Dean and Sam went to bed shortly after they ate. Dean was sore and worn out but wouldn't admit it. He let everyone know that Sam needed him and he was going to bed for him. Everyone knew the truth, even Sam but he didn't let on. Dean stayed close to Sam and when he thought Sam was asleep he wrapped his arm protectively over his little brother. He needed to feel Sam close to him and probably would for quite a while. He had been scared shitless when he lost Sam and needed the reassurance that they really had him back and that he was okay.
Sam needed Dean's closeness right now and he wouldn't admit it either. He didn't want to embarrass Dean by teasing him because he might change his mind and not sleep with him or not go to bed at the same time he did. He knew that Dean looked tired and he also knew that he'd gotten his backside warmed by Uncle Bobby, for what he didn't know, but he kept his mouth shut. He pretended to be asleep so Dean would drape his arm across his shoulders. Even though Azazel said it would be fifteen days, he needed to feel protected. He smiled when Dean grabbed him in a quick hug before his settled his arm around Sam. He felt loved when he felt his big brother lean over, kiss his forehead and whisper 'I missed you so much Do this again and I'll kick your ass! I love you Sammy.' It took all his strength not to tell Dean he missed him and loved him too. He didn't want to embarrass his brother so he said it silently in his head.
Dinner was finished; Dean and Sam were passed out. Dean had his arm protectively thrown over Sam's shoulders. John stepped through the connecting door into Bobby's room graciously accepting the coffee that was being offered to him. John sat and let out a sigh as he did. It had been a
long exasperating day and he'd be glad to be at Bobby Singer's house. He was exhausted and closed his eyes for a brief minute as he ran his hand down his haggard face, thinking about what had brought them there. His thoughts went to Azazel and he shivered not from fear but from anger at everything that bastard has put him and his family through. Why the demon chose his family to mess with baffled him. They weren't anything special as far as he knew, just a Typical middle class family, a beautiful Mom, 2 sons and a gruff hard working mechanic Dad, nothing but a typical blue collar family, why did Azazel choose them? How in the hell did they get on fucking demon radar?
"A penny for your thoughts Johnny?" Bobby asked.
"Sorry Bobby, just tired and feeling a little bit sorry for myself. So, what did Dean do for you to wear him out?"
"I'll tell you but it stays between us. My watch, I handled it. He's in enough hot water with you I promised him I'd keep this between him and I. Okay?"
"Deal, what'd he do?"
"Damn idjit tried to go into the woods after Bones after I warned him to stay away from them. There was nothing physical but I just had a bad vibe. I made him run four miles to burn off some of his energy but made him do it away from the woods. Then when he was done, Bones started barking and ran into the woods. I sensed something and grabbed him and bent him over and wore him out. I wasn't easy on the kid."
"Hint taken Singer, it stays between you and Dean."
"Good because I got no problem giving you front row tickets too." Bobby joked.
John laughed out loud, "Thanks Bobby, I needed that."
"I aim to please Winchester. So, I told you mine tell me yours."
"I just don't know. Something's upsetting Sammy enough to give him horrible dreams but he won't talk about it to Dean or me. I'm not sure if he's trying to protect us or what but I don't like it." John said. "On a brighter note, the new antibiotic is working. His fever didn't spike back up quite as high this time."
"Good, it's about time something went right." Bobby commented getting up to top off his coffee. "You need a refill?"
"Yes, thanks."
Bobby handed John the warm coffee and sat across the table from him. Neither said anything for a few minutes. Then Bobby asked,
"So what are we going to do about Azazel? How do we find him and kill the bastard and his kids?"
"I'm going to talk to Ash and have him check to see if anything weird happened in Flagstaff for the last three days. If there is a pattern to anything like weather, maybe we can use to track them."
"Sounds like a plan. So, how do you think Sammy is really doing? Are we in for a long recovery?"
"If the bad dreams are any indication, then yes I'd say we were in for a long hard road."
"Balls, I thought you'd say that. We also need to talk about Sam's punishments and come to an agreement about them."
"I agree, I also think that Dean needs to be included in the discussion. It was on his watch that Sammy took off and the kid was worried as hell about his little brother."
"He still is if the way he has his arm draped over Sam protectively is any indication."
"Your right, we'll need some time to heal from what Sam did and what was done to him. I want that bastard and his family to pay for everything they put us and Sam through."
