Sam awoke with a terrible start at the thunderous clash overhead…the cacophony of noises serving to drive him into shivering terror….he whimpered at the teeming madness ensuing just beyond the hotel door…the sound of hail ricocheting off the roof was as loud as the time dad had let him watch Dean shoot the makeshift targets off the fence rail…
Dean heard the roiling storm and truth be told, he was terrified himself…but when he heard the soft whimper issue from beneath the sheet-ensheathed form of his little brother, he swallowed heavily and pushed his fear down deep inside him…he crawled out from beneath his covers and crept quietly to Sammy's bed. He climbed into bed facing his terrified little brother and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Sam peeked out from under the covers to look at him.
"Sammy….it's ok…it's just a storm…it'll pass soon enough…" he whispered soothingly to his little brother.
"Dean….I'm scared!!!....." he cried softly, tears streaming from his soft brown eyes…
Dean rubbed his shoulder and back…."I know Sammy…but it'll be ok…I'm here….I'll always be here when your scared…you're never alone, ok? " Dean whispered…his voice imparting the strength and love Sammy needed to hear.
Sammy curled tightly around his teddy bear…his eyes drifting shut. He sighed deeply, his small frame relaxing as the terror and tension ebbed out of him….Dean made himself stay awake long after Sammy had drifted off….he wanted to keep a watchful eye on his baby brother…when he was satisfied Sammy was out for good, he let himself drift toward sleep, murmuring softly as he fell to sleep…"Sleep good Sammy….I'm here and nothing is ever going to change that, I promise….love you, little brother…."