Tag 3: Entwined

Summary: Dean returns to the panic room to be with Sam

Castiel's eyes widened as Dean returned to their stakeout outside the panic room. The angel looked visibly disturbed and concerned at his appearance. He was sure he looked like absolute hell.

Castiel cleared his throat awkwardly. "Sam's quieted down. I think the worst may be over."

Dean nodded and silently stepped to the iron door, unlatching it. He felt Castiel's hand suddenly on his arm. "It might be too soon Dean. He could still be under the effects…

"I don't care," breathed Dean in tender desperation.

Castiel paused for a moment and then removed his hand. "I'll be out here if you need any assistance."

"Thanks Cas," said Dean, grateful for the understanding. He stepped into the panic room and then shut the door behind him. Sam was lying handcuffed to the small cot in the middle of the room. He was shivering slightly and mumbling incoherently, his eyes moving rapidly behind closed lids. But the pain and violence of the detox seemed to have run its course.

"Sammy," whispered Dean. He knelt down next to his brother and ran a hand through Sam's sweaty mop of hair. "It's gonna be okay little brother." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key to the handcuffs. Then he gently unlocked Sam's shackles one by one. Sam moaned and then curled limply into himself.

Dean carefully pushed Sam to the edge of the cot and then climbed in awkwardly next to him. He put his arm around his shaking brother and pulled him into his chest, effectively spooning him. Just like he had done when they were kids and Sam was sick or scared and they were all alone. Dean didn't know who it comforted more, him or his brother. All he knew was that it always helped them both fall into a peaceful sleep.

They may have been bigger and the bed may have been a lot smaller, but the affect was still the same, even after all these years. Dean felt his brother's shaking ease as he buried his face against Sam's back, his own body slowly easing into relaxation. He grasped around for Sam's hand, and when he found it, he squeezed it tightly. He felt the slightest return squeeze back from Sam. It was the last thing Dean felt before falling into an exhausted sleep as he lay tucked up and entwined against his baby brother.

That's All Folks!