A/N: This was a hard chapter to write but I hope I have captured the feelings and emotions of both brothers as I think they felt. I have tried to be as realistic and believable as possible and hope I did it justice. My thanks for the support of this story and sadly to say there is only one more chapter left and it will include the Epilogue. I do love reviews, if you have a moment please leave me one. NC

Chapter 10

Sam shifted in the wheelchair as his bottom started feeling nub. The chair was not the most comfortable thing and he decided it was time to get back in bed. He made sure the chair was close to the bed, wheels locked and pushed up with his arms, trying to lift his body enough to move to the bed. He swore when he fell back into the wheelchair, his arms giving way before he could shift himself since his legs wouldn't hold his weight yet. His arms were trembling with the effort and sweat had broken out on his forehead. He didn't see Dean standing at the door with the tray as he watched his brother struggling to get on the bed without face planting. A very tiny grain of the bond that they once shared sparked in his soul and he clenched his jaw for a moment snorting and sitting the tray down on the other bed. Dean got behind Sam and when he tried to shift his body again, Dean grabbed him under the armpits and easily moved him to the edge of the bed. He could feel Sam's body trembling under his hands as he gripped him. Sam jerked his head to the side so fast his neck popped as he looked at his brother's face so close to his own, and for a moment felt the tug of something that had been long forgotten over the years, and then he was released to sit on the bed. Sam swayed sideways as he got his balance and turned to see what Dean was doing. He saw the tray and eyed the food hungrily, licking his lips in anticipation.

"Slide back in the bed." Dean said curtly, waiting for Sam to comply.

Sam bit his lower lip as he pushed back against the headboard and leaned on a pillow. He watched Dean sit the tray in his lap and turned to walk away without saying anything else.

"Thanks." Sam said just loud enough for Dean to hear before he stepped from the room. He didn't see the look of yearning on Dean's face as he forced his body to walk away. Sam looked down at the food trying to decide what to eat first, deciding on the rice and green beans. He closed his eyes and savored the taste of it as he chewed slowly before swallowing. The ginger ale was tart and ice cold as he sipped some through a straw. Sam continued to eat small bites of all the food, but didn't finish anything. It seemed his eyes were bigger than his stomach right now. He burped several times as the food settled in his stomach and Sam decided to stop eating for now. He moved the tray off his lap to the bed beside him and wiggled down in it really needing to take a nap now. His eyes closed on their own as his body relaxed and his head fell slightly to the side with his mouth hanging slightly open. He didn't wake when Dean checked on him and tossed a blanket over his prone body before leaving again. Dean didn't take the tray thinking he would wake and want more knowing small meals closer together were the best right now.

spn

Two hours later Nitro stuck her head in and saw Sam starting to stir as he moaned softly and stretched a little. She waited until he sensed her and looked her way before walking on in.

"You want me to heat your soup back up?" she asked looking at the tray to be sure he was eating.

"I hate to bother you..." Sam said looking away feeling the guilt of what he had done earlier.

"I don't mind, I'll be right back."

"Nitro, I'm sorry I threw food on you." he apologized before she could leave.

"Ok, but let's not do that again." she said arching an eyebrow at him with a neutral look on her face.

"I won't." he assured her sighing with relief that she wasn't still mad.

"I'll be right back with this, drink something you need to stay hydrated."

Sam picked up the ginger ale and drank some and finished off the banana. He was trying to decide how to approach her about getting a bath without sounding too pathetic. He didn't have long to wait and Nitro returned with the soup warmed up.

"Do you think...Maybe I could get a shower after I finish this?" he asked hesitatingly.

"Don't see why not. I'll get Gunny."

"No! Couldn't you help me?"

"Listen Pup, your brother is here to help. You both need to put aside your stubbornness and anger. For that matter, you both need to sit down and talk to each other. Might as well get it all out there in the open and move on. Now eat the soup and I'll have Gunny come in in a few minutes to help you."

"Why do you call him that?" Sam questioned. "For that matter why do you call me Pup?"

"Well, he was our leader and a damn good one and he was a sniper, one of the best. And as for you, well...Gunny calls me Little Wolf and for some reason I feel like you're my pup that needs taking care of. Guess my need to mother is showing, but don't get use to it." she shrugged leaving him to finish the soup.

