#[ JOEL PREFERRING SITTING AT THE COUNTER IS SO GOD DAMN.

[ladywinchester1967]

Made to Be Broken: Part IX

Warnings: GENDER REVEAL, feels, fluff, SMUT, body image issues, language, childbirth (nothing too graphic), postpartum depression, Dad!Dean. 

A/N: This is it!! Here it finally is, the last chapter in Made to Be Broken! Thank you so much! All, of you, it has truly been a fun ride writing this, especially when it was just supposed to be a one shot!! It’s because of you guys who love Dean and Julianna that this grew to be as big as it did. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being so supportive and loving these characters as much as I do!!

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»»————-　✼　————-««

The technician moved the instrument around and finally got a clear shot. She clicked and paused, showing them two very distinct peanuts. She did another click and they heard loud, rapid, thumping.

“That’s the heart beats,” the technician told them “it’s hard to hear, but there are two of them.”

Julianna’s hand clapped over her mouth and she looked at Dean who was pale as a ghost.

“Twins.” He said simply and the technician nodded and took a few more pictures and measurements.

“I’m gonna have the doctor look over everything and she’ll be in to see you in just a few moments.” The technician said as the pictures printed and she got up. Once she was gone, Julianna sat up and asked Dean

“Are you okay?”

His mind was blank all he could ask was

“How?”

Julianna bit her lip and asked

“Are you mad?”

He shook his head, seeming to come to his senses.

“No,” he told her “no, I could never be mad at you about this sweetheart.” He held her face in his hands “It’s just,” he paused “this is so much good all at one time.”

“You’re waiting for the other shoe to drop aren’t you?” She asked and he nodded.

“I hate to be the pessimist here.” He said

“No, I feel the same way.” She told him, her hands on his wrists “We’ve already been through so much and NOW suddenly things seem to be coming up roses?”

He nodded again as the door opened and Anna came through it.

“Julianna,” she said pleasantly “good to see you as always. I’m guessing this is Dean?”

“Yeah, this is him.” Julianna said and Dean shook Anna’s hand as they both had a seat.

“So after looking over everything, it looks like you and the babies are in perfect health.” Anna told her as she held the file open “Your levels are normal for this stage of your pregnancy, the babies heartbeats are strong, they’re measuring nice and big which is also good. The only thing I want to recommend is taking a iron supplement along with your prenatal vitamins. Your iron levels are less than what I’d like to see, but other than that, you can keep doing what you’re doing.”

“How did this happen?” Julianna asked “I mean, we’re excited, don’t get us wrong but it seems just SO out of the blue.”

Anna nodded and said

“I understand your hesitation, since we found out, what last year that it would be difficult for you to get pregnant?” Julianna and Dean nodded and Anna went on “From a doctor’s stand point, I’m blown away. You two literally struck gold and oil and then hit the jackpot all at once.” She continued with a smile “But everything looks great, better than great actually. If there was anything I was worried about or anything you should be cautious of, I would tell you right away.”

“So, just enjoy it is what you’re telling us?” Julianna asked with a smile.

“Relax as best as you can,” Anna said “your doctor recommended you stopping your ADD medicine, which is good. If there’s ever anything you guys are worried about, you can always call us.”

»»————-　✼　————-««

Weeks later; after revealing the exciting news of the pregnancy to both of their families, everyone showed up for the gender reveal party, which was held at Dean and Julianna’s house. The theme of the party was “Witch or Wizard?” They were told to wear their Harry Potter house colors and picked out a pin when they arrived based on if they thought the baby was a boy or a girl. Julianna, Dean and Claire were wearing their Gryffindor gold and scarlet red, Alexis and Sam wore Ravenclaw blue and silver, Jody and Mary wore black and yellow Hufflepuff while John and Joel wore Slytherin green and silver. Their friends filtered in wearing their House colors and picking pins that read “Witch” and “Wizard” on them. They’d decided to keep the fact that they were having twins a secret until the gender was revealed.

“This is the biggest, most difficult secret I’ve ever kept, including when we started dating.” Julianna had told Dean that morning.

“But think of the LOOK on everyone’s faces when they find out.” Dean had assured her “You’re gonna love it and so will they.”

The only person that knew they were having twins and what the gender was, was Benny. He was by far the hardest nut to crack. Julianna found a Sorting Hat online and had given Benny the sonogram that read the babies genders.

“We don’t know what they are,” Julianna explained “so you have to put the potion bottles under the hat.” She handed Benny a box that had six potions bottles in it; three full of pink and the other three full of blue.

“What the hell in in there?” Benny asked

“Soap,” Julianna told him “dyed it with my own two hands.”

»»————-　✼　————-««

In the present day, the Sorting Hat was sitting on an upside down box with a piece of parchment paper attached to it. On it were the words “Only the Sorting Hat can see, boy or girl, what will it be?” With the word “girl” in pink and the word “boy” in blue. When it was time to reveal, Julianna and Dean stepped up to the box and waited for everyone to gather round. Julianna looked at Dean, grinning from ear to ear, he wore a pin that read “Wizard” while Julianna’s read “Witch.”

“I’m so excited,” she told Dean quietly.

“I am too,” He told her and kissed her forehead “I can’t believe this is real.”

“Me neither.” She told him as she held his hand.

“Everyone ready?” Dean asked, turning his head to their guests. Their friends and family cheered; according to the marker board they had sitting up on the drink table to take a tally of the gender, they seemed to be neck and neck, the guests waited with bated breath.

“Okay, on three.” Dean said as he placed his hand on the hat.

Julianna did the same as people squawked for them to wait so that they could get a good picture. Julianna braced herself and then said

“Three.”

“Two,” Dean said excitedly

“One.” They said at the same time and pulled the hat up.

Sitting under the hat was a pink and a blue potion bottle and everyone cheered excitedly, but a few people looked confused and then gasped. Julianna cried out in surprise

“WHAT?!” someone yelled from the back

“It’s TWINS!” someone else yelled.

It took a second and it finally sank in; everyone was cheering, some were crying and everyone rushed to hug and congratulate them.

»»————-　✼　————-««

That evening, Julianna finished putting the last of the dishes into the dishwasher when Dean walked into the kitchen.

“Damn it Juju,” he said “I was gonna get those!”

“I took care of it!” She insisted as she turned to face him “I feel fine, I was just trying to help!”

He sighed and walked over to her

“I can’t leave you alone when there’s housework can I?” He asked as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She leaned against the kitchen counter and shook her head.

“No.” she said

He kissed her forehead and asked

“Would you just take it easy? Please?”

“I am,” She told him “I didn’t put the chairs away like I wanted to AND I didn’t dump the cooler out like I wanted to.”

He kissed her and said

“I’d prefer if you didn’t do ANYTHING and just let me do it.”

