To Sam it seemed like he'd been gone months instead of about two weeks. He knows they really don't have a "home" but Uncle Bobby's is as close as they come. He slowly got out of the Impala and just looked around. His smile was a bit contagious. Bobby, who hadn't heard Sammy say why he was smiling, asked,
"Sammy, what's got you so happy? Are you feeling better?"
"Yes sir, I feel a lot better. My throat hurts but not as much. I'm happy because I'm glad to be home"
"For as long as it's here Sammy, this is your home!" Bobby reassured him.
Sam was caught off guard when Bones jumped up on him and licked him. He almost hit the ground from being weak and the force of Bone's impact. He recovered enough to rub the dog's back as he buried his face in the golden yellow fur. He pulled his head back and looked into Bone's eyes and told the dog,
"You're such a good boy. We're finally home Bones. Look around it's everything I told you it was. Did you and Uncle Bobby have a good trip? He's great isn't he? I told you my family was awesome even if we don't always agree on anything, when push comes to shove we got each other's back." Sammy turned his head in Uncle Bobby and his Dad's direction and asked,
"Does Bones need to be on a leash or can he run around the yard?"
"He can run around the yard as long as he doesn't go anywhere or get into anything he shouldn't. If he does we'll talk and figure out what to do then okay?"
"Yes sir, thanks Uncle Bobby," Sam turned back to Bones, "You hear that Bones? Now, go and explore your new home, I'm getting tired and need to go inside so you get."
Dean's Sammy radar kicked in and he grabbed Sam and wrapped his arm around his little brother. Normally Sam would complain but since he was really worn out, he leaned into his brother and let him support him into the house. Dean looked and his Uncle and Dad and asked,
"Bedroom or bunker?"
"Bedroom" Sammy yelled and looked at them with his biggest best puppy eyes.
John and Bobby looked at each other and then back to Dean and they both bellowed "bunker."
"No Daddy please, not the bunker."
"Sammy, you were held captive by a demon and are on his radar for some reason. I want you off of it so that means a week or so in the bunker got it?"
"Yes sir, but I want you to know I don't like it and I'm sick and you're being mean."
"I'm so glad to see my Sammy is slowly coming back to me. I want you to remember one thing Sam."
"What?" He said with a snarky attitude.
"I can always make it much much longer and bring you lots and lots of Latin to translate. Now stow the attitude!"
"Yes sir, sorry"
Dean helped his brother get in the house and down the stair to the bunker. He led them to Sam's bed and got him settled. He looked at Sam and asked him,
"So, what's with the attitude? You knew you were headed here when we left Flagstaff. Didn't you?"
"Yes, but doesn't mean I have to like it."
"How are you feeling?" He reached over to feel Sam's forehead only to have Sam bat it away. "Put you hand down and knock it off Sammy, I'm going to feel for a fever so back off."
"Alright, sorry Dean."
Dean felt his head and it was a bit warm. Nothing like as hot as it was but still hot enough to warrant some Tylenol.
"Okay is there anything besides feeling bad that is bothering you? Because you went from being happy to being ornery. What's going on Sammy?"
"I just don't feel good."
"Sammy, don't lie to me, not sick you can hardly lie to me but being sick you never could keep much from me."
"It's nothing; it would just make me seem like a big baby."
"You are a big baby but you're our big baby, now spill it!"
"Fine, I started to miss you guys and then Azazel got to me which made me miss you more. I just really wanted to come here and spend time together as a family. It was a stupid idea anyway. It's not like we've done much of that in the past, why should I care if I miss out on it now?"
"Tiger you went through hell and you're bound to want to spend some time alone with just us, but we went through hell too and we want you safe. So, if it means the bunker for a week or two, then it's the bunker. Don't worry; I won't leave you unless it's an order from Dad or Uncle Bobby. I've got some punishment coming my way too. As long as you are stuck down here, I'll be sleeping by your side. Besides who says that we can't spend some time as a family down here?"
