ULTIMATE DISCLAIMER: Every content, character, plot etc. that anyone is able to recognize as other's property is NOT mine. I have no intention to get into any trouble involving law and money.
ULTIMATE WARNING: So far most of my stories are turning out to be SLASH and MPREG. So they may contain mature, Male/Male Relationship and not so graphic sex scenes between two men. If you can't stand these or don't want to read them, please leave this story behind!
AU, OOC, SLASH! Sadie couldn't help but mess with Sam/Alex, but it doesn't last long.
*Author collapses on the floor, sobbing loudly*
Sadie: Hey dear Readers! Sorry for the... mess *glances back at Author, who's sucking her thumb rocking on her side whimpering* She had a rough year, folks, while Missy and I were on holiday, so be gentle on her.
Anyways, here's the new chapter. We hope you'll be satisfied with it, even though it took a while.
The picnic scene in the beginning was requested by LillyAnnSkigh (sorry, I couldn't find your exact review but since I noted your username, it had to be you). We're gonna put most of the scenes suggested in the story (there's enough time before the crap hits the fan).
For now, though, enjoy!
IMPORTANT! The plan of the house online was deleted, because I changed it. I updated the chapters accordingly, but the core plot hadn't changed. Unless you'd like to see how the house looks like now, it's not necessary to re-read them.
Chapter 18: New Kid On The Block
The next morning after his chores, Sam found Alex in the kitchen making sandwiches, putting them into a basket.
"What's this?" Sam asked, stepping next to his friend.
"The Master asked me to make some food for a picnic" Alex answered, not stopping his work.
"Picnic?" Sam tilted his head slightly in confusion. "What picnic?" He couldn't stop the hope bubbling up in his stomach that Dean would do this for Sam.
"Probably a family gathering, or some business party" Alex shrugged, uncertain himself. Sam's hope wilted slightly, but didn't die out at Alex's hesitant tone.
"Yeah, maybe…"
"Hey, what's your favorite sandwich?" Alex turned to him with an idea. "It's good to have some variety in the food."
"I don't know" Sam shrugged. "I don't have any preference, although I tend to eat mostly sandwiches with tomato and salad…"
"Alright" his friend replied with a nod and made his way to the fridge pulling out some vegetables. "Thanks."
"Sure" Sam uttered, a little surprised. "I'll… go and do the laundry."
"Have fun" Alex called after him with a smirk and Sam shook his head with a roll of his eyes as he disappeared out the kitchen door.
Sam put the laundry basket onto the washing machine to sort the clothes out. He was working slowly, lost in his thoughts about the picnic Dean was planning. Could Alex be right? Is it a business party? Although from his friend's tone that couldn't happen that often… right?
Sam shook his head with a huff. What does he care? If Dean wanted to go have fun with his colleagues, then who is he to stop him? Then a terrifying thought wormed its way into his head.
What if it's a woman?
'But that's ridiculous!' he chided himself. 'Dean loves me. I know he's not lying.' Which meant the only woman Dean would go on a picnic with is his mother, so it has to be a family gathering. Dean is such a family-oriented person, especially after the death of his father, Sam didn't feel any surprise that the man would want to cherish it like this.
His fingers closed around a familiar textile, the feeling bringing him out of his thoughts. He carefully lifted the shirt up, inspecting it with a smile slowly stretching out on his lips.
It was the shirt Dean had worn the previous night on their date. He caught a small dark spot next to one of the buttons. As he picked at it, scratching the dried substance, he realized it was the sauce from their dinner. Sam chuckled endearingly: looks like he hadn't been the only one nervous that night.
His smile slowly slid off his face, as he stared at the shirt. The night was perfect in every possible way: the candles, the meal, the music, Dean's arms…
Except the setting.
Sam knew how much risk they take with their secret relationship as it is, but that didn't stop him wishing for things to be normal. It would have been so nice if he and Dean could've gone to a romantic restaurant. Sam loved what Dean had done to create an intimate setting for their date in limited surroundings, it just wasn't the same as a date in a public place…
Sam shook his head, squashing his thoughts and feelings down. Despite the fact that they have to hide their love from the world, their first date was nothing but perfect. Sam hated himself for daring to complain about any of its aspects.
But still… he couldn't help but feel disappointed…
Shoving the clothes into the washing machine and turning it on, Sam marched out of the bathroom, inwardly hoping to escape his troubled thoughts. He decided to wash the tiles in the entrance hall, already dreading the silence that would give his mind multiple chances to wander anywhere. As he walked towards the kitchen to get the bucket and some rags, he bumped into Dean.
"Hey-" Sam started but he was cut off by a pair of full, smirking lips seeking entrance. Sam grabbed at Dean's arms to hold himself steady. How Dean could turn him into a pile of lovesick, teenaged goo with one chaste kiss was still lost on him. As they separated, Sam realized he was heavily leaning against Dean, as if only the man was keeping him upright. The boy blushed then straightened up, letting Dean go a bit reluctantly.
"You done for today?" Dean asked softly, his body flush against Sam's. The boy couldn't help but blush at the wonderful warmth emanating from the firm chest, filling his.
"W-Well, I still have some…" Sam tried to reply, but Dean cut him off again – this time verbally:
"That's fine, you'll do them tomorrow." A hand grabbed Sam's wrist and began pulling him towards the kitchen. Sam was taken aback at Dean's enthusiasm. What was the man so chirpy and excited about?
"Hey, Alex" Dean spoke, pulling Sam out of his shock and shoving him into blush-filled joy as the hand gripping Sam's wrist slid down to entwine their fingers. "Is the food ready?"
"Yes, sir" Alex nodded, handing the basket over to his Master. "And Mark is out in the back just like you asked."
"Awesome" Dean grinned. "Come on!" he inclined his head in the door's way, mirthful eyes on Alex, before beginning to pull Sam towards it. The boy caught the confused expression on his friend's face and could only shrug before he was out the door.
As Sam and Dean stepped out onto the porch, Sam noticed a blanket spread out in the middle of the backyard under a tree. The boy tilted his head bemused, still not really sure what Dean was planning to do.
As he turned to Sam with a smile, Dean caught the lack of understanding in those expressing hazel eyes. Hoping Sam would realize what his plan was, he pulled Sam with him and to the blanket, placing the basket down onto the ground.
Sam's mouth fell open as something quite unbelievable began forming in his mind. The basket was for a picnic… And Mark was just greeting Alex with a kiss next to them… Could it be…?
"You like it?" came the sheepish inquiry. Sam turned his flabbergasted expression to Dean, who was watching him nervously, hunting for a reaction and bracing himself.
"Is this… f-for me?" Sam breathed out, a lurch in his chest sucking the air away.
"And Alex and Mark…" Dean explained. "Originally I wanted everyone in the house to join us, but Mom and Ramon are busy right now, so…"
Sam felt tears gather in his eyes, but he didn't want Dean to think the wrong thing about it, so he cupped Dean's cheek and pulled the man into a kiss. Dean instantly wrapped his arms around Sam's waist, holding the boy tight, as if he was afraid he would lose him at any moment.
"I love you so much" Sam gasped out when he pulled away from Dean's lips. Dean just pulled him back into another lip-lock, caressing Sam's tongue with his own once before separating. The two joined Alex and Mark on the blanket, who were already munching on their sandwiches, occasionally sharing a kiss in between bites. Sam took a sandwich out, as well, and sat next to his lover so their arms brushed against each other. Dean smiled at him knowingly then bit into his own food, humming at the taste, his way of praising Alex's work.
Time passed with delightful chatting, sandwiches were shared accompanied by funny stories, like the time – or times, as Dean and Mark pointed it out – Alex almost burnt the kitchen down ('Because I was always distracted by someone' Alex exclaimed in mock-annoyance, his words meeting with a loving kiss from Mark), or how Mark liked to prank the occupants of the manor…
"… Except the Mistress" Mark pouted, nibbling on his food sullenly. "She always avoided my genius creations…"
"Yeah, 'cause she had the Master of Pranksters by her side" Dean replied smugly, chest puffing out with pride, which made Sam snort into his own sandwich. "She caught wind of your weak little attempts way ahead of time."
