You girls rock! You love Sam on wheels almost as much as Brooke does obviously and yes, I think she was a little jealous of the Doctor. Let's not forget she went to jail the last time someone threatened to come between her and her Baby…she's scary! When Sam's on his ass she goes into lioness mode for her man so watch out. I don't think she has anything to worry about though.
Most of you liked Chris, she still thinks she's a geek bless her but if the Winchester boys think she's ok then she must be. She's already shown them she likes a drink but she still needs to prove herself…I wonder how she could possibly do that?!
As for Dean and his strippagram? Who wouldn't want to wake up to that in the morning? At least he finally got some action and Bonita's doing a lot better…for now! More is revealed about Logan, Hope shares her softer side and Cole tries home-schooling Dylan although I'm not entirely sure that Sam would approve of the subject matter!
I don't really need to tell you why but I would advise tissues for this chapter, it's an epic in its own right and by the end you may need some of Rita's Valium. Enjoy...sob!
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When Dean opened his eyes Bonnie was looking at him making him smile groggily. "Hey."
"Morning." She sighed when he kissed her. "It was a good night last night."
"Tell me about it." He winced.
"Hungover?"
"I don't get hangovers." He lied. "I could do with a coffee though, you want anything?"
"Can you check on Chris? I didn't hear her leave."
"That might be a little weird ya know?" Dean blinked the sleep from his eyes. "God knows what state she's in she was knocking 'em back like prohibition was returning."
"Just try to revive her; I'd rather she wasn't drunk when she delivers our baby."
"Yeah, ok." He pulled back the sheet and was putting on his jeans when he realized what she had just said. He turned suddenly. "Wait, does that mean…?"
Bonnie smiled and raised her eyebrows. "He's on his way."
Dean threw himself back on the bed making her bounce slightly and laid a hand on her stomach. "Well, do you feel ok?! Are you in pain…?"
"Well, it's not the best I've ever felt but it's ok." She looked perfectly calm as his mind whirred.
"Why didn't you wake me up woman?!"
"Relax." She laid a hand over his. "It's only the beginning you may as well rest while you can."
He gave her a look and stood up. "Ok, right…what do we need?" He said to himself. "I'll go get you some breakfast and sort out the whale music, let the dog out, wake up Sam and sober up your Doctor."
She laughed at him as he ran out of the door. "Dean?"
"Yeah?" He ducked his head back around the jamb.
"I love you."
He took a deep breath and smiled. "I love you too."
"Don't be long."
"Christ, we're gonna have a baby." He was slightly wide eyed like he had only just realized
"Go on you big idiot."
Dean stepped into the hall and the enormity of it all suddenly hit him like a sledgehammer between the eyes forcing him to lean against the wall for support. He didn't often say prayers but this situation called for one, big time. When he finally got himself together he hit the stairs and ran down them quickly.
There was a lot he needed to do but his first pit stop would be no surprise to anyone and he burst into Sam's room without knocking. His brother was dozing with his wife tucked under one arm Sam blinked in surprise when he saw Dean. "What's wrong?" He said quickly as Brooke turned over.
"Bonnie's gone into labour."
Sam leaned up on his elbows. "Well, is she ok?"
"She seems fine." He looked slightly stunned.
"Who's with her?"
"No one…" He answered hastily suddenly remembering himself as Brooke got out of bed like she was on autopilot and grabbed a robe.
"I'll go up." She said pressing Dean's arm reassuringly as she passed.
"Are you ok?" Sam looked at him in concern.
"Yeah, no problem." He shrugged. "People have babies all the time right?"
Sam knew he was terrified and wanted to reassure him as much as he could. "Everything's going to be fine, she's ready for this." He cast the blankets to one side. "Help me up…"
Dean rushed over and pulled him off the bed quickly, glad to have something to do. Once Sam was up he felt more in control. "Ok, go get Chris out of bed that's your main priority and send someone down here to sort out the rest with me."
Dean looked relieved but didn't move like he was waiting for something. "Thanks."
"C'mon." Sam smiled and Dean bent to hug him. "You're an amazing husband, always have been…now go up there and kick ass."
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It didn't take long for the news to spread like wildfire through the house and soon the entire place was teeming with activity. When Bobby got to the kitchen Dylan was stood on Sam's lap passing coffee mugs down to him from the cupboard as Sam kept him steady.
Bobby chuckled at them. "You need a hand in here?"
Sam held his son's hand as he jumped down. "I got my little helper I think we're good, maybe you could take a tray up?"
"Sure."
"How's it going up there?" He asked spinning around.
"It's like the second coming…the Doc says Bonnie's doin' well but I think Chris looks like she could do with a couple of paracetamol and an IV and Dean's about to have a nervous breakdown."
