Title: Stay Author: gaelicspirit Genre: GEN Characters: Dean, Sam Rating: PG-1 Spoilers: Set in Season 1!

Timeline is one "ee# a$ter the e%ents that ta#e place in Sha&o"! Summary: Sometimes it's not the lea%ing that's har&! Disclaimer: They're not mine! (ore's the pity! a)n:This story "as "ritten a little o%er a year ago $or the Roo$top Con$essions *ine, (arch+ish, o$ -../, printe& 0y Gri$$inSong Press! 1$ you rea& it there, 1 than# you2 (any than#s to the Gri$$inSong Press $or the opportunity! Roo$top Con$essions 3 "as 4ust printe& an& inclu&es stories 0y some $antastic "riters! 1 am honore& to ha%e a story inclu&e&! 56ur situation hasn7t e8actly impro%e&!9 5:ust!!! gimme a secon& to thin#!9 5That7s gonna ta#e!!! more than a secon&!9 Sam groun& the last 0it out through teeth clenche& against currents o$ hot pain shimmying &o"n his arm! 5;a $uc#in7 ha,9 Dean pante&, $orcing his tire&, sti$$ $ingers to release the metal gate that line& the interior &oor o$ the ol& ele%ator an&, turning on his heel, &roppe& &o"n 0esi&e Sam7s spra"le& $orm! 5<emme see!9 =e$ore Sam coul& protest, Dean ha& gra00e& his "rist, pulling his 0loo&y arm to"ar& him, turning it gently in the "an light, his $ingers li#e 0an&s o$ iron, his actions a &ichotomy o$ might an& contrition! Gritting his teeth, Sam "atche& his 0rother7s $ace in the mute&, yello" light &ri$ting &o"n $rom the 0are 0ul0 in the ceiling o$ the ele%ator car! The light "asn7t e$$ecti%e $or much 0esi&es casting sha&o"s in the corners o$ the small space an& toying "ith Sam7s imagination! Dean $ro"ne&, his eyes ra#ing o%er the slash on Sam7s arm, his 0ro"s meeting in pisse&-o$$ agreement o%er the 0ri&ge o$ his nose! Sam $elt his o%erheate& 0o&y chill at that e8pression! 5=a&>9 5?ell, it sure ain7t goo&,9 Dean muttere&, $lashing @uic# green eyes up to Sam7s $ace! The mar#s le$t 0y the &ae%a7s attac# last "ee# ha& nearly heale&, 0ut the purple& paths they7& le$t 0ehin& ripple& as Dean7s $orehea& crease&! 5Don7t mo%e!9 Sam no&&e& "earily! Dean stoo&, shrugging out o$ his long-slee%e& $lannel shirt "ith @uic#, sure mo%ements, then 0ent an& "ith stea&y, concise motions, 0egan to "rap Sam7s arm! 5Damn, Sammy,9 he "hispere&! 5=itch &i& a num0er on you!9 Sam sti$$ene&, cursing un&er his 0reath against the $lash o$ heat, instincti%ely pulling a"ay $rom Dean7s sure han&s as his 0rother "rappe& the 0lac# an& tan material aroun& the &eep cut that ran $rom the top o$ his shoul&er to his el0o", e$$ecti%ely $illeting the s#in nearly &o"n to the muscle an& soa#ing his arm, han&, an& chest "ith "arm, stic#y 0loo&! A;ol& still,A Dean comman&e&, his %oice tight!

Dean grippe& Sam's arm, trying to close the "oun& an& "rap it tight at the same time! Sam $elt "ater gather in his mouth, $ought 0ac# the aci&ic 0ile that struggle& to the sur$ace in reaction to the pain! AAh2 Damn, Dean2A ASorry!A Dean's %oice gentle& an& his touch 0ecame lighter as he continue& to "rap! 5?h-"hat hit me>9 Sam s"allo"e&, $lic#ing his eyes up to Dean's tense $ace! 5Bingernails, 1 thin#,9 Dean gro"le&! ?atching Dean's han&s, Sam trie& to replay the last $e" minutes in his hea&, trying to $igure out ho" he'& let the spirit get that close! ;is thoughts ricochete&, settling on @uic# sensations, scattere& soun&s: the 0urning slice &o"n his arm, Dean's yelle& comman& to go, mo%e, the roar o$ the shotgun! Then he "as pushe&, $orce&, sho%e& into the ele%ator car, lan&ing in a tangle& heap o$ legs, pain, an& 0loo&! Sam 0lin#e&, shi$ting his ga*e up to Dean's $ace! The light in his 0rother's green eyes ha& turne& almost $eralC the person Sam usually sa" re$lecting there "as sha&o"e& 0y $ury! ?hen he "as younger, Sam ha& thought the loo# in Dean's eyes "as anger at himDhe thought Dean ha& 0een upset "ith him $or 0o00ing "hen he shoul& ha%e "ea%e&, &o&ging le$t instea& o$ right, 0asically messing up! 1t too# "atching his $ather react the same "ay "hen Dean ha& 0een hurt $or Sam to see that it "as $ear an& not anger $ueling the hea%y %oice, the rigi& 4a", the sharp eyes! Bear o$ loss! Bear o$ losing! 5Eou7re suppose& to #eep this re& stu$$ on the insi&e, you #no",9 Dean sai&, his %oice so$tening at Sam7s lo" groan o$ pain! 5S-so they tell us,9 Sam @uippe& 0ac#! 5Some0o&y $orgot to tell the spirit!9 5This shoul& hol& it $or a"hile,9 Dean sai&, no&&ing "ith satis$action at his $iel& &ressing o$ the "oun&! 5=ut "e gotta get out o$D9 :ust as Dean tie& o$$ the en& o$ his ma#e-shi$t 0an&age, the ele%ator car shoo#, har&, #noc#ing him si&e"ays, o$$ his $eet! Sam shot "i&e eyes aroun& the narro" space, hol&ing his "oun&e& arm against his stomach, his other arm s"eeping out to press $lat against the "oo& paneling $raming the "alls! Dean rolle& @uic#ly to his #nees, a curse @ua#ing his lips, silence& 0y caution! Sam sli& his eyes o%er his 0rother7s crouche& $orm! Dean 0alance& on the 0alls o$ his $eet, one han& stretche& out to"ar& Sam, the other 0race& against the $loor li#e a runner in starter position! Dean7s eyes 0ounce& @uic#ly aroun& the car, shooting up to the ceiling, then 0ac# to the gate-line& ele%ator &oor! 5?here7s the shotgun>9 Sam 0reathe&, a$rai& to spea# any lou&er! 5=itch #noc#e& it out o$ my han&s!9 5?hen>9 5Right a$ter 1 shot at her!9 Dean loo#e& at him out o$ the corners o$ his eyes, an& Sam reali*e& that 0y sho%ing him into the ele%ator car to get them a"ay $rom the spirit, Dean ha&n7t ha& time to retrie%e their only "eapon! Sam &ragge& in a trem0ling 0reath, heat $rom his "oun&e& arm sli&ing o%er him li#e %ertigo! ;e reste& his ga*e on Dean, "or#ing to stea&y himsel$, his hea&, his eyes, the har& thrum o$ his heart! Dean someho" loo#e&F

"rongF "ithout a gun in his han&s! The ele%ator car shoo# again, an& Dean "ent to one #nee! They 0oth hel& still, silent! The 0arely-heale& cuts on Sam7s chee# su&&enly itche&, 0ut he &i&n7t &are mo%e to scratch them! Dean "as his 0enchmar#C he "oul&n7t mo%e until he sa" his 0rother &o the same! The 0ul0 a0o%e them $lic#ere&, snapping an& $i**ing as their only source o$ light lost its %aliant $ight $or sur%i%al! The ol& ele%ator car "as plunge& into pitch! Sam hear& Dean pull in air! Sam trie& to open his eyes "i&er, hoping to see something!!! anything! Trying to see Dean! =lac# ate 0lac#! Dar#ness 0uilt upon &ar#ness an& soon Sam7s eyes "atere& $rom the nee& to 0lin#! ;e lic#e& his lips, shuttering his eyes, "etness seeping $rom the e&ges an& gathering on his lashes! 1t "as completely silent, sa%e $or his heart0eat! ;e coul&n7t e%en hear Dean 0reathing o%er the clamoring soun&! Sam $elt s"eat tric#le slo"ly &o"n the 0ac# o$ his nec#, tic#ling the hairs there an& slipping silently 0eneath his T-shirt collar to chase the length o$ his spine! ;e tightene& his shoul&ers! The &ar#ness seeme& to gro", a0sor0ing reality! There "as no soun&! No light! No air!!! the &ar#ness "as #illing the air, suc#ing it up an& pulling it a"ay! ;e "as su$$ocating! A sure, stea&y han& grippe& his lo"er leg an& Sam 4er#e&! 5Easy!9 Dean7s %oice "as lo" an& calming! 5:ust ta#e it easy, Sammy!9 An& su&&enly Sam coul& 0reathe again! Dean #ept his han& on Sam7s leg, his po"er$ul $ingersDso li#e their $ather7s, Sam reali*e&Dtightening re$le8i%ely as he shi$te&! Sam coul& $eel Dean mo%e slightly as he searche& $or something! 5?haD5 T"o @uic# shnic#s an& Dean7s $ace "as illuminate& 0y the "arm light $rom his Gippo! Sam $elt "ea# $rom the uncanny relie$ o$ 4ust seeing his 0rother7s $ace! Seeing his 0rother's eyes re$lect reassurance 0ac# out at him! S"eat glistening as it ran &o"n Dean7s temple to smear the grease an& &irt gathere& on his le$t chee#0one $rom "here it ha& impacte& "ith a "all less than an hour ago! 5There you are!9 Dean grinne&! Sam smile& 0ac#, $eeling the trem0le o$ $ear on the e&ges o$ his lips! 51t7s &oing this! The spirit!9 Dean let the lighter go out! 5Pro0a0ly,9 he sai&, his %oice casual in the &ar#ness! Sam hel& still, not "anting to ina&%ertently &islo&ge Dean7s han&! 5Dean,9 Sam sai&, cursing the "ea# shi%er o$ air that "rappe& aroun& his "hisper! 5Those peopleD5 5They7re o#ay $or no",9 Dean replie&, an& Sam hear& his %oice s"ay as he turne& his hea& in the &irection o$ the ele%ator &oor! Don7t go, Sam "ante& to call out! Stay! Stay right here! =ut he sai& nothing!

5As long as they stay insi&e that salt ring, any"ay!9 5That Allan guyD5 51 #no",9 Dean interrupte&! 5;e coul& 0e a pro0lem!9 Dean7s sigh "as hea%y! The slight increase o$ pressure on Sam7s leg carrie& "ith it the "eight o$ responsi0ility Dean ha& shoul&ere& so many years ago, going it alone "ithout reali*ing there "as someone else there a0le to carry the loa&! That "eight increase& "hen innocents "ere en&angere&! E%en i$ those innocents "ere arrogant, lou&-mouth, 0astar&s li#e Allan Boley! 5Eou thin# he7ll step out o$ the circle>9 Sam as#e&, s"allo"ing, su&&enly thirsty! 51 ha%e no i&ea,9 Dean replie& "earily! 5?e tol& himDall three o$ themD"hat "oul& happen!9 5;ell, they sa" "hat "oul& happen,9 Sam sai& so$tly, thin#ing o$ the $ourth mem0er o$ the party they ha& 0een trying to get out o$ the 0uil&ing! The small group o$ people ha& recounte& to Sam an& Dean ho" they ha& all "atche& helplessly as the spirit ha& gra00e& Sean An&re"s, one o$ the 0uil&ing contractors reno%ating the ol& $i%e-story hotel into apartments! Sam remem0ere& the realtor, :en, &escri0e ho", "ith a choppy tilt o$ its hea&, the spirit ha& 0urro"e& "ith talon-li#e nails into Sean7s chest, stopping his heart "ith a %icious clench o$ its $ist! The ele%ator car 4er#e& %iolently a thir& time, an& "ithout "arning &roppe& se%eral $eet, sen&ing Dean lurching to his si&e, across Sam7s legs! Sam7s stomach 0ounce& nauseatingly to the 0ase o$ his throat 0e$ore settling 0ac# into place! 5Shit,9 Dean spat out, trying to untangle himsel$ $rom Sam in the &ar#! Sam hear& something crac# against the "all ne8t to him! 5Son o$ a 0itch!9 5Eou o#ay>9 5No, 17m not o#ay,9 Dean complaine&! 517%e ha& it "ith this $uc#in7 spirit!9 5?ell, "e7re not e8actly in a position to &o much a0out it right no", man,9 Sam pointe& out! 5<i#e hell,9 Dean sai&, his %oice lo", &angerous, an& Sam $elt a chill as Dean7s han& le$t his leg! ;e hel& his 0reath, listening as Dean use& the "all to Sam7s le$t to gain his $eet! 5Dean, "e &on7t #no" "here the 0ones are,9 Sam calle& out! 5?e got a hun&re& year-ol&, reno%ate& 0uil&ing, three people trappe& on the $ourth $loor, an& "e7re stuc# in a 0ro#en ele%ator!9 5Than#s $or the recap,9 Dean snappe&, an& Sam hear& his %oice tra%eling a"ay $rom him as he $elt along the "alls to"ar& the &oor! The threa&0are in&ustrial carpet that Sam reste& upon a0sor0e& %ery little soun& an& Sam listene& as Dean7s 0oots mar#e& o$$ space! ;e #ne" Dean "as trying to $igure out ho" much area they ha& to "or# "ith insi&e o$ the ele%ator car! ;e'& al"ays counte& on Dean's constant motion!!! an& the purpose "ithin the mo%ement! 5Sam!9 Dean7s %oice came out o$ the &ar#ness to rest on Sam7s ears, pulling him $rom his re%erie! Near as Sam coul& $igure, Dean "as stan&ing ne8t to the ele%ator &oor in $ront o$ the control panel! 5Eeah>9

5Those letters!!! the ones on the tail-en& o$ the coor&inates Da& sent us!!!9 56-T-1-S,9 Sam supplie&! 5Eeah!!!9 Dean7s tone "as so$t "ith thought! Sam tilte& his hea& in an automatic gesture o$ @uestion e%en though he #ne" Dean coul&n7t see his o"n han& tic#le his $ace in this 0lac#ness! ;e @uelle& the instant rush o$ resentment that he7& 0een struggling against since recei%ing the coor&inates 4ust $i%e &ays a$ter :ohn ha& le$t them, 0eat-to-hell an& 0lee&ing, in the alley 0ehin& the apartment 0uil&ing in Chicago! <e$t them 0ecause he "as %ulnera0le "ith them! =ullshit, Sam re0elle& silently! Eou 4ust &i&n7t "ant to stayF 56tis is the name o$ the spirit, right> Thought "e alrea&y &iscusse& this!9 Sam7s tone carrie& the har& e&ge o$ his thoughts! 5Eeah, "ell!9 Dean7s %oice re$lecte& 0ac# to him in a mute& tim0re as he turne& his 0ac# to the ele%ator &oors an& $ace& Sam! 5Don7t #no" a0out you, 0ut 1 sa" a chic#!9 Sam 0lin#e&, thin#ing! 5Eeah!!! it7s &e$initely $emale!9 5Eou #no" any girl 6tis7>9 Sam shoo# his hea&, his thoughts 4umping li#e a stone s#ippe& o%er a still pon&, searching $or the en& point, reaching $ingertips o$ logic to"ar& the solution! 5There7s a pla@ue!!! thingy a0o%e these 0uttons,9 Dean sai&! 5Beels li#e letters!!!9 5;oly shit,9 Sam 0reathe&, $eeling Dean stan&ing close! 5Di&n7t some &u&e name& 6tis in%ent the ele%ator>9 5Elisha 6tis,9 Sam sai& so$tly! 51n%ente& the pull system!9 51t7s the $riggin' ele%ator, Sam!9 Sam no&&e& in agreement, #no"ing instincti%ely that &espite the pitch-&ar#ness Dean $elt it as he $elt e%ery response, e%ery re$usal, e%ery re0ellion, e%ery reaction that Sam ha& e%er ma&e throughout his li$etime! Dean simply listene& to him on a &i$$erent le%el than the "orl&, than :ohn, than e%en :ess ha&! 5Da& "as trying to tell usD5 Sam &i&n7t get to $inish his sentence! The car shoo# again an& Sam 0race& himsel$ against the "all $or another plummet, 0ut this time the ele%ator shot up, $ast, har&, 4er#ing to an a0rupt stop! Sam 0ounce& roughly against the $loor an& hear& the &istinct crac# o$ a 0o&y hitting the ceiling then $elt the impact as somethingDan arm>Dcrashe& across his outstretche& legs! Sam &uc#e&, s"earing, as the 0urne&-out light 0ul0 an& a s@uare o$ ceiling tile $ell a"ay, &ropping on top o$ him! ;e shoo# the glass out o$ his hair an& sho%e& the tile a"ay $rom himDin the opposite &irection than he7& hear& Dean lan&!

