AN: Hey Everyone! This is my first Supernatrual Fanfic (I'm a bit late to the fandom game I know) and I hope you enjoy it!
TW: This story will contain sexual abuse of a minior, if this is an issue for you in any way please do not read it. I care more about your health than views.
If you enjoy this chapter do please leave me a review, I take all my reviews seriously and they are all precious to me.
The timeline on this one is a bit iffy but shouldn't be to relevent to follow along.
Dean leaned back in the diner chair, sipping his coffee. Sam sat across from him, messing with his phone. Dean flipped the pages of 'the un-natural' a small newspaper dedicated to the abnormal events in the United states. It was mostly just fluff articles, but one caught his attention. 'Idaho farming town haunted? 20 suicides in 2 months'
"Hey sam?" Dean asked, scanning the article. "You remember that little town in Idaho we stayed for a while when we were kids? Marsing?"
When silence met his question Dean looked up, expecting to have to bring his brothers attention from the phone. Instead he saw Sam looking out the window, eyes glazed over.
"Yo, Sam, Earth to Sam. Sammy." Dean waved a hand in front of his brother's face.
Sam turned to look at Dean, his eyes were still distant. "I remember, what about it?"
Dean gave Sam a puzzled look. "Sam?"
"Just spaced out Dean, Common what's in Idaho?" Sam reached across the table, snapping the newspaper from Dean's hand.
"20 Suicides, 2 months." Dean quoted the information Sam was now scanning through. "You up for a little trip? Only about 10 hours from here."
"Dean, one suicide can trigger others, it's not really 'ghosty'" Sam put the paper back on the table, picking up his coffee.
"Dude, do you remember the size of that town? 20 people is probably like 5% of their population. And all the suicides were of men ages 20-35 that's some crazy coincidence." raised his hands to emphasize his point. "I say we check it out."
"You go then, doesn't sound like a two person gig." Sam's voice nonchalant. His gaze had drifted out the window again.
Dean blinked, taken aback by the lack of comradery. "Seriously? You wanna split? You don't even have a car Sam. What are you gonna do in Arizona while I'm off in Idaho?"
Sam shrugged, not looking up.
Dean leaned forward, brows furrowed in frustration "Sammy why don't you want to check this thing out? Something you not telling me?" Dean scanned his memories of the time, trying to pinpoint a red flag.
Sam shot Dean a glare "No, I just don't want to go on a pointless road trip that's probably nothing."
Dean sighed, Sam was being one giant but plug today. "Okay, say what, we check it out, it's nothing, we head to Cali and take some time in the sun." Dean leaned back in his chair as if basking in the beams.
Sam sighed, standing up and fumbling a $10 out of his pocket and onto the table. "Fine Dean, we can go."
He turned to leave and Dean jumped up to follow. "Sam?" He called, but Sam did not stall in his path. Dean jogged to catch up to Sam in the parking lot. "Sam, what the hell? Why are you so against this?" Sam continued to ignore Dean, reaching for the passenger door. Dean slammed his hand against it, keeping it closed. "Sam!"
Sam sighed, turning to face his brother. "You remember how you always helped out Dad with his case after school?"
Dean thought back, it was true, their father was on a long game case and Dean spent most afternoons helping with research. "Sure, what about it?"
"It just sucked, I was alone a lot and the school was crap and I just don't look forward to going back." Sam shoved Dean's hand off the door and got in. Dean sighed and made his way around to his own seat
"Okay, sure, but you're not exactly 5 anymore Sam, I don't think you'll be able to hold your own against the slug town bullies." Dean protested.
Sam snorted "I was 10 Dean."
"Look Sam, if it bothers you so much I can go solo." Dean threw a loophole for his brother, and surprisingly Sam seemed to think it over.
"No, it's fine. I can go. Besides, Cali sounds nice. Redwood forests and Oceans.-"
"And Martinis and Bikinis" Dean grinned.
Sam seemed to relax as the drive rolled from 2 hours into 6, and Dean thought back to the time they had spent in the small Idaho town.
"Hey Sam" Dean shouted as he heard the front door open, jumping up from the couch to greet his brother.
As Sam slinked in the door he looked up at his brother and Deans concern meter went from 0 to 100 in point 3 seconds. Sam had clearly been crying. Before Dean could confront his brother the door widened more and an older man stepped through behind Sam.
"Pastor Henry" Dean blinked, surprised.
"Good afternoon Dean." The pastor greeted, and Sam slipped by in the distraction, slipping into the small bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Dean heard the audible 'click' as a lock slid into place.
