Snippets Ten: The Fourth of July Picnic

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

Laran and Tisha

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

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

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

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

"Dean, you are allowed to ask questions when I'm with you.  I will never hurt 

you for asking me anything.  I promise," he told the boy.

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

"Hate is an emotion that people feel," he said, falling into teacher mode, which 

he seemed to do more and more lately.  "You remember how your mom was teaching you about 

opposites the other day?  Hot and cold, wet and dry?"  Basic terms but easy for a bright child Dean's age to comprehend.

The young child’s head bobbed in a nod.

"The opposite of love is hate.  Hate makes you feel all bad inside because you 

can't see the good things around you," he said softly.  "Your father loves you very much, never doubt that.  However, his life has been rough and things have happened that have made him more aggressive to people than is normal."

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

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

Ok, too big a word.  "You know how, when you're tired and it's close to nap 

time, you get a bit mean to your mother sometimes?"

"I dun hit Mama."

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

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

"Well, when you yell at her when you're tired, that's being aggressive.  People 

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

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

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

Castiel began to raise his hand to draw the toys out of the vent when Father 

intervened."The Legos must remain, my child.  They are important in the future."

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

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

 "If he will mimic the man that closely, Father, then I will have failed because 

Dean is unique as are all humans.  John Winchester's only redeeming point is that he sired such a child," he whispered.

"You will not have failed.  Dean is not completely blind, Castiel.  He loves and 

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

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

become..special..to me."

"I will give you other errands at times, my child.  You may have to find ways to 

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

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

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 117

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

Heading Home

Dean came back into the suite and entered the bedroom to pack his things. He could hear Lisa in Ben’s room. \It didn’t take him long. \He pulled his backpack out from under the bed. It had the emerald set, Lisa’s cleaned sapphire ring and the two pieces of jewelry for Bobby and Watari. Dean took the velvet box with the sapphire ring in it and went looking for Lisa. He couldn't find her.

Lisa had finished packing and was loading Bobby's truck with the rest of them.

Dean realized that Lisa had packed everything else but his things and was no longer in the suite. He pulled out his cell and called to see if everyone was down at the vehicles. If so,he bring his stuff and pay the bill on his way out.

Lis answered her phone. "Yup, we're all down here. I got most of your stuff packed up but wasn't sure if you needed what was left out or not."

“No, I didn’t and I packed it. Where’s their key cards? I’m going to go and pay. Gotta add today to it because we were supposed to be out by one and we weren’t”

"By the bed,I got Bobby's and Sam's before I went to load the car."

“I;ll be down in a few minutes, then. I have something of yours. I’ll take the key cards and pay the bill. Love you.” He shut the phone

Dean sighed, grabbed his things, slipped the ring case into a pocket, and grabbed all the key cards. He headed to the lobby and to the front desk.

She shut the phone and finished loading the vehicles with their help, smiling as Ben chose to ride with Bobby this trip.

Dean set everything but his backpack on the floor and laid the key cards on the front desk. “Checking out.” He set a credit card next to the key cards.

The young woman smiled. "Everything all right with your stay, sir?"

Dean returned the smile, “It was perfect, thank you.” He reached for the bill and slid the card towards the young woman..

She rang him up, handing him the receipt. "I'm glad. Hope you and your family stay with us again."

“Yeah, do you have a four bedroom suite for next Friday night? We have a tuxedo fitting the next morning.”

The young lady looked at her computer and grinned. "You're in luck, sir, I happen to have one ready for that weekend."

“I don’t know if I need it the whole weekend, but just in case, set me down for Friday and Saturday nights.”

She typed in the information, then handed him the confirmation. "Here you go sir."

Dean pocketed it with the receipt and told her thank you. He walked to the parking garage, looking for his car. When he’d done three floors, he got out the cell and called Lisa,

"Where’s my car?”

"We're on the fifth floor," she answered.

Dean took the stairs, blowing off steam, finally reaching the fifth floor. He walked out on the roof of the parking garage and spotted Bobby’s truck, wondering how it had gotten up there. They had parked it on the third level, which was why he had taken elevator to the third.

