Hey guys! Here's the next chapter and I hope everyone enjoys it. I'm currently sick with a massive head cold so please forgive me if this chapter isn't quite as good as the others. I also wanted to say that I think there are probably about four to five chapters left of this story.

On a different note, I want to extend my congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Jensen Ackles! I hope you two have a long, happy, healthy life together! :D BTW, if you haven't seen them yet... the wedding photos are adorable! Oh, can someone either confirm or deny this rumor for me... I heard that SN's not coming back until mid-season? Is that true? I REALLY hope not! :(

Anyways, thanks everyone for reading! I hope to hear your thoughts on the chapter and I will try to update soon. :)

Dean walked into the nursery and smiled when he saw that Sam was almost done getting Nick dressed for their busy day ahead. Today was the twin's first ever doctor's appointment and Dean was feeling a bit apprehensive about it. For one, he would be taking them by himself and setting up a back story for future reference. Secondly, Sam was adamant that he shouldn't go despite his family telling him otherwise. Dean had tried to convince his brother that it would be fine if he accompanied them but Sam was nervous and Dean guessed that the baby weight he still had wasn't helping matters.

Switching his gaze from his son to his daughter, Dean smiled at the sight of her fast asleep in her car seat tucked underneath her favorite blanket. My sleeping princess Dean thought as he watched Abby still not completely used to the feeling that she and her brother caused. Sam had dressed Abby in a white long sleeve onesie, a hooded blue vest with hearts on it and a pair of soft blue pants. Dean was personally glad that it was cute but not covered in frills… she was a Winchester, after all.

"Almost done Nickie," Sam cooed to the three week old baby as he pulled the pair of soft cotton brown pants up and tucking in the long sleeved shirt that had an army tank printed on it. Once he was done, Sam picked Nick up and laid him against his shoulder. "Um they both ate just a little while ago so they should be fine but you got the bottles I prepared?" He asked his brother.

Dean nodded. "They're in the diaper bag… Sammy, you'll see 'em in an hour." He tried to reassure when he saw the hesitant look on his brother's face.

"You guys will come straight home?" He wasn't looking forward to being separated from Nick and Abby… even if it was for their benefit. You could go, ya know? He told himself before he shook his head just the slightest. One of his hands drifted down to settle on the extra weight he still had and figured that no, it would still be best if he stayed home.

Dean nodded. "I promise." He walked over to where Abby lay in her car seat and carefully picked it up to carry her out to the Impala while Sam carried Nick. "There ya go princess." He whispered after he'd made sure that the seatbelt was completely secure and then took Nick from Sam, doing the same. He was glad that it had stopped raining so he didn't have to worry about keeping the kids dry or driving on a slippery road. Since when do I worry about road conditions? Dean asked himself.

Sam let Dean take Nick and then leaned down to kiss Abby's forehead. "You be good for Papa, ok? I'll see you when you get home alright. I love you baby girl." He adjusted the blanket that was covering her lap and then moved to the other side so he could also give Nick a kiss. Standing up straight, he locked eyes with his brother. "I guess I'll see you when you guys get home then…" He drifted off with an underlying tone of sadness in his voice.

Dean nodded. "We'll be home soon." He repeated hoping that Sam wouldn't be going crazy with worry the entire time they were gone.

Sam nodded back and watched as Dean climbed into the driver's seat of the Impala, tears forming in his eyes. He knew that this was kind of a big step… baby's first doctor's appointments and car rides were usually considered to be some big milestones and he was sad that he wasn't going to be there for Nick and Abby's. At least they're in good hands Sam thought to himself knowing that Dean would never let something happen to them. And you can go next time he thought, determined to have lost the excess baby weight by then and feel more comfortable going out into crowds once again.

"Papa?" Caleb asked as he came and stood beside Sam, his arms crossing over his chest. With Christmas being just a week away, their friends had decided to call a pause to hunting and come visit… all with the exception of Josh who probably wouldn't get there until Christmas Eve or later. In Sam's opinion, he felt like their friends were just using it as an excuse to come see Nick and Abby or at least Bobby and Caleb were if the presents they had bought were anything to go by.

