Title: A Supernatural Christmas Carol
Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman
Warnings: Bad language and violence
Spoilers: Season Five - so if you’ve not seen it, be warned a few things are a bit weird.
Disclaimer - We do not own Supernatural nor A Christmas Carol. The show is owned by Eric Kripke and the book is by Charles Dickens. Neither of us has rights to this nor have we earned anything by doing this. We’re just doing this for fun. Oh..we also don’t own Christmas at Ground Zero or any other carols that might be mentioned. This story is a time of healing.
An Angel's First Winchester Shopping Trip
Dean looked at Castiel and back at the truck, wondering just what kind of sense of humor his new brother had. Knowledge was something the hunter understood about the angel. A person doesn't live since the beginning of time without gaining a lot of knowledge in some areas.
They got into the Impala, and Dean turned towards his new shopping companion .
“Okay, Cas, you have had a taste of shopping. Any ideas on what you want to get Bobby? I want to go to a movie store somewhere for something I want to get Sammy and pick up some Christmas movies too. I forgot to do that when I was with Sam. Where you want to go?"
"I am unsure as to what to get Bobby. He seems...to have just about everything or so he made it sound."
Dean sighed. That was a problem he’d run into trying to figure things out for Bobby as well. Shopping could be difficult.
"Yeah, in some ways, he does, Cas. In others, he doesn't. I really wish we could just go buy him one of those electric scooters so he doesn't have to deal with that chair. If he can't get on one, they do have electric chairs, you know."
The angel tilted his head.
"We saw one while making our purchases. He was not pleased when I asked him if one would be more convenient for him. He responded with something about 'making him a damned lazy fool.' I am unsure as to what that means but I suppose it must be one of those quirks that makes Bobby so...interesting."
Dean nodded, squashing that idea.
"Okay. That's out then. hmmm He does like old movies. Real old ones. 40's and 50's stuff. War movies, westerns...that kind of thing. We could get him some of those for when we aren't around. Give him something to do besides research. When's he's tired. You know?"
Castiel thought on that, trying to come up with some sort of idea.
"Does he have one of those televisions for his room? And he also made mention of something, and I thought I would ask you what it was. Something in regards to an addition to the bathtub to help with soreness? A whirlpool?”
"That's a good idea, Cas. There's a lumber yard here. I saw it. They would carry them. Then the movies could be a stocking stuffer if you want. Come to think of it, I ain't bought any stockin' stuffers."
"I believe we should go to Bobby's home afterwards so it can be installed. They carry bathing supplies in a place for lumber?
Dean turned onto a main thoroughfare.
"The major chains carry all kinds of things. I have three places I want to go to....the movie store, back to the bookstore, and a big grocery store. I want to buy Sam a gift certificate for Starbucks. I remember kids talking at school about getting stuff in their stockings. I want to get some oranges, apples, nuts and candy canes."
"Candy canes...the name is familiar although I do not understand why they would make canes out of candy. That could not be very useful." He was quiet for a moment. "Would some sort of bath oils also make it easier for Bobby to relax?"
The hunter saw the lumber yard on the right and turned on his signal.
"Yeah, Cas, they would. There was a health store near the bookstore. They'd probably carry the type of oils he'd need. Candy canes are a different kind of cane. They are not very big and taste like peppermint."
"I have never had peppermint although the smell is quite delightful." He looked at the store they were going to go into. "I had no idea lumber stores were this large."
“The big ones carry gardening stuff, appliances, plumbing supplies....you name it. We need to find the plumbing, I would think.”
Dean walked down the aisle, reading signs. He turned and saw that Cas had stopped. The other man was rather intrigued by a very odd looking decoration...a nutcracker. The hunter walked back to the area filled with Christmas decorations. Trees were filled with ornaments and lights. Music was playing loud. He could hear "Jingle Bell Rock." The shelves near the trees had a large number of animated items and the nutcrackers. He walked up to Cas.
"I understand the basic concept behind these things. However, with the grasp I have of modern slang...why would these not be renamed?"
Dean turned and looked at the angel.
"What?"
Then it registered, Dean's eyes widening as his mouth dropped a little. He turned red and grabbed Cas by the arm.
"Let's go, man," the hunter said, a Japanese show in the back of his mind.
Castiel stared at him with that fathomless stare, not giving Dean any indication if he'd brought that up on purpose or not. The older Winchester remembered Bobby's comment about Cas's sense of humor and began to worry. There were still a lot of stores to go to. He shook his head and pointed towards the plumbing area.
"That should be the area we need, man."
The other followed him, watching the items for sale with interest.
"If you see something you want, Cas, holler."
Dean turned down an aisle that had whirlpools and other appliances for the tub.
“Holler?” Cas asked.
"Yeah, Cas...you know...give me a yell."
"Ah," was the answer as he followed the other down the aisle. So far, everything was tools and that didn't quite catch his interest at all. They found the whirlpools. Dean began to inspect the packages closely.
"We want one that can be mounted from outside the tub and give the whirlpool action from near the faucet so Bobby can lay back and enjoy it without losing a bunch of space. It needs a good warranty on it too."
Castiel nodded, examining the devices in the question to try to find one that Dean had spoken of.
"There are quite a few to choose from," he murmured.
"Yeah, these two are the best. They are both well made and have good warranties. I think you should get this one, Cas. It has a few more speeds for the water."
"If you think that this is the best choice, then I will."
Dean saw a buggy not being used and put the whirlpool inside it. He turned out of the plumbing area, going past the furniture area as they headed to the registers.
"Is there anything needed for us to install this for him?"
"Yeah, probably. It does not say on the outside. We can always get the items in the town he lives near."
Castiel nodded. "All right."
They pulled into a line when Dean saw the wreath. It was hanging on the end of the aisle behind them. It had red berries and small pinecones and plaid ribbon. He gazed at it and felt a lump in his throat. Somewhere in the back of his mind a memory awoke. His dad hanging one on the wall at home when he was little. Red berries, pine cones, and red ribbons. This one had plaid but it was close enough. He noted that it had a price tag so he left Cas with the cart and walked towards the wreath and took it down. Smiling, he placed it in the cart.
"Good memories?"
"Yeah, Cas. I don't have many, but this was a real good one."
He gave that odd little half smile of his.
"Then it is a good purchase."
"Yeah. It's one thing I can share with Sam. He won't remember. Mom died before he ever was around for Christmas. It's one tradition we can start once this damn apocalypse is over. Traditions are important, Cas. We need some.”
"I do not quite understand the importance of traditions. We...the angels never really had any."
"I hope to change that for you, Cas. You're family now....a Winchester. We are gonna start those traditions this Christmas. I know you miss Heaven and your brothers and sisters up there, but Cas, I hope you don't ever go back. I'd like you to stay."
Again, that small smile. "I enjoy being with you, Sam, and Bobby as well, Dean. I'm unsure if I'll be allowed to return after all this is over."
"Well, you got a home with us, Cas. We want you."
The two men reached the register. Dean took out his card and paid for the items. He also paid for an extra added warranty for the whirlpool. They left the store and headed towards the Impala.
"Let's backtrack to the bookstore and the health store and pick up the items we need there. There's a big Suncoast near the the grocery store. We can find the movies and stuff there and the grocery is a super center so I can find my stocking stuffers."
Castiel nodded, helping him load the items into the car. "This should prove interesting."
"Yeah, it's gonna be fun, Cas. I saw a computer store there too. That card I gave you. You can't use it cause you have no license. Did Bobby use it any? If not, let me have it. There's something I really want to get Sammy." I'll finish paying for whatever you want to get."
"It hasn't been used because of lack of identification."
He fished the card out of his pocket and handed it to Dean, who slipped it into his wallet.
"That's fine. The money is all of ours, so it doesn't matter, Cas. I think it's time, Sam had a new computer. He's been carrying that one around since right after college. That's a long time for a laptop. Mine's not fancy, but Sammy needs all those bells and whistles. I want to really surprise him with this."
"That would be a useful gift for him and something he would enjoy."
"Yeah, it would. Probably shock him, too." Dean laughed as he turned onto the street where the stores were situated.
"Which you enjoy doing," he commented dryly.
Dean was quiet a minute, not sure how to take that statement. He decided to not push it. Cas may have meant nothing by it; but the way he said it? They pulled into the parking lot. Dean parked the car in front of the computer store. They got out of the car and headed towards the door. Both men entered the store and a salesman met them halfway in.
"Can I help you.?"
Dean look around and said, "Yeah. I need to buy a computer."
Castiel wandered the store, looking at various items. Most of this didn't seem to make the much sense to him at all. However, he spotted something that might make Dean's purchase a bit easier for Sam. He picked up a weather poof messenger bag style carrier for the laptop and brought it to Dean. The hunter turned and saw the bag. He grinned at Cas.
"Thanks, man. That's a great idea." Dean set the bag on the counter and looked at the salesman.
"I need a laptop. These things are needed on it. I want it to be real fast, have a ton of memory. It needs to be able to play blue ray and see games and pictures real good. I don't want your top Windows. Sam says it new and not good enough yet, so the one before it. I don't want viruses of any kind to get in it. It needs one of those things that let's you get on the internet anywhere without plugging it in. Tell me what kind of programs are needed for it. He researches a lot."
The salesperson nodded. "We do have some high quality gaming laptops which require a great deal amount of RAM and video card. As far as the internet is concerned, does your phone provider offer an air card?"
"A what?"
"It's a device that allows the computer to go online as long as you're in the cell phone provider's coverage area."
Castiel frowned. "I believe Sam has one of those as he's online a lot and not in those hot spot areas."
"Yeah we use a pretty big provider because we travel a lot. Yeah, I would think so. I also want a major warranty on it for everything."
"Of course, also a top of the line wireless access." He led Dean to a row. "These are the best computers I have within the specifications you've given me."
Sam's brother stared at the row. There were an awful lot of computers to look at.
"Which one is the best made?"
He pointed at one. "Highest durability and life is this one. Battery specs are good and the warranty is one of the best."
"It has everything else I need?"
The sales person nodded. "It does."
"Okay the programs on it, am I gonna get the disks? If there's a problem, he needs to be able to put them back on."
"Of course. We don't send any computer out of here without the factory discs, which includes all the software and drivers needed."
"Great! I'll take it."
"We have several colors to choose from. Red, blue, black, and silver."
"Colors?"
"The outer case."
"Uhhh....black.
He headed out, walking towards a shelf and came back a few moments later with a box.
"Will this be all, sir?"
"Ummm, a mouse without cables, and whatever kind of disks it needs to save stuff on. I think a scanner and a good printer would come in handy. Do you have one that will do it all> Maybe, one that will fax too?
"Wireless it is. Yes, we have a printer that will scan, fax, and print photo quality. You'll need paper and photo paper?" A few more boxes were added.
"And the speakers are good on it, or does it need better?"
"It's a gaming pc. The speakers are good."
He frowned for a moment, thinking on what else Sam would need on this machine.
"He might play some games on it, but he needs it for research. It will be good for that, right?"
"Of course. The wireless adapter will allow him to log on at any wireless areas, plus if he has the air card, it'll be fine as well."
"Okay, ring her up and tell me about extended warranty."
The sales rep did just that as Castiel continued to browse. Information was shared to Dean about what the warranties were. Dean paid for the equipment and the extended warranty. He turned to see what Cas was doing, as salesman boxed the items together in a large box. The messenger bag and the disks were put in a bag.
The angel approached him. "Are we ready to go?"
"Yeah, let's put this in the car and go to the other stores. The health store is next." He headed for the door with the large box and the bag. He pushed the door open with his back and waited on Cas.
He held the door open for him, reaching for the keys. "I will open the car for you."
"Thanks, Cas, back seat. This won't fit in the trunk, you know."
The door was unlocked and back door opened for him. Dean slid the box onto the back seat and set the bag in the floorboard.
"I don't think I have ever been so excited about anything, Cas. I can hardly wait." He shut and locked the door and walked with Cas to the health store.
Cas followed him in. "I can tell. I have to admit to feeling rather interested in all of this."
Dean smiled at the angel. "It's a supposed to be a time of family, giving, joy, togetherness, and helping each other. Cas, that's special. This is the only time of the year it happens all over. Oh, there are those who care and help people all year round. It's just that there's not many."
Dean opened the door to the health store and let Cas enter first. They walked to the counter. Hazel eyes looked at the pretty girl behind the register and the young man smiled.
"My friend here needs oil. Tell her what you need, Cas."
"Hmmm. Sandlewood...others also in a masculine fragrance but designed for relaxation." He listed the incenses he needed as well as the fragrances for the oils.
The girl led the men to the back of the store where the shelves holding oils and incenses were kept.
"We also have burners if you need them right down on the lower shelves."
"I will require that. Also some lotions in the same fragrances."
The girl went to another shelf and returned with the lotions Cas had asked for. Dean looked at the burners. His eyes taking in all the exotic designs.
"Cas, this is weirdest stuff I've ever seen. Don't they have something normal? Do they have any idea how much of this stuff really exists?"
"But each has a purpose. Bobby spends much of the time with muscles too tense. Incense will help relax when reading. Oils for bath time. Lotions for times when bathing isn't appealing." He chose a simple burner, something that wouldn't require much fuss.
"Where the hell did you find that one? I was talking about the burners. Over half are in spell books on Bobby's shelves. Some look like demons. Too much spirit world in them. I think your gift will help Bobby, Cas. I'm glad you found that burner. Let's get out of here."
"It was in the back. Obviously the store is trying to get rid of the more…unusual ones." Unusual being a nice term for butt ugly.
Dean paid for the assortment and hurried out of the store. He looked at his watch and at the bookstore. It was still open. Dean touched Cas' arm and pointed to the store. They headed down the sidewalk and entered into the Starbuck's inside the bookstore. Walking to the register, he looked at the young man standing behind it.
"I need gift certificates for $10.00 each. Let me have 20 of them, if you got them."
The certificates were given to Dean. Castiel looked at him. "You bought paper?"
"Each paper is worth $10.00, Cas. They are only useable at a Starbucks. Sammy loves their hot chocolate. I just want to make sure he can have it for a while."
"Ahh...I see."
"That way, he can't spend the money on something for someone else. It's for him...for what he likes. Let's go to the last shopping center and hit the Sun Coast and grocery super center and then give the others a call. I'm getting kind of hungry. How about you?"
"I suppose I could eat. Something that won't burn my mouth this time preferably."
"All right. We'll see what Sam and Bobby have in mind and go from there."
They walked down the sidewalk towards the computer store and the Impala. Dean paused before putting hs key in the lock. He closed his eyes, listening to a churchbell in the distance playing Silent Night. He took a deep breath and smiled.
"It's perfect, Cas. The stars, the music, and smell that air? It's saltwater. I would love to walk a beach right now and just listen to the waves."
"Then why don't we before you call Samuel and Bobby?"
"I'd like to but we have places to go. But they can wait a bit, maybe. You think it's be okay?
He gave that small half smile again. "I wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't, Dean."
They got into the car, and Dean turned towards the seawall. He drove down a way towards the west until they left the heavier business district. He found a place to turn around. He began looking for a parking spot. Finally, spotting one, he pulled in and parked the car.
"Looks like we'll have to find some stairs down to the beach, Cas."
The two men walked along the seawall until Dean spotted some stairs going down. They began their descent on the slippery stairs; going slowly so as not to fall. Stepping out onto the sand, they stopped and listened. The sound of the waves crashing and the seagulls was almost a symphony of nature's sounds.
Dean began to slowly walk and just listen. The smells were almost overwhelming. The saltwater was pleasant, but every so often, the smell of a dead fish would make them wrinkle their noses. The hunter looked in the distance over the water. He could see the lights from oilrigs and ships that had anchored for the night. The ships were probably waiting their turn to enter the Houston ship channel. They walked for a long time in silence. The angel respecting the need of his companion to just experience a part of life he seldom knew. The taller male, feeling a thrill at just having such an opportunity, was afraid it would disappear if he broke the spell with a sound.
Castiel's eyes were fixed on the sky as he walked, enjoying the beauty of nature. He couldn't understand why his brothers were so keen on this battle. It would destroy this beautiful gem.
They walked until Dean's cell rang. He jumped, sighed, and reached for the phone. His voice was a whisper as he spoke.
"Hey, Sammy. No, we have two places to go yet. We got sidetracked. Yeah, less then an hour, I think. You guys be thinking about where you'd like to eat. I'll call as soon as we're done."
