769Broken Promises and Shattered Hearts Ch. 23
Disclaimer. See chapter one
Author's Note: And so we come to the end of another story. I hope you've enjoyed reading this one as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Thank you for all of the wonderful support you have given me with this story.
Previously: Leaning back in his chair, John relished in seeing his sons so happy. Yeah, Sammy was still sick and had the illness to overcome, but at least they were together as a family once again and he wouldn't give that up for anything in the world.
After what seemed like ages, the day had finally arrived for Sam to be discharged from the small rural hospital and he couldn't be happier. Sitting on the edge of the bed as Dean helped him to dress, Sam couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire cat at the thought that that they were actually going to the movies, and as a family no less. He honestly couldn't remember the last time they had done something together other than the training regimens their dad had put them through.
"What's got you so happy, Squirt?" Dean inquired as he eased the front of Sam's shirt over the PICC line that was still inserted in his baby brother's chest. Of course, he knew exactly why the kid was so happy, but that didn't mean he couldn't ask.
"Nothing," Sam blushed as he glanced up at his brother through the long fringes of his honey colored bangs. "It's just, I still can't believe Dad is taking us to the movies is all."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Dean voiced as he began to thread the small round buttons through the holes of Sam's button up shirt. "He's been our drill sergeant for so damn long that it kind of took over the fatherly side in him. Nice to know our Dad is still lurking somewhere in there behind the Marine isn't it."
"Yeah," Sam agreed, thankful that Dean understood what he was feeling. "You don't think he'll back out at the last minute do you?"
"Nah, he seems pretty adamant about doing this," Dean answered, reaching out to card his finger's through Sam's hair in a soothing gesture. "So you can stop worrying."
"I can't help it Dean. It's like, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop; waiting for him to give me hell about what happened and bust my ass good for running off the way I did," Sam informed his brother as he pulled on a faded pair of blue jeans and zipped them up.
"Yeah, well that's not going to happen, and you know why? Because I won't let it," Dean immediately retorted as he grabbed Sam's shoes from the floor and began to slip them on his brother's feet once Sam sat back down on the bed again. "I swear to you kiddo, you're going to be our…my first priority from now on and if the old man doesn't like it, then we're out of here."
Standing outside of the door, John felt the guilt consume him as his head dropped to his chest. He hadn't realized until now just how bad his actions had affected his both his children. Well, he had the chance to change that now and he was damned well going to do it. Taking a moment to get himself together, he walked into the room, a big grin plastered on his face.
"So boys, you ready to get out of here and have a little fun?" John asked nonchalantly as glanced from his youngest to his oldest and back again.
"Yes Sir," was the simultaneous response as Dean helped Sam to his feet, the youngest Winchester immediately swaying upon standing.
"Whoa there, Tiger," John voiced with concern as he reached out to steady Sam only to find his help wasn't needed as Dean wrapped a supportive arm around his younger sibling's shoulder. "You okay?"
"Yes Sir, I just got dizzy for a moment is all," Sam answered, with a shaky smile.
"That's to be expected," Jefferson stated as he walked into the room carrying Sam's release papers in his hand. "You haven't been ambulatory for a few days so the change in height is bound to affect your sense of balance."
"You sure? I mean maybe Sammy should stay another day or two just to be sure," John voiced worriedly as he glanced towards the burly doctor.
"John, there is nothing more I can do for Sam other than make sure he gets lots of rest and is administered the daily dose of intravenous antibiotics he needs to continue combating the endocarditis infection. And both of those things can be done on an outpatient basis," Jefferson informed the angst filled father as he placed a calming hand on the hunter's shoulder. "Just make sure you bring Sam in for his daily IV therapy for at least the next four weeks, and everything should be fine."
"Don't you worry Doc, I'll make sure Sammy gets here each and every day," Dean intoned as he took Sam's release papers and glanced quickly through them.
"Of that, I have no doubt," Jefferson stated with a smile. Turning his attention to his former patient, he said, "Take it easy Sam. I don't want to see you in here again anytime soon, other than for the therapy."
'Yes Sir," Sam replied with a smile as he reached out to shake the doctor's hand.
~~Supernatural~~
"Man, that movie was freaking awesome," Sam laughed as he and his family exited the movie theater after having watched Austin Powers, Man of Mystery. He was afraid the movie would no longer be there, but luckily, they had arrived on the last day of it's showing.
