Author's note:

Since posting the first chapter (which originally was the entire story) I have been motivate to make it a little more complete by continuing my thought process. It won't be a long story, maybe 5 or 6 chapters at the most.

Please read and review. Let me know what you guys think!

Kaze-chan

Chapter 2

Dean casually leaned against the Impala, the sun setting in the west, projecting many different colours across the sky. His brother had been right about the girls though, they were something to look at. He cautiously shifted his weight, being careful to keep it off his left leg. Though the stitches had been removed, his leg was still sore and easily exerted; the drive here was clear proof of that.

He finally caught sight of his brother, not a difficult task considering Sam Winchester's height. His grin turned into a smile at the sight of the tall blond holding his brother's hand. Sam looked happy, normal even surrounded by friends and carrying books, attending class. This was the life Sam had always wanted, the life Dean and his father could never offer.

Dean whistled something he knew Sam would recognise; his younger brothers head immediately snapped up at the sound. It was almost comical the way his brother pivoted around, trying to locate the all too familiar source. Even though, he and his brother weren't in contact, it didn't mean that Dean didn't know where Sam might be. Finally, his eyes found what he was searching, his face cheering up as he caught sight of his older brother. He watched bemused as Sam strode across the lawn to him, leaving his friends on the foot path; their; their faces twisted in a confused expression.

"Thanks for the birthday present." Dean called out, quickly embracing his brother.

Sam was still surprised at seeing his brother here in Palo Alto, so surprise in fact that he thought for a second of shapeshifters and something similar. "No problem. I was hopping you'd get it." The two stared at each other in stunned silence. It had been almost a year since he last spoke to his brother. He had so much to tell him but know his brain couldn't string anything together.

Sam's friends stepped up beside the brothers, curiosity plain on each of their faces. "Umm, guys this is my brother, Dean." Sam clarified, looking nervously from Dean to his friends. They all nodded and said hello, each doing their best to contain their obvious questions. They new Sam had an older brother but he never spoke about his family. They fell into an awkward silence; Dean grinning at the situation watching his brother shuffle his feet nervously. Suddenly his big brother instincts were back; Sam felt uncomfortable with his audience it seemed.

"So," Dean cleared his throat, "what'd you say you and I get a coffee or something." Sam face instantly lit up, grateful for the escape. He had so much he wanted to ask his brother, things he knew he couldn't with his friends around.

Sam nodded before turning towards the tall blond. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up with you later."

"Okay, but don't be late." Jessica's voice was just as pretty as she was. "It was nice to finally meet you Dean." She smiled in his direction before heading off with their others friends towards their cars.

"So what's tonight?" Dean asked, his eyebrows arching along with his patented grin. Sam chuckled. God he missed his brother, even that stupid grin of his.

Sam shrugged, readjusting his school bag. "Just some party at me and Jess's place." His own smile widening to match his brother's.

***

It didn't take long for Sam to notice there was something wrong with Dean. He seemed tired and much thinned than the last time he had seen him. Of course Dean had claimed he was fine when Sam asked him about it and so he decided to let it go. They talked about Dean's various adventures, careful to avoid talking about their father. They drove around before making their way to the awaiting party.

The festivities were well underway by the time the Impala pulled up. Jessica happily greeted them at the door, as if she had been watching for them. She quickly got them both a beer which Dean politely turned down. Sam frowned in worry, knowing now without a doubt something was wrong. The Dean Winchester he knew would never turn down a free beer. But he knew better than confronting his brother about it here.

As the evening wore on, it became more apparent to Sam what the problem might be. His trained eye easily noticed how Dean leaned heavily on his right leg, avoiding any unnecessary weight on his left. He also saw how tired his brother seemed. Dean always looked older when he was tired, the dark circles under his eyes very prominent making giving the appearance of a paler skin colour.

"Hey man," Sam squeezed through a group of people to make it to his brother, "want to go for a walk or something?" Sam knew it was a long shot, knowing fully well that his brother wasn't one for walking but Dean got the message.

Dean smiled back, as if contemplating his answer. "Dude, only sissy's go for walks." He fished out his keys from his jean pocket, tossing them over to his brother. "Guys go for a drive around town." Dean limped his way out the door, calling goodbyes to the various girls he had just met while Sam made his way to Jessica.

"Is everything okay?" She asked worried. One of the first things Sam noticed about her was how sensitive she was about everyone else. In fact that's how they met. They were acquaintances through friends and once she found out that he would be spending Thanksgiving break alone, she insisted he spent it with her family. "Is your brother alright?" Here eyes were full of worry as she peered around him at the door Dean had just left from. Yup, nothing escaped her notice.

Sam couldn't help but smile. "He'll be fine, don't worry. We'll be back later, alright?" He kissed her cheek and went to meet Dean outside, before sliding into the driver's seat. He could count on one hand how many times he had ever driven his brother's car. His excitement was short lived, however, when he glanced over at his brother. If he didn't know better, he could have sworn he had seen a flicker of pain cross his brother's features.

Dean did his best to ignore the searing pain from his leg. He knew his leg wasn't completely healed but despite Bobby's better judgement which the older man had felt the need to voice very loudly, Dean was too eager to see his brother. He frowned at the thought of having to tell Sam, who no doubt already suspected something.

Dean directed them to the motel where he had already booked a room earlier that day. He refused any of Sam's offers to help as he limped up the curb to unlock the front door. He happily sunk into the uncomfortable mattress shoving a pillow under his knee to support his leg. "Jesus Christ" he swore as the movement shot pain up his leg.

"What's up with you?" Sam finally asked, his curiosity reaching its limits. Dean let out a long breath before looking over at his brother.

He eyed him for a second before looking away. "Hunt went bad, a Black dog took a chunk out of my leg." Dean simply explained, leaving out the gory details. The two fell into silence, though it wasn't uncomfortable. Sam stared at his brother a second longer before letting his gaze wander around the room. The plain decoration of the motel room brought back memories of his childhood.

When Sam finally looked back at his brother, he was shocked to find him asleep. The even sound of Dean's breathing told him his brother was truly asleep, something he knew his brother never got enough of. Sam quickly called Jessica, telling her that he would spend the night with Dean at the motel, claiming they had a lot of things to catch up on.

Slowly, he made his way to Dean's bedside, tentatively untying his shoelaces before removing his brother's boots. He was extra careful not to jar his brother's injured leg. Dean, however, didn't even stir. It was almost unnatural for his brother to be so still.

He watched the slow rise and fall of his brother breathing for a little longer before settling in for the night, draping the comforter from his bed over his brother. They were woken early the next morning by a persistent ringtone.

As Sam's eyes adjusted to the light, he heard Dean shuffling around looking for his cell phone. "yeah," Dean tired voice filtered through the small room, still groggy with sleep. "oh hey Dad, yeah, I've been busy." He sat on the edge of his bed, casting a sideways glance towards his brother, listening intently to his father instructions. "Sure, I'll meet you there in two days."