Chapter 25
A big thank you to Soar for the Beta job, and to Soar, Sinead-Conlan, and JuliaAurelia for all their feedback on this chapter.
Disclaimer: Still don't own.
The sun rose over the horizon and John Winchester awoke with its early morning light. He wasted no time and quickly jumped out of bed because he had a ton of things to accomplish today. Bobby was being released from the hospital and John had to pick him up, and then he had to go to Bobby's to put the finishing touches on the GMC 4x4 truck Bobby was fixing up for him. He was just really glad that it was his day off.
He called the boys and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. A quick glance in the fridge revealed that a trip to the grocery store was another thing that had to be added to his 'to do' list. They had spent the last couple of days at the hospital and things had been neglected at the house. No matter what though, he needed to make sure that everything was ready for tomorrow, January 24th.
A smile graced John's lips as he flipped the pancakes. He couldn't believe that his eldest was actually turning 17 tomorrow. It seemed like only yesterday that he had been born. You should see our boy,Mary. You'd be so proud of him, John thought as he turned off the stove and put a plate on the table and started to make up a second one.
Sam and Dean entered the kitchen together and John saw Dean grab his insulin and disappear back down the hall to the bathroom. John had to admit that he was surprised. He knew that Dean hated the whole business with the needles and diet, and he would have thought that Dean would have had that amulet over his head in a heartbeat.
The hardest thing, John had to admit, was not ordering Dean to wear it. He really wanted to, but he had made a promise and he was determined to keep it. This was something Dean had to decide for himself.
"Hey dad, earth to dad," he heard his eldest call him and realised that he must have been out of it long enough for Dean to leave and return.
"What," John said coming out of his stupor. "Oh, sorry Dean, here's your pancakes," John said handing the plate that he'd held hostage in his arms to his son.
The three of them took a seat at the table and started happily munching away, or two of them did anyway. John hadn't made it to the grocery store and there was no sugar free syrup. Dean had asked his father for a tiny amount of regular, but due to the fact that he had spent most of the last two days sitting around the hospital, and had gotten little exercise, Dean's blood sugar was slightly elevated and John didn't want to risk it becoming unstable, so he had put his foot down.
"So Dean, anything special you want to do tomorrow?" John asked his eldest, trying to change the subject. He hoped that Dean didn't have any plans.
Dean didn't say anything at first. "Not really," he said with a shrug after a while.
"Do you want to go out for dinner? You can pick the restaurant," John offered. If there was somewhere Dean really wanted to go, his plans could be adjusted.
"I'd rather just stay in," Dean replied. "You can invite Bobby, if you want."
"Don't you want to invite Gray?" Sam inquired.
"I think he's busy," Dean said softly.
"Did he tell you he was doing something?" John wanted to know. He really hoped everything was okay between them.
"No," Dean said, looking down at his plate, suddenly finding it fascinating.
"Does Gray know it's your birthday tomorrow, Dean?" Sam asked. He had a feeling that Dean hadn't told him.
"Dean?' John questioned.
"No," Dean said with a sigh.
"Why not?" Sam wanted to know. He couldn't wait until May. He wanted to have a birthday party with his friends.
"It didn't seem important," Dean replied with another shrug.
John felt bad because he knew that he'd never really made a big deal about birthdays. There were several times in the past when he had gotten wrapped up in a hunt and forgotten Dean's birthday. He wondered if this could be the reason Dean hadn't told Gray. He didn't want to have to explain if his father forgot.
He really hoped his plans this year would make up for some past mistakes. John made a mental note to add a phone call to his list. If Dean didn't invite Gray, he would.
"We'd better get going," John said after they finished breakfast. "Dean, you drop me off at Bobby's and then you can drive yourself and Sammy to school. I'll either call you for a ride home, or I'll borrow one of Bobby's cars." John tossed the Impala's keys to his eldest son.
Dean decided that this was the best time to voice his request. "Dad, don't you think it would be so much easier if we had two cars? I was wondering if I could get a part time job and start saving for one," he said tentatively.
John had to work to keep the grin of his face. "I don't know, Dean. I mean, right now, you have school, your support group and the academic elite, I don't want you to stretch yourself too thin."
"Can I at least start looking? Academic Elite ends in a month and it may take me that long to find something."
"Yes, but make sure you check with me before applying anywhere, understood?"
