Disclaimer: Characters are not mine! All characters belong to Supernatural.
A/N: And I've been procrastinating about writing this chapter for a while because I wasn't sure how to go about doing it- and for that I'm sorry about the wait and I hope you can forgive me. So, here's the Dean chapter I promised you and after this we're going back to Bobby, I promise. I'm still developing Dean and Sam's story, and we still have a long way to go, but thank you for being patient with me, and I really hope you enjoy!
Warning: Language, violence, angst.
The day was long and dragging, and all Dean could think about was getting home.
Costumers were falling from the woodwork, there were so many of them. Plenty of them complete bastards who were never happy, and others who were backwards in their understanding of what they wanted to get fixed; however, a handful of angry costumers wasn't going to bring down a business like this. Morningstar Repairs was the second biggest company out there, right under the wing of Purgatory Placements and one dirty mouth wasn't going to change that.
However, just because the business wasn't in danger, that didn't mean a thing about the workers stress level. Even Garth had been having a rather rough day, and it was rare to see him so put-off. Dean was able to lighten his mood by sneaking in a beer for the guy when Lucifer wasn't looking, because Garth was a good friend, and needless to say, his mood was lifted a bit and was able to get through the rest of the day. Days like that are hard to get by with costumer after customer angry and upset over the littlest things that they never asked for nor mentioned beforehand. So each and every little ounce counts, even if it was for someone else.
Dean adjusted his clothing before pulling his work bag onto his shoulder, which contained a good majority of his tools, the rest of them were set up near the back with the others. The mechanic was covered in grease and grime, dirt and oil and every muscle in his back ached, his arms feeling ready to fall off at any given moment. He groaned lightly as he adjusted the heavy bag on his shoulder, shifting it back before clutching the strap with his opposite arm.
He waved a simple goodbye to Garth on his way out, who at the moment was leaning against the front desk with Charlie, the only female on the team, chatting idly about this and that. Charlie looked up as Dean was making his way out, calling to him to come over before leaving. Dean glanced briefly out before nodding to her and walking over, the female mechanic walked around the desk to face him.
"You were just going to leave without saying goodbye?" She sounded exasperated and shocked, however the smile on her lips told a different story. Dean chuckle, smiling at her. Charlie was sort of like the little sister he never really wanted, but she was great with what she did. Spunky and straight forward, clever and often downright brilliant given the topic. Charlie typically knew her stuff, and if she didn't, she made sure to get figure it out. She had originally been working as one of the chief T.I at Purgatory Placements but when her old boss was replaced, she just couldn't stand working there anymore. "Dick Roman lived up to his name." Dean remembered her saying when she first showed up a few months back. She was clever, and was fascinating when handed a computer; So Lucifer placed her on front desk. She made appointments, answered the phone and ran errands for the most part; She's fixed a car or two, but always preferred being behind a desk, and Dean didn't blame her.
What made her come to Morningstar Repairs, however, he isn't sure. She didn't really explain why, and Dean never cared enough to ask.
"Sorry, just tired." Dean knew it was a lame excuse, but he didn't really have a better one at the moment, "It's been a long day."
Charlie rolled her eyes before pulling the Winchester into a hug, "Yeah well, no more excuses. It's been a long day for all of us." She muttered, letting him go moments afterward. "We should all go out for a drink Friday," Charlie proposed, looking back at Garth who smiled and nodded. "We never spend time together, and I'm not doing anything Friday-" She waved her hand, taking a step back from Dean and turning her body so she can look at both of the guys evenly. "You guys in?"
"I have nothing to do." Garth piped in, he paused, shoving his hands into his front pockets before shrugging his shoulders almost theatrically, looking up in mock thought. "Well- I have a few things, but I suppose they can be put off." Charlie playfully punched his arm, before looking up at Dean.
"What about you?" Charlie looked up at Dean, who shrugged in response.
"I don't see why not, I just have to see what I'm doing Friday." He answered, and Garth sent him an almost excited look.
