Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Ties that Blind

Chapter 25 – Vision

It had been almost a week since Dean had found Sam and brought him to the cabin. Sam's recovery had been painfully slow. Dean walked into the bedroom carrying a tray of food. "Hey Sam are you awake?"

Sam turned his head towards the sound of Dean's voice. "Yeah"

"I've brought your favorite lunch Sam, grilled cheese sandwiches and a mug of tomato soup." Dean watched as his brother tensed. He knew that Sam hated being taken care of, but with his hands still stiff from the burns and his bandaged eyes, he had to rely on Dean to do everything for him.

"I'm not hungry Dean, maybe later" Sam said as he turned his head.

"We're not going through this again Sam. You have to eat. Tell you what, if you eat like a good boy, I'll give you some good news." Dean placed the tray on the table and began to help Sam sit up on the bed. He could feel his brother giving in, which bothered him. Sam would put up resistance but then back down…which wasn't like his stubborn brother at all.

"What?" Sam asked as he once again gave in. He knew that this was hard on Dean and he had vowed that he would make things as easy as possible for his brother. He hated that he was an even bigger burden than before.

"Food first…then news." Dean chuckled as he pictured Sam's eyes rolling behind the bandages. Dean quickly began to feed Sam as he told him about his conversation with Clinton.

"I spoke to Clinton today. That kid is really enjoying his new home. He went hunting with his foster father today for the first time; I don't think he cared for the killing part…sounds kind of like someone I know." Dean smiled as he looked at his brother.

"I just never saw the sense in killing something for the sake of killing it Dean…hunting for food is fine, but as a sport…" Sam said, sympathizing with Clinton.

"Anyway" Dean continued not wanting to start an argument over the hunting as a sport. "He's enrolled in school; his teachers say he's really smart and should get along real well there. I think we made the right decision…at least he will have a chance at a real home."

Sam heard the yearning sound in Dean's voice. "Dean? You know we could settle down somewhere if you want. You could have a real home too."

"Me and a white picket fence…I don't think so Sam. Besides, home isn't a place…I have everything I need Sam." Dean watched as Sam finished the soup. He gently wiped his brother's chin and placed the cup back on the table. "So are you ready for the news?"

"What news?" Sam said grinning

"The good news…fine, you don't want to hear it. I can just go play poker with Ellen." Dean started to stand a grin on his face as he waited.

"Dean!" Sam struggled to sit up, he hated that he couldn't read his brother's body language, he never knew when Dean was kidding or serious. "Dean I'm sorry…please tell me."

Dean stepped back quickly realizing that Sam was getting upset. "Take it easy Sam; I was just yanking your chain. The Doctor called and will be stopping by in a short time. He says that your bandages should be able to come off today."

Sam smiled a genuine smile for the first time since they arrived at the cabin. He hated that the bandages had to stay on, especially after he had a glimpse of Dean in the warehouse. But the doctor insisted that his eyes still needed time to heal. Sam felt his face with his hands, wanting to get rid of the bandages. "When Dean?" Sam asked quietly, wondering again if he had imagined seeing in the warehouse. He hadn't told Dean, because he didn't want to get his brother's hopes up.

"He should be here any time Sam…don't worry; I know you'll be just fine." Dean could sense Sam's worry. What if his brother couldn't see? Dean knew it didn't matter to him, but it would destroy his independent brother. He just hoped that this time when the bandages were removed, they would get some good news.

As Dean stood he heard a soft knock at the door. "Hey Doc, I was just telling Sam that his bandages could come off today."

"Hi Dean…Sam. Let me just take a quick look at those burns first. Are they still bothering you Sam?"

"Not too bad, my hands are just stiff…but it's better than before."

"Well it takes time for the skin to heal. I've left some ointment with Ellen that you can begin using now that the infections have cleared up. It should help. Have you still been taking the pain medication I Ieft for you?"

"No, the over the counter stuff works just fine…I hate the way the pain medicine makes me feel." Sam replied.

"Fine, but I'm leaving some more of the pain medicine here just in case. I've shown Dean some exercises that I want you to begin doing for your hands. Once you start, you might need something a little stronger…ok?"

