Chapter 4
A/N: Dedicated to Sylia91. Thanks goes to soar to the beta and additonal thanks, as always, to Sinead-Conlan and JuliaAurelia.
Disclaimer: Still don't own them.
"Why can't we just go wait in Dean's room?" Sam asked firmly.
Resisting the urge to both sigh and yawn, John addressed his youngest son and tried to keep a patient tone. This was the 6th time he'd answered this question since Sam woke up.
"Because Dean was just given a dose of his pain medication and he's sleeping. We're waiting for the doctor to come back with your test results. If they're clean, he's going to release you. Then I'll take you to see Dean and you can stay with him while I go run some errands."
Sam stared at his father in disbelief. "You're still going after that incubus? Dean's stuck in here and you're going hunting? How could you? You're his fat..."
"Samuel Francis Winchester," John ground out. "I know you're hurting and worried about your brother, so I'm going to let that go, once. I am not going hunting. I just have a few things to do..."
"Like research for your..."
"Samuel, I'm not going to tell you again. I have to rent a car and make arrangements to have the Impala fixed. I need to see yours and Dean's principals, as you're going to be out for at least the rest of this week, and Dean's going to be out for at least two weeks, if not longer. Is that okay with you?" John growled.
Sam just crossed his arms and glared at his father as if he still didn't trust him.
"Believe what you want, Sammy," John said tiredly.
It had been a really long night. Between the worry over his sons, and spending the night going back and forth between their rooms, exhaustion was starting to catch up with John. He was going on over 24 hours without sleep, and it didn't look like he was going to get any rest anytime soon. Getting into a fight with his youngest, something that seemed to be happening more and more these days, was not something John had the energy for, and he was really glad when he looked up and saw Sam's doctor entering the room.
-----
Dr. Perry made his way down the hall toward his young patient's room. Sam's X-Rays and tests had come back fine, so he was planning on discharging the young man.
"Excuse me," Dr. Perry said stepping into the room.
"Morning doc," John greeted, stifling a yawn.
"Good morning. I have some good news. Sam's tests all came back clear, so I'm going to officially discharge him. Sam, you're going to be sore for a few days, so just take it easy. Try not to use your left hand, I don't want you aggravating the injury to your wrist. If you have any pain, I left a prescription for a mild painkiller. I'll want to see you back here in about a week for a check up. I don't anticipate any problems, but if there is, or you have questions, don't hesitate to call me."
"Thanks," John said.
"Can we go see Dean now?" was all Sam said.
-----
The remainder of the day was an extremely busy one for John. He arranged for his neighbor to drive him to a car rental place. His next stop was the police impound yard and John, once again, thanked his lucky stars that the trunk had been emptied. He made arrangements to have the Impala dropped off back at his place. He had decided to make the repairs himself to try and help save money. As it was, the repairs still weren't going to be cheap.
That was another thing that was weighing heavily on his mind, money. Even the cheapest rental car was expensive.
Dean had had his real license in his wallet, so he had been admitted under his own name, and John had no insurance. Dean's care was going to run into the thousands, and even Sam's overnight hospital stay wouldn't be cheap. He sighed as he realized that visiting the hospital accounting office was something else he was going to have to do.
The visits to the boys' schools went as John had expected. They all expressed their concerns and hoped that Sam and Dean were okay. John confirmed that they would be. Sam's teachers all mentioned that John could pick up his assignments until he was ready to come back, and said that they didn't think Sam would have a problem catching up.
John's guilt moved up another notch when he said that the accident was the reason Dean wasn't at the awards ceremony last night. His teachers were glad that he was going to be okay, but they did express concerns that Dean had been behind already, and that they were worried about him falling further behind. John promised to make sure that Dean kept up with his school work.
With his tasks completed, John drove to the bank. Dean's school had given him Dean's plaque, and much to John's relief, his check. He felt bad that he had to use it, but he didn't see any other option. He'd just have to find a creative way to make it up to his son.
His first stop in the hospital was the accounting office where he made an appointment, and then he headed up to Dean's room and his boys. He decided that any other problems could wait.
