Mac had been right; Dean wasn't any fun when he woke up. The older Winchester was sullen with one hell of a hang over. Sam tried to give his brother some slack, but Dean didn't make it easy. He was fighting with everyone, making living in the condominium hell.
Now, one day before the full moon, Sam wished Dean was fighting them. Dean was feverish and in pain. The pain started two days ago during dinner. One minute Dean had been sitting at the table, the next he was on the floor writhing in agony. Mac rushed to his side closely followed by Sam and Caleb. It lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to leave Dean gasping for breath. He said it felt like his bones were pulling apart. Over the next twenty-four hours the pain had gotten worse. Mac was finally forced to give Dean oxycodeine to make it tolerable.
The younger Winchester watched Dean sitting on the couch. His brother was channel surfing trying to find something to watch. They tried to keep Dean in bed. He refused. The dark circles under his eyes and pale complexion had Sam worried. The younger hunter bit his lip as Dean wiped the sweat from his brow with his shirtsleeve.
"Dude, take a picture it will last longer."
"You should be in bed."
"What difference does it make?" Dean asked, angrily. "I can sweat out here just as good."
"You could stretch out," Sam suggested. "Maybe the pain wouldn't be as bad."
"Doesn't matter," Dean scratched the stubble on his chin. "The pain is a constant now."
"Even with the drugs?"
"They just dull it," his brother admitted. "Caleb back yet?"
"No," Sam answered. "Want some water?"
"Yeah."
Sam stood and headed for the kitchen. Caleb was making a run to the store for food. As Sam was returning with the water a terrible pain lanced behind his eyes. He grimaced and dropped the glass as the vision hit.
Dean was on the bed writhing in pain. Sam watched in horror as his brother's fingers morphed into claws. Dean's canines began to elongate as he opened his mouth to growl. Sam felt someone push him out of the way. He fell to the floor and looked up to see Caleb standing in front of his brother with a gun. Dean growled at the older hunter and lunged. Before Sam could stop him Caleb fired. Dean dropped back on the bed shot through the heart. Before he died Dean looked at Caleb.
"Thank you."
The vision passed and Sam felt someone holding his arms. When he opened his eyes he saw Caleb looking at him in concern.
"You bastard!" Sam yelled, punching Reaves in the jaw.
The dark haired hunter's head snapped back as he released Sam. The younger hunter tried to punch him again, but Reaves was able to dodge the blow. Suddenly Caleb had his hands full as the younger man started using every fighting technique he knew. The older hunter easily blocked Sam's kicks and even got in a few of his own.
"Sam, what the hell is wrong with you?" Caleb ducked as Sam aimed a kick at his head.
"I won't let you kill him!" The younger Winchester yelled and lunged.
Caleb grabbed Sam's arm and twisted it behind him. He moved quickly and got the younger man in a chokehold. The younger hunter tried to break free.
"I warned you Deuce."
Sam turned his head and saw Dean struggling to walk to where they were fighting. "Why?"
"It's the only way, Sammy."
"No, Mac said the shaman would work!"
"If he doesn't then Caleb is my back up plan."
"Are you insane!" Sam yelled, pulling out of Reaves's grip. "Did you really think I'd let him do it?"
"My choice!" Dean said, angrily.
"I'll stop him," Sam warned, grabbing his brother's arm.
"No you won't," The blond hunter argued. "I don't want to live…"
Dean never got to finish as he dropped to the floor and started convulsing.
"Dean!"
Sam dropped to the floor next to his brother. Caleb joined him and together they tried to keep the older Winchester brother from banging into the furniture. Dean screamed and arched his back. Sam watched in horror as his brother's fingers curled into tight fists. Dean's arms and legs also contorted at impossible angles.
"Fuck!" Caleb cursed as blood started dripping from Dean's palms.
"God!" Sam held his brother's head.
As quickly as the fit started it ended. Sam looked at Caleb and was surprised to see the older man was scared. He looked away when he felt Dean stir.
"Sammy?"
"I'm here, Dean."
"Where's Dad?"
"He's not here," Sam sighed.
"Said he'd be back in time for your birthday," Dean mumbled.
"Doesn't matter," Sam said, running his hand over his brother's hair.
"Not everyday you get to be ten. " Dean whispered before passing out.
"Dean!"
"Take it easy, Sam." Caleb soothed. "Let's get him to his room."
"Don't you touch him!" Sam cried, gathering Dean in his arms. "I won't let you shoot him!"
Reaves was having a hard time blocking Sam's powerful emotions. The younger hunter felt betrayal, hurt, and fear just to name a few. "Sam, I'll do everything in my power to keep that from happening. Right now I want to get Dean taken care of."
Caleb wasn't surprised to see tears on Sam's cheeks when he looked up. That was one of the big differences between the two brothers. Sam angrily wiped the tears away and nodded. Caleb lifted Dean and carried him to the bedroom. He put Dean in the bed then went to get the first aid kit. When he came back Sam had his brother out of his clothes and tucked under the covers. They worked together and cleaned the blood from Dean's palms. Caleb finished taping the bandage in place and turned to Sam.
"Where's Mac?"
"He went to get the shaman," Sam absently brushed Dean's short hair.
"Good," Caleb said. "Maybe he'll know what to do for this."
"But, you don't believe he will," Sam stated, looking at Caleb.
"Shit, brat, I honestly don't know."
"I thought I believed, but now I'm not sure."
"We'll think of something, Sam."
The young hunter nodded and looked down at his brother. "I'm the one that should do it."
Caleb laughed. "Just like the kid from Old Yeller."
"Dean say that?"
"He knew you'd feel responsible," Reaves admitted. "That you'd think it was your duty to be the one to kill him. But he doesn't want you to."
"Just promise me one thing."
"You too?" Caleb smiled.
"Make it a clean shot."
"You have my word," Caleb said seriously.
Sam nodded and looked back at his brother. He hoped it didn't come to that. If it did, he'd have to trust Caleb. He'd have to trust Dean.