This information surprised Sam to learn his brother was a sniper. He couldn't picture him doing that, but there was probably a lot he didn't know about him. He could see a lot had changed about his brother and it all seemed for the best. Sam mulled over the resentment and hatred he had toward his brother and wondered if he could have a simple conversation with him without fighting. He didn't have long to wait, ten minutes later Dean strolled in an impassive look on his face. Sam finished up the soup and put the cup on the tray.

"You want a shower?" he asked keeping his voice neutral and without emotions.

"Yes." Sam said quietly only glancing up briefly at his brother and quickly adverting his eyes. "Please." he added as an afterthought.

Dean moved to stand by the bed and held out his arm to help Sam pull himself up. Sam looked at the strong, tan arm for a moment before gripping it with both hands and allowed Dean to pull him up as he swung his legs off the bed. He sat there a moment before Dean got him into the chair and wheeled him to the bathroom. Dean looked at the tub and the shower chair and the shower head seeing it had a detachable head and five foot hose. He judged the distance and moved the chair before turning on the water. Sam pulled his tee shirt off and worked the sweats over his bottom and down his legs, kicking them off out of the way.

"I...I think I borrowed a pair of your briefs." he said when Dean turned back to him.

"'s fine." Dean replied moving the chair beside the tub. He got behind Sam and shifted him onto the shower chair and pulled the shower door almost closed. "Toss the briefs out and you can switch the water to the shower head."

"Ok." Sam said doing as he was told and dropping them onto the bathroom floor. He hissed as the water hit him in the chest cold for a second and then turning warm. Sam let out a slow breath as the water beat down on him, relishing the warmth and wetness of it. He rubbed his hands over his face and sighed with relief. Being captive for that long, he didn't realize how much he took for granted a simple thing like a hot shower and clean clothes.

"Here's shampoo, soap and washcloth." Dean said opening the door enough to sit them on the rim of the tub. He kept his eyes diverted to allow Sam some privacy and put the commode lid down to sit on it while he showered.

Sam held his head forward wetting his hair so he could wash it. He worked the suds through the hair and into his scalp finding a few tender spots. Once his hair was done, Sam soaped the washcloth and washed his body, trying to be careful of the lacerations Nitro had stitched and put steri strips on. He jumped slightly when Dean pushed the shower door open and spoke.

"Let me have the cloth and lean forward so I can wash your back." he said holding out his hand.

Sam soaped the cloth again and passed it back to Dean before leaning forward propping his hands on his knees for support. He could feel Dean removing the taped pads from his back and felt a hand moving carefully down his back checking the whip marks. The washcloth moved gently over his back and it felt like heaven. Sam closed his eyes and couldn't help but let a soft sigh of happiness. The cloth stopped moving for a moment before continuing on as far as Dean could wash. He went back over it again before laying the washcloth on Sam's shoulder and moving to open the other shower door to reach the shower head.

"Hold still an' I'll rinse your back."

Sam didn't move as the water washed over his back rinsing the suds away and making him shutter for a moment thinking nothing had felt so good. He was almost disappointed when Dean put the head back in the holder and closed the door. He sat back up and just let the water wash over him for a while longer before shutting it off. A towel was offered to him and he took it and started drying off.

"Got you some clean clothes." Dean said laying clothes on the counter.

"I'm ready." Sam said pushing the shower door open. He had the towel draped over his lap for modesty sake.

Dean shifted Sam to the wheelchair and tossed another smaller towel at him for his hair. Sam used it to towel dry his hair and wiped his damp shoulders before pushing the chair close enough to shift onto the commode with a little help from Dean. Dean stepped out allowing some privacy. Once he was done, he slipped his briefs on and pulled on his sweats and then the tee shirt. Just taking a bath completely exhausted him and he slowly rolled to the other room to find Dean sitting in the chair. He knew now was as good a time as any to ask some questions even if he was tired. He needed to know the answers before he could move forward, if there was a forward to move to.

"Where's Dad?" Sam asked glancing sideways at Dean, waiting for an answer.

A frightened look crossed Dean's face of a split second and then it went back to neutral as he looked down at his balled fists knowing he was going to have to tell him. He had been dreading this moment since Sam woke up and asked about their father. At least he was a little stronger, but he didn't know what type of impact this would have on his brother.

