Title: WBY The Apple Doesn't Far from the Tree
Characters: Sam, Dean, Bobby, Jamie and River Winchester
Summary: I asked for prompts and de-aged Dean sounded like fun. There will be a spanking guys, but I guess you knew that.
XXX
Now that Dean knows he is Jamie's father, he's decided he's gonna be a dick about it. In a funny way, Jamie supposes but really he is not all that amused.
He keeps saying he's gonna kick Jamie's ass - but both Dean and Jamie know it won't happen. As if twelve-year old Dean could kick Jamie's ass.
"Fix me a sandwich," Dean demands.
"I don't think so. The last time I went to fix you something to eat you ran away."
"Yeah, but I'm a growing boy and your father. You need to do what I tell ya."
"Think again, I'm bigger than you, that means you gotta do what I say."
"You just wait till I'm all grown up again, I'm gonna remember this blatant disobedience." But Dean is laughing so hard that Jamie thinks he might just have a coronary. Jamie figures it is kind of funny but honestly he's had it with his pain in the ass father.
"Hey, Ocean," Dean turns to River, "What about you? Fix a kid some food huh?"
"Fix your own food. And it is 'River' damn it."
"Well, I knew it was some kind of liquid. I can't believe my baby brother finally got laid and it's with a girl who names her kid after a body of water."
"I can't believe you are such an asshole."
Dean cocks a brow in River's direction. "Dude, you so can believe Imma asshole."
River slumps on the couch, it's true, he can believe that Dean is an asshole. Then it is as if babysitting his uncle has done him in. He sighs and turns to Dean, "Look Dean. Just shut up okay? Why don't you go take a nap or something?"
"Twelve not two, dickwad."
River ignores Dean and turns to Jamie, "I think he's having some kind of allergic reaction, maybe we should give the kid some Benadryl?"
Jamie actually considers it. He could hold Dean down and River could dump the Benadryl down his father's throat. It would give them at least four hours of knock out time and Jamie could use the break.
But drugging your twelve year old father doesn't sound like a good idea. Besides, he's pretty sure the directions for Benadryl are for kids and adults over twelve.
Figures.
There's blessed quiet for about five minutes then Dean jumps up off the couch.
"Guys, we have got to get out of this house, I'm goin' stir crazy."
River looks over at Dean, "Nah, you're just plain crazy."
Dean rolls his eyes, "Lame, dude." Then he asks Jamie, "What do you do for kicks around here?"
"We do nothing. At least not with you." Jamie answers, "We stay here at the house and wait for Uncle Sam and Bobby to come back. "
"Sammy and Uncle Bobby? They could be gone for DAYS. Let's go somewhere, have a little fun."
"Have you lost your mind?" River inquires.
"No, listen." Dean's voice is earnest, "For the first time in forever…I don't have Sammy to watch out for. It's just me. And I for one, ain't gonna hang around this house just waiting for Sasquatch and Bobby to come back."
"So when they do come back, what do you intend to tell them about what you did when they were gone?"
Dean sighs, "First, we'll be back before they even know what happened – so I won't have to tell them a damn thing. Second. It's Sammy and Bobby. They are pushovers."
River looks at his uncle, "I'm not quite sure who you are talking about, but my dad is not a pushover."
"Well, compared to my dad he is. Think of it that way."
River obviously can't argue with that logic.
"Look, if we go somewhere - lets say into town, for just a bit, will you shut up and listen to us for the rest of the night?"
Dean looks at Jamie, "Into town? Your little pissant town? That's your idea of a fun night?"
"That's the best we got, town or here."
River grabs Jamie roughly by the shoulder and spins him around. "What the hell are you doing? We are watching Dean. We can't go into town…I don't care how much he whines."
Dean bristles a bit, "This is not whining. This is me trying to get you two stick in the muds to loosen up and have some fun." Then as if to appeal to River's analytical side Dean turns to his nephew, "Look, when are Sammy and Bobby due back?"
"Maybe Monday. It depends on how much information they can find on that witch."
"And Jamie, when is my Dad due back?"
Jamie eye's Dean suspiciously, "Wednesday, maybe."
