(no subject)
Title: Sam Ruins Christmas.
Author: bitchandjerk
Characters: Sam/Dean,John/Mary/OFC OMCs OFCs Jared/Jensen,
Rating :R
Words10,000/3,648,900
Warnings: Wincest
Summary: John arrives in Vermont and accuses Sam of ruining Christmas.
Notes:: AU, rest are here.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
Feedback: Makes me hard
It was useless to pretend he was in control of his own life, so Sam just decided to stop pretending. He had lost partial control the moment Milo popped out with his cute little nose and his bright red hair. He lost remaining control when Milo began to talk. Sam wasn't too upset about letting a two year old gain the upper hand, because his sweet baby was the sweetest baby in the world and he was going to get whatever he wanted, even if that meant getting up extra early after staying up extra late.
Last night after dinner the kids all went to bed and the adults cracked open another bottle of wine. No one got drunk but they all stayed up way too late just talking about everything and nothing at all at the same time. At one point they broke out a deck of cards and before Sam knew it Dean was fixing Buster his favorite 3am bottle which he just had to have everyday. Sam usually slept through that, but he was awake and stayed awake for another hour just talking and having fun with other adults. He made it to bed just after four and he was up three hours later because Milo absolutely was going to die if he didn't have waffles in the morning for breakfast. He was still sleeping, but Sam was in the kitchen, downing a scalding cup of coffee and working on his very special, very fluffy and moist Belgian waffles.
The problem with fixing waffles for breakfast was that Sam only had two irons, so he could only make two waffles at a time. He had a regular waffle iron that could make four at a time, but Milo was very specific when he requested "the big ones." That complicated things a bit, especially with extra houseguests, but Sam didn't mind. He was just going to have to pour the waffles, cook them up nice and crisp and then store them in the oven.
Before he could do that he had to work on the batter which needed to rise for an hour since Sam liked to use yeast in his waffles. It was easy enough to make and Sam had it done in about ten minutes, but he really wished he had done it before going to bed so he could have slept another hour. He ended up making triple the amount he usually did and then set the gigantic bowl in the oven to proof. It was just warm enough in there with only the pilot light on to make sure everything got nice and bubbly.
Since he had time to waste Sam cut up some strawberries and threw them on the stove with sugar to make a little fancy syrup, he heated up a bottle of genuine Vermont maple syrup, and he got started on some vanilla bean whipped cream. It seemed like an awful lot of work, but Sam really loved being in the kitchen and he loved feeding his family. He was actually really enjoying himself, even though he was tired, because he was still a little high on how much everyone loved dinner last night.
Just when Sam started to cut up oranges so he could squeeze some fresh juice for breakfast the kitchen door opened and Melody walked in. Now, she had gone to bed at the same time as Sam which meant she got the same amount of sleep, but she didn't look like she was tired at all. She was dressed for the day in a bulky sweater with jeans, her hair was pulled back in a neat and sleek ponytail and she had already done her makeup. She was polished from her head all the way down to her fantastic knee high boots and it made Sam feel a little self conscious about his plaid pajama pants with a fox on the butt.
"Good morning."
"Morning." Sam smiled. "Coffee?"
"Please, thank you."
"Did you have trouble sleeping?"
"Oh, no, it was wonderful, it's so quiet here." Melody said. "The room is perfect, the bed is so comfortable."
"Good, you're just up really early."
"I'm always up at this time get to the city, get to the gym, get to work. I actually got more sleep last night than I do most nights."
Sam nodded and quickly fixed a cup black coffee before getting Melody some sugar and cream to go in it. There was no denying that Sam worked very hard, but when he went to work he walked to the office, usually still in his pajamas, and that was it. When he worked out it was usually just running for a few miles up and down the street or breaking into Michael's house to use the treadmill and even that didn't happen too often because Sam had so much other stuff to do with the kids and the house and Dean. To get up so early everyday and travel an hour and work out all before going to a 12 hour job sounded absolutely exhausting.
"I told Dean I wanted to build a gym in the garage, but he said he likes a fat Christmas ass."
"He's adorable. So charming. You're so lucky."
"He's okay. I mean he smells really good all the time, so there's that."
"And he's very handsome."
"Yeah." Sam said before sighing. "He's a good dad too. Yeah, he's perfect I guess."
"Sounds like it." Melody laughed. "What's on the schedule today?"
"Breakfast so Milo doesn't kill us all, then everyone's leaving except for you and Zora. Then I thought maybe you two could go check out the town, there's a great little cafe that we love."
"I'd love that."
"Then tonight we'll spend at least three hours in the freezing cold while Dean finds the perfect Christmas tree, we'll come home and we'll all hope and pray he doesn't burn down the forest during our annual marshmallow roasting, and then we decorate the family tree. My dad's probably on his way here now and Michael will be here this afternoon."
"It's a full day."
"Everyday." Sam laughed. "We are a well oiled machine. I'm hoping Dean might be able to trim the tree selection process down to a lean two hours especially if Buster comes with us."
"Is he picky?"
"Uh...he's very particular."
Saying Dean was particular about the family tree was a bit of an understatement. Antony had put up three other trees throughout the house and Dean didn't give two shits about them even though the one in the formal living room was magnificent. He only cared about the tree that would be just outside the family room by the stairs. That was the one the kids would help decorate and that was the one they'd opened presents around on Christmas morning. There was also talk of a second tree for the kid's bedroom upstairs for their handmade ornaments, but Sam wasn't sure if that was still the plan.
Just when Sam was about to recommend some places for Melody to visit in town with Zora he heard a car door slam outside. It was still plenty early, but there was a very good chance that John had woken up earlier than usual and couldn't wait to get to Vermont. Sam was so excited to see him and he knew the kids would be too. After all he was a fantastic grandpa and a really good dad as well. Sam was all ready for his big boy hug when John came in through the side entrance, and he was super excited that he'd get one before Dean.
"You're such a jackass." John said as he smacked Sam in the back of the head. "You ruin everything!"
"What the hell!"
"I don't even want to look at your stupid face right now."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have come to my house?"
"You ruined Christmas." John said as he narrowed his eyes. "And don't give me any crap about how many Christmases I ruined because I talked to Aaron and he agreed that you're the worst and that I'm the best."
"I told you never to listen to Aaron!"
"Should I..." Melody said before standing up. "I'll go...pee?"
"Who the hell are you?"
"Jesus, dad. This is Melody, Zora's friend."
"Nice to meet you." John smiled. "Is Sam ruining your life too because he's selfish and a jerk?"
"Not yet?"
"Not ever! What the hell are you all worked up about? Did you eat a spicy chicken biscuit?"
It was quite obvious that John had gone to bed pissed off and then drove five hours by himself stewing in silence without even the radio to keep him company. Sam, like 'Yonce, was flawless, so he knew he hadn't done anything wrong and there was no possible way he had ruined anything, much less Christmas. In fact he had saved Christmas by kidnapping the kids. Some people would probably agree that he was the greatest American hero that ever lived. There probably should have been some kind of ceremony, or at least a sash and crown, Ollie style.
"The world doesn't revolve around you."
"That's not what wikipedia says."
"I have other grandkids." John said before turning to Melody. "A half black one and a Mexican, they're both awesome."
"They sound wonderful and...varied."
"Ever since Buster was born all I kept hearing was how no one is going to Vermont, we're all staying home, and then you, the worst father ever, decide to do whatever the hell you want."
"More like best father ever. The kids are so happy to be here. Everybody wanted to come."
"I didn't." John said. "I wanted to stay at home and spend Christmas with my whole family. Anthony and Bruce aren't going to be here for Christmas and neither are Jeremy and Aaron."
"Why aren't Jeremy and Aaron coming?"
"You know Aaron does the midnight mass, it's Max's first Christmas and it's not fair that they have to spend Christmas alone in the barn because you wanted to come up here."
"They can come up here after he's done on Christmas Eve."
"That sounds like a great idea, I'm sure it won't be a huge inconvenience to drive five hours in the middle of the night on Christmas morning, with a baby."
Sam sighed as quietly as possible, but all that did was make John look even angrier. The truth was that Sam had a big family, his own family that lived under his roof and he had to worry about them. When he took the kids to Vermont he hadn't thought about anyone else, because it was his job to worry about his kids. It was shortsighted to not think about who was going to stay home and how John was going to divide his time, but if Sam worried about everyone all the time he'd go crazy.
"What the hell is everyone yelling about?" Dean asked as he walked into the kitchen. "Christ are you a supermodel or something? You're gorgeous."
"Morning." Melody said awkwardly. "Thanks?"
"Dad just showed up and hit me."
"What the hell did he do that for?"
"Because I ruined Christmas by wanting to have it here for our family. He said I was the worst dad ever."
"Whoa." Dean said as he held up his hands. "We all know that Justin's the worst dad ever."
"I'm serious, Dean!" John shot back. "You promised we'd stay home and now I either stay here and I don't see Max and Charlie or I go home and don't see the kids."
"Don't we..."
"No, you don't get preferential treatment because you have fourteen kids. I want to see everyone."
"Then see everyone, shit." Dean sighed. "Aaron and Jeremy are going to have to come here, neither of them can cook. If they have to fly in on Christmas morning then they have to fly in on Christmas morning. After we have breakfast and open presents, you and mom can fly back to Westport and have dinner and presents with everyone down there."
"Who has time to fly all over the place!"
"It's a forty-five minute flight. Calm down before you stroke out."
John narrowed his eyes again and then ignored everyone to fix himself a cup of coffee. The kitchen stayed quiet for quite a while and Sam wasn't about to say anything. He just kept cutting his oranges and keeping to himself. Melody, who must have felt incredibly awkward took out her phone and began to stare at it while Dean fixed his own cup of coffee and began warming a bottle for Buster before kissing Sam on the cheek.
"I get to take Mikey home with me."
"No deal, old man." Dean scoffed. "You can take Jeremy, Aaron, Max, and Alex."
"And Mary."
"You're not taking any of our kids." Sam said as he shook his head. "None of them are..."
"You can have Milo."
"Dean!"
"Fine, none of the kids...unless Michael decides he wants to go with you, but then we get to keep...Sammy, who do you like more? Aaron or Jeremy?"
"Ugh, neither."
"You know what?" John said before he shrugged. "Whatever you two want. As long as neither of you are inconvenienced. Melody, it was nice to meet you."
"You too."
John shook Melody's hand, grabbed Buster's bottle out of the sink, and left with his coffee mug. He was really upset, but there just wasn't an option that was going to make everyone happy. It was true, Sam wanted to be in Vermont, but so did the kids. John wanted to be with everyone, which was possible, but not without a little bit of traveling. If Aaron didn't want to fly on Christmas day he was going to have to give up midnight mass, but Sam knew he was never going to do that, it was his super bowl and he wasn't going to miss it for anything especially since it would be Max's first.
"Dad's going to want to be at midnight mass." Sam said under his breath. "It's too important to Aaron."
"I just realized that. So he'll stay here a few days, go home, go to mass, come back with mom and everyone else, and then leave again to have Christmas dinner in Westport."
"I have to go check on some work stuff." Melody said as she stood up. "Sam, did you need any help with breakfast?"
"No, no, thank you. I'm sorry about...all of this."
"Family, I get it."
"Stay." Dean said. "No work weekend, remember?"
"You two don't need some privacy?"
"It's fine." Sam said as he shook his head. "Did you check on the kids?"
