Hey guys! Here's the next chapter and I hope that everybody enjoys seeing Abby and Nick's first couple of hours with their family. I tried to make the interactions with both babies be pretty even so hopefully, it doesn't feel like we're seeing more of one twin than the other. Wow, we're 5 reviews away from reaching 500... you've got to be kidding me?! Thanks to everybody for every single review you've left... that's amazing! I'm still not totally sure how much longer this story will run for... maybe until when the twins get to be about 6 months old is what I'm thinking? Is that okay or should I go longer/shorter?
Now, here's a little bit of strangely related family-supernatural news that I think this is quite cool though this might show just how big of a dork I am. One of my older cousins is pregnant for the first time (I'm really excited for her! :D) but get this... her little boy is due on July 19th, that's right on Jared's birthday I will be getting a new little cousin! (I have a HUGE-ass family so I count anybody with 'cousin' in their title as a cousin... it's easier that way :P) Oh, and they are thinking of naming him Jake... lol. And no, neither she nor her husband is a fan of the show... coincidence much? I don't know, I just found that entertaining.
Anyways, thanks for continuing to read this story and I hope to hear back from all of you. Enjoy! :)
Dean smiled softly when the twins began to cry about eight minutes later. Here we go he thought knowing that the high pitched wails were something that they would be hearing a lot of now that Nick and Abby were finally here. "Aw, what's the matter kiddo?" He asked as he lightly rubbed Nick's back trying to soothe the small baby a little. How the hell do we tell what you need Dean silently wondered hoping that he wouldn't completely mess Abby and Nick up while he figured out how to be a parent. You've been raising Sam since you were four, you can handle this he heard his dad's voice silently encourage him.
"They might be hungry." Sam observed as he watched Abby's little rosebud mouth form an "o" shape as she began to squirm in his arms.
"Oh yeah, you guys want some grub?" Dean asked as he stood, gently laying Nick down on the bed beside Sam. "I'll be right back." He told his brother before he hurried out of the room to go prepare two bottles.
~DW/SW~
Dean walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the cabinet where they had decided to store all of the bottles and baby supplies. Grabbing what he needed, Dean began to fill them with the formula Steven had recommended since Sam had adamantly stated that he didn't care what crazy things his body thought he was capable of, he was not breastfeeding. To be honest, Dean was quite glad at that… he thought that maybe his brother had undergone enough womanly changes already.
"How are they?" John asked as he approached Dean, worry and concern written on his face even as he fought to smile. He had heard the twins' cries and was excited that his grandchildren were finally here and that so far, at least everything looked like it had turned out alright for the youngest Winchester and his new additions.
Dean smiled even as his hands shook with nervousness. "They're good… kind of scary but really good." He admitted.
John nodded as he recognized the look of an overjoyed and yet nervous, brand-spanking-new parent on Dean's face knowing that twice upon a time he had looked like that too. "How's Sam?" He asked, wanting to know how his youngest had made it through. Steven had explained to him about Sam's tearing and that his son had fallen into an exhausted sleep but overall had made it through just fine. He still wanted Dean's take on it though knowing just how perceptive his oldest was, especially when it came to Sammy. A part of him really wanted to go see the kid for himself… not to mention finally meet his granddaughter and grandson but he didn't want to overwhelm Sam and figured he would wait until Dean gave him the go ahead.
Dean paused from tightening the plastic nipples onto the bottles and then turned them over the sink to make sure they wouldn't leak. "I really think he's gonna be okay," Dean stated knowing that for the first time in nearly nine months, his brother had something other than the competition and the constant danger that it had brought with it to focus on.
John's smile widened when he heard the conviction in Dean's voice. God, how he hoped his oldest was right. "When he's ready, I want to see him."
"That goes for the rest of us too!" Caleb announced as he, Jim, Bobby, and Josh all walked in through the front door of the little house. The four of them were completely drenched and covered in mud creating puddles on the hardwood floor at their feet.
Uh oh, Sammy's not gonna like that He thought when he saw the muddy foot tracks knowing just how much of a clean freak his brother had become recently. He decided to ignore that small problem when he heard one of the twins begin to cry again. I'm coming, I'm coming he silently thought before he nodded back at his friend, smiling proudly. "Don't worry guys, I promise you'll all get to meet them soon." He said purposefully not revealing the twins' names to the band of hunters. That was something he wanted to do with Sam. Giving them a second smile, Dean headed back down the hall ready to tend to his children. My children he thought, still not able to completely wrap his head around the fact that he was indeed a father now.
