Parting Gift
Disclaimer: Winchesters are Kirpke's, Brotherhood characters are Ridley's.
Chapter 12

A/N: There are a couple of quotes directly from L. Burke's story in this chapter, other's I paraphrased. Hope nobody minds. Hopefully last few chapters will be posted by tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone!-Montez

Sam awoke early the next morning. It would be the morning he would finally see his brother. Mac had stopped by his room the night before to let him know that he had talked with Caleb and Dean had woken up a couple of times, each time asking about Sam. Between the pain medication and the exhaustion the Guardian's body had been feeling, he didn't stay awake very long, but each time Caleb had assured his best friend that Sam was safe and with Mac.

Stepping from the shower, towel secured around his waist, Sam ran his hand over the steamed up mirror. It had been weeks since he really looked at his reflection in a mirror. And the image looking back at him seemed a shadow of the person he was. He noticed his hair was longer, almost shabby looking. Reaching for his comb he combed it back, honestly thinking of getting a hair cut once he knew his brother was okay. He also had bags under his eyes from the lack of sleep over the last several weeks, it made him look older than his twenty-seven years. Sam then ran his hand over the beard that had overtaken his angled features, it had been a while since he had shaved. He was honestly surprised no one had commented on his unusual facial hair. Sam was always the cleaner cut of the brothers, Dean normally harboring the slight five o'clock shadow.

Opening the medicine cabinet he found his razor and a can of shaving cream. It took him nearly twenty minutes to get his face back to the smoother look he normally wore. But in removing the facial hair, it made his hollow cheeks more noticeable. It was obvious he had lost weight, he had ignored his cloths telling him that, but his sunken cheeks could not be ignored. Mac was right, he needed to start taking better care of himself, but he needed to see his brother first. As he finished in the bathroom he stepped into the room he shared with Dean and noticed his brother's duffle on the floor near his bed, where it had remained untouched for nearly a week now. Taking a few deep breaths, to control the emotions that were trying to build, he crossed the room, pulling open the drawer of the dresser and getting out his cloths, Sam then proceeded to get dressed.

Mac was already in the kitchen when Sam entered, the older man pouring him a cup of coffee as they sat at the table. "Bobby has already headed to the hospital this morning. Do you want something to eat?" Mac asked.

Sam wrapped his hands around the hot coffee mug as he stared into the dark liquid. "I don't think I could eat if I wanted." He looked up and met Mac's gaze. "I don't think I was this scared before Detroit." A nervous chuckle/sob escaped the younger man.

"You will do fine; just remember what we talked about last night. I'll discuss our plan with Caleb and if Dean is conscious enough you can tell him. I believe they will both understand and be completely supportive." Silence settled over the kitchen as each man finished their coffee, then headed out the door.

The drive to the hospital was quiet. Sam took the time to focus and practice the relaxation techniques that he and Mac had talked about the night before. Though Mac didn't have the ability to read minds like his son did, the older man could clearly tell a part of Sam was terrified of seeing his brother.

Once arriving they made their way to the third floor, pausing outside 318, Dean's room. "You can do this, everything will be okay Sam, I promise." Mac laid an encouraging hand on Sam's shoulder. After another calming, deep breath, Sam placed his hand on the door, gently pushing it open.

It took a moment for Sam's eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room. It was still early morning, the blinds partially opened, the light over the bed the only artificial lighting. Caleb was slumped awkwardly in a chair next to the hospital bed. The bruising obvious, even in the low light, a black cast encasing the Knight's left arm was also noticeable. Sam felt his heart rate increase as his eyes finally traveled to the figure lying in the bed.

It was a running joke that Sam, being the younger brother, was taller than his older brother by a couple of inches. It was something Dean seemed to always want to point out. However now looking at the still form of his brother, Dean had never looked so small, so vulnerable. Sam felt tears fill his eyes as he took a step forward, Mac remaining near the door. Unnoticed by Sam Caleb had opened his eyes and looked at his father who only gave a small nod, silently telling his son to give Sam a moment to process what he was seeing.

As the Scholar stopped next to the bed, he felt a tear slip free as he took in the paleness of his brother's skin. The Guardian almost blended in with the stark white hospital sheets, but his face and exposed arms were an array of vivid purple and near black bruises. Small cuts and scraps were also noticeable, a few requiring stitches. However it was the larger white bandage taped to the side of Dean's neck, near where his neck and shoulder met that caused Sam's breath to hitch. Mac had explained Dean's injuries to him, but to see, to know his brother had nearly bled to death from what could have been mistaken as a small wound caused his vision to narrow, his mind having a problem processing what he was seeing.

Mac stepped up to the younger man, Caleb watching them both. "He's alive Sam, everything else will heal. You need to take a few deep breaths, I need you to focus." Mac had felt the spike in energy as Sam stared at Dean.

Mac's words seemed to filter through the haze that had taken over his mind. Without realizing it, Sam now noticed the energy starting to build. Closing his eye's he focused on the quiet sound of his brother's breaths. Slowly the energy faded downward, as it should. Finally opening his eye's again Caleb's concerned voice broke the tension in the room.

"About time you showed up Prue." Caleb noticed the roll of eye's his father shot him at the Charmed reference.

Sam paled slightly at the comment, "Don't call me that." Reaching over to take his brother's hand the Scholar looked back toward the Knight, "How is he?"

After listening to Caleb relay to Sam how Dean was doing, Mac excused himself, giving the boys some needed time alone. When Caleb gave his father a worried glance Mac reassured, "I'm monitoring him, he's stable right now. I felt it would benefit them both if they could see each other." The younger psychic nodded as Mac slipped from the room.

A few minutes passed as Sam reluctantly released his brother's hand and pulled a chair next to the bed, he glanced toward Caleb who was looking him over with a critical eye. "You look like shit Runt."

"You and Bobby know how to make someone feel better." Sam somberly answered. "Caleb, I'm sorry…"

Sam's apology was stopped by the Knight. "There's nothing to be sorry about. It wasn't you; I just wish you would have let us know something was up sooner." Caleb's tone lacked any accusation, only concern for his friend. "We were all messed up by what happened. I think it took a bit of each of our souls, but you should have learned by know, we are in this together. What affects one of us affects all of us."

Sam let out a nervous chuckle, "All for one and one for all."

"Damn straight. Been that way for over twenty-five years, why would it change now." Caleb finally smiled, a hint of it reaching his eyes.

It was quiet for a few minutes when the whispery voice of Dean could be heard, "Sssmmmyy?"

Caleb and Sam both stood, "Sam's right here, he's okay, Mac finally brought him in."

Even with his eyes still closed, Dean reached his hand toward his brother, the natural draw they had toward each other allowed them both to find the other no matter what. "Okay? …Nose was ….bleeding?" Dean struggled to open his eyes, wanting desperately to see his little brother's face.

"I will be." Sam commented as his brother's fingers wrapped around his hand, the connection they shared flaring with a new intensity.

Caleb looked toward Sam, "I'm gonna find Mac. Give you guys a chance to catch up." Sam gave the older man an appreciative nod as Caleb crossed the room, slipping out the door.