"I think we all would like a turn at them before we send them back to hell!" Bobby exclaimed.
"Damn straight! Well, thanks for the coffee and the company." John said getting up. "I want to get to your house and get my boys off the demon radar for a while, so I think a little shut eye is in order. Thanks for everything Singer."
"We're family ya idjit. Night John."
Bobby rinsed out the coffee cups and set them by the sink. He went and took a shower before bed, to make sure he had hot water. He stood in the doorway staring at his family, thankful that they not only found a way into his life but into the heart of the gruff grumpy hunter. He never had kids of his own but was thankful that John Winchester shared his. He and John missed their wives terribly but together as brothers they are raising two wonderful boys. He climbed into his bed thinking about how lucky he was to be given a chance like this.
John was too tired to shower. He heard Bobby's shower start and knew he could use his in the morning while his boys fought over the one in here. He took one last look at his sons before he drifted off. Sam was laying on Dean's arm and Dean was wrapped around him. He knew Sam started to have a nightmare but snuggling with Dean stopped it because they didn't hear anything in the next room with the door open. He double checked to be sure there were weapons within his reach and rolled on his side and went to sleep.
Amazingly Sam made it through the night without a nightmare. They were woken up at 7am when Uncle Bobby came in with some breakfast. He had gotten up and showered and was out the door by 6:30am. John took this opportunity to grab his shower and get his stuff packed back up to hit the road as soon as they finished their food. Sam and Dean quickly got their showers in and their bags repacked. Dean knew that Sam was as eager to be at Bobby's as the rest of them were. Dean and Sam gathered up their stuff and were about to head out when John hollered,
"Dean, take Sammy's bag to the car. Sam come here you need your medicine and we need to talk."
The boys looked at each other and Dean winked at Sam. Dean squeezed Sam's hand as he took his bag. Sam took a deep breath and headed to where his dad indicated that he go. His dad nodded to the right for Sam to take a seat next to him. He sat and looked up at his dad with his biggest puppy eyes. John smiled at Sam and said,
"No I'm not going to yell at you yet. That'll be after you're well. What I wanted to ask you Sammy is do you need any pain pills? I know you really don't like them but I also know you're still hurting and we have a long trip ahead of us."
"Yes sir, I think I would like some."
"Okay, do you want the ones that will knock you out for a while or the ones that will just make you a little groggy and sleepy that will take the edge off of the pain?"
"How often am I allowed to take them?" Sam questioned.
"Well the groggy one's every 4-6 hours, the others you can take every 8 hours."
"Can I take the groggy ones now and then after lunch I'll be ready to take the knock out ones? That way I can be awake for a little while and sleep if I want to."
"Sounds good." John said handing the pills to Sam and watching him take them.
Sam swallowed the pills with a little bit of difficulty so John asked him feeling his forehead and ruffling his hair. "By the way, how are you feeling? Your fever is better but what about your sore throat"
"Still just a little sore but not too bad. I think I'm actually feeling the best I have in a while. Thanks Daddy." Sam leaned into his dad's arms then reached around and hugged him.
It felt so good to have his arms around his son that John couldn't help but to get teary eyed. He leaned over and wrapped Sam into a big hug and lay his cheek on Sam head and breathed in the scent of his son once again. Even though they had Sam for two nights now, he won't let his guard down for a while after they get to Bobby's. But in that brief couple of minutes he shut out the world and just took the time to hug his son. Sam melted into his dad and just basked in the love he was feeling.
Bobby came to the door, which Dean left open to run back inside if his dad tried to do anything stupid like spank Sam. He knew they had all agreed that Sam was spanked enough but when it came to Sammy Dean took no chances. Bobby smiled and nodded in John's direction as he took in the beautiful site before saying hi. John smiled back and hugged Sam harder.
Sammy missed his family so much and felt guilty for everything he put them through. His mind started racing and he couldn't stop thinking about this and soon a few tears started to fall. Then he couldn't help it, he started to cry harder and before he could help it he was sobbing.
John noticed the tell-tale signs of crying then Sammy's body was wracking with sobs. John grabbed his son off the bed and pulled him into his lap. He could hear Sammy repeating 'sorry Daddy, sorry Daddy' over and over and asked him,
"Tiger what's wrong? Are you okay? Sammy, Daddy's got you. It's going to be okay. We'll get through this the four of us together as a family will work this all out. Calm down tiger, I love you. "
"M'… sorry….M'…. Sorry.. M' Sorry."
