Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Thief of the Night

Chapter 15 – Back to Business

Dean watched as his little brother struggled for a minute with his hoodie. The doctor had finally released him after a week of uncertainty. At one point Sam's fever had spiked and there was talk of a ventilator but luckily his baby brother had fought back. He still had a ways to go, but the Doctor had agreed he could recover with home care as well as here at the hospital. "Come on Sammy, let me help you with that—Dad is getting the car and he's gonna leave without us at this rate!"

Sam looked up and shook his head. "It's Sam and I can do it myself Dean…"

Ever since his brother had woken up, he seemed to be drawing further and further away from him. His little brother rarely talked which was the first warning sign that all was not well in Sammyville. There was a new quiet despair that seemed to surround his normally vibrant little brother. While his Father and the doctor seemed to write it off as part of his recovery. Dean was sure it was something much more.

He knew his little brother still thought he didn't want to be around him, but no matter how much he'd tried to talk to Sam—he'd been shut out. His little brother's admission in the well had shaken him. He needed to let him know they'd never leave him behind and he was a true Winchester. Right down to the stubborn streak that seemed ingrained in them all. It was that trait that had his brother all but ignoring him.

Except at night when the nightmares would start. Then Sam would let Dean comfort him until he could fall back into a restless sleep. He never told Dean what was in the dreams, but he could guess. After all, Sam had a rough couple of days with the Raven Mocker torturing him. Whatever had happened though Sam seemed determined to keep it to himself.

"Oh for crying out loud Sam—let me!" Dean's patience finally gave out as he watched his brother get the hoodie part way over his head, only to have it stick on the cast. Without waiting for his brother's approval he quickly managed to get the clothing straightened out.

"Thanks Dean." Sam said quietly, his eyes looking down.

"No problem. You'd do the same for me I'm sure…" Dean tried to make light of it. But once again Sam remained silent. "Okayyyy. Well your chariot has arrived complete with the special cushion for your little tushie and I for one will be glad to get out of here. Dad says we're going to stay with Bobby for a few days until you're back on your feet."

Sam looked up his eyes unreadable. "So when do you and Dad leave on the next hunt?"

Dean stopped and shook his head. "Not until you're ready to come with Sam. The doctor said you have to take it easy for at least the next week or two. Your tail bone needs time to heal up and that cast won't be coming off for a bit either. So we'll be staying with Bobby for a bit I guess. I'm actually looking forward to having some down time. My baby could use a good tune up…"

Sam sighed as he let his brother help him into the chair. Getting up and down was still painful for his brother because of his bruised tail bone. Dean could feel his brother's weakness as his little brother leaned into him and it worried him. He wondered if maybe they weren't pushing things too soon. It was only a day ago that Sam was still on IV's to combat the infection and pneumonia. "You sure you're ready to go Sam? 'Cause if you're not, we can stay another day or two…."

"No I'm good. Like you said, better get moving or Dad will leave me behind…" Sam pulled his casted arm close to his body and waited for Dean to start pushing him. But Dean had heard the defeat in his young brother's voice. He knew Sam thought they were leaving him behind again.

Dean knelt in front of Sam and looked up at him. "No one is leaving you anywhere Sam. You are part of this family whether you like it or not. I know you heard me and Caleb talking—but it was just talk Sammy. I don't want to leave you behind anymore than Dad does. I'm sorry you were hurt by what I said Sam but you're my brother and I wouldn't change that for anything. So are we good?"

"We're good Dean—but I really think we should leave or Dad is gonna freak…" Sam smiled slightly but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Dean was really starting to miss his brother's smile. He knew he'd have to work at getting it back, but he wouldn't give up—it wasn't the Winchester way.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam reclined in the back seat of the Impala. His Dad and brother had done everything they could to make him comfortable since sitting for any length of time bothered is healing back. He didn't have to guess where the pillows and blankets had come from; the comforter looked a lot like the one from the cabin.

Dean was driving and following his father's truck. Bobby had gone ahead a few days before under the pretense of getting things ready for his house guests. Sam figured it was more like he needed time to rest before his family arrived. He was sure after a few days his Dad and Dean would be driving the old hunter crazy while they waited for him to recover.

