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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Snippets Ten: The Fourth of July Picnic

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Castiel had pretty much stayed in Dean's line of sight since the incident in the car.  The little boy was very subdued, even when they reached the picnic and Mary had set out the delicious looking food she'd prepared for her family.  Usually the sight of his favorite foods had the child eager to eat but not this time, and it had the angel very worried.

Dean had taken some of his Legos and was building a fort for his toy soldiers.  He was sitting beneath a tree in the park, about ten feet away from his parents.  His mother had not noticed the slight red mark on his cheek and Dean had not talked about it.

The angel sat beside his charge.  "I know it's hard to understand, little one, but your father does not hate you."  Though there were times he wondered at it.

The blond raised his head and hazel eyes gazed into the angel’s.  "What...?" He stopped the question before he finished asking it.  The small boy lowered his head and went back to his Legos.

"Dean, you are allowed to ask questions when I'm with you.  I will never hurt 
you for asking me anything.  I promise," he told the boy.

"Hate?" was the only word that came from the hesitant child.

"Hate is an emotion that people feel," he said, falling into teacher mode, which 
he seemed to do more and more lately.  "You remember how your mom was teaching you about 
opposites the other day?  Hot and cold, wet and dry?"  Basic terms but easy for a bright child Dean's age to comprehend.

The young child’s head bobbed in a nod.

"The opposite of love is hate.  Hate makes you feel all bad inside because you 
can't see the good things around you," he said softly.  "Your father loves you very much, never doubt that.  However, his life has been rough and things have happened that have made him more aggressive to people than is normal."

Dean was having problems understanding some of the big words the angel used.  

Castiel could see his little mind working  in the way the eyes focused.  He stared up at the angel, "Agesive?"

Ok, too big a word.  "You know how, when you're tired and it's close to nap 
time, you get a bit mean to your mother sometimes?"

"I dun hit Mama."

"No but you do yell at her, right?"

"I not mad at Mama.  Dayey was mad at me."

"Well, when you yell at her when you're tired, that's being aggressive.  People 
do wrong things when they're upset.  Sometimes, they yell and say mean things.  Other times, they hit and later feel bad because they did.  When people hit, they may not be aware of just how much they hurt the one they've hit.  Dean, I want you to remember this, ok?  When you're upset, try to talk it out but never..ever...hit a child or a woman.  They can't protect themselves as well as males can."  He stroked his fingers over the soft hair, reassuring his charge.

Dean nodded and turned looked at his parents, both of them seemed happy and contented.  His daddy didn’t look  upset to him.  He knew the angel was right, but he would be careful around his daddy, anyway.  He liked being daddy’s boy.

Dean smiled.  The twigs and ants were bothering him.  He walked over to the Impala with his Legos and climbed into the front seat and began to play with the small connecting blocks on the dashboard.  He never noticed that several pieces slid down into the vent.  His mama called him to come eat.  Leaving the Legos where they were, he hurried over to join his parents, leaving one angel with a wide-eyed stare at the vent.

Castiel began to raise his hand to draw the toys out of the vent when Father 
intervened."The Legos must remain, my child.  They are important in the future."

That didn't make much sense but the angel complied.  "As You wish, Father."  He was quiet for a moment, watching the little family.  "Did I do all right there?  I have no comprehension as to why John Winchester is so abusive to his child."

"John Winchester does not recognize it as abusive, my son.  He is a strict man.  In a few years, Dean will come to worship him.  He will dress like him, listen to the same music, and he will own the Impala.  Whatever John Winchester says will be law.  John’s attitude will not change..  He will use that to control Dean, but the younger brother will see it for what it is.  Dean is a hero, Castiel, but he will never recognize that side of himself.  neither will will his family.  I promise you that there will be those who see it."

 "If he will mimic the man that closely, Father, then I will have failed because 
Dean is unique as are all humans.  John Winchester's only redeeming point is that he sired such a child," he whispered.

"You will not have failed.  Dean is not completely blind, Castiel.  He loves and 
worships his father, but when he is reaches his twenties, he will be deserted by his family. It will hurt deeply, and he will do all he can to win them back.  John Winchester will do things  that some might consider to be a fatherly thing to do, but there will be repercussions  and he will use Dean at the end of his life.  Dean will have to bear great burdens, but he will make most of the right choices.  Not all of them will be, but you will become a vital part of  his life again, at that time.  You will never leave him,  Castiel....not permanently.  He will lose sight of you."

"I never thought to say this, Father, but I wish that he will not.  He has 
become..special..to me."

"I will give you other errands at times, my child.  You may have to find ways to 
understand what has gone on during those times.  Until I send you back into the fight for his soul, safety, and sanity, you will not always know what he has been up to.  You will have to find ways to know.  It will be important that you do."

The sound of a car backing and tires screeching to a halt brought  an end to the conversation.  Castiel could hear John Winchester yell, "Damn it Dean, they’re in the vent!"

Snippets Nine: Dean and Women

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Mary had been busy  with things for the Fourth of July picnic.  John told her he’d keep an eye on Dean.  He put his son in the front seat of the Impala and headed to his job to pick up his paycheck.  The mechanics would always tease him about having such a fair haired son  The teasing seemed to mainly be about how the boy looked like such a beautiful girl.  This worried Dean’s father a  good deal.
The worry didn't make sense to Castiel, who was currently seated in the backseat so he could keep an eye on his charge.  They had come to a stop and being such a hot day, the windows were down in order to cool off the vehicle.  The holiday didn't make much sense to the angel but it seemed to have everyone outside and as scantily clad as was morally possible.

John had pulled into the bank and was filling out a deposit slip to put into the drop.  Dean was standing up and looking out the window.  A very skimpily clad woman walked up to the drop and was putting a money bag in it.  Castiel watched his charge get very still.  A small grin appeared and Dean Winchester leaned out the window and yelled, "Wow!"  John’s head jerked up as the woman walked past Dean’s window to his.  The slap was loud and  hard, and the woman turned away.

John rubbed his face and looked at his son, realizing that he was no ‘girl.’  

Castiel watched the scene and then did something very rare for him.  He laughed.  Not the gentle chuckle kind but a full deep belly laugh.  Oh, he could foresee a great deal of trouble for this one and it seemed John Winchester was just now starting to realize it.

Dean leaned out the window and pointed to another skimpily clad woman.  Before he could say anything, John dragged him back inside and sat him down, sternly telling his son, "No!"  

Dean asked, "Why?"

The angel couldn't stop the laughter as he watched John deal with his first bout of the infamous 'why' when told something.

"Because women dressed like that get angry at men when they yell something like ‘wow.  You got me slapped for something you did.  It hurt."

Dean asked, "Why?" 

For once, that was a good question Castiel mused to himself.  He couldn't claim to understand the female species but wouldn't dressing like that mean men would ogle and treat them like objects?  Why would they be angry?

"I don’t know why they dress like that and get angry, but I sure as hell know why it hurts, Dean."  John reached over and slapped the boy on the face.  "That’s why it hurts.  That’s why you stop something when I tell you no.  You didn’t learn from the last time you got in trouble.  Learn this time and quit asking me why!"

Dean did not cry which surprised the angel.  His hand touched his cheek and the hazel eyes turned turned almost gray with distress, but he kept quiet.  There were no more questions.

Snippets Eight: Who, What, Where, When, and Why

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha


Mary sat down the evening John left in anger and explained the word, ‘stubborn,’ to her two year old son.  Castiel listened and thought that Dean might actually have a good mother after all.  She took the time and put it into words a very young child would understand.

What Castiel and Mary had not expected was the string of questions to follow.  She thought it would come at a later age, but Dean was very inquisitive.  The angel realized that his charge was very intelligent.  He came to one more realization.  He seriously disliked  the words, ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ 'when'  and the most irritating word of all......’why.’

