Feel the Pain Version B

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Chapter 5: Flames of Love

You would think that if they leave humans in a room with nothing to do other than watch TV, they would at least have Playboy channel. Dean clicked the tv off, sighing in frustration. Thanks to that cup of coffee he drank half an hour ago, there was no way he would be sleeping anytime soon. Glancing over to Sam, Dean made sure he was deep asleep before silently slipping out of the room.

A few minutes later, he was outside, breathing in the night air. Deciding to grab a few magazines from the Impala, he jogged out to the dark car. A few more days and Sam can be released. Then we can get the hell out of dodge and forget about exploding chests and weird vampire dreams. Dean gave a shudder at his own thoughts, knowing he would never get the image of Sam's chest opening on its own out of his head. Closing his car door, he started walking back to the front doors, flipping through the magazines. A cough to his side made him give a slight jump. He turned, his eyes widening in surprise.

"You again!"

"Me again." Nurse Kate smiled, knowing she had caught Dean unawares once more. Little did she know how rare once was, two times being nearly impossible.

Dean blushed, realizing how blunt he had sounded. "Sorry, it's just… twice in one day. Once is usually more than enough for most girls." He flashed his trademark grin, despite Kate's rolling eyes. "So what are you doing out here?"

"I'm on my break."

"I figured. What I meant was what are you doing in a dark parking lot alone?"

"Oh. I needed a light for my cigarette, but I guess I forgot it at home." Kate lifted her hand to scratch her nose, her cigarette sitting unlit between her fingers. "Do you have one, by any chance?"

Dean nodded, pulling out his Metallica lighter. He flipped it open like a pro, using the moment for every ounce of smooth action he could muster. Not to mention grabbing an eyeful of Kate's chest as she leaned in toward the flame. Kate pulled back, blowing smoke out the side of her mouth while grinning at Dean.

"You sure know how to handle that thing. You smoke?"

"Nah. Just like to play." He pointed to the cigarette with his free hand, the other sliding the lighter into his jean pocket. "Those things'll kill 'ya, you know."

Kate nodded, taking another drag. "I know. Tried quitting, but I guess sometimes it just feels good to do something bad, you know?" She raised her eyebrow, the underlining message coming through loud and clear.

Dean grinned. Damn. "Oh yeah. That I do know about."

Kate smiled. "So how's your brother?" Dean's face fell at the sudden change of topic. Kate noticed, as she reached forward, touching his arm. "I mean, I know how he is physically, but have you guys talked? He almost died. He might need to talk about it."

Dean shrugged. "We aren't really the talking type. We can usually tell if something really bad is going on and we work it out."

"You guys must be close then, huh?" Kate glanced at her watch and started walking toward the hospital.

"Yeah, I mean. Our mom died when we were kids, so I was always taking care of him growing up. How about you? Any kid sister?"

Kate gave a short laugh, throwing the rest of the cigarette on the ground, grinding it slightly. "Oh, I don't think after the terror I put my parents through they would ever think of having another. Let's just say they thought I was possessed when I decided to be a nurse. Complete 180 from where I was headed."

Dean stopped, leaning against the hospital wall just next to the doors. "And just where were you headed?"

"Somewhere bad." Kate sighed. "Sorry, but my break is over. I have to go back."

Dean grinned, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. "No problem. This just gives me a reason to talk to you again. So we can finish this conversation."

"Sure." Kate turned, walking through the automatic doors while giving a backward wave of her hand. Not that Dean was watching her hand. Full chest and a heart shaped ass? This girl is too good! "Talk to you later Dean." The doors slid shut before Dean could call back. He sighed, gripping his magazines before pushing himself off the wall. He walked through the doors, quickly turning down the hall to Sam's room. So close. So so so damn close.

…………………………………………….

"Hey Sammy, nice to see you awake. Ya know, you would think you had some major trauma from all the sleeping you've been doing." Dean flopped into his chair, throwing his magazines on the floor. His grin from talking with beautiful Kate yet again quickly fell off at the sight of his brother's face. "Sam, what's wrong?"

Sam sniffed, his hand coming up and wiping his tears away. "Nothing."

"Dude, the only time I can remember you actually crying was when your femur snapped and broke through the skin when you were 10. This is not nothing." Dean pulled his chair up next to the bed. He crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows, waiting for Sam's answer. The shame was practically rolling off Sam.

"I was just dreaming. It was Mom. She was on the ceiling. It's… it's just the first time it was actually Mom. I'm so used to it being Jess… it just kinda hit me." Sam squirmed slightly, not willing to make eye contact with his brother.

Dean nodded, slouching back into his chair now that he knew the crisis was averted. "Yeah." He shifted, not completely sure how to talk about something they had avoided talking about for over 20 years. "You need a few minutes?"

"No, I'm good. I had a minute before you walked in." He grimaced, raising a hand to his head.

"Sam?"

"Nothing. Just a headache. Probably from crying."

Dean nodded, sliding his chair back to where it belonged. And more importantly, where he could reach the remote. "Well, it's late enough that we might catch a bit of Jerry Springer. You want to see some really screwed up families, watch that show, right?" Dean grinned at the idea of the Winchester family on a show like that. I'd like to confront my father. No, he doesn't wear a dress. He makes us hunt the supernatural and won't let us play soccer.

"Dean?"

"Yeah?" Dean kept his eyes on the tv, the image of half clothed women holding his attention.

"Help me." That got his attention. Dean turned his head, finding his brother staring straight at the ceiling, his arms tight against the bed mattress. His body was ridged, completely still. Sam's eyes were wide, another tear falling down his cheek. "I can't move."

Without warning, red hot flames exploded from Sam's bed. Instinctively, Dean pushed back, flipping his chair over and rolling smoothly onto his feet. His eyes widened. No, this can't be. It's just a nightmare. Please God, don't let Sam be taken in flames too.

"SAM!" He rushed forward, feeling the heat of the flames before getting within five feet of Sam. He raised his arms, trying to fight the heat while blocking out the sound of a hospital alarm. No, please. This can't be real. Under the wailing screech, he heard something else. Another scream, a bit lower, but filled with pain. No, please God no. The sharp shrieking belonged to Sam. Dean looked through the flame, finding Sam's face. His eyes danced around frantically, finally finding Dean's through the flame. They wided in pain as his screaming lips cracked. His cheek bubbled, slowly turning black. Dean squinted against the brightness, desperate to get to his brother.

"SAAAAAAMMM!"

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Short, I know. But there was a lot of info in that one... you just don't know it yet. evil laugh So what did you think? Other than I am horrible for ending it like that. Next chapter will be coming soon, just working on the fine tuning. Oh, and more people begin to inspect Sam and Dean's lives as hunters and brothers. Cryptic, I know, but I promise it'll be good and angsty. If you want a bit of humor, go check out my Clowns and Helium. Please please please review. It's really the only way I know people want it to continue. Cheers!