Sam sat quietly in the passenger seat of the Impala. His head resting against the seat back and he was staring out the window with unfocused eyes, lost in thought. Dean was driving, not saying anything as music played softly in the background. Keeping the long, low slung black car on the road had long ago become automatic. They were getting as far away from the last town as they could. Dean was determined to find a decent motel and let Sam rest. Hell, they both could use it. They had both nearly died just three days ago. Sam had died, only to be saved by someone so good that Dean hoped she was someplace peaceful now.
Dean had stopped at six motels along the road and couldn't find any where he knew Sam would be comfortable. He wasn't looking for a Hilton at forty dollars a night, just something clean, with comfortable beds. They were now in Tacoma, Washington.
"Maybe we'll find something here, Sammy. Let you rest for a few days." No response. Dean pulled the car into a motel parking lot. He parked a few spaces away from the office, and prying eyes.
"Hey, I'm gonna check us in here. The place looks okay." The motel had decent light gray vinyl siding, and everything looked freshly painted. Dean walked into the motel office and was greeted by none other than Kira.
"Dean!" Kira cried out and circled the counter, bounding into Dean's arms. "Oh, I never thought I'd see you again."
"Kira! Hey." Dean said, cheerfully returning the squeeze. "It's really good to see you again. I thought you were staying with an Aunt?"
"In a way I am. She thought I needed to be on my own. This is her motel. I manage it now. I love it. Is Sam with you? I would love to see him again." Dean's smile faded.
"What is it, Dean?"
"Sammy. He's been through a lot. That's why I pulled in here. Was hoping for a clean, comfy room. My little brother needs a few days rest."
"You could use it too, couldn't you? What happened?" She placed a delicate hand to Dean's haggard looking face.
"Sam and I faced down a demon in Missouri. It was killing psychics. Sam used his telekinesis again. When it was over I told him I'd help him get control of it. After that we hunted a pack of skin walkers. He'd been sick, but he still wasn't sleeping. He was sneaking out in the middle of the night practicing. I found him one night. So did someone else. Bad news. We were kidnapped and tortured. Sam was pushed into using his abilities to protect me and another psychic, a healer named Morgan. He killed the bitch and her flunkies that damn near killed us, and was hurt real bad in the process. So was I. Morgan burned herself out healing me, and bringing Sammy back."
"Oh my God." Kira gasped with tears in her eyes. "Where is he? Is he okay? Are you okay?"
"He needs to rest. He won't talk to me…" Dean stifled a sob. "So what do you say? Can we get a room for a couple of days?"
"Of course. The biggest one, free. Can I help you take care of Sam? He took care of me. I owe him that much. Both of you."
"He'll be glad to see you. Come on."