No Ordinary Boys ~ Chapter 13

[kc246]

Chapter Thirteen

By the time John raced into the ER shouting for help, Dean was lying limp in his arms, his breathing worryingly shallow. Within seconds they were surrounded by medical personnel and Dean was being taken from John and rushed away on a gurney.

This seemed to snap Sam out of his catatonia and he began screaming. He lunged forward, trying to follow his brother and when John reached out to stop him, he spun around, hitting his fists against John's chest as he tried to escape.

"Dean!" Sam wailed, struggling furiously against the arms that were holding him back. He couldn't think. He couldn't breathe. He had no idea where he was and he surrounded by people he didn't know. All his mind was able to register was that Dean was being taken away.

"Mary, go with Dean. I'll take of Sam." John tightened his hold on Sam but was careful not to hurt him.

Mary nodded, tears glistening her eyes as she followed Dean's doctors.

"Sam, calm down buddy. It' alright." John tried to make eye contact with Sam but Sam's gaze was flying wildly around, never settling on anything. "Sam, listen to me. It's okay. Come on, Kiddo. Shhh."

Sam made a wounded noise in the back of his throat as he increased his fight to get away. He had to get to Dean. He needed Dean.

"Sam, stop it. You gotta calm down." John's voice was firm but still gentle. "Sam, look at me. I need you to look at me."

Sam's eyes finally snapped to meet his and John winced at the absolute terror and confusion in them. "Sam, listen to me, okay? You're safe here. Dean's safe here. The doctors need to help him but I promise he's going be alright. No one is going to hurt either of you. I'm here and I won't let that happen, understand?"

Sam's heart was beating so hard that it made his chest hurt. It felt like there wasn't enough air and his head was spinning. His gaze shot around the room and his fear increased when he realised everyone was looking at him, but he didn't recognise any of them. He heard his name being called and he finally focused on the person who was holding him. John. A small amount of relief flooded him. He knew John. John wasn't Dean, he wasn't safety but he wasn't danger either and right now he was the only thing that was familiar.

Sam exhaled shakily and stopped fighting John's hold, burrowing himself into John's chest instead. "De," he sobbed. "De."

"I know, buddy." John rubbed a hand soothingly up and down his back. "I know."

"Sir, we need to get him into a treatment room." A nurse said and she gestured for them to follow her.

John nodded and once Sam's shaking had eased slightly, he guided him gently into the room.

"Okay, Sam." The nurse smiled kindly. "Why don't you get yourself settled up on the bed and I'll go get your doctor, alright?"

Sam remained silent. His wide, frightened eyes darted around the room and he had a death grip on John's arm.

"Thank you" John nodded at the nurse and she gave him a sympathetic look before leaving.

"Alright kiddo," John said, keeping his voice low and calm. "Let's get you sat up on the bed, okay?"

Sam was completely pliant and let John help him get settled on the bed, but he still didn't say anything. When John tried to take a step back to sit in the chair by the bed, Sam let out a distressed whimper and grabbed a hold of John's arm, tugging on it until John sat down beside him on the bed.

"It's okay, Sam." John carefully wrapped an arm round Sam's shoulder, pleased when he felt him lean into the touch. "You're safe now, okay? Everything's going to be alright."

Sam shook his head. He wasn't safe. None of them were. "Never be safe."

"You're safe, Sam." John promised. "Your dad and uncle can't hurt you or Dean ever again. You're safe."

At the mention of his dad, Sam froze and his trembling increased again. "I didn't...I didn't...I didn't kill him."

"Shhh, Sam." John frowned; not liking how Sam's breathing was speeding up. "It's okay. Just take it easy, kiddo."

"I...I...didn't..."

"Sam, look at me." John gently lifted Sam's head up to meet his gaze. Sam's eyes were full of fear and panic. "I need you to listen to me, okay? Whatever happened in that room with your dad, it wasn't your fault. Whatever you did or didn't do, it's okay. You did nothing wrong."

"Dad...he was gonna...and...but it...I didn't..." Sam stuttered in between ragged breaths.

"Shhh, calm down buddy." John pulled Sam closer to him. "It's alright. We don't have to talk about this now. Just relax and breathe. Shhh, it's alright."

