Disclaimers: Still don't own them…blah blah blah…see chapter one.

If, for some reason, you are still reading this….well, WOW. Nobody must have written anything else. You must be desperate. Nevertheless, I have to let you know…don't expect any updates for a couple of days. Hey, as you can tell, writing is SO not my day job. Thank God. I'd be VERY hungry. Alas, my actual employer does expect me to work and while I have a great deal of this story done…I have to beta it myself. I would never subject a poor sole to that task. So, I will be back in a few days. Maybe my husband will have made it off the couch by that time. I won't hold my breath, though!

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The drive home seemed unending. Sam stared out the window sadly as memories assaulted him. Closing his eyes he leaned his forehead against the window. God, he wanted to be anyplace than here. He had spent three months in California with his Aunt and Uncle. The time away helping to ease the pain and loneliness.

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Aunt Marissa, his mother's sister, had taken him in at his most vulnerable time and made him apart of her home. Her husband, Danny, also welcomed the opportunity to include his nephew. Quietly joking to Sam how nice it was to have another guy in the house. He loved his daughters, Jessica and Cassie, but he had always wanted a son. Sam was more than happy to help fill the void. His father wasn't as hands on. Three months with Danny Soriano and Sam had started on the road to healing. Blossoming quickly in the companionship and love of the close-knit family.

For three months he had been the protective older brother to his eleven and thirteen year old cousins. He had grown particularly close to Jessica, the oldest of the two girls. She would listen as the older boy dealt with the sudden loss of his beloved mother. Often venturing off for long walks in the local parks or just roaming around the cities many malls.

The Sam Warner that arrived in Palo Alto, California wasn't the same as the one who had left. The Sam that had been welcomed into the Soriano household was a tall, gangly and very sad and despondent teen. Arriving on the doorstep with more emotional than physical baggage. Leaving Palo Alto even taller and more filled out, due to hours and hours of long and intense one on one-basketball games and endless impromptu football, baseball and soccer games played with new friends gathered on his extended visit.

Leaving Palo Alto seemed inevitable yet something that the whole family hadn't been willing to acknowledge even as the time for him to return home was fast approaching. Yet, even late night phone calls from both Danny and Marissa Soriano could not convince Sam's father to let him stay in California and continue his education with all the friends and family who openly and without hesitation embraced the teen. Allowing him to slowly but surely move forward in his recovery.

Reese was adamant that his son needed to return home. So much time had already been lost while his son reeled from his mother's loss. This was time his father felt Samuel would never get back. Unfortunately, it was also time that was needed to get his son back on track. A quick decision had been made and Sam was sent, without explanation to the young teen, to California.

At fifteen years old, he would be entering into his sophomore year at the very prestigious Walden Academy. If all went the way Reese planned on masterminding, Samuel would graduate a year ahead of his class and enter Harvard University, as he had planned since Sam was practically in the womb. There would be no derailments or obstacles in his young son's path. This was his dream.

No amount of pleading would convince Reese to leave his son with his wife's family. While he appreciated the sentiment, there was no room for their inane emotions to sidetrack all that he had worked so hard for.

The last week before Sam's imminent departure was bittersweet. The tight knit brood tried to push aside the impending date and enjoy their last few days as a family. Sam's newfound friends playing a big part of his going away. None of them willing to accept that they would not see the teen soon.

"I can't believe you are leaving. It seems like you just got here," Jessica cried as she gave her older cousin a sorrowful hug. "I wish you could stay."

"It's OK, Jess. I'll be back. Maybe even at Spring Break." He knew even as he spoke the words that this would never happen. Not as long as Reese Warner drew a breath. He loved his father. It had come as a big surprise when his father sent him to California. The casual upbringing the Soriano's were accustomed to would never happen in Reese's world. Even when his mother had been alive.

"Can I at least call you?" the crying girl continued as she pulled away to look her cousin in the eye. Knowing she could see through any lines he might pull.

"You better. You have my cell number. Call me."

Smiling at the truth she saw glimmering in his blue green eyes she stepped back to let her younger sister say her goodbyes.

One by one the family and friends that saw him off on his flight back home said their sad farewells.

"Hey, kiddo. I really tried," Danny whispered into his nephew's ear.

Not able to verbally respond all the teen could do was nod as he hugged his Uncle.

"I know." He finally whispered. "Thanks."

Marissa wiped the tears from her eyes unabashedly. Her sister's baby had grown up, matured and mended right before her very eyes. Kristin would be very happy and somehow she knew even proud of the young man that stood before her. He still had a long way to go and she hoped that her brother in law would embrace the "new Sam" yet she wasn't naïve. In Reese Warner's world it was not good enough to be loved, have friends and be happy.

Happiness was built on another platform for that man. In his eyes, an exclusive higher education, the ability to squash any competitor and a winner take all attitude was just what his teenage son needed to survive. His whole life mapped out for him. The Soriano's, while a stable force in his son's life, would only deter him from the great plans and dreams he had in mind for Sam. Even if Sam didn't share those ambitions.

