Chapter Eleven: Make It All Okay

Bobby couldn't help but smile- albeit sadly- as Dean slowly inched his way across the couch, closer and closer to his brother. Apparently the older brother couldn't force himself to give his sibling space even thought it was only the length of Bobby's ratty, brown sofa.

Sam's gaze left the television and and turned to Dean. Bobby held his breath, not knowing what was going to happen. Instead of cowering away from Dean, Sam reached out his hand until he had his palm resting against his older brother's chest. Dean paused, not sure if Sam was telling him to stop but then Sam's hand fisted in his shirt, pulling the older sibling forward.

Dean didn't resist. He scooted forward until he was sitting right beside his brother, their legs touching and Sam curled up against his chest like a little boy, his shaggy head tucked under Dean's chin.

Bobby sighed in relief. He was glad to see Sam taking comfort from his brother. The boy had been so distant the night before at the motel that Bobby had feared it would be a while before Sam allowed either himself or Dean that amount of physical contact.

The grizzled hunter turned back into the kitchen when he heard Dean's voice whispering muffled words to his brother, soothing the younger boy.

SPN

Castiel paced through the waist-heigh grass of the Serengeti, sharing the plain with herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles thousands strong. The sun hovered massive and orange on the horizon.

The angel did not know what to do about Adam Milligan.

If the boy's identity could be hidden from Lilith than perhaps all was not lost. If Adam Milligan could be persuaded to sell his soul then he would become the Righteous Man the Apocalypse required.

That was only if the demon queen was kept in the dark about Adam Milligan's origins.

Castiel knew that Lilith was cunning. If she even felt like she was being deceived, she would prevent Adam from spilling blood in Hell. The boy would be tortured for eternity for nothing.

Raphael did not know what he was doing. He knew that Lilith would not easily be tricked and yet he was willing to destroy an innocent human's life for an plan of action that may or may not come to fruition.

Castiel was in a difficult situation. He did not want to see an innocent young man come to harm but he also was loath to go against an angel of superior rank. Raphael did not care for the human race as Castiel did, he saw them as pawns to be moved around in order to achieve his goals. The dark-haired angel though, had seen first hand that humans were not puppets and could easily change the course of their own destiny. Sam Winchester, fated from birth to release the fallen angel Lucifer, had not followed the path Heaven had set out for him. The young man had used his God-given gift of freewill to save his brother from damnation and bring the Apocalypse to a grinding halt even before it was begun. Mankind never ceased to amaze Castiel. Oftentimes he would find himself believing that he had his Father's final creations figured out only to be proven wrong.

The angel glanced up at the darkening sky and sighed. Everything would be so much easier if Sam Winchester had not made that demon deal.

SPN

Dean was afraid to move. Sam seemed to be content, calm- at least for the moment- and the older brother did not want to disturb his sibling. Sam's head was resting against Dean's chest while his hands remained fisted- loosely- in his shirt.

Sam's breathing was slow and shallow. He was sleeping.

The young man looked up when Bobby came into the living room and stopped by the side of the couch, smiling down at the brothers.

"How's 'e doing?"

Dean managed to shrug without jostling Sam, "He's getting some rest."

Bobby nodded, eyeing the youngest Winchester sadly.

"I've got a car I'm gonna work on," he told Dean- somewhat reluctantly- and tugged at his baseball cap, "If you need anything, just give me a holler."

Dean nodded, "Will do."

"An' make sure Sam gets something to eat when he wakes up," Bobby added, gazing at the young man's pale, thin face.

Again, Dean told Bobby he would do as he asked. Bobby didn't doubt that the older brother would listen to him. Dean would take care of Sam.

The eldest Winchester watched the veteran hunter walk out the front door without looking back. Even though he knew Bobby would only be in the garage at the side of the house, Dean felt as though the other man was abandoning him- which was ridiculous- and sighed. He raised a hand and ran his fingers through his brother's unwashed hair. Sam made a soft whimper and nuzzled his face against Dean's chest.

"It's okay, Sammy," Dean murmured, his voice barely audible, "I'm right here."

SPN

Bobby stepped inside once it started getting dark. He had fiddled around with a local's restored Thunderbird for a few hours before realizing that he needed a new part for the car and decided it could wait another a greasy hand across his brow and turned to where Dean was still sitting on the couch.

Both brothers were awake. Dean had Sam cradled on his lap, his younger brother's hands fisted in his shirt. The older Winchester had his head bent down and was whispering to Sam.

As Bobby walked further into the den, Dean glanced up and mouthed the word 'nightmare'. Bobby nodded and glanced sympathetically at the youngest Winchester; his face was damp with tear-tracks and his eyes were red.