Sam lay back against John, his head resting on John's shoulder as he tried to control his breathing.

"There you go. That's it." John encouraged, rubbing comforting circles across Sam's chest. "Deep breaths. You're okay."

John had to admit that he was really curious about what had happened in the bedroom, and how Tom had ended up dead but he knew that whatever the hell had happened, Sam was in no condition to talk about it yet.

Thankfully by the time doctor made her way into the room, Sam had somewhat calmed down and was resting back against John.

"Hello Sam." The doctor smiled. "I'm Dr. Lewis and I'm going to be looking after you while you're here." She could see how scared her patient was and she kept her tone soft and coaxing, approaching the bed slowly. "I would like to start by taking a look at your head and face if that's okay with you?"

Sam didn't answer but he did tighten his grip on John's arm.

"It's okay, Sam." John assured. "I'm not going anywhere, kid."

Sam sat rigid in John's arms as the doctor completed her examination. He flinched when she touched a painful looking bruise on his cheek and he dug his fingers harder into John's arm, his fingernails leaving small indents on the skin.

"Shhh, I'm here." John soothed. "You're doing really good, Sam."

"Okay Sam." Dr. Lewis said, removing her hands from him and writing something down on Sam's hospital chart. "I don't think anything is broken but I'd like to get an X-ray of that cheek just to be on the safe side."

Sam shook his head. He wasn't exactly sure what an X-ray entailed but he didn't like the sound of it. "I don't want an X-ray."

"It's alright, Sam." John assured. "I'll stay with you when you have the X-ray. You won't have to be alone."

"I want to see Dean." Sam sniffled. "Please. Please, let me see him."

Dr. Lewis smiled softly at him. "His doctors are still treating him. I promise that you can see him soon, okay?"

Sam wanted to say no. It wasn't okay and that he wanted to see his brother now but he knew it wouldn't do any good, so he just nodded sadly.

"As soon as the doctors have Dean settled, I'll make sure you're taken straight to him." Dr. Lewis assured. "Now, I need to know if you're hurting anywhere else?"

Sam shook his head.

"Sam, it's important to tell the doctor the truth." John said, gently. "If you're hurt anywhere then you need to let the doctor know, okay? You don't have to be frightened. No one here is going to do anything you don't want them to."

"I'm telling the truth, John. I swear I am." Sam looked up at John, his eyes pleading to be believed.

"Okay, Sam. It's okay. I believe you, kiddo."

"Right, well I want you to get some rest Sam and I'll have someone come and get you when it's time to go to X-ray." Dr. Lewis gave him a kind smile before putting on a clean pair of gloves and turning her attention to John. "Okay, Mr Winchester, it's your turn?"

John raised his eyebrow. "My turn?"

Dr. Lewis tapped the side of her head. "You appear to have a head wound that needs to be checked."

Sam eyes widened as he noticed the dried blood on the side of John's face. "You're hurt."

"I'm fine, Sam." Honestly with everything that had happened John had completely forgotten about the injury. He could barely even feel it anymore. "It's just a scratch. Doesn't even hurt anymore."

"Then you won't mind me taking a look at it." Dr. Lewis said as she began her examination. "It's not too deep but you will need a few sutures to help it close."

John nodded and Dr. Lewis set about stitching up the wound. He winced when the needle threaded through a particularly sore bit of skin but he was pleasantly surprised when he felt Sam begin to stroke his arm softly. Sam was trying to comfort him and John smiled, gently holding Sam closer to him. They would all be okay now. John was going to make sure of it.

"Alright, Mr Winchester all finished." Dr. Lewis stepped back, gathering up her tray of medical supplies. "The stitches are the dissolvable kind, so you won't need to come back in to have them removed."

"Thank you."

"No problem." Dr. Lewis gestured towards the door. "Would it be okay if I have a word with you outside for moment?"

John felt Sam immediately tense up. "Shhh, it's okay. I won't be far. I'll just be right outside the door, okay?"

Sam nodded reluctantly and released his hold on John so he could ease his way out the bed and follow Dr. Lewis outside.

"I'll be right back." John assured, closing the door behind him.

The instant the door shut, fear flooded back through Sam and he shivered. He was alone. He didn't want to be alone. It wasn't safe. The room began spinning and he closed his eyes against the sensation, but the darkness was anything but soothing and all Sam could hear was his father's voice.

