Dean heard the rustling outside the door and got up to inspect. When he heard the knob jiggle, he walked up to the door and swung it open.
"Hey Dean" slurred Sam after nearly falling in through the front door.
Dean rolled his eyes and let out a heavy sigh "You Drunk"?
"Yeah. So what?" Sam haughtily replied shrugging his shoulders and bringing up his hands.
Dean sucked his teeth before responding
"So dad's going to kill you is what. We're working a case man. What were you thinking" his whispered voice dripping with disappointment
Sam smiled and shrugged.
"Come on" Dean said helping Sam into the house.
"Be quiet alright" he hissed as Sam stumbled knocking into the furniture.
Sam, not one for being told what to do stopped dead in his tracks. "You aren't my boss" he slurred turning to wag a finger at Dean his stance unsteady like he was standing in a rowboat in choppy waters.
An exasperated, Dean grabbed the back of his brothers shirt and turned him swiftly towards the bedroom ensuring to stabilize the majority of his brothers weight onto his arm.
"You need to reign in your attitude alright cause if you wake dad up, you're as good as dead". Dean loudly whispered frustrated as he was trying to save Sam from a world of hurt but his ninny brother wasn't making it easy.
Right as he finished that sentence the lights flipped on and Dean let out a loud "Jesus", surprised by the light and seeing John standing there, leaning against the door frame.
"Hey dad" Dean said weakly but John's attention was fixed on his youngest. He had heard the commotion and had been quietly listening to their argument contemplating how to react.
"Sam where have you been" the older man asked calmly. Too calmly for Dean who knew the consequences of turning up drunk and underage. Sam concentrated on not slurring but failed.
"Out with my friends". He said in a voice that would have been comical had he not been barely 13 years old, drunk, and rolling in half past three John thought.
John watched the younger boy stagger attempting to walk to the bedroom. Dean quickly grabbed him and turned him so that he would be eye to eye with their father then hissed "stay" under his breath.
"Your friends over 21" John asked calmly and Dean was increasingly unnerved. However, Sam giggled slurring "no sir". Alcohol dulling his generally great protective danger instincts. Dean closed his eyes and shook his head slowly at his brothers answer. While John had a good mind to wring the kids neck right then and there.
Realizing he wouldn't get far with the youngster in this state John turned to look at Dean
"Were you out with your little brother tonight?" Dean shook his head and answered immediately
"No sir I've been home all night researching the case you put me on".
"Did you know he was going" John asked staring the boy up and down looking for tells to determine if his child was lying.
Dean thought about how to answer. He didn't want to get Sam in more trouble but he also didn't want to get himself in any of it didn't change the outcome .
"No sir". He said realizing that regardless of what he said, the boys ass was grass.
John looked for further clarification of his eldest sons involvement.
"I heard him trying to get in a few minutes ago and was trying to get him to sleep it off".
John nodded continuing to offer his youngest child a death glare that would have made Sam's stomach flip had he not been so inebriated "Alright. You both get some sleep".
"Ok dad" Dean said thankful for a few hours of reprieve before their father addressed Sam's behavior. He was hoping the man would cool off for his brothers benefit. The eldest boy then turned to Sam
"Come on Dufus" he said pushing him into the room.
"Sam", John said as they crossed the threshold into the bedroom
"I don't like this one bit and I intend to fully deal with you tomorrow when you've sobered up" he said tone absolute.
"You're so screwed" Dean whispered at Sam who was still giggling unaware of the trouble he's caused. Dean helped his little brother into bed; pulling off his shoes, helping him into some hand me down oversized red plaid pajamas, and placing the covers over him. Exhausted, he then got into his own bed.
Dean groaned. He looked at his watch and it was barely after six but the sounds of Sam loudly retching into the toilet woke him up. "Great" he muttered as he got up and grabbed a glass of water then joined the younger boy in the bathroom.
"Let it out" he said Placing the glass of water beside the toilet on the floor.
"It's alright" he said patting the youngsters back gently as the youngsters stomach contents violently emptied into the toilet. When the worse was over, Dean picked up the cup and spoke.
"Here" he said attempting to pass the glass of water to his brother. When the boy did not take the glass he ordered
"Take a few sips of water" and the younger boy shook his head hair swaying back and forth.
"It will help" Dean insisted gently bringing the cup to the boys face.
"Just small sips" he said. Sam complied slowly finishing the glass of water. When the glass was empty Sam rested his face on the toilet seat where it remained until his next bout of dry heaving began.
When John woke up, he was sure to open up all the shades. Sam groaned at the violation from the light but his body was so spent he couldn't move it off the floor where he now laid haphazardly.
Dean who had been up looking through the book of ancient Latin incantations and diligently taking notes watched as his brother struggled to bring his arm over his eyes and then settled back into deep slow rhythm of breathing. Dean got up and met his dad in the kitchen.
"Where's your brother". John said closing the big worn book he himself had been reading.
"Still fast asleep" Dean said rifling through the fridge.
"I want to see him when he gets up" the older man said and Dean offered a grunt as he settled on milk. He poured some in a glass and sat at the table.
