Hey everyone!

Wow...I cannot believe that this is the last chapter! I just want to thank each and every one of you for all your support throughout this story. You guys are so amazing and I love you all!

Like I said, this is the LAST chapter, so keep an eye out for upcoming stories and whatnot. Hahaha :]

I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but I really do appreciate the support I received and cannot thank you enough!

P.S. I meant to have this chapter out a few days ago, but unfortunately, I live on the East Coast and due to Hurricane Irene...damn her...I lost power for a few days. So sorry for the delay!

Enjoy!

2 weeks later

"Dean, really, I'm fine." Sam sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time. "Why don't you go out for a little while, man. Bobby said he needed help with some of those crap cars out back. Or you could grab a drink at the bar." He proposed, trying to keep the sound of desperation from his voice.

"Nah." Dean dismissed quickly as he adjusted the blanket that covered the lower half of his brothers' body. "Are you still cold? Do you want some more blankets? What about soup? I can make you a bowl of soup to warm you up. I think Bobby's got some tomato soup in the fridge. Or I could whip up some chicken noodle soup, if you want. I know how much you love chicken noodle."

Sam took a deep breath and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "For the thousandth time Dean, I'm good. Really."

God knew how much Sam loved his brother, but ever since he had gotten out of the hospital, Dean had been glued to his side every second of the day. He just needed a little space for a minute.

"Are you sure? I can make you something else if you want." Dean pressed, reaching behind Sam's head to fluff his pillow.

Sam swatted his brothers' hand away with his non-casted hand, as his patience thinned. "Seriously dude, quit hovering." He groaned exasperatedly.

"What about the pain, Sammy? Do you need your pills yet?" Dean asked as he glanced at the watch on his wrist, mentally calculating the last time he had given Sam his meds.

"Dean!" Sam yelled frustration.

Dean shot his brother a puzzled look at his outburst. "What? What's wrong?"

"Look Dean, I get that you want to be here for me and help me out and everything, I do. And thank you for that, really. But man, you're suffocating me. I just-...I just need a little room to breathe." Sam sighed in a gentle voice. "And I think it'd be good for you too to get out for a little while."

"Sam, you're my responsibility. I'm not leaving you alone here." Dean retorted adamantly.

"But I'm not alone, Dean. Bobby's here, remember?"

Dean scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest as sat on the edge of the couch Sam laid on. "Yeah, well Bobby can't take care of you like I can."

"You're right, Dean, he can't. But I think I can manage a couple hours without you. Besides, you're running on empty, man. You've barely slept or ate anything." Sam continued softly.

"I'm fine, Sammy."

"No Dean, you're not. Ever since dad headed out-"

"Sam." Dean growled in warning.

"You've been on protective big-brother overload." He finished, ignoring his brother's interjection.

Sam had been released from the hospital about a week ago. Doctor Harrison had allowed the young hunter to leave on two conditions. 1. That he would oblige to the rule of staying on bed-rest for at least three more weeks. And, 2. That he would come back to the hospital in a month for one last checkup. After agreeing to the terms, Sam had been able to leave with Dean and John by his side.

His wrist was still stuck in a cast from the break and his ribs still hurt like a bitch. Sam couldn't move without being subjected to sharp pains from his torso, so bed rest was like music to his ears.

Every wince or hiss of pain that escaped Sam's lips was like a dagger to Dean's heart. He still hated himself for not being strong enough to fight off the witches curse, and deep down, he probably never would forgive himself. Although he knew Sam forgave him, it hadn't erased the aftermath of the trauma for the youngest Winchester.

"I can't take this anymore." Sam groaned as his head flopped against the pillow behind him. "I've been staring at the same damn walls for the past two weeks and it's driving me insane."

Dean quirked a smile as he stood up from his seat and headed towards the window. He pulled back the curtains and surveyed outside. "Well, at least this is your last day in the hell hole. As soon as dad signs your release papers, we can get out of here."

"Where is dad anyway?" Sam questioned.

"He went to go pull the Impala around front." Dean replied as he made his way back to his brother. "So, what'd you say kid? Ready to head outta here?"

Sam scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Dude, I'm 22. I'm not a kid anymore."

Dean shot his brother a cheeky grin before speaking up. "I don't care what you say, you'll always be my snot nosed little brother." He teased good-heartedly.

"Great. Thanks Dean, thanks." Sam muttered sarcastically, with a smile of his own on his face.

"No problem, Sammy." Dean retorted lightly, before reaching in to ruffle his brother's hair as he had always done since Sam was a baby.

Before Sam could stop himself, he subconsciously flinched and moved away as Dean's hand neared his head. He hadn't meant to cringe away from his brother, but it was as if on instinct.

A heavy silence took over as Dean slowly pulled back his hand, heart-break written all over his face. Dean knew Sam was still afraid of him, even if he wouldn't openly admit it, but to see his brother actually recoil away from him...

Sam opened his mouth to say something, anything, but no words came out, leaving his mouth gaping like a fish.

"M' sorry." Dean mumbled, his voice gruff and laced with despair. He slowly backed away as he shoved his hands in his pockets, before turning around and leaving the room.

"D-Dean..." Sam called after his brother softly, but it was too late. He had already left. Sam felt tears pool his eyes as he squeezed them shut tightly. Guilt spread throughout him at the image of Dean's broken expression.

"Sam?"

Sam's eyes snapped open and saw John standing in front of him, peering at him with concern.

"Sam, you okay? Why's Dean standing in the hallway?"

