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[Jun. 15th, 2009|06:39 pm] |
I'm back. Yay?
-edit- These fucked up cut tags are killing me. They haven't worked right since i got my new computer. Anyone know what the hell is going on?
Title: Making Plans.
Author: ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) bitchandjerk
Characters: Sam/Dean,John/Mary/OFC OMCs OFCs
Rating :R
Words10,000/2,741,000
Warnings: Wincest,
Summary: Sam is put on house arrest after the shooting and Dean decides it's time to talk some sense into James.
Notes::AU, rest are here.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
Feedback: Makes me hard
Since Sam had to keep up the illusion that he was stuck at home recuperating Dean had insisted that he quite literally stay stuck at home. That meant no trips to the grocery store, no gardening outside just in case a reporter ambushed them, and no super fun family activities outside the house. Sam wouldn't have been so bored or annoyed if a family activity wasn't happening on Saturday morning that he couldn't participate in. It wasn't a real activity but still Sam would have liked to be in attendance.
Dean was really just taking Mikey to buy a microscope and the twins apparently needed some new dancing outfits. Ollie was going along so Dean wouldn't get lonely and John wanted to go to offer some assistance. Dean tried to take the babies as well but Sam wasn't having that. If he was stuck in the house they were staying with him and keeping him company. James was in the house as well but he apparently knew they were waiting to talk to him about his living arrangements since he was still either hiding in his room or sleeping.
At first Sam thought to just call Anthony so they could hang out but he was in the city with Bruce, Nathan, and Charlie spending the day with Phil and his kids. Phil was apparently dating someone and he wanted her to meet his family which included Anthony and Nathan. He was just such a great guy because he didn't have any obligation to them at all but he was involving them in his life which Anthony really appreciated.
Since he was occupied Sam called Jared next to see if he wanted to come over to play but it was before ten in the morning and apparently he didn't get up that early on the weekends. There was a lot of groaning and cursing and then what sounded like an epic fart before the line went dead. That hurt Sam's feelings and he made a mental note to have Jared killed as punishment for insubordination.
Normally Auden would have been the next person Sam called but he hadn't visited or phoned. Sam didn't even have an email from him and he felt way too awkward to call him for a little friendly post assassination attempt conversation. Dean said it was just way too hard on Auden which Sam sort of understood but he really wanted him to call so they could talk and get it over with.
With no best friends to talk to Sam sighed rather heavily and then plopped down on the living room floor. Mary was way too involved in playing with her new doll so she didn't pay any attention to him, but Milo had obviously been waiting for tall daddy to get down to his level. The second Sam was on the ground he crawled over and got nice and comfortable in his lap with his little alphabet book. He was totally going to be Sam's little writer one day and because he read so much it was maybe time he started to do a talking.
Sam thought that was just about his best idea ever and though it took a minute or two to convince Milo to temporarily surrender his book he eventually gave it up. He was such a sweet little man and as soon as he wasn't occupied with the book he turned on the charm and started to flirt with Sam. No one was immune to those charms so Sam flirted back and gave up a few special daddy kisses to relax Milo.
"Dah." Sam said. "Dee. Daddy!"
"Wah"
"Dah...dee!"
"Wah..." Milo said before he paused. "Bah!"
"Dada!"
"Wahwah!"
"Sammy." Sam smiled. "Tall dad-eee"
"Anabahwahdahwah...bah!"
"Close." Sam whispered. "But let's try it again. Dah-Dah!"
"Wahbah!" Milo said as he held his arms in the air. "Bahwah!"
"Dah..."
"Wah..."
"You just give me all your kisses then!"
"Wahbahwahdah!"
Teaching an eleven month old to talk was maybe a little advanced but Milo had no problem dealing with the kissing monster. If it was possible he was even more affectionate than Ollie had been but instead of giving it up to anyone who asked Milo was reserved in his romantic liaisons and only really kissed on Sam and occasionally Dean if the mood struck which was rare. Normally Sam had to encourage Milo to kiss on short daddy some so he wouldn't feel left out. Dean always appreciated those kisses and though Milo pretended they were a big hassle it was pretty obvious he loved kissing on both his daddies.
"Baby girl, what are you doing with that doll?"
"Anbahwahbay wahbah bwahdah."
"No, only Barbie demeans women, it's okay to play with a baby doll."
"Anwahbah!" Milo said as he held up his book. "Bwadah."
"Be that as it may, Milo, it's still perfectly fine for her to play with her baby. That's good training since one day she can be a doctor. Do you wanna be a doctor, baby!"
"Wah!"
"Mikey will be a vet, Ethan and Evan will be stripper lawyers, Ollie will...um...well...probably a cage fighter. Milo you can be a writer, just don't ruffle any feathers and Mary you will be a baby doctor! I'm pretty sure Mifoo is going to be a doctor too, but he'll be a special kind of talking doctor. People will come to him with problems and he'll help them."
"Whyfoo."
"And when...what did you just say!"
"Whafoo." Milo said before he leaned out of Sam's lap. "Anwahbahwah."
Sam was pretty sure Milo just said his most coherent thing on record and if his first word happened to be Mifoo that was more than acceptable since he just loved Michael. Sam said it a few more times trying to get Milo to repeat it but the talking game had become a little boring for him. Instead of talking he pushed himself up on both of his feet and swayed back and forth which of course made Sam scream like his hair was on fire.
Milo was standing all on his own and if he moved forward or backwards he was going to complete his first step. Sam really wanted Dean present for that but if it was going to happen he couldn't very well stop it. He considered knocking him down for a second but that was just way too messed up so instead he got on his own feet and moved a few steps away to give Milo something to work towards. If he didn't walk to his stud of a daddy then obviously it wasn't his time yet.
"If you walk towards me..." Sam whispered. "We can run away together and no more short daddy..."
"Wah!"
"It's okay, don't be scared! You're only two feet tall so it's not that far to the ground."