Dean heard Sammy's cries and ran from the Impala as fast as he could. He shoved Uncle Bobby out of the way hard to get to Sam. He knew it wasn't something he should have done, but nobody was going to keep him from Sammy.
"Sammy what's wrong, are you okay?" Dean carded his hand through Sam's hair. He looked at his Dad and yelled. "What did you do to him? I thought he wasn't going to be yelled at or punished until we got to Uncle Bobby's."
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Calm down right now Dean. You'd better tone down your voice and reign in that attitude! Do you understand?"
"Yes sir."
"I'm beginning to rethink my decision to wait on your punishments until we get to Uncle Bobby's too."
"Dad I'm sorry please wait so I can drive comfortably."
"You're on thin ice son. To answer your question, I haven't yelled at him or punished him. He just has a lot on his mind and this has been coming since last night. I wanted some time alone with him so he could get it out."
"Sorry Sammy, Sorry Dad." Dean said but he wouldn't leave his brother's side, he sat on the floor and rubbed Sammy's back.
"Don't you think you owe an apology to someone else Dean?"
Dean kept his head down and raised his eyes to look for Uncle Bobby. He found him standing in the doorway that connected the two rooms. He looked into the somewhat angry eyes of his Uncle Bobby. Bobby aimed an index finger at Dean and beckoned him with his finger and then pointed to a spot in front of him. Dean closed his eyes, and let out a deep breath, knowing he was in trouble. He got up and walked to where his Uncle pointed.
Bobby wasn't too happy about being pushed by his 16 year old nephew, but he could understand what the kid was going through. He had to fight a smile as Dean tried to give him Sam's puppy eyes and failed miserably. He motioned for Dean to come to him and when he got there he moved out of the boy's way and ushered him in the room. He winked at John as he followed Dean in the room and closed the door between them.
Dean wasn't sure what to do or where to go so he went to the middle of the room and turned back towards Uncle Bobby. He gulped as Bobby shut the door behind them. He stood at attention as he knew that would be expected. He jumped a little as Bobby's gruff angry voice said,
"Eyes up Dean."
Dean looked up into Bobby's eyes and said,
"Sorry Uncle Bobby."
"You want to tell me what in the hell that was all about son?"
"I'm really sorry, sir; I heard Sammy crying and all I could think of was that I needed to get to him to see what the problem was. I know it's not rational but I didn't want anyone to stop me from getting to him, not even you or Dad. I really didn't mean to push you sir. I'll take whatever punishment you want to give me."
"Didn't I just do this yesterday?"
"Yes sir,"
"Well, to start with, I'm going to do things a little differently than you are used to." Bobby stated as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter and tossed it to Dean.
Dean caught it and looked at his Uncle like he had lost his mind. Dean was waiting for an explanation but when Uncle Bobby didn't give one immediately, he asked,
"What's this for sir?"
"Well, you're going to take this quarter and walk over to that wall. Then you're going to hold the quarter against the wall with your nose until I say you can stop. If the quarter falls, you'll go over my knee, then we'll get out a nickel and you can start over again. We will go from a nickel to a penny to a dime if necessary. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"
"Yes sir."
"Also, if I have to repeat this anytime within the next week, we go to the smaller coin too. Am I making myself clear?"
"Yes sir, I understand."
"Well then pick your spot, and don't move until I say."
"Yes sir, sorry Uncle Bobby."
"I forgive ya son now do as you're told."
This was definitely a new one for Dean. He wasn't sure if he would like this. Sometimes he fidgets in the corner and you can't fidget holding up a quarter. 'This sucks big time' Dean thought praying that this wouldn't be a long drawn out thing. He doesn't think he'd last long.
Bobby sat in a chair drinking a cup of coffee watching Dean fight with this. He had all he could do to stop himself from laughing at the visible distress Dean was showing. He watched Dean reach up and hold the quarter with his finger as he adjusted to get more comfortable. Just as he was about to put his nose back on the coin Bobby said,
"Dean."
"Yes sir?" Dean looked to his Uncle.
