Sylum Advent 2021: December 15th

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Title: 2009 First Cambridge Christmas

Author: Naj

Summary: Dean and Sam have their first Christmas together in Cambridge

Dean unlocked the door to the house he and Sam were renting, knocked snow off his boots and trudged inside. He closed the door and sagged against it. Sam warned me, he thought, and I didn’t listen. I’ve played the dumb jock too long.

Dean hung his coat next to the door, threw his keys on the table and dragged himself and his backpack into the small bedroom he used as a study. He flipped on the lights and dropped the backpack on this desk with a reverberating thud!

With a sigh of relief he sank into his chair, leaned back, put his feet on the desk, trying just to relax every damn muscle in his body that seemed to be screaming at him. Dean sat there for a few minutes, thinking.

He sighed again and rose from the chair, taking a moment to stretch. Dean groaned as his muscles and vertebrae snapped and popped into place. He opened a drawer in his desk, pushing aside papers. He reached into the desk, a small smile on his lips as he pulled out two small and one large newspaper wrapped items. The drawer slid closed and he made his way to the kitchen, chuckling.

Dean opened a small refrigerator unit hidden by a false wall in the cabinet. Pulling out a blood bag and tossing it into the microwave. He started to reach for a mug and said ‘Ah Fuck it!’ He grabbed the warm bag from the microwave and sank his fangs into it.

The rich red liquid slid up his fangs and moved into his bloodstream. Dean moaned softly as his Vampire Nature took control. Strength flamed through him and his eyes turned a beautiful glowing crystalline jade.

Somewhat restored Dean walked to the living room closet and pulled out a box and several bags. Humming a Christmas song, he pulled decorations out of the bag and began placing them around the room – some on the tables, others he hung on the walls. On the reflecting table near the door he put two small artificial wreaths. In the center of each he placed a tall silver LED candle and hurricane chimneys over each.

The house had a fireplace, so he set up a fire in the hearth and decorated the mantle with greenery and plugged in the preset lights. On the swatch of green he set two glittery pine cones to be placed in the fire later that evening.

Looking around the living room he smiled, satisfied that he had done his best. “One last thing to do,” he thought. He moved to the box and opened it, carefully removing his prize decoration – a small Christmas tree placing it on the coffee table. He removed an extension cord from the decorations bag and placed it carefully so neither he nor Sam would trip over it. Taking a deep breath he murmured, “Here goes …” he flipped the switch and whooped when the lights blazed on. Carefully, he placed the packages under the tree.

He turned toward the kitchen to get several glasses and the new bottle of bourbon for their Christmas eggnog. Dean stopped for a moment and turned to survey the magical kingdom he set up, like a King would survey his lands. A huge smile graced his face.

Dean started to pull their ‘special’ glasses from the cabinet when heard a key turning the front door. ‘Shit,’ he thought, ‘the kid’s home early!’

He hurried into the living room just as Sam stepped into the house. The younger vampire shrugged out of his coat and dumped it next to Dean’s. He looked haggard, not even looking around the room, nor did he notice Dean standing near him. He focused on his study, shouldered his backpack and headed forward. Once in the room he dropped his backpack on his desk, the object thudding as it hit the wood.

‘What is it with backpacks and thuds?’

From the doorway Dean spoke softly, “Sammy, you okay? I thought you’d be another hour…”

Startled, Sam sputtered, “Last exam didn’t take as long as I thought.”

“Sammy you look like shit!”

“Gee thanks, Dean.”

Dean hugged, gave him a quick kiss, grabbed his brother by the arm and pulled him toward the kitchen, careful to keep Sam’s back to the living room.

Sam leaned his elbows on the counter, dropped his head onto his hands and scrubbed at his cheeks. “I swear, I don’t remember finals being this fucking hard when I was at Stanford!” He sighed.

Dean chuckled at his brother, then laughed out loud. Sam gave him his best ‘bitch’ face, glaring hard.

“You know you should patent that look.” Dean smirked at his Mate, tossing the now warmed blood bag, who caught it by reflex.

“Fang up Vampboy.”

“Huh?” Sam stared at the bag.

