Tony wasn't surprised to see a video message from Sam in his inbox that morning. The world was literally a few steps away from being Hell on Earth, and from the strained phone calls and one face-to-face they had, Tony could tell that the end was coming.
Tony pressed play. The video was a little grainy, but not too bad for being shot from a webcam. Sam was sitting down on the edge of a bed, his face appearing gray from poor lighting.
"As you already know, we're in some serious shit," Sam glanced away from the camera, distracted by something off-screen, but quickly returned his attention to the screen.
"In a couple of hours…all of this will be over, hopefully. I have a plan. I haven't told Dean yet, but…" Sam trailed off, but then a resolved look filled his eyes, "I need you to do something for me Tony. Best case scenario, after tonight Lucifer will be back in the Pit. But so will I."
Tony's eyes widened, and he quickly paused the video to take in that nugget of information. What the hell was Sam thinking? How is that 'best case scenario'? Taking a deep breath and wishing that this was a face-to-face so he could give Sam the proper reaming he deserved, Tony resumed the video.
Sam spoke quicker now, "I know what you're probably thinking, but…it has to be this way. What I need you to do is make sure Dean doesn't try to break me out. Make him come live with you, or with Lisa and Ben.
"Just get him away from this life. And don't you dare try and bring me back either. Be the sensible older brother you've always been. I'm counting on you.
"Now…worst case scenario, Lucifer and Michael are going to duke it out and destroy the Earth. So, go out and enjoy tonight. It…might be your last.
"I love you Tony. Over and out."
With that, the video ended. Tony swallowed, the back of his throat burning. He blinked a few times, before getting up and lashing out at the innocent sofa.
Frustration vented, Tony fell onto the abused sofa in exhaustion. How could Sam ask that of him? Why should his brothers be responsible for the fate of the world? Tonight…tonight in all likelihood he would lose Sam and Dean forever.
Hours past, without Tony moving an inch. Either the world was going to end or he would be getting a phone call. Tony would happily (well, happily wasn't the right word) sit by the phone until the end of time if that was what it took.
The phone rang, and with the heaviest of hearts, Tony answered the phone.
"Sammy's gone."
Part of Tony wished that the world had ended.
Notes: The muse is back! I'm sorry for the long hiatus. As always, I love all of the reviews/alerts/favorites that I get. You guys are the best. Please drop a note on your way out. :)
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