Shit Sam silently cursed. He and Dean hadn't yet announced to the rest of their family and friends that Dean was now officially Abby and Nick's other dad. Truth be told, he wasn't quite sure that he would have revealed that anytime soon as it wasn't exactly something that he thought would go over well. Sam sighed as he began to walk back to the house. What was he supposed to say? That yes, the supposedly one time act had seemingly turned into something more? He didn't know so he stayed quiet and hoped that Caleb would drop it.

Caleb watched as the fear and hesitancy crossed Sam's face and sighed, unsure of how to feel. In one sense, it was really kind of gross… because seriously, this was incest they were talking about and he knew for a fact that both brothers, especially the older were just about as straight as a rifle. And yet, he could see how and why they had come to this because there wasn't a mother in the picture or at least not in the traditional sense. Besides, he was also fairly certain that Dean was never going to go anywhere without his kids and really, that was what they were right? Caleb sighed again as he came to a conclusion. "Just let me know if I ever need to kick his ass, alright?"

Sam stopped in his tracks and looked at Caleb as if he'd suddenly grown another head. That was not what he had been expecting.

Caleb just smiled and shrugged. He figured that there was really no harm being done to anyone and he'd be there to make sure it continued to be that way.

~DW/SW~

Dean pulled into the hospital parking lot and finally felt the shaking in his hands start to stop. That had seriously been the scariest car ride of his life, police chases and demon getaways included. He hadn't gone over the speed limit once and he'd kept glancing into the backseat just to make sure that Abby and Nick were still there. Having taken a moment to catch a breather, Dean opened his car door and walked around to the trunk so he could grab the stroller. "Alright guys, here we go." He mumbled as he set about trying to figure the damn contraption out.

~DW/SW~

Sam sat at the kitchen table with an unopened manila folder sitting in front of him trying to kill some time as he waited for Dean, Abby, and Nick to get back home. Sighing and figuring that he had better stop wasting time, Sam reached for it and ripped open the sealed envelope. He began to sort through the thick stack of papers, looking for the piece that would tell him what he had to do in order to get his GED.

"What ya looking at?" John asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Sam paused and stiffened a bit, unsure of how his dad would feel about him going back to school. "Ah just some paperwork for something I've been thinking about." He explained hoping that his dad wouldn't ask any more questions.

John raised an eyebrow at Sam's evasive answer. "Well, that's descriptive." He responded with sarcasm in his voice.

Sam shrugged as he laid the information packet down on the table again. "Laura asked me to take some classes with her… it sounded like a good idea." Or at least I thought so Sam thought to himself.

John nodded as he took a seat, observing the tenseness in Sam's posture. "Sounds like a great idea… you know which ones you wanna take?" He asked, sounding genuinely interested.

Sam turned wide eyes to stare at his dad. Okay, so maybe his dad had proven to be a bit more of a normal person and not just an army sergeant these past several months but still… he hadn't really been expecting to have his complete support on this.

John saw how surprised Sam looked and sighed. "Look Sammy, I know I've always been a hardass… especially on you but things are different now. Don't get me wrong… I still fully intend on finding the thing that killed your mother and making it pay but maybe now we can have a home base. Besides kiddo, you've got Abby and Nick to think about…" John drifted off, surprised now at himself that he was feeling a bit choked up.

"I know." Sam interjected. Everything he did now was for them… they were all he thought about.

"Sam, what I'm trying to say here is that I don't want to do to them what I did to your brother and you." John finished. "They deserve better than that… all of you do."

Sam smiled softly. "Thanks dad." He replied quietly, happy in knowing that their dad was supportive of his choice to go back to school and leave hunting behind. Now we just have to see what you think about 'us' Sam thought to himself but knowing that there was no way in hell that he was going to voluntarily disclose that information.

~DW/SW~

Pushing the stroller into the front entrance of the hospital, Dean smiled down at his baby boy who was currently looking back up at him with bright and alert eyes. "Hey buddy," He smiled as he stopped the stroller to push the button to open the elevator. "Shh," He said bringing a finger to his lips when he saw Nick begin to frown. "We don't wanna wake your sis."

