doing a series of other tests that are not the same as the ones you took when you were 13. You scored off the chart for the written tests but you scored average and two points below average for the physical and visual tests. This should have given the center pause, but they concluded you must be smart as a Beta but not physically strong as an Alpha or mentally strong as a Guardian" Jacobs explained.

"What?" he'd never heard of a retest being different than the first.

"This will be more a visual and behavioral, so no written paper work, multiple choices, or solving puzzle on a screen, just pure hands on" Dr. Jacobs explained to Sam.

"Psychological" Sam smirked. Now he knew the rules of this game.

"Of course I was not trying to trick you. I will explain each test, and you can answer or do what you think is best to the best of your ability, whatever comes natural for you to do."

"Eliminate all doubt from the patient and they will be more receptive - Karl Abrahams" Sam quoted.

"You're familiar with Karl Abrahams' works in patient psychoanalysis?" Jacobs was impressed.

"Some of his works" Sam replied easily. He felt relaxed and confident, completely in his element. "I'm more interested in Carl Jung's theories on the collective unconscious mind."

"Really? That's quite impressive for a young man of your age. Are you looking into studying psychology?"

More at ease now he followed Dr. Jacobs out of his office into the hallway. Sam adjusted the straps on his back pack slung over his shoulders. He'd brought two books in case he got bored and his laptop, a gift from John and Dean last year for his 17th birthday.

"No, not really I'm actually interested in Law."

As they strolled down the hall way Sam noticed the walls were beige with some bright colors in patterns as borders. There were a couple of closed doors every few paces. They talked about Sam's hobbies and his favorite subjects in school. Dr. Jacobs stopped in front of a door and told Sam to hold on a minute as he walked in. Coming back out he apologized to Sam and proceeds to the next door 10 steps down.

They entered, but Sam stalled in the door way. "I am really sorry, but looks like Dr. Elizabeth Wolf is still using the sound room I was hoping to start with. This is one of the unoccupied waiting areas so you won't feel uncomfortable while we wait."

Sam eyed the whole room and looked up at Dr. Jacobs "You gotta be kidding me?"

"Something wrong Sam?" Jacobs asked amused.

"Other than this room looks like something out of the imagination of a little kid's mind, no not at all' Sam said sarcastically.

The room was full of all types of toys on shelves and in toy boxes. The carpeted floor was an array of colorful pattern in squares. The three tables had arts and supplies sitting neatly on top.

"Seriously you want us to sit in here and wait?"

Before Dr. Jacobs could reply his beeper went off, he looked down at it.

"I am sorry Sam I will be right back, I need to take this" he said walking out. Sam sighed, turned around and looked at the room again.

"No trickery huh?" he muttered under his breath. He walked in a little more, appearing to look around casually, but in reality putting the last 9 years of training he'd had to use. He saw the room with eyes of a hunter, things normal people would miss he could detect.

He spotted the medium sized mirror hanging on the wall on the left side of the room. Walking over, he noticed immediately that it was embedded. Sam shook his head, two way mirrors "God really" he thought "can they be more obvious?"

Next, he walked over to the arts and craft tables, circling them, nonchalantly picking randomly at the markers and colored pencils. He noticed it on the second table. One of the erasers was different. He pretend to pick one up cavalierly and casually studied the other from the corner of his eyes, remembering not to draw attention to what he was doing from his training. He realized it had a micro-chip microphone to catch any sounds, as he put a colored pencil back in the bucket.

Sam turned, looking across the room to see a bean bag. He walked over to it and sat down. Leaning his head back as if he was bored, he observed the ceiling through silted eyes. Seeing nothing, he started sitting up slowly and saw the whiteboard. He noticed the two screws on the corner of the boards. There were very small discrepancies that didn't match the bottom screws. Anyone else would have missed that.

"Cameras…wow they really are thorough here to keep an eye on all your movements and interactions" he thought. "Kay, I'll give them a show, not much, but something to call off this whole freaking experiment!" He sighed loudly and pulled his backpack open, taking out his laptop. He opened it up and began researching Latin historical texts. "That should throw them off, since they want to see what I'm doing so badly. I can get lost in this once I really get going."

"Dr. Jacobs are you sure about this kid? He seems to be ignoring everything in the room and even looks bored and annoyed to me" Jerome looked over to the doctor who was still looking at the screen.

"Hmmm, yeah. This kid is good but I think that is what he wants us to see, which is why we need to be more observant of all his silent actions" the doctor responded.

