Disclaimer: I still don't own any of the characters in this story.
Tony sat there next to Dean looking out the window watching the snowflakes fall from the sky until he too fell into the deep throws of sleep.
2/24/13: Just doing some minor editing and correcting some grammar. Nothing major.
Tony wasn't sure how much time had passed, but soon he was woken up by the front door slamming shut and Sammy talking a mile a minute.
"Sam keep your voice down Dean is sleeping and with any luck so is Tony." Bobby commanded sternly.
Tony could make out the sounds of rustling plastic bags as they filled the apartment.
"We have at least one more load of groceries to carry in you guys care to help?" Caleb asked.
"Sam and I would be more than happy to help you out." Bobby answered and from what Tony could hear it sounded like Sam was being dragged along against his will.
"But Bobby I want to go by Dean; I want to show him the stuff we got him." Sam whined.
"Dean isn't going to –" And Bobby was cut off by the door closing behind him to the apartment.
Deciding now would be a great time to get up Tony slowly slid from next to Dean and covered his brother back up with the quilt. Checking one last time before his left for fever he put his hand to Dean's forehead and noticed that it was still warm but it wasn't as bad anymore. Along with the fever his breathing seemed to be improving as well. Moving away from the bed Tony looked out the window and saw the snow still falling from the sky. Picking up the half empty glass of orange juice he walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. Moving towards the kitchen he was struck by how many bags were littering the living room and kitchen and then he remembered they said they still had more to bring in.
Just as Tony was about to start going through the bags Bobby, Caleb, and Sam barged through the doorway carrying the last of the bags with Bobby swinging the door shut with his foot.
"What did you guys do buy out the whole D.C area? I thought you were only going to get a few things?" Tony asked astounded at what had all be bought and was very afraid to see his next credit card statement.
"We were but then decided with the trip to South Dakota and your Dad we would treat Sam and Dean. Also we thought that with them going to a permanent school now they would need more school supplies and they would need to look decent for it. So yes we went a little overboard but don't worry it's all taken care of." Caleb answered. He always was a pushover when it came to the boys but was closely followed by Pastor Jim and Bobby.
"Whatever. Sammy why don't you go put your stuff in your room. Then when you are done come out and help us put the rest of the stuff away ok?" Tony asked going to pick up one of the groceries bags and began to sort through the contents and place them in the cupboards.
As he picked up another grocery bag to put away, Bobby and Caleb helped Sam go through the other bags to find his all of his things. Tony jumped when his phone started to ring.
"Winchester." Tony answered flipping his phone open without looking at the caller ID.
"Why Anthony I do believe that will take some time to get use to. " Ducky stated with a chuckle at the end.
"What can I do for you Ducky?" Tony asked putting cans of soup into the cupboard then turned around to place the cereal in the next cupboard.
"I just called to let you know that your father's arrangements have all been taken care of and I was also curious as to how Dean was doing." Ducky asked.
"Thank you Ducky for taking care of my Dad's arrangements. Dean is still sleeping but I'm starting to get concerned about him. Is he suppose to sleep this much? I mean I know he just got out of the hospital but shouldn't he wake up to eat or something?" Tony asked now starting to put things into the refrigerator.
"Tony Dean is a very sick boy if it weren't for you checking him out this morning I would have suggested he stay for a couple more days. As he woken up at all?" Ducky asked now in full doctor mode.
"Earlier after everyone left his fever rose, but that was because with all the excitement I forgot to give him his medicine. When I went into his room I woke him up and gave him his medicine but he was up more than five minutes. What do you think I should do?" Tony asked putting the last of the food into the refrigerator.
"I would try waking him up and try to get him to eat something. Make sure he keeps getting his medicine or otherwise his recovery might not be as speedy as we had would like. Also how is his breathing sounding?"
"He is still sounding pretty rough but he is sounding way better then yesterday." Tony said closing all the cupboards and turned around to see Sammy jumping around holding some books and clothes.