The angel nodded, moving to turn and head back to the car. Dean stood still for one more moment and then hurried to catch with Cas. He kept pace until they reached the stairs. He reached out and touched Cas' shoulder. The angel stopped and looked at him.
"Thanks, Cas."
"You are most welcome, Dean. I enjoyed myself as well."
Fifteen minutes later, the two men were in the Sun Coast video store. Dean had found the six disk special edition “Star Wars” movies in blue ray. He was hunting for stocking stuffers for Bobby. He finally decided on “War Wagon” with John Wayne and “Ben Hur.” Bobby had mentioned the chariot races once. Dean looked up and saw a section set aside for Christmas movies. A grin formed and he headed towards the movies. He got “It's a Wonderful Life,“ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,”” Charlie Brown Christmas,”” Polar Express,” and “White Christmas.” The selection pleased him. He turned, looking for Cas.
"Find anything you want, Cas?"
Castiel had found some cds that would work for Bobby and added them to the pile.
Dean paid for the movies. They left the store, stopping by the Impala to drop off the bag of movies. As they entered the grocery store, Dean got a basket. He headed to the grocery aisle, grabbing bags of nuts, apples, and oranges, In the candy section, he picked up large candy canes and showed them to Cas, explaining that they were candy. He bought a gallon of eggnog. He knew Bobby and Sam would get the rest of the items. It was cold enough outside that the eggnog would be alright in the car.
The younger man led the way to the toy section. He bought Monopoly and Mousetrap. He picked up pick-up sticks for Cas, a GI Joe for Sam, and headed to the electronics section for an mp3 player for Cas. He saw the pajama bottoms and t shirts as they headed toward the register. He bought four pajama bottoms that were green with Rudolph on them. The red nose was vibrant. Dean grinned as he picked up four red t shirts. They would all probably kill him, but he bet they'd wear them.
Castiel dropped four pairs of the ugliest reindeer slippers known to man in the basket as well, as if daring Dean to comment.
He looked at the slippers, bit his bottom lip, but did not say a word. When everything was paid for and bagged, they headed for the car. After, they got in the car, Dean called Sam to find out where they wanted to meet for dinner.
Sam grinned and simply gave him an address, telling him that they'd gotten a table already and were waiting on them. Dean started the engine and leaned over to Cas.
"I'm not taking the heat for those slippers. You are."
He backed the car out of the parking space, watching three cars vie for the spot, with a grin on his face. He'd smiled more this day then he had in years. They turned onto the street and headed for the address Sam had given him.
Castiel simply shrugged. "We shall see." They ended up pulling into a busy restaurant by the name of Joe's Crab Shack.
"I guess we're having crab, Cas." Dean parked the car and both of them headed for the door. The hunter opened the door and saw a waiter dancing on a table. He stopped so fast that Cas bumped into him.
"What the hell? Everyone seems to have gotten a head start on me. He's gotta be drunk? Right, Cas? Drunk? Do people eat off those tables?"
The hostess came up and asked how many. Dean told her they had friends here waiting for them.
"You must be Dean and Cas? Your party is over here." They followed the young woman to a table that seemed to be in the midst of the uproar in the restaurant. Dean was turning one way and another watching the craziness. He turned and his eyes met Sam's.
Castiel stared at Bobby and Sam. "Is this place sanitary?"
His companion turned to him. "Hell, no, it's not sanitary. We don't know where those shoes have been. But I've eaten in worse places, Cas."
Sam snickered. "Trust me, that's a rare thing. Someone's birthday or so I'm told. Bobby asked the waitress when it happened."
"Seriously, Dude, this is the noisiest place I've ever been in. They gave that woman a stick horse and a cowboy hat after they danced on the table. She's actually riding it around the restaurant. I know my birthday is in January, Sam, but don't you ever tell anyone anywhere that it is."
Again, he snickered. "No problem. However, we heard this place has the best seafood so we figured why not have some fun."
Dean thought what the hell and sat down. "Guess I'm tired. I usually like this kind of thing. What's supposed to be good. Cas doesn't want anything that will burn his mouth."
A waiter came to their table to take drink orders. Dean noticed that Sam and Bobby were nursing beers, and ordered one. The waiter looked at Cas.
"Root beer."
Dean looked at the menu. "I've never had Cajun. Wonder if it's any good? How the hell do you pronounce that. Etoooofeee?"
"Idjit. Et two fey," Bobby said, shaking his head.
"Is it any good, Bobby? And what kind of fish is crawfish?"
With a grin, he told them what a crawfish was. Castiel shook his head and went back to perusing the menu. Sam wrinkled his nose. That didn't sound appealing to him.
"You tell me they are like tiny lobsters? Real tiny? Are they any good? And this dish they're in. What does it taste like?"
"I like it. Some don't but I do. It's got a rich flavor that's really good."
"Well, I think I'll try it. Was gonna have a burger, but remembered I was cutting back on them. Not often I get seafood anyway. I think I want some of that stuffed crab for an appetizer. Never had crab."
"You'll love it. In fact, let's order the mix appetizer. We'll get two of them that way you three can experience what there is. Castiel, I'd go with broiled or fried fish or shrimp. Stay away from blackened. That's spicy." Bobby placed the appetizer order and asked the waitress to come back for the entree order.
"I thought a waiter took the drink order? They must share the tables here. Keeps you happy that way. Okay. What's on that mixed appetizer, Bobby?"
"Fried oysters and clams, calamari, stuffed crab," he listed a few other things.
“Clams are good. Had them once in a chowder. What's calamari?"
"Fried squid."
Hazel eyes stared wide-open for a minute, while Dean thought about squid. He shrugged.
"Okay."
Bobby grinned while Castiel looked up. "I shall have the fried fish and chips."
Sam watched as his brother looked up as the waitress brought the appetizers.
She set them out, along with small plates. "So what can I get for you tonight?"
Dean smiled at the waitress, and said, "Cas will have fish and chips, fried. I will have the crawfish etoufee, and the stuffed crab, Sammy, Bobby, what do you guys want?
Both Sam and Bobby placed their orders, stomachs growling in hunger.
Dean looked at the appetizers. He stared at Bobby. "You want to divvy them and explain what they are?"
The older man did just that, telling them to eat the calamari before it got cold.
The older Winchester picked one up and dipped it in the sauce the waitress had provided and tried to bite into it. Finally, he placed the whole ring in his mouth and began to chew, and chew. After swallowing the squid, Dean looked at Bobby.
"It's pretty good. Just a little chewy. Does it get worse if it's cold?"
Bobby swallowed his mouthful. "Like chewin' rubber bands."
Dean turned to Cas who was poking at his. "You need to eat it pretty fast, Cas. Didn't anyone up there ever teach you not to play your food?" He laughed and ate his other calamari. Sam noticed how his brother looked at the oysters. " Now those are a waste on this trip," the older boy said, looking across the restaurant at their waitress. He winked at Sam and dipped an oyster in the sauce and chewed it.
Sam coughed. "Hound dog," he muttered in between coughs.
Castiel looked at the oysters, then at Sam and Dean. "Why is a dog mentioned in reference to oysters?"
Dean had turned red and looked at the other oyster. He looked defiantly at Sam and bit down hard on the second oyster and cut it in two. As he chewed he looked Sam and then Bobby, "Well, someone answer him."
The younger Winchester took a bite. "You started it, jerk."
Bobby grinned. "And now you get to finish it."
His brother swallowed. "Go on, Sammy."
"Uh uh."
"Well, I ain't doing it. You brought it up, now answer the damn question." Dean was getting really embarrassed.
"I didn't bring it up, you did. Besides, you're the big brother...it's your responsibility."
"What do you mean, I brought it up? How did I bring it up?"
"Oysters."
"Oh, Damn." Dean turned blood red and headed for the door.
Bobby grabbed his belt before he could run. "Explain it, idjit."
"Damn it, Bobby. Cas wouldn't have thought anything if Sam hadn't said what he said."
"Just do it." The glare was one that the boys had had used on them often growing up.
"Can I take him into the restroom or outside and explain it? Not in here where someone might hear it."
"Fine."
Dean stood up and asked Cas to come with him. The angel followed him, wondering what had caused the mini argument. They stepped outside and Dean turned to Cas and almost whined.
"Okay, Cas. Dogs and oysters. Well, oysters are ummmm....well kind of like ...well...they ahhh...enhance a sexual experience. Kind of help you perform better. Okay. The dog thing is just...well, I explained the oysters. You ask Sam about the dog. This is as far as I go. Come on."
He had an almost adorable confused expression when he came back in. Sam was hiding his laughter behind his beer.
Dean sat down. "I explained my comment about the oysters. Okay? Sammy, the dog is yours. You said it, you explain it."
"It's what we call men who chase after women all the time. Hound dogs in the hen house," he commented. Castiel nodded, shaking his head. Humans were so strange.
"You know, I heard men who chased women were called hound dogs, Sammy, but I thought it was a fox who went after the hens." Dean smirked.
Bobby snickered. "No, they went into the hen houses too. A lot of them loved the meat or the eggs."
Dean stared at him. "Really? "
"Yep."
"Thought they were supposed to protect the hen house, Bobby? Who protected the hens?"
"Don't really know. I hate farming," was the dry answer.
"Yeah, give me a car to work on. Wouldn't know what to do with hens if I had ‘em."
Bobby grinned at him and Sam shook his head.
The waitress brought their meals. Dean looked at the etouffee. He frowned.
"Uhhh, Bobby? Someone get sick back there?"
"It does look like someone regurgitated something," Castiel commented. Bobby was trying hard not to start guffawing, while Sam was looking at the bowl with a disgusted look.
"You know, Bobby, I will eat almost anything, but Cas is right. You sure this is edible?" Dean pushed the food around in the dish with his fork.
"Try a bite before you push it away, okay?"
Dean winced but put a bite in his mouth and slow chewed. His eyes widened in surprise. He nodded, took a sip of his beer, and took another bite. After he swallowed, he nodded to Bobby. "It's not bad."
"Told ya. And just for that, I'll spring for dessert."
Dean grinned. "Hope they got apple pie."
Bobby grinned back. "They have something better I want you boys to try."
"Bobby, there ain't nothing’ better then pie. Apple is the best."
He pulled the dessert menu out and opened it, pointing at the banana's foster.
"What's in it?"
The menu was handed to Dean so he could read about the dessert while he continued to eat.
"They can do that to monkey food?" Dean looked across at Bobby. He shrugged. "Okay, I'll give it a try."
Castiel nearly choked on his bite of fish, caught off guard by Dean's comment.
The older Winchester reached over and hit Cas on the back. "You okay? What happened?"
"You do realize what you just said and what a lot of the angels refer to humans as?"
"You know, Cas, angels aren't perfect either, or there wouldn't be so many fallen ones or those out to destroy everything. Their names for humans don't mean shit, and you know it."
"It just struck me as…ironic. That's all."
"Okay. Well, humans aren't monkeys and never were. Whether they came out of the dust like Genesis, I don't know. But it wasn't mud, slime, or anything else. Evolution makes about as much sense as creationism. Me, I haven't decided if God exists yet. You do have me thinking about it though."
Castiel shrugged. "I haven't seen Him either. I hope to."
"Just don't lose my pendant."
"I have it in a safe place, I know how much it means to you." He sounded almost offended that Dean would think he'd lose something like that.
Sam gave a soft smile at the mention of it. That had been something that had made that Christmas wonderful. Dean's reaction to that pendent.
His brother looked over at Sam, and Sam could see that his eyes were glistening. Tears?
He gave him a smile and a nod, telling him that he understood.
Dean looked down for a minute, embarrassed by the emotions he felt. He wasn't used to reacting this way. Sometimes he thought he would fall apart. He had to be strong...desperately so. But, right now, this wasn't the case. They weren't fighting. No fighting gave him too much time to think. He looked up at Sam again. He nodded back and mouthed 'thank you.' He changed the subject.
Sam saluted him with his beer, rolling with the subject change.
The meal was over. The waiter asked about dessert. Dean leaned back and stared at Bobby. "Your call."
He ordered two of the banana's foster to share, knowing how rich the dessert was. However, he really wanted to share this with his boys. Dean leaned back further while their dinner plates were removed. The waiter asked if they wanted another beer. Dean looked at him for a moment.
"I got a feeling this banana thing won't go with beer. You got white wine? A nice one? We will all have a glass?
The waitress grinned and came back a short time later with the wineglasses, the requested wine, and the dessert. They watched the banana liqueur added to a pan with other ingredients. Bananas were cooked in it. Rum was added and the bananas were softened in it; then it was ignited The flames died down and the dessert was served.
“Sammy, I imagine, you've been to parties in college where they had wine. You probably know how to do this right. I don't." Dean handed the wine to his brother.
Sam did the usual smell and taste, approving the wine and allowing it to be poured. "I don't do this often. More for Jess and her family."
"Hey, more then I have. Thanks, Sammy." Dean lifted his glass.
"A toast...to family. All four of us."
All of them lifted their glasses as well, very pleased with the toast.
Dean took a sip. His lips pursed as if he was going to whistle. He smiled softly and took another sip. He pushed the dessert between Cas and him. "First bite is yours, Cas."
Castiel tried a bite of the dessert and his eyes widened. "This is delicious."
Dean stared. "Really?" He took a bite. Froze. He didn't chew. Nothing.
Sam and Bobby stared at him. "You okay, Dean?"
He slowly started to chew. Not his usual way of eating. He swallowed.
"Yeah. I'm okay. I didn't want to let it move. Just let it sit there a minute. Sammy, you got to try this. I think it's as good as apple pie. I don't say that easily."
That was the highest compliment Dean could ever pay to any type of food. Bobby grinned and began to slowly enjoy the dessert he was sharing with Sam.
Dean slowly ate the dessert, almost as if he didn't want to believe bananas could taste like that. He would swallow, take a sip of the wine. Wait a second, take another bite. So unlike the older Winchester to eat like that, everyone thought.
Another high compliment as the older brother was one to gobble his food down faster than a rabid chipmunk on speed. Sam sighed as he finished his portion. "Damn, that was incredible."
Dean said nothing else. He was quiet. Just a small smile. He nodded though.
Bobby stretched in his chair. "All right, idjits, lets head back. Got a lot to do tonight and I figure we can have some fun doing it too."
Dean grabbed the tab and motioned for the waiter, He placed a large tip with the tab. Once everything was taken care of, they headed to their vehicles to drive back to the B&B where they were staying.
Showing posts with label Season 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Season 5. Show all posts
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A Supernatural Christmas Carol Chapter 3
Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman
Warnings: Bad language and violence
Spoilers: Season Five - so if you’ve not seen it, be warned a few things are a bit weird.
Disclaimer - We do not own Supernatural nor A Christmas Carol. The show is owned by Eric Kripke and the book is by Charles Dickens. Neither of us has rights to this nor have we earned anything by doing this. We’re just doing this for fun. Oh..we also don’t own Christmas at Ground Zero or any other carols that might be mentioned. This story is a time of healing.
Shopping with the Winchesters
Dean pulled into the liquor store. He stared for a minute and turned to Sam.
"Imported Liquors? Wow! We can get some good stuff here, Sam. Thanks."
Sam grinned. "No problem. Let's get something to spike eggnog with while we're here. I wonder if we can actually get Cas drunk or not."
“I imagine we could. You want brandy or rum?”
He frowned at that. "What's better for that? I've never really paid attention."
“Brandy would taste better, but it's expensive. We have the money though.”
The older hunter pulled the door of the liquor store open and let his brother go in first while he continued speaking.
"We ought to get beer, whiskey, and maybe some wine. Good stuff. Bobby likes the whiskey but I want to get him a good Scotch
The younger man nodded at that, slipping into the warm store. "Sounds good to me. Something smooth and enjoyable."
Dean looked around the store, eyes widening. The walls and shelves were lined with glass bottles of different shapes and sizes. He nudged Sam, and whispered, "Did you know there were so many different kinds of booze?
"Somewhat," he laughed. "I didn't go to too many, but college parties always seemed to come up with weird variations."
Hazel eyes stared in widened awed and he nodded when Sam spoke. "Okay. I don't want to look stupid, Sammy. Talk to the clerk and put us at his mercy, would ya?"
He drew in a deep breath and headed towards the clerk. "Hi, I'm hoping you can help us?"
