A.N.

Here's the next chapter. I'm going to try getting the rest out a bit quicker. Hope you enjoy this one.

Thank you Gabi for helping me with this and for writing the awesome ending. I'd probably go crazy if it wasn't for your help! This story would not exist at all without her help, she's the one that thought of the plot anyway! :) I also want to thank both Gabi and Sabine for being there to talk to when I'm having doubts. It's nice to know someone cares and is willing to listen.

By the way...I made a poster for this series in photoshop. You can view it in my profile right next to where this story is listed under the "Missing Piece" verse. I'd be so grateful if you'd let me know what you think...it's the first time I've published my artwork! *blushes*

Previous Chapter...

Sam was shocked and actually a little glad that Dean was giving him an option other than automatically breathing down his neck. "Just watch but stay close, I don't trust myself yet. Don't get me wrong this is really really cool but I kinda miss my wheelchair, you know? I couldn't imagine being on these the whole time without being able to really use my hands."

Dean nodded, looking around. "Kinda a bit slower than I thought, with moving around."

Sam cocked his head to the side at this. Dean had been so hyped up about the crutches that Sam assumed Dean had gotten this image in his mind. An image of Sam racing down halls on crutches, being able to navigate through crowded halls and steep stairs. He didn't realize that while it was similar to walking, it just wasn't walking. He had probably gotten his hopes up so high and now maybe felt bad for bugging Sam to use crutches all these years when it wasn't what he thought.

But the thing was, even if it wasn't what Dean had expected, it was what Sam had. And Sam liked it, he really did. And he wanted to show Dean that he was happy and glad that his brother had pushed for him to use the crutches. So he decided to pick it up a notch.

"Hey, slow down! What are you doing?" Dean called out and Sam thought that was funny. He was going at a snails pace compared to what Dean could do. Ignoring his brother, Sam pressed on.

He quickly found out that he shouldn't have though. He just wasn't used to balancing enough for the pace he was going and swung himself way too much forward and was left at an awkward angle with his arms behind the rest of his body.

"Dean!" Sam called out, certain in the five seconds it would take him to hit the floor that Dean would catch him like he always did.

Sam fell backwards and hit the floor.

Dean had been standing right next to him.

"Sam, for the hundredth time, I'm sorry."

They were back in the motel room after the trip to the rehab center and after an angry outburst directed at Dean, Sam hadn't spoken a word to him since. Dean had apologized right away, the word 'sorry' leaving his lips over and over again. But still, Sam couldn't help but feel angry. Maybe it wasn't exactly justified, But Sam couldn't find it in himself to care.

Dean had said that he had turned around to get John's attention, to see how their father was reacting to the events when Sam had fallen. But Sam's mind couldn't justify Dean letting him fall. Dean had promised that he would always catch Sam, would always be behind him with waiting arms.

Sam knew people made mistakes, it happened and he understood that. But when nothing like this had ever happened before, Sam had a hard time knowing how to react and feel. Dean had been allowing him some space the last few days and Sam had enjoyed that so it was easy to understand why Dean wasn't hovering over him like he usually did.

But still, the crutches had been a huge deal to Sam. If there was any time that Dean needed to hover, that Sam would be happy to have him hover, it would have been then.

John had taken Dean outside now and was giving him a talking to. Sam really didn't see the point in them leaving the room. John obviously didn't want Sam to hear but cheap motel walls weren't the best thing to block out sound. Sam could practically hear every word John was saying and hear the disappointment that was strong in his voice. It should make Sam feel better that John cared so deeply about the incident but it just made him even angrier because of the lack of responses Dean had to John. It wasn't like Dean would have been able to get through to their father when he was so angry, but Dean wasn't even trying. He was just taking the scolding without as much as a single word.

"You know how dangerous it is to have Sam hunting with us Dean. I wouldn't even have considered letting him hunt way back then if it wasn't for you. I trust you Dean with everything I have. I saw how much concern and dedication you had for your brother and I knew you wouldn't let him down. I knew you'd protect him with your life, that you'd always have his back. And while this wasn't a hunt or a life or death situation...what if it was? What if Sam couldn't get out of the way of some creature and you weren't paying attention and it hurt him...or killed him!"