"Wahbah!"
"I know, I know!"
Milo looked absolutely petrified but completely thrilled as well. Sam actually thought it was a little funny because he was acting like he had no idea how the hell he managed to get up on his two cute little feet which were gonna be kissed to pieces no matter what he did. Sam was almost positive he wasn't going to walk but he was wishing and hoping for just one little step.
Mary was apparently doing the same thing since she had stopped playing with her doll to watch Milo. Her blue eyes were just about to bulge out of her head and Sam was a little worried that she wasn't breathing but then he saw a tiny little expectant sigh pass her lips. Milo still hadn't moved an inch forwards or backwards but he was swaying quite a bit. He looked like a pencil someone had stood up on the point and even the slightest wind could knock it down.
"Come on baby!" Sam whispered. "Come to daddy, you know you want to! One foot in front of the...Oh!"
"Wahbah!" Milo screamed as he tipped backwards. "Wahbahdah!"
"Aw, baby!"
As Sam's son Milo's butt was his best feature after the bright red hair and the nose, so when it hit the floor he made sure everyone in the state knew it. Sam had never heard him scream so loud in his life and all the kisses he could give did absolutely nothing. Milo had fallen exactly ten inches onto his diaper covered butt and clearly that was the worst pain imaginable. Sam was a little worried that he had maybe hurt himself but it was just wounded pride. He'd get the whole walking thing eventually and maybe it was better that he waited until Dean was there so he could impress him to.
Sam absolutely hated when any of the kids cried but Milo was absolutely adorable even when he was doing that. His face was all scrunched up and turned red while the tears poured out of his bright blue eyes. He sure was milking the stumble for all it was worth because when Sam made a big deal out of his terrible injuries and indignities Milo just screamed louder and nodded more forcefully. He had his little fists full of Sam's shirt and he was even wiped his nose off on him a little bit. He knew exactly what he was doing too because Sam kept right on melting into a big pile of goo.
"Shh." Sam whispered. "It's okay, baby. You tried that's what's important."
"Anabahwah!"
"That's right when you turn sixteen and have a nine inch penis no one will ever know about this! Trust me when that thing comes in you'll be falling over all the time. Talk about losing your balance! Forget about it!"
"Whyfoo."
"Mifoo?" Sam asked. "Do you want to call Mifoo?"
"Anbayway." Mary said from where she was sitting. "Wabah."
"Hmm."
Milo nodded quite seriously and then leaned out of Sam's arms so he could try to look into the entryway. He had pretty much completely calmed down but as soon as Michael came into the house he was screaming crying again. It wasn't as loud as it was the first time around but he just had to tell his big brother how completely awful it was to fall from such a great height. He was yelling, sighing, and nodding and to make things better Sam gently rubbed his pumpkin while Michael held him and gave him more kisses. It was like watching Ollie work all over again except Milo was the next stage of evolution since he could sympathy and kisses from anyone for any reason.
"My goodness! What happened!"
"He tried to walk and fell on his pumpkin."
"Oh, no! Is he okay?"
"I pray to the good Lord he won't take my baby from me!" Sam gasped. "Please Jesus heal his wretched afflictions!"
"Anfwahbah!" Milo yelled at the ceiling. "Wahbadah!"
"So he fell on his diapered butt and he's perfectly fine?"
"And you call yourself queer. Where's your sense of the dramatic? Tell Mifoo you fell down two flights of stairs!"
"Abahbay, Whyfoo."
"Oh my, goodness! What are we...what did you just say?"
"He said Whyfoo!" Sam yelled. "That's a name like your name!"
"What!"
"Whaba!"
"Say it again, baby brother!"
Milo considered it for a second but he opted to yawn instead and then wipe at his eyes. Obviously the dramatics had taken a lot out of him and he was ready to settle back down with his book and get a little more reading done. Michael was just thrilled and Sam was as well because he had heard the rest of the kids say "dada" or some variation and Milo choosing Mifoo or his version of it was pretty perfect. It obviously meant a lot to Michael because he got a little choked up before he sat down on the floor and handed Milo his little book.
He was only sitting for a second before he batted his eyes at Mary and she crawled over dragging her doll with her. They were both pretty sweet on Michael and he was definitely sweet on them. Milo had to get a lot of loving since he had been through such an ordeal but Mary was just fine with a few kisses before he squirmed into Sam's lap. Milo wasn't going to complain about that because he got to sit right next to Sam and Michael was rubbing his back for him and kissing him on the noggin.
"What do I owe the honor, Whyfoo?"
"Dad called and told me to...well he said something else but I assumed he meant to come spend some time with you."
"What did he say?" Sam whispered. "You can tell me."
"He suggested I should sodomize you while sucking on your toes."
"He wanted you to top?"
"I don't know." Michael sighed. "Makes me think of all those parents using their kids to realize their own failed dreams of glory."
"Well if you want to..."
"Dad!"
"Fine." Sam sighed. "Whatever. I'll go without sodomy."
"I'm sure you got your fill last night." Michael said. "Dad finally broke down, huh?"
"You could say that." Sam smiled. "He's okay now. Don't worry about him."
"Okay, good. I won't any more."
"Alex was apparently incredible."
"He was so worried about him." Michael said. "Just so worried about dad not dealing with anything."
Dean hadn't been dealing with anything but he had last night. He did it while Todd and Alex were there and once Sam arrived. After they were gone and he had a little fun with Sam, Dean kept right on talking and he was probably more honest than he had ever been before. He had been terrified on Wednesday and he was still pretty fucking scared but he knew ignoring the fear was only making it worse. Until he said what he was scared of out loud he couldn't work towards getting over it. He really was much better and Sam was sure than in a week, maybe two, Dean would be completely fine again.
"He's going to be okay." Sam smiled. "What about you?"
