SALT OF THE EARTH--Chapter 17
Salt of the Earth Chapter 17
"I feel violated," Dean grumbled. "That was just all sortsa weird."
Sam looked at the carpet. "Yeah. I get it. Sorry."
"Knock it off, you're my brother. I'd die for you, remember? It's all good, just…intrusive." He said the last word like it tasted bitter…
"If it's any consolation, I thought it was kinda 'off', too. I've patched you up, helped work out backaches and shit, but, yeah…"
Dean shivered and moved forward to get off the couch. "I'm gonna take a shower." He made a small movement to get up, then, nothing…
Sam stared. "You gonna take a shower, like--today?"
"Yeah." He looked annoyed.
"What's wrong?"
The older brother bit his lip and looked at Sam, then huffed. "Don't laugh. Sam. Do not laugh."
Sam started to smile already. "What?"
Dean looked away, now embarrassed AND annoyed. "I can't get up."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean-why are you making me say this twice? I. Can't. Get. Up."
Sam snorted and didn't make much effort to cover it. This was the second time Dean set his jaw today. The next eight weeks were going to be a great time…He reached for his brother's hand to help him, and as soon as Dean began to pull, he let it go limp. Dean just sat there, glaring, as Sam giggled out loud.
"Not funny, Sam!"
"You look like a turtle," Sam choked out, eyes tearing up, "Stuck on it's back-!"
"I am soooo seeking out an angel when I'm done with this."
Sam was in full laughter now, so much so he could barely breathe. "OctoDean!" He covered his mouth and eyes with his hands, and fell into the highback chair, hysterical.
Dean began to laugh, too. "I'm gonna make your daughter into Honey Boo Boo."
Sam reached out his hand again, still sniveling and wiping his eyes. This time, Dean slapped it away and slid his butt towards the front of the couch, gripped the armrest and hoisted himself up; in the process, arching his back and sticking his stomach out. This, of course, started Sam all over again.
"I hope you enjoyed the show." He walked towards the stairs.
Sam smiled. "If you wash it more than once, you're playing with it..."
“I can barely reach it, Sam!”
Shortly after Sam showered (in cold water-brothers always get their revenge), there was a knock at the door. It was Mrs. Pemby. "I'd like to invite you to the community hall…there's something Frederick and the ladies would like to show you. He's worked especially hard on it…"
Dean made the first attempt to wriggle out of another obligation. He was still tired and reeling from the hangover from an overdose of 'alone,' but to be around crowds wasn't quite what he wanted, either. He just wanted to hang with his brother and the girls, stay home, and maybe fall asleep with Abby right next to him…
Sam galloped down the steps and flat-out lied to the woman. "You know, I was just starting to make dinner. He's tired, I'm tired-."
"No excuses, boys! You're part of us, now! We won't keep you long, and Dean, you can sleep as long as you want after tonight, and take care of yourself and those precious bairn you're carrying."
Dean's eyes widened in horror, then he set his jaw and looked in Sam's direction. "I'm gonna cut your heart out while you sleep."
"Extreme provocation calls for extreme measure."
"Yes, it does."
Mrs. Pemby gently took Dean by the arm and led him to the porch, with Sam following behind. They walked down the dirt path, past the girls' and Anse's houses to the community hall, all the time listening to Mrs. Pemby's brogue and how well Fred had been doing, how he and his twin have been on their most excellent behavior, and how she could help when the babies came. She walked arm in arm with Dean, and actually, he was a little entertained by her. She was a sweet lady, and she knew firsthand what it would be like to take care of two babies at once.
Abby and Susanna met them outside the door with kisses.
"Come on, daddies."
As they entered the hall, Dean's eyes lit up. Presents littered the far wall; all wrapped in pastel colors and bows, pies of all flavors and sizes, some still warm from the oven, lined up on a table and filled the air with their scents. Little booties and binkies decorated each table, and rattles and bottles filled with shiny pink and blue paper dangled from the rafters. Clearly, this was a community that loved to celebrate. There were tiny finger sandwiches and fruit with dip, freshly fried chicken, and hamburgers-more than Dean could count. Sam laughed out loud at the feat, which couldn't have been done in just a few hours. Small children and babies ran about and laughed and screamed while the other guests clapped and laughed at the men's reaction.
