Author: Itsmecoon Beta: Trumansshell
Title: Keeping the Faith. Part 4of 4 Fandom: Supernatural Main Characters/Parings John/ Sam and Dean
Type of Spanking: Discipline Implement(s): Hand Paddle Summary: I don't own these characters; I just brought them out to play. This is a very very late New Year's Resolution story. Dean and Sam are critically injured in an accident. Rating: Teen Word Count: 2624
Notes & Warnings: Spanking of minors by their dad.

After they all had finished picking at the food they had gotten at the cafeteria, they sat there for a few minutes just talking about nothing and thinking about everything. Jim got up and said,

"I'm headed to the Chapel to pray, anyone else want to come with me."

"Mom, can I go?" Jo asked.

"Yes, I'm coming too." Ellen answered.

"Me too." Caleb added.

"I'm going to look in on the boys and I'll be along soon." Bobby said.

Everyone turned to John and he glared back. The last thing he wanted to do was go to the Chapel. He tried to have faith and look where it got him. Dean could be paralyzed. Not a very good job as far as he was concerned.

"I'm going with Bobby then I'm going for a walk."

"John you should..."

"Don't start with me Jim. I tried it your way and look at all the good it got me. My son may never walk again."

"But John?..."

"NO!"

John cut Jim off again and walked away to check on the boys. They had separated the beds enough to get in between them without they boys letting go of each other's hand. John walked up and grabbed their hands and said,

"I love you both so much. I know I don't say it enough because we're men but you both need to know that I love you with all of my heart. I'm so sorry that my need for revenge caused you to grow up this way. You should've been with friends not out training. I've done a lot wrong and I can't change that but I'll try to be a better father when you are better." John broke down then he moved and kissed his sons' on their foreheads.

Bobby walked in but decided to let them have some privacy but as he turned to go John said,

"Don't leave Bobby. I'm going for a walk."

"You should reconsider and go to the chapel."

"Not you too Singer."

"Just a thought is all. Keep it in the back of your mind. Kick it around a bit before you just decide to let the idea go. A little peace may be what we all need right now."

"I promise to consider it. Okay?"

"Okay."

With that said, John walked out and headed for the door. He decided what he needed the most was a run. He wanted a cigarette and he hadn't smoked one in over 20 years but he opted for the run. He walked to his truck to grab his sneakers, took off his boots, and hit the pavement not sure how far or how long he'd run.

Bobby took over John's spot between the boys and started telling them about what they ate for dinner. He wanted them to hear his voice and what he said didn't matter. He told them he loved them and that they were more than his nephews, they were the sons he never had. He told them he was afraid to have kids because he was afraid he'd be abusive like his old man but he hadn't needed to worry about that. Sure he was tough on them when he needed to be but he was a Teddy bear when he wanted to be. He loved those boys more than his own life and he would gladly trade places with them.

Bobby sat in a chair holding their hands next to his cheeks and said,

"Sam, Dean I love you both. I ain't going anywhere, so take all the time you need to rest up and get well. We'll handle this like we handle everything else, as a family."

John got back from his run, grabbed his small duffel, and checked in on the boys. He looked in and was touched when he saw Bobby sitting there holding on to the boys crying. He was so lucky to have such a great family. They all loved Dean and Sam as much as he did.

"How are they?"

"Still stable and still asleep."

"Alright with you if I shower before you head to the chapel?"

"Go ahead Johnny."

He kissed the boys and headed into their bathroom to shower. He let the hot water run over his head and down his body. He tried to lose himself for a few minutes but the image of his boys laying in hospital beds kept invading his thoughts. He got out and changed into something comfortable enough to sleep in. He wasn't leaving the hospital until both of his boys were awake and doing better. John took over Bobby's chair as Bobby headed to the chapel. There was nothing more that could be done but sit and wait.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Castiel, what's on your mind?" Balthazar asked his brother.

"Nothing. I'm not leaving them."

"Brother, I know you. What are your plans with Dean? We were told to do nothing!"

"I won't let him be paralyzed if that's what you're asking. I won't out right heal him but I will gradually make it so he walks again."

"What if Dad won't allow it? What if he orders you away because he knows your plans? What then?"

