AU of About a Boy. This idea has been in my head for a while I was always hesitant on writing it. Now after having Covid I'm like let's do this. It will be a 2\3 part story. I already have the ending done so just got to fill the middle in :)

Here you are. Enjoy :)


The witch was dead. Sam killed her. Tina and Dean are safe. However there was a problem.

The hex bag burned along with the witch so that meant there was no way to reverse the curse and Dean and Tina are stuck as teenagers.

Damm it!

Sam didn't mean for it to happen. Everything happened so fast Hansel was beating Dean seeing his brother in that vulnerable state made Sam snap. With fury he shoved Hansel off Dean then begin wresting with him on the ground. Sam ripped the hex bag off Hansel's neck but Hansel then punched him which caused Sam to loose his grip on the hex bag and he drops it. As Hansel went to pin Sam down Dean came out of nowhere and stabbed the bastard in the back. Hansel went back in shock. While he was distracted Dean pulled the knife out and this time stabbed Hansel in the neck. While Hansel bled to death Sam went to look for the hex bag. He then realized the witch had it. At that moment she planned to turn Sam. Before she could do the spell Sam charged forward and shoved the witch into the oven.

Sam still remembered her screams as she burned in the oven. The cries that came out as the flames engulfed her. It was a horrific sight but Sam couldn't deny she deserved it and hey at least she finally met the same fate like she did in the story.

It was only after did Sam realize he screwed up. He couldn't believe he didn't think to take the hex bag before sending the witch into her death. How stupid was he? His brother was now stuck thanks to him.

Tina wasn't bothered about the curse she instead saw it as a blessing this is her second of her life and she's going to make the most out of it.

At least someone benefited from the curse.

The brothers drove down the road towards Kansas Lebanon. At first they didn't say anything. Dean kept his eyes on the window while Sam focused on the road. Not being able to take the silence anymore Sam clears his throat and says.

"I'm sorry."

Dean looks over and frowns at his brother.

"For what?"

"I..." Sam shakes his head. "I...I should have got the hex bag I should have...I..."

"Sam." Dean cuts him off. "It's okay."

"No it's not. I messed up big time I...I destroyed the very thing that can turn you back."

"You did the right thing."

Sam frowns at that.

"What?"

"The Mark is gone. The urges, the rage it's all gone. I'm finally free."

"Dean we will find a way... we'll find a way to put you back to normal and we'll find a way to get rid of the Mark."

"No."

"Dean."

"Sam."

"Dean."

"Sam! What if I return to normal and we can't find a way huh? That means I would be stuck with the Mark again that means..."

Dean closes his eyes as the memories of his time with the Mark resurface. His time as a demon came to his mind and it immediately made him shudder he didn't want to go back there he didn't want to be that thing ever again. No way Dean was not risking it. Dean didn't want to be a teenager again but he would rather go through the hormones again then be stuck with the Mark of Cain for the rest of his life.

Dean sighs and faces his brother. He knew Sam was struggling with this Hell Dean was struggling to it wasn't easy for him to now be the little brother he hated how the roles were reversed between them but they had no choice this is the only way they had to stick with it whether they like it or not.

"It's better this way Sammy."

Sam's face screwed up at that. Dean turns his attention back to the window. Sam looks back on the road and furiously shakes his head. He couldn't believe it he refused to believe it there had to be a way there is always a way. Dean might have given up but Sam hasn't he will find a way to break this curse and he will find a way to remove the Mark.

Sam glances at Dean.

He will never give up on his big brother.


Weeks past and Sam spent every day looking for ways to help his brother. So far every route he went down ended up being a dead end. It frustrated the younger Winchester and as the days gone on he became more desperate. He had to help Dean he needed to help Dean. He wanted...needed his big brother back. Right now things were not the same.

Castiel promised to get back to Sam as soon as he found a solution for Dean even Crowley said he will keep an eye out. Neither side will admit it but Sam is certain the King of Hell and the older Winchester have bonded during the time Dean was a demon.

One day Sam was in the pharmacy because he wanted to stock up on the painkillers. He saw this man in front of him waiting to be served. Sam glances at the box the man is holding. He blushes pink as he reads the label. He quickly turns his head away before the man notices him staring.

Poor guy. Sam thought.

Sam remembered the time when he had gonorrhea. The itching, the soreness it was so uncomfortable down there to this day Sam still couldn't believe a witch gave him a sexual transmitted disease.

Wait.

The witch!

Sam's eyes widen. How did he not think of this sooner?

