Sorry guys… finals and holidays, you know the drill. I really do love all the reviews, and want to thank everyone who has displayed any interest in this story. I should be able to update within the week, but if I can't it's because I am seriously stressed and just a little overworked.

Thanks for all the support.

Happy reading.

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'Sometimes it's hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can't see
To reach my destiny
I want to take control but I know better'

Fireflight – Unbreakable

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Sam fever had risen to dangerous levels during the night, and he had been delirious through most of the night and morning. He had seemed to think that everything, including big brother, was out to get him. He had also been mumbling about fire and pain, but Dean couldn't make out most of those thoughts, and had to force himself to let it go until Sam was better, and more apt to talk to him without screaming or passing out.

So Dean had settled for keeping his brother as comfortable as he could, and as calm as Sam could manage, which wasn't as comfortable as Dean would have liked. Sam had tossed and moaned for hours, the fever raging through his helpless body.

Dean had held vigil over Sam through most of the night, a steadying hand anchoring him to the real world, while Sam shook and fought against the fever that plagued him. Dean had worried more than he thought was possible over Sam, knowing that he couldn't even risk taking his brother to a hospital, no matter how bad things got.

But Sam had kept fighting, and Dean had stayed by his side. The last time he had looked at the clock it had been four thirty, and shortly after that, Dean had laid his head down on the edge of Sam's bed and drifted off, still gripping Sam's arm.

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When Dean woke the next morning, make that afternoon, he was relieved that Sam hadn't gone and tried to do anything else. His brother was still asleep next to him, his arms and legs askew, face pinched in pain.

Sweat no longer glazed his skin and the bright pink that had highlighted his cheeks that night before had lessened.

Laying the back of his fingers across Sam's forehead, Dean was happy to feel that although it wasn't gone all together, Sam's fever had lowered. His brother was still pale and from the lines around his mouth and eyes, he was obviously in pain, but if his temperature was any indication, he was getting better.

Moving his hand from his brother's forehead to his shoulder, Dean gently shook the younger man. Sam groaned at the motion, and tried to turn away from him, but Dean held him steady, thankful that all he had needed was the little shake to rouse Sam.

"C'mon Sammy, time to wake up," Dean cooed, doing his best mom impression.

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"You do that a little too well," Sam groaned, but kept his eyes shut, screwing them tight against the light and the spiking pain in his head. He frowned, turning his head away from the open window, and Dean as if sensing what was wrong, stood.

"Light?" he asked, already moving for the window.

"Yeah," Sam nodded, wincing at the motion. He swallowed hard against the encroaching bile, and squeezed his eyes tighter, trying to rid himself of the jabbing pain.

There was a click and then Sam heard the blinds sliding down. He heard Dean's footsteps, moving to the other side of the window and pulling the blinds closed. The light piercing through his lids lessened, and Sam cracked his tearing eyes open a sliver.

"D'n?" He asked, rolling his head toward his brother, watching as his blurry form came closer until he was right in front of Sam.

"Hey Sammy," his brother's voice was barely a whisper, and even with the pain pounding in his head, Sam could hear the worry.

"Wha' happened?" he asked, his own voice no more than a whisper, yet the pain spiked anew.

"You took down a pretty major demon with that head of yours, and have been pretty out of it since then." Dean settled a hand on his shoulder, and Sam couldn't explain why the relief that single touch had.

"How long?" he asked, coughing.

"Just last night and through the morning, not long." You scared me. The tone was evident and Sam caught the message loud and clear. "Ruby came," Sam shot his gaze to his brother and immediately groaned, the pain in his head worsening, but Dean must have seen the question because he sighed and added, "She helped, told me it had happened before." Why didn't you tell me?

"Y'never asked." Dean snorted, and let it go for the moment, but from his expression, Sam could tell he was going to have to talk later.

"How bad's the headache?" Sam shot him a look asking how he knew, and Dean smirked. "Our resident demon told me."

Oh. Shit. Well that explains it.

"S'okay." Sam mumbled, closing his eyes again as Dean gave him a disbelieving look.

"So in other words, your head is killing you." Sam's lips quirked at that and Dean smiled, getting up to get Sam something for his head. "You scared the crap out of me Sammy." He said softly. "At least it didn't get as bad as Ruby told me it did last time." Sam opened his eyes again as Dean nudged his hand, placing two small white pills in it.

"Yeah," Sam whispered, tossing the pills back, knowing it was codeine just from the shape and size. "Thanks."

"No problem." Dean watched as his brother's eyes slid shut almost against their will, and Dean squeezed his shoulder, "get some sleep Sammy." He said softly.

"Hmm." Dean snorted, and smiled, leaving his hand on Sam's shoulder until his brother fell asleep.

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A/N: Sorry its short, but so is my time… Hope you liked

Take care,

DS