5Dean>9 Silence! 5;ey, Dean, you o#ay, man>9 Nothing! The &ar#ness $elt su&&enly thic# aroun& him, as i$ the 4arring ele%ator ha& sha#en mur# $rom the corners, $illing the space insi&e "ith nothing, yet lea%ing no room $or them! Sam leane& $or"ar& cautiously, reaching out an& &o"n "ith his goo& arm, searching $or his 0rother! ;is long $ingers trac#e& &o"n the &usty &enim o$ his legs until he $elt the "arm s#in o$ Dean7s limp arm! 5Dean>9 he "hispere& again, shi$ting so that he coul& grip Dean7s arm, sha#ing it! 5C7mon !!!9 Dean7s arm t"itche& un&er his han&! Sam $elt along Dean7s arm to his 0rother7s T-shirt-cla& shoul&er, "incing as the increase& mo%ement re%er0erate& $iery pain through his o"n "oun&e& lim0, causing his $ingertips to @ua#e! ;is han& $oun& Dean7s nec#, his hair, his ear, his chee#! =loo&, unmista#a0le in its slic# stic#iness, $lo"e& $reely $rom a gash that Sam coul& $eel paralleling Dean7s eye0ro"! Dean t"itche& un&er Sam7s e8ploration once more an& this time the mo%ement "as accompanie& 0y a lo" groan! 5;ey, man,9 Sam "hispere&, relie$ ma#ing him "ea#! 5Son o$ a!!!9 Dean moane&! 5Can you mo%e>9 5Eeah,9 Dean $orce& out through clenche& teeth! Sam #ept his han& on Dean, sli&ing it $rom his 0rother7s $ace to his shoul&er, &o"n his arm, an& then $inally 0rea#ing contact as Dean slo"ly pulle& himsel$ to a sitting position, slumping against the "all ne8t to Sam! 5This isn7t an ele%ator,9 Dean muttere&, an& Sam $elt him shi$t, his 0are arm resting against Sam7s! 51t7s a $uc#in7 :i$$y Pop popper !!!9 5The spirit7s haunting the ele%ator,9 Sam pointe& out help$ully! 5No shit, really> 17m so gla& you7re here to tell me these things,9 Dean grum0le&! Sam ignore& him! Ino"ing that Dean's sarcasm usually increase& in &irect correlation to his le%el o$ pain, Sam continue&, 51$ the spirit is $ocuse& on us, may0e those girls "ill 0e o#ay up there "ith Allan!9 5Asshole,9 Dean muttere&! 56ne o$ these &ays "e7re gonna 0lee& 0ecause "e7re sa%ing someone "ho actually &eser%es it!9 Sam hear& him pull his #nees to"ar& his 0o&y! 51 coul& han&le that! =lee&ing $or assholes is getting ol&!9 5?hat a0out the girls !!!:en an& Carina>9 Sam hear& Dean sigh! 5?e7re 0lee&ing $or people li#e them, Dean!9 5Al"ays the sil%er lining "ith you, isn7t it>9

;e $elt Dean mo%e again in the &ar#ness an& hear& the shush o$ his cotton T-shirt ru00ing against the "all o$ the ele%ator as his 0rother stoo&! 5?hoa!9 Dean7s e8clamation "as heart-lurchingly "ea#! 5Dean>9 5Gimme a !!!gimme a minute,9 Dean muttere&! Sam reache& out to his si&e an& $oun& Dean7s legs! Bear sta00e& lo" in his gut at the trem0le he $elt there! 5?hy &on7t you sit 0ac# &o"n>9 57Cause "e7re not gonna 0e a0le to 4ust !!!"ill oursel%es outta here,9 Dean sai&, his %oice clippe&! 5Knless you pic#e& up another superpo"er 1 &on7t #no" a0out!9 5Not lately,9 Sam sai&, 0reathing a 0it easier "hen he $elt Dean7s leg stea&y! 56#ay,9 Dean sai&, ta#ing a 0reath! 5So !!!Da& "as trying to tell us that the spirit "as tie& to the ele%ator!9 Sam $elt the muscle in his 4a" $linch! 5?oul& ha%e 0een nice to #no" 0e$ore "e, y7#no", hi& in it!9 5Nah, Sammy, you "ere right! This is per$ect!9 5;o" &o you $igure>9 51$ it7s $ocusing on us, it7ll lea%e them alone! An& "e can get ri& o$ it!9 5Get ri& o$ it>A Sam's %oice "as incre&ulous! A?e lost our "eapons, "e use& all o$ our salt to protect those people 0ac# there, an& "e ha%e to &estroy an ele%ator car! That "e 4ust happen to 0e sitting in!9 51 ta#e that sil%er-lining comment 0ac#!9 5Bace it, Dean!9 Sam slumpe& 0ac# into the corner, gingerly pulling his "oun&e& arm across his 0o&y! 5?e7re scre"e&!9 ;e coul& $eel $resh 0loo& "arming the $lannel material Dean ha& so care$ully "rappe& aroun& his "oun&! 5No "ay, Du&e! ?hen 1'm scre"e&, 1 #no" it!A Sam 0lin#e& silently in the &ar#ness, letting the @uiet spea# $or him! AShut up,A Dean grum0le&! AEou #no" "hat 1 meant!A 5So "hat7s the plan then>9 Sam challenge&! 51 &on7t #no",9 Dean tosse& 0ac#! Sam coul& hear him mo%ing aroun& the car again! 517m ma#ing this up as 1 go along!9 1mplie& in his pinche& tone "as the plea to "or# "ith me here, Sammy! Sam sighe&! 56#ay, "ell !!!asi&e $rom the $act that it7s tie& to the ele%ator, "hat &o "e #no" a0out this spirit>9 51tDsheD"as #ille& 0y that Doctor ?hosit !!!9

5Doctor Ran&!9 5Eeah, him, 0ac# "hen this 0uil&ing use& to 0e a hotel! ?e #ne" he 0rought a patient "ith him to stayD4ust assume& it "as 6tis!9 Sam sighe&, ru00ing the heel o$ his han& against his right eye! ;e "as tire&! ;e ha&n7t slept "ell since!!! since the =en&ers gra00e& him! Since they 0urne& Dean! Since they ma&e Dean choose! Sam shi%ere&! ;e coul&n7t help 0ut thin# that sleep might ha%e come easier i$ :ohn ha& still 0een "ith them! 1$ they ha&n't separate&! 1$ he ha& staye& &espite "hat Dean ha& sai&! 1t "as su&&enly too @uiet! 5Dean>9 5Eeah>9 5:ust chec#ing!9 5Eou o#ay, Sammy>9 5Eeah,9 Sam lie&! 5?hat is it>9 Sam opene& his mouth, 0ut close& it again almost imme&iately! ;o" coul& he tell Dean something he &i&n7t truly un&erstan& himsel$> ;o" coul& he e8plain ho" in one moment the 0ro#en pu**le o$ his $uc#e&-up li$e ha& coalesce& into a complete picture "ith the sight o$ his $ather7s rugge& smile, the $eel o$ his $ather7s arms, an& then shattere& again "ith the "or&s you7%e got to let me go an& the image o$ taillights rece&ing in the &istance> Dean ha& 0een 4ust as 0ro#en 0y :ohn's &eparture as SamDmore so, Sam suspecte&, as Dean "as the one to point out that :ohn ha& to lea%e! That staying "oul& only 0ring him pain! An& Sam #ne" that $or Dean, 0ringing their $ather pain "as "orse than anything he "oul& su$$er in the meantime! Sam s"allo"e&, &eci&ing to change tactics! 5So, this &octor #ille& the patient ho"> =y thro"ing her &o"n the ele%ator sha$t>9 5No, &on7t &o that!9 Dean7s %oice pitche& lo", an& Sam hear& him lean against the "all to his le$t! 5Spill it, Sam!9 5?hy>9 57Cause you7re the let's-tal#-this-through one!9 5Eou ne%er!!! spill it!9 5Doesn7t help me!9 5;o" &o you #no" i$ you7%e ne%er trie&>9 51t7s Da&, isn7t it>9 Dean sai&, slicing through the 0ullshit, through the e%asi%e maneu%ers, %ectoring in on the target o$ truth as Sam #ne" he "oul&! Sam no&&e& silently in the &ar#ness! Dean "as @uiet a moment! Sam #ne" Dean7s hea& ha& to 0e 0eating a

rhythm o$ pain uni@ue as his o"n heart0eat! ;e cringe& in empathy! The silence continue& $or almost a $ull minute, then Sam hear& Dean pull in a 0reath, &eep, as i$ it might 0e the last one he too#! 51t7s my $ault, Sam!9 5?hat>9 Sam leane& $or"ar& in surprise, $orgetting his arm $or a moment! ;e hisse& at the sharp remin&er o$ his "oun& an& melte& 0ac# against the "all! 51 calle& him! 1 $ell $or (eg7s trap an& calle& him!9 51 &i&n7t stop you,9 Sam pointe& out! 5;e le$t me to go hunt this &emon, Sam,9 Dean sai& @uietly! 51t "as the possi0ility o$ $in&ing the &emon that 0rought him to Chicago! Not meDer, us!9 ;e le$t me !!! Sam 0lin#e& at that! Dean ha&n7t spo#en a0out :ohn7s &ecision in any other terms than "e ha%e to $in& him! Sam ha& o$ten $oun& himsel$ "on&ering ho" the &eparture ha& ultimately happene&! ;a& there 0een "or&s o$ anger an& 0etrayal re$lecting the night he7& le$t $or Stan$or& 0e$ore the moment :ohn &isappeare&> ;a& Dean ha& any i&ea that he "oul& "a#e up alone one morning> 51t7s not your $ault,9 Sam sai& @uietly! 5;e "as ne%er gonna stay, Dean!9 51 sent him a"ay, Sammy!9 Dean's %oice "as so$t an& resigne&! Sam 0ounce& his eyes aroun& the &ar#ness, "anting, nee&ing to see Dean! =ut all he sa" "ere the images his min& cruelly tosse& 0e$ore his eyes! :ohn7s tire& smile "hen home $rom a hunt a$ter &ays a"ay! :ohn7s tense $ace "hen he an& Sam "ere toe-to-toe a0out something so important at the time that Sam ha& $elt the "or&s ra#e his insi&es "ith sharp e&ges as they tum0le& into reality! Dean7s @uiet eyes as he calme& Sam &o"n, tal#ing until their Da&'s $ace lost the lines o$ anger aroun& his eyes an& mouth! 1 4ust "ant us to 0e a $amily again!!! 5Dean, it7s not your $ault, o#ay>9 Sam shi$te& his sti$$ening 0ac#, pulling one leg un&er him, #eeping his arm stea&y! 5Eou &i& "hat you "ere suppose& to &o! ?hat he traine& us to &o, man! Eou calle& him 0ecause "e thought the &emon "as there!9 51t7s not the $irst time 1 calle& him! As#e& him to come!9 The "or&s "ere so$t, the %oice lo", 0ut something 0ehin& them screame& at Sam! A "or&less scream that soun&e& li#e his 0rother7s soul "as 0lee&ing! 5?ell, yeah, 1 #no", 1 mean, hell, 1 calle& him a$ter the Ra"hea&D5 51 calle& him $rom <a"rence,9 Dean interrupte&! 5Eou!!!you &i&>9 5Eeah!9 Sam hear& Dean shi$t against the "all! A1 &i&n7t!!! 1 "as pretty sure it "asn7t, y7#no", our &emon in the house, 0ut!!! it "as something an&!!! 1 &i&n7t "ant to $ace it "ithout him!9 5:esus, Dean, 1D5 5=ut the thing is!!! 1 &i&! ?e &i&! Eou an& me!9

Something ne" sli& into Dean7s tone, pulling Sam7s hea& si&e"ays in @uestion! 5A$ter :ess!!! Sam, you coul& ha%e gone! Eou coul& ha%e le$t me! =ut you &i&n7t! Eou staye&!9 5?ell!!! 1 ha& to!9 5No, you &i&n7t! Eou7re a goo& hunter, Sam! Eou coul& ha%e gone a$ter the &emon, 4ust li#e Da&! Eou coul& ha%e gone your o"n "ay!9 1 "oul& ne%er ha%e ma&e it, Sam thought! Not "ithout you! ;e sat silently, listening to the @uiet soun& o$ Dean7s 0reathing! (atching his o"n 0reath to his 0rother7s rhythm! 1n "on&er at the honesty &ar#ness coul& entice into the open! 5Sammy, you an& me!!!9 Dean pause&! 5Eou "ere right "hen you sai& it7s ne%er gonna 0e li#e it "as 0e$ore! 1 &i&n7t reali*e!!! that coul& 0e a goo& thing, y7#no">9 5;o" so>9 51t7s my $ault Da&7s not "ith us 0ecause!!! 0ecause right no"!!! it7s more than 4ust him 0eing %ulnera0le "hen he7s "ith us! ?e7re 0etter o$$ "ithout him!9 5?hat>29 Sam coul&n7t ha%e 0een more surprise& i$ he7& su&&enly $oun& himsel$ naile& to the carpet! ;e hear& Dean sigh, as so$t as a con$ession! ?hen he spo#e, his %oice "as tight an& Sam coul& imagine the grimace o$ pain $ol&ing his 0rother7s green eyes together as 0loo& $lo"e& $rom his $orehea&! 5;e came to us "hen he thought it "oul& help him, Sam! Not "hen it "oul& help us! 1 mean!!! &on7t get me "rong! The man is a hero! An& 1 miss him, man! 1 miss him li#e hell! =utF he7s gotta "ant to stay! ;e7s gotta 0elie%e that "e7re stronger as a $amily! 6r he7ll!!! 0rea# us!9 Sam "as &enie& his chance to reply 0y the %iolent sha#e o$ the ele%ator car! ;is silent @uestion o$ "hether Dean "as on his $eet or not "as ans"ere& "hen he hear& his 0rother hit the $loor "ith a curse! Sam clutche& his arm to him, his teeth clenche& against the 0one-&eep ache sprea&ing $rom his "oun&, across his cla%icle an& into his 4a"! Col& 0egan to seep into the ele%ator car! A $amiliar col&! A chill that "arne& o$ ol& &eath, o$ &anger! 5All right2 This chic# is toast29 Dean spat harshly, his %oice &irecte& to"ar& the $loor! 5Dean>9 Sam "hispere&! 517m gonna sho" this 0itch ho" "e &o things &o"nto"n,9 Dean gro"le&! Sam hear& him grunt "ith e$$ort as he stoo&! 5?hat are you &oing>9 517m going topsi&e!9 5?hat> No, Dean, you can7t go out thereD5 5Eou stay here, you hear me>9 Dean7s %oice ha& an e&ge to it that &eman&e& o0e&ience!

