This is the longest it's ever taken me to update. I got suddenly busy this past week, so I've been falling asleep with my laptop balanced precariously on my lap with only a few more paragraphs written than the previous night. But I finally persevered tonight and finished! It's a more longish one so I hope that makes up a little for the long wait.

Thank you so much for the reviews you guys. They keep me going :)

Ch. 21

"So we lie to them?"

"It's all we have."

"They'll be pissed if they ever find out."

"They won't. This may not go without a hitch, but Max won't be the problem."

Drake doesn't like it. "They may all know Max is crazy, but won't they think it's a coincidence that he's there?"

Mark shakes his head. "No. You see… we have a whole back story set up. Dean will play the part for that."

Crow chuckles, coming into the room. "And he'll be good at it too. He was practicing with me. Making sure he had all the info right. Dude's practically an actor."

Drake looks to him, confused. "Practicing what?"

Mark grins. "He's setting up the 'mental break of Max'. See, everyone knows Max listens to me just because he has a really strong sense of owing someone a debt. Something about that fuels his killing just as much. I never could understand the whole story of him, but setting up a story about a mental break is all we need for them to believe he just went nuts."

"But all the way out there?"

Crow shrugs. "He's still smart. It's easy pickings. And Sam, I think, has that taken care of too. The guy apparently has everything thought out. Dean just executes it. Trust me. Everyone will buy it."

Drake sighs. "Well… that just leaves convincing them that we're going to try to save the people when we get there before Max starts the killing."

Crow nods. "Sky is taking care of that."

"We are horrible leaders," Sky chuckles, letting the door of the cabin click shut behind him after hearing the last two sentences.

Mark shrugs. "It's all we've got. Sam and Dean's plan is dark, but the best we've heard yet." He looks to Sky. "What's the story?"

Sky shakes his head, face turning to one of wonder. "Now that he's talking a little, I realize how creepy Sam really is. The kid seems way too excited for this."

Mark chuckles. "Wait until you see both him and Dean gearing up. It's a little scary how childlike the get with excitement."

Sky snorts. "Anyway, he and Dean are working everything out. We'll be able to start setting up squads, transportation, and supplies tomorrow. We might have to make a few quick runs though. This is going to be the biggest strike we've tried yet."

Mark nods. "Just let me know."

"Also, Dean asked if we all could keep a close eye on Sam."

Mark frowns. "Why?"

Sky chuckles. "Apparently they're putting the weight of success on themselves. Of course, it seems fitting since they're always in the middle of everything it seems."

Mark laughs. "You have no idea."

"Dean says they'll be going in alone without a team. He'll tell us the rest when we get together to finish the planning, but I think they want to fix this since they see it as their fault anyway."

"So they're going in alone. He'll be there. Why do we have to watch for Sam?" Drake asks with disdain.

Sky looks to him in part irritation, not liking his tone. "They have to split up for a while to do what they need to. He wants us to make sure that if we see Sam to keep him safe."

Drake scowls now. "He's a big boy, he can take care of himself. Tell Winchester we aren't baby sitters."

Crow turns on him with a snarl. "I suggest you watch your tone. Those two have been through a lot. And Sam is trying to help us. The least we can do is make sure we're there if he has a mental break or something. God knows it's a miracle the kid started actually talking to us and not just Dean. He actually apologized to me last night when I went to make sure they had all the maps they need."

Drake still scowls. "I don't have to watch anything. Let alone my 'tone'. You said it yourself. This is all their fault anyway. And no matter what they do for us, they're still grown men. We don't have to be responsible for them."

Sky steps between them before Crow can start a fight. After hanging out with Dean more, trying to get the plan together, Crow has taken a liking to both brothers. Even Sam, still being more quiet with anyone but Dean. "Enough. Drake, you don't have to help. Crow, Drake's being an ass."

"Hey!"

"Just let it go." Crow scowls at Sky, but huffs before turning away.

Sky pats him on his back before he gets too far, then turns to Drake. "They're like any other man in the camp. Why are you so worked up?"

