Supernatural Fiction & Art

Part 61

"We go home today," Dean groaned as he pulled Sam closer. "I don't want to get out of bed. That means you can't either."

Sam just burrowed in further. Getting up hadn't even crossed his mind.

They didn't have time for the whirlpool, but they did get in the shower together. It was an easy way to bond and be close.

"We should do this at home," Sam sighed as Dean's hands roamed about his body.

"Yes we should," Dean smiled at him.

It was such a simple way to keep connected and strengthen the bond that they had. The one thing they had learned during their weekend was that they never wanted to start drifting apart again. If it took little things like showering together or spending a few minutes together before falling asleep, they were going to remember to do something like that every day.

"Maggie," Sam said out of the blue as they packed up to leave.

"Random, where'd that come from?"

"Maggie Mary just popped into my head."

"That's not bad, Sam. I think I like that one."

***

While Dean and Sam were at the hotel and Drew was with Emma, Bobby and John had a mission of their own. They tracked down the creep who hurt Emma in New York City. He was just coming out of a class when John call him by name.

The creep stopped and looked and John and Bobby but didn't say anything.

John showed him the paper they had for him to sign. It was so he would relinquish all rights to Emma's baby.

"I never thought it was mine to begin with," the creep said with a smirk.

John brought a fist back to lay the kid out but Bobby caught it in mid-air.

"Don't provoke him," Bobby advised him. "Here's the deal. We are trackers for a living. We're good at it. If you ever harass Emma in any way, we'll come find you and it won't stop with punches."

The creep turned white. "Who are you guys?"

"Your worst nightmare," John replied through clenched teeth. "Sign these."

He did as he was told.

"We'll be watching you," John told him as he towered over him. "The next time you decide to hurt some lady, we'll be back to put you in line."

The creep swallowed hard, obviously scared of John.

"I'd get out of here," Bobby told him. "Just remember that we can find you anywhere. You can't hide from us."

He nodded and stumbled over his own feet, running back into the building he'd just walked out of.

"Easy, John," Bobby could feel the tension vibrating off John's body. "We got the papers signed and put the fear of God into him. Let's go before he calls the cops."

"I just wanted one good punch, Bobby."

"I know you did. You also know that I couldn't let you."

"He deserves much worse."

"Yes, he does. But, we won't be the ones to deal out justice to him. He'll have to live with what he's done and get judged when he passes on. I doubt any higher power could overlook what he's done."

"I wanted to punch him once for Emma," John explained. "When it was all going on between her and him, I don't think she got enough punches in."

"But she got away safely and now she has us," Bobby's gruff voice was soft. "That will just have to be good enough for now. We'll still keep tabs on him, but we need to concentrate on Emma now."

"Okay," John let Bobby lead him back to the truck. "Didn't you want to deck him?"

"Oh, yeah," Bobby replied. "I wouldn't have stopped at just one."

"Me either."

"That's why I had to stop you. You would have beat him to a pulp and within an inch of his life. I can't have you go to jail. I need you home with me."

"Home sounds so good right now," John's tension was leaving and his body sank into the seat. "Just take me home, Bobby."

"Will do," Bobby started the truck and turned it toward home.

***

Sam and Dean came home to a place that was much happier than when they'd left. The time Emma spent with Drew had lifted her spirits and brought a smile back to her face.

"You need to come over more often just to visit," Dean told Drew.

"I think I will," Drew smiled at him.

Sam had filled Dean in on Drew figuring out what had been bothering Emma. Dean felt much better about Emma's mood. He made a mental note to call their dad and tell him that Emma was doing better.

***

"Feels good to be home," Dean sighed as he laid on their bed.

"Sure does," Sam agreed as he shut off the light and headed to bed. He slid under the covers and right over to Dean. "I didn't realize how much I missed you until we were alone for the weekend."

"What?"

"I just went though my days, did what I had to in order to get to the next day. I forgot that I had a wonderful gift that was you, beside me all the while.

"You're not the only one who forgot," Dean admitted. "Now we just have to remember not to do it again."

"That'll be easy," Sam replied as he kissed Dean and kept his face close. "Your hold on me is so tight and loving that I wouldn't dream of pulling away. I love you for always, Dean."