"This is all because of you, Sam."

"You killed your mother. Your brother is going to die and it will be your fault."

"I should have snapped your neck the moment you were born."

"You're evil Sam and I'm going to make sure you pay for what you've done."

Sam opened his eyes, shaking his head rapidly to try and stop the cruel voice. He made a choked, frightened sound when he saw the image of his dad stood in front of him. Blood was gushing from his neck and wrists, and his eyes were staring down at Sam in pure hatred and anger. He knew it wasn't real. His dad was dead but that didn't make it any less terrifying and Sam slid of his bed and scrambled underneath it to escape the horrific image. He curled himself into the smallest ball he could and rocked himself back and forth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What is it?" John asked as he joined Dr. Lewis outside.

"I just wanted to inform you that the police and social services are on their way."

John sighed. He knew that Sam would panic the second he saw the police. "I'll speak to them but I don't want the police talking to Sam just yet. He's still too traumatized."

"I agree." Dr. Lewis nodded. "Don't worry. I'll make sure that the police know that neither Sam nor Dean are medically well enough to be interviewed yet."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome." Dr. Lewis patted him on the arm. "Go take care of Sam and I'll get an update on Dean for you."

John thanked her again before walking back into Sam's room. He felt panic fill him for a moment when he saw the empty bed but the whimpering sounds quickly led him to the huddled form under it.

"Sam?" John crouched down bedside the bed. "Sam, what's wrong?"

Sam didn't seem to hear him and just continued to tremble and rock. "Hey Sam, look at me kiddo. Sam?" When Sam finally made eye contact, John smiled gently and slowly extended his arms out. "C'mere buddy. It's okay."

Sam shook his head. "Make him go away."

"Make who go away Sam?"

"My dad." Sam whispered. "Please John, make him go away. Please."

John frowned in concern. "Sam, it's alright. Your dad's not here. He's gone and he can't ever hurt you again. You're safe, Sam."

"H..He's not...out there?" Sam stammered.

"There's no one here but you and me ." John assured and once again reached his arms out. "Come on, kiddo. You can come out, it's safe now."

Sam scrambled out from his hiding place and threw himself into John's arms, clinging desperately to him as his eyes frantically scanned the room for the bloody image of his dad. He let out a shaky breath of relief when he saw the room was empty.

"Shhh, Sam." John soothed, stroking up and down the kid's back in an attempt to stop his shivering. "You're okay. Shhh."

Sam buried his head into John's neck. "Please don't leave me, please don't leave me."

"Shhh, I won't. I'm not going anywhere, alright? I'm gonna stay right here with you." John whispered and he carefully lifted Sam back up onto the bed.

Sam kept a firm grip on John's shirt, not giving the man any other option but to lie down on the bed with him. "Don't leave, don't leave."

"Hush Sam." John gently ran his fingers through Sam's hair. "I'm not leaving. I promise. Just relax, buddy."

Sam closed his eyes as John continued to stroke his hair. It wasn't the same as having Dean do it but it felt nice and safe, and Sam let the sensations lull him to sleep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three hours later and John was reluctantly making his way to talk to the police and social workers. Sam's X-ray had revealed that his cheek was thankfully not broken and afterwards John had taken him to see his brother. Dean was still unconscious, as the doctors were purposefully keeping him sedated to help his body heal. Dean's injuries were numerous and would take some time to heal fully but luckily nothing was life threatening. He did however have three broken ribs that would make moving around painful for a while. Since he'd arrived in the room, Sam hadn't moved from the chair by Dean's bed, and he gripped his brother's hand tightly, whispering constantly to him. John and Mary watched over them both until Dr. Lewis had told John that she couldn't hold the police off any longer.

John took a deep breath before walking into the room Dr. Lewis had directed him too.

"Mr Winchester?" asked one of the police officers when he stepped in to the room.

John held out his hand to the man. "That's me."

The officer returned his handshake. "I'm detective Summers." He gestured at the man stood next to him. "And this is detective Franklin. We'll be handling this case."

John shook detective Franklin's hand before nodding a greeting to Jake and Becca who were both sat on one of the sofas in the room.

