Disclaimer: Not mine.

Chapter 5

Dean smiled as Sam splashed in the bath like a little kid. Once Sam had gotten used to water he always wanted to be in it and Dean let him, figuring it could only help. In the water Sam's weakened muscles didn't hamper his movements or cause him pain and he could play around for hours with Dean keeping the water warm. Dean would sit beside the large tub and just talk softly while he made sure Sam didn't slip and drown, Sam sometimes listening to him and other times completely ignoring him. Dean could tell Sam didn't understand what he was saying but the fact that he would listen gave Dean hope that one day Sam would understand him, would answer him. Dean wished he could just wave his hand and make Sam better but not even he had that power.

Dean blinked and spluttered as he got a face full of water, staring at Sam even as he heard the most wonderful sound in the world, Sam's innocent giggles. Dean stared at Sam and then laughed, splashing him back gently. They splashed back and forth for a while until it was time for Sam to eat and Dean stood up, reaching into the tub. Sam stilled and let Dean gently lift him from the tub, no longer shying away from him but not helping either. Dean dried him off gently and then sat him on the toilet, something Sam had slowly gotten used to and occasionally used though Dean would still have to clean him up every morning since Sam slept the night through even if he did need to go. He dressed Sam in the usual mix of sweatpants and t-shirt and then held Sam in front of the mirror. Sam no longer freaked out at the sight of their reflections but he still wasn't connecting the images with them. He tried to help Sam do so but then carried him back to the bedroom and set him down on the bed before handing over dinner. Sam's diet at least was becoming more varied, Sam no longer eating like a starved animal all the time.

"How are you boys doing? Any improvement?" Bobby asked as he went about making his lunch while talking to Dean on the phone.

"We're okay Bobby. Sam's definitely not as scared of me anymore; he liked splashing me when in the bath so we have splash wars. He…..he laughed yesterday Bobby, just an innocent giggle, like when he was little." Dean answered softly.

"That's good right?"

"I don't know, I guess…..he's not acting as much like an animal anymore. He's remembered a bit more from our childhood too but he just doesn't understand that we're grown up now. I uh…..I got an idea though." Dean admitted and Bobby mentally groaned, hopefully it wasn't as crazy as some Dean had had.
"I heard that." Dean told him and Bobby swallowed at the reminder that Dean was no longer human.
"Sorry…so my idea. Make us look like kids again and then slowly age us over the next few days, maybe that would help Sam accept." Dean explained.

"That's either genius or crazy. But if he's not recognising his reflection…..will he see it's him aging?" Bobby asked and Dean sighed.

"I'm hoping he'll recognise me as De….seeing me age maybe it'll make something click."

"Worth a try I suppose. You'll let me know how it goes?"

"Of course. I could come see you tonight?" Dean offered and Bobby grinned, knowing Dean was wanting some company he could have a conversation with.

"I'll see you soon then."

Dean held Sam in his arms and slowly wrapped his Grace around them both, feeling it as they shrank down. When he looked at Sam again he found himself holding a six year old kid. Sam blinked sleepily at him and then froze, a hand moving to touch Dean's face.

"De?" Sam whispered and Dean smiled, leaning into his touch.

"Yeah Sammy, I'm here." Dean assured him and Sam smiled at him, cuddling in and Dean held him, smiling softly as he stroked his fingers through Sam's soft hair. Sam looked up at him again, clutching Dean's shirt, eyes pleading with Dean to stay.
"Shh, I'm not going anywhere kiddo." He gently rocked Sam and Sam clung to him. Dean gently pulled Sam to the side of the bed and got off, helping Sam down. Sam wobbled but managed to stay mostly upright with Dean's help. Dean carefully helped Sam to the bathroom and Sam stared at their reflections with wide eyes. Sam touched it and then looked at Dean.
"That's us Sam." Sam looked around and then smiled as he saw the tub, pulling at Dean's hand. Dean followed him and Sam stared at the empty tub.
"Want water?" Dean asked and then filled the tub, Sam tried to climb in but Dean stopped him, removing his clothes first. Sam smiled and laughed in the water but then reached for Dean and Dean swallowed. That was the first time Sam had actually reached out to him since before hell. Dean managed a grin and stripped off too, joining Sam in the tub to play.

When they got out Dean helped Sam get dressed and back into the bedroom. Sam looked around, actually moving to explore and Dean took it as a very good sign. Sam stayed glued to Dean's side the whole time, still not really able to walk unaided. He looked at the door eventually and chewed at his lip before looking back to Dean.

"De?" He whispered and Dean looked at the door, it swung open and Sam whimpered but when nothing else happened he cautiously moved forward. Sam stayed plastered against Dean as they moved slowly around the upper story of the house. Sam was easily spooked but Dean's presence helped him. It was sad to see that Sam didn't recognise what anything was; he'd been such a bright kid after all the first time around. Dean tried to teach him but Sam just stared at him blankly, still not understanding anything Dean said. Dean kept them upstairs, not wanting to risk Sam on the stairs yet or overwhelm him since Sam hadn't gone near the stairs.

It was just amazing to see Sam on his feet, Sam hadn't even attempted to walk since being brought back, was part of that because Sam thought he was a kid? Couldn't adjust to the adult body? Or was it that what Dean had done? He hadn't truly de-aged them on accident, had he? He mentally hit himself when he realised he had, it wasn't just an illusion, oops. So with a child's muscles Sam was able to walk, he was just having trouble remembering how. After a while more exploring they headed back to the bedroom and Dean created some toys, wanting to see what Sam would do. Sam's face lit up as he sat on the floor, holding the ball.

"De!" Sam chirped and Dean smiled, sitting across from him so they could roll the ball between them. They played for a while until Dean saw Sam fighting to keep his eyes open. Dean opened his arms and Sam crawled over, cuddling into him while yawning. Dean gently lifted Sam up and got them back on the bed, curling up together under the blankets. Sam fell asleep quickly and Dean watched over his dreams, soothing them when vague images of hell tried to intrude.

TBC…