Dean had just collapsed into bed when he heard his cell phone vibrating. He groaned. This had better be good. He and John had been hunting a Skinwalker for days. Hours ago, they'd finally cornered it and killed the tricky bastard. Unfortunately it didn't go down without a fight. Both father and son where bruised, beaten and bloody.
Dean could barely keep his eyes open. Whoever it was could wait. But as the phone continued to buzz, Dean picked it up and check the caller ID.
Sam?
This couldn't be good...Sam hadn't even tried to contact them since the night he left for Stanford and John told him not to come back. Sam wouldn't call unless it was an emergency.
"Sam?" He answered the phone, expecting the worst.
"Dean!" The youngest Winchester's voice was full of enthusiasm and life. He sounded so much better than when he'd left. Dean was relieved, but also a little bitter. Sam sounded so happy.
"Sam, is everything okay?"
"Yep, everything is awesome. I'm dating this smokin' hot girl named Jessica. You'd like her, Dee."
Sam sounded strange. His voice was a bit slurred, and he sounded spacey. Dean wondered if he was drunk.
"Sam, are you drunk?"
"What? No!" He seemed offended that his brother would even ask. "Nope, I am not drunk."
"What's wrong with you then?"
Sam laughed. "I just got home from a party. I never go to these things, but it was fun. I'm home now, and I wanted to call. I miss you."
Alright, something was definitely off. Sam was never this honest. "Sam, I think someone drugged you. What did I tell you about watching out for roofies?"
"Noooo, not roofies, Dean-O. Weed."
Son of a bitch. his little brother was high.
"This stuff is great." Sam giggled.
"Sam," Dean sighed. "I'm glad you're having fun. Just be safe, okay?"
"Will do."
"Dude, it was great talking to you and all, but we just got off a hunt and I'm exhausted. Call me back when you're sober, okay?"
"Okay." Sam sounded a little disappointed, and Dean felt bad.
"Take care of yourself, you hear?"
"Okay. I love you, Dean."
"Love you too, little bro." Dean hung up the phone and shook his head. They hadn't exchanged those words in...well, ever. Guilt chewed at his insides. He should have talked to Sam a little longer, made sure he was really okay.
He'd call him back in the morning.
But of course, he never did.