"Dean... Where's Dad?" Sam asked again looking at him now as he tensed, waiting for a response. A coldness started forming in the pit of his stomach because he was sure he knew the answer but wouldn't allow himself to believe it. If Dad were still alive, Sam knew he would of been here by now; he was sure of it.

"Dad didn't make it Sammy." Dean said quietly not looking up from his clenched hands as he spoke.

"Wh...a...No..." Sam gasped in disbelief as hot tears filled his eyes and began to roll down his face. He clutched his middle as heartbreaking sobs filled the bedroom. This was another loss that was his fault and bore down on him taking his breath away. The weight on his soul just doubled making it grow dim and flicker.

Dean couldn't stand it, no matter how mad he was at Sam and pulled the wheelchair closer and put his arms around his brother and pulled him close to let his head rest in the nape of his neck as he rubbed his back, making small circles up and down it as he mumbled soft words to his brother.

The news about his father pushed Sam over the edge and his mind snapped. He didn't even know Dean had pulled him into his embrace at first and stayed there sobbing into his neck until he suddenly pushed away from him wiping his face with the back of his hand as his breath hitched and cracked.

"Sammy?" Dean asked when he pushed away and turned his back to him.

"G-Go..." Sam cried out in a hoarse, sobbing voice.

Knowing he couldn't console his brother, Dean left him alone and went to the other bedroom so Nitro wouldn't see his tears. He had already put his bag in here and decided to get a shower thinking maybe he could wash away some of the stress and grief he was feeling. At least he could cry and no one would see or know since the water would wash the tears down the drain. He got some clothes out of his bag noticing he needed to do some laundry if he wanted to have clean clothes after tomorrow.

spn

Sam threw himself onto the bed and buried his head into the pillow as he screamed out his pain and grief. His Dad was dead and it was because of him, Dean didn't say it but he knew. Now he had lost both parents and both were because of him. He just had to go to the library that afternoon instead of waiting until the next day when his Mom wasn't so busy, but he had begged until she finally conceded and took him. On the way back she was gunned down in a drive by shooting. His Dad had to have been looking for him and was killed to get him out of the way. He curled into a fetal position as his breathing became erratic and his throat started closing up as he began to have an anxiety attack. He fought to get a breath in as his wheezing got worse. Lucky for him Nitro came into the room to check on them and found him almost unconscious as he gurgled and gagged for air.

"Pup, hey you gotta breathe!" she told him urgently, patting his cheeks and rubbing his chest. She pulled him to a sitting position and began to pat his back firmly as she continued to talk. "Listen to me! Breathe in and out, come on...In and out...Relax, relax...Pup you can do this, slow and easy." she kept encouraging until he finally got air into his lungs and started taking short, raspy breaths as she continued to mumble to him until he was starting to breath easier. "There you are...what happened?"

"D-Da-Dad's de-dead." Sam stuttered out before coughing to try and clear his throat.

"I'm sorry, I know it hurts. Let it all out, it'll be okay." she whispered brushing the hair from his face. "Here blow your nose." she said offering him tissues.

With a trembling hand, Sam accepted the tissue and blew his nose and wiped his face before burying his face back into the pillow. Nothing mattered anymore now that he was alone. He sobbed quietly now, the tears wetting his pillow until he was so exhausted sleep finally overtook him. Nitro saw he had gone to sleep and draped a blanket over his body before leaving him alone. She went to the other bedroom door and heard the shower shut off through the partly open door. Nitro stepped away and headed back toward the kitchen wanting to give the brothers their space. She knew it was just as hard on Dean as it was on Sam having to tell him their Dad was gone.

spn

A week had passed and Sam wouldn't get out of bed except to go to the bathroom. He wouldn't eat, shower, or take care of himself. He shut down and didn't acknowledge either of their presence when they brought him trays with food. Sam was becoming despondent and listless as he grieved. Dean was growing more worried with each passing day and knew he had to take action for the both of them. He wasn't going to sit back and watch him fade away to nothing.

Nitro brought the tray back to the kitchen, but it had hardly been touched. Dean looked at it and pinched his lips into a thin line deciding this was going to end.

"Little Wolf I think it's..." Dean started but Nitro interrupted him.