"Yes sir, thanks," Dean said sincerely and went to go finish getting ready for school.
"Dad," Sam said. "You should let him, it's so rare that he asks for something, and I know he really wants his own car," Sam said.
"I know that, Sammy," John said and outlined his plans for Dean's birthday to his youngest. "Do you think it's a mistake?" John questioned. He'd been unsure about the second part of his plan.
A big grin light up Sam's face. "No way. He's going to love it," Sam said firmly. "Good idea."
John's grin matched Sam's.
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When Sam and Dean showed up at Bobby's after school, Dean told John that he had invited Gray and that he was coming to dinner tomorrow. John was glad. He had one last thing to do and he couldn't have Dean around while he did it. Bobby, aware of what was happening, asked Dean if he would run to the hardware store and pick up some parts. This accomplished two things. He got the parts he needed and allowed John the time to wash and wax the Impala.
Dean borrowed one of Bobby's cars and drove downtown to Murphy's Hardware. It was an old fashioned mom-and-pop type store, owned and run by Sean Murphy. He always had a kind word for his customers and you were always treated with the kind of customer service that you didn't get in the big department stores. Plus, the place had every tool known to man and Dean loved to look at them. He quickly decided that he believed in fate when he approached the store and saw the help wanted sign in the window.
He went in and was greeted by the owner. He returned the greeting and picked up the parts he needed before heading to the register. He was glad that Mr. Murphy was working it because he wanted to ask him about the job.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Murphy," Dean said politely.
"Afternoon, Dean," Sean Murphy greeted the young man. "How's your uncle? I'm sorry to hear Bobby was ill. He's one of my best customers."
"He actually got out of the hospital today. He'll be back in here in no time. In fact, that's why I'm here."
Sean smiled. "Thank God, I was afraid for my business."
Dean grinned. "Mr. Murphy, can I ask you something?"
"'Course, 'm'boy."
"It's about the help wanted sign you have in your window. What would the hours be like?"
"Part time, about 15 per week. It would be mostly helping the customers and stocking shelves. I'm getting way too old to be bending up and down."
"Do you have the position filled yet?" Dean asked.
"Not yet," Sean said. "I can only pay minimum wage and young people want to work at the mall."
"Can I have an application? I know lots about tools. I'm sure that I can get a recommendation from my shop teacher as well," Dean said excitedly. This would be his dream job.
Sean looked at the young man standing before him. Truth be told, he would prefer not to hire teenagers. They weren't very reliable and in the past, he'd had money and things stolen from him, or had the kids just not show up, but this was Bobby's nephew. He had known Bobby Singer for 15 years. Dean had the best manners that he'd ever seen in a teenager, but the fact remained that Dean was still a teenager. Would he be looking for days off or extended breaks? He had been hoping for a college student.
"Guess it couldn't hurt for you to fill out the application," Sean said eventually and handed one to the young man before him.
"Thanks sir, there's just one thing," Dean said. He had to be honest and he wanted to know if he'd be out of the running before he'd even applied.
"What is it?" Sean said, trying to keep the wariness out his tone.
"It's just that I'm diabetic. I don't need special breaks, but I would need to know when they would be before hand, so that I can adjust my schedule. Guess I should have told you that before I asked for the application," Dean said sheepishly.
"It's okay. I don't see that being a problem," Sean said honestly. "I post the schedules a week in advance."
"Thanks, Mr. Murphy." Dean said. "I just have to check with dad and I'll get his back to you as soon as possible."
"You're welcome," Sean said.
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Gray got home that evening and went to his room to put away his school bag. He then went to the kitchen, grabbed a slice of cake, and spoke to Edith, their cook. He also wanted a snack before getting ready to head out again. He had to go to the mall and look for a birthday present for Dean. He couldn't believe that Dean hadn't wanted to tell him, but he was glad that he had in the end.
He was just getting ready to leave when he heard his mother call him. "Grayson, your father needs to talk to you," she said.
That was a surprise. He had thought his father was out of town. "When did dad get back?" he asked.
"This afternoon. He needed to pick up a few things and then he's taking Thayer to the office with him to show him a few things," his mother explained.
"When does he want me?" Gray asked.
"Now, please don't keep him waiting," his mom said and then shouted over his shoulder. "Arabella. Come on, darling, we don't want to be late for dinner, you know the Markingtons abhor lateness."