Catching the evil little glint in Mark's eyes, Sam had a hunch that the next story wasn't gonna be pretty.
"But my masterpiece has to be the one I pulled a couple years ago" the young man started, mostly addressing Sam, since the boy hadn't been a part of it. Dean's proud expression fell spectacularly, which meant that he was the victim of that prank. "I'm guessing that from the big music collection in the Master's bedroom, you realized how much of a fan he is of the "mullet rock"" Mark air-quoted the last words, which caused Sam to grin as he nodded. Dean just nibbled on his sandwich, sulking.
"What you don't know" Mark continued, smirk widening, eyes narrowing mischievously "is that amongst them there is a special CD from Led Zeppelin that the Master treats almost as equally as the Impala. No one could touch it without his consent and he would watch you like a hawk if you had it in your hands."
"Wow" Sam breathed, raising one eyebrow as he glanced at Dean surprised – and maybe a bit incredulously, too.
"So, one day I had a brilliant-"
"Stupid-"
"-idea" Mark continued, as if he hadn't heard Dean's grunt, although a small hitch in his voice said otherwise, "that involved this very CD. I executed my plan with the stealth of a jungle cat" Alex and Sam snorted at the same time as Mark told his tale with such enthusiasm, it was almost contagious. "Next thing everyone in the mansion knows, and probably the whole town, was the Master screaming in horror."
"What did you do?" Sam asked, trying to contain his laughter but his voice shook dangerously.
"Bastard scratched my CD!" Dean exploded in fury, but the others knew he wasn't completely serious.
"It was hilarious" Alex chortled, leaning against Mark, who was giggling gleefully. "Poor Master prowled around the house, complaining and panicking about his "precious"."
"And it was two or three days later when he realized" Mark choked out, trying to get air into his lungs through his laughter "that it wasn't the original disc, but an unusable copy of some software."
"A-Aww" Sam stroked at Dean's tense shoulders, chuckling at the sight of the man's pout.
"It's not funny" whined Dean, looking pitifully at Sam, as if the boy had abandoned him in this matter, leaving him alone. Sam wrapped his arms around the man and pulled him into a kiss, melting Dean's bad mood away.
The morning passed and the time arrived into the lunch hour. The sun reached the highest point in the sky, a few of its beams breaking through the leaves of the tree, only fading away as the occasional cloud swam in front of it. After the stories and exhausted from laughing, the quartet started in on the dessert. Seeing Alex and Mark sharing the strawberries, Sam had a sudden idea. He picked the grapes up and popped one of them into his mouth.
"Mm, this is delicious" he moaned softly then turned towards Dean with a sweet smile. "You want some?" It seemed the older man had a suspicion about Sam's plan, because he decided to catch the boy off guard – at least that was the only explanation Sam's slowly reassembling brain found for Dean lying onto his back, head in Sam's lap.
"Feed me, servant!" Dean ordered playfully. Sam chuckled as he carefully shifted around so both of them could be comfortable in their position.
"Immediately, my humble, generous Master" Sam replied teasingly and lowered the fruit towards Dean's mouth, letting the man eat a grape. He frowned when the older man's brow furrowed in silent contemplation. "What is it?"
"Something's missing" Dean mumbled while leisurely chewing on his grape.
"What on Earth could b-" Sam's disbelieving words were cut off by a pair of full lips and a soft tongue licking tenderly at the roof of Sam's mouth. The boy froze, eyes wide from surprise, while Dean was balancing on his palms to hold himself in place for the kiss.
After a couple seconds Dean pulled back.
"Perfect…" he breathed before lying down onto Sam's thigh, watching with satisfaction the blush that began spreading in Sam's cheeks, lips glistening slightly, the only trace left of his bold move – except Sam's stock still body. What felt like hours later, Sam jerked into life and a shy smile appeared on his face, as he gazed into Dean's mirthful, jade-green eyes. The rest of the grapes disappeared in between small kisses with either Sam leaning down or Dean hoisting himself up to get that extra taste that made the fruit, and life, that much sweeter.
Unnoticed by the lovebirds on the lawn, a pair of dark, chocolate-brown eyes was watching the scene unfolding, sadness raying down onto the sight. Ramon was standing in Dean's bedroom at the window, his only companion the whirr of Dean's laptop that he asked for permission to use – and his thoughts.
He sighed, when Sam leaned down once more to share a kiss with his Master, smiling a wide, dimpled smile of happiness and love. His heart lurched at the sight of it, jealous of the luck they had to find each other. He had found himself watching those two, or Alex and Mark quite a lot, wishing for the love they had for himself. He had learnt to live without it long ago, but when Sam asked him about being in love, it hit home very hard. And now, being a slave wasn't helping any.
With another sigh, Ramon turned away from the window, not wanting to torture himself even more, and sat back down to the desk and the laptop on it. His eyes ran over the e-mail still open on the screen and the lurch returned with more ferocity.
'Querido,
I hope you're doing well. It was a long time ago since I wrote to you.
I still think you should reconsider. Narcisa wants you here, as well, to celebrate. She misses you so much and she will only get married once… Hopefully…
I miss you, too, very much. My heart breaks every time I look into your empty bedroom. We all want to see you, the whole family wants to see how you're doing.
So, please, come to your sister's wedding. I'm sure your Master will give you permission.
Love you always, mi niño,
Mom'
Ramon leaned onto the desk, laying his forehead onto his palm, eyes stuck on the words of his mother. He swallowed against the lump in his throat as he reread the letter, head aching from the thoughts and memories stirred up in his mind. It wasn't as if he didn't want to go, didn't want to see his family again… Finally… He was just afraid of being a disappointment to his parents, to Narcisa… Again, being a slave wasn't helping any…
"Ramon?" came the soft voice of the Mistress. Ramon looked up as Mary walked up to him with a worried frown on her face. "Is everything okay?"
"Not really" Ramon sighed, feeling tired and old all of a sudden. When Mary stopped next to him and glanced at the screen, she let out a small "Oh…"
"Ramon, you should go" Mary spoke, stroking the tense shoulders under the thin shirt. "They want to see you. I don't think they would say anything against you being a slave."
"I just don't want to humiliate my sister" he spoke quietly, gaze lowered to the top of the desk.
"And you're ashamed yourself" Ramon nodded at the Mistress' conclusion. "Look at the letter."
Mary gently guided Ramon's gaze back to the letter on the screen. The brown eyes slid over the words once more.
"Are these the words of a parent, a mother ashamed of her child, her baby?" Mary asked, letting Ramon's chin go. He swallowed again before shaking his head minutely. "So, you're gonna go to the wedding, see your family and have fun. Okay?"
"Yes, miss."
"Okay?"
The tone of the Mistress was sharper and firmer. Ramon flinched slightly, as the word stung despite the relentless, gentle strokes on his shoulders.
"Yes, miss." This time he heard the sincerity in his own voice. He surprised himself, too.
"Good." Mary's hand slid off of Ramon. "Now, you can write back and come help me, okay?"
"Yes, miss" Ramon answered, hands rising to the keyboard. "I'll be right there."
Mary departed with a smile and a satisfied nod as the typing started up behind her.
As the sun began its descent on the sky, Dean leaned back onto his hands, face turned up towards the rays poking through the leaves. After they'd finished the sandwiches and talked, Alex and Mark had taken the basket back inside, walking together in each other's arms. Dean had laid the blanket under the tree and relaxed some with Sam. The boy was currently resting his head on Dean's outstretched legs, cushioned by his thigh. Dean had crossed his ankles, humming or whistling some silly tune now and again, while Sam was reading a book Dean gifted him with.
Dean was just finishing a yawn, his relaxed state turning to sleepiness, when he caught the book Sam was holding up on his chest dipping forward momentarily. When it righted itself quickly, Dean smirked. Sam was fighting his eyelids to close and his body to go limp. He sneaked a peek down to his face and saw the hazel-green eyes falling shut before opening again.