Deciding it best to give the brothers some privacy, Bobby made his way into the kitchen to get himself cleaned up before seeing to dinner.

Turning on the hot-water tap, Bobby washed his hands quickly, his thoughts focused on the brothers in the other room.

Sam had been through Hell this past year and he was terribly fragile right now. Bobby knew Dean would look after his brother, protect him, coax him out of this shell Sam had around him. Bobby hoped that both brothers would be able to heal from the events of the last twelve months. Bobby knew he himself was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Sam was still alive and that there really were angels out there- a realization that had taken a backseat to the youngest Winchester's miraculous reappearance- and would help both Winchesters as much as he could to clear this latest obstacle.

Wiping his hands on the tea towel hanging from the oven handle, Bobby blinked his eyes as they suddenly stung with unshed tears and he quickly blotted them with the towel before heading to the living room.

Dean looked up once again when he saw Bobby. The veteran hunter paused, Sam hadn't moved, he still lay curled up against his brother.

"I can make up some soup for supper if you want," Bobby said quietly and Dean nodded, "That'd be great."

Bobby watched as the eldest Winchester ran a hand through his brother's hair for a moment before turning back into the kitchen.

SPN

After Bobby and the brothers had eaten, Dean led Sam into the first-floor bathroom, wanting to check his injuries again- make sure they were not getting infected- and wash the younger man's hair, something that had been neglected the night before.

Now that Sam was fairly calm and relaxed around him, Dean hoped that his brother would talk, maybe even lift his head up enough to make eye-contact. Dean knew he had to be patient though, things weren't going to change overnight. He would take baby-steps if that was what Sam needed.

Sam sat down on the closed lid of the toilet, head down and hands in his lap. Dean had brought along a clean pair of clothes with him, and sat them on the counter. He crouched down in front of his brother now so he wasn't towering over Sam and spoke gently.

"Do you need help getting your sweater off?"

Sam nodded his head but said nothing. Dean helped pull the hoodie up over his brother's head, recalling the time when it actually fit Sam and his brother wasn't swimming in it. Dean checked the wounds and was satisfied that they were healing nicely. Sam undressed while Dean ran water into the tub. After helping Sam into the bathtub, Dean waited patiently, flicking through a magazine from the collection beside the toilet.

Once Sam was finished, Dean turned to him, "Sammy, can I help you wash your hair?"

The younger man only hesitated a moment before he nodded. Dean had found a green plastic pail- a child's toy, probably from when the brothers had been young- that Bobby had kept and stowed away in case it was ever needed.

Dean filled the pail with warm water from the bathtub's tap and told Sam to lean his head forward and close his eyes. Dean didn't think Sam would want to have his head submerged underwater so doing it like this suited Dean fine. It kind of reminded him of the times he'd do this for his brother when Sam had been a toddler.

Dean continued to talk as he worked, letting Sam know exactly what he was doing. Dean knew that although Sam trusted him, he was still scared and didn't blame him at all.

As Dean lifted the pail to rinse the soap from Sam's hair, he couldn't help but smile when he saw the corner's of Sam's mouth were curled up- not really in a smile, but almost- and guessed it must feel pretty damn good to have clean hair for the first time in a year.

The things people take for granted, Dean mused as he assisted Sam getting out of the tub and handed him a warm, fluffy towel.

"Feel better?" Dean asked; Sam nodded without looking at him.

Sam dressed slowly- Dean could see him starting to tire- but the older brother didn't rush him. Once Sam was presentable, Dean opened the bathroom door and walked out into the short, narrow hallway that led to the living room.

The young man followed his brother as Dean walked out into the den.

"Why don't you sit on the couch?" Dean suggested, "I'll be back in a minute."

Sam didn't respond but made his way over to the piece of furniture and sank onto the cushions. Dean shared a glance with Bobby who was in the kitchen doing the dishes and nodded his head in the direction of the staircase.

Bobby gave him a thumbs up and Dean took the stairs, heading to the guest bedroom he and Sam usually shared when they stayed here, where the laundry hamper was.

While he was upstairs, the eldest Winchester changed into some more comfortable clothes as well and made his way back down to see Sam sitting exactly as he had been left.

Dean settled in beside his brother. Sam's damp bangs stuck to his brow, nearly obscuring his eyes. The young man listed to the side until his cheek rested against Dean's shoulder; Sam pulled his feet up onto the couch cushions and grabbed his brother's shirt with one hand.

Bobby smiled as he made his way into the living room, handing Dean a bottle of beer.

Sam didn't move. His eyes were closed; he was sleeping.

Carefully, Dean reached up a hand and carded his fingers through Sam's damp locks, untangling them as he did so.

Bobby took a seat on one of the two faded, flower-print chairs- his Karen just had to have them- and nursed his own beer.