Sarah smiled, waving at him as she leaned against the truck. While she and Lisa had been out, they had taken the classic car to a special cleaning place, having the car detailed inside and out. It sparkled in the sunlight.

Dean walked to his car and stopped. His luggage hit the ground and he started to slowly walk around the car, looking a the tires, the shine of the polish, and how the windshield gleamed in the sunlight since they were on the roof. He opened the car and looked inside and sniffed. It smelled clean. The anger over the use of the car without asking was gone. He stood up, smiled at both women and mouthed thank you to them.

Both of them gave him a hug. "We borrowed her to help spiff her up as a thank you for everything," Lisa said. "How's she look?"

Dean’s voice was very soft as he replied, “She’s beautiful. Thank you. What are you thanking me for?”

"Just cause," Sarah said with a grin

Dean’s face showed confusion, but he smiled,shaking his head. “Ya’ll ready?”

Everyone agreed, smiling.

Dean looked at his brother. Sam had heard about everything that had happened. He knew Dean and what would be going through his brother’s head and refused to get involved. He,alone,understood where Dean was at, but he loved Sarah. It was better for all concerned that he remain neutral. Dean would understand this. Sam looked at his brother and smiled softly,“You up to driving, Dean? You’ve been so tired lately. No one would blame you if you just wanted to ride.”

Dean smiled acknowledging what Sam did not say. “I’m fine.” Dean reached for the keys. “Shot gun?”

"You know it," He said, slipping into the seat.

Dean looked at the two women, “Sorry, long legs before beauty. Oh, Lis. I had to borrow something of yours to size your rings. They cleaned this while I got it sized.” He handed her the sapphire ring in it’s case.

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 99

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

Working at the Shop

iDean hit the alarm as it went off, sliding out of bed as he did so. He got cleaned up, found some clean work clothes that he wore...jeans, white t-shirt, and an automotive long sleeve shirt, with Dean on the pocket. He headed into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. He was drinking coffee again, but in moderation. The doctor was adamant about it and Lisa rode roughshod over it. He filled his mug, grabbed a breakfast sandwich out of the freezer and slipped outside. He filled the large water bowl for the Jack Russells, and poured three bowls of dog food for them. He walked over to the cabin and put out cat food for the growing population that kept the rest of the wildlife at bay. He headed to the Impala, knowing that Bobby and Sam would be there before eight to open up.

The two were waiting on him, Sam reading over something for his class load. He was finishing his law degree and working on a business one as well.

"Hey! You guys are early. I figured you'd still be in bed." Dean popped his breakfast sandwich in the microwave. He saw that the coffee pot was ready for everyone and the customers. "I have to get the Caddy finished this morning. Mrs. Heming will be by this afternoon. I got the last of the paint on Wednesday. Can't even tell there'd been a dent. I had to mix to match the paint. The car has faded a little. I need to do the tune-up and she'll be ready."

Bobby nodded. "I'll help with that then. Sam said he had to handle some book keeping."

Dean nodded, getting his sandwich out of the microwave. Bobby checked the refrigerator, shook his head, walked into the office and left a note for Sam to call Lisa and let her know there were no snacks or a lunch for the mechanic anywhere in the building.

Sam looked up and read the note. "How did this happen?"

Upon hearing Sam's question, Dean walked into the office with a half-eaten sandwich in his hand. "How did what happen?"

"No snacks or lunch. We're usually good at keeping things stocked."

"There was still some stuff in there Wednesday before I left for the evening. I stayed late to get the paint job done. I didn't eat lunch or afternoon snack...." Dean saw two stern faces in front of him.

"Dean," his brother scolded softly.

"I had to get it finished, Sam. She was coming for it today. I was at school all day yesterday, not counting the long ride there and back."

"You have to make sure to eat, Dean. It's not healthy for you."

"I know that, Sam. It took two days to get that dent lined out. She did a major number on it. That meant one blasted day to paint it. I grabbed some peanut butter crackers off the counter with a bottle of water when I came in to get some cleaner. I was out of it in the shop."

The dark, shaggy head nodded. "All right." Sam would have to remember to keep an eye on him when the time ran over.

