Their relationship remained casual. Ray realized this was a college thing. He was not looking for more and Sam had someone else in his heart. Someone named Dean. He wanted to ask about the guy but, felt Sam would tell him when he was ready.

Then one day, Sam started talking. They had spent the whole day together and he told him everything, starting with the fact that Dean was his brother. He said he was sorry. He missed Dean so much and there was such a resemblance. But, he assured Ray that his looks only opened the door. Sam cared for Ray but, he loved Dean.

As a member of the boys' club, Ray was nothing, if not, open minded. He was actually pleased that Sam trusted him enough to tell him. The resemblance to his brother was his only issue. He didn't like being a substitute. Well, he had done worse things than that and he really liked Sam. He could deal with it.

They were all great friends. Sam was thriving. He had found a group where he could be himself and try to be happy. And Ray made him happy because he reminded him of Dean.

Everything changed the day Dean came to town.

It was the middle of the night and Dean found Sam asleep in his room. He had picked the lock and Sam had heard him. He let the intruder walk towards the bed and then pounced. The guy was big and strong and not talking. He laughed; he was having fun. Half asleep, Sam said "Ray?" He had let his guard down and was flipped onto his back. It knocked the wind out of him and when he opened his eyes, he looked into the face, Dean's face.

He asked, "Were you expecting someone? You got some kind of Inspector Clousseau/Kato thing going on, Sammy?" He smiled that big smile and patted Sam's face. As Dean stood up, he grabbed Sam's hand to assist him.

Sam was surprised to see his brother, very happy, but surprised. He was more surprised when he heard his story. He wanted Sam to go with him.

Sam would go anywhere with Dean. He would give up all this, his new life, his future, his friends. All he needed was one thing.

Sam had an exam in the morning and invited his brother to spend the night, what was left of it. Dean was exhausted. He had driven over twelve hours to get there and that wrestling match had drained the last of his battery. They hadn't seen each other in months and, unfortunately, neither of them had the energy to do more than fall asleep. The bed was too small for them to sleep comfortably so, they cuddled up and slept uncomfortably.

When Dean woke the next morning, Sam was gone. There was a note and a cup of coffee, still hot. He picked up and unfolded the scrap of paper. It read, 'exam at 8. back by 12'. Dean checked his watch; it was 8:45. He drank his coffee, showered and dressed. He looked around the room, books, books, books everywhere. He was really proud of his little brother. He wanted him to have a good life but, he really needed him, right now. Right now? He always needed him.

Out of curiosity, he looked at the desk calendar. As he flipped the pages, he saw the usual notations, exam, seminar, study group. He saw 'study group' almost twice a week every week. Wow, Sam was really working hard, Dean thought. Then, he noticed another notation, 'Ray', two or three times, mostly on weekends. That was the name Sam called out last night, he remembered.

Dean's stomach dropped. Was this his boyfriend? No wonder he's hesitant to leave. In his brain, Dean knew this could be. But, in his heart, he knew it couldn't.