"Coming mummy," he heard his sister's false, sugary voice. He just sighed and went to his father's home office. He knocked and entered when requested.
"You wanted to see me, dad?" Gray asked.
"Yes Gray, have a seat," his dad said indicating the seat in front of him. His father, Thayer Remington the third, was an imposing man and you usually did as asked.
"What's up?" Gray asked.
"It's been brought to my attention by my good friend Judge Atwood, that you've been seen running around town with someone who's not, shall we say, of reputable character."
"What?" Gray said in disbelief. His father wasn't talking about Dean was he?
"Do not play dumb, Grayson. This boy goes to your school and I won't have our family's good name suffer. I mean, the Atwoods are in our social circle, but I have never seen you hang around with Benjamin. He is your age."
"Dad, Dean's my friend," Gray defended. "Me and Ben don't get along." He didn't understand the world he lived in. Why was it that Ben, who was a shoplifter, a jerk, and about to be a 16 year old father was acceptable, when someone like Dean, who was the exact opposite, wasn't. He wondered if his dad knew about Kelsey.
"I am inviting the Atwoods to dinner tomorrow night. Judge Atwood is thinking of running for political office and is asking for my support in his campaign, so it wouldn't do for the press to get wind of the fact that the son of one of his campaign's biggest supports is hanging around with the town delinquent."
"Dean's not a delinquent, dad," Gray snapped.
"Grayson, I've let you have your fun, but it's time to get serious about your future. Now, you will be at dinner tomorrow night..."
"But dad," Gray protested. "It's Dean's birthday. I promised him that I would be there." Gray had to show up. He knew his friend well enough that Dean would take it personally if he didn't.
"It wasn't a request, you will be there," Thayer said instantly. "I also forbid you to see that boy again for the duration of the campaign. You may go," his father said dismissing him.
Gray was fuming as he walked down the hall toward his bedroom. He couldn't believe it. Maybe he could ask Ben at dinner tomorrow night if he and Kelsey had discussed names, he thought ruefully. But to do that, he had to be at dinner tomorrow night and he didn't want to be there. He wanted to go to his friend's birthday party. Just before he got to his bedroom, he saw his brother there. Great, this is just what he needed.
"Hey geek. Dad talk to you?"
"Yeah," he mumbled. "Move Thayer, I'm not in the mood."
"Nerdboy gets mad. I didn't think I'd ever see it."
"Move," Gray requested again.
"Gonna make me, brainiac?" Thayer challenged.
Gray started to turn away.
"Knew you were too much of a wimp. I can't believe we're related."
With that, Gray turned suddenly, lifted his knee and connected with Thayer, solidly in between his legs.
"You know what?" Gray said to his brother when he fell. "If my brother can't teach me how to kick a bully in the 'nads, then I'm glad my friend could." Gray stepped over his fallen brother, feeling lighter than he had in awhile. That had felt so good. He grabbed his keys and headed out the door. His mind was made up. He needed to find a birthday present, after all, he couldn't show up for Dean's birthday without one.
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The next morning, while the boys were at school, Bobby put the finishing touches on his and John's plans. Dean hadn't had a real birthday since he was 4 and John wanted to give him that. Knowing that he would never go for it himself, John took it upon himself. They decided to use Bobby's house since it was bigger. Bobby had even painted over the devil's trap on the ceiling. He would put it back once everything was done. He'd explained it to Gray by saying that one Halloween, Sam and Dean had turned his place into a haunted house and he had just never bothered painting over it.
John had also invited Dean's support group over for his birthday, and they were all attending. Bobby really thought that John's plan was a good one, as everyone but Gray and Sammy were diabetics and for once, Dean wouldn't feel like the odd man out. Bobby had also arranged for trays of healthy food and other things that were in Dean's diet. There was nothing that anyone at the party couldn't eat. The only thing Bobby regretted was that there was no cake. John had tried to make one using a diabetic recipe, but it hadn't turned out well. Bobby just hoped that the birthday pizza would do.
Given that this was Dean, and not wanting to embarrass him, the decorations were minimal, just a simple banner that read 'Happy Birthday Dean'. The food had been arranged buffet style and there were no activities planned. The guests could just hang out and mingle.
