Chapter 9

Two years Later - Dean: 10, Sammy: 6, Mikey: 4

Dean hated the Gundersons. Period. He was so relieved when Jimmy moved up to middle school, but Dean figured he would still have to deal with that bastard next year. His younger brother Billy was just as bad though, if not worse. And Billy had it in for Sammy, which really ticked Dean off, but there didn't seem to be anything he could do about it except walk Sam to and from school instead of riding the bus. Billy was in fourth grade and Sammy just in first, so it was really unequal. Dean had to walk Sammy through the halls in school, to and from class every day, just to make sure Billy couldn't start anything.

Today Dean's English teacher had called Dean up to the front after class. He refused to do oral book reports and was perfectly willing to take a zero to avoid standing up there, which drove his teacher crazy. It kept his English grade at a high C or low B instead of the A he really deserved, but Dean didn't care. His teacher offered to let him do an extra credit project to make up the difference, which he promised to consider. Now he was late picking up Sammy.

Dean hoped Sammy would be waiting for him right outside the first grade classroom, where he was supposed to be. He raced through the halls, heading for the first grade wing. Dodging smaller kids as he dashed through, Dean noticed the hall outside Sammy's classroom was conspicuously empty. Dean poked his head inside.

"Hi, Dean!" Sammy's teacher, Miss Summers said brightly. "Sammy asked me to tell you he'd be outside on the playground."

Dean groaned and rolled his eyes. "Thanks!" he called out before running outside. He burst through the door closest to the playground and stopped short, a couple of kids plowing into his back.

Sammy stood off to one side of the playground with Billy Gunderson shoving him in the chest. Crap! Dean walked forward slowly, not wanting to make the situation worse. Silently he pleaded with Sammy to keep his big mouth shut, but it wasn't meant to be.

"And you're stupid, too!" Sammy shouted at the top of his lungs. A crowd had already gathered around the boys and now they 'oooh-ed' over Sammy's insult.

"Well at least my big brother knows how to talk!" Billy shot back.

Sammy's face turned red. Uh-oh. Dean hurried forward, needing to push kids aside.

"Dean can talk! He just doesn't like talking to poo-poo-heads like you!"

Dead silence fell over the crowd and Dean's heart pounded in his chest. Oh, crap! What was Sammy doing! He shoved his way to the inner circle, where he could see what was happening. Sammy was bent over, holding his stomach. What happened? What did he miss?

Billy hit Sammy in the stomach, again it looked like. Dean's mouth fell open. Billy was a jackass, but Dean never dreamed he would really hit a little kid like Sammy. Sammy stumbled back a step and Dean wondered how in the hell he could break this up when Billy's hand shot out again, this time hitting Sammy right in the face and knocking him back on his ass.

Dean stared, transfixed, as he watched Sammy land hard in the dirt. A trickle of blood came out of his nose and Sammy looked up, his terrified eyes finding Dean in the crowd. Sammy was hurt. Sammy was scared. Sammy needed protection. Sammy needed him.

Dean turned his head slowly to look at Billy, who stood smiling smugly over Sammy. Yeah, like it took a lot of guts to hit a little kid. Dean dropped his school bag and narrowed his eyes on his opponent. He stepped forward, between Sammy and Billy.

"Aw, ain't that sweet?" Billy said snidely. "Big brother the dummy is gonna-"

Dean never found out what Billy would have said. The crowd surrounding them no longer existed for Dean, only Sammy and Billy. The next few minutes were a blur of fists. His. Billy hit the ground under the onslaught of his assault, lifting both arms to protect his head. Fine with Dean, it left his body open. Dean pounded and kicked, taking all of his anger and fear of Sammy being hurt out on Billy, who truly deserved it anyway. Somebody tried to get in his way, between them, but Dean wouldn't have it. He wanted Billy to still have bruises next year. The bastard hurt Sammy!

"Dean!" Sammy's voice pierced his anger. He paused, wondering if Sammy needed help with the bloody nose. "Dean!" Sammy's little face, blood trickling from his nose and smeared across one cheek, appeared between him and Billy. Dean found himself propelled away from Billy, who lay sobbing on the ground. Two teachers moved to stand between him and Billy. Dean looked down at Sammy's bloody face.

