Sam sat silent on the edge of the bed as his father made the phone calls. It didn't take long.

The Winchester family was famous throughout the hunting community, mostly for John's exploits, but lately, Dean had been carving out his own reputation as a badass killer of everything evil.

Every hunter knew the value of the Winchester boys. And even if the youngest was only 12 years old, he'd been raised hard, a veteran of the hunter's life and a formidable foe to everything from vampires to ghouls.

Sam's life held a high value among hunters, which was why John was able to cement a deal so quickly.

He hung up the phone after his third call and turned to smile at Sam. "It's all set, son." He said, placing a proud hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, you know. This thing you're doing, I know it's hard, Sam. But you're putting the good of this family, the good of your brother, ahead of yourself, and that's something a true Winchester would do."

Sam nodded through the tears he refused to release as John continued.

"You remember Gary Grey? He has a boy about your age. We did a hunt with them down in Abilene a few years back? The poltergeist?"

Sam reached back in his memory, coming up with an image of a wiry guy with glasses and a kid that was a year or two older than himself. They'd seemed like a nice enough family. He nodded.

John smiled. "That's where you're going, Sam. They're good people. Gary's happy to get you. He'll treat you good. I've known him for years."

Sam just nodded, unable to speak. This was really happening. Even though it was his idea, Sam hadn't been sure Dad would really be on board with … with … selling him like this. Apparently, Sam had worried for nothing. The second Dad had realized what Sam was proposing, he'd lit up like a Christmas tree.

John looked around the room. "You got everything you need?" He asked, practically rubbing his hands together, Sam thought.

"Yeah, I'm good. I just n-need bus fare, I guess."

John nodded, smiling. He reached into his wallet and pulled out a credit card. "This one's legit, so you don't have to worry about using it, okay?" He said, handing it to the boy.

Sam took it, glancing once at the fake name. "Riley Winters?"

John nodded. "Applied for it myself a month or so back. It's got a $5,000 limit, and I've not used it yet, so it should last you for awhile. Get anything you need on it within a month, okay? Then toss it. You have your phone?"

Sam nodded.

John held out his hand, "I think you should leave that with me, son." He said.

Sam's eyes widened. "But what if something happens?" He asked, suddenly scared, "How will I …?"

John cut him off. "Gary knows how to get in touch with me if you need anything, Sam. Nothing's going to happen."

Sam nodded, suddenly remembering that this had been his idea. He fished his phone from his backpack and handed it to his father.

John handed him an address. "Now remember. The bus station is just behind us, a few blocks away. I'm counting on you not to let Bobby or Caleb see you go. You got it?" John asked. "That would just complicate things."

Sam nodded again, understanding. No one could know about this. No one but John and himself. If Bobby or Caleb or … or Dean knew what he and his father were planning, they'd never allow it. Sam had known that from the beginning.

It would be better this way. It would, Sam told himself. This way, Dean would have Dad and Dad would have Dean, and the older boy would be free of his burden.

Dean could have a life now.

Sam tried not to focus on the fact that the life Dean would have would no longer include him. He refused to let his father see him cry.

Sam stowed the credit card away in his wallet and hiked his bag up on his shoulder. He stepped toward the door and looked back once.

John offered his hand, and Sam shook it. "I'm proud of you, son." John told him. " I want you to know that."

Sam nodded, unable to say goodbye for fear his voice would betray him. He stepped outside the motel and walked to the corner of the building. Without looking back, he headed for the bus station three blocks over.

###

Normally, Dean would have taken the shortest route between the local Denny's and Dad's motel, but he needed to kill some serious time today.

So instead of driving straight there and back on the street that took him past the local park, an elementary school and the bus station, Dean took the long way around. His path of choice took him through the downtown area where he saw a local pub that looked interesting. Leaving the food on the front seat, he parked along the street and made his way inside, smiling and reaching for his fake ID.

Felt like home, Dean thought, as he settled up to the bar and caught the bartender's eye. He ordered a beer and thought about Sam.

No matter what, he was going to make these past few weeks up to the little geek, he told himself as he took a sip of the smooth, cool ale.

After all, Dean didn't know what he'd do without his pain-in-the-ass little brother to make his life interesting.