Within a few seconds of Yellow Eyes making an appearance, Sam Winchester had a gun pressed to his temple. A gun belonging to Dean Winchester.

"You give my brother back his fucking soul, or I'll shoot," Dean's hand shook, but he kept the weapon in place. Sam laughed, the movement shaking the gun even more than before.

"Oh, Dean. I'm so hurt. How could you do such a thing to your own brother?"

"You're not my brother," Dean's voice was a harsh snarl. With a click, the gun was loaded.

"And if you blow my brains out, you have…let me see, zero chance of getting your whiny bitch of a brother back," Sam looked up at him with a smirk, "So go on. Shoot."

Dean wavered but refused to lower the gun. They were just waiting for Dean to show his weakness, and he'd be damned if he let that happen.

"Now, now, boys. Save the family crisis for later," Yellow Eyes tutted softly before clicking his fingers. The devil's trap was once again broken, and Ruby managed to wriggle free from her restraints.

"How impolite, tying up a lady."

"She's no lady," Dean spat, "She may as well be a parasite."

Ruby knelt and released Sam, and she quickly stole a kiss with a menacing smirk before looking over at Dean in disgust.

"I'm this vessel's sole inhabitant," she raised an eyebrow, "Spirit of the poor girl in here left the building a year ago when they pulled the plug on her. I coulda trapped her in here, made her watch what I was making her body do. But I didn't, guess I'm too soft."

Dean wasn't sure how to respond to that. But Ruby wasn't done.

"Y'know, it's funny. 'Cause do you even think about the people inside? Did you even think about the possibility of there being a human spirit rooming in here with me? Or were you too pissed to consider that?" Ruby shrugged, "I must value human life more than you, a human. How does that work, huh?"

"Shut the fuck up about valuing humans!" Dean yelled, "If you're so precious about 'em, why is my brother trapped in a damn piece of glass? Why was he taken out of his own body? Is that how you value his life?"

"I don't blame 'em, Dean," Sam snickered, "I don't know how you even put up with that part of me."

Yellow Eyes merely watched with a small smirk.

Dean clenched his fist, "I'm sorry, Sammy."

He pulled the trigger. The Younger Winchester cried out in pain, falling to the floor as blood pumped from the fresh bullet wound in his shoulder. He clasped his hand over it as best he could to slow down the bleeding.

Ruby flicked her hand, eyes jet black, and sent Dean flying into the nearest wall. He landed heavily and cursed before struggling back to his feet.

"Play nicely, children," Yellow Eyes said quietly, "It's such a shame. I merely came to collect these two and get them back on track. I did not expect this childish display."

"Just a little fun," Ruby shrugged dismissively, but gasped sharply as a bullet lodged into her chest. It had no effect on the demon besides the surprise. But it gave Dean time. The hunter leapt up from his landing spot, shoving Yellow Eyes aside and grabbing Ruby by the shoulders. Delving his hand into several of her jacket's pockets – how many pockets did one jacket need? – he finally retrieved what he was looking for. The light forced Dean look away, but he dodged Ruby's last attempt at snatching Sam's soul back.

"God, I hope this works," Dean muttered under his breath, but spoke louder as he opened his hand and allowed the glass vial to drop to the concrete, "Time to go home, Sammy."

Sam looked up from nursing his bullet wound and his eyes widened in an instant. Ruby gasped out a "no", while Yellow Eyes, well, he just looked disappointed. The glass shattered upon impact and tiny shards scattered across the floor. The light was finally free. The soul expanded as if stretching out after being confined to such a small space, but made its way back to its owner. Sam moved away as fast as he could until his back was pressed against the wall. For once in his soulless life, he looked truly afraid.

Sam's soul flooded back into his body through his mouth, eerily similar to demonic possession but far more graceful. Sam yelled in what seemed to be agony, before collapsing completely. Dean ran to him in an instant.

"Sam! Sammy, c'mon, bro. C'mon. S'alright," he placed both hands on his brother's face, desperate for any sign of consciousness.

"Such a shame. Such a waste," Yellow Eyes sighed softly, "I suppose I have no choice but to-"

"Dean?" Sam slowly opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings in slight confusion.