"I'm okay. I see you're okay and dad's working on being okay. I talked to Mikey some last night. He seems to understand in his own way."
"Thankfully he doesn't understand everything."
"I think he understand someone not liking you or your ideas but he's not sure why."
"Which we're okay with. I don't want him to know that someone would want me out of the way to keep a whole group of people down."
"Then everything is mostly okay!" Michael told Milo. "Now, as I understand it daddy's on house arrest for being a no good fudge packer."
"Is that why I'm stuck here?" Sam asked. "Eh, at least I'm not the packee."
"That's exactly what I said when dad told me that!" Michael laughed. "How long is this exile gonna last?"
"I said I'd like to be free to attend a fabulous party next week, but he said...well actually Dean said we weren't invited to your fabulous birthday party because we're too old and uncool."
Even if Sam wasn't invited he was going anyway because he felt like it was high time he met the rest of the squad. Dean was pretty sure Michael was having a separate party for his friends and he wouldn't want his duddy old daddies hanging out. Sam found huge holes in that logic because he was two years younger than Michael's big homosexual lover who would most certainly be at the party.
"Dad, you're younger than Alex. Why wouldn't I want you two there?"
"Well, a dunno, maybe wit a embawassment."
"Right." Michael whispered. "Because clearly two millionaire models are something to be embarrassed about."
"So then we are invited?"
"Of course you are. I want ya'll to meet my friends. So you only have to stay locked in the house until next week?"
"Uh..." Sam sighed. "Dean thinks it'll be okay to go to the party but I'm apparently not allowed to make public appearances until the auction for Halloween."
"Two weeks...well that seems like a pretty good idea."
"It does?"
"Dad, something like fifteen million people saw you get shot twice. I really think it's best to lay low for a while."
"I'm just so bored." Sam laughed. "What am I supposed to do in this house for two weeks?"
"You could grow a pair, sit down behind the computer, and do what you do best."
Had Sam been drinking he would have spit and had he been eating he mostly likely would have begun to choke. Out of everyone Michael was the last person Sam expected to have an opinion on the demise of John Michaels and he had most definitely been the most blunt. He apparently had a pretty big pair himself or at least an adequate pair since he wouldn't look Sam in the eye when he looked over.
The truth was that since Sam had let John Michaels die he had been more inspired than ever. He had at least four fully formed books in his head and Seven Devils was still trying to claw it's way out. It was also very easy for everyone else to think that Sam was just scared and while that was a big part of it, it wasn't the only part. He was just tired of being Sam at home and then John when he sat down for an interview. He had also dabbled in being Robert and it was exhausting.
"Takes a big man to say something like that to me."
"Maybe." Michael said. "But if I sat here and didn't say anything then you haven't taught me the things a father's supposed to."
"And what's that?"
"That it ain't never gonna be easy, not the things worth having or changing. It's hard work but someone's gotta do it or it ain't gonna get done."
"It's not as easy as everyone thinks it is. It's not just black and white."
"Maybe not." Michael smiled. "Milo, you wanna hear a story? What about you, Mary, come over here so you can listen to. This is a story about a boy."
"Michael..."
"You might wanna listen too, dad." Michael said. "There once was a boy named Michael Higgins who grew up way down in the south. He didn't have a good life at all, but he kept his head high and he had faith which no one could take away from him. He had to do a lot of hard things in his life, but the hardest happened after he wasn't Michael Higgins no more."
Milo frowned and buried his head in Michael's shirt while he waited for the rest of the story. Mary was pretty interested as well and because it was hard for Michael to talk about she gave him her doll to hold on to. It wasn't a horse but it was something. Michael told all of them how he had to get up in front of a bunch of strangers and relive the very worst parts of his life. He was terrified and he made himself sick with worry the night before. He wanted to back out more than anything but someone they all knew had given him a few words of encouragement and advice.
While Michael was hyperventilating in the shower of that crappy hotel room in Robertsdale, Alabama, Dean was holding him up so he wouldn't fall and Sam told him the simplest truth he could. They could get back on the plane in the morning and go back to Westport but if they did that no one was going to stand up to his family. If he didn't do it no else was going to and though they'd still end up in jail it wouldn't be for the reasons they all deserved to be there.
"Good story."
"Yeah." Michael smiled. "So if John Michaels doesn't change the world, who else is going to do it?"
"That's a very good question, Michael."
Sam kissed Mary on her still mostly bald little head and then hugged her extra close to his chest while he gave that question an awful lot of thought before grounding Michael for being insubordinate.
According to Mikey there came a time in every young boys life when he needed his own microscope for really looking at things. Dean completely agreed with that because he figured a microscope was a lot easier to deal with than certain other coming of age experiences. It was apparently different for every boy because Dean had dealt with raging boners and Sam had more than his fair share of wet dreams. John apparently had a serious case of pizza face that had eventually made a man out of him so Mikey had it pretty easy with just needing a microscope. John didn't think growing up and a microscope were related at all but Dean just told him to shut the hell up before they tossed him in an old folks home.
After Dean bought the shiniest microscope they could find he headed to the super fancy dance warehouse which was like a toy store for Ethan and Evan. They apparently needed some new tights which ended up being tights and unitards. Dean wasn't really sure about the unitards but Ethan eventually told him to stop being ridiculous because if they had any hope of becoming stripper lawyers they'd need the proper clothes to do it in. Dean still wasn't completely on board but then he was looking over some stuff and found a little pair of tight black shorts with a three and a half inch inseam. Dean wasn't a dancer at all but he was positive Sam's cock would look totally hot in those so he bought a pair in black and one pair in white which were most certainly going to get wet. He had to do it in secrecy because Ethan and Evan would get all excited about Sam dancing with them and he was only going to be dancing for Dean.