"All sound asleep, except for Buster who was playing with his feet. Porter woke up Matty because they're leaving in a little bit."
"After breakfast?"
"No, they're going to stop and getting something on the way to the airport."
"Good luck finding something better than my waffles."
"I told his dumbass that. He's only a slightly better father than Justin. Justin lets Charlie have ice cream for breakfast."
Sam was sure Melody didn't really care too much about the fifty-six reasons Justin was the worst, but while Dean went through them in order of severity she listened intently. Sam had already heard the first fifty-four just two days ago, so he waited to hear the two newest reasons he got back to work on breakfast. He made very quick work of the oranges and got a whole pitcher of juice made, Dean quickly set the table and then Sam finally began on the waffles. It hadn't been an hour, but they batter was already light and foamy, which was going to work out just fine.
Dean was around reason fourteen and Sam was pulling out waffle number six when the door to the kitchen opened again. Sam immediately prepared himself for another guilt onslaught from John and he was extremely relieved when he saw a tuft of messy bright blond hair walking into the kitchen. Mikey was pretty good about getting up and getting ready for school in the morning, but on weekends and holidays he was downright sluggish. He looked positively grumpy too which concerned Sam a little until he heard whispering and prodding coming from the other side of the kitchen door. John was out there coaching him, which also meant he had woken Mikey up and forced him downstairs.
"Daddy." Mikey said very awkwardly. "Christmas is a time when baby Jesus likes to hang out with his family and Jesus is a pretty okay guy."
"Wow, you're not even trying." Sam said as he walked over. "You're just repeating exactly what he told you."
"You're paranoid and tall and stupid and not a lot of people like you."
"Go on..."
"If we ignore our family, the people who mean the most to us then we're a bunch of asses and...uh..."
"Tell him he's not the center of the universe." John hissed from behind the door. "And call him fat."
"You're fat." Mikey said flatly. "Oh, and you have underdeveloped calves."
"Excuse me!"
"Daddy, I was sleeping and he woke me up. I can't care about things this early in the morning."
"Underdeveloped calves! Dean! Dean!"
"Sammy, calm down. You're perfect, everyone thinks so."
"You're a fat slut."
"Stop it!" Sam said as he pulled open the kitchen door. "You're acting like a child."
John was squatting down on the ground with Buster in his arms and he tried really hard to pretend like he wasn't behind the door making sure Mikey did his bidding correctly. Everyone in the kitchen could hear him, he wasn't fooling anyone and yet he still just played it off like he was tying his shoe even though both hands were occupied, one with holding Buster and the other with holding a bottle. Sam would have taken both away from him, but he was so over John he couldn't do anything but roll his eyes and head back to the waffles.
"Wait a minute." Mikey said as he looked over. "Well, how are you doing this fine morning?"
"I'm very well." Melody laughed. "I'm Melody."
"Mikey Sammy Winchester." Mikey said as he extended his hand. "Charmed."
"Likewise."
"Aren't you beguiling?"
"Uh-oh." Dean whispered. "He's got that look in his eye."
Sam had to laugh because Mikey really was putting on the charm. It was actually kind of cute and he immediately took a liking to Melody, which was understandable because she was great. They chatted for a few minutes and then John decided to come in to the kitchen and stop hiding outside. He refused to give up Buster, which was understandable, but he didn't say anything else about Christmas, which Sam was grateful for. They were going to figure everything out eventually and in the meantime they were going to have breakfast and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Dean didn't mind cooking. He didn't even really mind cleaning, he attributed that to being raised by John who was a big fan of doing shit that had to be done even if you didn't necessarily feel like doing it. Cooking and cleaning weren't torture, but Dean didn't hop out of bed each morning looking forward to doing either. After all he wasn't a freak, like Sam. Sam loved being in the kitchen, he loved doing laundry, and cleaning the bathroom was something he once compared to really good sex. Dean wasn't sure what they said about his skills in the bedroom, but he was grateful that he had someone to do the less fun stuff around the house.
Of course all marriages were about compromise, which was fine with Dean, even if that meant he had to do the shopping so Sam would have something to cook. In Westport it wasn't so bad because the grocery store was five minutes away and Dean could pick a couple of kids to go with him so they could all get free cookies. It was almost a fun experience, but in Vermont, it was a chore. The grocery store, the one Sam liked was a half hour away, they never gave out free cookies to kids or anyone else, and Dean always got "the stares".
They had been living in Westport long enough that when Dean went to the grocery it wasn't a big deal because everyone knew he lived there, everyone got in their good stares years ago and it was almost like he was a real life normal person. Since Dean was an infrequent visitor to Vermont people liked to look. They liked to whisper to whoever they were with, the fucking loved to point and a very brave few even liked to get out their phones to try for a picture.
Now Dean was a good guy, he was kind and patient, he could come three times in a row before needing a powernap and a fat free yogurt, but he could not stand people snapping pictures of him without even asking. It sent him into a rage and he had to actually stop what he was doing to calm himself down. If he happened to be with one of the kids and it happened then all bets were off because no one took pictures of his kids without his permission, especially pictures of Evan, because he didn't like strangers.
"Daddy wants good brie." Evan said as Dean pushed the basket. "We should tell him they were out because I hate brie. We'll get camembert instead."
"Henri just brought like 40 pounds of cheese, why do we need more?"
"You're right. We'll get a nice chevre. Daddy likes to have cheese available to guests."
"We'll get string cheese for you and me and that's it."
"Okay." Evan said as he crossed it off the list. "Oh, eggplants, but it says here you can't pick them out before you don't know how to do anything right."
"Did he write that down?" Dean asked. "What a jerk! He sure wasn't complaining about me doing things right after we ate breakfast."
"What happened after breakfast?"
"Uh...I fixed the car."
"Oh, good job, daddy!"
"You bet your ass it was a good job!"
Dean had actually rather mercilessly fucked Sam after breakfast while John hung out with the kids for a little bit. They were both in the bathroom getting dressed and ready for the day and Sam's ass was just looking absolutely delicious. Dean had to get a taste of that which lead to a pretty intense three finger situation while Sam was sitting up on the bathroom counter with one leg against the wall. It was a lot of fun, but Dean figured if he was going to finger Sam to orgasm he might as well fuck him to one instead. That way they could both get off, which they did and it was fan-fucking-tastic, a great way to restart the day after all of John's BS.
"Are you okay?"
"Hmm?" Dean asked before shaking his head. "Yeah, just thinking about how I didn't get enough to eat."
"You had three waffles."
"Ain't nobody thinking about waffles."
"Oh, daddy, look at those eggplants!"
"How many do we need?"
"Twelve."
"What the hell does anyone need that many eggplants for?"
Evan didn't elaborate much, but apparently if Dean wanted to have something delicious to eat for dinner tomorrow they needed twelve eggplants. Dean picked out one that was nice and squishy and obviously totally ripe, which Evan immediately vetoed because it was way past it's prime. It made sense then that a very firm one would be perfect, but according to Evan it wouldn't be ready to eat for at least another two days, maybe three. At that point Dean gave up and let Evan go through the great big stack of eggplants looking for ones that would be suitable for whatever Sam was making. Dean was hoping for eggplant lasagna, but he didn't want to say anything and jinx it.
While Evan worked on the eggplants Dean walked over to get some of the other stuff on the list. He knew how to pick out grapes, bananas, and seventeen more pounds of oranges for juice and he even grabbed one of the premade vegetable trays just to keep around for snacking. When Dean was looking for some snow peas, Mikey's favorite for dipping in ranch, he saw a quick faint flash of light which set him on high alert.
Because he had one eye on Evan, Dean couldn't tell what the light was until it happened again, and then once more. At that point Dean stop watching Evan for a split second to see what was going on. He already had a fairly good idea, because he wasn't stupid, but he was praying for something, anything else. In fact his mood changed so abruptly that Dean was half hoping the flashes were coming from aliens ready to abduct him.
When another flash went off not ten feet from his face, Dean went from being annoyed to being angry. The light was so bright it had stunned him for just a second, but Dean had always been very quick to recover, especially when he felt like one of his kids were in trouble. Evan was physically fine, he was safe, but he was also sensitive, he scared easily and Dean wasn't having that. Without giving it a second thought Dean took two big strides forward, reached out, grabbed, and yanked as hard as he could, pulling towards him a person with a camera.
Because he was so incredibly pissed off Dean did what he always did, he took the camera and threw it as hard as he could. It slammed into the wall with incredibly force, breaking into several pieces. That took care of one problem, but Dean still had another to deal with. He was actually considering some good old fashioned violence until he took a good look and finally realized he didn't have a firm grasp on a man's jacket, it was holding on to a terrified kid, at which point he immediately let go.
"What the hell." Dean said as he backed away. "What are you twelve?"
"I'm sixteen and you assaulted me! I should call the police."
"You're taking pictures of me and my fucking kid. I should call the police."
"You broke my camera!"
"That was an accident, it slipped."
Dean ignored the kid for a second to turn around and check on Evan to make sure he was okay. He was paying attention, but quickly turned away because he had been given the great task of bringing home a dozen eggplants. Since he was fine, Dean turned back to the kid who was about to make a beeline for the remains of his camera. Dean beat him to it and snapped the memory card in half before handing it over. That went over like a fart in church because the kid once again threatened to call the police, which Dean was fine with, it wasn't like he was going to get in trouble.
Several other customers were just kind of standing around watching the scene unfold and Dean couldn't have been less bothered. He listened to some ranting and raving for another few seconds and just stayed quiet, because he could see an extremely scared looking manager rushing over towards them. She was young, she look a bit frazzled, and Dean was sure he could put the charm on her. After all, he hadn't done a thing wrong.
"Mr. Winchester, is everyone okay?"
"Fine." Dean smiled. "Just doing some grocery shopping."
"He broke my camera, assaulted me, probably was going to kill me."
"Floyd, be quiet."
"Floyd?" Dean laughed. "You've got bigger problems than a broken camera, clearly your parents hate you."
"Mr. Winchester, I apologize. We won't let anything like this happen again and I hope this experience won't dissuade you from shopping with us again."
"Well, I don't know." Dean said as he turned his nose up in the air. "My son is traumatized."
"Daddy." Evan said as he walked over. "I want a pomegranate for a special treat."
"My son would like your finest pomegranate."
"Organic, please!"
Evan was unscathed and he left the grocery store with a free organic pomegranate, which he wanted to eat on the ride home. Dean decided to talk him out of it because the last thing he needed was Sam having a complete meltdown because there were pomegranate stains all over the backseat of his car. Instead Dean got Evan a string cheese and grabbed one for himself. He was just about to get Evan into his seat when the same manager from inside the car approached again looking just as frazzled.
"Mr. Winchester, I wanted to explain about Floyd. He's a good kid."
"Oh, I'm sure."
"His father got hurt at his job this summer. They've been having some trouble making ends meet. He thought if he could get some pictures someone would buy them."
"Oh, shit." Dean sighed. "I don't want to hear about this."
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to explain why he was..."
"Evan, come on." Dean said as he held out his hand. "Is he still inside?"
"Yes, sir."
Dean didn't want to hear about Floyd's problems, not because he didn't care, but because it was going to make him care too much. As expected Dean felt absolutely terrible for breaking the camera, and grabbing him, and maybe, just maybe overreacting a teensy, tiny bit. He asked Evan his opinion, but he was way too busy struggling with trying to get his string cheese open. Dean opened it for him, then went back into the grocery store and straight to the ATM. He got out as much money as he could from one card, then switched to another one to get the maximum again. It was more than enough to cover the broken camera and to help out with some holiday expenses.
