THEN THERE WAS LIGHT

CHAPTER 2

Morning broke and Sam was woken by the sound of Dean. He had already woken and taken a shower, prepared himself for the day, and was making his way back into the motel room when he managed to wake Sam.

"Hey, sorry, did I wake you?"

"Uhh, Dean? What are you doing?"

Dean had a paper sack in one hand and a drink tray with 2 large cups of coffee in the other hand. He lifted them into the air as he used his foot to kick the door closed behind him. "Breakfast." He said with a grin.

Sam looked at the clock. "Dude, it's 7:00 in the morning!"

"Yeah, and the sun is shining, it's still cold out, but still, it's a brand new day, rise and shine sleepy head!"

Sam groaned and rolled himself out of bed, first visiting the bathroom then sitting at the table with Dean to eat the food he had bought.

"Man, you got everything right." Sam said with a shock.

"Well, yeah, I tried to get what I knew you usually order."

"You did good." Sam replied around a mouthful of food.

"So, what's the plan for today?"

"Well, last night, I was looking up the history of this town and trying to see what I can find about those symbols. I found some things, but I need to go visit the library today, and maybe find a historian to talk to."

"Sounds fun, anything I can do to help?"

Sam drew a confused look on his face. "You want to help research?"

"I mean, yeah, why not?"

Sam just shook his head and chuckled. "You feeling alright?"

"Man, I feel great! Never better!"

"Yeah, my point exactly. I think you need to take some time to rest or go smell the flowers or something."

"Oh man, so I walked to the diner for breakfast this morning, and there were these pots of flowers, they were so pretty! The beauty of the world, it's amazing. Have you ever stopped to notice it?"

Sam just shook his head. "Maybe I'll do that someday, but, for now, I need to see what I can find about what's going on with you. I don't know how much of this 'the world is a beautiful place' Dean that I can handle." Sam said with a slight laugh.

"Yeah, okay little brother, I'll let you have your fun with your research and I'll enjoy nature."

"Sounds good to me." Sam agreed as he finished his food. He made his way to the shower, changing into clean clothes. And headed out for his day full of research.

Dean laid back on the bed, knowing his brother would be gone for most of the day. He was enjoying the peacefulness he was feeling. He allowed the comfort to drift him into a sleepiness.

"But, Daddy, I want to go with you!"

"You can't Dean."

"Why not?"

"Because Sammy is sick, he needs to go to the hospital, and I can't handle the both of you."

Dean pouted, and wouldn't stop arguing about wanting to go. He didn't mean to make his dad mad, but he did. John grabbed some rope and picked up a squirming Dean and tied him to the chair. Of course, Dean choose to start crying, making his dad gag his mouth.

Dean was mad, and scared, but, more than that, he noticed the concern in his dad. It was true heart break that filled his dad's eyes. He hated doing that to his son. But, he had to make sure he was safe, had to make sure he would be quiet. He didn't know any other way. His heart was breaking. Was that a tear? Dad was crying. A tear dripped down his face. He had to keep Dean safe and had to make sure Sam got taken care of.

Sam had woken with a fever and nothing they tried made him feel any better. John wasn't able to keep his boys in the best environments, so the least boys he had with him, the less attention they would bring to themselves, and the fewer questions would be asked.

Dean couldn't believe he had never noticed the heart break in his dad's eyes before. He was too concentrated on the way he felt to notice anyone else. The time passed quicker than it originally did. When Dad and Sam returned home several days had passed. Dean was cold and had used the bathroom on himself, he was also so hungry and scared. His dad laid Sammy down in his bed and quickly untied Dean.

He grabbed his oldest boy and held him as tight as he could. Dean's tears fell down his little cheeks, but so did John's. He gave Dean a warm bath, cleaning his soiled body. He kept apologizing. He told Dean he didn't expect to be gone that long, that Sammy had to be put in the hospital because he was so sick. He told him that they wouldn't let him leave Sam, or he would have come back to take care of him.

"It's okay, Daddy. Is Sammy all better?"

The only thing Dean was worried about was making sure his baby brother was okay. He kept reassuring his dad that it was okay, that he was glad Sammy was feeling better. The concern in his dad's eyes was something Dean had never noticed before. He always believed his dad never cried, but here it was, in the memories hidden deep inside, his dad had tears running down his face. He was crying over Dean. Dean of all people. His dad was so concerned about him, and his wellbeing that he was actually crying!

Dean hadn't realized how much his dad truly loved him. He never saw how much he worried about him and made sure he was taken care of. How could Dean be so stupid? How could he have never seen it before. His dad loved him as much as he loved his dad.

A car horn honked outside, bringing Dean out of his dream state. He sat up, stretched his body, and took a deep breath. He was content with his life at this moment. He was still feeling at peace, he was feeling loved.