-----
Dean had been awake off and on throughout the day, and it was only with his help that John managed to get Sam to go home with him that night.
They pulled into the driveway and father and son exited the car and headed into the house. It was freezing outside, and the first thing John noticed was how cold it was inside. He walked over to the thermostat and cranked it up as high as it would go. He made sure Sam was settled and went to his room. He didn't even bother to get changed. He just lay down, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.
-----
It was after 9 before he woke up the next day. John couldn't remember the last time he'd slept that late. He rose from bed, shivered, and wished he could turn the heat up higher. He could hear the wind howling outside and he vowed that as soon as Dean was better, he was going to find a demon or two in South Beach.
He headed toward the kitchen seeking coffee. He grabbed a mug and headed toward the coffee maker, only to realize that there was only a small amount of day old, dark brown sludge, instead of the strong, hot brewed caffeine he was used to finding every morning. John couldn't remember the last time he'd made a pot. Since Dean had started drinking it, there had always been fresh, hot coffee when he awoke. It was an old coffee maker and wasn't able to be programmed.
How could I have missed that, John thought. One more reason why you win worst father of the year. How early had Dean been getting up to make sure the coffee was on?
He grabbed the decanter, emptied out the foul smelling liquid and rinsed it under the tap a few times. He filled it up, added the last of the coffee and plugged it in. While it was percolating, John called the hospital and spoke to Dean's doctor, who assured him that Dean had had a quiet night and if they would like, they could transfer him to Dean's room.
"Hello," came the voice over the line.
"Hey, buddy. How are you this morning?" John asked.
"Peachy," came Dean's expected reply.
"Dean," John said with a hint of warning. He could almost hear the thoughts in Dean's head as he debated what to tell his father.
"My leg was really sore earlier, but Nurse Ratched gave me a squirt of happy juice and now it's down to a dull roar. Then she tried to make me eat something she swore was eggs and bacon, but was more like rubber and cardboard. Can you and Sammy bring me some real food?" Dean begged.
John resisted the urge to laugh. Dean complaints were music to his ears. "I'll try," he said.
"Just don't let Nurse Ratched catch you. She'd tell me that I don't need it, but then she'd try to eat it herself." Dean warned. "I'm telling you dad, I think she's possessed."
"I'm sure she's not that bad," John said in an indulgent tone.
"She's worse," Dean confirmed. "She wanted to give me a sponge bath this morning, dad, then when I needed to go, she made me use a bed pan. She said if I refused, they were going to use a catheter. Can they do that? Is that legal?"
John couldn't help the laugh that escaped him. "It's not funny." John could hear Dean's pout.
"Can you bring my walkman or something? This place is as boring as heck."
"Sure kiddo. Anything else you want?" John asked. Dean had been in traction for about 24 hours, if he was bored already, he was going to need plenty of distractions.
"Um, can you get some magazines or something?" Dean requested. "You can use the 30 dollars in my desk drawer. Oh, and there's a book in the top drawer of my desk. Can you bring that as well?"
"Not a problem. I'll bring your school bag as well."
"Swell," Dean said sarcastically. "How's Sammy?" he asked changing the subject.
"He's doing good. Probably be a little sore, though. We should be by later this morning," John replied.
"He has a dentist appointment at 11:30," Dean said. "If he's feeling up to it, you should probably take him."
John paused. Sam had a dentist appointment? Since when? Just what he needed, another bill. He would have to cancel.
"Don't worry dad, it's a free clinic," Dean's voice came through the phone line as if he were reading his father's thoughts. "It can take 6 to 8 weeks to get an appointment, though, so it's best not to cancel, if possible. Don't let him talk you out of it," Dean warned.
"Did you have a check up this morning as well?" John asked.
"Maybe," Dean said non-committally.
"I'll see how Sammy's feeling this morning, and if it's possible, I'll take him and reschedule your appointment."
"No rush. Hang on, dad," Dean said.
John could hear muffled voices coming through the phone and it sounded like Dean was arguing with someone.
"Hello, Mr. Winchester," a female voice suddenly came over the line. "Dean's fine, but it's time for his pain meds and he's refusing."
