Four Years
Sam hears how an intruder stalks through his apartment. Sees them move around as if they belong there, while he closes in on them. They don't know what they are up against. Trusting in the training his father has drilled into him Sam sneaks up on them when their back is turned. He kicks, punches and throws in a defensive shove. The intruder however moves faster. To his shock Sam lands on his back on the floor… from where he stares up at his older brother, Dean.
"You scared the crap out of me." Sam breathes out his relief.
"That's because you are out of practice."
Sam scoffs at how Dean taunts him. After spending four years apart the bastard acts unchanged. Everything Sam has been holding away from his attempt at living a safe life stares down at him, far too smug for comfort. The door he's pushed closed himself gets thrown open wide to let in the love and respect he thought he'd forgotten about. Sam feels called out. Wants it as much as he tries to shove it away. Is he ready to let Dean, and what he brings along with him, back into his life?
The angry frustration Sam feels over the last argument with his father hasn't died yet. His reasons for moving away from his hunter family are still valid too. Worse, the memory of John shutting the door upon his return is enough for Sam to pull his hackles back up again. To make his point he flips Dean over onto his back, into submission.
Unchastised Dean grins in pride, diffusing the anger inside of Sam, for now. Between them there are no wounds from heated arguments left. Only their wayward father holds such powers over Sam.
"Dad has gone on a hunt and he hasn't been home for a few days."
In the face of Dean's blunt request for help his anger means nothing. Family is more important to Sam than anything. He can protest all he wants to, but he can't ignore that deep down he hasn't forgotten where he came from. His brother needs him… and that's what counts. Sure, he wishes to see what lies in wait for their hunt, but he can't. Come Monday though Sam has an interview and Dean knows to drop him off in time. Whatever happens he'll continue the path of his choice, right?