"How'd he'd sleep" John asked. Taking a drink of his orange juice.
"He didn't. He spent all night worshiping the porcelain Gods". Dean said finishing the last of his drink.
John shook his head remembering the incredulous way Sam behaved the previous night
"Go see if you can get him up".
Although Dean knew this was coming he winced for his brother. "Dad, he had a rough night. If you'd seen him you would know he's been punished plenty" he tried.
John didn't acknowledge Deans plea. "I'm sure he'd appreciate you warning him before I get to him" is all John said about the matter.
"Yes sir", Dean answered as he stood up leaving his dirty glass in the sink.
. * * *. *
"Alright get up sleeping beauty" Dean said using his toe to nudge Sam who laid on the floor by the bathroom.
The younger boy let out a pitiful whine. His head hurt. His mouth was dry. And all he wanted to do was lay there. And if laying was not an option crying seemed like another plausible alternative as well. Since his brothers foot kept prodding him he was compelled to answer.
"No. It's too early" he said in a rough voice he barely recognized.
"Dude it's past noon and dad's been waiting to talk to you about your little escapade last night" Dean insisted continuing to jab his toe in the boys rib hard enough to make him uncomfortable.
"Shit". Sam said sitting up slowly since his world still spinning.
"Oh he's pissed Sammy" Dean said, walking towards a chest of drawers and throwing a clean shirt at his little brother whose reflexes were limited and was hit in the face.
Sam's face contorted into a lip quivering pout. He couldn't take this right now. He felt like crap.
"Dean. You didn't have to tell him". Sam sourly said sitting on the floor and unsuccessfully attempting to change out of his vomit stained clothing into what had been provided to him.
"You think I told him?" Dean glared, approaching the boy. When Sam didn't respond and just sadly whimpered
"I didn't" the older boy snapped.
Deans face softened when he saw the confusion on Sam face.
"You really don't remember last night?" He said his head shaking in unbelief.
"You came in here drunk as a skunk and giggling like an idiot. I'm surprised he didn't tear you a new one then". He helped the youngster out of his shirt and into the new one.
"Then again, I'm sure it would have been hard given all the puking" Sam groaned. He didn't remember much of last night but he did remember hanging his head in the toilet as his stomach cramped up not being able to control the spewing.
"Alright. It's time to face the music so get out there". Dean said offering his brother a hand to help him up. Instead of taking Deans hand, Sam wrapped his arms around his knees and whined
"Dean, I can't" his voice cracking. He didn't want to start crying.
Dean squatted down and placed his hands on the boys shoulders
"You can't or do you mean you don't want to"
Sam never looked up and against his will began to sob "he's going to kill me if I go out there" he whispered to Dean hugging himself tightly.
Dean sighed "Sammy, he's going to kill you either way". He ruffled the boys hair then added.
"You might as well own up to it and go out in a blaze". The younger boy cried for a few minutes wiping his face into his shirt. When the youngster seemed composed Dean grabbed his hand "up you go" he said as Sam woozily stood up.
"Sammy, you're all sorts of wrong". Dean warned hoping Sam would take whatever consequences were coming without further antagonizing their father. When the boy didn't acknowledge Dean went on
"No matter how you slice this you are wrong remember that when you're talking to dad" .
"I know I know" Sam said, reluctantly standing by the doorway gathering the courage to turn the knob and walk towards his doom. Being brave at that moment seemed completely overated.
. * * *. * *
Giving everyone much needed privacy Dean grabbed his keys.
"I'm heading out to get some grub" he yelled loud enough for everyone to hear him.
"Be back soon" he added as he slammed the door behind him.
"Good morning" John said when he saw Sam peering in the kitchen doorway. Dean was right, the kid looked awful. His hair was a mess, his eyes were bleary and bloodshot, he smelled like death, and he looked like he'd been crying.
"Good morning dad". Sam said quietly looking at the floor.
John loudly drug a chair out and sat down "front and center" he commanded and Sam whimpered "yes sir". When the child was in standing in front of him John gruffly asked
"So do you want to explain to me what the hell happened last night?". He was trying not to yell because he wanted to remain calm as he disciplined.
Sam began wringing his hands as he searched for the words but couldn't come up with anything that wasn't incriminating. So he stood there looking down staring at his bare feet peeking out from under the too long pajamas as he shrugged.
"Didn't I say lights out at nine last night and you went off to bed" John asked tired of waiting for a response.
"Yes sir". Sam responded so quietly it was barely audible.
"Well then how in the hell did you end up drunk Sam" John roared frustrated with his child's sudden inability to speak.
Sam began to whimper. "I don't know. I went out with some friends and I guess there was some alcohol involved. We didn't drive through". Sam added in attempts to diffuse the situation but John wasn't impressed.
John took a deep breath and internally counted to ten. "Who told you you were allowed to go?" He asked in much calmer voice.
"No one sir" the young boy whispered towards the ground, that damn knot in his throat growing.
"Because I thought you knew better than to go anywhere without permission" the older man asked boring a hole in Sam with his stare.