Dean rolls his eyes, "Christ, I can't believe you are my kid. Look today is only Saturday. Dad coming back on Wednesday is not even a possibility. John Winchester days away are like dog years. He says Wednesday but what he means is NEXT Wednesday. He's on a fucking hunt – where babies are getting eaten. He ain't likely to be home anytime soon. Plus he's with Jefferson. Jefferson is cool and all but he's slower than molasses in winter. At least he was when I knew him, Christ by now, he's probably an inch away from dead."
"Yeah, well, my dad is a little more prompt." River tries to rally.
"So what? That still means we have all of today and tomorrow and probably into Monday. And Christ, if I know Sam, he's probably gonna call you every five minutes to make sure everyone is okay which means we will have plenty of notice before he gets home. And now since you all have those fancy cell phones, we don't even have to hang around a land line to answer it."
"Okay, I get what you are sayin' but there is no way in hell I'm going anywhere but maybe…just maybe into town."
Dean mulls it over, "So how about we bring the party here? I'm sure you guys know some hot chicks….well, I'm pretty sure you do. I mean, you do have my blood in your veins right? We won't have to leave the house so you know, you are keeping the letter of the law"
"Keeping the letter of the law? Christ, Dad…Dean, where did you come up with this stuff? You want us to have a party here?" Jamie looks at his father in complete shock.
"I dunno. A social get together. A meeting of minds. A gathering of sorts. Honestly, I don't care what you call it, but why not?"
"Jesus Dean. You are twelve. What kind of party do you think we can have?"
"I dunno, I may be twelve but I'm a mature twelve and I love older women. Just invite some of your friends. We won't even have to have beer, just you know, chips and dip and hey, maybe your friends will want to go swimming in that pond of yours. I would love to see some girls in bikinis!"
"We don't even have to have beer. Do you hear him, Jamie? We don't even have to have beer. Do you wanna get us killed? Have you lost your mind? You are incorrigible!" River runs a hand through his blond hair.
"And you and my progeny there," Dean points accusingly at Jamie, "are daddy's boys. Sammy and hell, me I guess, got you on such a tight rein, you don't know how to have any damn fun."
"Tight rein? What about your Dad? If you and Uncle Sam have us on a tight rein, he must have you on a TIE DOWN. Gramps will kick all of our asses if this party happens." Jamie can't help it. His pint-sized father obviously lost his mind when he lost his adulthood. Not to mention the fact that talking to your father about his parenting style while trying to convince him not to disobey himself, is about as freaky as anything he's seen.
Dean straightens himself up, "Dude, have a little faith. We don't have Sammy underfoot bugging me and I don't have to answer to Dad about watching him. I'm twelve! You guys are fucking fifteen. We should be able to pull off a little party!"
Jamie waggles a brow at River, "You know, I'm getting sick and tired of being bullied and taunted by my own father. "
"Well, he's your father, just my uncle. Don't let me be the one to force you into doing anything you don't want to do." River shrugs.
"Oh, no you don't. We are both watching him so if we do something stupid like throw a party tonight, even if there is no beer," Jamie glares at Dean, "Well then, you are gonna have to own up to it too. It's something we both are gonna agree on."
"I agree on it!" Dean yells.
"You don't have a say in it, " Jamie states firmly, "You are the kid, we are the…" Jamie struggles for the words, "…older kids. So what we say goes. Period. You got it?"
For a minute, Jamie thinks that Dean will balk at it but instead Dean nods, "Okay, I got it."
It shocks Jamie but he's kind of proud that he managed to lay the law down. Until he realizes that he has actually been hornswagled into having a party by his father and that his father would probably kill him for doing.
Only a fucking Winchester could go through shit like this.
XXX
It isn't all that hard to call some friends up and see if they want to have a party at the Winchesters.
Jamie and River are both pretty popular, Jamie more than River but that is neither here nor there. River doesn't expect to out do Jamie in any popularity contest. So Jamie calls a friend or two and they call a friend or two and pretty soon most of the Freshman and Sophomore class at the local high school are at the Winchester farm.
And because this is Jamie Winchester, football freshman phenom, there are a few Juniors and even a Senior or two.
The boys settle on punch as a drink along with sodas but punch well being punch is prone to being spiked.
Jamie can't be sure but he has a feeling it was his father who spiked it.
