Title: No Goodbyes
Summary: His brother disappeared years ago, but Dean isn't taking death for an answer (AU).
Disclaimer: The show Supernatural is owned by Eric Kripke and The CW network. No money being made; only for entertainment purposes. :)

A/N: Feedback would be much appreciated and would be a key factor whether I continue this story. I have a good idea of where this is going to go though.

2000:

"There's this tale that a group of schoolchildren haunt the railroad about a mile from here. There have been accounts of them since 1993. One woman said she wouldn't be alive today if not for those ghost children pushing her car off the tracks before the train hit it. Now I don't believe in any ghost stories--think they are nonsense--but there was an accident back in '93 involving a school bus full of kids that was stuck on those railroad tracks. A big, old train hit the bus and killed everyone inside. Some of the kids down at the high school swear up and down that the incident is replayed every Halloween."

Dean drove down the winding country road – the talk he'd had with the inn owner replaying in his head. He knew it was pointless with this case. He already knew the story. After coming year after year, he didn't know why he even tried anymore. Nothing had changed. Sammy was still not where he should be – with him. Dean had almost gone stir-crazy with the knowledge that he didn't have anyone to take care of – no one to call family. Only him and the car and the road.

"And what about the woman? Why did the ghosts help her?" Dean had asked.

The man shrugged, "I can't say I know why, but usually ghosts have an 'unfinished business' shtick, don't they? These kids may be dead and gone before their time, but they still want to be there to help people who get stuck on those damned tracks. It's the right idea, don't you think?"

"Are you sure that every kid died that day? Any survivors?" He asked, watching the old man's face carefully.

The man looked down and shook his head, "No, no survivors."

"You sure? Really sure?"

The inn owner looked up sharply getting defensive, "What are you playin' at, kid? I said there was no one."

Dean stared the guy down, serious and resolute, "All I'm saying is there's a difference between found dead and not found at all."

Dean had left after that. His next stop was a certain railroad crossing. Hell, if dad were still alive, well, Dean wouldn't be feeling so alone, for one.

1993:

"Just this once, Dean! C'mon. I'll pay you back – anything you want. I just have to go on this trip. Everyone else is going!"

Dean stared at him, "You're not like the others, Sammy. You know you have obligations to this family. We stick together, and you know dad's rule – you can't go anywhere if neither of us are keeping an eye on you. You know what's out there!"

Sam glared and stomped his foot, "I thought you would be on my side, Dean. What did I ever do to you? I don't care what dad says…he doesn't get it. I will find a way to go on that field trip no matter what you say!"

And with that Sam shoved past Dean to get to the bedroom that the two of them shared.

The door slammed with a resounding echo.

That was never good, Dean thought in a detached sort of way.

He decided that even though it may not have been the smartest decision, he had to get through to Sam. So, instead of giving his little brother some space for an hour or so, he walked purposefully into the bedroom, and sat down beside Sam's bed.

Sam was currently lying on his back looking up at the ceiling with unseeing eyes.

"I don't want to listen to your arguments, Dean. All I want is for you to side with me. Let me go and you'll get the I.O.U. card in the mail, all right?"

Dean sighed – Sammy could be so stubborn sometimes.

"Listen, Sammy. Dad's not here."

"Yeah, I noticed." And there it goes with the eye roll.

"So, I suppose if it means that much to you, I'll let you go. And I'll be looking to collect on the IOU. Big time, you hear me?"

Dad was so going to tear him a new one if he found out about this.

Sammy had such a big smile on his face that his dimples showed, and he ran at Dean throwing his arms around him.

Sammy was such a girl sometimes.

"Thank you, thank you, Dean! I knew you'd understand!"

"Yeah, yeah. You owe me big time."

"I'll tell Shelly that you're an awesome big brother. I know she loves that kind of stuff."

Now it was Dean's turn to roll his eyes, "She'll still think I'm white trash. But thanks for trying."

At that, Sam's eyes darkened.

Dean quickly changed the subject, "Hey, you want to borrow my walkman? Break it and I'll kick your ass."

His brother's eyes lit up, "Seriously? You never let me borrow that! I'll take real good care of it, I promise."

Dean grinned, and patted Sam on the head, "I know you will."

TBC...