Dean stood behind Sam, picking up bottles from a display, reading the labels, face showing no expression at all. The taller man knew this meant that Dean was either in over his head or staking out the place.
The clerk looked at both boys and asked Sam how he could help him.
"We're looking to buy a gift for our father, and we want something special. My brother and I were thinking a really good Scotch but not sure what to look for."
"Scotches range in quality. Some can cost in the hundreds of dollars," pausing when he heard the shorter man sound as if he were strangling. Dean looked up, face red and eyes watering. He nodded at the clerk to continue.
"We'd really like to give him something of a higher quality. Something to show him that we appreciate him."
"I would recommend Glenfyddich. It is from Scotland. High quality, of course." The clerk told Sam the price. His brother choked a little but nodded yes.
"We'll take a bottle of that please." He nudged Dean to get the alcohol he wanted to relax in the rooms with.
Dean found a good German beer and white wine. He found some large bottles of Jack Daniels and picked some up. JD was smooth enough for relaxing. They seldom had alcohol of this quality. Dean was used to picking up store brands.
Sam paid for the purchases, including a gift box to put the scotch in to protect it when wrapped.
As they left the store, he watched his brother as they hurried towards the Impala. Dean felt his gaze and returned his stare. Sam asked him where he wanted to go next.
"I can't shop for you while you're around. I did want to find a book store get a book on Christmas legends and facts. Bobby promised to tell us some things about it in the evenings. Maybe some cards or a game of some kind. Don't really know what everyone would like."
"We're swapping out later. You get Cas to help him finish his shopping and can shop for me while I do the same with Bobby for you." He set the purchases in the back of the Impala. "There's a store I need to get something for Cas at. We might find some fun things for Bobby too. It's a military type store called Colonel Bubby's."
“A military place?" Dean got excited. "You find Colonel Bubby's on the computer?"
He laughed. "I did at that. I figured a military backpack would last Cas a while. God knows what else we'll find."
"I like the sound of that. Might find an aviator's jacket or something. Never know.?"
"Maybe a leather type trench coat for Cas too." The possibilities were endless. He pulled up the address and directions. "Ready, Captain Dean?"
"Ready, Commander Sam. You're the navigator." Dean pulled to the exit and waited on Sam to tell him the way.
He grinned and guided his brother through the winter traffic. Dean followed Sam's directions until they found blocked streets
"What the hell? Now what?"
"Oh crap. That's the event Bobby wants us to go to. We'll have to go around."
"Well, let me see if I can turn around or back up. Damn, these streets would be wide enough if people weren't parallel parking." Dean finally found an alley and turned into it and backed out and turned the other direction.
"Okay. Commander Sam, see if you get can us there without all of this. I got a gut feeling though that it's in there where we're supposed to go tomorrow night. We got a week of messing around in there. Ain't Bobby a sweetheart. I sure hope it's worth it. Dickens wasn't bad though."
"Dickens was actually a great writer, ahead of his time in a lot of ways. It's rare to see a festival for him, even considering that the Christmas Carol is probably one of the most well known and loved stories for this holiday." He guided them through back streets to the large building.
His brother looked at the piers, large boats, and restaurants as they came around the back way towards the Strand.
"You know, I bet it's blocked off here tonight. I read a couple of Dickens. Used to get bored when I was hurt and Dad would be gone. I liked him better then some I read. I never told anyone, Sammy, but I actually liked reading. Dad would've been pissed and said I was following you instead of him. Never told him and I never had any of my own. He didn't mind me reading paperbacks like Clancy or King, but not the high end stuff."
Sam slipped out of the car. "What other authors did you like?" This was another reason he had issues with John Winchester. He loved the man but had major problems liking him as a person.
"I liked Hemingway and Steinbeck. They were harsh in their writing sometimes, but it was more real. I tried to read Dumas, but he was difficult. There were words I didn't understand. I'd like to try again sometime. Maybe when you're around to ask. If I don't bother you with me asking you every five minutes."
Ideas were crunching in his brain. "I wouldn't mind that at all. Did you try any of the stuff before that time period? Shakespeare and stuff prior?"
"Sammy, I couldn't make any sense out of Shakespeare. I heard two women talking about one play and said his writing was filthy. I thought 'Whoa!' I tried it. It's worse then the King James Bible, dude. Made no sense at all. Those words can't be real."
"They are. English went through quite a few evolutions before it became the version we speak now. Old English, Middle English, which was the language Canterbury Tales was written in, King James English, and then modern English. It's confusing, I'll give you that. Did you try reading Shakespeare quietly or aloud?"
"Aloud? Hell no, man. I never knew when Dad would show up."
"It's meant to be spoken, not read. That's part of the problem. If you're good at reading poetry, then it falls into place but for those who don't, reading it out loud helps the flow better. If you want, I can help you and show you what's great about them."
"You're serious?" Dean thought about it. He looked at Sam. "You're really serious? This ain't no joke. You won't tell anyone I'm reading this stuff with your help?"
He looked at his brother. "When have I ever made fun of you for trying to expand your education? You of all people should know that I value learning as well as spending time with you. It'll be something just for us."
Looking at his brother eye to eye, Dean spoke, "I never told anyone before today, Sammy. There's a lot I never told anyone. Got too used to hiding things inside, I guess. When we have the time, I'd like to try it again. Don't know how many free evenings we'll have, but it would get our minds off other things. At least, once in a while."
"Even half an hour of reading before falling asleep is something, you know." He grinned. "Come on, we have shopping to do."
They headed to the store, and Dean's eyes were drawn to the stairwell.
"It's in the basement? Okay." Dean headed down the stairs and opened the door. He suddenly stopped. Sam bumped into him.
"Damn!"
Sam's eyes widened as he entered the store behind Dean. "Holy shit," he breathed softly. "This is like the mother lode."
Dean took off towards the jackets. He looked back at Sam. The younger man was staring at the crowded aisles filled with every military item a man could think of. There was barely room to get through some of the rows.
"Hey, they got long leather coats. The kind the Nazis wore. They're nice."
"What do you think for Cas? Keep the weather out for him."
"If you can get him out of tax collector mode, go for it."
Dean walked into another aisle.
"Damn, Sammy! These leather jackets are nice."
He picked one up in Sam's size and carefully placed it under some army blankets he was buying.
"Too many nights in a cold car, Sam. We can use these. Price isn't bad either. Think I will go pay for these, if you want to still look around. You want me to get the coat for Cas?"
"I think it'd be more durable than what he has. I'll burn the damned thing if I have to," he said with a grin. "I'll grab it and the backpack."
Dean grinned back. His brother's grin could be contagious.
"I'm gonna pay for these and put them in the trunk and meet you at the car. I could spend hours and a lot of money in here. No time though."
Dean waited to see if Sam agreed. Another new addition to their relationship.
"Sounds good." He picked up a jacket that was Cas's size and went to find the backpacks. "Hey Dean, did you want to sign the gifts to Bobby and Cas from both of us?"
"Sounds good to me. Got no problem with that at all. As long as we have plenty for them because they will be buying for us separately."
"All right. Meet you back at the car!" Sam made a note to himself to get gift wrapping supplies when they got the decorations.
Purchasing the blankets and the leather jacket, he asked to have the jacket packaged separately and double bagged. He kept watching to make sure Sam did not see. His brother always wore light jackets but winter can be damned cold and he needed something warmer. The leather jacket was lined.
The taller man picked up a large backpack that would be comfortable for their new brother to use and had outer pockets in case he needed something right away. Sam toured through the shop, grinning at some of the items. Damn, he'd have to make sure to come back after Christmas to browse with the whole family.
Dean placed the blankets in the trunk. The wrapped and taped package with the jacket was in the backseat. He turned on the engine and got the heater started. It was getting colder and the humidity did wonders for forcing the cold into a man's bones. Dean started singing 'Jingle Bells" with someone on the radio and was keeping time on the steering wheel.
Sam came out a short time later, grinning as he entered the car. "Damn, the guy who runs this place is awesome. We seriously have to bring Bobby back here."
His brother grinned back. "Yeah, man. Bobby would love this place. He has a ramp but we'll have to work with Bobby, some of those aisles are hard to get down. Where to? We need a book store and a Hallmark for sure."
"Yup. Let me take a look." He did some research and then laughed. "Great. There's some stores next to each other. Take a right at the light."
Dean turned right and found a large book store with a coffee shop inside, and his eyes lit up. The Hallmark was next to it. He found a parking place in front of the book store. He turned off the engine and opened his door.
"Come on, Commander. Let's get this done. I'll buy you one of those mixed coffees you drink. the one with a ton of sugar and cream in it. Or, a latte."
Dean held up is pinkie finger like he was fixing to take a drink.
Sam snickered. "Screw that. Let's see if they can do hot chocolate the right way!"
The smaller man's mouth dropped open but nothing came out. He pushed the bookstore door open, pushed Sam inside and all but dragged him to the coffee shop. It was a small Starbucks, which made the younger Winchester cackle in glee. "Trust me?"
Dean nodded. The idea of real hot chocolate sounded fantastic. How long had it been? He couldn't remember. He followed the taller man to the counter and watched him as he placed his order. Two large hot chocolates with a splash of peppermint in the beverage, whipped cream and a bit of chocolate syrup to on top.
“This is the best hot chocolate in the world," Sam commented with a grin as he handed one to his brother and watched him as he looked at the beverage and sniffed.
"Peppermint?" Dean watched his brother nod. He tentatively took a sip. His eyes closed. It was wonderful.
"Damn, Sammy. This is better then what Mom made. Think that might have been the last time I had hot chocolate. Dad was always cokes, water, coffee, or beer." Dean laughed at the memory. "Thanks, Sammy."
"Jessica was the one who got me hooked on it this way. Anytime I'm near a Starbucks, I get it this way. I'm glad you like it," he grinned at him.
"Well, I do. May not drink as much coffee. Just don't want too much. Might slow me down." Dean grinned at Sam
He snickered at that. "All we need now is some gingerbread."
"Never had gingerbread," his brother said, as they walked into the bookstore. "Now, pie is another matter."
That brought a soft laugh from him. "Jess used to make it. Stuff is damned good."
"Really? What's so damned good about it, Sammy? Besides the fact that a beautiful woman made it. "
Dean started looking for Christmas books. "We want Dickens, I guess. Cas won't have read it. I'd like to find one on the why we do the things we do at Christmas....trees, wreaths, Santa, and candy canes. Lots of lore there. Be interesting to hear."
There was a Christmas section set up and he meandered to it. "A lot of what you're talking about is here." He texted Bobby, asking him to pick up gingerbread for tonight's little get together.
Hazel eyes glowing, he started digging through the books. He started laughing
"We really got to get this one for Cas," he said, handing Sam a children's book called, 'The Littlest Angel.'
Sam nearly doubled over at that one. "Oh hell yes, we have to get that one!"
Dean placed the book on the floor. He found Dickens and added it to the other. "You see any legends or stories behind Christmas traditions?"
"Yup," he held a book up. "Legends behind Christmas traditions. It covers how each item became a Christmas tradition.”
"That'll work. Hey! This one gives the stories behind the Christmas carols. We are going to have Bobby getting hoarse."
Sam chuckled. "And he'll love every moment of it."
"You think Bobby will keep these at his house? We can't carry them all around in the Impala."
"More than likely. He knows how we are on space. Besides, once he hears of our idea, he'll be more than happy to put up with us 'idjits.'"
"I sure hope so, Sammy. I like the idea of finally having a home. Being called 'idjit' sounds good."
He grinned at him. "Sounds pretty damned good actually."
Dean wondered around the store, savoring the hot chocolate and looking at books.
"One thing I want to do is have a library that has stuff beside hunter information in it. We need to keep what Bobby's got for others when they need info, I want a real library, Sam. Is that crazy?"
"Not at all. I would love a library, just a place to sit and read to relax and enjoy after a hard day working." He chose a few books with Bobby and Cas in mind.
Dean spotted a book by Chaucer. He looked at his brother. Quietly, he slipped it into the Christmas books.
"Hey, Dean, mind if I check on something?"
"No, go ahead. I'll pay for these. I can go put them in the car and wait at the coffee shop or head over to Hallmark. Either way. Up to you."
"Wait at the coffee shop. This way we can explore the Hallmark store together. I've never been in one," he shrugged.
"Me neither. Sounds good to me. I will pay for these and put them in the car and wait at the coffee shop. You want another hot chocolate? Forget it. The Hallmark probably won't let us bring it in." Dean sounded a little disappointed as he headed towards the checkout.
"They might. If not, I don't mind sitting and enjoying another."
Dean looked back when Sam spoke and his face lit up. "I'll order two more." Dean was grinning again and there was a bounce in his step.
Damn, it was good to see that smile on his brother's face again. He hurried to the classics section and chose some books that he knew would go well for his brother for Christmas. Something the two of them could share in later.
The older hunter put the Christmas books in the trunk, but the Chaucer was placed with the jacket in the back seat. He was determined that his nosy brother not accidentally pick them up.
Sam paid for his books and had the cashier double bag them to keep Dean from seeing what he'd picked out. Afterwards, he went to join his brother.
Dean was sitting in the coffee shop with two hot chocolates. He smiled when his brother entered the area. It had a been a long time since they had really had fun together. It was hard to really remember many times. He was grateful for Bobby's idea...even more grateful that Sam had finally agreed.
He sank onto the chair with a soft sigh. "A little bit more and then you get to hang with Cas. Ready to brave shopping with him?"
Dean smirked. "Shopping, I can deal with. You get to sleep with him."
"He doesn't snore, remember?"
"No, he doesn't, but once I'm gone, I won't care that Bobby snores. Does Cas even sleep?"
"No idea but I figure if he doesn't, we can get him something to entertain himself with."
"Sam, just don't give him anything to make him ask questions. Sleep. Real sleep."
He grinned. "I know, I know. Someone may want to warn him I'm a grouch when I don't sleep."
"Hell, I'm worse. We can have Bobby explain that we need sleep. I have already told him I need at least four hours, but that's on the run. This is a holiday. I want at least six hours. Hallmark?"
He took a final sip of his hot chocolate. "Hallmark it is."
The brothers left the bookstore and headed towards Hallmark. Dean look into the windows and thought, "This place is going to be fun."
Christmas decorations were everywhere. Specialty gifts stood on glass shelving. To the brothers, the store appeared to be a Santa's workshop for gifts and ornaments, with an appearance of being brighter then any where they'd been.
Sam blinked at the amount of Christmas decor the shop had. "Holy shit..."
Dean laughed. "Yeah, gotta agree with you there, Sammy. We need some real special ornaments. Gotta find one with Texas or Galveston on it, doncha think?”
"Yeah, something special to commemorate this Christmas."
“ I want to add to these every year; something special to commemorate each year. We need one to represent us too, as well as Bobby and Cas,” Dean murmured as his eyes searched the store.
Sam strolled through the store with Dean at his side. His eyes widened. "Hey Dean, look at that!" Strings of bubble kind of lights, just how Dean had said he wanted, were available.
His brother rushed over to the lights. "Sam, we gotta have these." His pleading look tickled his younger brother.
"Grab some," he said with a grin, going to get a cart.
Dean picked up five packages of the lights. He put them in the cart when Sammy returned. "If Bobby gets a small tree, we can save the rest of these for next year, when we'll cut a tree."
"That or string them in the room too." He found some garland, rather pretty with blue and silver in it. "What do you think of this?"
His brother nodded. "That looks good. Hey, look at those." Dean pointed to some large balls filled with lights. "What the heck are those. They're pretty but what do you do with them. They're too big for a tree. He turned on a switch and the ball started turning and carols played. Dean had a wicked grin that time.
"We got to get one of these, Sammy. Cas would love it. Hell, I love it. Do they hang them or something? It says it's a kissing ball. I don't see any mistletoe on it. Are you really supposed to kiss under it? "
"I'll have to research it. Think it's a newer tradition than mistletoe. I guess you just hang them in doorways or something."
"Okay. You want one? Or do we just string bubble lights? They aren't as noisy. Come to think of it, it would be a Cas thing to keep us up with."
He snickered. "No kidding. We can pass on that." His eyes lit up at the sight of a small electric train that was running under a tree. It was a child like look that was rarely seen. "Dean, look at that!"
Dean looked at his brother and smiled. Walking over, he found the boxes of trains. He motioned to the clerk, who came over. "How many sets of these did it take to do that under the tree?"