"I'll love you forever, Sammy. Through good times and bad."

"Does that mean we just got married?" Sam's smile lit up his face.

"Do you want to get married?" Dean asked, shifting to get a better look at Sam to see his reaction.

"Maybe we should have a commitment ceremony," Sam replied. "It would be nice to do before the baby comes."

"You aim to make an honest man out of me, Sammy?"

"No. I'd just like out outward appearance to reflect what we feel on the inside."

"It will take a ring to accomplish that?" Dean asked.

"It's just a symbol, Dean."

"I think it's more than a symbol to you."

"It's a promise to stay," Sam turned pink. "No matter what we have or don't have, I want you to stay."

"A ring isn't a guarantee," Dean said softly. "But, if it will make you feel better, we can get rings. I just have to put mine away or on a chain at work. Can't wear a ring and fix cars."

"That's fine," Sam replied. "So do you want to have rings?"

"Anything for you, Sammy," Dean pulled him into a kiss. "If you have your heart set on rings, that's fine with me."

Sam didn't get to reply because Dean's hands were doing marvelous things to his body and his ability to think was long gone.

Part 62

One night, just before Halloween, Emma didn't eat much supper.

"I think I'm getting the flu," she told Sam and Dean. "Drew took me to the store the other day and I bet I picked a bug up there."

Sam grabbed a thermometer and Dean went to get the Tylenol.

"You aren't running a fever," Sam was confused.

"Do you want some Tylenol?" Dean asked her. "It could help with aches and pains."

"Yeah," Emma nodded. "I think I'll try some."

Dean gave her the Tylenol and Sam sat in the living room rubbing her shoulders in case it was anxiety or stress related. Dean peeked in on them a couple times as he finished the dishes and started the laundry. Emma seemed to be relaxing but it was easy to tell that she still wasn't comfortable.

Emma went to bed early. While Sam was in the shower, Dean went in to check on her and give her the next dose of Tylenol. He woke her up by shaking her shoulder gently.

"Emma, I have your Tylenol here," Dean kept his voice soft.

After Emma took the Tylenol, Dean asked her how she was feeling.

"Tired," she answered. "I just don't feel quite right."

"We'll keep our door open tonight so we can hear you if you need anything. Otherwise, just come on in and get us. Okay?"

Emma nodded.

Dean covered her back up and tucked the covers in. "Goodnight," he whispered as he kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

***

Dean felt like he was half asleep before Sam came to bed.

"Were you going for a marathon shower?" Dean's voice was drowsy.

"I just lost track of time," Sam replied. "Sorry."

"I gave Emma her next dose of Tylenol. She has to wait at least four hours before her next dose. She doesn't seem to be getting better. I told her we'd leave our door open and she could just come in if she needs us."

Sam nodded in agreement.

"I just don't like her being sick. If she had a fever and was throwing up, it would definitely be the flu. It bothers me when she can't describe her symptoms so we can figure it out."

"Get used to it," Sam said as he curled up next to Dean. "Babies just cry. They can't tell you what their symptoms are, either."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just a little uneasy."

"That alright," Sam replied. "If she gets sicker during the night, she can just be in here with us. That way we won't have to worry."

"You're right, Sammy. Let's just try to get some sleep in case we're both up tonight."

"Goodnight, Sammy."

"Goodnight, Dean."

***

Dean woke up and looked around, seeing Emma standing in the doorway. "Emma. Are you feeling okay?"

"I don't know," she sniffled.

"Come over here," Dean said as he stood up. He felt her forehead, wiped away her tears and gave her a hug.

"What's going on, honey?"

"I can't put my finger on it. Then, I got scared being all alone in my room. I'm just a mess of hormones, I guess," Emma tried to laugh at herself but all that came were more tears.

"Why don't you sleep with Sam and I tonight?"

"I don't want to invade your space or, um, interrupt."

"Nonsense. I'll just get Sam here to move over a little," he nudged Sam over until Sam woke up and realized that Emma was going to rest between them. "She got a little scared in her room by herself, so she's visiting us tonight."

"Hey, Emma," Sam's voice was sleepy. "Slide on in. Neither of us bites, even if Dean claims to."