"Come here son." Bobby ordered as he stood up.
Dean reluctantly walked over to stand at attention in front of the man. Bobby wrapped an arm around Dean and bent him over. He landed two swats that had Dean jumping and yelping. Then he stood him up and told him,
"In the future, that is the same as the coin hitting the floor but because I didn't tell you, you can keep the quarter. Now hurry so we can get on the road."
"Aren't you going to spank me for pushing you sir?"
"Nope, I'm sure when you finally feel your Daddy's wrath it will be with a belt. Just count a few of those licks from me. We danced yesterday and I really don't want to dance today unless you do something else stupid. So, wall go now!"
"I don't deserve it Uncle Bobby but thank you!"
"You're welcome now don't make me regret it!"
Dean ran to the wall and even though he felt totally stupid, he held the quarter up for 15 minutes and was released by Uncle Bobby. He walked over to hand the coin to his Uncle and Bobby told him,
"Keep that on you so I won't have to search for one next time."
"You mean like forever?"
"I was joking Dean, but you can keep it and remember when you go to spend it, why you have it and try not to repeat the same mistake."
"Yes sir. Hey Uncle Bobby?"
"Yeah kid."
"I didn't like crack your hip or anything did I. I hear old peoples' bones break easily."
"Get your ass to the car before I change my mind and take my belt to your backside ya idjit."
"Yes sir."
Dean ran to the car, to find Sammy and his dad out there already. Bobby re-checked the room one more time before he locked the door and grabbed the other key from John to get checked out. Sam checked Dean over then climbed in the backseat and laid down. John looked at Dean and pointed to the spot in front of him. Dean, not sure if he was going to get his ears, ass or both blistered, quickly walked over where his dad pointed so he could get this over with before Uncle Bobby came back.
"Yes sir?"
"What was that all about? What the hell did you do?"
"You didn't see?"
"If I saw do you think I'd be asking?"
"No sir."
"Well, what did you do?"
"Dad can I please tell you when we get to Uncle Bobby's house?"
"Why do you want to wait?"
"Because Uncle Bobby turned in the keys so we can't go back into the room and I know what you'll do to me plus I still need to help drive sir."
John wasn't happy with that answer at all. He leaned inside the Impala and asked Sam,
"Sammy, can Dean sit with you for a while, or do you want me to sit back there with you?"
"If I say you will it save Dean's ass until we get to Uncle Bobby's?"
"No, Dean may be driving with a sore ass. The question was for your comfort not his."
"I'd really like Dean to sit with me for a while Daddy."
"Okay, that's not a problem tiger." He stood back up and looked at Dean. "Okay son, tell me what you did and what punishment you got."
"John, is there something wrong?" Bobby asked as he walked back up from the motel office.
"Just trying to get my son to explain to me why he was in trouble with you."
"Oh, I dealt with some of it. Can't it wait until we get to my place?"
'Thank you' Dean mouthed behind his Dad's back.
"Depends on what he did."
"Well, sorry kid. I tried."
"It's okay Uncle Bobby. I did the crime, I gotta do the time. I'm still sorry. It wasn't on purpose. I wasn't thinking about anything but Sam."
John was out of patience. He grabbed Dean, turned him sideways and delivered swat after swat rapidly. Dean was jumping and yelping to try to avoid the punishing blows. He turned him around and yelled
"Dean Eric Winchester, now that I have your attention, tell me right now what you did!"
Trying to stop his voice from cracking and keep from crying, Dean quickly told his Dad what he'd done,
"I heard Sammy crying and ran to get to him to make sure he was okay."
"Okay, I understand that what else?"
"UncleBobbywasstandinginthedo orwaysoipushedhimoutoftheway togetin." Dean mumbled quickly.
"Uncle Bobby was standing in the doorway and what? Repeat the last part slowly. Because if you said what I think you said, your bare ass is going to meet my belt over the hood of the Impala right now!"
Dean looked into his Dad's eyes as he popped the button on his jeans and slid the zipper down. He backed up from where he was standing, to the front of the Impala, maintaining eye contact at all times. Tears were slowly falling from his eyes. He lowered his jeans and boxers, leaned over the hood and said,
"I shoved Uncle Bobby out of my way almost knocking him down, to get to Sammy." He laid his head on the hood and waited for the 'wrath of John' to turn sitting down into a memory.
