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The Supernatural characters belong to Kripke Enterprises and the CW, not me. No money is being made from this story. It is for entertainment only.
A/N: I am really sorry this update is late. I'm having eye surgery on Wednesday morning the 22nd and it has, for some reason, destroyed my ability to concentrate.
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A Wandering Boy
Chapter 12
A Parent - Teacher Conference
From Chapter 11
(Dean) …. could hear the wild far away cry of predatory birds high in the clouds, watching for prey. Bobby's yard was right on the edge of the civilized part of the cityscape. Just over the hill were the wild woods and the open plains, calling to him. He wondered if he could convince Sam or maybe Castiel to load up a back pack and go walking. He wanted to see what was over the other side of the hill. Maybe he could even go on to the next hill and the next, wanderlust calling him.
Pulling his head back out of the clouds he went to work on Bobby's list. He was glad of the distraction. He wasn't looking forward to appearing again in front of Mr. Principal Gabriel Angelus, Fudd and the work kept his mind off the inevitable. He knew Sam wouldn't even take a deep breath until Dean's butt was back on a hard wooden school chair and he was breathing the dust of the school's books again.
Chapter 12
It was early evening when the impala rumbled up to Bobby's house. South Dakota was sinking into twilight and the sharp, bright stars began to peek through the edge of night in the east while the sun threw streamers of glory into the western sky. The tall Hunter swung the driver's door open, muttering about WD40 when the signature door squeal interrupted the quiet. His Angel stepped out, footsteps crunching the gravel. His door didn't squeal and Sam threw a "Smart-ass" at Castiel.
Castiel held a glowing finger up over his head and pointed it at Sam. "It seems to work better than your idea." Castiel said. Sam snorted.
Bobby's screen door opened and the man himself stood in the frame. "Sam, Castiel, good to see you back again." The older hunter held the screen open. "Come on up, you're going to let the bugs in."
The two returning hunters climbed the steps and disappeared inside while Bobby moved over to the porch railing and leaned on his hands.
"Dean, come on boy," he called. "Sam and Cas are here. It's time to come in."
Dean was almost at the edge of the property, lying on the hood of a Ford F-150. He had finished another parts hunt for Bobby and his bag of goodies was resting up against the truck's front tire while the kid was tracing out the constellations with his raised finger as they rose into the night sky. Polaris was off to his right, Ursa Major and Minor pointing the way. He didn't hear Bobby or the Impala but knew it was time to climb down from his perch and go in as the darkness fell.
He knew Bobby would have to come looking for him as the older Hunter couldn't send out the dog. Rumsfeld was already here, guarding the parts bag on the ground and peering up at Dean. If the dog could climb she would be up beside Dean in a flash. Sitting, waiting and guarding the bag was second best.
He remembered a voice, repeating to him the names of the northern stars; Polaris, the North Star, so important to Hunters; Ursa Major and Minor, the Big and the Little bears; Draco, the dragon who never stopped flying and Camelopardalis, the giraffe. Dean named them over as they appeared. Someone had told him it was important to know his way in the dark and he couldn't put a name to the voice but the names of the stars were clear.
He clutched his unbuttoned flannel around him as the wind came down from the cooling North. Now he was more than ready to go in and sliding down over the sun baked paint of the truck hood he landed next to the bag surprising Rumsfeld off in a spasm of barking
He ruffled her ears and put the bag over his shoulder. There was barely enough light left to see where he was going. The moon wasn't up yet and he was too short to gaze over the tops of the piles of cars. Following his well-worn path through the jungle of moldering hulks he and Rumsfeld wound their way home. As he got a little closer he caught the sound of his name carried on the wind and upped his tempo.
Bobby was calling him. He didn't know if he was just late for homework or late for dinner or if Sam and Cas were back already. He clucked to Rumsfeld and he and the dog ran and dodged and headed for home.
As Dean pulled in sight of the house Bobby stopped calling and watch the kid tear out of the hulks and head for the steps. Rumsfeld peeled off and headed for her favorite spot on Bobby's truck hood. This one she could manage with some clawing at the grill. It was a good thing that the paint job was already shot or Bobby would have given her what for.
"Come on, boy." Bobby waved at him. "You got to do your homework before dinner and Sam and Castiel want to hear all about why you got suspended. Tell them the one about how it's all Rumsfeld's fault. You have to explain that more than once to Castiel otherwise he'll want to take the dog to the meeting."
Dean laughed. "Why would he do that?"
"Well. Castiel looks at things a little differently than we do." Bobby explained. "He probably would want her to apologize to the Principal."
It was warm inside Bobby's house and Dean was grateful. He had been so interested in the parts hunt and then in listening to that voice recount the names of the constellations he really hadn't noticed how chilly it had become.