“Why?” She asked, cocking her head to the side as she studied his face, laying her hands on his waist.

He chewed on his lip, choosing his words carefully before he spoke.

“I just worry about you,” he said “and the kids. That’s all.”

An easy smile crossed her face and she kissed him.

“You heard the doctor, I can do everything I did before I was pregnant. I checked and the only things I’m not allowed to do are jump on trampolines, drink alcohol, eat sushi or smoke crack.”

He laughed and said

“Well, there went our weekend plans.”

“Right?” She asked with a grin “Dishes are easy, it relaxes me. I may be elbow deep in soapy water, but in my head, I’m somewhere completely different.”

“Like when I caught you washing the skillet this morning?” He asked and she nodded

“Yup, I was in Scotland with Jamie Fraser and you RUINED it, you jerk!” She said kissed him. “Besides, I have more important things for you to handle.”

“Oh?” He asked as she slid her hands up and down his arms “Such as?”

Her tongue slid against his bottom lip and he opened up his mouth to let her in. Her tongue danced with his as she took one of his hands in hers and guided it to the waistband of her shorts. She felt him smile through their kiss as her tongue returned to her mouth.

“Mh,” he said and kissed her again “I think I can handle that.” He quickly untied her shorts and slipped his hand down into them. His finger tips grazed across her wet, swollen clit and she moaned into his mouth. “Fuck sweetheart, you’re ready for me?”

She let out a short laugh and said

“You get close, I smell you and I’m ready to jump your fucking bones.”

He grinned and kissed her slower this time

“Gonna have to remember that.” He said as he slipped his fingers inside her soaking panties, making her moan. She playfully bit his lower lip and he slid two fingers inside her as she cried out against his mouth.

“Deeeean,” she moaned as he pushed his fingers deeper inside her “oh fuck!”

“Like that sweetheart?” He cooed to her as he used his other hand to tuck her hair behind her ear.

“Yes,” she moaned, he hooked his fingers inside her as she threw her head back, crying out “oh, like that.”

“Like this?” He asked and hooked his fingers again, she dug her nails into his shoulders, crying out again.

“Yes, oh god! Just like that.” She moaned, kissing him again “Dean, I want more. Give me more, please.”

“More?” He asked innocently “More than this?” He asked and sheathed his fingers fully inside her as she whined.

“Yes, please!” She begged

“Show me sweetheart,” he said in a husky tone “show me how bad you want it.”

She tugged her shirt up and off of her head, setting it aside as she pulled him close and peppered kisses all around the base of his neck and up to his pulse point, where she bit down on it, making him growl.

“Fuck,” he moaned in her ear and he bit down on the shell of her ear “upstairs, now.”

He pulled his hand out of her shorts and she scampered up the stairs as he shut off all the lights, checked the doors and set the alarm. When he was satisfied with his sweep, he went upstairs to find her waiting for him in their bedroom. As he shut the door behind him, he turned and watched as she unhooked her bra and cast it aside. He bit his lip as she shimmied out of her shorts and then crossed the room to her as she got up on to the bed and he followed after her. He quickly undressed as he heatedly kissed.

“How do you want it?” he asked

“Get behind me,” she told him as she turned over “I like that.”

He grinned and quickly finished taking his clothes off before he parted her legs further and pushed inside her, both of the groaning.

“Fuck sweetheart,” he said “you’re so fucking wet!”

“Keep going!” She cried out as he slammed into her, making her cry out loudly as he gripped her hips. The obscene sound of skin hitting skin filled the room as he railed into her. He tried to flip her on to her back but she resisted. He bent over her, kissing and biting her shoulders “I want to see your face when you come.”

“No,” she told him in a whining tone. He stopped moving and she looked back at him “Why’d you stop?” She asked

“Come on sweetheart, you know how much I like that.” he said and pouted

“No, I'm fat and gross.” she told him.

His mouth dropped open

“Sweetheart!” he exclaimed as he felt a flash of anger run through him. “Where the hell did you get that from?”

“Just get over it and fuck me.”  she told him.

“No,” he told her and pulled out of her “not until you tell me where that insane idea came from.”

“I know how I look okay?” She snapped, still refusing to turn over “I’m nasty.”

“You are not and I never want to hear those words come out of your mouth again.” He told her, his anger growing “I don’t talk about you like that and no one else is allowed to talk about you like that, including you.”

Now she was mad, she just wanted to finish what they’d started, not launch into an episode of Dr. Phil.

“Fine, just forget about it.” She snapped, climbed out of bed and gathered up her clothes.

“Bee,” Dean said, exasperated “come back to bed.”

“No, just leave me alone!” She yelled at him and left the room, slamming the door behind her.

Dean got dressed and waited a while before he went to look for her. He found her in the guest bedroom that had been his recovery room after his knee injury. He quietly walked to the door and could hear her crying.

It felt like an ice pick got jabbed through his heart; he hated when she cried. He quietly opened the door and made his way to the bed where he crawled in beside her. Without argument, she let him fold his arms around her; his chest to her back, and he kissed the top of her head. He held her until she calmed down enough to talk to him, which was quiet a while, but he didn’t mind.

“It’s just-“ she started as she mopped her face up with a tissue. She blew he nose and then went on “I’m getting so big! I’m sweaty, cranky and horny all at the same time. I’ve got like twelve chins and I have no energy to work out like I used to. My clothes don’t fit and my ass jiggles like a fucking bowl of Jell-O when I walk. It’s disgusting, I’m disgusting, and how I can even get you to fuck me is beyond me. Not when you have all these hot girls sending you nudes on fucking Instagram and commenting on your pictures about how hot you are and how bad they wanna fuck you!”

There it was, he thought, there was the root of her insecurity. He'd had an Instagram long before they ever got together and when they went public with their relationship, they started posting pictures of them together and the progression of their relationship. He'd gotten girl's numbers before, but once he and Julianna were thrust into the spotlight, the painful glare of public life brought out, seemingly the worst people imaginable. Now it was Dean's turn to be mad but he bit his tongue.

“Here,” He said “sit up for me.”

He released her and turned on the lamp by the side of the bed that he was on. She struggled to sit up, but when she did, he got a good look at her face. It was tinged with red from her crying so much, as were her eyes. He smiled tenderly at her and brushed her hair out of her eyes with his fingers.

“I need you to listen to me,” He said gently “can you do that for me?”

She nodded, her lips in a pout.

“I don’t care if you have twelve HUNDRED chins or that your ass jiggles when you walk,” he told her She opened her mouth to say something, but he gently pressed a finger to her lips “Can I finish? Please?” He asked. She nodded and shut her mouth as he went on “You’re carrying not just one, but two miracle babies in your body. You’re gonna change and that’s okay, you wanna know why?”

