Chapter 6

El sat down in the place June had just vacated. "We'll let you sleep. The meds you just took should be kicking in soon anyway. And we need to let you rest." She paused. "We will probably see you sometime tomorrow. We're going to go home."

Dean nodded and closed his eyes again. He was, indeed, getting sleepy. It was hard for him to keep up with conversations. He was feeling a little better though. The pain was easing. But he did need the rest. The Winchesters had had a busy month. They had been tracking vamps, very mobile, vamps apparently. Vamps, who had moved all over the country.

"It's okay, Sam. I got it! Just stay back! I…. Damnet Sammy! Listen to me…for just once…listen to me!" Dean said. He was locked in a dream state. His face and chest were covered in sweat, and he was swinging his arms, fighting whatever it was he was dreaming about.

June and Neal started toward Neal. But Sam stopped them. He knew better. Dean was very strong, and he was a fighter. Add in fear or anger, maybe both, and even in this state he could seriously harm somebody.

Sam motioned for them to stay where they were, and they all watched for a few moments.

"DEAN!" Sam yelled, knowing that this was all that would bring his brother out of it.

Dean paused, momentarily. As if he heard Sam. Then he was at it again, only this time with a little less vigor.

"Dean!" Sam called again, not as loud.

Dean put his arms down. He looked around the room; he was not seeing what he expected to see. And he did not see June or Neal.

"Where'd they go, Sammy?" Dean implored. "I had 'em. I had 'em all, the whole nest, Sammy." He looked around again. "How did they get away?"

June and Neal, seeing that is was now safe, approached the bed.

June touched Dean's face. And his skin was hot. She looked at Sam.

Sam nodded. "He's got an infection."

The elder Winchester had started his protests again. He had taken June's wrist and had pushed her hand, gently, away. His 'fight' earlier had really taken it out of him.

"I had em, Sammy." The older man looked at his brother. He groaned and rested his hand over his left side. "…hurts."

Sam noticed where Dean's hand went. He tried to gently move his brother's hands aside so that he could check his wounds. Dean resisted a little. But he seemed to be getting weaker by the minute. The younger man moved his hand easily enough. The he found what he had feared. One of the stab wounds was draining, and a couple more looked red. They had not looked that way yesterday. Dean groaned as Sam gently inspected the, now infected, wounds.

He looked up at June. "Can you get your doctor friend back here, quick?"

June nodded. She turned and left the room to call the man. She was not able to catch him. His wife informed June that the doctor was delivering a baby for another client who had opted for home birth. She said she had no idea how long he would be gone. But, she would give him the message the next time she spoke to him.

June delivered the news to Neal and Sam. She had no one else to call. She had no idea how long they might have to wait. She found a thermometer. She then filled a large bowl with cold water and ice. Then she got a few washcloths. She sat down by Dean and began bathing his face and chest in cold water.

"June, I'll…." Sam started.

June shook her head. "Get some sleep, Sam. It's kay. I'll sit with Dean. Neal is going to make sure you get something to eat and get some rest. Then you can come back and sit with your brother."

Sam nodded. He was hungry and tired, and he had not slept long enough that first time. He followed Neal out of the room and to the kitchen.

Neal got Sam settled into his regular room upstairs. so that he could get some sleep. Once he finally agreed. The younger Winchester had wanted to stay with Dean. But, they both knew that if Sam did, he wouldn't really sleep. Neal then joined June in the room with Dean.

June looked very concerned. "I don't think that this is helping, Neal. He's getting agitated again. I don't know if it's the fever or the pain. But, he's getting restless. He's not due for any pain meds for another hour. And I…we can't do anything about the infection."

Neal looked at her, considering her words. "What…when is…the doctor will come in time, June. He has to." Neal put his hand to Dean's forehead. The elder Winchester's head was much, much too warm.

El and Peter showed up early. El had an morning meeting and had wanted to check on Dean before she started her day. And Peter had come to pick Neal up for work. El could tell that nobody had had much sleep. June and Neal looked tired. And when they say Sam, they could tell he had not had much sleep either.

Sam was sitting on the edge of the bed. He had a washcloth in his hand wiping the sweat off of Dean's face when the Burkes came into the room.

"What…what's going on?" El asked sitting down on the other side of the bed.

Sam shook his head. "June's doctor friend had to deliver a baby last night. HE didn't' know when he could get here. He said he would call when he got free. But…" He sighed. "He called a few moments ago and said he would be here within the hour."

"He's gonna…." El started.

Dean's eyes flew open. He tried to sit up. "He…leave him alone! Leave him, the Hell, alone!" He demanded. His voice was not loud, but the threat intent was there.

"Dean." Sam gently and easily pushed his brother back down. "Dean, it's okay."

Dean was too weak to raise himself far off the bed. He didn't seem to hear or to see Sam. He wanted to sit up again, but the pain in his side, from the infection, stopped him. Dean groaned and tried to turn away from Sam when Sam tried to put the cold rag on his head.

The elder Winchester pushed Sam's hand away. "It's okay…just need sleep." He looked back at his little brother. "Turn up…AC, Sammy. Hot."

Sam didn't get up off the bed to change the thermostat. Instead he tried, again, to wipe his brother's face and chest with the cold rag to cool him down.

"Gotta listen, 'm older." Dean stated when he saw that Sam didn't do what he asked.

Peter and El were speechless. They had never seen Dean this out of it. And they had never seen the brother's really interact with one another. They were amazed at the gentle hand Sam had with Dean.

"It's okay, Dean."

Dean shook his head. "Too hot."

"Just rest, Dean." Sam said, trying to soothe him.

"Chest hurts." Dean said,

"I know."

TBC