He pulled up what was becoming 'his' chair to the kitchen table where his books were stacked up and hit the homework. Bobby was cooking and it smelled like fried chicken, one of Dean's favorites. He started seriously pencil pushing, rushing to get to dinner.
Bobby looked at him. "Take your time, Dean. The chicken won't be ready for a while." He man turned back to the stove.
A hand descended on Dean's shoulder and he looked up into Sam's eyes. "Just keep working, Dean." Sam said. "After dinner we'll get into exactly what happened in school and who I have to go see tomorrow to get you back in. Just keep working for now."
Dean looked beyond Sam to see Castiel standing in the kitchen arch. "Hi, Cas. Did you have fun?"
Castiel responded gravely. "It was very educational. I believe I now can be a more efficient partner for Sam. You were correct in assuming that it would be best for me to go with him. His concussion was treated much more promptly than it could have been any other way. I believe it will be a very effective partnership if we continue."
"Well, good," Dean said and turned back to his homework. He was supposed to be writing a short essay on an evening at home. This was a minefield. There were so many 'what the hell?' moments possible in describing an evening at home with the Winchesters that Dean was having difficulty with the assignment. He thought maybe it would be best to have Sam or Bobby read it over before he took it in to Mr. Martinez. He had already raised curiosity warnings in that class with his T.S. Elliot selection. A little bit of normal was called for, even if it was a lie.
For a moment Dean gave some thought about what would happen if he started his essay with a description of Sam, his father-brother and Castiel, his personal Guardian Angel. Mr. Martinez would definitely have something to think about then. Dean snorted and went on making up his completely fictional 'Evening with the Winchesters'.
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Dinner was over and Dean was on trial. He decided to try and pull the cute card, if he could. The house's three adults were lined up on Bobby's couch like judges and Dean was on his feet on the other side of the coffee table.
"Tell me what happened, Dean." Sam said and Dean went into detail. He even included Rumsfeld's part in the disaster. At the end of the story Dean tilted his head down a bit, put a finger between his lips and looked up at Sam through his eyelashes.
Bobby snorted. "Look Sam, he's being adorable. Isn't it cute?" The older man laughed deep in this chest and took another swing of beer.
Sam looked at Dean. "Are you really trying to manipulate me, Dean?" he asked.
Cas chimed in. "I'm sorry. I don't understand what is happening here."
Sam turned sideways on the couch and drew a knee up on the cushions, brushing along Castiel's thigh. "The kid is trying to charm us, Castiel. The puppy dog eyes, batting his eyelashes, the finger at his lips; all these things are sending 'I'm so cute' signals out."
"Oh," Castiel took a look at Dean. "I believe I understand now. He's being intentionally attractive to achieve some end. What is that you want, Dean?"
Dean came around Bobby's coffee table and stood in front of Castiel. He pushed at the Angel's knees until he could wiggle in between them and then wrapped his arms around the Angel's waist and leaned is head against Castiel's chest. "Don't let Sam punish me." he said in a whisper.
Sam's head snapped up. "Dean, do you really think I'm going to hurt you over this? Why would you think such a thing?' Sam was honestly confused. "What have I ever done to make you think I would hurt you?"
Dean's eyes filled with tears. "It's what the other Dad did. When I screwed up I had to pay for it. "
Castiel wrapped his arms around the boy. "Don't worry Dean." The Angel murmured. 'Sam's not like that. He won't do that to you."
"What did that man do to you, Dean? Castiel, do you know anything about this?" Sam was furious. When he held a hand out to Dean the boy flinched away.
Bobby stood up. "Sam, calm down. You're scaring the boy."
Bobby came over, sat on the coffee table and turned Dean around in Castiel's arms. "Who hurt you boy?"
"I just remember that he got mad and it was my fault." Dean whispered again. "He wouldn't have hit me unless I screwed up."
Bobby looked at Castiel. "Did you know about this, Castiel?"
"I knew that it was a bad place for a child to grow up, on the road, often left alone in motels without food or protection. I did not know the man was beating him or I would have done something earlier."
"Sam, what about your John Winchester?" the angel asked. "Did he make a habit of hurting you?"
Now it was Sam's turn to look away. "The only difference was that my father didn't need a reason."
Bobby now raised his head and stared at Sam. "I'm sorry boy," the older man said. "If I had known I would have tried harder to keep you with me."
Sam nodded. "I know you would have, Bobby but it was a long time ago and I survived."
