Chapter Text
The Organization is running as smoothly as ever and Peter is able to spend most of his time supervising the renovations on the new HQ and the Cottage for Dean’s big surprise. He makes himself busy enough that he manages to put off reading the ‘Supernatural’ books for almost three months. When he can no longer ignore their call he tells Kev he’s taking a week off and heads home.
Peter stocks the fridge with ready made meals and fills a tray with snacks. He buys a cooler, fills it with bottled water, and sets it near the couch. He opens a new note book, makes sure he has several spares and a couple of boxes of pens within reach. He sits down and cracks the first ‘Supernatural’ book.
He reads almost non-stop. He eats, barely sleeps, showers when he starts to smell himself, and reads some more. He can’t put them down.
Peter takes pages and pages of notes. He re-reads. He shakes his head in confusion and frustration. He finds himself alternately shocked and angered. He laughs, cries, and aches for Sam and Dean.
When he finally turns the page on the last unpublished manuscript he is no longer sure what day it is. He leans back and tries to focus. Peter can’t believe it is possible to feel worse about the sacrifices Sam and Dean have made to save the lives of strangers and, as it turns out the whole fucking world, but it is.
He simply cannot wrap his brain around it all. He’s overwhelmed. He has no idea how long he simply sits on the couch.
When he finally forces himself to move, it is all he can do to stand and stumble blindly down the hallway to his room. He strips and climbs into the shower. He washes mechanically. His thoughts are everywhere.
The next thing he knows Peter is driving. Its dark and the road is deserted. He’s not sure where he is or why. He blinks, shrugs, and goes with it.
He travels for days. Stops when he needs gas, eats when he’s hungry, and pulls over to sleep fitfully before getting back on the road. He gets now how the Winchester’s have managed to survive on a never ending road trip for so long. Its the comfort of an endless blacktop and he loses himself in it.
Peter has no idea how long he’s been on the road when he calls Kev.
“Boss!” Kev answers the phone with relief in his voice.
Peter knows that Kev has been following his progress and certainly knows his location even if Peter himself does not.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He tells Kev. Peter thinks he’s okay. Honestly he’s not sure.
Kev doesn’t call him on it.
“Thanks for the...” Peter sighs. “The space.” He appreciates that more then he can say over the phone.
“No problem.” Kev says patiently. “I’ll text you their location.”
“Thanks Kev.” Peter wants to say more. He simply can’t.
“Be careful Boss.”
“Will do.” Peter hangs up and heads toward the Winchesters.
Two days later he pulls up in front of the Blue Lake Motel and parks. Peter gets out and wobbles dangerously. He grabs the door frame for support until the tingling in his legs abates. He trudges past the Main Office and heads directly for room 114.
He can see the shape of a car in the parking spot in front of their door. If he didn’t know better he’d ignore it completely. He sticks his hand out and smiles when he encounters smooth skin and the Impala comes into focus.
Peter slides a hand lightly along her roof line to the Driver’s door and rests his palm on the hood. She’s still warm. He pats her affectionately.
Peter takes a deep breath. He hasn’t thought at all about what he wants to say. He’s nervous and a little ashamed. He’d thought he understood the Winchesters. He knows now that for all of his insight and analysis he’d only scratched the surface.
He raises his hand to knock on the door and the door swings open before his hand can fall. Peter is not surprised. Neither is Sam.
“Hey Boss.” Sam says softly.
“Sam.” Peter smiles in relief.
The younger Winchester’s cautious face melts into a look of warmth and acceptance that it almost too blinding to comprehend. It damn near brings Peter to his knees. He sucks in a shaky breath and grabs the door frame.
Sam reaches out and gently grips Peter’s arm to guide him inside. He blinks and stumbles over the salt line. He takes a deep breath and sighs.
“Dean!” Sam calls to his brother.
He pulls a phone from his pocket and keeps a hand on Peter to steady him while he makes a call.
“Kev?” Sam says. “Yes. He seems okay…just run down. Right. Yes. Thanks.”
“Sam?” Dean calls as he steps out of the bathroom. “What’s up?”
Dean stops in his tracks when he sees Peter.
“Boss!” He grins broadly. “Good to see you.”
Peter sucks in a breath and tries to keep it together.
His Boys are both alive and well. There’s no question. They’re his Boys now. He’s so proud…so humbled…he wants to wrap them up and keep them safe from every evil thing. He knows he can’t...but he wants to try.
Sam raises an eyebrow and Dean rubs the back of his neck.
When it dawns on Peter that he just said those words out loud, he blushes and shrugs.
Dean looks at his brother. “Can we keep him?”
The younger Winchester snorts and grins.
Dean takes two steps and pulls Peter into a bear hug. Peter heaves a sigh and accepts it with no small amount of joy. He has no idea when he starts to cry.
“Jesus Dean.” Sam teases. “Let him breathe.”
“Man...” Dean lets Peter go. “I’m going to need a new shirt.”
Peter barks a watery laugh. To his great surprise Sam scoops him up and hugs him too. He sniffs, blinks his eyes, and savors the moment.