Chapter 10 - Twinkling Happiness

"How about a nice day in bed darl'in?" Dean suggested, as he saw the look of exhaustion etched into Sam's features.

"Have to keep going Dean, have to get home to you and Buttercup" Sam said, grimacing, as the pain rolled over his body once more.

He'd been making such marvellous progress with his recovery, that it was outstanding. Between Sam's sheer will, Unruh's healing balms, Bobby's strength, Dean's energy and love and of course, Buttercup, he could already stand and walk small distances unaided, but never unattended.

As Sam settled back on the bed, Dean bent and helped to move his legs up and in, pulling the blanket up over his brother, leaning down to nuzzle his forehead. "Close your eyes baby, get some rest" Dean encouraged, as he took ahold of Sam's hand, before sitting back in the chair.

Sam slept for long periods of time, often startling awake in fear, until he'd look over and see his Deanie smiling at him, holding his hand, being there for him.

"Hey you" Dean said, as he brushed his fingertips over Sam's cheekbone. "Did I tell you how much I love you and how very glad I am that you're back." "Seems to me, I remember hearing that recently as a matter of fact" Sam replied, as he moved deeper against Dean's hand, before closing his eyes again, smiling as he drifted off back to sleep.

Coming Home:

Sam really wanted to come home, no one was sure if he was anywhere near ready, but all were in agreement, that it would probably be the best thing for him. In private conversations between the two of them, Bobby and Unruh felt it would be the best thing for Dean too. This whole horrible experience was taking a toll on him also, during a time when emotions were already running high.

"Bobby, don't worry about it man. There's no blame to lay here. Everything that could have been done, was done. You did your best, I know that, there's no hard feelings. We both know Dean well enough, to know that he'll come around too, he just takes a bit longer with things, all that macho ego and stuff" Sam said, winking at Bobby, who was looking at Sam gratefully.

"Thanks for that Sam. That whole episode will haunt me until the day I die, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words" he finished, as he gingerly clapped Sam on the shoulder.

"Am I interrupting?" Unruh asked from the doorway. "Uh no, we're finished and we're good" Bobby said, standing and smiling, looking happier than he had since this whole thing happened. Unruh came to sit beside Sam on the bed. "Well my darling angel, are you ready to go home?" Unruh questioned, looking hard at Sam, for any indications that this might not be a good idea.

Sam was beaming. "I can't imagine being more ready" he enthused, smiling at her. "Sam, you know that by going home, you're still going to have to take things easy, you need the time to continue to recover my precious" Unruh said. Before Sam could answer, Unruh asked Bobby if he would mind getting his truck set-up with the pillows and blankets she'd left by the door. It was a good excuse, as she wanted to complete this discussion with Sam in private.

After Bobby left, Unruh continued "Be honest my dearheart, would it be better for you to stay here for a longer time?" Sam lowered his head and then looked up at her, eyes tearing. "I'm scared Unruh, I want to take care of Dean and Buttercup, I want to hold Deanie and protect him and love him, but look at me, I'm having trouble walking even from the bed to the door, without getting exhausted" Sam replied, biting his lower lip.

Unruh took his hands in her own. "It'll be slow my darling, but it will happen, your strength will build, your stamina will return, but Sam, this is something you can't rush. I think that when you feel tired and would like to rest, invite Dean to rest with you, that way you'll be able to hold him and love him and by the simple fact of you being home, Dean will know he's protected" Unruh exclaimed gently, squeezing Sam's hands in a loving gesture.

Bobby was back. Between Unruh and himself, they were able to help Sam to the truck. Dean had gone home earlier to get things ready for the homecoming. Once they had Sam seated as comfortably as possible in the middle, Bobby got in on the driver's side and Unruh on the passenger side, each effectively becoming human pillows for Sam's injured body, during the drive home.

Dean meanwhile, was rushing around back at their place, getting things ready. "Daddy's coming home Buttercup, we're getting Daddy back!" Dean was saying excitedly, as he danced around the room, feeling Buttercup moving within him. What a wonderful feeling it was!

This wasn't going to be a chick flick moment, the way Dean had it planned, it was going to be a chick flick solid twenty-four hours. The relief and joy that Dean felt that Sammy was alive and was going to get better, he decided, warranted this over the top show of emotion.

It kind of secretly flipped him out sometimes, with all this emotion that he was showing. He didn't know exactly where the hell it was coming from, but Sammy didn't mind and that's all that mattered.

A few blows of the horn from Bobby's truck, alerted Dean to their arrival. Dean came out and over to the truck to meet them.

As Unruh and Bobby got out, Dean moved in, wrapping his arm around Sam and helping him to slide over to the door. Once Sam was out and standing on shaky legs, Dean continued to hold him, with Unruh walking in front and Bobby behind, ensuring Sam did not fall.

Sam looked over at Dean when he saw the homemade 'Welcome Home Sammy' sign on the door. "Thanks Dean" he whispered to his big brother, who looked over and smiled at him.