"You knew how much this meant to your brother, how important and exciting it was to him and you couldn't give him all your attention? You know he has bruises now where he fell? It might not seem like such a big deal but you know that Sam can't feel the bruises which means he could hurt himself more without knowing about it. We're lucky if the bruising doesn't get worse, Sam doesn't have a lot of muscle in his legs Dean which makes it that much more easily for him to get hurt. This is what I've always been worried about. I don't take Sam on hunts that are too dangerous for him but really...who am I to judge? What if a simple salt and burn went wrong? That's where I rely on you and I need to know that this won't happen again. It won't happen again, right Dean?"

Sam had to bite his lip to keep from shouting back. He wanted to scream that he didn't need Dean's protection on every single hunt and that he could handle it if Dean wasn't able to. But that was a lie and he would be stupid to say that Dean's presence wasn't necessary. He knew Dean was the only reason why John allowed him to hunt at all. For the longest time John had stuck Sam to research only, spending all his time in libraries and talking to victims, even when Sam had mastered training.

But John had seen how Dean was with him. When the three of them accidentally ran in to an angry poltergeist and Dean didn't leave Sam's side, throwing himself into the path of danger for Sam and sticking with him through the whole thing. It was what changed John's mind, Sam was good at what he did and Dean kept him from most harm, he saw the boys as a perfect team.

Now because of Dean's stupid mistake Sam was worried that John might change his mind. Sam knew John had a hard time with himself for letting his paralyzed son hunt monsters and essentially putting him in the path of danger where he could be killed. It was something his father fought with and both brothers could tell he sometimes had second thoughts about it. Sam didn't blame John, he didn't want to lose his son again and Sam was much more vulnerable than the average hunter. And now with their current predicament Sam could practically hear all of John's doubtful thoughts. So even though Sam was still furious for what Dean did, he couldn't act too upset or John wouldn't trust Dean on hunts anymore. Sam had to play it cool, call it off as just a simple mistake and take Dean's side because the last thing he wanted to do was sit out on every single hunt again.

John and Dean came back into the room, Dean looking frazzled and John defeated. That wasn't a good sign.

"I'm sorry Sam; really...I didn't mean to let you fall. It won't happen again." Dean said while staring at the floor. John was looking over at Sam like his reaction would judge where they go from here. He couldn't screw this up if he didn't want to sit on his ass in a library for the next thirty years.

"I know it won't. I trust you Dean. I'm angry, but I still trust you and I believe you. I know you have my back."

Dean nodded and John looked a little better. "We can try the crutches again in a few days if you want, hopefully with a better outcome this time." John said, offering Sam a little smile.

This time Sam couldn't fake. He just couldn't. Falling on the crutches and embarrassing himself not only in front of random people, but his family is was not something he wanted to do again. He just didn't have the confidence or energy to try again. The excitement had wore off and now all Sam was left with was the memories of falling backwards and the feeling of his heart racing and the false knowledge that Dean would catch him and they would laugh it off.

"No, I'm good. I don't want to try the crutches again. For a long time...if ever. I just don't think I could bring myself to try or really to care again. I'm mobile, I can get around just fine and my wheelchair is a hell of a lot faster than those things...so I'd rather not."

John frowned. "Sam you can't just..."

"Yes I can Dad. You're not the one doing it. You're not the one who decides how I want to get around or what I want to learn. It's just waste our time doing something that's not the least bit necessary. I'm done."

John swallowed looking hurt. Sam glanced over at Dean, expecting him to say something...anything in regard to trying again, that he wouldn't let him down again but he didn't. Dean stayed silent, probably not wanting to screw things up even more or bring about an argument but in truth it just sealed Sam's decision.

"I'm done." He repeated and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

Mrs. Mendel invited the family over for dinner a few hours later. Sam had to admit it was kind of weird to have an older woman texting him. She seemed to enjoy texting him a little too much and was always sending him picture mail of her birds doing funny things. But she was super kind and he couldn't bring himself to deny her offer.

Despite his bad mood, Sam couldn't help but chuckle at John's face when Anne Mendel sat down for dinner with Coconut on her shoulder who was squawking loudly.

"Oh shush silly bird." She scolded Coconut who made no effort to listen to his master's commands. "I am so sorry, I don't know what is the matter with him, he's usually so quiet and peaceful."

Coconut let out a loud screech and flew off Anne's shoulder to perch onto the fridge, staring at Dean.

"I think he's mad at you Dean from when you hollered at him the last visit." John laughed.

"It crapped on me so it deserved it."

"Dean!" John scolded, glaring at his son but Anne of course, laughed it off.

"Oh he did, Coconut knows better than to leave accidents on people. He only does it when he's really excited so take it as he really likes you."

