Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Night Shades

Chapter 23 – Epilogue

Nick sat quietly between the two beds. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen the Winchester boys so quiet. The doctor had left but promised to return before the end of the day to check on his patients. He had agreed to treat both boys as long as their injuries were not life threatening. But the first sign of problems, Nick had promised to call an ambulance.

A soft moan from the bed farthest from the door had Nick moving. "Sammy, it's ok, Dean is here. He's just sleeping."

"Nick?" Sam blinked, hazel eyes still unfocused as they sought the source of the voice. He couldn't seem to focus on a though for more than a moment before it would flit out of his reach. "What's wrong with me?"

"You have bruised ribs, a badly sprained ankle, bruises and contusions as well as being dehydrated and undernourished." Nick replied as he checked Sam for fever. He placed the thermometer in Sam's ear and waited for the beep.

Sam sat quietly trying to figure out why he felt so…well he felt like something was missing. He looked at Nick as the thermometer beeped. "So?"

"Well, your fever has come down. I think the Doctor might remove your IV when he comes back tonight, providing you can eat and drink. Are you thirsty Sam?"

"Actually, yes…can I have some water?" Sam's mouth was dry. The pain and weakness he felt must have been from his days without food and water. He remembered the Shade and the need to protect Dean, but most of the past few days seemed to be a mystery to him.

Nick handed him a sports drink. "Try this; it will give you a boost. The Doc said he'd bring dinner when he comes, but I have some crackers and soup if you're hungry." Nick paused, a little concerned at Sam's lack of emotion. Shaking his head, he figured Sam was probably still trying to process what happened to him.

"Not right now…how is Dean?" Sam asked almost as an afterthought.

"He'll be fine Sam. He has stitches for the wounds in his shoulder and side. He's running a fever, but it's not high enough to worry about. The Doc has him on an IV with antibiotics. Assuming you two don't find yourselves fighting anything else supernatural for a few days, he expects you both to survive." Nick chuckled.

"That's good Nick…so the Shade…she's gone?" Sam looked around, the first feeling of fear finally making an appearance.

Nick saw the fear and tried to calm his friend. "The Shade and her spirit are both gone. Dean and I salted and burned the bones. I didn't see any sign of her either after we finished. But I just have to ask…why did you bind her to you?"

Sam shrugged. "I had to keep you all safe; once she was bound to me…she couldn't take one of you." It had seemed like a good idea, but he was beginning to wonder if he shouldn't have let the others figure out another way.

Sam yawned as his eyes grew heavy. He was really tired. He looked over at the opposite bed and smiled. His brother appeared to be sleeping peacefully. As his eyes closed Sam wondered once again at the empty feeling…but then, he was sure Dean would have the answers when he woke up.

Nick watched with concern as Sam fell back to sleep. There was something off in his friend's behavior, but he couldn't put his finger on it. As he pulled the cover up over Sam's chest he just hoped it wasn't something serious. Nick sat down once again to keep watch over the two men he now called friends.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Soaring Eagle walked slowly through the dense forest, the tangled underbrush remained unmoved as he passed. He watched as the older brother salted and burned the bones of the woman he had wronged. His heart was still heavy with the damage he caused by his arrogance. But now, perhaps he would be able to find rest.

As he came near the gently flowing waters of the river, he looked up and saw a figure entering the red covered bridge. He blinked unsure, his pulse beginning to pound as he flowed towards the structure. As he entered he stopped, this wasn't possible…and yet his eyes told him the truth.

"You are not supposed to be here. You should be gone!" Soaring Eagle announced at the figure standing in front of him.

The figure turned, eyes blazing as it advanced on Soaring Eagle. "This is all your fault, I know what you did. You're the reason I'm still here and I'm going to make you pay!"

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean woke, his head pounding slightly as he heard the soft conversation in the room. As he groaned he felt a hand on his forehead. He brushed at the hand, wincing as he remembered his shoulder was still healing.

"Well looks like your fever has finally broken Dean." Doctor Mike said as he gently removed the IV from Dean's hand. "I don't think you'll be needing this anymore."

"Sammy…how's Sam?" Dean asked as he tried to push himself up on the bed. But a firm hand pushed him back to the mattress.

"Your brother is doing fine, in fact he can tell you himself." The doctor moved out of Dean's line of vision.

"Hey Dean…about time you decided to wake up." Sam said softly, his hazel eyes meeting Dean's somber green.

"How are you Sam?" Dean asked, relaxing a little as he realized Sam was awake and talking to him.

"A little sore and tired, but otherwise I'm ok. But Nick told me you were hurt…" Sam's voice dropped off, the worry evident in his tone.

"Just a few scratches…nothing to worry about right Doc?" Dean let the doctor help him sit up in the bed, wincing slightly at the pull in the stitches.

The doctor laughed softly. "All I'll admit to is you are better than you were when I found you…which won't last if you don't take care of yourself. I'm prescribing bed rest for both of you for the next couple of days. The stitches can come out in about ten days and even then you should take it easy for a few more days."

Dean rolled his eyes as he heard his brother's soft laughter from the other bed. "Sure Doc, but who's going to take care of Sam?"

Nick cleared his throat. "I guess I can stay around for a few more days. But you two are going to owe me a steak dinner…with all the trimmings!"

Dean smirked. "Sam will pick up the tab…after all, he's the one who managed to get himself possessed by a chick…again!"

As Dean saw his brother roll his eyes, he smiled. He and Sam still needed to have a talk about who was in charge of saving who, but for now…he was just happy to have his brother next to him alive and well.

The End…or is it?

Raven524: Well another story comes to an end...but wait, is that a sequel I see on the horizon? By jove, I believe it is! Thanks again to everyone who has read and responded to this story (Group HUG)! I should be posting the sequel, called Dark Shadow shortly...hope to see you all there!