Chapter 7

"Sam, why don't you let me drive a few hours and that would put us only four hours from the cabin?" Storm asked him when they stopped for gas later that day. She could tell he was tired by the way he carried himself when he helped Dean to the bathroom and back to the car.

"I'm okay, I can drive a little farther," Sam replied as he stretched and rolled his shoulders.

"You're worn out, get in the passenger seat honey; I'm not taking no for an answer," Storm insisted as she got in the driver's seat holding out her hand for the keys. She looked in back and saw Dean had used the pillow to rest his head on and was stretched out in the backseat. His eyes were closed but she didn't think he was asleep. She cranked the Impala and listened to her roar to life and settle into a soft purr. Storm thought the car knew her charge was injured and needed to hear the steady rumble as she pulled from the parking lot.

Sam looked at Storm and glanced back to where she was looking. He watched closely to be sure Dean's chest was rising and falling as he breathed shallow breaths. Sam had gotten him to drink some Gatorade when they stopped and to eat a few bites of a sandwich. That seemed to give Dean a little more strength and alertness for a while. He leaned his head against the side window and closed his eyes for a moment to rest them. They were scratchy and dry, and he was bone weary from the stress and concern for Dean. It wasn't long before the motion of the car and steady purr of the engine had him nodding off.

Storm looked at both her guys and saw they were asleep. Deciding she was able to drive the rest of the way, she continued toward the cabin and let them sleep. Once they got there, things could be sorted out and decisions needed to be made. Storm was worried about Sam and didn't like the desperation in his voice when he talked about finding some way to save Dean. She knew Dean would never allow him to endanger himself to save his life and that was what she thought might happen. She had been praying ever since Sam told her about Dean's condition. Storm believed there was a higher power in the universe and that that power would hear her prayers and answer them. She had to have faith and believe, that was all she could cling to right now to keep her sanity.

The night had swept across the land and Storm continued their journey along the dark highway. She finally had to stop when the gas gauge hovered near empty. She saw signs for a 24 truck stop a few miles ahead and decided to stop to get gas. They were still a little over an hour from the cabin even though she had made good time on the highway. She looked over at Sam as he started to stir with the change in the motion of the car.

"Where are we?" he groaned shifting positions and rubbing his neck. He squinted from the lights of the truck stop and tried to wake up.

"I've got to stop for gas."

"I thought you were stopping at a motel for the night?"

"You guys were resting, and I felt okay to drive, so we're almost to the cabin. It's about an hour now," Storm shrugged as she rolled to a stop at the pumps. "You need to go to the restroom?"

"Yeah," Sam huffed as he sat there a moment to gather his thoughts. "Should I wake Dean?" he asked looking in the back at him. He still seemed to be resting, thought his body twitched and he grunted as he rolled his head, but didn't seem to wake.

"Why don't we let him sleep? I can always stop somewhere if he needs to use the bathroom."

"Alright, I'll be right back." Sam got out and headed for the front doors and on to the back toward the restrooms.

Storm got out and went to the back of the car to fill her with gas. She clicked the lever to let the nozzle stay on and stepped to the door to lean over the seat and check on Dean. She took his pulse and checked his breathing, trying not to wake him. He stirred for a moment before settling back down and going back to sleep. The gas stopped pumping and Storm took the hose out and hung it up. She moved the car to a parking spot and waited for Sam to come out before running inside to use the restroom.

Sam asked again if she wanted him to drive, but she told him it would be easier if she did since he didn't know the way to the cabin, and it was dark making it harder to find. He finally relented and settled into the passenger seat as she pulled back onto the highway and headed for the cabin.

spn

"You wait here until I can get the lights on," Storm told Sam as she parked near the porch to make it easier on Dean. The sun was already starting to make its appearance in the eastern sky as she climbed out of the Impala and walked up onto the porch. Storm knew where the spare key was hidden and opened the door flipping on a light switch. She gave the room a quick once over and saw a bag sitting on the bar with a note leaning against it. Curious to what it said, Storm moved to the bar and opened the note. It was from her Dad; he had brought some supplies over the day before for them so they wouldn't have to go shopping.

