A/N: Okay, so I know this one has been done before, but I don't care. It makes for such a good story... Spoilers for 5.16, Dark side of the moon.
The usual warnings and disclaimer obviously still stand! Don't own – just borrowing :)
Enjoy...
Part 2: Sam's trip to Flagstaff
Dean eyed the postcard-covered wall with slightly furrowed brows. He had a feeling he should remember this room, but the memory seemed to float tauntingly just out of reach. He turned around and looked at his brother.
"Where are we?" Dean asked, still not recognizing the place.
A small smile graced Sam's face as he looked around.
"No way!" he said, turning towards the sudden sound of a moving dog.
A golden retriever quickly ran to Sam, obviously familiar with his scent, and the younger Winchester happily embraced the animal.
"Bones! Hey, c'mere, c'mere... hey"
The caramel colored dog happily licked Sam's face, Dean still regarding the scene rather confused.
"Bones?" he asked dryly.
"Yeah" Sam answered, "Bones was my dog!"
He freed himself from the enthusiastic retriever to sit down on the couch.
"You-your dog?" Dean inquired while a pizza-box on the coffee table attracted Sam's attention.
He pulled out a slice of pepperoni and fed it to a content Bones.
Dean licked his lips, suddenly pretty sure of their location.
"Is this Flagstaff?"
"Yeah" Sam answered with a grin on his face and returned his focus to the dog, "hey boy..."
Dean couldn't believe his brother's carefree attitude.
"This is a good memory for you?"
"Yeah" Sam answered again, "I mean, I was on my own for two weeks. I lived off of Funyuns and Mr. Pibb!"
Dean nodded to himself a few times, his mood rapidly going sour.
"Wow" he started in a grim voice making his brother look up.
"What?" Sam asked.
"Well, you don't remember, do you? You ran away on my watch!" Dean's look was stern and Sam shifted on his spot.
"I looked everywhere for you!" Dean continued, "I thought you were dead! And when Dad came home...!"
His big brother's words made Sam feel 15 again and a tinge of guilt showed on his face. Dean turned his back on Sam, anger tearing at his insides. How could his brother possibly think of this as a happy memory?!
"Dean, look, I'm sorry... I never thought about it like that!" Sam tried.
Dean balled up his fists. He'd really prefer not going down this road but his temper was flaring.
"Why'd you even run away in the first place, Sam? You knew Dad was gonna kill my ass for letting you get away!" Dean roared.
Now it was Sam's turn to feel the anger awaken.
"Why?" he sneered, making Dean spin around to look at him, "you really don't remember?"
Dean raised his eyebrows and pinched his lips.
"Enlighten me!" he snorted mockingly, making Sam sigh with irritation.
"Fine, I will..."
x-x
...Sam rolled his eyes as John started checking the contents of his duffel. He couldn't believe his dad was actually going to leave him and Dean alone for two weeks to chase a siren with Bobby! Sam had been hunting for more than two years now, being "baptized" into the hunting right after his 13th birthday, and he hadn't been too happy when John had ordered his boys to stay home from this one!
"Come on, Dad!" Sam started through gritted teeth, "we can help you..."
John sighed deeply, rummaging through the bag with unnecessary force.
"I said no, Sammy!"
"It's Sam" the boy announced dryly, "I'm not a little kid anymore!"
In the background Dean shook his head at his usually very smart little brother. John drew in a breath, feeling the fiery Winchester-temper waking up, and Sam quickly continued to cover the slip up about his name.
"Look, I just don't wanna be stuck in this shithole for two more weeks with nothing to do besides scratch my ass! We've already been here for a fucking month!" Sam said, unable to mask his irritation.
The 15-year-old knew that his chances of persuading his father to change his mind were pretty much none-existing but he couldn't help it.
"If you don't stop running that mouth of yours, I'll make sure you'll be plenty occupied with translating Latin!" John sneered, fed up with his youngest son "and you might wanna reconsider all that cussin'!"
"But Dad..."
"Sammy! One more word and we can repeat our conversation from last night!" John boomed, making both Sam and Dean flinch.
"Are we clear, Samuel?"
"Yes, sir!" Sam answered with a scowl, crossing his arms angrily.
John finished searching the duffel for all the important weapons and went to load it in his truck. When the door shut, Dean went to his brother and patted him on the shoulder.
"Come on, Sammy, it'll be fine... We can hustle some pool, get a few beers..."
Sam brushed Dean's hand off of him, not in the mood for his masked pity.
"Better keep quiet, Sam" Dean sighed, "you know Dad never makes idle threats!"
"Come on Dean, don't act like you think it's all good! Why can't he just take us with him?"
"Sammy, just... I don't know. Can't you just do what Dad tells you for once!"
Sam shot up from the couch and whipped around to eye his older brother.
"WHAT?" he yelled angrily, "NO! Not when what he wants is a load of fucking bullshit!"
Sam saw the expression on Dean's face and quickly spun around. John was standing in the door, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed.