Garth was the type of person that was more often than not ignored, which was actually really sad, seeing as he was a really nice and considerate guy. He was the person who was never invited to parties, or taken on dates or even had many friends; Dean knew this when he first met him, you could see the shyness covered up but written all over the mechanics face when you take him up for conversation. Dean actually rather liked Garth, thought he was pretty easy-going and easy to get along with- he's probably the one person he could rely on to get something done if the time were to come, and for him to be there; he was just one of those people.
They didn't typically talk outside of work, unless on the rare occasion of bumping into each other, which didn't normally happen. However, Dean wasn't adverse to spending some time with him and Charlie. Garth looked really excited to be hanging out with people, even if he tried to play off that it wasn't such a big deal, Dean knew otherwise; and it was hard to say no to a man that looked like a rabbit when he was excited about something. He reminded Dean a lot of Sam, but Sam pulled off the puppy-dog look on a higher level.
Dean looked between the two pleading faces before rolling his eyes kind-heartedly, smirking. "I'll think about it."
"Strong maybe?" Charlie raised her eyebrows expectantly, a wide smile on her lips. Dean rolled his head before running a dirty hand through her hair and ruffling it up, receiving a disapproving squeak from Charlie.
"I said I'll think about it," Dean looked between the two of them, "Besides, it's only Wednesday."
"And yet it feels like we've been on the job forever." Garth interjected, sagging his shoulders slightly, "I'd love an outing."
"Me too."
Dean checked his watch before patting Charlie on the shoulder, "Well I've got to get home, I'll talk to you guys tomorrow, alright?"
"Later, bitches." Charlie began sauntering off, shooting him the Vulcan salute and heading towards the back; Dean assumed that she was heading to collect some of her stuff before heading home as well. It was getting really late.
Garth waved his goodbye before heading to join her in the back, and Dean left without another word.
The mechanic became aware of his soreness when he placed his tools in the passengers seat, leaning back out of his car and stretching, trying to get rid of that ache in his body but eventually gave up, mumbling softly to himself as he closed the passenger door and rear around to the drivers seat, sliding in and starting the car up.
Dean drove a simple car, one that him and Lisa had picked out together. A 2005 black Chevy Impala. It wasn't nearly as interesting as the '67 he had back at Bobby's that the old hunter has been fixing up and working on for the past 20 years, but it was something. Dean really wanted to get his hands on that car, but Bobby kept refusing, wouldn't let him touch it, said he wasn't "Old enough yet-" and Dean didn't know when he'd finally reach the age for Bobby to finally trust him with the keys.
The mechanic put the car in gear before beginning the short drive home. He lived about 15 miles away, but the traffic is usually at it's best when coming to and from work, seeing as his hours were different and his schedule was pretty evened out. Dean didn't usually have to deal with traffic, and that was always good. He sat in silence for a little while before putting in a CD; AC/DC played through the speakers with the mechanic shamelessly singing along to his favorite songs as they came on. The drive back was as it always was, uneventful and he just couldn't wait to crawl under the sheets of his bed, and see Lisa and Ben. It was about 11:30 when he had finally pulled into the driveway of his white picket-fenced home, leaving the tools in the passenger seat as he stepped out, shutting off the engine and locking the car before making his way inside.
Most of the lights were off when he entered the house, save for the kitchen light, closing the door behind him. Lisa peeked through the kitchen doorway from down the hall, shifting on her feet before greeting her husband.
"Hey, Dean." He voice was soft and weary, tired like she had been talking for hours about nothing she cared for. Dean smiled at her, shrugging his jacket off of his shoulders and placing it on the coat-rack beside the door.
"Hey, Lis." He greeted, he started walking towards the kitchen when another head popped out, this time a mans. Dean paused as he made his way into the kitchen, eyeing the man a moment before continuing on.
"Hey," Dean held out his hand for the man to take, who accepting the gesture gracefully, nodding at the other. "My names Dean, Dean Winchester."
