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John and Mary kept stealing glances at the boys in the backseat. Dean was sleeping, while Sam was wide awake, glaring ahead. These people weren't family, and they had no right to them. Sam wasn't happy about these strange people trying to befriend them.

"So, Sam—what do we need to know about you?" John asked.

"You don't need to know anything about me or my baby brother." Sam said.

"Well, is there anything you'd like to tell us?"

"No. The last thing I need is some other freaky weirdo trying to traumatize my brother."

"Look, we're not gonna hurt you-"

"What about Dean, huh?"

"We're not gonna hurt him, either. Sam, is there anything important we should know about Dean?"

"You don't need to know anything about either of us. We won't be here long, you can count on that."

John honestly couldn't think of a response. He wanted to help these boys, but Sam wouldn't let him near Dean, and Sam was pretty reclusive himself. He didn't know what was up with them. But he was determined to find out. He turned to Mary and gave her a look before turning his eyes back on the road. Dean started to stir and came to a sleepy consciousness. He tugged on Sam's sleeve. Sam leaned down to hear him, in case he had anything to say, and he whispered something.

"Sammy, I need to- to- go to the bathroom." Dean whispered, his voice so low, Sam hardly caught it.

"Okay, Dean. I'll take you in a little bit." Sam replied.

Mary and John were shocked. Dean was talking, whispering to his big brother only, but talking nonetheless. Suddenly, Dean became quiet. Mary noticed the sheer terror in his eyes as John turned to look at him. Dean's lip quivered and he started to cry, then he buried his head in Sam's side and had at it. Sam made hushing noises and tried comforting the child, but it didn't work. Sam pulled Dean onto his lap and kissed his hair softly. Dean's cries quieted to hiccups as Sam rubbed his back and glared at John.

"You son of a bitch! How dare you make my little brother shed tears?" Sam yelled.

"Sam, I-" John started.

"Save it. Saying you're sorry won't fix his problems, will it?"

"No, it won't, but-"

John was glad that he pulled into the driveway at that moment. Making things too tense wouldn't help anything. Sam got out and helped Dean out, making sure Dean didn't fall from all the crying and shaking he was doing.

"Shhhh—it's okay, buddy. Sammy's here. I won't let them hurt you." Sam whispered to Dean.

Dean stopped blubbering and looked at his big brother before hugging him. Sam took his little hand and followed Mary, going at a pace that Dean's short legs could keep up with. He didn't trust these…imbeciles with his brother. But, he would have to try and stick it out. Dean squeezed Sam's hand and gave him a little smile. Sam smiled back and tussled Dean's hair with his free hand. He was going to protect Dean from whatever awaited them at this house.

"Bathroom's down that hallway, in case you need it. Do you need to go to the bathroom, Dean?" Mary asked. Dean nodded.

Sam took Dean to the bathroom and helped him with his jeans and things. When Dean finished, Sam helped him wash his hands. They walked back to where Mary was standing. Mary smiled and reached out to tussle Sam and Dean's hair, but was stopped short when Dean stepped back slowly, then ran to the corner crying again. Sam went after him and picked him up, cradling him and whispering to him. Mary felt guilty. She hadn't intended on looking mean, but Dean was a five year old who had a painful past. Sam finally got Dean to stop crying and Mary walked over and kneeled by them, making sure she kept her distance while still being somewhat close.

"Hey, Dean. Do you like to color? I've got some coloring books and crayons, if you do. You and Sam can go sit in the kitchen while I make supper and color." Mary said.

Sam looked at Dean, who looked unsure. Dean loved to color, and Sam knew it. It was one of the only things that made him happy, besides Sam.

"Sure. We'd love to." Sam said, putting on a false smile.

Mary smiled, thinking she'd made progress with the boys. She led Sam and Dean into the kitchen, where she sat them at the table with 2 coloring books and a 92 count pack of crayons. Dean cautiously picked up a crayon and started to color in the picture of a dog in his book. Sam did the same, stopping every little bit to tell Dean that he was doing a good job. He stayed close, in case Dean had another panic attack, and because it was his job. Dean frowned, noticing Mary was looking at him strangely. He put down the crayon and looked at her through tearful eyes. She noticed Dean was sucking on the thumb of the hand he wasn't coloring with. Usually by five, kids already out grew the thumb sucking stage.

"Dean, please take your thumb out of your mouth." Mary said gently. Dean shook his head.

"You gonna shun my brother for sucking his thumb, too? Do you people ever think that maybe it makes him feel safe?" Sam demanded.

"Sam, I'm sorry. I just-"

"Leave him alone, okay? You're not his mother or father. I AM. Got it?"

"Sam, can't you let me and John acquire some responsibility?"

"Like what?"

"Like making sure you're clothed and fed and taken care of."

"Huh. Doesn't leave much for me."

"Sure it does! You will always be his big brother, and his protector. You will still be his guardian, to an extent."

Dean squirmed, his brain having a horrible vision. If Sammy was only his guardian 'to an extent', Sam would forget about him and start liking the family and the horror would come back again. He started to cry and hug Sam tightly.

"Dean, what's wrong?" Sam asked.

"Nnnnn." Dean slurred.

"Come on, Dean! Talk to me!"

"NO LEAVE, SAMMY! PLEASE!"

"Leave? Sam isn't leaving, Dean." Mary explained gently.

Mary was surprised. The social worker said Dean didn't talk at all. But he just had, and he had a beautiful voice. Dean was scared, though, and she knew she needed to help.

"Sam, why don't I take you two to your room? I think Dean may need a nap before supper." Mary asked.

"Dean, do you want to take a nap?" Sam asked. Dean nodded into Sam's side.

San scooped him up and followed Mary upstairs to a small room. Dean snuggled into Sam and closed his eyes, drifting into a light sleep. Sam laid Dean on the bed and crawled under the covers with him. Mary left the two to sleep after the many crying spells and the first few hours at their new foster home. She walked up to tell them that supper was ready, but the brothers were sleeping so soundly, Dean curled up, head buried in Sam's chest, and Sam, his arms wrapped tightly around Dean, as if protecting him from something. She walked away and left them asleep.

Sam was actually still awake. He was thinking and stroking Dean's head.

'We are family, Dean. And they aren't part of it.' Sam thought.