September 23, 2003
// Dean //

They had to choose a relative to live with. Yes, sure, it would be simple for most. So easy, just choose your favorite person in the family and we'll haul you off to them! Sound good, kids?

Awhile after Dean's short mental outburst about having to think of who would want to house the two of them, it hit him. Dean looked at Sam and the little one gave him a smile that seemed to say "go ahead, say who it is".

"Uhh, Donna," Dean mumbled.

"Yes, hon?"

"I think I have someone in mind. He's not in this state but he's decently close. Well, it would be him and his momma, would that be okay?"

"Of course! I just need their names."

Well, here goes nothing, Dean thought. "Our Uncle Crowley and Grandma Rowena..."

"Okay, can I have last names?"

"Sure, it's MacLeod," Dean grinned. They might actually get to live with them! Crowley was their favorite uncle, and Grandma Rowena always told Dean and Sam stories of her hometown.

"Thank you, Dean. You said they don't live in this state, so where do they live?" Donna questioned.

"Oh, yeah, sorry. The live in Aspen. In Colorado."

"Good! Do you have a way to reach them?"

"Uhh- Yes. Our dad made me memorize Uncle's phone and email."

"Well, quickest will be phone, so can I have the number?"

"Sure." He listed off the digits, and as Donna called, they waited. He picked up on the third ring. Probably because he almost never takes his flip-phone into different rooms with him.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Sheriff Donna, I was sent to Kansas to help with the Winchester case."

"Oh. I- I, are Dean and Sam with you?"

"Actually, yes. That's why I was calling. You see, they picked you and your mother, Rowena, to be the relatives they live with from now on. Will you be willing to house your nephews?"

"Of course! Do I need to fill anything out over the phone?"

"Yes. Just give me two seconds to get the papers."

After filling out the necessary forms and agreements, Donna hung up and spoke to the boys. She told them the other cops are going to pack everything from their house. Since they had found that Crowley and the boys were the only ones on both their wills, they would receive everything.

About two hours later, the boys had been given news about their new guardians. Their Uncle and Grandma were going to make the trip to pick them up! They'd touch down in Kansas in about three hours, as their impromptu flight had left only thirty minutes ago. Dean was ecstatic, he hadn't seen his Uncle since Sammy's birthday in early May. He could tell Sam was too, however, he had always been closer to Rowena.

After the boys had been given a couple small sandwiches for lunch, Dean was caught up in his thoughts. Mainly because he was just glad that these two weren't like the majority of the family. They actually cared. As soon as he mentally said this, he thought back to what his dad had told him.

// John telling Dean of Mary's fam. //

"The Campbells are close knit. Extremely. This family is careful to who they let in. It was all good until your mother made me meet her parents in '92. I was twenty and so was your momma. Anyways, we were having light conversation while eating dinner, but then her dad, your Grandpa Samuel, noticed something about me. Finally, after five minutes, I spoke up about it.

"Sir, is there something about me that caught your eye?"

"Not much, but I did notice you have Marine dog tags."

"Oh. Yeah. Forgot to mention that. I'm not stationed anywhere for awhile, so I'm home."

"I see."

Well, after that, it seemed a little too quiet. I was fine with that, but your mother didn't seem to be. She tried to start a new conversation about another topic, but your Grandma Deanna interrupted. She was furious that Mary would be with someone that could end up dead on a battle field. Mary tried to reason with her, saying that I would probably be out of the Marines before too long. Which was true, I was retiring from the Marines because I wanted to live with your mother.

It was twenty minutes later and the uneaten food was just sitting, forgotten. Your momma tried and tried to reason, but they weren't having it. So we left. We walked to the park and then Mary spoke, as she'd been incredibly quiet.

"John, is it going to be possible that we can find a house or apartment to live in? I'm okay with staying at my home for a little while. Only, I don't want to live in a home with parents that would constantly complain about you."

I thought for a moment, knowing my answer but not the words. As soon as I did, I said, "Yes. Absolutely. I think we can find an apartment for decent rent, does that sound good?"

"Yes! Can we start looking tomorrow?"

"Sure."

And with that, we went our separate ways for the night. After we moved into a cheap apartment a month after, I never spoke to the Campbells again, Dean. That's why we only have my side of the family."

//End of John's explanation flashback//

Turns out, Dean did remember it all. He wasn't sad about it, and he didn't wish for that to be resolved. He didn't want to see that side of his family. That was why he chose Uncle Crowley and Grandma Rowena.

A/N-
Hello again! I just wanted to say if any of the things in the chapter (and whole story) offends you or triggers anything, I'm so sorry. Hope y'all have a good day, I'll try and post as often as I can. If you enjoyed the story please vote, share, comment, follow, or all! It would help get my story out there. <3

Additionally, thanks @skellies & @-mr-creeps- for letting me run ideas past them both! 💕
(Even though creeps over there gave me a bit of a panic attack when I was trying to run an idea past for this chapter... )