Emma felt better after Sam's joke and found a comfortable spot between Sam and Dean's bodies. She didn't feel so alone, but she was still scared. The problem was, she didn't know why she was scared.

Sam felt Emma moving around again. Once she was settled again, he whispered, "It's going to be fine, Emma."

He brushed her hair back from her face. "If you're still feeing rotten tomorrow, we can call the doctor and get you in, okay?"

"Okay," Emma's voice was weak. "I just don't know what is going on."

Sam rubbed her shoulders and back as he fell back to sleep. He figured it was just a rough night for Emma. He didn't have the same concerns as Dean, although he did want to bring her in the next day if she wasn't feeling better.

Dean woke up when Emma was shifting around. He heard Sam whispering to her and drifted back to sleep, knowing that Sam was taking care of her.

***

They left Emma asleep when they got up in the morning. She had finally fallen asleep. They didn't know if it was because she finally got comfortable or if it was pure exhaustion.

"I'll call and make her an appointment for this afternoon after class," Sam told Dean as he sipped his morning coffee. "Just to be on the safe side, ya know?"

Dean nodded in agreement. "Can you call me at work when you find out what is wrong?"

"Sure. Cell?"

"Yeah. I'll keep my cell on me. Do you need a ride today, Sammy?"

"No, Drew is coming over," Sam stood and gave Dean a kiss. Dean picked up his keys and lunchbox and went out the door.

Sam heard the Impala drive away, checked his watch for the time, and decided that the doctor's office should be open. He was able to get a 3:30 appointment.

He wrote Emma a note with the appointment time and left it on the table.

PART 63

Dean was a couple hours into his workday when his cell phone rang. He walked into the break room as he answered it, "Hello."

"Dean?" asked a very small voice.

Dean checked the caller id and realized that it was Emma calling from their home.

"Emma, what's wrong?"

"I don't know. Something's not right."

"Not right how, Emma?" Dean was still trying to figure out what bug she'd caught.

"I just need help, Dean," Emma started to cry. "Help me."

"Don't worry, Emma. I'm sending help."

Dean got Mr. Steven to call an ambulance to Dean's address.

"An ambulance is on its way, Emma. I'm going to meet you at the hospital. I'll stay with you on the phone until the medics get there. Just keep talking to me."

Mr. Steven waved Dean away, telling him to just go. Dean ran to the Impala and started it up.

"Emma, I want you to lie down," Dean told her. "Are you in your bedroom or the living room?"

"Your bedroom," Emma squeaked out.

"That's fine, honey. Just lie down on the bed. The medics will let themselves in. I'm right here until then."

Dean made some small talk until he could hear others in their home. "I'm going to hang up now, Emma. Just do what the medics ask of you and I'll see you soon."

Dean snapped his phone shut and drove even faster. Something was wrong. He just knew it.

***

Dean stayed with Emma after she got to the hospital. They sent them directly to the maternity ward. One of the nurses helped Emma get into a robe and hooked up to the monitors. Then, Dean came around the curtain, sat down by the bed, and held Emma's hand. She was terrified and in pain. They were waiting for a doctor to come in.

The doctor checked Emma and said she was in premature labor. She'd already dilated. They gave her shots of a steroid to help the baby's lungs mature. Emma had the option of taking an IV medication to stop labor. They didn't know if it would work, and it could cause heart issues for Emma.

Emma listened to what they said and then looked at Dean for the answers.

"The IV is your decision," Dean told her. "Sam and I will love your baby, no matter what. You need to make the decisions regarding your body."

"I'm scared. I can't have the baby right now, it's too soon," tears streamed down Emma's face.

"The doctor said that if the baby was born today, they would have a seventy percent survival rate. The doctors haven't figured out a way to prevent the disabilities, but they can keep seventy percent of the babies born at this point in the pregnancy alive."

"That means thirty percent don't make it."

"We have to be positive. Seventy percent do."

"I want the IV drugs," Emma told the nurse. After the nurse left, Emma reminded Dean to call Sam.

"Will you be okay for a couple of minutes so I can use my cell in the lobby?"

Emma nodded.

"I'll be right back," he brushed away some tears before heading out the door.