Nick's frown changed into a smile when Dean reached into the stroller and gently rubbed his belly. He let out a little gurgle as he grabbed the edge of his teddy bear blanket and raised his sock covered feet.

"He's adorable." Dean heard and turned to see a curvy red headed woman standing in the back of the otherwise empty elevator.

Dean smiled proudly. "Thanks."

"What's his name?" The woman asked as she stepped closer to the three of them.

"Nick and the sleeping beauty is Abby." He answered as he started to gently rock the stroller back and forth to try and keep both babies settled… the last thing he wanted was for them to get agitated before the doctor even saw them.

The woman leaned forward slightly and peered into the stroller unaware that Dean was watching her every move… ready to strike if needed. "She looks like an angel." The woman complimented bringing up an unpleasant feeling in the pit of Dean's stomach.

I frickin' hope not he thought knowing and feeling satisfied that the angel had no claim over either infant. "Yeah, I like to think she's a keeper." He responded keeping up appearances and causing the woman to laugh a little.

The elevator dinged causing the woman to step forward. "Well this is my floor."

Dean nodded. "Bye."

"Bye cutie," She said, her gaze directed at Nick who was busy suckling on the pacifier Dean had just given him in the hopes of keeping him satisfied. She smiled bye to Dean and then walked out of the elevator.

"What do you know? You're already a ladies' man." He said to his son a moment before the elevator stopped at the pediatric floor. Sighing and hoping that this would go well, he pushed the stroller out into the semi-crowded waiting room. Painted on the back wall of the large room was a mural of a clubhouse in a wooded setting. There was a small bookshelf that was mostly empty with the books it was supposed to be containing scattered around on the floor along with a table with a few children's games placed on it. Dean observed the children who were playing before their appointments began for a moment and then headed for the line, glad that it was relatively short. Dean's protective gaze never strayed far from his twins or the area surrounding them as he kept on the lookout for anyone suspicious.

"Next!" An older gray-haired woman called causing Dean to step forward.

"Hi, I have an appointment today for Abigail and Nicholas Winchester at ten." He said as he took his wallet out.

The woman smiled when she saw the two tiny babies. "Aw, well let's get you guys taken care of. Is it your first appointment?" She asked causing Dean to nod. "Okay, so there's a ten dollar co-pay and then I just need you to fill out these forms and bring them back to me once you're done." She said as she took the ten dollar bill from Dean and handed over the clipboard that had all of the papers Dean needed to fill out.

Dean nodded and set the clipboard on top of the stroller before he set off to find a space for the three of them. Dean parked the stroller in a corner and then took a seat so he could fill out the paperwork. About fifteen minutes later, he was done with both packets. I'm a parent Dean thought to himself looking at his name in the "Father" slot. This was still new to him, the fact that he actually had a son and daughter and it amazed him and scared him all at the same time.

Having returned the paperwork to the front desk, Dean took his seat again and prepared to wait. "Shh Abby it's okay, papa's here." Dean soothed when the little girl woke up and began to cry. He leaned forward and unbuckled her, carefully lifting her up. He smiled when her cries started to quiet down. "That's a girl," Holding her close to his chest, he leaned down again and picked up a set of pink teething keys. She was obviously too young to actually need them yet but she liked to hold on to them and if they kept her satisfied then they were all good in Dean's book.

The trio had to wait for a few more minutes before a nurse called their name. Dean put Abby back in the stroller; breathing a sigh of relief when she didn't protest that action. She didn't always like being put down. Dean followed the nurse into the small exam room which was painted a soft off-white color and had a variety of farm animals painted on the walls. He smiled comfortingly at his children who were now both wide awake.

"So let's see how much these two cuties weigh and take their temperature and then the doctor will be in." The nurse explained.

"You're up first little man." Dean nodded as he unbuckled Nick figuring that it would probably be best to start with the easier baby. Dean gently laid Nick down on the baby scale smiling when he saw that Nick had gained two ounces and grown one inch in the past month. Nick fussed a bit so Dean gently ran a hand over his short blonde hair. "Shh," He soothed comfortingly.

"Aw, I'm not gonna hurt you, I promise handsome." The nurse cooed causing Dean to smile. It was very entertaining for him to see just how wrapped around their little fingers everybody was.