A small sigh escaped his lips. Once again he was holding his family back. Dean had told him it was okay and even his Dad has tried to make him feel like he didn't mind. But he knew better. Each day they stayed with him, another innocent person might be injured or worse. The truth was he did understand the importance of what his father and brother did—they saved lives every day. He just didn't see how he fit into that world. Not completely anyway.

He thought back to what the girl April had said to him. If he kept his grades up, he might get a scholarship and be able to attend college. His father and brother wouldn't approve, but in the end they'd see it was for the best. At least for a while until Sam could figure out what he wanted to do with his life.

Unfortunately he'd have to keep his new goal secret from both his father and Dean. He didn't mind so much with his father, but it hurt that he now had a part of his life he couldn't share with his big brother. Dean would never understand his need to be independent. For now he'd try to be the good son and brother. Then when the time came, he'd try to make them understand. He needed to get out from under his overprotective family so that he could prove what kind of man he could be.

"You okay back there Sammy?" Dean's voice broke through his thoughts.

"I'm fine Dean…" Sam replied as he tried to keep from moaning. The pain meds were beginning to wear off but he really didn't want any more. They muddled his thoughts and made him feel out of control.

"We should be at Bobby's in about thirty minutes. But we can stop if you need your pain medicine…" Sam could hear the worry in his big brother's voice.

"Seriously Dean, I'm fine—I'll be fine. You don't need to stop and you don't need to keep watching over me." Sam saw his brother's shoulders stiffen. A moment later he heard his brother on the phone before they pulled into a rest area. Sam watched as Dean paused for a moment, his hands curling tightly around the wheel before he took a deep breath and looked back at Sam.

"Look Sam. Who has been taking care of you since you were six months old?" Dean glared at Sam.

"You have, but I'm fifteen…" Sam didn't understand why his brother was so upset. He was trying to give him his freedom.

"And you think that just because you're fifteen I don't have the right to care about you anymore—that my job is over? 'Cause the last time I looked I was still your big brother."

"You are Dean—but you don't need to baby sit me anymore. I understand that Dad won't leave me alone, I mean look what happened when I tried to—well anyway, you deserve to have a life too Dean. I just want you to know it's okay with me if Dad decides to leave me with Pastor Jim or Bobby while you guys hunt."

Dean took a deep breath before he continued. "You're my little brother and nothing will ever change that. I don't care what happens; I'm not leaving you behind. It's my job to look out for you and it's your job to watch my back. We're a team—we're brothers and more importantly we're Winchesters. Nothing else matters…"

Sam smiled as he felt something he'd been missing return. Maybe his brother wanted him around after all. "I'll always have your back Dean." Sam said quietly.

"And I'll always have yours. Now are we really good this time? I mean we can sit here for a while longer but too much more of this chick flick stuff and I'm gonna have to start calling you Samantha…"

"Jerk!" Sam said with a chuckle

"Bitch!" Dean replied as he turned and started the car.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

They had been at Bobby's for a week when Sam woke to angry voices below. He slipped from the bed and pulled on his clothes. Lately he'd been wearing layers as he never seemed to be able to get warm. As he headed towards the stairs he paused as he heard his brother's angry voice.

"You can't do that to him Dad. I promised him we wouldn't leave him behind this time." Dean and his Dad were in the kitchen from the sounds of it. Sam quietly walked down the stairs.

"People are dying Dean. You heard Bobby, there aren't any hunters close enough to handle this one. Sam would only be a liability right now—he's not fit to fight…" John's voice stopped as Sam entered the kitchen. He blinked back the tears that gathered in his eyes as he calmly walked towards the refrigerator. His hand shook slightly as he poured a glass of orange juice.

"So what is the hunt Dad?" Sam asked as he turned and sat down at the kitchen table. He could have sworn his father looked guilty for a moment before the usual mask he wore dropped back into place.

"Werecats are attacking a campground about a day's drive out in Minnesota. I'd take you to Pastor Jim's but it would take an extra day. Bobby said he'd be glad to keep you here until you feel better and can join us…." His Dad looked at the older hunter, a look passed between the men but Sam was too busy trying to keep his emotions in check to notice.