“Sure.” She said with a shrug

“Because that means you and the kids are healthy.” He said “THAT is what I care about. Not how much you sweat or how cranky you get. I don’t think you’re disgusting, not even a little bit. I definitely don't care how many girls pass me their numbers or send me naked pictures.” He cupped her cheek in his hand and gave her a tender smile “You’re my wife and I love you. All of you; the good, the bad and the jiggly.”

Her eyes welled with tears again as she laughed and she gave him a smile.

“I love you too.” She told him.

“There’s my girl,” he said and gave her a sweet kiss “I believe we were in the middle of something before the tears started and I’d like to finish what we started.”

She looked uneasy.

“Just lay back,” he told her as he kissed her again “and let me take care of you.” She did as he instructed with trepidation and laid back. She tried desperately to tune out every negative thought in her head but she couldn't, it seemed to hang over her like a dark cloud. “Close your eyes and take a deep breath,” he told her “in and out remember? We'll do it together.” They did and she felt his fingertips gently skim over her skin. As if by magic, all her senses kicked into overdrive trying to anticipate his next move. He didn't seem to have a path in mind, he just absentmindedly ran his fingertips and then his hands all over her body until she felt his body heat above her. “Keep your eyes closed,” he told her “and listen to the sound of my voice. Can you do that?”

“Yes.” she answered, nearly automatically.

“I love,” he said and gently kissed her collar bone “every,” now he was kissing between her breasts “single,” just above her belly “inch,” directly on her belly now “of you.” he kissed along the waistband of her shorts before he hooked his thumbs into them and pulled them down. Once they were gone, he admired the sight below him. She had looked amazing before she ever got pregnant, but now, with a round belly, a significantly fuller chest and an irresistible glow around her, it was all he could do not to pound her into the mattress and make her scream his name. “Sweetheart,” he murmured “just for one second, I wish you could see you how I see you. You're fucking gorgeous.”

She bit back a snide comment and her eyes fluttered open as his fingers slid through hers and he pinned them by her head. His lips barely brushed hers before he pressed a searing kiss onto her lips. She'd never quite be able to explain why this was her turning point; maybe it was all the raw emotion she felt from him, maybe it was finally getting her head in the right place or the fact that she as so horny that she was about to go blind with lust, but she felt the levee break and she hooked her legs around his waist.

“Mh, there she is,” he said against her mouth “I knew my bad girl was in there somewhere.”

“Fuck me Dean.” she told him as she let go of his hands and tore her shirt off over her head and clawed at his clothes. Once they were both naked, he lined his hardened length up with her soaking hole and quickly pushed inside her, their hands joining together again. She threw her head back and cried out loudly.

“That's it,” he said as he started to move “nice and loud sweetheart, I wanna hear you.” He was building her up, dragging in and out of her at a steady pace as she started to cry lout louder.

“Jesus!” She yelled as she squeezed his hands and moved with him as well as she could. He let out a growl as she whimpered and whined up to her peak. He moved faster as she clenched hard around him.

“Fuck,” he moaned as they kissed “just like that. Just fucking like that.”

“Gonna come,” she moaned “fuck!” she let go and he worked her through the orgasm only to build her back up again “Dean, oh fuck, Dean!”

He caged her in his arms as he moaned and cried out near her ear.

“Feels so good” he moaned “you feel so good.”

“Come for me,” she murmured to him, grabbing the hair on the back of his head and made him look at her, their eyes connecting “come-come on Dean.”

He slammed into her a couple of times and he cried out against her mouth as he coated her inner walls with his hot seed. She let go a second time, gripping his hair hard as she did so.

Later on, once they were settled back into their bed, Julianna had long since fallen asleep to Dean stroking the hair by her temples, his other hand splayed across her belly as one, or both, babies, kicked his palm. He grinned at the sight below him; the girl he'd crushed on. The one he never thought he'd be able to have was now his wife and carrying their babies in her tummy. In his arms was his entire world, everything he loved and cared about was right there with him. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his arm and slept on as he let out a sigh before kissing the top of her head.

“I love you.” he murmured against her hair.

»»————-　✼　————-««

When it was finally time for the babies to be delivered, Julianna had opted for a C-Section after her last appointment.

“Your birth canal is a little on the small side,” Anna had told her “so to avoid any complications, with this and any future pregnancies you may have, I believe it would be best for you to have a C-Section.”

Julianna and Dean arrived at the hospital, both of them with tons of emotions flooding through them. Jody arrived shortly after they did so she could be with them during the birth.

“Thanks for being here Mom.” Julianna told Jody when she saw her.

“I wouldn't miss it for the world.” Jody said

Julianna was wheeled back into surgery with Dean, Jody and a team of nurses and doctors headed up by Anna. Once Julianna got her epidural and was covered with blankets, the nurses set up a barrier between them and Julianna's head. Once the drugs kicked it, it felt like she'd had a little too much to drink.

“I love morphine,” she told Dean “can we keep some in the house?”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead through the mask he was wearing.  

“I'll see what we can do.” He said “Feeling okay?”

“Pressure,” she said as she made a face “like a lot of pressure, but fine.”

He nodded as Jody gripped her other shoulder

“You're doing amazing JuJu.” she said “Keep breathing okay?”

Julianna nodded and Anna said

“Okay, we've got one baby coming out in three, two, one!”

It felt like the world went silent around Julianna for a few seconds and the only thing that broke it was a baby wailing at the top of its lungs.

“Boy!” the nurse called and Dean looked past the cover.

Screaming in Anna's hands was a tiny, purple, messy, squalling baby and Dean's eyes went wide. He didn't know what to think or feel, but his heart was pounding painfully in his chest.  

“Dad, you wanna cut the chord?” the Anna asked.

Dean nodded nervously and cut where Anna had shown him as a grin stretched across his face. The nurse held the tiny baby up so Julianna could see him and then pulled him away to get him cleaned up.

“Here comes the next one.” the Anna said as tears rolled down Julianna's cheeks

“Go with him.” she told Dean as her lip began to tremble hard

No,” he said and looked at her “I'm not leaving you.”

“I'll go,” Jody said, she patted her daughter's shoulder and got up to check on the baby. Pretty soon, the room was filled with two crying babies as Dean looked over and saw his daughter, who was even smaller than her brother. Dean cut the chord and realized Julianna's lips were blue.

“Is she okay?” he asked the nurse

“Side effect of the medicine,” the nurse told him “we see it all the time.”

Dean tried to keep his head on a swivel, there were too many people in the room he cared about and he didn't have enough eyes to keep one on all of them. Jody came back over to Julianna and told her

“He has ten fingers and ten toes.” in and excited tone.

Their son was the first to be ready to be held, the nurse showed Dean how to hold him and once the little boy was safely in his arms, he felt his heart melt.

“Hey there big boy,” he said quietly and took the baby over to Julianna who was smiling.