"He's starting to look like the old Sam again," the grizzled hunter whispered and Dean smiled slightly.

The older brother felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes, he hoped that Sam would soon be acting like his old self as well as looking like it. He didn't say it though, knowing that it would likely take a while for his brother to full become himself again.

But Dean could be patient when he had to be. Especially when it came to Sammy. For Sam, Dean had all the time in the world.

SPN

Nineteen-year old Adam Jacob Milligan was unaware of being watched. He was just glad to have a few months holidays. It was early May and finals were over. It felt good to be back home. He had missed his Mom.

Not that Adam saw her very often, even when he was home. She often worked the night-shift (and as much overtime as they would give her) at the hospital- the ones the other nurses didn't particularly like- so she slept most of the day.

Most kids Adam's age couldn't wait to get out on their own, become independent and constantly complained about their parents, but not him. His Mom was the best, in his opinion. She had worked extremely hard to save up enough to help him pay for university- not an easy feat for a single parent- and Adam respected her and loved her all the more for her sacrifices.

He had tried to contact his father the day he'd received his acceptance to Wisconsin State University but the number he had was no longer in service. Adam had tried not to feel too bad about that, he was sure his Dad was proud of him. Besides, he was used to John Winchester's long absences and lack of communication. Adam was sure his father would show up sometime, wanting to catch up on all he'd missed.

W

"Mom! I'm going out, do you need anything?" Adam called, staring into the refrigerator.

"Can you pick up some bread and milk on your way home?"

"Sure," he closed the door and walked to where Kate Milligan stood in the kitchen doorway, her old soft housecoat wrapped around her shoulders.

She looks tired, Adam thought as he gave his mother a peck on the cheek.

"Don't stay out too late," Kate advised and Adam rolled his eyes comically, "Okay, Mom."

"I mean it," she pressed, smiling, and waved goodbye to Adam as he made his way to the front of the house.

Adam was looking forward to spending some time with his friends. They had suggested going out for pizza and then catching a movie at the local theatre. As the young man strolled down the sidewalk, waving to his neighbours, he didn't feel the blue eyes of a trench-coat wearing angel on him.

SPN

Castiel watched the Milligan boy with interest. He knew he should not be there but he could not help it. This boy could be in danger. Raphael had plans for him. The archangel seemed to believe that this boy, who shared Winchester blood, was the key to starting the Apocalypse.

The angel watched as Adam met up with his friends, grinning and laughing, joking about something Castiel did not understand. One of Adam's friends put his arm over the young man's shoulders, shaking him playfully.

Castiel tilted his head, trying to imagine this young human breaking the first Seal in Hell. He could not do so. He was ignorant of what was really out there- as the majority of humans were- and seemed the most unlikely candidate for Raphael's plan, despite his lineage.

But who was he to argue with the archangel?

SPN

"D'n," Sam whispered, barely audible and shook his brother's shoulder.

"Huh? What? Sammy," Dean muttered tiredly and sat up straighter on the couch, "Are you okay?"

Sam looked down and let out an unintelligible whimper.

He felt Dean's strong arms wrap around him and melted into the embrace.

"It's okay, Sammy," his brother told him, "I'm here. I'm not letting anything bad happen to you."

Sam's heartbeat- sped up from fear and adrenaline- slowed down and he sighed, leaning his head against Dean's chest.

He had missed Dean so much the past year; the knowledge that he would never see his brother again the most painful thing about the deal. Sam hadn't been allowed to say goodbye; the last time he had seen Dean, he had been lounging on his motel bed, one hand resting on his knee as he channel surfed. Dean had barely even glanced at him before he'd walked out the door.

Sam gave a shuddering sigh and buried his face against Dean's chest, tears leaking from his eyes.

"Sam?" Dean whispered, "What's wrong? Hey, c'mon, its alright."

Sam shook his head and tried to control himself. Dean's grip tightened and he began carding his fingers through Sam's hair comfortingly.

Sam was glad Dean didn't say anything. He closed his eyes and told himself that he was safe now, that Dean would protect him.

Author's Note:

1. Chapter title comes from a R.E.M. song of the same name.

2. Thanks to mandancie, cold kagome, angeleyenc, L.A.H.H, Elisab68, babyreaper, BranchSuper, reannablue, sarah, jkf340, MysteryMadchen, SPN Mum, What You See in the Shadows, SamDeanLover28, Sivadkristal1447, horsegirlrule, BlueElly and Guest for reviewing.

3. Thanks to everyone who alerted, followed, and favourited.

4. I uploaded this chapter but wasn't happy with it and took it down. Sorry for anyone who got excited to see that this was updated. I really have to work on my self control and stop posting new chapters until I am completely satisfied with them.

5. Please leave a review.