"Yeah, right who would willingly want to come down here and hang out?"
"To spend time with you, we would." Dad said as he and Bobby walked into the room.
"He's right Sammy. We were scared that we might have lost you for a while there. We want to be around you to make sure you're okay. That and the fact that we missed you something fierce."
"We will be spending a lot of time together, here in the bunker and in the house when I feel it's safer. You and Dean are going to be like conjoined twins after you get better. You both have a lot of punishment writing and training to do."
Sam flinched at the word training. They all thought it was because he hated all the PT and weapon's training. But it brought back a memory for him.
FLASHBACK:
Azazel put his arm around Sammy and said,
"I want you to practice this new skill. Keep training and in fifteen days, I'll be back and I'd better see an improvement. You are going to be able to throw a person across the room by the time we're done do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir"
"Remember, what happens if you disobey me?"
"Yes sir, you are going to either punish me or my brother."
"That's my boy. Be warned, this time it will be Dean."
END OF FLASHBACK:
"Sam, did you hear me?" Dad asked
"Sorry sir, no."
"I asked how you were feeling."
"My head and throat hurt a little but not too bad. I'm really tired though."
"Here's some of your stuff Sam. Dean, go take care of Bones. Then get all the bags. Take mine to my room and come find me." Dad ordered.
"Yes sir." Dean answered and left the bunker.
"It's time for your medicine Sam. Which pain pill would you like?"
"The one to knock me out please."
"Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes with it."
"And I'm going to get you something to eat so you don't take the pills on and empty stomach. If you get knocked out, it should be dinner time when you wake up."
"Okay Dad, can I eat upstairs?"
"NO!" Both adults in the room yelled.
"Geez, okay I get it my ass is grounded in this beautiful room until I get a pardon."
"That's my boy you finally get it." John laughed. "It's not going to be as bad as you think. You will have company most of the time. Dean will have some miles to run but Uncle Bobby or I will come down here if that's the case."
"Thanks Dad," Sam says. "I'm just a little leery about being alone right now."
"Well kiddo, we are just as leery about leaving you alone. That being said, will you be okay long enough for me to get your pills?"
"Yes sir, just shut the door please."
"You got it tiger." John leaned over and kissed Sammy's head expecting him to complain but when he didn't, he smiled down at his son.
"Love ya Dad."
"Love you too Sammy."
Sam waited until he heard the door shut and the sound of their footsteps on the stairs to jump out of the bed. He had to look fast not sure how long before he got company again. He needed something small and light weight to practice on. Finally after a few minutes he found a ruler.
He laid it on the desk, walked back to the door and double checked for company. Finding no one, he concentrated on the ruler, extended his hand and willed it to move. Nothing happened. He tried again, still nothing. He shook his head trying to calm his nerves. 'This isn't normal.' He thought.
"I'm not normal." He said quietly out loud. "I have demon blood in me."
He thought about his frame of mind when he moved the spoon. Azazel, hate for Azazel, protection for Dean and a sore ass. He pulled out a stool and plopped down on it. "Oww" He yelled. He extended his hand and concentrated on Azazel, and Dean while squirming on his sore ass. Then he looked at the ruler and imagined it hurdling towards Azazel's face at full speed. The ruler flew off the table.
"Whoa tiger, trying to poke out my eye?"
Sam instantly lowered his hand and looked at his brother and said,
"Sorry Dean, I didn't hear you come down. I just hate that because of Azazel, I have to stay down here. I hate it and I don't want to do it."
"I know Sammy and you know that we wouldn't keep you here if we didn't think it wasn't absolutely necessary right?"
"Yeah, I know. Please don't tell Dad. I'll keep my temper in check. Just had to let off a little steam."
"I won't say anything. Here is your bag. Chuck it around a little and then put it away."
"Alright."
"You gonna be okay? I mean I could keep you company until Dad gets back."
"M' not a baby Dean, I'm fine."
