A/N: Hello dear readers and thanks for deciding to read my Christmas story for this year. I decided to do another Storm story since I loved creating her. I though having a Christmas with her would give the guys some fond memories that they could keep since their past ones were not that good. I will be posting a chapter a day, ending on Christmas Day. This will be a short ride, but I hope you enjoy it. I hope everyone is having a nice holiday. Reviews would make mine better. NC

Disclaimer: I do not own SPN and this is my own creation. Any errors are my own.

Chapter 1

It was a minute into a new day when a phone started vibrating, waking up one of the sleepers in the room. Sam rolled over and stretched out his hand to feel around for Dean's cell that was lying on the nightstand between the beds.

"'lo," Sam slurred as he wiped sleep from his eyes and tried to see what time it was.

"Sam, hi. Is Dean around?" Storm asked slowly, wondering why he was answering Dean's cell. She could usually catch Dean before he went to bed to talk to him and see how they were doing. It eased her mind just to hear his voice and know they were okay.

"He is, but he's asleep. I gave him some pain meds that knocked him out."

"What happened that he needs pain meds?" Storm asked with concern. "Sam tell me."

"Dean's okay Storm," Sam whispered quickly and got up to go to the bathroom so he could talk and not wake his brother. "His shoulder was dislocated, but I reset it, and he's banged up a little. It's nothing a few days of rest and some meds won't take care of. You know how hunts go, not like we expect some of the time."

"That's why I'm calling. You know Christmas is coming up later this week and I wanted to see if you guys wanted to have Christmas with me and Dad? I usually close the bar early on Christmas Eve and will be closed the week between Christmas and New Year's to get the books ready for taxes and to have a break."

"I don't see why not," Sam surmised as he thought about it. "We can get a motel room in town and come over to see you."

"No, you guys can stay here with me. Dad is going to stay with a Marine buddy and come over on Christmas day. We've already discussed it, he's fine with it."

"Are you sure?" Sam questioned. "It won't be a…"

"Honest Sam, Dad is going to get some of his buddies together and take some gifts to some disabled vets in the area, so he'll be busy anyway. Dad would say something if he minded. You know that, so my home is open to you and your brother. Please say you'll come Sam. It's been a while since you've been by…And I miss seeing you guys."

"Alright, I'll tell Dean in the morning and we'll head your way. It'll take us a day or a little more to get there. I'll text you when we're close."

"Great! I can't wait!" Storm cried loudly. "Give Dean my love."

"Yeah, sure," Sam laughed as he pulled the cell from his ear when Storm yelled excitedly. "We'll see you in a few days."

"Okay. I'll stock up so we won't have to go out once you get here. It'll be good to see you guys. Be careful driving over. The weather is supposed to turn nasty."

"Me too and we will. Bye Storm." Sam hung up Dean's cell and sighed knowing Dean would be happy to go see her. It had been nearly two months since they had stopped by the bar and he could hear the longing in Dean's voice when he talked with her on the cell as often as he could.

Sam stepped out into the main room and looked Dean's way to see the ice pack had slipped from his shoulder. He moved to his bed and carefully picked up the ice pack and replaced it on Dean's left shoulder. He stirred and grumbled in his sleep but didn't wake as Sam held his breath and froze. When Dean settled back down, Sam went to his bed and slipped between the sheets sighing softly as he let his mind clear and listened to his brother's nasally snore. He would tell Dean about Storm's call in the morning and they could head toward the bar.

Spn

Consciousness came slowly to Dean the next morning as he rolled over and groaned in pain from moving the wrong way. He blinked fast several times to clear his vision and looked around the room. The bed across from his was empty and he didn't hear any movement in the room.

"S'my," Dean croaked out and cleared his throat to try again, a little louder. "Sammy." When he didn't get an answer, Dean swung his legs from the bed and sat on the side as he slowly and carefully moved his shoulder to find it stiff, sore, and painful to move. He pushed to his feet and stood there getting his balance before making his way to the bathroom.

Sam let himself into the room carrying bags with breakfast for them. He looked to the bed to see it empty and jerked around when the bathroom door opened.

"Hey," Sam greeted him. "I got breakfast and a sling for your arm. How are you feeling?"

"Crappy," Dean grunted dropping into a chair at the table. He pulled a cup of coffee to him and removed the lid so he could take a sip. He growled at Sam when he took the sling from the box and tried to adjust it as he slipped it over Dean's head so he could put his left arm into it.

"Storm called last night," Sam offered as he pulled wrapped sandwiches from the bag and gave Dean one.

"You didn't wake me?"