~DW/SW~
Sam gently shifted on the bed, not wanting to hurt his daughter in any way but also still feeling very, very sore from the birth. Sam had the feeling though that he was going to be sore for a while. I can't believe I managed to do that he thought as he watched his two newborn children. "Shh, babies it's alright," He cooed trying to soothe both infants at the same time. Abby and Nick's wails only seemed to grow louder causing Sam to grow increasingly more nervous… he wasn't so sure that he would be able to do this. Sam ran a gentle hand over their heads brushing back the soft, silky stands of hair. "Shh, the food's coming, I promise." He smiled relieved when he heard Dean's footsteps returning. You could have had them fed a few moments ago he thought to himself. Nope, not doing that Sam silently confirmed, reaching out for one of the bottles. He hoped that his outright refusal to breastfeed despite his apparent ability to wasn't the start of him being a bad parent.
"Alright, I got what ya guys need." Dean said as he handed one bottle to Sam who began to feed Abby while Dean picked Nick back up and then began to feed him. "See, much better?" Dean told his son as he kept the little boy held protectively close to his chest. Dean knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would move heaven and hell before he let anything hurt either child or Sam.
"They have your appetite." Sam commented as both twins greedily sucked on the rubber nipples.
Dean let out a little laugh. "They're Winchesters, of course they know how to eat." Dean hadn't been able to take his eyes off of the baby boy who was cradled in the crook of his arms, drinking hungrily from the plastic bottle. The smile that was on his face was unmistakable.
Sam laughed a little. "You're the one that eats like a horse." He shot back.
Dean chuckled again as he nodded, knowing his brother was right. "You all done little fella?" He asked when Nick let the bottle slip from between his lips and began to cry. Dean set the bottle on the nightstand as he grabbed one of the burping cloths that they had. "Shh, it's alright… it's alright," Dean cooed as he gently laid Nick against his shoulder, beginning to burp him.
"Um, could you do me a favor?" Sam asked a moment later as he burped Abby who had also finished eating for the time being.
Dean instantly nodded. His kid brother had just gone through almost sixteen hours of labor, he wasn't sure there was anything Sam could ask of him that he would refuse. "What is it? Do you need something?" He asked.
Sam smiled affectionately at Dean, glad to have him around during this stressful time. "It's kind of cold in here… can you go get them a blanket each and some pajamas? And new diapers too?" He asked listing off the things that he thought his twins would need and hoping that he wasn't forgetting anything important.
See, you know what to do Dean silently told Sam knowing that Sam had been worried he'd be an inadequate parent to the twins. Handing the now sleepy eyed baby back to Sam, Dean carefully climbed off of the bed and headed into the twins nursery. Opening first Abby's dresser drawer that contained her pajamas, he took out the light pink footed sleeper with a cat on it. It was cute and something Sam had selected for her to wear after she was born knowing it was more than likely going to be pretty damn cold. He then walked over to Nick's dresser and selected the green giraffe sleeper for the little boy. Once he had the blankets and diapers that Sam had also requested, he headed back to his and Sam's room.
"Alright, let's get you guys all warm, hunh?" He asked as he took Abby from Sam, smiling sweetly at the little girl that he couldn't believe was his. Carefully, he laid her down on the bed and fit the diaper on her making sure it wasn't too tight or too loose. "Hi Abby," He said as he gently worked her small limbs into the pink sleeper. "Almost done baby girl, I'm almost done messing with ya." He promised when the little baby let out a small cry.
Sam smiled as he watched Dean interact with their newborn daughter before turning his attention to the little boy who was currently resting on his chest. "Hi Nick," He said, softly running a finger over the little boy's cheek. Sam couldn't get over the fact that these two adorable little babies had actually come from him and that he had done what seemed like an okay job at providing for them. Sure, they had been a little on the small side but given their situation; Steven had reassured him that it didn't mean the twins were unhealthy. Sam lay back on the bed propped up by pillows just watching his son feeling a sense of contentment fill him.