"You need Dean to help you. Werecats can be tricky and you don't know how many of them might be involved. Although, they normally don't have packs like werewolves, I guess it's possible there could be more than one. When will you be back?" Sam asked quietly, he refused to look at his father or Dean. They'd see how much it upset him and he had sworn to himself he wasn't going to hold them back anymore.

"I'm not going anywhere Sammy…" Dean started to protest.

"You're going with me Dean and that's final. Sam is old enough to take care of himself for a day or two without you fussing over him. Now get your things—we're out of here in five…" His father stomped from the room without a glance at his oldest son or Bobby.

"Sam, I'm sorry—I have to…" Dean reached out to touch Sam but he ducked out from under his brother's hand.

"It's okay Dean, I told you. You and Dad don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself. Just—just make sure you stay safe…" Sam managed before he headed for the stairs. "I'm tired. I think I'll take another nap. Bobby I'll see you later…"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean watched as his little brother withdrew from him again. It wasn't even a week and already he was breaking the promise he'd made to Sam. He'd told him they were a team and they were. But his Dad was right. People were dying and the job was too dangerous for one hunter. How could he protect both of the people he loved?

He jumped as a hand fell on his shoulder. "You take care of him. I'll watch out for Sammy while you're gone. For what it's worth, I did offer to go but your Dad knows I'm working on research for Joshua and Caleb. He didn't want me to put them in danger when he was shore you two could handle this…."

Dean ran a hand through his hair as he pulled in a calming breath. "I know Bobby, but you know what—some days this life just sucks!"

"You got that right boy. Now you best git before your bear of a father gets his panties in a twist. The sooner you go kill that son of a btch the sooner you can get back to that boy upstairs." Bobby patted him on the shoulder once more before he left to help John finish packing.

Dean sighed as he climbed the stairs to get his duffle bag. It only took him a few moments to pack what he'd need. The whole time Sam had remained still, his back turned to him in feigned sleep. He knew his little brother was hurt by what his father had said and nothing he could say now would take it back or make it better. He stood and walked towards the bed sitting beside his little brother he touched his shoulder.

"You know I'd stay if I could Sam, but Dad needs me more right now."

"I know Dean. You need to go. I'll be fine with Bobby. Just call me when you finish and let me know you both are safe…" Sam refused to make eye contact which wasn't a good sign. His brother was shutting him out again.

"Look when we get back why don't you and I do something together—how about a movie?" Dean couldn't leave things like this. He needed his brother to believe he'd be back for him.

"Sure Dean, when you get back…" Sam sighed as he sat up on the bed, his head bowed as he picked at the edge of the cast. "You don't need to worry about me Dean. I really can take care of myself. Besides, Dad's right, I'd just hold you both back, maybe even get you hurt…"

"No he's not right Sam. You'd never do anything to get us hurt in fact you've saved my rear end more than once. You just need time to heal. I need you to do something for me while I'm gone though…" Dean reached into his pocket.

"What Dean?" Sam asked softly.

Dean dropped the keys to his car into Sam's hand. "I need you to watch her for me until I come back. I'm going to ride with Dad this time…"

Dean saw his little brother's hand close around the keys as he finally looked up. His eyes shone with unshed tears. But it was the soft smile that spread slowly at first until his little brother's dimples finally made an appearance that put a lift in Dean's step. "Thanks Dean—I'll take good care of her for you…"

"You do that or else!" Dean said as he ruffled his brother's hair before turning to leave. "Oh and Sam?"

"Yes Dean?"

"No driving her—you can look but don't touch!" Dean ducked as a pillow sailed passed his head.

"Jerk!

"Btch!

Dean heard his brother's soft chuckle as he headed out to tell his Dad he'd be riding with him.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam stared down at the dinner Bobby had made for them both. He'd spent the most of yesterday and this afternoon helping the old hunter do research for Caleb and Joshua but his mind was still on his Father and brother. What if they got hurt? He had meant it when he told Dean he could take care of himself, but he didn't tell him how much he worried whenever they were gone. Call him selfish, but he dreaded the day when he'd get a call telling him he was now alone…

"Thanks for helpin' Sam. I never would have come up with all that stuff in such a short time." Bobby sat back and took a sip of his beer.