Mikey and the twins each got something so Dean had to buy a present for Ollie as well. He didn't ask for one and it didn't seem like he was expecting one but when Dean told him they'd buy him something special he got very excited and asked for some cheese. That meant they had to go to the grocery store which was just fine since Sam had mentioned Dean picking up something for dinner if he felt like anything special. He hadn't really felt like anything special until they were in the grocery store and Dean got an incredible craving for hot dogs and chili. The kids all agreed that was his best idea ever and John even decided they needed French fries and onion rings.
Since the kids all got special presents Dean put them in charge of unloading the groceries once they got home. John was going to help them out which gave Dean time to check on Sam. He was hoping he'd be in the office but it was empty and so was the living room. Dean eventually found him in bed with Mary, Milo, and Michael. They were all sleeping but Sam was awake in the middle of the bed reading a book which he put down as soon as he saw that Dean was back home. Michael had apparently been reading as well since he had a book on his chest that couldn't have been that interesting since he was sound asleep and snoring very quietly.
"Well, don't you look like a comfy daddy Sammy with all those..."
"Sam." Jensen said as he walked out of the bathroom. "It was just loose, I tightened it up and...oh, hey, Dean."
"Wha...hi..."
Dean was pretty sure he wasn't gone long enough for the world as he knew it to come to an end but he checked his watch anyway. Not only was his best friend in the entire world at his house while he wasn't there, but he was in the bedroom with Sam and he was using Dean's tools. Jensen had a big wrench in his hand and he was only wearing a faded gray ribbed husband beater. He looked pretty sexy, but still there was way too much wrong with the picture for Dean to appreciate him.
"You fixed it?"
"Yeah, it was just loose, no problem."
"Thanks, Jen." Sam smiled. "He fixed the sink!"
"I was going to fix the sink."
"I did it for you, buddy." Jensen said as he punched Dean's arm. "It was no problem. Sam just said you were having trouble figuring out what was wrong."
"I knew what was wrong, I've just been a little busy."
"Well, it's taken care of. I'll go put this back in the garage."
"Thank you."
"Oh, I noticed your back tire on the Impala looked a little low, you might want to put some air in it."
Dean had already punched the shit out of Jensen on Wednesday and he was obviously trying to get him to do it again. Not only was he hanging out with Sam and using the big boy tools but he had the audacity to suggest that Dean wasn't taking care of or paying attention to the Impala. He knew the back tire was a little low but it was always a little low and it actually made the ride smoother. Dean had never figured out why exactly but he knew it was supposed to be that way.
"Guess what!" Sam said after Jensen left. "While you were gone Milo said "Whyfoo" and he tried to walk!"
"Perfect." Dean sighed. "Was Jensen here when that happened?"
"No, it was just me."
"What do you mean he tried?"
"He stood up and fell over, but he definitely said Whyfoo more than once."
"I think that's a good first word."
"Me too!" Sam laughed. "It was so sweet, he really loves Michael."
"I'm sort of glad he didn't walk while I wasn't here. I don't want to miss that."
"I think that's why he didn't do it."
Dean sat down on the edge of the bed and made the rounds giving everyone kisses. Milo got to go first since he had obviously been through quite an ordeal. Even if Sam hadn't said anything Dean would have known something was up just based on the way he was sleeping. He was sort of curled up tight and holding on to Sam's shirt for dear life. Mary who got kisses second was the complete opposite. She was between Sam and Michael and just kind of sprawled out in the bed doing what Dean called hardcore napping. It was the same way he napped which he sort of liked.
Michael went third and he sounded really exhausted. Dean kissed him on the forehead and then leaned in to listen to the sounds he was making. He hadn't actually listened to him sleep in a while but it was a little strange like his body was just crazing as much rest as it could get. He did have a book on his chest which he had quite a grip on so Dean made a little mental note to talk to Alex about how much studying was going on.
Dean wasn't saving the best for last when he kissed Sam but he did make him go last on purpose. He had to kiss him quite a bit differently and he couldn't give Milo sweet kisses after sucking on Sam's tongue. He was just fantastic with kisses and Dean sighed just a tiny bit before he backed away. No matter how many times he kissed Sam it was always awesome and when he was done Dean always felt a little weak.
"Did you get the microscope?"
"And tights, unitards, sexy shorts for you, cheese for Beanie, and hot dogs for dinner."
"Shorts?"
"Just something I think your balls might hang out of."
"Wow." Sam laughed. "I was looking for some of those."
"Well, I found them." Dean said before he looked around the room. "So, what's Jensen doing here?"
"Oh, I called Jared to see if he would come keep me company, but he sleeps all weekend apparently so Jensen came to see me."
"And he decided to fix the sink?"
"No, he heard it leaking and offered. Are you jealous?"
"As if." Dean scoffed. "Yeah wight."
The sink had been on Dean's big mental list since earlier in the week, Wednesday, if memory served but unlike a certain Oscar winner he had other stuff going on and fixing a dripping faucet hadn't been a big priority. In all honesty Dean really had no idea how one went about fixing a leaking sink, but he had fixed the one in the barn already and he knew he could do it, he just hadn't gotten around to it. Fixing a sink was his job as the husband and for all intents and purposes the big manly man in the relationship and he didn't really like the Jensen had done it or that Sam had allowed it. It Jensen had offered to cook them dinner Dean wouldn't have let him because that was Sam's thing and it wasn't really fair to him.
"You said you weren't mad at him."
"I'm not." Dean said as he shook his head. "I'm not mad at him, but I don't want either of you to think that I couldn't fix the leaking sink."
"Does it matter?"
"Yeah, that's sort of my job, you know?
"Okay, my bad." Sam said. "It's no big deal though. Listen why don't you help me move these penguins to their room?"
"What about the big penguin?"
"I dunno what's up with him." Sam said as he looked over at Michael. "We came up here so the babies could take a nap and he said he was going to study and then he was just out."
"Did you talk to Alex and see if anything was going on?"
"He went off with Rich."
"What are they doing?"