"I'm packing up and leaving." she stated. "You can take me to town and I'll get a motel room so I'll still be around, but you need time alone with your brother to sort all this out. Pup's body is trying to heal, but his mind is losing ground. He's wanting to give up and you can't let him, you need to fight for the both of you and don't give up. You never give up on family. You've got the burner I gave you, so if you do need me or just want to talk to someone, I'm a phone call away. There's plenty of food for a couple more weeks, but you might want to pick up another loaf of bread and milk while you're out. But remember Gunny, he's fragile right now and needs a brother, not a Marine. Let yourself feel too, you both need to heal. I think you can work it out together. Find what you lost and nurture it, let it grow. I know its still there if you look for it." she finished before turning to go to the bedroom to pack her duffel.

Dean stood in the kitchen with his mouth still open wondering what just happened. It was as if she knew what he was going to say before he said it. He was going to ask her to leave for a while so he could have some alone time with Sammy. He was going to confront Sam and get everything out in the open no matter how bad it hurt. They were all either of them had left now and deep down in his soul he knew he didn't want to lose him too. Fifteen minutes later Nitro was back with her duffel.

"I'm ready, I looked in on him and he's sleeping I think." she told Dean as she waited at the door for him. "Should you leave him a note?"

"I will. Let me put my boots on." he said heading back to the other bedroom. Dean was back in five minutes and grabbed his jacket and keys on the way out. He locked the front door and headed for the Impala getting in the driver's seat. He looked back toward the cabin a slight frown on his face not really wanting to leave Sam alone, but it wouldn't be that long and he had been taking long naps recently so maybe he could get back as he was waking up. He at least left a note on the nightstand that he would be back.

"He'll be ok while you're gone Gunny." Nitro assured him when she saw his expression.

"Okay." he mumbled and cranked the car pulling away from the cabin.

spn

An eerie silence filled the cabin as Sam rolled over and lay there staring toward the door. He needed to pee and usually one of them would be in here helping him up and to the bathroom before now. He pushed the covers down off his legs and let them hang off the side of the bed until he could get the energy together to push his body up to a sitting position. He sat there balancing himself on his hands as he drew in short breaths. He didn't notice the piece of paper laying on the nightstand that Dean had left. After a few minutes, Sam got into the wheelchair and moved it toward the bathroom at a snail's pace. He almost fell getting on the commode but finally managed to and relieved himself. He sat there feeling his strength drain from him. Getting back in the chair was twice as hard and a light sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead by the time he got rolling toward the other room. He stopped at the bed, but looked toward the open door a little curious about where he was even thought he felt weak and lightheaded. He pushed on the wheels and the chair moved toward the door and out into the hallway. Sam looked one way and saw another door and looked the other to see open space. He turned that way and found himself between the family room and kitchen. The placed looked nice, but he didn't see anyone around or heard anyone.

"H'llo?" he said in a raspy, hoarse, squeaky voice. Sam coughed weakly and tried again. "H'lo." he tried to call again but got no answer back just a hollow echo. Panic started to build in his mind as he pushed to the sliding glass door toward the back of the house and saw an empty deck. He was breathing heavily by the time he got to the front door and tried to get it open. His fingers tried to work the lock but he couldn't seem to get them to cooperate. He finally gave up and got the wheelchair to the window and looked out to the front of the cabin and saw an empty driveway that circled in front of the house. Tears had started welding up in his eyes and dripping down his face when he realized he was alone. Had they left him here on his own? Were they coming back? What was he going to do? He tried to slow down his breathing and calm his pounding heart but he couldn't think clear. His mind was filled with a heavy fog making him dizzy and mixed up. He jerked his head sideways when noises sounded down the hall. He was getting so weak and the chair felt like it weighted a ton as he moved his arms to try and get it to move. The hallway seemed to have increased in length and it took him forever to get the wheelchair back to the bedroom. The room was fading in and out and shadows were turning into attackers as he shielded away from them and sobbed out loud in fear. He finally got back to the bed and fell into it not able to get his legs up on the mattress. He lay on his back panting for air and mumbling incoherently until he was lost in a veil of darkness.

spn

Dean unlocked the door and let himself in carrying several bags in each hand. He went to the kitchen and put away the cold things before heading back to check on his brother. He found Sam tangled in the sheets half off the bed and lifted his legs to the mattress. He could smell the strong odor of sweat wafting off him and decided he was getting a shower if he had to put him in the tub fully clothed.