"Dad..." Dean started, "it's-"
"Shut it, Dean, Sammy can speak for himself!"
Dean contemplated arguing but one last look from his father made him bite his lip and stuff his hands down his pockets. When Sam so obviously dug his own grave Dean couldn't do much to help anyway!
Sam swallowed and eyed his dad cautiously.
"Go to your room, Sammy, I'll be right up!" John's voice was eerily calm, and to his great dismay Sam felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand.
When the boy didn't immediately comply John sighed and thundered a "NOW, SAMUEL!" that made both boys jump. Sam reluctantly moved towards the stairs.
"Why'd you have kids in the first place if you'll just leave us behind every other hunt!" Sam muttered angrily under his breath.
He felt certain that no one had heard his words and was genuinely startled when John advanced on him in two quick steps and grabbed him roughly by the back of his shirt. John spun his son around and pressed him against the wall. Sam gasped and refused to look his father in the eye.
"YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT WHENEVER I LEAVE YOU TWO BEHIND IT'S FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, BOY!" John roared.
Sam's words had made John both furious and sad, and he wished he could bring his boys with him all the time. But with the siren's primary prey being young men it was too risky having Sam and Dean around for this hunt. Maybe if Sam had had more experience, John thought.
"Dad, I..." Sam didn't know how to continue.
"I TOLD YOU WHAT ONE MORE WORD WOULD GET YOU, SAMMY!"
"Well, you weren't exactly supposed to hear it..." Sam proclaimed, not too happy with himself at the moment.
John looked sternly at his youngest before pulling him with him up the stairs. He released his grip on Sam when they entered the bedroom and John calmly scanned the room for the implement of his choice.
x-x
Downstairs Dean winced as he heard Sam's displeasured cries. He swallowed hard at the thought of Dad reigniting the fire on his brother's ass. When John Winchester decided to apply some hand to ass, belt to ass or whatever-was-around to ass it sure as hell wasn't pleasant, and being on the receiving end two days in a row didn't exactly help! Right now it sounded like Sam was being subjected to whatever-was-around to ass and Dean couldn't block out the pained yelps now reaching him. Sam had never been one to take a punishment too stoically!
x-x
When Dad finally stopped, Sam was shaking and drew a deep breath to calm himself. Fucking hell! His backside was burning and buzzing and he couldn't hide the tears streaming down his face. Sam immediately decided to dispose of every single ruler he owned. The damn things made horrible instruments for Dad to roast his ass with, Jesus F-ing Christ, he wouldn't be able to sit down ever again!
John reached out to pull his youngest in for a comforting hug and felt a tiny stab to the heart when Sam pulled away with a small grunt.
"Sam..." John tried gently.
He hated leaving for a hunt after punishing one of his sons, and though the comfort of a hug or pat to the back was usually meant for the one physically hurting, this time John was the one in need of the contact.
"Just leave me alone Dad..." Sam spat through sniffles.
John almost extended his hand towards Sam again, but decided against it. When Sam this forcefully turned down the offered hug John wouldn't gain anything by forcing it.
x-x
The angry roar of Dad's new truck could be heard from the driveway and Dean sighed as he trudged up the stairs. Sam had refused to come down and say goodbye to their father, and Dean hadn't had to look hard at John to see the hurt in his eyes. Damn Sam's stubbornness, Dean thought to himself. He knocked on the door and entered the small room.
Sam was lying on his bed facing the wall.
"Go away, Dean!" he huffed.
"I told you to shut up, you idiot" Dean offered gently, his voice laced with compassion.
He bit his lip as he looked at his brother. Sam had made short process of wearing jeans after his dad left the room, and Dean squinted at the angry red stripes visible on his brother's ass and thighs.
As if he could sense his brother's eyes on him Sam sighed deeply and carefully turned around. He winced when his scorched backside brushed against the duvet and he sent Dean an angry glare.
"Leave. Me. Alone!"
"Fine, suit yourself..." Dean answered in a cold voice, "I'll order some pizza for dinner" he continued, making sure to soften his voice. It hadn't been his intention to sneer at his brother. Dean knew how Sam got after getting his rear blistered, and contrary to Dean's own feelings regarding Dad's punishments Sam could remain angry for quite a while!
x-x
Sam was lying awake in the dark, listening to Dean's rhythmic breathing. He had been asleep for quite some time and Sam briefly considered whether he should just leave now or if it would be better to wait. The fact that Dean was a pretty light sleeper convinced Sam to wait until morning to put his plan to works.
He smiled to himself at the thought of what the next day would bring. Freedom! Independence! And lots of Funyuns and Mr. Pibb!
x-x
"Come on Sam!" Dean yawned as the clock's annoying beeping woke him up, "gotta get...up"
Dean furrowed his brows at the empty bed on the other side of the room. Since when did Sam wake up before the alarm clock and actually get out of bed!
The smell of pancakes lured Dean downstairs and the sight of a fully set table complete with coffee, toast, scrambled eggs and a growing stack of pancakes made him raise his brows in wonder. Maybe Dad had hit Sam so hard yesterday that his brain had been rattled out of place!