He decided to step outside, to enjoy the day while it was still daylight. He walked the streets, noticing all the little things that he had never noticed before. He sat on a park bench, watching kids run and play in a nearby park.

Dean loved taking Sam to the park. Sam always had so much fun. They didn't get the chance to play too often, so when they did they took full advantage of it.

He would chase Sammy around, and push him on the swings. He would sit his little brother in his lap and slide down the slide with him, the same way his dad used to do when he was Sam's age. Dean wished they could spend everyday at the park, like they used to do. But, he knew that the world wasn't as safe as it was back then.

Dad worried about their safety. He wouldn't let them out too often. Uncle Bobby would take them to the park when they visited. He didn't care what John had said. Dean knew it made their dad mad, that he didn't feel like they were being watched close enough, and were missing some valuable time they could be training. But, Bobby loved them as much as John did, and he wanted them to have the chance to be kids.

Sure, Dean never let his guard down around Sammy, but he did enjoy the break of having to act grown. He could be a kid, even if he was watching his brother. He loved those days, when they could just laugh and play together.

A barking dog caught his attention. He had never been one for liking dogs, but this one seemed so friendly, and Dean thought it looked cute. The dog walked near him and without even giving it a thought, he reached out and pet the dog. The dog seemed to enjoy Dean petting it, he started wagging its tail and moved closer, enjoying the moment of affection it was being given. Dean noticed the soft fur that covered its body. He noticed how it wiggled its body with it's tail when it was happy. The excitement for something as simple as being pet made Dean smile.

The owner started walking away, taking the dog with him. Dean watched it walk away, wagging its tail and panting happily as it followed its owner. Dean wondered if their lives would have been different if they had a dog.

He stood from the bench and continued following his path, enjoying the scenery. There was a home, it looked like your typical, apple pie, American dream home. It was a two-story home, with white siding and a black roof with black shutters beside all the windows. With a matching black front door. The yard was nicely mowed and it was lined with a white, wooden picket fence.

Outside, was a father and a little boy, tossing a football back and forth. The Dad would cheer the boy on, congratulating him each time he caught the ball, and the little boy would dance around all excited. Dean smiled at the happiness that radiated from the family.

After walking around the town, he made his way back to the motel room. He had a great day. He was feeling relaxed and full of love and happiness. He made himself comfortable on the bed, flipping through the tv channels, not finding anything he was interested in, so he settled on an old black and white channel.

Sam would love to sit in front of the tv and watch his Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of fruity pebbles cereal. That was always Dean's quiet time too. He took the time that his brother was content with the tv to relax on his own. He was never too far from Sammy, but enjoyed those small moments he could have his own space to breathe.

But, god, he loved his brother! He would die if anything ever happened to his baby brother. He loved to just sit and watch Sammy, he was full of so much innocence. He was a kid, something Dean didn't get a chance to be. But, that was okay, as long as Sammy was happy, that's truly all that mattered.

The click of the door caught his attention. He looked up as Sam walked in, he looked exhausted. As he closed the door he froze, giving Dean a curious, confused look.

"Are those… flowers? In a… vase? On the… table?"

"Yeah!" Dean replied with a peppy smile. "I picked them while I was walking earlier, figured we could use something to freshen up the place just a little. They are buttercups. Buttercups are the first flowers to bloom in the beginning of spring."

"The fact that you know that scares me a little." Sam replied with a shake of his head.

"I'm starving, wanna go grab some food? Or I could just get something and bring it back if you're too tired and don't wanna go anywhere."

Sam was so confused by his brother's new behavior. "Uh, no, I'm good, we can go grab something, lemme go use the bathroom first, and I'll fill you in on what I've learned."

Dean agreed and sat to wait for his brother. When had his brother became so grown? When did life change so much? What Dean wouldn't give for his baby brother to have the innocence he once had.

"You ready?" Sam pulled Dean from his thoughts.

"Yeah."

"Hey, so, um, are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm great, why?"

"Just making sure."

"I'm good, no worries, how are you doing? How was your day?"

"Uh, my day was good, I did a lot of research, unfortunately I don't have all the answers I'm looking for yet, but I have more to go off of, to research online later."

"Awesome! So, how are you doing?"

"I'm… good… tired, hungry, but good."

"Good!" Dean replied with a smile.

They made their way into a local diner, and sat in a back, corner booth. Dean ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and a milkshake, Sam ordered a salad and water. Dean didn't even comment on his brother's choice of food. And, since when did Dean order anything other than a cheeseburger and beer?

A young, nice looking blonde woman came to take their order. Dean used his normal charm to be nice to her, noticing her name 'Anna' on her nametag. But, something was different, only Sam would notice it, of course. Dean was using his charm, but it was for the soul reason of being nice, not to try to grab a quickie in the bathroom or aisle out back.