"Good, I'll be back as soon as I can. I think the 'find me' from Dad meant running when I'm done. So, I might be a little while. You should be asleep shortly after your pill anyway."
"You're right I'll be both, okay and asleep. See you at dinner and thanks."
"You're welcome. Get you stuff put away. Then get back into bed. No more throwing shit, bitch" Dean yelled handing the ruler back to Sammy.
"Alright, I got it, jerk." Sammy smiled at his big brother.
He once again listened for Dean's footsteps, looked out the door and tried again. He needed to be able to harness the anger he needed to make things move without going through all these steps. He needed the emotions without delay.
He wanted to tell his Dad or at least Dean about all of this, but knew he couldn't risk that they wouldn't get hurt or killed by Azazel or his kids. So he had to keep his mouth shut and become the monster that Azazel wanted him too.
Sam tried a few more times before he went to unpack. He didn't want to risk being caught. He was able to get the ruler to shake and move an inch or two before he quit. He really had to find the time to work on this. His backside was healing and he didn't want to anger the man. He also wanted to protect his family. He may only be twelve but he knows any one of his family would do this for him so there was no question that he was going to do it for them.
His head was really starting to hurt more than it did earlier. He was sure it was because he was concentrating so hard to move that ruler. When his did showed up with his pills, it hurt to open his eyes.
"Sammy, are you okay? What have you been doing?"
"My head hurts Daddy. I was just walking around and putting away my clothes, things like that."
"Well, until further notice you aren't to do anything but rest and get better. Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal clear sir."
"Okay, soup's on." Bobby says coming into the bunker.
John helped Sam sit up and they got a rolling tray table for him to eat off of. Sam really just wanted to sleep but knew he needed to eat something so nobody got suspicious. He made it a goal to eat the one bowl of soup and take his meds but nothing else. By the time he finished he was tired and nauseous. He was so ready for a nice long refreshing nap. He was asleep as soon as he rolled over.
"Poor kid was worn out." Bobby said.
"You know how he gets on long car trips. I was hoping he'd outgrow it but I guess that was just wishful thinking." John answered. He bent down, moved Sam's hair out of his eyes, kissed the top of his son's head and whispered,
"I love you Tiger."
Bobby ruffled Sam's hair. Both men reveling in the fact that their Sammy was home safe and sound. They went over to the table in the room and sat down to eat their snack and drink their coffee. Dean walked in seeing Sam passed out he smiles knowing that the kid needed to rest. He walked over to his Dad.
"I've got all of that done Sir."
"Pull up a chair and grab a sandwich. This is a snack to last us until dinner."
"Dad, not to be rude but if you're going to send me running, can I please eat after I get back so it don't puke please?"
"Yeah, go five miles then you can come hang out down here with your brother so he's not alone when he wakes up."
"Yes sir, thank you. Uncle Bobby, thanks for the food." Dean said as he grabbed his sweats and headed to use the bathroom and to change for his run.
Dean reluctantly started his five mile run. Bobby decided he was going to head to the store to get some food and supplies while John settled in at the desk researching something for Rufus trying to start paying the man back for Sam's use of his cabin.
John was lost in an article when he heard Sammy start to moan. He grabbed a book and climbed in bed with Sam. He pulled his son onto his chest and rubbed his back as he read more about the popobawa, a shape shifter that means "bat-wing" because of its shadow before it attacks. 'If this is what Rufus is hunting, how the hell did it get here from Africa?' John was thinking. Sam started tossing and turning mumbling 'fifteen days Azazel'.
Sam was standing in a field. He looked around and then he started to panic as he recognized where he was. He looked for Azazel but didn't see him. 'It hasn't been fifteen days yet. What if he wants to see my progress? What am I going to do? Don't let him hurt Dean!' Sam thought. He didn't see Azazel but that didn't mean that he wasn't there, so Sam started running. He ran and ran and ran.
John could tell that Sam was very distressed and no matter what he did, he couldn't calm Sam down or get him awake. Sam was violently thrashing in the bed as Dean walked in.
