Chapter 12: Dean's Birthday
Dean woke up to see Sam smiling down at him, his hands behind his back. John was gone, leaving Sam and Dean alone once again.
"Happy birfday" Sam said happily as he held out a package of Reese's Cups.
"Where'd you get these?" Dean asked excitedly as he sat up in bed.
"Bought em" Sam answered.
"How?" Dean replied.
"I saved some money daddy gave me" Sam answered. "And I got you this too" Sam said as he held out a little toy car.
"But this is yours Sammy" Dean said as Sam handed him the red sports car.
"It's okay, you can have it" Sam answered. He then walked over to the kitchen and stood on his tiptoes to try and reach the box of cheerios that were sitting on the counter. Dean set down his presents and walked over to Sam, getting the box down and then pouring him cereal and pouring in the milk. Sam sat down at the table and Dean set the bowl in front of him. Sam ate hungrily and Dean smiled and grabbed himself a bowl. He began to eat and then glanced over at his dad's unmade bed.
"So, did you see where daddy went?" Dean asked.
"He said he had to hunt" Sam answered. Dean froze at the words and then remembered how Sam had been attacked by a beast only a few days ago. He was surprised Sam hadn't mentioned it until now.
"So you know what he does now, what do you think?" Dean questioned.
"He hunts wolves" Sam answered. "He's a hero, like superman" Sam said with a smile on his face.
"Sam he…." Dean started. He thought for a moment and then decided it would be better if he didn't tell him. If daddy wants him to know, he'll tell him, Dean thought to himself. Dean had turned 8, and even though it was only another year older, he already was starting to think smarter. Dean smiled brightly at his dad as he walked into the motel room two hours later. He had been sitting on the couch with Sam eating chips and bonding, Sam had let Dean pick the show since it was his birthday. He had liked watching racing with Sam; Sam even seemed to be enjoying it. Dean had been routing for number 36, the black car with the red streaks had made it look cool to Dean, and that's why he had picked it. Sam had picked number 77, a green car with black and orange on its bumper and around the point of the car.
"Hey daddy" Dean said as he ran over to his dad.
"Dean" John said with a nod as he hardly looked down at his son. He walked towards the motel refrigerator and grabbed a leftover burger and heated it up, he then grabbed a water bottle and sat down on the couch beside Sam. Dean ran over to his dad and sat beside him.
"What are you two watching?" John asked as he yawned and rubbed his eyes.
"Racing" Dean said. "Sammy wants 77 to win, I want 36" Dean explained. When John didn't comment Dean looked down at his feet and then back at his dad.
"Who do you wanna win?" Dean asked excitedly.
"I don't care who wins, give me the remote, the games on" John said harshly. Dean swallowed and passed the remote to his father, something about him was definitely different.
"Daddy what's wrong?" Dean asked as Sam leaned forward and looked over at his dad.
"Nothing" John said annoyed, "What's with all the questions?" John demanded.
"I'm sorry" Dean said as he dropped his gaze. Dean turned it to the hockey game and Sam seemed confused by his father.
"So what'd you get Deem?" Sam spoke up suddenly as he moved to sit beside his dad.
"What do you mean? Why would I get Dean something?" John questioned.
"It's his birfday" Sam answered.
"Really?" John asked after a moment, "It can't be here already."
"Yeah, I got him some candy" Sam said with a small smile. Dean looked over at his dad with bright eyes and John looked embarrassed for forgetting. He pushed the thoughts aside and anger filled his mind instead.