Dean stayed still, eyes pinned onto Sam, curious of what the boy was going to do. Sam shifted slightly, as if to wake himself up, but a couple seconds later the book started dipping forward again. A bigger, fluffy cloud interrupted the bright glow of the sun, a slight breeze fluttering the leaves of the tree, the only thing breaking the silence. By the time the light returned, the book was unstoppably leaning towards Sam's chest, while the boy's head rolled slowly to the side. His breaths came out even and deep and when the book reached his torso, the fingers slipped down slightly on its cover.
Dean grinned, pushing himself upright carefully. Sam's face was so peaceful, void of any worry lines and frowns, his brown tresses moving slightly in the breeze, shining in the sunlight. His lashes fluttered a little as his eyes moved some then any movement ceased to exist. Dean tenderly combed his fingers through Sam's hair, enjoying the sight of almost angelic peace in front of him, the reality shut out of their little bubble of happiness.
He decided to stay there for a few minutes, not having the heart to wake Sam up. However, only when Alex came out to the backyard did he look up.
"The Mistress wants to see you" Alex whispered, mindful about the napping Sam between them.
"I'll be right up." Alex nodded and turned back, but then with a smile he looked at Dean.
"You know that you're sitting here, watching him sleep, for a little over an hour now, do you?"
Dean's eyes widened in shock then he blushed, embarrassed.
"Shut up…" He only got an amused chuckle in reply.
Dean sighed. He didn't want to wake Sam up, when he was finally having a restful sleep. He stroked the boy's hair once more, before getting an idea. He slowly slipped out from under Sam's head, laying it gently onto the ground without stirring the boy. He then stood up, slid the book out of Sam's hands and laid it open onto the blanket. Crouching down next to him, he wrapped one arm behind his shoulders, lifting Sam up carefully, then slid the other arm beneath the slightly bent knees.
As he slowly straightened up, Sam began moving. Freezing in fear, Dean bit his lower lip, hoping he hadn't woken Sam up, but the boy just wrapped his arms around Dean's shoulders and snuggled into his warmth with a sigh, his breath whooshing in and out against Dean's neck. Dean gently squeezed Sam's body with a smile before making his way towards the house. The door to the kitchen was open, as if someone knew he wanted to lay Sam into his own bed downstairs.
Every door leading to the servants' bedroom was open and the covers on the bed were pulled back. Dean lowered Sam down onto the cool mattress and tucked him in lovingly. He pressed a soft kiss onto the lax lips then another onto the smooth forehead. With a long caress through Sam's hair he left the room, pulling the door almost shut behind him.
When Sam woke up in his bed, the sun was closer to the horizon than the last he remembered. He knew Dean must have brought him inside, and he was slightly disappointed that he wasn't awake for that. He stretched his limbs out before getting up, remembering that he had chores to continue. He slowly walked to the bathroom and got the laundry into the dryer, too lazy to take them out and hang them up.
As the sky started darkening, the servants were asked to go into the Entrance Hall. Sam didn't understand why, but followed the others, thinking it must be important.
When he stepped into the room, he knew he was right. A couple of bags were gathered at the oak door and Ramon was putting another one next to them before stepping back. Alex and Mark stepped next to the man and Sam followed them. He frowned at the luggage pile. Was someone coming… or leaving?
"Are you sure you don't want to stay a few more days?" came Dean's voice behind them. Sam quickly glanced up his way, curious who Dean was talking to. So someone was leaving!
"Yes, I have to take care of a few things" Sam felt saddened when he found out who was speaking. It was the Mistress… "But I think I'll come back after that, maybe even stay."
"You know I would love you to live here" Dean answered as the two reached the entrance door. "As long as you don't embarrass me."
"Oh, you…" Mary laughed, hitting her son's upper arm playfully, Dean smiling back. Mary then turned to the servants lined up next to the bags. She stepped to Ramon, pulling him down into a hug.
"We all would like you to come back" Ramon muttered into her shoulder and received a chuckle, the petite hand stroking his hair in a mothering way.
"Then I'll be sure to return, sweetie" Mary replied. "Don't lose hope…" Sam had a feeling that the Mistress was talking about something else, as well.
Next came Mark, who looked slightly upset. Mary hugged him tightly and Mark buried his face into her shoulder.
"Cheer up, baby…" Mary whispered, surprising Sam with the nickname. He remembered Mark's cut-off sentence when they had been talking in the backyard about Mary's arrival and Alex. He knew from that that something had happened in the past that made the Mistress grow closer to Mark. "I'll come back, I promise…"
Mark nodded into her shoulder and ducked his head to wipe his tears away when they broke apart. Mary stepped to the side and in front of Alex, who had tear tracks on his face. As soon as he was pulled into the motherly hug, though, sobs broke out of him.
"Shhh…" Mary soothed the distressed servant, who just cried into her shoulder. "Shh, sweetie… We'll see each other again, okay?" Alex nodded. He looked pretty heartbroken despite the anger before the Mistress' arrival days ago. Sam felt himself get choked up from the emotions running haywire in the room. Even Dean had to look away and clear his throat.
Finally, Sam's turn came. He leaned down and embraced the petite woman, fighting the urge to sob as the fingers ran through his hair.
"I'm going to miss you the most" Mary told him sadly. Sam couldn't stop the tears rolling down his cheeks at that, because the feeling was mutual.
"Me…" his breath hitched loudly, before he could continue. "Me, too…"
Mary pressed a kiss onto his temple, whispering into his ear:
"Welcome to the family, baby…"
Sam fisted Mary's blouse slightly before letting her go, nodding in reply, gratitude shining through his tears. Mary caressed his cheek with a sad smile. She returned to her son and pulled him down into a hug. Dean closed his eyes at the arms surrounding him, as if he was trying to memorize the feel of the motherly embrace. Sam wiped at his eyes, catching Mark comforting Alex, landing kisses onto the black tresses.
Mary must have told Dean something, because the man was nodding when he pulled away. Mary kissed her son's cheek tenderly then turned towards all of them.
"Alright, I must leave now" she spoke with a sad smile. "But don't get upset! I'll be back before you know it."
"Yes, miss" came the chorused reply from the servants, Alex's more hitched than Sam's. Mary nodded satisfied.
Ramon gathered the bags, Dean helping him and they carried them outside to the Impala. The two quickly packed everything into the car then Ramon got into the driver's seat and started the engine. Dean waved at his mother, the servants following his lead from the doorway when Mary waved to them. Soon the car disappeared through the gate, glinting in the afternoon sun.
The house was a little dim, the occupants feeling sad from the departure of the Mistress. Ramon hasn't returned yet and the servants returned to their duties, while Dean spent his time in his room. A slight tension filled the mansion, ready to snap at any moment without anyone prepared for it. Sam hoped they could sleep this mood off without any problems.
He was wrong.
As he placed the laundry basket into the bathroom, deciding to sort the freshly dried clothes tomorrow, he heard a pair of raised voices from behind. Frowning in worry, he turned around trying to listen. The voices were muffled even through the ajar door, but he knew they came from the kitchen, so he walked out silently to listen, ready to intervene if necessary.
"Don't you think that this is a little early?" Mark snapped out. What was he talking about?
"Look, I know that" Alex replied, trying to placate the other one's anger. "But we should maybe start thinking about it, so in the future we…"
"There's nothing I have to think about" that one word was swimming in so much venom, Sam was surprised anyone listening was still alive.
"Please, just think this through" Alex pleaded. It must be something really important for him. Sam stopped just outside the door, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping.
"Drop it!" Mark cried out irritated.
"At least consider it!" Alex shouted, getting angry himself.
"NO!" Mark yelled back. "I'm not gonna tell you again! I don't and will never want ANY kids! Not now, not in the future! So LEAVE IT!"
Thick, heavy silence followed the screaming, only broken by the slam of a door. Sam lifted a hand to his mouth in horror. His heart broke at the harsh outburst. He knew Alex's dream was a family. To realize that the love of your life didn't want that…
A crash reverberated through the kitchen, yanking Sam out of his shock. He moved closer to the kitchen doorway and peeked around it. What he found was way more tragic than the revelation from earlier.
Shards of a white plate was scattered around on the tiles, glinting in the lamplight from above. Alex was sitting in the center, eyes huge and glassy, tears openly flowing down his cheeks. His mouth was slack as if Mark's words had frozen his mind. He didn't even notice the small cut on his ankle from one of the plate shards.
