Dean practiced what he was going to say to Sam on the way back to the hospital. He was angry and he knew it. He understood that he was being unreasonable, but he didn't care. Because once he had ascertained what had happened, he was going to kick his brother's ass for being there in the first place.

When Dean arrived he felt his heart skip when he saw two police officers standing outside of Sam's door.

Quickening his pace he walked straight up to them. "Hello. I'm Dean, Sam Dale's brother. Is there a problem here?"

"Oh, Mr. Dale," the younger of the policemen said, "we've been waiting for you. We'd like to have a few words."

Dean figured there would be some kind of investigation; his brother had been attacked after all. But really he had no information to give them and he was anxious to see Sammy. "Sure," he said begrudgingly, and he allowed the policeman to guide him to an unused waiting room.

Dean wasn't one to mince his words and the moment the door closed behind him he said, "Have you got the bastards who did this to my brother?"

"No not yet," the taller officer supplied. "But we think it's the same group of thugs that has bashed up three other men in this area over the last two months."

Dean's face showed surprise. "What? Why?"

"There's a pattern?" Dean continued. "The hunter in him coming momentarily to the surface.

The older policeman, Garry, took a deep breath. "Mr. Dale," he began "Is your brother gay?"

Dean took a step backwards. "Gay?" He repeated, mouth gapping. "What? No." Dean reacted on instinct. "I mean…why? Why would you ask something like that?"

"Well…" Officer Garry cleared his throat and tried to sound diplomatic before continuing. "It appears your brother went to a well known gay establishment last night."

Dean eyed the officer carefully. While he didn't like the idea one little bit, it was undoubtedly the truth.

"You think these…" Dean had had time to think now, and he was trying very hard not to, Because the more he profiled Sam's attackers, the harder it was not to hate. Hate could often mean revenge. Was he seriously thinking about killing human beings?

"They were gay bashers?" Dean straight out asked, trying hard not to flush.

Both officers's nodded in unison and officer Garry gave an apologetic smile. Not sure whether to say "I'm sorry," or "Yes."

Dean didn't want to think about Sam being eyed by other men. He sure as hell didn't think about Sam being touched by anyone but him. em This just has to be one bad ass mistake. /em Dean reasoned.

Dean let out a super long breath before moving into Sam's doorway. You didn't know Sammy. That must be it. You didn't know. Dean hard tried to convince himself.

Standing outside Sammy's door, Dean took a moment and looked at his brother. His face was so badly beaten he could hardly recognize him. Dean felt anger well up in the pit of his stomach, anger he knew he would have to push down until the time was right.

Right now he had to focus. Focus on getting Sam to forgive him. He had been such an ass to him lately. Not being able to cope with their father's death had him doing and saying things that he never would have if he didn't feel so wounded.

He knew his brother had tried to reach him. Tried to be there for him. Dean wondered why he couldn't handle it, couldn't let Sam, of all people, in? Why had he preferred to go to Jo instead?

Some of it was obvious; I mean really, have you taken a good look at Jo? But he had been so hateful and so cold to his brother. He saw what it did to Sam every time he left to see her. He just chose to ignore it.

But now, after this, he had to admit the truth. Jo was safe. Jo was a woman. Jo wasn't his brother.

He hoped he could change enough to make Sam happy. He knew A few more chick flick moments would be necessary. em Yeah, I could do that. For Sammy I can do that. /em Dean thought to himself.

He couldn't help but think that he was doomed to a life of being monogamous. It felt strange admitting that he didn't really mind.

Sam was simply… his.

Dean berated himself for not understanding that this was an all or nothing, once in a life time proposition with Sam. How could he have been so stupid?

Sam was his world. He finally understood that he had to be Sam's too.

When Dean entered the room, Sam was sitting in the bed with his eyes fixed firmly towards the window, staring almost blankly. "Hello," Dean said apprehensively when he knocked softly on the door.

Sam looked up at Dean briefly and gave him a small smile. "Hi."