Of all the words in the multitude of human languages, Castiel was certain that "why" was the one word he disliked the most.  He would've said hated but it was simply not acceptable for an angel to hate something.  Supposedly, it was very unangelic like or so he'd heard.  However, the constant use of "why" when his charge was told something was, in a word, frustrating.  "It's time like this, Father, I have to ponder the creation of the world 'why.'  If I'm hearing it this frequently, I can only imagine how much You hear it," he said in private communication as he watched his little charge.

"Why is an important word in the human vocabulary, Castiel.  Humans do question everything and it is often that they do it, my child.  Sometimes they do  not understand my wishes or decisions.  As long as they ask me, they are communicating with me.  That is good.  When Dean stops asking, worry.  Give him the best answers you can.  His parents may fail in it.  We do not want to fail him too."

But they would fail him if something wasn't done to alter the destiny of this family.  However, he couldn't ask why because that wasn't allowed by his kind.  The angel sighed.  "I suppose so, Father.  I answer the best I can but it is difficult.  Young minds are so limited in what they can understand.  It's like Mary trying to teach him why the stove is hot."

"Teaching that things are dangerous is difficult, my son.  Remember that it is important that he comprehends that things are dangerous.  He will be a great hunter, but only if he understands that many things cause pain."

Castiel’s conversation was cut short when Mary screamed, "Dean do not touch the stove!"  He heard Dean’s scream and immediately was in the kitchen.

The angel teleported himself into the kitchen to find his little one on his knees, holding his hand and crying.  He could hear a mix of a cry for his mother as well as the mangled form of his own name.  Castiel knelt beside his charge, resting his hand on his back. "This is why we do not touch things that are hot, little one.  Hot can hurt when not mixed with cold."

Mary, getting ice out of the freezer, and Cas both  stared as Dean asked, "Why?"

Castiel thought he heard laughter from heaven again, but was not sure.

Snippets Seven: Potty Training

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha


When Dean turned two, John informed Mary that it was past time for diapers. He saw no reason the boy couldn’t use the big toilet.  Mary stared at him and said there were special made potties for training and they had a cup in front for little boys.  John snorted and told her to get the boy a small stool and make him stand like a man.  He was a boy, not a girl.

At that point, Castiel had the distinct pleasure of watching Mary go out and buy the proper training tools for Dean, including a special potty just for Dean.  He was very happy for that, especially given what John had done over the last nudity issue.  She was learning to stick to her beliefs when it came to helping Dean through certain phases in his life.

The arguments started when John got home.  He left the house and did not come home that night.  Dean had pottied during the argument.  Dean had actually done both in the potty and was very proud of himself, but did not know how to wipe.  He could hear mommy crying in the kitchen.

Castiel knelt beside his charge.  "You have done so well, Dean.  Your mother will be so proud of you."

"Mommy is crying," Dean pointed out the obvious to the angel.  Castiel could see, in the bright hazel eyes, the brain working.  Dean was not a stupid child and he was trying to find a way to make Mommy stop crying.  Before Castiel could stop him, the little boy, training pants still around his ankles, reached into the potty and grabbed what Castiel was sure was something that should have remained where it was.  He headed to the kitchen to cheer his Mommy up.  Castiel had said she would be proud.

 The angel facepalmed as he followed his charge into the kitchen.  Fortunately for Dean, Mary didn't react negatively and knelt, asking her son if he'd done his business in the potty when she saw the 'gift' in his hand.

Not for the first time was the Winchester charm shown in a bright smile.  Father had said the smile would get the boy into lots of problems later in life, but it would also help him.  Castiel had problems comprehending this in the innocent face before him, but Father was never wrong.

Mary beamed at him, calling him a good boy and then guided him to the bathroom to help him put the 'present' back into the potty and then taught him how to wipe himself properly.

Dean smiled up at his Mommy, when she picked him up and took him to the sink to wash his hands.  He put his arms around her and whispered, "Don cry, Mommy.  I luv you."

 "And I love you, my precious boy," she told him, kissing his little face.  "And my little one, if I cry, it's never your fault.  Remember that, ok?"

"Daddy made you cry," Dean’s little voice just sounded like he was stating a fact.

 "Sometimes daddies can make mommies cry," she told him.  "They don't mean to but can be quite stubborn."

"Wuz subborn?"  Castiel  thought the question was cute, as Dean yawned.  It was past his bedtime.

"Let's brush our teeth, little man, and I'll tell you," she said, getting his toothbrush wet and a dot of paste on it.

Castiel watched a sweet scene between mother son, marveling at how much the young man looked like his mother.  Little did he know that one simple question would open a part of childhood he had never dealt with.

In later years, most people would think that Dean was not that smart.  His younger brother would be credited with the brains of the family.  Dean started asking questions, nonstop, at age two.  Castiel, being his invisible guardian, and Mary would get the brunt of it.  The angel was going to learn patience.

Snippets Six: Dealing with Nudity

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Winter hit Kansas hard in 1981.  John and Mary kept the house warm for Dean, who hated shoes.  He was always losing one.  That winter, Dean developed a new habit that embarrassed his parents greatly.  He discovered his naked body and wanted to show it everywhere.

   For the angel, it was rather amusing  to watch the two year old streak around the house, giggling as his parents chased after him with one kind of garment or another.  In truth, to Castiel, there was nothing wrong as the boy was innocent in all things and to be unclad was no sin at all.  He really didn't understand mortals at times.

The Winchesters had gone to the mall so Dean could see Santa.  John swore he would never do so again when Dean pulled the old man’s beard off, climbed off the man’s lap, and gave the beard to a little girl close to his age.  Castiel’s brows went up when the young Winchester kissed the little girl on lips and left the beard with her as a gift.

Once the child had gotten home, he had stripped out of the red candy cane sweater and jeans that Mary had declared as perfectly adorable and had hurriedly gone running around, snickering gleefully.

The next day an event occurred which made Castiel realize that maybe mortals were right about nudity in children.  The Winchesters went to the local pond to ice skate with friends.  Dean was playing on the ice as his parents kept an eye on him, while skating.

The sound system that was set up played a Christmas waltz and John took Mary’s hand.  They were caught up in the moment when they heard someone scream.  Turning they saw Dean sliding across the ice and his bare butt disappearing into a snowbank.  John swore and took off after his naked son, with a distraught Mary right behind.

The celestial being was grateful it had been a snowbank and not  the ice the naked boy had fallen into.  He did have a feeling that Mary and John would not be thinking of the same thing, however.
The Impala pulled into the drive, John got out, grabbed his naked son, and entered the house.  Mary gathered Dean’s things.  When she entered, she could hear  John’s belt strike their son.  Mary ran and yelled at John to stop.  He told her it was the only way to make a boy learn.

John and Mary had a large argument and John left the house.  Mary sat in the kitchen, trying to figure out what should be done about Dean.  Castiel could hear the child crying.

The angel went into the small, cheerful room and knelt beside the bed.  "It's all right, Dean.  Adult humans don't always understand things sometimes."

The young boy climbed into the angel’s lap and laid his head on an angelic shoulder, sniffing.  After this, the boy tended to be more quiet and not as playful as he had been.  Castiel decided he did not like John and Mary Winchester.  She had not gone to her son to comfort but sought solace in her kitchen trying to figure out what to do.

Castiel was glad for the first time that Father had sent him to guard the older Winchester boy.

"Never fear, Dean.  Even if you cannot see me, know that you are in my thoughts and I will watch over you, Father willing," he whispered to his charge.

The boy whispered the name he always called the angel, "Cas."  The angel held him until he fell asleep and placed him back in his bed and remained there.