Dean nodded, saying, "I'll call Lis in a while and let her know we need food supplies."

Bobby snorted, "Like hell you will. Sam, give her a call. It's almost eight and she's up by now. Let her know what our boy here is doing."

"Aw, come on, Bobby. I have stuff to do and she'll be up here reading me the riot act and giving a date to see the doc. Sam?"

"Sam, tell her."

Sam picked up the phone, calling Sarah and letting her know they were out of food. This was a compromise since he was going to keep a sharper watch over his brother.

"Thanks, Sam." Dean took a bite of his sandwich, and headed into the kitchen area and grabbed a juice and some water. Taking the last bite of his sandwich, he headed towards the shop to do the tune up. Bobby stared at Sam, shaking his head, turned and followed Dean out to the shop.

"Bobby!" When the older man turned, Sam explained his thought process on this.

"Sam, that's all fine and good, if you can keep up with him along with your own load, but we don't know what he's doing in the city those two days a week he's at diesel school. He gets so caught up he forgets. You know how Dean is. He doesn't mean it and he regrets it when he's reminded. Damn it! We don't know."

"We also have to trust him," Sam pointed out. "We coddle him, he will feel too restricted."

"How do you plan on keeping an eye on him and reminding him without making him feel that way?"

"Text message?"

"Text message? Can you see him through that damn phone?"

"Bobby, we have to trust him sometime."

"All right, Sam. He skipped lunch and a snack on Wednesday. We have no idea what he did yesterday while away. It's your job. You took it on, but I'm keeping an eye on him while he's working and I'm around."

He nodded, then winced when he heard Sarah come in and approach Dean. "I have a feeling she'll handle it."

Dean saw his brother's fiancee drive up. Smiling, he waved at her, and leaned back over the engine as he was replacing the plugs and wires. He heard the car door. Expecting her to bring the food into the front, he was surprised to look up and see her standing there.

Frowning, he said, "Hey, Sarah. Something wrong?"

"I'm worried about you," she told her future brother in law. "Sam called me instead of Lisa since he didn't want you to feel overly pressured. Dean, I know you're busy but you can't let the food run out here and skip meals."

Dean exhaled, and leaned against the Cadillac. He bit his bottom lip and stared at her. "Sarah, I thought there was food in there. I can't keep that on my mind all the time. I have this job, two different schools, and finding time for the family. Food is the last thing on my mind. It used to be one of the first things and screwed my life up. I'm sorry, but I have deadlines in everything. I have a home to decorate. I wanna get married, Sarah. Hell. I've got so much on my mind all the time, it's hard to sleep until I just drop. I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything."

"Then you need to devise a system for maintaining your diet, Dean, that won't interfere with everything."

Dean's eyes closed in frustration. "What would you recommend? If it's in there when I come through, I eat. If I don't get in there, I don't think about it. My mind is on the job."

"Sam is worried about you feeling too coddled. Do you eat when you're in classes?" She knew Lisa sent food with him.

"I have an hour for lunch, and I will try to eat a snack on the way home."

"If Sam comes in or Bobby with food, will it feel like pressure or what?"

"Of course not. I'd be grateful. I just have a lot to do out here, Sarah. I know you're borrowing one of the worker's vehicles to get out here today. Besides paying jobs, I have three vehicles to build for everyone. There's the diesel classes. They're important, Sarah. I didn't ask because Sam and Bobby have things to do too."

She leaned against the wall. "Sam and Bobby want to, but Sam is worried about you feeling as if they don't trust you to take care of yourself."

Dean shrunk a little as he sighed again. "Sarah, I don't trust myself to take care of me sometimes. It's hard to explain. I don't do it intentionally. I do care about it. My mind is working on so many things that unless I feel hungry, I don't realize I haven't eaten."

"I'll let him know then, Dean. I know he's been worried about you but didn't want to smother you either. It's why he called me and not Lisa."

"I appreciate it. I really do. If Lis finds out this happened today and she wasn't called, there's gonna be hell to pay. You guys know that? I'm the one who's gonna be fileted."