Just then Abby decided that she had been ignored long enough and began to wail. "Abs," Dean started as he leaned down to put Nick back in his stroller seat. "Shh honey, you saw your brother hmm… there's nothing to be scared of."

The nurse smiled kindly and they waited a few minutes for Abby to calm down in Dean's arms. "Shh, I'm not gonna let you go." He promised as he walked over to the scale and laid her down on it allowing her to keep one list fist wrapped tightly around his finger. After the nurse wrote down her measurements, they quickly took her temperature making Dean quite relieved that they were done… with that part at least.

"The doctor will be right in. Bye Abby, bye Nick." She called as she walked out of the room and quietly closing the door behind her.

~DW/SW~

"Hi, I'm Dr. Toletson." A woman who looked to be in her early thirties if Dean guessed correctly said as she walked into the small exam room.

Dean turned around from where he was playing with Abby. "Hi, I'm Dean Winchester." He smiled as he shook her hand.

"And these two must be Abby and Nick." Dr. Toletson said as she walked over to where Dean was standing.

Dean nodded. "Yup, they're my rugrats." He joked.

Dr. Toletson laughed a little. "Mom's day off today, hmm." She inquired in a friendly voice as she set the two files she had been carrying down on the counter and removed the stethoscope from around her neck.

Dean paused. "Ah no… there's not a mom in the picture." He clarified.

Dr. Toletson paused for a moment thinking that the man in front of her was incredibly young to be a dad anyhow but especially a single parent. "Oh, I'm sorry… I didn't know." She apologized hoping that she hadn't offended Dean.

Dean shook his head. "Don't worry about it. We're doing just fine, aren't we guys?" He smiled as he reached down and tickled both Abby and Nick's stomachs making both babies let out little happy squeaks. "So, which monster would you like to start with?" Dean asked, getting the appointment back on track.

~DW/SW~

Dean smiled as he climbed the stairs to their front door, smirking just a little bit when Sam opened it before he had even reached the top. "See here they are, safe and sound." Dean said as he glanced down at Abby and Nick.

Sam nodded as he took eager steps towards the small group and reaching out to take Nick's carrier from Dean. "How did it go? What did the doctor say?" He questioned placing Nick's Carrier down in the front hall and then proceeding to pick his son up.

"They did great," Dean encouraged as he followed Sam inside, not wanting either one of the kids to catch a cold from the rainy weather outside. "Nick's put on three ounces and grown an inch and this little one's gained one ounce."

Sam smiled down at his baby boy. "You're getting big, aren't ya buddy?"

Dean laughed. "He's also a little ladies man… just like his papa." He chimed in as they walked further into the house.

Sam glanced up when Dean said that, his mind going back to earlier in the day when Caleb had overheard them use that term. "Ah, yeah… we have to talk." Sam sighed as he walked over to the couch and sat down with Nick cradled in his arms.

Dean noticed the somber look on his brother's face and instantly grew worried. Holding Abby to his shoulder and rubbing gentle circles on her back, Dean followed Sam to the couch. "Sammy? What's going on?" He asked, anxiety running through him as he wondered what could have happened within the short time he was gone.

"Um… Caleb heard us earlier." Sam said quietly, biting his lip nervously.

Dean shook his head, confused as to why that was a big deal. "So…?" He asked as he gently shifted Abby on his lap as he leaned down and picked up the stuffed lamb that Caleb had brought with him.

"He heard us Dean… he heard me call you papa." Tears formed in Sam's eyes and he shook his head. "I'm sorry Dean."

Dean sighed as he reached over with one arm to wrap it around his brother's shoulders. "I guess he didn't take it too well then." He sighed thinking that he would have to have a serious talk with Caleb when he saw the guy because seriously what the hell business of Caleb's was it if Dean was "papa". And they weren't hurting anyone… the deed had already been done and besides Dean hated seeing his brother upset. "I'm sorry Sam but don't worry, I'll take care of it." He promised with his signature big brother growl in his voice.

Sam shook his head no causing Dean to look even more confused.