"I dunno, but based on past experiences Rich should be balls deep in Alex right now."
"Those big brothers can never get enough dick."
"You're telling me." Sam whispered. "Sheesh. That reminds me, you doing anything later, big brother?"
"Just being an outstanding role model, little brother."
"That is hot."
Dean gave Sam another kiss and then scooped Mary up so he could bring her to her room. She woke up a little bit just to see what the hell was going on but once she saw her handsome short daddy she knew it was safe to go back to sleep. Milo had been so traumatized he didn't wake up at all when Sam picked him up or after he was in his crib. Dean never wanted any of the kids to not succeed but he was damn glad he hadn't missed Milo walking.
On the way down the stairs Dean was wondering about grilled cheese for lunch and was about to suggest it so Sam when they both noticed John accepting a delivery of flowers at the front door with Evan. Getting flowers at the house wasn't really any big deal since Sam had told Larry's assistant to give out the address to any other big name agent that inquired, but getting such an amazing arrangement was unexpected. It was beautiful and really big. Sam's eyes lit up as soon as he saw it and Dean chuckled to himself because he was still all about getting presents.
"Flowers." John said. "Nice ones."
"Daddy, who are those for!"
"These." Sam said as he plucked off the card. "Are for you. Today's the day when daddies give their cutest and most well behaved son flowers."
"What!" Evan yelled. "For me!"
"But you can't tell anyone because then they'll know that you're the cutest and best behaved."
"Wait a minute...you think I'm better than Mikey and cuter than Ollie?"
"That's what we agreed on." Dean said. "Besides it only happens when you're four."
"Oh, well that's completely understandable, daddy. Wow, thank you!"
"You're welcome." Sam smiled. "Did you miss me?"
"You know it!"
Sam got a great big kiss from Evan who then wandered off with John to find the perfect place for his flowers. If it was Ethan he would have told everyone he knew that he got flowers for being the best but Evan probably wasn't going to say anything. He was just going to enjoy his gift and maybe be a little sweeter than normal if that was even possible.
"John." Sam read. "Wednesday was a horrible. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's my sincerest hope that you get well soon and that perhaps we can talk. Warmest regards..."
"Who?" Dean asked. "Beckham? He wants your load so bad."
"Porter."
"What?" Dean laughed as he grabbed the card. "Warmest regards, Porter Dubois...and his phone number. Huh."
"Could this week get any more bizarre?"
"Clearly Jensen Ackles isn't the only minor celebrity who wants to sniff around in your truffle patch."
"Porter hates me. Why would he send me flowers or want to talk?"
"I dunno. You gonna call him?"
"Yeah, right after I go shoe shopping at Payless."
"Probably a good idea."
Dean did agree that it was very odd for Porter to send flowers since he was quite vocal in his dislike but maybe once he saw Sam get shot he had reconsidered. Stranger things had happened but Dean sure as hell wasn't going to encourage Sam to be friendly with Porter because there was something about him that just didn't seem right. He was such an asshole but when they ran into him in Paris with his son he was perfectly polite and almost likeable.
Just in case Sam changed his mind Dean tucked the card into his pocket for safe keeping before they started towards the kitchen where there was quite a lot of activity. All the kids with the exception of Ethan were helping to put away the groceries with James and John. Ethan who could always be counted on to help out was way too busy watching while Jensen had what appeared to be a full blown seizure. Dean wasn't entirely sure what it was but it was painful to watch and apparently Ethan thought so as well since he was frowning.
"And then a little cabbage patch action!" Jensen said. "Straight into running man, but it's gotta be one movement, you're doing the cabbage patch and then Bam!"
"Ah!"
"Straight into the running man!"
"That is really something." Mikey whispered. "You should be very proud of yourself, Jensen Ackles. That's some very nice...dancing...I guess."
"I am and thank you!"
"Oh yeah." Ollie said. "Was nice...wit a...wha? Is a new shirt? Wha a nice color on you!"
"Oh, thanks."
"Jensen Ackles." Ethan said very seriously. "You're under the impression you're the best dancer in the world when in fact you're not even the best dancer in this kitchen."
"Oh come on, I'm..."
"Evan and I would have to leave and take everyone with us including the blender for you to be anything more than the absolute worst dancer in the history of the world. If this was an attempt to impress me so you can touch my private parts you have failed...miserably."
"Your private parts!"
"If however you wanted to fill me with contempt then...."
Ethan paused and clapped very slowly and condescendingly. Jensen was still trying to do some form of dancing but his cabbage patch slowed and then he stopped to kick at the floor some. Obviously he had really tried his best but the critics were just too hard on him. Dean felt bad for him and seeing him frown after being put in his place by a four year old made him forget all about Jensen tinkering with Sam's plumbing. He was still pissed off about the car though but he wasn't going to obsess about that.
"Dude." Dean whispered. "Why the hell would you dance?"
"Because I told them you bought these ridiculous shorts so I could be a dancer."
"Oh!" Sam laughed. "Look at these, right on the kitchen table where we eat meals."
Dean hadn't noticed the shorts in plain view and he had to give it to Jensen for thinking on his feet. When Sam held them up for a proper inspection Dean elbowed Jensen and then raised his eyebrows as lewdly as he could manage. Jensen unfortunately didn't seem that into it but Dean totally was and as soon as Sam had those tiny white short shorts on he was going to throw a whole bucket of water on him and hope for the best.
"You would buy shorts like those." Ethan said. "Or make our daddy do it. Your junk, if you have any, is going to be hanging out all over the place while you're dancing!"
"Having our junk hanging out is a major concern but Craig's junk doesn't hang out." Evan added. "And do you know why, Jensen Ackles?"
"Why?"
"Because he doesn't wear hoochie shorts. I suggest you go back and get a pair of tights and then some shoes and then we'll teach you how to dance."
"Hoochie shorts." Sam whispered. "I see."
