Chapter Three – Date Night
John called home to check in just after six the next morning. The Winchesters were early risers so he knew his boys would be up, ready to start their day. Evil never slept. There was always training and work to be done, even on a Saturday. Dean answered the phone on the second ring.
"Dad, you heading home?"
"Dean, I'm tying up some loose ends. I wanted to be home before tonight but it looks like I won't make it until tomorrow."
Tonight was Halloween. The Winchester brothers had never been trick or treating and had never attended a Halloween party. Dad always wanted them home, protected on that day. Safety precluded any pursuit of standard Halloween fun. Dad hated Halloween, evil came out in full force.
"How's Sam? Everything okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine, Dad. Don't worry. I've got it covered."
John's voice sounded rough and weary, his concern not lost on his son. "Dean, I hate not making it home tonight. I need you to keep Sam safe. Make sure you're in before dark and use the cats-eye shells and salt to protect yourselves. I'll be there as soon as I can. Be careful, Dean."
"Sure, Dad."
Dean understood what his father wouldn't say, what he never said. Dad would be home before the anniversary of Mom's death on November 2nd. His dad never talked about it, and Dean never brought it up, but he always made a point of being with his sons on that date.
The first time Dean secretly read his dad's journal he was barely seven. His dad started the journal after Mom died, and Dean would watch him late at night making entries. He always wondered what he wrote down, his face so tense and sad as he scrawled details that Dean wasn't privy to, so it was too much of a temptation to not look when the opportunity finally arose. Along with all the details of his hunts, John told of feeling an evil presence stalking his family. He always felt the danger was greatest around that date. Dean was well aware of his concerns, but he never passed that concern along to Sam, instead reassuring his kid brother that they were fine and safe, never admitting to any doubts of his own. Holding firm to the notion that Dad was a superhero, and nothing would ever hurt them, Dad wouldn't allow it.
Sam was coming down the stairs, not as enthusiastic as the day before since this wasn't a school day and he knew what the day promised. While a Saturday for most kids meant fun and relaxation, for the Winchesters it meant training and drills, even with Dad gone. Dean was always ready to pick up the slack and enforce the rules, much to the annoyance of his kid brother.
"That Dad? He coming home?" Sam asked.
"He's still workin' the job. He'll be back tomorrow."
Sam didn't look disappointed, instead his lips turned up in a sly grin.
"Dean, can we do something for Halloween?" Sam pleaded; his eyes wide at the prospect, a chance to break out of the norm and do something totally unexpected, something fun.
"Yeah, right! You know how Dad feels about that," Dean scoffed, quickly dismissing the thought.
Sam, of course, was not the sort to let an idea die so quickly. "He doesn't want me playing soccer either."
"That's different. Dad want's us home and the house secured," Dean responded as expected, but then he looked in his brother's eyes and it didn't take long for him to succumb to the puppy-dog look. He gave a half-smile of his own and offered him a compromise. "I tell ya what; I'll take you to the diner for an early supper. June was asking about you."
Later - around 4:00 P.M. At the diner
June was fussing over Sam, running her fingers through his long hair, and when her touch brought out his dimples, teasing him about the pits in his cheeks.
"Dean, you're going to have some competition in the looks department. Sam is turning into a fine young man. You know, I think he's going to be even taller than you."
Dean huffed at that and quirked his mouth in response. "June… never happen. Remember, he's my little brother."
"So, boys, what're you doing for Halloween?"
"Just gonna have a meal at our favorite hangout and then its home to watch movies," Dean replied.
"No Halloween parties? You know the carnival just set up on the outskirts of town. With your dad away, I'd think you boys would want to kick up your heels and have a little fun."
"I wanted to, but Dean's too responsible," Sam moaned.
"Enough, Sam," Dean responded in a terse voice.
The tension only lasted a moment before Dean continued, able to turn on a dime and recapture an easy air.
"What do you want to eat? Huh? Anything you want." He laughed as he emphasized the last point. "College boys are buying!"
They ordered the special, pot roast with home style mashed potatoes and green beans, fresh pumpkin pie for dessert, and two large milk shakes. Unlike most teenagers who craved burgers and fries, the Winchester boys desired good old-fashioned home cooking on special occasions. Neither Dean or Dad were accomplished cooks. Dean tried to cook nutritious meals on occasion for Sam, but his specialties were somewhat limited. They got enough burgers and fries at fast food joints; Dad always pushed them to eat down-home cooking when the opportunity arose for a sit-down meal.
The food was good here and cheap. The place wasn't very busy so June sat and chatted with them while they ate. It almost felt like a normal family outing. They were talking and laughing until Dean looked up and was startled to see Stacy walk in and go to the counter. June immediately picked up on his reaction.