Dean again spoke up. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. It's OK Sammy. I don't think you are going to hurt me." The little boy leaned over and tried to put his arm around the Hunter. Of course, the boy just wasn't big enough. Sam turned back at the touch of Dean's hands and moved closer to the child and Castiel. He ran his fingers through Dean's hair and stroked the boy's cheek.
"It's going to be OK, Dean. Don't worry. I'll keep you safe." Sam said.
Castiel held Dean close and laid a consoling hand on Sam's shoulder. "I'll keep you both safe," he said.
Bobby shifted uncomfortably on the table and stood up.
"Where are you going, Bobby?" Sam asked.
"I'm going upstairs and get my violin," the gruff hunter said. "You guys are breaking my heart."
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Early the next morning Sam Winchester called Discovery Elementary school and asked to speak to Principal Angelus, smiling to himself because he remembered Dean describing the man as Principal Gabriel Angelus, Fudd. If had taken a moment to realize what "Fudd" was and he had told Dean that PhD meant doctor.
Dean had insisted that if it wasn't "Fudd" then it had to be "Pudd" and which one did Sam prefer? Dean was easy to straighten out. It took longer to explain the joke to Castiel.
When Gabriel was finally on the phone Sam asked if they could come see him immediately so that Dean could attend school the rest of the day. The boy was already on his third day of suspension. The Principal had agreed to see then all at a10 AM.
Sam pulled the Impala into the visitor parking space outside the school entrance and he, Dean and Castiel all exited the car. Sam had been surprised and then amused by the idea that Castiel wanted to attend the meeting and introduce himself to Dean's Principal. Bobby had not told Sam about Castiel's request because the man had wanted to see Sam's face when Castiel suggested they go together.
Sam knew it would appear that he and Castiel were a couple and again he had to take time to explain to Castiel exactly why Sam thought the idea was funny.
"I believe that I am also responsible for Dean's behavior." The Angel told Sam. "I brought Dean here. Without my decision you would still be pursuing your chosen path in life. Perhaps I didn't fully understand how this plan would impact you."
Sam, Cas and Dean were now wading through hallways full of kids. Their ten AM appointment placed them right in the way of the fourth period class change.
Sam placed a hand on Castiel's arm. "Don't think of it like that, Cas. You and Dean are giving me a lot more than I had before. Now I have a family to protect as well as a world of innocents. I like it."
Just then Dean's friend Kerman came out of Phys Ed. Kerman's eyes lit up when he spotted Dean and he came right over to his friend.
"Dean!" Kerman slapped Dean's back. "Wow, it's good to see you. It's sucked that you haven't been here. Me and Jerry have been OK but we've had to take turns watching out for Mikey. Are you going to be back soon?"
"Kerman," Dean replied. "We're on our way to the Principal's office right now. I might be back by lunch time."
"Sam, Cas, this is my friend Kerman." Dean watched as Castiel seriously shook Kerman's hand, surprising the ten year old. "This is my….Uncle Castiel." Dean stuttered out. Momentary his mental wheels had spun trying to come up with a description of Castiel's relationship. "And this is my Dad, Sam Winchester. Sam followed Castiel's lead and shook Kerman's hand.
"Kerman," Sam said to him. "I thought that you were going to come home with Dean sometime. Have you guys set anything up?"
Kerman was not used to grow-ups treating him like an adult. He was more used to being ignored and talked over. "Not yet. I'm sure after Dean gets back in school we'll work something out."
"Good." Sam answered. "I'll look forward to seeing you again soon but right now we have to go get Dean back in school." The trio took off down the hall again with Dean leading out in front. They ignored the calculating looks being thrown at Sam and Castiel as the children parted in front of them.
Finally they reached the school office. Once inside it was certainly quieter than the chaotic hallways outside. The appearance of two extremely attractive men at the counter was noticed immediately by the office workers. Again there were a lot of speculative looks thrown their way especially after Dean stuck his head up over the counter.
Mrs. Johnson was in front of them in no time asking if she could help. They told her why they were there and waited while she conveyed the message to the Principal. In a matter of moments they were seated in front of the man.
Sam picked Dean up and held him on his lap much to Dean's displeasure but the boy settled down and remembered where he was and why he was there. If there was ever a time to play the little angel card, it was now.
Principal Angelus glanced up from Dean's records on his desk and took in the people in front of him. There was the angelic looking ten year old in the lap of a tall and equally adorable young man with slanted fox-tail shaped eyes and a cascade of silky looking dark hair. Seated next to him was a very alert looking and older dark haired man with piercing blue eyes. The second man definitely gave off an "on guard" aura and Gabriel chose to rest his eyes on the younger man.
Gabriel had a habit of keeping his personal life to himself but he sure wouldn't mind throwing his rules under the bus and going after this Sam Winchester. If Gabe was a dog his tail would be wagging and his leg thumping the floor under his desk.