The clerk smiled, "It only needs one, sir."
Dean said, "Thank you." He picked up the box and put it in the cart.
"Every kid ought to have a train, Sammy. This one's ours."
The smile was wide and honest. He and Dean had loved trains as kids but hadn't ever been able to get one. "Thanks Dean."
Dean smiled softly. "You're welcome, Sammy. It's past due, you know." Dean saw the specialty ornaments and grinned. He headed in the direction and started looking at rows of items to hang on a tree. He spotted the dolphin and picked it up.
"Galveston?"
"Perfect," was Sam's comment. He was almost bouncing now, eager to get the shopping done so they could put the train together.
Dean laughed and picked up another ornament. It was a small dog with a large head and massive puppy dog eyes. Holding the ornament up, he said, "Sammy?"
The younger brother stared at it, then back at his brother. "I'm not a dog!"
"No, you're not. It's the eyes, Sammy. You get the most pitiful puppy dog look sometimes. “
"Really?"
"Oh, yeah. The chicks love it too, Sammy."
He snickered. "Okay, we'll get it." He looked amongst the choices, trying to find one that was uniquely Dean.
Dean found a cherub. Snickering, he showed the fat, naked angel to his brother.
"No..just..no."
Dean sighed and put the angel back on the rack. "What do you suggest for Cas."
"Anything but a fat cherub. That's just so not Cas," he said with a laugh.
Dean kept looking. Suddenly, he stopped. He fingered the ornament for a few moments, muttering, “I wish it was a black one."
Sam looked over his shoulder. "Is that the Impala?"
Dean stared at the ornament. "Yeah, they got old car ornaments but it's red."
He looked at it, grabbed it, and headed to the front to talk to a worker. A short while later, the now smirking Sam handed Dean a box. "There you go."
"They had black ones?" Dean reached out and took the ornament and stared at it in awe. The words came softly, "Thanks, Sammy. I love you, man." Dean kept his head down.
He gave his brother a one armed hug. "I love you too, big brother. We don't say it much, but it's the truth. Now come on, we gotta find one for Cas and one for Bobby."
"Why don't we get Bobby a first Christmas with all our names on it."
"I like that; it's a great idea!"
Dean started looking for one that was suitable. He found it in a small section of engraveable ornaments. It was an open book with places for names instead of regular words.
"What do you think? Bobby reads all the time. Studying."
"It's perfect." Something caught his attention and he drew in a soft breath. "I just found Cas's." He pointed to a gorgeously worked angel that had been done in glass. It wasn't the usual cherub or angel with a trumpet. This one was a definite warrior and seemed to match their angel brother's temper.
Dean slowly picked it up. "Yeah. It is perfect. It's Cas alright." Dean carefully placed the angel in the baby seat of the cart. "What else do we need? Gift wrap?"
"We'll need scissors and tape too."
"Okay. They gonna have that here?"
"They might. If not we can find a dollar store."
“Gift wrap would be just as nice from that. You and Bobby could get it. We need to meet them and swap people. Let's pay for this and go make our exchanges."
Dean pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store and looked for Bobby's truck. It had turned dark quickly near the water.
"Did Bobby say where they were? Was he okay? Cas not too much for him?"
"He was too busy laughing, honestly. It makes me wonder what was going on." Sam spotted the truck and nudged his brother.
Dean turned off the engine to the Impala, and both boys walked towards the truck; Dean a little apprehensive.
"You think everything is okay? Bobby's not one to just get all crazy with laughter. I hope Cas has been behaving, man. He can be hard to explain at times."
They walked up to the truck, and Dean opened the passenger side and motioned to Cas to come with him.
"You're riding shotgun with me, Cas. Sam wants to spend some time with Bobby, since I get him at bedtime."
Dean looked across the seat to the older man. He smiled and winked.
"Everything okay, Bobby?"
The older man grinned. "Oh yeah. Seems Mr. Fluffy Wings has a unique sense of humor. Takes some getting used to, but damn. He's pretty interesting, too, considering the knowledge he's got in that head of his."
Sam went back to the Impala and picked up his bag and headed to Bobby's truck while Castiel headed to the Impala. "Glad you had a good time, Bobby," Sam told him.
Warnings: Bad language and violence
Spoilers: Season Five - so if you’ve not seen it, be warned a few things are a bit weird.
Disclaimer - We do not own Supernatural nor A Christmas Carol. The show is owned by Eric Kripke and the book is by Charles Dickens. Neither of us has rights to this nor have we earned anything by doing this. We’re just doing this for fun. Oh..we also don’t own Christmas at Ground Zero or any other carols that might be mentioned. This story is a time of healing.
Shopping with the Winchesters
Dean pulled into the liquor store. He stared for a minute and turned to Sam.
"Imported Liquors? Wow! We can get some good stuff here, Sam. Thanks."
Sam grinned. "No problem. Let's get something to spike eggnog with while we're here. I wonder if we can actually get Cas drunk or not."
“I imagine we could. You want brandy or rum?”
He frowned at that. "What's better for that? I've never really paid attention."
“Brandy would taste better, but it's expensive. We have the money though.”
The older hunter pulled the door of the liquor store open and let his brother go in first while he continued speaking.
"We ought to get beer, whiskey, and maybe some wine. Good stuff. Bobby likes the whiskey but I want to get him a good Scotch
The younger man nodded at that, slipping into the warm store. "Sounds good to me. Something smooth and enjoyable."
Dean looked around the store, eyes widening. The walls and shelves were lined with glass bottles of different shapes and sizes. He nudged Sam, and whispered, "Did you know there were so many different kinds of booze?
"Somewhat," he laughed. "I didn't go to too many, but college parties always seemed to come up with weird variations."
Hazel eyes stared in widened awed and he nodded when Sam spoke. "Okay. I don't want to look stupid, Sammy. Talk to the clerk and put us at his mercy, would ya?"
He drew in a deep breath and headed towards the clerk. "Hi, I'm hoping you can help us?"
Dean stood behind Sam, picking up bottles from a display, reading the labels, face showing no expression at all. The taller man knew this meant that Dean was either in over his head or staking out the place.
The clerk looked at both boys and asked Sam how he could help him.
"We're looking to buy a gift for our father, and we want something special. My brother and I were thinking a really good Scotch but not sure what to look for."
"Scotches range in quality. Some can cost in the hundreds of dollars," pausing when he heard the shorter man sound as if he were strangling. Dean looked up, face red and eyes watering. He nodded at the clerk to continue.
"We'd really like to give him something of a higher quality. Something to show him that we appreciate him."
"I would recommend Glenfyddich. It is from Scotland. High quality, of course." The clerk told Sam the price. His brother choked a little but nodded yes.
"We'll take a bottle of that please." He nudged Dean to get the alcohol he wanted to relax in the rooms with.
Dean found a good German beer and white wine. He found some large bottles of Jack Daniels and picked some up. JD was smooth enough for relaxing. They seldom had alcohol of this quality. Dean was used to picking up store brands.
Sam paid for the purchases, including a gift box to put the scotch in to protect it when wrapped.
As they left the store, he watched his brother as they hurried towards the Impala. Dean felt his gaze and returned his stare. Sam asked him where he wanted to go next.
"I can't shop for you while you're around. I did want to find a book store get a book on Christmas legends and facts. Bobby promised to tell us some things about it in the evenings. Maybe some cards or a game of some kind. Don't really know what everyone would like."
"We're swapping out later. You get Cas to help him finish his shopping and can shop for me while I do the same with Bobby for you." He set the purchases in the back of the Impala. "There's a store I need to get something for Cas at. We might find some fun things for Bobby too. It's a military type store called Colonel Bubby's."
“A military place?" Dean got excited. "You find Colonel Bubby's on the computer?"
He laughed. "I did at that. I figured a military backpack would last Cas a while. God knows what else we'll find."
"I like the sound of that. Might find an aviator's jacket or something. Never know.?"
"Maybe a leather type trench coat for Cas too." The possibilities were endless. He pulled up the address and directions. "Ready, Captain Dean?"
"Ready, Commander Sam. You're the navigator." Dean pulled to the exit and waited on Sam to tell him the way.
He grinned and guided his brother through the winter traffic. Dean followed Sam's directions until they found blocked streets
"What the hell? Now what?"
"Oh crap. That's the event Bobby wants us to go to. We'll have to go around."
"Well, let me see if I can turn around or back up. Damn, these streets would be wide enough if people weren't parallel parking." Dean finally found an alley and turned into it and backed out and turned the other direction.
"Okay. Commander Sam, see if you get can us there without all of this. I got a gut feeling though that it's in there where we're supposed to go tomorrow night. We got a week of messing around in there. Ain't Bobby a sweetheart. I sure hope it's worth it. Dickens wasn't bad though."
"Dickens was actually a great writer, ahead of his time in a lot of ways. It's rare to see a festival for him, even considering that the Christmas Carol is probably one of the most well known and loved stories for this holiday." He guided them through back streets to the large building.
His brother looked at the piers, large boats, and restaurants as they came around the back way towards the Strand.
"You know, I bet it's blocked off here tonight. I read a couple of Dickens. Used to get bored when I was hurt and Dad would be gone. I liked him better then some I read. I never told anyone, Sammy, but I actually liked reading. Dad would've been pissed and said I was following you instead of him. Never told him and I never had any of my own. He didn't mind me reading paperbacks like Clancy or King, but not the high end stuff."
Sam slipped out of the car. "What other authors did you like?" This was another reason he had issues with John Winchester. He loved the man but had major problems liking him as a person.
"I liked Hemingway and Steinbeck. They were harsh in their writing sometimes, but it was more real. I tried to read Dumas, but he was difficult. There were words I didn't understand. I'd like to try again sometime. Maybe when you're around to ask. If I don't bother you with me asking you every five minutes."
Ideas were crunching in his brain. "I wouldn't mind that at all. Did you try any of the stuff before that time period? Shakespeare and stuff prior?"
"Sammy, I couldn't make any sense out of Shakespeare. I heard two women talking about one play and said his writing was filthy. I thought 'Whoa!' I tried it. It's worse then the King James Bible, dude. Made no sense at all. Those words can't be real."
"They are. English went through quite a few evolutions before it became the version we speak now. Old English, Middle English, which was the language Canterbury Tales was written in, King James English, and then modern English. It's confusing, I'll give you that. Did you try reading Shakespeare quietly or aloud?"
"Aloud? Hell no, man. I never knew when Dad would show up."
"It's meant to be spoken, not read. That's part of the problem. If you're good at reading poetry, then it falls into place but for those who don't, reading it out loud helps the flow better. If you want, I can help you and show you what's great about them."
"You're serious?" Dean thought about it. He looked at Sam. "You're really serious? This ain't no joke. You won't tell anyone I'm reading this stuff with your help?"
He looked at his brother. "When have I ever made fun of you for trying to expand your education? You of all people should know that I value learning as well as spending time with you. It'll be something just for us."
Looking at his brother eye to eye, Dean spoke, "I never told anyone before today, Sammy. There's a lot I never told anyone. Got too used to hiding things inside, I guess. When we have the time, I'd like to try it again. Don't know how many free evenings we'll have, but it would get our minds off other things. At least, once in a while."
"Even half an hour of reading before falling asleep is something, you know." He grinned. "Come on, we have shopping to do."
They headed to the store, and Dean's eyes were drawn to the stairwell.
"It's in the basement? Okay." Dean headed down the stairs and opened the door. He suddenly stopped. Sam bumped into him.
"Damn!"
Sam's eyes widened as he entered the store behind Dean. "Holy shit," he breathed softly. "This is like the mother lode."
Dean took off towards the jackets. He looked back at Sam. The younger man was staring at the crowded aisles filled with every military item a man could think of. There was barely room to get through some of the rows.
"Hey, they got long leather coats. The kind the Nazis wore. They're nice."
"What do you think for Cas? Keep the weather out for him."
"If you can get him out of tax collector mode, go for it."
Dean walked into another aisle.
"Damn, Sammy! These leather jackets are nice."
He picked one up in Sam's size and carefully placed it under some army blankets he was buying.
"Too many nights in a cold car, Sam. We can use these. Price isn't bad either. Think I will go pay for these, if you want to still look around. You want me to get the coat for Cas?"
"I think it'd be more durable than what he has. I'll burn the damned thing if I have to," he said with a grin. "I'll grab it and the backpack."
Dean grinned back. His brother's grin could be contagious.
"I'm gonna pay for these and put them in the trunk and meet you at the car. I could spend hours and a lot of money in here. No time though."
Dean waited to see if Sam agreed. Another new addition to their relationship.
"Sounds good." He picked up a jacket that was Cas's size and went to find the backpacks. "Hey Dean, did you want to sign the gifts to Bobby and Cas from both of us?"
"Sounds good to me. Got no problem with that at all. As long as we have plenty for them because they will be buying for us separately."
"All right. Meet you back at the car!" Sam made a note to himself to get gift wrapping supplies when they got the decorations.
Purchasing the blankets and the leather jacket, he asked to have the jacket packaged separately and double bagged. He kept watching to make sure Sam did not see. His brother always wore light jackets but winter can be damned cold and he needed something warmer. The leather jacket was lined.
The taller man picked up a large backpack that would be comfortable for their new brother to use and had outer pockets in case he needed something right away. Sam toured through the shop, grinning at some of the items. Damn, he'd have to make sure to come back after Christmas to browse with the whole family.
Dean placed the blankets in the trunk. The wrapped and taped package with the jacket was in the backseat. He turned on the engine and got the heater started. It was getting colder and the humidity did wonders for forcing the cold into a man's bones. Dean started singing 'Jingle Bells" with someone on the radio and was keeping time on the steering wheel.
Sam came out a short time later, grinning as he entered the car. "Damn, the guy who runs this place is awesome. We seriously have to bring Bobby back here."
His brother grinned back. "Yeah, man. Bobby would love this place. He has a ramp but we'll have to work with Bobby, some of those aisles are hard to get down. Where to? We need a book store and a Hallmark for sure."
"Yup. Let me take a look." He did some research and then laughed. "Great. There's some stores next to each other. Take a right at the light."
Dean turned right and found a large book store with a coffee shop inside, and his eyes lit up. The Hallmark was next to it. He found a parking place in front of the book store. He turned off the engine and opened his door.
"Come on, Commander. Let's get this done. I'll buy you one of those mixed coffees you drink. the one with a ton of sugar and cream in it. Or, a latte."
Dean held up is pinkie finger like he was fixing to take a drink.
Sam snickered. "Screw that. Let's see if they can do hot chocolate the right way!"
The smaller man's mouth dropped open but nothing came out. He pushed the bookstore door open, pushed Sam inside and all but dragged him to the coffee shop. It was a small Starbucks, which made the younger Winchester cackle in glee. "Trust me?"
Dean nodded. The idea of real hot chocolate sounded fantastic. How long had it been? He couldn't remember. He followed the taller man to the counter and watched him as he placed his order. Two large hot chocolates with a splash of peppermint in the beverage, whipped cream and a bit of chocolate syrup to on top.
“This is the best hot chocolate in the world," Sam commented with a grin as he handed one to his brother and watched him as he looked at the beverage and sniffed.
"Peppermint?" Dean watched his brother nod. He tentatively took a sip. His eyes closed. It was wonderful.
"Damn, Sammy. This is better then what Mom made. Think that might have been the last time I had hot chocolate. Dad was always cokes, water, coffee, or beer." Dean laughed at the memory. "Thanks, Sammy."
"Jessica was the one who got me hooked on it this way. Anytime I'm near a Starbucks, I get it this way. I'm glad you like it," he grinned at him.
"Well, I do. May not drink as much coffee. Just don't want too much. Might slow me down." Dean grinned at Sam
He snickered at that. "All we need now is some gingerbread."
"Never had gingerbread," his brother said, as they walked into the bookstore. "Now, pie is another matter."
That brought a soft laugh from him. "Jess used to make it. Stuff is damned good."
"Really? What's so damned good about it, Sammy? Besides the fact that a beautiful woman made it. "
Dean started looking for Christmas books. "We want Dickens, I guess. Cas won't have read it. I'd like to find one on the why we do the things we do at Christmas....trees, wreaths, Santa, and candy canes. Lots of lore there. Be interesting to hear."
