Parental Stress, Sam and Dean as fathers

[Superboys]

I wrote this some time ago and finally decided to post it. I will post it in 3 or 4 sections. As of now this is the only chapter but maybe one day I will continue it if there is an interest.
Hope you like it.

This story is set at some point in the future.

Some background information.

Both Dean and Sam have settled down and only occasionally hunt the supernatural.

Sam is married to a woman named Carrie and they have a daughter who is 8 years old and named Katie. Sam managed to go back to school and has his own law office. He is known to never turn a client away for inability to pay. Carrie works at the local bank as a teller.

Dean was married to a woman named Allison, who unfortunately died of cancer five years earlier. They had one son Braden who is now 9. Allison had been the music teacher in the school system before she died. Dean is part owner of a garage where he restores classic cars.

The brothers live next door to each other and continue to have a very close relationship.

You Can’t Escape the Past

Dean walked down the school hallway towards his son’s room. He was filled with trepidation as to what had brought him here. Braden was a good kid, smart and funny and loved music. He and Dean would listen to all the classics together and Braden could remember a song after only hearing it a couple of times. He had his mother’s musical talent and Dean loved to hear him sing as it would always make them both happy.

Mrs. Walker greeted him with a warm smile and told him to take a seat.

“How have you been Mr. Winchester? I just wanted to share some of Braden’s work with you. We’ve been working on writing emotions and feelings. The exercises show how important the written word is. But some of the things that Braden has written have troubled me.”

She pulled out several sheets of paper from a folder.
“He is very bright and writes well, but this just makes me wonder if he is struggling with any problems at home? They were to write about whatever feelings came to mind. It didn’t have to be in any kind of order or even in sentences, just feelings on paper. Take a look and let me know what you think.” She stated as she pushed the papers over to Dean.

The further I go the less I know, where will I run, where will I hide
Lullabies to paralyze

I know the worlds going wrong for me, my mental wounds not healing, I’m mentally numb- who and what’s to blame

I’m edgy all the time, there’s someone just one step behind, there’s demons in my head and it’s more than I can take I just have to get away from me

The screams break the silence, waking me in the night, vengeance is boiling, he’s returned to kill the light, will he find who he’s looking for?
Miracles will have to save

“These are some very serious words. He has seemed a little preoccupied, but hasn’t really shared anything with me. I guess we’ll be having a talk tonight. Thank you for calling me please let me know if there is anything else that comes up and I will do the same.” Dean said as he handed the papers back.

“Thank you Mr. Winchester, he and Katie are in the gym if you want to take them both home. I made a copy of his work so you could discuss it with him.”

Dean nodded and headed off to the after school program that both kids were enrolled in. He entered the gym and saw Braden with Katie kicking a ball back in forth. The kids were nearly inseparable; Braden always looked out for his younger cousin reminding Dean of how he watched over Sam.

“Uncle Dean!” Katie squealed as she saw him walking their way. “Are you going to take us home?”

“You bet I am. Lets sign you out and then we’ll go by and see your dad on the way home.” Dean answered as he pulled out his driver’s license to show the woman he affectionately called the gate keeper at the door. He signed on the line and raced his son and niece to the 1967 Impala he still drove every day.

“Well, hey there sweetie, what brings you here?” Sam asked of his daughter.

“Uncle Dean brought me here.” She answered in all seriousness.

Dean pulled out a couple of bills and told the kids to go to the candy store next door and pick out something for after dinner. Braden looked at him strangely, but took the money and his cousin back out the door.

“What’s up bro?” Sam inquired.

“This is, read what Braden wrote for a school project. I had to go in and talk to his teacher today. She hasn’t noticed any serious behavior changes, but this stuff is scaring me.”

Sam read over the short paragraphs in front of him.

“This does cause some concern. Have any of the EMF detectors gone off recently? Anything weird in the house he may be sensing?”

“No, well, I don’t think so. To be honest I haven’t checked anything in a while. Do you think something could be in the house? Maybe he is just going through another mourning cycle for Allison. They hit him hard, and he usually comes to me, but maybe this time he is trying to handle it on his own.”

“I don’t know, but you better talk to him and see what’s going on in his head.” Sam recommended.

Sam was sitting at the kitchen table reading a file from work when his nephew slipped through the back door.

“Well, to what do I owe this visit?” Sam asked.

“Please, just be honest with me Uncle Sam. I found this book the other night and you need to tell me what it is all about.” Braden pleaded.

Sam looked across the table and saw his father’s journal in Braden’s small hands. He must have looked alarmed because Braden gripped the book tighter and started biting his lip.

“Where did you get this?” Sam asked.