"Have a nice day Sir." The pharmacist smiled. "Next customer ple..."

Her voice trails off as Sam quickly leaves the pharmacy.

He leaves the pills behind.


"No."

"Dean."

"No Sam we're not doing it."

"But Dean..."

"I nearly died remember?"

"But you survived." Sam smiled. "Of course I will take precautions."

"Sam." Dean raises his eyebrow. "He will not help us."

"It's not like we need to win. We gotta lose. We'll bet the years you need back, we'll lose then you will return to normal."

"With the Mark." He shakes his head. "I will have the Mark."

"We'll figure that out when the time comes."

The familiar haunted look returned to Dean's eyes. The guilt, the pain and the horror flashed across his face. There was also something else Sam noticed. He saw fear in Dean's eyes. His brother was scared. He was scared of the Mark.

Sam sighs and rests his hand on his brother's shoulder.

"I get it." Sam said his voice soft. "I really do but Dean you don't want this I don't want this I...I want my brother back. I want to share a beer with my brother I want to be in shot gun while you drive and sing along to those songs I..." He takes a deep breath. "I want things to go back to the way they used to be."

Dean was silent for a moment. He thought about what his brother said. He looks and sees Sam giving him the puppy eyed look. Dean couldn't help but curse he could never say no whenever Sam gave him that look. So eventually Dean gives in.

"Fine we'll check it out but Sam if anything happens if this plan backfires..."

"Then I will kill him." Sam stated bluntly.

"Be careful Sam." His brother replied. "That witch is a smart son of a bitch."

"Oh I know as I said..."

Sam's eyes go on the gun.

"I will take precaution."


Dean insisted on coming with him but Sam wouldn't allow it he wasn't going to put his brother in a dangerous situation. He knows Dean can take care of himself but Sam didn't want to risk it. The image of Hansel beating his brother was still vivid in Sam's mind Sam didn't want to go through something like that again. Also recently Sam has become very protective of his brother being the older brother now has made Sam feel more responsible he felt he had a duty to protect his brother. First Sam will go and find the witch once he is certain it is safe then he will get Dean to meet him.

Sam asked Charlie to come down and babysit his brother Dean might be mentally an adult but Sam still didn't want to leave him on his own. To ease his brother's worry Sam called Castiel to be his back up. After assuring Dean he will be back Sam and Castiel then hit the road and track down the witch.

Castiel managed to find a lead on the witch's whereabouts which led them to Michigan. Bars and pubs would be the most likely places. Patrick is Irish he is bound to go in for a drink somewhere.

So far Sam and Castiel checked out two bars and there was no sign of the He-witch. They came across a third bar and decided to give it a shot.

Like the previous times the hunter and the angel both walk in and split up that way they can find the witch quicker.

Sam goes through the crowds and scans his surroundings searching for any sign of the He-witch. He eventually reaches the counter and sighs heavily. No luck on his side so far.

Damm it!

"Well...this is unexpected."

Sam whips round. His eyes widen with surprise.

Patrick stood with a pint of beer in his hand. He looked clearly amused. His eyes also sparked curiosity. He casually strolls up to the counter and leans against it. He then turns his head towards the hunter.

"What are you doing here Sam?" Sam's hand lands on his pocket where his gun is. Patrick notices and shakes his head. "Guns have no effect on me Sam."

"Witch killing bullets might."

Patrick gave him a surprised look before covering it up with a scoff.

"Well that's interesting."

"Just made them myself." Sam couldn't help but smirk. Patrick formed a smirk of his own.

"You won't kill me in a public place."

"Maybe not." Sam shrugs. "That doesn't mean the option is completely off the table. "

"What do you want Sam?"

This time the humor is gone from the witch's voice and his face hardens with anger.

"I need your help."

Patrick frowns.

"My help?" He laughs a little. "What makes you think I will help you? After all you just threatened to kill me."

"It's my brother."

Patrick paused. He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at the hunter.

"Your brother. Dean?" Now Patrick looked intrigued. "What has he done this time?"

"He hasn't done anything it's just..." Sam sighs. "It's complicated but...I do need a game...with you."

"A game?"

"Yes!" Sam nods. "Your game can help him I just need one game that's it I swear. "

Patrick puts the beer down and folds his arms.

"Sam, is this some kind of joke?"

"No."

"Then what is going on? Where's your brother?"

"I can't...I can't tell you here we need to go somewhere private."

"Private? Ha! You really think I would go anywhere with you? For all I know this could be a trap."

