He felt a gentle tug on the soft quilt that loosely lay around him.

The tug came again only this time harder.

"Dean," came a whisper just barely audible. "Dean," it said a little louder.

"Dean!"

Dean opened his eyes to see sad and scared ones staring right back at him.

The tears in his eyes aroused Dean immediately. "Sammy what's wrong,"

Concern built up in his chest as Sam's head bowed and he started to quietly sob.

The boy's tears rolling down his cheeks and onto the blanket.

"I had a bad dream. Dean, the monster got you. You were taken from me. And it was my fault." The 6 year old's tiny shoulders shook as he cried harder.

"Shhh, it's okay. I'm right here. It's okay, it's okay." He soothed.

Hs heart wen the kid asked him "Why did you leave me Dean? How could you leave me alone like that?" Sam's eyes glanced a his, still full of the melancholy of a widow. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere, I'll never leave you, ever." He sighed and reached out hold Sam's head and stroke his forehead with his thumb. Sam closed his now sleepy eyes, leaned into the touch and breathed "Promise?" The kid gazed up at him

expectantly. "Yes, I promise."

Dean scooted over to make room for him and Sam instantly fell onto the bed and nuzzled into Deans neck. Dean wrapped his arms protectively around his skinny frame. "Love you big brother," Sammy said snuggling deeper under his chin. "Love you to kiddo,"he murmured resting his lower cheek on Sam's mop of brown hair.

Present

Bringing himself back to reality he stole a glance at Sam as he drove down the road.

His year was almost up and his brother had never given up hope that one day they would find a solution. Though Dean was starting to doubt that he would ever be free ofthis thing always hanging over his head. And in Hell he knew it would still linger guiltily knowing what he was putting Sammy through.

His thoughts drifted back to that promise and his doubt drained from his heart and was replaced with determination. He would do anything it takes for Sam to keep his big brother. Besides who would be there to protect him if he left?

Looking at Sam once more he said "Sammy, I made a promise to you once. I told you I would never ever leave you. I have held that promise so far and…all I'm saying is I plan to keep it that way."

Sam looked at him and said "I know."

"Love you big brother."

Dean smiled. "Love you to kiddo."

"I'm proud of you Sammy,"

Sam grinned back at him and said "I know."

They drove on without another word for none was needed, lost in the happy memories of their childhood.