What Could Have Been

"My case- I saw-" he broke off when the gun went off and the boy dropped to the floor lifeless. "No!" He shouted, standing up and grabbing the sides of his head.

Dean covered his mouth, stumbling back. He rushed up to Sam and wrapped him in his arms, afraid he'd fall over.

Sam felt himself begin to cry as he wrapped his arms tightly around Dean. "I was too late," he whispered after a moment.

"Shh.. You didn't know..." Dean shut the computer, feeling nauseous. "Shh..."

"I-I need to trace the video, find out where they were, watch it again for location hints." He spoke shakily, his heart breaking.

Dean sighed a little. "What can I do to help?"

"Stay here." He whispered. "I need you."

"I won't go anywhere." He helped him sit and knelt next to him, wrapping arms around him.

Sam kept one arm around Dean as he worked to trace the video, but he still couldn't watch it again.

Dean stroked his shoulder as the sat quietly, so worried for Sam.

"I think I found it." He whispered. "It's in the middle of other places I've pinpointed. It could really be their house..." He knew he should be excited but he couldn't feel any joy knowing he had failed.

Dean nodded. "Excellent. Good work, Sammy."

"I saw it happen." He whispered after a moment.

"What?"

"I had a vision of it happening... Exactly how it did on the video."

"Wh... What do you think that coudl mean?"

"Dad thinks the visions are because of the demon, right? And that was the clearest one yet... I think it means he's getting closer."

Dean's jaw twitched a little at the thought. "We have to call Dad back here. Have him keep watch or - or something."

"There has to be something simple he can do that won't change too much." He agreed.

"If this demon is as dangerous as he says it is... I don't know if we have an option aside from getting into hunting. At least getting into it enough to save ourselves."

"Dean..." Sam said wearily, "you know I don't like the idea of that."

Dean nodded. "I don't either. But I want you safe. I will do ANYTHING to keep you safe."

"Don't risk your own life for me."

"Don't you do that, Sam. Don't you dare." Dean grabbed his face, staring into his eyes. "I would GLADLY sacrifice myself to keep you safe."

Sam sighed and shook his head softly. "I'd do the same for you... Please, don't start hunting."