Sam stirred for a moment and whimpered as he tried to get awake enough to figure out what was going on.

"Yu'...Cam'...Bac'." he forced out when he saw what looked like his brother standing by the bed.

"Of course I did. Didn't you see the note?" Dean asked when he saw the stressed look on his brother's face. "Are you okay?"

Sam nodded yes, not trusting his voice at the moment. His mind was still muddled and all he could understand was Dean hadn't left him after all. He closed his eyes again and let his mind drift away.

Dean glanced at the time and saw it was after lunchtime but Sam didn't seem with it enough to eat. He would give him another hour and get his ass out of bed and moving around. He didn't know Sam had thought he left him and almost went into another panic attack. He headed back toward the front of the cabin to unwind, letting Sam sleep a little longer.

An hour and half later Dean pushed his chair back from the table and got up moving with a purpose toward the bedroom. He found Sam lying in bed staring off into space like all the other times he had checked on him in the past few days. Without saying anything, Dean reached down and grabbed a hand full of Sam's dirty tee shirt in his fist and pulled him from the bed sitting him in the wheelchair.

"Hey! Wh-a-...Stop!" Sam cried out in a raspy, croaking voice when he was suddenly jerked from the bed and sat in the wheelchair. Before he could complain further, Sam was wheeled from the room and down the hall and then toward the sliding glass doors. "Where are you taking me?" he fussed as Dean pushed him through the opening out onto the deck.

"Be quiet. You're not going to get better lying around in bed." Dean stated stopping the chair by a lounge chair and moving Sam onto it. "You need some sun and fresh air." Dean moved the chair where Sam couldn't reach it and left him sitting there in the sun before heading back inside.

Sam blinked hard as the sun had started to creep downward in the blue sky with only a scattering of fluffy clouds blocking its rays. It took Sam several minutes for his eyes to adjust to the light and looked around at his surroundings. The deck was large and part of it was covered. From where he sat he could see a lake between the trees sparkling as the sun's rays hit the surface. What looked like a footpath off to the side of the yard led down to it. There was a gentle breeze rustling through the trees and blowing across the deck. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back feeling it caresses his face and thought it felt good. The sun was warming his skin and he brushed his hair from his face. Sam opened his eyes when noises got his attention. Dean had come back outside with a tray that he sat on the small table beside Sam's chair within his reach.

"You need to eat; I'll not let you starve yourself to death. So either you eat or...I feed you." he said in a stern voice. "Believe me I will too. So do yourself a favor and do it the easy way, the other won't be as pleasant." With that said Dean tossed a pair of sunglasses and hat in his lap and turned to head back inside leaving Sam alone.

Sam didn't get a chance to even answer his brother as Dean spouted orders at him and then left. He looked at the tray and back toward the door that Dean had disappeared into a little shocked. Dean seemed like a man of his word and even though he didn't want any of it, Sam picked up the fork and plate and tried to eat. He stopped long enough to put on the sunglasses and hat then shifted around trying to get comfortable. He listened to the sounds coming out of the forest around him as the wildlife enjoyed the day. The area was beautiful, quiet and tranquil; a perfect place to heal. He spooned more into his mouth, chewing slowly and finally swallowing. He could feel his stomach churning as the food hit it and sipped some ginger ale. He could feel the burp that needed to come out and paused letting it work its way up his throat finally burping and feeling slightly better.

spn

Dean came out of Sam's bedroom carrying sheets, towels and a few dirty clothes. He headed for the laundry room to throw them in the washer and was going to make Sam take a shower since he was starting to smell ripe. The news about their Dad seemed to have devastated him, but Dean was not going to let him destroy himself because of it. He was still his little brother no matter how Sam felt about him. He started the washer and went back into the bedroom opening the window to let in fresh air and took out clean sheets to make the bed, and then found the vacuum to go over each room. He straightened the bedroom and refolded the clothes that were wadded up in the chair. He cleaned the bathroom next, before heading out to check on Sam. It had been nearly an hour and most of the food was gone from the tray and Sam seemed to be napping.