It was debated by John and Bobby briefly as to whether to make this a surprise party. That was quickly shot down, they both knew that Dean would not react well to everyone jumping out and yelling 'surprise'. John was supposed to tell him on the way over, but they were still a little nervous as to how Dean would react. Despite everything though, Dean deserved this and John wanted to give it to him. He just hoped that everything went well and that Dean enjoyed himself, not spending the whole time in the corner brooding.
By six, all the guests, including Gray, had shown up. When Bobby greeted him, Gray handed him a birthday cake. He'd had their chef make it suitable for diabetics. Bobby knew he could take Gray's word on that because their chef was qualified to work at a five star restaurant. Bobby noticed that Gray was a little subdued and dragged the whole story of his father's party out of him. Gray told Bobby that most likely come tormorrow, he would be on the next plane to military school. Bobby told him not to worry about it and to enjoy the party. Deciding to follow Bobby's advice, Gray introduced himself to the other party guests, and he easily fit in with the rest of the crowd.
The rumble of the Impala indicated that the birthday boy had arrived. Dean had said surprisingly little when John told him. He'd given the expected 'you shouldn't have gone to all this trouble' line. John had told him that it was no trouble, and that he hoped that Dean had a good time. After he told Dean all the guests were from his support group, John could have sworn that he saw a hint of a smile grace his eldest's lips.
When the Winchesters entered, everyone wished Dean a happy birthday. Dean flushed red, but John and Bobby were sporting grins of their own. It was easy to tell that Dean enjoyed the attention.
The two elder hunters retired to the kitchen and kept an eye on things. They could both see Dean talking to his friends and laughing at something they said. Both men were glad to see that the laughter was genuine, not forced. Dean was clearly enjoying himself. The only time he showed a hint of getting upset was when Sandy put her new Backstreet Boys tape into the cassette player.
Even Dean was willing to admit that he was enjoying himself, and he really appreciated the fact that for once, he wasn't the one who was different.
Presents were the usual birthday fare. He'd gotten tapes, clothes and money from his friends in his support group. Bobby had gotten Dean a ticket to a fancy car show in town. John gave his son a model kit of an Impala, amused when Dean gave him a confused look. Dean had never made a model in his life. Sam gave Dean a Metallica T-shirt and Gray gave him a gift certificate to the music store, and knowing how much Dean liked to work on cars, he also gave him a fancy, fully loaded, tool kit.
What Dean didn't know was that Bobby's, Sam's and John's real presents were waiting until the guests had gone home. Part of John's gift was going to upset Dean and he didn't want to give it to him until it was just family.
After all the gifts were opened, Dean sat at the table while Bobby brought the cake in. Not being able to resist a little embarrassment of the birthday boy, Bobby led the group in an off-key version of happy birthday.
"Make a wish, Dean," Sam encouraged his brother.
"It already came true," Dean mumbled under his breath as he blew out his candles.
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Dean said goodbye to his friends and retired to the living room. John noticed that Dean asked Gray to stay for a while and he decided that it would be okay to give Dean his gifts in front of Gray. The kid was almost family.
"Good birthday, Dean?" John inquired.
"Yeah," he mumbled contently. "The best one."
"I'm glad, son," John said sincerely. This could have backfired so easily. "You up to opening a few more presents?"
"But you already got me so much," Dean protested.
"It's not much more," John replied. "Sam, you want to go first?"
"Yup, here, Dean," Sam said and handed Dean a new keepsake box. "I noticed that yours was getting a little rough. Sam had debated long and hard over what to get his brother. He knew that Dean had a little box, and the last time he'd seen Dean with it, the lid wouldn't stay closed. He had always wondered what was in it, but it was the one thing Dean wouldn't share with him, so Sam respected his brother's privacy.
"Thanks Sammy," Dean said, trying to keep his emotions at bay, as he ran his hand lightly over the inscription. Brothers Forever.
"My turn," Bobby said and handed Dean a new duffle bag.
Dean was a little confused at first, until Bobby gave him a pointed look, and Dean looked inside. There was a photo of a .45 desert eagle. Dean understood and grinned. He couldn't believe he was getting his own gun. He knew that had Gray not been there, Bobby would have handed it to him.
Gray couldn't understand why Dean got so excited over a duffle bag. He just chalked it up to one of the things he would probably never understand, like the silver bullet on Dean's key chain. Gray had asked his friend about it once. Dean had said it was a long story and changed the subject.