"Yeah, I'm here," Dean hadn't seemed to take into account that he still had a problem on his hands. Sam may be back, but two demons weren't just going to disappear. The shock subsided and the younger man winced at the pain in his shoulder, gaping a little at the blood, but still grabbed his brother into a hug, beginning to cry almost instantly. Dean struggled to fight tears welling up in his eyes, wrapping his arms tightly around his little brother.

"It's all gonna be okay, Sammy," his voice was as soft as he could make it, holding his brother tight. That was, however, until he was wrenched him from Sam's grip and thrown against the wall. Dean crumpled into a heap on the hard floor, completely dazed for a few moments. Sam struggled to his feed and thought desperately for a plan.

"Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritis…" his memory hadn'y failed him. But something compelled him to do something else. Something more powerful. He raised his hand towards Yellow Eyes, focusing hard on killing. His fear of the demon, his anger for taking him away, only intensified whatever was happening. Light flickered from inside the Yellow Eyed Demon, leaving the shadows of his skeleton while he choked and winced.

Sam's focus was cut short as something went into his side. He didn't feel the pain at first. He felt something sharp penetrate his skin and go in deep. But there were a few seconds of confusion and disorientation before the pain began. Before he felt his hot blood pouring from the wound as Ruby yanked the blade from out of him.

"Sammy!" Dean got up instantly as his little brother was punched directly in the face by the brunette demon repeatedly before he had the chance to defend himself. Sam stumbled and staggered with every blow before tumbling to the floor after a hit to the jaw. His eye had swollen shut and his skin was growing paler from the blood streaming from two large wounds. Dean could see the disorientation in his eyes as he just lay there, helpless on the floor. Not for long.

Before Dean reached Sam, a crack rang out in the room promptly followed by a cry of pain as Ruby telekinetically snapped the younger Winchester brother's arm.

"Leave him alone, you black eyed skank!" Dean roared protectively, but his voice clearly sounded desperate. He slammed against a wall and found himself stuck there. Yellow Eyes flashed him a grin.

"I wish we didn't have to do this, Sam. You had such potential," he sighed wistfully, but a small smile returned as he observed the torture. Ruby didn't just stop at a broken arm. One by one, Ruby went for his other arm, his ribs, his femurs.

"No…No more," Sam begged between cries of pain, "Please…no more!"

He tried to push himself up but fell back from the pain of putting weight on his broken bones.

"But we're having so much fun, Sammy," Ruby smiled as innocently as she could manage, slowly beginning to clench her fist. Sam's screams ceased. Instead, he began to choke, blood dribbling from his mouth, and spattering the floor and himself with every cough. Blood got into his airways and only made him choke further, his face creased with agony in accompaniment to the meaty sound that made Dean's stomach churn.

"I'll kill you! I swear, I'll kill you!" Dean yelled, struggling against the invisible force without prevail.

Sam daren't move in fear of even more pain. The younger man's eyes began to droop, surrendering to the hazed vision and the agony of his slow murder. He couldn't fight it anymore, he just wanted it to be over.

"Kill me," Sam let out a sob, "You…you kill me…right now."

Ruby grinned and raised her knife, but Yellow Eyes came over and took the weapon away.

"Enough now," he said quietly, "I think he's paid his debt."

Ruby smirked and stepped over Sam's broken body laying limp on the hard concrete floor. Dean fell to his knees upon release from the invisible restraint, his face wet with tears. He'd never seen, nor wanted to ever see, his little brother in so much pain. He'd comforted him after breaking his arm from jumping off that damn shed as a kid, he'd seen him cry from falling and grazing his knee more times than he could count. Sam had been injured in hunts before, sure. Scratches, cuts and bruises, occasionally a larger gash on his leg or something. Possibly a concussion. But the screams. They were something he hadn't heard, nor had prepared himself to hear. He couldn't bear witnessing his brother go through so much torture with no way of helping him. No way to protect him like he'd always promised his father he would.

The older Winchester brother knelt beside Sam in an instant, moving him as gently as he could so his torso was in his big brother's arms. Sam whimpered softly and his face twisted in pain as his broken bones were disturbed. Instinctively, Dean let out soft hushing sounds as he did to Rose, and to young Sam before her. His hand slowly ran through his brother's hair as tears rolled down both brothers' faces.