***

"Dad?"

"This is Bobby, Dean. What's the matter?"

"Emma is in premature labor. They've given her medication to try to stop it. I need you to call Sam after 2:00 so that he finishes his classes. Can you and Dad come?" Dean was in tears himself. He was in unfamiliar territory and terrified.

"We'll be there as soon as we can, Dean. I'll just grab your dad and we'll leave. I'll call Sam, too."

"Thanks, Bobby."

"You go be with our girl now. Let her know that John and I are on the way."

"I will. Bye."

Dean phoned Mr. Steven and told him what was going on. Mr. Steven was very understanding. He just wanted Dean to keep him updated.

Dean took in a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He couldn't be falling to pieces in front of Emma.

***

Dean made it back to Emma's room just as the nurse was coming out.

"We've given her the medicine. She's going to be uncomfortable, feel like she's on fire. All we can let her have is a few ice chips. Otherwise, nothing to eat or drink."

Dean nodded.

"I'll bring in ice chips in a few minutes," the nurse almost kept walking and then asked, "Are you adopting Emma's baby?"

"My partner and I are. He'll be here in a little bit."

"So who should make medical decisions?"

"Emma needs to make those that affect her body. Sam and I will make the ones that affect the baby after birth."

The nurse nodded to indicate that she understood as she went to gather up ice chips.

Emma was having a hard time holding a conversation and she was already getting the feeling that she was on fire.

"Shh, Emma," Dean brushed her damp hair back. "You need to get some rest."

"I'm so scared," was all she kept saying.

Dean moved the railing and crawled into bed beside her, lying on his side was the only way he could fit, but at least he was nearby. "Do you feel better when I'm right here?"

Emma nodded.

"I'll stay here, and you get some rest," Dean kissed her forehead and tried to soothe Emma so she could sleep.

When the nurse came back in to check on them, both of them were asleep. It was against the rules to have Dean asleep with Emma, but he'd been so careful not to bother any of the monitor lines and Emma was finally getting some rest. So, the nurse just closed the door and let them stay that way. For what was yet to come, they'd need their sleep.

***

The nurse came to check on Emma. Dean watched her and then asked, “How is she doing?”

“As best she can,” the nurse smiled. “No medicine can do what you’ve done by lying by her. Right now it’s a matter of keeping the baby in as long as we can.”

“What about the steroids?”

“It takes 24-48 hours for best results. But, we take what we can get. If her water breaks, buzz us immediately.”

Dean nodded. “There are going to be a few other men coming. Besides adopting her baby, we’re also her support group.”

“What are their names so we can bring them directly back?”

“Sam is my partner. John and Bobby are Sam’s dad and his partner. Drew is Emma’s brother.”

“Wow, what a support group. You realize that she probably won’t want all of you in here when she delivers.”

“Whatever she says goes,” Dean told the nurse. “We want to make this as easy as possible on her.”

Dean drifted back to a light slumber, listening for Emma in case she needed anything. Then, the nurse was waking him up. “There’s a Caleb here to see you. Should I send him in?”

“Yeah,” Dean wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Please do.”

Dean felt some relief at seeing their friend Caleb. He was closer to Dean and Sam’s age than their dad’s, so he had always treated them as equals.

“Caleb. How did you find us?”

“John,” Caleb sat in the chair by the bed. “So you and Sam are adopting?”

Dean turned red. Caleb knew they were brothers. “I know this must come as shock to you--”

“I wasn’t shocked,” Caleb interrupted. “Remember when John found out and pitched a fit? That’s when I found out about it. It’s no big deal to me.”

“I’m so thankful for that. I wanted your approval.”

“You’ve always had my approval, Dean. All you had to do was be you.”

“It sure is nice to have a friend like you.”

“Well, I have some experience with the whole childbirth thing. Figured you could use someone who’s been through it before.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I have a son somewhere out there. When he was a year old, I signed away my parental rights. His momma wanted him to be raised by her family and I was too wild and immature back then. I knew I’d be cheating him out of something good by holding onto him.

So I get the childbirth and post-partum stuff. Thought I could help you hold the fort down at home while all this is going on.”

“I can’t thank you enough.”

