A/N: most of the S7 finale left me wondering "So what was the point of any of that all season?" but one thing stuck out to me. This story is the result. (And I am intrigued by the final 2 scenes, when I didn't think I would be.)

"Be careful."

Sam never looked that much at himself in a mirror. Close shave, clean face, that was about it. But every time he did look, he was pretty sure he saw a six foot four, two hundred twenty five pound adult. Twenty-nine years topside and counting. He'd been to literal heaven and literal hell, and a lot of metaphorical versions of both as well. He'd been aware of and involved in the hunting life since he was eight and an experienced hunter since he was twelve. He was smart and strong and capable, and when they walked into the alpha vampire's mansion and found three dead vampires - emphasis on dead - Dean, in the lead of course, stopped briefly and turned to Sam.

"Be careful."

Careful of what? They were dead. Emphasis on dead.

There hadn't been time to think about it, of course. They were on a job, a hunt, a mission, and that always took precedence over the frequent, numerous, vagary thoughts that crowded Sam's brain. But he had the time now, didn't he? And even the press of this job, this hunt, this mission, couldn't keep those thoughts from parking themselves front and center.

Dean.

Dean putting a hand out to guard Sam when they were waiting to cross a busy street.

Be careful.

Dean using the juiced-up joy-buzzer to roast the ham while Sam was made to stand a good four feet away. With safety goggles no less.

Be careful.

Dean figuratively slapping Sam's hands away whenever he wanted to scratch the Wall.

Be careful.

Dean cracking open the 'How to kill Leviathan in four impossible steps' tablet while Sam was made to stand a good four feet away. With safety goggles no less.

BE. CAREFUL.

There was no chance or time or desire to be careful now. Dean was gone - gone - and Sam had to find him. Sam would find him.

Until then -

"Dean - be careful."

The End