Nonetheless Dean sat down and poured himself a cup of coffee while stuffing a pancake in his mouth.
"Tho, ow're yo, Thammy? Yo theemed pithed lathtn night!" he gurgled through his stuffed mouth.
Sam turned around at the stove, eyeing his brother with a rather bemused look on his face.
"What?" he asked with a smile, although he already knew what Dean had asked.
The older Winchester quickly munched his pancake and gulped down the coffee to force the pancake down his throat.
"How are you?" he asked again, "you were fucking pissed last night!"
"Well, Dad was being an idiot, so..."
"You really should have said goodbye though, Sammy... What if Dad doesn't come home!"
The thought that Sam had made breakfast because he felt horrible for talking to Dad the way he had, struck Dean and his heart dropped to his stomach. In reality Sam felt guilty for what he was going to put Dean through when he left, but he would never tell his brother that!
Sam sighed and took a bite of a thick pancake.
"Dad'll be fine Dean. He always is... and my ass didn't really feel like saying goodbye after being repeatedly introduced to my fucking ruler!"
Dean choked back a small laugh. He knew exactly how Sam felt. Well, maybe Dad had never taken a ruler to his ass, but in an especially creative moment he had used a spatula to get his point across!
x-x
Dean finished his second cup of coffee and smiled at his brother.
"You'd make an awesome housewife Samantha!" he exclaimed with a mischievous smile and quickly slid off his chair before the flying pancake hit him in the face.
"I'll hit the showers, Sammy... just leave this and go get ready for school, I'll clean it up when we get home"
Sam nodded and felt another rush of guilt. But he couldn't let this stop him. He was going to get away. Today. From Dad. From hunting. From everything.
Sam quickly bolted up the stairs when he heard Dean turn on the water. He needed to pack the most necessary stuff before Dean finished his shower. Some clean clothes, a book and a knife found their way into Sam's bag before he ran downstairs again to put the scrambled eggs into a small box and wrap the last pizza in saran wrap before stuffing it down his bag alongside a can of salt and the money from the emergency stash that was always established wherever they were staying.
x-x
Dean entered the kitchen just as Sam was zipping up the backpack.
"Ready to go, kiddo?" Dean asked and ran a hand through his wet hair.
"Yeah" Sam answered shortly, a gnawing sensation already filling his stomach.
The brother's went to the black, shiny Impala and Dean traced his hand across the side of the car. He still had trouble believing she was his now!
"Let's roll..." he said and got in the Chevy.
Dean revved the engine and pulled out the driveway with an infamous roar. He turned on the music and grinned as AC/DC's "Back in Black" blasted through the speakers.
x-x
"You don't have to pick me up today" Sam said, looking at Dean as he grabbed the bag next to him, "I'm gonna stay after school to work on a project."
"Okay" came the short answer, "...nerd!"
Sam licked his lips and sent his brother a glare.
"Jerk!"
"Bitch!" Dean laughed, "See you later, Sam"
Sam raised a hand at Dean as he drove off to get to the auto shop were he had worked for the last month. When the car disappeared around the corner Sam hurried to get inside the school. Another pang of guilt washed through Sam's body, but he pushed the feeling away, focusing on the next step of his plan; getting out of class in a way that wouldn't cause suspicion.
The bell rang as he went down the hall, and Sam quickly grabbed the small container with the leftover scrambled eggs. He stuffed it in his mouth, chewing fast to get the breakfast even more gooey, and walked in to the classroom.
x-x
Mrs. Carter had only been teaching for two minutes when Sam pressed his hands to his stomach and started groaning. He moaned a bit before fake-barfing the well-chewed scrambled eggs onto the table. The girl next to Sam immediately pushed her chair back with a disgusted look on her face.
"Eww!" she whined and looked close to puking, herself.
"Samuel" the teacher said in a concerned voice, "you better get down to the nurse"
"Okay, Mrs. Carter. Thank you!" Sam said weakly, sending his teacher a dazed look.
He should get a freaking Academy Award for this, Sam thought as he rushed out of school and went to the bus station.
x-x
So far everything had gone smoothly and when Sam sat on the bus to Flagstaff, three bus tickets in his pocket, he finally started to relax a bit. He would get a nice head start on his trip, seeing as Dean wouldn't expect him home until nightfall. Sam had quickly decided that Bobby's old cabin in Arizona would be the perfect place to hide since no one would expect him to stay at such an obvious location. Besides, they were currently living in New Mexico so the trip to Flagstaff wouldn't take too long.
Sam had been to the cabin a few times with Dean when they had stayed with Bobby a few years back, and he knew that the small house would be equipped with the basic necessities such as toilet paper, soap and the like.
Sam rested his head on the window and smiled to himself. So far independence rocked!
x-x
The sun was setting when Sam finally walked the last mile to the cabin. He carried two large bags full of food supplies, and nearly stumbled on a root he couldn't see for the groceries in his arms.