"Grab me the Ativan shot."
"Dad no that thing gives one hell of a hangover."
"Dean, do it now, look at your brother, he's going to hurt himself."
Dean reluctantly gets the shot and goes to help his Dad to get Sammy calm enough to be able to administer the shot. They give Sam the shot and he instantly calms down and goes back to a restless sleep.
"Thank you son," John started. "Just so you know I've toned that shot down a lot since the reaction you had to it. Sam won't have it as bad as you did so please trust me."
"I do trust you dad. I just remember how shitty it was when I got that shot and Sammy's been through enough and I didn't want him to have to go through that too."
"I get that son, but you saw him. He was out of control having a terrible nightmare and I had to help him. This was the best way I could see to help."
"You're right Dad. I just hated to think of Sammy having the drug hangover I had."
"That shouldn't happen son."
"Thanks Dad. I'm going to go grab a shower before I eat is that okay?"
"Yes, that's fine. Now that Sammy is better, I need to get back to my research. I'll stay with him until you get back."
Dean was a little worn out from the run. He hadn't really been keeping to his running schedule since he realized that Sam had run away. He was looking forward to a long hot shower. He got undressed and climbed in. The pulsing hot waves of water cascading over his tired muscles eased the pain and he relaxed. When he realized that Dad had started his punishment without officially announcing it, he cringed. 'Shit' he thought. That means his dad was probably going to hand him his ass tonight or tomorrow. What did his Dad say, "Our first dance will be after we get Sam settled at Bobby's." He was also due licks with a belt at least once a week for as long as Dad thought it was necessary. 'Hopefully not longer than a month' he prayed, four rounds with Dad's belt is enough for a lifetime.
John was gathering more sources on where to find information on the popobawa. He wanted to make sure it was like a regular shape shifter or skin walker in its actions and how you kill it before Rufus called tonight for an update. He had a lot on his mind but tried to concentrate on the task before him. His mind kept drifting to his sons. Thoughts running through his head were, 'what did that bastard do to Sam that he is having such horrible violent nightmares? And do I start Dean's punishment tonight and get it over with or wait a few days?'
He was so lost in thought. That he didn't hear the door open and Bobby talk to him.
"Winchester, I'm back do you need anything?"
No response from John. This worries Bobby.
"John, are you okay?"
Still no response from the man who jumps at the slightest sound. Ready to attack anything that might hurt him or his family.
"Johnny, what's wrong?" Bobby reaches out and touches John on the shoulder.
Wrong thing to do, John quickly grabs Bobby's arm and flips him. He is standing over him with his knife drawn ready to attack. He looks Bobby in the eye and Bobby looks up at him, smiles and says,
"OWWW, nervous much? Balls that hurt."
John turned red and reaches out his hand to pull him up,
"Sorry Bobby, but why the hell did you sneak up on me like that? You should know better."
"I do know better." Bobby explained brushing off his pants. "I said your name and asked you a question three times before I touched you. Damn idjit, now I'm going have a bruised hip."
"I'm so sorry Singer." John said remorsefully. Then jokingly added, "You're so old you're lucky it's not a broken hip. I'll make it up to you."
"You can make it up to me by telling me what's got the mighty John Winchester so upset that he doesn't jump at the sound of his name."
Dean heard the commotion and stood by the door out of sight not wanting to get involved but wanting to know what the hell was going on.
"What's got me upset? Azazel and my boys." John started. "Bobby, he hurt Sammy badly enough that he's still having nightmares and then there's Dean. I know he was just trying to find Sam and then looking out for him so I shouldn't punish him but dammit, I told him to stay put." John's face turned beat read and he was yelling.
"It could have been a trap and I could be BURYING him right now." John had to pause and gain control back as his voice started to hitch. Dean's eyes filled with tears seeing the pain and anguish his Dad was in.