"Okay Dean, my turn," John said. "Now son, this is actually from your mother," John said softly.
Dean looked up in shock. "Wha... What is it?" he said trying unsuccessfully to keep the waver out of his voice.
With shaking hands, Dean accepted the gift from his father. When he opened it up, he realized that he was staring at a silver ring. He picked it up and looked at the inscription inside. It read my little buddy. Dean stared at it, not saying anything.
"It's real silver. Your mother was big on traditions. There was a silver mug that had been in her family for six generations. She wanted all of us to be able to share it. She got permission from her mother, and had it melted down and made into four rings. She chose rings because she said the circle was the perfect symbol to represent family, no ending, no beginning, always connected. Two became our wedding rings and she had the other two made for the two children we'd planned to have, She planned to give them to you on your 18th birthday," John explained softly and than quickly added, "I didn't forget how to count, I know you're 17, Dean. I just think your mom would understand my giving this to you now."
"Do you still have mine?" Sam asked, unable to keep the emotion out of his own voice. If it had been in his nursery...
John was just glad that he didn't have to lie to Sammy. "Yeah kiddo, you do. It's in a safety deposit box and you'll get it when you turn 17."
"Does the inscription mean anything, dad?" Sam asked curiously. He knew that his father called his brother 'buddy' and that Dean got upset if anyone else did that.
"Yeah," John said with a grin. "Your mom said that since our children were part of both of us, she wanted the rings to come from both of us. The silver they were made from came from her and she told me I could choose the inscription. I knew from the day you were born, Dean, that you were going to be my little buddy."
"What does mine say?" Sam asked curiously.
"You'll find out when your 17," was all John would say.
"No fair," Sam said with a pout and crossed his arms over his chest.
"It's beautiful, Dean," Gray said meaning it. It was a plain silver band, but Gray really did think it was the nicest thing he had ever seen.
Dean put the ring on his finger. He was disappointed that it was too big, though. It would never stay on his finger.
"Are you okay, buddy?" John asked. He continued when Dean didn't answer. "Don't worry if it doesn't fit. She had no way of knowing your sizes, so she just had them made based on a friend's 18 year old son. She just wanted you to have them."
"Yeah, it's just... I um, I just... thanks," Dean said, letting whatever else he had been about to say die on his lips.
Gray could see the disappointment on his friend's face. He knew that Dean wanted to wear it. He reached up and took off the chain that he usually wore. "Since I didn't know about the extra gifts, you can have this. You can wear the ring on it."
"Thanks," Dean said. He gratefully accepted the chain from his friend and put the ring on the chain and put it around his neck. He'd never take it off.
"You're welcome," Gray said.
John decided it was time to lighten the mood before Dean bolted. "Okay son, here's my real gift," he said and tossed something to his son.
Dean caught it in mid air. He looked down at the object in his had. It was a key to the Impala. Why was his dad giving him a key? He already had one. It took a few minutes for him to clue in. He looked at his father, daring him to confirm what he was thinking.
John just nodded toward the window.
Dean jumped off the couch and ran to the window, and sure enough, there was the Impala sitting in the driveway, washed and waxed and gleaming like it had just come off the show room floor. There was a big red bow sitting on the hood.
Dean ran to his father and hugged him. He didn't care that his friend was there.
"Want to go take your car for a spin?" John asked.
"My car," Dean said in disbelief. "Yeah. You coming, Sammy?"
Sam was all set to get up and join Dean, but a look from Bobby stopped him. "Actually, I'm kind of tired. Can you take me for a ride tomorrow?" Sam requested.
"Sure, coming Gray?" Dean said excitedly.
"Right behind you," Gray confirmed.
"Don't worry, dad, I'll be home by 12," Dean said.
"Hey Dean, you're growing up. I trust you. Make it one."
"Thanks dad," Dean said sincerely. Those three words and his ring were the best birthday presents of the day.
"Happy birthday, buddy."
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Dean drove down the highway with his music going. He couldn't remember a better birthday. He even pulled over and let Gray drive, briefly. It was his car after all. He liked saying that. His car.
