Summary: Through a tragedy, Sam learns that Dean will never leave him, he will always be there to protect him. This story takes place during Folsom Prison Blues, and becomes an AU story.

I just wanted to thank everyone who reviewed and read the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. I hope to have the next part up tomorrow, but it maybe Monday.

Oh patron saint of lonely souls
Tell this boy which way to go
Guide the car, you got the keys
Farewell to mediocrity
Kicking off the cruise-control
And turning up the radio
Got just enough religion
And a half tank of gas come on, let's go

Lost Highway- by Bon Jovi

The Last Night Part 11

Sam had spent two weeks in the infirmary, and was feeling much better. In the mornings he helped Nurse Cathy with little jobs. Sam really liked her and the rest of the staff, and loved to help them. Nurse Cathy even had been taking her lunch break with Sam. During that time, they would eat, talk and work on Sam's speech if they had the time. She was really becoming like the mom he never had.

Sam looked forward to bedtime because he knew Dean would be there to talk to. Dean was always around, and Sam knew it. He would feel a gentle brush up against his back when he was worried.

Dean could touch Sam without materializing and that made things a bit easier. Dean had kept his word and had held Sam's hand during the physical, and that had made it not so bad. Dean would also whisper encouraging words in Sam's ear when no one was around. Sam had been caught replying a couple of times. That had netted him some strange looks, but Sam was ok with people thinking he was strange, as long as he got to have Dean around.

Sam was nervous this morning. Today, he was transferring to his new cell with the rest of the population. Sam remembered how uncomfortable it had been the first time he had had to spend time with the other inmates. He knew that they would say mean things and look at him funny.

He was happy that he wouldn't have a cellmate. He wouldn't have to deal with sharing space with an inmate and Dean could still visit him. He would get to work in the infirmary, and he was glad for that.

Sam had just finished his breakfast when he noticed that Deacon had arrived to take him on a tour of his new cell and jobs. Sam watched as Nurse Cathy caught Deacon by the arm before he reached Sam.

"Deacon, are you sure Sam can't stay here?" Sam noticed that Nurse Cathy had tears that she was fighting back.

Deacon looked down at his feet and cleared his throat. Sam thought he looked very uncomfortable, which was strange to see because Deacon always looked in control.

"You know I'd love for him to stay, but we're really pushing things by letting him stay this long. He'll have his own cell, and will only be around the other inmates for meals." Deacon approached Sam with a smile.

"How are you this morning Sam? Ready for the grand tour?" Sam could tell that Deacon was trying to be confident for him.

"I-I good Sir. I ready, I put my stuff in this box." Sam walked over and put an arm around Nurse Cathy. "Pleeease don't cry. I be ok. I promise, and you see me eeevery day, ok?" Sam smiled as Nurse Cathy took him in a big hug. When she let go, she patted Sam on the arm.

"You're my good brave boy aren't you Sam? I know you'll be fine. I tend to worry over nothing. But if anything happens that makes you upset, you'll tell me, right Sam?" Sam felt her take his right hand in hers and she squeezed it.

"I promise." Sam smiled as he hugged Nurse Cathy once more and then picked up the box that contained all his personal effects.

"I'll see you later, ok?" Nurse Cathy said as Sam turned with box in hand.

Sam smiled, "Ok."

"I ready now, Sir." Sam replied as he walked over to Deacon.

"Alright Sam. " Deacon patted him on the back and gave Nurse Cathy a wave as they headed out of the infirmary.

oooOOOooo

Sam followed Deacon to his new cell where he deposited his belongings and then followed Deacon to the janitorial closet.

"Ok, Sam, in the mornings you'll get up with the other inmates, shower and head over to mess hall for breakfast." Sam's eyes got big at this bit of news.

He felt Deacon pat him on the shoulder. "It is going to be ok Sam, you won't be alone. One of the guards, either me or one of my trusted friends, will keep an eye on you at all times while you're with the other inmates. It won't be easy, they may say mean things, just try not to let what they say get to you. Ok?" Sam nodded.

He remembered the first time in, how some of the inmates liked to pick on the new guys. He was starting to feel a bit afraid, when he felt a gentle squeeze of his hand. Dean was here, and Sam knew everything would be ok.