"You were doped up and needed to rest. She invited us to have Christmas with her and her Dad."

"Oh yeah, forgot about that, it's this week, right," Dean commented no enthusiasm in his voice. "Guess I've got reasons to celebrate this year," he mumbled to himself.

"I figured we'd head that way since you need to recuperate, and she said the bar's closed between Christmas and New Year."

"That makes it even better. Wait, how 'bout her Dad?"

"He's staying with a Marine buddy and they're doing something for the holiday to help some other vets. I take it he'll be there Christmas Day."

"How far are we from the bar?"

"A day, maybe a little more. We can take our time and should be there before Christmas Eve."

"We'll need to stop somewhere and get some gifts. We can't go empty handed you know."

"There'll be plenty of places along the way. If we leave after we finish breakfast, maybe you'll feel like stopping later today."

"Maybe," Dean nodded as he bit into his breakfast sandwich.

"You should take some more meds before we leave. It'll make the trip easier on you."

"Yes, Mom," Dean said sarcastically. He didn't like looking or feeling weak in front of anyone, especially his brother. He was the strong one, the one who took care of others and kept his brother safe. Dean watched Sam shake out a couple of pain pills and hold them out to him. Dean snorted but took the pills and washed them down with the last of his coffee.

"Let me use the bathroom and grab my things from there and I'll be ready to leave," Sam told Dean as he gathered their trash to throw away.

"Yeah, need to hit the head too," Dean replied. He stayed sitting at the table until Sam was done in the bathroom and it was his turn. Slowly and carefully, he pushed himself from the chair and walked on unsteady legs to the bathroom but kept his body stiff and head high trying to be tough in front of Sam.

Sam watched his brother walking to the bathroom and could tell he was putting on an act for him. He sighed and shook his head at his antics thinking Dean should know by now he could see right through his act. He put his bathroom bag into his duffle and glanced around to make sure everything was packed. Sam waited for Dean to come out and add his bag to his duffle before grabbing both up to take to the car.

"I'm not helpless," Dean fussed even though he was glad Sam took his duffle too.

"I know, and I'm driving for now so you can pout all you want, but that's how it's going to be."

Dean started to say something, but snapped his mouth shut and just glared at Sam before turning and walking out the door. Sam rolled his eyes and shouldered the duffels before following him to the car, happy to see he had gotten in on the passenger side without any fuss. Sam dropped the bags into the trunk and went around to the driver's side to get in. He started the car and frowned when she sputtered for a moment before catching, like she knew her first love wasn't driving.

"She doesn't like you," Dean snickered until Sam threw him a bitch face. He coughed and cleared his throat and studied the scenery outside the side window.

Sam pulled from the motel parking lot and headed for the main road to pick up the interstate to head west. He had checked online to find the best route and found several large malls off the interstate figuring they could stop at one.

"Any idea what you're getting Storm for Christmas?" Sam asked.

"I know what I'd like to get her…" Dean mumbled letting his sentence trail off.

Sam looked over at his brother as his brow knitted trying to figure out what he was talking about. After a few moments, it suddenly hit him what Dean meant.

"You want to get her a ring, don't you?" he blurred out quickly knowing he was right when he saw it written on Dean's face. "So, why don't you?"

"You know why," Dean sighed. "I couldn't do that to her, not with our lives. We never know from one hunt to the next if it might be our last one. I couldn't do that to her; besides it's too soon. We've not known each other that long."

"But could it be something you might do in the future?" Sam questioned. "I gotta say she's perfect for you and don't think you'll find another woman like her. She can stand toe to toe with you and not blink."

"We do seem to click, and she knows about our lives, so I don't have to hide anything from her."

"Maybe not this year, there's always next year or when's her birthday?"

"I honestly don't know. It never really came up in conversation or anything. Okay Sammy, that's your job to find out her birthday."

"Why me? Why can't you ask her?"

"Come on, for your big brother…Do this one thing for me…" Dean whined. "I am injured, you know."

"And that makes it okay? Sneak and look at her driver's license or better yet, ask her Dad."

"Good idea Sammy. I knew I kept you around for a reason."

"Funny, jerk," Sam sneered at him.

"If the shoe fits, bitch," Dean shot back. He slumped down in the seat and closed his eyes ignoring Sam as he felt the pain meds kicking in making him feel woozy.

Sam looked over at his brother and saw his eyes were closed and his head was leaning against the side window. Dean cradled the sling to his chest and Sam was pleased he didn't put up too much of a fight with wear it. He knew it would take the pressure off his shoulder and help it to heal faster. He focused back on the highway and continued west. Sam was going to drive until he needed gas and food, or Dean needed to stop.