"They failed," Drake growls. "They failed the first time, who's to say they won't again? This is all riding on them? What gives them the right to determine whether we win or lose?"

Mark shakes his head from where he's still sitting. "They never told us the story. Failure may not be the best word to use. We haven't had that much luck either."

"Of course they haven't explained," Drake huffs. "Explaining is an admission of failure. If they have to explain, they tell how they failed. You thought they were dead. Hell, everyone who's heard of them think they're dead still. I'd rather not put my trust in them."

Mark stands. "Well right now, they're all we've got. So suck it up, straighten out, and act like the soldier you say you are. Whatever you think of them, they have all of the info. They have Max on their side. They're the only ones brave enough to go in on their own, because that's what they've always done. So guess what? You'll have to live with them being what we're believing in. Understood?" He's standing in front of Drake now, pulling on his full effect of angry leader. It works.

Drake lets out a sigh, looking away. "Yes sir."

Mark nods once. "Good. This is going to be a huge strike. I don't want issues between our own men to get in the way."

Drake gives him a forlorn look before he turns to leave the cabin. "You better hope they're as good as you think they are," he grumbles.

"How're you doing?"

Sam huffs out a short laugh. He sits on their beds, running his hands through his hair. "I'm okay."

Dean rolls his eyes, abandoning the maps on their tables to go sit by his brother. It's easy to know all of Sam's tells. He's had lots of practice. Right now? His brother is starting to fray from all of the attention and effort it takes to step out of his comfort zone. He throws his arm over Sam's shoulders as he sits down, blinking in surprise when Sam lays his head on his shoulder and turns to wrap his arms around his middle. "I'm not a teddy bear," he grumbles.

Sam sighs into his neck and breathes in the strong scent of leather, gunpowder, outdoors, and something else so unmistakably Dean wash over him. It immediately soothes his frayed nerves. "Just give me a minute."

Dean does. Doesn't move an inch for a minute or so. Then his hand starts rubbing over his brother's shoulders in a soothing motion.

"Dean?" Sam eventually says hesitantly, head still on Dean's shoulder though he does turn his face away from his neck.

"Hmmm?"

"What if this doesn't work? What if we screw up again?"

Dean sighs. "Sammy…"

"They won't ever listen to us again if this goes bad."

"It's not going to go bad," Dean insists.

"How do you know?"

"Because. We have a lot more people now. We have the intel we need. Mark is making sure everyone is getting any tiny bit of information that's out there to make sure this is going to work. We're going to do it this time."

Sam sighs, finally relaxing all the way against him. "Okay."

Dean grins. "Okay." After a few seconds, he rolls his eyes. "Are we done this this chick-flick moment yet?"

"No." Sam tightens his arms around Dean's middle.

Dean huffs. "You're killing me here."

"I can tell. Sound miserable."

Dean chuckles, slapping Sam's shoulder. "Bitch."

Sam smiles. "Jerk."

Dean sighs before leaning his head against his brother's. "You suck."

Sam huffs.

Instantly, Dean knows he's done talking for the day. And honestly? He's okay with that. Because that mean's Sam is comfortable. He's relaxing and giving up his shield for the day. And Dean is right there to take him in. "C'mon. I'm done for the night. Tomorrow, we can get together with the rest of them and set this whole thing up. Alright?"

Sam nods, finally letting go and standing with him. He goes to the bathroom to get ready for bed while Dean organizes the papers on the table. When Sam comes out, he climbs into bed, listening to his brother moving around in the bathroom. He sighs in content when the door opens and Dean walks over to the bed and climbs in after plunging the room into darkness.

Sam scoots a little closer than usual, forehead touching his brother's shoulder.

Dean rests his hand on Sam's arm that's next to him.

Sam's breath hitches in surprise. He smiles softly as he lets the wave of undeniable comfort wash over him.

"We'll be fine," Dean murmurs in the darkness.

"Okay," Sam breathes back.