"I'll trade ya," Dean spoke up, interrupting Sam's 'quiet-time' with his little son.
Sam smiled and nodded, carefully passing Nick to Dean and then holding Abby close to his chest. "There, that's better hunh sweetie?" He asked as he tucked the purple blanket with flowers on it a little tighter around her. Sam watched as Abby's eyes began to close and he carefully lowered his head to press a gentle kiss to her tiny forehead. "Sleep baby girl, your daddy's got you." He reassured forgetting for the time being that they had yet to figure out just what the twins were going to call Dean.
Dean smiled as he stood beside the bed, gently rocking Nick back and forth hoping to get the little boy to fall asleep. After a few minutes, he felt his son's breathing even out and knew that the little guy had fallen asleep. Being careful not to wake him up, Dean gently placed him in the bassinet that he and Sam had set up next to Sam's side of the bed. Originally, they had thought about putting the bassinet beside Dean knowing that Dean would be the one who was going to be able to move faster after their arrival but Dean had argued against that. He'd always slept in between Sam and the door and whatever danger wanted to bust in and now that theory included the twins too. "Sleep tight baby girl," Dean said after he'd kissed Abby's forehead and laid her down beside her brother.
"Can you help me up?" Sam asked quietly, not wanting to wake either twin especially since he had no idea how long they would actually sleep for.
Dean nodded and wrapped one hand around Sam's and then he wrapped his other arm around Sam's back to leverage his brother up. "Take it easy," He instructed knowing that Sam was probably quite weak and tired and not wanting him to overdo it. Damn, I'm going to have to take a few days off work he thought, realizing that at least for the next couple of days he wanted to be sure that Sam got all the help he needed. Dean was grateful that he had a little bit of the Thanksgiving holiday left to use before having to go into his vacation time.
Sam nodded. Trust me I won't be going anywhere in a hurry for a while he thought grimacing at his sore muscles. He was sore in places that he didn't even know existed.
"Where to?" Dean asked once they'd made it out of their room, gently closing the door behind them. He made sure the baby monitor that was attached to his belt buckle was on wanting to be able to hear anything that might be going on with either Abby or Nick at any given moment.
"Bathroom." Sam replied as he took small, baby steps wincing quite a bit.
Dean nodded again and helped his brother inside before returning to the hall to wait. He smiled when he saw their dad watching them from down the hall. He could tell that their dad was anxious to meet the twins but he wanted to take this slow so that neither Sam nor the twins would get worn out by everyone's excitement. Everybody's okay he thought, amazed that they had all made it through this crazy adventure in one piece. For how hard and trying of a time these past nine months had been, Dean thought that the outcome was pretty damn good. You shitting me? Look at those two… we scored! He thought to himself.
~DW/SW~
About half an hour later, Sam was resting on the couch enjoying the lunch that his dad had made for him from yesterday's leftovers from the Thanksgiving dinner at Jim's house. Dean had planned on cleaning the floor from the mess that their friends had made but was surprised to find that their dad had already done it. Suddenly, Sam heard the baby monitor Dean was wearing crackle to life and he began to slowly push himself to his feet, ready to go see which one of his children needed his attention.
"Stay there Sammy, I'll go get them." Dean said trying to do as much for Sam as possible. It was easy to see that the kid was still exhausted.
Sam smiled gratefully at Dean's attentiveness and settled back on the couch wondering how all of the grizzled hunters would react to the small and quite adorable babies. Maybe I should have gotten them? He wondered a moment later, hoping that no one here would see him as neglectful.
A few moments later, Dean returned to the living room holding one twin in each arm. Laura let out a small squeal of excitement while the rest of their friends stood, smiles spreading over their faces. Dean thought the fact that Josh, the hardened hunter, looked nervous was hilarious and he couldn't wait to see how the other man would react to actually having one of the small infants in his arms.
You two are gonna help me embarrass the hell out of these guys Dean thought mischievously. He smiled down at his two children before looking up at his family and friends, nodding to Sam. Sam stood and slowly walked over to Dean, taking Nick from his brother. "You wanna do the honors, Sammy?" Dean asked as he lightly rocked Abby in his arms who had started to fuss just the tiniest bit.