Dean turned to follow his brother, but the pastor spoke up. "Let him go for a second Dean."
Dean shot the pastor a 'are you crazy?' look and the pastor held up his hand in peace. "I may not be the Sam expert you are, but I do know that Sam is at an age he might want to lick his own wounds. Would you have wanted your father to come in and comfort you at that age?"
The pastor had a point, Sam was at the age where those things mattered a lot. Dean sighed in frustration. "What happened?"
"It's really for Sam to tell you if he wants to, but it's my understanding he's having some problems with some kids at school." The pastor gave a sympathetic look. "I'm sure he'll talk to you if he needs you. It's my understanding that the kid has some serious respect for his big brother."
Dean felt his cheeks start to blush slightly at the compliment. "Thanks for dropping him off Pastor, I'll make sure he's doing okay."
The pastor nodded and headed out the door, Dean shut it behind him and sighed, looking down the hall to the closed bathroom door. He could hear the shower turn on and settled back on the couch. He would check in on Sam after the shower.
"Dean? Dean!" Dean startled back into reality as he saw a slightly concerned Sam looking at him. He quickly turned his attention back to the road.
"What?" He tried to brush off the zone out
"Weren't you supposed to take that road back there?" Sam accused, eyebrows raised.
"Aw Shit" Dean cursed, and scanned the empty road for a good spot to spin around.
"You thinking of something?" Sam asked, settling back against the leather.
"You remember that old pastor who watched you after school? Mark Henry?"
Sam was turned away enough that Dean couldn't see his expression. "What about him?" Sam asked, voice calm.
"Just wondering if he was still in town." Dean found a farmers road and turned onto it, then backed out into the highway, facing the correct direction.
"Man was pretty old, he might have passed away." Sam commented
Dean shrugged "still, it would be nice to see him again. The guy was nice, made me wish we ran into him more often."
Sam didn't comment on that, and Dean sighed, the cold shoulder was getting a bit dull. "Wanna stop for some grub? Maybe grab the local word?"
"Sure" Sam agreed.
Dean pulled into the small diner attached to the old gas station 'eat n go' was the small name that needed re-painted 10 years ago. A waitress greeted them as they walked in, the cowbell chiming at the top of the door. "Evening boys" She smiled, she was stereotypical as could be, older, busty, slightly plump and giving major 'grandma' vibes.
"Good evening beautiful" Dean shot her a grin, which she didn't blink at to his disappointment.
"Take a seat and I'll be right over, menus are on the table." She busied away with a stack of dishes.
Sam slid into the booth and Dean copied across from him. Dean picked up a menu, scanning it over. "Not sure they got much rabbit food here for ya."
Sam shrugged, glancing out the window into the setting sun. "It's fine, I'm not hungry."
"Sam" Dean said warningly "You had coffee and one power bar all day, you have to eat something for dinner."
"I'll get something later." Sam didn't look at Dean. "I'm not feeling like eating right now."
"Okay Sam, seriously." Dean dropped the menu and leaned forward, arms crossed on the table. "What is going on with you? You've been in a mood all day."
"I am not in a mood Dean," Sam snapped "I just want to get this job over with so we can get out of this town."
"What happened in this town that made you hate it so much? We have been through dozens of crappy childhood towns and you didn't even blink." Dean shot back.
"Look, just drop it." Sam growled. "I'll eat something if it makes you feel better."
Dean sat back and sighed. "How do I help if you don't let me?"
"You can always fix things Dean." Sam looked away from the window, and Dean was a bit taken aback by the anger in his eyes. "Not everything can be solved by you coming into town and flashing a badge and shooting a monster."
"Sam.." Dean opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by the waitress.
"Sorry for the wait lads." She smiled, pen and paper in hand. "Did you have a chance to decide what you'd like?"
"Oh yes," Dean plastered back on a smile "I'll have whatever you recommend and whatever's on tap." he turned to look at Sam expectantly who sighed.
"Would you get me your chili and water please?"
The waitress nodded, jotting down the orders "Anything else for you boys?"
Sam raised an eyebrow at Dean who gave him a confused look, not getting the hint. Sam mouthed 'pie' and Deans smiled turned genuine "Pie please, 2 slices of the best." Dean winkeed at the lady who nodded and turned away.
"I don't want any pie," Sam said, frowning.
"I didn't get you any."
Sam shrugged, and turned to look out the window again, eyes distant. Dean allowed his own mind to wonder, trying to remember what was so different about this town. What had happened that made Sam so upset.