Becca smiled over at him and then gestured towards his head. "Are you okay?"

John nodded. "I'll be fine."

"Well, we will try and make this as quick as possible for now." Detective Summers said and indicated for John to take a seat. "If you could just start by giving us your version of events."

John went over everything, starting with his surprise at seeing Tom at Andy's barbeque and ending with rescuing Sam from the bedroom before driving them all out of there as fast as he could.

"And you have no idea how the boys father ended up dead?"

John shook his head. "No, like I said he was already dead when I walked into the room."

"And there was no one else in the room except for Sam and his father?"

"That's right."

"And what condition was Sam in when you found him?"

"He was curled up in a ball under the bed."

"And how did he look?"

"What do you mean how did he look?" John frowned. "How the hell do you think he looked? He looked terrified."

"What about his clothing and hands? Did you see any blood on them?"

John sighed. "Look, I know what you're thinking but there is no way Sam could of killed his dad. I saw Tom's body and even if he had wanted to, Sam wouldn't have had the strength to be able to do something like that."

"Just answer the question please, Mr Winchester."

John gritted his teeth to keep himself from snapping. "No. I didn't see any blood on his hands or his clothes."

"We are going need to speak with Sam."

"Not today you aren't." John informed, fixing the detective with a hard stare. "He isn't up to answering any questions."

"Mr Winchester, I'm sure you understand how important..."

John quickly cut him off. "And I am sure you understand how important it is to follow the doctor's orders. And right now the doctors have deemed both Dean and Sam medically unfit to speak to you."

"Fine." Detective Summers huffed. "But we will need to speak to him as soon as possible."

John forced a polite smile. "Of course."

"We also want to speak with your wife."

"That won't be a problem."

"Okay, well I guess that we are done for now but we will need to question you again later and we will be looking into your past connection with Mr Harrison."

"That's fine..."

"Which is really something you should have informed us of, Mr Winchester?" Jake said, cutting John off.

John's spun round to glare at Jake. "Excuse me?"

"You should of told us you knew the boys father. That you had a past with him." Jake stated.

John chuckled humourlessly. "You've got to be kidding me? You can't really be trying to pin this whole mess on me? I didn't know he was boys the father. If you people had included a picture in the files or a note that he had changed his name then maybe I would have been able to make the connection, but since that didn't happen, I had no freakin clue who he was."

"The real question here isn't why I didn't know who Tom was, it's how the hell did he manage to find where Dean and Sam were in the first place?" John snapped. "Don't you have procedures in place to prevent that sort of thing?"

Jake bristled. "Of course we do."

John snorted. "Yeah, well whatever system you've got in place clearly isn't good enough."

"I can assure that it is be..."

John held up a hand to stop Jake talking. "I swear if you tell me that's it's being looked into one more time I'm not gonna be responsible for my actions."

"Look, let's not get all worked up." Becca interrupted, trying to calm the situation down. "No one is blaming you for anything Mr. Winchester and social services are happy for the boys to remain in your care."

"For the time being." Jake grumbled under his breath and John shot him another glare.

"Well, if we're done here I'd like to get back to Mary and the boys."

Becca smiled. "Of course. We will contact you later to arrange a time for us visit tomorrow to talk some more."

John nodded and he quickly left the room before he did something he might regret, like punching that smug look of Jake's face.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sam sleeping?" John asked when Mary walked back into the living room, and she nodded joining him on the couch.

"He was exhausted. Fell asleep as soon as head hit the pillow."

John smiled, relieved that Sam had gone down easy. Sam had been extremely reluctant to leave the hospital without his brother, but with a lot of coaxing and reassurances that Dean would just be sleeping and that they would be back first thing in morning, John and Mary had been able to convince Sam to return home with them.

"The police called while you were upstairs. They want to come and get your statement tomorrow."

Mary nodded. "What about Sam? They still pushing to talk to him?"

"Yeah." John sighed. "I'll try and hold them off as long as possible, at least until I can get Sam to tell me what happened first."

"How do you think Tom died?"

"Honestly, I don't know. Maybe he had a fight with Mick or something." John replied. "But I do know that there is no way Sam could have killed him."

"I can't believe that this has happened." Mary sighed and wrapped herself in John's arms. "And poor Dean. What that sick monster did to him. It's...how..."