"Hey." Dean said once he had found Floyd. "I overreacted."
"You think so?"
"I'm sorry. I realize you were just trying to help your family."
"Yeah, well, I guess maybe this wasn't the best way to go about it."
"You keep your distance, don't use your flash, and don't run back and forth trying to get a shot. That only makes you more noticeable."
"I guess you've got some experience."
"You could say that." Dean said as he handed over the money. "For your camera. Do you know where I live?"
"Yeah..."
"Be there tomorrow, I need someone to shovel out the driveway."
"I can't take all this money."
"Okay, give it back."
"Oh." Floyd said. "I just said that because I thought that's what you're supposed to say."
"You say thank you, that's all."
"Thank you, Mr. Winchester."
Dean nodded, took Evan's hand again, and then walked out of the grocery store. Floyd didn't know the driveway was a mile long, but Dean wasn't going to make him shovel the whole thing, he just needed around the house and the garage done. He hated dragging snow into the car and Sam hated when snow got dragged into the house. Floyd could make some money, Dean's ears wouldn't get cold, and everyone would be happy. It was a pretty good deal, and Dean felt a lot better knowing he was going to help out someone who needed it.
After the half hour drive, Dean made it back home with all the many, many bags of groceries. It took him and Evan three trips to get them all into the kitchen, where Sam was still doing shit. Dean didn't know what the hell he was up to now, but it smelled great and that was always a good sign. Wasting no time Evan told Sam all about the ordeal at the grocery store, which earned quite a few disappointed clucks.
"Stop making that sound."
"You can't beat someone up because they take a picture."
"I wasn't gonna."
"What if it had been an adult?"
"I may have accidentally punched him in the face until he was dead."
"I can't deal with you right now." Sam said as he wiped off his hands. "Go talk to Mikey. Something's wrong with him."
"What do you mean?"
"He's in the garage. Take that stuff to the freezer."
Dean grabbed a whole stack of crap and made his way out of the kitchen, through the laundry room and into the garage where the big freezer was. Sure enough Mikey was in there and something was definitely wrong with him. He wasn't sick or anything and he looked like he always did, he was just doing something very strange and very awkwardly. Dean wasn't really sure what to think, so he just put away the groceries and then went and walked over to where Mikey was attempting to dribble a basketball.
"Hey."
"Hey, daddy."
"What are you doing with that sports ball?"
"This is a basketball." Mikey said before he sighed. "I mean, really."
"You know the only baskets Sammy allows in this house are vintage French bread baskets."
"I'm learning to play basketball."
"Why?" Dean asked. "They don't even get to wear tight pants. No one will notice your shapely Winchester rump."
"I..."
"Football is all about the ass. Baseball is for the bulges. You're not ready for bulge heavy activity, but your ass is coming in nicely."
"I'm going to play basketball."
"I don't understand what you're trying to say to me."
"Charlie and I are going to play basketball. Signups are in January."
"I don't know what you mean."
Mikey explained himself again, and then he did it a third time, but Dean was still confused. To be fair he knew what basketball was, he knew how it was played, and he had played it before and after his ass and bulge had come in. He even understood Charlie playing basketball, but he was having just a little bit of trouble understanding what exactly Mikey wanted to do and what he was trying to accomplish with the big orange ball.
"Where did you even get that thing?"
"Grandpa brought it up from home."
"Grandpa." Dean said as he rolled his eyes. "He's the worst. I'm still confused."
"How are you confused? And what does your penis have to do with playing basketball?"
"My penis has to do with all things."
"I want to try out for the basketball team." Mikey said slowly. "I want to play basketball on a team"
"Did you tell Sammy?"
"He stripped down to his underwear and told me he has a soccer butt and thighs."
"Right. See, that I understand."
"I'm going to play basketball."
In an attempt to prove his point Mikey dribbled the ball exactly twice before it hit him in the face and rolled to the other side of the garage. Judging by how unfazed he was, it probably wasn't the first time he had hit himself in the face, and knowing how determined he was it wouldn't be the last. Dean was thrilled he wanted to play a sport, but he never thought it would be basketball. He had sort of already decided to be a soccer dad and he didn't know how he felt about basketball, especially considering how terrible Mikey was at it.
"I'm not so good right now."
"You're not bad. Let me show you how to do that right."
"Did you play basketball in school?"
"I would have, but they wore shorts." Dean said as he picked up the ball. "And as you may recall, grandpa is the worst. He wouldn't let me do anything."
"Are you going to let me play basketball?"
"Of course I am." Dean laughed. "At least until your bulge comes in."
"It's almost there." Mikey said as he looked down. "Butt looks good."
"As a Winchester, you'll be blessed with both."
Dean wasn't terribly sporty, he wasn't going to pretend to be, and trying to play basketball in jeans and a pair of heavy boots wasn't exactly easy, but he showed Mikey everything he knew, even if it wasn't much. They dribbled back and forth for about a half hour and by the time they were done, Mikey had actually made some pretty decent progress. He wasn't about to get drafted into the NBA, but at least his face wouldn't be bruised for Christmas pictures.
"Looking good." Sam said from the laundry room. "Mikey, can I borrow daddy for a minute?"
"Sure."
"What's up, Sammy?" Dean asked as he walked over. "You need something."
"Get your ass in the bathroom." Sam whispered. "Bedroom's too clean for what I'm going to do to you."
"Wait, what are...hey!"
Sam grabbed Dean by his shirt, pulled him into the house and then pushed him into the nearest bathroom, which meant they had to stumble through the kitchen and the living room. Sam slammed the door shut behind him and immediately dropped down to his knees and began to pull at Dean's belt. Just when Dean was completely ready for what he thought would be a stellar world class blow job, Sam yanked down his jeans all the way, spun him around, and dove in face first.
"Oh, shit." Dean moaned as he leaned over further. "Sammy, what the hell."
"You taste so good."
"Fuck...oh, God, get that ass."
"You like that?"
"Fucking hell..."
"I'm going to order you a new basketball outfit. You're one hot little fuck, aren't you?"
"Oh, Jesus. Remind me to thank dad for bringing the basketball. Oh, shit!"
Dean reached backwards and pushed Sam's face in further. It wasn't even noon and they were already well on their way to fuck number two and Dean couldn't have been happier. Sam was obviously pretty happy as well because he stayed down on his knees for a good twenty minutes before he stood up and delivered a quick and brutal fucking that had Dean making a mess in the sink. It was a good day, and Dean decided right then and there that he was going to have to teach Mikey how to play all the sports just as long as he knew Sam was watching and waiting for a quick game of one on one.
For someone who was so scared of something horrible happening to the kids Dean really had no problem with them all standing around a freaking raging inferno. The bonfire had started out as a little campfire, which was the perfect size for roasting some marshmallows and keeping warm. Somehow the whole thing had ballooned and it was about five feet wide. They were far enough away from the house that Sam didn't care about the ground getting scorched, the snow would cover it before morning anyway, but the roaring flames were making him a little bit nervous.
The kids were fine though because they had excellent adult supervision. Dean and John were there of course, Alex had arrived and Melody was assisting Mary. The two of them had become fast friends and Mary was clearly loving having someone as pretty as she was around. Zora didn't count because she mostly wore pants, which Mary would never understand. Even standing out in the cold she had on a dress with tights on under it, but it was still a dress, she wouldn't have it any other way.
Zora, who had said many times she wasn't afraid of anything, did seem to be afraid of the fire, or at least wary of it. She insisted that her hair was going to catch on fire, so she was keeping her distance. Sam was going to use the same excuse, but he really just didn't like being so close to all that smoke and flame. It made him stink, and besides he had more precious matters to attend to, or at least that was the plan until Michael arrived and started acting like a jerk.
"Is he warm enough?"
"Get back, he's fine."
"I want to hold him."
"You hold him all the time. Get back, you."
"You're the least favorite of all my children." Sam said. "You know that, right?"
"I don't care. I got a baby."
Michael turned his nose up to the air, moved a full step away and cuddled Buster closer. Because it was so chilly out Buster was dressed up nice and warm and he was safe and secure inside Michael's heavy jacket. He was still about half awake and every few minutes he'd kind of peek his head up and try to look around before snuggling down close to Michael's chest again. It was really Sam's job to keep him warm, but he was going to let Michael do it, just because he was a nice guy.
"He is wiggling his toes all over the place."
"He's trying to avoid frostbite." Sam said. "I can't believe that dumbass kept us at the tree farm for two hours."
"It ain't easy finding the perfect tree. Christmas is ruined without a perfect tree."
"That's what I've heard."
"Jason is obsessed with those aluminum trees. We found him one on Ebay. He was so happy."
"Why an aluminum tree?"
"He says our grandma had one. I don't remember that or her. He had to have it though, gonna put it in his living room."
"Michael, he's going to be fine."
"Shoot, I know that."
At the beginning of December, just a few weeks ago Jason had moved into his own little apartment. It was about seven minutes away from Michael's house, but it may as well have been on the moon. The apartment was actually pretty nice, it was small, but Jason was on his own and he didn't need much. He had his own bedroom, a little kitchen, and a nice sized living area. Sam even bought him a fancy television as a housewarming present and Jason seemed pretty happy with everything. Michael wasn't happy though. Given the choice Jason would have stayed living with him and Alex forever and they would have raised the families together, but eventually all big brothers had to leave their little brother's nests.
"Stubborn as a mule."
"Why?"
"That damned bike." Michael sighed. "He don't want a car until he can pay for it himself. I hate that bike. It's dangerous."
"You two can't do everything for him. He's a grown man. He'll be fine."
"He said he couldn't come with us because of the baby. Now he's there all by himself with that girl. Doing only God knows what, compromising his Christianity."
"Stop calling her that girl, and he's not alone, Mom and Anthony are there, Justin, Jenny, any one of them would help him if he needed it."
"That girl..."
"Michael!"
About the same time Jason decided to move out Michael decided that he didn't really like Angie. To be fair to him he never explicitly said he didn't like her and she certainly didn't do anything to make him dislike her, but he had started calling her "that girl." Sam was sure nothing had happened, because Michael would have said something, and that it was more about someone stealing his brother away. It seemed very unlikely that Angie had convinced Jason to move, but that's apparently what Michael thought. Some girl had come between him and his brother and he was not having it, even if that girl was pregnant and even if Jason loved her more than anything else in the world, with the obvious exception of Michael.
"Why doesn't she talk?" Michael asked. "She ain't even told her mamma she's pregnant."
"She's shy."
"She's a man eater!"
"You're being ridiculous."
"You're supposed to be on my side. That's my big brother."
"And he always will be your big brother. Being angry at her because he decided to move out is a little immature."
"Dad told me that if I woman tries to come between you and your brother you gotta fight her."
"Really?" Sam asked. "You're taking advice from him? You have any idea what he did to his brother today?"
"No, but I know that you chewed on his ass for a half hour. You make me sick!"
"What the hell! Why would he tell you that?"
"You know he texted Alex, and you know I snoop through his phone. I got a good man, I gotta make sure he knows if he cheats on me I'm gonna find out and kill him, take all his money and dye my hair blonde."
"Hey baby!" Alex waved. "Love you!"
"Love you too!" Michael said before he whispered. "I'll seriously kill him dead."