But by then he's had a couple of glasses and it seems less worrisome than it did before he started drinking.
The day is hot, the pond is cool and cut offs are soon shimmied off to reveal girls in bikinis bottoms.
That little process almost causes Jamie to have a heart attack. Something about watching a girl strip, even if he knows there is only a bathing suit underneath that is really, really sexy.
He would feel a little bad about his voyeuristic tendencies except that he notices at least a half dozen other boys, Dean included, that watch as covertly as possible. He also notes, that the girls seem to be watching the boys watch. It's all a game. A game of flirt and tease.
A game that Jamie enjoys – even more than football.
Apparently, Jamie is an easy kid to get drunk because between the half naked girls and the punch he feels lightheaded in almost no time at all. But despite his drunkenness, he is still very much aware of Dean and where the kid is. Dean is the youngest kid at the party, but you would never know it by the way he acts. It's scary how confident his father is with girls. He's all swagger and strut and sex. Jamie can't help but watch him with a combination of awe and a tiny bit of disgust. Jamie's not sure if the disgust is because Dean is so lewd that it borders on disgusting or if it is disgusting because he is not as smooth as his twelve-year old father.
Jamie has to pull Dean off - physically pull him off Lacey McAdams - a fourteen year old who is pretty and blond and apparently more than happy to be kissing Dean. Dean who has her pinned up against a tree, lapping at her mouth is startled by Jamie's abrupt ending to his make out session.
"DUDE!"
"Sorry, Lacey, " Jamie apologizes, "My cousin here needs a leash." He eyes up Dean critically, "And maybe a muzzle."
"Oh, don't worry Jamie, I think he's kinda cute." Lacey bats her eyes at Dean and Jamie is appalled as he watches Dean rub a thumb over his lips, smearing what is apparently pink lip gloss with a wink of one green eye.
Jamie grabs Dean and pulls the kid with him. "What do you think you are doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm trying to make out with that Lacey chick!"
"You are not making out with anyone and if I catch you making out with anyone I will personally beat your ass myself. Got it."
"Dude, I wouldn't talk about asses. Yours is so tight I have no in the hell can you manage to walk," Dean shrugs off Jamie's arm.
"I am not kidding, Dean. First of all, I'm quite sure you have spiked the punch, everyone here is a lot drunker than a no alcohol party should be. Second of all, you are fucking TWELVE. You are not going to have sex or pseudo sex or whatever you wanna call it - with high school girls. Thirdly, I'm in charge of you – that's right IN CHARGE. That means you have to listen to me and right now that means keeping your grubby pre-teen hands off of the girls. Got it?"
Dean sullenly nods, "Got it."
"Now you got one more chance, just one and then I'm confining you to quarters and then when this party is over, I'm gonna beat your ass with whatever I can find. "
Dean glares at Jamie, "You and what army?"
"I don't need an army but if I do need help, I can guarantee that River would be more than happy to help educate your butt…again."
Dean sighs, deep and so obviously non-contrite that Jamie almost swats him on principal alone. But he nods again, "Okay, okay…I'll leave your girls to you, I mean maybe you are afraid to have your old man teach you a thing or two, I don't know. " When Jamie starts to raise his eyebrows, Dean raises his hand in an obviously placating motion, "Okay, whatever, I promise to be a good boy." Then he puts three fingers up on his right hand, "I swear, Scouts honor."
"Good. Now git and go behave yourself." Jamie watches as Dean heads off toward chips and dip.
A moment later River is at his side, "You know? I think someone spiked the punch."
Jamie drops his head. They are so screwed.
XXX
The party ends in a disaster. Well, pretty much as Jamie would figure it would have if he'd been sober. The sad part is, it is all JR Banner's fault.
JR had been grounded, seriously grounded because apparently Mrs. Hartford hadn't been impressed with his lack of attention to detail for the past month and a half and his interim report had more Ds than Cs.
Jeff Banner had put the kid on lock down until every D became a C and every C became a B. For JR that was going to be an eternity.
So when JR heard about the party, he just naturally had to sneak out. And JR was normally pretty damn good at sneaking but maybe it was all of the time he spent in his room but his brain had apparently turned into mush because it wasn't even Mr. Jeff who caught him, it was his mom. Mrs. Banner had grabbed a switch from a nearby tree and started whaling on JR's ass while she was on the phone with Mr. Jeff.