"Are they going to take her to the hospital?"
Bobby shook his head. "Nah, they reckon she has a ways to go yet and all her vitals are good."
The kettle boiled and Bobby went to fill the mugs up as Sam sat wishing he could do more, there was a lot of activity upstairs making it sound more like Union Station than a normal household. Dylan heaped some fresh toast on a plate and put it on the tray that Bobby was preparing. He looked at Sam before going up and felt bad for him. "Ya know, I think your brother could do with a little support, help keep Rita off his back…I'll send the boys down to fetch you up."
"Thanks Bobby." Sam turned to Dylan when he had gone. "Do you think it's going well?"
"I didn't see Aunt Bonnie but everything feels good."
Sam smiled. "Can you get Nitro some food and let him out?"
"Ok."
"Did I ever tell you how great you are?"
"Not so far this morning."
He laughed but didn't get the chance to finish when the doorbell went. "Christ what now?"
"You want me to get it?"
"No."
Suddenly Dylan ran off his arms waving madly in the carefree way only children know. "I know who it is!" He shouted.
"Dyl!" Sam went off in pursuit but he was already unbolting the door and pulling it open by the time he got there. When it opened a howl and an expletive escaped from the room upstairs and Luc paused on the threshold dropping his kit bag ready to reach for a gun.
"Don't draw!" Sam raised his hands. "It's alright Luc it's just Bonnie in labour."
The Frenchman's eyes moved down to Sam and he frowned. "What happened?"
"Uncle Dean got her pregnant with super sperm."
"I think he's talking about me Dylan." Sam smiled. "Didn't you get the memo?"
He raised his eyebrows.
"The wheelchair's pretty self-explanatory, so I don't think I need to explain too much there. Bonnie's having a baby, Dean's having kittens but the good news is we managed to get rid of the vengeful spirit that used to haunt the place and we just made coffee."
Luc walked into the old house and looked around. "You guys never cease to amaze me; one week Sheriff of Demonville and the next living in…what do I even call this place?"
"Home. You should know by now; life's never dull when you're a Winchester." Sam shrugged.
Heavy boots clattered on the stairs and they looked up to see Cole jogging down. "Eh salut! T'es de retour…Hope's gonna go apeshit."
The two men hugged which kind of surprised Sam but he thought it was nice they got on. "Dylan, don't forget the dog." He reminded his son.
"Everyone's upstairs, c'mon." Cole told the newcomer.
"Are you sure it's ok?" Luc asked awkwardly thinking it was a bit of a private family moment.
Sam huffed. "Half of Anchorage is up there already; all we're missing is three Kings and a couple of shepherds."
"You ok for him to give you a hand?" Cole asked Sam.
"Let's go."
"Grab hold of the other side." Cole instructed.
Luc had no idea what was going on but he knew that when it came to his girlfriend's family he had to be prepared to tread water or drown in mayhem. He followed Cole's lead and between them they picked up the chair and got Sam upstairs.
They had barely set him down before Hope launched herself at Luc who picked her up deftly and started to kiss her. Sam almost had to shield himself and was forced to intervene. "Hope, we're all glad Luc's back and I know your Dad's distracted right now but the rules still apply…no sex ok?"
They totally ignored him as they just got lost in one another like they were in some mad gothic porno.
"Save your breath." Cole told him. "It's like trying to stop an express train with a slingshot."
Sam thought he might be right as Hope threatened to swallow the poor guy in a fit of desperation as her legs wrapped around his waist. "Jesus, just don't let Dean see you ok?"
Cole quickly pulled his Uncle clear as Luc staggered down the hall with his mouth still attached to Hope before they both disappeared into her room with a slam of the door.
"It's a good job he's trained in the art of hand to hand combat." Cole said. "I pity that poor man."
Sam shook himself trying to get his vision back and attempted to imagine what he would do if Lily ever turned out like her cousin, the thought almost killed him so he just forgot about it and went to Dean's room.
The door was open and Bonnie was being tended to by Dean and her Doctor as Johnny and Rita stood nearby. It was looking a little crowded and he paused in the doorway before his brother looked at him.
"Who was at the door?"
"It was Luc." Sam replied.
Bonnie had a fine veil of sweat on her face but otherwise looked ok. "Is he alright?" She asked.
"Sure, he's just taking a breather, long journey I guess." Sam answered casually.
Dean reached over to the nightstand and opened the drawer grabbing something that he threw to Cole. "Make sure your sister uses them!"
"Oh God!" He said looking at the condoms. "Seriously?"
"I wasn't born yesterday…and I'm not goin' through this again in another nine months." He said gruffly.