Sam relaxed a bit and, Deacon sensing that Sam was more at ease, continued. "After breakfast, you'll come back down here to the empty cells with one of the guards, and sweep and mop. When you're done, you'll take a break with the guard in the exercise yard. It will be empty, and most of our guards like to take a smoke break at that time, so you can get some outside time while they take their break. You'll then have lunch with the rest of the inmates. Do you understand so far Sam?"

"Yes, Sir. I-I glad I not with the others much. Thank you Sir." Sam gave Deacon a small smile. He was still worried about his time with the inmates, but he knew he would have to be brave. It's what Dean would want him to do.

"Sam, I wish you didn't have to be with them at all, but I think everything will be ok. The guards will be watching out for you, I promise. After lunch, you'll head to the infirmary, and you'll work there until dinner time. You'll eat in the mess hall, and then head back to your cell for the night. Not too bad is it Sam?" Deacon gave Sam a reassuring smile.

"No, Sir. Soooo, you want me to start cleaning the cells?" Sam reached for a broom out of the closet.

"Sure Sam, that would be great. Oh, and do you remember tomorrow is visitor's day? Bobby will be here tomorrow to see you." Deacon patted Sam on the back as Sam headed over to the first cell to clean.

"Yes, Sir, I member. He visit me, uh six more times, then I go live with him." Sam smiled happy with the knowledge that all of this will be over soon. His lawyer, the nice lady name Mara, had told him that with his good behavior, he would only have to stay two months.

Deacon smiled. "That's right Sam, not long at all."

oooOOOooo

For the most part, Dean had thought that Sam's first day with the inmates had gone ok. A couple had made some remarks about the fact that Sam must be the guard's bitch, with all the attention Sam got from the guards. Dean had noticed Sam flush in embarrassment, but was proud of him for not responding.

Dean wasn't able to ignore the jerks like his brother. As soon as the two who had picked on Sam got up to leave, they both became clumsy.

"Hey Tony, that retard, sure is good for some laughs huh?" Jeff mumbled to his friend as they got up from the table.

Tony chuckled. "Yeah, retard was turning every shade of red there is, I reckon!" Tony said as he rose from the table. As Tony started to follow his friend, Dean "accidentally" put his foot in front of Tony, sending the man tumbling to the floor landing on his ass. His friend Jeff laughed hysterically.

A crowd had gathered and as Jeff turned to leave. Dean "accidentally" found his foot tripping Jeff. As Jeff fell forward, he had the unfortunate luck of bumping face first into the crotch of Bubba, one of the larger inmates. Dean had trouble not laughing out loud. Dean smiled as he noted that Sam had taken everything in from the corner of the mess hall.

Dean noticed that Deacon had his hands full, seems Bubba was using Jeff as a punching bag. Dean smiled.

oooOOOooo

After Sam was situated in his cell for the night, Dean appeared. "Hey kiddo, how you holding up?'

Dean noticed Sam's eyes light up the moment he saw Dean. " I ok, Dean. It long day. I miss infirmary, and I not like eating with tttthe uh…"

"Jerks." Dean finished for him.

"J-jerks, yeah, I not like them. T-they say mean things, but it be ok, I-I leave here soon, right?" Dean noticed the determined look on his little brothers face.

"That's right, and I'll protect you while you're here. Sam, you know that right?"

Sam nodded.

"Good, Sam. Did you see what happened to those to idiots that picked on you at dinner Sam?" Dean gave Sam a big smirk.

Sam nodded and laughed. "That was you D-dean?"

Dean patted Sam's leg and nodded.

"D-dean that was awesome! Sooo, you can do things even when I can't see you?" Sam eyes were big.

"Sure can kiddo. It takes me a bit of concentration and I have to focus real hard, but I can do it. If something happens to you then I want you to remember that it might take me a minute, but I'll help you ok?" Dean hated that he wasn't always available to help Sam, but being a spirit did have its draw backs.

"That ok, Dean, I uuunderstand. I know you here for me." Sam snuggled up closer to his brother.

"Always Sam, always." Dean sighed and leaned into Sam.