Chapter 10

The Impala was eating up the road as she headed for Bobby's. The driver glanced at his pouting brother knowing that look and the mood he was in. Sam could get bitchy, but this was different; he was still holding onto his anger for Dean drugging him and trying to ship him to Bobby's. What he couldn't see was he was trying to protect him like their Mom wanted him to. Sam had laid into to him earlier for drugging him and getting Caleb involved. Dean let him have his temper tantrum, not bothering to stop him or explain himself. He knew Sam had to get it out of his system just like when they were younger and he got really mad. Dean knew it was for the best and took his verbal abuse, letting it slide off him without thinking twice about it. Sam stopped yelling and fussing when he saw Dean wasn't going to fight back and glared at him as he cussed under his breath. He jerked the door of the Impala opened and slumped into the seat waiting for Dean to get in so they could leave. It just made him madder that Dean took everything he said without yelling or fighting back. Knowing he wasn't getting anywhere, he decided to give him the silent treatment.

"You gonna give me the silent treatment all the way to Bobby's?" Dean finally asked, breaking the silence in the car.

"Nothing to say." Sam mumbled as he crossed his arms and put on a bitchy face of determination. He wanted to talk to him about everything, but was afraid to. How could he tell him he had seen Jess die on the ceiling weeks before it actually happened? He didn't know why he would be dreaming that and didn't take much stock in it until it was too late. He didn't know what was wrong with him and felt so alone and scared right now. He hoped their Mom would be at Bobby's and could maybe explain some of his doubts and fears away. He thought back on Jessica and couldn't help the tears pooling in his eyes. She was the most amazing person he had ever known and he had planned on asking her to marry him once he found out if he was getting into the law program at Stanford. All his dreams and hopes burned up that night when he found her pinned to the ceiling and bursting into flames. That image would haunt his dreams for a long time as he turned his head to wipe his eyes before Dean saw his tears.

Dean pursed his lips for a moment trying to figure his brother out. He watched as he sort of zoned out, lost in his thoughts and saw the tears threatening to fall from his eyes. It bothered him that he couldn't help him through whatever was eating at him. Dean had a deep down feeling it was about his girlfriend, Jess. Sam had lost it when she was killed and he had a feeling she had been the one for him. She was the love of his life and wouldn't have been surprised if he didn't ask her to marry him. He watched his little brother change right before his eyes, knowing that fire ruined his life. All Dean could do was be there to pick up the pieces and try to put him back together. He hoped their Mom was there and could help explain what the hell was going on. He could tell by what she didn't say that it was bad and it involved Sammy. He pushed down his questions and concentrated on driving knowing the sooner they got there, the sooner he could get answers.

spn

The driveway to the salvage yard loomed in the headlights as Dean slowed the Impala to turn in and make his way to the house. He looked around but didn't see his Mom's car and wondered if he should text her to see where she was at and when she'd be arriving.

"C'mon Sammy we're here." Dean mumbled to his brother who had dozed off thirty minutes ago.

Sam jumped and gasped out loud as he sucked it a hard breath trying to slow his racing heart. He looked at Dean who was frowning at him but didn't say anything. After a few moments, Sam opened the passenger door and unfolded his long frame from it to stretch and groaned with protest his body was making. He looked around searching for the same thing Dean had, and then let his shoulder slump when he saw she wasn't there.

"She'll be here Sammy. Let's get settled, I think my bed is calling me." he said opening the trunk to get their bags. He had driven all the way since he didn't trust Sam to drive and not wreck his Baby. He rolled his shoulders and headed for the front door, feeling his brother fall in behind him. Dean knocked loudly and waited for Bobby to answer.

"I'm coming." a gruff male voice called from the other side of the door.

"It's us Bobby, you can put away the weapons." Dean called through the door.

"Boys, good to see ya." the older hunter greeted them, pulling each into a hug and slapping them on the back. He was like a father to them and looked up to him as a mentor, friend, guardian, and family.

"Have you heard from Mom?" Sam asked wanting to know for sure she was coming. He was anxious to talk to her.

"Not today, but I know she's heading this way. You boys want some coffee or something to eat?"

"Naw, we stopped on the way in and ate. I for one just want a nice, soft bed to stretch out in and get some sleep." Dean grunted as he tried to suppress a yawn.

"I changed the sheets and opened the window so yer room would air out. Why don't ya head on up and I'll see you in the morning." he told the boys. He could see how tired and weary Dean's face was and how pinched and worried Sam's was. Mary hadn't told him much, but he wasn't going to let on he knew anything since this was her story to tell.

"Nite Bobby." Sam mumbled before following his brother up the stairs. Since he didn't know when their Mom would be getting there, he decided to join his brother and try to get some rest, hopefully, if the nightmares would stay away.

spn

"You can have the bathroom first." Sam offered dropping his bag on one of the twin beds so he could find some sleep clothes.