"It's not a trap. Patrick think about it why would I come and find you after all these years? Huh? If I wanted you dead I would have done it a long time ago."

"Why did you let me live?" Patrick shakes his head. "You won you saved your brother why did you let me live?"

Sam was about to open his mouth to answer until he realized someone is missing.

"Where's your partner?"

Patrick stayed silent not answering the question. Sam saw the familiar expression he has seen on many other faces. Grief, loss, pain.

"Oh." Sam said with realization. "Um...sorry for your loss."

"She's been dead for a long time." Patrick put bluntly. "Died shortly after you won."

Sam's face goes worried. Lia did betray Patrick.

"Did you..."

"Kill her." Patrick glares at him "I'm a gambler not a murderer Sam. Despite what she did I would have never hurt her." He sighs "She wanted to be at peace. She went all in, she lost..." His face twitched at the memory that forever haunted him "...she got what she wanted."

Sam understood how it felt to lose a loved one. He lost Jessica. Difference is she got killed while Lia chose to end her life. The pain is unbearable. It made Sam feel like a part of him died that day. Even though its been years now since he lost Jessica, the pain was still there deep down inside him. Talking about her or even thinking about her made Sam tear up. Patrick must feel the same. Sam can see how tense the witch has become, his face haunted by the memory. Sam found himself feeling quite sorry for the witch.

"Listen. Your partner she was a good person."

"That she was." Patrick agreed.

"To answer your question." Sam sighs. "That's why I let you live. I let you live because of her I wasn't going to kill you after she just tried to help me and my brother also you did keep your end of the bargain you are man true to his word so I know you won't try to double cross us you are smarter than that."

"That's quite the praise." Patrick raises his eyebrow. "You really must be desperate for my help."

"I will make a deal with you. You help my brother and I will let you go. That's a promise."

Patrick studies the hunter's face. He couldn't find anything that indicated the hunter is lying. He then sighs.

"Lia had a soft spot for you both she wanted you both to win so...I will help you but...I'm not doing this for you I'm doing it for her. Understand?"

Sam smiles.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. I can't make any promises until I know what I am dealing with."

"Yeah yeah of course. Cas!"

"Yes Sam?"

Patrick jumps at the unexpected voice. He turns round and sees a man with a trenchcoat staring at him. Patrick narrows his eyes as he examines the being in front of him.

Something wasn't right here.

"You're not human." Patrick's eyes meet Cas' bright blue ones. "What are you?"

"His name is Cas." Sam answered. "And he is an angel."

Patrick froze as he processed what Sam has just told him.

An angel?

Patrick blinked.

Angels are real?

"Come on Cas I'll call Charlie and tell her to meet us. Patrick? " Sam nods to him. "You're coming right. "

It was more of a statement than a question. Patrick's eyes go on the younger Winchester. Seconds later his shock is replaced with a blank expression.

"Aye." Patrick drops the dollar note on the counter and waves at the Bartender. "Enjoy the tip."

The witch then straightened his jacket and he followed the hunter and the angel out of the bar.


Sam told Patrick about Hansel, the witch, the curse on Dean the only thing he left out was the Mark of Cain he felt Patrick didn't need to know about that. Patrick well Patrick laughed he thought the story was hilarious.

Patrick quickly coughs and clears his throat when he saw the angel's intense gaze on him.

"So can you help him?" Sam asks.

Patrick looks at Sam's desperate expression in the mirror. He couldn't help but snicker at the hunter's face.

"This is not funny?" Cas frowned.

"Oh come on." Patrick smiled. "It is a bit funny. Is the teenager mood swings already getting to you Sam? No!" He raises an amused eyebrow. "It's the hormones right? A teenager hunter...Wow." He leans back in his seat and chuckles. "Not a joy to be around I bet."

"He does snap a lot. " Cas says. Sam gives him a 'really ' look. Cas shrugs. "It's true the witch does have a point about the mood swings it is very annoying he shouts at me for no reason. He got emotional over The Notebook. "

Sam frowns.

"The Notebook? That's a... "

"Rom com." Cas nods. "I know. It was quite disturbing to see him like that. I think P.S I Love You is next."

Sam looked horrified by that. Patrick's lips curl upwards into an amused smirk as the car suddenly speeds up. Sam Winchester has faced vampires, werewolves, witches yet the thing that scares him the most is Dean turning into an emotional teenager with an extreme level of life crisis.

Ha!

After a day of driving they all eventually reach the motel. Sam decided a motel as he didn't want the witch to know about the Bunker.