"As far as she knows, Sam ate the last of the food and I'm up here to replace it," she grinned.

Dean smiled, "I don't remember eating the last of the food, Sara. I wish I knew if I did. That worries me."

"I can put up a sign sheet, who got what and when."

"That's a good idea. Thanks."

"Welcome, I'll go tell them and then head to work myself." She'd been working on Near's room, having left that one for last.

"How much more you got to do on Near's room? We could help some if it's needed. I hadn't told anyone yet, but they'll be here sometime on Sunday, and we're all going to the city tomorrow to shop for our wings."

"I'm putting the finishing touches on it today. The trees took longer to get the right effect and not overpower the room."

"When his eyes lit up when I suggested the room, that was the closet thing to emotion I've ever seen in him."

"That's why I'm trying to do my best for it," she said.

"I want you to know that I'm grateful that you took on all of the rooms like you did. I am excited about seeing them. It was hard staying away from them."

"I'm glad you did."

"Yeah, me too. Well, I need to get this car finished. Thanks again, Sarah. I'd hug you but I'm already greasy." Dean grinned, a streak of black across his left cheek.

She laughed. "Let me get those two filled in and head back to work."

Both men met Sarah at the car, helping to carry the groceries inside. Bobby set them on the counter and began to put them in the refrigerator and on the shelves. He turned to the woman, "Well?"

You two can bring him snacks, drinks, and meals if he's too busy and nearly forgets. He'll respect that and won't feel that you're coddling him. Keep a signed list of what is eaten and by who. You know how I bring him snacks or a small meal sometimes and leave them in reach?"

Both men nodded.

"We have a deal. Now I need to get to work. Have fun guys!"

At lunch time, Dean backed the wrecker out of its garage, and leaned out, asking Sam to remain in case Mrs. Heming arrived before he was done. He looked at Bobby, asking him if he was gonna come look at the vehicles.

Bobby nodded, following him out to see what was going on. They drove about twenty miles and met the man who had the three vehicles in his field. The two cars had some body damage, but Dean was good at repairing that kind of thing. The truck needed a new interior and a windshield. The truck and one car had no engines, and the other engine needed work. Dean hopped out of the wrecker and went over each vehicle again, this time with Bobby.

"Whaddya think, Bobby?"

He looked under the hood, examining what was under. "We'll have to scrounge for parts, think I know where to get some for these. Looks good, pretty solid "

"Yeah, I thought so. Owner says he has clear titles to all three. $750 for the lot is my offer. I'm fixing to talk to him." Bobby waited by the wrecker while Dean haggled with the man. He could heard Dean telling him that he was going to have to spend quite a lot to get the vehicles running. $750 in there condition was fair. The man finally agreed and the titles were signed over. Dean gave the man a bank check to guarantee a sale. Sam had the copy of the check. Dean backed the wrecker and pulled one car up on it, and hooked the truck to the rear. Bobby told him he had the set up on his to haul the other car. Theytook all three back to the shop.

Sam was waiting for them. "Looks like it went well then."

Dean grinned and pulled to the back where he did body work. Mrs. Heming and her son pulled in at that moment. Sam watched his brother hurry to meet them. He took them both to the Cadillac. They both seemed pleased. Sam went inside as the three headed to the office.

"Hey, Sam! You got the bill for the Hemings? It should be for $1275. Mrs. Heming, my brother, Sam will take care of you. There's a warranty on the work. It's with the bill." Dean thanked them for bringing him the job. Sam watched him leave the office and head to the back of the building.

Sam grinned and turned to the client. "My brother spent a great deal of time on this ensuring you were given quality work." He handed her the slip so she could read over it.

"Yes, I imagine he did. He's done work for others in town. My son is an attorney and he had him investigated. I don't take my car to just anyone. We are highly pleased with the work. I have several automobiles and you will be the only place they will be taken to. Thank you. Jeffrey, will you pay him for me?"

"I will, Mother. Mr Winchester, I work for a major law firm and I will be letting everyone know of the quality of work and the reasonable prices you give your clients. I noticed the Impala. Did your brother restore it? I am interested in finding a '57 Chevy. Would he be interested in helping me?"

