Author's Note: And I'm all caught up! So, this one comes from AlxM who asked for, "This can be set in season 6 where it's Christmas and Sam's got a little old present wrapped in a newspaper (just like old times) for Dean that he's really nervous to give as he's not sure Dean would still want it. (The Amulet)." One amulet fix up chapter coming right up! This is set somewhere after "Like a Virgin" because I love that episode! I've also thrown in some Bobby just for fun. Please enjoy!

This is stupid.

Really, completely stupid.

Sam flips the amulet in his hand—the amulet he had saved once Dean had left the room. It had devastated him to see his older brother throw out the one physical object that symbolized their bond. It had almost been like Dean had been tossing him aside. Which, given the circumstances—the impending apocalypse coupled with a disturbing trip to heaven—yeah, Sam understood why he did it.

That didn't make it sting any less.

He had kept the small amulet hidden in the deepest part of his duffel. He had been hoping Dean would find it once he was gone, but now he was back the amulet was still in the same place. Sam wasn't sure if now was the right time—according to Castiel, he had apparently been walking around without a soul for a long time and who knew what kind of crap he'd pulled with no conscience to guide him—yet, Sam also felt like this was his only chance. If he didn't do this now, he'd probably lose his nerve and would never attempt it again.

Still . . . maybe Christmas time wasn't the right moment for this, especially when they were staying with Bobby. How the gruff hunter still managed to look Sam in the eyes after what his soulless version had pulled miffed the youngest Winchester beyond belief, but he'd accepted it for the moment. The guilt still was there and clawed at him daily. Sometimes, he felt like he didn't deserve this chance he had gotten—a life devoid of hell and demon deals—but he would be lying if he didn't admit that he was glad he was back.

He couldn't remember Hell and he was grateful for that, really, but not being able to atone for all the things his evil twin had been doing? That was the part that would kill Sam Winchester.

"Sam?" Bobby sticks his head out the window, grimacing as the cold wind cuts him like a knife. Instantly, the amulet is tossed haphazardly into his coat pocket and he prays that Bobby didn't see it. "You planning on catching a cold or something?"

"Uh, no." He mumbles. The older hunter eyes him oddly.

"Then get the hell inside, would you?" He complains, swinging the door open. "Your brother will kill me if I let you get sick on my watch." Sam nods his head and walks inside, quickly heading upstairs to the guest room that he and Dean were currently occupying. His brother was out getting pie for tonight's dinner. That was another thing that bothered Sam. His older brother was acting like he was totally fine. He didn't want to discuss what Sam had done without his soul, he didn't want to hear Sam's apologies—he just wanted to drop the subject and move on. Yeah, Sam could see his older brother's point, but he couldn't just forget as easily as Dean. He had tried to kill Bobby! Who knew what else he could've done?

Hence, the amulet.

To be honest, Sam wants Dean to wear it for a more selfish reason. If Dean wears the amulet, it'll be like all has been forgiven between the two of them. They can have a clean slate and move on. But if Dean were to reject the amulet . . .

Before he can talk himself out of it, Sam wraps the amulet in newspaper and waits for Dean to return.

It's when Bobby leaves to go do a tow and Dean is happily eating a slice of cherry pie that Sam decides that now is his chance. He pulls out the small packages and awkwardly places it on the table. His brother eyes it oddly; an eyebrow raised and waits for an explanation.

"Um," Sam stammers, unsure as to why he's so nervous. He's faced down vengeful spirits, vampires and one insane homeroom teacher. He can handle this—he can do this. "Open it." It manages to come out a bit soften than he had intended, but Dean picks up the gift.

"S'not Christmas yet, Sammy." He murmurs, eyes never leaving the gift.

"I know," He whispers, butterflies wreaking havoc in his stomach. Why on earth was he so nervous? There was nothing to worry about! Dean would accept the amulet . . . wouldn't he? "Just . . . please open it."

Dean obliges and the metal clangs against the table. Silence fills the house, save for the whirr of Bobby's ancient dishwasher. Dean's face is unreadable, his eyes a cloud of confusion, astonishment and something else that Sam can't quite catch. His older brother lays the amulet in his palm and finally looks up at Sam.

"I thought this was . . ." His voice trails off, but Sam understands. He shifts in his chair, nervousness making him completely uncomfortable. He's almost broke the first time Dean tossed the amulet aside, if he does it again—

Sam doesn't even want to go there.

"I got it." He replies.

"How long?" Dean's eyeing the object again, treating it with a reverence that he usually reserved for the Impala.

"About a year." Dean swears and Sam sighs. "I was hoping you'd find it once I was . . ." Dead? In Hell? "Gone." The eldest Winchester nods before rising from the table and stalking upstairs, the amulet in his hand.

Sam sighs. It's not a complete acceptance, but it's not a total rejection either. It's a start and for that, he's grateful.

And the next morning when Sam wakes up with a fever and a nasty cold from standing outside for too long, it's Dean that takes care of him for the first time in what feels like forever. His older brother watches over him with a nurturing side that only he had ever been fortunate enough to see.

It's right when he's about to go sleep—comforted by his brother's presence as well as the medicine—that he sees it. That's the black cord of the amulet on Dean's neck as it dipped and vanished beneath his shirt, a sure sign that the metal trinket is hiding underneath the fabric.

It's not the same as it was before—they've both grown as people and things have changed—but it's definitely a start. It's a step in the right direction.

And Sam Winchester was all about new beginnings.

He falls asleep listening to his brother talk about the pros and cons of mixed tapes.

Some things never change.

Author's Note: There you go! This focused more on nervous Sammy than it did on hurt Sam, but I still enjoyed it. I hope you all did too! Please review if you have a second! Thanks!