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It took about two hours for Sam to finish his homework, and he felt a bit horrible for making Dean wait so long for his undivided attention. But Sam knew that if he didn't get his work done now he never would. And the last thing Sam needed was a detention or a bad grade.
Packing his papers into his backpack, Sam looked up at Dean, who was now sitting absently, staring at his hands, looking slightly lost. Sam again felt his heart tug a bit, feeling that strange sensation of almost drowning whenever he saw Dean like this. Like he just couldn't get out no matter how hard he tried. Looking at the clock, and noticing it was about five, Sam decided that he should get dinner started. He usually cooked for his family, and admittedly he was pretty good.
But that's what you get with lots of practice. Dean couldn't, obviously, also even if he wasn't completely...damaged, he probably wouldn't do it all the time anyways. John never cooked, and they would have pizza or chinese take out on the days he was home.
And being the health nut that Sam was, he didn't really like eating greasy foods constantly, and took up the role as the cook. Dean liked to call what Sam made 'rabbit food' since it usually consisted of fruits and vegetables.
Getting up from the table, Sam peered into the cupboards, not finding much. He would have to go shopping soon, which he dreaded, since he'd usually have to bring along Dean. And as much as he loved his brother, he could be a real pain. Either that or someone would say something.
"Hey, bud. What do you want for dinner?" Sam doesn't even need to look behind him to know that Dean is screwing up his face in concentration, thinking and deciding things were sometimes hard for him, and Sam never pushed it.
"Burgers, Sammy. Please?" Turning around, Sam saw that Dean stared up at him with wide eyes that even he knew that Sam could never say no to.
Sam smiled, "Sure, man." Dean cheered and Sam couldn't help but laugh, he sounded so happy over something so little.
Pulling the raw hamburger out of the fridge and deeming it edible, Sam started to make dinner, also putting some fries into the oven. Sure he didn't really like how there were little to no vegetables or anything healthy so far, but it was for Dean. Sam could just make him eat something better tomorrow. Maybe.
As Sam made dinner, Dean told him all about what happened today while Sam was at school. As much as Sam hated leaving Dean, he had to. He knew that their Dad would be furious if Sam skipped school. Sometimes Bobby could come and stay over to watch Dean but he had his own life too. At school during class Sam could picture something bad happening to Dean, as if he'd fall or cut himself on something. Or what if he went outside and got lost in the woods out back? Thinking like this caused anxiety daily for the youngest Winchester.
He had thought about maybe...hiring someone to watch Dean, but he didn't have much money. And they probably wouldn't know what to do when Dean had one of his moods or if anything else happened.
Christmas break was coming up soon, and then Sam could watch Dean and stay with him. To be honest, Sam couldn't wait, he loved Christmas and being away from school sounded wonderful. He didn't know what kind of present he should get for Dean, maybe another toy or something for his room. Either having to do with cars or superheroes, Dean seemed to love that kind of junk.
Maybe I'll take him out tomorrow, you know...it is almost his favorite holiday after all. He deserves it, we both do, Sam thought, smiling to himself.
"And then Sammy, I went outside and I saw this bird in the trees. It was really pretty and blue! I tripped on a tree root and fell, but I okay," Dean told him excitedly, eyes bright. Sam froze when he said 'fell' but he didn't press the issue, knowing that Dean really was alright. Every morning before Sam went to school he'd make sure Dean had food to eat in the fridge and knew that he was going to be gone for several hours.
When Sam first started high school Dean had no idea where Sam was and cried for hours. Coming home to a teary-eyed older brother who also had soaking wet clothes from trying to find you outside in the rain is never the best experience for either parties. John wasn't home that day and Dean didn't know how to use the phone to call Bobby. It took Sam two hours to finally calm Dean down and tell him that he would never leave. Ever.
While pulling the fries out of the oven and putting the burgers together, Sam informed, "Dinner's ready, bud. Wash your hands, okay?" Nodding fiercely, Dean ambled over to the bathroom, his legs shaky from sitting down. Hearing the sink turn on and laughter coming from Dean poking the bubbles of soap on his hands, Sam felt like he could really get used to this everyday if need be.
Really, all they needed was each other.
Dinner passed by uneventfully, meaningless chatter and loud chewing the only things you could hear. Wiping the ketchup smeared on Dean's face with a napkin, Sam could help but chuckle, he looked downright adorable.
Dean squirmed in protest, "Nooooo, Sammy." Relenting, Sam rolled his eyes, "Okay. But remember Dean, after we clean up, you and I can do whatever you want for a bit but then, you have to take a bath." Dean started to whine but stopped. He knew that doing that would only make it worse.
Cleaning up the table and putting the dishes in the sink, Sam made Dean return to the bathroom to go and also wash his sticky hands again. Once Dean got out of the bathroom and dried his hands, Sam asked, "What do ya want to do?" Dean thought about it for a bit, before lighting up and whispering excitedly, "Can we go outside?"
Sam smiled and nodded, "Sure. Anything you want." Dean squealed happily and went over to hug Sam, "Thanks, Sammy." Letting go and tugging his arm, Dean led Sam out of the house and into the backyard, the grass looking dark in the evening light.