Mrs. Banner was the queen of multi tasking.
Honestly, Jamie would like to have hated JR for spilling his guts but his momma was hell on wheels and getting your ass whipped in your front lawn, butt naked while your mom was yelling at you and talking to your dad who happened to be the local sheriff was a little more than most kids could handle at any one time.
Still, Jamie had been a little shocked when Sheriff Banner showed up.
The party had scattered, which any party is likely to do when there is under aged drinking and half naked people.
But not before Sheriff Banner had caught an eyeful and because he knew most of the kids by sight, Jamie was pretty sure no one would get away with anything.
He knew damn well that he and River were doomed, there was no way they could talk their way out of it. The party was at the Winchester house after all.
So now Jamie stands on the front porch with River. Well - stands on the front porch is a little generous. More like weaves on the front porch. He finds it hard to stand up. Thank God there is a railing he can lean on.
Jeff nods to Jamie, "Okay Jamie where's your dad?"
"You aren't gonna believe it Mr. Jeff, but he's here. Somewhere." Jamie can't help belching punch. It would be embarrassing if he had enough non pickled brain to realize it.
"Jamie Winchester, if you think for one minute that I believe your dad would allow this party to happen on his watch, well you are dumber than I ever expected."
"It's true, Mr. Jeff." That's River. He's obviously a little bleary eyed too. But he is standing next to Jamie trying to square his shoulders.
"You know boys, I hate liars. You both know that. I've never tolerated it from JR, I've never tolerated it from you boys and I'm sure not gonna tolerate it now. I have no problem whipping both of your butts right here on the front porch. It ain't gonna bother me at all."
Jamie cuts his eyes quickly to River. River obviously believes Mr. Jeff because his face literally pales despite the golden tan he usually has.
"Mr. Jeff, I'm sorry. Really, I am, but we are not lying. Dad is here. Somewhere."
"That's it Jamie." Jeff Banner reaches over the small expanse of porch and grabs Jamie and sits down on one of the Adirondack chairs. Then there is a quick pull as he tosses Jamie over his lap. Jeff Banner is as good a spanker as his dad and only three sharp swats in and Jamie is wishing he is anywhere but here.
Suddenly Dean steps up to the porch.
"Put him down, Jeff."
Jeff looks at Dean. "Who the hell are you and what the hell do you think you are doing by addressing me as Jeff."
Jamie feels a little bad that Jeff Banner's attention is now riveted on his father but he also is eternally grateful that it is no longer the focus of the man's wrath.
"It's me. Dean Winchester."
XXX
Jamie has to give his dad mad props. Maybe it's because Dean was raised by John Winchester and John Winchester wrote the book on intimidation but Dean doesn't seem particularly worried about Jeff Banner.
It would be an erroneous assumption because there is nothing not scary about an angry Jeff Banner. Especially if you are in the process of getting your ass handed to you by the guy. Jamie, however, is grateful for the reprieve.
Jeff stands and drops Jamie unceremoniously on the porch. It should bother Jamie but it doesn't. Jamie scrambles to stand and allows River to help him up. River leans over to Jamie in a low whisper." What is your dad doing?"
"Saving my ass – maybe only to kick it later? I dunno."
Jeff glowers at Dean, "You are Dean Winchester."
Apparently, the throaty growl from Jeff is reminiscent of his own father because Dean does answer politely, "Yes, sir. I am."
"And what makes you think I'm gonna believe that a snot nosed kid – one I don't even know – is Dean Winchester."
"Well, the fact that you don't know me might be something."
That seems to pique Jeff Banner's interest, "True. But I don't know everybody."
"I dunno, local Dick, I'd imagine you know almost everyone."
"Did you just call me a dick?"
Jamie watches as his father backpeddles just a bit, "Dick with a capital "D". You know, like Detective or Cop."
That seems to calm Jeff down just a bit. But he squints hard at Dean. "You just might have saved yourself an ass whippin' of gargantuan proportions."
That on the other hand seems to upset Dean even more, "What makes you think you can kick my ass?"
