All That Glitters is Pie
John was bone tired and he had been close to getting a location on the thing that killed Mary. He would have gone straight after the thing but he didn't and couldn't. There was only one force on this, God's green earth, that would prevent him from going on hunt and he had no qualms about it. The soft beep of the monitor made clear that reality and he sighed a tired sigh.
Dean was fast asleep and looking a bit uncomfortable with it, not that John could blame him. The boy was sick and he was about to undergo a surgery to remove his tonsils. John knew that he had a long road ahead of him regarding Dean's recovery as well as how fast they could get out of the hospital before folks figured out that he had no insurance or any means of paying for the surgery.
Dean was twelve and old enough to join in on hunts but more often didn't since Sam was still too young and both were still at an age where to keep either one out of school was a sin. That went double for Sam's case since the boy had shown he had an aptitude for academics. It certainly would come in handy for hunts but John didn't want to think about that. As much as he trained his boys so they would be safe, especially Sam, he regretted pulling them into that. They were kids and needed to be kids but he made them, especially his eldest grow up fast.
John taught them how to defend themselves but as he was fond of saying, he was helpless when it came to the normal child ailments that hit his children. Colds, flu, chicken pox… they were all like a nightmare to him and often had him thinking of how close he came to losing both his sons due to illness. Dean was near bad and possibly going to die from pneumonia when he was four and then Sam was diagnosed to die at four months from whooping cough.
Illness he felt helpless at and it was no exception when Dean came home and mentioned that his throat hurt. At least John knew the basic checklist to determine what was wrong with Dean. Sam was thankfully oblivious to the whole thing while he went through his checklist. He thought it was a sore throat and made the decision to keep Dean home from school the next day. He explained it to Sam and the boy immediately went to check up on his brother.
John couldn't deny it but his sons were very close. He remembered when Mary first handed Sam to Dean when he was born and how the two looked at each other. He played on that to teach Dean everything about hunting, telling his son that it was to help look after Sam. Dean accepted that and if he had any protests, he didn't say. That was one thing that John regretted; the way how Dean bore his burdens silently. It wasn't fair no and as much as he wanted to comfort his son when things didn't go right, he had to be firm and tell him to get it right the next time.
John looked at the monitors as they did their soft bleep to indicate good vitals for Dean. The was a little high since Dean had a fever to accompany his sore tonsils. That was the sticking point with the surgery. To have a fever was a risk since… John didn't want to think about it. Hell he met death all the time with his line of work but it was a totally different thing when it was something that meant the world to you.
There was a slight moan and John turned his attention to the bed. It was actually Sam and he adjusted his position next to his big brother. John smiled at the sight. It had been tough on Sammy since his youngest looked up to his brother and to see Dean be taken down by illness was a low blow. It had been Sam who sensed that something was wrong with Dean and that made the difference. Sam's alertness reduced the possibility of complications and John couldn't help but be proud.
While they were waiting for the diagnosis, Sam curled on his lap and asked, "Is Dean going to be okay Dad?"
John had replied, "Dean's going to be fine. It was your quick thinking that helped. You saved your brother Sam. That's what brothers are supposed to do."
Maybe it was a little over the top but it mollified his youngest. That still didn't stop him from crawling into Dean's bed and giving him a hug. Peering closer John could see something that was tucked between the boys. Sam must have brought it and he didn't notice. John stood up to take a look and saw that it was a very battered stuffed German Shepard. John hadn't seen that since Dean showed it to him when Sam was six. He couldn't help but smile.
The dog was rather battered and chewed up. One of the ears was coming off but it was still well loved. John remembered when he first saw the thing. Dean had made a complete turnaround from pneumonia. In fact ever since that dog showed up, Mary's angel showed up and at points when he needed it the most. Pastor Jim told him about her visit when the boys got into trouble in the basement and it surprised him that Jim knew her. It had him wonder if she would show.
John sat back in his seat and tried to stay awake. He tried but could feel his eyes start to droop. Suddenly there was the most welcome smell in the world; the smell of fresh coffee. Accompanying the coffee was a sweet and pleasant voice saying, "Would you like some coffee?"
John managed to open his eyes and there was the prettiest face he had ever seen looking down at him. Her features were contorted into a smile mingled with concern. She had shoulder length dark hair and her eyes were an unusual color, tawny was the expression. She was wearing an outfit that could be considered a nurse's uniform. Yet John recognized her but when he first met her, the hair was lighter and the eyes were a different color. "Carol?"
His visitor gave a slight chuckle and replied, "Different story, a different lifetime John." She sat in the chair next to him and handed a cup of coffee to him. "My real name is Angela."
John took a cup of coffee. He was a little wary since she hadn't aged since the first time he caught a glimpse of her. "Should I be concerned about you?"
"I would be surprised if you didn't. I would expect any hunter to go through the usual tests with me," she replied. She took a drink of her cup of coffee. She said, "Has holy water in it." She pulled out a silver knife and made a small cut and even took a pinch of salt.
John watched as she put herself through the usual tests with a cool air as if she had done them before. "I guess you aren't something to be worried about. So why are you here?"