Dean smiles at the trust in his brother's voice. He and Sam both have a peaceful, dreamless sleep that night.

The next morning is the beginning of the end.

Sam, Dean, Mark, Crow, Drake, Sky, Fox, Steele, Drew, and a few other men let in on the secret of Max are huddled around the tables pushed together in the leader cabin. Maps are passed around, lists of supplies are marked on, circles, 'x's, and notes written in red pen are all over the sheets. Men are sent out with lists of things they need and gather teams of people to go hunting for them. It's controlled chaos.

Dean mostly speaks for Sam, though Sam does get a few words in here and there. Drew is on the other side of Sam, making sure that if Sam needs anything when Dean has to move away, he's there. Only he, Dean, and Mark see how Sam is keeping himself together in the middle of the group of people. He doesn't like getting all this attention. Drew makes sure he knows exactly what Sam's trying to say to make sure he helps all he can.

Steele is in charge of the group that will break the perimeter at the compound. He's talking with Dean and the group of Marines that had scouted the area to find the best way in. Fox is right next to them, Dean learning that her nickname comes from how devious she is. She's the one in charge of who gets the suppressors for their guns and what vehicles are quiet and all the other things she seems to know about being sneaky. Dean laughs out loud when she wryly tells him her boyfriend's nickname is Wolf.

Drew looks over when he sees Sam freeze next to him, smiling a little when he sees it's just Sam centering himself again, half of his mouth twitching up in a smile. Dean's laugh relaxes him. He frowns though when he notices the way Sam shifts away from Drake whenever he gets too close. He glares at Drake, giving him a warning to back off from Sam.

When Sam finally has enough of Drake's pettiness, it happens quickly. Dean is talking to Sky and Mark, finishing up the transportation plans so he has his back to Sam. Drew is next to him, but doesn't even have a second to register how close Drake is and how hard he shoulder checks Sam. He barely catches the flurry of movement from the corner of his eye.

Sam's had enough. He doesn't know why Drake doesn't like him. Doesn't know what his problem is. But he figures it's time to stand up for himself. When Drake's shoulder connects way too roughly with his, he spins on him and grabs him by the front of his jacket. Two seconds later, Drake's back collides with the wall and all of the breath in his lungs is gone. Sam towers over him, eyes sharp. "What is your problem?"

Drake almost cringes at the growl that's Sam's voice. He doesn't. After he finally gets his breath back he answers. "You are." It's barely a breath itself.

Sam grits his teeth, hands tightening and loosening again on the man's jacket. It's hard to keep the build-up of discomfort that's been rapidly piling up all day from influencing him in his decision on braking the man's face. He eventually speaks again. "Tough."

Drake blinks.

"I'm not going anywhere as long as I believe I have something to help you. Now shut up, put up, and get busy. Or I will have you written out as a liability."

Drake sneers at him. "You can't do that."

Sam's eyes flash. "I can do a lot worse," he hisses.

The tone makes Drake actually shiver. He starts questioning his thoughts on the younger Winchester. Wonders how much of a killer he has inside of him. Wants to provoke him. Get him in trouble. So he does, not really thinking of what that would mean for his own life. "Do it then," he spits. His hand comes up to shove Sam away. It never makes it to his chest. It's suddenly pinned to the wall. It's like time slows down when he sees Sam pull his arm back and he realizes this probably was the stupidest thing he's ever done.

It's barely a second later that the hit should have connected. It doesn't. Dean is suddenly there, arm hooked over his brother's, holding it back. His other hand is wrapped around Sam's other wrist, the arm that's holding Drake's back against the wall. He's standing right behind Sam, eyes closed. His chin is resting on Sam's shoulder. A calming gesture more than anything. He's trying to help the tension he's seen building in Sam all day.

The whole cabin is silent, just the sounds of Sam and Drake's rough breathing heard. Then Dean speaks. "Sammy."

Sam doesn't move. Doesn't fight him.