Anse approached the two and greeted them with a handshake and a smile. "You two don't seem like the type to have stored childcare stuff away. We thought we'd take care of some of it for ya."
"How'd you get all this done? You didn't get any sleep, either!" Sam exclaimed, still looking around. Gosh, he felt like a tourist's first trip to Las Vegas, all wide-eyed with wonder…
He smiled at Cas, who stood silently behind the brothers. "We had help."
Dean pointed at all the decorations. "Wait. YOU did this?"
"You said you wanted a party. I…didn't know how, so I consulted with the resident experts."
Sam and Dean smiled at the girls, and then back at Cas. "Thank you."
The afternoon carried into the evening. Dean ate as much as his crowded stomach would allow, and even Sam indulged in some unhealthy eating, as well. The presents included everything that the new babies would need, and they were actually excited when they got doubles. Gael had somehow found a miniature Impala-a motorized one that a child could drive-from an unknown website that produced cars for motorhead dads and was able to ship it within an hour; the joke was that since there was no music to pick, Dean would have to sing for them. Sam assured everyone he'd buy insulated ear covers for each person on the ranch.
SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN
As the end of the party neared and people were starting to call it a day, Marisa approached the brothers. Her heart was still broken over the loss of her child, but she was able to celebrate these new lives and the blessings that would come in spite of it all.
"You just wait," she started. "When those big eyes look up at you, and you look into them, you realize the meaning of true love. Your heart will never be the same-it'll never be just yours again. You'll laugh so hard that you'll cry, you'll worry about every little sneeze and sniffle, you'll get homemade noodle pictures and necklaces and lost socks and hugs and tears, and you know what? You won't have it any other way. When they start to coo and talk to you, and giggle for the first time, you'll doubt heaven exists because you think you're in it. Don't let the sleepless nights and tantrums take away any of that. When you come home from a hunt and think the whole world is sick and broken, it'll all change when they run to you and soak you with wet kisses. You'll see."
Dean cleared his throat and looked at her, said, "Thank you," and hugged her hard. Sam followed suit. His recollection of John coming through the door after a hunt was reduced to still shots and series of frames in his mind, but he remembered the looks on Sammy’s face when it happened, and it was true…
The brothers scanned the hall as they prepared to leave when the cleanup commenced. Dean was surprised to find one more present. It was wrapped up and sitting all by itself in the corner of the stage. He signaled Sam to come over with him and check out who it was from.
"There's no card," Dean stated, looking it over. "Why would someone buy something so big and not sign it?"
"I don't have a signature," Cas answered.
The brothers tore off the paper and there stood a crib. Dean studied it for a minute and looked at Cas, confused.
"How did you get this?"
"It took some doing."
"What?" Sam looked confused.
"It's yours. And mine. From mom and dad's house." Dean rubbed the top of the drop side and reminisced. "I used to stick little army dudes in between these rungs, Sammy. Mom would come and get you after your nap and about a hundred of them would fall on the floor. She had this bentwood rocking chair she'd use to put you to sleep at night, and I'd sit on the floor, just watching her. Thanks, Cas."
"I heard it was customary for a parent to want their child to use their crib, if possible. I made some repairs to bring it up to standard and avoid any recalls."
Sam smiled a broad smile. "Recalls? I don't think 1978 is calling to get their crib back."
Cas crinkled his brow and shook his head. "What is it you say? 'I got nothin''."
Dean pulled Cas close and hugged him tightly. "You're my brother."
"It's my honor."
"Cas," Sam extended his hand to shake and then the two hugged. This was a magical moment in a magical day, and everyone knew it.
Abby came up to Dean and rubbed his back. "You wanna go home and relax?"
"My place or yours?"
"How about the closest?"