The grin grew on Sam's face. "Dean loves to work with the older models. He and Bobby both. I'm certain they'd help. Write down your contact information, sir, and I'll have him call you when he has a few moments." He looked at the older lady. "We'll take care of your needs, ma'am. My family definitely appreciates the business of yourself and your family."

Mr Heming gave Sam his business card and took two of the shop's. He kept one and gave the other to his mother. He paid Sam with a certified check and the two left the shop. Sam walked into the back kitchen and saw Bobby eating a sandwich. Dean's head was on the table, and he was asleep.

"What time did he go to bed, do you know, Sam? He needs to eat, but he's exhausted. I think we ought to shut down for the rest of the day and let him sleep. The extra trip to the city will be hard enough tomorrow. What do you think? Give Lisa a call and see if she knows how much sleep he had."

"Let him take a quick nap and see how he does. We have a cot in the back office," he told him. "We also have repeat business in the Hemings."

"Let's get him back there. We can feed him when he wakes up."

"I'm not waking him like that." Sam went over and pulled his brother into his arms and lifted him. Bobby opened the door to the back office and they laid the mechanic on the cot. Bobby turned on the fan, and they both went to the kitchen, where Sam fixed himself a sandwich and a soft drink.

Bobby looked at him. "So repeat business hmm?"

"Yeah, and the son is an attorney. He plans on letting others know about our place. Oh, and he wants a '57 Chevy."

He grinned at that. "That one would be fun to restore."

"I think you and Dean would have a blast with that. He asked if Dean restored the Impala. I didn't say no because Dean did do that after the wreck."

"He's maintained it and rebuilt it when it needed it," Bobby pointed out. "The two of us would have a great time restoring a classic like the '57."

"Yeah, I think you would. I have no idea if the man plans on finding one or if he wants Dean to do that. I told him that Dean would call him."

45 minutes later, Dean stepped into the office, looking sheepish, yawning slightly.

"I'm sorry, guys. Got to bed late last night. How long was I out?"

"Not too long," Bobby answered with a smile."Hungry? you slept through lunch."

"Yeah, actually. Let me fix something and I'll be back.'

"No, I'll fix you something. Sam wants to talk to you about the Hemings."

Sam grinned at that. "Oh yeah, I've got some stuff to tell you."

Dean sat down in front of Sam's desk. "Okay, Sammy. Shoot."

"The Hemings were incredibly impressed with the work you and Bobby did as well as the honesty and prices. She's bringing more of her vehicles to us and will only use us for fixing cars. Her son wants to talk to you about finding a '57 Chevy," he said.

"Repeat business is the best kind, Sam. That's great news. Does Mr. Heming understand that finding a rebuilt '57 for sale will take time, and he'd better have a major pocketbook because they aren't cheap?"

"He's a lawyer, Dean," he told him.

"Yeah, Sam, but people who rebuild '57s don't usually sell them. It's gonna cost a small fortune to find someone who will sell a rebuilt one."

"Unless he wants you to rebuild it," he said, then handed his brother the business card.

Dean stared at the card, then at his brother. "The joke isn't funny, Sammy. The guy couldn't possibly know I can rebuild a car. This would be a dream job."

"I wouldn't pull a joke like that, Dean. He saw the Impala."

"My baby is not fancy, Sam. I kept a lot of the faults in her because of the memories. She still rattles because of my legos and our initials are still on the floorboard. Hell, your army man is still in the ashtray."

He smiled at that. "I know but you've done incredible work on her, Dean. The 57 isn't fancy either. The Impala is a calling card for this shop."

Bobby came in with a sandwich with all the trimmings and a tall glass of milk. Dean stared at the milk, and up at Bobby. Grinning, he said, "Oh god, Bobby, a '57!"

Bobby's grin was just as huge. "I know. Call him after you eat and we'll start looking. I know a few people."

Sam leaned over and put a hand on Dean's wrist. Dean looked at him, a question in his eyes. "Don't you dare wolf that down."

Dean smiled and took a normal bite.