"That junk's gonna be hanging out all over the place." Dean sighed. "Outstanding."
"You wouldn't laugh at me if I was wearing tights?" Jensen asked. "Really?"
"Jensen." Ethan sighed. "We'd have as much respect for you as we do right now."
"Which is a tremendous amount? Or...a healthy amount...a decent...little to none?"
"Precisely!"
"Ethan be nice." Sam laughed. "He's just messing with you, Jensen."
"Maybe you stick to being a pwetend daddy." Ollie said. "Or a Gweat Gatsby."
"Or perhaps a pretend alternate version of Sam." James said. "Or...oh dear. Those are the only roles I'm familiar with. Oh no! Your father told me at the wedding that you played a daffodil in a school play once. You could be a daffodil!"
"That sounds perfect!" Dean nodded. "A Jenwen Daffodil."
"I was the best." Jensen shrugged. "Way better than the roses."
"I don't doubt that. Who wants grilled cheese!"
"Me!" Ollie yelled. "Seven please!"
"One." Sam laughed. "And then some delicious soup. Jensen, you'll stay for lunch?"
"Sure, thanks."
"James?"
"Of course, Sam."
"What about dinner?" Dean asked. "We're having hotdogs."
"I do enjoy hotdogs, I'll be here."
"Excellent." Dean smiled. "And when we're done dad can have a movie night with the kids and me, you, and Sammy can sit down and talk."
"Oh...Oh, actually...now that I think about it... I do have plans with Ann tonight."
"We'll wait up then." Sam nodded. "No big deal."
"I might be late."
"Not a problem."
"I think the party was ending around midnight." James said. "And then I may go back home with her for a while."
Dean was really tempted to see just how many excuses James could come up with. He didn't care if they had to wait up all night to talk to him because it was going to happen whether he liked it or not. It seemed unlikely that he was going out and if he was he wouldn't be coming home at midnight. If he had stayed out that late before Wednesday and before he moved in with Ann he would have just slept at her house but Dean knew he wasn't considering leaving them alone.
"James." Mikey said. "I don't like the way you feel. When I was afraid of the dark, I got a nightlight."
"I'm afraid that won't help me."
"You let daddy be a night light." Ollie said. "Be two of 'em. Once for when ya weal tall and then a short one for when a laying down in a big boy bed."
"You don't understand." James whispered to Dean. "I don't think you..."
"Then help us understand. We're talking about this tonight. That's final."
"I don't..."
"We don't care." Sam smiled. "You're going to."
Dean had put it off long enough and he was hoping that if they dealt with James they could scratch it off the list and move on to whatever was next. James may have thought that Dean didn't understand but he had a pretty good idea of what was going on and luckily for all involved he was usually right.
Talking to James had somehow turned into a full scale intervention. Sam wasn't entirely sure how that happened because one minute they were just going to sit down and talk and then before he knew it there was a counselor, a holy man, and a hot girlfriend present. Aaron and Jeremy were understandable because they wanted James to be happy but Sam couldn't figure out why Dean had invited Ann since they were going to be talking about her which had amazing awkward potential. Dean apparently hadn't invited her though and neither had Jeremy or Aaron. James had called to have her there to support him which made no sense since he'd be lobbying to not live with her.
She obviously had no intention of helping out because Sam had never seen a woman look so protective of someone who wasn't their child. She was sitting on the sofa next to James and had both of his hands in hers. He looked like a little trapped bunny and Sam didn't think anyone was being confrontational. Normally Dean was the one that made people nervous but he was staying as calm as he possibly could and speaking slowly and quietly so no one would think he was getting excited or angry. Jeremy was the next person prone to getting buck wild but he had promised to be on his best behavior and to treat James like a crack whore trying to get clean for the sake of her kids.
Dean had told Sam before they got started that James was sticking so close to them because he was still living in the past. He wanted to keep his family safe because he couldn't keep Sarah and his sons safe and he considered his own death his great failing. Dean was almost positive that was the reason he was so reluctant to leave because living with Ann was something he wanted and he knew it was the right things to do, just like killing the demon so that he could have a daughter was the right thing to do. He hadn't killed him though and when he left home to do it, it was the last time he saw his family. Obviously things had changed but Sam could see why James might be scared of leaving and never seeing them again if Dean was right.
Of course he was always right and it only took about two minutes for Ann to calmly and concisely sum up the problem for James. He wasn't ready to leave because he was scared of something happening to him while he was gone and if he was gone something could very easily happen to the people he loved more than anything. Just because there were a lot less monsters in the world didn't meant the threats were gone as well. Arnie was just a man and he had come so close to destroying their family which was something James wouldn't have been able to live with.
Ann was the only person who said anything and when she was done explaining why James had moved back in they were all quiet. Sam didn't know what to say because he couldn't imagine how hard things had been on James and would continue to be no matter where he slept at night. Dean was just sort of staring at his hands and Aaron seemed to be doing the same thing but he was breaking it up with staring at the walls and ceiling. Jeremy was focused on James though and Sam could tell he was looking around to see if they were dealing with a smokescreen. Apparently the reasons Ann gave were the honest truth because after a few seconds Jeremy sighed and then looked away. James was probably strong enough to stop him from looking but he let him right in to see what was inside his head.
When no one said anything for the longest time James finally spoke up and his voice just broke Sam's heart. He was so much like John and when he talked people had no choice but to listen but when all that bravery was stripped away he sounded like a little lost boy trying to find his way home or at least to where he thought home was. James was still calm, but he was fighting hard to stay that way while he told them that he'd walk out the door and go to live with Ann if any of them could say that was what they really wanted.
That was where things got even more difficult because John had suggested that they just tell him he had to go. He thought they might have to hurt James to get him out of the house and back into Ann's house so they could be together. He suggested telling him he was in the way and monopolizing time they could spend with the babies but that just wasn't true and Dean absolutely refused to hurt James. Sam didn't want to do it either and apparently neither did John but he couldn't think of anything else. James didn't want to leave, no one actually wanted him to leave so Sam didn't really see what the point of talking to him about it was.