They drove around for a while until it was time for Dean's evening snack. Gray proposed a little restaurant. Dean wanted to go to a drive through and keep driving, but since it was his car, he felt he should be responsible for the gas. He pulled over and really hoped that no one else was in the restaurant. He didn't want anything to ruin his day.
He and Gray walked in and took a booth in the back. Dean looked through the menu and asked for a plain, toasted bagel, lightly buttered. He watched as Gray ordered chilli cheese fries. He wondered briefly if he should put the amulet on.
No Dean, he told himself. It was true that part of the reason he was refusing to wear it was to keep the peace between his father and brother, because he had no doubt that once he did, his father was going to want to start hunting again. There was also another reason and it was a selfish one.
Dean had to admit that sometimes, it was nice not to be the responsible one. It was kind of nice to come home from school and do his homework and not have to worry about dinner. Sure, Dean helped out, but the responsibilities were shared among all three of them, it didn't all rest squarely on his shoulders, and Dean was willing to admit that felt good to himself, just not to anyone else.
Things in the restaurant went smoothly. George, from Dean's shop class, showed up at one point with his girlfriend. George seemed to be immune to the whole Wimpchester thing. The only thing that he cared about was that Dean could hold his own in auto shop. Plus, the fact that he had ended up getting to drive the Impala, briefly, firmly planted him on Dean's side.
Dean eventually pulled into the driveway at 12:56. His father was pacing and Dean bit back a grin, and said good night to his father and brother. He went to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and checked his blood sugar. Even it was cooperating by being within normal ranges.
Dean climbed into bed and reached his hand under his shirt and cupped the ring in his hand. "Night mom," he said softly and closed his eyes.
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The next day at breakfast, John was surprised when Dean repeated his request to get a job. He informed his father about the job at Murphy's and that he wanted to apply. He said that he wanted to be able to gas the Impala and have his own spending money. John agreed to let him try, but said that if his grades slipped, he was going to have to give it up.
The next three months passed quietly. The whole Wimpchester thing was dying down, with only Ben, Cody, and Jamie still using it.
Dean and Gray found a new table in the cafeteria. George and his friend Chris started joining them, and Neil eventually joined them as well. He told Dean that he was sorry for siding with Jamie and Cody, but he realized now just what big jerks they were. Dean told him not to worry about it. Neil had never really done anything to him.
Gray was surprised that he was even still around. He had really expected fireworks when he got home on the night of Dean's birthday. Apparently, though, his father had received an anonymous call that Judge Atwood was about to become a grandfather. Gray figured out where Bobby had disappeared to that night. His father immediately dropped his support for Judge Atwood, he didn't want to risk a scandal and he seemed to forget all about Dean.
Sean Murphy ended up hiring Dean. He had good recommendations, and he was extremely knowledgeable. He was surprised at how well it worked out. Dean was reliable, dependable and trustworthy and more importantly, the customers loved him.
Dean liked having his own spending money, so he made sure to make an extra effort to keep his grades up. It was hard sometimes, but like anything he put his mind to, he succeeded. The one thing that remained the same was Dean's refusal to wear the amulet.
Dean had to admit that he was surprised that his father hadn't ordered him to wear it yet. Although he wondered if his dad was using a more subtle method. Dean found that he had to remind his father to pick up his supplies more often. Hardly a month went by when Dean wasn't almost out of one thing or another. Once, he'd even had to drive to the drugstore at 11pm when he'd completely run out of syringes. He noticed that his father was becoming neglectful in other areas as well.
His father had always tried to keep sugary foods out of the house, but Dean noticed they appeared more often than not these days. There was less and less food being bought that was in his diet, and a few times, Dean really had to root thorough the cupboards to find something he could eat.
"Dad," he addressed his father one day. He was getting ready for work and putting together his injection kit. "Did you pick up my prescriptions? I used up the last of my insulin."
"Sorry Dean," John said contritely. "I'll get it tomorrow. There's still a full bottle in the fridge though," he said and turned back to the article he was reading.
"That's the rapid acting stuff," Dean said. He hated taking it because it kicked in too fast, he much preferred the short acting. He wondered if his dad had even really heard him.
"Just use it today and I promise, I'll pick it up tomorrow," John said, a touch of impatience entering his tone.
Dean didn't have a choice. He put the vial in the holder. He just hoped that Mr. Murphy would let him go to break a bit earlier than normal. "I'm off at nine, dad. I'm meeting Gray, and George afterwards, but I'll be home by 11. I know it's a school night."