"Time to go inside." Dean said taking the tray first and coming back for Sam.

Sam stirred from his doze and with bleary eyes, looked around confused at where he was and how he got there. Dean came back into view and shifted him back to the wheelchair to take him inside. He didn't protest or complain what his brother was doing and took off the glasses when he got inside. Dean didn't stop in the bedroom and wheeled him on into the bathroom.

"You stink." Dean stated adjusting the shower chair and moving the wheelchair up beside it. "You've got a clean bed and you need to shower before getting back in it." He grabbed the hem of Sam's tee shirt and pulled it up over his head. He waited tapping his foot for Sam to remove his sweats before helping him into the tub. Once he was sure he could reach the shampoo and soap, he closed the door and left him to shower. "I'll be back, clean up or I'll do it for you."

Sam sat there for a moment before removing his briefs and leaving them in the tub. He was afraid to not do as he was told for fear of the consequences. After turning the water on and letting it warm up, he pulled the lever to switch it to the shower head and let it spray on the top of his head. He soaked his hair and brushed it from his face before reaching for the shampoo to wash his hair. He rubbed it into his hair and massaged his scalp. He rinsed and did it again and rinsed the suds out of his hair. He took the soap and washed the sweat and stink from his body. It actually felt good to be clean again and the food he ate helped give him a little of his strength back. He finished up and reached for a towel to dry his hair and body.

spn

"Brought you some clothes." Dean announced dropping them on the counter. "You ready to get out?"

"Yes." Sam replied pushing the door open and letting Dean help him to the wheelchair.

"I'll wait out here." Dean said stepping back out so he could get dressed.

After Dean stepped back out, Sam picked up his briefs and slipped them on then the sweats and tee shirt. He ran his fingers through his hair and rolled toward the door to see Dean sitting on a bed. He got up and stepped behind him and started rolling him out of the room and toward the kitchen.

"From now on you eat at the table, three to four meals a day with snacks. Need to build your strength back up. No more staying in bed all day either."

Sam bristled and spat back at him, "You're not my father."

Dean stiffened and turned back to him, fire in his eyes. "No, I'm not your father, but I'm your big brother. I'm all the family you have left, whether you like it or not. So you need to show me a little respect."

Sam shrunk down in his chair, looking at his hands and pouted as Dean stared hard at him. He drew in a deep breath and let it out reining in his anger, remembering what Nitro has said. Dean turned back to the fridge and got a protein drink and a small bowl of fruit out for him. He unscrewed the top and sat the bottle in front of Sam along with a straw. He took a seat across from him and began to eat a piece of pie and sip his coffee, ignoring Sam.

"Eat and drink you shake." Dean told him pointing his fork at Sam's food.

Sam put the straw in the shake and began to drink it as he stewed over what Dean had said. One thing was right, he did need to get stronger so he could leave this place and get away from his brother. He didn't know what Dean had planned but he didn't want to be a part of it, not now not ever. He ate the fruit and realized he hadn't seen the woman around.

"Where's your friend?" he asked quietly.

"She left. Won't be back unless I call her. It's just you and me now so get use to it." Dean stated absently finishing up his pie and coffee. He took his dishes to the sink and quickly washed them. "Once you're done you're going to do some leg stretches so your muscles won't atrophy and you can get on your feet quicker."

Sam didn't say anything as he listened to his brother talk a pouty look of a five year old still on his face. He was deep in thought when he felt his brother beside him and looked sideways at him.

"You done?" he asked motioning to the bowl.

Sam nodded yes and let him take the bowl that still had a couple pieces of fruit in it. Dean popped them in his mouth and took the bowl to the sink to wash and put away. He dried his hands and pulled Sam from the table and rolled him back to the bedroom and into the bathroom.

"Brush your teeth and whatever else." he told him stepping back out of the room.

With a sigh, Sam moved to the commode and slipped onto it to relieve himself. He got back in the chair and washed his hands and brushed his teeth. Knowing he couldn't put it off any longer, Sam rolled out of the bathroom to find Dean waiting by the door.