Sam shrugged.

"Let's take a look at your eyes now Sam. I'm going to remove the bandages, but I want you to keep your eyes closed until I tell you ok?" The doctor stood and closed the drapes in the room and turned on the lamp beside the bed. He watched as Dean moved to the other side of the bed and held Sam's hand in his own, giving Sam silent comfort.

Sam held his breath as he felt the bandages removed from his face. "Ok Sam, now open your eyes slowly."

Sam did as he was told; blinking a few times at they began to water. Dean watched holding his own breath. "Sammy?"

Sam turned to Dean and smiled. "I see you're wearing your favorite Metallica shirt…remind me to get you a new one for Christmas…that one has definitely seen better days!"

Dean grinned and couldn't help himself as he grabbed Sam around the shoulders in a bear hug. "Dude, the arms!" Sam giggled as he felt tears leaking from his eyes. He looked up and saw Ellen entering the room. "Hey Ellen, nice to see you." Sam said as he watched Dean blush.

The doctor examined Sam's eyes and turned to Dean. I've left some eye drops with Ellen as well; make sure he uses them for the next 10 days. They will help with any residual swelling. Things may be a bit blurry for a while and he should avoid bright light for a few more days. But I don't see any reason why his eyes shouldn't be back to normal real soon."

"Well, I'm glad everything worked out Sam. You really gave us a scare." Ellen smiled as she gave Sam a quick hug. "I'm going to call Jo with the good news." Ellen and the doctor left to give the boys some time alone.

Sam moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "Whoa there Sam, where do you think you're going?"

Sam looked at Dean, really looked at his brother and smiled softly. "I want to sit outside Dean, I just need to…" Sam looked away.

"Ok Sammy, let me just help you get dressed. Then we can go sit on the front porch." Dean quickly helped Sam into a T shirt and some jogging pants. After getting Sam's socks and shoes on, Dean stood and stepped back. He understood that Sam needed to get some of his independence back. "Ready, let's go." Dean turned and waited.

Sam smiled softly as he stood on his feet. He wobbled for a moment but soon walked slowly out of the bedroom. He nodded at Ellen who was working in the kitchen as he went to the front door. He expected Dean to grab the door for him but was surprised when Dean moved to talk to Ellen. "I'll grab us a couple of beers and meet you outside Sam."

Sam had to use both hands to get the door open, but soon he was sitting in one of the oversized rockers on the front porch. He almost jumped when he felt Dean's hand on his shoulders. "Here you need to use these." Dean handed Sam his sunglasses.

"Thanks!" Sam accepted the sunglasses and the beer, content to just sit and look at the world around him for a moment. He hadn't realized how badly he missed his eyesight. For the moment he was happy to just sit next to his brother and watch as the sun set behind the trees.

Dean could only guess at what was going through his brother's mind. He was just thankful that Sam had his vision back. Hell he was just thankful to have his brother sitting at his side. When he thought about the four days that he had been missing, Dean shuddered. Dean turned to Sam and smiled as he saw his brother's head slip forward onto his chest, the half empty bottle of beer slipping from Sam's hands as his brother feel asleep. Dean caught the bottle before it fell and walking quietly into the house and grabbed a throw from the couch. He returned and covered his brother, pushing Sam's bangs from his forehead. "Sweet Dreams Sammy" Dean said as he took his seat again. He would let Sam stay out here for a little while longer. He knew that Sam was tired of being stuck inside.

Ellen walked out a short time later to let the boys know that dinner would be ready in an hour. She smiled as she saw both boys sleeping. Shaking her head she quietly closed the door and decided to wait to wake them. She had spoken to Jo and assured her that Sam was going to be fine. She planned to leave tomorrow morning and had made arrangements so that Dean could stay with Sam. She knew that Dean would never leave Sam anytime soon.

TBC

Raven524: Ok, so I lied. There was too much to cover in one chapter…so after fussing with it all day, I decided to break it into two chapters. Hope you all don't mind. For now, I'm giving Sammy a little peaceful break…big chick flick moment to come in the next chapter! Don't forget to review!!