"Sam… you're… you're my family. The four of us… we're a family and fuck anyone who says otherwise." Dean's voice rose in volume as he grew angrier. Abby seemed to notice her papa's distress and let out a small whimper. "Shh baby, it's okay." He soothed, forcing himself to calm down.

Sam sniffled. "No… no, that's just it. He said he was fine with it." Sam replied trying to calm Dean down as he could see the angry and protective glare on his brother's face.

Dean sat up straighter, a surprised look on his face. "He did?" Dean asked, shock coating his voice.

Sam wiped his eyes and nodded. "Yeah… he um… he told me to tell him if he ever needed to kick your ass." A small chuckle worked its way out of Sam's throat causing Dean to smile.

"Yeah well I doubt shorty could take me anyway." Dean mumbled glad that it seemed that one crisis had been averted. Looking around the room, Dean noticed how quiet it was. "Speaking of the devil, where is he?"

"Oh ah, he and dad went to go get a Christmas tree and Jim said he'd be over shortly with decorations." Sam answered making Dean laugh again.

"You serious? Dad's really cuttin' down a freakin' Christmas tree?" He asked with a smile on his face. "Man, we haven't had Christmas… well a real one ya know in ages."

Sam nodded. "Yeah, I know but I'm glad we are… I mean, I want them to be able to experience normal stuff… everything that you and I missed." Sam glanced down at Nick who was asleep in his lap and ran a gentle hand over Nick's downy soft blonde hair.

Dean was quiet for a moment as he contemplated that. Of course Sam was right… he wanted Abby and Nick to grow up living in one house, one town where they could make friends and go to school without having to constantly pick up and move. He wanted them to be able to go to their friend's birthday parties and he wanted them to know that they never had to ration for food. Dean swallowed thickly knowing that this was his chance to not only provide Abby and Nick with a better childhood, but it was a chance to give Sam some semblance of normal too. "Don't worry Sam, I'll make sure they get everything they want." He reassured just as the doorbell rang. "I'll get it."

Dean stood and walked over to the front door, smiling when he saw that their dad and Caleb were back. "Hey Abs, look what Grandpa brought you and your brother." He said as he repositioned the little girl in his arms better.

John laughed a little. "She's my grandkid… course I'm gonna spoil her!" He replied as he smiled at Abby. "You mind setting her down and coming to help?"

Dean shook his head and walked back into the living room. He picked up the pink bouncer seat and brought it over to where Sam was sitting. "You wait here a sec, alright princess?" He said as he gently strapped her into it and pressing a soft kiss to her little forehead.

Sam placed Nick in his own bouncy seat and then walked over to the front door, laughing when he saw just how big the tree his dad and Caleb had gotten was. "Where are we going to put it? That's thing's massive!" He asked, his voice slightly teasing.

"We'll find room." John answered determinedly. Normally, he hated the holidays as they always seemed to remind him of what he'd lost and as a result, he had never made much of an effort to give his boys the typical Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other supposedly special occasion. It had hurt too much to celebrate after Mary had died and he guessed that he sort of just got a stuck in a rut over the years of just doing the same thing. But this year… this year was going to be different. John blamed his change in attitude on the two new additions that had everyone wrapped around their tiny fingers and he hoped that he could do better with them than he had with his own children. And who knows… maybe by doing so, he'd finally be able to give something to his boys that he should have been giving them all along.

"Dad?" Dean called for the third time, wondering what had made his dad disappear off to 'lala land'.

"Sorry Dean, what?" John responded once he'd been drawn out of his thoughts.

"Just wondering where you want us to put this." Dean explained as he and Caleb stood in the front doorway, each helping to hold up the rather large Christmas tree.

"Ah…" John paused as he looked around the room, trying to find a good spot. "Sam, come help me move the couch. We'll put the tree in the corner."

"Sure," Sam smiled softly as he headed over to the couch all the while thinking that this was definitely the type of environment that he wanted Abby and Nick to grow up in.

Hey! So, how was the chap? I hope everybody enjoyed it and will let me know! I'm planning on updating 'Family Matters' sometime either later this week or next, depending on what my schedule turns out to be so hopefully it won't be too long of a wait for an update. Thanks again! :)