"Nurse," he said simply, taking Sammy by the hand. The crowd which had gathered to watch the fight parted silently for them. Dean led Sammy through the halls to the nurse's office, hoping she was still there. He was dimly aware of an adult following them. Dean did not bother knocking on the nurse's door, he opened it boldly and strode in with Sammy.

"Oh, my," she said. Nurse Kelly grabbed some white stuff and beckoned to Sammy. Dean stood close by while she stopped Sammy's bloody nose and cleaned up his face. Sammy told a rather interesting version of the fight outside.

"Those Gunderson boys," she muttered, shooting a hard look over Dean's head. Dean turned around to discover his English teacher standing just inside the nurse's door. "What happened with Billy?"

"They were calling the paramedics," Miss Greer said. "More of a precaution than anything, but Dean worked him over pretty good." She looked down at him. "How about if I call your mom to come pick you up?" she asked. "I'm pretty sure you missed the bus."

Mom! Oh, crap! Dean's eyes went wide as he fought down his panic. Mom would totally freak, especially since Sammy had been hurt. His teacher knew he walked home, so they must not be allowed today.

"Pop?" he asked her.

Miss Greer stood waiting, expecting him to elaborate.

"We'd rather you called Pop," Sammy said from behind him, much to Dean's relief. "Mom is going to freak. She'd probably show up crying and get Baby Mikey all upset..."

"Pop," Dean repeated firmly, interrupting Sammy and making eye contact with Miss Greer.

She nodded at him. "All right. I'm sure we have his work number on file. Wait in here. I don't want you outside when the paramedics show up to check out Billy Gunderson."

No wonder they weren't being allowed to walk home. Dean sighed gratefully as he sat beside Sammy. Sammy leaned on him and Dean wrapped an arm around his little brother, so relieved Sammy seemed to be all right. Leaning his cheek against the top of Sammy's messy hair, Dean asked, "How're you?"

Sammy leaned into him more. "Good, Dean," he said, one arm grabbing Dean around the waist and squeezing tight. "Real good."

Dean had no idea what to make of that, but he was willing to take Sammy's word on it. They were still in the nurse's office when Pop arrived. He barreled into the office, all sweaty and greasy from work. Not that Dean minded. He thought it was pretty cool Pop got to work on cars all day. It sounded like fun. Pop looked Sammy's face over carefully.

"He give you a bloody nose?" Pop asked, taking the tissue Sammy had been using to wipe a little blood off his cheek.

"Yes, sir," Sammy replied, sounding really cheerful.

"What are you so happy about?" Pop asked suspiciously.

Sammy chuckled. "You shoulda seen the way Dean beat the crap outta Billy. It was awesome!"

Pop's eyes cut over to Dean. "That right?" he asked in a hard tone. Dean swallowed hard before nodding. "Hands," Pop demanded.

Dean had to release Sammy to hold out his hands to Pop. Pop studied his knuckles for a moment. "Excuse me?" he said kind of loud.

Nurse Kelly left her desk to come over. "Yes, Mister Peavy?"

Pop held up Dean's hands. "Think you could take care of my older son's hands before we leave?"

There were a few scrapes and the skin over some of his knuckles had split since he had been fighting bare fisted, but Dean didn't think it was too bad. Nurse Kelly rushed around to find some cotton balls and alcohol to wash out Dean's cuts and scrapes. Dean rolled his eyes at Pop, thinking this was a waste of time.

Pop glared back at him. "Just let her do it, Dean," he said in a hard voice.

Dean dropped his gaze and nodded. Nurse Kelly taped up the larger splits across his knuckles. Dean nodded his thanks.

"Dean says thank you," Sammy said as he hopped down. "And me too."

Nurse Kelly smiled at them. "No problem, Sammy. Now you stay out of trouble," she said, patting him on the head.

Dean rolled his eyes again as he followed Pop and Sammy outside. Sammy stay out of trouble? That would be the day!


Mike had to force himself not to grin as he drove the boys home. Oh, if only Dean had taken down that Jimmy Gunderson. Well, Billy would have to do. For now. Next year he and Jimmy would be going to the same school, and Dean would have another year of, uh... What was Dean taking now? He couldn't keep track. Well, whatever it was appeared to be working, but Mike was just as certain Kate would not be happy about this. She hated to see Dean hurt, in any way.