"Doc, I know you are good, especially with hunter's kids, but dude he' reading the photograph of a Latin text that even I can't decipher. It must date really far back maybe 12th century."

"You're telling me? The most Latin I know is from the medical sciences" Jacobs said dryly. Then his eyebrows raised and he smiled "remind me to give Elisa a raise" he told Jerome.

"What? Why?"

"Have you seen, what his right foot's been taping on for the past five minutes?" Jacobs indicated. "Elisa put extra toys randomly and strategically around the floor but close to the sitting area should certain subjects refuse to engage toys or games directly."

Jerome looked at the screen and saw the kid's foot on one of the many colorful balls, pushing it back and forth absentmindedly.

"Yeah I see, but the kid's eyes are still glue to the laptop screen. He could be unconsciously doing it, like when we chew on a pencil while thinking" Jerome offered.

"No that is what he wants us to see. Zoom closer and see the trajectory of his eyes." Jerome did as instructed and then he saw it.

"Son of gun this kid is good. He has the laptop purposely positioned in front of him but not blocking his view of the ball. And wow now you can see his shoulders are very tense too."

"Yup" the doctor agreed with Jerome "he's tensing up with whatever he is holding in so as not lose control. Let's leave him alone for another seven minutes. I am going to read the information his older brother provided again carefully."

Sam kept seeing the colorful round ball that was close to where he was sitting, it was starting to distract him from the text he was reading. He had given it a gentle tap and noticed to his delight that it changed colors when tapped or moved. Sam glanced casually at the hidden camera, biting his lip. He maneuvered the lap top a bit to hide the angle of the ball and his right leg. He smiled and began to gently roll the ball back and forth with his foot. He kept glancing back to his Latin text but it was getting harder to concentrate. He really wanted to see how far he could roll the ball and watch it swirl with colors.

He still kept tabs on his text but was starting to get a bit frustrated, not being able to really kick the ball far. When he glanced away for a second to check the time on his laptop, he lost contact with the ball and it rolled away. He let out a small gasp. Laptop forgotten he got up and followed the ball, just as Dr. Jacobs walked in. Sam froze with the ball in his hand.

When the doctor smiled, Sam drop the ball automatically and smiled back.

"Did you address your concern?" Sam asked before the doctor could say anything.

"What was that?"

"You left 20 minutes ago because you were paged?" Sam reminded him.

"Oh yeah, it was a patient checking in," the doctor was caught off guard. Usually patients reactions were more strong than this, floundering and stuttering after being caught playing with something in the room. This kid easily fell back into being a typical bored teenager.

"Ah, but I see you found something to keep you entertained you while you waited" Jacobs tried to steer the subject back to Sam playing with the ball.

"Yeah, I had some research to catch up on for school" Sam replied as he walked over to the laptop he'd left next to the bean bag he had been sitting on.

"Well looks like you were having more fun with the displayed light ball we have" Jacob decided to be straightforward with the kid.

Sam merely scoffed, "Uh, the light effects were giving me headache so I kicked it out the way. Since it was still in my line of vision, I came over to move it behind something."

The kid was really good, John had warned him his boys could lie at the drop of a pin. It's how they avoided CPS and could get a store clerks, diner employees, or others to give them freebies or feel bad for them. Most hunters learned to lie to get them through to do their job sometimes. He'd never forget how he met Jim and John 5 years ago.

Jacobs finally guessed that the best approached with Sam would be the straight and honest to see if Sam reciprocated.

"Tell you what Sam, let's take this conversation to one of the offices in the hallway and discuss what we do here for retesting."

"Yeah right, like earlier today when you said no trickery" Sam sarcastically said.

"How about this. If I am honest with you, you're honest with me. Do we have a deal?"

Sam looked at him suspiciously "Yeah okay" he finally conceded.

"Great, follow me." They walked out and made a left turn down another hallway, not going too far. They entered a simple room with beige and earth brown colors, a desk with an executive style chair and two cushion chairs. Sam sat in one of those.

"So you know you were brought here to get tested."

"Re-tested" Sam corrected "though I don't see the point, my original test scores and school records should be more than enough for you to without all the extra stuff."

"You are correct with the 'If it looks like a duck, then it must be a duck' philosophy, but let's go deeper."

"So what? Now you want to discuss whether the chair is really there or a figment of our imagination" Sam countered condescendingly.

"No Sam. I want to discuss how as a hunter you can't rely on that same idea because it could loose a life."