“I think you already did,” Caleb saw tears in Dean’s eyes that he had to hold back in front of Emma. “You’re doing fine. Introduce me sometime to this gal when she wakes up and then you can explain to Sam what’s going on and I’ll keep her company.”

Dean nodded and went back to just being there for Emma.

PART 64

Dean heard the door open and saw Sam and Drew at the end of the bed. Sam started to ask a question but Dean shushed him by putting a finger to his lips. He carefully got out of bed without waking Emma and motioned for Sam and Drew to come with him to the hallway.

"What happened?" Sam was upset. "And why didn't you call me as soon as you came in?"

"I knew you had class until later," Dean started to explain and then said, "Never mind about that. Emma is on medication to stop her labor. They gave her some steroids to help the baby's lungs mature. The steroids take 24-48 hours to work but we just take whatever amount of time we can get.

The longer the baby is in Emma, the better chances they have. I've already told her that Sam and I will love this baby no matter what.

If the baby is born today, chances of survival are seventy percent. They've found ways to keep premie babies alive but can't prevent disabilities.

Sam, did you bring the adoption papers? I think the nurse just wanted to see them. I told her that as far as labor and delivery goes, Emma makes the decisions for her body. After birth, we make the decisions for the baby."

"I didn't bring the papers, Dean. When Dad called he didn't mention bringing them. I just raced over here and forgot about them."

"That's okay, Sam. Emma could be in the hospital for awhile."

"What's Caleb doing here?"

"Dad called him. Caleb has been through the whole childbirth thing before with his girlfriend. I guess he signed away his rights later on but they were together the first year. He said he'll hold the fort down at home while we do what we need to."

"This can't be happening," Drew said. "She's not due until January. It's only October."

"October is almost over, Drew. We just have to believe that she'll make it to November before giving birth." Dean hated the helpless feeling he saw in Sam and Drew's eyes. He knew he had the same look in his. "I've been lying by Emma because it seemed to help her relax. The medicine in the IV makes her feel like she's on fire and makes her a little goofy. She can't hold a conversation but she can let us know when she needs something. She can have ice chips. If her water breaks, buzz the nurse immediately."

Drew sighed. "What was that guy's name again?"

"Caleb," Dean said. "He's a good guy."

"Caleb," Drew replied. "I'm going in to see Emma."

"Sam and I are going to take a walk down the hall if you're okay staying with Emma."

"We'll be fine. I'll just push the button if we need anything." Drew walked away with his head hanging low, like

he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"How are you handling this, Sammy?" Dean took Sam's hand.

"As best I can," Sam's eyes teared up as he tried to smile.

Dean pulled Sam into his arms and just held him there. He rubbed Sam's back as sobs wracked their way through his body.

"How can this be happening, Dean? Do they know why yet?"

Dean shook his head. "All we can do is wait and pray."

"Pray?" Sam sniffled. "I didn't think I'd ever hear you say that."

"That's our friend and our baby in there. Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures."

"I'd better go in there. I don't want her to wonder where I am."

Sam and Dean walked quietly back into Emma's room. Emma was awake, having some ice chips. Drew was helping her with them and Caleb was looking out the window.

"Emma," Sam went to her and gave her a hug. "We're going to stay here with you. My dad and Bobby are on their way but it will be awhile before they get here."

"I must have done something wrong," Emma started to cry.

"No, you didn't honey," Dean stepped in. "I asked the nurse and she said there was nothing that you did that caused this. Sometimes it just happens for no reason."

"But I should have known something was wrong," Emma claimed. "I should have come in sooner."

"You thought you had the flu, honey," Dean wiped away her tears. "And you did do something. You came and slept with us last night, remember? That's why I knew to just call for help when you called my cell. You did a wonderful job making sure you got where you needed to be. It's no fun to be hooked up to monitors and the hospital never feels like home, but this is where you need to be. Like Sam said, we'll be here with you until you kick us out."

Emma smiled just a little.

"Besides, when I called Dad, Bobby told me to 'take care of our girl'. They must be feeling a little possessive of you. That's never a bad thing, by the way," Dean smiled back. "Are you ready to rest again?"

Emma nodded.