Sam stepped inside, creeping closer to his friend, careful about the sharp pieces around him. Alex didn't even acknowledge his presence. Sam kneeled down next to him. Alex must have collapsed from the shock, numb from that and devastation.
"Alex…" Sam whispered and the older servant jumped slightly, although he still hadn't turned to Sam. Sam couldn't watch his friend behave like this, so he laid a comforting hand on the trembling shoulder, hoping to snap him out of the daze. "Alex?" he tried again, his voice soft and slightly scared.
That did it.
A harsh sob shoved its way out of Alex's lungs, followed by more with such a force, even Sam's chest was hurting from it. He gathered the older servant into his arms and slid back to lean against the counter, arranging the smaller, almost seizing body on his lap and wrapping him in a strong, tight embrace. Alex's sobs were muffled by Sam's chest, one hand gripping at the boy's shirt. Sam laid his head onto the black tresses, rocking his distressed friend back and forth. He swallowed his own tears back, wanting to be strong for the broken servant.
For minutes the kitchen was filled only with the loud, heart-wrenching sobs. Sam didn't do anything, just stroked the heaving back and shoulders or combed his fingers through the black hair. He was swallowing against the knot that pulled the muscles in his throat almost completely shut. He couldn't imagine how he would feel after such cruel words. He would possibly be crushed, maybe even more like Alex right now… Although, listening to the sounds of agony, there was no way anyone could be more broken than Alex.
Watching the clock, just barely registering the time, the first sign of calming down came fifteen minutes later. Alex was now gasping in the air instead of panting it out in sobs. Sam didn't let up his ministrations, waiting for the real indication that he could let go. Another ten minutes had to pass for that sign to arrive.
Alex pushed himself up from Sam's chest, but stayed in the boy's lap. He was shakily wiping at the tears on his face.
"'B sorry…" he breathed out, nose stuffy, nodding at the stain on Sam's shirt.
"Don't be" Sam whispered back, pulling Alex in to land a kiss onto his friend's forehead.
"Don't leave me…" Alex whispered, his voice full of need and desperation. His hand released Sam's shirt, sliding down slowly.
"I won't" Sam replied firmly.
All of a sudden and completely out of the blue, Alex's trembling hand grabbed the back of Sam's neck and yanked him down. Sam's eyes widened at the feel of chapped lips on his own, a surprised grunt escaping him, when Alex's wandering hand slipped under his shirt, caressing his stomach. He grasped his friend's shoulder to push him away, trying to break the kiss, but Alex attacked his lips with his tongue, forcing his mouth open, while the hand under his shirt slipped up more, lifting the clothing.
Sam knew he should stop this madness, should push Alex away to avoid being caught like this… but Alex was so skilled by now in kissing… He used just the right amount of pressure, he had so much control that anyone would've turned their common sense off willingly… and he licked at the right places that Sam's brain was filling up with the haze of lust. He couldn't help but kiss back, eyes falling shut, their tongues tangling in a fight for dominance, as Sam tightened his arm around Alex, pulling him in even more, fingers dipping under the other's shirt.
Alex moaned quietly at Sam's touch and adjusted his hand on Sam's head, ruffling up the brown tresses. Sam's hand wandered up from Alex's shoulder onto his neck, cradling it tenderly. Neither of them was able to stop the kiss…
As Sam lifted up Alex's shirt, Alex broke the kiss at last and began biting his way down Sam's neck, kissing and licking the flushing skin. Sam gasped loudly at the sensation, all of this still new for him, just like for Alex…
"Mark…" Alex moaned lightly "and it was enough to snap Sam back to reality."
"Stop…" he gasped, trying to push Alex away, but his body was slow to respond. Alex continued on like he didn't hear Sam, his fingers on Sam's back caressing his spine. "No, Alex, stop…" Still nothing. Sam decided to go for the blow. "I'm not Mark…"
As soon as those words left his mouth, Alex froze completely. Seconds ticked by lasting hours before either of them moved. Alex leaned away, eyes wide and filled with horror, then his head fell forward, hand coming up to cover his eyes. Sam pulled his friend back into a hug, not able to bear the pain Alex was going through.
"I'm so sorry…" Alex muttered. "I don't know what came over me…"
"Let's just forget it!" Sam replied and got a nod in answer. "And anyway, you're upset. You weren't thinking straight." Another nod.
"Thank you, though" Alex breathed, voice barely audible. "I needed it…" And Sam knew he wasn't just referring to the comforting.
"You're welcome" he replied, because he would do it again… without losing himself into it, of course.
A few minutes later they were sitting at the table, Alex's sad, hurting gaze on the tabletop, Sam's worried one on his friend, when the door opened. Looking up, Sam's eyes narrowed in anger.
It was Mark.
"Can we talk?" the younger man asked, stepping to Alex. His expression was indifferent, but his eyes betrayed him: they were full of pain and regret. Alex looked mesmerized at the sight of the blue seas. "Alone?" Mark added, glancing fleetingly at Sam. After Alex's hesitant nod, Sam got to his feet and walked around the table to leave the kitchen. He paused behind Mark, hissing into his ear:
"Hurt him again and you'll regret it, you hear me?"
Mark nodded quickly, not taking his eyes off of Alex. Sam was barely satisfied with the answer, but he knew the two had to solve the issue without him. So, he left the room and walked upstairs after gathering his pajamas. He could shower in Dean's bathroom tonight.
"What do you want?"
Alex's dejected voice broke Mark's heart into bits and pieces. The shattered look accompanying it just tore them apart even more. With a sigh, Mark stepped to Alex's side and kneeled down to look into the downcast eyes.
"I'm so sorry" he whispered, regretting his outburst. Alex sent him an incredulous look. They stayed silent for a minute, Mark afraid of a bad reaction to his apology and Alex seemingly waiting for something. When neither of them spoke, Alex huffed in annoyance.
"Whatever" he sneered and pushed his chair back to stand up, but Mark's sudden grip on his arm stopped him. He tried to glare at him, but the younger man seemed to fight with his emotions. When Mark looked up, Alex blanched at the sight of tears gathering in the blue eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, sliding down onto the floor, worried and scared.
"I'm such a fuck-up" Mark breathed, caressing Alex's cheek with trembling fingers.
"No, you're not-" Alex started, but Mark cut him off:
"I've hurt the person I love the most… I overreacted, and I'm so sorry… But you just didn't hear what I wanted to say to you."
"What do you mean?" Alex asked, now completely bewildered. "If it's about the kids, it doesn't matter. I didn't mean to have one right now."
"Alex, we can't have any kids" Mark spoke, voice soft, eyes tearful and apologetic. "I can't…"
"Yes, you can" Alex said, when Mark stopped with a gulp. "You'd be a great father." His assurance was met with a derisive, wet snort.
"What kind of a father destroys his kids' life before they're even born?" Mark asked, looking at the ground in shame. Alex flinched back in shock. What was-?
Then he got it.
"Listen to me" Alex started, voice shaking and grabbing Mark's head with both hands, directing the blue gaze to him. When the younger man looked up, he flinched at the lightning bolts in Alex's azure eyes. Anger caused the tremors in his words. "If you're saying what I think you're saying, you better forget about it before I smack it out of you."
"Alex-"
"I told you a hundred million times already" Alex raised his voice over Mark's words. "I. Don't. Care. About. That. We can deal with it. And what makes you think our kids are gonna have it?"
"Alex, we don't know anything about… this" Mark spoke again leaning back and ripping out of Alex's hold, one hand gesturing towards his head. "What if it's genetic? You want our kids to be as unstable as me? Is that what you want?"
"They won't be" Alex replied calmly, seeing the panic on Mark's face, the same panic he'd seen when he first brought up the topic of kids. "They're going to grow up in a loving family. If, and I repeat, IF they inherit this, they won't ever have to experience it."
"Okay, maybe you're right" Mark seemed very stubborn to find some excuse. "Maybe they won't be crazy." Alex flinched at that word and glared at the younger man. "What if I get a fit? What if I hurt them because of it?"