"No problem Bobby. I like to help. Pastor Jim says I have a knack for putting things together. Too bad it doesn't help when the time comes to take the thing down…" Sam gazed out the window into the dark night. He shivered slightly as he saw a bolt of lightening followed by the sound of thunder. Images of a dark forest popped into his mind, the smell of rancid water filled his nose until he thought he might be sick.

As the storm grew in intensity, the young hunter almost though he heard the sound of Raven wings but knew it was only his mind playing tricks on him. He still woke at night in a sweat, his eyes searching the darkness until he realized he was no longer in the well or trapped under a tree. His father was right, he'd been nothing but a liability on a hunt.

"You know Sam. I've been a hunter for a long time now. But I gotta tell you. There's nothin' wrong with bein' the person who does the investigatin' while the others get cold and wet." Bobby stood and took his dishes to the sink before he turned and smiled at Sam.

"I know what you're saying Bobby. But Dean and Dad don't think it's important. All I do is screw up. If I can't fight or shoot as good as Dean, Dad thinks I'm a liability—and maybe he's right…" Sam stood and emptied his nearly full plate into the trash. He jumped as another lightening bolt lit up the night sky. He could smell the ozone in the air from the close strike. A firm hand on his shoulder grounded him as he calmed his rapid breathing.

"You know, you're Dad wouldn't have figured out it was a Raven Mocker without your help. As for the fighting bit—seems to me you took on the witch in less than peak condition and you managed to walk away from it. Any time you can walk away from a fight, you gotta put a check in the win column Sam." Bobby guided the young hunter away from the window and back to the couch in the living room.

Sam sat down gently as his back was still sore. He'd stopped wearing the sling as it bothered his neck besides the cast didn't bother him anymore. Luckily the scratches on his cheek were almost healed along with the other bruises and wounds he'd received. Other than being tired most of the time, he was actually not feeling too bad. He jumped as a rough hand felt his forehead. "I'm fine Bobby. I just…I wish I could do more. There has to be more than just hunting until you die. I want to fit in, but I don't and no matter how hard I try I can't be Dean…"

"No, you can't because you're Sam. Sam Winchester, the smartest and most stubborn young man I've ever had the privilege of meeting. Your Daddy is proud of you even though he don't say it much. And that brother of yours, all he does is talk about you—they both love you kid. It's just that in this life you get scared of losing any more than you already have…" Bobby looked off and swallowed. His eyes were suddenly sad as if he remembered what had brought him into the hunting life. Sam wondered what had happened but he didn't want his friend to be upset. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good from the look on Bobby's face.

"I know Bobby, but it works both ways. I get scared for them too…" Sam sighed as he let his head fall back onto the couch. It had been a long day and he was ready to get some sleep. "I think I'll head up to bed if it's okay with you Bobby…"

"Sure kid. I'll check on you later. Just call down if you need anything…"

"I will Bobby—and thanks!" Sam smiled at their old friend as he stood to make his way up to his bed.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean looked over at the silent form of his father in the seat beside him. The hunt had gone well, except for his father getting a clawed up shoulder. There had been a pair of werecats hunting in the woods. His father had stepped in front of one of them as Dean took out the other with a shot to the heart. His Dad's gun had killed the other but not before it had managed to get his shoulder.

Luckily the wounds thought painful, weren't deep and only needed to be cleaned and stitched. A chore Dean had easily taken care of when they had gotten back to the hotel. He'd called Sam to let him know they'd be an extra day while his Dad recovered and his brother sounded fine. But he wouldn't feel better until he could see his little brother for himself.

"You get a ticket, you pay for it Dean. Sam's just fine. You don't need to push getting back to him…" His father remarked from his seat as he rubbed his injured arm.

"He still thinks we want to leave him behind Dad. I know Sam. The longer that sits in his head, the harder it will be to get it out. We gotta take him with next time. Even if he just sits at the motel…" Dean turned and looked at his Dad. He could see the pain and something else flash across his father's features. For a moment it looked like guilt.

"You left him there on purpose! You wanted to leave him behind?" Dean felt his anger grow. "After everything that happened you decided to play into his fears and leave him. How could you do that to him Dad?"