The stillness of the car stirred Dean in the back, and he managed to sit up and slide out of the back when Sam opened the door. He stood on rubbery legs and used the car for support as he looked around trying to piece together all that had happened. A wave of coughing had him doubled over as he clung to the Impala for support. He hacked up mucus and spit it out as he tried to draw a deep breath but strangled and couldn't breathe.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked quickly moving to his side and wrapping an arm around his chest to help hold him up. Sam could hear the choking and gasping for breath, so he slapped him lightly on the back to try and help. "You've got to breath Dean!" he insisted rubbing his back as Dean half laid across the trunk of the Impala. "C'mon man, relax and take a breath in." He could see Dean's face and the blueish tint to his lips by the porch light Storm had turned on. "Don't make me have to do mouth to mouth again dude!"

With one more hard cough, Dean sucked in a breath of air and then another before he was able to straighten up and push out of his brother's hold.

"I ain't gone yet," Dean wheezed, wiping his watering eyes, and turning when Storm came back outside. "If anyone is doing mouth to mouth it's Stormy."

"Let's get you inside and settled," Storm told him as she moved to his side. "Lean on me."

"I'm good," Dean growled pushing from the car and taking a staggering step toward the open door. He got his balance and made it inside, walking unsteadily toward the bathroom.

Storm and Sam just stood by the car and watched Dean's progress, allowing him to do it on his own. Sam shook his head and unlocked the trunk to get their bags. He knew the Winchester stubbornness would keep Dean going longer than anyone would expect. He just hoped it was long enough to find a way to save him.

"Dad drove down and brought some groceries for us," Storm told him. "I'm going to call him in a while and see about getting an oxygen machine for Dean. He may not admit it, but he's going to need it."

"I know, he can be stubborn and hardheaded. It's a Winchester trait I'm afraid," Sam sighed as they walked into the cabin, shutting door behind them.

"You can have the bedroom on the right, Sam. It's got a queen bed and the bathroom is beside it. We'll use the other one with the king bed."

"Sounds good." Sam wandered to the short hall and looked into a bedroom before flipping on the light. He went in to deposit his bags and met Dean coming from the bathroom. "Hey, you feel like maybe getting a shower and putting on some sweats and a T-shirt? You'll be a little more comfortable."

Dean paused and looked at Sam like he was processing what he said, and it was taking him longer to do it. His mind was staying misty, and it took him longer to think on things.

"I guess," he finally replied.

"Great, I'll get you some clothes," Sam started but stopped abruptly when Dean put up his hand and pressed it into Sam's chest.

"I can get my clothes dude. I'm not an invalid yet," he growled madly as he shuffled into the other bedroom and found his duffel. It took him a moment to sort out what was dirty and what was clean. Dean picked up his clothes and made his way back into the bathroom as his brother stood nearby watching his progress.

Sam let out a long breath knowing it was going to be a rough road ahead because he knew how hardheaded his brother could be and how he didn't like help from anyone. Dean thought it was a sign of weakness and hated that. He hoped with Storm here, she could make him see they were only trying to help.

"Where's Dean?" Storm asked from the kitchen where she was making coffee.

"I got him to take a shower," Sam sighed. "He's in an ill and bitchy mood, just fair warning."

"I can handle your brother Sam, don't worry about that. Would you like some breakfast? I thought I'd make some scrambled eggs and toast thinking that would be easy on Dean."

"Yeah, why not. I'm going to set up here at the bar and do some more research. There's gotta be something out there to help Dean."

"I'm going to call Dad. He said he could help, we're going to need that oxygen machine soon."

"I'm sure that's going to go over well," Sam huffed.

"I don't care what Dean wants or says, I'm going to do whatever I can to make him comfortable and make this easier on him. I don't want to lose him." Storm turned away so Sam wouldn't see her tears.

Sam got up and rounded the bar to take Storm in his arms and comfort her. They were both in for a hard battle that didn't show any signs that they could win. Sam knew Dean would never stay in a hospital to be monitored, so they were going to have to do their best for him.

"Sorry about that," Storm sniffed as she wiped her face on a paper towel. "Can you keep an ear out for Dean? I'm going to go move the car under the carport and make a phone call."

"Yeah, I can do that. Don't worry so, we'll get through this together."

"I know," she whispered before walking to the front door and going outside.

Sam got his laptop out and was waiting for it to boot up when he heard a loud noise from the bathroom. He hurried down the short hall and tapped on the bathroom door before opening it a crack to stick his head in.

"You okay Dean?" he called to him seeing his shadow on the shower curtain.

"Yeah, dropped the soap is all," Dean replied. "You don't have to be so clingy Sammy."

"Yeah, okay, but if you need any help call me."

"Yes Mom," Dean responded sarcastically throwing a wet washcloth at Sam who smacked it away but still got wet.