"Because I am Jeff Banner, and I'm the sheriff in this town and I know the Winchesters. Whoever you are, you look like Winchester to me and if you are Winchester, well then you know damn well that John, Dean and Sam are all okay with me turning any Winchester over my lap if I see the need. Not to mention you and the boys are all underage and at a drinking party. A party that apparently you hosted. I could just take you to jail. Or I could spank you and haul you into jail. I've got the power kid and I'm not afraid to use it."
Dean huffs then, "Okay, that's weird but let's just, for the sake of the argument say that you – you know- decide to spank me." Dean grinds out the words. "What then?"
"Well, then I'd nail Jamie and River as well. I gotta say, I wasn't planning on a trifecta of spanking but I've got five boys, I've spanked all five of them at once, I imagine I can handle three Winchesters."
"Okay, we all get our asses blistered then what?"
"Then maybe I'll call Dean."
"You could call him first."
"True, but as a rule, if Dean or Sam or John ain't here, there is a reason for it. Jamie and River left alone ain't a normal situation, usually there is one grown up here – so in my experience, if the Winchester boys ain't here then they are somewhere else." Jeff raised his hands to stop the anticipated argument. "And wherever they are, they need to be there."
"Well you certainly seem to have faith in Sam, Dean and John."
"I do."
"Well then, believe me when I tell you I'm Dean."
"I trust Sam, Dean and John. I did not say I trusted you."
Dean shrugs, "Well, do you trust Jamie and River?"
Jeff turns to the older boys, "Yes, yes I do. They are good boys who sometimes make stupid mistakes. But they've never lied to me. I trust them."
"So ask 'em."
"Okay – James, River who is this boy?"
Jamie stands as straight as he can. "He's right, Mr. Jeff, that's my dad."
XXX
It takes a bit of coaxing but eventually Jeff Banner believes them. Mostly because he is in the same boat as Bobby Singer when it comes to Winchesters and supernatural shit. He and Dean have been friends for years, JR and Jamie have been friends almost as long. He may not think the scenario is likely but the truth of the matter is the Winchesters may be a lot of things but they aren't liars to their friends.
Dean grins at Jeff, "We just couldn't make this shit up."
Jeff glowers at Dean, "Well you could, but I doubt even you would come up with this level of stupidity."
"Hey, I thought we were friends." Dean comments.
"Noooo, I'm friends with grown up you. You, on the other hand, are a danger to society."
River elbows Jamie hard in the ribs, "See, I toldja – even Mr. Jeff agrees."
Jeff turns to River, "What I agree with is that this is crazy as shit but it doesn't negate the fact that you three had an underage party here with drinking and no adult supervision."
Dean looks at Jeff like he's crazy, "Of course there was no adult supervision, MR JEFF. Do you think my dad would put up with this?"
"No, no I do not, which is why I'm calling Sam and Bobby."
"No- DON'T" All three boys yell at the same time.
Jeff looks at them as if they've lost their minds. "Do you really think I'm gonna let you get away with this? I'd call John but if what you are saying is true, he needs to be hunting what he's hunting, not dealing with his teenage grandsons and his pre-adolescent son."
Dean huffs, "Adolescent – not pre-adolescent."
Jeff glares daggers at Dean, "Whatever."
"I can't in all good conscious leave you boys here. I mean, Jamie and River, you would think you were old enough to watch Dean but apparently you are not."
"Mr. Jeff, that hurts," Jamie says softly. It does too.
"Well, I'm sorry Jamie, that's how I see it. Both you and River defied your uncle and Bobby and really your grandfather too."
"But can't you see the quandary we were in?" River asks suddenly.
Jeff sighs. "Yes, but you should've been able to figure it out."
"Mr. Jeff, this situation is barely figuraeable out to anyone. River and I are just kids and like you said earlier, we just made some dumb mistakes."
From the darkness off the front porch comes the unmistakable rumble of John Winchester, "And what mistakes would that be?"
XXX
"Gramps!" Jamie and River say at the same time. Then Jamie finishes the sentence, "Where did you come from?"
"Jefferson dropped me off at the top of the road. The truck is at Bernie's waiting on a new carburetor. I thought it would be a nice night for a walk. I wanted to surprise you boys, but not like this."