The older man laughed at that. They both knew that Dean would've wolfed it down in order to get this project going.

After he had finished his sandwich, and drunk the glass of milk, Dean took the card and called the attorney.

"Heming speaking," came the professional response.

"Mr. Heming, this is Dean Winchester. My brother said you wanted to speak to me about a '57 Chevy?"

"I did," was the response. "I'm not mechanically inclined but love that model. I was hoping you could help me find and then rebuild the car?"

"I would love to, sir, but I have to be very honest here. I have no idea what it will cost..even after getting the car. Body work can be priced, but you can find a flaw in the metal when you start working it. If the engine is intact, finding parts can still be difficult. The prices change all the time. It would still be cheaper then buying a rebuilt one, most of the time. I can go that route if you prefer. If it needs any chrome, well.. you can see how that goes. My labor will depend on all of that, but I won't overcharge you. I'll charge you what it costs me for the parts. Since I don't add to that, I do add the shipping costs to it. If I have to go get a part, I'll charge my time. If that's fair, and you still want to do it, I'm more then willing."

"I understand that, Mr. Winchester, but would rather see one rebuilt by your hands so I know the work is quality."

Dean's eyes grew large and he flushed. "Thank you, sir. I would love to do it. I'll look around and see what I can find. We'll want one with a good body if we can get it. I'll try to find the best price I can for the quality. I'd like you to come by one day after the car is here, to look her over and look at paints and interiors. We can go a number of routes with that. I'll know what direction we're taking that way."

"Understood. I'll be leaving a camera as well; I want pictures of the progress to show off."

"My future sister-in-law is an artist. I could ask her to put an album together for you."

"That sounds good,"he answered. "I'll expect to hear updates on potential cars."

"I'll spend some time looking and finding what I think will work. I'll ask you to come by and look at what has been found We'll make contact and offer a bid."

"That sounds good, Mr. Winchester."

"Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Heming. You won't be disappointed. I guarantee it."

"I know I won't. Have a good day, Mr. Winchester. I hope to hear from you soon."

"You will, sir. You have a good day, too." Dean still held the phone after the attorney had hung up. Finally, he looked at the two men sitting in the office with him.

"He doesn't want a rebuilt or anything. He wants it all done by me so he can guarantee the quality of the work." Dean's voice was barely a whisper of awe and surprise.

Bobby grins. "Shall I make some calls?"

"Yeah, Bobby. Sam, can you see what is available on the internet? Bobby, if you find one, I need to be able to see pictures of it, and a good description. I'll need to go see it, if necessary. This is a major expense for this man. I want to him to have the best we can find for him."

"Not a problem," Bobby said as he headed to the phone while Sam went to check the internet.

Dean disappeared within seconds of both men doing the searches. Soon they both heard the clang of the wrecker. Dean was unloading the vehicles being rebuilt near the body shop. Bobby's truck was there and he released the one that had been towed by the older man. Dean pushed one of the Tauruses into the body shop and began to go over the vehicle carefully checking for any damage in body. He was making a list of what would be needed for the car. This would be Lisa's car. He'd take the paint and interior lists to her tonight and let her pick the colors she'd like.

Bobby came out an hour later with a grin. "I have a bite."

Dean's grease covered upper body and face appeared from the under the hood of the Taurus, a look of surprise showing through the grease. The whites of his eyes and teeth looked hysterical to Bobby, who was now wondering what the hell Dean had gotten into under the the hood of the one vehicle with an engine.

"That's great. You got a site on the computer where we can see her? How far away is she? What shape is she in?

"Hour and a half away. Said the body is solid, no rust damage but we're going to have to look for parts. Part of the engine isn't there anymore," he said. "I was more concerned about the body health than anything else."

"Let me clean up. We'll go take a look? What is he asking for her?"

"Young man, doesn't really know what he has. It was his father's and he's clearing the estate. He said he'd take our best offer."

"Okay. Let me clean up." Dean headed for the cold shower in the back. Bobby worried about him doing that in November. He went to talk to Sam about a hot water heating system for the garage. Dean refused to bring the grease home to Lisa.

