Sick Babies Don't Tell

Sam watched Dean color quietly as he hummed a tune to some song at a very low volume. Sam almost didn't know he was there. Dean didn't talk much. He didn't ask for anything, but Sam could tell when he wanted to go outside or when he needed to be changed. He listened to anything Sam said and did it without question. He was very good for Bobby when he babysat. Sam smiled at Dean and Dean went on coloring.

"Dean, its lunchtime. Let's put your coloring book and crayons away and eat. Then you can take a nap." Sam said.

Dean nodded obediently and started to put his crayons neatly back in the box. Once he finished, he gathered his things and put them when he was told they belong. He sat back at the table and folded his hands and waited for Sam to say grace. The first time Dean had done it, Sam wasn't sure what it meant.

FLASHBACK

Dean held Sam's hand as they walked down the stairs. Dean had been washing his hands so he was ready for dinner. Sam told him to sit at the table, so he did. Once he was sitting in his seat, he folded his hands and bowed his head, waiting patiently for Sam to say grace. Sam looked at Dean strangely.

"Dean, what are you doing?" Sam asked.

"Wou 'possed to say gwace so God knows." Dean said softly.

"Oh, um, okay. Dear God, thank you for blessing us with this wonderful day and the nourishment we are about to receive. Amen."

Dean nodded and started to eat the sandwich Sam put in front of him.

END OF FLASHBACK

Sam thought it was adorable. He said grace and gave Dean a sippy of milk and some spaghetti. Dean seemed happy enough, so Sam sat down and started to eat, too. Dean watched him carefully, as if observing him. Sam noticed that Dean was trying to do the same thing he was. He watched Dean try to cut his spaghetti and twirl it on his fork. Sam giggled and Dean immediately stopped and went back to eating it his way. Dean finished quickly and wasn't nearly as messy as Sam expected. Sam coaxed Dean into drinking his milk and when he finished, Sam took him upstairs and cleaned him up. After they finished, Sam laid Dean down for a nap and kissed him goodnight. He closed the door and walked into Bobby's study. Bobby nodded to him and noticed the smile on Sam's face.

"Sam, what are you thinking about?" Bobby asked.

"Dean. He's so quiet and he doesn't ask for anything, so I was thinking, after he wakes up, me and you could go to the store real quick and pick up something for him to play with. And we could do the shopping." Sam said.

"Not a bad idea. I can tell the kid gets bored. He sure does like to play outside and mess with the cars, though."

"I know. I was hoping I'd get to take him to that little playground a few miles away."

"Wait, we don't have anyone to watch him."

"Yes, we do. She should be here shortly."

"She? Who are you- you wouldn't leave him with that bitch, would you?"

"She needed to talk to me. I figured free labor."

"Good point."

A knock on the door prompted Bobby to get up and answer. A very pissed Ruby was at the door.

"Singer, you mind breaking the traps so I can, you know, get in your fucking house?" Ruby asked angrily.

"Sure. Oh, and I hope you like coloring and hide and seek." Bobby said.

Ruby looked confused. Bobby slightly smudged the Key of Solomon and the Devil's Trap so Ruby could get in. She looked at Sam with a smile and Sam frowned.

"So, you been avoiding me this past week, or what? Where's Dean?" Ruby asked.

"Dean's taking a nap in the guest room. No, I haven't been avoiding you. I've been busy, giving Dean the childhood he deserves." Sam said.

"What are you talking about? And Bobby said he hopes I like coloring and hide and seek. What's going on?"

"Dean was cursed by a demon. He's two mentally and physically until further notice. And we need to go to the store, so you're going to watch him."

"What? I don't think so! I'm not watching Dean as an adult, much less a diaper wearing, snot nosed kid!"

"Ruby, inside voice. Dean's asleep."

"Sam, I don't know where you got the idea that I would babysit for you. I came to tell you that there is some serious shit going on in Dallas, Texas."

"I can't hunt, Ruby. Dean's too little. He doesn't like it when his Daddy's away too long."

"Sam, your father is dead! You are his brother. Not his father."

"He thinks I'm his dad. And that's okay with me."