1.

=ut Sam re0elle&! 5?hat the hell are you gonna &o, huh> Eou can7t shoot herF can7t 0urn her 0ones!!!9 Dean "as panting! Sam straine& to pic# up any %isual o$ his 0rother! The &ar#ness &epri%e& him o$ e%en the tiniest glimpse! 5?hat are you &oing> Dean> Dean29 5Clim0ing the "alls,9 Dean gaspe&! 5Spi&ey ma#es it loo# so easy!9 5An& then "hat>9 Sam $elt s"eat gathering at the 0ase o$ his throat an& along the "aist0an& o$ his 4eans! ;e $elt his $ingers trem0le $rom pain! ;e $elt his 0reath hitch! Dean "as lea%ing him! Alone! 5Ea thin# Spi&ey can see in the &ar#>9 5Buc# Spi&ey29 Sam yelle&! 5Eou're not going out there "ithout me29 5;ey!9 Dean7s %oice "as once again comman&ing! 5<isten to me! Sam> Eou listening>9 5Ees,9 Sam replie& sullenly! 5;ere7s "hat "e7re going to &o! 17m getting out through the top!!! someho"!!! an& 17m hea&ing 0ac# to the girls an& Allan! They7re gonna get you out o$ here, o#ay>9 A1'm coming "ith you!A Sam shi$te& his "eight to his goo& arm, leaning $or"ar&! ;e trie& to ignore ho" harshly his 0o&y shoo# "ith e%en that little mo%ement! AEou can't, Sam! Not "ith that arm!A 5?hat a0out you>9 Sam as#e& plainti%ely! 517m gonna ta#e out this ele%ator car!!!9 5;o" the hell!!!9 517ll let you #no" as soon as 1 $igure it out,9 Dean muttere&! 5This is one o$ the stupi&est i&eas you7%e e%er ha&, man,9 Sam complaine&! 5Ain7t gonna argue "ith you there!9 Dean7s %oice "as straine&! Sam hear& the shin# o$ Dean7s Gippo an& su&&enly the room "as once again "armDnot 0y the meager $lic#ering light $rom the $lame &ancing in Dean7s han&, 0ut 0y the sight o$ his 0rother7s eyes! 5Eou loo# li#e shit, Sam!9 Dean grinne&! ;e "as stan&ing, 0race&, on the rail that ran along the mi&&le part o$ the ele%ator "alls, his nec# 0ent at an uncom$orta0le-loo#ing angle to get his hea& un&er the still-intact ceiling tile! =loo& tra%ele& &o"n the si&e o$ his $ace as i$ it #ne" the pathDSam "on&ere& i$ the crac# against the ceiling tiles ha& simply re-opene& the "oun&

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in$licte& 0y (eg less than a "ee# ago! 5Than#s!9 Sam shoo# his hea&, una0le to tear his eyes a"ay $rom the light that $rame& his 0rother7s $ace! 5These tile thingy7s,9 Dean grunte&, #eeping the Gippo lit an& pushing up on one "ith his shoul&er! 5They mo%e pretty easily!!!9 5Care$ul!!!9 Sam gra00e& the rail a0o%e his hea&, pulling himsel$ to his #nees, shi$ting to"ar& Dean's 0alance& $igure! Dean glance& at him once! 5Eou stay here! 1'll 0e 0ac#! 1 promise!9 5DeanD9 Sam7s chin trem0le&! ;e pulle& a 0reath in! ;e let the air 0ac# out! ;e stare& at Dean! 51 promise,9 Dean repeate&! Sam starte& to push himsel$ to his $eet, his legs trem0ling li#e a ne" colt! ;e coul&n't let Dean go out thereD aloneDan& $ace this thing! ;e ha& to $in& a "ay to $ight! ;e sa" Dean open his mouth "ith the o0%ious intent to $orce Sam 0ac# "ith "or&s! ;e "asn't gi%en the chance! An arm su&&enly sna#e& &o"n through the hole in the ceiling tiles that ha& 0een create& 0y Dean7s ricocheting 0o&y an& reache& to"ar& Dean7s nec#! The s#in "as graye& an& mottle&C long, yello"e& nails curle& li#e talons as they &ug into the e8pose& $lesh 0eneath Dean's chin! Sam ha& time to gasp at the sight o$ the purplish $ace an& hi&eous 4aun&ice o$ the eye that peere& out at him $rom 0eneath &irty stran&s o$ 0lac# hair 0e$ore the Gippo "ent out, &ropping, &ea&, to the $loor o$ the ele%ator car! Dean7s cry o$ surprise& pain "as cut o$$ as Sam hear& the spirit pull him up through the loose ceiling tiles an& onto the roo$ o$ the ele%ator car! 5Dean29 Sam yelle& a$ter his 0rother! The car shoo# "ith the struggle that ensue& a0o%e him! Sam clutche& his arm, "or#ing to get to his #nees, nee&ing to help an& helpless to &o so! 5DEAN29 Dean "as gone! An& Sam "as alone! """ The $eel o$ the col&, &ecaying $lesh on the han& aroun& his nec# entice& Dean7s stomach into per$orming pirouettes as he t"iste& to 0rea# $ree $rom the spirit7s grasp! ;e coul& hear Sam calling $or him, his 0rother7s terri$ie& %oice $ueling his $ight! 1n a moment o$ chance, he "or#e& himsel$ looseC the spirit7s nails lea%ing groo%es &o"n the si&e o$ his nec#! The opene& entrances to the ele%ator sha$t in the partially-reno%ate& 0uil&ing $iltere& pale light &o"n on him $rom a0o%e an& up to him $rom 0elo"! Dean gra00e& the thic# ca0le that suspen&e& the car in the sha$t an& loo#e& "il&ly aroun& $or the spirit! ;e spie& her perche& on one o$ the steel supports across $rom an& a0o%e him! 5Nim0le little min8, aren7t you>9 Dean muttere&, gingerly touching the "oun& on his nec#, than#$ul that the spirit ha&n't ha& either the time or the le%erage to $illet his nec# as neatly as she ha& Sam's arm! The scratches stung an& 0loo& seepe& $rom the "oun&s, 0ut he'& 0een luc#y! (ore than luc#yC the spirit ha&

1-

gi%en him more than $urro"s in his nec# "hen she7& release& himDshe7& gi%en him an i&ea on ho" to get out o$ the ele%ator sha$t! The tric# "as going to 0e &oing so "ithout 4oining her in &eath "hile also #eeping her a"ay $rom Sam! Dean turne& slightly, "iping his 0loo&-smeare& han& on his 4eans, an& reache& $or the steel support 0eam 0ehin& him, maintaining his grip on the ca0le that hel& the ele%ator in place! ;e "as $orce& to stretchC his arms sprea& "i&e, his teeth clenche& as he "or#e& to #eep his 0alance! The chill that ha& permeate& his thin T-shirt insi&e the ele%ator car "rappe& aroun& him "ith su&&en %ehemence an& Dean ha& one moment to roc# 0ac# to a soli& stance on top o$ the ele%ator 0e$ore the spirit &roppe& the car &o"n the empty sha$t once more! Dean hear& Sam7s cry $rom 0elo" him an& he $lattene& his 0o&y on the col& steel hoping that "hen the car 4er#e& to a stop he "oul&n7t tum0le o$$ the si&e! The car continue& to $all an& Dean shi$te& his hope $rom &on7t $all o$$ to the car stopping 0e$ore he an& Sam 0ecame smears on the 0asement grunte& "hen the spirit 4er#e& the car to a stop 4ust shy o$ the 0ottom $loor, then pulle& it up to"ar& the top $loor "ith e@ual spee&! 57S not!!! a!!! $uc#in7 yo-yo!!!9 Dean gaspe& out as the pressure o$ mo%ement pinne& him against the roo$! The car came to a stop "ith a hea&-rattling 4olt! Dean groane&! 5This has 0een $un an& e%erything, 0ut!!!9 ;e pushe& himsel$ to his #nees, "or#ing to stea&y his spinning %ision! 517m rea&y to get o$$ this ri&e!9 The spirit "as in $ront o$ him 0e$ore he coul& gain his $ooting! She hisse&, her $eti& 0reath ma#ing him gag! Stum0ling to his $eet, he steppe& 0ac#, the heel o$ his 0oot tipping o$$ the e&ge o$ the ele%ator car! Dean $lung out a han& on pure instinct, gripping the steel support 0eam a0o%e him! Ksing that grip to his a&%antage, he turne&, stepping o$$ o$ the rail car, an& pulle& himsel$ to"ar& the open &oors lea&ing to the $i$th $loor o$ the ol& hotel! ;is arms 0egan to trem0le as he presse& his el0o"s against the e&ge o$ the $looring, maneu%ering his su&&enly hea%y 0o&y out o$ the sha$t an& into the empty hall! ;e &esperately s"ung his legs up, gasping, cla"ing his "ay $or"ar& until he "as a0le to roll onto his 0ac#, 0lin#ing in the &im neon light $iltering in $rom the street outsi&e! The hiss o$ anger "as his only "arning 0e$ore the ele%ator shot up past the opening an& then once again plummete& &o"n 0e$ore 0ouncing up to"ar& him! Dean "ince&! Sammy!!! 5;ey2 ;ey, you $rea#y 0itch29 he yelle& into the opening $or the ele%ator sha$t! 517m gonna 0urn you, you hear me> The ele%ator $un ri&e is closing &o"n29 The ele%ator slo"e& to a gra&ual stop on the $loor 0elo" him! The &istinct smell o$ rot an& &ecay "a$te& aroun& him, mingling "ith an unnatural col&! 5Eeah, that7s right,9 Dean "hispere&! 5Stic# "ith me, honey! ?e7ll go out "ith a 0ang!9 Pushing himsel$ to a "a%ering stance, he stum0le& o%er the construction materials le$t 0ehin& "hen the reno%ation $rom hotel to apartment 0uil&ing "as halte& a$ter the une8plaine& &eaths o$ se%eral contractors! Ksing one arm as a gui&e along a &imly lit corri&or, he searche& $or the stair"ell! ;e #ne" he "asn7t on the right $loor! They7& le$t the girls an& Allan on the $ourth $loor, an& there ha&n7t 0een any construction materials on the $ourth $loor! ;e 4ust &i&n7t #no" ho" $ar he ha& to go to $in& them! This &emon is a scary son o$ a 0itch! 1 &on7t "ant you caught in the cross$ire, 1 &on7t "ant you hurt!!!

The memory o$ his $ather7s rugge& %oice came to him, un0i&&en! Dean shoo# his hea& roughly, the image o$ :ohn's smile su&&enly teasing the e&ges o$ his ha*y %ision! ;e7& 0een so happy to see his &a&, to $eel $or himsel$ that :ohn "as in one piece, that he7& completely misse& "hat :ohn ha&n7t sai&! The meaning 0ehin& the "or&s that Dean usually hear& lou& an& clear: 1 &on7t "ant you "ith me!!! this is my $ight an& 1 &on7t "ant you "ith me!!! Dean came across a &oor, trie& the han&le! <oc#e&! A sharp-e&ge& sho%e $rom 0ehin& cause& him to stum0le past another &oor! ;e pulle& up short, loo#ing o%er his shoul&er! A small sign rea&ing stairs $lan#e& the &oor! 5Not such a cle%er girl a$ter all,9 Dean muttere&, pushing through the &oor! A 0ig, 0lac# num0er $i%e painte& on a "hite-"ashe& "all greete& his eyes! ;e launche& himsel$ at the &o"n"ar& stair"ell, ta#ing them t"o at a time! ;is thoughts tangle& his tongue, 0ut he #ept tal#ing as i$ 0y allo"ing the "or&s to escape into the open he "as $ueling his tire& legs, propelling his 0eaten 0o&y &o"n the stairs an& to"ar& a possi0le "ay out $or Sam! 5Gotta get Sam out get the people out &estroy the car ho" the hell am 1 gonna &estroy an ele%ator car> Ne%er min& "orry a0out that laterDA;29 :ust as he reache& the $ourth $loor, something gra00e& the 0ac# o$ his shirt, pulling him roughly 0ac# an& slamming him against the stairs! Dean 0lin#e& in the sha&o"e& passage o$ the stair"ell! The spirit o$ Doctor Ran&7s patient stoo& o%er him! ?ith a @uic#, choppy motion, she stra&&le& him! She sat on his chest, impossi0ly ha%ing "eight, an& reache& $or his sternum! 56h, hell no,9 Dean gaspe& out, an& in &esperation, he s"ung his s"eaty arm si&e"ays, slicing through her image as though it "ere smo#e! ?hen she %anishe&, he too# a 0reath, not 0othering to "on&er i$ the salt on his s#in ha& actually 0een enough to momentarily &islo&ge her, an& lurche& to his $eet! Pulling the &oor open he practically $ell into the hall"ay, trying to remem0er the&irection o$ the room "here they7& le$t Allan an& the girls insi&e o$ the salt ring! 5Righty-tighty, le$ty-loosey,9 he "hispere&, glancing 0oth "ays! 5No, "ait, that7s 4ar li&s!!!9 ;e pic#e& right an& starte& a slo" 4og!!! into a &ea& en&! 5Shit29 Turning, he nearly ran hea&long into the spirit, her stilte&, stuttering mo%ements raising goose 0umps on his $lesh! 5Sorry, s"eetheart,9 he muttere&! 5A little short on time hereD5 This time he &i&n7t e%en $eel her s#in, her nails, her touch! ;e "as simply in the air one moment then slamming against a close& &oor the ne8t! The &oor ga%e "ay "ith the $orce o$ his 0o&y an& he $ell to the &usty $loor, gasping $or the 0reath that ha& 0een &ri%en $rom his lungs! The spirit t"itche& into the room, s"inging her leg o%er him once more! 5Guh, &amnD5 Dean coughe& as his lungs $ought $or air! ;is min& "as spinningC he coul&n7t $ocus on one image, one thought, one sensation! ;is chest $elt $lattene&, a crushing "eight pressing him to the $loor! ;e close& his eyes against the %ertigoC his hea& ha& completely split open an& he "as col&, achingly col&!

