Early in the morning one day, before the sun or even the birds were awake, two little boys were champing at the bit in a hospital waiting room. Anxiously, young Dean Winchester gnawed on his lower lip and warily eyed his younger brother. Sammy, by contrast, was trying his hardest to behave – and though he was succeeding at staying in his seat, that seat was bouncing and scooching around an awful lot.

"Boy or girl, Dean? Boy or girl?" Sam asked, chock full of energy even at the late hour.

"I bet it's a boy. Our family has a lot of boys," Dean reasoned. "Not that we need another one of you."

Sammy took a moment to pout before moving over towards Dean and wrapping his arms around him.

"I love you, Dean," he murmured in his soft voice, nestling into the crook of Dean's shoulder. Whenever Dean teased him, Sammy's immediate reaction was to smother Dean with love. Not only was he an incredibly affectionate little boy – he had also quickly learned that it was the quickest way to get Dean to stop.

"Dean, Sam," John said, appearing from around the corner. His eyes were rimmed with red, his hair was disheveled, and he looked exhausted. But unmistakably gracing his face was that characteristic Winchester pride. "Come with me, boys," he smiled.

Sam immediately leapt out of his chair and ran to John, reaching for his hand. Dean followed more slowly and cautiously, not sure what was going to await him beyond the next door. All he knew was that his life was going to change forever, and that he wasn't sure if he would like it. After all, things were great with their family as it was. Why did it need to change?

Their mother lay in a small bed, looking haggard and sleepy. But her eyes were glowing with joy, and her face lit up at the sight of her two sons.

"Dean! Sam!" She exclaimed, as though she hadn't seen them in years. "I have someone that I would like you to meet."

"Mommy! Sam yelled, racing towards the bed and receiving a kiss on the forehead in return. Dean followed soon after – nothing was going to keep him from his mother, not even his growing apprehension. His effort was rewarded with a swift kiss and a ruffle of his fluffy hair, at which he gave a toothless smile. Despite himself, he could feel his little heart start to overflow with love.

"Come take a look," Mary whispered, leaning towards the children. Wide-eyed and curious, her two young sons peered over the side of her hospital bed at the bundle of pink blankets in their mother's arms.

"Can I hold her?" Sam asked immediately. The little boy was bouncing on his heels, his eyes sparkling just like Christmas had come early. Ever since he had found out he was going to be a big brother, he hadn't stopped talking about it. He was overjoyed at having someone to take care of and teach and play with. Secretly, he hoped that the new baby would be more like him than Dean was.

"Of course. Come here, Sammy," his mother said, smiling. Sam climbed up into the hospital bed and snuggled in next to his mother as she transferred the sleeping newborn into his arms.

"Whoa," he said softly, caught up in wonder at the sight of his new baby sister. The baby was small, born three weeks early, but looked so large nestled into Sam's arms. She looked, already, just like her mother. Suddenly, she let out a soft snore, and Sam's heart melted. He giggled quietly and reached up to touch her face.

"I like her," Sam declared. "I like her a lot, Mommy. Do you wanna hold her, Dean?" Sam asked.

"No," Dean answered quickly. The older boy hung back a little, glancing down at the sleeping infant when he thought no one was watching. She was so small, so breakable. And the last thing he wanted was to mess something up.

"Dean, it's okay," Mary soothed softly. "You won't hurt her."

Ever since he could talk, Mary could read her elder son like a book.

And just like that, before he could protest, he was holding the baby. Instantly, she sighed and nestled deeper into his embrace. And just like that, Dean felt a sudden rush of affection and responsibility for the little creature. He was a big brother once again, and he would do anything it took to protect her and Sammy. Slowly, hesitantly, as though he might break her, Dean held up the baby and placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"What's her name?" Sammy asked excitedly.

"Jasmine Camille. Jasmine Camille Winchester," Mary beamed. For years, Mary had dreamed of a little girl named Jasmine. And even with Dean and Sam, who she loved dearly, it always felt like there was something missing. Finally, her little family was complete. With the future stretched out bright before them, she couldn't wait to begin the first day of the rest of her life.

"I'm your biggest brother, Jasmine, and I'll always protect you. So you can sleep easy…. Because I love you lots," Dean whispered, just quiet enough so that Sammy wouldn't hear and make fun of him.

"Always."