"Yes, Lisa told me a bit about you. My names Brady, Tyson Brady." The man named Brady responded, dropping his hand to his side. His voice was a bit rough, but had this soft edge to it like wine and hard liquor. He looked to be a bit younger than Dean himself, but only by a few years from what the Winchester could tell; wearing a fine pressed suit that held snugly around the mans torso. Brady looked like a piece of work, that was for sure, with his hair short and slicked and a damn near replica of Eric Johnson, but with more money.
"What can I do for you?" Dean asked, not entire sure what was happening. Lisa looked completely uncomfortable and wouldn't look him in the eye, and Brady seemed to hold this initial weariness about him as well. Both of them looked uncertain about something, and it should have put off some red-flags in the back of the mechanics mind, but it didn't.
"Dean," Lisa began, and her face suddenly looked very soft, her dark hair fallen onto her face and looking really put-off. Everyone was feeling put-off today, it just wasn't a good day for anybody it seemed. Dean looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to talk, and eventually she looked to Brady before turning her attention back to Dean. "Dean, we need to talk."
"About?" The word feel from his lips slowly, carefully, as if they'd elicit and explosive response. Lisa shot him this sad look, before gesturing towards the kitchen table with a tilt of her head.
"C'mon, you're going to want to sit down."
Something was wrong. Dean could feel it in his chest with the looks the two of them were giving him, they were looking at him as if they pitied him, like he was a child about to be scolded for messing up on a grade, or failing a class and needed the 'family talk'. Dean missed a beat before walking over to the table, following suit. Dean should have seen it coming, how Lisa took the seat beside Brady than beside him; how she wouldn't look him in the eye, sitting directly across from him. How Brady seemed to sit up straighter, his face being controlled and thoughtful. How he was the first to speak.
"Dean, we don't know how to go about telling you this, but we're just going to come out and say it." Brady began, shifting a bit on his seat before folding his hands skeptically on the table, unsure as to where to put them before opening his mouth once again. His mouth hung open a moment, and Dean could hear him take in a soft intake of breath, not really wanting to go on, but sense he started he couldn't stop now. "I'm Ben's biological father."
Dean stared at the man in utter shock for what felt like eternity, unable to move, but simple stare at the man, blinking. Dean didn't know what to say. Okay? Thank's for ditching the kid? Dean practically raised Ben since he was 5 years old; helped teach him right from wrong, how to hunt and fix a car; hell, he was still teaching the kid the basics. He was there for every doctors appointment and parent-teacher conference, he was the one who stayed home when Ben got sick when Lisa had to get to work. He took care of that kid like he was his own, and treated Ben the way Bobby treated him when he was growing up. Bobby may not have been his biological father, but he was still the closest thing he's ever have to it, no matter what- that's what he was to Ben.
Brady shifted uncomfortably under Dean's stare, opening his mouth to continue. "I know this may come as a complete sho-"
"Why are you here?" Dean interrupted, voice hard and questioning. Brady faltered, swallowing thickly but unable to respond, turning to Lisa who looked even smaller than she did a few moments before.
"Dean," She began, hesitating, her voice urging for him to understand a concept that wasn't explained to him. "Dean-" She tired again and stopped, her eyes looking around the room, at everywhere but him, before dropping to look at her hand. "Dean-"
"Dean what? Dammit Lisa! What's going on?" Dean demanded, voice raised but not quite shouting, however Lisa flinched anyways, like the words physically burned her.
Lisa paused again, before starting over.
"I ran into Brady at the market a few weeks back," She began, approaching the topic at a different angle. "I bumped into him trying to buy some burger meat, because I knew how much you love cheeseburgers," She gave off this weak laugh as she spoke, her voice a bit shaky, peering up briefly at Dean before dropping her eyes again.
"Anyways, I was grabbing the meat when I heard my name, and, as luck would have it, Brady's strolling up all high and mighty, and saying hello." She took a breath, "I was shocked to see him, after all these years. We got to talking a bit, and I found out he became a lawyer and had moved into the house a few blocks away." She chuckled softly, "The one you and I were beginning to think would never be occupied, by how long that signs just been sitting there." Another breath, "I brought up Ben, Dean."
