3 weeks later...

Dean was running.

He was running so hard he could barely breathe, his sporadic, tight and hitched breaths coming out in gasps and panicked cries as he chanced a look behind him.

They were still following him, barks and deep throaty growls accompanied heavy and manic padding as the huge devil dogs chased him; their glowing red eyes shining in the darkness of the woods.

Trees and bushes flashed past, field after field rushing past as Dean ran non-stop, his heart begging to be rested, a huge stitch forming in his lower chest as he struggled for breath.

He continued to run, not even looking behind any more, just running as fast as he could.

He found a parting the in the trees, took a sharp right and started pounding through nettles and thorns, not caring if he bled-at least it might slow the dogs down.

It didn't.

Without even looking behind him he knew the dogs were catching up, could almost smell their putrid hot breath as they continued to stalk him. A huge growl right behind him confirmed his worst fears.

A yell of pain caught his ears, and he twisted; Sam was also running, himself being chased by the hell hounds. He watched in horror as the dogs jumped on his back, sending him tumbling into the thorns.

A final, blood curdling scream of pain caught his ears, before Sam's voice was cut short. A deathly silence followed.

'NO! SAMMY!' Dean yelled, before he took off again, trying to find a detour through the woods to get to his brother.

Don't let him be dead...don't let him be dead...

Before Dean could even get close, he heard close barks and yaps, deep and dark as he ran.

He fell to the floor as the dog jumped on his back, twisting him around, sharp claws and rabid teeth going immediately for his throat.

'NO! NO NO NO...' the only word Dean could use, as the huge dogs tore him apart, bit by little bit, his own blood pouring from his neck, up into his throat.

He was choking...blood spurting down his mouth...down his chin, onto the dogs muzzle...

'HELP!'

'Dean! Dean your ok, your ok...shh...it's alright...I got you...' Sam held Dean close as he shook, coming down from another nightmare. This was the worst one by far.

His brother curled his hands right in his Jacket, forehead pressed into his shoulder as he fought for breath, before he seemed to settle, slowly laying back down in his hospital bed.

'I-I couldn't wake up' he stuttered, ashen face looking down at Sam as he sat back in his hard plastic chair.

'It's ok...your safe now...nothing can hurt you here' Sam reassured him, rubbing his forearm with a smile, wincing as he leaned forwards to comfort his brother.

It had now been three weeks since Sam had dragged his brother from the crazed woman's lair.

Three weeks had passed, and in those three weeks Dean had almost died twice, his heart stopping from the blood loss, and then an infection took hold, exhausting his brother and putting his life on the brink. Thankfully he was now in remission from the infection, just going through the modes before he was deemed well enough for release.

He was swathed in bandages that had to be changed twice a day, huge black stitches holding together his skin on his stomach. His hospital bed was surrounded by drips, some antibiotics, some water, and another precautionary anti-body for the drug that had been given to him in their first 'game'. The Atropine was being broken down, the drug being washed out of his system so it didn't do more damage.

'They...they killed you Sammy...I...I couldn't help you...they tore you apart...' a sob broke through is big brother's words and Sam's heart broke completely.

'Hey...I'm here...I'm not going anywhere-it was just a dream...just a stupid dream...' he muttered, holding his brother's hand gently, being careful not to touch the needle taped to the back of his hand.

'I know...it-it was just, so real...' a lone tear spread down Dean's cheek, falling onto his white blanket.

'I know...I'm sorry...you're ok now...I'll keep you safe, I promise...' Sam said, earnest eyes shining as he looked at his brother.

Dean smiled at him, going slightly pink. 'You always do...' he muttered, before clearing his throat and looking around.

Sam smiled at his brother-his old Dean was coming back to him.

'Anyway, how are you doing?' Dean returned to looking at him, looking him up and down for signs of injury.

Sam sighed, wincing, and leaned back in his seat. He motioned his leg to Dean, the older hunter leaning to the sides to see it properly.

Sam's left leg was encased in blue plaster, his toes just poking out of the colourful cast; two grey crutches were propped on the head of Dean's bed.

Dean whistled. Sam nodded.

'Yeah...it's ok though...just a few weeks in plaster-I also got some snazzy stitches in my shoulder too, though it's a bit stiff' Sam grimaced, trying to move his shoulder in a circular motion, but he could only move it so much.

'I'm sorry man...this is all my fault...' Dean muttered, averting his eyes and rubbing the back of his neck.

'No, Dean...you can't blame yourself for this! Threes just not our lucky number, that's all!' Sam said, sitting up straighter and moving Dean's shoulder so he was facing him.

'You couldn't have done anything to prevent this, we've just got bad luck!' he said.

'I should've done something! Anything, then you wouldn't of ended up with your leg nearly chewed off, and I wouldn't have ended up in this dump...' Dean grumbled.

'Hey-your room isn't that bad!' Sam grinned, pushing Dean gently, making his brother rock slightly.

'Don't' Dean muttered.

Sam did it again, a little harder, sending Dean a little further away before he pinged back to his original position.

'I said don't!' Dean said; humour flicking in his voice as he turned to give his brother a look.

'What? I didn't do anything!' Sam raised his arms, grinning at his brother.

'You did! You little...' Dean made to push his brother back, but was stopped by an almighty pain in his stomach.

'Ahhhh...' he leaned back into his pillows, wincing as pain tore round his body.

'Sorry man...' Sam said, standing up worriedly. He wondered if he should call the nurse.

'It's ok Sammy-time for my meds anyway!' Dean nodded behind Sam, his brother turned to find himself face to face with the prettiest girl he had ever seen.

She had red hair; her tight blue nurse's uniform hugging her in all the right places.

'Uhh. Hi...' Sam muttered, before turning back to Dean, eyes already raised.

'What? Hello Jenny...is it medicine time already?' His brother put on a placid tone, winking at Sam as he passed, giving his brother a jovial wave as he hobbled to the door.

'I'm afraid so...'

'Aw don't be afraid-this is my favourite time of the day...there's always something to look at!'

'Oh you are adorable!' Jenny squeaked, giggling as she fixed Dean's drip.

Sam snorted and pushed through the door, hobbling down the corridor on the way for the exit.

Yep, his brother was back-and in business...so it would seem.

Sam shook his head and pressed on-he had something in mind that would make Dean's day-heck his whole life, he just needed some help and the right tools.

It was going to be hard...

...but he had work to do.

What has Sam got up his sleeve?

Find out in the next (and last) chapter!

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

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