Title: E/O Challenge - Dean Figures It Out

Author: Laedie Duske

Disclaimer: I own nothing, nothing at all

Word Count: 300 - set in S1 right after the guys have started traveling together again, trying to figure out how to be again.

Featured Word: Card - my first venture outside the regular drabble, I could not cut this back. It came to me almost whole and demanded I tell it that way. My apologies, next week I will try to show better restraint...or figure out how to put my muse in restraints...or something. :-)

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Sam had been quiet, withdrawn, sullen almost.

Dean tried to talk, was brushed off.

Tried to cheer, was snapped at.

He sees Sam's hurting, can't figure out for sure why.

Dean doesn't want to fight, finds a motel before dark, tries to talk Sam into coming to the bar.

He'd rather sit with his laptop.

Dean wishes he could cheer his brother like they were kids again.

Or at least get him to talk. They used to be friends. Brothers.

When did that change?

He wishes Sam wanted to just hang out sometimes.

But it's always about the next hunt, gotta find Dad.

He feels awful, his brother is clearly upset but won't talk to him.

The redhead at the bar comes on strong.

It's not even dark out yet, she's practically in his lap.

She presses her key-card into Dean's hand.

She purrs, "I'm Jess, but you can call me whatever you like."

And it hits him like a physical blow, makes his stomach hurt.

Guilt courses through him, he forgets how to breathe.

He feels like a jackass, can't believe he forgot.

He leaves the bar at a dead run.

Dean stops at a store on the way back, grabs some of Sam's favourite things:

Snacks, drinks, a couple of movies he knows Sam will like.

Sam looks at him, puzzled, out of red-rimmed eyes.

Dean hands him the shopping bag, mumbles something about hard bar stools and a bruise on his ass.

Sam knows, though. His brother remembered and is trying to be there.

As they settle against the headboard to watch a movie on the laptop, Dean leans in so their shoulders touch.

Talk or not, I'm here little brother.

A small smile ghosts across Sam's lips.

Thanks.

Today is her birthday, his first without her.

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A/N I know, I know, her birthday isn't until January 24th, but this is what came to me so I ran with it. *shrug* Please don't hate me.