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Su&&enly, a "hite-hot searing sensation shot through his chest, instantly clearing his hea&, 0ringing his "orl& into $ocus! ;is eyes $le" open, "i&e, an& he gaspe& "ith the per$ect "holeness o$ pain! She "as #illing him! She "as reaching $or his heartC she "oul& crush it "hile it 0eat in his chest! An& then she "oul& go a$ter Sam! <i#e hell!!! ?ith a monumental hea%e, Dean rolle& %iolently to his si&e, the spirit ri&ing him as though she7& 0een a ro&eo @ueen "hile ali%e! Dean screame&, pain "rac#ing through him as her silent grip &ro%e closer to his s#in through his T-shirt! The une8pecte& 0last that su&&enly #noc#e& the spirit $ree roc#e& him into shoc#e& stillness! ;e curle& slo"ly onto his si&e, pressing one han& against his chest an& closing his eyes as he trie& to remem0er ho" to 0reathe! ?hat the hell> ;a& Sam gotten out o$ the ele%ator> Boun& the shotgun> 5E-you o#ay>9 1t "as a "oman7s %oice, trem0ling more $rom a&renaline than $ear! S"allo"ing, Dean rolle& to his 0ac#, 0lin#ing through 0lurre& eyes at the $igure o$ the slightly plump, %ery &ishe%ele& realtor stan&ing in the &oor"ay o$ the room, Dean7s sa"e&-o$$ shotgun grippe& in her han&s an& pointing at him! 5Can you!!!&-&rop the 0arrel,9 he manage&! :en Cooper stare& at him another moment, then loo#e& &o"n at the gun in her han&s! 56h29 She lo"ere& the 0arrel to the groun& an& too# a hesitant step $or"ar&! 5;oly shit,9 she 0reathe&, so$t 0ro"n eyes ra#ing o%er him! 5Eou loo#D9 She stoppe&, s"allo"ing as her eyes 0lin#e& $rom his $ace, to his chest! 517%e ha& !!!0-0etter &ays,9 Dean interrupte&, attempting to sit up! ;e "as still ha%ing trou0le pulling in air! There "as an unyiel&ing stitch in his si&e e%ery time he 0reathe& that he #ne" $rom e8perience meant something "as crac#e&!!! or "orse! 517ll say!9 :en steppe& $urther into the room, care$ully reaching $or his shoul&er, an& helpe& him roll to a sitting position! 5Di& 1!!! is it!!! &ea&>9 5?as alrea&y &ea&,9 Dean pointe& out, pressing his han& $lat against the $loor an& slo"ly curling his legs 0eneath him! 5=ut you ma&e it go a"ay, so, uh, than#s $or that!9 5?ell, you "ere hollering to high hea%en,9 :en sai&, 0en&ing o%er to hoo# an arm un&er his shoul&er an& hea%e him to his $eet! 5Scare& the shit out o$ us!9 5Eou le$t the circle,9 Dean sai& su&&enly! 5Goo& thing, too,9 :en commente&, staring up at him! Dean sa" that her short, graying ponytail "as croo#e& an& there "ere strea#s o$ 0lac# tracing the lines at the corners o$ her eyes! 5They o#ay>9 Dean as#e&, his eyes &arting to"ar& the open &oor! 5Carina7s a mess,9 :en sai&, #eeping her strong han& on his arm as he turne& to"ar& the &oor"ay! 5Allan7s 0usy "orrying a0out ho" he7s going to sell apartments in a haunte& 0uil&ing!9 5Briggin7 asshole,9 Dean 0ar#e& @uietly! 5Nicely put!9 :en han&e& him the shotgun "hen he pause& in the &oor"ay, loo#ing &o"n at her!

1H

Dean grippe& the still-"arm 0arrel an& 0reathe& a genuine sigh o$ relie$! Binally, something to $ight 0ac# "ith! 5C7mon,9 he sai&! 5?e gotta get you guys out o$ here!9 ;e too# a step $or"ar&, "a%ering on #nees that shoo# $rom a0use an& o8ygen &epri%ation! ;is %ision "ent "hite an& he lurche& si&e"ays! ;e $elt :en grip his arm, easily sho%ing her shoul&er un&er his arm! 5S7o#ay,9 Dean slurre& as the room tilte& 0eneath him! 5(7o#ay!9 57Course you are,9 :en agree& sarcastically! 5Eou loo# li#e you stuc# your hea& in a gar0age &isposal an& let it che" &o"n through to your shirt, 0ut 17m a0solutely sure you7re o#ay!9 ;is %ision stea&ying once more, Dean glance& &o"n at her! The realtor ha& struc# him imme&iately as a soccer mom, 0ut he no" coul& see she "as the type that "oul& 0e coaching the coaches on ho" to play the game! She mo%e& him through the &oor an& he returne& his $ocus to the &ar#ene& hall"ay! Turning le$t, :en le& them &o"n the hall to the room "here he an& Sam ha& le$t the straggling party o$ sur%i%ors! The room "as relati%ely empty sa%e a large $loor san&er, t"o in&ustrial-si*e& lights, a stac# o$ le$to%er lum0er, the &ea& 0o&y o$ Sean the contractor, an& the t"o other people Dean "as counting on to help him sa%e Sam! Carina, the t"enty-something prospecti%e apartment 0uyer that ha& clung to Sam, "eeping uncontrolla0ly as he o$$ere& her com$ort, sat in the center o$ the circle, arms "rappe& aroun& her #nees, 0o&y roc#ing @uic#ly 0ac# an& $orth! The $ortyish 0uil&ing o"ner, Allan, "ho Dean "ante& to plug on principle alone, pace& the e&ge o$ the circle, muttering to himsel$! They 0oth stoppe& mo%ing an& loo#e& up "hen Dean an& :en 0reache& the &oor"ay! Carina gaspe&, clapping a han& o%er her mouth "hen her large gray eyes lan&e& on Dean7s 0loo&y $ace! Allan ran a meaty han& o%er the top o$ the stran&s o$ greasy 0lac# hair that ha& long ago lost the 0attle $or $ull-co%erage o$ his shiny, "hite pate! 5?here the hell ha%e you 0een>29 ;e &eman&e& o$ Dean, his 0lue eyes pinpric#s o$ panic#e& anger! 5Do you ha%e any i&ea "hat "e7%e 0een through> No cell phone reception in this place, no "ay to call $or help! An& you lea%e us in here "ith thatD9 he gesture& "ithout loo#ing to the still, 0loo&y 0o&y o$ the contractor in the corner o$ the room, 5Dan& tell us to "ait insi&e a $uc#ing magic circle o$ saltD5 5;ey29 Dean 0ar#e&! AShut the hell up!A Allan 0lin#e&, his teeth clic#ing lou&ly as he close& his mouth! 5Are you o#ay>9 Carina7s %oice trem0le& so$tly $rom the $loor! She ha& yet to untangle the #not o$ her 0o&y! 5Does he loo# o#ay>9 :en as#e& harshly, o0%iously hesitant to release Dean7s arm! ;e loo#e& o%er at her an& no&&e&! 517m o#ay,9 he assure& her! 5Eou can let go!9 :en &i& so slo"ly, her $ingers e8ten&e& to"ar& Dean7s 0are arm "hen she pulle& a"ay as i$ "ary o$ him listing 0e$ore her eyes once more! Dean steppe& to the si&e, putting a 0it o$ &istance 0et"een himsel$ an& his rescuer! 5Go!9 ;e 4er#e& his hea& to"ar& Carina! :en no&&e&, stepping o%er the salt ring an& crouching &o"n 0esi&e the $rightene& girl, "rapping a com$orting arm aroun& her shoul&ers! Allan "atche&, his upper lip curling in a &isguste& snarl! 517%e ha& enough o$ this shit! 17m out o$ here!9

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5Stay "here you are,9 Dean comman&e&, his %oice lo"! ;e &i&n7t loo# at Allan, merely shi$te& his shoul&ers s@uare, tightening his grip on the 0arrel o$ the shotgun! 56r you7ll &o "hat e8actly>9 Allan challenge&, stepping $or"ar&, his 0ul# t"ice the "i&th o$ Dean! The toes o$ his shoes e&ge& the salt ring loose! 5Eou an& that other guy !!!9 Allan ra#e& his eyes &o"n Dean7s $rame "ith o0%ious contempt! 5Nothin7 0ut trailer trash hustlers !!!9 ;e glance& once o%er his shoul&er at :en an& Carina "ho stare& 0ac# at him in shoc#! 51 mean loo# at them, :en2 17%e 0een telling you this "hole time that they got no i&eaD5 Dean7s eyes "ere empty o$ all emotion "hen Allan turne& 0ac# aroun&! ?hate%er he ha& starte& to say &ie& on Allan7s lips in the "a#e o$ Dean7s stare! Dean $elt the muscle in his 4a" coil across his 4a"0one, threatening to crac# his teeth! ;e7& hear& "orse insults than this his entire li$eD&irecte& at him, Sam, their $atherD0ut he "as tire& an& he "as 0lee&ing an& he hurt an& his 0rother "as still in %ery real &anger an& he &i&n't ha%e the patience to &eal "ith this! 5<isten,9 Dean sai&, his tone &angerously controlle&! 51 may not put on a tie "hen 1 go to the o$$ice, 0ut right no" 17m the only thing stan&ing 0et"een you an& a shit-ass nasty "ay to &ie, so "hy &on7t you cut me some $rea#in7 slac#>29 Allan s"allo"e&, ta#ing a step 0ac# $rom Dean! 5?hat can "e &o>9 :en as#e& @uietly! Dean shi$te& his eyes $rom Allan to :en, automatically so$tening them as he too# in the @uiet glare she "as &irecting to the 0ac# o$ Allan7s hea&! Ta#ing a 0reath, Dean use& the heel o$ his han& to "ipe some o$ the 0loo& out o$ his eye! 56#ay, "ell, your shot &isperse& the spirit $or a 0it,9 he sai&, glancing aroun& the room, 50ut 1 &on7t #no" $or ho" long, soD5 5Are you #i&&ing me>9 Allan inter4ecte&! ;e steppe& across the salt ring, 0umping Dean7s chest "ith his o"n, leaning his s"eaty $ace $or"ar& into Dean's! Dean &i&n't 0u&ge! 5Disperse& the $uc#ing spirit, huh> All you ha& to &o "as shoot it an& "e coul& get out o$ here>9 5AllanD5 Carina starte&, 0ut :en shushe& her! Dean lo"ere& his chin, his eyes col& an& &ea&ly! 5Don7t &o that again!9 5?hy not>9 Allan challenge&, raising a "iry eye0ro"! 5?hat are you gonna &o a0out it, 0ig shot> ;uh> ?hat coul& you possi0ly &o to me>9 ;e reache& out an& pushe& t"o $ingers into Dean7s chest right a0o%e the shre&&e& mar#s le$t 0ehin& 0y the spirit7s nails! Dean $elt an instant calm rush through him li#e li@ui& gol&! 1t s"arme& his legs, 0elly, arms, an& 0rought his right han& up in a $lui&, accurate s"ing, crac#ing his $iste& #nuc#les against the un&ersi&e o$ Allan7s 4a"! The 0ig man &roppe& li#e a $elle& oa#, a hu$$ o$ air 0rea#ing $ree $rom his $lat lips! 5That,9 Dean sai&, sha#ing his thro00ing han&! ;e loo#e& at the girls! 51 nee& your help to get Sam out o$ here!9 :en no&&e&, instantly on her $eet! Carina stare& at Allan! 51s he o#ay>9 Carina as#e&! 51 coul& gi%e a rat7s ass at the moment,9 Dean snappe&, his eyes $inally $in&ing his &u$$el on the $loor 0ehin&

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Carina! 5(y 0rother is 0lee&ing an& trappe& in a haunte& ele%ator! (y 4o0 is to get you guys out o$ hereDget him out o$ hereDan& &estroy that spirit!9 5;o" are youD5 5;an& me that 0ag,9 Dean or&ere&! Carina seeme& to 0rea# $ree o$ her trance an& gra00e& the 0ag! She stoo&, approaching Dean! ;e reache& out $or it, setting it on the pile o$ lum0er an& pulling it open! They7& le$t most o$ their "eapons &o"n in the 1mpala, 0ringing only "hat they thought they "oul& nee& $or this suppose&ly simple salt-an&-0urn! Shoul& ha%e #no"n 0etter!!! "hen has anything 0een simple $or us!!! ;e pulle& out the remaining shotgun shellsD$our in allDan& reloa&e& the gun that "as grippe& tightly in his han& li#e a li$eline! Gra00ing his !3H $rom the 0ag, chec#ing the clip an& no&&ing in satis$action that he ha& a su$$icient amount o$ 0ullets, he loo#e& o%er at :en "ho stoo& "aiting $or or&ers, unconsciously shiel&ing Carina7s seemingly $ragile $orm "ith her strong shoul&ers! 5Ta#e this,9 Dean sai&, thrusting the shotgun to"ar& her an& simultaneously sho%ing the !3H into his 0ac# "aist0an&! :en gra00e& the 0arrel o$ the shotgun, shi$te& the grip to her han&, pointing the 0arrel to"ar& the $loor! 5This spirit isn7t going to ta#e much longer to, uh, pull itsel$ together, so you nee& to listen an& mo%e $ast, o#ay>9 The girls no&&e& mutely, their eyes ri%ete& to his $ace! 5Sam7s in the ele%ator! 17ll get the &oor open $or you, 0ut you nee& to get him out o$ here, &o"n the stairs, an& a"ay $rom the 0uil&ing!9 5?hat i$ it!!!9 5Eou see the spirit,9 Dean 0it out, $eeling the heat o$ pen&ing 0attle $lash 0ehin& his eyes, 5you smell anything rotte&, you so much as $eel a shi%er, you shoot! Eou got me> Eou shoot $irst, as# @uestions later!9 5=ut "hat i$ it7s you>9 Carina as#e&! 56r Allan>9 51t "on7t 0e!9 Dean shoo# his hea&, casting his eyes aroun& the nearly empty room! Gotta torch that ele%ator ca !!!thin#, Dean, thin#!!! ;e 0ent o%er, groaning a 0it as his chest proteste& an& his hea& thro00e&, an& gra00e& an errant scre"&ri%er, spinning it in his han& li#e a #ni$e an& hol&ing it grippe& in a slashing position! ?hat 1 "oul&n7t gi%e $or my =o"ie!!! 5=ut, "hat i$ it is>9 Carina insiste&, tears on the e&ge o$ her %oice! 5?ell, i$ it is, you "on7t #ill us, o#ay>9 Dean snappe&! ;e ru00e& his chest o%er his torn shirt! 5=elie%e me! =ut you "ill harm the spirit!9 ;e loo#e& har& at :en! 5Do not hesitate!9 :en no&&e& her hea& mutely in agreement! 56#ay!9 Dean too# a 0reath! 5Birst things $irst!9 ;e turne& to"ar& the &oor"ay! 5People 0e$ore spirits!9 5Eou gonna 4ust lea%e him here>9 :en as#e&, stepping o%er Allan7s unconscious 0o&y to $ollo" Dean out o$ the room!