“Very articulate, Sammy. Fangs quicker into the bloodstream. Boy, do you need it!”

Sam’s eyes glowed as he sank his fangs into the bag, sucking greedily. Dean watched him, fascinated as always by his brother’s eyes. He thought of them as agate: Swirls of gray, green, blue and brown with just a hint of gold.

‘He’s so beautiful,’ Dean thought, ‘and he’s mine, my lover, my Mate.’ He watched as color came back into Sam’s face. “Feel better?”

“Immensely.”

“Now that sounds like my Sammy!” Dean grinned and moved in for a deep kiss. When the two broke apart, Dean commanded., “Fix two mugs of blood while I put the Christmas Cheer glasses on the coffee table. When I get in there, we’ll drink them. You’re still off balance and I ain’t cleaning spilled blood off the carpet – took me a damn hour last time!”

Sam held his hands up in surrender and turned to start his chore. He heard Dean grumbling and two sets of glasses being set down. He just shook his head and filled the mugs. He turned and handed Dean one and held the other.

“Thanks, Sammy. Bottoms up!”

They leaned against the counter and sipped the warm blood. Finally Dean looked at Sam and whispered softly, “Close your eyes, Sammy.”

Sam just looked at him, “Why?” he asked.

“Just close your eyes, Sam. Don’t open them until I tell you to. I’ll guide you.”

Reluctantly, but curious, Sam closed his eyes. He felt Dean’s arm go around his waist, the Bond between them flowing with the love he could sense from his Mate. They walked a short way, and Dean released his hold on him.

“All right, Sammy, you can look now”

Sam scanned the room, his mouth dropped open with amazement and he gasped.

“You like it?” Dean asked anxiously

“Dean, it’s … it’s beautiful! I know you said we were going to have a Christmas for ourselves before going to the Manor. This is … Wonderful I never expected this!”

“You like it?” Dean felt anxious, why in the hell was he anxious?

“I love it!” Sam looked around the room again and smiled.

Dean smiled back and kissed him. “Okay Sam, while I make the drinks, you sit on the couch and tell me about your extreme philosophy final.”

Instead of sitting, Sam looked at the little tree and the presents under it. He turned to Dean and whispered, “Back in a minute.” As reached the study he heard a growl, “You are going tell me, bro.”

Quickly, Sam released a secret compartment in his desk and removed two items, reached the desk and retracted the drawer. He was at the couch, seated with the gifts under the tree before Dean turned around with the drinks.

Dean stared at him. “That was fast.”

Sam just grinned “Vampire speed, man, Vampire speed.”

The two grinned at one another and started chuckling.

Dean took a deep breath, leaned over and poked Sam in the chest.

“Spill, bro!”

“Story time, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Sam sighed. “Here goes… I walked in and took my usual seat, okay. Perfectly normal so far, right? Professor Maymard handed out the test booklets and gave us the start signal. I wrote my name, opened the exam. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, So I closed both the book and my eyes. When I looked at the question again, it hadn’t changed. One word, just one word.”

Dean asked, “One word. What?”

“No,” Sam interrupted, the question was “Why?”

Dean’s eyebrow almost hit his airline. “So?” he encouraged.

“I wrote my answer, collected my belongings and handed the exam in. Professor Maymard looked at my answer, smiled, and turned so the rest of the class couldn’t see. He gave me a thumbs up. So I came straight home. The fatigue didn’t slam me until I started up the steps.” Sam leaned back against the couch.

Dean’s head dropped into his hands. He looked at Sam between his fingers, growling. “What was your answer?”

“Because.”

“Because, that was your answer?” Dean asked incredulously.

“Yeah.”

“Just because?”

A patient look crossed Sam’s face. “Dean, when someone asks you why, don’t you say because? I mean, just the amount of times ‘because’ was yours or dad’s answers to all my questions, while growing up!”

Dean didn’t answer, he sank back against the couch too flabbergasted to reply. He didn’t know if he should laugh or cry. It was so simple!

Leave it to his Sammy to be the one to figure something out. “What about the other students?”

Sam grinned and shrugged, “When I left, they were scribbling away madly.” He took a sip of his drink and grimaced then gave Dean the stink eye. “Dean, would you please add some liquor to my drink.”