"Let me talk to him," John said. He was going to have to have a talk to Dean about cooperation. "Dean," John said after a minute.
"Yeah," came the soft voice of his son. The one Dean used when he knew he was about to get chastised.
"It's an order," was all he said in his drill sergeant's voice.
"Yes, sir," Dean mumbled. "I'll see you this afternoon, dad," Dean replied.
"Let me talk to your nurse for a sec, okay?" He wanted to warn the nurse that Dean had been known to stuff pills in his cheek and spit them out later.
"They put the meds in my IV," he said with a sigh, knowing what his father was thinking. "Can you tell them take it out, it's making my hand itch. Atilla keeps threatening to restrain me, if I don't leave it alone."
"I'll see you later," John said as he hung up the phone.
-----
No sooner had John hung up, than he heard the sound of his youngest son walking down the hall.
"Morning, dad," Sam said as he entered the kitchen.
"Hey, Sammy, how are you feeling this morning?" John inquired.
"I'm okay," Sam answered as he stiffly took a seat at the table. "Just feel like I'm ninety," he amended after his father shot him a look.
"Do you need one of the painkillers that the doctor prescribed?"
"No. It's not too bad. How's Dean?"
"He's fine, just bored. After breakfast, I'm going to head to the store to pick up a few things for him. Do you want to come with me, or do you want me to drop you off at the hospital first?"
Sam had to think for a minute. He wanted to go see his brother, but he also wanted to go with his father, to make sure that he got things that would interest Dean, but the thought of walking around a mall was a little too much for him at this point. "I'll go stay with Dean," he finally decided.
"What about your dentist appointment? Do you feel up to that?"
"No!" Sam blurted out quickly. He had forgotten all about it. Leave it to his brother to remember.
"Okay, kiddo, I won't make you go," John confirmed. "Where's the number? I need to reschedule?"
"It's in the drawer by the sink. What's for breakfast?" Sam asked. He was feeling hungry for the first time in the last couple of days.
"I was thinking we'd go to McDonalds. We can either eat in, or do a drive through, whatever you want."
"Let's do the drive through. We should get something to bring to Dean. You know how much he hates hospital food."
John smiled sadly at another way he'd failed his boys over the years. Yes, he knew how much Dean hated hospital food because both his sons had been in the hospital way too many times in their short lives. "I want you to go take a shower, as hot as you can stand. It should help with the aches and pains. Then we'll head out," he said changing the subject and trying to push the thoughts out of his head.
For once, Sam obeyed without question. Needing to keep himself from thinking, John rose and went to the drawer to get the phone number for the dental clinic. He'd had to do some rooting for it, and almost thought Sam had told him the wrong drawer.
He was looking for a scrap of paper with a phone number on it, not the complete list he'd come across. In addition to the number for the dentist, there were numbers for a free medical clinic, Sam and Dean's teachers, the numbers for their schools, and Sam's friends.
Knowing the list would come in handy, John removed it from the drawer and laid it on the counter for quick access. He grabbed a pen and quickly scribbled down the number of the hospital and Dean's doctor.
He collected the remaining 20 dollars from Dean's drawer, and looked for the book Dean had asked him to bring. He did a little rooting around in the drawer and the only book he could find was a battered, dog-eared copy of Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It looked ready to fall apart and it did just that when he lifted out of the drawer. The cover came off as did a few of the pages. He'd have to try to find another copy at the store. He'd always assumed that Dean's reference to nurse Ratched came from the movie. He never dreamed they came from the book.
With a shake of his head, John put the book in his son's school bag and headed out the door.
-----
"Hey, Dean," John said stepping in his son's room later that afternoon.
"Hey, dad, Thanks for the egg McMuffin," Dean said greeting his father. He'd been extremely grateful when Sam had showed up with the McDonald's bag.
"He almost took my hand off grabbing the bag," Sam teased. "I think he swallowed it whole."
"You're welcome," John said with a genuine laugh.
Dean turned his head toward his father. "Are those for me?" he asked pointing at the bags at his father's feet.