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5Bor no"!9 Dean no&&e&, his sharp eyes peering 0oth "ays &o"n the corri&or 0e$ore stepping $ree o$ the room! Carina s@uea#e& at that! Dean suppresse& the o%er"helming urge to roll his eyes! 51 "on7t let him &ie,9 he promise&! 5<et7s roll!9 a)n:Part - o$ the story pre%iously release& in the Roo$top Con$essions *ine, 0y Gri$$inSong Press!

;e le& them &o"n through the sha&o"s to"ar& the ele%ator, his 0ac#, nec# an& shoul&ers tense as he "aite& $or the glimmer o$ col&, the stench o$ &eath that "arne& o$ the spirit7s return! They reache& the opene& sha$t &oor, an& Dean release& a 0reath he ha&n7t reali*e& he7& 0een hol&ing at the sight o$ the ele%ator car! 56h, than# Go&,9 he 0reathe&! 51t7s still here!9 5?here else "oul& it 0e,9 :en "hispere& in @uestion! 5Eou &on7t "ant to #no",9 Dean grum0le&, sho%ing the scre"&ri%er into the crac# o$ the &oor an& 4immying the &oors apart! 5Ieep a loo# out,9 he tosse& o%er his shoul&er, listening as :en pushe& Carina 0ehin& her an& 0ac#e& them 0oth up to the "all ne8t to Dean, the shotgun pointe& out an& rea&y! Dean sho%e& the &oors "i&e enough apart that he coul& pee# in! 5Sammy>9 5Dean>29 Sam7s %oice "as "ea# an& rough, as i$ he7& 0een screaming an& hol&ing his 0reath at the same time! 5Eou o#ay>9 5Eeah, you>9 5;ellu%a lot 0etter no",9 came Sam7s relie%e& response! Dean hear& the smile in his 0rother7s %oice! 56#ay, man,9 Dean grunte&, sho%ing the &oor $urther open, maneu%ering his shoul&er 0et"een them an& using a com0ination o$ his shoul&er an& his #nee to push the &oors completely apart! 5Eou rea&y to get out o$ there>9 ;e coul& see Sam no", than#s to the graying light $rom the outsi&e! ;is 0rother's 0an&age& arm "as nearly 0lac# $rom seeping 0loo& an& his 0oyish $ace "as pale an& &ra"n! There "ere smears o$ 0loo& on the "alls "here Sam ha& apparently trie& to $ollo" Dean's lea& out o$ the top o$ the ele%ator, an& Dean coul& see smeare& $ingerprints in 0loo&, 0lac# in the mute& light, aroun& the metal gate that line& the &oor"ay! Ieeping his "oun&e& arm against his 0elly, Sam "or#e& his "ay o%er to the &oor"ay! 5;o" you gonna get that open>9 Sam as#e& as Dean sho%e& the scre"&ri%er into the 0ottom o$ the ele%ator &oors, hol&ing them apart! Dean too# a 0reath, "iping the 0ac# o$ his han& across his mouth, ignoring the trem0le e%en Sam coul& see! 5Got an i&ea,9 he sai&, reaching into his "aist0an&! 5Co%er your $ace!9 Putting his 0ac# to :en an& Carina an& "aiting until Sam ha& rolle& himsel$ a"ay, Dean aime& at the latch on the metal gate an& $ire&! 1t 0ro#e a"ay clean an& the outrage& screech o$ supernatural pain that $ollo"e& the last echoes o$ the shot sent shi%ers o$ &rea& &o"n Dean7s spine! 56h, shit,9 :en 0reathe&!

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5Eou pisse& her o$$ no", man,9 Sam grunte&, scram0ling as @uic#ly as his "ea#ene& 0o&y "oul& allo" to"ar& the slim opening 0et"een the gate an& the ele%ator &oor! Dean reache& $or Sam7s arm, the &rea& at the 0ase o$ his spine $in&ing a home in his 0elly as the ele%ator car shoo#! 5Gra0 my han&,9 Dean 0ar#e& "hen Sam hesitate&! 5Dean, she7llD9 5Sam, reach out an& gra0 my han&! No"29 Dean7s %ehement "or&s spar#e& o0e&ience an& Sam &i& as he "as tol&, grasping Dean7s "rist "ith his goo& arm, pushing o$$ o$ the $loor an& launching himsel$ to"ar& his 0rother! ?ith a hea%e, Dean haule& roughly on Sam7s arm, $alling 0ac# on his haunches, then tum0ling onto his 0ac# as he pulle& Sam $ree o$ the ele%ator car an& on top o$ him 4ust as the spirit 0ungee& the car 0ac# &o"n to"ar& the 0asement! Ino"ing the spirit "asn7t &one toying "ith the t"o-ton ele%ator car, Dean $rantically pushe& Sam o$$ o$ him, rolling him a"ay $rom the &oor! 5Go go go29 he yelle& to"ar& :en an& Carina as the cacophonous rattle o$ the empty car an& 0ro#en gate roare& 0ac# up to"ar& them! The "omen scram0le& to the si&e, &uc#ing an& "rapping their arms o%er their hea&s! Dean scuttle& across Sam's prone 0o&y, 0loc#ing it $rom the open ele%ator sha$t! As the careening car passe& the opening, the gate 0ro#e loose an& shot out li#e an eight-$oot 0y $our-$oot 0ullet, lurching across the hall an& smashing into the opposite "all in a clash o$ metal! Carina screame&! :en gaspe&! Sam groane& $rom the pain that rolling across his "oun&e& arm ha& create&! Dean s"ore! 5Son o$ a $rea#in7 0itch29 ;e pushe& himsel$ roughly to his $eet as the ele%ator shot past the opening once more, plummeting to"ar& the 0ottom $loor, then slo"ly crept 0ac# up to the $ourth $loor li#e a tease! 517%e ha& enough o$ this shit, Sam!9 ?hen Sam &i&n7t reply, Dean 0ent an& turne& to him, rolling Sam $rom his "oun&e& si&e to his 0ac#! There "as a s"ath o$ 0loo& le$t $rom "here the $lannel-"rappe& cut ma&e contact "ith the $loor! Dean grippe& the $ront o$ his 0rother7s shirt, cupping his han& 0ehin& Sam7s nec#, raising his hea& $rom the $loor! Sam 0lin#e& up at him through the &usty mur# le$t 0ehin& in the "a#e o$ the gate-0ullet! 5Du&e,9 Sam coughe&, 5you loo# li#e crap!9 5Eeah, "ell!!!9 Dean "ince& as his eyes roame& Sam7s arm! 51t7s 0een a hellu%a &ay!9 5?hat happene& to your shirt>9 5Spirit trie& $or a heart-to-heart,9 Dean @uippe&, easing Sam up to a sitting position! 5<emme guess,9 Sam hisse&, gripping Dean7s $orearm as they "or#e& together to stan&! 5Eou "eren7t in the caring an& sharing moo&>9 5Not so much,9 Dean replie&, hol&ing tight to Sam as his 0rother "a%ere& against him!

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Dean coul& $eel Sam trem0le as the shi%er o$ pain shoo# $rom Sam7s "oun&e& arm through his chest! Sam "as 4ust shy o$ limp in his gripC e%en the $ist #notte& in Dean7s rippe& T-shirt "as "ea#! Dean #ne" his 0rother! The only "ay he "as going to #eep Sam upright an& conscious "as to gi%e him something to &o! Something to $ocus on! 5Sammy, you gotta get these t"o outta here, o#ay>9 5?hat> ?ait!9 Sam7s ha*el eyes sought Dean7s in the &im light o$ the hall"ay! 5?hat a0out you>9 5:o07s not &one, man!9 Dean li$te& a shoul&er! 5Then 17m staying,9 Sam asserte&! 5No, SammyD5 5?hat a0out that Allan guy, huh> <et him get them out!9 5Eour 0rother #noc#e& him out,9 Carina sai& in a small %oice! Sam shot surprise& eyes in her &irection, then loo#e& 0ac# at Dean, eye0ro" raise&! Dean shrugge&! 5Du&e, the guy "as 0eing an ass! Trust me, you "oul& ha%e &one the same thing!9 The chill that surroun&e& them "as su&&en an& se%ere! Dean reacte& instincti%ely, releasing Sam an& turning to $ace the &irection o$ the ele%ator! ?ithout Dean7s stur&y grip, ho"e%er, Sam7s legs 0etraye& him an& he starte& to sin# to the groun&! Dean rotate& 0ac# to gra0 him 0ut "as #noc#e& o$$ his $eet 0y a harsh, in%isi0le 0last o$ $rigi& air! ;e "as pushe& past Sam7s crumpling $orm, Carina7s co"ering $igure, 0ut as he sli& to a rough stop against the "all, he sa" through &i**y eyes that :en ha& 0rought his shotgun up an& $ire& 0oth 0arrels &irectly to"ar& the 0last o$ col&, past the spra"ling 0o&ies in the hall"ay, causing the spirit to screech once, lou&ly, then go silent! <o"ering the shotgun, :en loo#e& o%er her shoul&er to"ar& Dean "ith "i&e, scare& eyes! 5E-you sai& &on7t hesitate,9 she o$$ere&! Dean shoo# his hea&, pushing himsel$ slo"ly a"ay $rom the "all! ;is chest ache&, his hea& poun&e& $iercely, an& he taste& 0loo& in his mouth $rom "here his teeth 0ounce& through his 0ottom lip upon impact "ith the "all! 51 sure as hell &i&!9 ;e cra"le& o%er to Sam, gripping his 0rother7s shirt an& pulling him up an& to"ar& him! Sam7s hea& hung 0ac#, his eyes close&! Dean grippe& the 0ac# o$ Sam7s nec#, pulling his $ace up! 5Sam>9 Sam prie& hea%y eyes open, his ga*e ha*y an& un$ocuse&! 5Sammy, you "ith me>9 Dean shoo# Sam gently, his 0rother7s hea& 0o00ing loosely on his nec#! ?hen Sam &i&n7t reply, Dean $elt the &rea& that ha& settle& in his 0elly tighten into a har& #not o$ $ear! 5Sam! Sam29 Sam 0lin#e&, his "i&e pupils 0eginning to narro" an& $ocus until Dean $oun& himsel$ a0le to 0reathe again!

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5Don!!! &on7t $eel so!!! hot, Dean,9 Sam slurre&! 51 #no"!!! 1 #no", man,9 Dean sai&, allo"ing Sam7s hea& to $all $or"ar& onto his shoul&er, patting the 0ac# o$ Sam7s nec#! 5?e7re gonna get you out o$ here, o#ay> Eou 4ust gotta hang in there a little longer!9 Dean loo#e& up at :en! 51 nee& to trust you,9 he con$esse&! The "or&s $elt li#e ra*or0la&es in his mouth! 51 nee& to trust you "ith my 0rother!9 :en no&&e&! Carina stoo&, hu&&ling close to the ol&er "oman "ho until $i%e hours ago ha& 0een a per$ect stranger! Dean shi$te& his eyes to her, $ol&ing them 0oth in "ith a loo# that sai& &o not let me &o"n! ;e returne& his eyes to Sam, pulling his 0rother7s hea& a"ay $rom his shoul&er! Sam 0lin#e&, 0ut Dean coul& see that he "asn7t $ocuse&! Dean lic#e& his 0ottom lip, momentarily surprise& 0y the taste o$ 0loo& there! Duc#ing his $ace against his shoul&er, he "ipe& the 0loo& a"ay on the material! 5Sam>9 Dean &ippe& his chin, "or#ing to catch Sam7s eyes! 5?e7re gonna stan& up! Together, all right> Eou rea&y>9 Sam no&&e&! Dean shi$te&, slinging Sam7s goo& arm across his shoul&ers an& "ith a lo" gro"l, le%erage& them to their $eet! Dean shot a loo# o%er to Carina "ho steppe& close to Sam, ta#ing on his "eight $rom Dean! Sam seeme& to come to himsel$ "hen Carina7s smaller $rame mel&e& against him an& he 0lin#e&, straightening! 5Dean>9 51'll 0e right 0ehin& you, Sam,A Dean promise&! A?ell!!! not too $ar 0ehin& you any"ay!9 ;e shi$te& his eyes to :en, then no&&e& to"ar& the &oor! :en no&&e& @uic#ly an& turne& to"ar& the &oor, gun out! 5No, "ait29 Sam trie& to turn a"ay, 0ac# to Dean, th"arte& 0y Carina's small 0o&y! Dean ran his tongue across his 0ottom lip, his chest tightening as he "atche& Sam struggle! AGo2A ;e or&ere&, "a%ing a han& to"ar& the trio! Sam grunte& "ith e$$ort as he trie& once more to pull a"ay $rom Carina, tipping &angerously to the si&e 0e$ore :en gra00e& his 0elt loops an& sho%e& her shoul&er against the stair"ell &oor! She shot a loo# at Dean, then haule& Sam an& Carina through the &oor"ay! Dean hel& himsel$ as still as possi0le, "atching as Sam &isappeare& into the &ar#ness! """ Sam "as "rappe& in $og! Soun&s hel& an unreal, tinny, @uality! ;e "as $loating! ;e coul&n7t $eel his legs mo%ing $or"ar&, though he #ne" they "ere! ;e coul&n7t $eel the 0o&y against him that he #ne" hel& him up! ;e #ne" he "as 0reathing, 0ut he coul&n7t $eel the air pass his lips or the motion o$ his lungs as they $ille&! The &ar# that presse& aroun& them ha& almost a physical @uality, lo00ing surreal, nightmarish images to"ar& him li#e con$using e8cerpts $rom his $ather7s 4ournal! ;e stum0le& an& the sharp heat that shot through him 0rought a "ic#e& clarity to his surroun&ings! Bor one 0rie$ moment, Sam $elt real $ear!