“I wanted to see if you noticed,” Dean smirked.

“Sam glared at him. “I ain’t that tired.”

The two curled together on the couch enjoying being close, their love flowing through their Bond. After a while Dean said Softly, I got a key made for Trevet. “I asked him to look out for the house while we’re gone.”

“He is still driving us to the airport in the morning ain’t he?” Sam was concerned. “Picking us up at 6 am…”

Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Both rose from the couch and Dean hurried to the door and opened it. He laughed when he saw a young African-American man standing outside. “Trevet. We were just talking about you.”

Trevet Blanden grinned at the Winchesters, “Good things I hope.”

“Absolutely, good things,” Sam told him. “Hey, how did you and your sister do on your final?”

“I think we both did okay. She came home and fell across her bed. Doubt we’ll see her till supper.”

As Dean and Trevet made small talk Sam thought back to when he and Dean met Maura Isles …

Maura opened her door and saw the two young men she was waiting for standing in front of her. She held out her hand to the shorter of the two who smiled as he shook it and asked, “Dr. Isles?”

She laughed as she turned to the taller man and repeated the gesture. “Call me Maura. Come on inside, Nico called and told me you would be dropping by.”

They stepped into her house, the shorter man saying “I’m Dean Winchester and this is my brother Sam.”

Sam nodded in acknowledgement and told her, “We really appreciate you taking the time to see us.”

“The three moved into the living room, Maura indicating Sam and Dean would sit on the sofa. As they took their seats Maura said, “I have a pot of coffee. Would you care for some?”

Dean looked over at Sam who nodded. “Please,” Dean replied

Sam spoke up as Maura headed towards the kitchen “Black, please, for both of us.”

“Sam .. Sam?” Dean’s voice disturbed the young man’s reverie.

“What?” Sam shook his head.

“You okay?” Dean sounded concerned.

“Sorry, just woolgathering.”

Trevet laughed. “Don’t feel bad about it Sam, there’s a lot of that going around.”

Dean turned back to Trevet and held out the key.

Trevet looked at it. “What’s this for?”

Dean cleared his throat, “Sam and I would appreciate you checking out the house every few days – you know, making sure it’s secure and the faucets are still dripping, especially if it turns out colder than it is now.”

“If it gets colder, I think we’ll be building igloos.” Trevet almost giggled, then turned serious. “I’ll look after the house for you, no worries. I’ll even set the garbage cans out for you on Sunday night and bring them in on Monday afternoon.”

“Sounds great, thanks” Sam said.

Trevet suddenly slapped his forehead. “I was so busy talking I completely forgot why I came over in the first place. Hang on a sec…”

Trevet opened the door reaching over to the porch chairs. He turned and held out a box to the Winchesters. “This was delivered to our house today. Mom had just gotten off her half-shift at the hospital and was at home. The man asked her to see that it got to you two today. So she sent me over with it.”

Dean looked at the package and asked Same, “Should we call the bomb squad?” He sat the package on the table.

Sam inspected the package and laughed. “No, I recognize the handwriting.”

“Thanks, Trevet.” Dean threw an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “I have one more thing to ask of you.”

“Ask away,” Trevet beamed at him.

Dean looked him straight in the eyes. “When you check on the house, I want you to check on Baby.”

“Baby?” Trevet was confused.

Sam sighed, “Dean means the Impala.”

“Your car?” Trevet just looked at him.

Dean guided the young man through the house to the door of the garage. “I think you need a formal introduction.”

Sam followed, trying hard not to laugh.

Once in the garage, Dean patted the car lovingly. “Baby, this is Trevet; he’s going to check on you while Sam and I are out of town.” He smiled at Trevet. “Trevet this is Baby.”

“Hi, Baby.” Trevet turned slightly to Sam and whispered. “I think I’m in the Twilight Zone.”

Sam whispered back, “Just go with it.”

After Dean gave Trevet a detailed list of how to care for Baby, adding in that he was not to touch or try to take Baby for a ride … he left, still not sure if he had entered the Twilight Zone.

Sam and Dean clasped hands and returned to the sofa.

