Payback is a Bitch **PG 13 for language

School started and Mia was back to work and Braden had landed in hell. He knew his teacher was known for his sternness and that was most likely why he had found himself in that classroom. He also saw Max sitting glumly at one of the desks, great this could be a very long year.

"Okay class my name is Mr. Law, you can address me as Mr. Law or sir, I respond to either but nothing else; I am not hey you, or yo or teacher. We can have a great year if that is what you want or we can have a horrible year if that is what you want. I give respect and I expect to get it back. We have a lot to cover this year and I'm sure you are all more than capable of getting through it. My rules are simple, I expect your homework to be done and on time, if you are struggling with it please let me know I can help you. I expect you all to treat me and your classmates with courtesy and my favorite word; respect. I am a teacher and that is what I want to do, teach. Your job is to learn and I will do everything in my power to ensure that you do. Not everything will be easy and I expect you to come to me for assistance when you need it. If you don't need help then you don't need to be here, so please ask me questions. You all see your names up here on my board with magnets next to them. When you break a rule a magnet will be placed on the right side of your name, when you have one, you will be warned, two you will sit at the desk next to my desk or go to the office depending on the infraction and what your history is, if you have 3 in one day I will be calling your parents. I hate calling parents so let's not go there. If you have questions please ask me now or after class, I expect there to be quiet when the bell rings and you don't need to talk unless we are in a deep discussion or I have asked you a question. So are we good?" he asked the class who was trying to keep up with his monologue.

Braden felt his happiness fizzle out of his body. The first day was made up of everybody switching seats and getting their books and just trying to get back into the swing of things. As class ended and the bell rang Mr. Law bid everyone a farewell but asked Braden to stay. "Great I haven't even done anything and I'm in trouble already," he whispered to Josh.

Kevin Law could see the look of trepidation on Braden's face, "you're not in trouble I just want to talk to you for a minute."

"Yes sir," Braden replied.

"Good job with the sir."

"Sometimes I have to call my dad sir, when I screw up and stuff," Braden said avoiding eye contact.

"Well that is a good habit to have; maybe the class can follow your lead then. Now I know that Mia Lane has married your father this summer and is now officially your step-mother. I also know that she teaches right down the hall and I also am very aware of your history especially your stunt with Mrs. Stolski. I want you to know that I will not hold that against you, the past is the past and we will leave it there. But I'm sure you are smart enough to know that communication with your family is much easier for me and therefore it might be in your best interest to not give me cause to walk you down to her classroom after school. Now I'm sure we are going to have a great year and I look forward to working with you," he finished.

"Okay," Braden said quietly and left the room.

Braden kept to himself as he tried to figure out how his 6th grade year was going to go. The three Winchesters were still tip-toeing around as the memory of Braden's little journey was still fresh. Dean just didn't know what to do about the places Braden kept finding himself in or how to stop it. He had tried to get his son to open up about the experience a little more but Braden said he already told him everything and was at peace with it so Dean backed off.

"What ya lookin' for? Victoria asked her brother.

"My MP3 player," Brennan said as he looked behind the couch pillows.

"Mom had it last night and took it with her to the meeting at school," Victoria rattled off.

"What, why did she do that? Did she listen to it?" Brennan asked concerned.

"I don't know."

Brennan charged out the door and saw Braden down the street and waved madly at him until he came down. He quickly explained the situation fearing that they were busted. "She'll want to know where the songs came from and she'll keep asking until I tell her," Brennan said in a panic.

"Don't worry about it, do what you need to. Maybe she didn't listen to it," Braden tried.

"Yeah right, she is such a busy body can't let me have anything. Sometimes I hate her so much. The music you gave me was awesome and I loved it and now she has taken it away. It is always about her and what she wants, she is such a witch."

"You're sure your sister saw her with it?"

"Yeah, she wouldn't lie about it."

"I can make you CD's or just bring mine to rip them into your computer."

"She checks everything," Brennan said sadly.

The boys deep in their conversation hadn't noticed Karen Rupert pull into the driveway. She got out looking unhappy and glared at both boys. Brennan slumped while Braden went on high alert.

"Just the two boys I want to speak with," she said walking quickly towards them her heels clomping on the sidewalk. "I want to know where this music came from, such trash with terrible words throughout them. Brennan you know you aren't allowed to listen to this and I want to know where you got it from."