"Shhh," John whispered, placing a soft kiss against her temple. "Dean's gonna get through this. We're gonna take care of him."

Mary took a couple of deep breaths and nodded. "How's your head feeling?"

"It's fine. Just a scratch." John assured. "What about you? How you doing?"

Mary frowned. "Me? I'm fine. I think I'm the only one out of the four of us who didn't end up hurt."

"You may not of been injured but you were still kidnapped and you still ended up having to kill someone. That's gonna have an effect on you."

"That sicko deserved to die." Mary stated. "I don't feel any guilt about killing him."

"Good, I'm glad." John held Mary tighter. "I was so scared of what he was going to do to you when he came through that door. I never knew you could fight like that."

Mary shrugged. "Like I said, it must have been a freak adrenaline thing or something."

The more John thought about it the less he thought that was true. Mary's stance during the fight was almost perfect. She was stood with her legs shoulder width apart, one foot planted in front of the other, so that she could shift her weight between them easily and make her kicks and punches as powerful as possible. That wasn't something that was caused by an adrenalin rush. That was something that came from practice.

"Mary..." John began but was cut off by the sound of screaming coming from upstairs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do you know how much trouble you've caused?" his dad snarled and backhanded him hard round the face.

"This is all your fault, Sam." His father grabbed him by his hair, hauling him across the room. "You destroyed my life. You got your mother killed and you took Dean away from me."

"You're evil, Sam." Hands closed around his throat. "I should have snapped your neck the moment you were born. It's time I fixed that mistake."

Sam desperately clutched at the hands around his throat, trying to get them loose but it was no use and just as his eyes began to roll back in his head, he was suddenly able to breath again, the crushing pressure was gone and Sam gasped in lungfuls of oxygen.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that."

"Who the fuck are you?"

There's more arguing, more shouting then everything is too bright and too loud. There's so much blood and...

Sam screamed as he bolted upright in the bed. He gaze shot around the room but it was too dark to see anything. "Dean!" he yelled, but there was no response, no comforting arms wrapping around him and keeping him safe. There was just darkness and terror. He could hear footsteps running up the stairs and trembling in fear, Sam scrambled off the bed and hid underneath it.

By the time John and Mary reached Sam's bedroom the screaming had been replaced by soft cries and whimpers.

"Sam?" Mary called, glancing round the room but not seeing him anywhere.

John knew where he'd find Sam and he quickly crouched down beside the bed, looking under it. "Hey kiddo," he smiled gently. "What happened? Did you have a nightmare?"

Sam let out a loud keening sound and nodded.

John reached out for him. "C'mere kid, it's okay."

"Dean?" Sam sobbed but he allowed John to pull him out from his hiding place.

"He's at the hospital, remember?" Mary said, softly. "You came back to house with us."

Sam nodded slowly.

"You're okay, Sam." John assured as he carefully placed him back onto the bed. "It was just a dream. You're safe."

"Please, don't leave me alone."

"How about I stay and read to you for awhile?"Mary suggested. "Would you like that?"

Sam sniffled, reaching out for Mary's hand and tugging her down next to him on the bed.

John handed Mary the book from the bedside table. "I'm just gonna go grab a shower, okay baby?"

Mary smiled. "We'll be fine."

"I won't be long." John gave her a quick kiss then ruffled Sam's hair gently. "Get some sleep, kiddo."

"Okay, where did we get to?" Mary said, flicking through the pages of the book to find the right one. "Ah, here we go. You ready, Sam?"

Sam nodded and moved closer to Mary who frowned when she realised how badly Sam was still shaking.

"Hey sweetie, you okay? You're still trembling."

"Just scared." Sam answered his voice small and quiet.

"Did you want to talk about your dream?"

Sam quickly shook his head, his face paling. "No...I...no...please...no..."

"Shhh, it's alright." Mary soothed. "You don't have to. It's okay." She pulled him closer to her. "We can just read, alright?"

Sam nodded and as Mary started reading she felt his body slowly relax and it wasn't long until he fell back to sleep.

"Don't worry, Sam." She whispered, pulling the blankets up around them. "You can sleep. I'll watch over you."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John rubbed his eyes as he listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. God, he was tired. "Yes, I'll be right there. Thank you for letting me know."