Sam heard the shower and looked at Bobby. "I have a plumber coming in next week so the showers for us will be hot. I hate cold water."

"I have no problem taking the grease home. Do you? I don't think he's mentioned it to Lisa, and I'm positive she doesn't know it's only cold water up here. That boy has had too much happening to him already without him catching pneumonia on top of it."

"That's why the plumber is coming. And when I am greasy, I clean up here 'cause it's not fair for Sarah to clean up after me."

"Does Sarah know? Dean does it daily, and sometimes more then once a day. You remember how cold it was last night? He came in from the diesel class, tired, but clean? His hair is longer now and it was still damp."

"No, she doesn't. Moot point now since it's getting fixed," he typed into the laptop. "Make the deposit on the way out?"

"Yeah, if you got it made out. We may be buying a car. If we do, we'll go to the bank and get a certified check for the amount. Dean prefers those for some reason."

"Less of a chance to bounce," he said and handed Bobby the locked bag and a deposit slip.

"You really concerned about bouncing a check, or of someone messing with it to get more money from us?"

Sam looked up. "Both. Watari recommended certified checks for safety's sake and after researching it, I realized it's a sound business practice for purchases like this.""Sounds good to me. How's Dean feel about it? Or does he even care? He trusts you, you know?"

"He asked about it, and I was up front on the answers. That's why he insists on it too."

"Dean can run a shop and he's one of the best damned mechanics I've ever met. His body work is fantastic. He's better then his old man. He thinks he's nothing like John, and he's not. You are. But, he can fix a car like new. Just don't give him the checkbook or the books. He does not have a head for business. He'll bring in the money....you take care of it. I think you have the harder job, Sam. Dean absolutely loves what he's doing."

He gave a small smile. "I don't mind watching the books. I'm shit at working on cars so I'll leave that to the pair of you."

"I'm wondering if Dean is going to make his name around here as a mechanic or a restorer. It will be interesting to find out. He's going to be buying cars, Sam. Be prepared for it The three he bought today were for us. He wants some to sell. If that kid has more then one car that could sell, don't be surprised if he calls you up and asks. By the way, you want the Taurus or the truck?"

"Not sure, haven't really seen them yet," he admitted. "I was fielding calls today."

"They all need work. He's looking at the Taurus with engine with Lisa in mind, I'm sure. We all borrow each other's cars for right now, but Lisa, with Ben, needs one. I can understand him starting on the first for her. Since I've got my old truck with the towing ability, he's looking at keeping it here, so I will get one, but you'll be second. Neither of the other two has an engine, but he'll work them in around the '57. I can guarantee that. He'll put in some extra time to get them done. I know your brother."

"And it's not like you won't be under the hood either, huh?"

"Of course not." Bobby winked.

"With a wife, and maybe kids, the Taurus might be better for you. Or take the truck, because she's been talking about extending the art decorating business. Get a van or something later, when kids are in the picture. Dean will fix you up better then buying a new one."

"The truck would be good for her artwork if she decides to expand it out. I'm not sure what she's planning. I'll have to talk to her and see."

"I don't think there's a major hurry. Dean will have his diesel classes, online schooling, regular mechanic work, rebuilding a '57 and a Taurus. We're gonna be busy trying to slow him down some. He's got to rest, have down time, and eat right."

"Well, you'll be helping him too, so that's a plus. He doesn't have to do it on his own. And Sarah said Ben's been itching to help down here."

I imagine Dean is gonna let him learn on the Taurus. He's not gonna let the boy lay hands on something he's being paid to do, but he may let him run errands for him on that Chevy."

Dean, came in. clean but wearing his long sleeve work shirt and dirty jeans. The t-shirt was out of site. "Hey, Sam, if I find some other good deals, I may be calling. The chance to rebuild and sell some cars is important. You'll know what we can and can't h handle, so I'll call you. You ready, Bobby? Sam, you wanna come along and take a peek. It's an estate sale. We might find something that might look good in our wings."

"Yeah, might as well. Let me call Sarah so she won't worry and set up the answering machine," he said as he powered down the computer.

