Been a little awol of late as some not so fun stuff happened, but hopefully back now. Was supposed too post this over four days ago, but the site wouldn't let me. Someone mentioned I way to get around this issue, so here's hoping it works!

Yet another chatty chapter here for you as they boys just wouldn't shut up. Not all that much happening as it's mainly a set up for the following chapters, but hope you enjoy it all the same!

Disclaimer: Still don't own them, all that belong to me are my spelling errors and monster *sniffle, goes of to hug monster*

…

A Way Out

…

Their progress was slow and Sam was getting increasingly worried by his brother state of health. His steps were getting slower, faltering every few feet, Sam's hold on him the only thing keeping him from crashing to the ground. His breaths were coming out shallow and loud. Ad to that that he had an ever increasing trembling wracking his body it was obvious to Sam that his brother needed rest, and soon. The trick was just to get him to agree to it. Expecting him to voice his body's own needs was like waiting for a snowstorm to hit Death Valley, in the summer. It just didn't happen. No, Dean would rather drag himself along on the floor before admitting he needed rest. Stupid self sacrificing older brothers who never know their own good.

Before he could come up with a plan his ramblings were interrupted by Dean's breathy rasp; "I 'member some of… the map… spots near the surface… to the right… I think…"

He wouldn't even have heard it if Dean wasn't right next to him. Sighing he took a closer look at the surroundings. They were standing in a wider part of the cave where three pathways split into different directions, one of which led to the right.

"Are you positive the right one leads outside?"

"Uh… no?"

That settled it, Dean was staying here whether he liked it not. Dragging him all over the cave was not only fruitless, but also not an option due to Dean's failing strength, especially as they might have to backtrack several times. Also, causing his brother unnecessary pain was just something he could do without. Changing course he headed towards the cave wall, a move which his brother unsurprisingly rebelled against.

"Dean, stop it, you need the rest!" Sam yelled annoyed before softening his voice into a more cajoling tone, "why don't you just sit down here for a bit and I'll run a long and check for an exit through the different pathways? It'll be a lot quicker this way."

"I can handle it," came the indignant protest.

"But I can't!" He knew it was a low blow, but he also knew it almost never failed. "You ain't exactly a lightweight, and I'm still a little dizzy from all the head butting with the rocks."

Dean's demeanor changed from worn out to alert in an instant. "Why didn't you say you were hurt? Let me look!"

Seeing the danger in the direction the talk had gone, he quickly backpedaled; "Dude, chill, it's nothing, at the most a slight concussion. I just don't think me lugging you all over the cave is any help for either of us. Especially as I might have to trample around the cave for a bit before locating the exit."

"But what if you run into the monster? It could be dangerous and I won't be there to back you up. Especially if you're not feeling well."

"I'll take some weapons with me and if I sense even the slightest bit of danger or feel dizzy I'll come running right back here in no time. Deal?"

But his brother was clearly not convinced yet.

"From what I've seen in this cave till now it's not even likely the monster is in here. Besides I won't go far, I'll just check the closest bits of the cavern, then come back for you again. How does that sound?"

Dean knew Sam was stretching far from him, but he just didn't like the idea of his little brother being out there unprotected. His gut feeling warned him against splitting up as it almost always ended in disaster, especially for Sam. Sure, there was little chance of something strangling his brother in here, but still…

As it was now it was only his stupid body that was holding Sam back from escaping this crap hole, so maybe it would be better to just let him go, let him get to safety before more of the cavern decided to collapse. But then again, he might not reach the safety if some monster was out there waiting. He cursed his failing limbs as he continued to stare at his brother in indecision.

Sam recognized his struggles. Seeing a chance for victory he decided to bring out the big guns. Screwing up his puppy eyes, he went for the killing blow.

"Please?"

Sam's pleading and irresistible puppy eyes had the desired effect on Dean as all his defenses deflated.

"Fine, I'll stay here, but be quick about it, bring lots of protection and don't wander too far away. And before I let you go I need to check your head."

"Sure, dad," Sam answered with a quick smile as he moved to positioned Dean in one of the corners in the room.

Sitting him down was awkward at best as all of the movements pulled at the wound, but through collaborating and lots of colourful wording they managed to get him seated in a somewhat comfortable position. By the end of it he was sweating and in pain, his breathing erratic. As he fought to get it under control Sam pulled out some more painkillers and water from his bag.

"Here this will help."

Dean hesitated.

"I know you don't want them as they make you sluggish, but with the pain you're in, not taking them is actually worse. Besides, these aren't the heavy duty ones so you should be fine."

He acquiesced, swallowing the pills and half the water bottle.

"That's a good boy," Sam teased.

Finally feeling somewhat in control again, he decided it was his brother's turn.

"Come on Sammy, now it's time for you to be a good boy! So hand over the flashlight and bend over."

"Seriously? You really meant that earlier?" Sam asked flabbergasted.

Dean didn't even bother answering, just starred patiently at him, hand held out for the torch.

"Fine, but I still think you're overreacting."

"Well the day you get as hard a skull as mine I'll let it go. Till then, bend over!"

"That just sounds wrong on so many levels," Sam interjected before conceding to his brother's ministrations. After feeling his head, asking various questions and shining the light in his eyes several times Dean released him.

"Satisfied?"

"No, but it'll have to do. From what I can see you've got some bumps, but no concussion. About time you started taking after me," Dean grinned.

"Well, it's not my fault I haven't had as much training flying into walls, gravesites and other what-nots as you."

"No, you're usually more busy finding rope, cords or similar what-nots to play with."

"At least they don't leave lasting damage."

"That's only cause I'm always there to get you out of it," he bantered back, but as he continued his voice lost its humour, growing grave instead, "but I won't be this time so don't get caught, okay?"

Seeing Dean's fear Sam gave his brother's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I'll be careful, I promise."

He stepped over to the duffle to prepare for his little roundabout. He pulled out a gun, a shotgun, a knife, holy water, salt and some different ammo before settling the bag by his brother and placing a gun in Dean's hand. "You be careful too, and I'll be back as soon as I can."

Dean nodded in confirmation.

He then stood up to walk away, but darkness was all that met him. The awful revelation that they only had one flashlight struck down like a knife. Not only would he be leaving his brother injured and basically unprotected, but he would also be leaving him in complete darkness! How he had not realized this sooner was beyond him. Maybe Dean had been right all along, maybe he should just abandon this idea and drag him along. At least that way he would know his brother was protected.

As he stood frozen he felt a tap on his leg that jarred him out of his thoughts. It was Dean, already holding the flashlight out for him. "You forgot about that didn't you?" he teased. "Don't worry, I'll be fine here. As you said earlier, the likelihood of the monster being here is slim to none. Only thing that might crawl on me is a spider or something, nothing I can't handle. So just go, find our way out of here. Okay?" he smiled, uttering the words with a confidence he certainly didn't have, but for Sam he could fake just about anything.

Sam placed his hand over Dean's, letting the touch linger a bit, taking strength from it, before taking the torch. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Just be here when I return. Promise?"

"Promise."

With that Sam strode off, leaving his charge in the dark.

…

Pretty much done with the next chapter, so it will be following shortly!