Spn

"Hey, I'm stopping for gas," Sam spoke as he shook Dean's leg. "You need to get out and stretch?"

"Wha'" Dean slurred as he grunted in pain from being still for so long.

"I'm stopping up ahead. We can get gas and there's a mall a few miles further I thought we could stop at and shop and get something to eat."

"Okay," Dean replied wiping his eyes and waking himself up to look around. He didn't realize he had slept for so long and wasn't sure where they were. He fought back a yawn and watched Sam pull into a convenience store and to the gas pumps and stopping. "Hitting the head."

"Alright, I'll pump the gas and move the car over to the door," Sam nodded. He got out watching Dean pulling himself from the car and shuffling across the parking lot toward the front door. Sam thought he looked much older than he was. Once the car was full, he got back in and moved it to a parking spot in front of the store. He headed inside to use the restroom and met Dean coming out.

"Did you say we're stopping at a mall?" Dean questioned before Sam stepped into the restroom.

"Yeah, it's only a few miles ahead. We can get something to eat and do some shopping."

"Okay, I'll be in the car."

"I won't be long."

Dean headed outside and got back in the passenger side of the car. He figured maybe he would drive once they finished at the mall. He mulled over what to get Storm for Christmas as he waited for Sam. He thought about her likes and dislikes, but it didn't help.

"Okay," Sam noted as he slipped into the driver's seat. "Do you want to eat before checking the mall out or afterwards? I'm sure they have a food court inside."

"Doesn't matter. I figured we'd split up and meet back at a certain spot. Whoever is done first can text the other."

"Sounds fine to me. Hopefully, it won't be too crowded it being a weekday."

"Just park my Baby where she's not going to get scratched or dinged, or your ass is mine."

"Yeah, yeah, I know the routine," Sam huffed, getting that speech every time, he drove the Impala. He pulled out of the store parking lot and back onto the interstate, merging into the traffic to head for the mall. Sam exited the interstate and got into the line of traffic going into the mall. He drove around looking for a parking space that Dean would approve of. Once he found one, they got out and started walking toward an entrance to the mall. "Dean, are you sure you'll be okay by yourself? You're not feeling dizzy or lightheaded?"

"I'm fine Sammy, stop fussing so much. You know I've been hurt worse than this," Dean fussed back at him. "Good the food court is down there," Dean pointed down a hallway. "So, say we meet back at the food court in a couple of hours or sooner if we get done early."

"Okay, but if you start feeling…"

"Got shopping to do; later dude," Dean called as he strolled away from his brother throwing him a wave.

Sam started to say something else, but clamped his mouth shut and muttered under his breath as he headed in the other direction. He stopped at a sign and grabbed a map of the stores, so he'd know where things were. Sam had an idea of what he was getting everyone and scanned the brochure as he walked. There were several stores in this leg of the mall he wanted to stop at and several others on the other side of the mall.

Dean didn't look back as he headed deeper into the mall, glancing both ways to check the stores out. He came to a jewelry store and stepped inside to look into the display cases.

"May I help you find something?" an older woman asked as she stepped to Dean.

"I'm looking for a gift for my girl," Dean replied as he looked around not sure what Storm might like.

"Well, we have a nice selection of necklaces and bracelets or were you thinking of a ring?"

"No ring," Dean quickly spit out and felt his face warm. "Not that I don't want to, but not yet."

"Okay, do you know her birthstone?"

"No, I know I should, but it hasn't come up in conversation," Dean shrugged.

"Let me see…" the salesclerk noted as she looked into displays and moved down to a case of necklaces. "We have some nice silver necklaces with different pendants, hearts, crosses. How about a lover's heart?"

"What is that?" Dean asked moving down the displays with her.

"It's two hearts intertwined as one to represent your love for that special someone." She pulled out the necklace and laid it on a velvet cloth for Dean to inspect. "And this one is called an open heart," she continued pulling another one out for him.

Dean looked at the two necklaces and glanced at the others on display. Storm had captured his heart and he knew she was the one for him, his soulmate. There were several that caught his eye and he pointed them out so he could see them closer. When the salesclerk had them side by side, Dean pictured each one around Storm's neck and tried to decide the one that would look the best and let her know how he really felt about her. After fifteen minutes of contemplating, Dean finally picked a necklace that seemed to speak to him. While the clerk wrapped the gift, Dean wandered over to the engagement rings and looked at them. He wanted to give Storm one but wanted to wait until they knew each other better and to be sure she felt the same way about him. He still couldn't believe he didn't know her birthday.