"D…Dean," Sam sounded as if he had to force his words out, "I'm…sorry."

"You got nothin' to be sorry for, Sammy," Dean's voice wavered and shook, "Now you gotta hold on for me, you hear? You got a little girl who needs her old man."

"Rose…Rosie," Sam's voice was a weak whisper.

"Yeah, she's missed you like crazy. Never stopped askin' for ya. But I took care of her for you. Still don't think I'm her favourite yet," Dean smiled, but his lips were trembling too much for him to keep it up.

Sam let out a feeble sob, resting his head in the crook of Dean's elbow. He went in and out of consciousness, his mind drifting away to better times. His wedding day, Jess' beautiful dress, her smile growing wider as she approached him down the aisle. His whole body shaking with nerves that melted away at the sight of his soon-to-be-wife. Her hands slipping into his. Their vows. The kiss. Their honeymoon in New York City. Their lazy days at home and date nights out. That date night, when Jess brandished several positive pregnancy tests to a bewildered, shocked and terrified Sam. The baby shopping trips…

"Sam!"

Sam was smiling vaguely, eyes unfocused and staring into nothingness. Dean shook him gently.

"Cmon, Sammy! C'mon. Sam!" he gently slapped the younger Winchester's face. But his mind was too far away. He remembered first holding Rose. Despite his fear for Jessica's wellbeing, the tiny bundle nestled in his arms had overwhelmed him with a sense of happiness he'd never experienced before. A happiness, yet fear at being responsible for a life. She was so perfect and small and her little blue eyes stared up at him as she seemed to cuddle closer to him. Everything around him melted away, and Sam Winchester closed his eyes for the last time. The smile faded into nothing as the young father took one last shaking breath before letting go.

"No, no. Oh, god. No!" Dean whispered, "Sammy, wake up. C'mon, man. Think of Rosie! She needs you, Sam, she needs you! Dammit! She asks for you all the time. Don't you go leaving your little girl. Don't you dare do this to her!" Dean's voice cracked. This was too similar to his nightmare – the one Cas made him forget – but one key detail was changed. Sam had a reason to live, he had something to fight for. His daughter was alive and needed her father. In that nightmare, Rose had been murdered, leaving Sam with nothing but his brother. Dean knew too well that his brother would choose death so he could be reunited with his wife and daughter over life with his brother and the guilt of losing them. But Dean wasn't giving Sam up so easy. For Rose's sake.

"He's gone, Dean," Yellow Eyes smiled with triumph. The eldest Winchester lay Sam on the ground, relieved he at least looked at peace, and shoved the demon into the wall.

"You bring him back," he growled, "What, just 'cause he's reject stock he doesn't deserve to carry on breathin'? His kid doesn't deserve her Dad?"

He turned to Ruby, "And you gave me all that bull about valuing human life? Before killing my brother in the bloodiest way you could?"

Ruby shrugged, "He was barely human when we finished with him."

Dean clenched his fist and was dangerously close to striking her across the face. Yellow Eyes stood between them.

"Dean," his voice was soft, "You're right."

"I'm…what?"

"Little Rose does need her father. He does a better job than you, that's for sure. But I can't merely let him go. I've invested so much in him. I'd leave with a loss."

Dean knew exactly where this was going.

"Sam gets up, goes home and can be a Daddy again. He's happy, Rosie's happy. And I'll come for something of yours."

"How long?" Dean's hazel eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm very busy. A few days, maybe. A week? Long enough for you to see I've kept my word."

A matter of days was a terrible offer for such a deal, but the hunter didn't care. Rosie needed Sam, Sam needed Rosie. And Sam would do just fine without his brother. He'd coped while Dean was away on hunts, so what's to say he couldn't cope now? He had Cas – who Dean was sure wouldn't leave Sam alone, even if it was just to visit Rosie -, Bobby, the Harvelles. His in-laws. He'd get along just fine. Dean daren't bargain for more, he just wanted Sam alive.

Before he realised, he was kissing Ruby. He at first tried to pull away, repulsed at kissing a demon, but he couldn't. Sam's life depended on it.