***

John and Bobby arrived in the middle of the night.

"How are they?" John asked as soon as he walked in the door. Emma was asleep with Sam lying beside her.

John brushed Emma's hair back and kissed her forehead. "I'm here, so is Bobby," John whispered to her.

John looked up to find Caleb asleep in one chair and Dean getting up from his. Dean pointed to the door and the older men followed him outside.

John noticed how weary Dean looked. He felt bad for his sons and Emma. And, he didn't know how to help them, that just pissed him off.

Dean led them to a deserted waiting room and sat down. "Drew took a walk, we might see him come by," Dean ran his fingers through his hair. "They've just give her the second dose of medication to stop labor. She's still getting contractions but they've spread out some, not enough to be out of the woods, but it's a start."

"What are all the lines for?" John asked.

"The medication can affect Emma's heart, so they have to monitor her carefully. I left the decision up to Emma if she wanted the medication or not. Told her Sam and I will love that baby no matter what."

"What are the chances of this working?" Bobby spoke for the first time.

"Don't know. She's had steroids to help the baby's lungs mature. They have made advancements in medicine where there is now a seventy percent chance they can keep the baby alive. What they can't do is prevent any disabilities or complications the baby could have from being premature."

Drew had joined their group and waited until Dean was done before greeting John and Bobby and thanking them for coming.

"Where did you think we'd be?" John smiled as he gave Drew a hug. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm just trying to stay strong for Emma."

"Remember that you always have us," Bobby told him. "Not just today or the next few days. We're here to stay."

"Thanks," Drew hugged Bobby. His body was shaking so bad that Bobby just held him for awhile. "You're doing great, Drew. You've been a wonderful big brother to Emma. You can come to us or call us anytime."

"We should stay with Emma in shifts so she's never alone and we don't get too worn out," John explained.

"Caleb has said he'll stay at the house to make sure we have a home base. He'll cook and do whatever else needs to be done.

Bobby and I can stay up overnight. Sam and Dean can cover days, and Drew can come and go as he pleases or help the boys cover days. Keep the school and garage posted on what's happening so they'll understand your absence and give you the assignments."

The plan sounded good to them.

"And Drew, you're staying at the house," John continued. "We'll call as soon as anything changes. Does anyone have a notebook where we can keep track of Emma's condition?"

"I have one in my backpack in the room," Drew replied.

"Give it to Dean to write down anything that is important. We'll note any changes and record vitals when they take them."

Dean sat there, thinking about his day and what had happened so he could write it down. He started with her doctor's name and the fact that she'd received two doses of the medication to stop labor. That she could only have ice chips and to call the nurse immediately if Emma's water broke.

Dean woke Sam up, "Come on, baby. Dad and Bobby are here to watch over Emma. We're bringing Drew and Caleb home with us."

Sam nodded, still asleep and stumbled toward his coat.

John went to clean the dirt of the road off before climbing into bed beside Emma. "It's okay, honey. It's just John."

Bobby watched with love as his Johnny Boy took care of Emma. Although John was scared, he didn't show it.

Bobby knew it was there, though, because he felt the same way.

Part 65

Sam and Dean showed Caleb their house as Drew crashed in Emma's room.

"You boys have done good for yourselves," Caleb told them. "And now to be having a baby, you will have fully crossed from hunters to domesticated men."

"Emma and Drew don't know about hunting. And no one knows that we are brothers," Dean warned Caleb. "We have papers that show me growing up as a ward of the state. I just lived close in the neighborhood so we knew each other from growing up."

Caleb nodded. "Anything else I need to know?"

"No."

"Then I'll go claim the couch as mine. That way I'll be sure to hear the phone if they call."

Sam grabbed some bedding for Caleb and looked in Emma's room to see Drew already asleep. What a day they'd had.

Caleb promised to get them up if he got a call from the hospital and to wake them up in time to get back up there to relieve John and Bobby.

***

Dean was in bed but not at ease when Sam came in. "How are you doing?" Sam asked.

"Fine. Dealing with it, I guess. I don't have much of a choice in the situation."

"So you're going to be the strong silent type?"

"Why?" Dean took a closer look at Sam.