His Dad didn't disappoint. No sooner had he lay his head on the Impala, did John have his belt through the loops and landed the first lick. Dean didn't fight the tears. He deserved this because Uncle Bobby didn't deserve to be treated the way Dean treated him.
Bobby, not wanting to witness the kid getting his ass blistered decided to let Bones out one more time before they left. He know Dean shouldn't have pushed him but dammit he hated the sound, even if he's the one delivering the ass handing.
John hated disrespect and he usually took a very hard stand against it. Shoving an adult was definitely disrespect big time. Normally Dean's age, 16, would have been the minimum number of licks, extra for disobeying and disrespect. After four licks John stopped. Dean didn't do this on purpose, he has always had a blind spot for Sam and right now it's on full red alert. John got his anger under control realizing that they were all emotional right now. Dean more than cooperated with his punishment and Bobby handled some of it. John felt the kid learned his lesson and had enough.
Dean was crying over the hood of the Impala. He wasn't sure why his Dad stopped. He could only guess he went to cut a switch for such blatant disrespect. He held position and actually jumped when John placed his hand on his back and started rubbing. He turned and look through his tears and barley said 'Dad?' loud enough to be heard. John looked into his eyes and said,
"We're done son. You didn't do this on purpose you were on Sammy radar and nothing was going to stop you. I don't approve but I understand and I feel that along with your Uncle Bobby's punishment earlier, four licks are enough."
"Thank you Daddy. I really am sorry. I just heard Sammy crying and I had to get to him nothing else mattered. I apologized to Uncle Bobby and did corner time well not exactly, but I was in time out at any rate and it was enough to remember to think before I act."
"Now I'm confused. Did you do time in a corner or not?"
"It's different. I'll explain it to you in the car. Can we leave now?"
"Yes, climb in with your brother." John said to Dean and then turned to Bobby, "Singer, you and the mutt about ready?"
"Yeah, let's get to my place."
They loaded up and started the ten and a half hour trip to Sioux Falls South Dakota. Dean was trying to find a comfortable position to sit in. He could tell that Sam was getting upset by all the squirming. John noticed him close his eyes for a brief second and resolve to sit still and see to Sammy's needs not his own. John wasn't sure if he should feel pride in the way Dean cared for Sam or if he should be ashamed of himself for letting it get to that point by being gone so much. Sam and John both laughed at Dean when he told them,
"Yes, he seriously made me hold a quarter to the wall with my nose. Look," Dean said pulling the quarter out of his pocket. "You can't hold it with your hand or you go over his knee. You let it fall you go over his knee. Then to make matters worse, if you let it drop or you get in trouble and sent to the wall within the same week, you go to a smaller coin."
"I just have one question, why do you have the quarter?" Sam was curious.
"So when I see it, I remember why I was punished. That way, I don't repeat the same mistakes."
"I hope he doesn't make me do that for running away and worrying you all."
"That was kind of stupid Sammy. Dad's right in the front seat and if he tells Uncle Bobby you hate the idea of it then he probably will do it, since they aren't spanking you and all."
"Dammit, I didn't think about that."
"You didn't think about a lot, watch the language!" Dad yelled from the front seat.
"Yes sir, sorry." Sam mumbled.
The stop for lunch was uneventful. They made a quick job of it. They were all wanting to get to Bobby's place. Sam decided to take the pill that would knock him out. He didn't rest all morning as he and Dean horsed around and teased each other. This brought back memories of a time when the kids were much younger. John missed some of their innocence. John told Dean to sleep too. He was just going to drive. Sam would sleep and wouldn't need him and Dean looked worn out.
The only other stops they made were to refuel and they made them all snack and bathroom breaks. With the boys sleeping the majority of the way, John and Bobby made good time. It was around 7 pm when they pulled into Sioux Falls. Bobby called John and told him that he ordered pizza and it would be ready by 7:30pm. After they got unloaded he would run and get it.
As they pulled into Singer Auto Salvage Sam woke up. From the look on the kids face, you'd think they just pulled into Disney Land. He was grinning like the Cheshire cat. Dean looked at him like he was crazy and just had to ask,
"Okay Sammy spill it, what's got you high as a kite, grinning from ear to ear?"
Sam looked at his Dad and then at Dean and said, "I'm finally home."