"I don't know. I know I'm not supposed to feel anything for these boys but I can't help it. Look at them. Look at all they have endured at such a young age. They deserve to be healed and not suffer to prove a point. The demons can't win!"

"That's not our decision to make."

"Well, I'm making it mine. If you don't want to be part of the fallout, I won't be upset if you leave."

"I've got you back Castiel. If you go down, I go down."

"Thanks Balthazar."

"Anytime brother."

They hugged and took back up their vigil by the boy's beds.

XOXOXOXOXO

"I don't understand your reasons, but I'm sure you have a plan." Jim prayed. "Please heal our boys and help Dean to be able to walk again."

Bobby walked in and heard Jim's prayer. He walked back out, headed to a bathroom, locked himself in, leaned against the wall and started crying as he slid to floor. He'd been holding it in a lot and he just let it all go.

Thirty minutes later they all met up in room 317. John and Bobby refused to go anywhere but Jim, Caleb, Ellen, and Jo decided to get a room at the nearest hotel. They all kissed the boys and headed out. Ellen called Bobby after they had checked in and gave him their number in case anything changed. She told him they would see them in the morning and they would bring breakfast.

Days turned into nights turned into days. Life stayed pretty much the same for the next three days. Dean was still being kept in a medically induced coma. Sam was getting better but forced to stay in bed until his bones healed. John and Bobby stay within the walls of the hospital. They ate, showered, and slept there. Jim, Caleb, Ellen and Jo all took turns seeing the boys and trying to keep John and Bobby occupied. Sam was awake more and more but they kept Dean asleep.

On the third morning they wheeled Dean down to get an MRI. The results were disappointing. It showed what they feared, Dean had only a 20% chance of walking again. Cas was upset and wanted to intervene but was forbidden. He was told that there was a plan in motion. He needed to have faith.

John was getting closer and closer to the breaking point. He tried to stay upbeat for Sam's sake but whenever he was alone, he broke down. He didn't know what to do.

On the fifth morning Dr. Ross came in to do his morning rounds. Sam was sitting up in bed eating. He had a spoon strapped onto his cast and was able to get it ungracefully to his mouth. He happily fed himself even though it was messy. He hated being fed like a baby.

"Morning Dr. Ross." Sammy said.

"Good morning Sam. How are you feeling today?"

"Still sore but happy to be able to feed myself again."

"That's good. I see you're getting the hang of it."

"Slowly, and I get really tired by the time I'm done."

"That's to be expected Sam."

"Hey Doc?"

"Samuel, be respectful!" John chastised.

"Sorry, Dr, Ross?"

"Yes Sam?"

"Can Dean wake up today?" Sam asked tearing up. "I really miss him."

"We'll see how he does Sam. Maybe later okay?"

"Okay thanks."

Dr. Ross stopped Dean's coma medicine yesterday but they decided not to tell Sammy because it would be too upsetting to him if he didn't wake up. It was a tough decision to make but it was for Sam's own good. John listened to their conversation and got choked up. He was so worried about Dean. Why wouldn't he wake up?

"Hey kiddo, I'm going to step out and grab a coffee and a snack. Will you be okay?"

"Yes sir, Uncle Bobby's here."

"Okay tiger," John said as he kissed him, "Love you. I'll be right back."

"I love you too Daddy."

Bobby stepped towards the door and whispered,

"Johnny, are you okay?"

"I need a run. You got him?"

"Of course."

"Call me if you need to."

"Take all the time you need."

"Thanks Bobby."

John turned, walked out of room 317, got on the elevator, and took it to the ground floor. He got out of the elevator, walked out the front door and took off running. He ran and ran. He ran until he dropped in the middle of a field. He looked up and yelled,

"WHY? I don't understand. What did I do wrong?"

He broke down and cried. He felt a familiar hand run fingers through his hair. He kept his eyes closed, grabbed the delicate hand and held it to his cheek. It felt so good. He was afraid to open his eyes until he heard a gentle,

"John?"

He slowly opened his eyes to see Mary sitting in the field next to him.

"Mary?"

"Yes Johnny, it's me."

"How?"

"Don't worry about that now."

"Is Dean okay? Sammy said they were with you."