"And you were so sure he was the dad?" Dean's voice was incredulous, bewildered even. But Lisa only nodded, still avoiding eye contact.
"I think I'd know the father of my child." Lisa whispered, clearing her throat."
"So, you just run into the guy, have a decent conversation and say 'Oh, and by the way, you have a kid.'.-"
"Dean-" Lisa urged his name again, although this time it was softer, even more hesitant than the first time. "I didn't tell him in the store."
Dean furrowed his eyebrows together, mouthing parting slightly as if trying to come up with that to say, and how to say it. He was confused- That didn't make any sense.
"Then when did you-"
"Dean, we've been seeing each other for a few weeks."
Oh. Oh.
Suddenly a lot of different things made sense. The distance between them, her later schedule she had insisted was due to cut backs. It all made the mechanics gut wrench
"Lisa-" Dean felt his mouth go dry, heart beating wildly in his chest and his arms feeling suddenly very restless. He couldn't sit anymore, couldn't think straight while sitting. The mechanic pushed onto his feet, the chair making an obscenely loud screeching noise as it skidded lightly on the wooden flooring. He felt the others eyes on him but he couldn't look at them as he circled to the other side of the kitchen, hand pressing against his face, scratching underneath his jawline anxiously. Everything felt wrong, like some balance scale had been tipped and Dean felt short of breath.
"Dean-"
"Don't." He snapped back, looking up at Lisa with hard eyes. She was half-way standing when she said his name, shrinking back inside of herself like a turtle afraid to peek through their shell. He was so angry, so furious he could feel it bubbling in his chest and threatening to escape him, like a kettle set on high and ready to be poured.
So many thoughts were pouring through the mechanics head, 'Was I not good enough?' 'Where did we go wrong?' 'How did this happen?' 'Why is this happening-' Most of the words becoming jumbled up, and the only thing he could hear properly was please don't please don't please not now please not Lisa, not her. And it didn't stop, it wouldn't and Dean knew what was coming; could hear it on the tip of their tongues before they even had to say it.
"Dean," It was Brady who said his name this time, but faltered when Dean looked at him. His eyes were hard, looking at him as if he were an insect in need to be smashed, but Dean wouldn't move forward and do it, he couldn't. He looked back at Lisa, before clearing his throat.
"And what about Ben?" Lisa flinched, "Lisa, I was there since he was five, I can't just ditch him now, not now."
Brady, fucking Brady, had that fucking gull to look concerned, to look offended. The fucker who hadn't even met his son, didn't know he existed until a few weeks ago, maybe not even that, suddenly looks as if he has some goddamn say with what happens with his kid. Just because you're his biological father, doesn't make you his dad.
"You don't have any say about what does or doesn't happen to my son."
"Your son!?" Dean almost screamed, stepping forward. "Where the fuck were you when he broke his arm three years ago? Huh? Where were you when he got in trouble at school or when he needed money to go on a field trip? Where the fuck were you when he was struggling in math and needed tutoring? Huh, you selfish prick? Where the hell were you all those times he'd gotten himself scrapped up when playing a bit too rough or when he needed family support in the bleachers when he had a game? Where were you when he needed his dad, huh?" Dean stepped forward, causing Brady to take a step back. Deans jaw was set, and he couldn't stop, couldn't stop screaming, couldn't stop thinking, his mind racing. "Yeah, I'll tell you where you were you asshole, you were living the fucking high-life and stepping into lives where you weren't wanted and weren't needed.
"I've been here for Ben for 8 years, and 6 of those years I was his dad, I was the closest thing he had to a dad and me and Lisa were the closest thing he had to a real family, and we were small and we had our bumps in the road but we worked. Do you know what it's like to be a dad? Do you have any idea how dependent they are on you, how much they look up to you? I've been with Ben for 8 years and I have no intention of just leaving. You have a dad, don't you?" Brady didn't respond, "I had a dad, and you know what? He was a damn great dad, I had him ever sense I was four years old, and no- he wasn't biologically my own, but he was as close as he got. Because family don't end in blood, and it sure as hell don't start genetically if those genetics weren't there in the goddamn beginning."