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The "oman against him "asn7t :essC the person lea&ing the "ay "asn7t Dean! ?hat the hell> ;e trie& to pull up, to stop, 0ut the small han& clutching his "rist, 0racing his arm, resiste&, pulling him $or"ar&! 5?here7s Dean>9 he croa#e&! The "oman in $ront o$ him loo#e& 0ac# o%er her shoul&er! 5?e7re almost out, Sam!9 5?here7s my 0rother>9 Sam as#e&, trying again to pull up, surprise& "hen he "as once again &enie&! 5?e le$t him,9 sai& the girl positione& un&er his arm! 5?hat>9 This time Sam "as a0le to stop mo%ing! An& su&&enly he remem0ere&! The coor&inates, the ol& 0uil&ing, the &ea& contractors, the people insi&e "hen no one shoul& ha%e 0een there, the spirit, the pain in his arm, the ele%ator, Dean !!! 5?e gotta go 0ac#,9 Sam sai&, trying to pull a"ay! The "orl& tilte& un&er him causing Carina to gasp an& clutch at his chest to #eep them 0oth upright! 51 promise& your 0rother "e "oul& get you out o$ here, Sam,9 :en sai&, reaching 0ac# an& gripping his 0elt loops, propelling her young charges $or"ar& an& to the emergency e8it! 51 can7t lea%e himD5 5Eou alrea&y &i&,9 Carina pante&! 5Carina, stop,9 :en snappe&! 5Sam, you7re 0arely on your $eet! Eou nee& help! No"!9 5=ut DeanD5 5Tol& me to get you out,9 :en $inishe&! 5An& 1 &on7t inten& to let him &o"n!9 As she 0arrele& through the &oor, a shrill alarm %i0rate& the air aroun& the e8it! Sam 0lin#e& against the so$t light o$ the early morningC the sun ha&n7t @uite ta#en the e&ge o$ the hori*on, 0ut its ten&rils o$ light crept across the 0rightening s#y "ith hungry $ingers! Carina 0reathe& a sigh o$ relie$ an& Sam $elt her release him! Determine& to stay upright, Sam pulle& the 0ris# morning air into his 0o&y, $eeling it stir through his tire& lungs, &ri%e his 0loo& throughout his 0o&y! ;e clutche& his "oun&e& arm across his chest an& stum0le& $or"ar&, a"ay $rom the 0uil&ing, to"ar& the cur0 across the street!!! an& the 1mpala! The large 0lac# Che%y sat "here Dean ha& le$t it last night, its gleaming metal 0o&y &e"y in the morning light, "aiting $or them to return $rom 0attle! Sam leane& up against the hoo& o$ the car, sin#ing slo"ly to his #nees, an& then roc#e& 0ac# to sit "ith his hea& resting against the $ront @uarter panel! ;e 4ust nee&e& a minute!!! 4ust a minute an& he "oul& go 0ac#, get Dean, get ri& o$ this spirit! Then they coul& get in the 1mpala an& get out o$ there! :ust li#e they al"ays &i&! :ust li#e they "ere suppose& to! Dimly, Sam coul& see Carina pacing &irectly in $ront o$ the 0uil&ing &oor! :en staye& near her, hol&ing Dean7s shotgun in one han& an& a cell phone she seemingly pro&uce& $rom thin air in the other! Sam 0lin#e&! ;e 0reathe& in! ;e 0reathe& out! ;e 0lin#e& again! The 0u**ing in his ears increase& an& sprea& to his lips, ma#ing them $eel num0! ?e le$t him!!! ;e le$t me to hunt this &emonF 1 4ust "ant us to 0e a $amily again!!! 1t7s my $ault!!! ?e le$t him!!! ;e has to "ant to stay!!! ?e7re 0etter o$$ "ithout him!!! 1'll 0e right 0ehin& you!!! ?e le$t him!!!

5D0ulance is on its "ay, Sam, o#ay>9 5?hat>9 Sam s"allo"e&, tearing his eyes $rom the e8it an& rolling them up to peer at the "il&, graying hair $raming the gentle, motherly $ace an& 0ro"n eyes that "ere peering &o"n at him in $ran# concern! 5The am0ulance is on its "ay,9 :en repeate&! 51 gotta get my 0rother out o$ there,9 Sam sai&, ine$$ectually trying to regain his $ooting! :en stoppe& him "ith a han& to his shoul&er! 51 thin# Dean can ta#e care o$ himsel$!9 Sam li$te& shattere& eyes to hers! 1 #no"!!! that7s the pro0lem! 5That7s not the point,9 he argue&! Sirens silence& $urther protest as a ca&re o$ lights hit the $ar en& o$ the street! :en seeme& to su&&enly reali*e that she hel& a sa"e&-o$$ shotgun in her han&! 56h, no,9 she 0reathe&! 5;ere!9 Sam reache& un&er the $ront "heel "ell, pulling out a magnetic #ey! 5Put it in the truc#!9 :en hurrie& to &o "hat she "as tol&, returning the #ey to Sam "ith "i&e eyes! 5Eou guys "ere serious a0out &oing this $or a li%ing,9 she sai&, 4etting her eyes 0ac# to the trun#! 57Course "e "ere serious,9 Sam sai& tire&ly! 5=ut, uh!!! 1 "oul&n7t mention that to the cops!9 5?hy>9 51t "oul& 0e 0a&!9 5De$ine 0a&!!!9 Sam loo#e& o%er at Carina "ho ha& sho%e& an unlit cigarette in her mouth an& stoppe& pacing long enough to stare at the $lashing lights! 5Try to imagine li$e as you #no" it coming to a screeching halt an& an en&less stream o$ s#eptics an& 0elie%ers replacing the $rien&s you use& to ha%e!9 5Right! =a&! Got it!9 :en s"allo"e&, loo#e& $rom Sam to the approaching lights! Sam close& his eyes, leaning his hea& 0ac# against the 1mpala! DeanF ;o" the hell "as Dean planning on &estroying the spirit i$ it "as tie& to an ele%ator car> ;e ha& nothing that coul& &estroy the spirit!!! no 0ac# up!!! nothing!!! 1 shoul& call Da&!!! Sam $elt himsel$ $alling insi&e, tum0ling into the "aiting arms o$ @uiet &ar#, una"are o$ the approach o$ the me&ics, the shi$t o$ his pliant 0o&y $rom the street to a stretcher, the insertion o$ a saline 1N to raise his &angerously lo" 0loo& pressure! ;e 4ust #ne" that at some point he $elt 0etter, the rotation o$ the earth slo"e& to a managea0le spin, an& he "as a0le to $inally open his eyes! Sam "as slightly shoc#e& to $in& himsel$ staring up at the insi&e o$ an am0ulance! ;e starte& to push himsel$ up Dstoppe& 0y a large, 0lac# arm!

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5?hoa, "here &o you thin# you7re going>9 The %oice "as &eep an& the "or&s rolle& o$$ the E(T7s tongue li#e "arm molasses! Sam shi$te& $rantic eyes aroun& his surroun&ings! 6#ay, &oors are open, "e7re not mo%ing!!! 1 can still see the 1mpala!!! 5;o" long "as 1 out>9 Sam as#e& $rantically, loo#ing o%er at the muscular me&ic "ho "as ta#ing his pulse! 56h, 17& say a0out t"enty minutes or so,9 the me&ic replie&, no&&ing "ith appro%al at Sam7s %itals! 5Eou lost a 0it o$ 0loo&, son!9 Sam loo#e& &o"n at his arm! Dean7s shirt "as gone an& a large, "hite gau*e 0an&age co%ere& his arm $rom shoul&er to el0o"! ;e curle& his han& into a $ist! 5;urt>9 as#e& the me&ic! 5Not really!9 Sam shoo# his hea&! The ache "as still present, 0ut the $iery pain ha& rece&e& to almost nothing! 5Goo&Dthey7ll gi%e you something more at the hospital! A$ter they se" you up!9 5?here7s my 0rother>9 Sam trie& to shi$t o$$ o$ the gurney! 5;e one o$ the hostages>9 the 0ig me&ic @uerie&! Sam loo#e& o%er at him! 5;ostages>9 The me&ic no&&e&, "riting something on a clip0oar&, then turning to sli&e the clip0oar& into a slot secure& on the "all! 5The la&y "ith you an& the other #i& sai& that you "ere 0eing hel& hostage an& you three manage& to escape! Seeme& pretty sha#en up a0out itDcoul&n7t e%en gi%e a goo& &escription on the 0a& guy!9 Sam ru00e& his han& o%er his $ace! ;e ha& to get 0ac# in there! 5Police are pro0a0ly going to "ant to tal# "ith you,9 the me&ic commente&, reaching to pull the &oor close&! 5?ait29 Sam stoppe& him! 5?e can7t lea%e yet!9 The me&ic $ro"ne&! 5?hy7s that>9 51 can7t lea%e "ithout my 0rother!9 517m sure he7ll 0e $ine, #i&!9 The me&ic trie& again to close the &oor! Sam launche& $or"ar&, tethere& only 0y the 1N in the 0ac# o$ his han&! ;e gra00e& the me&ic7s shirt $ront! 517m not lea%ing "ithout my 0rother,9 Sam state&, his %oice $lat, his tone lea%ing no room $or argument! 5?e7re staying!9 The me&ic s"allo"e&, his eyes on Sam7s, seeing something there that change& his min&! ;e s"ung the &oor 0ac# open an& "or&lessly helpe& Sam to the en& o$ the am0ulance, $i8ing the 0ag o$ saline on the e&ge o$ the &oor! :ust as Sam loo#e& up at the 0uil&ing's emergency e8it, an upper "in&o" shattere&! ;e "atche& "ith silent &ismay as the $alling glass "as $ollo"e& 0y a plume o$ 0illo"ing smo#e an& the unmista#a0le soun& o$ someone

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screaming in pain! 5Go&, 1 hope that7s not a hostage,9 the me&ic "hispere&! Dean!!!Sam reache& $or his 1N! """ The stair"ell &oor close& @uietly 0ehin& the retreating $orms o$ :en an& Carina as they le& Sam a"ay $rom &anger! Dean too# a 0reath! 5Great, Dean !!!4ust !!!$riggin7 great!9 ;e turne& $rom the stair"ell an& "al#e& sti$$ly past the ele%ator opening, the t"iste& metal gate, the $roste& "in&o"s that allo"e& pearly stran&s o$ &a"n to seep into the &im corri&or, 0ac# to"ar& the room "here he7& le$t Allan! 5No, no, you go!!! 17ll stay 0ehin& an&!!! "hat> Destroy a spirit "ith le$to%er roc# salt an& a scre"&ri%er>9 ;e scratche& at the 0loo& &rying on his chee#! 6tis! Than#s a lot, Da&! Thin# this one $alls un&er the Onee& to #no" a little more7 category!!! Dean pause& to lean against the &oor"ay o$ the nearly-empty room, some"hat surprise& that Allan "as still unconscious! ;e &i&n7t thin# he7& hit him that har&! Pushing himsel$ a"ay $rom the &oor"ay, Dean approache& the 0ig man7s still $orm! ;e tilte& his hea&, peering at the man7s slac# $ace! ;e sho%e& him slightly "ith the toe o$ his 0oot! Allan grunte&! 51 #ne" it!9 Dean shoo# his hea&! 5Ba#er!9 5;ey, you guys le$t me,9 Allan complaine&, peering up at Dean, salt particles stic#ing to the si&e o$ his $leshy $ace! 56h, so, "hat>9 Dean as#e&, stepping 0ac# o%er to his &u$$el that reste& on the pile o$ le$to%er lum0er! 5Eou thought you7& play &ea&> ?ith a spirit> Thin# she7s got you 0eat in that game, pal!9 5?here are the "omen>9 56ut!9 56ut>29 Allan shot to his $eet! Slightly surprise& 0y ho" $ast the 0ig man coul& mo%e, Dean tosse& the empty gas can at him! Allan caught it against his chest! 5Ees! 6ut! Bill that 0ac# up "ith the salt $rom the circle!9 5Eou $ill it up!9 Allan starte& to thro" the can 0ac# at Dean! Dean turne& on his heel, a&%ancing on Allan so @uic#ly that the 0ig man trippe& o%er his o"n $eet trying to get a"ay! Dean $elt his 4a" tighten as his $ists clenche&, the 0ruise& tissue stretching tight o%er 0one! ;e "ante& to poun& on this guy! ;e "ante& to 0ruise his ego, 0rea# him! 5<isten to me %ery care$ully,9 Dean sai& through clenche& teeth! 51 can get out o$ here! At the moment 17m still "illing to ta#e you "ith me! Eou "ant to change that, 4ust say the "or&!9 Allan s"allo"e& lou&ly an& Dean7s upper lip 0ounce& in &isgust! 5No, no, that7s o#ay! Bill the can, got it!9 Allan e&ge& along the "all past Dean, then 0ent &o"n an& starte& to

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scoop the salt $rom the ring an& into the narro" opening o$ the can! Dean coul& hear him muttering complaints an& o0scenities un&er his 0reath! ;e ignore& him, turning 0ac# to $ace the empty room, resting the urge to lean against the "all! ;is hea& ache& through his 4a" &o"n into his nec# an& he "as 0one tire&! ;e ha&n7t slept "ell since!!! Allan7s terri$ie& %oice cut into his thoughts! 56h, shit !!!shit shit shit!9 Dean shot his eyes o%er to the opening! The spirit stoo& in the &oor"ay, hea& tilte& to the si&e, peering out at them through one yello"e& eye! Dean s"allo"e&, thin#ing $uriously! 5Gi%e me the salt,9 he "hispere& harshly to Allan! 5!!!shit shit shit shit !!!9 5Allan29 5?hat>29 5Gi%e! (e! The! Salt!9 Allan thrust out the 0arely-$ille& can "ith sha#ing han&s to Dean! 1t $ell 0et"een them as Dean reache& $or it! The spirit $lashe& $urther into the room! Ieeping his eyes on her t"iste&, shuttering $orm, Dean 0ent, gra00e& the can o$ roc# salt, an& "ith a hea%e shot a spray o$ salt to"ar& the $igure in a "i&e s"eeping motion! ?ith a @uic#, ear-splitting screech that cause& Dean to $linch, she &issipate&! Dean turne& 0ac# to Allan, tossing him the can! 5Binish it,9 he sai&, hea&ing $or the &oor! 5?e7re running out o$ time!9 5?hat>2 ?here the hell are you going>29 The spirit "as %enturing $urther $rom the ele%ator, 4umping $loors, $in&ing them! Dean ha& to mo%e $ast! ;e ha& to $igure out a "ay to 0urn the source o$ the spiritDthe o04ect that 0oun& her here! =ut!!! ho" "as he going to &estroy t"o tons o$ metal> ;e sho%e& his han& into his 4eans poc#et, $ingering the rectangle shape o$ his Gippo! Bire alone "as not going to &o the tric#! ;e "as going to ha%e to amp it up!!! 0urn it 0righter an& hotter than any salt-an&-0urn they7& &one 0e$ore!!! 51 gotta ma#e a 0om0,9 Dean grum0le& o%er his shoul&er! ;e loo#e& le$t: mangle& ele%ator gate, ele%ator sha$t, stair"ay e8it, the "ay out! ;e loo#e& right: &oors! A seemingly en&less hall"ay o$ &oors! 56ne o$ these has got to 0e a supply closet,9 Dean muttere& to himsel$! Approaching the $irst, he trie& the han&le! Bin&ing it loc#e&, he reare& 0ac# an& #ic#e& it open! Empty! Pulling his 0ottom lip into his mouth, letting his tongue "orry the cuts there, he trie& the ne8t &oor! 1t opene&, 0ut "as also empty! Three &oors &o"n he $oun& "hat he "as loo#ing $or! 5Eaht*ee!9 Dean steppe& into the maintenance room, running his $ingertips an& eyes across the 4ugs, spray cans, an& 4ars on the shel%es, rea&ing the la0els, searching his memory $or $ormula7s or 4erry-rigge& solutions that he7& "itnesse&