Snippets Five: Trick or Treating

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Castiel had to restrain the urge to laugh when Mary was trying to get her overly excited son dressed to partake in the odd ritual of "trick or treating."  Dean was bouncing, ecstatic to be able to go and get candy.  He and his mother had gone shopping for an outfit earlier, and the boy had chosen one that had surprised the angel.

He refused every cute, plastic masked costume in three stores.  His mother was shocked when he picked a make up kit for a werewolf.  He was upset that the clawed gloves were for adults and his little hands could not fit in them.  Mary bought two kits so he would have enough hair for his hands.  The former hunter in her concerned over a two year old’s interests.  Where had her son learned about werewolves?

The angel simply smiled.  It was a harmless fascination for now and after hearing the song "Bad Moon Rising," he'd had to explain about werewolves as best as he could to his ward.  Dean knew they were dangerous but was interested, and the heavenly warrior knew the interest in the supernatural would only serve him well in the future.  He smiled as the make up was applied.  "I know this day is a pagan celebration, Father, but I have to say that he looks rather adorable."

"At least he will not be eating too much candy with adult vampire teeth in his mouth," Father mentioned.  They both listened as Dean asked his normal questions about tricks and treats and the difference in them.

 "No, we just have to worry about that after he gets home," the angel said with a laugh.  John was staying home to hand out candy, so it was just mother, son, and the angelic guardian.  "He looks like a big puppy more than a fearsome creature," he admitted, large smile curving his lips.  

The next hour, mother, son, and angel walked the neighborhood streets.    Dean learned that no light meant no candy.  He walked by his mother’s side.  They stopped at a local grocery store.  It was closed but the outside lights were still on.  Mary opened the door and Dean ran to the counter.  The owner frowned when he saw the child.

"Oh goodness!  What do we have here?"  The owner seemed to act properly afraid of the miniature wolfman.

The child growled as best as a mouth full of adult teeth would let him.  At this time, the door opened and two teenagers entered.  The man looked up and said, "We’re closed."  The boys laughed and started taking chips and drinks, enjoying their plunder.

One walked up and tried to get into Dean’s candy bag.  The younger Winchester spit out his teeth, and said, "You tricked.  No treat."  The teen started to reach down to him.  Before Mary could do anything, the little boy was on his knees with a mouth full of calf.  The teen was screaming, Mary was trying to stop the situation, and the storekeeper was on the phone talking to 911.

Castiel reacted, using some of his grace to encourage the boys to leave the child alone.  Mary could fight but seemed to have forgotten how to at this moment.  He nudged her, trying to get her to embrace the fighter's instinct even for this moment.

Dean dug in deeper, gnawing the calf and the older boy fell to the floor, screaming louder.  The other teen stopped staring and ran to his aid.  Dean let go and looked up at the boy running towards him and bared bloody teeth that showed through the blood covered hair.  He raised his hands like claws and yelled, "I got wabies!"  

Both boys stared, wide-eyed at the two year old as a police car pulled up front.  Castiel and Mary were trying to figure out where Dean learned about rabies and canines.

Castiel looked at the scene for a moment before breaking into full laughter, nearly hitting the floor.  Oh merciful Father, life with this Winchester was NOT going to be dull!  Rabies indeed.

Snippets Four: Chasing an Angel

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Ever since Dean had become more mobile, Mary couldn't figure it out what it was that was keeping her son so entertained.  She'd often watch his little body hitching around on the floor, giggling as he tried to reach for something just out of his grasp.

When he started crawling, he was everywhere in the house. He seldom played with John.  His eyes were always on a far away spot in the room.  He would sometimes bump into furniture when staring far off into the distance. At first, Mary considered an eye doctor, but than realized that Dean could see just fine.  He was not paying attention to his surroundings. Those beautiful hazel eyes were always watching something in the distance.

The way he acted only made her wonder if her suspicions were correct.  That there was something else in the room with them, something that her little one had befriended.

She saw no signs of anything evil.  Mary Winchester knew her monsters.  She was a Campbell, after all.  She guarded her son carefully, not wanting him to live that lifestyle.  Dean was a gentle soul. He never got into anything.  ‘No’ seemed to mean something to  him.  He just had an invisible friend. John did not understand.

Castiel knew that Mary had somewhat figured it out and had informed his Father about it.  He had no reason for concern but Dean following him like this was annoying...annoyingly adorable as it was pointed out to him.

"What do we do, Father, when both parents realize I am here?"

"Both of them won’t figure it out.  John is not alert to the supernatural, Castiel.  Mary will say nothing to him because she does not want him to know.  Dean will not remember this in a couple of years.  Horror and fear will blot it out, but you will always be there to protect him.  As he ages, that will be not be allowed as often.  His course is set before him, but right now, he needs you.  Actually, he always will, but he won’t recognize it.  He will not believe, Castiel , and he won’t feel worthy of salvation."

"I don't want to question you," he said as he watched the little one crawling towards him again.  "But it doesn't seem right to determine his fate with something bloody and horrible."

"Because of his fate, Castiel, his brother’s fate will alter. This will prevent the destruction of mankind.  Dean Winchester is important.  Azazel has no idea, and he won’t. You are here because a time will come when others will understand.  At that time, you will give all you are to help him.  You will be his friend, my son. Not just a guardian."

"Wouldn't it be better just to have us take Azazel down?  Save them from this pain?"  He was terribly fond of the baby.

"No, Castiel, we have to let man have freedom  of choice.  Where Azazel is, there is Lilith, Ruby, Alistair, and many others who follow or lead.  Your brother, Lucifer, will be the cause, as he has been in the past.  Sometimes someone we love has to hurt to prevent even greater pain.  I am sorry, but it is something I have felt myself.  Be there for him.  It will not be all pain, but most of it will be.  Guard him, and keep the enemy from killing him.  For the time being, my son, he will not die, but a time will come.  Free will, Castiel.  I believe he is fixing to try to walk."

Castiel was watching his charge.  "Forgive me again for questioning, Father, but this isn't freedom of choice.  You're allowing the demons a chance to do what they want and Dean will be hurt by it.  I don't find it to be fair, Father."  Oh..he was walking a thin line but it had to be said.

"It is foreknowledge, Castiel, but man does the choosing on his own.  Seven years ago, Azazel killed John Winchester.  Mary could have let it be.  Azazel offered her a deal.  He would come visit in ten years, and if she allowed him to enter unopposed, John would live.  Mary made the deal, Castiel.  Because of this a second son will be born, and he will be the weapon of Lucifer.  It will be his choice.  Dean will raise him, protect him, fight him personally and for him, and make choices that will affect both of their lives and the future of mankind.  All of these decisions that happen are man’s chioices, not ours."

"This isn't Dean's choice," he objected.  "Nor is it the brother's that will come."

"It is not always the choice of the one affected, Castiel.  The sins of mankind fall upon others all of the time.  If Mary had not tried to run away that night, she may have died with her family.  Instead, John Winchester was brought into the battle.  He died.  She is only the first in this family line to make a deal with a demon to save a life.  It becomes a precedent among them.  The brother will die, Castiel.  Dean will sell his soul to return him, following in John Winchester’s steps, who did the same to keep Dean alive.  Dean will go to hell, Castiel.  You will free him, but  the damage is done.  If it helps, Dean does change for the better after Lucifer is freed.  You will be there at the final battlefield, but all will be scarred or lost."

"It isn't fair," he told him. "They need to be able to make their own choices, not tainted by what the others have done.  You could stop this..stop them before anyone else is harmed."

"It is freewill, Castiel.  I can not interfere.  These things are prophesied and some will be prophesied.  He may not know you are there, but you will still guide and comfort him.  He will need you, because he will not believe and will seek comfort in wrong things.  Be there, Castiel.  He actually will turn into a very good man."