"Tony you want to see what I got?" Sam asked running up to his oldest brother.
"Just a minute Duck," Tony said then covered the voice piece on his phone and bent down to be level with Sam, "Sammy can you wait a couple minutes I need to finish talking with Duck. After I'm done on the phone I will look at all your stuff ok?" Tony asked looking at his littlest brother.
"Ok." Sam answered somewhat deflated but went back to Caleb and Bobby who were still sorting through the bags.
"Sorry about that Ducky Sammy went shopping today and wanted to show me what he got." Tony said going to the hall closet and switched the loads in the laundry machines.
"That's quite alright Tony. I'm glad to hear your brother is doing better. I'll let you get back to your family would it be ok if I stopped by in the morning to check on Dean?" Ducky asked.
"That would be great; hopefully by then I can let you know when we are leaving for South Dakota." Tony asked leaning against the wall in the hallway looking at Dean's room.
"I will call before I come over. Don't hesitate to call Tony; I will talk to you tomorrow." Ducky answered then hung up.
Closing his phone he walked back into the living room where Sam was watching TV patiently waiting for Tony to return.
"So what did you get today Sammy?" Tony asked walking into the open living room.
"Oh you will never believe what I got; I got the Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter series! Also I got a whole bunch of new school stuff. Look it, Look it!" Sam said rushing up to Tony and was practically shoving his new book series and new Harry Potter backpack full with supplies into his face.
"That's great Sammy I'm glad you like what you got, but do you think you could go put it in your room for me?" Tony asked trying to calm the small boy down.
"Sure thing Tony" Sam said going to pick up his backpack and put his books into it around the supplies that filled the bag then with his other hand he grabbed a large bag with clothes and began his trek down the hallway.
"You know you didn't have to do this you guys went above and beyond what I expected thank you." Tony said looking at Bobby and Caleb who were finally done sorting through the bags and were taking a breather.
"We wanted to help you out because we know that this isn't going to be easy on you so we thought we would help out and this seemed like a good way to do so." Bobby answered and Caleb interrupted.
"So what did you get done while we were on rugrat duty?"
"I got the kitchen cleaned, laundry started… did you guys know that Dean is practically a straight A student?" Tony asked leaning back on the arm of the chair in the living room.
"No kidding. I never thought the kid was dumb hell he is probably one of the smartest people I because when it comes to anything hunting related is like an expert. Just didn't expect that I never saw him working on any homework. Ever. " Caleb answered surprised and happy that Dean was doing good for himself and he could get out of hunting if he ever wanted to.
"After this morning and Sam not being able to find clean clothes I decided that I should do laundry and I found the report card. Do you think Dad ever knew?" Tony asked realizing how little his father probably really knew about his kids.
"I don't know kid maybe, but you know how he was about hunting and school. Hunting always took priority." Bobby said looking at Tony with a sad expression on his face. Tony has so much on his shoulders now. In 10 years his family has gone from a normal all American family were nothing could go wrong to losing a both parents and living a life that most people can't even imagine. With one child the sole provider for two kids, the other a soldier in a war that many will never know and the last striving to be normal. What did this family ever done to deserve any of this?
"I think Dad would have been proud of Dean of how much Dean could handle and still make out ok. You know?" Tony said beginning to think of all the happy moments in his early life running home from school with his first A in high school. It was only a couple of months before the fire. His Dad had given him a pat on the back and took him out to the local Pizzeria just the two of them happy to see his son succeed.
Looking up from his memory he noticed that it had already grown dark outside and snow was still falling. Seeing the street lights outside he glanced to the clock on the DVD player and saw it was already 7:00.
"Crap what do you guys want for supper?" Tony asked surprised to see the time and was already moving to the kitchen to start supper.
"Don't worry about it Tony we will make something. You have been doing nothing but run lately just sit down and relax." Bobby said pushing Tony back into his chair.