The cabin was placed in the woods and Sam happily retrieved the key from the hollow tree nearby. He was just about to unlock the door when a noise behind him startled the teen.
Sam dropped the bags to the ground and quickly pulled out his knife as he spun around to face whatever was moving in the woods.
Sam's racing heart immediately slowed down when he spotted the creature making the noise. It was a dog! A caramel colored retriever was digging furiously at the ground a few feet away. Sam cautiously approached the animal.
"Hey boy" he said gently, trying to sense the dog's mood and whether getting even closer would be smart or not.
The dog seized its digging for a moment to look at the boy. It wagged its tail a few times and let the dark haired teen squat down to pet it. When the friendly tone had been established, the dog returned its focus to digging in the ground, and Sam tilted his head to see what the dog had discovered.
"What have you got there, boy" Sam asked and stroked the dog's soft fur.
He looked down the hole and spotted a large bone. The dog happily grabbed the stained prize from the hole and turned to Sam.
The boy patted the retriever on the head and searched the dog's neck for a tag, but didn't find one. Sam smiled to himself. He had always wished for a pet.
"So what are we gonna name you, boy?" Sam said and sent the dog in front of him an asking look.
The retriever let the bone fall to lick Sam's hand and after securing the white bone in its mouth again trudged to the cabin door.
Sam went to unlock the door and then picked up the fallen groceries.
"I think I'll name you Bones!"
The animal was already lying on the couch and sent Sam a happy look.
"I guess that means you're staying..."
x-x
Dean was pacing the living room, feeling the fear seeping through him. It was now pitch black and Sam still wasn't home.
"Dammit, Sammy!" Dean mumbled and wiped at his sweaty neck.
When his watch had shown 8.15 p.m Dean had decided something was wrong and had searched the town for his little brother. The school, the library, the parks. He had looked everywhere, but to no avail. Sam was nowhere to be found and Dean had headed for home, certain that something bad had happened! The world was full of disgusting creatures, one scarier than the other, and Dean cursed his knowledge of the supernatural. Right now ignorance would narrow down the possible offenders by huge numbers! Sam could definitely protect himself, but being 15 the hormones were raging, often making the youngest Winchester think he was invincible.
Dean bit his lip as he analyzed the idea of calling Dad. In the end he decided to wait. He would keep searching for Sam on his own at least throughout the night before calling John. Losing Sam during the first 24 hours of his watch wouldn't exactly sway his father, and Dean figured that if he could just find Sam Dad didn't even have to know about this and his ass wouldn't be grass!
x-x
At 3.45 a.m Dean was sitting in the Impala, back from his third trip around the area. Maybe it was the creepy, gusting winds, the vast darkness or the fact that Dean hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, but his heart was hammering in his chest, endless, bloody scenarios of his baby brother's brutal death playing in his mind! Fucking hell, this was so bad! Sam was his responsibility. It was his job to keep his little brother safe and he had already failed at that! Dean rested his head on the steering wheel and jumped when his forehead hit the horn, sending a loud honk through the silent night.
x-x
Dean woke up on the couch at 10.55 a.m. He had finally admitted to himself that driving the Impala wasn't safe in his exhausted condition and he had dropped to the couch as soon as he entered the house, his eyes closed even before he hit the cushions.
In the afternoon Dean's fears had been somewhat replaced by rage. He had searched a great area in and around town, talked to everyone he had come across and conducted a ritual that would reveal any supernatural activity in a 10 mile radius. Nothing had brought him any closer to finding Sam, and when he had plopped down in a kitchen chair among the dried up leftovers from breakfast, an unpleasant thought suddenly struck Dean. What if Sam's weird behavior the previous morning hadn't been because he had chewed out Dad but because he was planning on leaving and wanted to appease his own guilty conscience! If that was the case Dean was going to kick Sam's ass into next week!
Dean had quickly phoned Sam's school and asked for Mrs. Carter. A few minutes later he heard the sound of heels entering the room and the phone was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Mrs. Carter. This is Dean Winchester..."
"Oh, Dean, hello. How is Sam feeling today? I sent him to the nurse yesterday, but he never showed, so I figured he had gotten sick again and went home"
Dean felt an explosion of anger in his stomach. That sneaky, little ass! He had planned it all! Dean cleared his throat and drew a breath.
"Well, Sam never came home, so I just wanted to hear how he was acting yesterday... Guess he's still good at faking sick!"
"Oh no" the middle aged teacher sighed, "I'm sorry to hear that, Dean, do you think he's run away?"
"Pretty sure of it, actually. It wouldn't be the first time! I better continue looking for him then!"
Dean hung up the phone, his nerves jittering. For Sam's sake Dean hoped he was far enough away to make Dean calm down on the way, otherwise Sam would be dead!
x-x
Sam was enjoying his new way of life to the fullest. He started the day with a long hike in the woods, Bones happily running around him.
When they got back to the cabin Sam prepared breakfast, making sure to "drop" nearly half his omelet to the floor so Bones could clean up.