“Dad and I were playing hide and seek and I hid in his closet and as I stepped to the back of the closet the book fell and hit me on the head. See I still have the lump.” He pointed to small bump on his head.

“Does your dad know you have this?”

“No sir. I didn’t tell him, I hid the book and went back later and got it. I’ve read some of it and I know it was Grandpa John’s. There are all kinds of weird stuff in here. Plus I’ve….”

But that’s as far as he got before Dean walked in the door.

“What are you doing over here?” Asked Dean.

Sam looked over and noticed the journal had vanished off the table.

“You were asleep and I just had a quick homework question.” Braden said trying to sound convincing.

“Okay, but next time leave a note. I got worried when I couldn’t find you. It’s late lets go home and get ready to end the day partner.”

Braden nodded and allowed his eyes to look down to the chair where he had placed his grandfather’s journal. Sam saw the action and gave a barely perceptible nod. Thankfully Dean was still a little sleepy and missed the exchange.

TBC

[Sarah1983]

I enjoyed it! Keep going.

[Sammyluvr83]

AMAZING!! I so cant wait for more!!!

[Superboys]

Thanks Sarah, I appreciate the encouragement.

Great comment Sammyluvr83, glad you like the story so far.

It gets a little more exciting in this part. I also have an established story in the flashback section called Raising the Defiant Ones in case you want to check it out.

Thanks for the reads

part II

Braden shoved the last sleeping bag into the back of his uncle’s SUV.

“Is that the last of it?” Dean asked as he closed the door.

Braden nodded and looked over and watched his uncle say goodbye to his family. He climbed into the backseat with a slight sense of apprehension; he looked up one more time at his aunt and cousin as he buckled his seatbelt.

The drive took a little less than an hour and the group got everything out and set up quickly. They decided to take a walk around the area to get a sense of what was out there. They found a small stream that seemed to bring back Braden’s childhood immediately. He investigated the rocks at the bottom saw a few small fish and splashed his fellow campers. They finally continued on their walk with Braden attempting to lead the way with his new compass that Dean had presented to him upon arrival. They were walking at a good clip when all of a sudden Braden stopped dead in his tracks. Both Sam and Dean practically crashed into the boy.

“Why did you stop?” Sam questioned.

“Look at my compass, the arrow is spinning.” Braden said in disbelief.

Both the men looked at the device held in the young shaking hand. They then looked at each other and Dean grabbed his son and they ran towards the campsite.

They arrived back at their encampment and stopped to catch their breath. The needle on the compass had returned to normal.

“What was that, what did it mean?” Braden said struggling through his labored breathing.

“Give me a minute and we’ll explain it to you.” Sam answered finding his way to a lawn chair.

After catching their breath and downing a beer the men regained their composure and tried to give explanation to what had just happened.

“When working in the spirit world we use a device called an EMF meter, its short for electromagnetic field detector. An EMF picks up spirit activity.”
Dean told his son.

“So what does that have to do with my compass?” Braden asked eyes wide with fear.

“Compass’ are magnetic; they too can pick up spirits.” Sam said.

“So you’re saying there was an evil spirit out there with us?” Braden’s voice was reaching a higher pitch with every word.

“Not necessarily evil, but definitely supernatural.” Dean said setting down his beer to go comfort his son.

“If it wasn’t evil why did we run?” The boy questioned.

“Because we didn’t know its objective, and we didn’t have any weapons with us.” Sam replied.

“Better safe than sorry then huh?” The youngster asked.

“Exactly.” The brothers said in unison.

The rest of the day went by without incident and after stowing everything for the night they climbed into their sleeping bags that were arranged in a row inside the large tent. Braden felt safe lying between his father and uncle, probably the safest he had felt in weeks. Of course he had no idea that the last several nights his father had been sleeping on his floor in an effort to watch over him. He slipped in after Braden was asleep and was out before the alarm went off.

The night was peaceful and both Braden and Dean woke up at 7:30 to loudly chirping birds.

“I had no idea birds could be so loud.” Braden said yawning. “Where’s Uncle Sam, I don’t see him outside?”

“He probably headed over to the showers already.” Dean answered.

The two began to get things together to make breakfast. Dean was waiting for Sam to return so he could get his own shower. Camping was great, but it was so much nicer knowing the necessities were nearby, and he considered a daily shower a necessity. Tired of waiting for his uncle, Braden decided to take a walk to the bathrooms.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He called to his father.

“If you don’t see him come right back, do not wander anywhere else. You have no more than 5 minutes, understand? Am I making myself clear?” Dean yelled at his rapidly departing son.

“Yes sir.” Came the distant reply.