Sam look up startle "What?!"

"Because if a hunter believes it to be a duck, he might miss the shape shifter or a demon possessing the duck and that could lead to a death" Dr. Jacobs challenged.

"You know about hunters" Sam was surprised.

"It's why this center and three more were created for your community. It has been quietly accepted in the last 50 years that there was an extra factor that our government and medical facilities kept missing - why we weren't 100% or even 99% accurate in testing humans. How did we keep missing these random humans that kept cropping up from random parts around the world? They were rough and tough but a few had a tendency that should have been classified as "submissive" or "caretaker", heck even "little." We accidentally stumbled across hunters in a town when one of our surveyors were there. Let's just say history was made and the final component was solved."

"Why only three?" Sam asked.

"To keep your society safe and the rest of the world safe too."

"So Sam, now that we are being honest, do you know why you are really here?"

"NO, I mean Dad thinks I'm something that I am not."

'Aren't you?"

"No. Look I already tested. I'm a beta, the average norm, safe nothing to worry about."

"Are you sure or did you make mathematical calculations to land the least likely they'll suspect? A safe choice? Not too much? Because the other categories would be too much."

"I thought the center tests were fool proof" Sam taunted

"To the average person, yes" Dr. Jacobs agreed. "But to a hunter who is skilled in hiding in plain sight and always living a lie, the test is not. This is why I set up a different method. But I already see you are very intelligent for your age. You respect honesty, and your big brother mentioned you would respond better to it. He was right, but he also mentioned other ... quirks?"

"Dean would never…"

"No you are right he would never unless it meant protecting you and keeping you safe. I have strict patient confidentiality and you only need to confide in me if you feel confident to do so. Let's try this final test to see how it affects you emotionally. How about we make Dean proud and show you can be honest too?"

Sam looked hesitant but nodded "okay."

"This is one of the rooms we save for last and your brother said this one was more likely to make you feel comfortable and safe" the doctor opened the door that was off to his right. Sam swallowed but stepped through and froze.

"It's all right Sam. Why don't you do what feels natural, when you see this room?"

Tears glazed Sam's eyes as he looked around, "why Dean?" he thought. "This is supposed to be a secret." He began making a little whimpering sound, not able to hold it in.

"I want Dean!" Sam wailed.

From the corner of the room a sliding door opened and Dean walked in, picked Sam up and immediately made shushing and cooing sounds to Sam to calm him down whilst rubbing his back.

"Hey Sammy it's okay bud" Dean reassured.

"No its not! Sam sobbed "No one was supposed to know Dean!"

"Why baby?"

"Because I'm smart and … and … tough like you and Dad. I'm not supposed to want (Hiccup) want this!" Sam wailed some more.

"Hey aww Sammy this is not so bad; lets sit okay?" Dean walks over to the rocking chair and sat down in it cradling Sam to his chest as he began to rock back and forth humming. Sam kept crying but started to settle down as Dean hummed one of the rock songs Sam grew up listening to. He reached up with his hand and put his thumb into his mouth and start to suck on it. He knew that it would cost him, but didn't care.

Dr. Jacobs stood in the doorway with Sam's file, entering something in it, just as John came to stand next to the doctor. He surveyed the soft decorated baby nursery.

"Well Mr. Winchester looks like that hunch was correct and Sam is very lucky you caught it in time."

John shook his head in disbelief "Lucky? I should have caught it sooner and brought him in sooner than this!"

"It couldn't be helped. Sam seems like a very intelligent and unique child. Even though he did give off those vibes like you said, he is a very high functioning little. I've never seen anything like it."

This made John sad instead of relieved "If Sam had never been taught to be a hunter, would he still be high functioning or would he be happy being 100% comfortable being his little self?"

"Now that is an interesting question as environment does factor in, but his intelligence would still the same. Honestly I've been doing this for 30 years and I've never met someone like Sam, smart enough to know the whole test at 13 and beat it. It's his little that needs nurturing, love and all that entails. He can still be a hunter or whatever he wants to be, he just needs times when he can be himself without the stress of being an adult in order to not damage his mental health. Before I make my final assessment and enter Sam's information on the mainframe so he can be documented, let's see him now with his big brother who might help with the rest of the test. We will see what age Sam is when he allows his little side to come out."

All three Winchesters walked out of the center, well two did, one was being carried.

