Chapter 2
Jaime was worried. Their dad told him that he'd be back at the motel three hours ago and still hadn't even called. Sam was starting to get suspicious and Dean looked almost betrayed. Ever since their mother Mary died they had been living on the road; their father hunting everything and anything that was supernatural. Jaime was naturally in charge since he was the eldest. He made sure his brothers were well fed, got to bed on time, and made it to school each day. He had just entered Middle School while Dean was entering the fourth grade and Sam was in kindergarten. It was late Christmas Eve.
"Dean," Jaime said, "Why don't you and Sam get ready for bed. You know Santa won't arrive until you're asleep."
"Santa doesn't…" he stopped spotting Sam watching him intently. Sighing he grabbed the youngest Winchester's hand and went to the bathroom for their showers.
Jaime sighed and finally let down his mask. He was more disappointed in his dad than worried. He had learned quickly not to tell his brothers when his dad said he'd be back because he was almost always late. Tidying up slightly he wondered what he was going to say to Sam in the morning when he realized that Santa didn't leave him any presents. He hated breaking his kid brother's heart like that but John gave him no other choice. He only had enough money for food and their motel room, definitely not enough to buy both his little brothers presents. Jaime was briefly considering calling one of his 'uncles' when he heard someone trying to open the lock. He grabbed the gun his dad left him for emergencies and watched as the lock opened and the door handle turned. Luckily the chain was in so Jaime could tell who it was.
"Jaime," called John, "Open the door!"
Jaime was visibly relieved in more ways than one. He was about to open the door when he remembered what his dad told him about shifters. He pulled out the silver knife and touched it to his father's outstretched hand. It did not burn. He opened the door and watched as John crossed over the salt line. It was safe to say that John Winchester really was John Winchester. John gave his oldest a tight smile and then asked his son to help him carry in his bags. Jaime was confused because John usually only had two bags, one for his clothes and the other for his weapons but now he had four. It hit him when he smelled freshly baked cookies coming from one of the bags.
"I figured that since it's the first Christmas Sam will really remember that I might as well indulge him." John explained seeing his son's questioning look.
Jaime smiled, "Sam and Dean will love it dad."
John looked both happy and sad at that, "And what about you goober?" he asked.
Jaime shrugged, "I'm just happy you're here."
John was about to say something when the bathroom door opened and the rest of his children spotted him. Sam tackled his dad full force and Dean had a huge smile on his face.
"You're here!" Sam exclaimed cheerfully, "I missed you daddy!"
John smiled slightly at his youngest, adjusting him on his hip so that they were both more comfortable, "I missed you too Sam, all of you. What are you doing up? Santa's going to pass us if he sees us all awake."
Dean scoffed slightly but Sam didn't notice. "We're in our jammies! See!" Sam exclaimed, showing his dad his favorite dinosaur pajamas.
John looked at Sam exaggeratedly before gasping playfully, "I see you are! Let's get you tucked into bed. Dean, its past you're bed time too."
Dean just nodded and crawled into bed next to Sam. Jaime brought over a book and gave it to John. He explained that as a winter assignment Dean was supposed to have read the book so every night Dean would read a chapter or two out loud each night. John nodded and gestured for Dean to begin to read. The middle Winchester looked almost embarrassed to be reading in front of his dad but once he got into the story, it didn't seem to faze him anymore. Sam fell asleep halfway through the first chapter and Dean dropped off as soon as he was done. Jaime took the book, marked the page and tucked his brothers into bed. John watched as his oldest took care of his younger brothers.
He was extremely proud of Jaime but felt somewhat cheated. He was supposed to be the one making sure Dean did his homework and to be tucking in Sam for bed. He was supposed to have a comrade in Jaime as they teased the younger boys with Mary telling them to be nice. He looked away from his son, feeling his tears swell up. Why was Mary killed when they needed her the most?
"They're asleep," Jaime said, bringing his dad back to the present, "I'll help you set up for tomorrow morning."
John protested feebly, " It's supposed to be for you too Jaime." He said.
Jaime shrugged and gave his dad a smile, "That's alright dad. I'm old enough to appreciate the gesture more than the act. Besides, you're still hurt and I don't want to spend Christmas Day in the hospital after you pass out."
John winced at the reminder of his wound on his arm. He looked at it and saw that it was bleeding through his makeshift bandages. Jaime saw it too so he got the first aid kit from the bathroom and told his dad to take off his shirt. John complied with little resistance. Jaime frowned when he saw how deep the wound was. He could already see it festering and knew that if he didn't take care of it properly John really could end up in a hospital.