“Here he is.” Dean said and showed the little boy to her and she began to cry.

“Oh my god,” she said “look at those chunky cheeks!”

Dean laughed and moved closer to Julianna so she could kiss his forehead.

“Hey sweet boy,” she said “nice to meet you little one.”

Now that his skin had taken on more of a pink tone, Dean pulled back the hat on the baby's head and realized it was full of blonde, wispy hair, he realized something.

“He looks like Sam when he was little.”

Julianna chuckled

“The Winchester genes are strong with this one.” she said.

Dean put his son in Jody's arms who almost instantly started crying.

“Oh my god,” she said quietly, he is so precious!” she said quietly

Then the nurse passed Dean his daughter. She had a full hair of raven black hair just like her mother's and she had Julianna's cheeks. Dean told her this and let her kiss their daughter on the forehead.

“Hey there baby girl.” she said

For just a second, the baby's eyes opened and looked at Julianna, who then swore she saw the baby grin for just a second as if to tell her “I'm here! I'm okay!” and then her eyes closed again. The nurse took to baby then and Jody was forced to give up her grandson. Dean leaned down to Julianna and said in her ear

“You did so well sweetheart, they're so beautiful and strong.” he kissed her temple and said “I love you so much, you're incredible.”

“I love you too.” she sobbed

»»————-　✼　————-««

The President And First Lady are pleased to announce that their eldest daughter, Julianna and her husband, Staff Sargent Dean Winchester have welcomed TWINS! Savannah Caroline and Sebastian Gabriel Winchester were born in the early hours of August 8th. New Mom and babies are doing well and are in perfect health. The Winchesters want to thanks everyone for their love and prayers as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

»»————-　✼　————-««

**One month later**

A wailing baby immediately brought Julianna out of a deep sleep. She groaned and got up, making her way to the nursery to see which baby was squalling at four in the morning. When she entered the nursery, she found Sebastian crying and Savannah still passed out in her crib.

“Hey handsome,” Julianna said and scooped him up “let’s take this downstairs so your sister can get some sleep huh?”

Sebastian wailed, his tiny fists hitting her chest as she made her way down the stairs and into the living room. They’d set up a changing table in the living room for just such an occasion and Julianna turned the light on dim so she could see what she was doing. She checked and then changed his diaper, trying to calm him down as she did so by talking to him. “I’d be mad if I had poop in my pants too,” she cooed to him “let’s get you out of this yucky diaper and we’ll put a new one on.” Once he was clean and changed, she picked him back up and made her way to the recliner and tried to feed him. He wasn’t interested in food so she held him closely and rocked him, still trying to calm him down. She sang softly to him and pat his back while she rocked him. He laid his forehead against her neck, finally starting to settle down. Julianna tried a few times to get up and put him back to bed, but Sebastian wasn’t having any part of that. Each time she tried he would start to squawk. Exhausted, she threw the recliner back and laid the baby on her chest before nodding off.

She wasn’t sure how long she was asleep on the chair, but the next thing she knew, she could hear Dean in the kitchen. Julianna slowly opened her eyes and saw Sebastian was out cold on her chest, letting out tiny snores as he slept with his mouth open.

“Just like his Dad.” She thought and laid there for a few more minutes, closing her eyes again. She heard Dean softly talking and his voice seemed to be getting closer.

“Ah, see? There’s your Mom and brother.” He said and Julianna opened her eyes. Dean was standing by the recliner, holding Savannah in his arms and smiling. “Late night?” Dean asked

“Early morning,” she told him “your son wanted to cuddle at four o’clock in the morning.”

“So, before sunrise he’s MY son?” Dean asked and Julianna sleepily nodded, making him grin. “I got coffee going, do you want to hang out here until it’s ready?”

“Yeah. She okay?” Julianna asked, nodding to Savannah.

Dean turned to the side and peaking out of a pink blanket was a pair of blue green eyes.

“She’s fine,” Dean said and kissed the top of her head “she was awake and hanging out in her crib when I checked on her so I picked her up.”

Julianna smiled as Savannah grunted and snuggled up to Dean.

“Someone’s a Daddy’s girl all ready,” Julianna said with a smirk “look at her.”

He looked down and grinned at the tiny girl in his arms.

“Yeah she is.” He simply said and kissed the baby’s forehead. “How're you feeling today?”

Julianna sighed, postpartum depression had hit her hard; coupled with the depression she was already dealing with, plus the way her body had changed post pregnancy, she had been dealing with a lot over the last month.

“Still feeling bummed, not like sobbing upset like I have been, but more like the baseball game I wanted to watch got rained out.” She told him, which made him smirk.

He had been the one to encourage her and lift her up when she was at her lowest. He'd found her in the nursery crying uncontrollably one afternoon while Savannah screamed in her crib.

“What's wrong?!” Dean thundered, thinking one or both of them were hurt.

“I'm sorry!” she sobbed “I can't get her to stop crying, she hates me!”

“Whoa, hold on just a second,” he told her “I can't hear myself think with all the crying. Sweetheart, just hold up a second okay?” Dean rushed over and picked the baby up trying to figure out what was wrong and he quickly figured it out. “It's okay,” he said soothingly “she pooped. No one has to cry over a poopy diaper.”

“I JUST CHANGED HER!” Julianna yelled

“HEY!” Dean yelled back and the baby screamed louder “Go cool down! I got this.”

“Dean I-” she started, her eyes wide, he'd never raised his voice at her

“Go. Take. A. Minute.” he told her, his eyes set.

She slowly got up and trudged to their room, shutting the door behind her. To Dean's surprise, Sebastian had slept through the whole ordeal like a champ.

“Little buddy,” Dean said as he set to cleaning up Savannah “we have our hands full with these girls, don't we?” Sebastian just snoozed on as Dean tried to soothe Savannah.

Once Savannah was cleaned up and back in her bed, sleeping, Dean went to find Julianna who was laying in bed staring out of the window.

“Hey,” he said gently as he climbed into bed with her “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you. That was uncalled for.”

“It's okay,” she said, sounding defeated “the kids hate me, you hate me. It's fine.”

“Sweet girl, no.” he said as he tried to turn her over, but she refused. “I don't hate you, I thought you and Savannah were hurt.”

“So, you yelled at me?” she asked

“I told you,” he said in a quiet tone “it was uncalled for and I'm sorry. I should've handled that differently. I was worried about my girls.” At this, she rolled over, wiping the tears out of her eyes and sitting up. “I could never hate you Bee, I love you. More than I know how to say.” He pushed her hair out of her face and pulled her closely “Tell me what's wrong.”

She melted into his arms and poured her heart out

“I just can't shake this feeling that I'm worthless,” she sobbed “I can't get the kids or myself to stop crying and I'm just so sorry. I'm so, so sorry Dean.”

