Sam doesn't usually help his brother in the kitchen, and for good reason.

"Sam? Did you use my muffin pan?"

Dean's voice was deathly quiet as he held out the offending mold, left brow arching threateningly.

Sam's lips pressed together into a tight line as he held in the laughter so desperately trying to escape. He tapped lightly at the keys of his laptop, shaking his head lightly. "Dean, I can't even use the oven without you hovering over me, how on earth do you think I'd have used your muffin pan without your knowledge?" Sam snorted, breaking into full on laughter as his brother continued to scowl at the tin as if it were the foulest being he'd ever clapped eyes on.

There came a tentative shuffle from the doorway, and Kevin peeked his head around the casing, brows drawn, face apologetic. "Um, Dean?"

"Not now, Kevin!" Dean spat, advancing on his younger brother. "Sam, why are you laughing!?"

Snort. "Because—" Giggle. "K-Kevin—" Wheeze.

That was as far as he got before Dean whorled, pouncing on Kevin. The resident AP Student emitted a terrified squeak, backing away quickly. "Dean." Kevin's eyes were blown wide in blatant terror, hands raised in defense. "Dean I—I can explain." Kevin's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed heavily, feet scrabbling as he backed into the wall, running out of room to retreat. "Dean, please!"

"Five seconds." Dean's arms crossed his chest, expression stormy as he stared down the young man.

Kevin swallowed in relief, hands coming to his side, wringing nervously. "You know when you guys were gone a couple days ago, on that hunt?"

A terse nod.

"W-well um… we kinda… ran out of food, and the only thing I could find was muffin mix. So uh, I made muffins." He raised his hands apologetically. "I was hungry."

Dean uncrossed his arms, head cocking as he listened. "Oh. Uh, man. I'm sorry Kev, I could've sworn we had more food than that." He clapped the young man on the shoulder. "Next time," he whispered, leaning in so only Kevin could hear. "I'll make sure you have what you need. But," he raised a finger, winking over his shoulder at Sam. "This time," he thrust the tin into Kevin's chest. "You gotta clean up your mess man."

FOURTY FIVE MINUTES LATER

"You think I was too hard on him?" Dean propped his feet up onto the coffee table, swigging heavily at his beer.

Sam shook his head. "Nah." He sneaked a peek over his shoulder, where the sounds of scrubbing, cursing and clanging could be heard. "Think he's learning the meaning of perseverance."