Dean came out of the dingy motel bathroom to find his brother rolling on his bed in a fit of laughter. It had been a long time since Sam had laughed like that and part of Deans mind was just grateful he was in such good spirits. This positive spin did not last long however once Dean spotted the source of his brothers amusement.

"What the hell dude? …..haven't you ever seen a book before?"

Dean was ready to spit fire. What the hell had Sam been doing in Deans bag in the first place? Sam looked up at his brother with the same stupid grin on his face.

"So tell me Dean, is this a prop for landing smarter chicks? Do you need a little extra charm with girls who know how to read?"

"Shut up man. I have plenty of charm all on my own. Anyway that particular book…..just give it back geek boy."

Dean attempted to control the urge to grab the text back and ring his brother neck. He didn't want to go through why he wanted it back so badly or why he had dragged it across countless state lines. So in typical Dean fashion he pretended he didn't care and it meant nothing to him.

Sam looked at the book he still had in his hand turning it over and around in his hands. It was a classic and would no doubt impress several college women, what's more it looked well worn like it had been read and reread several times. Well he had to give Dean credit for authenticity and believability. The man didn't do things half assed.

"I give you full points for the pre-loved look of it. If I didn't know you I would believe you had actually read it."

"Of course you know everything don't you geek boy?"

"No I just grew up with you. You don't generally read anything that doesn't relate to a hunt or come with pictures and you definitely don't read 'Jane Eyre'!"

Sam began to gently laugh once again until he caught a flash of hurt mixed in with the annoyance on his older brothers face. The emotion was gone almost before it could register but Sam reeled in his humor wondering if maybe he had gone too far.

"Whatever. It just a dumb book"

Sam heard the laid back, I could care less tone but he had his suspicions that he had stumbled onto something he wasn't supposed to find. Something Dean actually cared quite a bit about.

These suspicions were confirmed when he tosses the book back to his brother and Deans shoulders relaxed slightly and his jaw unclenched. Sam smirked to himself. It was the kind of evil smile which can only be achieved by a younger sibling who has just found a little dirt on an older brother or sister. O.K Dean, you win round one but don't think we aren't going to talk about this.

Dean was more than a little ticked off as he put the book safely back into his duffel bag. He chose to believe that the topic was closed now for good but twenty three years of being around Sam Winchester told him he was dreaming. Oh well, at least he didn't read it. Maybe he'll forget about it once we hit the road…………Oh man! I hate it when he smirks like that!!!!!

… …… … …… … …

t.b.c : let me know if you want the scoop on Dean's book.