Dean woke up early the morning after the call. He made himself wait some time as not to seem too eager, coming to St. Louis before midday, but he really was eager to see Sam again so at 5am, reasonable time, he told himself, he loaded Baby and set out the agreed upon meeting spot.
He got there at 2pm, perfect time, and the motel room was already booked.
Sam was there.
He was jittery, coming up to the doors, his excitement and apprehension mixing in his gut, creating a nasty concoction, so he made himself stop just before reaching the door, and take a deep breath. It helped some.
And then he put his hand on the handle and opened the door decisively, to reveal his little brother standing beside the rickety table standing near the wall on the side of the room.
Sam looked... good.
He looked startled and spooked, his head jerking up, revealing his pale face, as the door swung open, but otherwise, physically, he seemed better than in a long time.
Despite that the feeling that Dean had gotten while talking to Sam on the phone, the off feeling - should have subsided at the sight of a healthy Sam, it only got worse. The younger Winchester had no injuries, not even a scratch on himself, he hadn't lost weight, everything seemed to be just fine.
And yet Dean's stomach twisted and his instincts were screaming wrong! Something's wrong with Sammy!
Sam himself tensed initially, at the sight of his big brother, but deliberately he made his muscles go lax and he forced something that was meant to be a smile on his lips.
It felt weird, like the expression was alien, like his facial muscles forgot the motions and his brain their purpose.
Well, not like he'd had a lot to smile about, lately. Or really, ever, but yeah, lately smiling really became a novelty to him.
Who knew the life of the Antichrist would be so pitiful, huh?
The two Winchester stood motionless, staring at each other for a few long seconds before Sam forced himself out of his stupor.
"Dean."
"Sammy. Good to see you, man." Dean said forcing his gaze away from Sam's twisted lips and moving to lay his backpack on the bed closest to the door.
"I-... It's good to see you too... Um, how was your time with Cas?" Small talk. That's what they've been reduced to now.
"Awesome. The guy's loads of fun and useful, too." came the flippant answer.
Sam felt like his chest was simultaneously relaxing and squeezing around his lungs and heart. Cas was a good partner to Dean, just like he'd hoped. Dean won't be alone without anyone to watch his back and it seemed like even between the hunts he could be good company. Sam was glad for that. At the same time he felt awful because even though he was aware of what he was and what Dean thought of him he'd been hoping against logic that Dean would add "He's got nothing on you." or "It's not the same without you, man."
He, of course, knew those were just stupid wishes but still...
"And how are you?" Dean was preparing to ask, but just as he opened his mouth Sam cut him off.
"So this thing I wanted to talk to you about... It's about Lucifer."
The cautiously friendly expression disappeared from Dean's face replaced with his business one. Hard and harsh. Sam had to stop himself from flinching. This was real, this.
"Well what have you got?"
"I... He's been talking to me in my dreams." Sam said hesitantly, omitting the fact that it was Jessica he'd saw at first, her beloved face turning into the one of the fallen archangel. Dean's eyes narrowed instantly.
"What do you mean in your dreams? Like visions? 'Cause Cas' art project is keeping all angels away, right? He hadn't found you, had he?" he snapped.
"No!" Sam assured quickly, rising his palms in a placating manner, confusing Dean. The younger brother was acting like Dean would jump him at any given time and beat the crap out of him!
"No, he hadn't found me. But... I-I'm... his vessel." he finished quietly.
"You're what?!" Dean exploded in panic while every single muscle in Sam's body tensed.
"I'm, I'm sorry Dean I know, believe me I know and I- but there's nothing- well actually-"
"You're his vessel?! Lucifer's vessel?!" Dean was winding dangerously high now, ready to rip at the seams.
"Yeah, but Dean, listen to me, please!" Sam begged over his brother's angry exclamations. God, Dean must think he's completely disgusting now. And redemption? For the perfect match to Satan himself? Good jest.
"What?!"
"I... I kind of have a plan. And I think it has a good chance of working!"
Dean wrestled back the control over his emotions. Sam was Lucifer's vessel. Sammy, his little brother whom he'd sworn time and time again to protect against all evil, was the destined vessel for the worst evil this world has ever seen! What if Satan manipulates him and he says yes? That can't happen! The Earth will be doomed and his brother-...
"You have a plan." he parroted after Sam hollowly. "You have a plan to stop Satan from wearing you."
"Yeah..." Sam raked a hand through his unkept hair nervously.
"Okay then, lay it on me. What are you planning? And don't you dare hide anything." Dean threatened.
"Yeah, no, no secrets, I swear. I'll tell you everything." Sam said closing his eyes briefly.
The mattress squeaked as Dean sat down preparing to listen and Sam slowly sank into one of the chairs standing next to the table. He took a deep breath and then started to talk.
/txtbreak/
Hi guys, it's been a long time, hasn't it? :D That's a totally sheepish smile and I'm really really sorry. I had a lot on my mind and I kind of forgot about this story until the wonderful guest user dude come on gave me the proverbial kick to start back on it. So. Here you are :)