Sam gasped into life and his eyes flew open, but they immediately narrowed in pain. He barely moved in fair of further agony. He was alive, yet healed only enough to sustain him. The protective brother ran to his side, holding him as he had before.

"Dean?" Sam whispered, "I-I thought I…"

"Hang in there, Sammy. You're gonna be fine."

"Rosie?"

"You'll see Rosie. I promise. Ellen's taking good care of her for you. When you're all patched up, we-"

Bright light flooded the room and Ruby began to scream. Sam winced further and whimpered in pain, and Dean shielded his little brother's eyes as he turned to find the black eyed bitch collapse onto the concrete, eyes burned out, at Castiel's feet. The angel turned to Yellow Eyes, who promptly disappeared without another word. Sam clutched at Dean childishly, leaning on him heavily and groaning softly in pain. Castiel knelt before the two brothers.

"It's good to see you again, Sam," the angel nodded, "You should rest."

Two fingers on Sam's forehead sent him into a peaceful sleep. Dean kept hold of him but couldn't meet Castiel's eyes.

"I got here as fast as I could," the gravelly voice had a sad tone, "Not fast enough, it seems."

"S'alright, Cas. Not your fault for being banished," Dean watched his sleeping brother.

"I will try to stop it. Without causing harm to Sam," Castiel nodded solemnly.

"Just look out for Sam and Rosie for me. Please," Dean ran his hand through Sam's hair as if trying to sooth him.

"I'll do my best," Castiel let out a soft sigh, turning his attention to Sam, "His body is severely damaged. He's barely alive, Dean. I'm not sure I can heal it all at once."

"Get him home first. Bring Rosie and I back with you. Then you can figure it out," Dean shot a worried look at his brother. Castiel gave a small affirmative nod and took hold of Sam, disappearing with him along with the soft sound of wings.

Dean made his way upstairs, covered in Sam's blood, and was greeted with horrified stares.

"Is he…?" Bobby began.

"He's alive," Dean replied, "And he's himself. Cas took him home."

"But all that blood. He alright?" Ellen stood to pass sleeping Rose back to her uncle.

"Long story," Dean said quickly before turning to go back to the basement with Rose.

"You didn't," Bobby said quietly, "Right? Tell me you didn't."

"Didn't what?" Jo looked at both men in turn.

"Don't know what you're talkin' about, Bobby."

"You know exactly what I'm talkin' about, ya idjit!" Bobby exploded, "That demon killed him, di'n it? We heard them damn screams. That demon finished Sam off and let you make a deal to bring him back."

Dean said nothing, but softly soothed Rose as she stirred and made a bit of a fuss.

"Well, what a hero yer are," Bobby shook his head, "How long did ya get?"

"Long enough, Bobby," Dean got defensive, "Sam doesn't need me. He'll do just fine. I had no choice; Rose needs her Dad 'nd it's not like I'm any good at it. Not like I can resurrect him my damn self."

"Couldn't the angel done it?" Ellen frowned, folding her arms in a very "mom" kind of way.

"Cas disappeared. Like he was sent away by the demon or something. Conveniently didn't turn up again until after the deal was done. But I got a few days to get Sam on track. Get him back into the routine."

"Few…days?" Bobby said slowly, "Ya got a few days?"

Dean stayed quiet.

"You stupid-"

"I did it for Rosie. I barely coped taking care of her while Sam was gone. Hell, I sucked. She needs Sam, not me! He's a good Dad. A real good Dad. He deserves to be here with her more than I do. I love that kid more than anythin' else," Dean hugged Rose, now awake, closer to him, "I never thought I'd get to be an uncle, but I did, and Rosie's a great kid, so sweet and loving. But it's Sam who's wanted the damn apple pie life. He wanted to be a Dad. So why should I get to live and do his job? She might love me, but she loves him more than I've ever seen anyone love anyone. And last time I checked, it was my damn choice."

Castiel appeared behind Dean, and Rose smiled sleepily at him and waved at him. The angel smiled slightly and gave a small wave in return.

"Sam is resting. I've healed some of his injuries," Castiel said quietly, "I can take you and Rose home."