While Sam considered killing Dean just to spice things up, he wondered what could be done about Michael. Normally he was so level headed, but Jason leaving really got to him. Sam understood it completely, but he also thought it was time. It was fine to be close to your family and Sam's ass was a testament to how close he was to his brother, but Michael and Jason just leaned on each other a little too often. Jason had eventually been the one to step away and Sam was glad he did because Michael never would have.
After ten more minutes outside Sam finally decided to officially end the smores buffet. The kids had eaten more than enough chocolate and marshmallows and it was getting late. If they were going to make any progress on the family tree they were going to have to get started as soon as possible. Sam was going to have to finish it after all the kids crashed, but he didn't mind so much because he knew Dean and maybe Alex and Michael would stay up with him. Hopefully they could all talk some sense into Michael or at least get him to stop acting like Angie was some black widow.
The tree Dean picked out for the family room was an impressive ten foot blue spruce. It was way too big, but Dean argued that it was a perfect specimen, just full enough, and anything shorter than ten feet would look ridiculous in a room with twelve foot ceilings. Sam didn't want to argue so he let Dean have his way, and then he let him have it again when he bought a second seven foot tree for the kid's bedroom. It was tall and skinny, and Sam did agree that it would fit nicely in one of the corners.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"
"What, what what?" Sam asked as he squatted down. "What's wrong?"
"I want more." Milo said sweetly. "Mores smores."
"You still have half a smore on your face. I'm gonna kiss it off!"
"No, daddy!"
"Yes!"
Milo tried to get away but Sam kissed him all over making him erupt in a fit of giggles. All the kids were a mess, except for Mikey since he could eat food with getting it all over his face. He was about to take everyone to get cleaned up when Michael finally handed over Buster and volunteered to do the job himself. Sam was thrilled to have Buster back, but he was even happier that it would take Michael at least five minutes to scrape the chocolate and marshmallow off the kids.
"You need to talk to Michael."
"About what?" Dean asked. "He's gorgeous."
"He's mad at Angie, because..."
"Don't get me started on that little home wrecker." Dean said before he rolled his eyes. "It sickens me."
"Why?"
"She stole Jason away from Michael."
"They're weren't dating! Am I the only one who realizes that?"
"I do." Alex said. "Honestly I think Michael would be less upset if some little tramp stole me."
"She is a tramp." Dean added. "At least that's what Michael says."
"You can't be this retarded. That girl is as sweet as can be. Yes, she's quiet, because she's shy, but she's been nothing but nice to all of us."
"But she dug her hooks into Jason, which is what all women do."
"Women within earshot." Zora said. "Standing right here."
"Most women." Dean said correcting himself. "That girl saw Jason coming and she did everything she could to get what she wanted."
"And what was that?"
"Hot ginger dick!" Alex yelled. "The best kind!"
"Hot ginger dick." Dean said as he shook his head. "The holy grail of dick."
"What the hell is wrong with you two!"
Just to make sure he wasn't crazy Sam slapped Alex and Dean at the same time. They both began to cry like little bitches, but no one seemed to care. Alex was going to always side with Michael, because after all, he was addicted to that hot ginger dick, but Sam expected a lot more from Dean. To cast Angie as the villain was just ridiculous because Sam had honestly never met such a sweet person in his life. She wouldn't hurt a fly and there was no way she had anything to do with Jason leaving. Dean had to have known that, but he wasn't about to disagree with Michael.
"I dated a girl with red hair once." Melody said. "She was crazy."
"Was it red down there too?" Dean whispered. "I need to know for science."
"Yes."
"You are crazy stupid hot." John said before clearing his throat. "Sorry, I uh...yeah."
"Thank you, John. We're going to leave you guys to decorate your tree."
"Oh, you can stay."
"Dad." Sam said. "Keep it in your pants, huh?"
"It is in my pants."
"Not for long by the looks of it."
"Shut up, Dean!"
"Night guys." Zora sighed. "Come on, let's get you out of here. Apparently he becomes more and more irresistible for reasons no one can explain."
Zora quickly ushered Melody out of the room and past John who was smiling with the biggest, corniest, most predatory shit eating grin Sam had ever seen. He actually looked like that damned creepy Cheshire cat and since he arrived he had been very interested in Melody. She didn't seem to mind and neither did Zora, but Sam didn't need John being a damned creeper when they were just getting to know Melody. The best part was that Dean had taken John aside and explain the situation and that seemed to just make him more interested. Sam couldn't even think about what that said about his father and he really didn't want to.
"Why you gotta be so creepy, sexy old man?" Alex asked. "That job is taken."
"She's super hot."
"You told her that like ten times. You never tell me I'm hot."
"I don't find you that hot."
"Whatever!" Alex scoffed. "Dean, did you hear what he just said to me?"
"I heard it, I don't believe it though."
"Oh, God." Sam groaned. "Can you all just shut up and focus on Michael?"
"Sammy." Dean said as he walked over. "You know Michael, we all do. He has been through enough that if he wants to blame this girl for everything wrong with the world to make things easier on himself then I'm going to let him do it and agree with him 100%."
"But..."
"Shh, shut your dick holster. She didn't do anything wrong, we all know that, Michael knows that, but this is easier. So let him say whatever he wants and chill the fuck out because no matter what he says to us he'll never say anything to Jason or Angie because he's not a dick. He's a good boy."
"My dick holster?"
"Yeah." Dean laughed. "Because that's where I put my dick at the end of the day. Let him vent, he's upset. It'll be fine. Pushing him is only going to make it worse. Alex is going to bottom tonight to keep his mind off of it."
"I am?" Alex asked. "I don't remember agreeing to that."
"Do you need tips? I practically tore Sam in half this morning."
"You two have sex too much." John said. "But that shouldn't surprise me since Sam's such a filthy Christmas ruining slut."
"I am." Sam nodded. "How many underage girls was it that I stuck my dick in?"
"That's not fair!"
"Neither is you constantly saying I ruined Christmas. Guess what? No one cares, my family is the only thing that matters, get the fuck over it!"
"Jesus, Sammy." Dean whispered. "Overreact much?"
John spent a few minutes with his mouth hanging wide open before he scoffed and moved to the other side of the room away from everyone. Sam had officially had enough. In fact he didn't give it shit where anyone was for Christmas. He was at home with his kids and Dean and that was all that mattered. The kids might not be thrilled if John wasn't around on Christmas morning, but shit happened and they'd get over it, everyone would.
"Lay off of him."
"He's the one who keeps bringing it up."
"I'm sorry." Dean said. "I thought you were a mature rational adult. He's trying to guilt you into going home, don't buy into it."
"I'm not."
"Really? Could have fooled me."
"He's an ass!"
"Sam." Dean said sternly. "Enough."
"Did you just use your daddy voice on me? You looking to get reamed out again?"
"You ignore him and I'll let you do whatever you want. It's family tree night, neither of you are going to ruin this for the kids."
Ignoring John was going to be an awful lot of work, but for the kids, and another crack at Dean's ass, Sam was going to do it. He just decided to not even look at him and tune him out completely. Whatever issues they were having were going to have to wait because Dean was right, all the they were going to do was ruin the night for the kids who looked forward to decorating the tree all year. Sam was going to enjoy it too, but he was slightly distracted because Dean's daddy voice had really done it for him. He couldn't wait until all the kids were sleeping and he could engage in a little brotherly face sitting.
When they kids came back they were all fresh faced and mostly marshmallow free. Milo was going to need a good pressure wash, but everyone else was okay. Mary immediately became outraged that Melody had left, but she got over it when Dean distracted her with a couple of extra sparkly ornaments. She tried her best to wear them as earrings, but Dean very quickly put a stop to that and reminded Mary that she still had eleven years until she could get her ears pierced.
The family room tree wasn't all fancy and perfectly coordinated like the one in the living room, but Sam loved it just as much. It was home to his collection of mismatched ornaments that all had some kind of special meaning. Some of them were handmade by the kids, a lot of them had been given a gifts, but most of them had marked milestones. There were wedding ornaments, from all seven times Sam had decided to give in and marry Dean. All the kids had their first Christmas ornaments complete with the date. Buster had a brand new one that Dean made a very big deal out of unwrapping and then placing in the dead center of the tree.
Sam hung a blown glass typewriter, which was a gift from Larry, Dean rummaged through all the ornaments looking for his glass Impala, and Ollie had a whole box full of assorted pink pigs. There were ballet slippers, hamburgers, more than one cat, and even a fancy glass beagle. It was such a mishmash, but Sam thought it was perfect. He loved the variety in the collection and how all the blown glass glistened against the twinkling lights, which Dean had expertly applied. It was a magical night, which unfortunately had to end eventually.
Buster was out first since it was way past his bedtime and he couldn't contribute much to decorating. Milo went next and took Evan with him since he didn't want to sit on the sofa alone. Mary followed with Ethan and then Mikey and Ollie finally curled up on the sofa and stared at the tree until they drifted off. There were still plenty of ornaments to hang, and some to rearrange, but the kids were out and Sam knew they were going to sleep well after the long day they had.
"Dad." Sam said after he pulled out an ornament. "Here."
"What is it?"
"It's the ornament from our first Christmas."
"Oh, I was looking everywhere for that one."
It seemed like yesterday when Sam went to the mall like an ordinary person with a picture of his little family in his pocket. Mikey was dressed up in a little elf suit being held by John who was sitting on the sofa. Dean was sitting next to him and Sam was on the arm. He was so skinny in the picture and they all looked so young. Sam had a copy of the picture made and a store in the mall had set it in a shiny brass frame. The brass had really dulled down over the years, but the picture still looked the same.
"Who would have thought." John said as he took the ornament. "Remember him working his ass off at that garage so Mikey could have a perfect Christmas?"
"He's never stopped working his ass off." Sam said as he smiled at Dean. "They charged me fifteen dollars for this ornament and I swear to God I worried about spending that much money until February at least."
"I don't miss that garage or barely scraping by each month."
"You didn't have money, John?" Alex asked. "Justin always said money was easy."
"Oh, it is, Dean wouldn't take a cent though, not for his son. He worked everyday, didn't buy a thing for himself. Sam...he took the money, paid the bills, went to the grocery. Dean never would have known if I threw in an extra hundred or so a month, but Sam wouldn't go for it."
John had offered a stack of bills at least a dozen times during that first year, but Sam had made a deal with Dean. They were going to give Mikey everything he needed and they were going to get it by earning it. Dean was going to work, Sam was going to stay home, and one day they were going to save enough to have a little house, just the three of them, with an extra room for when John came to visit like for Christmas.
"I'm sorry, dad."
"What?"
"I'm sorry." Sam said again. "I know you wanted to have Christmas at home."
"I just want us to all be together." John said before he paused. "And you two get to decide where that happens. That's fair because both of you have been working everyday for the past ten years. You two take care of everyone else, the least we can do is hop on a plane for an hour. I'll talk to Jeremy and Aaron tomorrow."
"Shoot, I already told them."
"What?" Sam asked as he spun around. "What'd you say?"
"I told them they'd have to come up here for Christmas if they wanted to see me." Michael said. "And believe you me, everyone wants to see me. I'm gorgeous."
Alex said something no doubt perverted under his breath, Dean sighed dramatically, and John just sort of shrugged and hung his ornament. John was still going to have to travel to and then from Vermont on Christmas day, but knowing Jeremy and Aaron were willing to come up after midnight mass just made things a whole lot easier. It was one problem resolved and now all Sam had to worry about whether or not his ass was going to hold up to another round with Dean.