John looked at the paperwork Dr. Jacobs had given him. Sam's results showed him to be in the 15 to 24 months old age category. Regressed, he just made it to a two year old. John scratched the back of his head, his poor Sammy had been quietly suffering these past four years instead of getting the proper care his mental and emotional mind needed.

"Aw Mary. I'm sorry" John mumbled, mentally kicking himself, knowing he let his beloved wife and baby boy down. John jerked when he felt a hand on his shoulder and saw that it was his eldest.

"Dad, you didn't do it on purpose. You didn't know and I'm sure mom would understand" Dean tried to ease John's guilt. John raises an eyebrow at Dean.

"Okay maybe after she kicked your ass, then she would understand" Dean amended.

John smirked "Ok, that sounds much better. Good thing we went shopping before coming back here. I called Jim last night and he's ok with us crashing there for a bit until we can get to Bobby's and hopefully set up camp there for a while."

They both walked over to the Impala and John opened the back door, making to grab Sam.

The whole time Sam was listening to Dean and John speaking about him as though he was not there to add his two cents. He had his head on Dean's shoulder but looked up when he heard them open up the car. Looking at what was inside, he knew it!

Everything was going change with the new category. It didn't fit in with his plans! When he saw John reach for him, he tensed up and immediately started to push off Dean to get down.

"Whoa, whoa easy there tiger" Dean gripped tighter "You're gonna fall."

"I'm trying to get down!" Sam fumed informing Dean.

"What? Why, we're leaving now and you need to get in the car" Dean was puzzled at Sam's behavior.

"I will, but I am not sitting in that contraption!" Sam yelled as he felt John's hands on his waist.

"Sammy, you have to" John admonished "Let go Dean." Dean releases Sam as Sam flails in Johns arms.

"No dad, you can't, please" Sam pleaded with his dad.

"Sweetheart, you know the rules. This is where you need to sit for now until you get settled and comfortable" John gently told Sam.

"This is not fair!" Sam yelled some more, kicking his legs in the air. Damn it! … this is exactly what he was afraid. Even his dad's tone was different. He wouldn't see him as an equal now, or capable hunter. Not that he wanted to be one but it was the principle that counted!

Sam's kicking and flailing was tiring him out, which is what John was hoping. He tucked Sammy's head under his chin and quickly lower him into the "car seat" inside the Impala. He quickly pulls Sammy's arms in through the straps and buckled him in, then lowered the padded bar over Sammy head until it clicked around his waist.

"No daddy!" Sam shouted before quickly covering his mouth when he heard himself. When he looked up to see John smiling at him, the fight left him to be replaced by tears.

"I don't want to sit in the car seat, please dad, don't make me" Sam pushed uselessly at the car seat's padded bar.

"It's just until we get to Pastor Jim's home okay baby?"

"M'not a baby' Sam pouted, putting his head down on the bar and sighing. He heard the car door close and the front doors open. He feels his brother and John both get in the car and close the doors. Dean started the engine and asked his dad where to, John replying that they should drive back to the motel. He would pick up his truck with the rest of the supplies and then they would head out to Jim's place.

They arrived at the motel at two pm. John got out instructing Dean to stay with Sam in the car, whilst he checked them out and grabbed everything. Some of the stuff they would need was already inside the GMC truck.

John looks in the back to Sam still sulking, but fiddling with the buttons on the side of the car seat.

"Sammy, settle down" John told him sternly. Sam froze, cheeks reddening at being caught.

"It's too tight" Sam complained and starts to twist and turn.

"No its 'not, I made sure to have the straps adjusted to your specific height and weight, but if you like I'll have Dean, loosen them a little." John gave Dean a look and both men got out of the car.

Dean looked over the roof of the car towards his dad "Dad Sam is just having a hard time. You know this a 360 degree turn of adjustment dropped on him. He'll need time to adjust."

"I know Dean why do you think I want us to stay at Bobby's? His place is more safe, outside of town and less people, so Sam can have the chance to relax and let go."

"Why not Jim's since we are heading there first?"

"Jim's is just somewhere we can rest a bit to get an idea of where Sam and us need help. However, Jim has a full church and congregation to attend to, not to mention Caleb and Joshua stopping by a lot and I am pretty sure Sam doesn't want them knowing about his new category yet."

"Well they go to Bobby's too."

"Not without calling ahead first and Bobby's place is bigger. He's warded up the Ying-Yang for demons and other beings. Besides, I know Sam likes spending time at Bobby's more, with all the books he has to read."

"But you're not gonna let him straight away right dad?"