Sam knocked on the door and waited patiently for Charlie to answer. The door opens revealing the smiling red head.

"Sam!"

Before Sam could react Charlie lunges forward and wraps her arms around his torso.

"Charlie." Sam gave her a quick hug back. "How's Dean?"

Charlie goes back and gives him a grin.

"Good as gold." She looks over the hunter's shoulder. "Castiel!"

She hugs the angel tight. Cas smiles and hugs her back.

"Hello Charlie."

" I'm so glad you are both okay! " Charlie happily claps her hands. The relief was evident on her face. She then sees the other man with them. "Ah! You must be Patrick." Charlie beamed. "It's nice to meet you."

Patrick puts on his most charming smile.

"Likewise. Now... "

He moves past the red head. Charlie grabs him by the arm and gives him a stern look.

"Sam has a lot of faith in you. You better not screw him over. "

Patrick laughs.

"Don't worry sweetheart I am always on my best behavior. "

Charlie eyes him up and down. She then gives him a disapproving look.

"Don't sweetheart me."

Patrick smirks.

" I like you already. "

He turns and clasps his hands together.

"Now...where's the boy?"

"Dean!" Sam calls out.

"Sammy?"

Dean steps out of the bathroom. He suddenly froze when he saw all the adults towering over him. He gulps as he looks at everyone. This is the first time since the curse that Dean has felt small. Small and vulnerable.

He hated it.

"Dean?"

Dean quickly shakes his head.

"Sam." He then looks at the He-witch. "I'll be damm you actually found him."

"Hello Dean." Patrick smiled. "Been a while."

"Patrick." Dean nods. His body remained tense. "Why is he not locked up Sam?"

"I'm right here you know." Patrick laughed. "Also I'm here because I want to be here. I'm here to help you Dean."

"Right?" Dean frowns at his brother. "What is he getting out of this?"

"I made a deal with him. If he helps us I'll let him go."

"That's it?"

"Hmm."

"Na." Dean shakes his head. "He must want something." He glares at the witch. "What do you truly want?"

"To be left alone." Patrick answered. "That's the truth."

"You witches always want something."

"Not all witches are the same Winchester." Patrick puts his hands on his hips and sighs. "I get it you don't trust me and I don't trust you but if you want to return to your original age then you need my help unless of course you want to go through the hormones again it's entirely up to you."

"Fine." Dean folds his arms. "Let's get this over and done with."

"Agreed." Patrick sits down and pats the seat next to him. "Have a seat Dean." Dean glances at his brother before joining the witch at the table. "Right." Patrick rubs his hands and leans forward. "Let's have a look at what I am dealing with."

Dean moves back and gives the witch a cautious look.

"Don't worry I'm not going to hurt you." Patrick assured him. "I just want to have a closer look at this curse after all we don't want something to go wrong hmm. "

Dean sighs and reluctantly let's the witch touch his head. Patrick places his hands on both sides of the hunter's head. He closes his eyes and searches for the essence of the magic.

Suddenly Patrick gasps and his eyes fly open. He lets go and quickly goes out of his chair.

"What happened?" Charlie asked.

Cas is already near the witch ready to attack when necessary. Sam goes in front of Patrick and frowns at how pale the witch has suddenly become.

"Patrick?"

Patrick looks at him.

"I think we are going to need to have that talk again Sam."

Sam's frown deepens.

"What?"

"And this time you are going to tell me the truth."

Patrick gives him a stern look.

"The whole truth."


When Patrick examined Dean he discovered darkness tainting the teenager's soul. The darkness was old and ancient it was something Patrick has never seen in his extremely long, long life. This wasn't the curse from the hex bag no this is something much deeper, much darker. At the moment it laid dormant but it was waiting to wake up. Patrick didn't want to imagine what exactly would wake up inside the Winchester boy.

When Patrick confronted Sam he saw in the hunter's face that he was hiding something. This angered the witch because this wasn't part of the deal. However, Patrick decided to give the hunter a chance to talk. The witch didn't want to get on Sam's bad side he wanted to help them fix this mess then be on his merry way.

If only it was that simple.

Patrick sucked on his toothpick and listened as the hunter told him everything. Once Sam finished his story Patrick leans back in his chair and suddenly found the carpet very interesting to look at. He bit down hard on his toothpick as he processed everything Sam told him.

"So let me get this straight." Patrick removes his toothpick and points in Dean's direction. "He has the Mark of Cain THE Mark of Cain and it turns him into a bloodthirsty psychopath."