Author: bitchandjerk
Characters: Sam/Dean,John/Mary/OFC OMCs OFCs Jared/Jensen,
Rating :R
Words10,000/3,648,900
Warnings: Wincest
Summary: John arrives in Vermont and accuses Sam of ruining Christmas.
Notes:: AU, rest are here.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.
Feedback: Makes me hard
It was useless to pretend he was in control of his own life, so Sam just decided to stop pretending. He had lost partial control the moment Milo popped out with his cute little nose and his bright red hair. He lost remaining control when Milo began to talk. Sam wasn't too upset about letting a two year old gain the upper hand, because his sweet baby was the sweetest baby in the world and he was going to get whatever he wanted, even if that meant getting up extra early after staying up extra late.
Last night after dinner the kids all went to bed and the adults cracked open another bottle of wine. No one got drunk but they all stayed up way too late just talking about everything and nothing at all at the same time. At one point they broke out a deck of cards and before Sam knew it Dean was fixing Buster his favorite 3am bottle which he just had to have everyday. Sam usually slept through that, but he was awake and stayed awake for another hour just talking and having fun with other adults. He made it to bed just after four and he was up three hours later because Milo absolutely was going to die if he didn't have waffles in the morning for breakfast. He was still sleeping, but Sam was in the kitchen, downing a scalding cup of coffee and working on his very special, very fluffy and moist Belgian waffles.
The problem with fixing waffles for breakfast was that Sam only had two irons, so he could only make two waffles at a time. He had a regular waffle iron that could make four at a time, but Milo was very specific when he requested "the big ones." That complicated things a bit, especially with extra houseguests, but Sam didn't mind. He was just going to have to pour the waffles, cook them up nice and crisp and then store them in the oven.
Before he could do that he had to work on the batter which needed to rise for an hour since Sam liked to use yeast in his waffles. It was easy enough to make and Sam had it done in about ten minutes, but he really wished he had done it before going to bed so he could have slept another hour. He ended up making triple the amount he usually did and then set the gigantic bowl in the oven to proof. It was just warm enough in there with only the pilot light on to make sure everything got nice and bubbly.
Since he had time to waste Sam cut up some strawberries and threw them on the stove with sugar to make a little fancy syrup, he heated up a bottle of genuine Vermont maple syrup, and he got started on some vanilla bean whipped cream. It seemed like an awful lot of work, but Sam really loved being in the kitchen and he loved feeding his family. He was actually really enjoying himself, even though he was tired, because he was still a little high on how much everyone loved dinner last night.
Just when Sam started to cut up oranges so he could squeeze some fresh juice for breakfast the kitchen door opened and Melody walked in. Now, she had gone to bed at the same time as Sam which meant she got the same amount of sleep, but she didn't look like she was tired at all. She was dressed for the day in a bulky sweater with jeans, her hair was pulled back in a neat and sleek ponytail and she had already done her makeup. She was polished from her head all the way down to her fantastic knee high boots and it made Sam feel a little self conscious about his plaid pajama pants with a fox on the butt.
"Good morning."
"Morning." Sam smiled. "Coffee?"
"Please, thank you."
"Did you have trouble sleeping?"
"Oh, no, it was wonderful, it's so quiet here." Melody said. "The room is perfect, the bed is so comfortable."
"Good, you're just up really early."
"I'm always up at this time get to the city, get to the gym, get to work. I actually got more sleep last night than I do most nights."
Sam nodded and quickly fixed a cup black coffee before getting Melody some sugar and cream to go in it. There was no denying that Sam worked very hard, but when he went to work he walked to the office, usually still in his pajamas, and that was it. When he worked out it was usually just running for a few miles up and down the street or breaking into Michael's house to use the treadmill and even that didn't happen too often because Sam had so much other stuff to do with the kids and the house and Dean. To get up so early everyday and travel an hour and work out all before going to a 12 hour job sounded absolutely exhausting.
"I told Dean I wanted to build a gym in the garage, but he said he likes a fat Christmas ass."
"He's adorable. So charming. You're so lucky."
"He's okay. I mean he smells really good all the time, so there's that."
"And he's very handsome."
"Yeah." Sam said before sighing. "He's a good dad too. Yeah, he's perfect I guess."
"Sounds like it." Melody laughed. "What's on the schedule today?"
"Breakfast so Milo doesn't kill us all, then everyone's leaving except for you and Zora. Then I thought maybe you two could go check out the town, there's a great little cafe that we love."
"I'd love that."
"Then tonight we'll spend at least three hours in the freezing cold while Dean finds the perfect Christmas tree, we'll come home and we'll all hope and pray he doesn't burn down the forest during our annual marshmallow roasting, and then we decorate the family tree. My dad's probably on his way here now and Michael will be here this afternoon."
"It's a full day."
"Everyday." Sam laughed. "We are a well oiled machine. I'm hoping Dean might be able to trim the tree selection process down to a lean two hours especially if Buster comes with us."
"Is he picky?"
"Uh...he's very particular."
Saying Dean was particular about the family tree was a bit of an understatement. Antony had put up three other trees throughout the house and Dean didn't give two shits about them even though the one in the formal living room was magnificent. He only cared about the tree that would be just outside the family room by the stairs. That was the one the kids would help decorate and that was the one they'd opened presents around on Christmas morning. There was also talk of a second tree for the kid's bedroom upstairs for their handmade ornaments, but Sam wasn't sure if that was still the plan.
Just when Sam was about to recommend some places for Melody to visit in town with Zora he heard a car door slam outside. It was still plenty early, but there was a very good chance that John had woken up earlier than usual and couldn't wait to get to Vermont. Sam was so excited to see him and he knew the kids would be too. After all he was a fantastic grandpa and a really good dad as well. Sam was all ready for his big boy hug when John came in through the side entrance, and he was super excited that he'd get one before Dean.
"You're such a jackass." John said as he smacked Sam in the back of the head. "You ruin everything!"
"What the hell!"
"I don't even want to look at your stupid face right now."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have come to my house?"
"You ruined Christmas." John said as he narrowed his eyes. "And don't give me any crap about how many Christmases I ruined because I talked to Aaron and he agreed that you're the worst and that I'm the best."
"I told you never to listen to Aaron!"
"Should I..." Melody said before standing up. "I'll go...pee?"
"Who the hell are you?"
"Jesus, dad. This is Melody, Zora's friend."
"Nice to meet you." John smiled. "Is Sam ruining your life too because he's selfish and a jerk?"
"Not yet?"
"Not ever! What the hell are you all worked up about? Did you eat a spicy chicken biscuit?"
It was quite obvious that John had gone to bed pissed off and then drove five hours by himself stewing in silence without even the radio to keep him company. Sam, like 'Yonce, was flawless, so he knew he hadn't done anything wrong and there was no possible way he had ruined anything, much less Christmas. In fact he had saved Christmas by kidnapping the kids. Some people would probably agree that he was the greatest American hero that ever lived. There probably should have been some kind of ceremony, or at least a sash and crown, Ollie style.
"The world doesn't revolve around you."
"That's not what wikipedia says."
"I have other grandkids." John said before turning to Melody. "A half black one and a Mexican, they're both awesome."
"They sound wonderful and...varied."
"Ever since Buster was born all I kept hearing was how no one is going to Vermont, we're all staying home, and then you, the worst father ever, decide to do whatever the hell you want."
"More like best father ever. The kids are so happy to be here. Everybody wanted to come."
"I didn't." John said. "I wanted to stay at home and spend Christmas with my whole family. Anthony and Bruce aren't going to be here for Christmas and neither are Jeremy and Aaron."
"Why aren't Jeremy and Aaron coming?"
"You know Aaron does the midnight mass, it's Max's first Christmas and it's not fair that they have to spend Christmas alone in the barn because you wanted to come up here."
"They can come up here after he's done on Christmas Eve."
"That sounds like a great idea, I'm sure it won't be a huge inconvenience to drive five hours in the middle of the night on Christmas morning, with a baby."
Sam sighed as quietly as possible, but all that did was make John look even angrier. The truth was that Sam had a big family, his own family that lived under his roof and he had to worry about them. When he took the kids to Vermont he hadn't thought about anyone else, because it was his job to worry about his kids. It was shortsighted to not think about who was going to stay home and how John was going to divide his time, but if Sam worried about everyone all the time he'd go crazy.
"What the hell is everyone yelling about?" Dean asked as he walked into the kitchen. "Christ are you a supermodel or something? You're gorgeous."
"Morning." Melody said awkwardly. "Thanks?"
"Dad just showed up and hit me."
"What the hell did he do that for?"
"Because I ruined Christmas by wanting to have it here for our family. He said I was the worst dad ever."
"Whoa." Dean said as he held up his hands. "We all know that Justin's the worst dad ever."
"I'm serious, Dean!" John shot back. "You promised we'd stay home and now I either stay here and I don't see Max and Charlie or I go home and don't see the kids."
"Don't we..."
"No, you don't get preferential treatment because you have fourteen kids. I want to see everyone."
"Then see everyone, shit." Dean sighed. "Aaron and Jeremy are going to have to come here, neither of them can cook. If they have to fly in on Christmas morning then they have to fly in on Christmas morning. After we have breakfast and open presents, you and mom can fly back to Westport and have dinner and presents with everyone down there."
"Who has time to fly all over the place!"
"It's a forty-five minute flight. Calm down before you stroke out."
John narrowed his eyes again and then ignored everyone to fix himself a cup of coffee. The kitchen stayed quiet for quite a while and Sam wasn't about to say anything. He just kept cutting his oranges and keeping to himself. Melody, who must have felt incredibly awkward took out her phone and began to stare at it while Dean fixed his own cup of coffee and began warming a bottle for Buster before kissing Sam on the cheek.
"I get to take Mikey home with me."
"No deal, old man." Dean scoffed. "You can take Jeremy, Aaron, Max, and Alex."
"And Mary."
"You're not taking any of our kids." Sam said as he shook his head. "None of them are..."
"You can have Milo."
"Dean!"
"Fine, none of the kids...unless Michael decides he wants to go with you, but then we get to keep...Sammy, who do you like more? Aaron or Jeremy?"
"Ugh, neither."
"You know what?" John said before he shrugged. "Whatever you two want. As long as neither of you are inconvenienced. Melody, it was nice to meet you."
"You too."
John shook Melody's hand, grabbed Buster's bottle out of the sink, and left with his coffee mug. He was really upset, but there just wasn't an option that was going to make everyone happy. It was true, Sam wanted to be in Vermont, but so did the kids. John wanted to be with everyone, which was possible, but not without a little bit of traveling. If Aaron didn't want to fly on Christmas day he was going to have to give up midnight mass, but Sam knew he was never going to do that, it was his super bowl and he wasn't going to miss it for anything especially since it would be Max's first.
"Dad's going to want to be at midnight mass." Sam said under his breath. "It's too important to Aaron."
"I just realized that. So he'll stay here a few days, go home, go to mass, come back with mom and everyone else, and then leave again to have Christmas dinner in Westport."
"I have to go check on some work stuff." Melody said as she stood up. "Sam, did you need any help with breakfast?"
"No, no, thank you. I'm sorry about...all of this."
"Family, I get it."
"Stay." Dean said. "No work weekend, remember?"
"You two don't need some privacy?"
"It's fine." Sam said as he shook his head. "Did you check on the kids?"
"All sound asleep, except for Buster who was playing with his feet. Porter woke up Matty because they're leaving in a little bit."