The two friends spent rest of the day relaxing in the sun, only doing whatever they pleased. Sam munched away on Funyuns, thoughts of Dean and his Dad popping up a few times. The youngest Winchester made sure to push the guilty feelings as far away as possible, determined not to let anything ruin his newly gained freedom!
x-x
It had been four days since Sam's disappearance and Dean was a wreck. His emotions ranged from pure rage to nail-biting frustration to a deep, heartbreaking fear. He had continuously expanded the searched area but had yet to find anything that could lead him to Sam. He clearly felt his brain being dazed from the fear and Dean was afraid he might miss important clues. This was nothing near a normal hunt! Chasing his baby brother was something else entirely. No matter how much Dean tried to reason with himself and look at everything as a "job" his heart got in the way, making everything seem that much harder.
Dean jumped when the phone suddenly rang. He had dreaded this call ever since the first night where he decided against calling Dad, thereby sealing his own fate! But right now Dad could yell and threaten all he wanted, all that mattered to Dean was getting Sam back, safe and sound!
The teen took a deep breath and squinted as he picked up the phone.
"Hello..." he said, his voice already betraying him by cracking a bit.
"Hi Dean" John greeted, "things alright with you and Sammy?"
"Errm..." Dean bit his bottom lip, not quite sure how to handle this.
His dad immediately caught on to Dean's doubts and his next words came out in a low growl.
"You better tell me what's wrong right now or I'll make sure you regret it!"
"Yessir" Dean answered quickly, feeling his pulse sky rocket "Dad, I... Sammy h-he... he ran away..."
"He WHAT?!"
The infamous John Winchester-roar made Dean flinch.
"He ran away Dad. I've looked everywhere for him, even conducted the ritual to reveal supernatural activity..."
"Well, he can't have gotten that far yet, Dean..."
Dean could now hear Bobby in the background. He sounded worried, and John obviously lowered the phone for a second to fill in the older hunter.
"Balls!"
Dean heard his "uncle" hiss through gritted teeth, and he couldn't help but smile despite the severity of the situation. The thing he had to tell his dad next wiped the smile completely off his face, though.
"Dad, Sam's been missing for four days. I didn't w..."
"WHAT THE HELL DEAN!" John all but screamed, "YOUR BROTHER RAN AWAY FOUR DAYS AGO, AND YOU CHOSE NOT TO INFORM YOUR FATHER! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, BOY!"
"I'm sorry" Dean said miserably, "I thought I could find him by myself..."
"YOU'RE SURE AS HELL GONNA BE SORRY WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"
The way his dad lowered his voice next, made Dean think that Bobby had interfered, forcing John to relax a bit. Threatening Dean wasn't going to lead the way to Sam.
John cleared his throat and sighed into the phone. His voice was shaky, making Dean's guilty conscience feel even worse!
"Alright Dean, we'll deal with this later. Have you checked if Sam bought a train or bus ticket?"
Dean's jaw dropped. How the hell could he have been so stupid!
"No sir..." the boy answered, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment from the rookie mistake.
"Well, get your ass in gear and see to it! Bobby and I will be on our way immediately. We're about a day away, but I'll get us there as fast as possible. You call me if anything important happens, got that?"
"Yessir" Dean quickly answered, "see you tomorrow, Dad"
He ended the call and almost slapped himself for his unforgivable mistake. How could he not have looked into how Sam had escaped town! Assbutt!
Dean ran to the Impala and raced to the bus station. The lady behind the counter, squinted at the picture Dean held between two fingers.
"When did you say he would have bought the ticket?"
"Wednesday..." Dean answered, crossing his fingers that the lady could help.
"I wasn't at work that day. Let me get Doreen..."
The heavy woman left the room, but returned a second later with a younger, black haired assistant.
"Can I help?" she asked and sent Dean a sweet smile.
He held out the picture of Sam again, his heart skipping a beat as the woman in front of him clearly searched her memory.
"Yes, he was here... bought three tickets. Umm, let me see. One for Albuquerque, one for Las Cruces and one for Flagstaff"
Dean thanked the women and quickly went to the Impala to call Dad. The news of Sam were a double edged sword. On one hand they now had clues as to where to look, but the fact that Sam had bought three tickets – clearly to mislead his followers – pissed John off to a whole new degree of angry!
"Why these three cities?" John asked both Dean and Bobby when he had calmed down a bit.
Dean could hear Bobby in the background, and though he couldn't make out all the words, he felt certain that they talked about Bobby's cabin in Flagstaff.
"But that's too obvious" Dean said to his dad, "it would be too risky going to Bobby's place..."
John agreed with his eldest son and it was soon decided that he and Dean would head to Albuquerque, and that Bobby should go to Las Cruces.