Brennan just sat speechless not knowing what to say. Braden on the other hand spoke right up figuring she would make it his fault anyway. "I gave him the music, he needs to broaden his horizons, get up to speed with the rest of the world. You don't want him to be the only one who has never heard good music."

"That is not for you to decide, you had no right to do this."

"And you have no right to be such an uptight, controlling bitch," Braden spat out.

Karen's mouth was fixed in the open position while Brennan was grinning from ear to ear his admiration growing by the second for his neighbor. The boy had just said what had been on the tip of Brennan's tongue for years but he was never brave enough to let it loose, but Braden didn't hesitate for an instant.

"I think you need to go home Braden Winchester, and don't think this is over, I will be telling your father about all of this," she said with intensity.

Braden winked at Brennan and took off down the street. He went straight to his room as the realization of had just happened hit him. He was in big, big, no huge trouble, but he couldn't help but applaud himself for speaking his mind. Apparently being good in school for the last few weeks had caused a buildup of rebelliousness that had burst out. He was trying to remember if he saw the Impala outside, he looked at his clock seeing it was 5:15 he knew Dean's arrival home could be at any time. He stuck his head out the door and heard Mia laugh and his hope that she was on the phone was quickly dashed as he heard his dad chuckle with her. He pulled his head back in as his phone began to bang out Highway to Hell, something he was sure Mrs. Rupert wouldn't approve of.

Braden flipped the phone open to hear Brennan's voice, "dude she is on her way to your house, she saw your dad pull in and took off."

"Man I'm sorry I called her that, I didn't mean…"

"Are you kidding me, that was awesome, Braden you are my hero. I'm sorry about all this and I hope you aren't in too much trouble."

"Oh I will be, but that is my responsibility. Are you in a lot of trouble?"

"Grounded for three weeks and had to delete all the files, plus I have to write a paper on a classical composer."

Braden heard the doorbell ring, "she's here I better go."

"Good luck man," Brennan said as he signed off.

Braden stuck his head out of his door again and heard Mrs. Rupert explain the incident. He could feel Dean's tension crawl up the stairs.

"I'm sorry he said what?" Dean asked again.

"First he without permission filled my son's player up with all kinds of horrific music with terrible words."

"What songs?" Dean asked.

"There were named things like Highway to Hell and Hell's Bells, Crazy Train and then songs that were nothing but curse words, one after the other."

Mia's eyebrows rose as she heard that having a feeling that Braden had lied about not putting the songs into his computer.

"Well some of those are classics and if you listen to them you might not judge so harshly, some of those are my favorites," Dean said. "But I can understand if you don't choose to listen to them, but maybe your son would like to hear them, I don't think his world will end if he explores something new and different; maybe its time for him to make his own decisions."

"That is not for you to say Mr. Winchester and I think you need to get control in your own home. What your son said to me is inexcusable."

"You're right it is and I can't defend what he said," Dean said stepping over to the stairs he looked up and yelled, "Braden come down here now!"

Braden took a breath and went to meet his doom. As he hit the bottom of the stairs he saw Dean standing next to Mia with Mrs. Rupert a few feet away with her hands on her hips looking very angry.

"Come here son," Dean instructed.

Braden did as he was told and took a spot next to his father. "Mrs. Rupert told us about a conflict you two had a little while ago. She explained that you had put some music on Brennan's player without her permission, is that true?"

Braden swallowed and tried to look contrite, "I didn't know I needed her permission since it was his player. I just put our stuff on it; you know AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Metallica."

"What about those rap songs with those lyrics that are nothing but swear words," Mrs. Rupert demanded.

"What about those Braden?" Mia asked.

Braden shrugged and looked at the floor.

"Then what he said to me was totally out of line and I think this boy is lacking discipline and needs a good old fashioned spanking," Mrs. Rupert continued.

Dean sighed and had a flashback from his childhood. "I'm afraid I would have to agree with that," Dean said.

Braden's eyes grew large and he looked to Mia for help but it was evident none would be forth coming.

"You know the spot son," Dean said throwing his head in the direction of the couch.

Braden's eyes flashed to the victim of his outburst. "She can stay to ensure that it is done if she desires," Dean told his son.