"Here you go sir," the clerk smiled as she handed him the gift. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Don't think so, maybe some other time."

"Have a good day sir and happy holidays."

"Same to you." Dean headed from the store and walked down the row of stores trying to decide if he wanted to check any of them out. He needed to find something for Sam and Cooper and was racking his brain on what to get them. He stopped at a sunglass shop and looked at the displays before going in and making a purchase. He continued around the mall to the other side and went into an electronics store thinking of something perfect for his nerdy brother. Dean walked through a department store and found another gift for Storm. He checked his watch and strolled back toward the food court stopping in a couple of other stores along the way. He pulled his cell out when it chirped, he had a text. He glanced at it, figuring it was from Sam and sent one back.

Sam found a music store and went in to see if they had any cassette tapes that Dean might like. He was happy to find several that Dean didn't have and purchased them. The bookstore was his next stop to see if they had the latest book from one of Storm's favorite authors. He also found a classic car book on the sales table and was happy to see it had the Impala on the front cover. He was sure Dean would enjoy reading it. Sam went into a Jerky store and got Dean a bag of jerky and some peanut M&Ms. He found a store to get gifts for Storm and her father, Cooper. The last stop he made was at a Sears where he found a small tool kit for car repairs for Dean to keep in the Impala in case the Impala broke down somewhere. He stopped at a bench and sent a text to Dean that he was heading for the food court. Sam gathered his bags, dividing them between his hands and headed for the food court.

Spn

"Hey, did you find everything you wanted?" Sam asked Dean as he took a seat at a table Dean was sitting at.

"Think so, you?"

"Yeah, I think so. At least I hope so. Are we going to eat now? Do you need some meds?"

"Yes, to both your questions," Dean replied. "How 'bout getting me a Philly cheese steak sandwich, fries, and a drink? I'll stay here with the bags."

"Okay," Sam nodded. He could see how tired Dean looked and how stiffly he moved. He got up and went to wait in line to order Dean's food. Sam glanced around at the other offerings of food trying to decide what he wanted. There were several options to choose from that was to his liking, he just had to make a choice. After he got Dean's order, Sam dropped it off at the table for Dean and went to get his own food.

"There's a Dollar Store on the way out I thought we'd stop and get some wrapping paper, bows, and tape," Sam said as he sat back down with his food.

"I got most of mine wrapped when I bought them," Dean shrugged. "There's only a couple I need to wrap."

"Yeah, not all of the stores did free wrapping, so the need for paper and tape."

"Whatever dude. I'll drive when we leave, and you can run into the store."

"Okay, but only if you feel like it," Sam cautioned. "I figured we can knock out another six hours or so and stop for the night. That'll put us getting to the bar tomorrow late afternoon."

"Fine with me. I'll let Stormy know tonight when we stop."

"Ask her if there's anything we need to pick up on our way in."

"Okay, man I could eat another one of those sandwiches, but I would be useless if I did," Dean sighed as he bit off a bite of fry. "Does any of these places have pie?" he asked looking around.

"Don't think so, there's cookies over there and ice cream."

"Bummer," Dean pouted gathering his trash onto the tray to throw away. He rolled his left shoulder carefully and grimaced with the pain. He adjusted the sling before getting up to throw away his trash. "You 'bout finished there Sammy?"

"Give me a few more minutes," Sam huffed. "I like to taste my food and not wolf it down."

"You've always ate too slow bro. Even when you were a kid."

"We're not on a timetable, are we? We can take our time."

"I guess. Look, I'm heading to the car, I'll pick you up at the entrance we came in."

"Okay, I'll be done in a few minutes." Sam watched his brother gather his bags in one hand and head for the doors that led to the parking lot. He was moving slowly and kept his arm tightly against his chest to protect it. He was going to let him drive for a few hours and then take over again whether he liked it or not. Sam finished his meal and gathered his bags before heading the way Dean had gone. He found him waiting at the curb for him and put his bags in the back before getting in on the passenger side. "You'll need to go out at the next exit down to get to the Dollar Store."

"Okay," Dean replied driving slowly through the lot toward the store. He found a spot to park to let Sam out and waited in the car for him. Shopping had worn him down, but he wasn't going to let Sam know, he planned on pulling his weight with driving some so Sam could have a break. It didn't take Sam long in the store and Dean watched him walk out and head for the car with several bags in his hands. Dean started the car and waited as Sam deposited the bags in the backseat before squeezing his tall frame into the passenger seat and settling. He pulled from the parking lot and headed back to the interstate to continue their journey.