The Night the Lights Went Out in Kansas

Chapter 10

Dean sat in his seat, watching his dad from his window. He had stopped to meet someone else, another hunter, his dad told him. This man didn't seem to have the same effect on Dean. This man didn't send off the same vibe the other men did. But, he still didn't trust him, he didn't trust anyone, so the fact he didn't trust this man was nothing new.

John got back in the car.

"We're going to go grab some food, I told them I needed to feed my boys before anything else." John gave his son a smile through the rear-view mirror. "Then, we're going to go meet up with the man I was just talking to, he said he knows someone who can help me with what I need, to find Mom's killer. And, he also said he's sure he wouldn't mind us crashing at his place for a few days while he helps. But, he's not used to kids, so I need you to be good, and help with your brother, okay?"

Dean nodded. He didn't care about eating, but was in no hurry to go to another man's home.

They stopped at a small diner, the same routine as before, John ordered their food, Dean took a couple small bites and made sure Sammy had enough to eat. Those actions were followed by Dean pushing his food around his plate, and smashing it, to make it look smaller and give the appearance of more being gone. Of course, it didn't go unnoticed, since John had first noticed his son's actions, he had kept a close eye on his food intake. He also noticed his oldest son was getting thinner, but his baby was staying fat and plump.

Once they had finished eating, they stopped at a store and Dean stayed in the car with his brother while John went inside and purchased some snacks and drinks for the boys, enough that should last them a few days.

John returned to the car and his heart skipped a beat. He saw his youngest son, asleep in his car seat, but didn't see his oldest. He pulled the door open with a panic, and noticed his son, curled into the floor.

"Dean! What the hell are you doing? Boy, you gave me a heart attack! Get back in your seat!"

Dean jumped, startled by his dad's anger. He didn't hesitate, he jumped in his seat and buckled, giving his dad a look of apology.

John sighed. "Boy, you can't scare your old man like that." He closed the door after setting the bags in the floor and returned to the driver seat. Dean watched as the landscape around them brushed by as they left the town and headed to a more remote area. They stopped, meeting with the man again, then headed somewhere else. John was following the other man.

Dean's eyes widened, they had pulled into a place with lots of cars. They didn't look like they were drove, some of them didn't even have all their parts, but it peeked Dean's interest. He remembered helping his dad with the cars at the shop. He wished he could go back to those days and help him like that again. These days, it seemed the only help he could give was taking care of his brother, which he didn't mind, but, if he was honest, it was boring most of the time.

He eyed the big area that all the cars were in, he imagined running through the rows of cars and helping whoever owned them fix them. He could put Sammy's bed out there, and still be able to do his job of watching his brother. For the first time since his mom's death he felt a glimmer of hope.

He slid out of his seat and made his way around the car. Dad was getting Sammy out of the car. Suddenly, without warning, a big dog came charging at them, he had an angry sounding bark and growl, showing all its teeth at them. Dean jumped and grabbed tight onto his dad's leg. His little hands were trembling and grabbing onto his dad's pant leg.

The dog stopped short of reaching them, the end of the chain yanking him back with a slight yelp.

"Don't you worry about him none, he won't hurt no one, his bark is meaner than his bite." A voice from the front doorway yelled out. The other man, the one who they had followed there, just let out a chuckle.

The guys walked toward the house, Dean refused to release his dad's leg until they were safely inside the home. They made their way inside, and when the door closed behind them, Dean loosened his grip.

"I'm Bobby Singer, Doofus here, says you need some help tracking someone down?" John nodded, shaking his hand.

Bobby bent to shake Dean's hand, instead the boy just sunk deeper into his dad's leg.

"John Winchester, and that there is Dean, don't mind him, he's become bashful and hasn't spoken a word since his mom's death. And, this little guy is Sam. He won't be of any trouble, Dean keeps a good eye on him."

Bobby just nodded and gave them a grin.

He wasn't used to being around kids, never really liked them. But, there was something about the bashful, silent boy that dug deep into his heart. He could almost feel an instant connection between the two, all though, that would be impossible, Bobby Singer didn't have a connection with anyone. He was a loner, he didn't want to keep anyone close, he enjoyed his life of solitude, helping the hunters here and there, but no one ever really bothering him.

John sat Sam down in his seat, the little guy had just woken from his nap.

"Dean, fix your brother a bottle and take care of him, Bobby and I have some things to talk about."

Dean nodded and went to take care of his brother. The other man had left once introductions were made. Bobby's heart broke a little for the young child, being given the responsibility that was sometimes too much for even an adult to handle. But, he watched as the boy did his job without complaint.