"You won't-"
"How the fuck do you know that?!"
Mark's shout cut through the air like a sharp knife through skin: it left a gaping, bleeding wound in the atmosphere. Alex sat frozen, face morphed into an expression of disbelief.
"You never hurt me…" he breathed softly. Mark just looked at him with wide eyes. "You're so worried of losing control when you're not aware… And you only hurt others when you're 'sane'" the last word was said in a scornful tone and with air-quotes.
"When will you get it that I'm a ticking bomb?" Mark asked, tears finally running down his face. "When will you realize that there's someone out there who could be perfect for you?"
"I don't want perfect" Alex answered. He reached up and pulled Mark into his arms. The younger man's head rested on his chest as Alex caressed the blond tresses. "Perfect is overrated. I only want you. When will you get that?"
Alex felt his shirt dampen under Mark's cheek leaning against him. He pressed a soothing kiss onto the blond head then leaving his lips there he began shushing his lover. Mark fisted the back of Alex's shirt desperately, body shaking with silent sobs.
"I love you so much…" Mark burst out, tightening his hold on Alex's torso. Alex returned the hold as he whispered:
"I love you, too…"
Mark straightened up, tenderly cradling Alex's jaw with both hands, then pressed a gentle, loving kiss onto the other's lips. Alex sighed in relief as his body slumped a little in relief and he grasped Mark's biceps to keep himself upright. Pulling away, Mark leaned his forehead against his lover's for a minute, gathering strength, then with a deep breath he leaned away, got to his feet and pulled Alex up by the hand.
"Let's go to bed" he said, wrapping an arm around the other man's waist. Alex nodded and they walked to the bedroom to finish this exhausting night. As Alex began drifting off to sleep, his lover's arms around him, he thought he heard Mark whisper:
"I'd like to have kids with you, too… Someday…"
"What is it?"
The silence in the dark bedroom was broken by Dean's voice. He and Sam were lying in the bed, Sam lying in Dean's arms, head resting on the man's chest, listening to the soothing beat of the other's heart. Sam had been gazing into nothingness, worry keeping him tense and mostly frozen, not even Dean's caresses on his back were helping now.
Sam jumped at Dean's voice and looked up with wide eyes. Dean had a worried frown on his face, eyes searching for anything that would give Sam's gloomy mood away. The boy sighed, his body slumping against Dean's, knowing he couldn't rest until he talked to Dean.
"I… I don't suppose you heard what happened" Sam started, tone cautious.
"I did" Dean answered. "But when I got downstairs, you were already taking care of it, so I left you alone. Is Alex okay, by the way?"
Sam swallowed. Dean had been downstairs? How lucky Sam could be that Dean hadn't seen everything?
"I hope he's fine" Sam said, knowing his voice was a little strained. He hoped that Dean would take it as worry trying to be disguised. It seemed to work.
"So?"
"Mark and Alex got into a fight… verbal, luckily… And I'm just… The cause of it struck home pretty hard, you know?"
"What were they fighting about?" Dean asked worry increased and maybe joined by wariness. Sam swallowed again, this time from nerves, though. Would he get the same answer as Alex from Mark? Would Dean blow up on him? He told Sam that he wanted a family… Then would he take this as an attack or something if Sam brought it up?
"Sam, what was it?" Dean insisted and Sam knew he had to share with the class, no matter what.
"Having children…" he murmured, eyes closing, bracing himself for the blow. After a few seconds passing by with Dean registering the answer and all of its hidden meanings, the man finally sighed.
"And now you're worried what I would think if this came up" Dean said, mostly to himself apparently. Sam nodded anyway. Gentle fingers grasped Sam's chin and guided his gaze upwards and to Dean's. "Then I want you to know that my dream is having a family… You carrying my children, you being their mother… I want at least three kids, just so you know…"
Sam felt such an amount of relief, that it pushed a sigh of laughter out of him, needing space. Dean hugged him tightly, leaning his head against Sam's.
"I was so stupid to think that…" Sam exhaled, but he was cut off by a firm kiss that messaged him love and hope for their future.
The back of a finger caressed his cheek lovingly, the movement slow and the touch tender. Sam's lips curved up in a small smile, as he recognized Dean and he opened his eyes to look into his handsome features and jade-green eyes. Dean gave him his own smile that Sam was attracted to like a bee to a flower. Sam caressed Dean's jaw with his fingertips, hoping to lure the man closer. Dean's smile widened slightly as he leaned forward, pressing his lips to Sam's, sucking the boy's lower lip in between his. Sam's hand laid out flat on the man's cheek as he responded leisurely.
Sam lost track of time as he closed his eyes to enjoy the sensations even more. He felt Dean's fingers drawing a path down his neck, the touch tingling and soft. As they reached Sam's chest, Dean tilted his head to the side slightly and pressed his lips more firmly onto the boy's. Sam's head was pushed into his pillow a little as Dean leaned into him and delved deeper into his mouth, mapping it out with his tongue. The boy's other hand found its way onto Dean's arm and snaked up the soft skin and hard muscles to grip at the man's bicep.
Dean finally let Sam draw in a breath as he tore himself away from the other's mouth and nipped at his jaw. Sam gasped in some needed oxygen as he turned his head to give Dean space when the man made his way onto his neck. Dean licked gently at a tendon that rose out when Sam moved his head before searching out and latching onto the pulse point, sucking a purple bruise onto it in the rhythm of its beat. The hand on Sam's chest moved lower, the thumb sliding over a nipple, making Sam's breath hitch at the sensation.
At last, satisfied by the mark on the paler but still tan skin, Dean slid his lips over Sam's skin, pressing kisses onto it, as he moved his treatment onto Sam's chest and pecs. His hand slid down further, caressing Sam's abs reverently, at last drawing out the much anticipated moan of pleasure from the boy's lungs. Sam lifted himself up to feel more of the touch, pushing his head back into the pillow even more, as he kept a tight hold on Dean's arm and shoulder. He wanted Dean to hurry up and touch him!
After a seemingly long wait, Dean's fingers dipped under the thin sheet covering Sam loins and…
A shrill sound interrupted Sam's dream, making him groan petulantly. He just wanted to get the pictures back and not to return to reality. However, his mind was stubbornly hiding his dream, forcing him to open his eyes.
By the time he reached semi-wakefulness, the ringing died down. When he opened his eyes, he saw Dean buttoning his shirt up and shrugging on his leather jacket. Sam's bleary gaze slid onto the clock on the nightstand and he sighed at the numbers:
6:43
His head flopped down and his eyes closed on their own accord. Next thing he registered was the fingers combing through his messy hair. He looked up with great effort and gazed into Dean's apologetic eyes.
"Shou'n' th's be th'ther way'roun'?" Sam slurred, already halfway to drifting off. Dean huffed at the boy's drawn out words, smiling in amusement.
"Sorry, but I need to go" Dean whispered. "Just wanted to tell you that I might only be back in the evening."
"Wha'?" Sam woke up some more, lifting his head up to better look at Dean. "Wha' happ'n'd?"
"Urgent matter" Dean answered, his expression serious and… angry… The same as back when Sam was beaten by Marston…
"'Kay" Sam muttered, lying back down and closing his eyes. Dean will fix whatever needs fixing.
"Rest as long as you want" the man continued. "You don't have to do your chores today."
"'K'y" Sam replied into the pillow, only barely registering Dean's words. He thought he heard another huff of laughter, although he definitely felt the gentle press of full lips on his head. With that, he sank back into blissful darkness, searching for and hoping to find his dream again.
Sam was lying on the couch, flipping the channels on the TV. He was bored out of his mind. Dean let him take a day off, since there weren't any major events to prepare for and the usual chores aren't that mandatory. Sam had swept the porch just for the sake of his own satisfaction: the wind had blown some dry leaves onto it and it bugged him. He had done that, though, quite late in the morning, using the opportunity to lie around and sleep in as long as he wanted.
Now, however, he had no clue what to do. He wasn't in the mood to read, he didn't know if he could browse the web on Dean's laptop and he couldn't find a decent channel to watch on the TV…
And, frankly, he was just plain missing Dean.