There was a Christmas section set up and he meandered to it. "A lot of what you're talking about is here." He texted Bobby, asking him to pick up gingerbread for tonight's little get together.
Hazel eyes glowing, he started digging through the books. He started laughing
"We really got to get this one for Cas," he said, handing Sam a children's book called, 'The Littlest Angel.'
Sam nearly doubled over at that one. "Oh hell yes, we have to get that one!"
Dean placed the book on the floor. He found Dickens and added it to the other. "You see any legends or stories behind Christmas traditions?"
"Yup," he held a book up. "Legends behind Christmas traditions. It covers how each item became a Christmas tradition.”
"That'll work. Hey! This one gives the stories behind the Christmas carols. We are going to have Bobby getting hoarse."
Sam chuckled. "And he'll love every moment of it."
"You think Bobby will keep these at his house? We can't carry them all around in the Impala."
"More than likely. He knows how we are on space. Besides, once he hears of our idea, he'll be more than happy to put up with us 'idjits.'"
"I sure hope so, Sammy. I like the idea of finally having a home. Being called 'idjit' sounds good."
He grinned at him. "Sounds pretty damned good actually."
Dean wondered around the store, savoring the hot chocolate and looking at books.
"One thing I want to do is have a library that has stuff beside hunter information in it. We need to keep what Bobby's got for others when they need info, I want a real library, Sam. Is that crazy?"
"Not at all. I would love a library, just a place to sit and read to relax and enjoy after a hard day working." He chose a few books with Bobby and Cas in mind.
Dean spotted a book by Chaucer. He looked at his brother. Quietly, he slipped it into the Christmas books.
"Hey, Dean, mind if I check on something?"
"No, go ahead. I'll pay for these. I can go put them in the car and wait at the coffee shop or head over to Hallmark. Either way. Up to you."
"Wait at the coffee shop. This way we can explore the Hallmark store together. I've never been in one," he shrugged.
"Me neither. Sounds good to me. I will pay for these and put them in the car and wait at the coffee shop. You want another hot chocolate? Forget it. The Hallmark probably won't let us bring it in." Dean sounded a little disappointed as he headed towards the checkout.
"They might. If not, I don't mind sitting and enjoying another."
Dean looked back when Sam spoke and his face lit up. "I'll order two more." Dean was grinning again and there was a bounce in his step.
Damn, it was good to see that smile on his brother's face again. He hurried to the classics section and chose some books that he knew would go well for his brother for Christmas. Something the two of them could share in later.
The older hunter put the Christmas books in the trunk, but the Chaucer was placed with the jacket in the back seat. He was determined that his nosy brother not accidentally pick them up.
Sam paid for his books and had the cashier double bag them to keep Dean from seeing what he'd picked out. Afterwards, he went to join his brother.
Dean was sitting in the coffee shop with two hot chocolates. He smiled when his brother entered the area. It had a been a long time since they had really had fun together. It was hard to really remember many times. He was grateful for Bobby's idea...even more grateful that Sam had finally agreed.
He sank onto the chair with a soft sigh. "A little bit more and then you get to hang with Cas. Ready to brave shopping with him?"
Dean smirked. "Shopping, I can deal with. You get to sleep with him."
"He doesn't snore, remember?"
"No, he doesn't, but once I'm gone, I won't care that Bobby snores. Does Cas even sleep?"
"No idea but I figure if he doesn't, we can get him something to entertain himself with."
"Sam, just don't give him anything to make him ask questions. Sleep. Real sleep."
He grinned. "I know, I know. Someone may want to warn him I'm a grouch when I don't sleep."
"Hell, I'm worse. We can have Bobby explain that we need sleep. I have already told him I need at least four hours, but that's on the run. This is a holiday. I want at least six hours. Hallmark?"
He took a final sip of his hot chocolate. "Hallmark it is."
The brothers left the bookstore and headed towards Hallmark. Dean look into the windows and thought, "This place is going to be fun."
Christmas decorations were everywhere. Specialty gifts stood on glass shelving. To the brothers, the store appeared to be a Santa's workshop for gifts and ornaments, with an appearance of being brighter then any where they'd been.
Sam blinked at the amount of Christmas decor the shop had. "Holy shit..."
Dean laughed. "Yeah, gotta agree with you there, Sammy. We need some real special ornaments. Gotta find one with Texas or Galveston on it, doncha think?”
"Yeah, something special to commemorate this Christmas."
“ I want to add to these every year; something special to commemorate each year. We need one to represent us too, as well as Bobby and Cas,” Dean murmured as his eyes searched the store.
Sam strolled through the store with Dean at his side. His eyes widened. "Hey Dean, look at that!" Strings of bubble kind of lights, just how Dean had said he wanted, were available.
His brother rushed over to the lights. "Sam, we gotta have these." His pleading look tickled his younger brother.
"Grab some," he said with a grin, going to get a cart.
Dean picked up five packages of the lights. He put them in the cart when Sammy returned. "If Bobby gets a small tree, we can save the rest of these for next year, when we'll cut a tree."
"That or string them in the room too." He found some garland, rather pretty with blue and silver in it. "What do you think of this?"
His brother nodded. "That looks good. Hey, look at those." Dean pointed to some large balls filled with lights. "What the heck are those. They're pretty but what do you do with them. They're too big for a tree. He turned on a switch and the ball started turning and carols played. Dean had a wicked grin that time.
"We got to get one of these, Sammy. Cas would love it. Hell, I love it. Do they hang them or something? It says it's a kissing ball. I don't see any mistletoe on it. Are you really supposed to kiss under it? "
"I'll have to research it. Think it's a newer tradition than mistletoe. I guess you just hang them in doorways or something."
"Okay. You want one? Or do we just string bubble lights? They aren't as noisy. Come to think of it, it would be a Cas thing to keep us up with."
He snickered. "No kidding. We can pass on that." His eyes lit up at the sight of a small electric train that was running under a tree. It was a child like look that was rarely seen. "Dean, look at that!"
Dean looked at his brother and smiled. Walking over, he found the boxes of trains. He motioned to the clerk, who came over. "How many sets of these did it take to do that under the tree?"
The clerk smiled, "It only needs one, sir."
Dean said, "Thank you." He picked up the box and put it in the cart.
"Every kid ought to have a train, Sammy. This one's ours."
The smile was wide and honest. He and Dean had loved trains as kids but hadn't ever been able to get one. "Thanks Dean."
Dean smiled softly. "You're welcome, Sammy. It's past due, you know." Dean saw the specialty ornaments and grinned. He headed in the direction and started looking at rows of items to hang on a tree. He spotted the dolphin and picked it up.
"Galveston?"
"Perfect," was Sam's comment. He was almost bouncing now, eager to get the shopping done so they could put the train together.
Dean laughed and picked up another ornament. It was a small dog with a large head and massive puppy dog eyes. Holding the ornament up, he said, "Sammy?"
The younger brother stared at it, then back at his brother. "I'm not a dog!"
"No, you're not. It's the eyes, Sammy. You get the most pitiful puppy dog look sometimes. “
"Really?"
"Oh, yeah. The chicks love it too, Sammy."
He snickered. "Okay, we'll get it." He looked amongst the choices, trying to find one that was uniquely Dean.
Dean found a cherub. Snickering, he showed the fat, naked angel to his brother.
"No..just..no."
Dean sighed and put the angel back on the rack. "What do you suggest for Cas."
"Anything but a fat cherub. That's just so not Cas," he said with a laugh.
Dean kept looking. Suddenly, he stopped. He fingered the ornament for a few moments, muttering, “I wish it was a black one."
Sam looked over his shoulder. "Is that the Impala?"
Dean stared at the ornament. "Yeah, they got old car ornaments but it's red."
He looked at it, grabbed it, and headed to the front to talk to a worker. A short while later, the now smirking Sam handed Dean a box. "There you go."
"They had black ones?" Dean reached out and took the ornament and stared at it in awe. The words came softly, "Thanks, Sammy. I love you, man." Dean kept his head down.
He gave his brother a one armed hug. "I love you too, big brother. We don't say it much, but it's the truth. Now come on, we gotta find one for Cas and one for Bobby."
"Why don't we get Bobby a first Christmas with all our names on it."
"I like that; it's a great idea!"
Dean started looking for one that was suitable. He found it in a small section of engraveable ornaments. It was an open book with places for names instead of regular words.
"What do you think? Bobby reads all the time. Studying."
"It's perfect." Something caught his attention and he drew in a soft breath. "I just found Cas's." He pointed to a gorgeously worked angel that had been done in glass. It wasn't the usual cherub or angel with a trumpet. This one was a definite warrior and seemed to match their angel brother's temper.
Dean slowly picked it up. "Yeah. It is perfect. It's Cas alright." Dean carefully placed the angel in the baby seat of the cart. "What else do we need? Gift wrap?"
"We'll need scissors and tape too."
"Okay. They gonna have that here?"
"They might. If not we can find a dollar store."
“Gift wrap would be just as nice from that. You and Bobby could get it. We need to meet them and swap people. Let's pay for this and go make our exchanges."
Dean pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store and looked for Bobby's truck. It had turned dark quickly near the water.
"Did Bobby say where they were? Was he okay? Cas not too much for him?"
"He was too busy laughing, honestly. It makes me wonder what was going on." Sam spotted the truck and nudged his brother.
Dean turned off the engine to the Impala, and both boys walked towards the truck; Dean a little apprehensive.
"You think everything is okay? Bobby's not one to just get all crazy with laughter. I hope Cas has been behaving, man. He can be hard to explain at times."
They walked up to the truck, and Dean opened the passenger side and motioned to Cas to come with him.
"You're riding shotgun with me, Cas. Sam wants to spend some time with Bobby, since I get him at bedtime."
Dean looked across the seat to the older man. He smiled and winked.
"Everything okay, Bobby?"
The older man grinned. "Oh yeah. Seems Mr. Fluffy Wings has a unique sense of humor. Takes some getting used to, but damn. He's pretty interesting, too, considering the knowledge he's got in that head of his."
Sam went back to the Impala and picked up his bag and headed to Bobby's truck while Castiel headed to the Impala. "Glad you had a good time, Bobby," Sam told him.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Supernatural Christmas Carol Chapter 2
qAuthors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman
Warnings: Bad language and violence
Spoilers: Season Five - so if you’ve not seen it, be warned a few things are a bit weird.
Disclaimer - We do not own Supernatural nor A Christmas Carol. The show is owned by Eric Kripke and the book is by Charles Dickens. Neither of us has rights to this nor have we earned anything by doing this. We’re just doing this for fun. Oh..we also don’t own Christmas at Ground Zero or any other carols that might be mentioned. This story is a time of healing.
Holiday.......Start!
Dean drove with the windows of the Impala rolled down. Sam had his up as he pulled up page after page of bed and breakfasts, making one call after another. Glancing at his little brother, Dean shook his head.
"What?" He'd noticed the head shake, which meant his brother was thinking about something.
"Hell, Sammy, it's not too long ‘til Christmas. They got this thing going on. You're gonna need to look a little further into the island. Don't think we'll find anything close to the water. Do you?"
"I have no idea. Probably not but I'm trying everything on the list," he answered loud enough to be heard over the wind.
"Why the hell are you yelling? Is the window open bothering you? The sea air feels good, and I thought we could enjoy it; but if it's bothering ya, I can roll the window up."
Before Sam could answer him, Dean looked into the distance, eyes growing wide.
"Would you look at the size of that bridge?"
"Damn, things are bigger in Texas," Sam said with wide eyes. "I had thought that was just a myth."
Dean swallowed as the Impala followed Bobby's truck.
"You know, never cared much for big bridges. Not as bad as flying but bad enough. I don't mind the flat ones, but the ones that go sky high worry me. You wonder just how well they're built."
Sam nodded. "No kidding. I think I'd rather be on a plane."
"I didn't say I hated bridges that bad," Dean muttered. "Shit! This thing is steep. Bobby's slowing down a bit. I guess that old truck needs a little tender loving care. Pretty impressive how he got the gas and brakes into the steering column. You find anything yet?"
The younger brother’s voice was distracted sounding as he answered the question, eyes focused on the laptop’s screen.
"Yeah, think I do. It's not too far from where the event is, but away from the water though. It seems the guy rents certain rooms only at this time of year. I'm trying to call him now."
"Okay. Odd. Why only certain rooms? Tell him we'll take those other rooms if they're all he's got. I think I really am starting to get excited about this."
Sam laughed softly. "Yeah, oddly enough I am too. And yes, the line is finally ringing."
Dean turned and grinned at his brother. A real Christmas. Family. It was nice change for them.
The younger one spoke quietly to the man who picked up, requesting rooms. After a short bit, he wrote down instructions and then hung up.
"We have rooms! He had two open for us, a suite oddly enough."
Dean's eyes widened, and he turned again and his smile was larger.
"A suite? Seriously? Wow! Give Bobby a call and let him know how to get there; or tell him to follow us."
Sam was already reaching for his cell when Dean gave the request to call their adoptive father.
"Already on it."
"Great!" Dean turned on the tape of Christmas music and was beating his hands on the steering wheel and bouncing just a little in his seat as he sang with the tape.
Bobby was pleased with what Sam had told him and after the young man ended the call, he leaned back in his seat and addressed his angelic companion.
"You know what this means though, right?"
Castiel looked at Bobby.
"No. I have no idea."
The older man chuckled, having a feeling the other was going to love his answer.
"We get to introduce you to the joys of Christmas shopping."
Bobby thought he saw a look of panic in the angel's eyes. Castiel swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice at its usual calm pace.
"I heard about Christmas shopping. It is not a safe thing to do, Bobby."
The chuckle turned into laughter when Bobby heard his response.
"It's not bad, Cas, just an adventure. Tell you what, you and I can go shop for the boys and then they can take you to shop for me." Which reminded him, they needed stockings and a small tree for this.
Castiel swallowed hard.
"If the shopping is not bad, why do they call the day after Thanksgiving 'Black Friday?' Black stands for evil. White for good. 'Black Friday', Bobby?"
Bobby explained the concept of it, trying so hard not to laugh at the confused angel.
Meanwhile, back in the Impala the same thought had occurred to one of the brothers. Sam sighed.
"Damn, this means we get to brave the crowds and go shopping."
Dean turned his head and looked at Sam again, unhappy with what he‘d just heard.
"Shopping? You mean crowds of women knocking each other over while trying to get to the last of an item while their kids throw screaming tantrums on the floor?"
He grinned at Dean. "Yup!"
Dean looked at Sam. "I'm not that brave, Sammy."
"Two words, Dean. Bobby and Cas."
Sam watched his brother frown. One small whisper was heard. "Damn."
Oh revenge was sweet! He knew Dean wouldn't want to disappoint the others and to be honest, teaching Castiel to shop might be interesting.
"Damn, the bridge just becomes a road... no end of the bridge or anything. This is kind of weird. I mean all bridges become roads, but they usually do it different then this. About this shopping, Sammy. Can we stay away from Walmart?"
"Hell yes! We are not going into that hell hole."
Sam could be mean at times, but he wasn't heartless.
Dean sighed in relief. He had not realized that he was holding his breath. His hands were trembling. Damn! He hated shopping. Walmart at Christmas was more dangerous then a room full of demons with no rock salt.
Sam went through a few sites and grinned, feeling a bit relieved about the news he was about to share with his older brother.
"There's places we can shop without worrying about Walmart. There's shops we can hit, plus a few special ones that might be fun."
"Sounds good. I'd really rather die then go to Walmart this time of year." Dean thought a moment. "You got any ideas on what to get Cas and Bobby?"
"Well, there's one shop that might have some things of interest. Since Cas travels lightly, I figured we could get him a good backpack to keep with him to keep his presents in as well as things he needs."
Dean nodded, watching the traffic carefully.
"Are we shopping for them together or separately? They have to buy for us separately. Don't seem fair to them."
"I figured we could do it separately but shop together. This way no one has to brave the crowds alone."
“Sounds good. I know what I'm getting Bobby. He likes a good drink in the evenings. He can't afford anything real good. I thought I'd find a nice liquor store and buy him a good Scottish whiskey - a big bottle.”
Sam grinned, leave it to Dean to find something their mentor would enjoy.
"He'd love that. I'm trying to think of something good for Cas, honestly."
"Well, I thought I'd buy him a pay card for his cell phone. He keeps running out of minutes. He has one of those ones where you have to buy minutes. Thought maybe several months worth would help him."
