Don't own Supernatural.

Sleeping was the only thing Dean could do for days. Whatever it was that damn angel had done, it had sure done a number on him. Sam was there every time he woke up, offering to help however he could.

As he woke again, he kept his eyes closed, half wishing he could go back to sleep. The ache in his lungs made his chest heavy. He finally cracked his eyes open to see an empty room. Instantly alert, Dean struggled to sit upright, pausing to catch his breath before getting to his feet. The walk down stairs to the main room exhausted him all over again and he collapsed on the couch.

"Sleeping Beauty finally awake I see." Bobby entered from the kitchen and stood over Dean, a concerned look on his face despite the snide comment. "How're ya feelin'?" He handed Dean one of the two beers he held.

"Where's Sam?" Dean didn't bother answering Bobby.

"Taking a nap. He spends all of his time sittin' next to you. And workin' on that car."

"Baby?" Dean jumped immediately to horrid pictures of updated sound systems and navigation systems.

"No. The clunker."

Dean smiled in relief. "It better be running by the time I get out there." He started to chuckle and as usual ended in a harsh cough. The handkerchief he usually kept was missing and he could taste the tang of blood in his mouth. Bobby must have sensed Dean's discomfort and handed him a tissue from the desk. "Thanks," he mumbled.

There was a long silence while the pair sipped their beers. Finally Bobby moved to sit at his desk. "So. Sam said you showed up just in time."

"Yeah, he tell you what he was doin'?"

"He did," the older man said gruffly. "Also said you appeared outta nowhere and since I never saw you leave this place I'm wondering how exactly you managed it."

"Don't remember."

"Right. You just happened to show up at the same crossroads a demon was at."

Dean frowned. "You think I made a deal?"

"You have to admit it was pretty suspicious."

"What do you think I asked for? Huh? I'm still dying over here. No magical healing. No demon deal." Dean forced himself to stand again and head toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Make sure Sam isn't breaking the clunker." The screen door slammed behind him and refused to show any weakness until he reached the clunker. With a groan, he eased himself on a workbench and took another gulp of his beer. It was hot and he was already sweating. The air was muggy and hung heavy in his chest. He couldn't remember the day, but summer was ending. His time was ending. But for the moment he could enjoy the feeling of a cold beer in his hand and the comforting smell of cars. His eyes slipped closed and he allowed his breathing to slow.

"Dean?" The voice of his brother roused him what felt like only moments later.

"Hey, Sammy." Dean readjusted and pushed himself up from the bench. "Hear you've been workin' while I've been out."

Sam looked like he was going to say something, but hesitated and shook his head. "Yeah. Uh, I think I've got it almost ready. I was going to surprise you."

"Well, let's take a look see." Dean leaned over the engine with Sam and listened as his brother went over the details of what he'd done. Every once in a while he'd point out little things his brother missed, or ask a specific question to see if Sam really understood what he'd done. "Not too bad," Dean finally said, sitting back down. Standing had worn him out all over again. "Couple more years and you might even be decent."

There was a lull. Both brothers knew what they needed to talk about, but neither could find the words. Finally Sam broke the silence. "Dean, I'm. . . I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"What?" Dean knew what. He wanted Sam to say it.

"Tried to make a deal." Sam looked down at his brother. "But I didn't see another way. We've tried everything else."

"I know, Sammy, but there are some things that are just plain stupid. I don't want you to ever do anything like that for me. I couldn't live with myself if you did."

"Guess it was a good thing you were there to stop me."

"Yeah."

Sam waited expectantly but Dean offered no answer. "You know it was really weird for you to pop up like that. No car, miles from Bobby's."

"Guess so."

"How'd you get out there?"

"Can't remember."

Sam snorted. "Right. Nothing to do with a Cas?"

Dean did his best to hide his sudden tenseness. "No idea what you're talking about."

"That's what you said, right after you ran up. About Cas helping you or something like that."

Dean shrugged. He didn't want to try and explain an angel. Especially not after the wanna be angel Padre. Sam would probably just think he was delusional. Dean took another swig of beer.

"Fine." Sam sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Let's go back in. You should probably get something to eat." Sam held out a hand and helped Dean up.

"Not really hungry."

"Dude, you haven't eaten for three days. I will force feed you if I have to."

"If I see a single airplane spoon coming my way there is going to be hell to pay."

The corner of Sam's lip twitched up. "Then you better enjoy whatever I can scrounge up from Bobby's kitchen."

Dean grimaced. "Beans it is."

Sorry about the break guys! I'm getting into senior year college and between preparing for dental school (hopefully) and working all the time I didn't have as much time as I wanted to write. On the plus side, I should get all caught up soon.

Thanks for stickin' with me, I swear I didn't forget this!

~abrokencastiel