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his &a& $igure out on a moment7s notice! ;e mo%e& aroun& the pac#ing 0o8es an& materials, trying to $in& something that might "or# to 0urn an ele%ator car! 5C7mon, Dean,9 he chi&e& himsel$! 5?hat "oul& (acGy%er &o> Gotta 0e a roll o$ &uct tape an& a Camp0ell7s soup can aroun& here some"here!!!9 ?hen his eyes lit on an actual roll o$ &uct tape, he laughe&! Turning in a circle he sa" ammonia an& 0ora8 on the shel$ o$ cleaning supplies, 0ut no 0a#ing so&a! 6#ay, so!!! no 0om0 that "ay!!! Stepping o%er the pac#ing material, he acci&entally #ic#e& a can o$ gasoline! Bro"ning, he loo#e& &o"n! 5?hy the hell "oul& they ha%e gasoline in a supply closet>9 he "on&ere& alou&! ;is memory shot 0ac# to the $loor san&er in the room "here he7& le$t Allan! (ay0e!!!Pic#ing up the can, he remem0ere& a hunt!!!se%eral years ago!!! Sam ha& 0een staying "ith Pastor :im reco%ering $rom a 0ro#en arm!!!:ohn ha& use& gasoline an&!!! something else!!! create& a $ire hot enough to 0urn through the metal cage "rappe& aroun& a co$$in secure& in a mausoleum!!! Dean $ro"ne&, ru00ing at the 0loo& &rying an& matting his eye0ro"! As the memory continue& to tic#le the 0ac# o$ his min&, his eyes reste& on a shel$ o$ in&ustrial-si*e& han& soap an& large 0ottles o$ Draino! Dean narro"e& his eyes! ?hat "as it Da& ha& sai& a0out mi8ing homema&e napalm!!! 51 got all 1 coul&!9 Allan7s %oice su&&enly 0ehin& him cause& Dean to 4er# in startle& surprise! 5:esus Christ,9 he "hispere&, pressing his han& against his sternum! Bor a 0ig man, Allan "as $airly stealthy! 5?hat are you gonna &o "ith &uct tape>9 Allan snorte& &erisi%ely! Dean shot him a loo#, telegraphing his loathing! 51 got a $e" i&eas!9 Allan stare& at him! 5<oo#,9 Dean sighe&! 5Ieep the salt, o#ay> Get out o$ here! 1$ you see the spirit, use the salt to &issipate it!9 5?hat, that7s it> Salt> Eou7re sen&ing me out there "ith 4ust!!!salt>9 5;ey, 17m $resh out o$ proton pac#s here, Du&e,9 Dean sai&, gra00ing a &iscar&e& Snapple 0ottle $rom the trash can "ithout a li&, shoo# the remnants o$ the 0e%erage onto the $loor, then $ille& it part "ay "ith gasoline! 5Eou "ant out> 17m not gonna stop you!9 Dean $elt Allan7s eyes on him as he gra00e& one o$ the pin# shop rags $rom a pile an& stu$$e& it &eep into the 0ottle, then use& the &uct tape to seal o$$ the top, lea%ing part o$ the rag hanging out li#e a $use! 5?hat are you &oing>9 517m going to $ire0om0 the ele%ator!9 Dean loo#e& up at Allan, his @uic# grin not meeting his eyes! 5Get ri& o$ your little spirit pro0lem!9 5Eou7re gonna &o "hat>9 5Not li#e you can sell many apartments "ith the homici&al spirit o$ a mental patient haunting your ele%ator

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system!9 5?e7ll 4ust "all the ele%ator 0ac# up,9 Allan sai&, stepping in $ront o$ Dean as he attempte& to e8it the room "ith his (oloto% coc#tail, soap, &rain cleaner, an& gas can! 56h, you mean li#e 0e$ore> So the spirit can 4ust "ait until the ne8t suit comes along an& reno%ates>9 5Eeah!9 Allan no&&e&! 5Du&e, get the hell out o$ my "ay,9 Dean gro"le&, sho%ing his shoul&er into Allan7s so$t chest! ;e starte& &o"n the hall to"ar& the ele%ator sha$t! 5?ait29Allan calle& a$ter him! 5No, "ait, you can7t &o this!9 5?atch me,9 Dean grum0le&! ;e reache& the sha$t an& set the supplies &o"n ne8t to the t"iste& remains o$ the gate! Gra00ing the &rain cleaner, he starte& to turn to"ar& the ele%ator "hen he $elt the s"ish o$ a han& reaching $or his 0ac#! Dropping the 0ottle, he turne&, reaching 0ehin& him $or his gun, 0ut 0lame& e8haustion, hea&ache, an& that Allan "as a $riggin7 nin4a, on the $act that he "asn7t $ast enough! Allan stoo& in $ront o$ him, Dean7s !3H pointe& at his $ace! 5Are you #i&&ing me>9 Dean snappe&! 5Put the gun &o"n!9 5Eou7re not setting $ire to my 0uil&ing,9 Allan state& $latly, $lic#ing the sa$ety o$$ o$ Dean7s gun! Dean s"allo"e&! 5Allan, this spirit can an& "ill #ill us 0oth i$ 1 &on7t &estroy this ele%ator car! <isten> Eou hear that> Sirens! ?e 0urn the ele%ator car, the $ire &epartment puts out the $ire, $e" minor repairs, you7re gol&!9 5Eou ha%e any i&ea "hat $ire &amage costs>9 5Eou ha%e any i&ea "hat it $eels li#e to ha%e your heart crushe& insi&e o$ your chest>9 Dean retorte&! 57Cause that7s "hat this 0itch "ill &o to you! 1t7s "hat she &i& to your contractors! ;ell, she trie& to &o it to me!9 517m spraining something trying to care,9 Allan retorte&! 5A", scre" this,9 Dean muttere&, turning $rom the 0arrel o$ the gun an& gra00ing the &rain cleaner an& soap! ;e poure& them on the $loor o$ the ele%ator car, then turne& 0ac# to the gas can, ignoring the gun Allan #ept traine& on him! 5Stop,9 Allan comman&e&! Dean &i&n7t spare him a glance! ;e starte& 0ac# to"ar& the ele%ator car, unscre"ing the cap o$ the gas can as he "ent! 51 sai&, stop29 Allan yelle&, an& Dean s"ore he hear& the clic# o$ the trigger 0e$ore the 0oom o$ his gun 4er#e& his 0ac# tight in an automatic reaction an& a hot 0ea& tugge& %iolently along the outer e&ge o$ his right shoul&er! 5Son o$ a 0itch,9 Dean curse&, &ropping the gas can an& gra00ing $or his shoul&er, stum0ling against the "all ne8t to the open ele%ator &oor! Re& $ury 0lin&e& him! ;e &i&n't e%en recogni*e the roar that 0uilt lo" in his gut, erupting $rom his lips in an e8plosion o$ anger! ;e turne& to Allan, stri&ing up to him an& splattering 0loo& across the man's chest as he s"ung his "oun&e& arm, #noc#ing the gun out o$ the 0uil&ing o"ner7s han&s!

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Allan attempte& to 0ac# up, to raise his han&s in surren&er, 0ut Dean "as too $ar gone! Gra00ing the $ront o$ the 0ig man7s s"eaty shirt, Dean sho%e& him up against the $ar "all ne8t to the "in&o", an& in the light o$ the &a"ning sun, procee&e& to pummel him, "or&s snapping in time to the 0lo"s o$ his $ists! ABuc#in' sel$ish 0astar&2 ?e nearly get #ille& sa%ing your "orthless assF thin#ing o$ your go&&amn 0uil&ing "hen people are &ying aroun& you!!! &ealt "ith people li#e you my "hole li$e!!! sic# o$ it!!!A A?ait!!! "ait!!! uh, please, o#ay, 1'm sorry!!!A Allan7s messy tears 0rought Dean 0ac# to reality an& he steppe& 0ac#, 0reathing hea%y! ;is han&s trem0le&, his #nuc#les ra" an& 0ruise&! ;is right arm thro00e& in time "ith his heart0eat, in time "ith his hea&! ;e coul&n7t seem to catch his 0reath! ;e steppe& 0ac# $rom Allan, trying to s"allo", trying to stea&y his han&s! ;e coul& see his 0o&y sha#ing as i$ he "ere su&&enly separate $rom himsel$, "atching someone else &ri%e their $ists into this man's no"-0loo&y $ace! As i$ it "ere a physical, %isi0le act, Dean pulle& his anger 0ac# to him, "rappe& it into a 0all, an& sho%e& it &o"n insi&e, 0ehin& impenetra0le &e$enses he'& spen& a li$etime creating! ;e rolle& his shoul&ers 0ac# as he pulle& in a 0reath! AStay,A Dean pante&, pointing to Allan! ;e turne& 0ac# to the ele%ator, pic#ing up the gas can, an& poure& the contents o%er the stic#y, gelling mess co%ering the $loor o$ the ele%ator car, trying not to gag, "atching as the chemicals t"iste& an& $lo"e& o%er each other li#e mercury, creating a 0u00ling, $lamma0le li@ui&! ;e thre" the can in once it "as empty, stum0ling 0ac# as the $umes threatene& to o%er"helm him! Digging his Gippo $rom his poc#et, he gra00e& the glass 0ottle an&, "ith a glance o%er at Allan7s still-co"ering $orm, lit the en& o$ the rag! ;e steppe& 0ac# near Allan, at an angle $rom the ele%ator entrance an& out o$ the 0last *one! ;e thre" the 0ottle to"ar& the open ele%ator car, an& se%eral things happene& at once! The 0ottle smashe& against the $ar "all o$ the ele%ator, igniting the napalm-li#e concoction an& shooting an intense heat out into the hall"ay that "as $ollo"e& @uic#ly 0y a se%ere col& as the spirit raile& against ine%ita0le &estruction! Dean's only "arning "as Allan's gasp 0e$ore the spirit slamme& into him, #noc#ing him a"ay $rom Allan an& propelling him to the $loor! Smo#e 0illo"e& an& poure& $rom the ele%ator entrance, $illing the hall"ay an& cho#ing the men insi&e! Dean t"iste& a"ay, 0ut the spirit7s "eight seeme& to gro" as her anger "as $uele& 0y the $ire that "as annihilating her! Dean hear& Allan 0rea# out the "in&o" 0ehin& him, hear& the 0ig man gasp an& "hee*e $rom the poisonous smo#e, an& then the spirit7s han& slamme& into his chest! :ust as 0e$ore, Dean $elt the constriction, the pressure, the intense pain as her nails &ug in, reaching $or his heart! ;e screame&, una0le to &islo&ge the spirit, stop the pain! ;is thoughts scattere&, regroupe&, then shoo# loose as he $elt her nails $in& purchase, &igging through his s#in, &igging to his 0one! ;e "ante& &esperately to 0reathe, "ante& to mo%e, 0ut he "as $ro*en an& 0urning, presse& $lat into the $loor, su$$ocating! An& then su&&enly, she "as gone! Rolling slo"ly to his si&e, curling his arms against his chest, Dean "himpere&! ;e coul&n7t open his eyes, the smo#e "as too harsh! ;e coul&n7t mo%e, he "as sha#ing too har&! ;e simply rolle& his 0ac# a"ay $rom the searing heat o$ the ele%ator car as the $ire that sa%e& his li$e ate through the metal o$ the ele%ator car an& consume& the ca0les that ha& hel& it in place!

?ith a mighty groan o$ mangle& metal, the car &roppe&Dthis time in a $ree-$all that "oul&n7t 0e stoppe& 0y the "him o$ a spirit! Dean cringe&, &uc#ing his hea& to"ar& his chest an& curling into a 0all as he hear& it crash against the unyiel&ing $loor o$ the 0asement an& then crie& out as the ans"ering s"eep o$ heat shot up through the chimney-li#e ele%ator sha$t! Dean's min& $ire& comman&s in hal$-spo#en sentences! Spar#s o$ thought snappe& an& $i**le& 0ehin& his eyes! 6n one le%el, he #ne" he ha& to get Allan out an& a"ay $rom the smo#e! ;e #ne" he nee&e& to cra"l to"ar& the stair"ell! ;e #ne" he nee&e& to return to Sam! =ut something "as 0ro#en insi&e o$ him, &enying him the a0ility to o0ey e%en his o"n comman&s! Borcing himsel$ to mo%e, Dean cra"le& to"ar& the "in&o" "here he'& last seen Allan! The smo#e "as thic#, oppressi%e, an& Dean's coughs "hee*e& $rom him "ith 0one-sha#ing $erocity! Tears o$ retaliation poure& $rom the corners o$ his eyes an& he $elt 0lin&ly along the $loor! No Allan! :ust his !3H! Dean turne&, sli&ing the gun into his $ront "aist0an&, an& pulling himsel$ $or"ar& 0y his le$t arm to"ar& the stair"ell, hoping that Allan ha& &one the same! E%en assholes &eser%e& a chance to li%e! =y the time he reache& the stair"ell &oor, Dean's coughs "rac#e& through him so har& he "asn't a0le to &o much more than press his $ace into the s"i$tly-"arming $loor! Sam !!!;e'& ma&e Sam a promise, tol& him he'& 0e right 0ehin& him! ;e'& 0e &amne& i$ he "as going to lea%e his 0rother no"! Reaching out "ith a sha#ing han&, Dean pushe& "ea#ly at the &oor, surprise& as hell "hen it $le" open to e8pose the soun& o$ coughs an& curses! ADean2A ASamDA A1'm here, man!A ;an&s, Sam's han&s, on his arm, his shoul&er, the 0ac# o$ his hea&! A?-"hat !!!too# you !!!so long>A AStoppe& o$$ $or a saline coc#tail!A Sha#ing, coughing, thirsty $or air!!! he nee&e& to mo%e, to cra"l to Sam! ;is 0rother's $ingers $le8e& across the 0ac# o$ his nec#, his shoul&er! A1!!! 1 c-can't!!!A ;elp me, Sam! A1'm trying, Dean!A A1 got him, 1 got him, #i&!!!A The rich %oice "as $oreign, un$amiliar, an& "elcome! Ne" arms "rappe& aroun& Dean's 0ac#, pulling him s"i$tly through the &oor! ;e still coul&n't open his eyes an& his legs ha& apparently &eci&e& that no" "oul& 0e a goo& time to @uit, than# you %ery much! The stair"ell &oor cut o$$ the ma4ority o$ the smo#e an& Dean $elt the rasping "hee*es o$ 0reath rattling in his chest ease as he "as hal$-carrie&, hal$-&rug &o"n the stairs!