"No, not right away. Sammy's gonna have to earn that privilege first by accepting his little side. Until he does, no grown up stuff for him. We have four years to make up to him and letting him know its ok for him to relax and enjoy. The good news is that it's not a 24 hour/7 day a week lifestyle for him but we need him to learn to tell us when he feels himself slipping or needing it. He can't try to hide it or push himself to the last limit where it could cost him emotionally and physically."

"Right Dad. Well, its getting late and Sammy needs to eat soon."

"I'll check us out and I think I bought some Graham crackers and juice, check the trunk, that should hold him over until the next town where we'll look for a family diner."

John walked to the motel to check them out. Dean went to the back of the Impala and opened up the trunk to see a blue and white diaper bag.

"Huh" he mused and reached to unzip it. He found it pack up with the necessary things Sam would need while traveling. He grabbed the box of animal crackers and the sippy cup which had a white label sticker with "apple juice" written on it. He then slung the bag over his shoulder and closed the trunk before walking over to back passage door to open it up.

"Heya Sammy" Dean crouched down in front of Sam. Sam lifted his head up from the bar with a forlorn look on his face.

"Aw Sammy. It's okay dude, you'll see before long. It all be all right and you won't notice the difference much. Look at what dad got you, some animal crackers and juice." He held them up to Sam. Sam looked at the colorful box and orange sippy cup and scrunched his face "I don't want cookies and juice Dean, I want to get out of this thing!" Sam bitched starting to struggle again.

"Look Sammy, I'll loosen the straps a bit more but then you need to settle down and eat your snack. You know how cranky you get when you get hungry." Dean put the snacks next to Sam's chair and reached to loosen the arm straps just a little, he needed to keep the kid safe.

"Please Dean, I'll behave. Just let me sit upfront with you" Sammy gave his best puppy eyes.

"Sammy" Dean said in a warning tone.

"Please Dean. I heard what Dr. Jacobs said, I'm not a 24 hour "little." Sam grimaced at the word "it's only when I needed it" Sam argued.

"Yeah and we know how good you are at telling us" Dean said sarcastically.

"Well who taught us to suck it up and walk through the pain, so excuse me if I can hold off more, than admitting I need …." Sam looks away not being able to finish the sentence.

Dean sighed "look dad knows he fucked up on you. Why do you think he pushed for this? He's doing the best he can, trying to make up for it. You need to cut him a break too."

Sam looked away "I know, it's just why now (especially when I am 2 months from turning 18 and hitching a ride to Stanford and blowing this lifestyle he added in his mind) "It's not like, I really need it. I just needed to learn how to control it better."

"And therein lies the problem Sammy. Dr. Jacobs said that because of your hunter upbringing you are so used to controlling, so much and for so long. We need to get you comfortable and accepting, his recommendation was 3 to 4 weeks of getting you used to your little side. Starting now was his recommendation and that means no grown up stuff for you during that time."

"Well it feels like that would be counterproductive" Sam muttered to Dean. "Since I've been keeping it under wraps for almost five years it be more effective if I learned some more tools to fully keep it under control" Sam finished with a huff.

"Wrong. It would be disastrous if you keep your little side locked up." Dean stood and handed the snacks to Sam, who pushed them off to the side.

Dean sighed "Sammy."

"I don't want them De" Sam whined. "I want out of this seat and treated like I was treated yesterday, sitting shotgun next to you." Sam kicked his feet against the back of the driver's seat and threw the snacks down.

"Little boys who act bratty don't get to sit shotgun upfront" Dean warned Sam as he picked the cup and snack box off the floor. Sam froze in mid kick as he realized what he was doing. His face turned red.

"I..I...I'm sorry Dean, I don't know what got into me" Sam mumbled embarrassed.

"You're tired and hungry Sammy that's all. Look you don't have to eat now. I'll just put the cup in your cup holder and the box in the pouch next to it and if you are still hungry I've got some of that trial mix crap you love so much in the glove compartment. K tiger?" Dean ruffled Sam's hair as he closed the car door.

Looking up he saw their dad walking out the Motel's office. John walked up to Dean and handed him the security deposit.

"This is in case you can't make it the next state over and need to stop and rest. I'll head out ahead and we'll meet up at Jim's place later" John informed Dean.

"What's going on Dad. I thought we were heading out together?" Dean looks at his dad's face seeing concern there.

"So was I, but I'd forgotten. We promised Caleb we'd meet up with him in Iowa" John scrubbed his face. "Looks like he found a full coven of witches."