"Dean!  What are you holding on to?  Who is holding you up?"  

Dean giggled, arms wrapped around one invisible angel leg.  He had walked across the room and held on to the one that only he could see.

"It is a sign, Castiel, that even when he rebels, he will cling."

The angel looked down at the child, voice soft.  He'd seen the little one's first steps, amazed that the frail limbs could hold up such a chubby little torso.  "All this way to me, Dean?" It wasn't fair.  He didn't want Dean to hurt.

Snippets Three: First Word

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

There were times when watching over an infant wasn't too bad.  Dean could be rather..cute..when he wasn't fussing or dealing with a disgusting diaper.  Castiel found that he rather enjoyed the giggles from the boy as he occasionally made an appearance and talked to the baby.

It never occurred to the angel that repeating his name to a young child could have consequences.  Castiel thought it would be important for the baby to know who he was.  If he had to guard the child for the rest of his life, the kid ought to know his name.

So..one sunny Saturday morning, the family was in the living room while Dean gummed on his blocks.  Castiel was watching from near a window, aware of the hazel eyes watching as he was given an occasional drooly smile.

John was reading the newspaper, while Mary watched their son.  She noted that Dean kept smiling at the window and assumed he was fascinated by the sunbeams that touched the floor and moved because of the wind blowing through the tree limbs in the yard.  Dean started giggling and dropped the block that was now covered in baby drool.

It still amazed Castiel just how much babies could see.  He knew that cats and other animals could see the supernatural but human babies were something he hadn't expected.  "So you're watching me today, hmm?"

The baby’s eyes looked like a cat’s eyes  as they widened.  Cas loved the myriad colors Dean’s little orbs could change into.  His charge surprised everyone at that moment when he raised his arms towards the window.

The angel moved closer, kneeling by the infant. "What is it, Dean?"  It was moments like this that made working with his little charge so incredibly special.

Dean’s chubby hands touch the angel’s face as he squealed.  A pin drop could be heard in the living room as the little boy called out, "Cath!  Cath!"

Castiel froze while Mary looked at John.  "Did he just say cat?"

John frowned, "I don’t know how you got him to say it, hon, but I’ve told  you before.  No cats in the house."    

"It could be cartoons or the books I read him," she said.  The angel chuckled at this discussion. 

"We'll let them think that's what you're saying, hmm?  I cannot believe you chose me as your first word though, Dean."

Dean continued to touch the angel’s face, saying "Cath!" over and over again.  Mary wondered what her son thought he was touching.  Her eyes widened and she smiled.  Maybe Dean did have an angel watching over him.

Snippets Two: Dirty Diapers

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Castiel winced at the shrill cry of the infant.  Dean was a few months old now and the child's cry was still piercing to the angel.  During the time he'd been with the family, he'd learned to discern the types of cries the baby gave:  hungry, bored, in pain, scared, and bodily needs.  The one the angel hated...dirty diapers.

The heavenly defender had faced all sorts of things during his long life but never had he come across anything so...foul in stench as this.  Merciful Father, it could be used in warfare against the demonic legions!

Mary was on the telephone in the kitchen talking to John at the mechanic shop.  Castiel knew he could take on angelic form and change the diaper but he was not sure if Dean could handle his form.  He heard a whisper from Father telling him to tend his charge. The angel groaned.

"And what of the child?  He cannot handle me in my true state," he told his parent.  In truth, he didn't want to do this and mentally begged Mary to get off of the communication device to tend to her child.

"The child is important, Castiel.  He will be more important than his brother.  He will have great sin his life, but love and self sacrifice will save him.  At this point, he is an innocent.  Innocents can see angelic forms and not be harmed.  Tend the child, Castiel.  He is your charge for life.  He will not know you yet, but one day he will.

Blue eyes turned skyward.  "And his mother will not suspect when she finds her son in a fresh diaper?"  He knew of Mary's background.

"His mother believes in angels, Castiel.  She tells him every night that angels watch over him because she believes in you.  She knows that a demon would not change him.  Let her know her son is guided and protected.  And if it helps you any, you can use this story one day to silence his big mouth."

Castiel said nothing more, materializing into a more corporeal form so that he could manipulate the squalling infant. It didn't take long before he had the 'onsie' off of the squirming baby and opened the diaper to remove it.  Ancient Enochian flowed from him as the stench wafted up, making his eyes water.

The baby’s hazel eyes turned almost green as a calmness overcame him.  One small  hand grabbed an angelic finger and tried to pull it into a mouth where young Dean could chew on it and ease the pain of teeth breaking through his gums.  Castiel had never had his finger gnawed on by anyone in any form.  He stood  mouth open, his eyes wide, as the stench made them water, but the mouth gumming his finger stopped all movement.

"What in Heaven's name are you doing, little one?"  Ok..diaper wasn't even changed but Dean seemed to think he was some sort of..food?

Dean’s legs kicked in the air and he squealed around the mouth full of finger.  Castiel finally pulled it out of the baby’s mouth and went to work on the diaper.

The little boy pouted at having his 'treat' removed and sniffed, giving the angel puppy dog eyes.

Castiel stopped changing the diaper and stared at the begging eyes.  He shook his head.

"Father told me you would have a lot of sin in your life, Dean.  If you keep staring like that, women are in trouble.  Do not chase after the fairer sex, Dean. They can hurt you."

The baby simply cooed at him in answer to the angel's comment.  His little hands reached out, grabbing at the diaper.

The angel ducked as a small handful of baby poop almost hit his face.  The baby squealed in delight.  An angelic head lifted from below the crib.

"Should you have that good an aim at your age, Dean?"

The baby simply squealed again, waving dirty hands at the angel.  The eyes were full of love and mischief.

Castiel smiled, but had a sense of foreboding. This one was going to be a charmer, but a deadly one.  He thought back over his past, trying to figure out what he had done wrong to be placed in this position.

The angel managed to get the squirming baby cleaned up and into a fresh diaper before anything else could happen.  "Why do I have a feeling you are going to be one massive headache in the future, young one?"

He lifted the young boy and held him against his shoulder, feeling the young heartbeat. Suddenly young Dean Winchester belched and spit up all over the angelic form. Castiel swore he heard Father’s laughter in the distance, but thought he had to be mistaken.

Snippets One: Cas and Dean

Snippets will be little bits of life. Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester. We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me. Thank you for reading. Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Castiel, in his heavenly body, stayed invisible as he watched the young couple enter the nursery and place the infant in the crib.  He hovered over the three, trying to comprehend why Father felt he needed to watch over this one small child.  It seemed a long waste of time to him.  He went into the corner of the ceiling as the parents went to lie down and others entered the room.  The angel was protected from the demons at this time  They would not be able to sense him.  Castiel frowned as he noted that Azazel was telling several others that this was not the expected one

"Did you know this one would be born, father?", asked a female demon.

"No, but the expected one is four years away.  This one is worth nothing.  We will return at the time I was invited to come.  I wanted to see what this one was like.  He may be an influence over the other, and it may not be what we want.  We will watch and see.  He can always be removed."

The demons disappeared and the angel softly landed by the crib, staring at the small baby with curiosity.

"Your future brother would seem to have a fate, young one?  Is it possible Father expects you to have one too?"  

Mary Winchester entered the room and leaned over her son, "Angels watch over you tonight, my love."

Leaning over the crib, the young blond gently kissed her fair haired son and left the room.

Castiel stared at her and thought about what she had said.  He looked at the blond haired infant.

"We will.  I promise."

Snippets: Introduction

I have often wondered about Castiel's true relationship with Dean Winchester.  Laran and I  played with the idea that Cas was more then just the angel who pulled Dean "out of perdition."  What if God, the Father, had chosen Castiel to be Dean's guardian angel from the time he was born.   We thought it would interesting, fun, and poignant to see Dean's life through an angel's eyes.