Meanwhile back at home Carrie and Katie were toddling around the kitchen still shaking the sleep from their eyes. They too were preparing to make some breakfast. Carrie walked to the pantry next to the deep freezer in the utility room and thought she heard a noise coming from the other side of the door where the house was attached to the garage.

In the woods Braden slowed as he neared the bathhouse hearing a noise on the other side of the door.

Carrie’s heart sped up as she reached for the door with uncertainty.

Braden looked back towards the campsite as his heart began to pound wondering if his dad would be able to hear him.
Carrie was unsure what to do; full of concern for her daughter in the next room she took a step back.

Braden clung to the building peaking around the corner to the door.

Both doors flew open and both revealed Sam standing there.

“Honey, you’re back early, how come?” Carrie said as she hugged her husband.

“Uncle Sam you scared me.” Braden said trying to catch his breath.

“Daddy, you’re back!” Katie said with short lived enthusiasm as she suddenly became pale and vomited.

Braden fell to his knees and his world became black. His thoughts rushed at him, like dreaming in fast forward.

Both children took several minutes to recover and both were steadied by Sam.

Sam picked up Braden and ran with him to the campsite and Dean.

Sam picked up Katie and walked her to the couch.

Something was very, very wrong.

TBC

[jayess]

MORE PLEASE!!!! It's good...

[jensenlover5816]

Evil to keep us like this......my lil deanie a daddy. wow.

[Sarah1983]

Oh dear, you can't stop now! I really want to read more.

[Superboys]

Thanks jayess glad you like it.

jensenlover5816 yep Dean is a dad and a good one too.

Sarah1983 I have a bit more. Hope you like the conclusion.

I have an established fic in Flashback that I have to keep up on plus something else I'm writing and work and kids and overtime this weekend and soccer and baseball with my kids. But I promise I will try and continue the story line, just give me a few days.
I am so glad you guys like the story. Here is the conclusion to this part

Sam set Braden on the picnic table as a very concerned Dean looked on.

“What happened son what is it?”

“We need to go home now! Something is very wrong, I’m so scared, we just, we need to go, now.” Braden said clearly upset.

Nobody moved.

“I’m not kidding, Sam please, it’s Katie and Carrie.” Braden pleaded at the top of his lungs.

The brothers looked at each other and jumped into the SUV and tore off down the road.

They came to a screeching halt in front of the house less than 45 minutes later. Braden was pale and his breathing labored. Both men reached into the hidden area of the SUV and pulled out their weapons. Dean’s held silver bullets and Sam’s wrought iron rounds. They both pointed for Braden to get down on the floorboards as they headed for the unknown inside the house.

The look alike inside the house was enjoying the company of his newfound family. Carrie oblivious of the imposter was caring for her daughter with a wet rag and sips of ginger ale. Katie wasn’t sure why but she didn’t want her daddy near her.

Sam jammed his key into the lock and stepped into the entryway. He and Dean stuffed their guns into the waistband of their jeans as to not scare the girls. As they came around the corner their jaws dropped as the scene in front of them revealed the entire Winchester family complete with Sam.
Katie screamed, Carrie rushed to her side and the imposter only stood and smiled.

“I was going to take you by surprise, but this is priceless.” The pretender said with a smile.

Both boys whipped out their weapons and Sam rushed to his family and as Dean covered him, he got them out of the room yelling for them to go next door.

Braden snuck a look out of the window of the vehicle when he heard the door to the house slam shut. He saw his aunt and cousin run over to his house. Carrie was hysterical and wildly looking for the spare key. With dismay Braden realized he had failed to put it back the last time he used it. Katie was growing impatient and Braden’s eyes grew wide as he watched his younger cousin dash back across the lawn to her house. His aunt remained fixed in the search for the missing key.

Braden quietly slipped out of the SUV and followed Katie into her house. She stood transfixed as the two Sams were in deep hand to hand combat in the living room. They were completely identical, wearing the same boots, jeans and long sleeve shirts. There was absolutely no way to tell them apart. Dean stood helpless, gun drawn, watching the battle proceed.

Braden took his cousin by the hand and tucked her in the corner near the front door. As he walked back towards embittered conflict he had another wave of the vision he had experienced earlier. But this time he was able to stay on his feet. The men were still locked in their struggle and Dean pointed the gun at the floor having no idea what to do. Finally exhaustion seemed to take hold and the two breathless men slowed for a momentary break.

Dean was firing questions but both challengers had all the right answers. Dean found himself in the hardest situation he had ever encountered and he had no idea what to do. He looked back at his son who was walking his direction.

“Braden John Winchester, take your cousin and get out of the house, NOW!” Dean yelled with as much authority as he could muster.