Hanging up, he pulled on the first set of suitable clothes he could find and made his way to Sam's room. Mary was asleep in the bed but Sam was no where to be seen. Sighing, he knelt down and peered under the bed. Yep, there he was. Curled up into a ball and fast asleep.

"Sam," he breathed, sadly. "You gotta stay in bed, buddy."

John carefully gathered him up and placed back in the bed with Mary. Sam didn't wake but he did snuggle into Mary's arms once John had put him down.

"Mare?" John shook her shoulder gently. "Mary, wake up baby. Mare?"

"John?" Mary blinked up at him sleepily. "What's going on?"

"The hospital just called. Dean's awake and is getting upset, so I'm gonna go down there."

Mary frowned in concerned. "He going to be okay?"

John nodded. "I'll stay with him until morning, make sure he's alright."

"Okay. I'll bring Sam down tomorrow when he wakes up."

John kissed her goodbye before making his way as quick as he could back to the hospital.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first thing Dean became aware of when he woke up was pain. God, he felt like he'd been run over by a truck. What the hell had happened? He blinked, trying to clear some of the fog from his mind and as the memories slowly began trickling in, he pushed himself upright in the bed, ignoring his body when it protested at the sudden movement. Sam! His eyes frantically scanned the room but he couldn't see Sam anywhere. From the look of the room and the beeping coming from various machines around him, Dean knew he was in a hospital but where was his brother? Dean remembered the look of pure terror on Sam's face as their dad dragged him away. What happened? Was Sam hurt? Did John find him in time? Did John find him at all?

Panicking, Dean swung his legs over the bed and painfully pulled himself to his feet. One of the machines behind him began beeping louder and more urgently. He scowled down at the wires and tubes keeping him confided to the bed and he began ripping them out causing the damn machines to get even more upset, but he didn't care. All he could think about was finding Sam.

He managed to take a few steps before the room was suddenly filled with various medical personnel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Lewis was just finishing up her rounds when she heard the commotion coming from Dean's room. As she got closer, she frowned at the conversation she could hear taking place.

"I said stay away from me!"

"Dean, you need to get back in bed."

"The hell I do. I want my brother and I'm gonna go find him."

"Dean..."

"Get out of my way!"

"Dean, if you don't calm down then we are going to have restrain you for your own safety."

'The hell you are.' Dr. Lewis thought as she walked into the room. She knew what had happened to Dean and she knew that restraining him would only result in further traumatizing the poor kid. "I don't think that will be necessary."

"But doctor..."

Dr. Lewis held up her hand, silencing the nurse before approaching Dean with caution, her hands raised placating in front of her. Dean may be pale and barely able to stand but from the looks of it, Jeff, one of the hospital's security staff was going to be sporting a beauty of black eye in a few hours.

"Dean, I'm Dr. Lewis." When that seemed to have little effect in getting his attention she continued, "I treated Sam."

Dean's eyes immediately snapped to hers. "Where is he?" he demanded. "I want to see him."

"I understand that but he's not here."

Dean's eyes widened in fear at that.

"He's fine." She assured quickly. "Mary and John took him home to get some sleep. He's with them."

Some of the tension seemed to leave him but he didn't relax his fighting stance. "Is..is he hurt?"

"He has a few bumps and bruises but nothing serious." Dr. Lewis explained. "I imagine he's tucked up in bed asleep right now, which is where you should be. Why don't you sit back down on the bed for me?"

Dean shook his head then closed his eyes against the dizziness that assaulted him. "No, not until I've seen Sam."

Dr. Lewis looked on in concern as she watched Dean sway unsteadily. "Look, how about I call John and have him come down and speak to you? If I do that, will you get back into the bed?"

"Will you call him right now?" Dean asked, his voice shaky and weak.

"Phone Mr. Winchester." Dr. Lewis ordered one of the nurses who hurried off to do just that.

"Okay, Dean," Dr Lewis took a couple more steps towards the swaying teen. She knew he wasn't going to remain upright much longer. His legs were shaking and his face was covered in sweat. "John's on his way. Will you let me help you back to bed?"