Braden was horrified; he couldn't believe that his dad was going to do this in front of her. He sure hadn't seen this coming as he looked at Mrs. Rupert she had a very smug look on her face so Braden steeled himself and glared back to the woman with as much courage as he could muster and then turned and made his way to the couch. He placed his hands on the customary spot and waited as Dean prepared himself, not used to having an audience he wanted to take his time. His mind spiraled backwards to when he was in Braden's position and recalled the horror he had felt and then remembered he had never committed that crime again until he was beyond spanking age. He could see that Braden was tense and tight and that Mia for once didn't seem to be appalled while Karen Rupert seemed to be waiting with baited breath. Dean quickly delivered three biting blows to his son's backside and decided that was enough.

He grabbed Braden by the arm and they walked back towards Mrs. Rupert where Dean stopped and dropped his hand and told his son to apologize for his actions. Braden remained quiet causing Dean's hand to find the back of the boy's neck and where he gave a squeeze of encouragement.

"Sorry," Braden whispered nearly inaudibly.

"I think you can do better," Dean said.

"I'm sorry for what I said," Braden tried again.

Braden made a move to leave the room but Dean stopped him, "I'm not done with you, sit down."

"I'd rather not," Braden said.

"Do it anyway," Dean demanded with an unforgiving tone.

Braden gingerly sat.

"He has more ahead of him but I'm sure that will suffice your yearning for a pound of flesh."

"I'm sure you will handle this as it need be," she said holding her head up, "and I'm sure I don't need to tell you that it would be best if the boys stay away from each other."

"I think we can agree to that," Mia said walking Karen to the door. The two women spoke for another minute as Dean sat down next to Braden.

"Dude you were so over the line that I don't even know where to begin, what were you thinking?"

"Guess I wasn't," Braden mumbled.

Mia wandered over her arms crossed, "you are in big trouble with me young man, you flat out lied to me."

"What is going on?" Dean asked.

"I had heard some of those rap songs and took the CD from him and he promised me that he hadn't put them on the computer, but obviously he had."

"You didn't tell me about his," Dean questioned.

"That's because I thought I had handled it but apparently I was only lied to," Mia said glaring at the boy.

Braden shifted uncomfortably on the couch. "Okay kid so you lied, you not only swore you swore at somebody, and that somebody was an adult. I can let the MP3 player thing slide as I can't fault you for wanting Brennan to enjoy the finer things in life but the other things are unacceptable. You are grounded for 3 weeks with extra chores and for the first week you are grounded to your room. Plus, that word will cost you extra," Dean said as he disappeared up the stairs.

"Sorry Mia," Braden said.

"So you called me Mom just so I would let you off?"

"No it was real, I mean I guess it came out but it was okay I just can't say all the time at least not yet."

"Braden whatever you are comfortable with, don't think you have to do anything for me. If you want to call me Mom then do, if not then don't. Look you had been doing so well, Mr. Law even came to my room today to tell me how great you had been doing."

"Guess I used it all up," Braden said causing Mia to smile even though she tried not to.

Dean reappeared and before Braden could react he found a bar of soap inserted into his mouth. "Don't touch it," Dean advised.

"Did you two get your issue solved?"

"I'm not sure now that I've been lied to I may have a hard time believing you for a while."

Braden just nodded. "You have always been an honest kid Braden and I'll tell you what you will be tasting the suds quite often if you continue to say those words and lie, plus I'll throw back talk in as well. Is that what you want?"

Braden vigorously shook his head no. "Okay then remember what your tongue is going through now and hold that for a while so you won't revisit it anytime soon."

This time Braden shook his head vigorously up and down. "Okay then," Dean said pulling the soap out of his son's mouth, "go rinse and then go to your room."

Braden did so and quickly disappeared. "Now what?" Mia asked.

"I ask God to help get us through his teen years. There was somebody I knew a while back who always gave me great advice and I wish he was here now."

"Really what was his name?"

"Castiel."

"What kind of name is that?" she asked.

"An angelic one," Dean said distracted in his memories. "Um you are in trouble too for not telling me about the CD thing, we'll have to get those off his computer."

"Sorry sir," Mia said smiling and holding her head down.