"Dad if you have a full coven, then you'll need back up. Just you and Caleb isn't enough."

"I know, Caleb was relying on it being all three of us meeting him, especially with Sam's talent in rituals and spell research."

"What are you going to do?" Dean asked worried tone in his voice.

John noticed. "Don't worry Dean I called Bobby and asked for two other hunters he thinks would be good for the job, since he is aware of Sam and we were supposed to head up to his place in a couple of days" John reassured his eldest.

"What you'd tell Caleb?"

"I told him Sammy's not feeling well and is out of the hunt for now."

"Sammy is feeling fine and Caleb will need the information I downloaded last night, for him."

Both older men jumped when they heard the voice and quickly looked over. Sam had managed to get out of the car seat and roll down the window. He was glaring at both of them having heard almost all the conversation. He'd known something was up when their dad glanced at him, a a worried look on his face. No way in hell were they going to talk about him behind his back as though he didn't exist!

"Samuel Winchester, you were told to stay put in the car seat" John's voice was stern and authoritative. That wasn't new to Sam, so he just rolled his eyes and huffed "I am. I didn't get out the car did I?" Sam challenged John. John counted to 10 slowly but before he could say anything, his eldest opened the car door and pulled Sammy out, quickly hauling him over his shoulder before landing three swats on his little brother's rear end.

"Quit being a smart ass Sam and a brat. You know what Dad meant."

Sam yelped and kick out in surprise, "DEAN!" he shouted, quickly covering his bottom. Dean pulled him down back off his shoulder and put him on a hip. Sam look startled at Dean "You … you spanked me!" he said, tone accusing.

"That was not a spanking. That was a swat and there will be more coming if you keep up with the attitude, with a full on spanking, if you keep on misbehaving. Do I make myself clear?"

Sam blinks and sniffles and nodded yes.

"What was that?" Dean firmly asked.

"Yes Dean" Sam tearfully answered, but then turned and reached for John. John sighed because he knew the game. When Sam got upset at Dean he wanted John and vice versa. John wouldn't give in and undermine Dean's authority.

He ruffled Sammy's hair "Sorry tiger this is Dean's show." Sammy looks crestfallen and John almost, just almost, broke. However, he realized that this was his and Dean's fault since 90% of the time they did give in to the look.

Dean and he need to be a united front in order to help Sammy. They needed to make sure that Sam obeyed all of the rules set out for him. He was proud that Dean had been the one to take over and get Sammy to listen, but now he needed to take more of an active role while not undermining Dean's rules with Sammy.

Sam dropped his head on Dean's shoulder and mumbled something they both couldn't make out.

"You still need the data I gathered for Caleb" Sam spoke more clearly but refusing to meet their eyes.

"How did you know Caleb needed, some Intel Sammy?" Dean inquired.

"When Dad said yes to the job, Caleb emailed me the text he needed translated along with the drawings he was able to take a picture of with his phone late last night."

"That's why you were up past midnight?" Dean asked.

Sam nodded. "It was a recent death and Caleb got there too late to save the victim so he took a picture of the whole area. That's how he knows he's got until the day after tomorrow before the next victim and ritual" Sam finished.

"Which why he called to remind me to get our butts down there today" John mused. The call had came while he was checking them out. He'd smiled at the desk clerk and went outside to finish the call with Caleb. It made sense now why he'd sounded frustrated over the phone.

"Sam if you knew what was happening why didn't you mention anything this morning? I could have called Bobby sooner and gotten another hunter team to go immediately over."

Sam's bitch face was aimed both Dean and John "We were busy this morning, if you recall. Actually, you guys were busy and you let me sleep-in until, it was almost time to go to my supposed 'doctor's appointment'" Sam ended that last part in finger quotes.

They had let Sam sleep in since Sam had been awake until 2 am. They didn't want a grumpy Sammy so woke him at 8:30, which left enough time to shower, dress and eat a decent breakfast, before going to the Center.

Sam had sleepily said something to John about thinking he'd found what Caleb needed, but John was too busy to pay attention so he'd just nodded at the statement.

"I'm sorry Sammy, my head was not in the game" John's tone was truly apologetic.

Sam was stunned. His dad had admitted he was at fault and apologized.

"Dean?"

"Yeah Sammy?"

"Pinch me I'm dreaming."

"Smart-Ass" Dean quirked.

"So we good?" John asked his boys. They both look at John.