Jeff Banner shakes John's hand then they both follow with a thump to the back. Jamie never gets why former Marines feel the need to pummel each other in greeting. Then Jamie wants to belay his last thought. He does not want to think of Gramps and pummeling at all. Nope. Not at all.
"Good to see you in one piece, John. Hope everything went well."
"Well, not perfect, but it's dead. I'll call that a win. Apparently things have been less than perfect here as well."
John turns to look at the three boys on the porch with a little more scrutiny. Jamie and River are obvious but the kid in the back sure isn't JR and even Jamie can see that his grandfather is puzzled.
"So…who wants to tell me what's been going on around here?"
From the back of the porch comes Dean's voice. Maybe a little shaky but clear.
"Me, Dad."
John moves out of the shadows and up the steps," Come again?"
"Dad, it's Dean."
"Dean?"
Dean steps out from the shadows, shoulders squared and pushes in front of Jamie and River.
"Yes, sir."
To his credit, John seems to take it in stride. Which is pretty crazy but if you think about all Gramps has been though, Jamie shouldn't be all that surprised.
"I uh, I got whammied, Dad. By a witch. I should've bobbed instead of weaved," Dean smiles then -just a bit- but John doesn't seem to appreciate the gestures so he straightens up again.
"And this all happened when?"
"A few days ago. Sammy and Bobby are trying to reverse it. I mean, I'm sure they will but they just haven't found out quite how to do it."
"So how old are you?" John looks a little closer, "Twelve?"
Dean really grins then, "Yahtzee."
"So are you grown up Dean in a little body or what?"
Dean shakes his head, "No, sir. I'm just twelve-year old Dean. I didn't really believe it myself but it's got to be the truth. Either that or it is a seriously fucked up version of Punked."
John breathes in deep and looks over at Jeff Banner. It's a little bit validation and maybe just a little bit that he's a grown up. In Jamie's experience, grown ups tend to side with grown ups.
"As far as I can see, John, the boy is telling the truth. I gotta tell ya, I'm glad you are back. Things were getting a little hinky here."
John rolls his eyes at Jeff, "Ya think?"
"Yeah, yeah I do. But you know what? I've got maybe half of the high school that I need to start making calls on. I'll let the boys fill you in on that." Jeff nods briefly at Jamie and River," I'm quite sure they will be as accurate as they can – I seriously doubt that I have to stand here and go over it again. I'll leave them and this," Jeff gestures around the now darkened Winchester homestead – which Jamie is quite sure is a hot mess after the party, "for you to deal with."
John sighs, "Yeah, thank you Jeff for coming and…and doing whatever you did. I'm sure I'm gonna owe you at least a cup of coffee and probably more like a beer."
Jeff snorts, "Or some fruit punch, whatever. Goodnight John, boys."
John nods and shoots all three boys a sharp look, "Good night, sir." They all say together. Jamie realizes it may be a little bit too much but the fact that all of them say the same damn thing means that obviously both River and Dean are thinking the same way he is. That line of thinking is directly related to how much pain his already pre-spanked ass will be in once all of this comes to light.
John gestures to the front door and waits for the boys to make their way past him into the living room. He flips on the lights to see his living room covered in red plastic cups. Although nothing is broken or too messed up, it's obvious that a party went on sometime in the past few hours.
"So, who wants to go first?"
"Huh?" That's Dean. He kind of squeaks it out.
"Who wants to tell me exactly what happened?"
Dean breathes a sigh of relief, "Well, like I said, Dad. Whammied."
"Okay, but there is more to the story than that."
"Yes, sir." Dean agrees. "I just don't know quite how to explain it."
John quirks an eye at Dean, "Well, the truth would be good."
Dean tries to grin again, "Well, apparently I'm a trouble maker. And without Sammy to keep me on the straight and narrow, well I guess I've succeeded in making trouble."
"Again, some clarification would be nice."
Jamie sees where this is going and that Dean is trying to take all the blame. Taking all the blame is fine, that is if Jamie thought it was all Dean's fault. But it's not. It's true his pint sized dad has been a pain in the ass but he's not the only one in the equation and despite the fact that speaking is going to get him in hot water, not speaking will mean that he can't live with himself.
River beats him to the punch.