“I almost forgot,” Dean exclaimed. He rose from where he was sitting and moved to pick up the package, returning with it to his seat, setting it down gently, he turned to see Sam with his knife at the ready.”

“Boy Scout.” Dean growled.

Sam gave him a beautiful smile, then said. “Hunter…” He handed Dean the knife, “You get the honor.” He lay back against the couch snuggling up to his Mate.

Carefully, Dean slit open the tape and removed the box lid, he removed a card from the top, read it and it to Sam who just beamed at the words on the card.

Dean smirked, “From Cook and Cook-Lite. I just wonder…. He removed the wax paper and his jaw dropped. “They two cherry tarts and …”

Sam finished the sentence, “Two cupcakes!”

“I think Thai food is off the menu tonight,” Dean whispered.

Sam looked delighted. “Uh… sweets and drunken eggnog for dinner. Can’t think of anything better.”

Sam reread the card and laughed. “Cook and Cook-Lite wanted us to have an early Christmas cheer after the horror of finals week.” He started to reach for a cupcake and Dean stopped him by wagging a finger in his face. “What!” Sam sounded disgruntled.

“Presents first, then sweets,” Dean declared.

“Sounds good.”

“Joke presents first,” Dean told him.

They each reached for a long newspaper wrapped item and traded quickly unwrapping the items.

Candy Bars.

Dean cackles. “Just like old times.”

He picked up a small item and handed it to Sam, who immediately tore off the newspaper.

Sam just laughed and almost hiccupped. He looked at Dean. “You got me a pocket protector? It’s great, thanks!”

“They’re all the rage among the nerds of the world,” Dean told him solemnly.

Sam handed him a small item. Dean laughed and eagerly tore the paper. He stared at the keyring for a long moment then read. “Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.” He turned to his brother. “I love it! Sometimes, that’s exactly how I feel.”

They laughed and toasted one another.

Dean put his glass down.

“One more,” they said together and laughed again, Dean being close to giggling.

Dean handed Sam another gift and watched intently, mental fingers crossed as Sam opened the gift.

Sam stared at the present, a book, for a long moment. “Oh,” he breathed, “this is fabulous, Dean!” He held the book almost recently in his hands and read the title aloud. “Roman Law and the Legal World of the Romans by Andrew W. Riggsby.” He laid the book on the table, and kissed his brother deeply. “It’s wonderful, thank you!”

Sam gave Dean his gift and watched anxiously while he opened it.

Dean looked down at the book he held and beamed at Sam as he read the title aloud. “Hypotia of Alexandrea: Mathematician and Martyr, by Micahel A. B Deakin. “This is … wow … Sam, thanks. I wanted to know about her. The prof mentioned her in our History of Mathematics class. He said she was a mathematician but mostly about her father, another famous mathematician. I can hardly wait to read it.”

Sam smiled at his suddenly verbose brother and told him gently, “Read it on the plane tomorrow. It’ll take your mind off flying.”

Dean paled, “You’re right about that…” He hopped up off the couch. “Sammy, I’ll grab the plates if you’ll make the coffee.”

They busied themselves in the kitchen: Sam measuring the coffee and adding the water, Dean pulling down plates, mugs and pulling forks from the drawer. While Dean took the plates and cutlery into the living room, Sam patiently started the coffee. Dean returned and grabbed a garbage bag.

“I’m going to get the wrappings and the box tossed so we can put the garbage out in the morning.”

“Good thinking, ” Sam said, “Just don’t toss the card from Cook and Cook-Lite.”

“I won’t!” Dean called back to him as he went back to the living room.

Sam listened to the gurgling of the coffee machine as he leaned back against the counter. He saw a blur of movement beyond the kitchen doorway and smiled. His Mate was doing a fast clean up job.

Dean sauntered into the kitchen with a full garbage bag. “I emptied all the wastebaskets. I also moved the tarts and cupcakes onto the table, moved our presents to the appropriate side of our bed, and brought our presents to Baby to put under the tree.”

“I got her a quart of oil,” Sam said softly, pouring the coffee.