"That or just put him on our plan," Sam commented wryly. "That way he won't have to worry and have you seen the phone he uses?! It's horrible!" Yes, he was a technophile but still.
"Yeah, we could do that. I'll find a local store and get him a good phone and put him on ours."
Sam nodded, thinking of various ideas for gifts.
"This will be interesting to say the least. I hope Cas can deal with all of this."
Dean was thinking the same thing. He was concerned about overload for Cas's mental and emotional state. The angel had been blown to bits and resurrected. Now he was being hunted by his own kind.
“We need to keep it simple for him. Sammy, we're gonna have to like and use whatever he buys us. Do you realize that?"
"You're talking to the kid who found uses for the baton and a Barbie doll."
Sam had done that to make Dean feel better, although Barbie had been turned into the oddest looking G.I. Joe ever.
Dean laughed. "Yeah, I am so sorry about that. I honestly thought the house had a boy living there." He looked at his brother. "You didn't do too bad a job on it."
"I sorta had help from the world's coolest older brother," he said with a smile.
Dean reached to his neck and shuddered when he felt nothing there. "I have the best little brother in the world, Sammy."
That gave Sam an idea. It was something that might hold off that habit until Cas had finished with the pendent he'd given Dean that Christmas.
"Thanks, Dean. Oh, turn right up at the light."
Dean pulled into the right lane and turned on his signal.
Bobby did as well, following Dean as Sam guided them them through traffic and into a very quiet neighborhood. "Damn, kid, where the hell is this place?"
Dean looked at the houses. He slowed down and stared out the side window. Finally, he stuck his head out and looked up, giving a long whistle.
"You got us in the wrong neighborhood, Sammy. These are mansions. Can't possible be a bed and breakfast in one of these."
"Turn left here," he instructed, his own eyes wide. He hadn't expected this at all!
"Hell, Sammy. We're gonna get arrested for trespassing just for being in this neighborhood."
He double checked his directions and shook his head.
"This is what he told me, Dean."
"Man. The guy must've lost a bunch of money somewhere. You don't turn places like this into B & B's. Is it on this street?"
"Yeah, take a left and we're there. These houses must be over a century old at least."
Dean took a left into a massive driveway. The drive pulled around to the back of the mansion. He looked warily at the building. He could find no sign out front that said Bed and Breakfast.
"Are you sure about this, Sammy?" Dean's voice had turned to a whisper.
As he pulled into the back, they found a parking lot near a large garage. The B &B sign was in the back.
Sam nodded, his eyes wide. A man was standing on the back porch, where the B&B entrance was.
"You must be the Winchester family. I'm Ben, welcome and Merry Christmas," came a soft Texas drawl. Ben was about Dean's height but more slender. His hair was dark, and he had blue eyes that held a look of fatigue.
Dean jumped out of the car and walked towards the man who greeted them.
"I'm Dean. This is my brother, Sam. The two guys in the truck are Bobby Singer, and.." Dean looked at Sam, smiling. "And our brother, Cas."
The older Winchester brother shook hands with the man and went to help get the luggage. He really did not want the man looking into the trunk of the Impala.
"You're welcome to my home." Ben went to help Bobby and Cas with their luggage. "I run things a little differently than most B&Bs. I offer breakfast from 7:30 to 11. Dinner is also offered, but I usually ask for a heads up if you're going to eat so I know how much to prepare."
Dean had pulled Sam's and his duffels, looking at the guns and then up at Sam who was standing behind him. He is eyebrow raised in a questioning look.
"Just enough to protect but not enough to shock the staff," he murmured, noticing Ben was waiting on them.
Dean pulled out Sam's pistol and slid it into the duffel. He did the same with his gun. Shutting the trunk, he stood up and gazed up at the mansion. He'd never been inside anything quite like the building in front of him.
Ben led the four of them into a wing of the house. "I open up a wing of my home for Christmas because housing is so tight. Outside of Christmas, it's usually just me here."
Dean's eyes checked every nook and cranny. A hunter's habit. Once he took everything in, he began to relax.
Bobby was impressed with the security of the old home. It blended in with the antique architecture but protected the contents of the home. He was also grateful to see the suite they were led to was set up for people with his disability. Apparently, Sam had remembered to make sure that his needs would be met.
Dean stared in awe at the room. The furniture was antiques. The room had a large sitting room. He noted a television in a cabinet and there was a large selection of dvds and a satellite box . His eyebrows raised in surprise again. There was a small bar in the corner with a refrigerator behind it.
Warnings: Bad language and violence
Spoilers: Season Five - so if you’ve not seen it, be warned a few things are a bit weird.
Disclaimer - We do not own Supernatural nor A Christmas Carol. The show is owned by Eric Kripke and the book is by Charles Dickens. Neither of us has rights to this nor have we earned anything by doing this. We’re just doing this for fun. Oh..we also don’t own Christmas at Ground Zero or any other carols that might be mentioned. This story is a time of healing.
Holiday.......Start!
Dean drove with the windows of the Impala rolled down. Sam had his up as he pulled up page after page of bed and breakfasts, making one call after another. Glancing at his little brother, Dean shook his head.
"What?" He'd noticed the head shake, which meant his brother was thinking about something.
"Hell, Sammy, it's not too long ‘til Christmas. They got this thing going on. You're gonna need to look a little further into the island. Don't think we'll find anything close to the water. Do you?"
"I have no idea. Probably not but I'm trying everything on the list," he answered loud enough to be heard over the wind.
"Why the hell are you yelling? Is the window open bothering you? The sea air feels good, and I thought we could enjoy it; but if it's bothering ya, I can roll the window up."
Before Sam could answer him, Dean looked into the distance, eyes growing wide.
"Would you look at the size of that bridge?"
"Damn, things are bigger in Texas," Sam said with wide eyes. "I had thought that was just a myth."
Dean swallowed as the Impala followed Bobby's truck.
"You know, never cared much for big bridges. Not as bad as flying but bad enough. I don't mind the flat ones, but the ones that go sky high worry me. You wonder just how well they're built."
Sam nodded. "No kidding. I think I'd rather be on a plane."
"I didn't say I hated bridges that bad," Dean muttered. "Shit! This thing is steep. Bobby's slowing down a bit. I guess that old truck needs a little tender loving care. Pretty impressive how he got the gas and brakes into the steering column. You find anything yet?"
The younger brother’s voice was distracted sounding as he answered the question, eyes focused on the laptop’s screen.
"Yeah, think I do. It's not too far from where the event is, but away from the water though. It seems the guy rents certain rooms only at this time of year. I'm trying to call him now."
"Okay. Odd. Why only certain rooms? Tell him we'll take those other rooms if they're all he's got. I think I really am starting to get excited about this."
Sam laughed softly. "Yeah, oddly enough I am too. And yes, the line is finally ringing."
Dean turned and grinned at his brother. A real Christmas. Family. It was nice change for them.
The younger one spoke quietly to the man who picked up, requesting rooms. After a short bit, he wrote down instructions and then hung up.
"We have rooms! He had two open for us, a suite oddly enough."
Dean's eyes widened, and he turned again and his smile was larger.
"A suite? Seriously? Wow! Give Bobby a call and let him know how to get there; or tell him to follow us."
Sam was already reaching for his cell when Dean gave the request to call their adoptive father.
"Already on it."
"Great!" Dean turned on the tape of Christmas music and was beating his hands on the steering wheel and bouncing just a little in his seat as he sang with the tape.
Bobby was pleased with what Sam had told him and after the young man ended the call, he leaned back in his seat and addressed his angelic companion.
"You know what this means though, right?"
Castiel looked at Bobby.
"No. I have no idea."
The older man chuckled, having a feeling the other was going to love his answer.
"We get to introduce you to the joys of Christmas shopping."
Bobby thought he saw a look of panic in the angel's eyes. Castiel swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice at its usual calm pace.
"I heard about Christmas shopping. It is not a safe thing to do, Bobby."
The chuckle turned into laughter when Bobby heard his response.
"It's not bad, Cas, just an adventure. Tell you what, you and I can go shop for the boys and then they can take you to shop for me." Which reminded him, they needed stockings and a small tree for this.
Castiel swallowed hard.
"If the shopping is not bad, why do they call the day after Thanksgiving 'Black Friday?' Black stands for evil. White for good. 'Black Friday', Bobby?"
Bobby explained the concept of it, trying so hard not to laugh at the confused angel.
Meanwhile, back in the Impala the same thought had occurred to one of the brothers. Sam sighed.
"Damn, this means we get to brave the crowds and go shopping."
Dean turned his head and looked at Sam again, unhappy with what he‘d just heard.
"Shopping? You mean crowds of women knocking each other over while trying to get to the last of an item while their kids throw screaming tantrums on the floor?"
He grinned at Dean. "Yup!"
Dean looked at Sam. "I'm not that brave, Sammy."
"Two words, Dean. Bobby and Cas."
Sam watched his brother frown. One small whisper was heard. "Damn."
Oh revenge was sweet! He knew Dean wouldn't want to disappoint the others and to be honest, teaching Castiel to shop might be interesting.
"Damn, the bridge just becomes a road... no end of the bridge or anything. This is kind of weird. I mean all bridges become roads, but they usually do it different then this. About this shopping, Sammy. Can we stay away from Walmart?"
"Hell yes! We are not going into that hell hole."
Sam could be mean at times, but he wasn't heartless.
Dean sighed in relief. He had not realized that he was holding his breath. His hands were trembling. Damn! He hated shopping. Walmart at Christmas was more dangerous then a room full of demons with no rock salt.
Sam went through a few sites and grinned, feeling a bit relieved about the news he was about to share with his older brother.
"There's places we can shop without worrying about Walmart. There's shops we can hit, plus a few special ones that might be fun."
"Sounds good. I'd really rather die then go to Walmart this time of year." Dean thought a moment. "You got any ideas on what to get Cas and Bobby?"
"Well, there's one shop that might have some things of interest. Since Cas travels lightly, I figured we could get him a good backpack to keep with him to keep his presents in as well as things he needs."
Dean nodded, watching the traffic carefully.
"Are we shopping for them together or separately? They have to buy for us separately. Don't seem fair to them."
"I figured we could do it separately but shop together. This way no one has to brave the crowds alone."
“Sounds good. I know what I'm getting Bobby. He likes a good drink in the evenings. He can't afford anything real good. I thought I'd find a nice liquor store and buy him a good Scottish whiskey - a big bottle.”
Sam grinned, leave it to Dean to find something their mentor would enjoy.
"He'd love that. I'm trying to think of something good for Cas, honestly."
"Well, I thought I'd buy him a pay card for his cell phone. He keeps running out of minutes. He has one of those ones where you have to buy minutes. Thought maybe several months worth would help him."
"That or just put him on our plan," Sam commented wryly. "That way he won't have to worry and have you seen the phone he uses?! It's horrible!" Yes, he was a technophile but still.
"Yeah, we could do that. I'll find a local store and get him a good phone and put him on ours."
Sam nodded, thinking of various ideas for gifts.
"This will be interesting to say the least. I hope Cas can deal with all of this."
Dean was thinking the same thing. He was concerned about overload for Cas's mental and emotional state. The angel had been blown to bits and resurrected. Now he was being hunted by his own kind.
“We need to keep it simple for him. Sammy, we're gonna have to like and use whatever he buys us. Do you realize that?"
"You're talking to the kid who found uses for the baton and a Barbie doll."
Sam had done that to make Dean feel better, although Barbie had been turned into the oddest looking G.I. Joe ever.
Dean laughed. "Yeah, I am so sorry about that. I honestly thought the house had a boy living there." He looked at his brother. "You didn't do too bad a job on it."
"I sorta had help from the world's coolest older brother," he said with a smile.
Dean reached to his neck and shuddered when he felt nothing there. "I have the best little brother in the world, Sammy."
That gave Sam an idea. It was something that might hold off that habit until Cas had finished with the pendent he'd given Dean that Christmas.
"Thanks, Dean. Oh, turn right up at the light."
Dean pulled into the right lane and turned on his signal.
Bobby did as well, following Dean as Sam guided them them through traffic and into a very quiet neighborhood. "Damn, kid, where the hell is this place?"
Dean looked at the houses. He slowed down and stared out the side window. Finally, he stuck his head out and looked up, giving a long whistle.
"You got us in the wrong neighborhood, Sammy. These are mansions. Can't possible be a bed and breakfast in one of these."
"Turn left here," he instructed, his own eyes wide. He hadn't expected this at all!
"Hell, Sammy. We're gonna get arrested for trespassing just for being in this neighborhood."
He double checked his directions and shook his head.
"This is what he told me, Dean."
"Man. The guy must've lost a bunch of money somewhere. You don't turn places like this into B & B's. Is it on this street?"
"Yeah, take a left and we're there. These houses must be over a century old at least."
Dean took a left into a massive driveway. The drive pulled around to the back of the mansion. He looked warily at the building. He could find no sign out front that said Bed and Breakfast.
"Are you sure about this, Sammy?" Dean's voice had turned to a whisper.
As he pulled into the back, they found a parking lot near a large garage. The B &B sign was in the back.
Sam nodded, his eyes wide. A man was standing on the back porch, where the B&B entrance was.
"You must be the Winchester family. I'm Ben, welcome and Merry Christmas," came a soft Texas drawl. Ben was about Dean's height but more slender. His hair was dark, and he had blue eyes that held a look of fatigue.
Dean jumped out of the car and walked towards the man who greeted them.
"I'm Dean. This is my brother, Sam. The two guys in the truck are Bobby Singer, and.." Dean looked at Sam, smiling. "And our brother, Cas."
The older Winchester brother shook hands with the man and went to help get the luggage. He really did not want the man looking into the trunk of the Impala.
"You're welcome to my home." Ben went to help Bobby and Cas with their luggage. "I run things a little differently than most B&Bs. I offer breakfast from 7:30 to 11. Dinner is also offered, but I usually ask for a heads up if you're going to eat so I know how much to prepare."
Dean had pulled Sam's and his duffels, looking at the guns and then up at Sam who was standing behind him. He is eyebrow raised in a questioning look.
"Just enough to protect but not enough to shock the staff," he murmured, noticing Ben was waiting on them.
Dean pulled out Sam's pistol and slid it into the duffel. He did the same with his gun. Shutting the trunk, he stood up and gazed up at the mansion. He'd never been inside anything quite like the building in front of him.
Ben led the four of them into a wing of the house. "I open up a wing of my home for Christmas because housing is so tight. Outside of Christmas, it's usually just me here."
Dean's eyes checked every nook and cranny. A hunter's habit. Once he took everything in, he began to relax.
Bobby was impressed with the security of the old home. It blended in with the antique architecture but protected the contents of the home. He was also grateful to see the suite they were led to was set up for people with his disability. Apparently, Sam had remembered to make sure that his needs would be met.
Dean stared in awe at the room. The furniture was antiques. The room had a large sitting room. He noted a television in a cabinet and there was a large selection of dvds and a satellite box . His eyebrows raised in surprise again. There was a small bar in the corner with a refrigerator behind it.
He turned and looked at Ben.
"Which room is for Bobby?"
"Both rooms are set up for people with limited mobility, so he can choose the one he wants. Two beds in each room. In a closet in both rooms are extra blankets. My family has tried to keep the heating and cooling as up to date as possible, but this old house can get drafty at night. With the hard wood floors, I'd suggest socks or slippers if you have them."
Dean nodded. He opened the doors to both rooms and looked inside them, inspecting them and finding them to be beautifully decorated.
"Well, Bobby, which room you want?"
Bobby chose a room and grinned back at the others, knowing he was about to cause an interesting argument.
"I'll leave you three idjits to choose who wants to bunk with me."
Dean grinned as Bobby entered his room. He looked at the other two in a silent question.
Castiel looked blandly at Dean. "He snores," was the flatly spoken comment.
The hazel eyed man looked at the angel, trying not to laugh.
"Okay, I'll sleep with Bobby. Don't get to close to Sammy at night, Cas. He carries a wicked knife and will stab first, ask questions later. "
Dean whistled as he headed to the room he would share with Bobby.
Bobby had unpacked his bags and was laughing, having heard the retort from Dean.
"Mean, that was just mean. I'm so damned proud of you."