"Deal. Sam…I'll see you in the morning." Nope. Not missing this opportunity again…
Sam smiled at this brother, then shook his head. Nothing would cage that damn crotch of his…
They walked slowly, holding hands down the now-familiar path to Abby and Susanna's house. Guests who were at the party waved at them and sent small wishes of a good night and were obviously pleased with the parings of the sisters and the brothers. Abby stopped occasionally to smell the air-it was a cold night and fireplaces were the chosen method of heat, producing a scent that would allure any visitor to invite themselves in for a hot tea.
They entered the house and each leaned in for a kiss. It was a challenge for Abby to remember that Dean was not in the best physical condition for sex, and not only that, try being a guy and doing that…
She broke free from the kiss and smiled, and as he reached again for her, she pulled back and cupped is face in her hands. "Let me take care of you tonight. We have plenty of time for all sorts of things later on. Just-let me take care of you."
She took off his jacket slowly and silently, and then his overshirt. She pulled him by the hand and sat him on the couch, unstrung his boots and took them off, as well. She moved then, behind him, and lifted his shirt over his head. She was amazed at how Cas' spell was working. Dean's body was chiseled and muscular-not as lean as Sam's appeared to be, but impressive nonetheless. She thought of how odd it must be for Dean that he could see the progression of the pregnancy, but no one else could. It was an interesting quandary…
She began to massage his shoulders and arms, and he leaned against her, taking her hand and pulling her toward his lips. She spun around from behind and moved to straddle his lap as they explored each other with lips and hands. She was ready and he was, too. She moved to unbutton his jeans and he lifted his hips a little to get them off. Both were anxious to embark onto a more intimate journey in their relationship, but both knew at this juncture it was almost physically impossible…
He sat there in his boxers and Abby sat between his knees on the floor. She took one leg and began again to massage it. Dean was unaware of how tired his body was, and succumbed to the pleasure of having his swollen legs and feet loosened up. She moved from his feet to his arms and hands, and again, Dean thought he was swimming in a sea of relief that would leave him like jelly. He looked at her again and smiled. "You know how long it's been since I slept in a bed? I need to be horizontal."
She giggled and led him upstairs by the hand. He laid down first, and then she. She kissed his shoulder before nodding off. He smiled because he wouldn't be alone. Ever again.
Next
"I feel violated," Dean grumbled. "That was just all sortsa weird."
Sam looked at the carpet. "Yeah. I get it. Sorry."
"Knock it off, you're my brother. I'd die for you, remember? It's all good, just…intrusive." He said the last word like it tasted bitter…
"If it's any consolation, I thought it was kinda 'off', too. I've patched you up, helped work out backaches and shit, but, yeah…"
Dean shivered and moved forward to get off the couch. "I'm gonna take a shower." He made a small movement to get up, then, nothing…
Sam stared. "You gonna take a shower, like--today?"
"Yeah." He looked annoyed.
"What's wrong?"
The older brother bit his lip and looked at Sam, then huffed. "Don't laugh. Sam. Do not laugh."
Sam started to smile already. "What?"
Dean looked away, now embarrassed AND annoyed. "I can't get up."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean-why are you making me say this twice? I. Can't. Get. Up."
Sam snorted and didn't make much effort to cover it. This was the second time Dean set his jaw today. The next eight weeks were going to be a great time…He reached for his brother's hand to help him, and as soon as Dean began to pull, he let it go limp. Dean just sat there, glaring, as Sam giggled out loud.
"Not funny, Sam!"
"You look like a turtle," Sam choked out, eyes tearing up, "Stuck on it's back-!"
"I am soooo seeking out an angel when I'm done with this."
Sam was in full laughter now, so much so he could barely breathe. "OctoDean!" He covered his mouth and eyes with his hands, and fell into the highback chair, hysterical.
Dean began to laugh, too. "I'm gonna make your daughter into Honey Boo Boo."
Sam reached out his hand again, still sniveling and wiping his eyes. This time, Dean slapped it away and slid his butt towards the front of the couch, gripped the armrest and hoisted himself up; in the process, arching his back and sticking his stomach out. This, of course, started Sam all over again.
"I hope you enjoyed the show." He walked towards the stairs.
Sam smiled. "If you wash it more than once, you're playing with it..."
“I can barely reach it, Sam!”