"He's a dick. Understandable. But let him go. C'mon, man. Mark will handle him. Okay? Let it go. We have other things to worry about now. We don't need people questioning our ability to save them because of one stupid little fight. Right?"

Sam's shoulder's start to relax.

"There ya go. C'mon, Sam. I know it's been tough today. Let's go back to the cabin. Huh? Just you and me. No one to keep an eye on."

Sam suddenly sighs, breathing calming and arm coming down. He releases his hold on Drake's wrist, making the man wince. He doesn't get to be smug though, missing it in favor of turning to Dean, head hanging. He's hunched in on himself, looking up through his hair like he's always done when he's feeling sheepish.

Dean grins. "C'mon, buddy. Let's get you to the cabin. You've had enough stress today." He throws his arm behind Sam's shoulders, leading him away.

A snort. "Ridiculous."

Dean spins on a dime, fist swinging around to nail Drake in the jaw as if he didn't even need to look. He grins smugly as the man stumbles, cursing as his hand comes up to catch blood falling from his mouth. Dean turns to Sam, grinning at the raised eyebrow. "Please. You know I have better control. He's still alive."

Sam rolls his eyes but smiles a little, letting Dean lead him away.

"You okay?" Dean asks when they get to the cabin.

Sam huffs.

"I know. Don't worry about Drake. I think he's friends with Walt and Roy anyway."

Sam turns to him, eyes narrowed.

"Yes, you can still kill them later. But right now let's just chill, okay?"

Sam shakes his head. "Go."

"No, it's fine. We've gotten a lot done today. They don't need me anymore."

Sam rolls his eyes so hard Dean can practically see them rolling out of his head. "Go. M'fine. Just got fed up. I'll relax. You go work."

Dean sighs. "Are you sure?"

Sam nods.

"Alright. But I'll be right where we were. Okay? You need anything, come find me."

Sam nods, shoving him lightly towards the door. "Go. We're doing good."

Dean finally grins. "Of course we are. I'll be back later, Sammy."

Sam waves him off, going to lay out the papers they have in their cabin and see what else he can figure out in here himself.

It's hours later that Dean returns, huffing in disapproval at the sight of Sam laying over the table. His face lays on one arm, the other stretched out as if it were reaching for the pen on the other side of the table and just never made it. It makes him shake his head, a fond smile on his face. It's a sight he's come home to many times, ever since Sam started school what seems like eons ago.

He does what he did then, walking up and gently putting his hands on Sam's shoulders and gives him a gentle shake. "Sammy."

The gesture is so comforting in familiarity, Sam doesn't even startle awake. He barely opens his eyes enough to stand, letting Dean direct him towards the bed. He wakes a little more to grin when he hears Dean chuckling.

"It's like you're in high school again," Dean tells him.

Sam pats him on the chest before sliding off his jeans and all but falling into bed.

Dean goes to lay his jacket over the end of the bed, looking over to the table and reverting back to disapproval as he shakes his head. "Can't you ever relax?"

"When it's over," Sam mumbles from his pillow.

Dean chuckles at the weird sound. He eventually climbs into bed too, laying on his side facing Sam. Propping his head on his hand, he stares at Sam until his brother opens the eye that isn't sunk into the pillow. "So Mark had a talk with Drake."

Sam snorts, closing his eye again.

"Don't worry, he won't be causing anymore problems. Mark had a nice long chat with him and Drake finally feels that you aren't so bad."

Sam lifts his head this time, eyes narrowed. "What did he say?"

"Drake heard the bad stuff from Walt and Roy. And Drake himself isn't too fond of you just because of how cold you are towards people. But Mark set him straight, so he'll tolerate you now. But still keep away from him. The stress of impending doom is getting to him."

Sam chuckles, laying his head back down. "S'gettin' to all of us."

Dean pats his arm before shuffling down to get comfortable. "We'll do fine."

Sam only hums quietly in answer.

Dean falls asleep quickly. Sleep is important now. After tomorrow, there's no guarantee they'll have time for sleep.