"Yeah dad" Dean answered for both of them.

"But what about the hunt and Caleb?" Sam asked.

"Like I told Dean I will meet Caleb in Iowa and Steve and Carl should be arriving before me. They were only two hours away. You and Dean will go directly to Pastor Jim's."

"But this was our hunt and … and I did all that research last night!" Sam blurted out angrily.

"Hey, hey kiddo, I thought you'd be happy taking a break and not being forced to go another hunt so soon after the banshee hunt three days ago" Dean said confused.

"This is different. This isn't just the usual wiccan practice and spells! This is a bona-fide old welsh coven with a warlock as the elder and Celtic high priestess. When both powers combine they can call on "Ameloutith" Sam finishes with some excitement in his voice. "Got to give it to the kid, he hates hunting but loves knowledge and history" John thought, wonder where he gets that from?

"Amy…what?" Dean asked.

Sam huffed "Ameloutith" the demon that the Egyptian magicians used to increase their powers which is why the Egyptian Gold Age lasted so long, until King Solomon captured him and released him, don't you read anything besides comics and porn?"

Sam managed to get Dean to put him down and he walked over to the trunk of the car, reaching in quickly to pull out his laptop. He opened it to show his dad the pictures, clicking on one of his saved files of a basement or underground dwelling of some kind.

"Look dad, these symbols on the floor are Egyptian hieroglyphs. When I looked up the meanings I noticed there was a calendar and it said the new moon not a full moon, which the day after tomorrow."

"Way to go Geek boy" Dean proudly told Sam. Sam smiles up at his big brother and look over at his dad who ruffled his baby boy's hair "Nice job Sam" he told him.

"So we are going?" Sam looked at his dad expectantly.

John sighed "No Sam, just me this time, the plan is still the same. You and Dean will meet me at Pastor Jim's place. Send all the information you were able to gather to Caleb."

"But Dad …"

"No Sam this is way too dangerous".

"Too dangerous?!" Sam practically yelled "Are you kidding me! Didn't we go after a whole pack of wares last week and ghouls two weeks back?! Oh, and let's not forget the Wendigo incident last month in Montana, when it was two of them!"

"Exactly and each time we nearly lost you. We missed one of the pack and he nearly tore into you, when it took you down, had Dean not been close by to drop him. With the ghouls, you didn't listen when I told you to stay in the damn car and wait. Had Dean not noticed the glint in the moon light when in the walk way to that mausoleum, which turn out to be your hunting knife, we would,'t have known you were there. God knows what would have happened. Yes, the wendigo was my fault. They are known to be lone hunters not pack or two working together. 28 stitches and a broken wrist Sammy. We were damn lucky" John finished.

Sam was incensed "Now! Now you care? We were always in danger with every hunt, every monster, ghost or demon. Since Dean was 8 our lives have been put on the line. What the hell is different now?" Sam spat, getting up in his dad's face, or as well as he could seeing as he was 5'8 and John was 6'3.

"You don't think I know that Sam? Every time we go out on a hunt, I know we are all at risk. It's why I give orders to follow. Every soldier knows it's to keep them safe and to bring back the whole team home" John yelled back angrily.

"WE ARE NOT SOLIDERS!" Sam yelled. Without warning he kicks his dad in the shin. John yelped and jumped back. Dean grabbed Sam around the middle and hoisted him up.

"Whoa, whoa whoa … hey, hey easy tiger" he said as Sam kicked and squirmed in his grasp.

"No Dean put me down, now!" Sam was all legs and arms flailing, trying to get a hit in as Dean held him.

Dean steeled himself "SETTLE DOWN NOW SAMUEL" Dean used the voice he only used when Sam was being a complete disobedient brat or, like now, out of control and needed someone to reel him in.

Sam froze mid-air kick ready to strike and realized what he'd done. His face reddened as he realized he'd lost control again.

"I'm sorry dean, I don't know what happened Sam stuttered looking down, as Dean put him on his hip.

"Don't apologize to me, apologize to Dad."

Sam clenched his fist and looks at his dad who was leaning against the Impala rubbing his leg. He unclenched his hand and felt a little bad, but not much, because he was right damn it! He looks down sullenly.

"Sammy" Dean warned as he shook him, just as he was about to say something that might make Dean angry.

"No Ace, it's ok. Sam was right" John managed to get out in between winces and gasps of air. He stood up straight and looked at the startled look on Sammy's face.