He let the boys out of his work truck. They both followed him meekly into the house, no doubt anticipating their mother's reaction.

"Boys, you're late! Did something happen on the way home?" Kate called out from the kitchen.

"No," Mike hollered back. He snapped his fingers at the boys, who were trying to sneak upstairs to their room, no doubt to hide out. They sighed and moved to stand behind him.

"Mike?" Kate pushed through the swinging kitchen door. "What are you doing home? What's going on?"

"I picked the boys up from school today," he said, now wondering if he should water the events down a little. "There was some trouble after classes let out today."

"Trouble?" Kate looked alarmed and her gaze was instantly drawn to Sammy. "Is that blood? What happened?" She rushed forward to lift Sammy's face up to see it better.

"Now, Kate," Mike said gently, pushing her a step back. "The school nurse already checked him out. It was just a little bloody nose."

Kate let out a breath of relief. "Oh thank goodness. I was afraid Sammy was fighting."

"Not me!" Sammy said proudly, beaming up at Dean. Oh, crap. Sammy and his big freaking mouth.

"Who was fighting?" Kate demanded. She grabbed one of Dean's hands, gasping when she saw some of his fingers taped. "Did you break anything?" Her voice was pitched high and her hand shook. Mike could see she was nearly hysterical.

Mike turned her away from the boys, nearly having to pick her up to do it. "Go on upstairs," he told them with a jerk of his head at the stairs. They didn't need to be told twice, bounding up and taking the steps two at a time.

"Where were the teachers?" Kate demanded as he forced her to sit on the couch. "Why didn't anyone stop it? Dean could have been seriously hurt!"

"Kate. Deep breath," Mike ordered. She breathed in deep for him and let it out slowly. "It happened after school. From what I could piece together from Sammy and Dean's English teacher, who arrived after the fight had started, Dean's teacher asked him to stay after for a few minutes to talk to him about an extra credit assignment. When he went to find Sammy, Sammy was out on the playground trading insults with Billy Gunderson."

Kate groaned. "What is with those Gunderson boys?"

"That was pretty much the school nurse's sentiment," Mike told her. "Well, I guess Billy gave Sammy a bloody nose, and that's when Dean arrived."

Kate hid her face in her hands. "What happened?"

Mike cleared his throat, unsure how to phrase this. "Well, let's just say, I seriously doubt Billy will be tempted to pick on Sammy again."

Kate's head snapped up. "You're kidding."

Mike shook his head. "The paramedics were arriving to check out Billy by the time we left." He could not control the smile on his face this time. "And it's about damn time. I can't believe Dean has been able to hold back this long. I'd love for him to get a crack at Jimmy."

Kate glared at him. "Mike!" she snapped, her face contorted with fury.

Mike shrugged back at her. "Honey, you know it's going to happen. It's been building up since Dean was in first grade."

"I will not raise a bully!" Kate declared.

Mike took a long look at his wife. "Now I know you're not talking about Dean. A bully? Honestly, Kate, I don't think the kid has a mean bone in his body."

She sagged back into the couch. "I know," Kate whispered. "I just don't want to see him hurt. Again."

"He's not kicking out windows," Mike argued in a matching whisper. "He's protecting his little brother."

"He was then, too," she pointed out.

Good point, he thought. Mike glanced at the clock. "So who's picking up Mikey from pre-k?"

"I will," Kate offered. "You need a shower."

"Yes, ma'am," Mike agreed readily. "And honey? No punishment?"

Kate shook her head. "Not if he didn't start the fight. I can imagine what Sammy's version will sound like in a couple of days."

Mike chuckled as he helped her to her feet. "It'll be Super-Dean, to the rescue!"

She shook her head as she made for her purse and keys. "Probably. I can only imagine what my mother will say about it."

"We don't have to go over there, you know!" Mike shouted at her retreating back. Rats. He thought he had a good out there.


Sammy tiptoed back to their room. "No punishment," he whispered to Dean.

Dean let out a humongous sigh of relief. "Good. I have homework. How about you?"

Sammy nodded. "Spelling. You gonna help me?"

"Sure. Get it," Dean said with a shrug.

