Author's Note: The episode bugged me because it Sam didn't even shed a tear...so I wrote my own version. I still love Supernatural!

Disclaimer: Supernatural is owned by the CW

Retake on 4.01

Emotions ran deeply as Dean approached the numbered door, Bobby following behind closely, as if Dean would disappear. Tears sprung to his eyes at the knowledge that he was going to finally see his brother. The four months that had apparently passed were lost to him; the only things coming to memory consisting of fire, agony and screaming. Honestly, he didn't care to dwell on the past wanting, no, needing to in clasp his brother in a well deserved hug. Rubbing his chest absently, he found himself frozen, eyes locked on thirteen in golden numbers hanging silently on the door. Swallowing down a lump that was suddenly choking him, Dean let out a loud sigh.

"Go on son." Bobby whispered comfortingly from behind.

Bobbing his head, Dean glanced over his shoulder, a half of a smile plastered on his face. "Yeah…uhh-right." It would seem like the easiest thing to do, but for some reason that Dean could not pinpoint, he was stuck. The image of Sam smiling at him made his heart ache just to see his brother again. However, he was starting to realize that what he pictured his brother as might not be what he finds. Bobby had lost contact with Sam, which meant the boy could be doing anything, including slowly killing himself with beer or who knows what else. It had almost ripped Sam apart waiting for the deal to come due. Now that it had happened, he wondered if his death had stolen a part of his brother. Shoving his fears aside Dean forced himself to grin, rapping his knuckles on the wood. The wail of a baby next door filled in the silence, the Winchester starting to wonder if Sam was even going to answer the door.

Seconds before he was going to ask Bobby if he had the right address the hinges squeaked, grabbing Dean's attention.

"How did you find me?" Snapped a masculine voice from behind the crack.

Dean immediately recognized it, smile becoming genuine. "Sammy…" He croaked, blinking back oncoming tears.

"Dean…" Bobby warned, hand grasping Dean's shoulder. "He's not the Sam you knew."

The Winchester glared at the older man, shaking off his fingers. Facing the door once more, he chuckled. "Come on Sammy, I could find you anywhere. Your height is like a beacon." The teasing had no affect, seemingly angering Sam further.

"Don't call me that, Dean only calls me that. And you're not Dean….shape shifter…." With a growl Sam leaped from through the door, shoving Dean against the wall.

In that one moment, everything seemed to stop. Time slowed till Dean found himself frowning at what he saw as he stared at his brother. Dark bluish purple crescents lay underneath cold, empty eyes. The healthy skin on his face was now a light creamy tone that scared Dean to his core. Boyishly chocolate locks were oily and wisped in every direction. Sweat was beading underneath uncut bangs, streaking down the side of Sam's temple. Rage was filling the dark depths. Dean has never had such a stare directed towards him.

"I'm going to kill you!"

The shout caused time to slam back, the hard wall slamming into the back of his head with enough force to cause stars to dance in front of his eyes.

"Sam! Come on! Sam!" Bobby screamed, trying to pry the youngest Winchester. His attempts were futile, the emotions driving Sam becoming physical power.

Keeping the knife's edge against Dean's neck Sam whipped a gun out from his belt, aiming it directly at Bobby's chest. "Back the hell off." He spoke with an emotionless tone, weapon unwavering. The shock on Bobby's face did not shake the Winchester's resolve.

Fear sprouted in Dean's gut at what Sam has become, the hunter within gone and replaced with a killer. No, don't think like that! Calming himself down, he kept his hands up in a defenseless gesture. "Sam, Sammy…It's me. You don't want to shoot Bobby or me. I know you don't. My little brother isn't a killer." That got Sam's attention, causing his head to snap around, brows furrowing for a second. "Now come on…put the gun down."

The tension in the air was thick enough that it threatened to burst. As the seconds went by Sam began to shake. At first it was small tremors and then it was as if he was going to fall over. Emotions played over his face, stabbing Dean in the heart with every flash.

"Just put it down Sammy. I'm back. I'm here."

Bobby glanced at Dean as he spoke, deciding whether to continue to let Dean try to talk the kid down or catch Sam because he wouldn't be able to stand much longer. The older Winchester was having an affect though, stopping Bobby from making a move and shattering the work Dean was doing.

"De-an…?" Sam choked, slightly lowering the knife and gun simultaneously. Tears glistened in his eyes, chest heaving as he held back sobs. "No…you're-you're de-ad…"

Dean felt a hot tear break through, dripping off his cheek. Smiling, he nodded, swallowing. "Yeah…I was…but-but I'm here now Sammy…" Raising a hand, he rested it over the knife; shoulders slumping as he finally touched his brother. He was alive.

Slowly Bobby wrapped his fingers around the barrel, removing it from Sam's grip easily and stepping back, allowing the two brothers to have their moment. Tears themselves sparkled in his gaze.

"That's it Sammy…I'm back." Dean whispered hoarsely, the knife dropping to the floor with a clang.

Sam's arms dropped to his sides; face wrinkling as he broke in front of his brother. "It's really you…" He wheezed, falling forward and latching onto Dean's form. Every fiber of his being was exhausted.

"Whoa Sammy!" Dean yelped wrapping his arms around his little brother. He didn't expect to have to hold up all of Sam however and slowly slid down to the ground.