The angel looked at Sam questioningly. He watched the younger Winchester, trying to gauge where the weapon was hidden on his person. Cas walked into the bedroom behind Sam, sat on a bed and watched the younger brother go through his duffel. The ancient being watched every item that was removed from the duffel.
Sam was ready to kill Dean for this. Oh yes...his brother was going to pay dearly!
Dean put Bobby's suitcase on his bed. He turned and looked at the older hunter. Bobby saw a serious expression on the younger man's face. Suddenly, Dean smirked.
I learned from the best, Bobby. You taught me well."
The older hunter snickered. "Go rescue them. We've got shopping to do and I want to decorate the living room a bit. And Dean, remember stuff for stockings. We're doing this right this year."
Dean's eyes grew wide, trying to remember this Christmas tradition.
"I need to do laundry Bobby. I don't think I got any socks that would work for that."
"I'll take care of it. You boys deserve a Christmas stocking." And he'd find special ones for them. After this year, the older man hoped they could do this again. It was lonely in that big old house of his.
"What the heck do you put in stockings, Bobby? I haven't had one since I was three. I imagine I should get something for them."
His eyes softened towards his adoptive son. Sam and Dean had missed out on so much, and it made his heart ache.
"Little things like candy, small books and small gifts. Some people will put gift cards in them, or cds and games."
Dean nodded, thinking on what he could do for his family.
"People actually buy stuff like that for stockings?"
"That they do." He told him the tradition of the Christmas stockings while he finished unpacking.
Dean sat on his bed and listened to the story, his attention fully on the older man.
"Bobby, you think we could have a fire in the fireplace tonight? Maybe you could tell us some of those stories?"
Dean's voice sounded wistful, and Bobby was quick to respond to that tone.
"Damn well believe it, kid. In fact, I'll stop by the bookstore and get a few books. We can do it every night until Christmas if you like." Damn John Winchester for screwing these boys over as he had. He'd offered time and time again to take them so they'd have a normal childhood while their father went off on his crusade.
Dean smiled. "That sounds good, Bobby. I'd like to have some eggnog too. Sammy and I had that one Christmas two years ago. Liked it. We could get some rum or brandy to put in it."
"Tell you what, get the two in here, we'll make a list of supplies to buy while we're out doing the Christmas shopping. We get it done today and can spend the rest of the time enjoying each others company and hitting the festival."
Dean jumped off the bed and went to find Sam and Cas sitting on opposite sides of the living room. He watched them carefully for a minute, then acted nonchalantly.
"Problems? If not, Bobby would like us to meet in OUR bedroom and make a list of supplies."
Dean turned and headed back to the bedroom he was sharing with the older hunter.
Sam shook his head, following his brother into the bedroom. He knew that look and had a feeling Dean was up to something.
"What's up?"
Bobby had a pen and paper and was sitting at a table in the corner. There was a thoughtful look on his face as he looked at his boys.
"We need to make a list of supplies. I want to get all of our shopping done so we can just have fun."
Sam plopped onto a chair, Cas leaning against the wall. "Okay, what were you thinking?"
"Well, Dean wants a fire. Seems like a good idea. I thought a popcorn popper for the fireplace, some popcorn. Maybe the makings for s'mores. Eggnog, which means liquor. Snacks. Wouldn't hurt to buy a couple of board games. I want to get some books. Dean wants Christmas stories and legends. Thought some coffee would be good. I saw a coffee maker when we came in. I will get a small tree, stockings, gift wrap, tape, etc. If there's no Christmas movies in that stack, we'll pick some up somewhere. Any other ideas?
Both Sam and the angel shook their heads. Neither were familiar with Christmas traditions and would follow Bobby's lead on this.
"Then I suggest, we make a list and go in twos. I'll get all the supplies. I know what would be good for Christmas. Now stocking stuffers... I'll have Cas for a while, ‘til he needs to shop for me. Dean can fill you in on the stockings."
The younger Winchester nodded. "It sounds good. We can meet up at a specific time to trade out on who goes where."
"That will work. How about the seawall? We might find a small cafe or something. Get some coffee and pie and exchange passengers."
Castiel looked at Dean, obviously confused about something.
"What is with this obsession over pie? It does not seem that a pastry should be so addictive."
"You ain't had a good slice of pie, Cas." Dean smiled wistfully. "I hope they have apple. Come on, Sammy."
Sam found an address and gave it to Bobby, then wished them luck as he followed his brother out to the car.
Dean headed to the Impala, obviously anxious to get started.
"Where you wanna head first? I've no idea how long the phone place will be open."
"Let's do that first then since there might be a time constraint.”
As Sam took a seat and got comfortable, his brother cranked the engine and addressed his companion.
“Sounds good. What time do liquor stores close in Texas?”
Sam cracked open his trusty laptop, checking the laws around alcohol purchasing.
"We're still good. We'll hit that next and then do the other shopping."
Dean nodded. "Okay, shotgun...you navigate."
As they drove to the nearest cell phone store, Sam was thinking on what to do for the others and why they were bothering with this whole Christmas thing. Part of him wasn't happy with it but seeing Dean's childlike happiness and Castiel's curiosity made it worth it.
Dean was singing a Christmas carol, and Sam realized that the tape of crazy Christmas songs was not in the player. His brother had the radio turned to a station that played nonstop carols and was singing Silent Night as they drove through the streets of Galveston.
"Is there where we turn, Sam?"
Sam started to say yeah when he realized that his brother had not called him Sammy.
In a way, he liked being called the normal nickname but a part of him missed the childish Sammy he was used to his brother using.
"Yeah, and Dean, you know..." Well damn, this was hard to get out.
Dean turned onto the side street and drove half a block and pulled into the cell phone parking lot. He turned the engine off and turned towards his brother.
"What's wrong, Sam?"
"I know I fuss about it a lot, but I kinda miss you calling me Sammy."
His eyes were focused out the window, trying to minimize just how embarrassed he was. It was quiet inside of the car as Dean mulled over what Sam had told him.
"Well, we talked a while back about getting away from the past and how you needed to grow up. I just realized that Sammy was a kid name and figured you might not like me calling you that any more. I know I slip sometimes and still call you that. I like calling you Sammy, but I wouldn't want to upset you."
"I know, but it didn't hit ’til now just how much I miss you teasing and calling me Sammy."
Dean stared at his brother for a few minutes, considering what Sam had just told him. A smile creased his face, and the laugh lines around his eyes crinkled.
"All right, Sammy, then we keep the nicknames and the jokes. If it gets to be too much, you tell me? Promise?"
"I promise," he said with a sincere smile. He really had missed that honest smile and the nickname.
All right. Let's go find that phone for Cas. You got any idea what you're gonna get him and Bobby?"
Dean opened the car door and stepped outside as he talked. He looked at his brother, towering over the car as he got out. Dean's smile would blind someone as he headed around the car and walked beside Sam towards the phone store.
"I know I want to get him a backpack of sorts to keep his stuff in since he's pretty much earth bound for now. Beyond that, no idea. Plus these stocking stuffers. For Bobby, I want to do something nice. God knows he's been there for us since we were kids."
"I know. That rare scotch if I can find it is a nice gift. He likes to read. Be nice to get him something kind of rare in the book places. You know this may seem kind of silly, but I'd like us to do something personal for him. We don't have any pictures, but what if we put down our memories of times with him?"
Sam beamed. "I think we can do that. I can get a journal, really nice one, and you and I can put our memories and thoughts in it. I may get him some books too, same for Cas. I was thinking Cas might appreciate some different types of literature. Something to do when he's in a downtime, you know?"
"That's a good idea, Sammy. Well, then all we gotta worry about is each other. That's gonna take some doing. Do you realize that we know so much about each other. At times, it's almost like a marriage. Not good. I think I know what I'm gonna get you."
Dean grinned and whistled as he opened the door to the phone store.
He snickered. "Yeah, yeah. Jerk." He slipped into the store, eyes focusing on the phones. "We'll want something simple since he's not the most tech friendly out there."
"He just needs something that can hold up in any circumstances and be simple to use and we put him on our account."
Dean walked over to some decorated phones and started laughing.
"What did you find?"
Dean pointed to a phone that had cherubs on it. "An angel phone?" he snickered.
"No, he'd kill us." He had to admit that it was rather humorous. Sam's eye fell on one, and he couldn't stop the laughter. He pointed at a Barbie pink phone that had a very famous cat on it.
"Is that the Pink Panther? Damn, Cas wouldn't even know what the Pink Panther was. He'd just want to know who dipped that poor cat in pink paint. And he'd want to know why. Without even cracking a smile." Dean started laughing hard.
"At least it's not Hello Kitty," he quipped.
The statement did Dean in. He leaned against a wall, holding his sides, tears streaming down his face, and laughing hard.
Oh yes, he was proud of that one. Sam grinned, laughing himself. Damn, it was good to see Dean so relaxed!
Dean finally straightened up and, still chuckling, left the decorated phones and walked across the store to an employee.
The man turned and frowned as the two brothers walked towards him. Dean figured he didn't like the noise. He smirked and stopped where they were face to face. Dean knew he was in the man's personal space. Hell, it was Christmas. He should be glad to have a customer laughing instead of a Scrooge.
The younger Winchester explained what they were looking for. They needed something durable and with a good battery life, explaining their brother wasn't very comfortable with technology but loved to travel.
Dean added that the phone had to look nice. "Our brother is such a nice guy, he's an angel. He needs something very nice." He winked at Sam and waited on the employee to show him what was available.
Sam grinned, nodding in agreement with Dean. They were led to a wall where the phones were. Some where kind of gaudy, which he quickly dismissed.
Dean spotted one that was a beautiful gun barrel gray. Small enough to fit into the inside of Cas' overcoat and not be bulky. Dean looked at Sam, and his eyebrow went up in question. He knew that Sam was the techy one and would accept his advice on the phone.
He picked up the phone and looked it over, reading the specs. Very good battery life, sturdy. This would do really well.
"You picked a good one, Dean."
Dean grinned at Sam. Praise from his little brother was not something he was used to. It felt nice. He turned to the employee.
"I will take this one. I need it put on the family account."
The salesman nodded, obviously pleased to make the sale.
"Of course, sir. I'll have his new number for you in just a few moments, as well as activate his phone. While I do so, you can take a look at the extra items we offer in case you want to buy cases and whatnot."
A case probably would be a good idea, a clip of some sort to make sure it didn't fall out of the 'tax accountant' trench coat. Sam picked up the charger that went for the phone.
"Dean, while I'm thinking about it, should we get him a new coat or something? That trench is looking ratty."
Dean thought about it for a moment, seeing what Sam was worried about.
"I don't think he'll go along with it, Sammy. He likes that old coat. I mentioned it once and he said there was nothing wrong with the coat. He thought it suited him. Kind of does. Unless we could find him a new one."
"That's what I was thinking. It wouldn't hurt to get him a change of clothing or two, you know. Save wear and tear on what he has. I think he tends to forget things like this."
"Yeah, he does. I guess being human kind of permanently would do that to someone who never has been."
Sam nodded. "We can add that to gift ideas for him, I think."
The employee returned with the phone, and the other items Dean and Sam had added to the purchase. Dean paid for it with the card he had gotten from the bank.
As they left the store and headed for the car, Dean looked at Sam seriously.
"You know, Sammy, it's nice to be able to buy the people you love nice things and spend time together and not worry for a change. I like this."
Dean quickly turned and hurried towards the car, not waiting for a response. He still found opening up difficult at times.
Being a bit taller made it easy for Sam to catch up with his brother, his fingers adding Castiel's number to his phone and his, Dean's, and Bobby's numbers to Cas' phone. As he did this, he answered his brother.
"You know, you're right. We've never had this opportunity. I may not like Christmas, but I'm glad we're able to relax like this. Just be a family for once."
"I barely remember Christmas when Mom was alive. I just remember the smell of a tree, the music and lights, and mom tying my stocking at the foot of my bed," Dean said quietly.
After climbing into the Impala, Sam looked at Dean.
"Those are good memories. Some I wish I had. But I do have some of my goofy wonderful older brother stealing Christmas for me and then helping me turn a Malibu Barbie into a GI Joe."
Grinning, Dean reached across and touched his brother's arm and quickly turned and started the Impala.
"Where's a nice liquor store. One of those ones people buy the good stuff at. We might as well pick up stuff for this week while we buy Bobby's gift."
Sam checked his laptop. "We also need to get some of the decoration stuff too huh? OK, liquor store. It’s about four blocks east of here."
Dean pulled out and headed east.
"I know Bobby said he'd take care of it, but we ought to do some. What do you think we ought to get?
"Maybe something to decorate our 'living room' in. I know he's getting a small tree and stockings but maybe some lights and stuff?"
"I want some of those lights that bubble. I saw one in a window one time. They are awesome, dude. I wonder if we can find ornaments that are really us? Like something techy for you. Maybe a book ornament for Bobby. Angel wings or something for Cas. Tools of some kind for me. Be kinda cool.”
He knew where to look for that idea then.
"Hallmark store, I think. It'd be a good place to check for decorations too. We could send them home with Bobby to keep safe for next year."
"You think we could do this again next year? It would be fantastic. We'll look for a Hallmark store."
Sam nodded. "I think it'd be good for all of us."
Dean grinned. "That's a great idea, Sammy. I know Bobby will like it. Bobby's house has always been home, you know?"
"I can't argue with you there. I remember him playing hide and seek with us in that house of his when Dad dropped us off sometimes during his trips. I love that place."
"Yeah, since Mom died, it was the only home I ever knew."
"Only one I know," he answered back. "Speaking of home...how do you want to throw our idea at Bobby in regards to what we're going to do after we kick Lucifer's ass?"
“Thought we'd see how things go the next couple of days, and I will feel him out. I can't see how he'd not like the idea. He still works on cars in his wheelchair, but he needs someone to do the bodywork and the heavy stuff...engines and such."
"Head mechanic, means he can boss you and your apprentices around. Though I'll be doing bookwork, I may take some accounting classes while we get things put together. This way I can take that concern off of Bobby's shoulders."
The older brother nodded, agreeing with Sam’s idea.
"That's a good idea. Hell, of course Bobby's the head mechanic. It's Singer Yard. I'll work for him. When we reach the place where we need them, we can get apprentices. I want to be careful about that.”
Dean’s voice trailed off for a moment before picking back up.
“Sammy, after Lucifer is dead, there will be others to kill. I don't want to. Not any more. I really am tired. Been at this almost my whole life. There are younger hunters out there. I'd rather let them take it over. You ought to go see Sarah when it's over. You two were good for each other, you know?"
"Maybe, we'll see. Right now, I think we have a lot to focus on as a family. Lot of baggage before I can think about any kind of relationship, you know?"
"I know, Sammy. Just don't let her wait too long. You'll lose her. Hell, she knows what we do. She didn't care. You could do a hell of a lot worse. She could help you with things too. And, Sam, it's gonna take a long time to deal with our baggage. Why sleep alone and not have love with a good woman, while we deal with it. I hope I find someone one of these days. I'd jump at it too."
Sam nodded. "I do email her from time to time since she knows what we do. Once we're settled, I'll ask if she's open to dating or something. How about you? Gumby girl?"
Dean smiled. "You weren't around Lisa and Ben very much. Man, I swear that kid's mine. He even likes mullet rock, man. He chases after girls. If he's not, I want to know who his father is. Can't be two of me going around."
"Maybe we can get a discrete DNA test done. Either way, it sounds like you really like the kid."
"I do. Lisa knew I never had the time so she turned me away, but if I was free of this? I would like to see her again."
"Then make plans to call her, Dean. You deserve to be happy too, and I'm sure Bobby would love to have kids to spoil rotten. And if Cas is still with us, I think he'll be a good uncle. We just have to work on getting that stick out of his ass a bit more." He grinned, then pointed. "There's the store."
"Which room is for Bobby?"
"Both rooms are set up for people with limited mobility, so he can choose the one he wants. Two beds in each room. In a closet in both rooms are extra blankets. My family has tried to keep the heating and cooling as up to date as possible, but this old house can get drafty at night. With the hard wood floors, I'd suggest socks or slippers if you have them."
Dean nodded. He opened the doors to both rooms and looked inside them, inspecting them and finding them to be beautifully decorated.
"Well, Bobby, which room you want?"
Bobby chose a room and grinned back at the others, knowing he was about to cause an interesting argument.
"I'll leave you three idjits to choose who wants to bunk with me."