"'Kay, call me if your plans change."
"I will," Dean promised and he headed out the door.
When he explained the situation with his insulin, Mr. Murphy told Dean to go ahead. He didn't mind him taking break a bit earlier, it was a slow evening, and Dean didn't often ask.
He was down back stocking shelves with oil when he heard a voice call out.
"Hey Wimpchester," Ben said.
Dean bit back a groan. "Hi Ben," he said, refusing to be baited when he saw Ben and his little brother standing there.
"I'm surprised that you're not scared to be back here by yourself."
"I'm not surprised you haven't gotten any new material," Dean shot back. Okay, maybe he was willing to be baited.
"It must really suck to be you. I mean, having to work and all. I just ask my dad for money," Ben sneered.
Dean really couldn't help himself. "I don't know, from what I hear, you could use a job. I heard the drug store's hiring and they offer a really good discount to employees. It might come in handy for buying diapers."
That shut Ben up fast. When Kelsey had told him that she was pregnant, he couldn't believe it. He had denied that it was his, but he'd done so much bragging to his friends that he'd spent the whole evening bagging Wimpchester's girlfriend, that anyone with half a brain would be able to do the math.
Dean gave Ben his own smirk as he heard Mr. Murphy page him to cash. He could hear Conner asking Ben what that had been about.
Dean covered for his boss while he had to take a phone call. He debated whether or not to warn Mr. Murphy about Ben's sticky fingers. Mr. Murphy had done him a favour by giving him the job and he felt that it was part of his responsibility as an employee, but he had just gotten rid of the Wimpchester label at school and he didn't want it replaced with something worse. His conscience, though, was telling him that his loyalty should lie with his boss. He knew what his father would expect him to do. He pulled his boss aside and told him to keep an eye on Ben. Sean thanked him and said that he would.
Shortly afterward, Dean went to the bathroom and took his injection. He was supposed to go on his dinner break when Mr. Murphy asked him to watch the cash, sure enough, Ben had been caught going out the door with a very expensive wrench in his pocket. Dean knew he had 15 minutes max to eat something, but Mr. Murphy was going to the back office to call Ben's parents. Dean pulled a roll of glucose tablets out of his pocket and as luck would have it, there was only 2 left. His spare roll was in his kit in the break room. He ate the ones he had, hoping that his boss wouldn't be long.
He wanted to go and get his other roll, but unfortunately 3 customers came in the store and Dean couldn't leave the register unattended. Dean put a dollar on the register and grabbed a bottle of soda out of the cooler, just in case he started to feel shaky. He didn't know what else to do and once again, he found himself wishing for his amulet. As time went on, it was getting harder to resist it's allure.
He was ringing through a purchase of light bulbs for one of the customers when two men entered the store. Dean didn't know why, but his instincts were immediately heightened and not in a good way. There was just something about the way they were moving that was making the young hunter very wary.
"Welcome to Murphy's Hardware," Dean greeted them. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yeah, hand over all the money in the till. NOW KID!"
Dean found himself staring down the barrel of a Glock.
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Mr. Murphy had instructed him on how to handle this situation. He had said that money wasn't worth your life, so Dean opened the till and handed them the money. He just hoped that they would leave and no one would get hurt.
It would have happened like that if fate had not intervened. Sean Murphy had called the cops on his young shoplifter and just as the two men were about to leave, they heard the distinct sound of sirens.
"You trip the alarm, kid?" the first man said as he jammed the gun back into Dean's face.
"No, I swear, we caught a shoplifter, that's all. Just take the money and go. No one needs to get hurt."
"Yeah right, and we walk out into the arms of the cops, no thanks. Everyone get on the ground now," the other man said.
Everyone complied, except one man who decided he had to play the hero. "How about letting one of us go?" he asked. "It's a good will gesture."
"SHUT UP! Get down," one of them screamed. "Willie, what do we do?" he said frantically to his partner.
"I'm thinking, Nicky," the other man said.
That's when Dean knew that this situation had just gotten a whole lot more dangerous. These two were amateurs. This was probably their first time and they were scared, and would, therefore, be a lot more trigger happy.
Everyone, even Dean, complied with the order, except the wannabe hero. He put his arms out to the side and started to walk towards Nicky. Dean read the situation and reacted instinctively. He dove and pushed the guy out of the way just as the gun went off.