"Um, okay," Sam blushed, smiling with his dimples on display as he motioned to the little boy he was holding. "Um, everybody meet Nicholas Mathew Winchester and his sister, Abigail Caitlin Winchester." He said as his eyes briefly switched to the undeniably gorgeous baby girl Dean was holding. "Nick and Abby meet your grandpa John, Grandpa Bobby, Grandpa Jim, your uncles Steven, Josh, and Caleb and your aunt Laura." Wow, that really is a lot Sam thought, grateful that they had that many people in their lives. He and Dean had decided that while their dad was obviously the twins' grandfather, Bobby and Jim deserved honorary titles due to everything they had done for them over the past nine months. The same went for Josh, Caleb, and Steven… Sam really wanted to show them his gratitude for their support and figured that this might be a nice way to do that.
"Dad, you wanna hold your granddaughter?" Dean asked when their dad stepped forward, a look of complete and utter shock on his face.
"Ah yeah, yeah of course I do." John said, his voice unnaturally soft as he carefully took the baby from Dean being sure to support her head and neck. God, it's been a long time since I've held one of you he thought smiling when the little girl opened her eyes to reveal ones that matched Dean's, only a tinge bluer. "She's… she's gorgeous boys." John noted as he held the little girl protectively close to his chest. He couldn't believe that this small person was his granddaughter! Look at her Mary John silently told his wife, hoping that she was able to see this completely unexpected event. He felt a bit of sadness knowing that welcoming their first grandchildren into the family was something that they should have done together but the elation he felt at finally being a granddad helped him to push those feelings down for right now, at least.
Dean laughed as he watched his dad. "Whoever knew that the way to turn you to mush was to have you hold a baby dad." He teased even though he couldn't deny feeling the same way towards both kids. He actually had felt a little hesitant handing Abby over to his dad despite the fact that he knew the other man would be careful with her.
John mock-glared at his oldest before gazing back down at the brown haired baby watching as she wrapped tiny fingers around one of his. "I'm your grandpa, sweetie… we've waited for you for a while."
Sam stood to the side, smiling and feeling tears prick his eyes as he watched his dad with his daughter. It was a sight he didn't think he'd ever see but it was truly amazing. He switched his gaze to look at Nick, noting how the little boy was resting, seemingly, comfortably in his Aunt Laura's arms. She was smiling at the little baby and gently rocking him even as Caleb glared at her, waiting impatiently for his turn.
"How's he doing?" Dean asked, smiling proudly at his son. It had yet to occur to him that since they had been born, he had always looked at them as if they were his son and daughter… not niece and nephew.
"He's happy, isn't that right Nick? You love your Auntie Laura." She asked before she finally relented and handed the small baby to the eager hunter. Laura had been surprised when Sam had introduced her as the twins' aunt but it was a title she was glad to have. "They're really cute Sam." She said as she gave Sam a hug.
"I know," Sam smiled, pride showing on his face as he agreed with her. "But thank you."
"Be careful with him." Dean warned his friend as he kept a protective eye on both babies, making sure that neither was getting too stressed or tired with all of the introductions and extra handling. Stepping up next to his brother, Dean smiled softly communicating without words just how happy he was. He got the feeling that Sam was feeling the same way and thought that it was about damned time they had something to actually look forward to. "Here, let me take her," He said to his dad a few moments later, eager to get his daughter back in his grasp.
~DW/SW~
Later that evening, Sam was rocking Abby while John was holding Nick as they waited for Dean to get the sink set up for the twin's first baths. "Hold on guys, I'm going as fast as I can." Dean told the almost day-old babies as he filled the baby bath bucket with a small amount of water. He checked the temperature, not wanting to risk any harm to come to either child before he took Abby from Sam and gently lowered his little girl into the warm water. Dean kept one hand underneath her neck to help support her better. "Shh, it's alright sweetie." He cooed when she let out a small, startled cry as Dean poured water over her little chest and tummy.
Sam stood beside his brother, running one hand lightly over the top of Abby's head. "Hi Abs," Sam said, speaking softly and smiling when she let out a small happy sounding gurgle. "I knew you were a water baby." He commented thinking back to how he had taken baths during the last few months of his pregnancy to try to get the twins to calm down.
Dean kept the bath short and pulled her out of the tub just a few minutes later. He wrapped her in one of the hooded towels that he had bought prior to their birth, not wanting her to catch cold. "We'll get jammies on you and then it's your brother's turn." Dean said as he gently rubbed Abby's back.