Sam finally looked up at his dad "I am sorry dad. I know I shouldn't have left without asking" he said his voice breaking.
John pursed his lips and nodded his head.
"We're starting off with you are grounded and don't ask me how long because I am not sure yet. What I do know is that if you ever pull a stunt like that again and sneak out of this house you will be wishing you were dead. Is that Understood?".
"Understood sir". Sam said. Wiping a stray tear.
"And while you're grounded you will be in bed by 8 do you understand me".
Sam couldn't help himself.
"Dad that's too early. I am too old for that bedtime" he whined.
"Make that 7:30" John said dryly and Sam began to pout.
"But dad..." he began and John put up his hand to stop him, he wasn't finished.
"Sam you've violated so many rules that groundings and early bed times doesn't begin to cover it".
"Sir?" Sam asked not sure where this was going.
Sam hadn't been sure what his father had planned. He was sure he'd be grounded which means extra chores and more training. He guessed his father would yell but truth was he hadn't, he was actually very composed.
"You were completely and totally insubordinate. You snuck out. Were off with kids I don't know. You were in places I didn't approve of. Didn't get back by a curfew. Lied. And to top it off you were drunk off your ass. Sam we are working a case you know better than anyone that one single lapse in judgement can cost someone their life".
And like lightning it hit him. John did not usually use physical discipline to punish his kids but the boy knew it wasn't beneath him and this was a time he would use it. Sam began to sob as he put his hands up front of him placatingly.
"Sir I am so sorry. I swear I won't do it again".
Johns face remained firm as he watched his son fall apart. He saw the boy revert back to five years old. Bawling. Wiping his nose on his sleeve. And pleading.
"Sam you've more than earned this" the older man said in an even tone, never taking his eyes off the child.
Sam cried even louder. Yes he was wrong. Yes he deserves some kind of punishment. But a spanking he thought; babies get spanked not teenagers. For Sam it wasn't the sting as much as the humiliation that accompanied it.
"Dad please anything else just not that" he tried. Thoughts of Dean finding out and teasing him filling his mind.
"Yes that. And this is not a negotiation" John answered and this made the boy cry even harder knowing that he wouldn't be able to get out of it. John waited a few seconds for Sam to settle down a bit before he continued.
"You're 21 today since that's what you wanted to be last night.
Sam's weight shifted from leg to leg as he pleaded "No sir. I'm sorry. I promise I am. Please don't do it".
"Alright then. Let's get this over with" John said simultaneously unbuckling his belt and grabbing his son's arm.
Dean gingerly sat on the bed next to the bawling boy shushing and patting him on the back.
"You alright" Dean asked when Sam had finally stopped sobbing.
The younger boy shook his head.
Dean smiled sadly.
"You're fine. You're gonna be fine" he said still gently patting him. Sam couldn't help it, his breath hitched as he said
"it hurts" and then continued the muffled cries into the pillow. He hated that Dean was seeing him like this.
Dean sighed then asked
"Can I look?"
Sam picked up his head shocked then proceeded to shake his head hard repeated in horror
"no no" he said ashamed.
"I just want to see the backs of your legs". Dean said.
"I just want to move the covers is all" he said offering further clarification. Sam helped him by pulling them up. He was so ashamed he wanted to disappear. Dean winced the skin looked red and raw.
"I think we have something in the med kit I can snake" Dean said patting the boy on the back one last time before getting up. Dean snuck around and grabbed the kit. They weren't allowed to use it after a punishment. He showed his brother the ointment. "The lidocaine cream will sting for a bit but it should help" he said gently. OK Sam cried softly.
"You need me to do it" he asked? "No I've got it" said Sam attempting to get out of the bed. "Let me help you up" Dean said helping the boy to his feet. "Here" he said to his brother. "Go on into the bathroom and put some of it on. It'll burn like a bitch but it will help. Don't let dad see it or he'll have my ass next". Sam whimpered a bit. "You'll be ok champ and I've got some aspirin for you too.when you get back" the boy nodded and walked into the bathroom. "I'll be right here if you need me" he said as the youngster disappeared into the bathroom.
Sam slowly peeled down his boxers and inspected his backside. He winced and tears began to flow down his face. He put the ointment on his hand closed his eyes and gently touched his backside. He couldn't help crying. He took deep breaths in and out in attempts to control his breathing. Sam continued the application of the ointment down to his thighs noticing how rough and battered his skin felt. Before he left, He washed his face so Dean wouldn't know he was still crying.
Dean was waiting for him with the Tylenol. "Here take this" he said. "It will help with the headache too" he said.
Are you going to laugh at me
No. Not now at least
Dad, Dean said that was harsh sir
He earned every bit of it.
He's going to feel that for a week
He'll heal
Sir, you know Sam. If he thinks something is unfair he acts out again to prove a point
Then hopefully this will remind him what happens if he does and makes him wonder if that point was worth making.
Yes sir. Dean said defeated but it was still brutal and he he didn't deserve that. Yes he was out of line but that was extreme.