Dean walked quickly to sit on the edge of his brother's bed. "Sam?" He asked, and blew out a breath as he waited for Sam to look at him.

When Sam didn't turn his head, but continued staring out of the window, Dean knew this was going to be difficult. Well, if he was honest with himself, he'd known this was going to be hard, but apparently Sam had no intention on making it any easier.

"Why did you go there?" Dean asked, keeping his voice low and as non judgmental as possible.

The question made Sam glance at him, but he diverted his eyes away again quickly.

"Sam," Dean's voice came out with authority. "Will you please look at me?"

He was beginning to feel frustrated. Time was of the essence. He had no idea how long it would be before he chickened out of this. Whatever this was or would become.

If he didn't voice the things he knew he had to, then maybe the opportunity would slip him by like it had so many times before. Maybe Sam would slip by him too.

Sam turned his head to look at his brother, and Dean could see anger flicker across his face. "I went to get a drink, okay?" Sam snapped.

Dean nodded, shifting his weigh on the too narrow hospital bed. "Did you know?" Dean asked plainly.

It scared Dean to see Sam's face devoid of anything but contempt when he answered coldly, "Know what?"

"Did you know what kind of bar it was before you went in?" Dean asked, watching Sam's reaction carefully.

Sam turned his head away and swallowed hard. When he didn't say anything and he didn't turn back, Dean knew the answer.

Confirmation came when Dean noticed the beginning of a shutdown look in Sam's eyes. Sam was about to close down and not let anyone, not even Dean, in.

"Jesus Sam," Dean's voice betrayed both his shock and his disappointment. "You did know didn't you?"

"So?" Sam looked at him, this time there was something akin to a challenge in his eyes. A dare for Dean to mock him.

Dean opened his mouth to retort, but his heart wasn't up for his usual brand of sarcasm. "Why?" He managed to get out.

"I'd have thought that was pretty obvious Dean!" His brother said defiantly. Staring him straight in the eye.

Dean wasn't really sure what he expected Sam to say. But he was disarmed by the fact that Sam was being so up front with him about this.

Dean realized his heart was beating heavily, and understood it came from his rapidly growing jealousy. The thought that someone else had touched what was once his, made him feel sick. Why would you want to sleep with another man?

Your mine, only mine, Dean thought, and he hoped it had shown on his face, because Sam picked up on it, creasing his brow and looking at Dean with a question in his eyes.

Nothing to do with his freaked out psychic powers of Sam's though… because that was the last thing Dean needed to deal with right now.

"What?" Sam said an underlying sarcasm clear in his tone. "You think you're the only one to take comfort from wherever he can get it? That you're the only one with needs?"

Dean could feel himself starting to tremble when Sam continued. "I have the right to fuck and be fucked too." Turning his head away, Sam mumbled, "its okay once you get use to it."

Dean's face paled. The implication that Sam had done this before floored Dean. "Why didn't you come to me?" The question came flying out of his mouth before he had a chance stop it.

Sam laughed loudly. He would have laughed longer and harder if it didn't hurt so much to do so. "You em are /em kidding me right?" He spat, his words harder to understand as his emotions got the better of him.

"You haven't been around Dean!" Sam continued. "And even when you have been…" he trailed off and looked away. "I tried, but…"

"I wouldn't let you in." Dean admitted. Guilt and pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

Sam's head shot up. This was the second time in a matter of a few weeks his brother had apologized straight up.

Sam shrugged and felt some of his anger drain away from him. Was his brother actually admitting to putting the walls up between them?

"It doesn't matter anyhow." Sam said. Protecting himself against any hope he may have that Dean actually understood. "I get it okay."

Dean's brow raised. "Get what?"

Sam sighed. This was hard, really hard, but he loved his brother enough to do it. "It's okay Dean. I know you have a right to be happy. I want you to be. It's just…"

Realization showed on Dean's face, but he waited for Sam to finish.