“What're you sorry for?” he asked as he smoothed her hair

“For being annoying and always crying and bothering you with my problems.” she told him “I'm just this broken person and you don't deserve that.”

He shushed her and held her tightly while she sobbed into his shoulder. Once she was done crying he pulled back from her and tilted her face up to his.

“Can you listen to me for a few seconds?” he asked and she nodded “You're not worthless at all, you're the reason I do the things I do because I want to take care of you and provide for you and our family. You're worth everything, plus more. With everything you've been through, I'm not surprised that you can't stop crying sweet girl.” He gently kissed her forehead and then told her “You're not broken; you're the strongest person I know. You're my world you know that?”

She sniffled and nodded.

“You're my world too.” she told him and they kissed hard.

»»————-　✼　————-««

Epilogue *six months later*

“Look, I’m not trying to be bias or anything,” Dean said as he looked through the pictures he’d just taken on his phone “but we made some GOOD looking kids.”

Julianna grinned as the babies squirmed and kicked their hands and feet on the blanket. They each rolled over and Julianna sat at the edge of the blanket.

“You’re right,” she told him and clapped her hands to get their attention “cutest babies ever.”

Their personalities had started to emerge more as they aged. Savannah looked like Julianna but acted more like Dean. Sebastian looked like a miniature Dean and acted like Julianna.  Sebastian quickly crawled over to Julianna, babbling to her.

“What’re you trying to tell me?” She asked as he crawled into her lap, shortly followed by Savannah, who let out a series of baby noises. “You trying to tell me something too?” Julianna asked Savannah as Julianna picked her up “What’s so important little one?”

Savannah grabbed Julianna’s face and laid a big, sloppy kiss on her as Julianna laughed. “Oh yes? That’s very important, thank you sweet pea.”

Not to be out done, Sebastian tugged on Julianna’s shirt, pulling himself up and laying a drooly kiss on her too.

“Aw thank you!” Julianna said and the twins seemed to take turns kissing Julianna as she nearly burst into tears. “I don’t know what to do with all this loving I’m getting!” She exclaimed as she heard Dean chuckling. “Who is that laughing? You hear your Daddy laughing at us?”

Sebastian looked at Dean, grinned and gave Julianna another kiss.

“You saw that right?” Dean asked as he laughed “He looked at me like “I’m getting ALL the kisses!” and kissed you again!”

“Really?!” Julianna asked and laughed as Savannah laughed too “Oh, that’s funny isn’t it?” Julianna asked her and Savannah squealed in delight.

»»————-　✼　————-««

That night, after a bath, Julianna and Dean put the babies to bed and settled on the couch with beers. It was February in DC and it was cold enough for them to light a fire as they snuggled closely on the couch. Dean sat with his back against the arm rest and his legs stretched out in front of him. Julianna was laying against his chest, her fingers making patterns on his chest.

“We make a pretty good team, you and I.” She told him

“We do, don’t we?” He asked

“I think so.” she told him

He kissed her forehead

“Before you get comfortable,” he told her “I have your Valentine's Day present.”

“That isn't for a few more days,” she told him “and that doesn't get you out of buying me flowers either.”

He laughed and said

“Humor me.”

“Okay.” she said and sat up. He got off the couch and disappeared into the house. When he came back, he had a wrapped box in his hands, which he gave to her before sitting down. She ripped open the paper and inside it was a book. Curious, she opened it and in front of her was a picture of the two of them together. She flipped through the book and inside were pictures of them from the start of their relationship to now.

“You did all this?” she gasped, amazed

“Well, I had help,” he admitted “like, A LOT of help putting to together, but I picked all of the pictures and got the final say on the layouts.”

“Oh my god,” she said “I LOVE this.”

She the last few pages were filled with pictures of them with the babies, including a session they had done when the babies were still brand new.

“The last one is my favorite one.” Dean told her

“Your favorite in the book?” she asked

“No,” he told her “of all time, so far.”

she smiled and flipped to the last page. The picture was of her and Dean standing sideways, each of them holding a sleeping baby as they were smiling at each other. She had a wide grin because he had made her laugh and he was giving her his legendary Winchester smirk. Below it was the Edgar Allen Poe quote Castiel has used in their wedding in the shape of a heart.

“We loved with a love that was more than love.” she said and looked up at him.

“I and my Annabelle Lee.” he said with a smile. He couldn't clearly read her expression, but she set the book aside and hugged him hard.

“I love you.” she told him as he folded his arms around her.

“I love you too.” he told her and kissed her temple.

»»————-　✼　————-««

THANK YOU so, so SO much for being on this journey with Dean and Julianna!! I hope this was a satisfactory end for their wonderful story! I’ll be making a master post for this series very soon so that it can be enjoyed in it’s entirety.

As always, kind feedback is welcomed and appreciated. Feel free to comment, like and share, bitch slap that follow button to see more content from me!!!

The Squad:

@waywardbaby​​​​​ @waywardnerd67​​​​​ @familybusinesswritingbro​​​​​ @ain-t-bovvered​​​​​ @mrswhozeewhatsis​​​​​ @girlborninstorms​​​​​ @dacleverfox​​​​​ @emoryhemsworth​​​​​ @bobasheebaby​​​​​ @deanscarlett​​​​​ @myinconnelly1​​​​​ @mogaruke​​​​​ @imma-winchester-addict​​​​​ @purpleskiesandcherrypies​​ @dean-winchesters-bacon​​​​​ @animerose96​​​​​ @l8nit-l0vr​​​​​ @drakelover78​​​​​​ @curly-haired-disaster​​​​​​ @roonyxx​​​​​ @snffbeebee​​​​​ @ezilyamuzed​​​​​ @mirandaaustin93​​​​​ @srsllydunnodoncare​​​​​ @latetothewinchesterparty​​​ @emilyshurley​​​​ @atc74​​​ @midnightsilverafterdark​​​ @adoptdontshoppets​​ @biawol​

Made to be Broken:

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Dean/ Jensen:

@spnbaby-67 @akshi8278

[cwnerd12]

“Suspects” In Reinhardt’s home, David sits next to Lydia, who tries to hush her son. David, “I swear, you and Matthew will be given every possible security measure. If you want, I can have you housed in the palace until the culprit is caught. You’ll have plenty of privacy.” Lydia, numbly, “Thank you, Your Highness. I would appreciate that.” David, “Please, it’s David. The detectives say they haven’t got any suspects, but they’ve got a lot of leads. You have my personal vow that we’ll find whoever killed Caesar, and have them brought to justice.” Lydia shakes her head, “Matthew is two years old. He’s going to grow up without any memories of his father. What am I supposed to tell him? How do I explain to him that somebody killed his daddy, and that he had so many enemies the police couldn’t identify any potential suspects?” David, “If there ever comes a time when Matthew needs a mentor, who can tell him what his father was like, I’ll be more than happy to take that role.” Lydia smiles sadly, “Thank you, David.”