"I CAN'T live with that. I can't let him get away with it either. I feel like I'm damned if I do and stupid as fuck if I don't follow through and tan his ass but good. I understand his reasons, God knows I do, but I can't let it slide. I can't let him think that it's okay to do whatever the hell he wants to because, by the grace of God, the ending turned out okay." John pauses and turns to his closest friend and asks, "Bobby, am I doing the right thing?"
"John, let me answer you this way. If you don't hand that boy his ass but good, I'll do it myself!"
"Good to know I have two people who want to see my ass as red as a Santa suit. Who you gonna call? Uncle Bobby. It's always nice to know you have a backup Dad."
"Come here." John points to the spot in front of him. Once Dean is standing where he was directed to, John asks him. "How long you been standing out there Dean?"
"I saw you help Uncle Bobby up off the floor sir." He knows his dad hates eavesdropping so he added the sir for good measure.
"Did you stay hidden on purpose or did we just not see you?"
"You didn't see me," Dean hesitates, "because I stayed hidden on purpose Dad. Sorry."
"That's what I thought." He turns Dean and swats him hard enough to catch Dean's attention three times. He looks at Dean and says, "I think it's time we have our first dance tonight before bed, Understand?
"Yes sir.
"Speaking of tonight, we're going to be having company." Bobby announces.
"What? Who?" John inquires.
"It seems that Ellen and Jo can't wait to come and see for themselves that Sam's back unharmed. They'll be here in a couple of hours for dinner. They have to head out first thing after breakfast. They're headed to Nevada to see Ellen's folks."
Dean froze but didn't say a word. Inside he was begging and pleading for his Dad to wait one more night. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. He didn't want to be embarrassed by getting his ass beat with Ellen and Jo here. But he wasn't stupid either. If Dad had his mind made up, then nothing was going to change that.
Bobby and John both immediately picked up on the tension pouring in waves off from the immobile Dean. Bobby nodded towards Dean and John nodded back at Bobby.
"It figures that Ellen has to come and see that he's safe for herself. It's the motherly instinct she feels for the boys." John answered pretending that he doesn't notice Dean's actions or lack of action.
"Well, I'm going to go get dinner started. I might need some help getting set up for two more. Okay Dean?"
Dean jumped at the sound of his name, but recovered quickly. "Yes sir, May I sit with Sammy for a while before I come help?"
"Sure I'll holler for you in about one to one and a half hours. Okay?"
"Yes sir, that's perfect thank you."
Bobby headed up the stairs and Dean looking dejected went to climb in bed and hold his baby brother for a little while. He got settled in and was carding his hand through Sammy hair when his dad said,
"Hey Ace?"
"Yeah Dad?"
"You look like you have something on your mind. Care to spill the beans?"
"Well um…"
"I'm not the monster you're making me out to be. Just ask.
"Okay can we have our 'talk' tomorrow night instead of tonight? Please Dad, I'm sixteen and I really don't want Jo and Mrs. Ellen to hear me getting my ass handed to me like a little baby."
"Oh so you think you're too old to get spanked?"
"I would like to say yes but I know better. I disobeyed and broke many rules and I deserve to be punished. I just don't want to be embarrassed."
"By crying like a sissy girl right Jerk?" Sammy mumbled.
"Shut up you little bitch. You know just as well as I do that when Dad hands you your ass, you cry end of story! Be quiet, Dad and I are talking."
"Yes Dean we can wait until tomorrow night. I don't have a problem with that."
"Wait, you're getting a spanking tomorrow night?" Sam cried tears running down his face, after effects of the Ativan shot.
"Yes, but Tiger don't sweat it." Dean reassured his brother, wiping the tears off of his face. "I told you I had punishment coming my way. It's okay Sammy, don't cry."
"Daddy? What did he do?"
"Sammy, that's between me and your brother. Now calm down please."
"Why am I so tired and whiney. I slept like forever. I just want to lay here and cry."
"Sam, you were having a really violent nightmare. I couldn't wake you up or calm you down. So, I gave you a shot of Ativan to totally knock you out."