"It's just that I thought…" Sam floundered. "Forget it. I don't know what I thought."

"Sam?"

"Look, I said I get it already!" Sam's anger had returned.

Taking an unnaturally large breath, Dean readied himself to start em this /em conversation all over again. "Sam? I need to tell you something."

"I don't want to hear it Dean!" Sam physically moved away, wincing at the pain the small movement made. "You love Jo. Okay. I know."

"Yeah," Dean confessed and Sam couldn't help but crinkle his nose. "But I'm not in love with her."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam asked softly.

"It's means I know why you went to that bar," Dean answered quickly.

Sam couldn't believe his ears. How could he could he possibly know or understand. "I doubt it," Sam said disbelievingly. Dean couldn't possibly know how desperate for contact he had been.

While Sam's comfort was sought through uncaring and rough pleasures with anyone he'd picked up. Dean had found comfort in Jo's bed. The only real difference between them was their choice in sex. "I do," Dean said almost to low for Sam to hear him.

"I'm sorry you couldn't come to me. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry I've been such a fucking idiot," Dean continued. "I'm sorry you had to turn to complete a stranger…" His face contorted involutarily. The thought giving rise to his Jealousy again.

"How many times?" Dean asked, and Sam heard both anger and tears in his voice.

Sam knew exactly what Dean was asking. "Twice," Sam answered softly, not flinching away from Dean's gaze.

Dean swallowed back the pain hearing that gave him in his heart. He did his best to keep emotions off his face.

"I've got a lot of to say to you Sammy." Dean began, and Sam worried he might be angry again. "If I can't…you know, find the words to tell you. If I don't say…"

"Dean?" Sam prompted.

Dean didn't know how to instigate any emotional talk. The em chick flick moment /em here, potentially dangerous. He'd only ever em talked /em like this a handful of times in his whole life. Well, voluntarily anyhow. So he needed to change tactics.

Dean was fearless when he went after something that he wanted. And God, he wanted Sam. His competitive nature making him a force to be reckoned with. There was little that could make him back down and he liked winning. But as he sat there looking into Sam's expected eyes, he was nervous. Real nervous.

He would win Sam back, he was sure of it. Only this time it had nothing to do with the thrill of a win, and everything to do with the with the fear of losing him.

"I'm sorry Sam. I'm sorry I didn't see how much pain you were in." Dean said. Tears welling his eyes. "I get that I fucked up badly Sammy. "I just.. I really need you to forgive me."

Sam started to say something but Dean held up his hand indicating ... Let me finish.

"I want you to give me a second chance." Dean looked as deeply into Sam's eyes as he could. "I need you to trust me again." He pleaded. "And I'm not talking, I've got your back, kind of trust either. Please Sam. I am trying to be as clear as I know how to be." Dean flushed.

Dean? Can I ask you something? Sam says in all seriousness. "And it's got to be the truth." Sam couldn't stop himself from waving a finger.

Dean caught the suggestion of a smile and relaxed slightly. "Anything Sammy." Dean gave the commitment to be truthful.

"Have you ever seen the movie Jerry McGuire?" Sam asked.

Dean was expecting to be blown away by Sam's question, but not totally.

And shit, was that out of left field or what?

"Excuse me?" Dean couldn't keep the laugh out of his voice or the smile off his face.

"Jerry McGuire? Have you seen it?" Sam asked again as if Dean hadn't heard him.

"Dude…What the fuck?" Dean said disbelievingly. "Why are you asking me about some chick flick now?

"So you know it's a chick flick?" Sam inquired. "Does that mean you've seen it?"

Sam was smiling now and so all Dean could think about was that this was a good thing. "Yeah, I may have seen it," Dean teased. "Once or twice," he admitted.

"Good," Sam spoke softy but with purpose.

Dean could see Sam starting to get self conscious, he seemed suddenly shy.

Sam took a long time to focus on Dean, and when he did there were tears in his eyes.

"You had me at hello," Sam whispered. A flicker of fear at being mocked, crossing his face.