"I do need to remember, you're not soldiers, you're my sons but sometimes I lose sight of that. I only do it because this is the only way know to make sure my squad comes home. I don't leave my men behind. But as the adult and father I should have been able to find a compromise between the two" John finished.

Sam was stunned and started to feel bad for kicking his dad. Dean shook him again and cleared his throat indicating Sam should speak.

"I'm sorry dad" Sam mumbled. Dean patted Sam's bottom in warning and Sam quickly looks up at John "I'm sorry for kicking you dad. It was wrong" Sam said feeling bad. As realization sank in his eyes began to water.

John rubbed Sam's back "Okay kiddo. Just understand, I need you to go with Dean now and I'll see you at Jim's."

John looks at his watch "Damn its getting late" he turned to Dean. "Ok Sport, call me when you get there." He reached and squeezed Dean's shoulder before ruffling Sammy's hair. He walked towards his truck.

Dean stood there with Sam in his arms as John drove away. He felt Sammy put his head on his shoulder and yawn. He checked his watch, 4 pm. Damn, they should have left an hour ago. He opened the door and lifted the waist bar to sit Sam inside the car seat.

"Wait Dean, can't I sit in the front seat with you, please?" Sam pleaded.

Dean sat back and looked at Sam with a stern gaze "What do you think Sammy?"

Sam dropped his gaze "That would be, no?"

"Damn straight and do you know why."

"I was being naughty" Sam whispered out, shame filling his face.

"Good boy. At least we are off to a good start in earning those privileges again." Dean clicked the arm straps and lowered the waist bar.

As he went to stand and Sammy calls to him "What is it bud?"

"I'm thirsty," Sam whispered.

"Your juice is in the cup holder.

"I don't want the sippy cup" Sam looks at Dean with tears in his eyes. At first Dean thought Sam was being stubborn, but the look Sam was giving was not his usual stubborn pride. Dean suddenly realized and reached for the diaper bag in the front seat, pulling out a light blue baby bottle to hand to Sam. Sam hesitated before reaching for it. He latched on, closing his eyes and sighing. Dean smiled and closed the car door before sitting behind the wheel of the Impala.

He patted the dash board and said to her "Ok Baby, lets see if you can get Sammy to sleep with your purr and some music."

He turns on the ignition, she started immediately. Dean turned on the radio but puts it on a low setting, but loud enough for Sammy to hear. He pulled out the motel parking lot. It had been a long day but they were on their way to Jim's now.

Back at the center Dr. Jacob was sitting at his desk looking over Samuel Winchester's file. He was truly impressed with the kids written tests, especially the mathematical portions. He reviewed the video in the nursery room. Sam was laughing and giggling as Dean pretended to be a dinosaur knocking over the colorful blocks that they had built together. "Very high functioning 'little' indeed" he mused. He needed to finish his report and submit it to the main center to have Sam finally classified correctly.

He heared a knock and his nurse assistant Marsha walked in "Hello Dr, Jacobs."

"Hey Marsha whats with formality?"

"Well you see, I wasn't quite sure how to address you, since the little bitch put up quite mental fight" Marsha responded.

Matthew Jacob looked at his assistant and friend confused. Marsha's eyes blinked and went black..

Dr. Jacobs immediately reached inside his desk and grabbed a flask. He opened it, throwing the contents at the thing that was wearing Marsha. It hissed in pain but then regained its composure.

"So it looks like you know something about demons?" it said walking closer to Dr. Jacobs' desk before looking down at the files.

"Are these little Sammy results?" it asked.

Jacobs slammed his mouth shut and glared at the demon.

"How about this. You tell me if these are his full results and that you have not submitted them in the database yet. I will let you and your staff, plus the last patients get out alive in the next 5 minutes before I blow this place up."

Dr. Jacob looked at it in horror but agreed, thinking of the last patients in the testing sites.

"GOOD answer" the demon said "So?"

"Yes these are Sam Winchester's results, and no I haven't had the chance to finish the paper work and submit it yet" he surrendered.

"Thank you … Oh and tick tock. Only 4 minutes left" it said.

"What?!"

"Time is a wasting" it laughed.

Dr. Jacobs got up and ran out the door, hitting the red alert button in the hallway.

"Oops" the demon said as it watched the doctor reach one of the rooms to tell them to get out. "My bad. I should have told him I lied" the demon walked outside as the whole center blew up behind it.

It pulled a cellphone to its ear "mission accomplished" it said to whoever was on the other line before hanging up laughing.