Bobby's mind flashed back to when he was young. His dad was a drunk, a mean drunk. Bobby remembered having to be on his best behavior at all times when his dad was around, even when he wasn't around, his mom was so scared of the old man that she made him stay clean and not get into any trouble.

If everything wasn't perfect, it would set the old man off. He never had much of a chance to be a kid, fear took over the chance of having fun. Funny thing is, he grew up to be a drunk, the same as his dad. But, he wasn't a mean drunk. He was married once, but hadn't had any kids, he didn't want any, sure, his wife did, but he didn't want a repeat of his own childhood. He vowed many years ago that he would never have a child, he didn't want to beat on them the way his dad did with him.

That's the reason he wasn't used to being around kids. He avoided them like the plague, he had no interest in entertaining the little brats. There weren't many hunters with kids, and Bobby was thankful for that. The ones who did have children, were usually married couples, some of them had become hunters because the supernatural killed one of their children.

But, he just couldn't seem to shake this feeling he had about this family, and those boys. He kept watching the oldest, and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride the way he was so responsible at such a young age. John didn't even seem to notice. He was oblivious to what he was doing to his boys, especially the oldest, but then again, he was just learning the hunting ways, he wasn't used to believing in the monsters of the night, much less the dangers they possessed.

"You guys hungry?" Bobby spoke up.

They had been sitting at the table, going over demon stuff, for hours. It was getting close to dinner time, and he was sure they were feeling as hungry as he was. Dean had made sure Sam was fed and changed, but John had forgotten to bring the bag from the store into the house, not that it mattered, Dean would have just saved it for later anyhow.

"I'll fix us up some grub." Bobby added.

"Yeah, that sounds nice. You wanna eat, Dean?" John replied.

When both men looked into the other room at the oldest boy he just shrugged his shoulders at them. Bobby couldn't help but notice the sadness filling the boy's eyes. The little face that should have held so much innocence, held sadness and hurt instead.

"I'm sure you've had a long drive, and busy day, there's a room upstairs if you wanna lay down and rest while I fix us up some grub." Bobby suggested to John. John was more than happy to take him on his offer. Sammy was laying in his bed, sleeping.

"Dean, you watch your brother, I'm going to take Bobby up on his generous offer and catch a little shut eye."

Dean just nodded, and sat still on the couch while his dad made his way upstairs. On the exterior, the boy seemed to be calm, and sat without moving, but on the inside, he felt like he was about to jump out of his own skin. He wanted to go outside, to investigate the cars, to do anything but sit in one spot, only moving when Sammy needed something.

"You wanna come help, boy?" Bobby's question made Dean both excited and scared, but he nodded his head, even if he did have a little hesitance behind it. "Your brother'll be just fine, we'll hear him if he wakes."

Dean gave Bobby a slight grin and followed him into the kitchen. This was the first thing he was allowed to do since the night his life changed. Well, except take care of his brother. But, he had lost his childhood, his ability to think for himself, his ability to play and have fun. He enjoyed this, it was the first thing that was anything close to family activity, even if it wasn't with family.

"Hand me those carrots over there, will 'ya?" Dean did as he was told. "You know how to measure cups of water?" Dean shrugged his shoulders. Mom had taught him before, but it seemed so long ago.

Bobby was patient and showed him how to use a measuring cup and helped him add the water, he then had him help chop some other vegetables, teaching him the safe way to use a knife. It was an important lesson for someone who was going to be living the hunter lifestyle.

"Now, we just gotta wait for it all to cook, then we'll have some of the best homemade vegetable stew you've ever tasted." Dean grinned up at Bobby, as he returned the grin. This is the first time he had felt any part of happiness in a long time.

"You like cars, boy?" Bobby asked as they both sat at the table to wait for the food to cook.

Dean nodded his head.

"You ever help the old man work on any cars?"

Dean excitably nodded his head.

"Maybe we can go out and gander around the cars later?"

Dean gave Bobby a smile.

Bobby got up and checked on the food, returning to his seat, a beer in one hand and juice box in the other.

Dean took a few sips of the juice, glancing toward the doorway to make sure he didn't hear his little brother waking.

"He's fine." Bobby reassured. "You been taking care of him since your mom died?"

Dean nodded.

"You've had to really grow up, huh?"

Again, Dean nodded.

"Don't feel like talking much, I take it. Must not be very easy for a kid your age, losing your mom like that, and then having your whole life change so quickly."

Dean lowered his head, letting his eyes follow to stare at the ground.

"You know what killed your momma?"

Dean slowly nodded, not lifting his head.

"Your daddy told ya, huh?"

Dean nodded again.