Of course that was really oversimplifying things because it was pretty obvious that some part of James wanted to live in Ann's little three bedroom house with the white fence in the backyard. He wanted a life with her and a chance to start his own family but he was an all or nothing kind of guy and there seemed to be no way of convincing him that he could have both if he just loosened his grip some. He could live with, marry, and have a child with Ann while still being there for the kids and Dean especially. He couldn't have it in the exact way he wanted it but Sam still thought some was better than none.
Sam got that Ann wanted to be there to support James but he was a little a pissed at her. She was incredibly intelligent and had to have seen that James could have everything he wanted with just a little bit of change. All she had to do was put her foot down and tell him that he was going to have to make those changes if they were going to be together. In the same situation Sam would have done that to Dean without a second thought since it was what was best for him. James needed to go and not just to get married or have a baby, he needed to go to stop living in the past.
"What if you were closer?"
"What?"
"Closer." Dean said. "Would you feel better about not living here if you were closer?"
"It does take a while to get here from Ann's house." James said. "I might feel more comfortable if we were closer."
"Across the street?"
"Perhaps."
Sam really was feeling worse and worse with every word James said. He didn't like the tone of his voice at all but then he had to go and avoid eye contact with Dean. He loved Dean above everyone else and wasn't even looking at him. That was probably the hardest thing to get through. John was technically the oldest in the family even if James really had a good hundred and forty years on him. Sam still viewed James in a certain way because he was the perfect father figure who was always brave and always strong no matter what happened. To see him scared and so weak wasn't something Sam enjoyed at all.
"Come see." Dean said as he held out his hand. "I have an idea."
Dean got a little smile out of James when he took his hand and it made Sam feel so much better. He should have been smiling all the time and while it wasn't as big or bright as usual it was still very nice to see. Though no one else had been invited they all followed Dean into the entryway and then out the heavy white front door. They didn't have a proper porch, it was just a little stoop area and not big enough for six adults so Dean stepped down a few feet so everyone could have enough room.
Maple, the street they lived on and basically owned, only had houses on one side. Across from the houses on the other side of the street was fifteen acres of undeveloped land that Sam lusted after. He hated that it was just sitting there across the street because all he could think of was their private little slice of Connecticut being invaded by outsiders. That was apparently what had happened to the other side of Maple where Jeremy had grown up and Sam didn't want it to happen to them. He wanted to choose his neighbors and he didn't care what anyone thought about that.
Sam had unsuccessfully been trying for the past three years to buy the land but the owner was holding out since it wasn't strictly zoned. If they built houses facing Maple it would be residential, but if the built stores with their asses to Maple then it would become commercial property and nothing scared Sam more than getting the morning paper and seeing a Wal-Mart practically in his front yard. Just thinking about it made him shiver and for some reason Aaron removed his jacket and slung it over Sam's shoulder's which was just plain cute.
"What do you see?" Dean asked. "Right there across the street."
"The land Sam wants." James said. "So no one builds on it."
"That's it?"
"Well...that's all there is."
"You have to look closer sometimes. Sammy, what do you see?"
"What should be mine." Sam said. "That guy is such a douche, I offered him double what it's worth."
"You know what I see?"
"What?" James asked. "A Target store?"
"Oh." Sam groaned. "Oh, lord."
"I see a...it's a white house, it's quaint and cozy because Ann's a career woman and she won't want to clean and you're still scared of the vacuum. There's a fence in the front yard and see that tree? It's right in the back and there's plenty of room for a big vegetable garden."
"Oh."
"Is there a wrap around porch with a swing?" Ann asked. "And maybe window boxes?"
"Yeah, see she can see it. Three or maybe four bedrooms. All on the same level for when the babies come. Even a garage with your own car."
"That does sound nice." James smiled. "And right across the street. Closer than Anthony or Michael."
"How long would it take you to get from that house to here?"
"A moment."
"We can have a window upstairs." Ann said as she took James' arm. "And you can see their whole house from it."
"But you just bought your house."
"I did, but maybe we need our house, one that's perfect for both of us."
"This would be fine with you?"
"Home's where you are, James. I'd be happy anywhere as long as you're happy."
Sam sucked in a ragged breath and then wiped at his eyes because it was pretty romantic. James was smiling again but it wasn't weak like it had been. It was that big bright smile Sam always wanted to see on his face. Dean had really come up with a perfect solution. There was nothing wrong with the house Ann was living in but it wasn't close enough. A new house would solve that problem and Sam honestly didn't care if they had to quadruple their offer they were going to buy that land.
When Ann and James went off to inspect the empty land Sam sighed rather happily and put his arms around Dean. He was always great with any problem and he always came up with a solution even if it was unorthodox. Sam didn't know why it kept on surprising him but he was glad it did because he got to appreciate Dean all over again every time.
"Do you see it, Sammy?"
"I do, as long as it's not bigger than my house."
"Someone's got penis issues." Jeremy sang. "Always needing the biggest and the..."
"That someone is you!" Sam sang back. "This is a great idea, Dean. I think it's just perfect for him."
"I agree, but I wasn't talking about the house."
"What were you talking about?"
"The gardens." Dean said as he held up his hand. "We'll have them on either side of the house, real proper gardens like at Versailles. Knot gardens, topiaries, fountains, and ponds with big beautiful fish that fry up real nice like."
"Gar...gardens?"
"Yeah, so you can have your informal garden behind the house and then a fancy one that's a pain in the ass to maintain across the street. You can work in it and your balls can sweat and then I can suck 'em."