Seeing as Dean's solo-hunt for Sam hadn't exactly gone too smoothly, John didn't want him making any other slips, and so both John and Dean set the course for the same city, while Bobby headed south to Las Cruces.
x-x
Bones was snoring softly on the foot of the bed and Sam stretched his long, lean form with a satisfied yawn. This was the life! It had been thirteen days and Sam had developed a certain way of working through the days. A hike or run in the woods, breakfast and shower, some reading, maybe a trip to town and then all afternoon to relax with Bones and his books. Oh right, and a beer! Sam had already taken a liking to a special brand and felt all grown up and independent, sitting on the small couch with a happy, four-legged best friend, Funyuns, Mr. Pibb and a cold beer next to him!
There were no Dad or Dean to boss him around, constantly telling him to do this or do that, make salt rounds, clean the weapons, practice Latin, yadayadayada! Never again, Sam swore to himself, never again. This was his life and no one should tell him how to live it!
x-x
Bobby was on the road when he got the phone call. He cussed to himself as he pulled over to the side of the road. It had been a rough nine days, and nothing had gone to plan. Neither for him nor for John and Dean. The leads they thought they could trust turned out to be a load of bullcrap and Sam was still roaming free. If he was alive that was! Bobby's stomach churned as he thought of the boy. He felt like throttling Sam, then hugging him like there was no tomorrow! Bobby was by no means a religious man, but these past days he had sent more than one prayer upwards, just in case!
The old hunter picked up his phone.
"Singer..." he said in a hoarse voice, "yeah, I do, why? No, I'm in New Mexico. Rufus dammit, just tell me what you've got!"
And then suddenly Bobby felt ten pounds lighter. Rufus had gotten a call by a friend who had seen someone occupying Bobby's old cabin, and Rufus felt almost certain that that someone had to be Sam Winchester. He had never met the boy, but the description seemed to fit.
As soon as Bobby had thanked Rufus, he called John and soon all three of them were headed to Flagstaff, Arizona. Hopefully this nightmare would soon be over!
x-x
Sam woke from Bones' low growl and his senses immediately sharpened. Someone was just outside the cabin, and Sam grabbed the knife from the small table. He felt his heart race in his chest and felt thankful that he salted the doors and windows. Oh, and having a dog with him was kind of nice too!
When a key was inserted in the lock and the door swung open Sam felt a small squeak escape him. What he saw in the doorway was a hundred time worse than any werewolf, siren or rugaru combined! He was staring at the angry form of John Winchester, and a fleeting thought of his dad resembling a raging bull made Sam wince.
"SAMUEL WINCHESTER!" the man in front of him rumbled.
Sam scrambled to his feet and couldn't help but back up a few steps. John quickly entered the house, followed by Dean and Bobby, and took three long steps to reach his youngest boy. John grabbed Sam and hugged him hard.
"We thought you were dead, Sam!" John said slowly, his voice so low that only Sam could hear.
Sam didn't answer, his face being squashed by his father's torso, making it difficult to breathe. All kinds of emotions were running through him and Sam felt almost dizzy when it dawned on him just how scared both his dad, Dean and Bobby had been. He never meant for them to feel hurt, he just wanted freedom and independence. He wanted normalcy for once in his life! Although living alone in a cabin at 15 with a stray dog as your only company probably didn't fit that term!
When John let go of Sam, Bobby stepped forward and cuffed the boy upside his head.
"What's gotten into you, ya damn idjit!" he growled and raised his eyebrows.
"Ow, Bobby... I just wanted... it was... errm"
Sam couldn't look the older hunter in the eye and quickly let his gaze wander. His eyes fell on his brother and Sam swallowed hard. He had never seen Dean this angry! His face was pale from lack of sleep, his eyes tired but still shooting daggers at his baby brother.
"Dean, I-" Sam began meekly, but was cut off.
"Shut your damn cake hole, Sammy! What the fuck's wrong with you, why'd you run, you assbutt?!"
This time Dean was the one on the receiving end of a smack to the head. He threw his father a glance and averted his eyes.
"Watch your mouth, Dean, don't make matters worse for yourself!" John said in a hoarse voice.
"So you and Bobby get to be pissed, but I just have to stay quiet. What a load of bull..." Dean blurted out before getting control of his anger.
John felt his cheeks heat up and he took a deep breath. The famous Winchester-temper was definitely hereditary!
"Go wait in your car!" he barked.
"But-"
"That was a direct order Dean!"
Dean sighed in defeat, feeling like putting on a huge pout and puppy dog eyes, but he knew that those things only ever worked for Sam.
"Yes, sir..." he mumbled and trudged to the Impala.
x-x
Bones was watching the unfolding scene curiously. He clearly sensed that Sam knew the people who were in he cabin, but he also felt Sam's discomfort and so gave a small bark to reassure his new best friend that everything would be okay.
Sam patted Bones on the head.
"So, what, you stole a dog Sammy?" John asked dryly as he looked at the caramel colored animal.
Sam raised his hands dismissively and shook his head.
"No sir, he found me. He was digging in the ground when I got here... Please Dad, let me keep him!"
John sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He knew that Sam had always wanted a pet, damn the boy had been pestering him with it since he was five, but constantly being on the road didn't exactly go well with being a dog-owner.
"Not gonna happen, Sammy, you know that..."
