A/N: Linking piece between Dark and Stormy and First line of Defense.

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The Exmoorish Beast tackled Dean from the fog. Sam's shotgun reacted. Second nature. Dean flinched from the muzzle flare as the creature was thrown from his downed form.

Sam dropped to Dean's side, stilling his attempts to rise. Dean's eyes flickered with raw emotion. Fear. Pain. Then resolve.

The car. The hotel. The bed. Time stuttered. Dean groaning, hissing, grimacing. Concealed pain. Hitching pants.

Sam worked him from his clothes, prodded at his side, mopped the blood leaking from his head. Sat vigil.

Discomfort left Dean restless. Sam gentled his movements, protected him while he slept.

Considered tying him down.

"Dude."

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