"The boy needs to get his confidence back Dean. He needs to know we trust him to be on his own. He needs to understand we'll always come back for him--as long as we're able." John sighed as he looked out the window at the passing scenery. "The truth is your brother can take care of himself but he still needs us to back him up. You want me to be soft on him, but that will only get him killed some day and you know it. He may hate me Dean, but at least he'll live…"

Dean shook his head at his father's logic. It was always so black and white with him. "He'll never be the soldier you want Dad. It's not in him. All I know is, if we keep pushing at him he's strong enough to walk away from us. Then how will we protect him?"

"We'll do what we have to Dean…" John replied as he closed his eyes. It was clear the conversation was over. Dean sighed as he continued to drive back to Bobby's house. It was also clear his job was only going to get harder. He knew some day he'd have to choose between his father or his brother and God help him, he didn't know if he could. Both of them needed him and it was his job to protect them both. How was he going to do that if they weren't together?

"I know Dad; I'll do what I have to do to keep my family safe—no matter what it costs me…" Dean said softly as he squared his shoulders against the pain he knew was going to come.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam was handing Bobby tools while the older hunter worked on the Impala. It was a surprise for his big brother who was due back any time now. Dean had called him last night and told him they would be heading back this morning. His father had been hurt, but not too badly and the werecats were now history.

The young hunter had managed to wash and polish the car using only one hand. It had taken him most of the morning, but the black car now shone in the late morning light. Bobby had agreed to do the tune up and change the oil—something Sam knew he'd have to learn some day. But for now he was content to sit and hand the tools to the master mechanic. Besides if he did something wrong and broke the car, Dean would kill him.

Bobby crawled out from under the car and wiped his hands on the rag he always seemed to have handy. "She's all done. Why don't we head inside and start lunch. Your father and brother should be here soon and if I know Dean, he's gonna be hungry."

Sam chuckled. "Probably, but I think I'll just wait out here if you don't mind Bobby."

"Sure, but don't wander too far…" Bobby cautioned as he looked at the young hunter.

"I won't Bobby…" Sam smiled as he watched their old friend head back into the house. He still wasn't hungry and the thought of sitting there while Bobby cooked made his stomach clench. He gently wiped the slight smudge of oil from the hood of the Impala before he walked around and got into the passenger seat.

His time at Bobby's had allowed him to think. The old hunter had been right when he pointed out his father and brother were overprotective for a reason. Deep down he understood their need to protect him and he even understood his father's need to make sure he could take care of himself. But it didn't stop him from feeling slightly resentful of the way his father did it.

He wasn't like Dean. He needed to know why they did things and he also knew their Dad wasn't infallible. As he sat in the car with the window cranked down he felt a sense of calm come over him—a sense of home. He could smell the scent of leather and gun oil that reminded him of both his father and Dean. Here he could be close to them and feel them around him without worrying about being too sentimental.

The truth was he needed his father and brother in his life but he also needed to be his own person. He knew it would be hard, but he was done trying to be something he wasn't. He would fight to become his own man—even if his father ended up hating him. Some day he knew he'd have to walk away from his family and it would hurt. But it was the only way he would be able to figure out who he really was.

He just wished he could talk to Dean about it. However, he never wanted to put his brother in the position of having to choose between him and his father. If he told Dean of his plans to go to college his brother would be put square in the middle of what was sure to be a fight to end all fights with his Dad. He had seen the torment on his big brother's face when he'd had to decide whether or not to go on the hunt with Dad. It would tear Dean apart. No, it was better for him to make the decision and then leave Dean with Dad. His stubborn father would need the back up when he was gone.

As the warmth of the car surrounded him, he felt his eyes close. Before he knew it, Sam fell asleep.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean pulled up behind his car and smiled as he saw the car shine in the afternoon light. "Well I'll be damned—how the hell did he manage to wash and wax the car with a cast on his arm?"

John grinned. "Your little brother can do just about anything once he's put his mind to it."

As Dean got out of the truck he grabbed both duffle bags and headed towards the house. He could smell fried chicken as soon as he entered the small home. "Hey Bobby, don't tell me you actually cooked for us?"

"Naw, I just wanted to get rid of some pesky critters that kept aggravating my dog. How're you doin' Johnny?" Bobby stepped out and looked at the weary hunter.

"I'm fine. Nothing another day of rest won't cure."

"Where's Sammy?" Dean asked as he returned from upstairs. He'd dropped his father's bag off in the room he was using and had stopped off in the one he shared with Sam. He'd been surprised that his little brother wasn't there.