Dean nodded, but before he could go, Bobby grabbed the younger hunter in a hug.

"You make sure Sam's alright. You hear?"

"I will, Bobby," Dean nodded, blinking hard to fight tears springing in his eyes.

"I will try to stop this. And if I can't, I will get Dean out, somehow," Castiel interrupted. With a last nod to Ellen, Jo and Ash, for the last time as far as he knew, Dean stepped towards Castiel, and in the next second, he found himself in Sam's home. The living room to be exact. It was early evening and the eldest Winchester was exhausted, mentally and physically. Rose was wide awake, thanks to her nap in Ellen's arms.

"I will watch Rose. You need rest too, Dean," Castiel lifted the infant into his arms, who instantly grabbed the blue tie. Dean smiled, and he was sure he heard Castiel chuckle, before turning to go upstairs.

"She's gonna be so happy, Cas. Seeing her Dad again properly," he murmured, "It'll be like I don't exist."

"Dean…"

"S-alright, Cas. Really," Dean said dismissively and went upstairs without another word.

Sam woke late the next morning feeling better than he had in a while. He opened his blue-green eyes slowly and tears welled up in his eyes. The soft bed covers he and Jess had picked out together, the wedding and graduation photos on one bedside table and a picture of Rose at eight months old with a huge grin on the other. Home.

He hadn't an idea what had happened in the last month. He remembered Rose being kidnap, and how responsible he felt. He remembered Dean lying dead with a broken neck, begging for him to come back. He remembered kissing Ruby, then being transported to a rather luxury hotel room. Being given orders of unimaginable things. Torture, murder, gathering humans to be used as demon vessels. He remembered the metallic taste of Ruby's blood being forced down his throat, fresh from a cut on her arm, until he threw up. Only for the ordeal to repeat over and over until he could finally get it down and keep it down. He remembered a strange sense of power he couldn't control, the fear over it, his refusal to use it.

Then he remembered waking up in a different room, a basement of a tavern, it seemed. Dean was there, thank God. But he was more worried about Rose. Was she okay? How long had he been gone? He hoped desperately they hadn't killed her in his time away. The pain was a strong memory burned into his mind. The torture. He remembered giving up the fight and letting go, but life was forced back into him. He wanted to remember the space of time between death and resurrection, if that was what it was. Had he gone to heaven? Did he see Jess?

The door opened, and Dean entered the room. He began to smile as he looked at Sam.

"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty," he smirked, and Sam sat himself up slowly,

"Dean…how?"

"Doesn't matter how. You're alive, you're alright. That's what matters. Cas healed you up mostly. He'll do the rest later. Want some breakfast?"

Sam nodded and went to get out of bed.

"Woah there," Dean laughed quietly, "Breakfast in bed for you."

"But I have to see Rosie," the younger Winchester brought out the puppy eyes.

"All in good time. You gotta eat. Once you got some food in ya, I'll peel her off Cas and bring her to her Daddy, alright?"

Sam sighed quietly but nodded, "Alright."

"That's my boy," Dean grinned and went back downstairs, returning with some bacon, eggs and toast. Sam wolfed it down in a very un-Sam-like manner, but the hunter reasoned that he probably hadn't eaten in a while.

Before Dean could go downstairs to retrieve Rose, Castiel appeared in the doorway with her clinging on tight to his tie. She turned, however, and her gaze fell upon her father. At first she froze, staring at him, before becoming a little hesitant, a little shy. But as tears spilled from Sam's eyes and he held out his arms to her, she changed her mind and reciprocated. The toddler strained in Castiel's arms as she reached for her father, and nestled immediately into his warmth. Whether she recalled her encounter with her soulless father or not, she knew this was the real deal for sure. Sam wrapped his arms around his little girl, burying his head into her shoulder and running his hand through her soft curls. His hidden face muffled the sobs he produced.

"Dada," Rose said quietly, her fingers curling around his shirt and clinging tight.

Sam let out another involuntary sob and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Daddy's here."

Only two more chapters to go now! Thank you for following and supporting this fic, means a lot. This was my first ever SPN fanfic!

Please leave a review, I love to know what you think!