With a sigh, he turned the TV off then startled when Alex plopped himself down onto the couch… and Sam's legs.
"Hi" Alex greeted him with a knowing smirk.
"Hey. Everything okay?"
"Yep."
A pause…
"Come on" Sam whined a little, nudging Alex with his toes. "I was worried. And I hate awkward small talk."
"What was awkward about ours?" Alex asked raising an eyebrow, but his smile stayed the same. Sam just rolled his eyes. "Mark and I discussed our issue through and through and we're fine now."
"Good" Sam nodded, feeling that weight evaporate from his shoulder.
"Sorry" Alex added sheepishly. Sam needed a couple seconds to realize what he meant.
"Shut up" he said, shoving Alex playfully in the shoulder with his foot he extricated from under the young man. "You know I'd do it again. You needed it."
"That's so noble of you" Alex teased but Sam heard the genuineness in his voice. He just shrugged then Alex changed the subject. "Bored?"
"Out of my mind" Sam sighed woefully, his heart aching from missing Dean. Alex jumped up and walked to the bookshelves, examining the books. Sam turned his eyes onto the window and the outside world he could see through it, allowing his gaze to grow distant so he could listen for the telltale purr of the Impala.
Minutes, maybe even hours walked past him when something solid and a little heavy landed on his chest. He almost jumped out of his skin from the sudden interruption. He quickly snatched his hand to the object before it could slip off of him then lifted it up. It was a romance book from an author he didn't recognize.
"It's pretty good" Alex noted, nodding at the book. "You can learn quite a few things from there." Sam blushed at the implication and suddenly found the spirit to read something.
"Alex" came a voice from the bedroom door. When Sam sat up, he caught Mark standing there, blue eyes widening at the sight of him. "O-oh" Sam would've thought the young man was wary of him if not for the slowly spreading flush on his cheeks. "You know that thing we talked about?" he finally said, returning to Alex.
"Oh" Alex replied, comprehension dawning on his features. "Yes, let's go. Have a good read, Sam." With that, Alex joined Mark in the doorway and the two left a confused Sam behind. Curious, though, Sam leapt to his feet, practically vaulting over the couch, and cautiously peeked around the closed wing of the door. What he saw made him blush.
Mark was just yanking Alex up into his arms, their lips locked firmly to each other. Alex had a hand gripping Mark's blonde locks, while Mark kept a hand on Alex's backside as he walked towards a bedroom farthest from the Master's bedroom, where Sam wouldn't be able to hear them.
Reading that book seemed more and more of a good idea to Sam.
The afternoon found the servants in the kitchen, Sam washing the dishes, Alex putting them away and Mark keeping them company. They tried to entertain themselves while waiting for the return of Ramon and Dean, and Mark did quite a good job to avert Sam's attention from the absence of the Master.
"So?" Sam asked Alex when Mark left the room briefly. The curiosity was slowly killing him. Alex flushed the deepest shade of red that was humanly possible. "You did it?" Sam was shocked. "In a guest room?"
"No" Alex replied heatedly but still keeping his voice down. "I-I… I panicked. It wasn't the right time." Sam nodded, knowing how Alex must have felt. "And he's cautious, as well. It's… difficult for him, so…"
"He didn't mind" Sam finished, receiving a nod in reply. That was when Mark returned.
When the darkness slowly crept in, Sam was lying on his bed downstairs, reading the book Alex had given him. It was interesting in every way possible and he couldn't put it down easily. He was so engrossed in it, he didn't hear the long-awaited purr filter in through the windows.
"Ramon?" he suddenly heard, his heart leaping into his throat. They were back? "Ramon, what's wrong?" Alex sounded scared. Sam immediately jumped up, throwing his book on the nightstand and running into the kitchen. Did something happen to Dean, maybe?
When he rushed through the door, he caught Ramon sitting at the kitchen table, his head in his hands. Alex was next to him rubbing the man's shoulders. As Ramon looked up, his dark eyes landed on Sam, who could see something had shaken the older man up.
"M-Master is waiting for you" Ramon spoke, his voice trembling. "In the Entrance Hall." Sam nodded then took off, just shy of running.
Dean was standing in front of the staircase, his arms folded across his chest. Judging by the straight back, the lowered head and the murderous gaze staring into nothing, Sam took a guess that he was enraged. He cautiously approached the man, fearing the man would lash out at the first person he meets.
"You wanted to see me, s-sir?" Sam murmured just loud enough to be heard. He crossed his wrists in front of him and threaded his fingers, lowering his head in submission. He caught Dean's startle as the man turned towards him. A calloused hand cupped Sam's cheek, lifting his gaze up, while the other untangled his hands.
"Don't" Dean said, apology shining in his eyes. "You never have to be afraid of me. Not anymore." Sam nodded, swallowing his fear with some difficulty. Dean lowered his hand with a sigh then turned back towards the entrance door. "I need you to take care of someone."
"What? Me?" Sam asked surprised.
"You still know what it's like to be in a new place" Dean answered with a nod. "In every way possible." Sam understood what Dean was trying to say. The memories of being snatched from his home and thrust into a new one, while at the same time being yanked out of his social status and shoved into a lower one were still very vivid and painful in his mind, but he had to push those down now. Dean and someone else needed him.
At that moment Mark appeared at the doorway. He looked back and gently led a young man through. The newcomer was a little shorter than Sam but probably the same age. He only had sweatpants on, so he probably came from an institution. His shaggy brown hair was in disheveled curls and his pale skin was showing a couple of bruises and some bones sticking out. Sam felt sick from the possible treatment that resulted in this sight of the poor servant.
When the two reached them, Sam caught a flash of green eyes before the young man threw himself down onto his knees and elbows, lowering his head. Sam's jaw dropped when his back was revealed: now he realized why this boy showed such an extreme behavior towards a Master. Angry red welts covered the pale skin, coming from either a whip or a switch. That sign of abuse explained why the boy looked so starved.
Sam glanced at Dean and could barely hold back a flinch at the dark look the man had in his eyes. He knew, though, from experience that Dean wasn't angry at the servant but for the servant.
"Take care of him" Dean threw Sam's way before storming up the steps and retreating to his bedroom. The door slammed shut with an echoing bang. Mark, looking devastated and mirroring Sam's feelings, left Sam with the servant, disappearing in the servant's quarters. Sam felt awkward for a minute as he watched the boy sit up with shaky limbs, a drop of liquid landing on the tile of the floor. His heart was twisted in the vice clamping around it. How much luck had separated him from a fate like this?
Sam kneeled down in front of the servant slowly, not wanting to spook him. The boy was still shaking in fear, not that different from Sam's own reaction when he had arrived into reality.
"Hey" Sam whispered kindly and the boy startled, looking up at him briefly. "I'm Sam" he continued, holding out a hand to be shaken. He waited with baited breath for the boy to react. It took a minute for a trembling hand to wrap around his and pump it for a fraction. "What's your name?" The boy swallowed convulsively before stuttering out a response:
"C-C-Chris…"
"Nice to meet you" Sam squeezed the other's hand a little before letting it go. Chris mumbled out a "You, too…" in response. "Come on" Sam said, standing up. Reaching down, he helped the boy to his feet, his heart lurching at the flinch from his touch. "Let's get you cleaned up, okay?"
As they made their way to the servant's quarter, Sam slid an arm around Chris' shoulders. The boy glanced at him in a strange way, before leaning against him. By the time the door closed behind them, the thin body sagged a little from exhaustion, so Sam decided on a bath instead of a shower.
While the water was running, Sam examined the boy's back. The welts looked angry red and when he touched them gently, Chris gasped out a whimper. They seemed fresh.
"Who did this to you?" Sam asked, trying to keep the horror out of his voice.
"My previous Master" Chris answered.
"What? Why?" Chris looked up, when this time the horror escaped along Sam's words.
"I was punished." The statement was said so indifferently, as if it was a fact. Sam swallowed against the tears gathering in his eyes. Was this poor boy whipped daily? To hide his emotions, Sam returned to fuss about the bath. He put in some bath gel, hoping the scent will relax Chris.