"He said he was goin' for a walk about forty minutes ago. I was gonna go look for him as soon as the food was done…" Bobby replied. "Don't worry, he usually doesn't go far. I'm sure he'll be back soon."

"I'm gonna go find him…" Dean remarked as he turned to leave the house. If Sam was out walking it meant he was thinking and too much of that normally led to trouble. He wasn't going to assume his little brother was fine until he saw it for himself. As he walked by the Impala he stopped and smiled as he saw his brother's head leaning against the door. His mouth was opened slightly as he slept.

"Guess you tired yourself out little brother…" Dean said softly as he quietly opened the driver side door and slipped inside. He let the familiar feel of his home away from home soothe him while he watched Sam sleep. It amazed him how young his brother looked when he wasn't trying to appear older than his years.

Sam muttered softly as he scrunched further down into the seat. Dean hated to wake him but he knew his brother's neck and back would be killing him if he left him here. Besides, it was time to eat and he wanted to make sure Sam ate. The kid had lost too much weight and still wasn't putting much more on. "Hey Sammy, time to wake up!"

"Dean?" Sam croaked as his hazel eyes blinked open. His hand reached up to rub the sleep from his eyes. "You're home…"

"Brilliant observation Sherlock! Why didn't you go inside and catch a nap on the sofa?" Dean watched as his brother winced while he straightened up inside the car.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep. I was just keeping her company until you got back…" Sam mumbled as he reached for the door handle. Dean laughed as he got out and waited for his little brother to join him. He noticed he was still moving a little stiffly, probably from the bruised tailbone.

"Yeah, I can see you took good care of her Sam—Thanks!" Dean stopped and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder for a moment. He waited and was rewarded with his brother's smile.

"Well, she needed a bath and Bobby did the tune up and oil change for you. So she's ready to go—you know whenever you're ready to leave again…" Sam looked away for a moment before he started back into the house.

"Sam, the next time this car leaves—you'll be in the passenger seat right next to me. Besides who else can I torture on those long trips…Dad would kill me!" Dean chuckled as he followed his little brother back into the house.

The young hunter smiled at his brother's words. Sam wasn't sure what tomorrow held for them but he was sure of two things. He and his Dad would probably never be on the same page but no matter what his brother would always have his back—and he would have theirs.

Seven Years Later…

Dean sat on the bed in the run down motel room and looked at the closed bathroom doorway. He felt horrible. Maybe he should have stayed away longer but he had found it almost impossible to leave his little brother alone for two years.

Two years where he spent every moment wondering how Sam was doing. No matter how many times he and his Dad checked up on his little brother, he always felt like a part of himself was missing. Oh he'd managed to hunt but he hunted mostly alone now and it wasn't the same.

Call him selfish, but he missed his little brother and wanted him back with him. Even if it meant pulling him back into a life he'd made it clear he didn't want. Something was wrong, he could feel it. First his father disappeared with no trace and then Sam's girlfriend was killed. If he'd been a minute later…

Dean shuddered at the thought of his brother dying in the flames. Once again he'd pulled him from a burning building while another woman died on the ceiling. Only this time, Sam would remember and he would grieve. He heard soft sobs coming from the bathroom, the sounds of his brother's distress tore holes in his heart.

"Sammy…" Dean said softly as he rose and stood outside the door. His hand paused before turning the knob. He knew his brother wanted space, maybe even needed it. But he'd let Sam walk out on him two years ago without a fight. He'd tried to convince himself it was the best thing for his little brother even though it hurt him, he'd finally made the choice to stay with their Dad and let Sam go.

As he turned the knob and entered the small room his resolve strengthened. He'd never make that choice again. This was where he belonged and where he would stay as long as his brother would have him. As he knelt next to the tall frame of his little brother, he didn't say a word as he pulled him to his chest. His strong arms soothing the man his brother had become. "It will be okay Sam. I've got you and I'm not letting you go…"

And he meant every word of it….

The End

Raven524: And so we end another story. Thanks to sendintheclowns for the inspiration for this piece and a big thanks to all of you who have followed along. Now that I've dabbled in weechester fictdom, who knows I may try it again some day…