"Thank you but now what? I get to be a little baby and cry at everything."
"No, you get to get up and go take a shower to get yourself back under control. Mrs. Ellen and Jo will be here for dinner and overnight. They need to see with their own eyes that you are okay."
"You okay Sammy or do you need help getting into the shower?" Dean asked.
"Help me get my stuff to the bathroom, I don't know where the swim ring is then I got it from there."
"Okay." Dean went looking for Sam's stuff.
"Sammy?"
"Yes sir?"
"How is that cut on..well you know?
"It's better dad. I'm still sore but I'm on the mend." Sam rolled his eyes into his pillow. "Do you want to check it?" 'Please say no please say no!'
"No, but if it starts hurting let me know okay?
"Yes sir."
"Come on Sammy, I got your stuff."
"Dean, I could use your help now."
"Okay Uncle Bobby let me get Sam set up in the bathroom and I'll be right up."
"Thanks."
Dean helped Uncle Bobby to get the leaf in the table and gather two extra chairs. Then he went and cleaned up his and Sam's room for Ellen and Jo to stay in. Then he was sent into the living room to clean straighten and dust in there.
John finished the research and was relaying all the information he had gathered on the Popobawa to Rufus. They were both worried about how an African shape shifter got to the United States. Throughout their conversation they decided they should do a little research about supernatural creature from other countries so they don't get caught off guard again. They both decided it might be a good research project for two grounded young men.
"I hear there are quite a few Korean baddies. Maybe you should start there and let Sammy know that it is my punishment for staying in my cabin uninvited." Rufus said.
"Will do." John answered and hung up the phone.
Sammy soaked in the tub for a long time. The steam helped his throat. He got bored and decided to try to get the bath brush to at least attempt to move. He was getting his emotions down better because he got it to rock back and forth on his third attempt. He started thinking about Dean and his punishment and the brush flew into the tub. Now he had a better idea on how to master this. He would get it down pat before his fifteen days were up.
Sam got out and dressed and was laying on his tummy reading when John came back into the room. John had thought about it and decided that Sam could go upstairs for the evening then had to get off Demon radar.
"Hey tiger can we talk."
"Sure Dad what's up?"
"I've decided that for tonight only, you can come upstairs to eat and visit with Jo and Ellen. Don't make me regret this decision okay?"
Sam gave John a big hug and said,
"I won't sir, thank you."
"Yes Sammy, you may go now."
He hadn't seen that much pep and enthusiasm out of his youngest in a while and it brought a smile to his face and he laughed. He followed his son upstairs but with not as much gusto.
"Sam take it easy, no roughhousing or doing too much or I send you back downstairs got it?"
"Yes sir, I understand." Sam answered. "Hey is that a car?"
"Yeah, he's right I think it's them."
Both boys went out to meet them. Jo bounced from the car and ran and hugged Sam. Then she pulled back and punched him hard in the arm and yelled,
"If you ever do that to me again, I'll personally come kick your butt."
"DO what? Don't tell me you got your ass handed to you because of me too."
"Did you Jo?" Dean asked worried.
"Yes, but at least we got you back!"
"I'm sorry Jo. I didn't mean to get you into trouble. I couldn't have done it without you but I'm sorry still." Dean explained.
Sam pulled back and turned away with tears in his eyes. Ellen grabbed him around the neck and held on tight. He turned to her and started crying into her shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause so much trouble and worry. I'm sorry Jo got in trouble because of me. I didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"Listen here Samuel Winchester! Jo got in trouble because of something she did to you. I'm angry that you ran away and scared us. But I'm sure your Dad will more than take care of your punishment. I swear if you ever do anything like this again, I will kick your ass, understand?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
They hugged for a few more minutes until Bobby yelled,
"Dinner's getting cold come on!"
They all went in to Bobby's kitchen and crowded around the table and enjoyed a real home cooked "FAMILY" meal.