"After breakfast?"
"No, they're going to stop and getting something on the way to the airport."
"Good luck finding something better than my waffles."
"I told his dumbass that. He's only a slightly better father than Justin. Justin lets Charlie have ice cream for breakfast."
Sam was sure Melody didn't really care too much about the fifty-six reasons Justin was the worst, but while Dean went through them in order of severity she listened intently. Sam had already heard the first fifty-four just two days ago, so he waited to hear the two newest reasons he got back to work on breakfast. He made very quick work of the oranges and got a whole pitcher of juice made, Dean quickly set the table and then Sam finally began on the waffles. It hadn't been an hour, but they batter was already light and foamy, which was going to work out just fine.
Dean was around reason fourteen and Sam was pulling out waffle number six when the door to the kitchen opened again. Sam immediately prepared himself for another guilt onslaught from John and he was extremely relieved when he saw a tuft of messy bright blond hair walking into the kitchen. Mikey was pretty good about getting up and getting ready for school in the morning, but on weekends and holidays he was downright sluggish. He looked positively grumpy too which concerned Sam a little until he heard whispering and prodding coming from the other side of the kitchen door. John was out there coaching him, which also meant he had woken Mikey up and forced him downstairs.
"Daddy." Mikey said very awkwardly. "Christmas is a time when baby Jesus likes to hang out with his family and Jesus is a pretty okay guy."
"Wow, you're not even trying." Sam said as he walked over. "You're just repeating exactly what he told you."
"You're paranoid and tall and stupid and not a lot of people like you."
"Go on..."
"If we ignore our family, the people who mean the most to us then we're a bunch of asses and...uh..."
"Tell him he's not the center of the universe." John hissed from behind the door. "And call him fat."
"You're fat." Mikey said flatly. "Oh, and you have underdeveloped calves."
"Excuse me!"
"Daddy, I was sleeping and he woke me up. I can't care about things this early in the morning."
"Underdeveloped calves! Dean! Dean!"
"Sammy, calm down. You're perfect, everyone thinks so."
"You're a fat slut."
"Stop it!" Sam said as he pulled open the kitchen door. "You're acting like a child."
John was squatting down on the ground with Buster in his arms and he tried really hard to pretend like he wasn't behind the door making sure Mikey did his bidding correctly. Everyone in the kitchen could hear him, he wasn't fooling anyone and yet he still just played it off like he was tying his shoe even though both hands were occupied, one with holding Buster and the other with holding a bottle. Sam would have taken both away from him, but he was so over John he couldn't do anything but roll his eyes and head back to the waffles.
"Wait a minute." Mikey said as he looked over. "Well, how are you doing this fine morning?"
"I'm very well." Melody laughed. "I'm Melody."
"Mikey Sammy Winchester." Mikey said as he extended his hand. "Charmed."
"Likewise."
"Aren't you beguiling?"
"Uh-oh." Dean whispered. "He's got that look in his eye."
Sam had to laugh because Mikey really was putting on the charm. It was actually kind of cute and he immediately took a liking to Melody, which was understandable because she was great. They chatted for a few minutes and then John decided to come in to the kitchen and stop hiding outside. He refused to give up Buster, which was understandable, but he didn't say anything else about Christmas, which Sam was grateful for. They were going to figure everything out eventually and in the meantime they were going to have breakfast and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Dean didn't mind cooking. He didn't even really mind cleaning, he attributed that to being raised by John who was a big fan of doing shit that had to be done even if you didn't necessarily feel like doing it. Cooking and cleaning weren't torture, but Dean didn't hop out of bed each morning looking forward to doing either. After all he wasn't a freak, like Sam. Sam loved being in the kitchen, he loved doing laundry, and cleaning the bathroom was something he once compared to really good sex. Dean wasn't sure what they said about his skills in the bedroom, but he was grateful that he had someone to do the less fun stuff around the house.
Of course all marriages were about compromise, which was fine with Dean, even if that meant he had to do the shopping so Sam would have something to cook. In Westport it wasn't so bad because the grocery store was five minutes away and Dean could pick a couple of kids to go with him so they could all get free cookies. It was almost a fun experience, but in Vermont, it was a chore. The grocery store, the one Sam liked was a half hour away, they never gave out free cookies to kids or anyone else, and Dean always got "the stares".
They had been living in Westport long enough that when Dean went to the grocery it wasn't a big deal because everyone knew he lived there, everyone got in their good stares years ago and it was almost like he was a real life normal person. Since Dean was an infrequent visitor to Vermont people liked to look. They liked to whisper to whoever they were with, the fucking loved to point and a very brave few even liked to get out their phones to try for a picture.
Now Dean was a good guy, he was kind and patient, he could come three times in a row before needing a powernap and a fat free yogurt, but he could not stand people snapping pictures of him without even asking. It sent him into a rage and he had to actually stop what he was doing to calm himself down. If he happened to be with one of the kids and it happened then all bets were off because no one took pictures of his kids without his permission, especially pictures of Evan, because he didn't like strangers.
"Daddy wants good brie." Evan said as Dean pushed the basket. "We should tell him they were out because I hate brie. We'll get camembert instead."
"Henri just brought like 40 pounds of cheese, why do we need more?"
"You're right. We'll get a nice chevre. Daddy likes to have cheese available to guests."
"We'll get string cheese for you and me and that's it."
"Okay." Evan said as he crossed it off the list. "Oh, eggplants, but it says here you can't pick them out before you don't know how to do anything right."
"Did he write that down?" Dean asked. "What a jerk! He sure wasn't complaining about me doing things right after we ate breakfast."
"What happened after breakfast?"
"Uh...I fixed the car."
"Oh, good job, daddy!"
"You bet your ass it was a good job!"
Dean had actually rather mercilessly fucked Sam after breakfast while John hung out with the kids for a little bit. They were both in the bathroom getting dressed and ready for the day and Sam's ass was just looking absolutely delicious. Dean had to get a taste of that which lead to a pretty intense three finger situation while Sam was sitting up on the bathroom counter with one leg against the wall. It was a lot of fun, but Dean figured if he was going to finger Sam to orgasm he might as well fuck him to one instead. That way they could both get off, which they did and it was fan-fucking-tastic, a great way to restart the day after all of John's BS.
"Are you okay?"
"Hmm?" Dean asked before shaking his head. "Yeah, just thinking about how I didn't get enough to eat."
"You had three waffles."
"Ain't nobody thinking about waffles."
"Oh, daddy, look at those eggplants!"
"How many do we need?"
"Twelve."
"What the hell does anyone need that many eggplants for?"
Evan didn't elaborate much, but apparently if Dean wanted to have something delicious to eat for dinner tomorrow they needed twelve eggplants. Dean picked out one that was nice and squishy and obviously totally ripe, which Evan immediately vetoed because it was way past it's prime. It made sense then that a very firm one would be perfect, but according to Evan it wouldn't be ready to eat for at least another two days, maybe three. At that point Dean gave up and let Evan go through the great big stack of eggplants looking for ones that would be suitable for whatever Sam was making. Dean was hoping for eggplant lasagna, but he didn't want to say anything and jinx it.
While Evan worked on the eggplants Dean walked over to get some of the other stuff on the list. He knew how to pick out grapes, bananas, and seventeen more pounds of oranges for juice and he even grabbed one of the premade vegetable trays just to keep around for snacking. When Dean was looking for some snow peas, Mikey's favorite for dipping in ranch, he saw a quick faint flash of light which set him on high alert.
Because he had one eye on Evan, Dean couldn't tell what the light was until it happened again, and then once more. At that point Dean stop watching Evan for a split second to see what was going on. He already had a fairly good idea, because he wasn't stupid, but he was praying for something, anything else. In fact his mood changed so abruptly that Dean was half hoping the flashes were coming from aliens ready to abduct him.
When another flash went off not ten feet from his face, Dean went from being annoyed to being angry. The light was so bright it had stunned him for just a second, but Dean had always been very quick to recover, especially when he felt like one of his kids were in trouble. Evan was physically fine, he was safe, but he was also sensitive, he scared easily and Dean wasn't having that. Without giving it a second thought Dean took two big strides forward, reached out, grabbed, and yanked as hard as he could, pulling towards him a person with a camera.
Because he was so incredibly pissed off Dean did what he always did, he took the camera and threw it as hard as he could. It slammed into the wall with incredibly force, breaking into several pieces. That took care of one problem, but Dean still had another to deal with. He was actually considering some good old fashioned violence until he took a good look and finally realized he didn't have a firm grasp on a man's jacket, it was holding on to a terrified kid, at which point he immediately let go.
"What the hell." Dean said as he backed away. "What are you twelve?"
"I'm sixteen and you assaulted me! I should call the police."
"You're taking pictures of me and my fucking kid. I should call the police."
"You broke my camera!"
"That was an accident, it slipped."
Dean ignored the kid for a second to turn around and check on Evan to make sure he was okay. He was paying attention, but quickly turned away because he had been given the great task of bringing home a dozen eggplants. Since he was fine, Dean turned back to the kid who was about to make a beeline for the remains of his camera. Dean beat him to it and snapped the memory card in half before handing it over. That went over like a fart in church because the kid once again threatened to call the police, which Dean was fine with, it wasn't like he was going to get in trouble.
Several other customers were just kind of standing around watching the scene unfold and Dean couldn't have been less bothered. He listened to some ranting and raving for another few seconds and just stayed quiet, because he could see an extremely scared looking manager rushing over towards them. She was young, she look a bit frazzled, and Dean was sure he could put the charm on her. After all, he hadn't done a thing wrong.
"Mr. Winchester, is everyone okay?"
"Fine." Dean smiled. "Just doing some grocery shopping."
"He broke my camera, assaulted me, probably was going to kill me."
"Floyd, be quiet."
"Floyd?" Dean laughed. "You've got bigger problems than a broken camera, clearly your parents hate you."
"Mr. Winchester, I apologize. We won't let anything like this happen again and I hope this experience won't dissuade you from shopping with us again."
"Well, I don't know." Dean said as he turned his nose up in the air. "My son is traumatized."
"Daddy." Evan said as he walked over. "I want a pomegranate for a special treat."
"My son would like your finest pomegranate."
"Organic, please!"
Evan was unscathed and he left the grocery store with a free organic pomegranate, which he wanted to eat on the ride home. Dean decided to talk him out of it because the last thing he needed was Sam having a complete meltdown because there were pomegranate stains all over the backseat of his car. Instead Dean got Evan a string cheese and grabbed one for himself. He was just about to get Evan into his seat when the same manager from inside the car approached again looking just as frazzled.
"Mr. Winchester, I wanted to explain about Floyd. He's a good kid."
"Oh, I'm sure."
"His father got hurt at his job this summer. They've been having some trouble making ends meet. He thought if he could get some pictures someone would buy them."
"Oh, shit." Dean sighed. "I don't want to hear about this."
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to explain why he was..."
"Evan, come on." Dean said as he held out his hand. "Is he still inside?"
"Yes, sir."
Dean didn't want to hear about Floyd's problems, not because he didn't care, but because it was going to make him care too much. As expected Dean felt absolutely terrible for breaking the camera, and grabbing him, and maybe, just maybe overreacting a teensy, tiny bit. He asked Evan his opinion, but he was way too busy struggling with trying to get his string cheese open. Dean opened it for him, then went back into the grocery store and straight to the ATM. He got out as much money as he could from one card, then switched to another one to get the maximum again. It was more than enough to cover the broken camera and to help out with some holiday expenses.