"Thanks." Tony said leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
"So what should we make, I was thinking maybe-"Caleb was cut off by a knock on the door. Looked from behind one of the cupboard door he saw the questioning looks on the other two faces realizing that they weren't expecting anyone. Slowly creeping to the door he slowly pulled the gun from the small of his back and slowly unlocked the door and swung it open.
Jumping from behind the door Caleb pulled aimed his gun straight at the visitor's chest.
"What the hell do you think you are doing? Put that thing away!" Gibbs exclaimed looking rather surprised that he was on the business end of the hand gun, "So this is the thanks I get for bringing over supper." Gibbs said walking past an embarrassed Caleb who quickly pushed the gun back into his pants and closed the door behind him.
"Sorry we weren't expecting anyone." Caleb answered with the good grace to sound embarrassed.
"Its fine I would be jumpy to with two new people to look after. I'm not going to stay long I just wanted to drop of some food because I thought you guys might be a little overwhelmed and I was on this side of town anyway." Gibbs answered but truthfully he had been sitting at home working on his boat thinking about Dean and Sam.
"Thanks Boss so what did you get?" Tony asked getting up from his spot on the chair and wandered over to the table where Gibbs had placed the bag of food.
"I stopped at that Chinese restaurant that you like to order from. I know you like it and it was something easy." Gibbs answered while edging towards the door. "I best be going call if you need anything,"
"Aren't you going to stay?" Bobby asked.
"I have things I need to finish at home." Gibbs said letting himself out.
"I hope I didn't scare him off." Caleb said going into the bag and started opening the boxes.
"Don't flatter yourself West. I highly doubt you even fazed him." Tony said shaking his head. "Is it just me or has Sam been too quiet."
"Now that you mention the kid has been quiet for awhile." Bobby said standing up food forgotten on the table.
All three men started walking down the hallway in search of the littlest Winchester and were about to pass Dean's room when they were greeted with Sam's voice.
"You know Dean; if you were hot you should have just said something. I don't think that it's good that you are sleeping all the time either you should wake up and come sit by the rest of us. You must be feeling better if Tony brought you home." Sam was rambling.
Hearing Sam talk all three men decided they should see what was going on between the brothers. Going in they thought they would see Sam talking to a sleeping Dean but they were wrong, very wrong. Entering first Tony was surprised to see Dean awake and the covers pulled off lying in a heap on the floor and a cold breeze filled the room. Looking from Dean who was shivering and shaking on the bed with Sammy sitting next to him showing him the stuff he had gotten earlier in the day. Looking to find the source of the cool draft he was surprised to see the window almost all the way open.
"Samuel Winchester what is going on in here? " Tony yelled as he went to close the window while Caleb ran to Dean wrap him in the quilt that was lying on the floor.
"I wanted to show Dean what I got today; when I came in he was sweating so I took the blanket off and opened the window." Sam answered with an innocent expression on his face.
"What were you thinking? Dean is still really sick; you better hope that he doesn't get sicker because of this little stunt Sam." Tony yelled.
"I was just trying to help Tony." Sam said looking at his oldest brother and got up from his spot next to Dean who was still awake and shaking with Caleb sitting next to him.
"I told you to put your stuff away. I didn't tell you to come in here and bother Dean. I heard Bobby and Caleb tell you earlier that Dean was sleeping. You need to learn to listen Sam; you could have really set Dean back. Now I want you to go to your room this time and put your stuff away then I want you to go and sit at the dining room table so we can discuss your punishment. Do you understand?" Tony asked.
"Yes sir." Sam said looking down and lugging the two bags out of the middle Winchester's room and down the hall towards his own room.
"God I feel like a jerk." Tony said running a hand over his face a trait that he had inherited from his Dad.
"It had to be done Tony. What Sam did was dangerous he could have really hurt Dean." Bobby answered giving Tony a pat on the shoulder.