"Yeah they were and Dean still is. He's okay."

"When is he going to wake up?"

"Soon."

"Will he ever walk again?"

"Have faith Johnny."

"I'm so sick of hearing that."

A man walked up next to Mary and said,

"Hello John."

"Who are you?"

"Think hard. I'm sure you'll remember. We met once in 1978."

John thought back to 1978. He remembered laying in a field similar to this one and being approached by an angel.

"Michael?"

"Yes,"

"Why are you here?"

"I've come to help you with something."

"What?"

"Your faith."

"How can you help with that?"

"Trust him Johnny. Please."

"If you trust him Mary, I'll trust him."

"I trust him. Say yes for the boys."

"Yes!"

John doesn't remember how he got to the hospital or up to room 317. He could sense Michael's presence but he was still aware of what was going on. Michael guided him over to the bed. Sam, Dean and Bobby were all asleep. None of them sensed his presence there.

"John, I want you to touch Dean and Sam on the forehead." Michael said in his head.

"Why?"

"Trust him John. Please." Mary pleaded.

So he walked in between both beds and laid the palm of his hand on their foreheads.

"Now close your eyes."

John did.

"Now say, I have faith that everything will be alright."

"I don't think I can do that." John yelled pulling his hands away.

"Please baby. Just please do it." She begged.

"Only for you honey."

He closed his eyes, placed his hand back on their foreheads, and said,

"I have faith that everything will be alright." He felt at peace.

John jolted awake in the field. He was disoriented and unsure if he had been dreaming or if he'd seen Mary and Michael or not. He jogged back to the hospital, grabbed a set of clothes and used the family showers on the second floor before heading back to his son's room.

He walked in quietly and found them all the way he dreamed they had been. He quietly walked to the place where he stood earlier, laid his hands on their foreheads and quietly repeated the words Michael told him to say,

"I have faith that everything will be alright."

He felt that peace again and he swore he felt Mary kiss his cheek. He moved the other chair in between the beds near where he had been standing. He leaned back, stretched out his legs and closed his eyes. He laid his hand on his cheek over Mary's kiss. He opened his eyes as a familiar voice whispered,

"Dad?"

"Dean?"

"Is Sammy okay?"

"Always worried about Sammy aren't ya?"

"It's my job."

"He's fine, just sleeping right now. How you feeling?"

"Daddy, I'm sorry." Dean cried.

"Whoa, hey none of that. All's forgiven and forgotten. We're good."

"Thanks Dad."

John kissed him and said,

"I love you Dean."

"I love you too. Hey Dad?"

"Yeah sport?"

"Can you scratch my leg? It itches."

John smiled.

"Sure where?"

Bottom of left leg. Yeah there." He said as John found the right spot.

Sam and Bobby woke up when it registered that Dean was awake.

"Dean, you're awake! Are you okay?"

"Yeah bitch, I'm fine."

"Thanks for saving me jerk." Sam said as the Dr. Ross walked in.

"I hear our other patient is awake."

"Yes he is." John said, "Dean this is Dr. Ross. Dr. Ross, this is Dean."

"Good to finally meet you. It's been almost a week."

"Really? Mom didn't make it seem that long."

"She was just protecting us Dean." Sammy said.

"I know. What's up Doc?"

"Dean!"

Dr. Ross laughed and said,

"It's okay Mr. Winchester. That means he's feeling good."

"Still he shouldn't be disrespectful."

"Sorry. Dr. Ross, this itching is driving me crazy. I can't get to it because of the casts."

Jim, Caleb, Ellen and Jo all showed up and visited with Dean and Sammy. John stood back against the wall and looked at his family and for the first time he really did have the faith that everything was going to bed okay.

XOXOXOXOXO

"Castiel, Balthazar?"

"Michael," They both exclaimed.

"Good job protecting the Winchesters. They have a big role to play in the future of the world."

"What role is that?" Cas asked.

"Time will tell brother. Keep up the good work."

With that Michael left to join Mary. She stood in the back of the hospital room next to John. She was smiling at her boys and thinking that she was so lucky to be their Mom.

"You ready?"

"Yes, I am now that I know that everything will be okay."

And it was!

The End