Shortly after Sam showered (in cold water-brothers always get their revenge), there was a knock at the door. It was Mrs. Pemby. "I'd like to invite you to the community hall…there's something Frederick and the ladies would like to show you. He's worked especially hard on it…"
Dean made the first attempt to wriggle out of another obligation. He was still tired and reeling from the hangover from an overdose of 'alone,' but to be around crowds wasn't quite what he wanted, either. He just wanted to hang with his brother and the girls, stay home, and maybe fall asleep with Abby right next to him…
Sam galloped down the steps and flat-out lied to the woman. "You know, I was just starting to make dinner. He's tired, I'm tired-."
"No excuses, boys! You're part of us, now! We won't keep you long, and Dean, you can sleep as long as you want after tonight, and take care of yourself and those precious bairn you're carrying."
Dean's eyes widened in horror, then he set his jaw and looked in Sam's direction. "I'm gonna cut your heart out while you sleep."
"Extreme provocation calls for extreme measure."
"Yes, it does."
Mrs. Pemby gently took Dean by the arm and led him to the porch, with Sam following behind. They walked down the dirt path, past the girls' and Anse's houses to the community hall, all the time listening to Mrs. Pemby's brogue and how well Fred had been doing, how he and his twin have been on their most excellent behavior, and how she could help when the babies came. She walked arm in arm with Dean, and actually, he was a little entertained by her. She was a sweet lady, and she knew firsthand what it would be like to take care of two babies at once.
Abby and Susanna met them outside the door with kisses.
"Come on, daddies."
As they entered the hall, Dean's eyes lit up. Presents littered the far wall; all wrapped in pastel colors and bows, pies of all flavors and sizes, some still warm from the oven, lined up on a table and filled the air with their scents. Little booties and binkies decorated each table, and rattles and bottles filled with shiny pink and blue paper dangled from the rafters. Clearly, this was a community that loved to celebrate. There were tiny finger sandwiches and fruit with dip, freshly fried chicken, and hamburgers-more than Dean could count. Sam laughed out loud at the feat, which couldn't have been done in just a few hours. Small children and babies ran about and laughed and screamed while the other guests clapped and laughed at the men's reaction.
Anse approached the two and greeted them with a handshake and a smile. "You two don't seem like the type to have stored childcare stuff away. We thought we'd take care of some of it for ya."
"How'd you get all this done? You didn't get any sleep, either!" Sam exclaimed, still looking around. Gosh, he felt like a tourist's first trip to Las Vegas, all wide-eyed with wonder…
He smiled at Cas, who stood silently behind the brothers. "We had help."
Dean pointed at all the decorations. "Wait. YOU did this?"
"You said you wanted a party. I…didn't know how, so I consulted with the resident experts."
Sam and Dean smiled at the girls, and then back at Cas. "Thank you."
The afternoon carried into the evening. Dean ate as much as his crowded stomach would allow, and even Sam indulged in some unhealthy eating, as well. The presents included everything that the new babies would need, and they were actually excited when they got doubles. Gael had somehow found a miniature Impala-a motorized one that a child could drive-from an unknown website that produced cars for motorhead dads and was able to ship it within an hour; the joke was that since there was no music to pick, Dean would have to sing for them. Sam assured everyone he'd buy insulated ear covers for each person on the ranch.
SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN SPN
As the end of the party neared and people were starting to call it a day, Marisa approached the brothers. Her heart was still broken over the loss of her child, but she was able to celebrate these new lives and the blessings that would come in spite of it all.
"You just wait," she started. "When those big eyes look up at you, and you look into them, you realize the meaning of true love. Your heart will never be the same-it'll never be just yours again. You'll laugh so hard that you'll cry, you'll worry about every little sneeze and sniffle, you'll get homemade noodle pictures and necklaces and lost socks and hugs and tears, and you know what? You won't have it any other way. When they start to coo and talk to you, and giggle for the first time, you'll doubt heaven exists because you think you're in it. Don't let the sleepless nights and tantrums take away any of that. When you come home from a hunt and think the whole world is sick and broken, it'll all change when they run to you and soak you with wet kisses. You'll see."
