Disclaimer: See chapter one

This is a extension of a sort from authoressnebula's Don't Say a Word. It's dark and graphic. So BE WARNED!

Okay, internal battle here. Absolute Survival is becoming a dead end in my mind. I don't really know where to go with it and I think if I keep going the rest of the story is going to be shit. So, should I stop it and possibly let another author continue? Or should I just keep going, shit writing or not? Please review and let me know... cause I'm just not sure. (and if you're an author who might want to continue it, please also leave a review :D)

BTW, there's a poll on my profile. It's basically asking about some story ideas I have. Any input would be GREAT so please vote!

This is a turning point chapter! I'm a bit proud of it so I hope you enjoy! (BTW, I know nothing of court proceedings and I KNOW that they way I do it is not how it would be handled in real life, but please bare with it ^_^)

Enjoy chapter twenty-six!

Today was the day. The day of judgment.

Robert Singer, James Brooks, Jean DeBeaux, Mila Jenkinson, and Sam and Dean's legal foster parents were all meeting at the court house for three consecutive days, to decide on whether Dean Winchester was a perpetrator of assault and battery, and to make final decisions on the guardian ship of Samuel Meredith Winchester and Dean Johnathan Winchester.

The boys in question were currently in a protected ward at the hospital, taken care of by one trusted nurse. No visitors of any sort allowed.

It was going to be a long three days.

---

Dean and Sam were on the bed, Dean sitting up with his back against the headboard and Sam curled up next to him, his head in his big brother's lap. Dean had a hand rested on Sam's shoulder and distractedly stroking Sam's hair. This was what took up the majority of their schedule. Just curled up together absorbing each other's company.

"De?" Sam whispered.

"Yeah, Sammy?" Dean in a regular voice. While Sam didn't talk directly into his ear anymore, Sam still hadn't spoken up at all. So Dean figured he could use all the encouragement he could get.

"Is John gone forever?"

Dean stiffened. For a moment he contemplated whether or not he should tell the truth. But knowing his brother, it was probably best he did. "I have no doubt that John will be gone for a very long time."

Sam froze. He sat up and looked at his brother fearfully. "So that means he's gonna come back?"

Dean didn't asnwer right away. He was wording his answer, making sure he didn't say anything to be misinterpreted. "He's going to be locked away for a very, very long time. By the time he gets out, you and me will probably be grown-ups."

Sam slowly nodded, only half-comprehending what his brother said. "Will we be in trouble when he gets out?"

Dean sighed. "No, Sammy. We won't be in trouble."

Sam nodded again, curling up more in Dean's lap. "Where's Dr. DeBeaux?"

"With Bobby and Jim."

"Where are they?"

Dean rubbed Sam's arm comfortingly. "Don't worry about that now."

---

Bobby sat back in his chair and sighed in exhaustion. It was the end of the third day. Now all that there was left to do was to was wait for the jury to make their decision.

He looked over at Mrs. Jenkinson. She and Sam's foster parents both were keeping up their image of smug, preppy bitches, but they also looked worn-out. Mrs. Jenkinson caught his eye for a moment before quickly looking away.

Bobby smiled. He was pretty confident about the case. Dean's foster parents had come to give their testimony, saying Dean was more worried about his brother and his well-being than he was anything else. That Dean practically begged for them to take in his brother as well. Mrs. Jenkinson said this was a sign of severe possessiveness, which is often times dangerous. But Dr. DeBeaux quickly testified his view on Sam and Dean's relationship, how Sam recovered better and faster with the presence of his brother, and there was no sign of 'possessiveness,' just a bit overprotective.

Bobby shot the woman a smug smile. He would always cherish the lost look on her face when she seemed to realize that she was loosing battle ground. She looked shocked beyond belief.

The side door to the court room opened and the jury filed out. Bobby and the others all stood as the judge came in and took his seat. Then they all sat back down except for the jury foreman.

"Have you reached your decision for the custody of Sam Meredith Winchester and Dean Johnathan Winchester?" the judged asked.

"We have," the foreman replied.

"After hearing the testimonies and reviewing the reports, what is your decision?"

"We grant sole guardianship of Sam Meredith Winchester and Dean Johnathan Winchester to Robert Singer."

"Yes!" Jean shouted. Every head in the courtroom looked at Jean with an amused look. "Uh... sorry," he quickly amended.

"That's quite alright," the judge said with an amused smile.

Bobby and Jim both sighed in relief. Bobby's heart soared at the thought that he could take care of those boys legally now. I'm a father, he thought with a little disbelief. And those boys are my sons!

The judge quickly sobered up and turned back to the foreman. "Have you reached a verdict on the crimes Dean Johnathan Winchester is accused of?"

"We have."

"How do you find the defendant on the charge of breaking and entering?"

"Guilty."

Bobby's stomach lurched. Oh please don't...

"How do you find the defendant on the charge of assault and battery?"

"Not guilty."

The judge nodded. "Dean Johnathan Winchester is charged with breaking and entering. He is fined $500." The judge hit the desk with his gavel. "This court is adjourned."

"That's it?!" Bobby said in disbelief. "Dean just has to pay 500 bucks?!"

"No. You will," Jean said with a smile. He couldn't be happier with the verdicts. "As his guardian, you'll be suffering the consequences."

Bobby scoffed. "No problem. I can hustle that much in my sleep."

---

The boys stiffened as the door opened, only relaxing at the sight of the doctor and Bobby.

"Well...?" Dean asked nervously.

Bobby smiled, holding up two certificates. "Boys, you're coming home with me."

Dean was stunned. His eyes started to burn for some reason and he brought a hand up to stop it. But when he brought his hand away it was wet. "Dammit!" Dean cursed. "Something in my eye..."

Bobby chuckled. He looked at Sam who looked uncertain. "It's okay, Sam," Bobby assured. He walked up to the boys and sat next to them on the bed. He held a hand out to Sam. "I'm going to take care of you two idjits."

Sam smiled. He timidly reached out a hand and placed it in Bobby's, flinching as the large calloused hand encased his. "It's okay, Sam."

Tears started to fall down Sam's face. He looked up at Bobby's kind face and let out a stuttering breath.

Dean smiled, his own tears falling freely. He really couldn't be happier. Bobby was their new guardian, Sam just took his first step towards recover and they finally had a home. What more could he ask for?

So... Should the next chapter be an epilogue or should I try and stretch out Sam's recover over a few more chapters?

Remember to take the poll on my profile!

PLEASE REVIEW! THE DRAGON'S HUNGRY!