Angela gave a slight shrug, "Figured it was time for you to know who it was that went after the vamp and the witch those two times. 'Carol' was just a friendly neighbor. I figured you would want to meet the hunter."
"And you chose now?"
"Well, I came because I heard about Dean. I snuck in and looked at his chart and I know he's scheduled for surgery but they are reluctant. They are worried about the fever."
John glanced at the nurse's uniform she was wearing. It was no wonder he couldn't spot her before. She was good at making herself invisible. "Why are you here?"
Angela shrugged her shoulders. "I figured that maybe I could help."
"With what?"
"I don't know. Just be here. Maybe when this is over, give you some help on your demon problem."
That put John on alert. He put his cup of coffee down and looked at her. He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "What do you know about that?" Even though guns weren't permitted, John had a couple of things that would go for him. He had a letter opener that he snaked from the nurse's station earlier. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"Just to help."
"In my experience there is no such thing as wanting just to help. What you want to help with my boy and what you think I and looking for? What's in it for you?"
"Nothing… except justice."
"Right." John took the moment to fish the letter opener out. He knew that it wouldn't do much good but it was threatening enough. "You get in good to get close to my boys by pretending to be somebody you're not. I really have a hard time believing that. I suggest you leave."
Angela studied John for a moment and took in his protective nature. She stood up and gave a slight nod. "I am sorry. I won't bother you again." She then left leaving John wondering if he had made a mistake in his assumptions.
~0~0~
Dean felt hot and irritable and his throat was scratchy. He couldn't talk much and he was pissed that he couldn't say how he felt. He told Dad that it was a sore throat but after he went to bed, he knew something wasn't right and he couldn't say anything. Lucky for him Sammy was able to sense something was wrong and he was able to tell Sammy via their code system.
Dad got him to the hospital and they said that it was tonsillitis and he needed surgery. Great and double great that he had a low grade fever. Shit he could have told them that if he could say something. They gave him some antibiotics and said that they would have him up in surgery in the morning. He tried to sleep and was comforted that Sammy was there and he didn't mind when the kid crawled into bed with him.
It surprised him when Sammy pulled out Xander and handed it to him. He smiled and wrote on the notebook Sammy brought that he was glad he brought Xander. You never knew when you needed a superhero dog. They spent the evening talking with their notes about they were going to do after he busted out of the joint.
Now it was early morning and the stupid nurses shooed Dad and Sammy out to get him ready. They were still bitching about his fever and figured they were going to make everyone cool their heels another few fucking hours. At least they let Sammy leave Xander. He was too old to be hanging onto a stuffed animal but he made it seem like his baby brother wanted him to have it. He grumbled as he held it and felt his eyes start to droop.
When he opened his eyes, he saw another one of those nurses but she was different. She looked at him and smiled and said, "I know. It's a bitch not being able to talk."
Dean made a gesture that said, "Damn straight." He liked this nurse. She wasn't one of those prude bitches who said he had a potty mouth or some stupid shit.
"I see that you have a fever. On a scale of one to ten, tell me."
Dean held up five fingers. It wasn't that bad but it was uncomfortable. He then pointed at his throat and held up seven fingers.
"I see. Well I'm going to take care of your fever right now." She noticed Xander and asked, "He's your little protector?"
Dean nodded as he lay back down. He point at the dog and then gave a thumbs up. He liked this nurse. She seemed to understand what he meant and didn't ask stupid questions.
The nurse smiled and said, "I see. I see you have a little brother. You do the same like your little protector huh?"
Dean nodded. He figured that the nurse read his chart since his family information was on it. Yeah he looked after Sammy which was why he wanted to get this over with and back to his regular job. He looked at the nurse and held his hands up to ask what the deal was.
The nurse looked at him with a smile and said, "I'm going to fix your fever but I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
Dean looked at her suspiciously. Something in his gut though told him that she was cool and that she didn't mean him any harm. He nodded. He looked at her wide eyed as he watched her hand begin to glow and she gently touched his forehead. It had felt hot before but as soon as she touched his forehead, it felt cool like water but it wasn't ice cold. It was... hard to describe. When she was done, he looked up at her. He didn't feel so hot anymore. As she started to remove her hand, Dean grabbed it and held it, squeezing it.
She understood and said, "I can't do anything about your tonsils. You have to have the surgery but I can help after the surgery. I'll bring you a surprise when you come back and it will make you feel better. Okay?"
Dean was a little disappointed but he believed the nurse. He squeezed her hand and nodded to say that he understood. He was surprised when she took his chart and wrote on it. He wondered what it was about and looked at her.
"Just making sure that they take you up. You don't have a fever so they can get you in and out."
Dean nodded. He then glanced at Xander and saw the torn ear. He held it up to her and pointed at the ear. He was asking if she could fix it.
"I'll keep an eye on him," the nurse replied as she took the dog. "He'll be here when you get back and looking good as new."
~0~0~
The surgery went well. The doctors were surprised that the fever broke completely. In fact Dean was ready to go and responded well to the anesthetic. They wheeled him up and in fact the doctors took no notice of the nurse accompanying him. She blended in as she stayed by and monitored Dean's vitals leaving the surgery nurse to focus on giving what the surgeon needed.