Marissa enveloped the young boy in a fierce, loving hug. God willing, Sam would be strong enough to stand up to the overprotective and overbearing father. In the three months she had really gotten to know her amazing nephew, she caught glimpses of the boy's own ambitions and desires for himself. Most of them, while fascinating and challenging would most definitely never coincide to the path etched out for the boy. His spirit and fortitude were definitely from his mother, with a little luck and some positive reinforcement he might just end up getting everything he wanted. Sadly, she wasn't sure where he would find that positive role model.

"Oh, honey. We are going to miss you so much. You tell your father to let you come see us." Cupping the young face and wiping his tears with her thumbs she reached up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss on his forehead. Whispering into his ear. "You are very strong. Do what makes you happy, sweetheart."

Hearing those words broke his heart. Those were words his mother would have told him. He nodded his head and studied the ground. "I will."

He took a few steps towards the waiting jet and turned around. He waved goodbye to his friends and family and slowly ascended the steps to his old life. Taking a seat on the plane, he buckled his seat and studied the small crowd. Cassie and Jessica stood arm in arm next to their mother and father as his two close friends, Matt and Zane waved goodbye.

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Sam raised his face from the window and ran a hand through his hair. His father would kill him. His hair far longer than his father would ever permit. Image was everything. He would certainly not hear the end of it once he set foot in the fortress his father called home.

Staring back out at the very familiar surroundings, Sam rested his head against the headrest and closed his eyes again.

Dean said nothing in the car ride home. His mind wandering as he cranked up the music louder. He knew he should feel thankful that he had, once again, managed to land on his feet with this seemingly sweet, cushy job. What the hell was there to complain about? He drove around in a $100 thousand dollar car. His main job to make sure the little brat in the passenger seat was where he needed to be and didn't stray from his daddy's intended path. Cautioning a quick glance, the blonde couldn't help but frown at the boy beside him.

Poor little spoiled rich boy. Most likely a straight A student Dean had so despised when he was in school. Eager to please and make daddy happy. As far as he could tell the dark haired boy was just another rich little punk kid. Probably thought the world owed him everything on a silver platter. Well, he had news for the little shit. Dean Winchester was certainly not one of his little minions. He would not be serving Sam anything, much less not on a silver platter. Seeing the kid move his head from the window and then lay it back on the headrest, Dean quickly swerved to make his exit. Knowing full well this would get the kid's attention.

"Well, Duchess it looks like we have arrived back to your royal castle."

Sam frowned and stared back at the older teen. What the hell was his problem? Sam knew he had met Dean years ago. Mary had brought him to work. While the two really had nothing in common, Sam remembered having a quick snack with the older boy. Exchanging pleasantries and enjoying the food. The older boy obviously wasn't happy with his current occupation. Why did he take the job if he hates me so much, Sam wanted to blurt out. The right turn, though, signaled any end to that discussion as the Warner mansion came into full view.

The outside of the family home sitting completely unchanged. It was as if time had stood still and the three months that had passed never happened. But, that was impossible. Because if that were to be the case his mother would be alive and roaming the massive halls of a home he had come to dread.

Dean parked the car in the circular driveway; careful to keep it parked next to the door and under the protective ceiling of the home's entry.

Before he could pull the emergency brake and put the car in park, the passenger door opened and Brady, the family butler, greeted the youth.

"Mister Warner, so good to have you back home with us."

Sam smiled and stepped out of the car.

"Brady. It's great to see you."

Brady returned the genuine smile and hugged the young boy. Dean got out of the car and started for the front door.

Brady frowned at the nineteen year old as walked by.

"Mr. Winchester, I do believe you forgot to grab Samuel's backpack." Knowing full well the boy carried it everywhere with him.

Sam was not anxious to have the cranky teen complain about the extra chore. "I got it, Brady. That's alright."

"Nonsense. It is what Mr. Winchester should be doing." Knowing exactly the attitude that Dean was demonstrating.

Sam knew there was nothing he would be able to say to dissuade the family butler from demanding the Winchester boy from handling his job. He also knew he would pay somehow for this.

Brady turned to walk towards the house as Dean brushed up against the unsuspecting younger boy. Mumbling on his way back to the car and opening the backdoor.

"Oh, let me get your purse for you, Duchess." Dean reached in and grabbed the offending item and swung it off the seat, not really expecting or comprehending exactly how heavy it really was.

"What the hell do you have in here, little girl?"

"Books."

"Ah, a nerd and a Duchess. Powerful combination. You must land all the chicks."

Sam rolled his eyes and caught up quickly with Brady as he greeted and filled the young boy in on all the gossip of the house. He had missed the young Master and was anxious to have him back in the fold again.

"Oh, and Mr. Winchester. I'm sure you will want to bring the bag up to Samuel's room. His wing is on this side of the stairs, his bedroom the second door on the right. Please try not to break anything." Brady pointed up the right side of the stairway.

Dean hefted the bag over his shoulder grumbling all the way as he walked up the stairs.

"Oh, absolutely. We wouldn't want young Master Warner to get a cramp would we?" Dean mocked as he imitated the older butler.