"Go on." Sam nodded at his nephew.
"This sucks." He muttered as he walked out.
Bonnie suddenly sat up and grimaced as a contraction took hold, Dean held onto her and Sam could tell he was stressed out. "It's alright, I'm here…" He soothed.
Sam felt worse than useless given the circumstances and wondered where Brooke was as the panting stopped and Dean spoke up. "There's too many people in here. Johnny, can you go keep Dylan occupied or something? Rita…food detail."
"Mom…can you make lasagne?" Bonnie asked without being remotely interested in eating it.
"Lasagne?"
"Yeah sounds great." Dean said. When they both left he breathed a sigh of relief. "Shut the door Sam…it's a freakin' madhouse in here."
Chris sighed. "You're doing really well Bonnie but I'm going to call the hospital and cancel my appointments, just to be safe."
"You think she needs to go in?" Dean asked.
"We're ok for now and I think that she's a lot happier here but it's good to keep things calm and relaxed, I don't need to tell you what that means."
"I'm not leavin' her side." Dean assured her.
"Good, I'll go make my calls and if it's ok have a shower and then I'll be back."
"You may want to steer clear of Hope's room but treat this as your home, seriously." Dean told her.
"Thanks."
Sam moved aside so she could leave before addressing Bonnie. "You want me to stay?"
She sighed as she leaned back on the pillows. "Yeah, that'd be nice."
"How far apart are the contractions?"
"She's only had a couple, he's takin' his time." Dean said as he finally seemed to relax. "Sam get some music goin'."
Sam went over to the low table in the corner where someone had put the IPod port. He checked the playlist. "What are we going for…Classic rock or Dido?"
"Dude please."
"Dido!" Bonnie said ignoring Dean's look. "Next time you're pushing a zucchini out of your Jap's eye then you can pick the tunes."
Dean raised his eyebrows as Sam laughed. "Well at least it's not a shop display and there's no mad Dean fan with a Demon virus trying to kill you."
"How is Jo by the way?"
"We'd have to ask Luc that question, last time we saw her she was tradin' favours with an overprotective caveman." Dean said.
"She sticks to type then?" She said making Sam grin over at her.
"You gonna be this mean to me the whole way through labour?"
"Man, you're lucky she doesn't castrate you." Sam said as he lit candles around the room. "We had an entire birth plan for Lily…it would have been amazing."
"I dunno, almost drowning in a locked vault with me was pretty spectacular."
"Not what I had in mind when I thought of a water birth." Sam told him as he went back to the bed.
There was a knock on the door and Brooke poked her head around. "There you are."
"You miss me?" Sam said.
She walked in closing the door behind her. "Nice setting; very chilled out." She looked around with a frown. "Better than either of mine."
"God do you remember when you were having Dylan?" Bonnie laughed.
"Not many women almost have an emergency C-Section in Burger King."
"You're pure class all the way Brooke." Dean said approvingly.
"So how are we doing in here then?" She asked sitting on the edge of the bed handing Dean a damp flannel to mop Bonnie's brow with.
Dean held up two fingers. "Just two centimetres so far."
"We've got ages yet then." Brooke sighed. "You doing alright?"
"Yeah, I mean…fantastic actually." They all looked slightly surprised by Bonnie's general demeanour. "I actually feel like I have more energy right now than before I got pregnant."
"I guess Demelza did you a favour after all." Dean shrugged.
"I don't think it's even that complicated, I think it's the baby." She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Can you feel that?"
Dean frowned and looked at his brother. "Yeah."
"That's his heartbeat."
"No way." Sam said disbelievingly.
"You try." He leaned across and she laid his large hand over the stretched stomach.
It almost jumped back when he felt him move and he looked up at Dean. "That's unreal. What did Chris say?"
"Everything's normal but he seems to be stronger when we're all together and when Dean's gone he gets panicked."
"You never told me that." He said. "Why would he act like that?"
"Well you remember Hope always seemed to know when you were around, same thing only I guess he thinks if you're not here and something happens to me then he's kinda screwed and it's his way of making that known."
Dean couldn't believe it but he also knew what his children were capable of. "Wow, so you think he's psyching you up for the birth?"
"I don't know but…with Hope you can put her skills down to genetic engineering, with Cole it's his Mom."
"What are you saying?" Brooke asked her.
"No offense to your virility Dean but I very much doubt even you could have gotten me pregnant if it wasn't for that wormhole."
"I told you not to refer to it as that, it's a turn off." He smiled nervously.
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever happened, something supercharged you I mean you guys remember what he was like?"
Sam pursed his lips. "She's right you were on a mission in a big way for a couple of weeks after that."
"I was just excited to be back." He said defensively.
