Chapter 2: Breaking Point

Disclaimer: Supernatural and its characters belong to Eric Kripke, Warner Bros., The CW, etc. The story is just for fun, not for profit. No infringement intended.

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"Hey Sammy, check it out! 'D. Best Construction Company!'" Dean called with a short laugh, pointing at the sign leaning against one of the bulldozers. Sam couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips as he shook his head, forever amused by his brother's juvenile sense of humor.

The boys had arrived at the Loveland Bridge under the cover of darkness, each with their duffle bag full of various weapons tossed over their shoulders. They weren't sure where to start as far as it came to killing this creature; there wasn't exactly a precedent for this situation.

Sam huffed out a breath, watching it condense in the cool night air. He shivered as a brisk breeze cut through his jacket and sweatshirt, watching as Dean followed the beam of his flashlight towards the water's edge.

The scene was surprisingly beautiful; the old iron bridge was backlit by a nearly full moon, and the clouds were sparse enough that the stars peeked through. Sam couldn't help but think of Jessica; she had always loved driving to the California beach in the dark just to lay in the sand by his side, staring up at the stars while listening to the waves crash on the sand. Sam closed his eyes, for a moment certain he could feel her hand wrapped in his.

Dean let out a grunt that was followed by the sound of rocks cracking against one another, and Sam's hand clenched into a fist.

Opening his eyes, Sam looked ahead and saw Dean with his hand against the concrete base of the bridge, his back to him and his head bowed while he took in a steadying breath. His hand was wrapped around his middle, and Sam felt dread settle in his stomach.

"Hey!" He yelled, hoping over the rocks to quickly make his way to his brother. It wasn't often Dean showed pain, or even looked tired for that matter.

Dean held up a hand and said "Sam, I'm fine. I just tripped on a rock, no biggie."

He sounded out of breath, and his voice was strained.

"Cut the crap, Dean. How stupid do you think I am?"

"Do you want an honest answer?"

Sam pressed his lips together in an attempt to stifle the anger bubbling in his chest.

"Dean. I know you're in pain. I remember enough, man. And I can see the way you're barely holding it together. Don't lie to me. Not me."

Dean sighed, and slowly turned to face his brother. Sam could barely hold back his gasp, and he knew Dean could see it in his eyes. Dean's skin was pale, and the bags under his eyes looked bruised. He was clearly exhausted, and pain lines tugged at his mouth and the corners of his eyes.

Sam couldn't find words. Dean met his eyes for a moment, daring him to comment. When he didn't, Dean simply said, "Let's just finish this hunt, alright? I'm fine."

Dean bent down to grab his duffle from where he had rested it on the rocks and began to walk away.
Sam lost it.

"Screw this, Dean! I'm tired of this! I'm tired of you killing yourself instead of just admitting that you need help! Do you really think this is the smart way to hunt? Just look at you!"

"Yeah? Well maybe don't shoot me next time!"

Dean's yell echoed under the bridge, the space between the brothers tight with tension. Immediately Dean's expression went from anger to guilt. He knew it wasn't Sam's fault. He knew he had been possessed. So why couldn't he separate what Sam's body did from Sam? Did part of him really think that Sam could hate him that much?

He forced himself to meet Sam's eyes, hoping he wouldn't need to use words to apologize for what he'd said, that their brother telepathy would tell Sam how he hadn't meant it, that he was just tired. But Sam wasn't looking at him. He was staring at the water behind him with a funny expression.

Dean was about to ask when Sam's expression turned to horror.

"Dean, behind!"

He had no time to react. Something strong and cold wrapped around his ankle and pulled hard, sending Dean face-first into the rocks as it began to pull him back into the water. All Dean could do was watch as Sam started running towards him before his head was underwater, being pulled deeper and deeper.

He kicked at the grip, but it wouldn't give. His battered lungs tried desperately to hold onto the last breath he had taken but being thrown to the rocks had knocked the wind out of him. Dean looked up to the surface and swore he could see Sam looking down for him through the water, but they had gotten surprisingly deep in the seconds since he had been grabbed.

Dean's mouth opened and bubbles exploded from his lips. Icy water rushed in to take their place. His lungs were on fire now, vices squeezing harder and harder. He didn't notice his eyes closing.

Sorry Sammy. You were right.

Dean drifted away. Somewhere distant, he felt pressure on his arm, and his body nearly tore itself apart. His arm was trying to go up while his leg was pulling him down. The pain in his chest grew to be too much, and Dean slipped away.

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A/N: Sorry it's so short, the next chapter will be longer!