Dean studied her warily for a few more moments before finally nodding his agreement. Dr. Lewis smiled as she gently took a hold of his arms and guided in back down onto the bed. "Now, I want you to just try and relax, alright? I'm going to have one of the nurses hook you back up to your IV's and..."

"No." Dean said, firmly. "Not until John gets here."

"Dean..."

"I said no!"

"Alright, alright." Dr. Lewis placated. "Just stay calm, okay? We can wait for John if that's what you want?"

Dean nodded and rested his head back against the pillows. Yes, that is what he wanted. There was no way he was letting them hook him back up to the machines and other stuff because if John wasn't here in the next fifteen minutes, Dean was getting out of here weather they liked it or not. Nothing was going to keep him from finding Sam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dean didn't remember falling back to sleep but when he next opened his eyes, John was sat beside his bed, looking over at him in concern.

"Hey kiddo." John smiled when he saw Dean was awake. "How you feeling? Heard there was a bit of drama when you woke up."

"No one would let me see Sam." Dean croaked, his throat dry and hoarse.

"Here." John held a cup of water to Dean's mouth, helping him drink. "Small sips."

Dean sighed at the cooling relief the water provided. "Thanks."

"Sam's fine." John said, placing the cup back down on a table. "He's at home with Mary. She's going to bring him in first thing in the morning."

"Dad...did dad...did he hurt him?"

"He's a bit bruised up but he's not badly hurt." John assured.

"You saved him then? From dad?" Dean asked. The last thing he remembered was John leaving to try and find Sam.

"I found him hiding under a bed in one of the rooms upstairs." John answered. "Dean, your dad's dead."

John watched Dean carefully for his reaction. Yes, his dad was a complete psycho but he was still Dean's father and John wasn't sure how he'd take the news of his death.

"Thank god." Dean breathed, his relief clear. "Did you kill him?"

John shook his head.

Dean frowned. "So it was Mary?" Dean remembered seeing Mary kill Mick but he thought that she had stayed downstairs with him when John went to get Sam.

"No, it wasn't Mary."

"So, who was is it then?"

John wrinkled his brow unsure of what to tell him. "It's kind of complicated..."

"Complicated how? What happened? Who killed him?"

"We don't know." John sighed. "Sam was the only one in the room with him and..."

Dean's eyes went wide. "Sam killed him?"

John shook his head. "No, I don't think so but he was in the room when your dad died. He hasn't said anything about what happened yet."

Dean pushed himself up again. Something wasn't right here. He needed to get to Sam.

"Whoa Dean." John put his hands on Dean's shoulders, gently pushing him back down on the bed. "You need to stay where you are."

"Let me up." Dean demanded, wincing as he tried to shrug off John's hands. "I need to see Sam."

"No, Dean. You have to stay in bed." John said, firmly. "Sam's sleeping and you will see him first thing in the morning, I promise. If you keep trying to get out of bed, you're just going to hurt yourself and that's going to upset Sam even more than he already is."

Dean scowled but nodded.

"Good." John smiled and removed his hands. "Now, you're gonna keep your butt in bed and let the nurses hook you back up to whatever it is you need to be hooked up to, alright?"

"Fine but if Sam's not here in the morning then..."

"He'll be here, Dean." John promised as he pressed the call button for the nurse.

John watched as the nurses put Dean IV's back and did whatever else they needed to do. Dean was tense and withdrawn the whole time they were in the room and only relaxed after they had all left.

"Dean, you okay?" John asked in concern.

Dean shrugged, his eyes looking down at the bed sheets. "Just don't like hospitals. Everyone's always touching me."

John nodded sadly in understanding. "I know, buddy. But it won't be for too much longer. You'll be able to come home soon."

Dean eyes began to droop as the pain medicine the nurses had given him started to take effect.

"Close your eyes." John soothed, taking a hold of one of Dean's hands and brushing his thumb soothingly over the skin.

"What about you?" Dean asked sleepily. "Are you going you stay here?"

John nodded. "If that's okay with you."

Dean shrugged, trying hard not to show just how relieved he was to hear that. He didn't want John to leave him here alone. "S'okay."

John smiled. "Go to sleep, Dean. I'll be right here."

"Sammy... be here...morning." Dean slurred.

"I promise." John whispered and Dean turned his hand over so he could hold on tightly to John's until he fell to sleep.

Chapter 14