David sits with Joel in his office. Joel, “There’s surveillance footage of two suspects entering and leaving the apartment building at the time of the murders. When Lydia heard the bangs, she assumed they were fireworks, and didn’t go into the living room for a couple more minutes. If she’d have gone right when she heard the noise, she’d probably have been killed, too.” David, “Is Gath behind this?” Joel, “We can’t rule it out yet, but, I personally believe it was political.” David, “Why?” Joel, “I’ve heard of similar plans being discussed among certain radical anarchist groups.” David, “How do you know it’s being discussed among them?” Joel, “Informants. The MI has agents dedicated to monitoring extremist groups.” David, “Groups like the ones you used to be a part of?” Joel takes a breath, thinking for a moment, “Yeah. I’ll be honest, I have some personal experience that makes me believe that Gilboans did this.” David, “Are you behind it?” Joel, “What? No.” David, “I swear to god, Joel, please, just tell me the fucking truth.” Joel, “I don’t know who killed Reinhardt, and right now, I am doing my best to follow the orders you gave me, and find the person who did.” David stares at him, scrutinizing. Joel, “I don’t know how to make you believe me, but, it’s true.” David, “All right. I believe you. But, please, be honest with me about what you find.” Joel, “I will.”

David goes in to see Jack, “Hey, how are you?” Jack, “Okay.” David gives him a kiss and then sits down, “I need to fill the Minister of Defense position. I’ve said all along that I want you to do it-” Jack interrupts him, “No. Not ready. I’m not ready.” David, “That’s fine. That’s perfectly fine. Honestly, Jack, if all you want to do is be a spoiled househusband, you can do that.” Jack, “No. No, not that. I- I’m not ready.” David, frustrated, “Jack, I hate to say this, but when will you be ready?” Jack, “Better. When I talk better.” David, “How much better is better?” Jack, “Better!” David, “It’s almost been a year. Recovery usually stops at around a year. What if this is as good as you’re gonna get?” Jack, “Years! Recovery- years!” David, “Then is it gonna be years before you’re ready?” Jack grimaces. He doesn’t know what to say. David, “I can’t just make you the minister of defense because you’re my husband.” Jack, “I know.” David gently touches his face, “You have a place here, it just might be different than what we first thought it would be.” Jack, “Where?” David, “I don’t know. But we’ll find it.”

Joel goes into a dingy, smoke-filled pool hall. He approaches the bartender. Bartender, “What can I get you?” Joel, “Is Tanya here?” Bartender, “She’s out.” Joel, “Tell her Joel’s here.” Bartender, “I said she’s out.” Joel, “She’ll be down for me.” Cut to: Joel sits across from a woman with a lined face. She wears a tank top and smokes a cigarette, “Look at you. Workin’ for the king.” Joel, “Look at you, still hiding in the back room of a shitty pool hall.” Tanya shakes her head, “Never would have thought you of all people would turn into a cheap liberal, but prison will do a number on you.” Joel, “I killed a king. What have you done to librate the people lately?” Tanya, “Killing one king doesn’t mean shit if you just put another one in his place.” Joel, “And while you’re still here sniping over the virtues of socialism or libertarianism, I just gave Gilboans an actual bill of rights.” Tanya, “What do you want?” Joel, “I’m investigating the murder of Caesar Reinhardt.” Tanya, “What makes you think we had anything to do with that?” Joel, “Because I remember making an assassination plan for Reinhardt that was awfully damn close to how it actually went down.” Tanya, “I don’t know anything.” Joel, “Bullshit.” Tanya, “If you want answers, try arresting me, first. I still won’t talk, but maybe if you torture me long enough, I’ll break.” Joel rolls his eyes, “Fine. I have plenty of other people I can ask.” Tanya, “Never assume loyalty, Joel.” Joel, “What?” Tanya: “Never assume loyalty. It means something different to each person. What you see as an act of vengeance might actually be an act of intense loyalty.” Joel, “I’ll remember that.”

Joel goes into a shady pawn shop. The man at the counter, Waylon Han, looks up at him, “Can I help you?” Joel, “Have you sold any silencers lately, Waylon?” Waylon, “They’re a popular item.” Joel, “Something that could have been discretely brought into an apartment building and would have made gunshots sound more like fireworks.” Waylon, “I may have some idea what you’re talking about, but I’m not sure if it’s wise to the talking about my business deals with the Minister of Justice.” Joel, “Waylon, your weapons did enough for the AFG that I’m pretty sure I could get you a pardon, but that would probably come with the catch that you give up your business. And besides, knowing who you do business with is very good intel for me.” Waylon, “You want me to snitch.” Joel, “I’m only asking about who bought the silencers.” Waylon, “I don’t know who they were, but they were AFG.” Joel, “AFG?” Waylon, “They had the jackets and everything.” Joel, “Fake AFG jackets are a very hot import these days. Did you check the tags?” Waylon, “No, I didn’t check the fucking tags! These guys were legit AFG!” Joel, “Did they integrate into the army or did they leave?” Waylon, “I don’t know. I didn’t ask a whole lot of questions.” Joel, “Do you know anything else?” Waylon, “Nope. Sorry, man.” Joel, “If they come back, tell me.”

Squat in an abandoned building, damaged by an Amalekite bomb. Joel knocks on a door. A skinny, pale, nervous-looking guy in a worn AFG jacket, Stuart, answers. Stuart, “What the fuck do you want, Joel?” Joel, “Wanted to see how you’ve been getting on since moving out of the AFG building,” he glances around at his surroundings, “Not great, it seems.” Stuart goes back into the building, and Joel follows. Stuart, “I’m actually doing just fucking fine, thank you. I’m assuming you’re only here because you need something.” Joel, “What would I need?” Stuart, “I know you’re looking into Reinhardt’s murder” Joel, “I heard some rumors that it was some disaffected ex-AFG guys.” Stuart, “So I’m who you immediately thought of? I didn’t kill Reinhardt. I was a shitty criminal before the AFG, I doubt I’d be any better after the AFG.” Joel, “You know being AFG can get you a lot of good shit? You get job preferences, housing discounts, healthcare. You know David’s doing a lot to get mental health care available to vets. There’s support groups that meet at the palace. Have you tried those?” Stuart, “I don’t want any of that. I don’t want to get anything special because I’m AFG.” Joel, “You fought to free Gilboa.” Stuart, “I joined the AFG because at the time I thought it was a better deal than spending my life in prison. I came to change my mind on that.” Joel, “You don’t need a fucking reason! Anything’s gotta be better than living in a shitty fucking squat!” Stuart, “You didn’t seem to mind it when you were here.” Joel, “I had plans. I knew I was gonna be the one who killed Abner, I just needed the right opportunity.” Stuart, “Yeah, you always liked the glory. You were my friend when you needed someone to show you how to survive in prison, but forgot about me the moment you joined up with David. Came back when you needed a place to stay, then went right back to David. Now, you’re only back because you need something. I have no idea who killed Reinhardt. I don’t know why you’re even asking me.” Joel, “Who else is living like you?” Stuart, “What?” Joel, “Who else is angry? Who else regrets joining the AFG?” Stuart, “A lot of people. We got promised a bright new future and instead we got a speech about how Caesar Reinhardt is actually a great guy.” Joel, “You have no idea what kind of day to day bullshit goes in to running a country.” Stuart, “I know what people see, and I know what I went through. I also know that I can’t be the only person wondering if I would have been better off joining the Amalekites.”