"Hey." Dean said once he had found Floyd. "I overreacted."
"You think so?"
"I'm sorry. I realize you were just trying to help your family."
"Yeah, well, I guess maybe this wasn't the best way to go about it."
"You keep your distance, don't use your flash, and don't run back and forth trying to get a shot. That only makes you more noticeable."
"I guess you've got some experience."
"You could say that." Dean said as he handed over the money. "For your camera. Do you know where I live?"
"Yeah..."
"Be there tomorrow, I need someone to shovel out the driveway."
"I can't take all this money."
"Okay, give it back."
"Oh." Floyd said. "I just said that because I thought that's what you're supposed to say."
"You say thank you, that's all."
"Thank you, Mr. Winchester."
Dean nodded, took Evan's hand again, and then walked out of the grocery store. Floyd didn't know the driveway was a mile long, but Dean wasn't going to make him shovel the whole thing, he just needed around the house and the garage done. He hated dragging snow into the car and Sam hated when snow got dragged into the house. Floyd could make some money, Dean's ears wouldn't get cold, and everyone would be happy. It was a pretty good deal, and Dean felt a lot better knowing he was going to help out someone who needed it.
After the half hour drive, Dean made it back home with all the many, many bags of groceries. It took him and Evan three trips to get them all into the kitchen, where Sam was still doing shit. Dean didn't know what the hell he was up to now, but it smelled great and that was always a good sign. Wasting no time Evan told Sam all about the ordeal at the grocery store, which earned quite a few disappointed clucks.
"Stop making that sound."
"You can't beat someone up because they take a picture."
"I wasn't gonna."
"What if it had been an adult?"
"I may have accidentally punched him in the face until he was dead."
"I can't deal with you right now." Sam said as he wiped off his hands. "Go talk to Mikey. Something's wrong with him."
"What do you mean?"
"He's in the garage. Take that stuff to the freezer."
Dean grabbed a whole stack of crap and made his way out of the kitchen, through the laundry room and into the garage where the big freezer was. Sure enough Mikey was in there and something was definitely wrong with him. He wasn't sick or anything and he looked like he always did, he was just doing something very strange and very awkwardly. Dean wasn't really sure what to think, so he just put away the groceries and then went and walked over to where Mikey was attempting to dribble a basketball.
"Hey."
"Hey, daddy."
"What are you doing with that sports ball?"
"This is a basketball." Mikey said before he sighed. "I mean, really."
"You know the only baskets Sammy allows in this house are vintage French bread baskets."
"I'm learning to play basketball."
"Why?" Dean asked. "They don't even get to wear tight pants. No one will notice your shapely Winchester rump."
"I..."
"Football is all about the ass. Baseball is for the bulges. You're not ready for bulge heavy activity, but your ass is coming in nicely."
"I'm going to play basketball."
"I don't understand what you're trying to say to me."
"Charlie and I are going to play basketball. Signups are in January."
"I don't know what you mean."
Mikey explained himself again, and then he did it a third time, but Dean was still confused. To be fair he knew what basketball was, he knew how it was played, and he had played it before and after his ass and bulge had come in. He even understood Charlie playing basketball, but he was having just a little bit of trouble understanding what exactly Mikey wanted to do and what he was trying to accomplish with the big orange ball.
"Where did you even get that thing?"
"Grandpa brought it up from home."
"Grandpa." Dean said as he rolled his eyes. "He's the worst. I'm still confused."
"How are you confused? And what does your penis have to do with playing basketball?"
"My penis has to do with all things."
"I want to try out for the basketball team." Mikey said slowly. "I want to play basketball on a team"
"Did you tell Sammy?"
"He stripped down to his underwear and told me he has a soccer butt and thighs."
"Right. See, that I understand."
"I'm going to play basketball."
In an attempt to prove his point Mikey dribbled the ball exactly twice before it hit him in the face and rolled to the other side of the garage. Judging by how unfazed he was, it probably wasn't the first time he had hit himself in the face, and knowing how determined he was it wouldn't be the last. Dean was thrilled he wanted to play a sport, but he never thought it would be basketball. He had sort of already decided to be a soccer dad and he didn't know how he felt about basketball, especially considering how terrible Mikey was at it.
"I'm not so good right now."
"You're not bad. Let me show you how to do that right."
"Did you play basketball in school?"
"I would have, but they wore shorts." Dean said as he picked up the ball. "And as you may recall, grandpa is the worst. He wouldn't let me do anything."
"Are you going to let me play basketball?"
"Of course I am." Dean laughed. "At least until your bulge comes in."
"It's almost there." Mikey said as he looked down. "Butt looks good."
"As a Winchester, you'll be blessed with both."
Dean wasn't terribly sporty, he wasn't going to pretend to be, and trying to play basketball in jeans and a pair of heavy boots wasn't exactly easy, but he showed Mikey everything he knew, even if it wasn't much. They dribbled back and forth for about a half hour and by the time they were done, Mikey had actually made some pretty decent progress. He wasn't about to get drafted into the NBA, but at least his face wouldn't be bruised for Christmas pictures.
"Looking good." Sam said from the laundry room. "Mikey, can I borrow daddy for a minute?"
"Sure."
"What's up, Sammy?" Dean asked as he walked over. "You need something."
"Get your ass in the bathroom." Sam whispered. "Bedroom's too clean for what I'm going to do to you."
"Wait, what are...hey!"
Sam grabbed Dean by his shirt, pulled him into the house and then pushed him into the nearest bathroom, which meant they had to stumble through the kitchen and the living room. Sam slammed the door shut behind him and immediately dropped down to his knees and began to pull at Dean's belt. Just when Dean was completely ready for what he thought would be a stellar world class blow job, Sam yanked down his jeans all the way, spun him around, and dove in face first.
"Oh, shit." Dean moaned as he leaned over further. "Sammy, what the hell."
"You taste so good."
"Fuck...oh, God, get that ass."
"You like that?"
"Fucking hell..."
"I'm going to order you a new basketball outfit. You're one hot little fuck, aren't you?"
"Oh, Jesus. Remind me to thank dad for bringing the basketball. Oh, shit!"
Dean reached backwards and pushed Sam's face in further. It wasn't even noon and they were already well on their way to fuck number two and Dean couldn't have been happier. Sam was obviously pretty happy as well because he stayed down on his knees for a good twenty minutes before he stood up and delivered a quick and brutal fucking that had Dean making a mess in the sink. It was a good day, and Dean decided right then and there that he was going to have to teach Mikey how to play all the sports just as long as he knew Sam was watching and waiting for a quick game of one on one.
For someone who was so scared of something horrible happening to the kids Dean really had no problem with them all standing around a freaking raging inferno. The bonfire had started out as a little campfire, which was the perfect size for roasting some marshmallows and keeping warm. Somehow the whole thing had ballooned and it was about five feet wide. They were far enough away from the house that Sam didn't care about the ground getting scorched, the snow would cover it before morning anyway, but the roaring flames were making him a little bit nervous.
The kids were fine though because they had excellent adult supervision. Dean and John were there of course, Alex had arrived and Melody was assisting Mary. The two of them had become fast friends and Mary was clearly loving having someone as pretty as she was around. Zora didn't count because she mostly wore pants, which Mary would never understand. Even standing out in the cold she had on a dress with tights on under it, but it was still a dress, she wouldn't have it any other way.
Zora, who had said many times she wasn't afraid of anything, did seem to be afraid of the fire, or at least wary of it. She insisted that her hair was going to catch on fire, so she was keeping her distance. Sam was going to use the same excuse, but he really just didn't like being so close to all that smoke and flame. It made him stink, and besides he had more precious matters to attend to, or at least that was the plan until Michael arrived and started acting like a jerk.
"Is he warm enough?"
"Get back, he's fine."
"I want to hold him."
"You hold him all the time. Get back, you."
"You're the least favorite of all my children." Sam said. "You know that, right?"
"I don't care. I got a baby."
Michael turned his nose up to the air, moved a full step away and cuddled Buster closer. Because it was so chilly out Buster was dressed up nice and warm and he was safe and secure inside Michael's heavy jacket. He was still about half awake and every few minutes he'd kind of peek his head up and try to look around before snuggling down close to Michael's chest again. It was really Sam's job to keep him warm, but he was going to let Michael do it, just because he was a nice guy.
"He is wiggling his toes all over the place."
"He's trying to avoid frostbite." Sam said. "I can't believe that dumbass kept us at the tree farm for two hours."
"It ain't easy finding the perfect tree. Christmas is ruined without a perfect tree."
"That's what I've heard."
"Jason is obsessed with those aluminum trees. We found him one on Ebay. He was so happy."
"Why an aluminum tree?"
"He says our grandma had one. I don't remember that or her. He had to have it though, gonna put it in his living room."
"Michael, he's going to be fine."
"Shoot, I know that."
At the beginning of December, just a few weeks ago Jason had moved into his own little apartment. It was about seven minutes away from Michael's house, but it may as well have been on the moon. The apartment was actually pretty nice, it was small, but Jason was on his own and he didn't need much. He had his own bedroom, a little kitchen, and a nice sized living area. Sam even bought him a fancy television as a housewarming present and Jason seemed pretty happy with everything. Michael wasn't happy though. Given the choice Jason would have stayed living with him and Alex forever and they would have raised the families together, but eventually all big brothers had to leave their little brother's nests.
"Stubborn as a mule."
"Why?"
"That damned bike." Michael sighed. "He don't want a car until he can pay for it himself. I hate that bike. It's dangerous."
"You two can't do everything for him. He's a grown man. He'll be fine."
"He said he couldn't come with us because of the baby. Now he's there all by himself with that girl. Doing only God knows what, compromising his Christianity."
"Stop calling her that girl, and he's not alone, Mom and Anthony are there, Justin, Jenny, any one of them would help him if he needed it."
"That girl..."
"Michael!"
About the same time Jason decided to move out Michael decided that he didn't really like Angie. To be fair to him he never explicitly said he didn't like her and she certainly didn't do anything to make him dislike her, but he had started calling her "that girl." Sam was sure nothing had happened, because Michael would have said something, and that it was more about someone stealing his brother away. It seemed very unlikely that Angie had convinced Jason to move, but that's apparently what Michael thought. Some girl had come between him and his brother and he was not having it, even if that girl was pregnant and even if Jason loved her more than anything else in the world, with the obvious exception of Michael.
"Why doesn't she talk?" Michael asked. "She ain't even told her mamma she's pregnant."
"She's shy."
"She's a man eater!"
"You're being ridiculous."
"You're supposed to be on my side. That's my big brother."
"And he always will be your big brother. Being angry at her because he decided to move out is a little immature."
"Dad told me that if I woman tries to come between you and your brother you gotta fight her."
"Really?" Sam asked. "You're taking advice from him? You have any idea what he did to his brother today?"
"No, but I know that you chewed on his ass for a half hour. You make me sick!"
"What the hell! Why would he tell you that?"
"You know he texted Alex, and you know I snoop through his phone. I got a good man, I gotta make sure he knows if he cheats on me I'm gonna find out and kill him, take all his money and dye my hair blonde."
"Hey baby!" Alex waved. "Love you!"
"Love you too!" Michael said before he whispered. "I'll seriously kill him dead."
