Dean slammed the Impala's door as he got into the car, his head reeling from the events of their most recent hunt. His fists were clenched as he breathed heavily, cursing, blaming himself for Sam's actions. The younger Winchester stood outside, leaning against the car, knowing Dean would lecture him about what he'd done. He knew Dean would be mad, but if getting into a fight meant saving his life, it was more than worth it.

Sam inhaled a deep breath as he sat in the shotgun seat of the car.

"Dean—" He started.

"No, Sam. Let's not."

"We can't just not talk about it—"

"Of course, we can. We're not talking about it right now." Dean shrugged off Sam's attempts at conversation, keeping his eyes focused on the road ahead of him.

"This is stupid, Dean. Talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about." Dean's forest-green eyes were cold and unresponsive.

"Yes, there is. You know there is. Pull over." Sam implored.

Reluctantly, Dean did as he was told, his face contorted in a glare. "What?"

"Don't 'what?' me. I did what I had to do."

"What, throwing yourself in front of a demon? You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"Oh, what, and letting you do the same is better?"

"Hey, that's different. I should be protecting you."

"And you still can, Dean, but that doesn't mean I can't have your back too." Sam stated with determination, the brothers settling into a silence. "Dad's always told you to look after me, and I get that. But I'm sixteen now. I've had enough hunting experience to know what I'm doing."

"But taking stupid risks—"

"They're not stupid, Dean. Not if they save your life." Dean stewed in the stench of his guilt, but knew deep down he would do the same for his brother. "We both know it. Risk-taking's a part of the gig. What's hunting without it?" Sam sighed heavily. "I didn't get killed and neither did you. We should be grateful, not fighting."

Dean's inner turmoil raged with the fear of losing his brother, unwilling to think about the possibility of Sam not being around. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he knew his younger brother was right. Dean would do anything for Sam. And it was somewhat comforting knowing that the reciprocation was mutual.

Dean's grimace softened as he leaned over to ruffle his younger brother's hair.

"Since when did you get so wise, Sammy?" The older Winchester chuckled half-heartedly, his heart filled with something resembling a mixture of unrest and brotherly love.

"Since forever, Dean. I've always been the smarter one." Sam nudged his brother playfully. A small smile appeared on his face as his brother turned on the stereo, blasting the familiar tunes of Metallica. The two brothers looked ahead as they settled into a companionable silence, heading down the road so far.