Braden turned and went to a sobbing Katie, he gently took her hand and went through the door and had her sit on the front step. He then took two giant steps backwards and slammed the door and twisted the lock closing himself back into the house.

Dean heard the door slam and released a small sigh of relief. His focus returned to the dilemma taking place directly in front of him. Both of his hands were wrapped tightly around the gun as he pointed it to the Sam on the left and then to the Sam on right. What should he do? Once Sam had tossed his gun to him Dean had lost track of his rightful brother. He again swung the gun back and forth and at a total loss of a resolution. Then out of nowhere he felt a small hand on his arm. He looked down with alarm at his young son guiding his arm to the right. Braden looked up at his father with the dark brown eyes that he inherited from his mother and gave a slight nod. At that moment Dean was never surer of anything in his life and he opened fire hitting the creature three times in the heart.

“Finally.” Sam said collapsing. “I kept trying to peel his skin off, but it was as sturdy as mine. These things must have evolved since our last encounter.”

Dean just stood there a breath away from going into shock. He wouldn’t be comfortable until there was 100% proof that Sam was his real brother. Braden seemed to feel his fathers stress as he stepped over to the body lying on the floor. He reached down and ever so gently pulled off the shape shifters right ear.

“I guess once they die they don’t stay together as well.” He calmly stated as he studied the trophy in his hand.

“Oh thank God!” Dean said as he had his final proof that the decision had been the right one.

There was screaming and pounding at the front door reminding them of poor Carrie and Katie stuck outside unaware of the events outcome.

As Dean stood up he looked at Braden; “son, that was amazing, but umm, put the ear back and help me drag this thing into the garage while your uncle lets his family in.”

Katie knew instantly that it was her true daddy that held her in her arms as the family was reunited.

As Dean stood there beaming with his son he had to know how Braden figured out Sam’s true identity.

“The images I had at the campground slowed down so I could finally see them.” Braden explained.

“How long have you had these dreams? What are they?” Dean asked cautiously.

Braden leaned over and in barely a whisper he asked his father; “Do you want to know where the dreams come from?”

Dean his eyes wide, nodded his head up and down.

Braden looked over his shoulder and then back to his father, blinked his eyes, took a deep breath and whispered into Dean’s ear. “So do I.”

[jayess]

WAHOO! Wicked, love it! I know you are busy and all, so take your time...looking forward to more though!

[Sarah1983]

No rush, I understand about being busy! I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the story. The last twist is really great. Good job at keeping up the suspense!

[IRW9394]

That was really good! Take your time there's no rush!

[Superboys]

jayess - thanks glad you liked it.

Sarah1983 - the twist was fun; and there is nothing like not knowing who the enemy is.

IRW9394 - glad you liked it.

Thanks all of you for your comments and encouragement. I was able to get a bit more going so I'll get you started. It is short but only the beginning.

A New Hunter is Born

Several months had gone by and things returned to normal in each Winchester household. But things can’t remain calm forever now can they????

Braden pedaled his bike faster and faster trying to keep up with his friend.

“Josh I was supposed to be home 5 minutes ago.” Braden said.

“I know this won’t take long, I promise.” Josh yelled back.

Braden felt his phone vibrate in his pocket he just shook his head and hoped whatever this was; was as good as promised.

“See that house? It was built in 1870 and it’s supposed be haunted. They say that it has been quiet but because of all the roadwork the spirits have woken up.” Josh explained pointing to all the big machines that have been resurfacing the road.

“Okay what does that have to do with me?” Braden asked.

“It’s cool, if we go in and say we saw a ghost we will be the talk of the 4th grade. Just think of it Braden we would be the coolest kids on the playground.”

“Why can’t we do this another time? My dad is going to kill me if I’m not home in like 2 minutes.” Braden said as he felt his phone vibrate again.

“The activity doesn’t start until after 8:00. They’re ghosts dude they don’t do daytime; now come on.”

Braden reluctantly climbed off his bike and followed his daring friend up the porch stairs. The door was reluctant but finally squeaked its way open. The boys found themselves standing in an old fashioned parlor that hadn’t held any tea parties in a long time. The dust and cob webs could choke a horse and as his pocket vibrated one more time Braden grabbed Josh’s arm and pulled back the way they came.

“You’re a chicken.” Josh laughed.

“We need to research and have a plan.” Braden said his Winchester blood coming through.

The boys were barely back out on the porch when the door slammed behind them and there was movement in the window.

“How did that happen did you see that?” Josh asked.

“Great idea, it will be so cool; God why do I listen to you.” Braden yelled.