"Yup," John said with a true smile that reached his eyes. He handed one bag to Dean, and one to Sam. His boys reminded him of a kid at Christmas. Had it been that long since he'd just gone out and bought them something for the heck of it? He honestly couldn't remember the last time he had bought them something they wanted. Presents at birthdays, when John remembered, and Christmas were strictly things they needed. Money was usually too tight for anything else.
Not that the financial situation was any better now, but John had taken 100 dollars of Dean's money and spent it entirely on his boys.
The music store had been his first stop. He got a Dean the new Metallica album, and Sam the newest mixed tape of music hits. He got Dean a whole slew of batteries for his walkman. The thing sucked them dry faster than a vampire could drain the blood off a victim. Then he'd gone to a magazine store and picked up some car and music magazines for Dean. At the checkout, he'd seen of a book of puzzles. He'd figured that they'd keep Dean busy for a while, so he added it to his pile.
On the way to the hospital, he'd passed by a bookstore, and he had gotten an urge to pull in. The store was large and had a big section of classics. For reasons John couldn't understand, he'd made his selections there. He perused the titles and selected some he thought might appeal to Dean. It took about 45 minutes but he'd finally selected 1984, The Count of Monte Cristo, and his favorite book when he had been Dean's age, Brave New World. He also got Dean a brand new copy of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, in hardcover. He couldn't afford it, but Dean deserved it. Sam was much easier, the kid would read anything, so John picked out Lord of the Flies, and To Kill a Mocking Bird.
"You didn't have to get me anything," Sam replied when John handed him a bag as well.
"I wanted to," John said. "Hope you like them."
"Cool, dad. I wanted to read this, like forever," Sam replied holding up Lord of the Flies.
"What's this?" Dean asked as he held up the hard cover copy of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
"Your other one kind of fell apart," John explained. "The cover and a few pages fell off when I took it out of the drawer."
"It was ready to fall apart," Dean replied. "Don't worry about it."
"I didn't know you'd read the book," John said.
Dean shrugged. "We had to read it for English a couple years ago. It was okay."
"Just okay?" John asked.
"A little better than okay," Dean admitted.
John grinned. That was about all he was going to get out his eldest. "I have to admit when you called your nurse Ratched, I thought you were talking about the movie."
"There's a movie?" Dean asked in surprise. "Now you tell me. You couldn't let me know that 3 years ago? It would have saved so much time."
"Just how many times have you watched the movie instead of reading your assignments?" John said with mock severity.
Dean knew he had just busted himself. "Um, not often," he mumbled.
"Just think, Dean," Sam said. "If you had known, you would never have read the book, and how many times have you read it now?"
"A couple," Dean replied. "Can you rent the movie for me when I get out of here? I'd like to see it."
"Sure, kiddo," John said and reached over and ruffled Dean's hair.
"Hey," Dean protested, and the levity was interrupted when he jarred his leg in an attempt to stop his father, and he hissed in pain. The pain had actually been building steadily since his father had walked into the room. Moving the limb had caused it to boil over and Dean's mask had slipped, much to his dismay.
"You okay, Dean?" Sam asked a little worriedly. For his brother to show pain, he had to be really hurting.
"I'm fine," Dean ground out through clenched teeth. He squeezed his eyes shut and willed the pain to go away.
"Do you want me to get the nurse?" John said.
"No," Dean snapped. He hated the pain medication and the way it made him feel.
Sam stood up and pressed the button next to Dean's bed.
"What the hell did you do that for?" he accused.
"You wouldn't let me be in pain," Sam stated firmly.
"Nurse Ratched is just going to sedate my as..."
"Dean," John interrupted his son. "Sam, I need to talk to your brother for a few minutes. Can you go get me some coffee, or a piece of pie?"
"I want to stay," Sam protested as John had known he would.
"It's an order," John said firmly. "Just give us about 10 minutes." He pulled a 10 out of his wallet. "I spent a little more on Dean, so go to the gift shop and buy yourself something." He was bribing his youngest and he knew it. He was grateful when Sam took the money and said he would be back soon.
"Dean," John said seriously.
"Dad," Dean replied. "I don't need pain medication. It's not that bad."