"I mean maybe the baby wasn't the intended outcome but the effect was like plugging me into a battery charger."
"Nice imagery Bonnie, thanks." Dean looked a little proud of himself.
"So you think this kid is like a living embodiment of the energy that came from the vortex?" Sam stared at her belly.
"Why not? I wouldn't have been sick if the vampire hadn't drained all my blood. I honestly feel great and the closer he gets to being born the better I feel; like I could actually do this the old fashioned way."
"I don't know about that Bonnie, it's a heck of a risk." Sam said.
"So is having an operation, there's no easy way of giving birth so I figure I want to let nature do her thing and see what happens."
"Sam's right," Dean agreed. "We should wait a while, take you to hospital and just play it safe."
"Hooked up to machines?"
"Yeah, if that's what you need." He said sternly.
"But it's not what I want and you know that."
"You have no choice because if you're right and Logan is what you think he is then what's gonna happen to you when your power source is taken away?"
She didn't get a chance to answer as her body was racked by another contraction and Dean held her against him silently, his eyes meeting with his brothers on the other side of the bed.
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Luc hadn't even had the chance to take off his shirt and was still in his jeans, his legs threatening to give way after the impromptu work out Hope had just given him. He panted and staggered backwards with her still attached to him and used the wall as a prop until he could get some air back into his lungs. Hope's limp body curled around him and the tautness went in her legs releasing him slightly so that he had to hitch her higher with both his arms braced under her butt. He could have put her down but he had missed her too much to let go now.
Hope started to shake and he frowned in confusion. "You ok?"
She nodded into his shoulder and her arms tightened around his neck as a sob escaped from her throat. Luc shifted her weight with a grimace freeing an arm to rub her back as he walked to the bed and sat down on the edge. He didn't let her go as he rocked her gently in a much softer rhythm than they had used just a few minutes ago.
"Talk to me." He whispered into her hair.
Lifting her head she looked at him with red rimmed eyes, hair plastered to her tear-streaked face. Brushing it away Luc realized he had never seen her show much vulnerability even after being taken by the Chimera he hadn't seen her this upset. "What's wrong?"
"I missed you."
The corner of his mouth lifted puckering the scar on his cheek slightly. "I know I'm handsome but I never got this reaction before."
She sighed shakily and knew that she would have to clue him in. "I'm scared."
"Of what? Tell me." He grew anxious.
"That this family is falling apart and I can't do anything to stop it."
"What are you talking about?"
"The Doctors said Mom's going to die." She sniffed. "I think once the baby's here then we'll lose her."
He exhaled. "God, I had no idea Dean never said anything when I last saw him."
She shrugged. "Cole's not dealing well and I know Dad's going to go postal no matter what anyone says and now there's Sam…"
"I admit that was a shock, I knew when they left he was hurt but paralyzed? Poor guy." She started to cry again and he held her close. "Cherie, life deals its blows no matter who you are."
"Don't you see though? It's not just what's happened to them, it's what this means."
He shrugged in question.
"If Dad loses Mom and Sam can't do anything to stop him going off the rails then we're all left exposed…it's perfect for anyone who wants to take us all out; Cole, Dylan or even Lily and the baby."
"You think this could be a planned attack? Your mother's been ill a long time and Sam had an accident, it happens."
"Maybe but I should be able to stop this from happening. I'm supposed to be able to heal people but unless I get my powers soon then I can't do a thing."
He took her shoulders in strong hands and pulled her away. "Who said you can heal people?"
"It's in my blood, I'm the one who helped Sam walk again the first time and I'm supposedly immune to all diseases." She wiped her eyes. "But what good is that when I'm too late?"
"I don't understand…what powers?"
"I'm not psychic like Dyl but I'm meant to be some kind of Guardian of lost souls and I don't even know what that means, does it just mean I'm stronger than most girls or something else?"
Luc blinked and took a second to try to process this information. "What does your Father say?"
"I don't think he wants to know and with everything that's happened it kind of got forgotten."
"How did you find out to begin with?"
"Grandpa hypnotized me."
"Seigneur, so we should speak to Bobby."
Hope sniffed again. "You'll help me?"
That made him smile. "Always, you're my little chou."
"What's that?" She asked with a furrowed brow.
He looked mildly embarrassed. "A cabbage…"
"I'm your little cabbage, and here I thought the French were meant to be romantics?" She was amused and more than a little offended.
"It loses something in translation."
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Cole needed something to do to take his mind off things and he also needed some fresh air so he had gone outside to fix Dean's death-defying ramp. He had taken some of the left over wood and posted it as stakes in the front lawn watching with amusement as Dylan and Johnny haplessly attempted to train Nitro.