And God if that wasn't one of… no actually, the most girly thing Sam had ever said to him. And the most romantic.

Resisting a smile, Dean slipped his hand to rest on the top of Sam's. "You know I have just soooooooooo many smart ass things to say to that don't you?" He joked.

Sam just kept staring at him and Dean felt his amusement turn serious when he looked into the depth that was Sam's eyes.

Resigning to himself that this was necessary, Dean gave Sam a crooked smile and began gripping at Sam's hand, entwining there fingers. "Hello's fine Sammy, but…" Dean's brain and mouth didn't want to correlate.

"But what?" Sam prompted.

All of a sudden Dean felt his breath starting to hitch. "But no goodbyes okay?" Dean let fly out of his mouth in a sob. "Not now, not ever. Okay?"

Sam's eyes engulfed Dean, and for a moment he worried that he'd been misunderstood. He couldn't let that happen. No ifs, buts, or maybes here. He had to make sure that Sam knew there would never be anyone else.

"I am not going to leave Dean, I promise." Sam said, but Dean wanted, em needed more.

"I know. But…" Dean had to make sure Sam was on the same page. "But, no more bars okay? No one else gets to touch you but me."

Sam's flinched slightly, and Dean knew straight away that he was thinking about him being with Jo. "I told Jo," Dean confessed quickly.

Sam's eyes widened. "No!" Dean playfully smacked at Sam's head. "Not about that. Not about…us." Dean's voice cracked a little on the em us. /em "I just told her we couldn't see each other any more."

Sam looked back into Dean's eyes then. "You did?"

"What?" Dean feigned being offended. "You think I would ask you to be faithful and not me?" Shit. Did he just say em faithful /em ?

And yeah he did, because Sam was saying now, only he didn't seem sure if Dean was on the level. "You want us to be faithful to each other?" Sam kind of smirked.

Dean felt his cheeks redden, but he was in for a penny now, in for a pound. "Yeah, something like that," he grinned.

Dean started to lean in, and Sam tilted his head up to meet him. Their lips barely touched when there was a knock at the door jerking them apart.

Dean wasn't sure what Officer Garry had seen, but the neutral expression on his face as he and his partner entered, told him they were safe.

"Mr. Dale?" Garry asked. "We'd like to ask you a few more questions if you're feeling up to it?"

Sam could see Dean's soft expression turn hard. "Could this wait until morning?" Dean said standing. Instinctively moving between the policemen and Sam.

"I'm sorry, it can't I'm afraid. We have apprehended someone who maybe one of the offenders. We need you're brother to look at some photo's." The younger officer informed him.

Sam grabbed Dean's wrist. His hand lingering a moment longer than needed. "It's okay. I'd rather do this sooner that later," he told Dean.

"Are you sure?" Dean asked, determined not to let anyone upset his brother.

Sam nodded and took the photo's the policeman gave to him, spreading all six out in front of him.

Dean looked at the faces and then at his brother. He watched as Sam's eyed each photo carefully.

Sam swallowed hard and Dean knew straight away by the brief hint of pain that he'd recognized someone.

"Him," Sam said as he pointed to the photo on the top left.

Both officers looked at each other briefly. "And him," Sam added, pointing to the photo next to it.

"Good work Sam," Officer Garry said. We have Ian Grett in custody. This other one you pointed to is his brother Paul. We thought they may have been in this together."

Dean's face hardened when he saw the flicker of fear and pain return to Sam's eyes. He looked at the photo's taking a mental snapshot.

Yeah Sammy, good work. Dean thought. But you don't have to worry about them ever again. I'm going to make sure of that.

TBC

AN: Okay okay, so I said this was going to be a two parter I know but…Well hell, my muse had other ideas and told me I had to make it three.

Besides, I was hoping that you all wanted to see these guys get what's coming to them. Because as sure as hell, I know Dean does. LOL

Reviews are what I hunger for, so please feed me!!!