David goes into the residence, where Rose sits sipping a glass of wine. David, “Hey, what’s up?” Rose, “Jack has a headache, so I was just visiting.” David, “With a glass of wine?” Rose, “I told the chef to make something for dinner, it’ll be up soon, so you don’t have to worry.” David, “I like making dinner.” Rose, “Are you doing anything tonight?” David, “I have to put the finishing touches on the eulogy for Reinhardt.” Rose, “You need a break.” David, “His funeral’s in the morning, I kind of have to.” Rose, “Then it’s a good thing I ordered dinner.”

In the morning, David prepares for the funeral in the bedroom. Jack enters, “Already?” David, “Yeah, I want to get there kind of early so I can talk to Lydia.” Jack, “I’ll go.” David, “You said you still have a headache.” Jack, “Better.” David shakes his head, “I’d honestly rather you not. I’ve got a ton of shit to do today, the last thing I need is something happening with you.” Jack, “What else?” David, “I still have to fill the minister of defense position and I have no idea who to choose.” Jack thinks for a moment, “Alex Perez.” David, “Who?” Jack, “Worked for CrossGen, stayed in Gilboa. Smart. Honest. Good person. Helped me out.” David, “You think he’d be good?” Jack, “Yeah.” David nods, “Okay. I’ll talk to him after the funeral, then,” he sighs heavily, “Anyway, there’s also a PTSD support group for AFG vets tonight… I think I’m gonna go. Don’t wait up for me, okay?” Jack, “Okay.” David, “I’m sorry I have to be so busy.” Jack, “You’re king.”

David stands awkwardly at the podium at Reinhardt’s funeral. The casket is draped in the AFG flag. David, “Last week I made a speech about becoming friends with an old enemy, and today, I’m delivering his eulogy. It’s unexpected, and it’s unfair, and honestly, I- I’m angry about it. It’s been suggested to me that Gilboans did this- Gilboans seeking vengeance they believe is rightfully theirs. We can’t say anything for sure yet, but the possibility is there,” he sighs deeply, “We can’t do this. As much as I’ve fought for peace, Premiere Shaw continues to push for war. We must unify as a nation. Vengeance feels good, but what does it do? It spreads misery. It weakens us, and makes us victims of our own hatred. Caesar Reinhardt should be advising me right now. He should be there to raise his son, and support his wife. The people I know I can trust are few and far between, and Caesar was one of them. I’ve lost a friend. Gilboa has lost a hero. If we continue to allow casual violence and personal division, we will lose much more.”

David sits in a support group circle. He jokes awkwardly, “I really hope that none of you are spies,” a few laughs, “I’m here because I’ve had a pretty rough week. I don’t really have a whole lot of people I can just talk to.” Dr. Brant, who leads the group, “That’s what we’re here for. And you don’t need to worry, everyone here is a verified AFG veteran.” David, “That’s a good thing.” Dr. Brant, “What’s made your week so rough?” David, “A good friend of mine got murdered, for one thing. I’ve had to order this investigation, put together a eulogy, find a new minister of defense…” His phone buzzes. He laughs awkwardly, “See, it never ends,” he falters and pauses, “Reinhardt used to tell me that I whine a lot for a king.” Dr. Brant, “You have to let your emotions out in some way.” David, “Yeah, but I also tend to wallow in self-pity. I’m trying not to do that.” Dr. Brant, “Have you given yourself time to grieve?” David, “I barely have time to sleep.” Dr. Brant, “You should do that.” One of the group members speaks up, “Sometimes you just have to let yourself feel like shit.” David, “I constantly felt like shit even before Reinhardt was killed. I spent a lot of time being depressed after my Dad died. I can’t imagine doing that now. I’m just too fucking busy.” His phone buzzes again, “Sorry.” He turns it off. Dr. Brant, “You also lost two brothers too, is this correct?” David, “Yeah.” Dr. Brant, “How did you deal with that?” David, “I- I didn’t. Silas kept me too busy after Eli died to really be sad, and Robert…” he sighs, “I was kind of in the middle of fighting a war. I’ve been thinking about my dad and Eli a lot, actually. They both had long careers in the army, without much advancement. I kind of ate up both of their lives. I kind of can’t help but wonder if they stayed because they believed in what they were fighting for, or because it was just easier to stay than to deal with all the shit they dragged home.” Dr. Brant, “Is that what you’re doing now?” David sighs, “It- it’s a lot to deal with. I did the same after Isaiah Clemens was killed, just, kept running until I had nothing left. I know it’s not healthy and I make really stupid decisions when I do it, but… I don’t know what else to do.” A group member, “You can cry.” Another group member, “You can talk about it with someone you trust.” Dr. Brant, “Or you can talk about it here.” David, “Yeah, that’s the other thing. I’m kind of the king. I’m not sure how wise it is to go blathering about my personal turmoil to a bunch of strangers.” Dr. Brant, “But you’re here.” David, “Yeah, I am.” There’s a noise, and Rose enters. She goes straight to David, “I need to talk to you.”

In another room, Rose shows David her phone. On it, a video with the title King David: A CHEATER AND A LIAR plays, showing a bunch of drunk AFG veterans sitting around at a table at a bar, “Yeah, we all knew he was fucking Beth. Like he wasn’t even careful about it. She fucking signed his cast and everything.” David, “What… What are we gonna do about this?” Rose, “For starters, make a statement acknowledging that it’s true. During a time of darkness, you made a terrible mistake, one that you sincerely regret. In spite of all this, your love for and commitment to Jack remains the same.” David, “O-okay, do I need to make the statement now? Shit! I’m not ready.” Rose, “In the morning. It’s late, and you look like you need to sleep.” David, “Fuck! Why now?! Jesus, Gath has to be behind this, there’s no way they aren’t, it’s too much of a coincidence!” Rose, “David.” David, “What?” Rose, “You need to be prepared for when it’s not Gath.” David, “What?! How the fuck is this not Gath?!” Rose, “You’ve been king for about four months, now. When a king begins his reign, people have certain expectations of him. Things change very quickly, and people keep expecting more change. When things inevitably slow down, people get angry, and they turn against the king. The same thing happened to Silas.” David, “I am not like Silas! I am absolutely nothing like Silas! I’m not hiding a kid!” Rose, “People have been making comparisons ever since the tank. This similarity isn’t going to go un-noticed.” David, “If I were like Silas, people would be getting murdered right now!” Rose, “So make that point. It’s your first shitstorm, David. Hunker down and get through it.”