"She's picking up a take-out order. She's a little early. It'll be five or ten minutes until its ready," she informed them as she slid out of the booth.
June walked over to Stacy, exchanged a few words and went back into the kitchen. Sam smiled at the look on his brother's face, grinning like a cartoon hyena in a Disney flick.
"Go ahead. Go talk to her."
"What?" Dean gasped out.
"C'mon, Dean. Don't be a jerk. Go talk to her."
Dean still didn't quite know what to make of these feelings. This really couldn't go anywhere, so why bother? But something compelled him and he slid out of the booth and casually strolled over to the counter.
"Funny seeing you here," he commented in a low voice.
Stacy smiled a broad, welcoming smile when she turned and saw him standing there. He relaxed a little. She sure looked happy to see him.
"Hey, Dean. What're you up to?"
"Just having supper with my brother."
"Really? That's nice."
Stacy looked over at the booth and waved to Sam. There was an awkward pause then, Dean simply standing there and Stacy waiting for him to say something more, wondering where the ease of their conversation from the afternoon had gone.
Dean felt nervous and unsure. He didn't like Sam watching him, pushing him to approach Stacy and now that he was here, he wondered why he didn't just stay in the booth, back where it was safe, hidden from sight. He was trying to think of something clever to say to break the ice again, but all that came to mind were lame pickup lines he'd use to flirt with the older women he felt much more comfortable approaching. Somehow he didn't think Stacy would appreciate being treated like an easy pickup. And for some unknown reason, he didn't want to treat her that way.
Thankfully she took the initiative. "So, you guys have plans for tonight? Did you hear the carnival is open just outside town?"
He cleared his throat and responded, casual-like, finding his footing again. "Yeah, I heard somethin' about that. You going?"
"No. No plans to. I've never been to a carnival though; I bet it'd be fun. I'm just picking up dinner for my dad. Y' know, quiet night at home."
"I've never been to a carnival either. Might be fun. If you wanted to, we could go."
The words came out before they even registered in Dean's brain. Why did he say that? He couldn't take Stacy to the carnival, not tonight… especially not tonight.
"I'd love to go with you." Stacy was beaming, her joy embracing her face, those blue eyes brilliant with a vibrant wide smile.
What had he done? He couldn't leave Sam tonight. He couldn't go to the carnival with Stacy. What was he thinking? Stacy looked so happy and excited. How could he disappoint her now? He knew it was wrong, but just this once he wanted to do what he wanted.
As if on cue, June came out of the kitchen then with the take-out bag and gave Dean a wink.
"So, big date tonight, huh?"
"Um, I.., I.., Stacy.., I forgot I have to watch Sam tonight," Dean stammered.
He was torn. He wanted to follow orders and do his duty, but he also wanted to go on this date.
June saw the conflict on Dean's face. She knew little of the Winchester's secrets, but she did know Dean was always so mature and responsible. He deserved a little fun, especially since it was so clear he wanted it, but something was pulling him away, pushing him to deny it. She took the initiative to save him from himself.
"Don't worry, Dean. Sam can stay here with me. We'll be fine."
June had watched Sam before when John took Dean on hunts. This wouldn't be the first time. Dad had trusted June with Sam, what could be the harm? The internal war waged on. This was different though, this was Halloween.
Sam had been listening in on his brother's conversation and decided now was the time to act. He jumped out of the booth and hurried over to the counter.
"I'll be fine with June. You and Stacy go have fun at the carnival."
Dean still hesitated, torn and unsure what to do, his dad's voice loud in his head, his duty clear.
He looked into Stacy's eyes and his heart surged, his voice followed and he still wasn't thinking, simply reacting. "You sure, Sammy? You know Dad… "
Sam cut him off.
"Go. I'll be fine. Really, Dean. I want you to."
A smile slowly spread across Dean's face and before he consciously made the decision, it was done.
"Okay. I guess that's settled."
Stacy was beaming again.
"I just need to take this food to my dad. I can be ready in a half hour. Here's my address." She jotted down her address and handed the slip to Dean.
He held it up and read the address before folding it and placing it in his jean's pocket. "Okay then, see you soon."
Stacy picked up her food and practically waltzed out of the diner, giggling as she almost ran into the door.
Sam was glad Dean was going to the carnival with Stacy. His brother was almost acting like a normal teenager. Almost… As much as Dean protested he never wanted a normal life, it was nice to see him relax and attempt it for once.
"June, I'll be back to pick up Sam by midnight when you close up. Thanks for watching him."
He nodded to his brother and was half-way out the door as she called after him, "Don't worry if you're a little late. Sam can help me clean up. Just go have yourself some fun."