Johnny swerved around the stakes trying to show the dog how it was done but he simply sat watching the hip action with bored distraction before running off to chase an imaginary rabbit.
"I think our dog's broken, can we take him back and get a refund?"
"He always listens to Uncle Dean." Dylan said as he stood watching the German Shepherd chasing his tail.
"That's 'cos he does this." Cole folded his tongue between his top front teeth and whistled. Nitro immediately stopped what he was doing and ran over, Cole patted him as a reward and he sat happily in front of him.
"How do you do that?" Dylan stared.
"Come here." He gestured with his head and his little cousin came over and grabbed a seat on the step below him. "What I'm about to tell you is a family secret."
"Oh this ought to be good." Johnny said taking a seat on the cold wooden balustrade.
"Oooh." Dylan said wide eyed.
Cole put down the saw he was holding and rested his arms on his bent knees. "Dad didn't learn this until he was in his twenties I only got it a couple of years ago so consider this my gift to you."
"What?!"
"Before I tell you I have to know you're ready…because this is some major magic Dyl."
"I'm ready!"
"Me too." Johnny joined in.
Cole coughed. "The tongue is one of the most underused organs of the human body. A lot of languages require you to use it…"
"Is that why Luc spits when he gets angry?"
"Yeah, the French are known for their tonguing." Johnny said causing Cole to raise a brow at him.
"As I was saying, you can whistle louder when you use it but there are also other benefits to having a flexible tongue."
"Other than making dogs come?" Dylan asked in all innocence making Johnny almost fall off the porch in hysterical laughter.
"That's all down to where you choose to put it Cuz." Cole tried. "The point is that one day you're going to see a woman who looks like a Goddess that all the boys will want to go out with and this trick is gonna make her yours, believe me."
"Girls?!" Dylan frowned. "That's it?!" He huffed like his Dad. "That's the family secret?"
"What did you expect the Arc of the Covenant?" Johnny asked.
He shrugged not knowing what that was but was still put out. "So what am I meant to do with it?" He lisped cross-eyed as he attempted to look down at it.
"Watch and learn." Cole shook out his neck muscles and coughed before sticking out his tongue. "The roll." He said rolling his tongue.
"Easy!" Dylan copied him as Nitro looked between them like he was following a tennis match.
"That's good there are a lot of people who can't do that." He glanced at Johnny who was spitting on his chin. "We call them gay."
"Hey!"
"Now there's the three-leaf clover." Cole folded the front of his tongue into ripples that made the tip look like the letter "M".
"Woah!" Dylan stared. "How do you do that?"
"Just imagine you're licking your own tongue and then curve it under your lip like this."
Johnny stared for a second. "I don't think Sam had this in mind when he decided to home school but I'm so loving you right now Cole."
"Ok, so to whistle you have to combine a bit of the two…it may take a while 'cos you still have some milk teeth but with practice you'll get it." He pursed his tongue under his front teeth again to show him and whistled loudly making Nitro bark.
"What else?"
"There's the ripple." Cole opened his mouth and made his tongue move in soft waves. "And I call this one the stab."
"Holy orgasm Batman." Johnny frowned.
"And is that the one you use on a clitoris or is it something else?"
Cole almost had a heart attack and actually held his chest. "What?!"
"Hope said women have a magic button and if you push it right they'll do anything you say."
"Do you know where that button is?" Cole asked as Johnny fell to his knees and bit his jacket lining to stop from crying out.
"She didn't get that far."
"Good." He sighed. "That's something you'll learn later but if you start practising now then by the time you're my age they'll have statues built in your honour, believe me."
"Why?" Dylan was at an age where he asked that almost constantly but in a house with so many adults he usually found an answer forthcoming.
"Ok, Hope was right but actually women have two magic buttons."
"Two?" Johnny asked. "Sounds like a lot of hard work if you ask me."
Cole ignored him. "The first one is just to lure you in, like a decoy."
"What?" Dylan looked confused and Cole didn't blame him.
"Imagine you're a cat burglar breaking into a museum."
"Huh?"
"Well there's the obvious alarms on the outside and if you trigger them they make a lot of noise right?"
"I guess."
"Ultimately though if you lose your nerve at that point the cops show with the sirens blaring and you've got time to make your getaway."
"Sounds good to me." Johnny shrugged.
"Yeah, it's a cheap thrill but what have you really achieved? You made the effort, put on the balaclava but you've got nothing to show for it."
"Your point is?" The man was as fascinated by now as Dylan was.
"That when you get inside the building and find the priceless artifact that's when you find the hidden motion detectors and once you trip those then all hell breaks loose."