"Alright, let's see if you can stand at all." Dean said parking the chair by the bed and offering his arm to him. He waited watching Sam's facial expressions change until he finally reached out and took the offered arm allowing Dean to pull him up only to fall into him when his rubbery legs refused to support him. Dean caught him with ease before he face planted. "Thought so." Dean nodded swinging him to the bed. After pushing Sam's body down so he was stretched out on the bed, he took one leg and pushed it toward his chest bending it at the knee. "Push against my hand as hard as you can." he instructed Sam putting negative pressure against the leg. Sam pushed and felt muscles tighten in his leg and almost cramp. "Again." Dean kept exercising Sam's legs for thirty minutes and then began to massage the muscles in his calf and thighs digging deep where the muscles were tight. Sam was not going to admit it, but what he was doing felt good and was disappointed when he stopped. "Get some sleep." Dean told him pulling up the covers before heading to the other bedroom.

spn

The next week passed by slowly with Dean doing the same routine each day. He'd get Sam up, they'd have breakfast, Sam would sit on the deck in the sun while Dean cleaned the kitchen, Dean would exercise his legs, make him take a shower, they'd watch a movie from the selection in the cabin, Dean would fix lunch and they'd eat, more time in the sun, nap time, dinner, more exercise and then bedtime. Sam didn't need a clock to know the time because Dean had everything timed out precisely. By the fifth day Sam stood for the first time and the next took a couple of steps. His strength was coming back and he was slowly beginning to eat solid foods again. The brothers had spoken very little during this time and the tension was still thick between them. On day seven, Sam walked with wobbly steps to the bathroom on his own. He was smiling when he came out, but stopped when he saw Dean leaning in the doorway.

"I see you're upright finally, that's good. Breakfast'll be ready in fifteen minutes." Dean said before turning and heading for the kitchen.

After changing clothes, Sam walked to the kitchen using the wall for balance and support. He smelled the aroma of food that made his mouth water as he took a seat at the dining room table. Sam studied his brother as he moved around in the kitchen cooking. He could see the brother he remembered in this man, but there was something else now that he couldn't name. The radio was playing softly on the counter and he heard his brother humming to the song as he got plates ready for them.

"Hope you like pancakes." he said sitting a plate with a stack of pancakes and bacon in front of Sam. He pushed the syrup closer and went to pour a glass of milk for him. He put another plate at the empty chair and poured a cup of coffee for himself before sitting down. He poured syrup over his stack and cut into them, cutting off a piece and eating it. "Think you're strong enough to walk around the cabin?"

"Maybe." Sam mumbled cutting another bite of pancake and running it through some syrup before putting it in his mouth. He chewed it slowly, enjoying the taste and happy to be eating real food and not soup anymore. His body was healing, but his mind was still in turmoil over all that had happened to him. He continued to eat without really thinking about it, his mind elsewhere until Dean spoke to him and tapped him on the arm. "What?" Sam asked blinking rapidly and looking at him.

"I asked would you like more or something else?" Dean asked again looking closer at his brother when he saw the confused look on his face. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. That was enough, it was good." he said looking down seeing his plate was empty. He got up and cautiously made his way back to the bedroom to use the bathroom. When he came out Dean was waiting for him.

"Let's see if you can make it around the cabin." Dean said pushing off the wall and waiting for Sam to follow. "Put this on, it's cooler with today's storm brewing out there." he said holding out a long sleeved shirt.

Sam accepted the shirt and slipped his arms into it, getting the scent of his brother on it and let some long forgotten memories come to the surface. It hung loosely over his thin body as he buttoned a couple of button to keep it closed. He followed his brother through the cabin to the back.

Dean headed for the sliding glass doors and waited for Sam to step onto the deck. "Here, found this when I walked down to the lake last week..." he said holding out a stick that was perfect for a cane. "When you're steadier we'll go down to the lake, got a nice dock and benches." he shrugged holding out the stick waiting for Sam to take it.

"Thanks." Sam whispered taking the stick and walking toward the two steps that would put him in the yard. He leaned on the stick like a cane and started walking toward the front of the cabin with slow steps working on keeping his balance. He could feel the presence of his brother trailing along behind him keeping his distance. Sam let his eyes wander around, taking in the scenery and paused when a rabbit scurried across the path in front of him. He watched it disappear into the shrubs alone the edge of the woods and smiled to himself. Sam faltered in his steps when he saw the Impala sitting there. With hesitate steps, Sam walked toward her and raised a trembling hand to the top running it down her. He bit his lower lip as tears welled in his eyes as he thought of his father. "He always said this car was going to be yours." Sam said quietly as his voice caught in his throat.