Sam glanced over to the squawking bird. "Or liked you. I don't think he's too fond of you right now."

"Perfect." Dean grumbled. "I just ruin everyone's day, don't I?"

It seemed to be turning out that the Mendel house wouldn't fill Dean with any good and happy memories.

Anne looked back and forth between Dean and his family, almost with a sad look on her face, like she felt bad for Dean. "You know...my niece is coming up in a few days. I told her all about you and she's pretty excited to meet you. Will you guys stick around for just a bit longer?"

Dean looked out of his element as he stumbled for words, but John smiled. "Of course, we were planning to stay for at least a few more days anyway. Isn't that great Dean?"

Dean swallowed. "Yeah, cool."

"You'll love Maggie! She is such a sweetheart, but just to warn you she loves to talk."

"Yeah, wonder where she got that from..." Dean mumbled under his breath when Anne went to help Greg carry in the dinner plates. John jabbed Dean with his shoulder, giving him a menacing look.

"I feel like I'm talking to a four year old. Behave Dean." He growled but quickly offered up a smile as the couple entered the room with the dishes of food.

"Here we have my special lasagna, corn on the cob and fresh baked rolls." Anne grinned as she and her husband placed down the food.

"And we have lemon-meringue pie coming after. You can't forget the pie honey."

Anne rolled her eyes. "You men and your fattening desserts." She tsked, it was the closest Sam heard her sounding angry, and she couldn't even pull it off in the least.

After the main meal was finished, Anne left and came back in from the kitchen with the freshly baked and delicious smelling pie. "Who wants a slice?"

"I'll have one." Sam smiled and John asked for one too.

"What about you sweetie?" Anne asked Dean, who was playing with his food which was hardly touched.

"It's okay, I'm good."

There was a little bit of tension in the air, brought on by Anne wanting to say something to cheer up Dean, but unsure of what. Then Coconut flew over to land on John's shoulder, causing everyone to laugh...even John managed a scared smile.

"You should really join me and my friends at the Coyote Lounge bar anytime soon!" Greg enthused, trying to distract John from the bird on his shoulder and John seemed inclined to accept.

"I'd like to meet your friends," he said. "Weren't they the ones who gave you an alibi for the murder night?"

"Yes. I was so glad that I was seen at the bar when it happened. Imagine if I had been at home alone. No one would ever believe that it hasn't been me."

"It's still strange that it seemed to have been someone who looked exactly like you," Sam chimed in. "Mr. Culler seemed pretty sure it was you."

"Did anything unusual happen that day?" John asked.

Greg shook his head. "Not that I noticed."

"You had something to do with both people that were killed recently." John held his hands out in a placating way. "No offence, I don't want to imply anything, I'm just trying to understand what happened."

"Me too", Greg sighed. "I didn't even know this Mrs. Culler."

"But you knew the girl," Sam reminded him. "What was her name?"

"Brooke," Dean supplied. Surprised, Sam and John looked at him. It was the first thing Dean had said in a long time.

"Yes, that was her name." John nodded. "You knew her well?"

"Not that well," Greg told them. "I know her parents and I always thought she was a spoiled brat. But when I bumped into her that day, I almost fell to the ground and she helped me regain my balance. She was really nice and helpful."

"She touched you?" John frowned.

"Of course she did. She held my arm until I found my footing again. Why? Is that a bad thing?"

"Of course not. It's just so sad that a young girl like her gets herself killed."

"They say she's been dead for a week," Greg mused. "But that can't be. She looked very much alive that day."

"Don't worry about that." John dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. "I'm sure they made a mistake."

"That's what I think. Still, it is scary that around here people get killed and the police don't seem to have even a clue where to look for the culprit. Why would someone go and kill people randomly?"

"Maybe because he doesn't like them?" Dean sounded upset and everyone looked at him.

"Do you go and kill all the people you don't like, honey?" Mrs. Mendel asked with a nervous laughter.

Dean had already opened his mouth when, after a look at John's stern face, he bit back his reply and only shrugged. "I was just kidding," he said instead.

The Mendels still looked at him, not really convinced.

Dean was brooding on their way home. John had tried to start a chat, but he'd got only short answers. Sam seemed to be distracted as well. He looked out the window, apparently deep in thought.

John heaved an inner sigh. He hated it when his sons weren't on speaking terms. They had their quarrels, all right, but this time it was different. Although Sam had reassured Dean that everything was okay, he didn't seem to trust him anymore. There had been none of their usual friendly banter since the incident at the rehab center and John realized that he missed it. The problem was that he didn't have a clue what to do about it. His boys had to sort it out by themselves.