"How do you know where the motion detectors are?" Johnny couldn't care less but was still dying to know.
Cole chuckled. "Any cat burglar can do it if they're determined enough : straight line to the classics, turn right at Jackson Pollock and head for the roof." He said using two fingers as imaginary pointers.
"Ooh you're good." Johnny said in awe.
"Yeah well I got a little help from a nymph so I cheated a bit." He shrugged modestly looking at the little boy's confused frown. "Don't worry Dyl, it'll make a lot more sense in a few years but in the meantime just keep working the tongue." He winked and picked up his tools once more.
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Chris had come back into the bedroom by now but everyone else steered clear as things moved along and the day neared its end. She seemed to have recovered from her hangover and looked a lot better as she took off her gloves and looked at Dean. "I think it's time we moved on."
Dean took a deep breath and looked at his wife who was red faced and panting. "We're gonna go to the hospital now."
She shook her head. "No. I'm staying here."
Trying to stay patient he put a hand to her face and brushed the hair from it. "Sweetheart you know you have to go, it's not gonna be like last time."
"You're right it's not because I'm not letting anyone interfere."
Dean glanced at the Doctor. "We're just lookin' out for you."
Bonnie was getting seriously aggravated and the pain was etched on her face making Dean even more fearful. "It's my body Dean and you can't make me go anywhere."
"I think you know I can." He answered firmly making Chris uncomfortable.
Bonnie grabbed his hand. "Please…"
Dean had never had a moment of conflict with his wife which might make her a pushover to some but to him it made her a legend and he didn't ever want to be the person to upset her in any way especially when she was so fragile. If it was just her he might concede defeat but he also had a responsibility towards his child and he would do anything to keep his boy safe.
"Don't make me take you out of here against your will."
She looked at him like she was going to cry and it broke his heart. "I can do this…why won't you believe me?"
"I just don't want to lose you."
"Every time you walk out of the door I feel the same but my life's been in other people's hands for too long so I'm taking it back." Bonnie stared him down. "It's too late now anyway…"
Dean knew she was right and owed his wife his full support whether he agreed with her decision or not. He glanced over at the doctor with newfound conviction. "We're doing this here."
"You're crazy; we don't have the equipment."
"What do we need that we don't have?" He shouted over his wife's screams. "The baby's healthy and Bonnie signed a DNR so…"
"I can't agree to this." She raised her hands and backed away slightly.
"Then get the hell out, if you're not on board I don't need you here." He turned his back on her wiping the nervous sweat from his brow before holding onto Bonnie who was starting to bear down.
"Shit, I'm going to lose my licence for this." Chris climbed back onto the bed. "Don't push it's too soon just hang in there."
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Hope and Luc sat in the kitchen trying hard to ignore the screams coming from upstairs as they waded through the books. Hope covered her ears as Luc stroked her back.
"Why don't they take her to a hospital?"
Bobby swallowed the lump in his throat. "He knows what he's doin'."
"I just have to concentrate."
"I'll make coffee." Luc said more for the distraction as they had already drunk enough caffeine to get an elephant high.
Rita's lasagne lay untouched on the counter and she sat silently nearby chewing her cuticles, Cole was still trying desperately to distract Dylan although it was growing dark outside and they would have to come in soon. Sam hadn't moved from outside Dean's door and Brooke shuttled backwards and forwards with the baby trying to keep everyone from going stir crazy. Nobody knew what was going on but they had all been told in no uncertain terms that they weren't to go near Bonnie or face Dean's wrath.
"Why would I say Guardian of lost souls?" She looked at her Grandfather. "What is a lost soul?"
"People stuck between heaven and hell."
"Purgatory?"
"Just a fancy word for bein' stuck here until you're called."
"So we're talking about ghosts, what I'm supposed to hold their hands and guide them to the light?"
"It's more complicated that that…purgatory is about purification of the soul, Catholics believe that it's a time of judgement and a chance to repent."
"Mom's Catholic." Hope said quietly.
Rita looked up in anger. "I've gone along with this so far but…it's just too much now, you're all sick." She pushed her chair away angrily and stood up. "She's not dead and you're talking about repenting? What sin has she ever committed other than getting involved with that man and his obsession with all this voodoo shit?" She wiped at her eyes and stalked off.
Bobby held Hope's arm to stop her from leaving. "She doesn't mean it but she's suffering more than anyone here; it ain't natural to outlive your child."
Hope looked close to tears again but shook it off knowing they would do nothing to ease the situation. The page swam in front of her and she sniffed trying to focus. "So I must have some ability that involves the movement of souls? I mean, I remember seeing all those unborn children so that means something right?"
"There is the concept of someone who can absolve someone of their sins and ease their passage to heaven." He shrugged.