Dean went outside and started the Impala, turning on the heater. It had gotten colder during the afternoon. He felt chilled. He called Lisa to let her know where they were going. He told her that if he found anything he thought they might want, he'd send her a photo. If she agreed, he'd buy it.

Bobby and Sam came out moments later. "We ready," Sam asked.

"Yeah. You know our balance, Sammy? In case there's more then one car we can use."

"I've got the total in my head, plus we're going to make a quick deposit too," he pointed out.

"Sounds good. I'm gonna look at his sale stuff too. Told Lis I would." Dean put the Impala in gear and pulled out of the lot. He put the car in park and got out and locked the gate. Getting back into the car, he sighed. "Damn! I'm cold. Tired today too."

"You've been working too hard," Sam answered.

"I know, Sam, but I got a lot on my plate It's gotta be done."

"You're taking some time off soon," he told his brother. Holidays were coming up and he would make sure of it.

"You know, Sam, when I told you I needed you to take charge for a while when I couldn't keep up, I thought it was for hunting. You took it very seriously. You know what else? I'm glad you did."

"Someone's got to. Lisa is stubborn but not quite stubborn enough," he teased, making Bobby laugh.

Dean grew serious. "She's stubborn enough, Sammy. She doesn't see me as much as you two do. Like today. She won't know about the eating. I honestly don't feel it's fair to bring work home and act like there's problems. She and Ben deserve to see a good side of me when I have to be gone so much, with classes and work."

Bobby spoke up. "She'll want to know about some of the problems, Dean, so she'll feel connected to you about work. She might be able to provide an insight the three of us hadn't thought of too."

Dean sighed, "Like how to make enough hours in a day? One of my professors changed the due date on a paper. I was supposed to have another week on it. He's having a kid and they decided to take the little fellow next week. He doesn't want to spend time grading our work. So I was up til one last night. I'm tired to be honest."

"Ask her, she might be able to help you. And honestly, Dean, if you need to cut out a few hours during the times you have finals, I'll man the shop."

"I know that, Sam, but Bobby can't do all the work we have lined up by himself."

"An hour or two extra a day won't kill me, idjit," he told his son.

"Why don't we pick up something to go for supper tonight. Y'all come over and we can talk...include the girls. I can't keep this up."

"Bucket of fried chicken works for me," Bobby grinned.

"Man, I'd love that. We'll have to get some baked for me, I guess."

"You've been doing well so splurging a bit won't hurt," Sam pointed out. "Bank," he pointed at the building.

Dean pulled into the drive through. He handed the deposit slip and the bag to the teller at the business window.

"I think we will get chicken and the fixin's"

"Sounds good to me. Call the girls and let them know," Sam said.

Dean dialed home while waiting on the teller. "Hey, hon. We're thinking fried chicken with all the fixin's for supper tonight. You got a problem with me having it tonight?"

"Not at all, Dean. Sarah's arms and head deep in paint. Ben's been running errands for her after his work was done, so take out would be appreciated."

"Thanks, hon. It's been a long time since I've had fried chicken. If you'll let Sarah know, I'd appreciate it. I love you."

"I love you too and will get Ben to tell her. She's been grouchy with everyone other than him," she laughed.

"I hope the touch up crew doesn't quit on us." Dean laughed too. He hung up the phone, got the receipt and the bag from the teller and handed them to Sam. "Your fiancee's grouchy. Only one who can be around her is Ben."

"She's been working on Near's room. Since that was the most complicated one, she put that off till last."

"Yeah, she told me. L and them are coming Sunday. I offered our help. No idea if she'll take it. She said she only had a little left."

"No..no offering help. Sarah will go from sweet to bitch in under a second if someone even goes near her art stuff," he shuddered.

"Well, I guess it's my fault. I asked L and them to come and stay til after New Year's. I offered help."

"It isn't your fault. She's very much a demanding artist..very hard on herself. I can't wait to see the room."

"Me either. She won't let us see our rooms either. The mountain storm, Ben's beach scene, and bringing the desert into the dining room are forbidden."

"She's really been incredibly secretive over it," Sam answered.

"You know...that kind of scares me."