"We had a party, Gramps. It was supposed to be a non-alcoholic party but somebody spiked the punch. We knew we shouldn't have had the party in the first place, with or without the booze, but we kinda let Dean encourage us to do it."
"You let a twelve year old talk you two into a party?"
Jamie kind of whines a bit, "You make it sound so stupid."
John growls low, "Well, if the shoe fits."
"Jeeze, Gramps," Jamie looks at his grandfather with his most contrite expression.
"So you two knuckleheads were in charge of Dean, while Sammy and Bobby went out to fix the problem. Am I right so far."
Both River and Jamie nod their heads.
"Can't hear your head rattle boys."
"Yes, sir." They both amend.
"Then Romeo here, decides to have a party. Probably 'cause there were girls for him to hit on am I right?"
Dean answers this time, "Yes, sir."
"Somebody spikes the punch, the party gets out of hand, Jeff Banner shows up, everyone runs and you three get caught holding the short end of the stick."
"Pretty much." Jamie answers for River and Dean.
"It didn't take you too long to figure it out, Gramps."
"Well boys, this ain't my first rodeo. And I've been through Dean at twelve once before. That was enough for any one man to have to go through – even one time."
"We are really sorry, Gramps." Jamie knows it won't save him, but he feels like he needs to let his grandfather know.
John nods.
"Dad?" Dean asks then toes the edge of the rug on the old hardwood floor. "I don't think that Jamie and River should be punished. The truth is, this is all my fault. My fault, 'cause I let me self get zapped by that damn witch, my fault 'cause I talked Jamie and River into the party. It's even my fault that the punch got spiked. To make it worse, I used your Jack Daniels." Dean meant his father's eyes solidly.
"Really, Dad. All. My. Fault."
John ran a hand through his hair, "Commendable, Dean. But expected. You've always been willing to take the hit for someone else. Lord knows you did it enough for Sam. And I will agree that you were instrumental in all of this. But Jamie and River are old enough to make important decisions on their own and they sure as shit know right from wrong. But…how about I let them consider what you just said and what they know to be true and we will go from there."
Jamie tilted his head puppy like at his grandfather. Was Gramps really playing with the idea of letting them off the hook?
Just like earlier, it would be so easy to just let Dean take the blame but it wouldn't be right. River nods to Jamie and he knows that River agrees. All three of them were wrong. As much as Jamie doesn't want it, doesn't like it and would do almost anything to avoid it, he can't pretend he holds no responsibility.
"Gramps, we all were at fault and I think River and I most of all, because we in charge. Sam and Uncle Bobby trusted us to handle things and instead we just dropped the ball. I'm sorry."
"Well this is unusual, instead of boys trying to back out of punishments, it appears that all of you are jockeying for the post position in the Winchester smack down that is looming in the future." John comments mildly.
"It does kinda seem that way, huh?" Jamie agrees.
"Well, there's no time like the present. " John walks over into the kitchen, grabs a chair and carries it into the living room.
"You first." John gestures at Dean.
"Me?"
"Well, you are both the oldest and the youngest, I think that means you get it first."
Dean doesn't wait, doesn't drag it out just heads over to his father. He raises his brows in questions and John nods, Dean drops his jeans and settles himself over his father's lap.
"I gotta admit, Dean. I know I've threatened you occasionally in the last few years but honestly? I never expected to find you over my lap again. " John chuckles, "Doesn't feel too bad though."
"Well, it feels pretty damn bad to me," Dean complains.
"Not yet, son…but it will." With that John brings his hand down on Dean's underwear clad ass. The sound is like thunder in the tiny living room. Both Jamie and River flinch. For his part, Dean yelps.
Jamie can't help but stare as his father gets his ass well and truly roasted. He has to admit, there's a tiny part of him that kind of gloats over the whole thing because Dean Winchester has tanned Jamie's ass more than a few times. It makes him think of River doing the same thing to Dean. He must be the worst son in the world to enjoy, even just a little bit, watching his dad get it. But Jamie has also been on the receiving end of a John Winchester beat down so the gloating feeling doesn't last long, mostly because Dean is whimpering and that kind of makes Jamie realize that his dad is really feeling it. And Dad is just a kid, a kid younger than Jamie and kids have to stick together no matter how weird things are. Plus Dean's already had his butt whaled on the other day by River, he's kind of pre-tenderized.