"I'll do that." Sam offered as he took his daughter from Dean.
"Okay," Dean replied before he turned back to Abby. "Alright, time to go see your daddy." Dean made sure Sam had a good hold on her before he let go, watching as Sam headed down the hall and into the nursery.
"Hold on champ, you're next." John reassured his grandson watching as the little boy stretched and kicked a bit.
"Alright little man, let's get you looking good." Dean laughed at the look his dad gave him before he started to give Nick his first bath. Yeah, so maybe he was also a hardened hunter who turned to mush at any interaction with Abby or Nick but could you blame him?
About seven minutes later, Nick's bath was done and he and Dean joined Sam and Abby in the nursery. Dean had left the task of cleaning up the kitchen for once both babies were asleep figuring it would be easier that way. Having gotten warm and fuzzy pajamas on both twins as well as fresh diapers, Dean and Sam headed into their room laying the twins down in the bassinet again. "Sleep well guys," Dean said as he turned off the bedroom light and he and Sam returned to the living room.
"I wonder how long they'll actually sleep for," Sam commented even as he stifled his own yawn.
Dean shrugged. "I don't know."
"Both of you boys took a while to learn to sleep through the night though that might have been from your mom not being able to stand hearing either one of you cry." John explained with a fond smile on his face as he remembered dealing with a newborn Sam and Dean.
Dean chuckled softly as he imagined his dad sleeping lightly, not due to supernatural danger but to listen out for his child's cries. Kind of seems like we came full circle he silently noted before he lifted his head to watch Sam. "Why don't you head to bed Sammy, I'll clean up the kitchen." He offered seeing the tired circles underneath his brother's eyes.
"You sure?" Sam asked, feeling as if Dean had done the majority of the work today.
Dean nodded causing Sam to smile gratefully at him. "Night dad," He called as he passed him on his way out of the living room.
John nodded back at his son. "Go get some rest Sam, we'll be here if you need anything." He confirmed since the building he worked in was closed due to the holiday.
"I know." Sam replied before he yawned again. He decided to forgo a shower for tonight… he was way too tired. Padding into the room, Sam quietly closed the door behind himself not wanting to wake either twin unnecessarily. He watched his children sleep for a moment before he moved to his own bed. "Sweet dreams my babies," Sam whispered before he curled up on his side of the bed, pulling the covers over himself.
~DW/SW~
Dean silently groaned when he was woken up by yet another cry… the fifth one of the night to be exact. "I'll see what they want." He whispered to his brother knowing that Sam had woken up the last time. "Shh, you'll wake your sister." Dean told Nick as he picked the crying infant up and settled him against his shoulder having placed a burping cloth there. Walking tiredly out of the room, he went into the nursery to check that a diaper change wasn't in order. Seeing that he was still dry, he took a seat in the rocking chair and started a slow, gentle rhythm. It wasn't long before he unconsciously started to hum Metallica. Dean looked up when his dad appeared in the doorway.
"Everything okay?" John asked knowing that even though Dean had helped tremendously when Sam was a baby, neither one of his sons was all that accustomed to the sleepless nights that came with newborn babies.
Dean nodded. "Yeah, I think he's starting to fall asleep." He said quietly as to not wake Nick up again.
"Alright." John said before returning to his bed out in the living room.
Dean carefully turned his head to the side seeing that yes, Nick had indeed fallen asleep again. His long eyelashes fluttered closed over his baby soft cheeks and Dean felt his heart swell with pride. "I love you, little man." He whispered, surprising even himself with that statement. Laughing silently to himself at the kind of mushpot that he had become, Dean stood without waking his son and then returned to his room ready to see just how long he would be able to sleep for this time around. And surprisingly, he wasn't annoyed at the thought of having to wake up again as he knew the reason behind it. You guys are mine he thought protectively while feeling a good bit smug against the demon who had once thought that Sam, Abby, and Nick belonged to him. There'll never be any chance of that happening, I promise.
Hey! So how was the chapter? I hope everybody managed to enjoy it! Please let me know what you thought and I will try to update soon. I'm going to try and get the next chapter for 'Family Matters' up sometime late next week. Thanks again! :)