Sammy returned with his spelling book. "You're not mad at me?" he asked cautiously.

Dean's head snapped up, a shocked look on his face. "Why would I be mad at you?" he demanded. "Did you screw up my remote control car?" His eyes narrowed. "Again?"

Sammy shook his head. "No, Dean. Swear. I meant about the fight."

Dean's face relaxed and he shrugged. "Nah. But you'll haveta cover for me when I fight Jimmy."

Sammy's eyes widened as he stared at his big brother. "What?"

Dean took his spelling book out of his hands. "Which unit are you on? Six?"

"Dean!" Sammy slammed his hand over the open booklet. "What are you talking about?"

Dean rolled his eyes. "Your spelling homework, doofus. What'd you think?"

"No!" Sammy snapped. "About Jimmy Gunderson!"

Dean gave him a hard, cold look which sent a shiver down Sammy's spine. "You need to cover for me when I fight Jimmy."

"Fight Jimmy?" Sammy breathed. Jimmy was freaking huge! Maybe Dean got hit in the head when Sammy blinked or something, because he definitely wasn't thinking straight. "You can't fight Jimmy Gunderson!"

"I have to, Sammy," Dean protested with a shake of his head. "He's going to come over here to get even with me for beating up Billy. You'll have to keep Mom out of the way while I take care of him."

"Wh-when?" Sammy stuttered. Dean had been totally awesome at school, especially considering Billy was about a head taller than Dean. But Jimmy was two years older and HUGE! He didn't like this idea at all.

Dean shrugged, leaning over Sammy's spelling book. "No telling. Could be today or tomorrow. We'll just have to keep an eye out."

Sammy tried to concentrate on his spelling work, but he couldn't. He was too distracted by the thought of Dean planning to fight Jimmy Gunderson. Jimmy's friends called him Mad Dog. Sammy always thought that was a stupid name, especially since he knew Jimmy came up with it. Who wanted to be called Mad Dog? Well, a bully like Jimmy Gunderson, obviously. Duh.

Mom came home with Baby Mikey, who had to climb all over their homework and tell them all about his day in 'big-boy school'. What a baby. Then Mikey noticed the tape on Dean's hands so Sammy was able to mention the totally awesome fight Dean had been in. Unfortunately he couldn't enjoy telling his story too much, since he kept expecting a knock on the door at any minute.

After dinner, while Mom and Pop were watching some cop show downstairs and Dean had him and Baby Mikey playing with the racecar set, Sammy heard a noise at the window. Dean looked out and frowned. He opened the window to wave one arm out before lowering it again.

"It's time," Dean said as he turned around. He rolled his head around and shook out his shoulders. "You two keep Mom and Pop busy. I'll be out front."

Sammy bit down on his lower lip, shaking his head. "No, Dean," he whined. "I want to go out there with you."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Why? So you have a new story to tell?"

"No," Sammy whispered. "Because I want to be sure he doesn't hurt you."

Dean snorted. Loud. "Dude, I'm going out there for a fight. If course I'm going to get hurt! You two keep your butts inside. That asshole isn't above hitting one of you to get to me." He pointed at Sammy. "Keep Mom and Pop in the freaking house."

Sammy took a deep breath. He didn't like it. Not one bit. But he nodded anyway. "Be careful," he whispered.

Dean shook his head. "No way. I'm gonna pulverize him." He motioned to him and Mikey. "You two go downstairs first and distract Mom and Pop. I'll sneak out the front door."

Sammy sighed heavily as he took Baby Mikey's hand to lead him downstairs. "Why Dean gotta fight?" Mikey pestered him in a whisper. "Why gots to?"

"Because Dean said so," Sammy whispered back. Baby Mikey nodded seriously. Yeah, that figured. Anything Dean said was always fine with the little kiss-up.

When they reached the den, Sammy put on a huge smile and held up Baby Mikey's hand. "Mikey had a great day at school!" he announced. "And he wants to tell you all about it!"

Well, Baby Mikey didn't need any more than that, thankfully. Mikey launched into a detailed description of finger painting and learning his letters and shapes. Sammy kept one ear tuned to the sound of the front door. The instant he heard it close, Sammy slipped out of the den to rush back upstairs. At least he should be able to watch the fight from their bedroom window.