"Hey, Anna, it's a beautiful day today, isn't it? Yes, I believe my brother and I are ready to order. I'm thinking the grilled chicken sandwich? Is it any good? Okay, great! I'll take that then, and, how are the milkshakes here? Handmade? MMMM you can't beat good home cooking. I'll take one of those, chocolate, please." Dean kept a smile on his face, his charm was shining brightly. Sam ordered his food next, trying to keep his brother's upbeat attitude. Anna gladly took their order and left, returning with their drinks.

"How has your day been, Anna? My day? It's been perfect, thanks for asking."

His simple question of concern led into her feeling comfortable with allowing herself to tell him she hadn't had a very good day, that she had chosen today, of all days, to leave her abusive boyfriend. Dean congratulated her on her decision, reassuring her that its what's best if he's not treating her right. He reminded her that no woman deserves to be beat on or hurt, rather it be physical or emotional, that they should be treated like the queens they are.

Sam was sure Dean's charm was causing Anna to turn slightly horney, watching her cheeks brighten with slight redness as she shifted her thighs against each other, trying to calm her own body. Sam couldn't help but rise an eyebrow when his brother seemed to ignore the obvious signs she was sending to him.

Any other day, he would have jumped at the opportunity to have a quickie, yet, here he was, with a girl who had turned herself wet just by listening to the care in his voice, and he ignored it. He was honestly only concerned for her wellbeing.

She came back to their table to check on them several times, like she wanted to be there with them, where she would be safe and loved and cared for. That was obviously Dean's only concern too. Dean left a nice size tip for her, again, reassuring her that she is doing what is best for her and that she deserves better than someone who is going to hurt her and make her unhappy. He reminded her that she was worth everything her heart desires and is worth being happy and healthy.

Sam was shocked, he had never seen his brother act the way he did. Sure, he knew Dean felt that way. He would never stand by and watch anyone abuse a woman, but he was more of the type who would kick their ass and leave them with threats of death, not the type who would comfort the women and make sure they felt worthy of the love they deserved. And he managed to do all of this without even getting a hard on, or grabbing a quick reminder of the way they should feel after sex.

"What the hell was that?" Sam asked after they left the diner.

"What? I just wanted to make sure she was going to be okay, and if no one else tells her, well then, she needs to hear that she's worth the happiness she wants."

Sam raised his eyebrows, looking his brother up and down. "Who are you and what have you done to my brother?"

Dean nudged Sam's shoulder in a playful manner. "So, what is it exactly that you've found out?"

Sam had forgotten he was never able to catch Dean up with what he's learned. Dean was too busy comforting their waitress.

"Oh, yeah, so there's a history of some ancient dark magic crap that's happened here. A lot of witch craft and sacrificial offering. There's a few different tales, one of them is a pagan god. Something that created the creatures and the bodies, or the missing people, are the sacrifices. Every year there seems to be three missing people around the same time. Sometimes they are hikers who got lost, sometimes visitors, and sometimes locals."

"Three? But… there were only 2 creatures."

"Exactly!"

"So why three?"

"That's what I need to figure out."

"So, are you enjoying this crazy peace and zen thing?"

"I mean, of course. You're enjoying it too." Dean nudged his brother.

"Yeah, whatever!"

"Hey! Don't 'whatever' me! Sam, you know you do. I wish you could feel what I feel right now. It's like, I've noticed things I've never noticed before, like anything that would normally seem dark and crappy, man, I can see the wonder in it! It's so relaxing and peaceful. I don't even know how to explain it. I've never felt anything like it before."

"You look like you're rested, at peace with everything, and you seem to be in a good mood."

"Yeah, that's exactly how I feel."

Sam nodded. Thankful that his brother was feeling some type of peace in the midst of the darkness he had just experienced. Dean had been through so much lately. He deserved, more than anyone, to find a moment of happiness. Sam wasn't sure if he could handle another bouquet of fresh flowers, but figured if that was the worst he had to deal with he would be okay with that.

Dean showered, and made his way to his bed.

"Hey, Sammy."

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"For…?"

"For, always being there for me when I've needed you. For, being someone, I can depend on, and for being my shoulder when I've needed one. Thank you for being my brother, and my best friend."

"You're welcome, Dean, now go to sleep, before you create a chick flick moment even you would be embarrassed of!"

Dean and Sam both laughed at that, knowing Sam was right, and he was trying to save his brother some dignity that he could hold on to once this was all over.

"Night Sam."

"Night, Dean."

Dean snuggled under his covers and fell into a blissful sleep. Sam stayed up with his laptop, continuing to look into the events that have happened in this town. Yes, he was thankful that Dean was able to find some peace, but he also knew this wasn't his brother. And, no matter what good or bad they may face, he needed to get his brother back to being himself.

He glanced at the flowers sitting on the table, giving a small chuckle and a shake of his head, before turning out the main light in the room, leaving only the glow of the small lamp beside his bed and his laptop, leaving Dean to enjoy his peaceful sleep.