Snippets will be little bits of life.  Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman wish to thank Eric Kripke for the creation of Supernatural and Sam and Dean Winchester.  We neither own nor make money from Supernatural, the characters, or the actors, although Dean would be welcome by me.   Thank you for reading.  Comments are appreciated.

Laran and Tisha

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 155

Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel. The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Dean and Lisa's Wedding

The woman tapped on the door, hearing the sound of men's voices behind it.  Ellen was anxious to see the son of her heart before he promised himself to 
the woman he loved.

Sam answered the door, a  look of surprise n his face when he saw the woman.  "Hey, Ellen.  I thought you'd be downstairs with the guests."  Bobby. Ben, and Dean stopped getting ready and listened to the conversation.

She gave him a grin.  "Like I'd miss out on seeing my son get ready?  He is decent right?"

"Decent enough, I guess,"  Dean's voice came from behind the bedroom door of Sam's master bedroom.  The women had commandeered Dean's.  Dean was in his the trousers of the tux and had on a white t-shirt.  He stood staring at the woman as she entered the room.

 "Not bad, kid," she said, coming in and giving the oldest Winchester a loving hug. "You clean up rather nicely," Ellen teased.

"What?  Sam's wedding wasn't clean enough for you?"  Dean hugged her back. "I guess elvish clothing is not quite dressing up American style is it?  I..ah...kept mine though."

The woman laughed. "We all did," she admitted.  "It was gorgeous.  Now, how are you feeling?"  She was doing the mother of the groom thing perfectly, having a deep affection for the Winchester boys.

The older Winchester looked over Ellen's head at Bobby and Sam, his eyes wide.  "Feeling?  Am I supposed to feel some way?"  He looked at his brother and swallowed.  "I...um.  I guess I'm  a little nervous but I've wanted this for a long time, Ellen.  I love her."

 She cupped his face, staring into his eyes for a long moment.  "You have the look of a man in love, Dean, and I'm happy for you," she told him.  "God knows, you deserve this.  Now, let's finish getting you ready to go.  You don't want your bride getting there before you do," she teased good naturedly.

The shocked look went across the room to the other men.  "You planning to finish dressing me, Ellen?"  The hazel eyes stared intently into the eyes of the woman who had pretty much adopted them.

 "You're decent and got your male parts covered," she teased.  "Allow this crazy lady a chance to help you finish getting ready, ok?  You and Sam are my boys, and I'll never get this chance again."

Sam raised a brow when Dean nodded yes.  He grinned, knowing that Dean would have found it hard to say no to Ellen Harvelle.  

 Ellen grinned, kissing his cheek. "Ok, dress shirt? Sam, help him into it so it doesn't wrinkle," she said, taking charge as she usually did.

Dean slid into the white shirt that fit him perfectly.  His broad shoulders filled it out, and his hands shook slightly as he reached  to button the pearl buttons.  Sam went to get the cuff links.\

"Very nice," she approved.  "You chose a very elegant design."

"Thanks, Ellen."  Sam reached up and did Dean's tie.  Bobby, already dressed, brought his coat.  "Does anyone know what they're doing?  Where are we having it?  I know it's a woman thing, but she's been as secretive as Sarah was."

"Gazebo outside," Ellen answered, handing Sam the box that contained Lisa's wedding ring.  "The heating has been set up already and Sarah's worked her magic touch."

"We need coats then? It's a ways out there to the gazebo?  The flowers will get crushed under a coat. Did she heat the place like she did hers?"

"It's heated so Lisa is protected," she told him.  "You'll wear your tuxedo coat, of course," Ellen told him.  "Don't worry, ok?"

"Okay."  Dean went and sat down on the edge of Sam's bed.  The younger man could tell that his brother was getting more nervous by the moment.  He was taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly.  It reminded Sam of the time they hunted the demon on the air plane.  Dean never liked flying.

 Ellen walked in front of him, smoothing his hair back.  "You're going to be all right."

The young man leaned his head into the Ellen's hand as she smoothed his hair.  "I think I'm gonna be sick," he whispered softly, voice shaking.

 "Take a deep breath, son," she said in a soothing voice.  "Hold it for the count of five and slowly exhale. Focus your mind on something pleasant and let nothing else seep through that."

"Ellen?  Isn't getting married supposed to be pleasant?  If it is and I'm feeling sick, then what the hell do I think about"?"

 "I couldn't stop puking for an hour before I married Jo's dad," she told him.  "It's scary, knowing you're binding your life to another's, but it's one of the best experiences too."

"Sam?  Bobby?"   Bobby looked at the younger brother.  "I was nervous, Dean, but not sick.  Sam?"

 "A little nauseated.  We tend to feel nerves in our stomachs," he said with a wry grin.

Dean did some more deep breathing.  "Well, wedding night tonight.  That's good.  Tomorrow we have a real Christmas.  Can barely remember what that's like."

 Ellen grinned.  "Should be loads of fun."

"Yeah, I'm real excited about it."  The deep breathing continued.   "How much longer?"  He was still shaking and looking pale.

"We should be heading out there," Bobby said, looking at his watch.  "It's almost time."

Standing, Dean took a few minutes to get his legs to stop shaking.  "This is really crazy, guys.  Bobby, if I do something stupid like pass out at my own wedding, you will shoot me?  Right???"

"No but I'll razz the hell outta ya instead," he teased, hoping to make him laugh and get him to relax.

Dean stared at him for minute and broke out laughing.  "Are you trying to be an ass, Dad?"

"I don't know, am I?" There was a wide grin that went with the question.

"I think you just might be."  Dean grinned back.  "Ben's slipped out so he's walking his mom?  That means I get both of you.  That works.  Bobby would you walk Ellen to where the groom's Mom sits."  It grew quiet for a second.

 Bobby grinned.  "I'd be honored to," he said, offering his arm to Ellen, who smiled at Dean.  "I'll see you there, son," she said with a bright look.

"Ellen, I'm going to do something I've never done to you before," he said as he walked towards the older woman.  He leaned over and whispered, "I love you, Mom," and he kissed her on the lips and backed away.

Tears filled her eyes as she leaned up, giving him a soft kiss. "I love you too, son," she told him.  "I'm proud of you..both of you..and I am so happy to call you my boys."

Dean smiled, his eyes moist.  "Well, take her to her seat, Dad.  We'll meet you out there."  Dean looked at his brother.  "Whew, Sammy.  Did you feel this way?"

"Yeah, it's pretty heady and nervewracking," Sam answered his brother as Bobby and Ellen left the room. "Trust me,the thoughts leave when you catch sight of  her in her dress though.  All you can think of is her."

"I've been waiting for this time to come for a long time, Sammy, so let's do this."

"All right," he said, opening the bedroom door so they could get out.

They headed downstairs and into the big room where it was dark except for the fireplace and the Christmas lights.  "You got any idea what they decided on as far a cake or anything?  You know?  A reception?  That gazebo is big but a reception and a wedding in it?"  They headed to the patio.  "I don't need a winter coat out there?"

 "It'll be all right. Sarah said it was going to be warm enough. I don't know about what's going on. The girls did the planning with Watari's help. I just stayed out of the way."

Dean laughed as he opened the rear door and stepped outside  between all the buildings.  "I was told what I didn't know wouldn't hurt me."

"True," he snickered, walking out with his brother.

"I hope Sarah was right about her promise because I'm freezing and Lisa is going to have to come through here."

"She'll be fine," Sam chuckled.  They stepped onto the gazebo, which was glassed in, and found it lit by candles of all sizes in red and white.  Red and white poinsettias were abundant as well as Christmas roses.  "Oh wow," he said.  It was romantic and almost traditional.