Regardless of what had happened, Sam's heart swelled. Dean still remained near Sam no matter what. The youngest Winchester swallowed the lump in his throat before speaking up. "Uhm, yeah, I'm good. And I think Dean's just gonna wait out there."

"Alright..." John said slowly, figuring that whatever was going on between his sons would get worked out without him. "Oh, and those two agents got in contact with me while I was outside. I was wondering why the feds were in town anyway, or why they'd be interested in what happened to you. Apparently, some people had gone missing earlier and they were here to check around. They thought you were a victim, but got away, so that's why they wanted to question you."

"Really?" Sam said in shock. "Wow...Well do they know what happened to those people?"

John shook his head as he rubbed the stubble of his beard. "No, but I'm guessing that witch had something to with it. Bobby ganked her though, so we should be good to go."

"Okay."

"I just need to sign your release papers and then we can get the hell out of here."

"Sounds good."

John nodded once before exiting the room, leaving Sam alone.

He took a deep breath, wincing when the strain stretched his ribcage. Clenching his jaw tightly, Sam used every ounce of strength he had to maneuver himself into an upright position. When the pain became too much to bear, Sam fell back down, leaving him breathless and hurting.

"The doc said not to strain yourself, Sammy."

Sam's head snapped towards the door, to see Dean leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. They stared at each other for a moment before Sam spoke up.

"Dean, I am so-"

"Don't. Please don't Sammy."

"But I didn't mean-"

"I know, man. Not your fault." Dean interjected quickly, shrugging his shoulders. He made his way to Sam's side and gave him an expectant look. Sam nodded as Dean wrapped his arm around his brother's back. Slowly, Dean helped his brother into a sitting position as Sam tossed his legs over the side of the bed.

"Thanks Dean." Sam said, slightly winded.

Dean just smiled as he took a step back, not wanting his presence to freak Sam out.

"Hey, you wanna grab my shoes over there?" Sam asked, nodding towards the door. Dean quickly grabbed the shoes and handed them over to Sam.

Sam stared at his shoes and then to his feet. There was no way he was going to be able to put his shoes on without inflicting even more pain. A thought hit him, and he knew a way to mend things with Dean and accomplish the simple task of tying his shoes.

"Hey Dean...do you mind?" Sam questioned, indicating towards his shoes as he shot his brother the puppy dog eyes.

A smile broke out across Dean's face as he got what Sam was doing. God, he loved the kid. "Alright, alright. You can put away the big guns, your highness."

A goofy grin was plastered on Sam's face as he handed his shoes to his brother who crouched down in front of him. He felt like he was four years old again.

"You have Sasquatch feet, you know that?" Dean teased lightly, as he placed Sam's foot on his knee after putting on his shoe. He tied the shoe, making sure it wasn't too tight before switching feet.

"Yeah, I know." Sam chuckled as he watched Dean tie his other laces. Although Dean's hands were rough and calloused, they had a gentleness to them.

"There you go, Cinderella." Dean joked, as he placed Sam's feet down and stood up.

"Thank you, Fairy God Mother."

"Whoa, whoa whoa. There's no way in hell I'm the fairy god mother." Dean protested as he took a seat besides Sam on the bed. "Besides, if I was, I'd Bippity, Boppity, Boo you into a chick...Or maybe even a clown."

Sam let out a laugh, as he rolled his eyes. "You're such a jerk."

"You wound me Sam." Dean said in mock hurt, as he placed a hand over his heart.

"Thanks Dean. Really, thanks." Sam said sincerely after a moment, sharing a long look with his brother.

Dean shot his brother a smile as he stood up. "Anytime Sammy." He replied, as he leaned in a ruffled Sam's mop of hair, grinning even more when Sam didn't flinch. "Anytime."

"Yeah, I have been protective because it's my job!"

"I know, and thank you for that, but I just need to breathe for a minute!" Sam shouted in exasperation.

"What? So you don't want me around?" Dean asked, trying to mask the hurt from his eyes. "You want me to leave, like dad?"

"No! No, of course not Dean!" Sam reassured. "I'm just saying, I think that because dad left, you feel like you have to be extra protective. Like you have to take on both roles of father and big brother."

"It's because I do." Dean retorted instantly. "I have since the day mom died."

Both Dean and Sam were surprised that their dad had lasted for as long as he did without bailing. But they could both tell that John was getting antsy, first being cooped up at the hospital and then at Bobby's house. He had helped out with Sam as best he could, but what Sam needed most was rest. So with nothing to do, John had gotten impatient. That hunter within him was waiting to be let out once again.

And after John had gotten a call from an old hunting friend about some gun that he could use against the yellow eyed demon, he decided it was time for him to hit the road. He promised to call them every day and to keep them posted on what he was doing.

Although Dean and Sam had called that bullshit on the spot, there wasn't anything they could do to stop him.

Sam hadn't minded as much as Dean, which was new. Dean had been pissed at his dad for leaving Sam when he needed his father the most. But to Sam, as long as he had Dean, he would be fine.

"Dean, we both knew dad wouldn't stick around." Sam said softly.

"He should have stayed though."

"Hey, we've been basically on our own our whole lives, so why should this be any different?"

"I guess." Dean muttered gloomily.

Sam sighed before he nudged Dean with his foot. "Me and you against the world, right?" He asked with a child-like grin.

Dean glanced down at his brother gazing up at him with big eyes. He felt a soft smile grow on his face as he laid a hand on Sam's' leg and gave him a pat. "Me and you against the world, kiddo."

And no matter what, that's the way it would always be.

There you have it! The last chapter!

Thank you all so much for sticking with me and I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I loved writing it!

Let me know what you guys thought!

Thanks again! :]