Dean grinned as Bobby entered his room. He looked at the other two in a silent question.
Castiel looked blandly at Dean. "He snores," was the flatly spoken comment.
The hazel eyed man looked at the angel, trying not to laugh.
"Okay, I'll sleep with Bobby. Don't get to close to Sammy at night, Cas. He carries a wicked knife and will stab first, ask questions later. "
Dean whistled as he headed to the room he would share with Bobby.
Bobby had unpacked his bags and was laughing, having heard the retort from Dean.
"Mean, that was just mean. I'm so damned proud of you."
The angel looked at Sam questioningly. He watched the younger Winchester, trying to gauge where the weapon was hidden on his person. Cas walked into the bedroom behind Sam, sat on a bed and watched the younger brother go through his duffel. The ancient being watched every item that was removed from the duffel.
Sam was ready to kill Dean for this. Oh yes...his brother was going to pay dearly!
Dean put Bobby's suitcase on his bed. He turned and looked at the older hunter. Bobby saw a serious expression on the younger man's face. Suddenly, Dean smirked.
I learned from the best, Bobby. You taught me well."
The older hunter snickered. "Go rescue them. We've got shopping to do and I want to decorate the living room a bit. And Dean, remember stuff for stockings. We're doing this right this year."
Dean's eyes grew wide, trying to remember this Christmas tradition.
"I need to do laundry Bobby. I don't think I got any socks that would work for that."
"I'll take care of it. You boys deserve a Christmas stocking." And he'd find special ones for them. After this year, the older man hoped they could do this again. It was lonely in that big old house of his.
"What the heck do you put in stockings, Bobby? I haven't had one since I was three. I imagine I should get something for them."
His eyes softened towards his adoptive son. Sam and Dean had missed out on so much, and it made his heart ache.
"Little things like candy, small books and small gifts. Some people will put gift cards in them, or cds and games."
Dean nodded, thinking on what he could do for his family.
"People actually buy stuff like that for stockings?"
"That they do." He told him the tradition of the Christmas stockings while he finished unpacking.
Dean sat on his bed and listened to the story, his attention fully on the older man.
"Bobby, you think we could have a fire in the fireplace tonight? Maybe you could tell us some of those stories?"
Dean's voice sounded wistful, and Bobby was quick to respond to that tone.
"Damn well believe it, kid. In fact, I'll stop by the bookstore and get a few books. We can do it every night until Christmas if you like." Damn John Winchester for screwing these boys over as he had. He'd offered time and time again to take them so they'd have a normal childhood while their father went off on his crusade.
Dean smiled. "That sounds good, Bobby. I'd like to have some eggnog too. Sammy and I had that one Christmas two years ago. Liked it. We could get some rum or brandy to put in it."
"Tell you what, get the two in here, we'll make a list of supplies to buy while we're out doing the Christmas shopping. We get it done today and can spend the rest of the time enjoying each others company and hitting the festival."
Dean jumped off the bed and went to find Sam and Cas sitting on opposite sides of the living room. He watched them carefully for a minute, then acted nonchalantly.
"Problems? If not, Bobby would like us to meet in OUR bedroom and make a list of supplies."
Dean turned and headed back to the bedroom he was sharing with the older hunter.
Sam shook his head, following his brother into the bedroom. He knew that look and had a feeling Dean was up to something.
"What's up?"
Bobby had a pen and paper and was sitting at a table in the corner. There was a thoughtful look on his face as he looked at his boys.
"We need to make a list of supplies. I want to get all of our shopping done so we can just have fun."
Sam plopped onto a chair, Cas leaning against the wall. "Okay, what were you thinking?"
"Well, Dean wants a fire. Seems like a good idea. I thought a popcorn popper for the fireplace, some popcorn. Maybe the makings for s'mores. Eggnog, which means liquor. Snacks. Wouldn't hurt to buy a couple of board games. I want to get some books. Dean wants Christmas stories and legends. Thought some coffee would be good. I saw a coffee maker when we came in. I will get a small tree, stockings, gift wrap, tape, etc. If there's no Christmas movies in that stack, we'll pick some up somewhere. Any other ideas?
Both Sam and the angel shook their heads. Neither were familiar with Christmas traditions and would follow Bobby's lead on this.
"Then I suggest, we make a list and go in twos. I'll get all the supplies. I know what would be good for Christmas. Now stocking stuffers... I'll have Cas for a while, ‘til he needs to shop for me. Dean can fill you in on the stockings."
The younger Winchester nodded. "It sounds good. We can meet up at a specific time to trade out on who goes where."
"That will work. How about the seawall? We might find a small cafe or something. Get some coffee and pie and exchange passengers."
Castiel looked at Dean, obviously confused about something.
"What is with this obsession over pie? It does not seem that a pastry should be so addictive."
"You ain't had a good slice of pie, Cas." Dean smiled wistfully. "I hope they have apple. Come on, Sammy."
Sam found an address and gave it to Bobby, then wished them luck as he followed his brother out to the car.
Dean headed to the Impala, obviously anxious to get started.
"Where you wanna head first? I've no idea how long the phone place will be open."
"Let's do that first then since there might be a time constraint.”
As Sam took a seat and got comfortable, his brother cranked the engine and addressed his companion.
“Sounds good. What time do liquor stores close in Texas?”
Sam cracked open his trusty laptop, checking the laws around alcohol purchasing.
"We're still good. We'll hit that next and then do the other shopping."
Dean nodded. "Okay, shotgun...you navigate."
As they drove to the nearest cell phone store, Sam was thinking on what to do for the others and why they were bothering with this whole Christmas thing. Part of him wasn't happy with it but seeing Dean's childlike happiness and Castiel's curiosity made it worth it.
Dean was singing a Christmas carol, and Sam realized that the tape of crazy Christmas songs was not in the player. His brother had the radio turned to a station that played nonstop carols and was singing Silent Night as they drove through the streets of Galveston.
"Is there where we turn, Sam?"
Sam started to say yeah when he realized that his brother had not called him Sammy.
In a way, he liked being called the normal nickname but a part of him missed the childish Sammy he was used to his brother using.
"Yeah, and Dean, you know..." Well damn, this was hard to get out.
Dean turned onto the side street and drove half a block and pulled into the cell phone parking lot. He turned the engine off and turned towards his brother.
"What's wrong, Sam?"
"I know I fuss about it a lot, but I kinda miss you calling me Sammy."
His eyes were focused out the window, trying to minimize just how embarrassed he was. It was quiet inside of the car as Dean mulled over what Sam had told him.
"Well, we talked a while back about getting away from the past and how you needed to grow up. I just realized that Sammy was a kid name and figured you might not like me calling you that any more. I know I slip sometimes and still call you that. I like calling you Sammy, but I wouldn't want to upset you."
"I know, but it didn't hit ’til now just how much I miss you teasing and calling me Sammy."
Dean stared at his brother for a few minutes, considering what Sam had just told him. A smile creased his face, and the laugh lines around his eyes crinkled.
"All right, Sammy, then we keep the nicknames and the jokes. If it gets to be too much, you tell me? Promise?"
"I promise," he said with a sincere smile. He really had missed that honest smile and the nickname.
All right. Let's go find that phone for Cas. You got any idea what you're gonna get him and Bobby?"
Dean opened the car door and stepped outside as he talked. He looked at his brother, towering over the car as he got out. Dean's smile would blind someone as he headed around the car and walked beside Sam towards the phone store.
"I know I want to get him a backpack of sorts to keep his stuff in since he's pretty much earth bound for now. Beyond that, no idea. Plus these stocking stuffers. For Bobby, I want to do something nice. God knows he's been there for us since we were kids."
"I know. That rare scotch if I can find it is a nice gift. He likes to read. Be nice to get him something kind of rare in the book places. You know this may seem kind of silly, but I'd like us to do something personal for him. We don't have any pictures, but what if we put down our memories of times with him?"
Sam beamed. "I think we can do that. I can get a journal, really nice one, and you and I can put our memories and thoughts in it. I may get him some books too, same for Cas. I was thinking Cas might appreciate some different types of literature. Something to do when he's in a downtime, you know?"
"That's a good idea, Sammy. Well, then all we gotta worry about is each other. That's gonna take some doing. Do you realize that we know so much about each other. At times, it's almost like a marriage. Not good. I think I know what I'm gonna get you."
Dean grinned and whistled as he opened the door to the phone store.
He snickered. "Yeah, yeah. Jerk." He slipped into the store, eyes focusing on the phones. "We'll want something simple since he's not the most tech friendly out there."
"He just needs something that can hold up in any circumstances and be simple to use and we put him on our account."
Dean walked over to some decorated phones and started laughing.
"What did you find?"
Dean pointed to a phone that had cherubs on it. "An angel phone?" he snickered.
"No, he'd kill us." He had to admit that it was rather humorous. Sam's eye fell on one, and he couldn't stop the laughter. He pointed at a Barbie pink phone that had a very famous cat on it.
"Is that the Pink Panther? Damn, Cas wouldn't even know what the Pink Panther was. He'd just want to know who dipped that poor cat in pink paint. And he'd want to know why. Without even cracking a smile." Dean started laughing hard.
"At least it's not Hello Kitty," he quipped.
The statement did Dean in. He leaned against a wall, holding his sides, tears streaming down his face, and laughing hard.
Oh yes, he was proud of that one. Sam grinned, laughing himself. Damn, it was good to see Dean so relaxed!
Dean finally straightened up and, still chuckling, left the decorated phones and walked across the store to an employee.
The man turned and frowned as the two brothers walked towards him. Dean figured he didn't like the noise. He smirked and stopped where they were face to face. Dean knew he was in the man's personal space. Hell, it was Christmas. He should be glad to have a customer laughing instead of a Scrooge.
The younger Winchester explained what they were looking for. They needed something durable and with a good battery life, explaining their brother wasn't very comfortable with technology but loved to travel.
Dean added that the phone had to look nice. "Our brother is such a nice guy, he's an angel. He needs something very nice." He winked at Sam and waited on the employee to show him what was available.
Sam grinned, nodding in agreement with Dean. They were led to a wall where the phones were. Some where kind of gaudy, which he quickly dismissed.
Dean spotted one that was a beautiful gun barrel gray. Small enough to fit into the inside of Cas' overcoat and not be bulky. Dean looked at Sam, and his eyebrow went up in question. He knew that Sam was the techy one and would accept his advice on the phone.
He picked up the phone and looked it over, reading the specs. Very good battery life, sturdy. This would do really well.
"You picked a good one, Dean."
Dean grinned at Sam. Praise from his little brother was not something he was used to. It felt nice. He turned to the employee.
"I will take this one. I need it put on the family account."
The salesman nodded, obviously pleased to make the sale.
"Of course, sir. I'll have his new number for you in just a few moments, as well as activate his phone. While I do so, you can take a look at the extra items we offer in case you want to buy cases and whatnot."
A case probably would be a good idea, a clip of some sort to make sure it didn't fall out of the 'tax accountant' trench coat. Sam picked up the charger that went for the phone.
"Dean, while I'm thinking about it, should we get him a new coat or something? That trench is looking ratty."
Dean thought about it for a moment, seeing what Sam was worried about.
"I don't think he'll go along with it, Sammy. He likes that old coat. I mentioned it once and he said there was nothing wrong with the coat. He thought it suited him. Kind of does. Unless we could find him a new one."
"That's what I was thinking. It wouldn't hurt to get him a change of clothing or two, you know. Save wear and tear on what he has. I think he tends to forget things like this."
"Yeah, he does. I guess being human kind of permanently would do that to someone who never has been."
Sam nodded. "We can add that to gift ideas for him, I think."
The employee returned with the phone, and the other items Dean and Sam had added to the purchase. Dean paid for it with the card he had gotten from the bank.
As they left the store and headed for the car, Dean looked at Sam seriously.
"You know, Sammy, it's nice to be able to buy the people you love nice things and spend time together and not worry for a change. I like this."
Dean quickly turned and hurried towards the car, not waiting for a response. He still found opening up difficult at times.
Being a bit taller made it easy for Sam to catch up with his brother, his fingers adding Castiel's number to his phone and his, Dean's, and Bobby's numbers to Cas' phone. As he did this, he answered his brother.
"You know, you're right. We've never had this opportunity. I may not like Christmas, but I'm glad we're able to relax like this. Just be a family for once."
"I barely remember Christmas when Mom was alive. I just remember the smell of a tree, the music and lights, and mom tying my stocking at the foot of my bed," Dean said quietly.
After climbing into the Impala, Sam looked at Dean.
"Those are good memories. Some I wish I had. But I do have some of my goofy wonderful older brother stealing Christmas for me and then helping me turn a Malibu Barbie into a GI Joe."
Grinning, Dean reached across and touched his brother's arm and quickly turned and started the Impala.
"Where's a nice liquor store. One of those ones people buy the good stuff at. We might as well pick up stuff for this week while we buy Bobby's gift."
Sam checked his laptop. "We also need to get some of the decoration stuff too huh? OK, liquor store. It’s about four blocks east of here."
Dean pulled out and headed east.
"I know Bobby said he'd take care of it, but we ought to do some. What do you think we ought to get?
"Maybe something to decorate our 'living room' in. I know he's getting a small tree and stockings but maybe some lights and stuff?"
"I want some of those lights that bubble. I saw one in a window one time. They are awesome, dude. I wonder if we can find ornaments that are really us? Like something techy for you. Maybe a book ornament for Bobby. Angel wings or something for Cas. Tools of some kind for me. Be kinda cool.”
He knew where to look for that idea then.
"Hallmark store, I think. It'd be a good place to check for decorations too. We could send them home with Bobby to keep safe for next year."
"You think we could do this again next year? It would be fantastic. We'll look for a Hallmark store."
Sam nodded. "I think it'd be good for all of us."
Dean grinned. "That's a great idea, Sammy. I know Bobby will like it. Bobby's house has always been home, you know?"
"I can't argue with you there. I remember him playing hide and seek with us in that house of his when Dad dropped us off sometimes during his trips. I love that place."
"Yeah, since Mom died, it was the only home I ever knew."
"Only one I know," he answered back. "Speaking of home...how do you want to throw our idea at Bobby in regards to what we're going to do after we kick Lucifer's ass?"
“Thought we'd see how things go the next couple of days, and I will feel him out. I can't see how he'd not like the idea. He still works on cars in his wheelchair, but he needs someone to do the bodywork and the heavy stuff...engines and such."
"Head mechanic, means he can boss you and your apprentices around. Though I'll be doing bookwork, I may take some accounting classes while we get things put together. This way I can take that concern off of Bobby's shoulders."
The older brother nodded, agreeing with Sam’s idea.
"That's a good idea. Hell, of course Bobby's the head mechanic. It's Singer Yard. I'll work for him. When we reach the place where we need them, we can get apprentices. I want to be careful about that.”
Dean’s voice trailed off for a moment before picking back up.
“Sammy, after Lucifer is dead, there will be others to kill. I don't want to. Not any more. I really am tired. Been at this almost my whole life. There are younger hunters out there. I'd rather let them take it over. You ought to go see Sarah when it's over. You two were good for each other, you know?"
"Maybe, we'll see. Right now, I think we have a lot to focus on as a family. Lot of baggage before I can think about any kind of relationship, you know?"
"I know, Sammy. Just don't let her wait too long. You'll lose her. Hell, she knows what we do. She didn't care. You could do a hell of a lot worse. She could help you with things too. And, Sam, it's gonna take a long time to deal with our baggage. Why sleep alone and not have love with a good woman, while we deal with it. I hope I find someone one of these days. I'd jump at it too."
Sam nodded. "I do email her from time to time since she knows what we do. Once we're settled, I'll ask if she's open to dating or something. How about you? Gumby girl?"
Dean smiled. "You weren't around Lisa and Ben very much. Man, I swear that kid's mine. He even likes mullet rock, man. He chases after girls. If he's not, I want to know who his father is. Can't be two of me going around."
"Maybe we can get a discrete DNA test done. Either way, it sounds like you really like the kid."
"I do. Lisa knew I never had the time so she turned me away, but if I was free of this? I would like to see her again."
"Then make plans to call her, Dean. You deserve to be happy too, and I'm sure Bobby would love to have kids to spoil rotten. And if Cas is still with us, I think he'll be a good uncle. We just have to work on getting that stick out of his ass a bit more." He grinned, then pointed. "There's the store."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)