"Your doctor prescribed it for a reason," John said softening his voice. "You don't have to be in pain, son."
"But that stuff knocks me out, and make me feel so... so..." Dean paused.
"Out of control?" John filled in.
"Yeah," Dean admitted not looking at his father.
"You're off duty. I'll look after Sam. Your only order is to get better."
"But..." Dean said, a touch of confusion in his tone. Did his dad not need him to look after Sammy? That was his job.
John wanted to curse himself when he looked at his son's face. Dean looked hurt, and John realized that Dean had thought he had meant that he didn't need him to look after Sam anymore, permanently.
"Just temporary, soldier," he explained. "While you're on the disabled list. You always look after Sammy and me. It's your turn to let us look after you for a while. That means following all of the doctor's orders, and taking your meds," John insisted. "All of them, and asking for help if you're hurting."
Dean wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, so he gave the expected one. "Yes sir."
"Oh, and Dean, please tell me you haven't been calling your nurse Ratched in front of her. Dean!" He admonished when his son wouldn't meet his eyes.
"She deserved it, dad," Dean defended himself.
"You buzzed," a female voice said as a nurse stepped into the room. "Hi, you must be Dean's father. I'm his nurse, Ella Hatcher."
"John Winchester," he introduced himself. "I think Dean needs to ask you something," John said to his eldest.
Dean didn't speak, he just turned toward the wall. John sighed tiredly. He guessed that he couldn't expect his son to change overnight. "Dean," he prompted and glared at his eldest.
"He's due for his next dose of pain meds. Could this be what you're looking for?" the nurse said holding up a filled syringe and taking a step toward the bed.
John held a hand up to stop her. He knew that Dean needed it, but he wanted him to ask. "Dean, look at me," he said in a tone that left no room for argument. Dean turned his head back toward his father. "It's not a sign of weakness, son." God Dean, what have I done to you? John reached over and put his hand top of Dean's. "Sometimes it's okay to ask for help." Please Dean, take this, he silently pleaded.
"My leg hurts," Dean admitted so softly it was almost missed.
"I can take care of that." The nurse stepped forward and injected the meds into Dean's IV. "You should be feeling better in no time."
"Thanks," Dean said, closing his eyes.
"Something else you want to say?" John instructed.
"Um, sorry about the Nurse Ratched thing," he mumbled.
"It's okay," she replied. "I've been called worse. I kind of like Nurse Ratched. It's one of my favourite books. Plus, you know who's in charge," she said and winked at John, causing him to grin. "You get some rest, Randall."
Dean opened his eyes and looked at the nurse.
"It's fair, don't you think," she replied to her young patient.
"Only if you don't try to give me a lobotomy."
"No promises," she said.
"Hey," Dean protested. "Don't forget what happened to her at the end of the book."
"Like to see you try that one, gimpy," the nurse snarked back.
"Dad, are you going to just sit there and let her get away with that?" Dean addressed his father.
"Yeah," he said. He had a feeling she was just what Dean needed.
A mock pout crossed Dean's face. "But I'm your baby boy," he said to his father.
"Did I miss something?" Sam asked coming back in the room.
"Hey. Sammy, you're on my side. Right?" Dean asked.
"Depends," he replied.
"I swear the whole world's against me. See if I help you with Sara."
"Dean!" Sam protested as he blushed fiercely when Dean mentioned the name of the girl that he had a crush on.
"Oops," Dean said in an innocent tone. "Did I say that out loud?"
"At least I didn't rent Caleb's car to the school quarterback when they were on that hunt. Oops, did I say that out loud?" Sam fired back.
John glared at his eldest. Dean did his best to ignore the death stare. "How do you think I got the money for your trip to the museum when you were supposed to be at your bow hunting lesson?"
"Boys!" John ground out, trying to sound mad. He should be furious, but he was trying to stop himself from laughing out loud. "Maybe I should let you guys keep going. See what else I might need to know about."
That shut both boys up fast. Nurse Hatcher couldn't hold back and she chuckled out loud. It was going to be an interesting three weeks.
John finally gave in as well. He could deal with the serious stuff later. The only thing he was interested in right now was being with his boys.
TBC