Sam could see it all and it was spectacular. He didn't need a formal garden at all but there was little fun in being a millionaire if you didn't do something completely unnecessary every once and a while. Sam saw perfectly manicured hedges and maybe a maze for the kids. He could see his perfectly ordered rose gardens, and maybe even a really over the top water feature or a pond big enough for a small boat. Sam had dreams of drifting around in a little canoe with Dean and just maybe that would happen.
"You do have a way with words." Aaron whispered. "And a touch of the romantic."
"Quiet, Father Badtouch."
"I think if we can buy the land that's a great idea."
"Yeah...I bought it right after we got back from Paris. I was saving it for a Christmas present, but it's yours so I guess it'd have to be okay with you to build James a house."
"You...you bought that land?"
"Yep!" Dean beamed. "For exactly what it was worth. I was like "Republic credits will be fine.""
"You used your freaky powers to buy property?" Jeremy asked. "That's unconscionable!"
"Zip it, Angelus."
"Hey!"
"Dean." Sam smiled. "Really?"
"Sammy you loved the gardens so much. I see hedges and we can get you a rose garden like you deserve and maybe a little cottage for tools and your Crocs."
"Aw!"
"And you won't even eat me out when I ask."
"Jeremy!" Aaron yelled. "That is beyond inappropriate...and...well... just not true."
"I asked you like ten minutes ago."
"We were listening to James pour his heart out!"
"I didn't mean right then and there, I meant later, after you take me..." Jeremy said before raising his voice. "On a date!"
Sam was way too busy kissing all over Dean's neck and making him giggle to completely follow the conversation but that definitely got his attention. When he turned to look back Aaron was three shades for red and Jeremy looked like he had just eaten a big shit sandwich. He had a completely manic grin on his face which just got bigger when repeatedly elbowed Aaron.
"Date?" Dean asked. "You two don't go on dates. I thought you were so above needing to have a conventional relationship. I thought there was only...what did you call it, Sammy?"
"Pwivate smoochies!"
"Yes, well, be that as it may." Aaron said. "Tonight we're going to see a film and then perhaps...ice cream."
"Yeah, double swirl fudge!"
"Dean." Sam laughed. "Are you two really going on a date?"
"No, it's just a movie and ice cream."
"But I'll totally put out afterwards." Jeremy said before he looked at his watch. "And actually we need to get going. Is this thing with James wrapped up nice and neat?"
Neat was maybe stretching it but Sam did think that it was wrapped up. They'd still have to figure out what James was going to do before the house was built but Sam thought he might be okay with alternating the days. Ann was really busy with school and Sam was sure she might enjoy some time alone to work in peace and quiet and James would enjoy spending some more time with the kids. Maybe after a few weeks they could try to wean him some and Sam was sort of thinking that once he realized nothing bad was going on he'd probably be more inclined to spend time with Ann.
"Good enough." Sam nodded. "You guys have fun."
"Would you like to come?" Aaron asked. "I'm sure dad wouldn't mind watching the kids."
"Going to the movies on Saturday night?" Dean asked. "We couldn't do that before Sammy got shot."
"Oh, right. Oh, I'm sorry for bringing that up."
"It's okay, I'll serve my time."
"Which you wouldn't have to do if Dickhead would do something about it." Jeremy said. "He's such a cock."
"Jeremy." Aaron sighed. "Please."
"He's an asshole."
"That is what you think."
"And what exactly do you think?" Dean asked. "I'm curious."
"I think God works in mysterious ways and he has a plan for all of us."
That earned the biggest eye roll Jeremy could manage but at least he turned away before he did it so Aaron didn't see. Sam was amazed they were able to have such a functional relationship when they were so completely different especially about something so important. Aaron had blind faith in God and in Gabe who was apparently his friend, but Jeremy only believed in himself. It wasn't that long ago that he had been praying to God, but that had been steadily changing with every little setback he went through.
"And his plan for Sam involved a crazed gunman?"
"Dean."
"I'm just saying, Sammy." Dean sighed. "I think blind faith is a little dangerous."
"So is a lack of faith." Aaron shrugged. "I don't think Gabe or God meant any harm and until this plays out we won't know why it happened."
"Very well put." Sam smiled. "You two crazy kids get out of here."
"You should totally rim him." Jeremy whispered to Sam. "For being sweet."
"That's the plan! Brush my teeth, say my prayer, munch some butt."
"Yes indeedy!" Dean grinned. "Fantastic!"
After a few more minutes of joking around Jeremy and Aaron left so they wouldn't be late for the movie. Sam wouldn't have wanted to go even if he could but it still made him a little jealous and Aaron had made him think. While Sam was standing in front of the house with Dean he had to wonder what the big plan was if everything did happen for a reason. If he was supposed to be shot and not die then clearly something was to come of that. He couldn't imagine what it was because things had looked and were still looking a little grim.
While Sam thought about it he watched James and Ann looking over what was essentially a big dying field. He was pointing at a lot of stuff and she was laughing and seemed to be agreeing. They both looked so happy and if James finally moved on as a result of the shooting then Sam thought it was maybe worth it. That seemed a little simple though especially considering that the shooting had actually set James back some.
Whatever was going to happen whether it was meant to or not Sam wasn't going to worry about it much. Good shit and bad shit had always happened and for the past eight years Sam had taken it all in stride because he had Dean by his side and there wasn't much they couldn't get through. The bad stuff was never really easy but no matter how hard things got Sam still went to sleep in Dean's arms each night and he was always going to.
"Are you even listening to me, Sammy?" Dean asked. "Sammy....Sammy....Sam Winchester!"
"What did you say?" Sam asked as he turned to face Dean. "What did you call me?"
"Sam Winchester." Dean smiled. "That's your name, right?"
"Sam Winchester..."
"Sammy?"
Sam smiled back and then kissed Dean in the middle of his forehead because he always knew just what to say and just maybe they had another thing to scratch off the list. Dean wanted to know what the grin and the kiss was for but Sam kept it to himself and held his hand while they watched James and Ann making plans. |
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