Sam suddenly started. "Please pull over, Dad," he asked. "There's an electronics shop right over there. I need some batteries for my flashlight."

John nodded and pulled over to the small parking lot in front of the shop. He had always taught his sons to keep an eye on their equipment. A flashlight that didn't work because of empty batteries could be dangerous, if not even fatal, on a night hunt.

"Do you want me to get them for you?" he offered, but Sam shook his head.

"Nah, I can do it, dad, but thanks for the offer. Just get me my wheelchair, please."

John smiled when he set the wheelchair beside his son. Sam always wanted to do all the things he was capable of doing on his own, but this time he had the feeling that he just wanted to get out of the car and out of the reach of Dean's bad mood.

When John got back into the driver's seat, he turned to Dean. "Can we talk?"

Dean just shrugged. "Sure."

"Why are you in such a bad mood? You almost offended the Mendels."

Dean shrugged again. "So what? They're Sam's friends, not mine."

"So you wanted to embarrass Sam in front of his friends?"

Dean grimaced.

"I've never seen you behave like this, Dean," John continued. He was silent for a moment, thinking. "Is it because of our argument?"

"You call that an argument?" Dean snorted. "I didn't even have the chance to say a word."

John cleared his throat. "I was out of line with my outburst. I apologize for that. I didn't mean to sound so harsh. It's just that I'm worried about Sam."

"Yeah, I know." Dean sounded agitated. "You're always worried about Sam. What about worrying 'bout me for a change?"

"Don't be unfair, Dean." John frowned. "I'm worried for your wellbeing as much as for Sam's. But…"

"I get it, Dad. Sam is the cripple, so he needs more care."

John frowned. That sounded so not like Dean. "It's not that. I was shocked because I never would have thought that you'd let Sam fall. I understand that you're upset because of my lecture."

"Do you, Dad? Do you know how it feels to be told off like a five-year-old that has done wrong? I'm almost thirty, and you treat me like a child. You know how embarrassing that is in front of my little brother? I know he was in the other room, but you were loud enough for him to hear every single word. It's not even that I did something wrong on a hunt that led to a fatal injury. I just got distracted for one second. For one brief second. Dad. Too bad Sam chose exactly that moment to fall. I'm sorry I didn't catch him. But I'm not Superman, I can't look out for him 24/7 only because he can't walk. He has to grow up, I can't be his babysitter forever."

John was taken aback. "I thought it was what you wanted to do. Look out for Sam. I thought you…."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Dean waved him off. "Give me a break." He heaved a deep sigh, trying to compose himself again. "I'm sorry, Dad. You're right. I care for Sam. It's just that sometimes I wish…"

Dean stopped mid-sentence when Sam opened the door. Smiling at them, he asked. "Did I miss anything?"

"Nah, you didn't." John got out to stow away the wheelchair, and then they rode along, all three of them, now, in deep thought.

After an evening of staring blankly at the TV, they settled for a restless night. Dean perched himself on the edge of his side of the bed, so as not to touch his brother, and Sam did the same on his side. It was bad enough being together during the day, with all this underlying tension; worse yet was having to share a bed for the night. They didn't sleep much. In the middle of the night Sam got out to get some fresh air, and John followed him shortly after. Dean just grunted and turned on his other side to catch some more sleep.

Dean was the last one to get up the next morning. He looked around and found the room empty. Just then, Sam came out of the bathroom. "Already awake?" he grumbled.

"Where's Dad?" Dean asked, without wishing his brother a good morning.

"Went to get breakfast. Didn't you hear him?" Sam smirked. "I thought your trained hunter senses would notice somebody moving in the room. You didn't even hear me getting up."

"Yeah. Guess you managed to be real quiet for a change, gimp." Grabbing his jeans and a sweatshirt, Dean brushed by his brother and headed for the bathroom.

When he got out ten minutes later, he froze. There was Sam, sitting in his wheelchair and pointing his gun straight at his chest.

"Woah, woah, woah, Sam. Can't you take a joke? I didn't mean it."

"Yeah, you did. Don't move!" Sam ordered, when Dean tried to get around him. "Don't think I can't hurt you. There are silver bullets in here, y'know. The only thing that kills a shapeshifter as you might know. So tell me, Dean." Sam stressed the name derisively. "Who are you and what the hell have you done to my brother?"