Dean chuckled, “She’d be disappointed if she didn’t get a quart of oil from her Uncle Sammy.”

“And what did Daddy get her this year?” Sam inquired, handing Dean a mug.

“A brand new set of spark plugs!”

“She’ll love’em.”

As they reached the couch, Dean went over to the mantle, grabbing one of the pine cones he set there earlier. He added more wood to the fire working it around with the poker and when the flames rose again, he threw in the pine cone which slowly caught on fire. Dean closed the fire screen and watched for a second as the cone blazed into color.

Sam meanwhile refreshed their eggnog so it would be there when the coffee was done. “The fire is beautiful, Dean.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

As they ate their ‘dinner’ they talked about the exams and the semester they had just finished, laughing at some things and groaning at others.

“Oh, that was a fantastically excellent pie!” Dean exclaimed.

Sam smirked, “And this time you actually got to finish it.” He sighed, “The cupcakes were heavenly.”

Dean stood to clear the plates, but Sam stopped him with a deep kiss. “I’ll take care of it, Dean, you find a couple of old Christmas movies on TV,” he said when the two stepped apart. “You set everything up. So, I’m on clean up. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Okay, thanks, Sammy.” Dean grabbed the holiday schedule off the TV table and started looking at the movies.

He heard Sam call from the kitchen, “Nothing too schmaltzy!”

“Whatever that means,” Dean muttered.

In the kitchen, Sam, chuckled softly as he rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. ‘Just enough,’ he thought as he added the washing tablet and turned the machine on. It hummed as it started up, and he left the kitchen, turning off the lights as he did so.

Dean turned on the TV and dropped the second cone in the fireplace as he sauntered over to the couch. I found a couple of movies,” He told Sam.

“Which Ones?” Sam asked as he seated himself, “Not any of those shit Hallmark romances I hope.”

“Not a chance,” Dean grumbled as he settled comfortably against his brother. I found White Christmas and Holiday Inn. When you were small, I’d stay up and watch them with dad – if he was with us at Christmas.”

“Sounds great: Bing Crosby, Danny Kay and Rosemary Clooney. What’s not to love?”

Dean looked at his watch and punched the on button on the remote. “Showtime.” He settled back against Sam who pulled him back to his chest throwing an arm across Dean’s chest pulling him in tighter.

The Winchesters thoroughly enjoyed White Christmas, laughing and singing along with the songs they knew. They sipped eggnog until it was gone.

As Holiday Inn started, Dean felt Sam gradually relax deeply. He smiled to himself.

Sam was half away, dozing slightly. His mind went back to what he had been thinking about earlier.

The trio talked about the usual pleasantries that were universal to people meeting for the first time.

Finally Maura told them, “Nico, told me you would be starting University at Harvard and MIT and would be needing a house. He knows I owe a good number of properties in the area and wondered if I might have anything suitable for the two of you in the area. As it happens, I do have several houses in the area. The one I have thought of for you is across the street from another house I own that is occupied by a lovely African-American couple, the Blandens. They moved there because their twins are starting Harvard this fall. Lairmia works at Mount Auburn Hospital as a nurse manager. George will be giving several seminars at MIT on geothermal energy. He owns several geothermal companies in the Midwest and is working with Massachusetts Energy Commission on the possibility of introducing geothermal energy into new housing projects – it’s a lot cheaper than heating oil and gas. They are also a family of Chosen, both their families have been with me for decades. The Blandens twins are also my God children. Their names are Trina and Trevet. And yes, Trevet is named after the character in Walker, Texas Ranger. Lavinia crushed hard on the actor who played him.”

The Winchesters laughed with her over Lavina’s crush. “I’ve got to meet these people. They sound great to me!” Dean exclaimed.

They headed out to see the house. Maura drove and pointed out different places that might be of interest to them in Cambridge. Maura turned into the driveway of a well kept brick house with an attached garage.

“This is it,” Maura told them. She turned and pointed out the lovely two story house directly across the street. “That’s where the Blanden’s live. I’ll introduce you later.”

She led Sam and Dean up to the porch – the type you’d set on and watch the stars at night. Opening the door she motioned the men to precede her.

