Dean sat on the edge of the bed impatiently waiting for his brother and Caleb. He was ready to leave the hospital. Sighing, he checked his watch for the hundredth time. The blond was about to walk out when he heard a commotion outside his door.
"Ready to go?" Sam burst into the room pushing a wheelchair.
"What the hell's that for?" Dean asked as Sam pushed the chair next to the bed.
Sam grabbed his brother's arm as he stood. Dean tried to fend him off but the stitches pulled and he grimaced. "It's hospital policy. And don't be such an ass."
Dean grunted as his brother helped him into the chair. When he was finally settled the blond had to admit this would be a hell of a lot quicker than him trying to walk out. Yesterday the doctor had him up and walking around. It had been more like shuffling. Caleb teased him mercilessly as Dean walked hunched over like an old man. Sam hovered, making the whole ordeal a nightmare for the older Winchester. Sam fussed until Dean slapped his hands away.
"Enough," Dean growled. "Or I'll shoot your ass."
"With what?" Sam said, pushing the chair out the door. "Dad took all the guns."
"I'll get one of Caleb's."
"One of mine what?" Dean looked up to see the older hunter walking towards them.
"Those my walking papers?"
"Yup," Caleb said, walking next to the chair. "Also got your meds."
"Gee, thanks," the blond said, rolling his eyes.
"I see you're all ready to go," Dr. Custer said, coming down the hall.
"Yes, sir," Dean answered. "And thanks."
"Just doing my job." He smiled, turning to Caleb. "The nurses said his temperature was still 99 degrees so make sure he takes those antibiotics. If it goes up or there's severe pain at the incision get him back to the hospital."
"We will," Sam assured him.
"Good luck."
One of the nurses walked over as the doctor continued on his rounds. She accompanied them out to the car. Sam helped Dean as the nurse held the chair. Once the older Winchester was on his feet the nurse said good-bye and took the wheelchair back inside. Caleb opened the passenger door as Sam maneuvered Dean into the front seat.
"Shit, Caleb, does this thing have to be so high," Dean said through clenched teeth.
By the time Dean was settled in the Jeep he was clutching the incision trying to catch his breath. Sam hustled around to the driver's door and climbed in the backseat.
"Are you okay?" Sam asked.
"Yeah." Dean nodded. "Just give me a minute."
Caleb slid behind the wheel, glancing at Dean. "Might feel better if you reclined the seat."
"This sucks," Dean complained as he hit the release on the seat.
Sam helped pull the seat back. He watched as the tension left his brother once he was settled. Caleb pulled the Jeep onto the road heading out of town. The temperature outside was already well into the 90's as Caleb reached over and cranked up the air conditioner. He glanced at the older Winchester and saw Dean's eyes were closed. It wouldn't be long before the blond was asleep. Caleb turned his attention back to his driving.
"That's the highway you want," Sam piped up from the back seat.
"No back seat drivers, Runt."
Dean chuckled. "Get used to it, Damien."
"Just trying to help," Sam grumbled.
"Look, it's going to be a long drive," Caleb said. "Let's try to make the best of it."
"Whatever," Sam answered.
Caleb glanced over at Dean to see him staring at him. The older Winchester just shook his head as he closed his eyes. Thirty minutes later Dean was asleep. Caleb checked the younger Winchester. Sam was watching his brother. Dean shivered and Sam reached forward to flip the vent away from his brother. The psychic was about to tell Sam to quit worrying when his phone rang.
"Reaves…What?…damn it John…I can't believe you…fine, we'll meet you there!"
"Where is he now?"
Caleb glanced at Sam as he tucked Dean's leather jacket around his brother's shoulders. The older Winchester stirred but didn't wake. The thirteen year old turned to look at Caleb.
"Well, he's not in Arizona anymore."
"Doesn't matter."
Sam slumped back against the seat staring out the window. Caleb knew the younger boy wanted to ask him something.
"Just ask me, Sam."
"You never did follow Pastor Jim's rules."
"What can I tell you, I'm a slower learner."
Sam leaned closer so he wouldn't wake Dean. "Did my father leave because he really wanted to save the people from the Black Dogs or because he wanted too?"
Caleb sighed. "Probably a little of both."
"Sometimes I wish we could be normal." Sam sighed. "I know Dean likes the hunting but I know he wants to play ball too and do other school sports."
"You like school?" Caleb could see Sam wanted to deny it. "It's not a crime to like school."
"I get good grades," Sam declared. "But Dad doesn't seem to care. But Dean's proud of me."
"Even though he teases you for being a geek boy?"
Sam smiled. "It's his way of showing he cares."
"Look, Sam, I know this life is hard," Caleb began. "But what we do does make a difference."
"I know." Sam sighed. "But does Dad have to like it so much? We've never, ever been on a vacation."
"Tell you what, I'll talk to your dad." Caleb promised. "Make him take some time off."
"He won't really have a choice." Sam smiled. "The doctor said Dean would be out of commission for at least a week."
"Good point." Caleb laughed. "Now do you think you can give me a hand?"
"Sure."
"Grab the map in the glove box," Reaves said. "You're the navigator. Your dad said he's in Durango, Colorado."
Sam reached over his sleeping brother to open the glove box. He pulled out the map and sat back opening it in his lap. Caleb told him where they were and Sam got to work. The older hunter knew the Winchester boys life was hard but their father did care even if he had a funny way of showing it.
2/18/07
A/N I know this originally started out as a hurt Dean story but somewhere along the way it morphed into more of a Sam story. Sometimes you just have to go with it