Brady furrowed his eyebrows, as if Dean's message went completely over his head. His voice was stern, and Dean never wanted to tear someone to shreds as much as he wanted to in that very moment. "I suggest you leave and stay out of-"
"Brady." It was Lisa this time, "Don't."
Brady gave her a look, "Whose side are you on?" Dean didn't really know this guy, but he could tell that the dick was completely full of himself.
"I'm on Ben's side." She said, not missing a beat. The tension in her shoulders intensifying but she spoke evenly. "You weren't in Ben's life his entire life, not once. He doesn't know who you are, and it won't make any difference to him that you're his real dad, because Dean's his dad, and has been for several years." She looks back at Dean, her eyes sad, the mechanic couldn't look at her and averted his eyes.
"Dean, just because of this-" She gestured between herself and Brady, "I'm not going to take Ben away from you. He looks up to you," Her shoulders hunched, her face saddened, "I'm doing this because Ben would never forgive me, and he wouldn't believe any story I could ever come up with with you just 'high-tailing it out of here.' He wouldn't believe me, and he'd go looking for you because he loves you." Dean nodded, swallowing thickly.
Everything was quiet, still before Dean dropped his eyes to his feet. "I'll come by later in the week to grab my stuff then."
"We'll talk dates about Ben-" Dean exited the room before she could finish, bolting out of the house and snatching his jacket off of the rack before slamming the door behind him. Dean felt his eyes brimming with tears and wondered where Ben was right then and there- He wasn't home, that was for sure, he would have came down with all the screaming. Dean tried not to think too much about it, getting into his car roughly and slamming the car door shut. He sat there, for only god knows how long before he started up the engine. He didn't know where he was going to go, didn't care.
He wanted to cry and scream and he was so furious he couldn't even see straight, zipping down the road to nowhere. He didn't know where he was going, didn't think about it as he turned corners and tried to even out his breathing. He felt so hurt and wronged, like everything was flipped and upside down and he couldn't help but blame himself. If he had tried harder with Lisa, if he had bought her more flowers- he knew how much she loved getting flowers. He wondered when they had started drifting, and why.
Everything seemed fine, but he didn't see it coming; he missed the signs and he's lost everything.
Dean figured he'd have to call Bobby, come over and stay for a bit until he can save enough money to buy an apartment- However getting situated was the last thing on his mind right now.
Dean had no idea how long he had been driving, having lost track of time and found himself pulling up to his work, most of the cars having gone but two. Everyone else had gone home by now, to where Dean should be, but he wasn't welcome anymore.
The mechanic sat in his car, pushing out and slamming the door shut, shoving his hands into his pockets and entering the building. All the lights were out but a select few, seeing Lucifer as he stepped inside. Lucifer looked up from the front desk and shot Dean a confused smile.
Lucifer was a pretty average guy, a strict boss but pretty easy going if you got to know him. He was a bit shorter than Dean himself, but only just barely, with ashy blond hair and a simple face.
"Hey Dean, what're doing back here? Shouldn't you be home?" He asked, his voice was playful and questioning, pausing a bit when Dean hesitated on answering. He seemed to get the message pretty quick, always being one who could read a person like a book. "Dean, what happened?"
The mechanic merely shook his head, his feet stopping and head ducking. He was holding himself together at this point and Lucifer seemed to catch on really quick, stepping away from the desk and approached Dean, hos voice lower and softer. "Dean, is everything alright?" Lucifer got the nickname Satan for a reason, but sometimes Dean forgot how.
"I-I'm fine." God his voice was so shaky, "Me and Lisa-" He paused, not really trusting his voice, "-Someone else."
"Did she take Ben?" Lucifer knows his situation, hell they've talked about their lives over some beer a few times, and it was nice not having to explain everything. But Dean needed to vent, and Lucifer didn't look like he was in any hurry to get anywhere. So he told him, he told him everything. Why? Because he trusted him. Because he had been working underneath Lucifer for so many years, and they're friends; drinking buddies on occasions.