Sam pursed his lips, managing a top of the world pout, but he knew the battle was lost. A "John Winchester no" was final. Besides, he was in for the worst ass-kicking ever, and it wouldn't be like his dad to throw in a reward like Bones when his son had done something so obviously against the rules!
"We'll bring him to my place at first, Sam" Bobby said and looked at the boy in front of him, "but I don't think Rumsfeld will take to well to getting a buddy, so I'll put him up for adoption"
Sam nodded, his pout and sad eyes cutting right into Bobby's heart.
"Pack your stuff Sammy" John ordered gruffly, "we're leaving in ten..."
x-x
Sam felt absolutely miserable. His stomach was doing indefinite flips when he thought of his impending punishment. The last one had been freaking horrible, the stupid ruler leaving welts for days, and Sam didn't doubt for a second that the one coming his way now would be even worse!
John threw Sam' bag in his truck and turned to look at his boys. Dean was leaning on the Impala sending his brother furious looks.
"Sam, you ride with Bobby" John ordered and turned his gaze to Dean, "and you follow me!"
Bobby, Sam and Bones took off first, and John pointed a finger at his eldest.
"We have a long ride in front of us, so busting your ass already won't be fair, but when I pull over you better damn well follow, you got that!"
Dean felt his heart sink, but nodded. Getting your ass roasted on the side of the road was too freaking embarrassing, but waiting till they got to the motel of the night and risking his dad performing his smackdown in earshot of Bobby wasn't much better!
So Dean got in the Impala and started up the engine. He licked his lips, trying to focus on the fact that he had his brother back. However it did nothing to appease him and Dean turned on his music to distract himself from the angry knot in his gut. Led Zeppelin blasted through the speakers and when "Stairway to Heaven" started playing Dean gulped to himself. He was going to need a fucking "Escalator to Heaven" seeing as his dad would ensure he wouldn't walk comfortably for at least a week!
x-x
They had driven for hours when John decided that driving the last miles of the day on a sore ass fit the crime. To his right he spotted a small group of willow trees and John quickly pulled over. This would work fine!
Dean followed in the Impala and swallowed hard when he spotted the trees next to the road. He had a hunch that his dad would make use of nature in this punishment!
"Go cut a switch!" John demanded when he was standing in front of Dean.
"Yes sir" Dean sighed and sucked in his lower lip as he went to find a branch the right width.
Dean handed over the dreaded implement, not feeling too confident at the moment. This kind of punishment would be a first for Dean, but John had told his boys of the switchings he had been subjected to as a teen, and both Dean and Sam had sincerely hoped they would never find themselves in that position.
"Bend over the hood of my truck, Dean. And lose the pants!"
"Aw, Dad, come on! We're in the middle of the road!"
"Are you seriously gonna fight me on this, Dean?!"
Dean saw the look on his father's face and quickly decided that fighting would be fucking suicidal! He shook his head slightly and unbuckled his belt.
Dean lowered himself over the hood and gritted his teeth. He heard his dad whoosh the switch through the air and felt a wave of nausea wash over him. This would hurt like a bitch!
"Okay, Dean" John said "you've got 19 coming!"
Dean had already suspected that much. The amount of smacks usually correlated with the age of the offender, and Dean knew he wouldn't get through this ass-whipping without tears. The sickening noise of the switch made Dean brace himself and he jumped as the first stroke branded his boxer-clad ass with a burning, red stripe.
Dean was usually good at keeping quiet and remaining stoic for most of his punishments, but when the fifth lick caught Dean on the upper thighs he couldn't keep the pained yelp from escaping him. Holy shit, this hurt! And he still had 14 lashes waiting!
When John laid down the ninth blazing trail, Dean was panting and tears were spilling down his cheeks.
"Ahh, Dad, no!"
John waited a few extra seconds before pulling back his arm again. He steeled his heart, knowing full well what kind of pain he was causing his first born, and then let the switch kiss Dean's sit spots. The stroke emitted a loud cry of pain.
"FUUUCK, AHAOWW! I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY, PLEASE STOP!"
Both John and Dean were surprised by Dean's outburst. He never pleaded for his dad to stop, at least not half way through the punishment, but the switch was really doing its job on his poor, stinging ass. This was freaking torture!
"There are nine left Dean. It's gonna hurt like hell, but you'll survive, I promise you that much!"
Dean took a deep, shaky breath and closed his eyes.
"Just get it over with" he exclaimed through gritted teeth and heard his dad pull his arm back again.
When John finally threw the switch on the ground Dean was a mess. No doubt this had been the worst "conversation" he had ever had with Dad, and it took several moments for the teen to pull himself together. Usually he would kick off his pants and make sure to nurse his blistered rear by lying on his belly for a few hours, but this time he had to sit in the Impala and drive! For the first time ever Dean wished that he didn't have his own car and could just lie in the truck, but sadly that was not the case.
"There should be a cheap motel approximately an hour away from here, okay sport?" John said gently, looking at his sniffling son.
