Jo's Journey to Happiness
Title: Jo's Journey to Happiness Chapter: 12/12 Fandom: Supernatural Author: myguys_sam_dean Rating: R Characters: John, Jo, Dean, Sam, Bobby Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, I just play with 'em. Feedback: Absolutely! Summary: Written for fanfic100 prompt#029-Birth. Jo and John's relationship affects everyone around them.
"Can you two keep Jo busy for a little bit?" Bobby asked. "I want to try calling your dad. She doesn't need to hear that conversation."
"Sure," Sam said. He and Dean went into the living room where Jo was sorting through baby clothes.
Bobby stepped outside and dialed John's number. He was surprised when John actually answered.
"Hello, Bobby. How's Jo doing?" John sounded like he'd been asleep.
"She's okay," Bobby decided to try some small talk first. "What are you hunting?"
"Just finished one," John yawned. "Haven't had a chance to look for the next one yet."
The silence was very awkward.
"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, John. But, I've decided to help Jo raise the babies. I'm going to be their father."
"What?!"
"Hear me out. Jo and I have grown close. She plans on staying here after they're born. We're happy together, John. Jo said she'd still be fine with you seeing them sometimes, she just doesn't want you to ever tell them that you're biologically their father."
"How did I go from being a father to some visiting stranger?" John demanded.
"You didn't plan on staying put. You said you need to still run after the demon and I guess I can understand that. Jo wants them to have a father that is present for their lives."
"Are my boys still welcome in your home?"
"Yes. As a matter of fact, they're here right now. They've been helping Jo. They're going to be the babies' uncles."
"Am I still welcome at your house?" John's voice was low.
"Yes," Bobby was careful with his answer. "But, you need to be very understanding for awhile. Until Jo is comfortable around you, you might need to find another place to stay."
"How about when the babies are born?"
"I'll let you know when she's in labor and you can head up and see them right after they are born. But, you won't be able to stay here."
"I don't want to be prevented from seeing my kids," John's voice was rough.
"You've raised the boys," Bobby told him. "The babies are mine."
"Why don't you just get Jo pregnant to have kids of your own?"
"Can't," Bobby replied.
"What?"
"Did you ever know that I got married right out of high school?"
"No."
"Well, my wife wanted kids. That's when I fount out I couldn't. Adoption wasn't an option for her. She wanted our kids, not someone else's. So, she left me for another guy who could give her that."
"I didn't know."
"That's why this is my chance," said Bobby.
"I think I understand," John's voice sounded sad. "I made this mess myself, didn't I?"
"Yes."
"And now you have to find a way to make it better for almost everyone involved."
"Almost everyone?" Bobby didn't understand.
"I thought I could come home after killing the demon and raise my kids like I should have raised Sam and Dean. Staying in one place, being home and not missing out on the little moments.”
"We don't know when you'll get the demon," Bobby tried to be gentle. "And these babies can't wait for a father until then."
John cleared his throat. "Have my boys call me soon. I haven't talked to them in awhile."
"Sure, John," Bobby nodded even though John couldn't see him. "And I will call when Jo's time comes."
"Thanks, Bobby," John hung up.
Bobby felt bad for his friend but he felt relieved that they'd had the conversation. He shut his cell phone and headed back inside.
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The midwife's visits became more frequent. She met Sam and Dean. She was a very friendly lady. She was reassuring to Jo and put Bobby at ease. She told them that Jo had started to dilate.
Jo was so uncomfortable. She was huge and having a hard time getting around. She got crabbier than usual. Bobby and Sam handled it well and didn't let it get to them. Dean had a little harder time. He seemed to go for many walks to blow off steam.
They were watching television and sharpening their knives when Jo's water broke. Bobby went to call the midwife and get the supplies she'd left them for when this event came. Dean went with Bobby because Bobby seemed to need someone to keep him calm and focused.
Sam comforted Jo and tried to help her move around to a more comfortable position. Sam stood up and Jo clung to him as another contraction came. He held on tight to her and spoke words of encouragement in a soft voice. Together they made it to the bedroom.
Bobby was already in there trying to get everything arranged. He covered the bed so Jo could lay down. Sam hung onto her hand. After Dean made sure Bobby had all he needed, Dean held Jo's other hand.
Bobby covered Jo with a sheet and then checked to see how far she was. Not enough to start pushing, so Jo would be able to do as she wished to try to deal with the pain. She walked a little but tended to cling to Bobby, rocking like some awkward slow dance.
The midwife made it in time. All 3 men were relieved.
