Disclaimers and warnings see Chapter 1
Thanks to SeaKat for the wonderful and fast beta job. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 9 Lesson
Dean woke the next morning feeling worse by far than he had since he had been stuck here. His foot was so bad it took him five minutes just to get off the floor of his hole ready for when the guards hauled him out for the day. His legs had been screaming at him all night with cramps that tore up his legs when he stood. It had rained for a short period during the night and he had taken his T shirt off and held it up to the lid where a trickle of water was coming in. He had managed to get the shirt fairly wet before the rain stopped and sucked as much moisture off the shirt as he could. It wasn't good clean water but it was enough to let him live. He hoped. His shirt was still slightly damp when he put it back on but his body heat soon had it dry then damp again with sweat. His right hand was swollen and throbbing letting him know there was a broken bone in there, maybe more.
Dean knew he needed some Tylenol at the very least or he was going to be passing out which would leave him defenseless against the guards. He felt weak and parched as he had ever felt in his life even with the small drink he had. He staggered between the guards so many times they ended up dragging him to his cell. He fell against the wall when the guards flung him in and narrowly missed hitting his head on it. He sank slowly to the floor not bothering to sit but lay curled up on the floor. Even though it was concrete it was cool and he was as comfortable as he had been for nine hours. He cradled his right hand but let it touch the cold concrete giving part of his body a little relief. He just had the strength to notice he wasn't sweating anymore and he didn't feel chilled anymore but very hot. Dean knew he had a very bad infection and needed help soon.
When the hunters arrived at the jail they were surprised when the sheriff said that only Pastor Jim was allowed in. They swore and argued in English and Spanish (Bobby) but he refused to cave even when Sam bawled his eyes out looking up at him. In the end Jim went in because the sheriff was about to throw them all out. Even with Sam's description of how Dean was the clergyman was surprised to see the once virile young man looking so ill, lethargic and thin. Dean rolled himself towards the pastor with what seemed like the last of his energy.
The pastor was shocked to see how shrunken Dean's eyes looked and how dull and glassy they were.
"Hey Sammy, you got older. A lot older." Dean croaked.
Pastor Jim squatted down to Dean's level noting how wet his shirt was over his ankle and how flushed his face looked. He noticed Dean rubbing at his left thigh with his left hand as if trying to hide it.
"Very funny Dean," The pastor said softly, "I see you still have your sense of humor."
He was actually happy to see a small spark in his eyes.
"Ha, Just. But seriously where is Sammy? No offense Pastor." Dean's voice was barely a whisper.
"None taken Dean. Sam is worried about you and wanted to be here but for some reason they wanted me to come down instead."
"What are you going to give me my last rites or somethin'?" Dean tried a joke but it fell a along way short.
"No Dean. Maybe they want an adult to see how you are doing."
"But why you? Why not Dad ? Or Bobby? No offense." Dean broke off with a cough.
"I don't know."
But deep down Pastor Jim was starting to get an idea why they would want him down here.
"Anyway let's take advantage of what we have for the moment. I know you are putting up a brave front for your brother but I need to know how bad the infection is Dean. No joking around, it could mean a lot."
Jim kept his voice down so the guard would think they were praying not conspiring. Dean sighed even as he panted shallow quick breaths. He didn't want to admit to being hurt or weak in front of anyone. It was ingrained in him as a Winchester.
"Now Dean, your daddy wants you to tell me. We need to know son so we can get you out."
Dean pulled his foot up and towards the bars. Jim could see Dean had split the inside of the leg of his jeans to help with the swelling. Dean moved the bottom of the shirt bandage up so Jim could see the red track lines running down his foot. Dean had done it all with out saying a word as to not attract the guards attention.
"Okay," said Jim leaning in as far as he could and speaking softly, "you got sore glands at all? You know, neck, armpit, or groin?"
Dean nodded and Jim took it to mean all three.
"They fed you? Had a drink?"
Dean shook his head so softly he almost missed it but then held his T shirt out from his stomach a little and looked up like he was looking at the sky. Jim nodded thanking God John had taught Dean good survival skills. From that simple gesture Jim knew Dean was getting water anyway he could.
"So has Sam been keeping you up to date with trying to get you out?"
"Yeah. Something about a guy from the consulate doing something."
"Yes, we are all working hard to get you out, don't worry. I am also keeping a sharp eye on your brother for you. He is eating as he should and worrying a lot which we expect. He is spending a lot of time in the library trying to help find away to get you out. Don't worry about him we have him."
"Thanks Padre," Dean whispered suddenly feeling very light headed and the room started to spin.
If he hadn't already been on the ground he would have sat down fast. His vision swam darkly for a few seconds then he felt Pastor Jim patting his cheeks.
"Dean, Dean you okay son?"
"Whoa. The ground kinda disappeared for a sec." he whispered.
The world slowly righted itself and Dean blinked hard concentrating on the Padres face.
"Dean you went out for a second there son. Is that the first time that's happened?"
"Yeah. I'll be okay just make sure Sammy is."
"What have you been saying to Sam to get him to eat?"
"Why?" Dean said uncertainly.
"We are impressed that's all son. We thought we would have a battle to get him to eat on top of everything else."
"I …or we have been telling each other a good memory. Just something for him to think about when he is upset. Just to give him strength I guess," Dean said softly, "don't tell Sam I told you, he might want to keep it between us."
"Of course. Of course. I think it's a great idea by the way. Now let me tell you a story. Remember the summer before last when you stayed with me because you sprained your ankle so bad you could hardly walk?"
"Yeah," Dean whispered through dry cracked lips.
"Remember we went up to the back of the church lot and you sawed wood with me and had a picnic by the lake?"
"Yeah. That was cool. Sammy tried to help saw the wood but he was eight and could barley lift the other end."
"He was funny alright. We have to give the boy an A for effort. He just wanted to be like his big brother and help out."
"We fished right? Sam caught two fish, I think."
"What about you? How many did you catch?"
Dean had to think hard before admitting, "I don't know."
"Three Dean. Three nice big ones."
"Oh yeah."
Jim hadn't been surprised Dean had forgotten his accomplishment for the day mainly remembering his little brothers.
"How are you feeling now son?"
"Huh, a little better. But that's what that was all about." Dean gave the pastor a slow grin, "Always sneaking in a lesson."
"Actually that lesson was on you Dean. Well done."
"Time to go."
The guard pushed Pastor Jim's shoulder roughly.'No wonder Dean is such a mess if this was how they treat a man of the cloth,' was all Jim had time to think before he was pulled up from the floor and pushed towards the door.
"Stand strong Dean," he said firmly before the door could snap off his words.
TBC