When he had finished talking, they were sitting at the desk Charlie typically worked at. Lucifer was actually sitting on the desk, while Dean was on the chair. He was feeling a bit better getting it off his chest, and Lucifer was more than happy to listen, putting in his two cents here and there. Lucifer opened his mouth to comment on something when someone else walked in, Lucifer turned to look at him and waved him over; Dean recognized him instantly.
"Hey, Cassie." Lucifer greeted, "I was wondering when you'd show."
"Hello Lucifer," He turned to look at the mechanic beside the other, "Hello Dean."
He remembered his name, and Dean couldn't help but think it was the strangest thing.
"You two know each other?" Lucifer asked, glancing between the two of them. Castiel nodded.
"Dean had worked on fixing my car," Castiel answered, "And he did a very good job at it too, my car works smoothly now."
"It better," Lucifer chuckled lightly, "He's one of my best workers."
"How do you guys know each other?" Dean asked after a moment, and Lucifer and Castiel glanced at him.
"Oh, forgot. This is my little brother Castiel," Lucifer introduced, "Cassie here works as a medical assistant at Mercy Hospital, wants to become a healer. Isn't that right Cassie?"
Castiel nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, I've always wanted to help people. This was my one chance to do it." Dean nodded. It was a noble occupation to go into, and if he liked what he was doing, then why not?
"You ready Cassie?" Lucifer said after a moment, and Castiel merely nodded. Lucifer pushed himself off of the desk before stopping, "Dean, if you ever need someplace to stay, you know my homes always open to you, alright? You may be my colleague, but you're my friend first and foremost, alright?" Dean nodded at him, and Castiel looked between them.
"What's wrong?"
Lucifer looked up at his little brother before shaking his head, "Nothing you need to worry yourself about." But Castiel insisted. Lucifer had every intention of dancing around the topic, but Dean didn't see what the point was.
"My and my wife are splitting up," Dean said after a moment, "I'm just trying to find a place to stay until I can afford my own place."
"And Bobby probably has a lot on his plate right now," Lucifer interjected, "He sounded busy- So you can stay at my place for a bit until you can get yourself on your feet again." Dean was about to decline, not wanting to be a burden when Castiel spoke up.
"Or you can stay with me." The statement sounded more like a question than anything else, and it made his brother and the mechanic shoot his a glance.
"No, Cas'-" Dean started, "You don't have to do that-"
"No, I insist. Besides, Lucifer you have a lot on your plate right now as well, especially with all the recruiting you've been talking about and with people coming in and out of your house constantly with meeting and the like. Dean can stay with me." He turned to face the mechanic, "I may not know you that well, but if Lucifer trusts you that much to offer you his home, then I don't see why I can't offer you mine. I don't have anything coming up, and I have plenty of space to share."
"That's right," Lucifer said after a moment, "You've been looking for a roommate for a little while now."
"And I don't see why I have to pass up a good chance when it come up."
Dean was speechless, "Think of it as repayment for the fine work you did on my car." Castiel said after a moment, "You seem like a decent man, and I'd be happy to help out a friend of my brothers."
Dean looked between the two of them, he was quiet for a bundle of moments before nodding. "Sure, why not."
Lucifer nodded, "Alright, then that's settled. Me and Cassie here were about to head out for Dinner, it's a traditional thing we've always done on Wednesdays, would you like to join us?"
"Yes, and then I can show you the way to my home afterwards so you can get settled." Castiel commented, giving the mechanic a small smile.
The smile made the mechanic feel warm, maybe because it was genuine, and not as distant as the smiles he had been receiving from Lisa. He still hurt, but this could be a good chance to fix things, fix up his life. He nodded to them, making to stand. Lucifer patted Dean on his arm warmly, the three of them walking out of the building and Lucifer shutting off the lights.
Alright! I've been yeah- procrastinating, but I finally got around to making this chapter. I swear I won't waste months again trying to update, and I swear to whoever's listening that I'll do more weekly updates if not sooner. ^^ Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. This was not beta-read, so if you find any mistakes, don't feel shy and let me know so I can get them fixed.
