Pain. Voices. Dean's sluggish mind didn't recognize the voices. The pain was quickly pushed aside. The first thing that came to Dean's mind was he was in danger. If he was in danger so was Sam. Where was Sam?
The nurse checking Dean's vitals yelped in surprise as the patient grabbed her wrist. He squeezed hard, causing her to cry out.
"Where's Sam?" The older hunter demanded.
"He's okay." The nurse said, trying to free her arm.
"Where…is…he!" Dean growled.
He instantly regretted it as his head began to pound. The pain was blinding and he released the nurse's arm. Dean squeezed his eyes shut and groaned.
"Dean!"
The familiar voice had the older Winchester brother opening his eyes despite the pain. "Sam?"
"I'm here," Sam grabbed his hand.
"Keep him awake," the nurse said. "I'll get the Doctor."
Now that he knew Sam was safe, Dean was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. The lure of pain free oblivion was hard to resist. The younger hunter watched as his brother's eyes began to close.
"Stay with me, jerk," Sam said, tapping Dean's cheek. The light tap had no effect and Sam grabbed the older man's chin.
"Dean!"
The fear in his little brother's voice had Dean's eyes snapping open, looking for danger. Dean cursed as pain accompanied the sudden movement.
"Easy. Everything's okay. Just stay awake."
"Damn it, Sammy!" Dean groaned.
"You need to know a few things before the doctor gets here," Sam said, urgently.
Dean blinked a few times and tried to bring his brother into focus. "I'm listening."
"The name we're using is Richards." Sam explained. "We were on vacation and attacked by a bear."
"Got it," Dean sighed. "Just tell me one thing?"
"What?"
"Did you ice that bitch?"
"Yeah," Sam smiled.
"Well, it's good to see you awake." Dr. Connors walked into the room. "How do you feel?"
"Like my head's about to fall off."
"I bet." Dr. Connors smiled. "Just need to ask you a few questions."
"I'm listening." Dean let his eyes drift shut.
"Hey!" the doctor shouted. "I need you to keep those eyes open."
"Whatever." Dean opened his eyes, glaring.
"Can you tell me your name?"
"Dean Richards."
"How about your full name?" Dr. Connors shined the penlight in his patient's eyes.
"Dude! That hurts," Dean said, pulling away.
"Well, that answers the sensitive to light question." Mike smiled. "Now how about your full name?'
"Damn it, Sammy, you know I hate Keith."
"Sorry, big brother," Sam sighed in relief. "But that's what's on the credit card."
"It's better than Francis." Dr. Connors replied.
"Francis?" Dean flashed a cocky grin. "Dude, did you piss off your parents when you were born?"
"Family name," Dr. Connors explained, returning the smile. "Blurry vision?"
"A little."
"Classic signs of a concussion."
"Could have told you that," Dean closed his eyes.
"He have a medical degree you didn't tell me about?" Dr. Connors gestured to the patient.
"No, but he likes to play doctor," Sam replied straight-faced.
Dean opened his eyes and glared at his brother. It didn't quite have the desired effect. Dr. Connors laughed as he checked Dean's other injuries. When he was done with his examination, he draped his stethoscope around his neck and crossed his arms.
"You're going to be a hurting pup for a while but you'll live." Mike said. "The bite on you arm is a bit inflamed but nothing to worry about."
"What!" Dean said, looking at his brother.
"You were bitten before I could chase off the bear."
"Shit!" Dean cursed. "How long?"
"There's nothing to worry about." The doctor assured him. "Antibiotics will clear it up."
The older hunter shook his head. Dr. Connors didn't miss the scared look in Sam's eyes.
"Is there something I should know about?"
"No," Dean answered quickly as he brought up his left hand to rub his forehead. "Think I could get something for the pain?"
"Of course. I'll send Katherine in."
Dean couldn't believe this. He saw the bandages on his left forearm and laughed bitterly. This was fucking terrific. As he lowered his arm he saw the look on Sam's face. It was the same look his brother used to give him when he was little. The look that Dean could fix everything.
"God, Sammy, I'm sorry."
"For what!"
"I don't have any answers for this one."
"I know," the younger man responded. "I called Mac. He's looking into it."
Dean was about to say something when the nurse walked in. She smiled at Sam as she injected the pain meds into Dean's IV. As the medication took effect Dean relaxed against the pillow. The younger brother took the seat near the patient's bed.
"I guess there is just something's Captain One Hell of A Big Brother doesn't know."
"I know we can't stay here."
"Well, we can't leave," Sam, said. "You're hurt."
"I've been hurt before."
"Damn it, Dean!" The darker haired man cursed, as he stood up and began to pace. "If you haven't noticed you have a few broken bones and staples holding your chest together."
"Huh, is that what those are?" Dean smirked. "I guess catwoman got her claws into me."
"Can't you be serious for once!"
"I'm serious when I say we can't stay here."
"We have until the full moon," Sam protested. "Mac will think of something."
"You know I love Mac," Dean began. "But, I doubt Yoda can use the force on this."
"He's a doctor!"
"He's a neurosurgeon." Dean corrected. "There's nothing wrong with my head."
"Could have fooled me." Sam grumbled.
"Bitch."
Sam couldn't help but smile. "Jerk."
"I sign myself out AMA tomorrow," Dean yawned.
"We'll see about that big brother," Sam watched as his brother's eyes drifted shut.