"So maybe that's why the demon kids would want Hope dead, if she can take the souls that would otherwise belong to them?" Luc added.
She suddenly felt a little better that they seemed to be getting somewhere. "It would explain my immunity to everything too I guess, but how would you rescue a soul and how does it help us now?"
Bobby sighed heavily. "Girly if I knew that, I'd be Master of the Universe."
Hope got up and closed the door and they both turned to look at her expectantly. "We don't know much for sure right? But when you regressed me and from everything we've found out since then we know that somehow me and Dylan are like some tag team."
"I thought it was you and Cole?" Luc asked.
"Uh-uh, Dad stole him from the opposition remember so he's like a secret weapon but each generation is meant to have the kick ass one and the psychic."
"Like Sam and Dean." Bobby nodded.
"But each generation is getting stronger." She thought out loud. "When I turn eighteen I'm meant to be invincible to the other side."
"Don't get cocky, no one's invincible." Bobby warned.
"So if I could heal the living and purify a soul easing the transition, ya know hypothetically speaking…could I bring one back?"
Bobby narrowed his eyes at her. "You're not thinkin' what I think you're thinking?"
There was another scream from upstairs and Hope glanced at the ceiling briefly then nodded.
"There's no way." Luc said with a stunned expression.
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Sam wanted to lean forwards and take some weight off but thanks to the wonderful brace he couldn't and the pain had developed from a dull ache to a sharp stab in his spine. He refused to leave though and remained outside the door in case Dean needed anything. Occasionally someone would join him but generally everyone was busy distracting themselves with various tasks although since the screaming had started in earnest that was becoming more difficult.
He gave a start when he felt a cool hand on the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to startle you." Brooke said as she messaged his shoulders his head leaning back against her.
"He's not taking her to a hospital is he?" Sam asked needlessly.
"I don't think so."
"Oh God." It came out like a sigh. "It's suicide."
"You should get some rest."
"I couldn't."
Brooke leaned down and wrapped her arms around his shoulders laying a kiss on his neck. "You're an amazing brother."
Sam ran a hand over her arm. "Do you think Bonnie's right?" He asked softly.
"About what?"
"Giving up."
"I think she'd do anything to stay but she's tired."
"I don't know what I'd do if I were Dean."
"You'll never have to find out Sam."
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"Dean something's happening." Bonnie grabbed his arm and held on tight.
"What?!"
"I don't know!"
"Well how am I supposed to help you…?" He was starting to get desperate now and was glad he hadn't made a habit of being at his kids births until now.
Bonnie almost tore the shirt off his back as she let out a guttural yell.
"Is this normal?!" Dean turned to Chris wondering if Brooke had made as much noise and struggled to remember as it seemed so long ago.
"He's coming." The Doctor told him as she wiped at her face with her sleeve. "Bonnie it's time to push."
"Get out!"
"What?!" Dean said.
"Tell her to leave now!" She growled at him.
"Why?"
Bonnie's head fell back and suddenly an energy erupted from within her and the young Doctor was thrown back from the bed and hurled into the dresser. Dean stared at his wife in shock and then back at Chris. Bonnie was panting heavily gripping the iron bed frame in both hands. "Tell her to go or she'll get hurt."
"Dean?!" He could hear his brother shout from the hall.
Dean shook himself and grabbed Chris by the arm helping her up and guiding her to the door. When he got out into the hall the first person he saw was his brother and he almost cried with relief.
"What the hell happened?" Sam asked.
"If I knew Sammy, believe me I'd tell you."
Everyone had come running when they heard the crash and they were filling the hall waiting for some kind of explanation. Brooke took hold of Chris who was shaking badly with shock. "What the hell was that?!" She stammered.
"Sam?" Dean almost shouted. "Get your ass in here, I can't do this alone."
Dean ignored everyone else as he held the door open for his brother and then shut it behind him. Sam paused on the threshold and stared at Bonnie in shock with Dean frozen next to him as a loud groaning sound split the air and they watched as the iron bedstead bent under the tiny woman's hands.
"Holy shit." Dean muttered.
"Help me." She pleaded with them as tears streaked down her face.
"I'll restrain her and you take the business end Dude." Dean blinked and jumped onto the bed sitting her up. He slid behind her and leaned her back against his chest as she reached for his hands making him grimace in pain like they were suddenly trapped in a vice.
Sam was poised at the bottom of the bed. "I can see the top of the head give me a really big push sweetheart." He smiled up at her encouragingly.
As if the baby knew he was in safe hands the electricity in the air seemed to dissipate as Bonnie filled the silence with another scream like she was being torn in half. Dean held his breath until the noise stopped and he managed to work one hand free so he could pull the hair from her face and hold her for a second.