"Please, I'm ready, I can hunt, let me come." Sam pleaded with his father, standing at the entrance of the small apartment, duffle bags over his shoulders.
"Sam, I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." John was genuine in his words "I wish I didn't have to leave you here by yourself, but I need Deans help and it's only for a little while."
Sam sent Dean a pleading look, and Dean looked down. He had already had the battle with John about Sam coming, and John had not been so kind in that conversation. "How long?" Sam asked, voice small
"It's hard to say kid." The father knelt down, placing a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Probably a couple weeks, I made sure to leave plenty of food and emergency cash. And you know what to tell people if they ask."
"You're only gone for a couple hours and you'll be back soon." Sam whispered, looking down.
"Good lad" John smiled comfortingly. "Sam, I asked Pastor Henry to check up on you after school, so you don't need to worry."
"No." Sam's outburst was sudden and surprising, he quickly covered up. "I mean, I'll be alright on my own sir."
John frowned at the reaction. "I have no doubt, but if you wouldn't mind it makes me feel better knowing that someone is checking in on you."
Sam scrunched his lips together, clearly wanting to say something more.
"We'll be back soon Sammy." Dean piped up, giving Sam a sympathetic look.
"Okay," Sam whispered and watched as Dean and John slipped out the door.
Dean was brought back to reality by the delicious smell assaulting his nose. He looked down to see a plate of something delicious and covered in gravy. "That looks amazing" He breathed, picking up a fork.
"Well thank you" The women slipped a bowl of chili with a side of crackers in front of Sam. "Thought you looked like a meat and potatoes kinda guy." She winked at Dean "I'll grab your pie for you in just a sec."
"I don't think I caught your name." Sam piped up, surprising Dean.
"Oh how silly of me." The waitress chuckled "Names Kim, will you boys be needing anything else?" She turned to go
"Actually" Sam held up a hand and she paused "We heard something about a strange number of deaths in the area?"
Dean shot Sam a "we're doing this now?" Sam looked and shrugged at him "why not?"
The woman's face went from pleasant to concerned. "Well yes, unfortunately, I haven't seen anything like it to be honest."
"Do you have any idea what might have triggered this?" Sam asked
"If you don't mind me asking, why do you want to know?" The woman put a hand on her hip, scepticism crossing her face. "You two aren't reporters or anything right? We don't need that kind of attention and if-"
"No, No, nothing like that." Dean held up his hand, reaching to his waste. "We're actually here on official business." He said quietly, holding up the badge.
"Oh." She blinked, surprised. "Oh, please excuse me I didn't mean -"
"It's no problem at all." Sam nodded, flashing his own badge "We just are trying to keep somewhat of a low profile."
"I'm sorry agents, but I Don't believe I can do much to help you. I didn't know any of the boys personally, though a town like this everyone knows everyone. Honestly it seems to have come on all at once." She sighed, disheartened.
"We are very sorry for your town." Dean assured her. "One more question if you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course." She assured him
"Do you happen to know of a place we might be able to stay? We didn't have time to make arrangements beforehand." Dean gave her his best 'cheer up' smile
"We don't really have much in the way of hotels." She pursed her lips, thinking. "Tell you what, Annie has a spare room, I'll send her out and maybe she can help you boys out." With that Kim slipped back into the kitchen
Dean turned his attention to Sam, who he noted had not touched the chili. Dean himself started digging in. "What the hell was that?'' He asked through mouthfuls of the delicious whatever it was.
"Was what?" Sam asked defensive
"You just went right in huh? No lead up questions? No "How's the town been?""
"I'm just trying to do the job," Sam growled, voice low. "You got a problem with how I work?"
"Sam, we are a /team/ not a solo act." Dean sighed, sipping his drink which was surprisingly strong. He didn't mind. "You aren't trying to do the job you're trying to run a 100 yard dash, and I'm left trying to keep up."
"I didn't think you would have a problem keeping up." Sam sipped his water
Dean felt his blood start to rise. "It's not exactly about my abilities is it?" voice low
"Isn't it?" Sam raised an eyebrow.
"No, it's about you and whatever the hell it is you did in this town that you don't want to face. What is it Sam? What are you running from?"
"I am here because you asked me to come here Dean." Sam's voice was warning, Dean didn't care. "I am just trying to finish this job so we can leave."
"You know what, I've had enough of your 'holier than thou' act Sam, you aren't fooling anyone. Just tell me whatever it is that you did that was so bad and we can move on, but I am not going to drop this." Dean leaned across the table, pushing his food aside. "I will find out what happened."
Sam's face grew flushed with anger, and Dean thought he might turn to blows, but instead he just looked away, breathing hard.
