Chapter 3

Sorry I haven't updated in forever. It's been pretty crazy around my place, plus my computer won't let me publish chapters. Anyhow, here you go, enjoy.

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"I don't see why I can't claim custody," John protested, his arms crossed in front of the judge. "My seventeen year old son is raising him, isn't that worse than me? I have a steady job—"

"Mr. Winchester, are you serious in your protest?" the judge replied with a roll of his eyes. "Samuel's custody by Dean last year was granted by you. Your son is nineteen, by the way. If you want hope of gaining custody, I suggest you get both boy's ages straight," the man replied.

"He's my son!" John protested again, furiously. "Why can't I gain his custody?"

"I won't allow it, and before you think you can bullshit your way through another judge, think again—you won't, especially with this kind of attitude. I'm denying it. In fact, all your future parental rights are revoked."

"You can't do that!" John yelled angrily, feeling the gun in his pocket.

"Even if I can't, I know people who can," the judge replied with a smile. "You wouldn't believe how many people are doing desperate stunts…and how many are willing to make a quick buck," he added.

"You're a judge—and that's illegal!"

"I'm not actually going to do it, Mr. Winchester, but I am a judge who cares about your son's future well being. Best of luck," the judge added before dismissing his case.

--

Sam relaxed as he entered the door of his apartment, David in toe. David was eager to find out where Sam had been living. Sam was relieved that Dean hadn't beaten up the school principle to badly. "There might be something in the fridge," he replied with a grin. "Today's shopping day, and I don't know if Dean got anything."

"What's it like?" David asked, opening the fridge and grabbing a Dr. Pepper. "What's it like living with your brother? I think living with my brother would be hell…"

"It's great," Sam replied as he turned on the T.V. "You know, everyone tells me it should be weird – but considering the childhood we had, I'm damn grateful for it." He winced. "Hey, Dean."

"Sam, when did you take up swearing?" Dean responded with a tensed-out grin. "Sorry I wasn't there when you got there."

"That's what the cell phones are for, right?" Sam asked with a small smile. "What's wrong?"

"Um… maybe your friend could leave," Dean suggested. "We need to talk about a few things. Nice to meet you—"

"David," David said apologetically. "I'll take off. I need to get home anyway—"

"What's wrong, Dean?" Sam asked as David closed the apartment door. He leaned back. "What's really wrong?"

"You remember that I went to the principle's office this morning, right?"

"Yeah," Sam responded with a worried frown. "What's wrong?"

"Well…" Dean let out a breath. "Dammit, Sam. I'd hoped not to tell you this. I know he can't get custody of you, but—"

"Just tell me, Dean," Sam replied tiredly. "Is Dad back?"

"Dad's back. And he's trying to get custody of you."

"But he can't, right? I thought you had it set up so that he couldn't get custody of me—"

"I do, if he tries he can be arrested," Dean replied, "but I'm worried about him taking off with you in the middle of the night. If he comes in here, I want you to scream, do whatever, just don't let him take off with you."

"Maybe he's changed," Sam offered halfheartedly. He hated seeing Dean so upset.

"He'll change the day hell freezes over, Sam," Dean snapped. He leaned back and exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry, Sam, but for two years after his disappearance, you had nightmares every night! Do you really want to go back to that?"

"I know," Sam whispered tiredly. "Sometimes I just wish, though, you know? To have a normal life?"

"What do you call this?" Dean asked with a grin. "But I know what you're saying, Sammy. Come on, let's go get a pizza."

"A pizza? Can we have it without the anchovies this time?" Sam asked, and Dean grinned.

"Sure, kiddo, whatever you want, okay?" Dean asked with a bigger smile.

Just then the phone rang, and Dean swore to himself.

ONE MISSED CALL: JOHN WHINCHESTER

"Dammit," Dean whispered as he closed the door. He'd have to find some way to tell Sam they were moving. John was back…