Soon Dean is crying and John is still smacking. Solid slaps that reverberate in the living room. Then, just as quickly, there is no sound and Gramps pulls Dean off and into a hug. Jamie can hear him whispering low to Dean, what about he doesn't know. But Dean sniffles hard and nods as if he doesn't trust himself to speak. John doesn't press for a verbal acknowledgement, his grandfather is pretty smart sometimes, a kid can barely breathe after getting his ass kicked by Gramps better yet talk in coherent sentences.
Dean steps away, grabs some Kleenex and firmly plants himself in a corner. Jamie meets his eyes for a moment on the way to his destination. There is no meanness in Dean, no hate and if Jamie has to find some kind of emotion, it is just regret.
John motions to River next and instead of making Jamie happy, that makes him feel worse! He not only had to watch his dad get it, but he has to watch River too. River drops trou, just like Dean and then settles himself over his grandfather's lap.
There is obviously less room than Dean and River is even taller than Jamie but apparently that doesn't bother Gramps at all. He starts in fast and furious, quick rapid smacks that have River crying in no time. River is not a cry baby, in fact, Jamie thinks he is usually even more stoic than Jamie himself. Maybe because he's a tad more embarrassed or maybe just because he still feels he has something to prove to all the Winchesters. Jamie's not sure. But apparently none of that comes into play today.
Maybe Gramps is just spanking harder. He probably wants to get this over with as much as the boys do.
He stops suddenly and allows River to stand. Gramps pulls him in between his leg and hugs his cousin, much like he did Dean. Jamie watches as he pushes his cousin's longish hair out of his eyes. Gramps' hands appear gentle and kind, a direct contrast to the sharp slaps Jamie was just witness to. Again, he doesn't hear what is said but River takes the soft voice in and nods. John kisses River then, just a quick brush of lips to forehead. It should make Jamie want to blush for River but it doesn't.
River steps away, still crying and heads to another corner.
"Luckily there are no more boys, Gramps…we are running out of corners." Jamie mentions as he steps toward his grandfather.
Jamie doesn't get a smile from Gramps just an abrupt head nod which Jamie understands completely. He follows the actions of his partners in crime and drops his pants then positions himself over his grandfather's hard lap.
Just like Dean and River, Gramps doesn't talk just starts in with harsh, stinging swats. There is no "warm up" no rationalization. Gramps doesn't see the need and honestly, Jamie likes it better this way. That is if any way can be better when you are getting a spanking from Gramps.
Jamie doesn't know if Jeff Banner's little spanking session is coming back to haunt him or if Gramps is just that damn good but his hand feels harder than usual and in no time at all Jamie is trying to get his butt out of the line of fire. Which does nothing of course, except make Gramps pull him in a little tighter and spank a little harder. In no time at all, Jamie is sobbing. It's an unfortunate state of affairs, he's fifteen for crying out loud. But Jamie's not really embarrassed, both his father and his cousin handled their spankings in the same way. It seems to go on forever, then Gramps shifts his weight and suddenly his ass is up even higher allowing for Gramps big ass hand to nail him right under the butt cheeks.
Jamie almost throws himself off his grandfather's lap. He would too if he could but Gramps has him pulled so tightly against his warm body that Jamie can do nothing but cry a little harder.
Finally it's over. Jamie almost doesn't realize it because his ass is burning so bad. Apparently it can't differentiate between recently pummeled and being pummeled. John drops a warm hand to Jamie's neck. Jamie knows he's probably sweaty and gross but Gramps doesn't seem to mind. Then he helps Jamie up and stands up himself.
Gramps is a bear of a man and it makes Jamie feel small but he falls into his grandfather's arms without hesitation. There is a gentle drop of a kiss to his forehead and then he can hear John's voice in his ear. Soft, low and warm.
"Jamie boy, when will you learn?" Gramps wipes a tear from Jamie's face, "I really hate walloping you, kiddo but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna do it if you need it. I love you far too much to allow things like this to go unpunished."
Jamie nods. It's true, Gramps loves him. "Go ahead, son. Find that empty corner and settle yourself in it."
And Jamie does.
TBC