"Well, you just take this at your own pace, when you're ready to talk, you'll talk again. And, if you have any questions, or need someone to talk to, I'm right here."

Bobby left it at that. He got up and checked the food again. He wasn't usually one to talk to little kids. He wasn't the type who cared to listen to other's problems and he sure as hell wasn't the type to lend a shoulder to cry on, but there was something about this boy. Something, that maybe reminded him of himself. Something that told him he needed to build a relationship with him, that the kid needed him.

"Supper's ready. You wanna go wake your daddy?"

Dean nodded and headed upstairs.

"What the hell are you doing up here? And, where is your brother?"

Dean pointed downstairs and motioned his dad to come with him.

"You telling me you left your brother with a stranger? Boy, I outta beat the hell out of you, right now. I can't believe you'd do something so stupid!"

Dean's body tightened. He didn't like when his dad got mad like this. He had only left him for a moment, plus he was sleeping, so it wasn't like he was going to get into anything. And, he trusted Bobby. He wasn't sure why, but he did. He felt comfortable with him.

John grabbed his son by his shoulders. Flashbacks of the night his dad was drunk ran through the little boy's memory, he wrinkled his forehead, and fought back a tear. Both turned toward the door when they heard someone clear their throat.

It was Bobby. He was standing in the doorway, looking none the happier. I sent the kid up here to let you know Supper was ready. The little one is fine! Besides, it's not like I'm going to do anything to either of them. It's no different than you leaving them alone while you slept up here. You really think that boy is old enough to protect himself, let alone his baby brother?"

Bobby was never the type to keep his mouth shut either. He would speak his mind and not think twice about it.

"Come on, boy." Bobby said to Dean. "Let's go get some grub while your daddy decides to have an attitude change."

Bobby eyed John, telling him without words that he would not tolerate that type of behavior, that no one would be beating anyone in this house. Not anymore, not since his old man died.

Dean hesitated, sending a glance at his dad, who nodded at him that it would be okay to leave the room. Dean followed Bobby downstairs.

"You okay, boy?" Bobby asked once they were downstairs.

Dean nodded his head, but his eyes showed the tears he was trying to hold back.

He woke Sammy, carrying him to the table, and feeding him some soup. Their dad came down, joining them.

"You better make sure you eat some food too!" John's voice held more anger than he realized.

Dean didn't even look at his dad, he only continued to feed his brother, making sure he had plenty to eat. Once Sam was done, Dean carried him back to his bed, setting him down, then returning to put the bowl and spoon in the sink.

"Bring me your brother!" John demanded, which Dean did without question. "Now, you need to sit down and eat you some food!"

Dean just stood in front of his dad, he didn't feel much like eating.

"NOW!" John shouted, causing his oldest son to jump and the youngest to start crying.

"Well, looks like someone needs a nap." Bobby chuckled. "John, why don't you take your little one upstairs, its getting late and you're obviously still tired as hell. I'll take care of him." He pointed at Dean. "Don't worry, besides, I told him, him and I would go out and look at some of the old cars on the lot, if that's okay with you."

"Yeah, sure, sounds great." John said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He didn't feel like dealing with either of his boys, but he was for sure still tired.

"Dean, look after your brother." John said as he stood and walked out of the kitchen to put Sam back in his bed.

Bobby quickly followed, leaving Dean alone.

"John, hey, look, I know we just met and all, but, it seems to me you've put a lot of crap on your son's shoulders. Now look, I ain't trying to start nothing, or tell you how to raise your sons, 'cause lord knows, I ain't got a clue. But, how about you give that kid a break? Take the little one upstairs with you."

Bobby hesitated, not wanting to overstep his boundaries. "He doesn't seem to be much trouble. Let your oldest boy, be a boy, at least for a little while. I don't mind him looking through the cars in the yard, and this place is guarded. I know we haven't talked about it all yet, but there's symbols you can use to ward off different creatures and demons, and this place, around the edges, has all the symbols, there ain't much that's not human that can get past these walls. He'll be safe out there, plus, I'll keep an eye on the kid, scouts honor."

John released a sigh. "Okay, fine, but I'm warning you, if anything happens to my boy!"

"It won't, promise, he'll be fine."

John nodded, looking at the doorway where Dean was now standing. "You good with that?"

Dean nodded.

"Alright, I'll be upstairs with your brother if you need me."

Again, Dean nodded, this time he had a small smile spreading on his face. John nodded, and made his way upstairs with his son.

Dean could feel the anxiety rising in him, but he also felt a peace flow through his body, it felt like a huge weight was lifted from his heavy shoulders. This was different. He felt comfortable, he felt like he could make this his home.