The nurse stayed with Dean throughout the surgery and all the way back to his room. She volunteered to let the boy's father know when he was out of surgery and the usual hoopla. Actually another nurse told him but also stated that he needed to fill out some more forms.
Dean woke up from the anesthesia with few side effects. He smiled when he saw the nurse from before and beamed even more when she handed back Xander with his ear expertly mended. His throat was scratchy and he pointed at it and made a scratching movement with his hand.
"Try this," and the nurse handed him a small cup.
Dean took a sip of the concoction and found it to be nice and cool and soothing. It wasn't water but it was thick, creamy and cool. He looked at the nurse with a puzzled look.
"Egg nog. It's better than ice cream." The nurse then produced a tray with a plate that had a slice of pie and covered with whipped cream. "And this is your surprise."
Dean looked at the slice of pie and then at the nurse with a strange look. Most of the crap the doctors told him was that he would have a diet focused on cold things like ice cream and stuff like that. Then again this nurse wasn't the typical nurse.
"Taste it," she prompted.
Dean took a small piece on the fork. It was covered with whipped cream. He could taste the apple filling as it blended with the crust and whipped cream. The cream was cold, like it had been frozen. It just melted in his mouth and slid down. He took a sip of the egg nog and it felt like his senses exploded. It was good stuff. He gestured wildly with his fork and took another bite.
"I thought you might like it. I know someone who makes better pies than a bakery. The crust is so soft that it melts huh?"
Dean nodded. This was the best thing he had ever. In fact he had never had anything like this before. He had seen Dad eat pie while he and Sam had ice cream. Now he knew why Dad liked the stuff so much. Well he liked it too. The next time they went to a diner, he was getting pie.
The nurse smiled and said, "Pie is the panacea of all ills. It makes you feel better no matter what. Now I'm going to let the other nurse know that you are ready and you can see your Dad and your brother." She motioned to the rest of the pie that was on his tray. "You can share if you like but I get the feeling that you're going to be the one that appreciates pie."
Dean smiled at the nurse as he speared another piece of pie. There was also a pitcher of more of that egg nog stuff. He managed to mumble out hoarsely, "Thank you."
The nurse smiled and replied, "See you're on the mend already. Now don't talk as much and you'll be back to doing what big brothers do best." She gave a slight ruffle of Dean's hair and left.
Dean watched her leave and absently ran his hand on Xander. Sammy was going to be pleased. He took another bite of that delicious thing called pie. That nurse had brought it certainly knew him well in terms of his peevishness. He liked her and hoped that she would be back.
~0~0~
John walked into Dean's room to find him animated and chowing down on pie of all things. He frowned in surprise that he was eating solid foods. He had heard from the nurse that they were able to take Dean in earlier since his fever broke and he did very well. The forms had been a bit of a hold up but in the end they were forms that would take care of payment.
John smiled when he saw Sam run towards Dean's bed and ask if he was okay. They started talking in their nonverbal way and he observed at how active Dean was considering how miserable he had been before the surgery. He listened as the nurse gave the specifics and how good Dean was and how diligent his nurse was. John listened politely as he watched Dean dig into another slice of pie and tried to get Sam to try it along with his drink.
"Huh, I never thought about trying egg nog. Maybe that would work with some of the other children," the nurse said as she peeked into the pitcher when Dean indicated that he wanted some more.
John frowned. That was even stranger than the pie. It was then he noticed the stuffed dog. He saw the ear that had been falling off the night before had been repaired. He asked Dean, "Hey champ, did you fix his ear?"
Dean shook his head no. He then whispered, "Nurse with dark hair did it."
John thought about it as he smiled. He looked at the elderly nurse who was checking the vitals and asked, "Is that nurse still on duty?"
"Melinda still is on duty but she's nonsurgical."
John said nothing else except to thank the nurse and went over the post op care for Dean. He watched as his sons shared what was left of the pie. He sat watching and reading the instructions, thinking that some time maybe with Bobby would be a good move to make. He was interrupted when Nurse Melinda walked in asking if there was something wrong.
John looked at the nurse and gauged the reaction of Dean. His son gave a slight shake and he dismissed the nurse stating that he had made a mistake. Once the nurse was gone, it occurred to him that the stranger who had come around times before, once again came through. He couldn't believe it. He practically told her to leave and yet she stayed. She stayed with his eldest until he was through the surgery. He couldn't believe it until he looked over at his eldest trying to get his attention.
John went over and asked, "What is it son?"
Dean held up a slip of paper and then went back to talking to Sam in their brother language. John took the slip of paper and opened it. On it was a number and the words, 'Call if you need a hand. No strings.' John knew that the 'nurse' that visited him the night before was Mary's angel and he had turned her away but she came back.
"Sammy that's my pie!" Dean's hoarse voice sounded.
"You said you would share."
"Big brother. I win."
John couldn't help but laugh as he went over to stop the fight to rest Dean's throat. Mary was right in that angels watched over his boys. Mary's angel came through again.
A/N: Another John moment and he finally 'meets' Angie.