"I heard you boys like pie" Dean turned to see a woman, a hot woman, slip a plate with cherry pie on the table. "And you need a place to stay?" She smiled and Dean felt all his frustrations slip away, at least temporarily.
"Yes." He took the other plate she was trying to serve to Sam. "I'm Dean, and this is Sam and we-"
"Dean? Dean Winter?" She blinked, surprised.
Winter? Dean tried to think, it was a common alias their father had used. Was it the one used in this town?
"Remember me? Alice? You and I were in highschool Junior year." She smiled "Wow, it's been forever. I never thought I would see you again."
Flashes of warm nights, hot kisses, and cherry chapstick slipped through Dean's mind and he found himself blushing slightly at the memories. "I couldn't ever forget you." He smiled, genuine for once.
"So what brings you both into town?"
"Actually." Sam spoke up, slipping out his badge "Official business, looking into the recent deaths."
Dean groaned inwardly at his brother's brash behavior, but followed suit, flashing his own badge.
"Oh my," Alice was surprised. "I didn't take you for the FBI type Dean, Sam maybe, but I thought for sure you would grow up covered in grease singing 70s rock music under a car."
Dean laughed at that. "truth be told Sams the one that got me in the game. Catching bad guys turns out to be quite the high."
"Wow" She breathed, and Dean swore he saw her swoon slightly. "That's amazing."
Sam was apparently doing his best to cock block that evening "So, do you happen to have any theories about the deaths?" Sam asked, and Dean kicked him under the table. He didn't react
Her face fell, even more than Kim's "You knew someone?" Dean asked, voice gentle.
"yeah, my brother Mike. You remember him?" Dean didn't but Sam nodded, emotionless. "He passed away a couple weeks ago."
Dean scooted over, offering her a seat next to him. She accepted "Was he acting strange at all before he passed?" Dean asked sympathetically.
"No." She whispered and Dean recognised the signs of trying to keep a raging storm inside you. "No, he was fine, he was normal, he was actually doing really well."
"What do you mean well? Was he doing badly before?" Sam asked
"No, I mean kind of. I guess it was after you boys left town but when he was a teenager he had some issues. Got depressed, withdrawn, and violent outbursts. My parents had enough of it after he started cutting and my dad sent him to some sort of mental health camp. He came back a bit better and he seemed to be getting better since then." Dean recognised the tears threatening to spill over and grabbed a couple napkins "I mean he was going to leave town after highschool but my father passed and Mike took over the farm."
"When was the last time you spoke with him?" Sam asked, and Dean could kick him for his apathetic attitude. Dean did actually, Sam kicked back hard.
"The night before, before he." Her voice broke and she put the tissue to her eyes, breathing hard. "He was fine, I mean I thought he was. He was having a bad night but I Told him to go to bed and try and sleep it off. He was drunk and talking about how sorry he was and I didn't think it was that bad. Thought he would wake up and be-" She paused again, hands shaking. Dean put his hand over hers and squeezed.
"I'm sorry for bringing this all up" Sam seemed genuinely sympathetic now. "That's all the questions we have."
She nodded, taking a couple deep breaths. "I heard you need a place to stay? I have a room you two can stay in as long as you need." She smiled through the red and puffy eyes, a tear stuck on the edge of her nose. "Here" She took a notepad and pen "I'll jot down the address and my number and you boys can let yourselves in. It's the little place around the back, a key is under the mat."
She did just that and after a few more brief words Sam and Dean found themselves driving back down the road.
"Ok, Sam, what is wrong with you?" Dean's voice was stern.
"Damn it Dean, I am fine." Sam groaned exasperated.
"Like hell you are Sam, I have never seen you be less sympathetic. She lost her brother two weeks ago and you were all robot police on her ass."
Sam huffed "You seemed caring enough for both of us."
"For your information, I cared a lot about Alice, she happened to be more than amazing sex." Dean spat, not really knowing why he was revealing that to Sam. Maybe he wanted to defend Alie's reputation? "You are going to start talking and you are going to do it now" Dean pulled the car into the driveway of the given address and turned to look at Sam
Sam's eyes were full of fire "Or what Dean?"
"Sam tell me." Dean almost yelled slipping out of the car
"No, Just drop it Dean." Sam did yell, slamming the door of the car as he got out
"Sam!" Dean walked towards his brother who speed walked away from him.
"Drop it!" Sam growled
"Sam Please" Dean was surprised at how pleading his own voice sounded.
Theres the first chapter, thank you so much for reading and let me know what you think!