"Good morning, gentlemen." The principal said rising to shake hands. Sam only leaned forward to reach, emphasizing his size and the length of his arms while the other man stood and grasp Gabriel's hand in a very firm grip. "I am Principal Angelus and I believe we are gathered here to discuss Dean's violent response to another student a few days ago."
Sam spoke up first. " Yes Principal"…Gabriel interrupted. "Please, call me Gabe."
"Thank you, Gabe." Sam went on. " I am Dean's father and Castiel, my partner, is like an Uncle to Dean."
Gabriel reconsidered "Uncle" Castiel. Evidently any path to Sam Winchester was blocked with a large boulder, his partner Castiel. Gabe settled into his chair and smiled back at Sam.
"We have discussed his behavior with Dean and I believe he has come to understand how completely inappropriate violence is with regard to settling disputes. I do have to point out, however, in Dean's defense, that he thought he was protecting a smaller child from bullies." Sam continued.
"Really?" Gabriel said, tenting his fingers together and staring at Dean. "So Dean felt justified in knocking a tooth out of another ten year olds mouth because Ricky Steward was bullying a smaller kid?"
Dean spoke up, unable to contain his indignation. "I thought that wasn't allowed in school any more. You know your lunch teachers weren't doing anything to make them stop and Mikey was crying his eyes out. What was I supposed to do?"
"Oh, yes, the lunch monitors" Gabe smiled. "Did you really tell Mrs. Kaman she needed more beauty sleep?"
Dean went to open his mouth again and Gabe put his hand up.
Castiel spoke. "Of all of us Dean should know best that violence and physical threats are no way to settle arguments. I'm sure he won't do it again."
Gabriel looked over the child in front of him who was now staring back steadily. He saw no obvious signs of bruises and Dean didn't seem to be afraid of either his father or his "Uncle" so there were no outward signs of abuse.
Sam Winchester spoke up. "My father, Dean's grandfather, was a violent and abusive man. I am glad this incident was brought to my attention so promptly. I'll get Dean to understand that this is not the way to deal with problems. You can be sure of that."
Gabe smiled at Mr. Winchester. "Sam, I'm sure you and Dean will deal with this tendency and to prove my faith in you I'll allow Dean back in school immediately. "
"Dean," Gabriel looked into the little boy's eyes. "You understand no more hitting, right? You cannot solve problems that way. If you see any other bullying going on in my school I want you to come straight to me. I'll also speak to the lunch monitors about their slack supervision in the lunch room. Is it a deal?"
Dean nodded and put out his hand. "Deal." He replied, sliding off Sam's lap. His little hand was swallowed up in Gabriel's large one. Even so, they shook solemnly on the deal and Gabriel was pleased.
Gabriel stood up. "Alright Dean, off to class." The man looked at his watch. " I see you're going to be a little late for fourth period. I'll have l Mrs. Johnson prepare a note for the teacher." Gabe buzzed Mrs. Johnson with instructions to walk Dean to class and give the note to the new Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Aleman.
"Thanks, Principal, I mean Doctor Fudd." The boy was flustered and eager to leave the room.
"Dean, it's Principal Angelus." Sam corrected him.
"Oh, yes, of course, sorry." Dean was backing out and when he hit the door he turned and was gone.
"That's a great kid you have there, Sam." Gabriel said and reached out as the other two men stood up, getting ready to leave. He came around his desk while holding on to Sam's hand and put his other hand on Sam's shoulder. "It's one of the perks of my job to meet the children's parents. I'm very pleased to meet you." Gabriel squeezed Sam's shoulder lightly and then slid his hand down Sam's back. He was enchanted with the muscles he could feel under his fingers.
Castiel cleared his throat and placed on hand on Sam's free arm. "Thank you very much for meeting with us, Principal Angelus." Castiel said stiffly and pulled Sam away. "We have to go to work now so we will leave Dean in your care and get back to it."
As Sam turned to leave Castiel placed a hand on the small of Sam's back and guided him towards the door, casting hooded looks back at the Principal at the same time. Gabriel got the signal loud and clear. The only way Castiel's claim could have been more obvious was if he had waved a sign with "Mine" printed on it.
When they left Gabriel's room through the door to the outer office, Gabriel popped out his side door to get a real good look at Sam's ass as the man walked away. The Principal wasn't surprised to see two of the younger women from the outer office also hanging around their door watching the two men walk away.
It was a pretty sight and Gabriel shrugged. It was a free country and he was he to begrudge them the fun of watching that perky ass walk away? He was sure the teacher's lounge would be buzzing about Dean's Father and "Uncle" for the rest of the day.