Chapter 7

Missouri stepped onto the porch carrying a tray of lemonade and cookies. For the past three days Sam stayed by his brothers side refusing to leave. Placing Dean on ice broke his fever but it had taken its toll. The blond hunter was weak and mostly slept. Danny returned yesterday to replace the stitches, making sure Dean didn't overexert himself. Sam laughed when his brother just rolled his eyes. Now that the older Winchester was out of danger Missouri had to keep the younger one occupied. She placed the tray on a small table, walking to the end of the porch.

Sam was reaching across the hood of the Impala polishing the car's shiny black surface. Missouri knew her neighbors were all wondering who the tall shirtless young man was in her driveway. She new the gossips tongues were already wagging.

"Sam, I brought some lemonade."

"I'm almost done," he called.

The psychic watched as he gave the car's hood a final wipe. He turned towards her smiling. The boy's smile could melt hearts and Missouri was sure it had. Little Sam Winchester was one mighty handsome young man. She just hoped John was proud. Sam bounded up to the porch taking a seat.

"You do realize you've got every tongue in the county wagging."

Sam just laughed as he took a drink of lemonade. "Well it was too hot to leave my shirt on while polishing a black car."

"It's good for them." Missouri smiled. "Shake things up a bit."

"Yeah, I'm sure they're wondering what a white kid's doing staying at your house."

"Old busy bodies."

Sam laughed again as he slumped back in the chair enjoying the warm summer sun.

"Dean still sleeping?"

Missouri nodded. "It's the best thing for him."

"He really had me worried this time."

"Me too," she admitted. "The demon must really want your daddy bad to send devas to set a trap."

"Yeah, a trap we led him right into."

"You couldn't have known."

"It doesn't make me feel better." Sam sighed.

Missouri watched the young man struggle to come to terms with what happened. She felt him mentally sigh then switch subjects.

"Jenny and the kids are fine," Missouri said. "Your old house has been quiet."

"Have you been over there?"

"A few weeks ago," the psychic said.

"No sign of Mom at all?"

Missouri wasn't sure how to answer. The house had a definite feminine aura. When Mary Winchester banished the poltergeist some of her essence was stamped on the house.

"Nothing specific," Missouri answered. "But part of her will always be there."

"Might be nice to go visit."

"You should."

"Dean won't go," Sam admitted. "I know seeing mom again really shook him."

She didn't push and they finished the cookies and lemonade in silence. The neighborhood was quiet and Sam started to relax. It was short lived when a crash sounded from inside the house. The young hunter raced into the house and down the hall to the bedroom. He stopped at the doorway to see Dean sprawled on the floor. The lamp was broken beside him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sam asked as he grabbed Dean under the arms, hauling him to his feet.

"Ow! Dude, that hurt!"

"Serves you right," Sam argued, sitting Dean on the bed. "Where were you going?"

"Had to take a leak." Dean sighed. "Everything was good until I stood up."

"That's what you get for not following doctor's orders," Missouri said from the doorway.

"How am I supposed to know what they were," the older boy argued. "I was asleep when they were issued."

"Lets get you back in bed."

"Dude, I really need to use the john."

Sam sighed as he helped his brother to his feet. Dean made it to the bathroom stopping Sam from following him inside.

"I can handle it from here."

"If you fall and crack your head on the tub don't bother calling!" Sam huffed crossing his arms and leaned against the wall. Missouri frowned.

"Boy, don't you be using that language in this house!"

Sam laughed knowing Dean was busted. A few minutes later his brother opened the door. Dean was shaking and Sam quickly took his arm.

"Jerk."

"Bitch."

"Boys!"

Dean groaned as Sam helped him back into bed. "God I feel like I've done ten rounds with Evander Holyfield."

"Next time learn to duck."

"How long we been here?"

"Three days."

"Three days!" Dean said surprised. "Really?"

"You scared the crap out of me, Man." Sam sighed running his hands through his hair.

"Dude, where your clothes?"

"I was waxing the car. It was hot."

Dean smiled. "So little Sammy decided to show off for the neighbors."

"Dude, you are just so warped."

Missouri laughed and left the brothers to argue. She knew this was just the Winchester way of saying they cared for each other.