"I know, I know. I guess seeing as Dean's up we should see if he will eat anything. "Tony said walking towards Dean.
"We'll go and set the table." Caleb answered leaving the brothers alone.
Tony nodded and walked towards the dryer and picked through to find some clothes for Dean to wear. Retrieving the clothes that he thought he would need he crossed hallway and ran into Sam who was peeking his head into Dean's room.
"Sam I told you to go to the dining room table. Now go." Tony ordered and waited for Sam to leave before he walked into Dean's bedroom and closed the door behind him.
"Hey Dean how are you feeling?" Tony asked walking over to the bed where Dean was watching him move around the room and was still shivering. "You know Dean Sam just wanted to help he didn't mean any harm." Tony said laying the clothes he had picked out on the bed.
"As long as you are up I thought it might be good if you tried to get up and eat something. Then if you are feeling up to it you could take a shower. You also need to take your medicine again and in the morning Ducky is going to stop by and check on you." Tony said as he was trying to coax the quilt away from Dean who was holding on to it with a death grip.
"Dean its ok I'm just going to help you get some warm clothes on. The quilt isn't going anywhere; let me help you ok?" Tony said and was finally able to pull the quilt away from Dean's body to expose the thin scrubs that still adorned the tiny frame.
"Here let's get you into more comfortable and warmer clothes." Tony said pulling Dean to sit up in the bed and quickly got the young teen undressed and into his warmer sweats.
"Ready to go and eat? Gibbs brought over Chinese I know how much you Chinese." Tony asked pulling the hooded sweatshirt over his brother and helped Dean stand up. Slowly helping Dean stand up and soon they reached the doorway where Dean pushed away from Tony and began to walk slowly towards the dining room where he could hear Bobby and Caleb.
Dean walked towards the dining room and by the time he made it to his destination he was wheezing and coughing. Walking up behind Dean Tony started to gently push him towards the table. When Tony touched his brother's shoulder to help him move forward Dean jumped and yelled. Jumping back in surprise he was shocked at what just happened. Since when was Dean ever jumpy? Dean clearly embarrassed walked over to an open seat at the table and sat down next to Caleb leaving Tony to sit at the head of the table between Dean and Sam.
Immediately everyone began to help themselves to what was on the table except for Dean. As Tony was helping himself to some General Tso Chicken Sam asked,
"Tony am I in trouble? I was just trying to help." Sam said looking up at him with puppy dog eyes. Tony set down the chicken and looked over at Dean who was sitting with his head resting on arms on the table.
"I know you were only trying to help Dean, but you still didn't listen to me so I'm afraid that I'm going to have to do something. Any ideas?" Tony asked looking at Bobby and Caleb knowing of course they had about as much experience disciplining naughty children as he did but he didn't know what else to do.
"Well how about know TV for a week?" Bobby suggested and then Caleb suggested the maybe dishes for a week would be a good punishment.
"Well Sam I think both Bobby and Caleb have valid punishments. I think I'm going to go with both of them. You will have no TV for a week and you will do dishes for a week. I know it may seem harsh but you need to learn to listen to me. Ok buddy?" Tony asked getting up to give his little brother a hug.
"I understand Tony. I'm sorry Tony." Sam said looking down at the eggroll he had chosen for himself along with his rice.
"I'm glad you understand Sam but it isn't me that you should be apologizing too. Dean was the one that you scared." Tony answered pulling some mandarin chicken and an egg roll out of their containers and put them onto Dean's plate.
"I'm sorry Dean; I didn't mean to scare you." Sam said looking across the table to see Dean sleeping on the table.
"Hey Dean wake up you haven't eaten anything in awhile you need to eat. Come on wake up buddy." Caleb said shaking Dean's shoulder waking up the teen.
"Tony I'm thirsty what can I have." Sam asked. Tony looked up from his food that he was shoveling into his mouth and realized that he had forgotten to get drinks for supper.