"And a demon." Dean added. "That only happens when I..."

He does a kill gesture to his neck. Patrick coughs and gives the teenager a worried look.

"Right?"

"That's all in the past...hopefully."

There was then a knock on the door. Cas opens it and steps to the side to let the red head in. Charlie bounces in with bags of food in her hands.

"Double cheese burger with bacon and fries." Charlie grinned.

Dean grins back and takes the bag.

"You're a life saver Charlie."

Dean removes the wrapper and takes a big bite from his burger. He chews it and moans with delight.

"Dean." Sam hissed.

He kicks his brother under the table. Dean almost chokes. He coughs and glares at his brother.

"Manners." Sam glared back.

Dean took another big bite of his burger and muttered "Bitch" under his breath.

"Jerk." Sam shakes his head and gives the witch an apologetic look. "Sorry."

Patrick waves it off. He was quite amused at their interaction.

"I don't understand." Patrick gestures to Dean. "Why do you want to return to normal? Although the Mark is not visible it is still there at the moment it is dormant so it is not going to affect you. Dean, you are free why do you want to ruin that?"

"I'm aware of the consequences." Dean nods. "We have discussed this and...me like this it is not going to work I tried to make it work but..." He sighs. "We have too many enemies and I can't protect Sam while I am like this."

I also miss being the big brother. Dean thought.

"I see." Patrick nods. "I get it this all must be very hard for you however Dean the Mark is still a concern..."

"We are gonna find a way." Sam cuts him off. "We will find a way to remove the Mark."

Patrick looked doubtful.

"You really believe you can do this?"

"Yeah." Sam said with confidence. "I know we can."

Patrick drums his fingers on the table.

I have a better idea."

Dean raises his eyebrow.

"We're listening."

"How old were you when you had the Mark?" Patrick asks.

Dean girts his teeth.

"Umm 35...36?" Patrick frowns at him. "What?" Dean shrugs. "I don't keep track."

"What if instead of bringing you back to the age you had the Mark what about...a couple of years before. 33...34? the Mark would still be dormant and also it gives you boys more time in finding a way to remove the Mark."

"Yeah." Sam's face brightened at that. "That should work. Dean!" He smiles at his brother. "This is great news."

"I can go further back but...I assume Dean would want to be the big brother again."

Dean nods.

"You can say that again. I have a question. What happens if we don't find a way and I reach the age I..."

He glances at his arm where the Mark used to be.

"Lets just focus on the present for now...okay?" Patrick smiled.

Dean forced a smile.

"Okay."

Patrick grins.

"Okay." The witch rolls his shoulders and sticks his hand out. "So...are you all in?"

Dean looks down at the witch's hand. The hunter takes a deep breath then he shakes the witch's hand.

"I'm all in."


1 Year Later

"So Mr Smith, where is the coin?"

Smith looks down at the two clenched fists. He frowns and looks back and forth between the two fists. He then points at the right fist.

"That one."

Patrick uncurls his right hand.

There is no coin.

"Try again."

"The left one."

Patrick opens his other hand.

Again no coin.

"Huh?" Smith frowned. "I don't understand. Where is it?"

"Its here somewhere you are just not looking hard enough."

Patrick suddenly leans forward and goes behind the other man's ear. He then goes back and holds the coin up. Smith's eyes widen with shock.

"No! How?" He touches his ear. His face screws up with confusion. "How did you do that?"

Patrick grins.

"You could say...it was magic. Anyway." Patrick knocks back his glass and sighs heavily. "I must be off." The He-witch stands up and puts his jacket on. "Enjoy your evening." He smiled.

Smith answered with a salute. He then turns in his seat and orders himself another drink.

Patrick walks out with a big smile on his face. He puts his hand in his pocket and gets out a gold ring. He smirks as he admires the piece of jewelry in front of him. The money for this ring will keep him going for a while. He slides the ring into his front pocket and walks round the corner.

The witch suddenly froze. Across the street stood the Winchesters. They both looked pissed off.

Ah crap!

Patrick quickly crosses the road.

"Boys!" Patrick folds his arms and raises his eyebrow. "Are you stalking me now?"

"We need to talk." Dean said his voice blunt.

Patrick frowns.

"About what?"

"Its about the Mark." Sam replied.

Seeing the defeated look on the younger Winchester's face Patrick knew he is going to receive some very bad news.


That is the end of part 1. I know the witch killing bullets was introduced later into this season but this is AU so I am introducing the witch killing bullets now lol. Things are now going to get very interesting. :D