"Because I feel like falling to pieces right now. Would you think less of me if I did?"

"Of course not. Just come to bed, Sammy." Dean gathered Sam in his arms and tried to catch Sam's racing

thoughts as they flew by him in a wave of worry and anxiety. He let the words keep flying past until Sam was done.

Sam's words failed him and he just wept--for their baby, for Emma, and for themselves.

Dean did his best to comfort Sam, even though he was feeling the stress of the situation himself. He was the strong silent type but he wasn't so sure he could keep that facade up for much longer.

"We need to focus on the positive, Sammy."

"The chances are only seventy percent. With our bad luck, we're going to be in the other thirty percent."

"We can't think like that, Sammy, I know it's hard not to. There are many different ways this could turn out. The thirty percent chance is only one of the ways. Our baby could have disabilities or complications of varying degrees. We could have a healthy baby with a couple medical issues or we could stop labor and have a perfect little baby in January."

Sam was quiet as he thought about what Dean said.

"You still there, Sammy?"

"Yeah. I don't care what kind of complications the baby may or may not have. I still want it to be ours."

"Same here," Dean agreed. "I'll love this baby no matter what the outcome is. We'll be bringing a baby home, Sam. We just don't know when."

"Bringing a baby home sounds so good right now," Sam sighed as he calmed down. "I suppose we should think a little harder about baby names."

"If you want to," Dean ran his fingers through Sam's long hair.

"I still really like Maggie Mary for a girl," Sam said.

"I think that it's a good name for a little girl. What about for a boy?"

"Benjamin John?"

"I like having Dad's name in there," Dean agreed. "I don't have any complaints about it. Is it what you have your heart set on?"

"I'm not sure about it, but I know it's one of my favorites."

"We could even change our minds once we see the baby," Dean told Sam. "I think we have a good enough handle on the names for now."

After a minute, Sam said, "I want to be closer to you. I want to feel the security I only get in your arms."

"We've been sleeping with boxers on since Emma came here. We could go back to sleeping without. We always feel closer if we're that way."

With every stitch of clothing off, Sam and Dean curled up together. The feel of skin soothed them to sleep. They drew strength from each other for a new day.

***

"John," Emma said softly. "When did you get here?"

"Late last night," John replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Rotten."

"Stupid question." John asked, "Should I go sleep on the chair so you have more room?"

"No. I feel safer with you beside me. Any news on the baby that I might have missed due to my drugged out

mind?"

"Baby is still fine. The contractions aren't slowing down any more but they are maintaining. That's a good thing."

Emma forced a smile. "I feel like I'm letting you guys down. Apparently I can't even carry a baby to term. I wanted you guys to have a nice healthy baby to raise and love."

"This baby will be loved no matter what, Emma. They'll have a wonderful life with many people to shower them with love and attention."

"I know you will," Emma got teary-eyed. "Must be a combination of hormones and drugs working on me now."

"Don't worry. I'll still be here when you get up. Or else Dean and Sam will. They're at home sleeping right now. Drew and Caleb are there, too."

Emma nodded. "Thanks for coming, John. Will you tell Bobby thanks, too?"

"Nothing could have kept Bobby away. Same with me. We'd planned on being here when the baby was born. We just didn't count on it being now." John saw how droopy her eyes were getting. "Let's just go back to sleep."

John tried to move his body so she could be more comfortable. Within minutes, she was asleep.

"You've done a great job with Emma," Bobby had his hand on John's shoulder. "If you and Mary would have had girls instead of boys, you still would have been a fantastic dad."

John just smiled up at Bobby, "You bring out the best in me. Did you know that?"

"I just remind you of how you used to feel things before the demon."

"I miss those days."

"You can get them back, John."

"How?"

"You can treat this baby more like you wish you would have treated the boys."

John looked at the man who could put ideas into such simple words. "I intend to spoil this baby rotten."

"So do I," said Bobby. "You'd better get some rest before Emma wakes up again."

Emma was having a bad dream. It was about that fated date with the creep. It was like she was an observer just watching the assault happen. Then, she saw the creep's eyes turn pitch black. When she awoke she couldn't remember if his eyes had been black in reality. She had an awful feeling that they might have been.