All the commotion downstairs woke Dean. He got out of bed quietly and tiptoed downstairs to find Sam and give him a hug. He turned the corner and saw Ruby, and he immediately tensed up. He walked into the room and put a thumb in his mouth. Ruby glared at him and Sam smiled and outstretched his arms.

"Hey, Dean-o. Did you have a good nappy-bye?" Sam asked.

Dean nodded and cuddled into Sam's chest. Sam smoothed Dean's hair and kissed his head. Dean looked up at Sam, a question burning in his bright green eyes- Who is that girl?

"Dean, this is Ruby. She's a friend of mine. Can you say hi to her?" Sam asked.

"Hi, Wuby." Dean whispered.

"It's Ruby. Ru-by. You're not very bright." Ruby said.

"Sowwy. No mean to."

Sam glared at Ruby. She was being a royal bitch, and that annoyed Sam to no end. Dean was two; naturally he didn't pronounce things correctly. Sam rubbed Dean's hair and kissed his head. Bobby stood in the corner.

"Hey, Dean. Do I get a hug?" Bobby asked playfully.

Dean nodded eagerly and ran to Bobby. He gave him a big hug and a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Dean turned to Ruby and cautiously held his arms out to her. Ruby scoffed and turned away from Dean. Dean's lip wobbled and his eyes were shining with tears. He started to cry and ran to Sam, burying his head in Sam's chest.

"Shh, Dean. It's okay, baby. Don't cry, buddy." Sam cooed gently.

"Wuby no 'ike me." Dean whispered sadly.

"Sure she likes you, Dean. She doesn't like hugs though. It's okay, you didn't know."

"No, I'm pretty sure I don't like him." Ruby sneered.

Dean was full on sobbing after that comment and Sam tried to dry Dean's tears. Bobby tried, too, but neither succeeded and Dean got off Sam's lap and ran up the stairs, back to the guest room. Sam went after him and Bobby glared at Ruby.

"Do I have to babysit now?" Ruby asked.

"Yes. But I swear to God, if I come back, and Dean has even one little scratch on him, I will kill you. And Sam-well, you better watch out." Bobby said.

"Yeah right. What does he even do? It's not like he has hobbies."

"Coloring. Hide and seek. Sometimes, he just likes to cuddle. Depends on the mood you catch him in."

"Yeah, uh-huh. What would he do in this mood?"

"He'll sit. Observe you. He'll study you and size you up."

"Ooooo, I'm so worried. He's two. What damage could he possibly do?"

"No damage. He's quiet, he listens well, and he doesn't hurt anyone."

Sam padded down the stairs and put a finger to his lips. Bobby nodded and smiled. He figured Dean had gone back to sleep and he guessed Sam had rocked him to sleep, judging by the proud look on his face.

"He go back to sleep? Is he okay?" Bobby asked.

"He was still a little sad, but I managed to rock him back to sleep. I told him I'd stay here and watch him." Sam said.

"So, I'm going to get things for Dean by myself?"

"No. Ruby, you started this, you're going with Bobby. And, no, you can't kill him."

"Sam, you can't make me go." Ruby said.

"Oh, really? La Excorsismus, omnis immundus spiritus-"

"Okay, fine! Please, just stop!"

"Good. Have fun, you two. I suggest you go so you can get back."

Ruby growled and stormed out the front door, Bobby following behind.Sam waved and got a textbook. He opened it up and started his research.

Sam got a little worried when Dean had been asleep for two hours. Dean's normal naps were only forty-five minutes long. Sam went up to check on Dean, and he almost gasped at what he saw. Dean was sweaty and shivering, and he was curling into the blanket. He sneezed in his sleep and whimpered pitifully. Sam put his hand against Dean's forehead. He was very hot. Sam panicked. He dialed Bobby's number.

"Hey, Sam. What's wrong?" Bobby asked.

"It's Dean. He's burning up. He's sneezing and coughing and he's sweating." Sam said.

"He's probably got a cold. I'll pick up some medicine, okay? Just stay calm. If he wakes up, keep him warm and give him some fluids."

"Okay. Thank you, Bobby."

"You're welcome."

Sam hung up and smoothed Dean's baby fine hair.

"Don't worry, Dean. Daddy's gonna make you all better." Sam whispered.