Dean wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms tightly around his little brother and hold him, but he was afraid Sam would push him away instead of pulling him closer. He felt his brother's pain and grief and knew he was trying to hide it from him. He could hear the soft sobs before Sam used his shirt sleeve to wipe his face and stepping away with one final stroke to the hood of the Impala. He walked down the driveway venturing further from the cabin as he explored the area. Dean stayed behind him and let him go where he pleased knowing there was nothing here that would harm him. Dean had felt their presence before Nitro left but didn't say anything knowing they were doing what he taught them. He looked up to the sky and saw the darker clouds were rolling in and the wind was picking up. He felt the coolness of it against his skin and smelled the dampness in the air.

"Better not go too far, you don't need to get caught in the rain and get sick." Dean cautioned him when it looked like Sam wasn't going to stop walking.

"Alright." he replied stopping in the driveway and looking back toward the cabin. Sam was surprised he had walked this far and could feel his strength fading. He turned back, stumbling and would of fallen if Dean hadn't grabbed his arm to steady him.

"Whoa there, easy." Dean said not letting go until Sam was steady again. "Let's head back." he said giving the darkened sky another look.

Sam followed his gaze and saw why he was hurrying him alone. He moved as fast as he could back up the driveway hearing the first drops of rain hitting the leaves in the trees. Without warning, Dean threw Sam over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and ran for the house trying to beat the rain that had started to come down. He made it to the front porch just as the clouds opened up and delivered their load to the Earth. He sat a slightly damp Sam back on his feet and looked out at the downpour and flinched slightly from a streak of lightening followed by a rumbling clap of thunder.

"Let's get inside." he told Sam. "Something hot to drink sounds good."

"Sure." Sam huffed just getting his breath back from being slung over Dean's shoulders and jogged back to the cabin. He grabbed the doorway for support as he stepped back into the cabin and used the stick as support to get to a chair at the table. He dropped heavily into it, glad to be off his feet. Jumping when a streak of lightening hit somewhere nearby and thunder shook the cabin, Sam looked to his brother for comfort. He was not sure why he did that and glanced away before Dean saw, but didn't know he saw him anyway.

"Here, drink this." Dean told him sitting a cup of hot tea sweetened with honey by his clasped hands.

Sam looked down at the drink before clasping his cold hands around the cup to warm them before lifting it to his lips, blowing across the top to cool it and taking a sip feeling it warm all the way down to his stomach. He closed his eyes and relished the taste and warmth as the storm raged outside the cabin walls.

The more he drank, the more relaxed and sleepier he got.

"Think you need to take a nap." Dean told him sitting down his coffee and helping his brother up guiding him to his bedroom.

"N'...I'm...g'od." Sam slurred sleepily as Dean got him in bed and draped a blanket over his body as he curled up on his side asleep before Dean left the room.

spn

With his brother down for a nap, Dean took the time to call Bobby and check in with him. He found the number in the contact list and listened to it ring on the other end.

"H'llo Singer Salvage." the familiar voice answered.

"Hey Bobby." Dean sighed.

"Dean, how are you doing son? How's Sam?" he asked.

"I told him about Dad and he didn't take it well." Dean started. "I had to intervene and make him start getting better. I'm not really sure where we stand right now. He hates me, but he needs me for the moment. After that...Damn I don't know Bobby...I'll bring him to you if that's what he wants and leave..."

"I think you're getting ahead of yourself son, have you tried talking to him?"

"He doesn't want to. We've had a couple of curt conversations, but I plan on doing that now that he's getting better. He's at least starting to walk now, so his strength is building up."

"Talk to him Dean, stop being a hard ass. You're not going to solve anything if you don't communicate."

"Alright, I know." he huffed. "I'll talk to you later."

"Do it son, keep in touch."

Dean closed the cell and sat back in the chair knowing Bobby was right about talking to Sam. He needed to lay everything out on the table and accept whatever happened. They both had unresolved issues to deal with and he knew neither would be able to move on unless they dealt with them. He listened to the rain outside and let it calm him as he tried to work out his strategy.