Chapter 7:
Dean shook his head slightly. It couldn't really be. They hadn't seen their Dad since Chicago. Why the hell would he show up now? And here?
As if reading his mind, John said, "It's me Dean. I'll explain everything later. For now, let's get out of here so I can go burn the bones. Now up."
John helped Sam lift Dean off the ground. Once again his sons were standing before him, bruised and battered. And once again the father part of his soul took over and he was washed with the guilt of the life he had given to them. At that moment he was so tempted just to break down and tell his boys how sorry he was. To show his concern. To tell them 'let's just get the hell outta here and forget about the job'. But once again that little voice found it's way back to the front. That little voice that went by so many names. Vengence, stubborness, pride, and animal instinct. He loved his boys beyond what words could say. But nonetheless, he did choose this life, and he choose to put them in it. To avenge their mother, to rid the world of evil. And he spent the last twenty two years training them to survive. And as he looked at them the military man came back out, and he was pissed. He couldn't believe they had come in here unprepared. Like a couple of rookies on the first day of the job. He just couldn't hold it in any longer. Dean knew better than this.
"What the hell were thinking Dean?" John suddenly burst out as he and Sam were lugging him down the hallway.
Dean's head snapped up in attention. He didn't need to ask what his Father meant. He knew. "Sorry sir. I screwed up."
Anger flashed over Sam. Here they were dragging Dean down the hallway because he was so injured, his voice was so hoarse he could barely speak, and Sam himself was injured, and their dad had the nerve to start chastising Dean! "Dad! This wasn't Dean's fault!"
"Don't give me that crap! He knows better than this. He knows how things can go bad without a second's notice! Didn't I teach you anything Dean!"
Dean had let his head lull forward. Once again he was stuck between his brother and his father's argument. Literally. And right now he just couldn't take it. He was too tired. He was tired of seeing the two people he loved most in the world hate each other. He came to a stop, surprising Sam and his Father. With all of the strength and convicition he could give his voice, he said, "Look Dad. Sammy and I are a little beat to hell right now and I really don't feel like a lecture. Can we please just do the job and then you can yell all you want later."
Sam was speechless. And he vowed right then that he would never forget the look that crossed over his Dad's face. The look of complete and utter shock. And for once in his life, the man was speechless. Sam wanted to pat Dean on the back and scream for joy that he had finally stood up to the old man. But then he felt Dean's body tremble beneath his hand. "All right guys, can we go now. Before Dean passes out and I have to carry him." He shot his Dad a stern look, telling him to let it go.
John got the message. He didn't like it, but he got the message. But what did he expect? He's the one that abandoned them. Leaving them only each other to depend on. Did he really think they wouldn't stand as a united front against him? Well, of course, he didn't think Dean would. But obviously Sam had rubbed off on him.
They had finally made it to the last flight of stairs leading them to the first floor. Sam had hope they were going to make it out, and silently was thankful their dad had shown up to help. Dean was feeling guilty for mouthing off to his father and hoping they were almost done walking down friggin' flights of stairs. And John was bracing for the inevitible.
He didn't have to wait long. The light blasted through the darkness accompanied by the sounds of wood creaking and giving way. Before he had a chance to shove his boys to safety, John felt the steps give way beneath his feet. Before he knew it he had lost his hold on Dean, and all three of them were falling down.
Okay, so this was a shortie. But the next one will be better. Thanks for reading!