Jo had the loving support of 3 excited guys through it all. They'd seen so much of the evil in the world and hardly any of the good stuff. New babies definitely counted as good stuff. Jo had two healthy boys. They were smaller than those of a single birth but still healthy.
After the first one had been born, Dean checked in the kitchen to see his dad sitting there at the table.
"One healthy boy," Dean said as he put a hand on his dad's shoulder.
John nodded.
"I really think this is the best way," Dean looked out the window instead of at his dad. "You know Bobby will be great to them. Look at how wonderful he has been with us."
John nodded.
When Dean came back out, he told John of a second boy and he was holding the first. "Here," Dean handed the small bundle to his dad. "Jo hasn't named them yet, but this is the older one. I'm going to get some washcloths to wash them up a little. You okay with him while I run upstairs?"
"Yes," John spoke with his voice breaking. His eyes took in all the details of the miracle that he held in his arms. He remembered when the boys were really little, before Mary had died. He thought of the kind of dad he was now. Dean was right. It was better this way. He wanted the babies to have a dad to dote on them and spoil them when their mom wasn't looking. He wanted them to have bedtime stories, play catch and go fishing. Bobby would do it. John was sure of that.
Dean came back and saw the tears in his dad's eyes. "I failed you and Sammy," John said.
"No, you didn't," Dean insisted. "You were our hero. Life changed after the fire but no one is to blame for that."
"I just want better for these boys. Is that wrong?" John looked directly at Dean.
"That means you love them," Dean replied. "You will always love them. You just won't have to deal with the day-to-day issues."
"Can I see the other baby?"
"Sure," Dean took the bundle from John. "I'll bring him out." Before long, Dean deposited another bundle in John's arms.
"Can you see if Jo will let me see her?" he asked Dean.
"I'll check," Dean went back in.
Bobby came out. "You want to see Jo?"
"Just to tell her that she did a wonderful job. I want to apologize for how I was and see if she can forgive me. I know the babies are better off with you, Bobby. Deep down, I know that."
Bobby nodded. "I'll come back when you can come in."
After Jo was cleaned up and settled into bed, John was able to come in.
"You have two beautiful boys, Jo."
"Did you get to hold them?"
"Yes. What are their names?" John never knew small talk could be so hard.
"I'm not sure yet, but I'll let you know," Jo paused. "We will give them all the love they need."
"I know," John answered. "I understand why. I'm sorry I didn't help you more."
"You got me to Bobby," Jo smiled. "Maybe that's all you were meant to do." She motioned him over and gave him a hug. "Help us spoil the boys while you are here. I need some rest."
"Are you okay if I stay here?" John was unsure of what he'd heard.
"As long as Bobby's in charge, I'm okay with it."
"You've done a wonderful thing, Jo. You brought two beautiful boys into the world. I called Ellen to let her know all 3 of you were fine. She's so happy."
Jo smiled and closed her eyes. Everyone left the room except for Bobby. "Tired, darling?"
She nodded, eyes still shut.
"I'm tired just watching you do all that work," Bobby moved the covers to tuck her in. "Get some rest," he said as he kissed her forehead. In the doorway, he paused to look at her. She looked beautiful. Her hair was a mess and she had no makeup. It was just her.
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The older boy was named William and the younger named Thomas. Billy and Tommy for short.
"How are you doing, John?" Jo asked. She was over most of her hurt feelings and was concerned about him.
"Fine," he tried to smile. "You have a great little family here, Jo. I'm happy for you."
"Because I know you are being sincere, you'll always have a place here. I know you understand the reasoning behind my decisions."
Silence.
"Who knew how hard it would be to keep things casual?" Jo smiled. "I'm happy being a mom. I love Bobby and I know he loves me back. I think this is how it was supposed to be. You can hunt the demon, John. You've followed him all these years. You'll be the one to kill him." She paused. "And, I feel better knowing that you are out there making the world a safe place by hunting. You are a good man, John. We just weren't going to work out.”
John nodded. "I kicked myself before thinking that I should have known better than to take you up on your offer. Now I see how happy and loved you are and think that wasn't such a bad thing to do."
"We were there for each other," Jo stated. "We'll continue to be there for each other as friends."
"I'm sorry I couldn't just love you, Jo," John's eyes glistened.
"You had so many other things to do," Jo placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm not upset. I'm not alone. And I have known that Mary still has your heart."
John waved goodbye to the group on the porch. Sam and Dean were going to stay on awhile longer. Each of them held a baby. Bobby had his arms wrapped around Jo. They made a pretty picture so John headed out to hunt again.