"I'm going to have to pour the peroxide on it and clean it out before sewing it together. It's pretty deep." Jaime said, getting his supplies ready.
John scowled at the wound.
"What got you this time?" Jaime asked, trying to distract his dad from what he was doing.
"It was a ghost with a temper. It threw me back into the wall and sliced me with its knife." He said.
Jaime winced, "That doesn't sound too pleasant. Who were you hunting with?"
"Caleb was in the neighborhood and we teamed up. I was the distraction while Caleb salt and burned the bones."
Jaime chuckled, "Looks like Caleb drew the longer straw."
John rolled his eyes, "I volunteered," he insisted.
"Sure you did dad," Jaime placated his father.
Once the eleven year old finished off he wrapped up his father's chest tightly and gave the man some painkillers. He ordered him to rest for the night and quickly went to work setting up the presents and decorations. John tried to help but Jaime would have none of it. He insisted that John rest so that he'd be in top form for the boys in the morning. He was supposed to take them sledding in the afternoon. When the room looked festive enough and the presents were under the tiny tree John bought, he saw that his dad was asleep and quickly joined him. Since his dad was there he slept in a sleeping bag on the ground.
The next morning Jaime woke up to a foot nudging his side. Sam was standing above him, his wide grin practically splitting his face in half. He was anxiously looking between Jaime and the tree, or more likely the presents.
"Santa came Jamie!" Sam whispered yelled.
John was still asleep and Dean hated it whenever someone woke him up before he was ready. The poor five year old learned quickly not to mess with the sleeping bear that was Dean. Jaime looked at his watch and saw that it was four in the morning. He groaned, thinking how he only got 3 hours of sleep, but seeing Sam's excited face he let it slide...partially.
"Sam," Jaime said wearily, "It's four in the morning. You should still be asleep."
Sam shook his head, "But Jamie, Santa!"
Jaime chuckled at his brother's persistence, "Sam, you won't be able to open up the presents until after everyone has breakfast anyway and you know how dad and Dean sleep like the dead. They won't be up for another 4 or 5 hours, Jellybean."
Sam pouted, "But the prezzies…"
Jaime sighed, rubbing his head. "Tell you what," he said, "I'll let you open a very small present to tide you over but you have to promise that you'll stay in bed until Dean wakes up."
Sam looked at Jaime incredulously, "Until Dean… but that's in forever!" he exclaimed.
"Then sleep Jellybean," Jaime laughed, "The time will go by faster."
Sam yawned but said, "M'not sleepy!"
"You're a stubborn one aren't you?" Jaime asked, tickling Sam a bit, "Go get the small present wrapped in newspaper and bring it over here."
Sam nodded and after a moment of staring at the presents longingly he did as Jaime asked. The brothers sat down across from each other and Jaime let Sam open his present. The little boy unwrapped it carefully revealing a small dog-tag with writing on it. Sam tried to read the words but only got confused. He was a good reader but as a five year old had just really started.
"What's it say?" Sam asked, passing the necklace to Jaime but the older boy didn't need it.
"It says: 'For the littlest brother from the biggest. Dream big, Sammy. No one has the right to rain on your dreams.'"
Sam looked confused, "Santa didn't give this?" he asked.
Jaime snorted, "Not every present is from Santa Jellybean. This one is from me to you." He said.
"But Santa gives prezzies on Christmas!" Sam exclaimed.
Jaime rolled his eyes at his little stubborn brother fondly, "Come on Sam, you can lay down with me until its breakfast time."
"Okay Jamie!" Sam chirped, crawling into the sleeping bag with Jaime. Within no time at all they were both tucked in and fast asleep.
Jaime woke up again to the smell of bacon and pancakes. He sat up trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes when he noticed that Sam was lightly snoring by his side and that John was up and serving breakfast. He got up carefully, not wanting to disturb Sam and went over to his dad to give the man a hug. Jaime could tell John was thinking about Mary.
"You're a good kid Jaime." John finally said, "I don't know what I did to deserve a kid like you."
Jaime rolled his eyes, "I'm not that great."
John shook his head, "You really are, Goober. How many of your classmates would let their little brothers bother them on Christmas morning after not getting a lot of sleep the night before?"
Jaime shrugged, "It wasn't that big of a deal."
John just sighed and said, "Wake up your brothers. The food's getting cold."
A/N: As much as I hate writing A/Ns on my stories, I feel as if I need to speak out. I know my last A/N wasn't what most of you wanted, but Daddy Dean is my priority right now and as much as I like this story and am working on it, I might not be able to update as quickly on this one as Daddy Dean. I'd like to thank everyone for encouraging me to continue the story and I will.