By the time he reached the window, Sammy could hear the boys outside. He raised the window overlooking the front yard and leaned on the windowsill with both arms. Jimmy shoved Dean in the chest. Sammy's breath caught in his throat.

"Come on, dummy!" Jimmy shouted. A couple of his friends made jeering noises. "You want to pick on little kids, huh? But not somebody your own size?"

Sammy watched Dean's head snap up and his big brother glare at Jimmy, eyes hard and cold. He felt a cold prickle creep down his spine. In that instant, Sammy knew Jimmy didn't stand a chance. Dean squared his shoulders and shook out his arms, never losing eye contact.

"Hey, Jimmy!" one of Jimmy's buddies shouted. "The dummy acts like he's going to fight!" The three big boys with Jimmy laughed.

Sammy had a funny feeling, like somebody was watching him. He glanced back over his shoulder. Pop stood over him, looking out the window.

"Did I miss anything?" Pop whispered.

Sammy frowned and shook his head. "Not yet."

"Good." Pop leaned one arm against the wall. "Don't tell Mom."

Sammy nodded, returning his attention to the scene outside. Jimmy threw a punch at Dean, which Dean ducked. Actually, Dean made it look easy. Some of the big boys exchanged looks of surprise. Jimmy tried to hit Dean again, with the same results.

"Stand still!" Jimmy ordered.

Dean shrugged, planting his feet. He motioned for Jimmy to hit him, much to Sammy's surprise.

"What the hell is he doing?" Pop whispered, leaning close enough to the window to brush against Sammy's head.

Jimmy leaned forward as he threw his next punch. Dean grabbed him by the arm and threw Jimmy off to the side. Jimmy stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet. With a frustrated shout, Jimmy launched himself at Dean. Later Sammy decided that was Jimmy's Big Mistake. Dean leaned down, catching Jimmy's midsection with his shoulder and tossing Jimmy aside like a rag doll. But Dean didn't stop there. No. He waited for Jimmy to try to stand back up, which was when Dean kicked him in the ribs, sending him rolling. One of the other boys, Jimmy's friends, tried to step in. Dean went after him too with a cool move. Dean knocked the second boy off his feet then delivered a nasty blow to the chin. That boy stayed down even though Sammy was sure he was still awake. Jimmy rolled on the ground, groaning.

"I think that's enough," Pop said. "I'm going out there. Keep your mother in the den."

Sammy nodded, following on Pop's heels down the stairs. He went into the den where Mikey was showing off his forward rolls. Sammy egged Mikey on, doing more stuff to entertain Mom, until Pop's voice was too loud to ignore.

"And if you come back here, I'm calling the police!" Pop roared from outside the front door.

Mom jumped off the couch to race to the front door. When she flung it open, Pop and Dean walked in.

"What was that?" Mom demanded, her voice all high and squeaky. "What happened?"

"Oh, just some neighborhood boys trying to hassle Dean," Pop said, waving one hand at the front yard.

"Did they hurt you?" Mom asked, leaning over to examine Dean. "What's this?" she demanded as her finger traced a red blotch on Dean's cheek.

"Oh, that's from the fight at school," Pop said quickly. "Didn't you notice it earlier?"

Mom frowned up at Pop. "No. Are you sure?"

"Oh, yeah," Pop replied with one hand on Dean's shoulder. "I noticed it when I picked the boys up."

"Well, it must be swelling up then," Mom said with a frown. She stood up. "Dean, let's go in the kitchen and get an ice-pack. You can use it on your cheek."

Dean nodded. "Yes, ma'am." He followed her into the kitchen.

Sammy looked up at Pop when he figured it was safe. "Awesome, right?"

Pop grinned real big. "Totally awesome." He glanced at the kitchen door. "But don't tell your mother," he whispered.

Sammy nodded before heading into the kitchen to be sure Dean wasn't hurt any worse than a couple of new bruises. Oh, man, were the bullies in school going to get it now, Sammy thought gleefully. He could mouth off to anybody he wanted, as long as Dean was within shouting distance. Since Dean took down Jimmy Gunderson, he could take anybody! Sammy's eyes sparkled as he looked up at his big brother with absolute awe.