Dean just nodded, not trusting himself to speak yet. He carefully walked to the Impala, the welts on the crease right where ass met thigh making his movements slow and painful. Dean gasped loudly and winced when his scorched bottom made contact with the leather seat of his baby.
"Well won't this ride be awesome!" Dean thought sarcastically and followed his dad down the road.
x-x
The motel was rather lousy, the walls paper thin, the bathroom ancient and the beds creaky. Dean and Sam shared a room as usual, but for the moment Dean was alone, nursing his still fiery, throbbing backside. John had grabbed Sam by the scruff of his neck as soon as he and Dean reached the motel and had promised him the punishment of his lifetime. And Dean was sure it was! Bobby had gone off to get some food, conveniently letting John and Sam have some kind of privacy, but the gesture was rather symbolic seeing as Dean could easily hear Sam howl and beg through the wall.
x-x
Sam was hugging the bedspread tightly, his knuckles white, as John took his belt to him. Sam had expected that much, but not the number of lashes! He had felt certain that Dad would redden his ass with his hard, calloused hand and then bring down 15 agonizing lashes with his belt. The first part had been correct, and when John shook his hand to get out the sting Sam was already gasping, the first tears rolling treacherously down his face. And then John had made his heart sink. Well, more like kill it off completely!
"You're getting 29 with my belt, Sam!"
John had squinted lightly, expecting the indignant protests from his youngest.
"29! Dad, that's too much! I didn't hurt anybody, I didn't get hurt myself! Nothing happened!"
"I would say you hurt three people rather badly, Sam! We thought you were dead! And I'm sure Dean feels that you're responsible for his ass getting handed to him! 29! One for each year of your life, one for each day you were missing! Over the bed, NOW!"
Sam furrowed his brow, the puppy dog eyes emerging reflexively. He didn't even know he was pouting as well, and John had to cover a small smile. Samuel Winchester was the master of indignant sulking!
Sam considered further arguing, his rebellious nature already hating being back in the claws of his dad, but his logic made him nosedive onto the bed, his pants dropping to his knees without even being told.
And then the yelping began. Sam was sure Dad had never, ever, EVER hit him this hard! And 29 seemed completely ridiculous. It might as well have been 100!
A particularly nasty blow had Sam jerking violently forward so he banged his hipbone on the frame of the bed. The belt had caught him right on the undercurve, and as if that wasn't enough the end of the hated leather strap had wrapped around his side leaving a burning trail of fire.
"AARHAHAOOW" the boy howled and felt the nauseating pain wave run through him, "DAD I'M SO SORRY, PLEASE! I WON'T DO IT AGAIN. I PROMISE!
"Glad to hear it, Sammy, cause if there is a next time, you'll get the belt every other day for a month!"
Sam groaned into the bed as the next lick kissed his thighs and he promised himself that there would NOT be a next time. His ass would never forgive him, then!
x-x
Both Winchester-boys were lying on their stomachs, casting quick looks at each other. Sam was finally the first to break the silence.
"Dean, I'm really sorry! I... yeah, I'm just sorry."
"Shut up!" Dean answered, making Sam's heart drop to his stomach.
If Dean was still this angry Sam didn't know how to rebuild the broken trust. He felt his throat tighten and damned his attempt at freedom. It had been two awesome weeks, but family seemed to always catch up with him, making his guilty conscience punish him!
"Dean!" Sam said, his emotions clearly showing in his tone of voice.
"I said shut up!" Dean exclaimed again, making Sam's eyes swim with tears.
"Bitch!" the older brother then added and turned his bright, green eyes towards Sam.
A humongous weight was lifted off of Sam's shoulders and he returned his brother's small smile.
"You are such a jerk!" he sighed.
"Oh, I'm the jerk! You're responsible for my ass being so scorched you can fry bacon back there!"
"Well, you know, my conversation with Dad wasn't exactly awesome, so let's just drop the argument and agree that I'm a bitch and you're a jerk..."
"Fine... bitch!"
"... goodnight...jerk..."
x-x
… Dean blinked a few times and looked at his brother. Fine, so maybe he got why Sam had felt the need for freedom all those years ago, but the memory of how much his ass had hurt for the following week made Dean wince. That punishment had been the last walloping Dad had ever laid on him, and that thought made him feel girlishly mushy! Dean cleared his throat a few times. Damn this chick flick moment!
Sam looked at Dean, feeling strangely torn about the memory. Sure it had felt great being on his own, but he had really done a number on both his brother, father and surrogate uncle. And his ass! Sam opened his mouth to say something, but Dean gave him a short look and turned around.
"Let's roll..." he said and Sam sighed.
He got off the couch and patted Bones on the head, giving the dog one last loving squeeze.
"Stay" he said and started towards the door, "Bones-y, stay!"
Sam joined Dean outside and looked around. Neither one said anything, but both brothers seemed to be thinking the same thing. If this memory was the standard for this trip to heaven, it was going to be a long day!
Okay then... I think that was it. My longest one shot yet... As always feedback makes my day, so be awesome and leave me a review with your thoughts :)
- Rikke