As quietly as he can, David slips into his darkened bedroom. He sees the shape of Jack laying in bed, and quietly starts changing into his pajamas. Jack shifts, “Hey.” David, “Did I wake you up?” Jack, “Nah. How was group?” David, “It- it was okay. I-” He stops himself from saying anything. He puts his pajamas on without saying anything, and then goes over to his side of the bed. He stops and looks at Jack. Jack, "Getting in?" David, “Jack, the- the story about Beth, it broke.” Jack, “Oh.” David, “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” Jack, “Get in. Go to sleep.” David, “Are you angry?” Jack doesn’t say anything. David, “Jack?” Jack, “Go to sleep.”

(“Bringing Me Down” Ki:Theory) Beth wakes up in the home she shares with her sister: a small apartment in Menasseh. She goes about her morning routine, brushing her teeth, showering, drying her hair, getting dressed. She forlornly eats a piece of toast while her sister, Cynthia, and Cynthia’s boyfriend, Scott sit with her. She puts her coat on and stands staring at the front door, Cynthia and Scott beside her. Cynthia, “Are you ready?” Beth nods, “Yeah.” Scott opens the door, and immediately, it’s filled with flashbulbs and screaming reporters. Cynthia and Scott do their best to shield Beth as they escort her to their car. In Shiloh, David makes an address: “Seven months ago, during a time of immense personal darkness, I had a moment of weakness and made a mistake, one which I deeply regret. In spite of this, my devotion to my husband remains as fierce as ever. I wish to move on from this mistake and continue my duty as king without distraction.” Back in her car, Beth sits in the back seat as cameras snap and strangers jeer.

David sits in the council chamber with Rose, Abby, Joel, and Asher. David, “First of all, right now, my biggest priority remains finding who killed Reinhardt. I don’t care about anything else.” Joel, “There still aren’t any real leads, but trust me, we’ve got plenty to go on.” Rose, “You can’t just pretend this scandal isn’t happening.” David, “And I made an address! I fucked up, I apologized, Jack forgives me, I just want to fucking move on!” Asher, “Have you talked to Beth?” David, “What?” Asher, “Have you talked to Beth at all?” David, “She made it clear the last time I spoke to her, she wants nothing to do with me!” Asher, “Yeah, but she’s still dealing with you. The palace can send a security detail and a PR person, at the very least.” David, “Okay, fine, do that.” Rose, “In the meantime, if you want to move on, the best thing you can do is to move on. You have Prince Wayne’s wedding in Ammon next week.” David, “Shit!” Abby, “You don’t have to go, but it would probably be a good idea if you did.” Rose, “If you go, Jack needs to go, too.” David, “No! Fuck no! The Shaws are going to be there!” Rose, “You said you remain committed to Jack, you need to show it.” David, “And I am looking out for Jack by keeping at least a hundred miles between him and Shaw! Besides, Jack’s still recovering, I can just bring Mom, it’ll be fine.” Abby, “I’m coming with you.” David, “You don’t have to-” Abby, “Someone has to be there to clean up the mess when you sucker-punch Michael Shaw.” David, “I’m the fucking king, I don’t need a baby sitter!” Abby, “You’re a king with the impulse control of a seven-year-old. I’m going with you.” David, “Jesus, fine. Is there anything else to do right now?” Asher, “Talk to Beth.”

David sits in his office, holding on to his phone, he takes in a deep breath and holds it up to his ear, “Hey, Beth.” In a lawyer’s office, Beth talks to him, “I don’t fucking want to talk to you.” David, “Yeah, I know. I’m sending you a security detail, okay?” Beth, “I’ll send them back! I’m a fucking soldier, I know how to defend myself!” David, “Yeah, so did Caesar Reinhardt.” Beth, “Is that a threat?” David, “No! Jesus, no, it’s just- we still don’t know who killed him, and we don’t know why they killed him! If they were doing it out of some misguided loyalty to me, they could go after you.” Beth sits listening, and doesn’t say anything for a long moment. David, “Beth? I- I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Beth, “It’s too late for that.” David, “Then I don’t want anything worse to happen to you, okay? I- I do care about you. And I appreciate how fucked up it is for me to say that right now.” Beth, “How long am I going to need the security?” David, “I don’t know. If it’s any consolation… you kind of get used to it after a while.” Beth sniffs angrily and wipes at her eyes, “Don’t call me again. If I need to talk to you, I’ll call you, but don’t expect that I will.” David, “Okay.” Beth, “I’m hanging up now.” David, “Beth, I’m-” he catches himself, and then hangs the phone up.

In his office, Joel gets briefed by MI officers. Lead officer, “We can suppress the spread of the video-” Joel, “No you can’t. That’s in violation of our new declaration of rights. We’re not going to do the same shit as the MSS.” Another officer, “So do we just ignore the video? This could still be an act by an extremist group, or more of Gath’s efforts.” Joel, “I’ll authorize an investigation, but any further actions will depend on what we find.”

David, looking exhausted, goes into the residence. Jack lays on the sofa, his hand on his head. David goes over to him, “Hey, does your head still hurt?” Jack, “Yeah.” David sighs deeply, “I’m sorry.” He stands awkwardly by the sofa. Jack opens his eyes and looks at him, but then shuts his eyes again. David sits down on the floor beside Jack. He gently strokes his face, but Jack brushes his hand away. David, “When it happened- it was right after Robert was killed. I mean the night of. I was lost and angry and alone and Beth- she was there.” Jack angrily opens his eyes, “Shut up.” David, “I know it’s not an excuse, I-” Jack interrupts him, “I thought I was dead. I thought I was in hell. Couldn’t talk. Couldn’t move. Dead and in hell.” David gapes at him without saying anything, but then says, “Do- do you still forgive me?” Jack thinks for a moment, “I do. But I’m angry.” David begins to cry, and he whispers, “Just say the word, and I’ll abdicate.” Jack gives David a furious look, “No.” David, “I thought I was past the point of the people I care about getting killed, but it’s still happening! I can’t do this! I’ll turn into Silas!” Jack, “You won’t.” David, “I’ll take you back up to the cabin, we can live there and not have to worry about anything!” Jack, “I won’t let you.” David, “Jack, please.” Jack, “I won’t let you.”