"It's beautiful.  I suggested red and gold, but Lisa told me burgundy and silver.  So we got the burgundy for tuxes.  Ah well, it's a woman's prerogative.   Right?  This is much more Christmasy. I like it."

 "I do too," the younger brother said. "Dang, my wife has good taste..Lisa too."  He was spotting mistletoe in some places and holly tied with silver ribbons, which decorated a lot of the poinsettias as well.

"I don't see a band.  What are they using for music for her.  Come to think of it, I wonder what she chose?"   Bobby rejoined them at that moment.  Dean was bouncing on his heels, trying hard to remain calm.  "I hate waiting."

All of a sudden, the sound of a  harp filled the air, playing a simple melody for now.  Lisa had hired the girlfriend of the office manager that they had befriended to play the music.  She and Sarah both loved the harp as it was a gentle sound that didn't overpower things.

The music had a soothing effect.  Dean closed his eyes and listened to it.  He quit moving as much.  Sam thought he heard a slight hum.  His brother was notorious for picking up the melody and humming off key but this time he was on key.

The older one seemed to keep on key for the moment, and Sam just smiled.  It was good to see his brother relax considering how upset he was earlier.

"I guess brides can be late too, huh?  Or are we early?"  Dean looked back and noticed that the seats were  in the middle and that Ellen sat next to Watari.  Ryu and the three boys were right behind them.  Jo was sitting on the other side of her mother.  Nancy and her friend, the doctor, Elspeth and her grandson were there.


"We get here first," he said, nudging him a bit.  The melody shifted and in walked Sarah, clad in a burgandy and silver dress that looked elegant on her.  She gave them a grin, then winked at them, taking her place as the matron of honor.  Once again, the music changed, this time to Pachebel's Canon in D and in glided Lisa on Ben's arm.  Her dress was simple but elegant with silver embroidery at the hems of her skirt and wrists.  Her dark hair had been pulled up and back, decorated with a wreath of Christmas roses that matched what she was carrying.  


Sam and Bobby heard the man between them murmur, "Damn!"   No other sound.  Dean Winchester stood in awe and watched his bride walk down the aisle.  His brother realized that he was holding his breath.  He gently punched the man in the back and forced him to breathe.  Dean gasped in air but did not move.


 Bobby chuckled, knowing Sam's comment about not being able to think when he saw his bride was definitely ringing true for Dean.  Lisa made her way to the groom, smiling sweetly as the ceremony began.


Sam gently moved Dean towards her.  All the man could do was stare at her.  


Lisa giggled, handing off her bouquet to Sarah before allowing Dean to take her hands as the ceremony began.  Ben proudly announced he was giving her away,making the preacher grin at him.



Dean had eyes for no one else.  Sam was afraid his brother was not listening or paying attention to anyone.  He was deeply concerned until Dean's voice was heard in response to something the minister said to him.  The younger brother sighed in relief.  Dean was all there.


It was a romantic ceremony and one that would remain in their memories for a lifetime.  When the minister said Dean could kiss the bride, the small crowd gave a loud cheer when the kiss was given.  It was obvious that the couple loved each other dearly.


Dean finally released the kiss and stared down at his wife, with tears rolling down his face, and the biggest smile she'd ever seen.


"I love you," she whispered to him.


"I love you too.  More then you can ever imagine, Lis.  My wife.   I like that.  It sounds so good."


 "So do I," she murmured, kissing him again.  "Now, I think it's time to party."  She took his arm, smiling up at him.


Dean grinned and let her lead the way.


The group headed towards the main living area of the house that had been kept in darkness except for the fire and tree.  Lit up, it was decorated warmly with flowers and poinsettias with plenty of food, drink, and music.


Dean looked at the drinks.  "Is that ginger ale or sparkling cider?"  Jo walking up behind him almost gaped at his question and decided to ask about it from someone else.  Dean got his two glasses of sparkling cider, saving the champagne for toasts only.  He handed one to Lisa and gently touched her glass with his and sipped the cider.


She smiled radiantly at him,looking so very happy.  It was lovely to have this finally after dreaming of it for so long.


Dean set their glasses down and took her into his arms and out into the middle room, pulling herinto the dance.  He leaned his head close to hers and whispered in her ear, "Tomorrow's Christmas.  I want to be early as much as everyone else, but I'm not planning on an early night, Lis.  I want you as bad as I love you."


 "And you will have me," she promised, arms wrapping around his.  "Our first Christmas as husband and wife."  She leaned up, whispering in his ear.  "The papers are in for Ben," Lisa told him.  "I thought we could give it to him as a gift tomorrow."


"It's final?  Nothing else has to be done?  Was  it my name being  on the birth certificate that made  it go through so fast?  Yeah, we need to wrap it up real special, Lis.  The best Christmas ever."


"It's final," she giggled.  "Watari helped it go through a bit faster so it'd be done in time for Christmas.  The ink is barely dry on it."


"I don't even need to look under that tree tomorrow.  You and Ben are all I wanted.  I'm satisfied."


 Lisa giggled at that, looking happy.  "Well, guess that means I have to take your presents back."


"If there's no present under the tree, does that mean we get to stay in bed?"  Dean kissed her, gently nibble her bottom lip.


 "No, because Ben and the others have presents and I want to spend time with family," she reminded him.


"I hate to say this, but  you have presents under the tree."  Dean slowly moved down to her neck and up to her left ear.  Sam noticed the slow movement on the dance floor and Dean's other movements.  He motioned to Sarah that the cake might be in order.


 With Watari's help, a gorgeous cake was wheeled into the living room.  "Time to cut the cake," she called out, hoping to calm Dean's libido for a bit.  There were still kids here.


The newlyweds walked over to  where the cake stood.  Dean whispered to his wife, "Why do they use cakes for weddings?  Can you imagine a pie that size?"


 "Because it's easier to decorate the cake," she said, laughing a bit.


"I'm not so sure about that, Lis.  A pie stays in a deep dish, you cut a slit in it to let out steam.  The decoration it needs is egg whites to make it shiny.  When you eat it, you can have whipped cream or cheese.  Lot easier."  Dean grinned at her as the came closer to the cake table.  "What do we do next?"


She handed him the knife.  "We cut the first slice," she told him, trying not to laugh at his comments about pie.


Dean, seeing three layers, grinned.  He took her hand and pulled it up to the top layer and cut all the way through the three layers.  "If I have to eat cake, we'll do it right."


The group heard his comment and started laughing at that.  Oh well, not like the top layer would be edible in a year anyway.


The champagne toasts were done.  Everyone was enjoying the cake and the other foods that were set out.  Dean and Lis had fed each other cake.  The hunter ate very little of it.  He did graze the small buffet.  They danced a little more, and Dean asked where Ben was staying for the night.


"He's crashing with Mello and Matt," Sarah answered, overhearing the question being asked as she moved by in Sam's arms.


"Thanks.  Merry Christmas, Everyone.  Good night."  Dean took Lisa by the hand and drew her towards their wing.  "I'm thinking a lot of bubbles in the whirlpool tub for starters," he said softly as they shut the door.



Thursday, December 8, 2011

Supernatural Death Note chapter 154

Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel. The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Christmas Eve

The days since Winter Solstice had been busy ones.  Dean was still making ornaments and wood objects for Sarah's online store.  She and Sam had the entire family decorating.  Dean was missing out on it.  He wasn't sure if he should be upset or not.  He didn't really remember decorating a house before.  The tree was supposed to be done today.  He and Lisa were getting married tonight  He had no idea what had been decided.  Were they going to a church, using Near's garden, the large large living area, or had a heated glass building been hired.  He knew nothing about food, Christmas Eve celebrations, or the decorating.  Hell, he only knew about making the wooden  items. He sighed.  He had two bushes of different types of apples , plus a small basket of strawberries.  The storms had stopped.and a full moon would be out tonight.  The land around them was solid white.  He dressed warmly, having taken off his coat and gloves to work the tools.  Stacking the two bushels and putting the basket on top, he left the wood shop, and head for the back door of the cabin.