"You're so kind." Dean yawned pulling his bathroom bag out and heading across the hall. He did his normal routine and fifteen minutes later emerged ready to call it a night. Sam passed him in the hall as he stepped back into their bedroom. He sat on the side of the bed and unlaced his boots, kicking them off and shucking his jeans and long sleeved shirt. Not bothering with sleep clothes, Dean crawled into his bed and sighed as he let his body sink into the mattress so the long day of driving could be forgotten. He was barely aware of Sam coming back into the room, closing the window, turning off the light and partly closing their door before getting into bed himself. Sam looked over at his brother and sighed knowing he should have offered to drive some so he wouldn't be so worn out. He took a few slow breaths and turned on his side, curling slightly around his extra pillow and trying to shut his mind down so he could sleep.

It just seemed like he closed his eyes when suddenly someone was shaking him awake. Sam jerked and raised a fist until he saw Dean leaning over him with a concerned look on his face.

"You were crying out in your sleep again Sammy." Dean said when he saw Sam was awake.

"What?" Sam slurred trying to let his mind catch up with his body.

"You were having a nightmare." Dean told him, looking him over and seeing the thin sheen of sweat on his forehead and upper lip that was trembling. "Wanna talk 'bout it?" he asked quietly not sure how to handle this since he wasn't one to show much emotion, even around his brother. He had learned to put a wall up and not let anyone get close, just like their Mom. They were formable hunters, two of the best by most accounts. When it was a hunt that needed special handling, they were called in to take care of it.

"I'm fine..." Sam said softly not able to look his brother in the eyes.

"You do know who you're talking to right? You're not fine. When was the last time you had more than an hour or two of undisturbed sleep? You can't go on like this Sammy, it's gonna kill ya." Dean exclaimed in concern. "Look at yourself bro, you're barely holding it together. Talk to me man..."

"I can't Dean..." Sam begged looking so lost and forlorn that all Dean can do is pull him into his arms and hold him tight.

Dean didn't know what it was that Sam couldn't tell him or what about the nightmares scared him so, but he decided not to press the issue right now. He shoved Sam over in his bed and stretched out beside him sharing his bed.

Sam didn't protest when Dean shoved him over and laid down beside him. He snuggled into his chest and felt his strong arms embrace him feeling a sense of peace settle over him. Sam listened to the strong beating heart of his brother as it lulled him into a sleep without nightmares. He didn't know Dean stayed awake and watched to be sure he was able to sleep. It was the early hours of the morning before Dean finally let himself doze, too tired to resist any longer. The brothers slept without nightmares and didn't stir when their Mom looked in on them but didn't disturb them. She smiled to herself wondering if Sammy had a nightmare since Dean was squeezed into Sam's bed. She'd let them sleep as long as they needed because what she needed to tell them was going to haunt their dreams.

spn

The sun was high in the sky when Dean stirred and felt the weight of his brother on him. Sam had thrown a leg over his legs and was tucked tightly under his neck with an arm over his chest. Dean could feel a wet spot on his shirt where Sam must of drooled during the night and grimaced thinking the things he did for his little brother. He sighed thinking at least he got some sleep for a change. He looked out the window and saw the sun was shining brightly figuring it was mid-morning and he needed to get up to see if Mom made it in. Dean carefully untangled Sam's limbs from his body and slipped out of bed watching Sam grunt and grumble but didn't wake as he rolled over and settled back down snoring softly. He grabbed some clothes and shuffled to the bathroom to do his morning routine and change clothes. Once he checked to see that Sam was still sleeping, Dean headed downstairs and to the kitchen to find Bobby and his Mom having coffee.

"Mom, are you okay?" Dean asked when he saw the scratches and slight bruising on her face and a bandage sticking out from under the sleeve of her shirt. He kissed her cheek and went to pour a cup of coffee before sitting down between them.

"Hello son, good to see you and I'm fine." Mary answered smiling lovingly at him. It still amazed her that she had two wonderful sons who turned out okay considering what their lives had been like growing up. Both had been exposed to the supernatural at an early age and was taught how to defend themselves against what was out there in the dark. Even though Sam didn't continue in the life like his brother, Mary was so proud of both her boys. She was overjoyed when Sam got accepted into Stanford on a full scholarship knowing that was what he wanted and she supported him in his endeavors. Mary didn't tell Sam that she stopped by regularly to check on him from a distance and to be sure he was doing okay. She did actually try to visit every couple of months and take him out to lunch or dinner and check to see if he needed anything. Mary knew Dean kept in touch with him and tried to get by to see him too.

"What's going on Mom? Why's Sammy in danger?" Dean asked.

"Why don't we wait until your brother's up and I can tell you together." she suggested not wanting to repeat herself. "How's he doing Dean? I was so sorry to hear about his girlfriend."

"It's been tough on him. He's not sleeping good or eating right but I'm doing my best to take care of him." Dean sighed sipping on his coffee.

"You want some breakfast?" Bobby asked. "I can scramble some eggs and cook some toast up."

"That does sound good. Need help?"

"Naw, I've got it. Visit with yer Momma there. I know you haven't seen each other in a while." he said getting up and moving to fridge to get out the eggs.

A/N: The Winchesters are together again. How will Sam take the news Mary has? Thank you to all who have decided to read my story. I do like reviews to know your thoughts. Please review. NC