#25—"Bribery, Anyone?"
It was the day Sam and Dean were to leave for Bobby's, and Dean pulled his son aside for some last minute directions. "Ben, I'm depending on you to look after your mom, to help her out."
"I know, Dad. I know," Ben shifted his stance from side to side impatiently.
"I'm serious, son. I want you to help her, do things for her and without being asked. Stay close, and don't leave her alone. She's far enough along that anything could happen." Dean insisted. "Don't fuss, but I want you to not go hang out with your friends until I get home, ok?" He watched as a look of annoyance covered his son's face. "Ben, please."
"But Dad—"
Dean grasped the youth's shoulders and turned him to face him squarely. "Do what I'm asking, and when I get home, I'll let you take the car out."
"Really?" Ben's eyes lit up. "You'll let me drive your car? You never let anyone drive her."
Dean grinned. "I know, which is why I'm offering. You know what I'm asking, son. Don't make Mom have to ask, ok?"
Ben nodded. "Yeah, ok. You can depend on me."
Dean gave his son a one-armed hug. "I know I can. I'll be gone a week or so. I expect your mom to give me a good report when get back."
Sam looked on as Dean gave Ben more instructions, and considered how different his big brother was now from how he'd always been. Fatherhood looked good on him, and Sam told him as much later on as the two of them pulled out of the driveway. "You impressed me, Dean."
"How's that?" Dean asked, shooting his brother a look.
"The way you dealt with Ben. I've always known you'd make a good dad, but seeing it in action from a different point of view...I hope Ben knows how lucky he is to have you."
Dean shrugged. "I got practice with you." He took a moment to pop in a cassette and set the volume low, then added, "Ben's a good kid. I'm not worried leaving him with Lise."
"So why the bribery?" Sam grinned.
"Never hurts to sweeten the pot a little."