"Here you go" Sam turned back to Chris after he shut the water off. He plastered a kind smile onto his face and his spirit lightened when Chris blushed shyly. "I'll leave you to clean up then come back to treat your back. Is that okay with you?
"Y-Yes…" Chris sounded shocked at Sam's kindness. Before Sam stepped out of the bathroom, he heard a soft, timid:
"Thank you, Sam…"
He looked over his shoulder, this time with a real smile on his face.
"You're welcome."
It took Chris a couple of seconds to move, he was in such a shock. The guy taking care of him, Sam, was so kind and tender with him, as if he was handling a… a terrified little bird. It felt so weird… and great… He could only barely remember tenderness from before… before his previous Master…
With a sigh, he let the pants slide down his legs then he gingerly sank into the warm, soothing water, even more cautious as his back dipped into the liquid. He had to let pass a couple gasps of pain, despite the mental barrier he spent years building up. He couldn't help it: this place felt so much freer… Even his new Master was kind to him. Maybe this will be a change for the better…
As the pain became bearable, Chris slowly slid down until he was almost completely underwater, his head resting on the edge of the tub. A good long soak always helped with the welts…
He hoped Sam would take his time, wherever he was…
Sam walked through the kitchen, only stopping to nod encouragingly at the others gathered in there. Alex told him they heard some noises upstairs, but Sam had already had a feeling something would happen. He took the steps two at a time and hurried to the back door of Dean's bedroom. He contemplated for a second whether to knock or not, but then he decided against it. When he opened the door, his jaw dropped from the sight.
The only light in the room was from the desk lamp, which was lying on the floor a couple feet from its place. Its rays gave the room a gloomy tone. Papers and pens were scattered around on the carpet and an armchair was lying on its side, possibly tipped over by a furious kick. This wasn't the more worrying sign, though.
Dean was standing at his desk, hands leaning onto the table. He was only in his T-shirt and jeans; Sam found the rest of his clothing and his shoes all over the room, evidence of the rage that left the tension behind. The man's shoulders were still heaving as he panted like a fuming dragon. His head was lowered, but his whole body was wound up tight, ready to snap at anything, or anyone, daring to interrupt his wrath.
Sam knew he had to risk it. He slowly tiptoed closer, right behind Dean. The man's fingers twitched menacingly but then he relaxed slightly. Sam took that as a sign that he could tread further, so he laid a cautious hand onto Dean's shoulder. The hard muscles were so tight they trembled constantly. Sam's heart broke from how upset Dean was, but at the same time it soared from the amount of compassion the man was showing towards the new servant. He curled his fingers around the shoulder and turned Dean towards him, right into a loving hug. He held on, rubbing the stiff back to coax out a response…
… and finally received it: Dean leaned into him, wrapping his arms around Sam's waist and burying his face into the boy's shoulder. Sam pulled him in even tighter, his free hand taking over the rubbing while the other rested on the blonde tresses, thumb caressing them. Dean let out a sigh into Sam's neck, soaking in the strength emanating from his servant and feeling quite proud of him because of it. Sam leaned his head against Dean's, starting a slow, side-to-side rocking, humming softly and timidly the lullaby his mother used to play for him. The desired effect came instantaneously: Dean's body sagged completely, just riding with the motions. His instinctive comforting method surprised Sam: he blamed his 'feminine intuitions' for it. At least something good came out of his difference…
After a few minutes, Dean pulled back, reluctantly breaking the trance they lulled themselves into. He wiped at his face and Sam had a suspicion that he was erasing the traces of the emotional rollercoaster he had just ridden. Sam stayed in his place, waiting patiently for the man to gather himself. He only realized his submission breaking out, when Dean lifted his head and untangled his hands, the second time that night.
"Chris?" Dean's voice was hoarse and exhaustion was pouring out of him in tsunamis.
"Having a bath" Sam replied softly, eyes raking over the worn features of his lover. Dean nodded, seemingly satisfied with Sam's decision.
"You're staying with him?" It was more a statement than a question, but Sam nodded anyway.
"I should. For a while…"
He was cut off by Dean's full lips descending onto his for a reassuring, yet longing kiss. Sam leaned into it, but it was over too soon.
"Go. I'll miss you…"
"Me, too…" Sam breathed back then left the room with one last look of reluctance over his shoulders.
Chris was already in a towel after his bath, holding the pair of worn sweatpants, when Sam returned with fresh clothes. Chris dressed up silently, while Sam gathered the necessities to treat the boy's back. Either the soak helped, or he was too used to it, but Chris never uttered a sound while Sam was treating his wounds, only grabbing the edge of the sink and squeezing it when the pain was too much. Sam smiled at the boy proudly when he finished, drawing another shy blush onto Chris' cheeks. He must be really unaccustomed to someone's help and kindness.
"Come on" Sam spoke, facing Chris, who had put on the shirt brought to him. "I'm sure you're tired. Tomorrow I or Ramon will show you around. You wanna meet the others?"
"N-No" Chris shook his head, terror flitting across his features. Sam knew perfectly well how he was feeling. "I-I'm tired. Is it okay if I go to b-bed?"
"Of course" Sam answered with a smile and waved the boy closer. Together they walked to the bedroom, where Sam sat Chris onto his old bed. Since there were only four in there, Sam decided to make a sacrifice.
"I don't want to take anyone's space away" Chris mumbled timidly, noticing the shortage of beds.
"Don't worry about that" Sam replied. He had a feeling everyone will have room to sleep in. "We'll be fine. You getting used to everything here is more important. Did they tell you what you'll have to do?"
"I can help with anything" Chris shrugged as he lay down on the mattress, shimmying under the covers. The window was open so the last traces of summer heat could be replaced with cool breezes bringing relief.
"Then Master will give you instructions tomorrow. Just try to sleep."
"Can you s-s-stay?" Chris asked, a slight desperation sneaking into his voice. Right then, Sam witnessed the emotional and mental impact on the poor boy that the previous, cruel treatment caused. Feeling a strange urge to cradle the servant in his arms, he took a seat on the edge of the bed and laid a hand onto Chris' head, caressing the dark curls tenderly. Now he knew how Alex felt when the young man would comfort Sam.
"I'm here" Sam whispered as the boy shifted closer to him, seeking comfort. "Go to sleep."
And he stayed in his place, until the trembling fingers uncurled from around the fabric of his sweatpants.
The early birds started waking up, their lazy chirps flitting into the mansion's rooms through the glasses of the closed windows. Sam stretched his limbs as he rose from his sleep, looking around in a slight daze. He saw the other servants still wandering their dreams, but he noticed Ramon's lack of snoring. The man must be tense and anxious, leaving his night restless. Mark and Alex were sharing a bed, slumbering in the comfort of each other's arms. The two had decided last night to use Mark's bed until Sam chose to return to Dean. However, that couldn't happen until their new resident settled into the life here.
Chris was now relaxed and deeply submerged in the ocean of dreams. In the middle of the night, he had startled awake with a gasp and shot up ramrod straight, sweating profusely. Sam had immediately jumped out of his bed and joined him, pulling the frightened boy into his arms, glad that Chris had instantly melted into his embrace, accepting the offer of comfort.
Sam was sitting on the bed ever since, guarding the boy's dreams against nightmares. One hand was stroking the dark-brown curls, keeping Chris calm with his soothing touches. He surprised himself with the motherly instincts that so readily broke free inside him. He already knew he was going to be the one to introduce Chris to the chores of servants and help the newbie to get used to the pace and order of things around here.
His thoughts stirred up by now, Sam slid carefully out from underneath Chris' head, which was resting on his thigh. The boy didn't react to the movements, releasing a sigh of relief from Sam's lungs. Sam snuck out of the room, fetching his towel and clothes to have a quick shower. When he returned to the bedroom to make the beds, he caught Chris blinking blearily as the boy pushed up onto his elbows.
"Morning, Chris" Sam greeted him, sitting onto the edge of the boy's bed.
"Morning, Sam" Chris' answer was shy and soft, as if uncertain how to react to the other's greeting and general kindness.
"Did you sleep well?" Sam queried, barely able to conceal his worry. Chris blushed, though, and his expression was oozing guilt and shame. "Hey, it's okay" Sam rubbed the boy's shoulder comfortingly. "I know how rough it can get."