"How does soda sound?" Tony asked getting up followed by Bobby who went to help him get soda for the kids and beer for the adults. Picking up their refreshments and heading back to the table Bobby handed out the beers while Tony handed Sam his Sierra Mist and Dean his Ginger ale.
"Sam I'm almost done enrolling you in school. How do you feel about starting school next week?" Tony asked helping himself to more General Tso Chicken.
"Really? That would be awesome! Wait so this means that I can stay at one school now I don't have to leave again?" Sam asked realizing he might get to actually stay at one school forever.
"Yeah buddy no more moving around unless you want too." Tony said sad that he had to clarify that his brother would be able to stay at one school instead of moving around something that he himself had taken for granted before the fire.
"I can't wait!" Sam said squealed happily taking a huge gulp from his soda and let out a huge burp.
"I'm glad you're happy Sam. How about after supper you go and get ready for bed. Ducky is coming over in the morning to check on Dean and we are probably going to be busy for the next few days so when I ask you to do something can you do it without argument?" Tony asked trying to figure out how to be a good brother but also a parental figure.
"Of course Tony." Sam said with a smile on his face trying to make things easier for his brother who he could tell was having a hard time with things.
"Thanks Sammy." Tony said with relief filling his voice as he looked across the table to Bobby and Caleb who looked just as relieved that the often bull headed Sam Winchester was listening to Tony.
Looking over to Dean who went from sleeping on his arms to sitting slouched in his chair and picking at his food without actually eating any of it.
"Dean you need to eat come on eat at least half of your eggroll and I will shut up I promise. You need something to go with your antibiotics." Tony pleaded getting up to retrieve Dean's medicine and came back to the table where Dean still hadn't moved to take a bite.
"Come on squirt do it for us." Caleb said turning to the side to face Dean. Slowly Dean picked up his eggroll and took a bite, a small bite, but a bite nonetheless.
"That's good Dean just another one then we will leave you alone." Tony said and Dean did as he was asked. "That is really good. Now I know that I said I would leave you alone but you need to your your medicine for me."
Dean reached out and took the pill from Tony and put it into his mouth dry swallowing it which was followed by a bout of coughing and went back to sleeping on his arm.
"I guess it's better than nothing." Bobby said trying to clear the air.
"Sammy are you done? Why don't you go take a shower and get ready for bed?" Tony asked.
"Ok Tony." Sam answered and went to get ready.
Tony stood up and asked if everyone was done and was greeted by nods. He began to pack up the left over cartoons of food and took them to the fridge and began to look for places to put them in the full fridge. After that was done and Sam was ready for bed Tony went and said goodnight to him. He went to help Dean get ready for his shower and left the teen to take care of himself. Tony went to Dean's room and picked up the scrubs he had left on the floor and quickly took them and quickly threw them in trash. Deciding he had awhile before Dean was finished in the bathroom he went and folded the laundry from the dryer and took Dean's small stack of clothes and put them in Dean's dresser followed by sneaking quietly into Sam's room and doing the same. By the time Tony was done he heard the shower turn off and quickly went to wait outside of the bathroom in case Dean needed anything. Dean soon exited the bathroom and went to his bedroom where he was followed by Tony.
Tucking Dean into bed and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead noticing the heat that was once again starting to emanate from the teen. "Good night Dean if you need me my bedroom is right across the hall from the bathroom. And welcome home." Tony said leaving the room and turning off the light.
He walked into the living room and found Bobby and Caleb watching the 10:00 news. "I'm just going to go to bed." Tony said and was greeted by nods and went to take a quick shower and was soon asleep.
A/N: Sorry it took so long for me to update, I didn't forget I just got lazy. SO listen, I love your reviews, so thank you to those of you who review, but seriously I would love to see more. So please review more I don't care if it is just to tell me how terrible the story, I want your opinions so I can change what you don't like. Also sorry for this extremely crappy chapter, I promise the next one will be better. Well thanks for reading.