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Bobby Singer was in his den repainting his devil's trap. He had his police scanner in the back ground when he heard the reports of shots fired at Murphy's Hardware. His heart immediately stopped beating in his chest. Dean was working tonight. He jumped off the ladder and ran to call John, telling him that he would meet him there.
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Sean Murphy had Ben and Conner Atwood in his office. He was filling out some paperwork when he heard the screaming. He told the boys stay put and went to go investigate. He had just opened the door and stepped out into the hallway when he heard the gun shot.
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Dean felt an explosion of pain in his left shoulder. Man, that hurt. He thanked his lucky stars that the man didn't have a good aim.
"Hey kid," the man he'd saved said. "You alright?"
"I'm good," Dean said through clenched teeth.
"See what you made me do?" Nicky yelled. "Now sit down and shut up until me and Willie find out what to do."
This time, the man did as he was told. Things got worse when Sean startled Willie and he fired. Fortunately, it didn't hit anyone, but Willie used his gun and knocked Sean out. Willie saw the two boys huddled in the office and grabbed them, making them sit with everyone else.
An older woman helped Dean sit up. "It's okay, honey, let me see," she said and tried to examine the injured boy.
"I'll live," Dean said and attempted to wave off her administrations, putting his hand over his shoulder to try and staunch the blood flow.
"Can you get him a towel or something?" the woman requested.
"I have to ask Willie," Nicky said.
Dean watched as the two of them conferred. Willie, who seemed to be in charge, came over.
"One of you is coming with me," he said and went to grab Conner. "I want to warn the police not to come in and I need a hostage."
Conner grabbed his brother tighter.
"Take me," Dean said through ragged breaths. "He's just a kid. If they see I'm injured, they'll know you're serious."
Willie ignored him and started for Conner. Dean knew he had to do something.
"Lock the door," he said suddenly.
"Excuse me?" Nicky said.
"You have to lock the door. What if the police try to come in? If you lock the door, you don't need a hostage," Dean panted. The pain was getting worse and it was getting harder to breathe through it.
Fortunately, Willie seemed to agree and turned away from Conner. He had Nicky go over and lock the door. Dean breathed a sigh of relief.
"That was quick thinking, kid," the wannabe hero said.
Dean just glared at him.
"You're real brave. What's your name, sweetie?" the woman who was tending Dean said.
"De… Dean," he managed to get out.
"How you holding up, Dean?" she asked.
"Peachy," he said, and all of a sudden, he felt himself getting shaky. Not now, damn it, please not now.
"Everything alright?" the woman said to Dean. She had 4 kids and 9 grandkids, she could tell when something was wrong, besides the obvious.
Dean glanced towards his coke sitting by the register. "You thirsty, honey?" she asked. "I'll see if I can get some water."
"Coke," Dean insisted. "Trust... uh, just... trust me, coke." Dean really hoped she would listen, but between the pain in his shoulder, and his dropping blood sugar levels, it was getting hard to form a coherent thought.
"Excuse me," she said to Nicky. Can you please get me some water?" the lady requested.
"Coke," Dean said again. He really needed some sugar. He wished the woman would listen to him. He knew he should tell her why, but he couldn't form the words.
The gunman threw a bottle of water at the woman and she held it up to Dean's lips. He sipped it gratefully, but it did little for his blood sugar. He decided to close his eyes. Maybe if he could get his bearings, he could tell the lady why he needed coke.
It wasn't long before the woman felt Dean go slack in her arms. She figured he had finally passed out from the pain. She had been surprised at how he had lasted.
The stand off continued. The two would be robbers becoming more antsy and they started shouting at each other. Then Willie came over with a bag and told everyone to put all their money and their jewellery into it.
The woman went to remove Dean's watch when he stiffened in her arms. She thought he was coming around. "Easy," she said softy when Dean gave a small twitch. She went to remove the bracelets on his other arm when she recognized the silver and red of his bracelet. She immediately checked it and realized why he had been asking for soda.
"Hey sweetie, you with me?" she said and lightly tapped his cheek.
She looked at him and saw his eyes were partially open. This did not put the lady at ease because they didn't appear focused, and all of a sudden, Dean's eyes rolled back and he started to seize.
TBC
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