Meanwhile Dean headed next door to enlist Sam’s help. “Braden won’t answer his phone and he is almost 20 minutes late.” Dean told his brother.

“He probably has his phone on silent and lost track of time.” Sam assured.

“He knows how I feel about him being late and out of touch.” Dean said.

Sam nodded and had to agree the boy had only been late once before and that was when his bike had a flat and he had to push it home. Even then he called Dean immediately. Sam didn’t want his mind to wander to far into the unknown so he and Dean climbed in their separate vehicles and headed out to look for the boy.

Once Josh and Braden rode several blocks away they stopped to catch their breath. Braden pulled out his phone and saw he had missed 3 calls. He hit the button that accessed his voicemail and cringed as he heard his fathers fear come across the small device. He sighed and pulled up his father’s number and hoped that throwing himself on the mercy of the court would help him stay out of the dog house.

Sam was the first one to come screeching to a halt next to his nephew.

“Your dad called and said you were here; I was 2 blocks over.” Sam said in a rush.

“I’m fine, well until dad gets a hold of me.” Braden said.

“He’s just scared; he should be here in a minute. I’ll put your bike in the back of my vehicle.”

As Sam was wrestling with the bike Braden heard the familiar rumble of the Impala heading his way. Dean hopped out of the car and ran to Braden giving his son a hug.

TBC

[Sarah1983]

You write Dean as such a great daddy! I really like the story so far! Keep up the good work!

[Superboys]

Sarah - I'm happy you like the story. Dean is a good daddy. He loves his son very much but life will get no easier for either one as time goes by.

“What happened? Why were you late and ignoring my calls?” Dean wanted to know.

“Can I tell you in the car; I just want to go home?” The boy asked.

“Sure get in.” Dean answered.

“I’ll put his bike in the garage. Let me know if I can do anything.” Sam offered.

Dean slammed the squeaky driver’s side door and looked to his son for an explanation.

“Let’s hear it dude.” Dean said.

Braden unloaded everything that happened. He finished his story as they pulled up to the house.

“Well you have given me a lot to think about with that story. Go up to your room and get ready for bed I’ll be up soon.” Dean said.

“But dad it’s like 8:15.” Braden pointed out.

“Like I said; go up stairs and get ready for bed, I’ll be up there soon.” Dean repeated slowly and a bit more sternly.

Braden hung his head and turned heading towards the stairs. He brushed his teeth and ran a wet washcloth across his face. In his room he pulled out his Stanford t-shirt and clean pair of boxers to wear for the night then he put a CD in his player and pounded his drumsticks on his bed to the song Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by The Animals. He knew his dad was mad but he just wasn’t sure how many buttons he had pushed.

Dean quietly made his way up the stairs and was leaning against the doorframe of his son’s room watching him beat the living hell out of his bed to the tune. Braden was so focused and in zone that Dean had no problem letting the boy finish the song. He loved the fact that his boy was a great musician playing the drums, piano and guitar with ability far beyond his years. These were all gifts from his mother as Dean loved to listen to the stuff but could in no way reproduce any of it. Dean was also very grateful that Braden leaned towards classics not paying too much attention to anything after 1980’s with the exception of a few good bands such as Metallica and Guns N Roses.

The song finally ended and Braden sensed being watched turned around and smiled at his dad. “Any requests?” He asked.

“Not tonight; we need to talk about what happened and what we are going to do about it.”

“How about I’ll never do it again?” Braden offered.

“Hmm, I was thinking about being grounded for a week; school, home, piano and guitar lessons and baseball practice only. No phone, no TV, no friends.” Dean finished wondering when the kid had any free time to get into trouble.

“That sucks.”

“Well I could say no music and take your stereo.” Dean said.

Braden’s face drained of all color after Dean’s statement. “That punishment is fine, I’m sorry.”

“No more going over by that house and no more being late or ignoring your phone! Am I clear?”

“Yes sir.” Braden answered quickly.

“You get 3 songs then lights out and I don’t want to hear a peep.”

Braded nodded and quickly turned his CD to the selection When I Was Young that hit Dean close to his heart.
The rooms were so much colder then
My father was a soldier then
And times were very hard when I was young
I smoked my first cigarette at 10
And for girls I had a bad yen
And I had quite a ball when I was young…

Dean went down the stairs before he heard any more of the song as it brought memories he just assume leave in the past.

He was still lost in thought when Sam’s entry jarred him back to the present.

“What happened?” Sam inquired.

“So is he now a junior ghost hunter?” Sam asked after Dean finished.

“Never and I mean never.” Dean promised.

TBC

[Sarah1983]

Thanks for the great story. If you keep writing, I'll keep reading