Author's Note #1: It's been one Hell of a roller coaster of a season so far, hasn't it? I'm not sure if I want to slap both boys upside the head or hug them; or perhaps slap them and hug. Either way, I'm truly hoping that the Writers don't drag this out until the Season Finale, because I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I can't take too many more of these, "last two minutes of every episode that rip my heart out, shred it into pieces and leave me an emotional wreck for the rest of the week."

I love both boys dearly, and can understand where each one is coming from and the hurt that each one is feeling and, as of yet, still unable to put into words for the other to understand. But despite what Sam has said, and has left unsaid, about saving Dean and being brothers, you (or at least I can) can see in his actions and expressions the past couple of episodes just how torn he is, and how much he still cares for Dean.

There are many theories floating around about the Mark of Cain, what it means for Dean, and what's going to happen. Whatever happens, and I'm sure the Writer's will hit us with something that none of us saw coming, I'm really, really hoping that Sam gets the chance to, finally, save his big brother.

Author's Note #2: Big Thanks to LoveThemWinchesters for the help and advice, and for the Title; my muse was nice enough to give me two drabbles this week, but not nice enough to stick around to help with the rest. Thanks, Hun.

And Riathe Mai, my soul-sister and partner-in-crime, THANK YOU for everything you do.

ooOOoo

Dean held the First Blade high, poised, and ready to strike; the Mark of Cain burning as hot and angry as the rage reflected in his eyes.

Sam shoved the skepticism away; ignored the heart-stopping terror screaming in his mind.

He was too late.

The gulf between them was too wide.

He had already lost.

Unwavering, he stepped forward, closed the gap between them; razor sharpened bone a hairsbreadth from his flesh. He met his brother's heated glare with compassion, love, and understanding.

Fate and Destiny could go screw themselves.

What had befallen their Biblical ancestors would not befall them.