Sam was very glad to see the couch, as they all helped to lower him onto it, Dean spreading a blanket over him and tucking him in, then sitting down on the edge of the couch, beside his beloved, Sam taking Dean's hand.

It was wonderful to see the angels together, smiling and holding hands. Unruh had been concerned that this would not be so. She thanked the stars that it was, as she watched Dean move his brother's hand and place it on his tummy, Dean watching Sam's reaction, and smiling at him, as he felt how active Buttercup had become.

As they all sat together, Dean kept glancing over at Bobby, finally asking to speak with him privately in the kitchen.

As Bobby followed Dean, Dean turned and looked at him sheepishly. "I'm sorry Bobby, I know it wasn't your fault. I'm ashamed I accused you, I know you did your best to protect our boy" Dean said earnestly. He waited. Bobby came up and pulled him into a manly hug. "I know Dean, it's been a bad time for all of us. It's torn me apart. You boys are like my own sons, I'll always be here for you. You got that?" He said in gruff tenderness. Dean could only manage a nod and then Bobby pulled back. Bridges had been mended.

As they re-entered the room, both Unruh and Sam had smiles for them. It was also evident how tired Sam was becoming.

"Bobby, can you help Sam upstairs?" Unruh asked, silencing Dean's protests. "You can take care of Sam tomorrow my darling, but let Bobby help tonight sweetie" Unruh insisted.

Sam was tired, it had been a long, but yet wonderful day. He was back where and with who he belonged. "See you upstairs Dean" Sam winked, over Unruh's shoulder, after he'd kissed her and thanked her for everything.

"C'mon Sam" Bobby said, as he lightly placed his hand on the back of Sam's shoulder, following behind him. "I'll be back shortly Unruh, then I'll drive you home" Bobby said.

Unruh took the opportunity to speak with Dean. "It's been a big day today sweetums. How are you holding up?" she asked. "I'm so glad to have Sammy home Unruh" Dean said quietly, closing his eyes for a moment, opening them again, when he felt Unruh's gentle touch on his cheek. "You and Sam need to take time to heal my darling. You must remember to take things slow, let your mind and body rest. Promise me this Dean, just take some time" Unruh asked. Dean promised he would, as he gave Unruh a hug of thanks.

After saying goodbye to Bobby and Unruh, Dean decided to just leave everything, he'd deal with it in the morning. He wanted to get up to Sammy.

Together:

After using the bathroom, Dean quietly entered the bedroom, undressing and slipping into bed, careful not to get too close to Sam incase he accidentally hurt him.

As Dean gently sought out Sam's hand, he slowly entwined his fingers with Sam's, placing them on top of his belly, as he started to hum to Buttercup in a low tone, not wanting to awaken Sam.

Sam kept his breathing even, pretending to continue to sleep, listening to Dean and enjoying the warmth of his touch. He was home!

Morning found them in a familiar position, arms and legs tangled together, heads touching.

Sam woke up first, looking at Dean through sleep filled eyes, admiring, not for the first time, the freckles his brother denied having. He leaned over and lightly started to track kisses over them. Dean slowly came awake under the tickling sensation of Sam's hair against his face, as he continued to kiss each freckle he could find.

Dean reached up and took Sam's chin between his thumb and finger, not saying anything, just looking at him, so very glad to have him home.

As the morning progressed, Dean was getting things ready for Sammy's sponge bath.

Sam was stiff and sore this morning, as he stretched slowly. Dean helped him out of his boxers and top and helped lower Sammy back down on the bed, before wetting the face cloth with the warm water from the basin.

This brought back a lot of memories for Dean, to a time when he use to bathe his baby brother, when Sam needed him, it was no different today, as Dean's heart knocked against his chest, with the love he felt for this guy.

Sam was embarrassed and shy about needing help to bathe, Dean knew him well enough to know the signs. "Sammy" Dean spoke gently, cupping Sam's cheek "you okay?" Sam was biting on his lower lip. "This will be fine Sam, you'll see" Dean said tenderly, as he began to draw the cloth over Sam's shoulder and chest area, rinsing every so often, before moving down to his belly and legs, around Sam's privates and then helping to shift Sam over to his side and finishing off with Sam's back and such.

As Sam moved to lay on his back again, he was looking at Dean, and Dean saw that little boy once again, as he reached over and rinsed the cloth, before taking it to Sammy's face and gently rubbing it to a mild pink. Dean could not resist kissing the top of Sam's nose, a forgotten tradition from a long ago bath time ritual.

"Love you Sammy bear" the words slipping out of Dean before he thought of what he was saying. "Love you back Deanie D" Sam replied, stunning Dean that he remembered the childhood names they'd call each other at times like this. Dean was speechless, as he looked at Sam, who was smiling for him, before pulling his big brother into a hug.

The time passed lovingly, the air swirling with emotion. They were sitting together, side-by-side on the bed.

"Can I touch you?" Sam asked in a gentle voice. Unsure? Scared? Dean couldn't get a read on it. "Sam, what's wrong, you know you never have to ask" Dean said in concern, pulling Sam's chin up, so he could see Sam's eyes.