A;oly shit, Dean, your chest is a $riggin' mess an& "hat happene& toD&i& someone!!!&i& that 0astar& shoot you>A Dean's eyes $elt s"ollen $rom tears an& smo#e, 0ut he prie& them open! Peering through slits $iltere& 0y his lashes, he sa" Sam in $ront o$ him, his arm "rappe& in "hite! Rolling his hea& against his shoul&er, Dean reali*e& that his le$t arm "as across the massi%e shoul&ers o$ a man that ma&e Sam loo# small! S"allo"ing an& trying to #eep his legs mo%ing $or"ar&, Dean manage& to trip them 0oth! AEase up, #i&,A the 0lac# man sai&, his %oice rum0ling against Dean through his chest! A1 got this! Eou 4ust "or# on staying "ith us, y'hear>A Dean no&&e& an& allo"e& himsel$ to 0e maneu%ere& &o"n the stairs, #eeping his eyes on Sam! AAllan,A he croa#e&! Sam &i&n't slo", tossing his "or&s o%er his shoul&er! A;e'll 0e $ine! <oo#s li#e someone 0ro#e his nose, though!A A(e,A Dean "hee*e&! AGoo&!A Sam's reply "as lace& "ith "ic#e& satis$action! ASon o$ a 0itch "as outsi&e screaming his $rea#in' hea& o$$ a0out arresting you $or setting $ire to his 0uil&ing "hile 1 coul& still hear you screaming, man!A ANice!A ADi& he shoot you>A Sam repeate&! AEeah!A Dean coughe&! A1 am going to #ic# his ass,A Sam gro"le&! AGet in line,A Dean retorte&! They presse& $lat against the secon& $loor stair"ell as $iremen in $ull gear passe& 0y them, hea&ing up to"ar& the smo#e an& $lames! AThere's a!!! 0o&y,A Dean manage&! Sam pic#e& up his e$$ort! AThere's a 0o&y o$ a contractor on the $ourth $loorD$irst room &o"n $rom the ele%ator,A he calle& to one o$ the $iremen as they passe&! ;e "as gi%en a no& o$ un&erstan&ing, an& they continue& on! A?hat a0out the!!! terrorist>A the me&ic as#e& as they reache& the $irst $loor an& hea&e& to the emergency e8it! A;uh>A Dean rolle& his hea& on his nec#, loo#ing o%er at the me&ic "ith 0lurry eyes! AEou ta#e care o$!!! it>A Sam as#e&! AEeah!!! toast,A Dean sai&, 0lin#ing in the harsh 0rightness o$ the morning light! Sam loo#e& o%er at the me&ic! A=a& guy is coo#e&, man!A Dean ignore& the me&ic's grunte& &is0elie$! ;e concentrate& on 0reathing, on the $act that he "as out o$ the 0uil&ing, he "as ali%e, the others "ere ali%e, Sam "as ali%e! <oo#ing aroun& "ith tire& eyes, he sa" $lashing

lights, sirens, hear& %oices, calls, engines, $elt the mist o$ "ater $rom the massi%e $ire hoses!!! an& Sam! """ <ea&ing the "ay 0ac# to the am0ulance, Sam cast se%eral an8ious glances o%er his shoul&er at Dean! ;is 0rother loo#e& 0eat to hell! Scary 0eat to hell! Sam "renche& the &oor o$ the am0ulance open an& teetere& on his still"o00ly legs as the me&ic sat Dean on the 0umper! AEouDin there,A the me&ic sai& to Sam, pointing to the gurney! A(y 0oss "oul& ha%e my ass i$ he $oun& out "hat 1 4ust let you &o, 0loo& pressure li#e yours!A A?hat a0out Dean>A Sam as#e&, hol&ing the &oor tightly! ;e "as pretty sure he "oul& 0e o#ay i$ he let go!!! 0ut he "asn't an8ious to test that theory! A:oe2A the me&ic calle& to another E(T "ho "as tal#ing to Carina! AEeah>A AGimme a han& "ith this guy!A A;oly shit, ;ughes2A :oe 4ogge& o%er to the trio at the 0ac# o$ the am0ulance, shooting "orrie& eyes to the 0ig me&ic! AEou 4ust pull him out o$ that $ire>A ;ughes 4er#e& his thum0 o%er his shoul&er at Sam! AThis #i& &i&n't gi%e me much o$ a choice!A Sam "atche& as Dean sat, slumpe& an& silent, his eyes close&, his shoul&ers sha#ing "ith e8haustion, pain, an& the e$$ort to 0reathe! :oe an& ;ughes clim0e& into the am0ulance, creating a chair out o$ their lin#e& arms 0ehin& Dean's shoul&ers an& un&er his #nees, li$ting him up an& setting him on the gurney cross-"ays so that his $eet reste& on the $loor an& his 0ac# melte& against the insi&e "all o$ the am0ulance! ;ughes turne& to Sam! ANee& a han&>A Sam no&&e&! 1n minutes, he "as sitting on the gurney ne8t to Dean! ;e $elt his 0rother tilt si&e"ays, resting his le$t shoul&er against Sam's right one! Sam too# a $ull 0reath $or "hat seeme& li#e the $irst time in t"el%e hours! The t"o E(Ts mo%e& aroun& them, $astening o8ygen on Dean, re-hoo#ing an 1N up to Sam, ta#ing %itals, cleaning an& "rapping Dean's shoul&er an& hea&, chec#ing the gouges on his chest, spea#ing to each other in the co&e& language o$ the me&ical pro$ession! The 0rothers sat silent, respon&ing only "hen @uestione& &irectly! Sam $elt Dean gro" hea%ier against him an& presse& 0ac#, o$$ering support! AThese the last t"o $rom the 0uil&ing>A a %oice calle& $rom the entrance to the am0ulance! AEou're gonna ha%e to @uestion them later, Chie$,A ;ughes in$orme& the ne" %oice! A?e gotta get this guy to a hospital pronto!A Sam "atche& ;ughes 4er# his hea& in Dean's &irection an& sli& tire& eyes to the 0ac# o$ the am0ulance! ;e coul& see a 0lue uni$orm, 0ut not much else! ;e loo#e& 0ac# at ;ughes, "atching as he too# Dean's pulse "ith a $ro"n! A?hat a0out the tall #i&> <ea%e him 0ehin&, catch the ne8t 0us,A the 0lue-uni$orme& man suggeste&! ANo,A Sam an& Dean replie& in unison, though Dean's re$usal "as mu$$le& 0y the plastic o8ygen mas# co%ering his nose an& mouth! Sam $elt him shi$t as he reache& up a trem0ling han& an& pulle& it a"ay $rom his mouth!

;ughes loo#e& at the 0rothers! A;e's staying,A Dean asserte&! Sam no&&e& his agreement! AGuess you got your ans"er, Chie$,A ;ughes replie&! :oe 4umpe& $rom the en& o$ the am0ulance, shutting 0oth &oors "ith a soli& slap o$ metal against metal! AThe car,A Dean sai&, loo#ing o%er at Sam! Sam loo#e& at ;ughes! A?ill our car 0e o#ay here>A AEeah!A ;ughes no&&e&! A6ne o$ you!!! "ell, you,A he amen&e&, no&&ing to Sam, an& putting the o8ygen mas# 0ac# o%er Dean's $ace, Acan catch a ri&e 0ac# $or it later to&ay a$ter you get chec#e& out!A ;e turne& to the $ront an& gra00e& his C=, calling in or&ers as they pulle& a"ay! Binishing the or&ers, he hung the C= up, glance& at the 0rothers leaning against each other an& 0ac# against the "all 0ehin& them, then clim0e& into the $ront seat, lea%ing them alone $or the moment! A:en tol& the cops "e "ere 0eing hel& hostage,A Sam sai& in a lo" %oice meant only $or Dean! AShe gonna con%ince Carina an& Allan o$ that, too>A Dean raspe&, his "or&s rattling in his throat 0e$ore $illing his mouth an& resting on Sam's ears! ;e pulle& the mas# a"ay again an& loo#e& o%er at Sam! Sam sa" the green o$ his 0rother's irises shine out o$ his re&-rimme&, soot-$rame& eyes li#e 0eacons o$ light! ;e no&&e&! A1 thin# she'll either con%ince them o$ that, or con%ince the cops that Carina an& Allan are nuts,A he sai& "ith a chuc#le! Dean coughe& into his $ist, curling $or"ar& a 0it, the corner o$ his mouth tipping up a 0it in agreement! A?hat &i& you use to torch the spirit>A A;omema&e napalm,A Dean sai&, his grin "i&ening! A?hat>2A Sam's eye0ro"s shot up in shoc#! ASa" Da& ma#e it once!!!A A?hen>A AThat hunt "e "ent on "hen you 0ro#e your arm,A Dean sai&, gingerly touching his "oun&e& shoul&er! A=ro#e my!!! Du&e, that "as li#e!!! ten years ago!A AEeah, so>A AEou remem0ere& something Da& 4erry-rigge& once on a hunt ten years ago>2A Dean shrugge&, tapping his temple! A<i#e a steel trap!A Sam leane& 0ac#, closing his eyes! ;e $elt Dean rest against the "all 0esi&e him, their shoul&ers touching once

more! 1n the &ar# o$ the ele%ator, Dean ha& re%eale& a truth that Sam #ne" he'& a%oi& in the glaring light o$ &ay! ?or#ing his tongue against his teeth, Sam trie& to thin# ho" he coul& 0ring Da& up again, ho" he coul& try once more to reassure Dean that he &i&n't 0lame him $or :ohn's lea%ing them again! That it "asn't his $ault! ASam>A AEeah>A ADon't "orry so much!A Sam opene& his eyes an& loo#e& o%er at Dean's sooty pro$ile! Some people ha& har&-"ire& personalities, Sam #ne"! ;is 0rother "as one o$ them! Protector to the en&! A1'm not!!! "orrie&!A AKh-huh!A Sam sighe&, loo#ing &o"n! A1'm not, 17m 4ust!!! 1 4ust "ish!!!A Dean su0tly presse& his shoul&er har&er against Sam's! ASammy, listen! :o0's &one! Da&'s!!! Da&! ?e ta#e care o$ the things "e can ta#e care o$!A Dean opene& one eye an& loo#e& o%er at Sam! AAn& "e sur%i%e the rest!A They "ere silent $or a moment! Sam glance& o%er at Dean! AEou manage to #eep your phone "ith you in there, Bire (arshal =ill>A Dean chuc#le&, pulling his phone $rom his 0ac# poc#et an& han&ing it to Sam! A?e lost the e8tra &u$$el!A AEou #eep your gun, too>A A?hat &o you thin# 1 am, huh>A A?e're gonna ha%e to $igure out ho" to e8plain that "hen "e get to the hospital,A Sam sai&, staring at the cell phone screen an& "or#ing to type a te8t message "ith one han&! AAlrea&y there, Sammy,A Dean sai&, sli&ing the gun $rom his $ront "aist0an& into the slot on the "all 0ehin& the clip0oar&! AEou'll 4ust nee& to come 0ac# to am0ulance num0er, uh!!! H !!! to get your cell phone!A A=ut 1 &i&n'tDoh!A Sam no&&e&! AGoo& thin#ing!A A?hat are you &oing>A ATe8ting Da&,A Sam sai&, rotating the screen to sho" Dean! AJ/3L!!! 3L!!! /J-L/> ?hat #in& o$ a phone num0er is that>A A1t's not a phone num0er!A Sam grinne&! A?ell, they're not coor&inates!A Dean pulle& his eye0ro"s together in con$usion! ANope!A Sam's grin gre" "i&er! ASam, i$ you're pissing me o$$, thenDA

A1t's a message!!! A Sam sai&! AThought may0e Da& coul& $igure out the cryptic $or a change!A Dean loo#e& at the screen again! Sam "atche& his eyes shi$t to the letters painte& a0o%e the num0ers on the #eypa& o$ his phone! A6tis is toast>A Sam no&&e&, his grin $ol&ing his &imples &eeper into his chee#s! Dean laughe& so$tly, pressing his han& against the remnants o$ his T-shirt! A1 &are you to hit sen&!A Dean coughe&! A6h, no "orries,A Sam sai&, pressing the green 'sen&' 0utton! Dean laughe& again! AEour ass is grass, man!A ADu&e!!! it's your phone,A Sam pointe& out! A6h, terri$ic!A A;ell!A Sam shrugge&, closing his eyes! A1$ it gets him to call us again!!! 1 &on't really care!A AEeah,A Dean agree&! A com$orta0le @uiet settle& 0et"een them $or another moment! A;ey, Sam>A AEeah>A Sam $elt the pause this time! ;e $elt it as i$ silence hel& "eight! AThan#s $or staying!A Dean's %oice "as almost a "hisper! Sam "aite& $or a moment 0e$ore spea#ing, thin#ing a0out the one person "ho ha& ne%er le$t, the one person "ho "as the constant $or the $amily, the one person "ho ga%e him, "ho ga%e their $ather, someone to come 0ac# to! ;e reache& out an& clappe& a han& on Dean's leg, letting it rest there $or a moment, letting Dean $eel the reassurance o$ contact that Sam ha& $elt insi&e the &ar#ene& ele%ator! AAl"ays,A Sam replie&! -------a)n: 1t "as nice to go 0ac# to Season 1 $or a 0it an& remem0er "hen the 0oys "ere trou0le&, angsty, 0ut "ithout the "orl&7s "eight on their shoul&ers! Starting ne8t "ee#, 17ll 0e posting my Nirtual Season stories! Each story is in $our parts! A$ter that, 17ll start "ith Desolation Angels, "hich is also set in Season 1! 6ther than the occasional tag an& some *ine storiesF 1 might hang out in Season 1 $or a 0it! (ight!P