"Very mature," Sam scolded him tossing the wet cloth over the rod back at him. He shut the door and went back to the bar to go online and pull up some articles he had bookmarked to read. He began to skim through them trying to find something positive to help Dean's condition. The doctor said there was no hope of him surviving, but Sam would not accept that. There had to be hope or people would have given up a long time ago.

spn

Strom got into the Impala and cranked it to pull it under the carport at the side of the cabin. She shut it off and got out, moving to the back of the car, and leaned against it as she took her cell out. Storm pulled her contacts up and found her father's number. She punched in the number and listened to it connect and ring.

"Hello sweetheart," Cooper answered on the second ring.

"Hi, Dad," Storm spoke warmly to her.

"Did you get to the cabin okay?"

"Yes, and thanks for stocking the pantry for me."

"I can hear it in your voice, tell me what is going on with Dean."

"He was on a hunt and got injured," Storm started, her voice going hoarse for a moment.

"How bad?"

"The doctor's giving him less than a month to live," Storm told him as her voice hitched. "There was damage to his heart that can't be repaired."

"Damnit!" Cooper cussed. "I didn't think he would hurt you this way. What do you need Storm?"

"Do you have any connections that could get me an oxygen machine? I know he'll hate me for it, but he's going to need it soon."

"I'll see what I can do and get back to you as soon as I can."

"Thanks Dad, I love you."

"And I you dear. Do you need me to come down to help?"

"No Dad, Sam is here. You stay and run the bar. I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"Alright. Goodbye Storm."

"Bye Dad." Storm hung up and looked out across the yard toward the forest watching it come to life around her. She saw a rabbit hopping along the tree line and watched as squirrels scampered up and down the trunks of trees fighting with each other. She drew in a slow breath knowing she needed to get back inside and fix breakfast. Storm pushed from the car and headed back to the front door to let herself inside. "Is Dean almost done in the bathroom?"

"Yeah, I heard the water shut off a minute ago," Sam answered looking up at her and seeing the sadness in her eyes. "Did you get your Dad?"

"Yes, he's going to get back with me, but I know Dad will come through. Think you could meet him halfway to pick up the equipment?"

"Of course, when?"

"I'll let you know." Store went to the fridge and pulled out the eggs, milk, and butter. She got down a bowl to crack the eggs in and sat a frying pan on a burner to heat. After adding milk, salt, and pepper to the eggs, she beat the mixture with a fork.

"Is there anything I can do?" Sam asked.

"No, I'm good. Being busy keeps my mind…" Storm started but stopped quickly when Dean shuffled into the room. "Hey Babe, why don't you go get comfortable in the recliner and I'll bring you something to eat."

"Okay," he said moving toward the living room.

Storm quickly poured the eggs into the pan and waited for them to set before stirring. She dropped bread into the toaster to toast as she kept watch on the eggs. She pulled three plates from a cabinet nearby and sat them on the bar. Once the eggs were done, Storm divided the eggs and put more bread in the toaster as she quickly dropped the hot bread on the plate.

"Do you want preserves on your toast Dean?" Storm called to him. She didn't see Sam glance up as the memory of those preserves invaded his mind and he quickly looked away as he felt his face grow hot.

"Sure, Stormy and coffee."

"Got it." Storm took the strawberry preserves from the fridge and smeared it on the toast before pouring a cup of coffee and took the plate and coffee to Dean. "Here you go Babe."

"Thanks hon," Dean replied, sitting the recliner up so he could accept the plate and cup. He sipped on his coffee before sitting it on an end table. He looked at the food, not really wanting it but knew he had to eat it to make Storm happy.

"Here you go Sam, eat up," Storm told him sitting a plate at his elbow.

"I will," Sam replied not taking his eyes off the screen as he continued to read.

"Sam," Storm chastised him as she pulled the laptop away from him as he protested. "Eat while it's hot. This can wait a few minutes."

"Fine," Sam pouted as he pulled the plate closer and picked up a fork to stab a bite of eggs.

"That's my boy," she praised him giving him a warm smile. Storm fixed her plate and joined Dean in the living room to be sure he was eating and kept an eye on Sam too. She knew she was going to have to take care of both of them because Sam would not take care of himself and Dean was in no shape to do it.

A/N: Now the waiting game begins. Can Sam find something to save his brother? It is going to be tough on all of them. Thanks for coming along with me. Only two chapters left. Reviews would make my day. NC