While Sam considered killing Dean just to spice things up, he wondered what could be done about Michael. Normally he was so level headed, but Jason leaving really got to him. Sam understood it completely, but he also thought it was time. It was fine to be close to your family and Sam's ass was a testament to how close he was to his brother, but Michael and Jason just leaned on each other a little too often. Jason had eventually been the one to step away and Sam was glad he did because Michael never would have.
After ten more minutes outside Sam finally decided to officially end the smores buffet. The kids had eaten more than enough chocolate and marshmallows and it was getting late. If they were going to make any progress on the family tree they were going to have to get started as soon as possible. Sam was going to have to finish it after all the kids crashed, but he didn't mind so much because he knew Dean and maybe Alex and Michael would stay up with him. Hopefully they could all talk some sense into Michael or at least get him to stop acting like Angie was some black widow.
The tree Dean picked out for the family room was an impressive ten foot blue spruce. It was way too big, but Dean argued that it was a perfect specimen, just full enough, and anything shorter than ten feet would look ridiculous in a room with twelve foot ceilings. Sam didn't want to argue so he let Dean have his way, and then he let him have it again when he bought a second seven foot tree for the kid's bedroom. It was tall and skinny, and Sam did agree that it would fit nicely in one of the corners.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"
"What, what what?" Sam asked as he squatted down. "What's wrong?"
"I want more." Milo said sweetly. "Mores smores."
"You still have half a smore on your face. I'm gonna kiss it off!"
"No, daddy!"
"Yes!"
Milo tried to get away but Sam kissed him all over making him erupt in a fit of giggles. All the kids were a mess, except for Mikey since he could eat food with getting it all over his face. He was about to take everyone to get cleaned up when Michael finally handed over Buster and volunteered to do the job himself. Sam was thrilled to have Buster back, but he was even happier that it would take Michael at least five minutes to scrape the chocolate and marshmallow off the kids.
"You need to talk to Michael."
"About what?" Dean asked. "He's gorgeous."
"He's mad at Angie, because..."
"Don't get me started on that little home wrecker." Dean said before he rolled his eyes. "It sickens me."
"Why?"
"She stole Jason away from Michael."
"They're weren't dating! Am I the only one who realizes that?"
"I do." Alex said. "Honestly I think Michael would be less upset if some little tramp stole me."
"She is a tramp." Dean added. "At least that's what Michael says."
"You can't be this retarded. That girl is as sweet as can be. Yes, she's quiet, because she's shy, but she's been nothing but nice to all of us."
"But she dug her hooks into Jason, which is what all women do."
"Women within earshot." Zora said. "Standing right here."
"Most women." Dean said correcting himself. "That girl saw Jason coming and she did everything she could to get what she wanted."
"And what was that?"
"Hot ginger dick!" Alex yelled. "The best kind!"
"Hot ginger dick." Dean said as he shook his head. "The holy grail of dick."
"What the hell is wrong with you two!"
Just to make sure he wasn't crazy Sam slapped Alex and Dean at the same time. They both began to cry like little bitches, but no one seemed to care. Alex was going to always side with Michael, because after all, he was addicted to that hot ginger dick, but Sam expected a lot more from Dean. To cast Angie as the villain was just ridiculous because Sam had honestly never met such a sweet person in his life. She wouldn't hurt a fly and there was no way she had anything to do with Jason leaving. Dean had to have known that, but he wasn't about to disagree with Michael.
"I dated a girl with red hair once." Melody said. "She was crazy."
"Was it red down there too?" Dean whispered. "I need to know for science."
"Yes."
"You are crazy stupid hot." John said before clearing his throat. "Sorry, I uh...yeah."
"Thank you, John. We're going to leave you guys to decorate your tree."
"Oh, you can stay."
"Dad." Sam said. "Keep it in your pants, huh?"
"It is in my pants."
"Not for long by the looks of it."
"Shut up, Dean!"
"Night guys." Zora sighed. "Come on, let's get you out of here. Apparently he becomes more and more irresistible for reasons no one can explain."
Zora quickly ushered Melody out of the room and past John who was smiling with the biggest, corniest, most predatory shit eating grin Sam had ever seen. He actually looked like that damned creepy Cheshire cat and since he arrived he had been very interested in Melody. She didn't seem to mind and neither did Zora, but Sam didn't need John being a damned creeper when they were just getting to know Melody. The best part was that Dean had taken John aside and explain the situation and that seemed to just make him more interested. Sam couldn't even think about what that said about his father and he really didn't want to.
"Why you gotta be so creepy, sexy old man?" Alex asked. "That job is taken."
"She's super hot."
"You told her that like ten times. You never tell me I'm hot."
"I don't find you that hot."
"Whatever!" Alex scoffed. "Dean, did you hear what he just said to me?"
"I heard it, I don't believe it though."
"Oh, God." Sam groaned. "Can you all just shut up and focus on Michael?"
"Sammy." Dean said as he walked over. "You know Michael, we all do. He has been through enough that if he wants to blame this girl for everything wrong with the world to make things easier on himself then I'm going to let him do it and agree with him 100%."
"But..."
"Shh, shut your dick holster. She didn't do anything wrong, we all know that, Michael knows that, but this is easier. So let him say whatever he wants and chill the fuck out because no matter what he says to us he'll never say anything to Jason or Angie because he's not a dick. He's a good boy."
"My dick holster?"
"Yeah." Dean laughed. "Because that's where I put my dick at the end of the day. Let him vent, he's upset. It'll be fine. Pushing him is only going to make it worse. Alex is going to bottom tonight to keep his mind off of it."
"I am?" Alex asked. "I don't remember agreeing to that."
"Do you need tips? I practically tore Sam in half this morning."
"You two have sex too much." John said. "But that shouldn't surprise me since Sam's such a filthy Christmas ruining slut."
"I am." Sam nodded. "How many underage girls was it that I stuck my dick in?"
"That's not fair!"
"Neither is you constantly saying I ruined Christmas. Guess what? No one cares, my family is the only thing that matters, get the fuck over it!"
"Jesus, Sammy." Dean whispered. "Overreact much?"
John spent a few minutes with his mouth hanging wide open before he scoffed and moved to the other side of the room away from everyone. Sam had officially had enough. In fact he didn't give it shit where anyone was for Christmas. He was at home with his kids and Dean and that was all that mattered. The kids might not be thrilled if John wasn't around on Christmas morning, but shit happened and they'd get over it, everyone would.
"Lay off of him."
"He's the one who keeps bringing it up."
"I'm sorry." Dean said. "I thought you were a mature rational adult. He's trying to guilt you into going home, don't buy into it."
"I'm not."
"Really? Could have fooled me."
"He's an ass!"
"Sam." Dean said sternly. "Enough."
"Did you just use your daddy voice on me? You looking to get reamed out again?"
"You ignore him and I'll let you do whatever you want. It's family tree night, neither of you are going to ruin this for the kids."
Ignoring John was going to be an awful lot of work, but for the kids, and another crack at Dean's ass, Sam was going to do it. He just decided to not even look at him and tune him out completely. Whatever issues they were having were going to have to wait because Dean was right, all the they were going to do was ruin the night for the kids who looked forward to decorating the tree all year. Sam was going to enjoy it too, but he was slightly distracted because Dean's daddy voice had really done it for him. He couldn't wait until all the kids were sleeping and he could engage in a little brotherly face sitting.
When they kids came back they were all fresh faced and mostly marshmallow free. Milo was going to need a good pressure wash, but everyone else was okay. Mary immediately became outraged that Melody had left, but she got over it when Dean distracted her with a couple of extra sparkly ornaments. She tried her best to wear them as earrings, but Dean very quickly put a stop to that and reminded Mary that she still had eleven years until she could get her ears pierced.
The family room tree wasn't all fancy and perfectly coordinated like the one in the living room, but Sam loved it just as much. It was home to his collection of mismatched ornaments that all had some kind of special meaning. Some of them were handmade by the kids, a lot of them had been given a gifts, but most of them had marked milestones. There were wedding ornaments, from all seven times Sam had decided to give in and marry Dean. All the kids had their first Christmas ornaments complete with the date. Buster had a brand new one that Dean made a very big deal out of unwrapping and then placing in the dead center of the tree.
Sam hung a blown glass typewriter, which was a gift from Larry, Dean rummaged through all the ornaments looking for his glass Impala, and Ollie had a whole box full of assorted pink pigs. There were ballet slippers, hamburgers, more than one cat, and even a fancy glass beagle. It was such a mishmash, but Sam thought it was perfect. He loved the variety in the collection and how all the blown glass glistened against the twinkling lights, which Dean had expertly applied. It was a magical night, which unfortunately had to end eventually.
Buster was out first since it was way past his bedtime and he couldn't contribute much to decorating. Milo went next and took Evan with him since he didn't want to sit on the sofa alone. Mary followed with Ethan and then Mikey and Ollie finally curled up on the sofa and stared at the tree until they drifted off. There were still plenty of ornaments to hang, and some to rearrange, but the kids were out and Sam knew they were going to sleep well after the long day they had.
"Dad." Sam said after he pulled out an ornament. "Here."
"What is it?"
"It's the ornament from our first Christmas."
"Oh, I was looking everywhere for that one."
It seemed like yesterday when Sam went to the mall like an ordinary person with a picture of his little family in his pocket. Mikey was dressed up in a little elf suit being held by John who was sitting on the sofa. Dean was sitting next to him and Sam was on the arm. He was so skinny in the picture and they all looked so young. Sam had a copy of the picture made and a store in the mall had set it in a shiny brass frame. The brass had really dulled down over the years, but the picture still looked the same.
"Who would have thought." John said as he took the ornament. "Remember him working his ass off at that garage so Mikey could have a perfect Christmas?"
"He's never stopped working his ass off." Sam said as he smiled at Dean. "They charged me fifteen dollars for this ornament and I swear to God I worried about spending that much money until February at least."
"I don't miss that garage or barely scraping by each month."
"You didn't have money, John?" Alex asked. "Justin always said money was easy."
"Oh, it is, Dean wouldn't take a cent though, not for his son. He worked everyday, didn't buy a thing for himself. Sam...he took the money, paid the bills, went to the grocery. Dean never would have known if I threw in an extra hundred or so a month, but Sam wouldn't go for it."
John had offered a stack of bills at least a dozen times during that first year, but Sam had made a deal with Dean. They were going to give Mikey everything he needed and they were going to get it by earning it. Dean was going to work, Sam was going to stay home, and one day they were going to save enough to have a little house, just the three of them, with an extra room for when John came to visit like for Christmas.
"I'm sorry, dad."
"What?"
"I'm sorry." Sam said again. "I know you wanted to have Christmas at home."
"I just want us to all be together." John said before he paused. "And you two get to decide where that happens. That's fair because both of you have been working everyday for the past ten years. You two take care of everyone else, the least we can do is hop on a plane for an hour. I'll talk to Jeremy and Aaron tomorrow."
"Shoot, I already told them."
"What?" Sam asked as he spun around. "What'd you say?"
"I told them they'd have to come up here for Christmas if they wanted to see me." Michael said. "And believe you me, everyone wants to see me. I'm gorgeous."
Alex said something no doubt perverted under his breath, Dean sighed dramatically, and John just sort of shrugged and hung his ornament. John was still going to have to travel to and then from Vermont on Christmas day, but knowing Jeremy and Aaron were willing to come up after midnight mass just made things a whole lot easier. It was one problem resolved and now all Sam had to worry about whether or not his ass was going to hold up to another round with Dean.