The look of uncertainty in them caught Dean off guard. "Oh Sammy, what is it?" Dean questioned as he pulled Sam against his chest, feeling tears dampened his shirt, as Sam sniffled and his body shook.

"Look at me Dean, look at these scars, I'm not..." Dean cut him off, shifting to clasp Sam's face between his hands. "Don't you dare go down that road Sam. You're still you and I think I know where you're going with this and it stops now! You're back, we're together, Buttercup's going to have the best Daddy in the world, nothing else matters, except you being here and us together. Understand?" Dean asked in a firm, but loving voice, eyes staring intently at Sam. Sam went to look away, but Dean held firm. "Understood" Sam said, as Dean lightly pressed Sam back on the bed, taking his time, running his lips up and down each recovering injury, applying all better kisses, from Sam's arms to his torso to his bare legs, and as Dean gently shifted Sam to his side, over his back - each area receiving Dean's full attention.

Sam lay half beneath Dean, eyes closed, drinking in all the love and tenderness and caring coming from his big brother.

As Dean was working his way through the injuries, Sam opened his eyes and extended his arms to Dean, who came into them, resting lightly against Sam's chest. "Come in closer Dean, I'm not going to break" Sam said, as he shifted slightly on his side, pulling Dean with him.

Dean's top had ridden up somewhat and Sam was admiring Dean's belly, running his hand over and around. "Daddy's here, Mommy's here, Buttercup, we love you baby" Sam was saying in a low voice, as he kissed Dean's forehead.

This was where they all needed to be, here together, Sam holding Dean, Dean in Sam's arms.

Dean was running his hand over Sam's chest, when he heard Sam's intake of breath. "Sam, it's too soon, I don't want to hurt you" Dean exclaimed, as he stopped.

"Dean, it's the best time, trust me, you won't hurt me" Sam whispered as he turned to face Dean, kissing him and moving to suckle his neck. The loving felt so good for the both of them. They needed it, they wanted to share their love with each other after coming so close to almost losing it all.

As Sam slowly caressed Dean's chest and belly, he continued to move his hand downwards, sliding it between Dean's skin and track pants, where he froze. Dean was moaning against him when he felt Sam's sudden stop. Sam pulled his hand back up and caught Dean's face, holding it still.

"Um Dean, something's different, it's happened" Sam said gently, watching Dean come back to reality. "What? Sam...no...I would have felt it and I haven't felt anything yet" he said as he reached down and realized what Sam had said was true. "Holy shit, when did it happen?" Dean asked in amazement, taking a few deep breaths, while trying to keep calm about it.

"Well, where does that leave us now Sammy?" Dean asked, looking at Sam. "With new options to explore" Sam replied, as he moved his hand back down, and gently began to explore the new change in Dean's body. "You okay with this Dean?" Sam asked, wanting to be sure, as he continued to stroke the sensitive area. "Uh...well...sure...this feels...oh Sam...don't stop" Dean got out, as he shifted upwards to Sam's touch, opening his legs wider. It was wonderful and exciting and very loving, the intensity of what Dean was feeling, playing out across his face and arching body, as Sam held a shuddering and breathless Dean to him.

Dean's breathing was returning to normal, as Sam continued to hold him, marvelling at this new side to Dean and their relationship.

Dean's eyes were re-focusing and he smiled shyly at Sam. "Wow!" he mouthed silently, before tucking his face into Sam's arm, still feeling a little shy about this change to his body.

It was awkward at first, with Dean's ever expanding belly, the transformation and Sam's injuries, but the Winchester boys found a way to make it work.

"Dean, are you sure? I don't want to hurt you" Sam asked in concern a short time later. "I want to feel you inside me Sam" Dean breathed against Sam's neck, as he reached down and helped guide a ready Sam. It was warm and loving and hot as hell. It felt right and wonderful and Dean loved holding Sam's trembling body tightly against him, through Sam's release and murmurings, as he slowly rolled them both, still entwined together, to their sides.

As Dean reached over to stroke the sweat stained hair from Sammy's eyes, Sam started to disengage. "Stay Sam" Dean asked, as he looked into those love filled eyes, that were trying desperately to stay open. "Close them Sammy" Dean murmured, putting a hand on Sam's hip, keeping him close, as two heartbeats became one.

As the late afternoon sun twirled patterns across the room, Dean stood in the bedroom doorway, head slanted, watching Sam. As Sam turned to look at him, his heart lurched in his chest.

"C'mere" he said, holding out his arms to Dean, who came and stood in front of him, Sam reaching out and putting his hands on Dean's hips and leaning forward to kiss Dean's belly. "Hey baby" he said between kisses, "Daddy's sure glad to be home Buttercup" he whispered as he leaned forward to kiss Dean's tummy, the happy face, representing Buttercup, which Dean had drawn on himself earlier, smiling.

To be continued.

Author's Thank you: I would like to thank everyone who is reading this story, who has submitted reviews, listed it on their alerts, favs and C2S's. It sure means a lot.

This has been one of my favourite chapters to write and I look forward to your thoughts on it. Thank you.