"I don't think that will cut it, you will definitely need a spanking for that," Dean teased as Mia jumped up and he began to chase her around the room both laughing and releasing some of the tension.

That night as they got ready for bed Mia asked the question Dean hoped she wouldn't. "So what made you decide to discipline Braden in front of Karen?"

"An experience I had when I was younger."

"Let me guess you played the part of Braden?"

"Yeah," Dean said with a far off look.

"Tell me about it."

"I was around Braden's age we hadn't lived in town long but I didn't get along with my teacher from the beginning…." Dean began his mind tumbling backwards in time.

"Dean Winchester your homework is far too sloppy for me to correct and you will receive an F for your lack of effort," his teacher Mrs. Goble admonished.

It had been like this from day one, Dean couldn't do anything right in her eyes and he found himself at the boiling point. "It's fine you just don't like me," Dean spouted.

"Oh it has nothing to with whether I like you or not it is about the quality of your work and this is a pathetic effort."

"You're pathetic, a pathetic bitch," Dean yelled.

The class froze as did Dean as soon as he realized what had just come out of his mouth. His plan had been to deal with his teacher as best as he could knowing they wouldn't be there more than a few months. He had complained numerous times to John but was only told to make the best of it and that life wasn't easy etc. but now he had crossed the line and there was no going back. He found himself spending the day in the office with the principal making repeated attempts to contact John. The day ended with John Winchester still ignorant to what his son had done that day and Dean headed home somewhat relieved.

That night the his reprieve ended with a knock on the door that when opened by Sam revealed Mrs. Goble standing with behavior report in hand demanding to speak with Mr. Winchester. John had returned home only moments before and Dean damned his luck. The adults spoke for a few minutes while Dean hovered sweating it out and Sam continually asked what was going on.

"Dean come in here," John barked.

Dean complied and stood before his father. "Mrs. Goble here tells me of a dispute you two had today and what you said to her. Did you call her what is in the report?" John asked handing over the paper.

Dean took his time reading the document slowly but finally unable to stall any longer looked up at the waiting eyes of his father. "Yes sir, it happened just like this," he admitted.

"I see, well I appreciate your honesty son but unfortunately I can't overlook what you have done. First of all you owe Mrs. Goble a huge apology."

Dean looked up with his eyes trying to blink back the moisture that was beginning to collect. "I'm sorry for saying what I did."

"And," John encouraged.

"It will never happen again," Dean finished.

"I should hope that it doesn't, it would seem to me that you young man are in need of some good old fashioned discipline, because back in my day a student would never say anything like that in fear of being beaten with a belt," the teacher said as her eyes flicked between Dean and John, "but nowadays that doesn't happen very often and you see much more of what happened today."

John shifted his weight, the great debate going on in his head. Nobody was going to accuse him of being a pushover or that his children were uncontrollable brats so as much as it pained him his decision was made. "Dean what you did was not only rude it was very disrespectful and totally unacceptable behavior and I will not allow you to take any kind of pride in your actions.

Dean had a pretty good idea of what was coming but he felt as though he was in a dream as things didn't seem to be real and time was slowing down. He knew his dad's pride had been hurt as he took great pleasure that his boys were very familiar with the respect of their elders and now that this total lack of it had been thrown in his face he couldn't help but be angry and now Dean would meet that anger head on.

Dean looked over at his teacher who wasn't quite sure what to do as John began to pull his belt through the loops.

"You know the drill son," John said quietly as he grabbed Dean's arm, "Mrs. Goble I will allow you to decide as to where you want to be while this takes place. You have the right to ensure that this is done or you may go on your way."

The teacher seemed unsure as to what to do but didn't move an inch and John took it at face value and proceeded.

"Wow, that must have been tough," Mia said snapping Dean out of his trip to the past.

"Yeah, let's say Braden got off easier than I did."

"Really?" Mia questioned.

"Yeah," Dean said absentmindedly rubbing his behind. "Thankfully it was Friday and I didn't have to face her until Monday, we moved about two months later."

"What did she do when she first saw you back at school?"

"It was weird, she pretty much avoided eye contact and wasn't as much as, well as much of a bitch."

"But you felt it was the right thing to do with Braden?"

"Yeah he is too much me and my father's actions held me in check for years. It was the right thing," Dean said with confidence.