"Oh my God!" Sam grinned. "Ok, I got a head and a shoulder it's not over yet…another effort Bonnie."
"I can't."
"Yes you can, c'mon." Dean sat her up and held onto her. "We're almost there."
Encouraged by his strength Bonnie gritted her teeth and went for it.
The moment seemed to stretch into eternity for Dean but it was probably only seconds as his brother guided the baby out before Bonnie collapsed back on his chest exhausted. Dean cradled her against him as he watched Sam's expression carefully. "Is he ok?"
Sam huffed and grabbed a towel that had been left there. "He's definitely a 'he' and he's definitely a Winchester." He rubbed the baby's chest with the towel and his lungs came to life emitting a loud wail. Sam left him naked and placed the newborn on Bonnie's stomach.
"I did it." She sighed.
Dean reached over and touched his new son's head, even covered in gunk he was perfect and obviously strong. "He's huge." Dean laughed unable to believe such a large child could have come from such a small woman. "He's bigger than you were Sam." He felt tears in his eyes as he kissed his wife. "You're incredible."
They looked up when the door opened a fraction and Brooke crept in smiling. "Couldn't help but notice we have a new addition." She moved to Sam's side. "Chris seems a little reluctant to come back in so…" She was relaxed as she clamped and cut the cord quickly shifting for Sam to move away. "There ya go, let me clean him up a bit."
Dean watched as she took the baby to the corner where they had put all the water and blankets in preparation. He moved out of the way laying Bonnie down in the crook of his arm as her eyelids drooped slowly. Sam laid towels beneath her and covered her slightly as her legs finally relaxed and went slack.
Dean started to cry before his wife did feeling an overwhelming surge of emotion when Brooke brought the baby back placing him gently on his mother's chest. He'd had some long days in his time but this topped them all and he couldn't believe that it was over.
Sam watched them and felt his initial elation turn into gut wrenching misery as he realized they were all going to witness Bonnie's final moments on Earth. As Brooke returned to him he hooked an arm around his wife's waist feeling like an intruder but incapable of leaving his brother to face this alone.
Dean ran a hand down his face and took a deep breath; he would have a lifetime to cry once she was gone but for now he just had to be there. He didn't want to move her so leaned over her holding her gently as she looked at the baby lying on her chest. "No wonder that hurt, he's massive." She laughed softly.
"He's pretty awesome."
Bonnie inhaled suddenly and blinked as though it had suddenly hit her what she was giving up. "Oh God." She said shakily as tears fell down her face. "Dean…I don't want to go any more."
His arms tightened around her and he shook his head. "You're not goin' anywhere, see? I've got you and no one can get to you when I'm here right?"
Brooke couldn't watch and sank slowly to her knees resting her head on Sam's lap as he stroked her hair.
"I'm so sorry."
"Ssh." Dean kissed her slowly and wiped the tears from her eyes. "You want me to get the kids?"
"No, I don't want them to see this."
Dean looked down at her and caught a flash of red in the corner of his eye. The bloodstain grew larger as he watched it and he was forced to control his expression when he turned back to face her. She was already deathly pale and she shivered as the life drained from her making Dean feel more powerless than he had ever felt before.
"I'm cold." She said knowing full well what that meant.
He tried to get closer to give her some of his warmth but he knew it was useless. "I love you."
"Me too."
"There'll never be anyone else." He whispered to her.
Bonnie covered her face with her hand as it contorted with grief. "I imagined being braver." She said finally, resting the hand on the baby.
"You're the bravest person I know, that's why I fell in love with you."
She looked up at him and seemed to find some calm. "Will you tell him about me?"
Dean closed his eyes briefly. "Every day." His voice came out as a choked sob and he just let the tears fall.
She smiled slightly and he could tell he was losing her. "Dean?"
"Yeah."
"You've made me so happy…don't ever change."
Dean could already feel the bitterness and anger creeping up through his gut and knew it would be impossible to be the same after this. "I won't, ya know why?" He laid his hand over hers on the sleeping baby's back. "Because I'll always have a part of you with me."
Sam felt sick with pain as he watched the brother he'd always worshipped kiss Bonnie one last time before he finally dissolved into heartbreaking sobs when she was gone.
xxxxx
The rest of the family knew what the delay meant as they waited out in the hall, the atmosphere already tense with an overwhelming sense of loss.
As soon as their father's screams of frustration and grief travelled through the door Cole grabbed his sister and held her close as Johnny struggled to hold Rita upright. Bobby picked Dylan up and stared at the closed door in shock as he comforted the little boy and wondered how they would ever pull Dean through this anguish.
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