Dean cleared his throat and looked at her, said, "Thank you," and hugged her hard. Sam followed suit. His recollection of John coming through the door after a hunt was reduced to still shots and series of frames in his mind, but he remembered the looks on Sammy’s face when it happened, and it was true…
The brothers scanned the hall as they prepared to leave when the cleanup commenced. Dean was surprised to find one more present. It was wrapped up and sitting all by itself in the corner of the stage. He signaled Sam to come over with him and check out who it was from.
"There's no card," Dean stated, looking it over. "Why would someone buy something so big and not sign it?"
"I don't have a signature," Cas answered.
The brothers tore off the paper and there stood a crib. Dean studied it for a minute and looked at Cas, confused.
"How did you get this?"
"It took some doing."
"What?" Sam looked confused.
"It's yours. And mine. From mom and dad's house." Dean rubbed the top of the drop side and reminisced. "I used to stick little army dudes in between these rungs, Sammy. Mom would come and get you after your nap and about a hundred of them would fall on the floor. She had this bentwood rocking chair she'd use to put you to sleep at night, and I'd sit on the floor, just watching her. Thanks, Cas."
"I heard it was customary for a parent to want their child to use their crib, if possible. I made some repairs to bring it up to standard and avoid any recalls."
Sam smiled a broad smile. "Recalls? I don't think 1978 is calling to get their crib back."
Cas crinkled his brow and shook his head. "What is it you say? 'I got nothin''."
Dean pulled Cas close and hugged him tightly. "You're my brother."
"It's my honor."
"Cas," Sam extended his hand to shake and then the two hugged. This was a magical moment in a magical day, and everyone knew it.
Abby came up to Dean and rubbed his back. "You wanna go home and relax?"
"My place or yours?"
"How about the closest?"
"Deal. Sam…I'll see you in the morning." Nope. Not missing this opportunity again…
Sam smiled at this brother, then shook his head. Nothing would cage that damn crotch of his…
They walked slowly, holding hands down the now-familiar path to Abby and Susanna's house. Guests who were at the party waved at them and sent small wishes of a good night and were obviously pleased with the parings of the sisters and the brothers. Abby stopped occasionally to smell the air-it was a cold night and fireplaces were the chosen method of heat, producing a scent that would allure any visitor to invite themselves in for a hot tea.
They entered the house and each leaned in for a kiss. It was a challenge for Abby to remember that Dean was not in the best physical condition for sex, and not only that, try being a guy and doing that…
She broke free from the kiss and smiled, and as he reached again for her, she pulled back and cupped is face in her hands. "Let me take care of you tonight. We have plenty of time for all sorts of things later on. Just-let me take care of you."
She took off his jacket slowly and silently, and then his overshirt. She pulled him by the hand and sat him on the couch, unstrung his boots and took them off, as well. She moved then, behind him, and lifted his shirt over his head. She was amazed at how Cas' spell was working. Dean's body was chiseled and muscular-not as lean as Sam's appeared to be, but impressive nonetheless. She thought of how odd it must be for Dean that he could see the progression of the pregnancy, but no one else could. It was an interesting quandary…
She began to massage his shoulders and arms, and he leaned against her, taking her hand and pulling her toward his lips. She spun around from behind and moved to straddle his lap as they explored each other with lips and hands. She was ready and he was, too. She moved to unbutton his jeans and he lifted his hips a little to get them off. Both were anxious to embark onto a more intimate journey in their relationship, but both knew at this juncture it was almost physically impossible…
He sat there in his boxers and Abby sat between his knees on the floor. She took one leg and began again to massage it. Dean was unaware of how tired his body was, and succumbed to the pleasure of having his swollen legs and feet loosened up. She moved from his feet to his arms and hands, and again, Dean thought he was swimming in a sea of relief that would leave him like jelly. He looked at her again and smiled. "You know how long it's been since I slept in a bed? I need to be horizontal."
She giggled and led him upstairs by the hand. He laid down first, and then she. She kissed his shoulder before nodding off. He smiled because he wouldn't be alone. Ever again.
Next