"Do you?" The flush now meant anger as the green eyes glittered with frustration.
"Not the same way, but yes" Sam answered with all honesty, shocking the fury out of Chris. "We had different lives, however, the change can take a great toll on you. You're still taking things better than I did. I wish I could have just nightmares."
"When did you get here?" Chris asked, showing genuine interest and curiosity for Sam's story.
"This summer."
"And where have you served before?"
"Nowhere." Chris's eyes widened. Sam frowned at the expression of realization on the boy's face.
"Oh, I see" the boy murmured. "It must've been rough for you, being yanked from a mansion into the lowest class of the population." Sam was stunned speechless. How did he…?
"How did you know I lived in a mansion?"
"Well, you're clearly upper-class" Sam would've taken the nonchalant response as an offense if not for the indifferent, almost innocent tone of Chris' voice. The boy must've realized how his words sounded, though, because he rushed to explain himself. "You're really educated and proper. Your hand is softer than a regular servant's, not as hardened by work. Yet, you're still on the same level as an average person, you don't act all high-and-mighty, like you're better than others. You even helped me…"
Now it was Sam's turn to blush. Chris observed a lot of things just from their brief contact, some of them surprising, since Sam never would've thought it fit him.
"What about you?" he changed the subject quickly, not liking the glaring spotlight of their conversation.
"I was serving since I was eleven. My parents didn't dare to hide me, they're not that… well-off, see?" Sam nodded, feeling sad for Chris. Who knew what his father would've gone through if they were not upper-class? "I wasn't really liked by any of my Masters, but they took good care of me… except the last one."
Tears gathered in the round eyes as Chris walked down memory lane. Sam just wanted to stop him, gather him in his arms and comfort him, but Chris soldiered on.
"My Mistress was a hateful old woman" the boy hissed angrily. "I was punished regularly because I was a Different One. I was whipped every time my difference showed. I'm like you, before you ask" Sam nodded. Inwardly, he was mortified. Being beaten every month for a week is cruel. "It went on for two years."
Sam couldn't resist now: he grabbed Chris' arm and pulled the poor boy into a tight hug. Chris once again melted into his embrace, wrapping his arms around Sam firmly. As the boy hid his face into the crook of Sam's neck, Sam lifted a hand and began caressing the brown curls instinctively.
"I'm so sorry" he breathed, leaning his cheek onto the top of Chris' head. "But it's gonna get better now. I promise… Our Master, Dean is very gentle and he cares greatly for us. You'll see…"
It took a few minutes for them to separate then as Chris turned away to wipe the traces of his distress away, Sam returned to his previous task of making the bed, while Chris got up and left the room.
Sam decided to show Chris around the mansion before introducing him to anyone. The boy looked the place over with wide eyes, as if he had never seen anything so grandiose before. The tour didn't take long: by the time they finished, Alex called them to eat breakfast. When the two stepped into the kitchen, everyone else was already sitting around the table. Two empty seats had meals waiting to be eaten.
"Morning, everyone" Sam greeted the others with a smile, wrapping an arm around Chris' shoulders. The boy blushed as the attention centered on him, but mustered up a shy smile. "This is Chris, our newest colleague. Chris, this is Alex, our cook" Alex waved with a gentle smile when Sam pointed him out, "that's Mark, the gardener" Mark nodded with a grin then took the next bite out of his meal, "and that's Ramon, our… "boss" so to speak" Sam made some air-quotes with a teasing grin and Ramon rolled his eyes with a smirk.
"More like manager of this place" the older man murmured, returning to his breakfast. Everyone chuckled, not noticing the slightly dazed look in Chris' eyes at Ramon's voice.
"And what do you do?" the boy asked Sam after he shook himself out of the haze.
"I clean the whole mansion."
"Which means you need to get some fuel" Alex joined in, pointing at the empty seats. "So eat up!"
"Yes, ma'am" Sam sat into the chair closest to the other servants with a small salute, and Chris sat next to him. As the boy started eating, Alex sought out Sam's gaze, a knowing smirk his response to Sam's cheerful mood. He realized that Sam was putting effort into the good mood so Chris wouldn't be afraid.
"Did you maybe get the dining room ready for the Master's breakfast?" Sam asked.
"I did" Mark spoke around his mouthful. "Since I've done it before and you're a little busy today." Chris blushed instantly, knowing they were talking about him.
"You know" Ramon said, eyes on the youngest, "with the rate you're going, it's a miracle you have blood in your body outside of your cheeks." His teasing drew quiet laughter out of the others, even yanking a surprised chuckle from Chris, as well.
"Sorry" the boy replied, smiling timidly, finally raising his eyes onto the others. "Just everything is new and…"
"I was just joking, it's okay" Ramon waved, grinning with satisfaction. The rest of the meal was spent with small talks, Chris staying silent and just observing the others curiously. When everyone finished, Sam gathered the plates to wash them. He nearly jumped when Chris shot to his feet to help, eager and ready, although Sam saw the nervousness appearing fleetingly on his features from the prospect of being left alone with yet-strangers.
Just as they finished with the dishes, Alex returned from the dining room and informed them that Dean was waiting to be officially introduced to the new servant. Sam walked Chris through the back hallway to the dining room, thrilled to see Dean after a lonely night. He squeezed the other's shoulder encouragingly before stepping in.
Dean was in the same place where Sam remembered him sitting on his first day. The man was had just finished his meal and looking up, he stood to receive the servants, a gentle smile gracing his lips. His eyes flashed with longing as they raked over Sam then settled upon Chris, who had his head lowered in respect of his superior.
"Good morning, sir" Sam greeted Dean, wrapping an arm around Chris' waist, making him step forward. – This is Chris.
"Christian or Christopher?" Dean queried in curiosity.
"Christopher, Master" Chris answered with a small bow.
"Sir is fine, Chris" Dean said, but shook his head when Sam straightened slightly with a satisfied grin. 'But I get to call you Dean' Sam thought. "Master is only in front of the guests, alright?"
"If you wish, sir" Chris replied smoothly, bowing again.
"Great. Your job will be helping Sam in cleaning the mansion. Sometimes Ramon will ask your help in repairing something, but your main task is cleaning." Sam's eyes widened at that. He felt a little sad at giving up some of his chores to someone else, since he enjoyed his work as it made time pass quickly, but the upside was that he will have more time to spend with Dean. "Sam will explain the daily routine then you can agree on dividing up the workload. It's okay if you don't do too much or laze around the house. There's no curfew, but servants usually get up at seven in the morning. I only ask that after I retire for the evening, try to keep the noise down, alright?"
"Yes, sir."
"Oh" Dean added quickly, "I prefer no smoking around here. Will that be a problem?" Sam flinched as the memory of those days replayed in his mind.
"No, sir. I don't smoke."
"Well then, welcome to my home and I hope you'll fit in with the others easily."
"Thank you, sir."
"Could you wait for Sam in the kitchen?" Dean asked. "I need to speak with him."
"Yes, sir" Chris bowed again and left the room. As soon as the door shut behind him, Dean pulled Sam into his arms, holding him tightly.
"I'm so sorry, baby" he breathed into Sam's ear, who in turn buried his face into Dean's shoulder. "I'll never forgive myself for what I did to you back then. You didn't deserve it. But I'm grateful you gave it up for me." Sam was clutching at Dean's shirt, reveling in the comfort of Dean's arms. After a few minutes, Sam pulled away, leaning his forehead against Dean's.
"I'm sorry, too" Sam replied then pressed a chaste kiss onto the man's lips. With that they parted and Sam followed Chris, inwardly planning out the day to explain the younger servant the chores.
TBC...
H-Hi, guys!
After such a long chapter you can't be mad at me... right?
Anyway, hope you liked this chappy. I'm proud of Sammy for being so strong in here. I didn't want him to remain so fragile... for now, at least. :D *cue evil laugh*
I also hope you'll get a notification, but I'll try to contact someone to inform me of the alert-situation.
Hope to see you soon...er! I have something in my head that doesn't want to leave me, but I'm working on emptying my thoughts so I can focus on my in-progress stories.
See you next time!