The tree had just been delivered and was filling the center room with the rich scent of pine.  Sarah had set up most of the house decorations, including a massive wooden train that looked as if it came from the set of Babes in Toyland. 

Dean reached the door and kicked at it, hoping someone would hear him.  He could hear Christmas carols and grinned at the ones being played.  He'd gotten up at 4:00 a.m. to finish the projects Sarah had for him.  He knew she wanted the merry go round horses painted and stained.  They were painted and she had brought them to his shop to get them out of the way.  He'd taken the time to  stain them so they looked antiqued.  He hoped it wouldn't upset her.  The two bushels and the basket were  getting heavy.  It had to be somewhere between 7 and 8.  He knew the merry go round was not going up until late this evening but it would be one less thing she had to worry about.  He kicked the door harder, and yelled, "HEY!!!"

The door opened to reveal Near, looking a little discomfited by the noise.  "Come inside, Dean."

Dean grinned.  He always felt special when the young teen called him by name in a conversational way.  It meant a lot.  "Hey, Near.  I'm going to set these on the dining table out here on the patio.  I need to take a shower.  Do they have any breakfast ready by any chance?  I haven't eaten yet, and I've been up since way early."   The hunter reached the long dining table and edged the bottom bushel onto it.  He took the basket off and set it aside., and removed the other bushel.

Having removed all of the heavy material from his grip, he sighed softly and rubbed his arms.  Turning he looked at Near, eyebrows rising.  "You okay?"

"The noise level is uncomfortable," he admitted.  "Near cannot say anything as the group is in high spirits.  Breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and honey."

"Go on up to Lothlorien and relax.  Do what makes you comfortable.  I'll let everyone know and take the flak for it.  That's if there is any.  Go on."

He looked slightly relieved or as relieved as he could.  "Please let Watari know.  Near doubts anyone other than Watari, L, or Dean will notice Near's absence."

"Go ahead, Near.  I'll talk to Watari.  Hey, people not noticing you aren't around is not always a bad thing.  Just make sure someone knows."

"Dean knows," he said, giving him a very tiny smile that was a huge one in regards to the fact that Near showed no emotion hardly.  "If Near is needed, Dean knows where Near is."

Dean stared intently at the young man and smiled softly back at him.  "If it's at all possible, I will try to always know where you are, Near. Now, go get out of all this noise."  He watched the young man leave the patio and head through the  kitchen towards the main room and the hallway that was built off it. Squeezing his eyes shut, Dean took a deep breath, released it slowly, then headed to the kitchen and hopes of more then a bowl of cereal.  


 There was a large bowl of fresh oatmeal with fruit and honey to top it.  Under a heated cover was some turkey bacon and scrambled egg whites to accompany it.  Watari had realized the man had been busy and had made something a bit more substantial.

Looking at the feast waiting for him, Dean relaxed.  He mouthed, 'Thank you, Watari.'  Going to the counter, he poured himself a cup of coffee.  The hunter grabbed  a plate, bowl. and some silverware.  Sitting down, he helped himself to the food.   The older Winchester didn't realize how hungry he was until he ate some of the cereal.  He remained quiet, listening to the sounds of the decorators.

Watari stood in the doorway. "They're waiting for you to do the tree," he said, sitting down with a cup of tea.  "I do say the house is looking lovely.  Sarah is very talented for this sort of thing.  I take it Near went into hiding?"

"Yes, Sir.  I told him to go up to his room. He was really having a bad time of it.  I was going to let you know after I had a bite.  I would like to take a shower and clean up, but if they're ready, I can do that later.  Thank you for the breakfast."

"No, enjoy your breakfast and clean up first," he said.  "The tree can wait.  Thank you for taking care of Near.  I was going to suggest it, but he kept slipping out of range."  The older man sipped his tea, relaxing.  "Sorry if I startled you.  I saw you come in and wanted to make sure you didn't need anything."

"Thanks, Watari," Dean spoke in a quiet voice.  "Near came into my range, so I took care of it.  I will always think of him as my son."   The younger man pushed a half full plate away from him.  There was still food on the platters.  He sipped a second cup of coffee, finding himself yawning a couple of times.

 "If you're tired, try a half hour power nap," he suggested to him.  "My boys do the same when energy is low and on a case.  It does do them wonders."


The younger man smiled as he tried to cover another yawn.  "Four a.m. seems like hours ago.  I got all the ornaments done for Sarah and I went ahead and antiqued the merry-go-round horses.  A shower and a short nap would be a good thing.  You think it will upset them if I do that instead of decorating?  I want to do that badly but tonight's the wedding and I really don't want to konk out on that.  I would never hear the end of it, I promise you."


"I can keep them distracted with last minute details for the house until the tree is needed to be done.  Sleep for half an hour or so, I'll send Sam or one of the boys up to wake you when the time is ready."


"Thanks.  I will. "  Dean slipped into the big room and went through the door to his wing.  He went upstairs, taking the last sip of coffee.  Stripping, he stepped into the show and ran the water, as hot as could stand it, over his tired body.  He Leaned against the wall and let the water beat down upon him.  Opening his eyes, he reached for the soap and quickly bathed.   Grabbinga  thick towel, he dried off, picked up his clothes and put them in the laundry, and walked into the master bedroom, naked.   He lay down on the bed and was asleep before he could get under a blanket.


 Time passed quickly and forty-five minutes later, Matt was knocking on the door to Dean's bedroom, having been given the task of waking the other up.


Still half asleep, Dean had not moved the entire  time he was in bed.  He still lay on his back.  He mumbled come in and closed his eyes.  It was getting cooler in the room and the hunter's naked body was getting goose flesh.  He was still in too deep of a sleep to notice.


 "For the love of pete, cover yourself," Matt hollered, quickly spinning around.  He'd come in when he'd heard the answer, getting more than what he wanted to see.


Dean jumped when he heard Matt yell, "What?"  He blinked  sleep filled hazel  eyes and tried to wake up and focus.  At that  time the voices of Lisa and Sarah could be heard down hall heading towards the master bedroom.   "What the hell?"  About the time they reached the door, Dean looked down.  A string of profanity came out of his  mouth as he tried to find a way to get under the blankets and quilts he was sitting on top of.


"The extra lights were on the top shelf of my closet.  I have no idea how they got put up there," Lisa's voice  responded to something Sarah said, as the door opened.  Matt turned and saw the shocked look on Dean's face as he  rolled over onto his knees  struggling to pull back the covers.


"Ummmm...oops," the red head said.  Sarah looked at the situation and burst into giggles.  "Oh gods," she gasped, holding her sides.  


Lisa stared, licking her lips.  "Dean if you intended to practice sleeping in the raw, couldn't you have waited until tonight?"  All three in the room watched his skin turn blood red.  Dean gave up, turned and sat on the bed his, hands covering what the women had already seen.  "I...ummm... was tired and wasn't thinking.  I'm sorry.  Would you please just get the hell out of here?  All three of you?  Damn!"


Both of the women laughed, remembering the embarrassing moments at Ryu's when they each seen the other's fiance unclothed. It was still funny.


 Matt was quick to book it out, dragging both women out with him.  The hacker was not happy with what he'd seen and the mumbled comment of bleaching his brain could be heard by all of the adults in the wing.


Dean sat still for a moment, covering his face with both hands.  He heard Lisa laughing as she said, "I didn't get the lights."  The hunter jumped off the bed and ran to her closet.  He pulled open the doors and started searching the shelves.  He grabbed the lights and ran towards the bedroom door.  Pulling it open without thinking, he threw the lights into the hall and yelled, "Here!"   The door slammed shut behind his naked rear.  He could hear the screams of laughter from the two women as he went in search of clean clothes.   The only thing on his mind was surviving this.