"You've got that right little brother," Dean enthused as he placed a hand on Sam's shoulder and led him towards the parking lot where the Impala sat waiting on them. "I can't remember ever having laughed so hard. They way they spoofed all those James Bond films, man it was classic, perfection at it's best."
"Dean, you wouldn't know a movie classic if it walked up and bit you on the ass," John smirked as he held out a protective arm to keep his boys from walking forward as a car rounded the corner a little too close for his comfort.
"Hey, I'll have you know that I know a classic movie when I see one," Dean retorted with a huff.
"Oh yeah, name one," John challenged with a laugh as he winked at Sam.
"Well there's…..uh….." Dean thought as the three of them continued walking across the pavement once he car passed by.
"Well, we're waiting," John sighed with mock exasperation as they reached the car and he opened the back door so that Sam could climb in and get situated on the seat.
Snapping his fingers as a moment of inspiration hit him, Dean looked at his father and said, "I've got it…Porky's. You can't get any more classic than that."
Watching as his father rolled his eyes, Sam couldn't help but laugh at the smug look on Dean's face.
"What?" Dean asked innocently as he climbed into the passenger side of the car. "In how many other movies are you going to get to see a shower scene with a bunch of nak…."
"Dean!" John warned, before his oldest could finish the sentence.
"Okay, okay, shutting up now." Dean voiced, as he pretended to zip his mouth shut and throw away the key.
Shaking his head at Dean's antics, John turned to face his youngest. "So, you up for some pizza, Champ?\. I though we could order in tonight and maybe kick back and watch a little television."
"Sounds good Dad," Sam answered with a yawn as the afternoon of fun began to take a toll on him.
"Why don't you lay down and get some rest Kiddo, We'll wake you when we get home, John stated as reached back to ruffle Sam's hair before turning around and starting the engine. He wanted Sam to be well rested for when they made it back home.
"Kay," Sam mumbled as he lay down and squirmed around until finding a comfortable position to lay in. Closing his eyes, he sighed in contentment as Dean's jacket suddenly enveloped him in warmth and he drifted off to the soothing sounds of his brother's voice as Dean rambled on about the movie to their father.
~~Supernatural~~
"Sammy, time to wake up Kiddo," John voiced softly as he reached into the back seat of the car and lightly shook his youngest son's shoulder after having arrived back at the house forty five minutes later.
"Hmmmm," Sam mumbled as he snuggled into the warmth of the jacket that still covered his upper body.
"Come on, Tiger. You can't stay out here in the car all night," John said as he palmed Sam's face and rubbed a calloused thumb against his cheek.
"Okay, I'm awake," Sam groaned with a yawn as he pushed himself up to a seated position. Sliding out of the car, he grinned as he immediately felt two arms wrap around him and steady him with support.
"I'm not a baby, ya know." he complained as they began to move forward slowly.
"Oh yeah you are, you're my baby brother," Dean enunciated, placing emphasis on the word 'baby.'
"Deaaan," Sam whined as John unlocked the front door and pushed it open wide.
Walking in the door, Sam was immediately startled by the loud chorus of "Happy Birthday" as confetti was thrown into the air and party whistles were blown.
"What?" he gasped, his mouth wide open in astonishment as Bobby walked over and placed a party hat on his head before giving him a one armed hug.
"I know it's late Sammy, but I wanted you to know that we didn't forget your birthday," Dean announced around the lump that suddenly formed in his throat upon seeing the delight on his brother's face.
"I know we can't make up for what happened, but I hope you'll give us all a second chance," John added as he wrapped his child in a firm hug, being careful not to disturb the PICC line.
"Yeah, that goes for all of us Runt," Caleb voiced as he handed over a bottled soda to the startled youngster. "You're kind of a special kid and well, we would be lost without you in our lives."
"I don't kn-know what to say," Sam declared as tears filled his eyes.
"You don't have to say anything, Dude," Dean replied as he clapped a hand on Sam's shoulder and led him towards the table filled with presents and party food. "Just know that we care and from now on, things are going to be different around here."
"Okay," Sam whispered as he swiped the tear from his eyes and accepted the gift that Dean held out to him to open. Of course, he knew things would eventually go back to how they were, but for now, he was going to revel in his family's love.
The END Once again, thanks for all the support you have given me throughout this story. Reading the reviews and seeing your thoughts truly mean the world to me.