The living room was larger than expected with a nice sized fireplace. As they followed her through the house she pointed out the three bedrooms, the middle one obviously the master.

Sam nudged Dean and said, “We could have our own study.”

Dean replied, “That would be great!”

Maura led them through the kitchen/dining area pointing out the basement door. Sam went down, looked around and gave Dean a thumbs up. Dean had gone into the garage and decided it was worthy of his Baby. The bathroom was larger than expected which thrilled both of them.

“I saved the best for last,” Maua told them and opened the back door.

The Winchesters stepped outside and gasped. The backyard was fenced in and was a good size. The porch they stood on was large enough to have guests sit out on a summer evening. A large shed at the back of the property and there were trees, shrubs and flowers all around.

“Yard work!” Sam grinned and Dean punched his shoulder.

Sam, the practical brother, asked Maura, “How much is the rent?”

Maura smiled, “Four Hundred dollars. I take care of house problems – appliances going bad, water and gas pipes. You and Dean would be responsible for utilities. The house has cable/internet capability in the living room and bedrooms.”

Sam and Dean looked at each other gobsmacked on the low rent. Maura chuckled, “I’ll leave you alone for a minute to talk about it.” She moved to the front of the living room and took out her cell phone.

“You think?” Sam asked Dean.

Dean nodded head, “I do.”

They grinned at each other with suspicious wetness in the eyes of both.

Maura closed her cell phone and walked toward them. “Have you had time to make a decision?” she asked.

Both nodded and Dean replied “We’d really like to live here. We’ll take it.”

Sam smiled shyly. “You had me the second I got a look at the fireplace.”

Maura beamed. “I called the Blandens and they would love to meet you. They’re all home right now so let’s go over there. Afterwards you two are coming back to my place to stay the night. I’ll cook dinner and you can relax and talk. I have extra bedrooms, so pick one you like. In the morning we can hash out the details about your new home.”

“Our new home,” Sam murmured as sleep dragged him down in its embrace. He laid his head on Dean’s shoulder and drifted away.

Hearing a soft ‘snuzzing’ sound, Dean smiled. He finished watching the movie and turned off the television. He gently pulled himself out of Sam’s embrace, happy when Sam remained asleep.

He picked up the glasses, went into the kitchen, washed them and put them in the drainer. That done, he went into the bathroom. Once he was out again, he went back to the living room as quietly as possible banked on the dying fire for the light. Next he turned out all the lights except for the little tree that gave them such pleasure.

Finally he woke Sam. “Come on, Sammy, let’s get you to bed.”

Sam blinked sleepy and off balance as he struggled to stand “I need to ..” He swayed and Dean steadied him.

“Okay, big fella, bathroom first. While you’re in there, I’ll make sure everything is locked up and turn down the bed. ” He walked Sam to the bathroom door and waited until the door closed to say, “Don’t fall back to sleep and remember to leave the facets on a slow drip – cold, not warm.”

“I won’t .. and I will, ” Sam called out in a slurry voice.

Using Vampire speed Dean checked all the locks in the house, made sure the faucet on the wash tub next to the washer/dryer was on drip and ended up checking the locks in the garage. He patted the car and whispered, “We’re going you out of town for a while. Trevet will check on you until we’re back home, Baby. you get some rest.”

Once back in their bedroom, Dean quickly turned down the bed, stripped down to his boxers and put his clothes in the hamper.

Hearing the bathroom door open, he hurried to help Sam. Once again putting his arm around Sam, he helped his Mate to the bed. “You need help getting undressed?”

Sam looked at Dean with a grumpy look on his face. “I’m not two!’ he slurred.

Dean laughed, “Bitch!”

“Jerk!” came the automatic reply.

Once Sam was undressed, Dean tenderly tucked the covers around him remembering how many nights he had done the same thing in their lives. He checked the alarm, turned off the light and snuggled into this lover.

“Thanks for everything today,” Sam whispered,” it was all wonderful.”

“I will always look after you, Sammy.”

“Merry Christmas, Dean.”

Dean kissed him gently. “Merry Christmas, Sammy.”

Both Winchesters slid into sleep.

In the living room the little Christmas tree twinkled merrily.