"Barmy, absolutely barmy," the genius grumbled as he hurried out of the wing.  He was majorly traumatized now and needed a smoke and a large cup of tea to help calm down.  He shuddered, hearing the cackling women behind him.


The women hurried to tell what happened. They figured this would at least keep Dean's mind off wedding jitters.  Sam sat there with his mouth open when the story was told.  Bobby snorted, "Gotta handle this right.  Make him wonder when something's gonna be said.  We do it right, we can keep him  on edge all day.  He won't be worrying about the wedding at all."


Sarah commented, "Let him wonder if what is being said is even about that."  Sam muttered, "That's devious.  I love it."


"I do have to wonder at Matt's behavior," Ryuuzaki commented, watching Matt pour himself tea and drink it with shaking hands.  "is it always like this when a male walks onto another male unclad?"


Sam looked at the red head.  "I don't know.  It can be uncomfortable.  I would be embarrassed.  He's my brother, so sure.   He's taking it a little harsh isn't he?  Has ever seen another guy naked?"


The blond snickered.  "It's one thing seeing kids your age starkers but an adult?  Not likely in our school."


Lisa smiled at Mello, "You're right.  He isn't."


Mello grinned.  "It's fine. Just give him something to snack on and a distraction."


Sam took the lights Lisa and Sarah had gone in search of, "If you want a good distraction that won't remind him of what happened, this is not the place for him to be distracted.   Dean's life is going to be miserable... for a  few hours."

 The blond chuckled.  "Distract them both then," he said.  "No problem. Let's drag him to do the tree."


Dean, having decided that the best way to handle what happened was to pretend it had never happened, came down the stairs, humming a Christmas carol.   He was not thinking about what the voice master had told him, so the song was badly off key.  He entered the living room, wearing a red sweater over a green t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes.  He smiled, but everyone in the place could see his hazel eyes taking in every movement and expression  "Hey!  Are you guys ready?"


Ryuuzaki chose to answer.  "I believe they are," he told him.  


Dean saw nothing out of the ordinary in Ryu's expression or his tone of voice.  "Okay," he responded.  "What needs to be hung on the tree first?"


 "Lights," Watari answered. "That should go first so that the ornaments are lit properly."


"L..light?  Yeah.  That makes sense.  Okay.  Which lights are we hanging?"


 "Mix of color and white," Sarah answered.  "I prefer color and white will give it elegance as well."


"Make sure not to mix too many blues and whites together,"  Lisa also responded.  "Looks too much like goose flesh."


Dean startled for a  second, looking at the woman across the room., but Lisa never raised an eyebrow.  "Oooo..kay."   Dean leaned over to pick up the lights, leaving the strands with a large number of blue bulbs lying on the floor.  Lisa smiled and admired the fit of the tight jeans on the man she was fixing to marry.


"I do not believe that is accurate," Ryuuzaki answered, helping to sort the strands of lights.  Watari was doing the same, knowing the men were tall enough to get the tree taken care of.


Dean stopped from sorting the lights, his head turned towards Ryu.  Lisa watched his rear wiggle a little as he tried to reposition himself.  "What's not accurate, Ryu?"


 "That cold goose flesh is blue and white.  I believe it would be more yellow and white," he answered, checking things on the strands.


"Okay.  What is all this talk about goose flesh?   What the hell is it?"

"Well, Idjit, it's the type of flesh kind of like a fair skinned person would have when they get cold.  Blond to blondish brown hair, light skin, and freckles.  Goose flesh shows up more on them,"  Bobby answered.

"Goosebumps, Dean,"  Sam added.

"Enough," Matt commented, trying to sort out lights.  "Okay?"  He wasn't going to handle this much at all.


Dean dropped the lights he was sorting and  turned towards the red head.  "What did I...."  his voiced trailed off to silence.  He started making eye contact with everyone in the room.  Standing up, he was quiet for a moment.  "So....only fair skinned people with freckles get goose bumps?  Maybe it's just people who are working their asses off so  things can be done around here.  Maybe it's people who were too damned tired to pull a blanket up."   Staring each person in the eye, the older hunter came to the front and did not back down.


Near, who had padded into the room, broke the odd silence.  "No, fair haired people are not the only ones to experience said phenomena.  Even the darker toned hair and skin colored ones do as well.  Did Near miss the tree trimming?"


Dean, standing there, swallowed hard, curbing his frustration and anger.  He looked down at the young teen.  His voice softened, "No, Near.  We were just discussing what lights ought to go on the tree and why.  I think that white and blue would be a very wintery combination."  Dean looked around the room, his smart ass smirk smeared across his face.  Sam and Bobby both thought, "Uh-oh."


 "And not silver toned? Near thought that there was some silver toned ones special ordered," he asked, tilting his head.


"Silver toned lights?  I've never heard of those before.  I like that.  Tell you what, Near, I'll go with the flow.  How's that?"


The smaller one padded to a special box where the bulbs had been placed into light containers tinged with silver that would give off a special glow.  HIs room had a few to give that look as well.  He looked up as the taller man knelt beside him, reaching for a bulb and light container.  "They're beautiful," the soft spoken words were filled with awe.


 "Near's room has these," he said.  "Sarah designed these especially for that and was pleased with the results."


Hazel eyes stared into gray.  "If they were made for your room, then they are replacements in case something goes wrong with a  fixture or a bulb burns out. They weren't made for the tree, Near.  I, for one, would not want that atmosphere in your room to go out for one minute."


 "Not true," came the answer.  "I ordered these for the tree," Sarah called out.  "Near has plenty of replacements for his room in case of any problems."


"Will they even be noticed among all the colored and white lights?"


 "With the right arrangement, yes, they will be," she told him.  "I have the right ornaments to help push that too," Sarah said with a grin.


"All right.  Let's get this show on the road.  There's a lot of tree to get ready.  I don't know what else needs to be done by this afternoon.  Sarah....ummmm... your carousel horses are antiqued.  I hope I used the right stain."   Dean turned to put the lights near the tree and waiting to see what had to be done next.


Sarah bounced at that.  "They're done?"  She sounded excited at that piece of news.

"Yeah, they are done.  I also brought in two bushels of the different types of apples you wanted, and I made a basket of strawberries.  They look kind of holiday like and I thought you might take a stab at them.   I've been up since 4 this morning getting all this done, Sarah."


 "Oh wow," she said.  "I can't wait to see them," Sarah answered, hugging him tightly before going to help with the lights.

The hunter walked over to where Watari and Ryu were going through the assorted ornaments made for the tree.  Ge sat down and started to help sort the boxes.  "It's  not been a very good morning," he mumbled, not expecting an answer and knowing the two knew this.   He knew he had a wedding in the early evening.  Nothing looked like it had been  prepared for it.  He was still tired.  Now he was the butt of family jokes.  He was actually grateful for Matt's interference., although he felt bad about distressing the teen.  He shook his head and looked down at the boxes, putting glass with glass, wood with wood, and cloth with clothes.  There were a lot of things to go on the tree.

 The lights went on quickly under the women's supervision and Sarah came to look over their shoulders, approving of the organization so far.  "It's going to be gorgeous!"

The group worked on the tree for the next four or five hours.When it was done.  The men worked together to move it where Sarah wanted it to be placed.


Bobby commented, "That's a beautiful tree.  It's early afternoon.  I don't know what's going on as far as the wedding, but I'm gonna go relax awhile.  Let me know when we need to dress for it."  Everyone agreed that a little relaxation would not hurt if they weren't involved with the final preparations.