Chapter Text
“Agent Kansas! You will not disobey orders again. I am disappointed that you would jeopardize the mission because you do not trust Agent California to do his job.” The Director’s scathing southern drawl rang in the room, and Dean clenched his jaw to keep from responding. He could feel the eyes of his teammates on him despite their helmets and an angry, embarrassed flush crept unseen up his neck. “Do I make myself clear, Agent Kansas?”
“Yes, sir,” Dean ground out, taking a deep breath only when the Director turned back to the leaderboard.
”Good. The standings have been adjusted as per performance on this mission,” the Director stated calmly with his eyes on the large, glowing screen. Dean’s next breath was an audible gasp (echoed by Sam and Benny to either side) as they saw 3 names shuffle places: Kansas dropped from 6 to 8, while California and Louisiana each moved one spot up.
“Sir-” began Sam, standing next to him, but the Director cut him off.
“No, Agent California. You will not be making excuses for your brother. Agent Kansas’ failure to accomplish mission goals speaks for itself.” Dean could practically hear Sam’s mouth click shut. “You are dismissed, agents.”
They turned, almost in unison, and exited the debriefing room together. As soon as the door had swished shut Sam turned to him. “Dean-“
“Drop it, Sammy,” Dean cut him off. “It’s done. I shouldn’t have stepped in.”
Sam snorted. “Well, I’m sure glad you did. Dean, you know the standings don’t mean anything, right?”
“Dude, you’re probably the only one who believes that,” Dean threw back, bumping Sam in the shoulder and subsequently into the bulwark. Sam’s startled squawk and stumbling brought a chuckle to his lips.
“The hell was that for, jerk?”
“You’re getting a little sensitive, bitch.”