AN: Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter and sorry about the wait! I'm not entirely happy with this chapter but hopefully it isn't too bad : ) Enjoy!


Dean pushed the hotel room door open, wincing when it made a squeaking noise. It was really late, or really early depending on how you looked at it, and he didn't want to wake Sam up. Dean closed the door softly and waited a minute to make sure his entrance hadn't woken Sam. He sighed in relief when there was no noise and grinned to himself.

Dean turned to head over to his bed but tripped over his bag that had been left lying on the floor. He stumbled forward and knocked a glass off the counter. The glass fell to the floor and shattered at Dean's feet. Dean waited. There was no way Sam had slept through that. But he didn't hear a sound. Dean's brow furrowed and he flipped the light switch on.

No wonder Sam hadn't made a sound. He wasn't here. Dean looked around for any sign that someone had been in here and seeing none he relaxed slightly. But then where was Sam? Dean jumped as the door flung open, crashing against the wall. He whirled around to see Sam coming in the room looking highly annoyed.

Sam glared at Dean. "Fun night?" He asked sarcastically.

Dean rolled his eyes. "What's your problem?" Dean turned and walked over to his own bed, ignoring Sam standing by the door.

Sam gaped at Dean. "Seriously? Dean its 4 o clock in the morning, you left here at 9. I've been calling you for hours." Sam yelled.

"Chill out, dude. I told you I was going out."

"You could have called or text me to let me know that you were still alive and not dead or captured by some demon." Sam stated.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize I had to report to you." Dean quipped.

Sam stared at Dean. His eyes squinted and his mouth gaped open. "It's not even about that Dean! It's been hours, you would have kicked my ass if I had done the same thing. I mean, you barely talk to me anymore, you're always pissed off about something, and you disappear for hours at a time. What is going on with you, Dean?"

Sam's voice got quieter and quieter as he went on. Sure he was angry that Dean had vanished without a word but more than anything he was worried that something was wrong.

Dean hung his head, hiding his eyes from Sam. He knew Sam had been worried, hell he was right. Dean would have kicked his ass for it. Dean took a deep breath and braced himself for what he was about to do.

Sam watched as Dean tensed and raised his head to look at him. He glared angrily at Sam and walked slowly toward him.

"For the last time Sam, there is nothing going on with me!" He spoke quietly.

"Dean, I know you! I know when there's something going on. You're my brother, Dean; would you please just talk to me?" Sam said.

Dean took a deep breath. I'm sorry Sammy. "You're right Sam. There is something going on." Dean paused. "I uh...I think you and I need to get some space...from each other."

Dean watched as Sam's eyes changed. He went from concerned to shock and if Dean looked closely, hurt.

"Oh..."

Dean forced himself to continue, "I mean day after day in these small closed in spaces with nobody but each other, you know? It gets to be exhausting and overbearing. I think we should chill out and uh take a breather for awhile."

Sam nodded unconsciously at Dean's words but he wasn't really listening anymore. Dean wanted them to take space form each other, he wanted space from Sam. He knew things had been tense lately but he hadn't expected this, not from Dean.

"...you can go back to school or...whatever." Dean finished.

Sam had started listening again just in time to hear Dean say that. Back to school? Just how much space did Dean want and for how long?

Dean stood silently waiting for Sam to say something. It was killing him to see that look in his little brother's eyes and to know that he was the reason for it. Dean wanted so badly to take the words back. To tell Sam that he didn't want him to go anywhere, that he wanted him close so he could keep him safe. More than anything he wanted Sam to know the truth.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Sam nodded. If Dean wanted him to go then that's what he would do. He would go.

"I'll uh get my stuff together and head down to Bobby's for awhile. At least till I know where to go from there." Sam turned away from Dean and started gathering his stuff.

Dean blinked. Now? He was planning to leave now?

"Sam, you don't need to go anywhere right this minute. It's 4 in the morning and you haven't slept at all."

"I'll sleep on the bus." Sam mumbled.

"Sammy..."

Dean saw Sam's back tense at the nickname and it was like a physical blow. Dean placed his hand on Sam's shoulder but Sam flinched and shrugged it off. Dean staggered back, another emotional hit. Dean didn't think he could take another second of this especially knowing that it was completely his fault. The thought had barely registered when Sam stood up, his things slung over each shoulder. He turned to Dean briefly and nodded his head.

"I guess I'll see you around. Take care of yourself Dean."

"Yeah, you too." Dean mumbled.

Sam nodded and turned and walked out the door. Dean collapsed down on the bed the second the door had shut. Oh God. He dropped his head into his hands. Dean forced back the tears he could feel fighting to the surface. He brushed at his eyes angrily. This was his fault. He did this. He didn't get to cry. One thing he knew for sure was that the look on Sam's face would stay with him long after his ten months were up.


Review and let me know what you thought please! : )