To Live on One's Own Terms

Summary: The curse is broken. And maybe Sam is too. (Sequel to For Your Own Good)

“The greatest joy in life is the ability to live on one's own terms.”

Chapter One

Sam is barely holding on to consciousness by the time they arrive back at the motel.

Dean leads him inside and helps him out of his sweatshirt, then kneels to tug off his shoes. Sam watches him through heavy-lidded eyes, silent and half-asleep. He practically collapses sideways onto the bed when Dean applies the slightest bit of pressure to his shoulder.

Dean fusses with the pillows and blankets, more than he really has to. He just needs to do something to calm his anxious, fidgety hands. He presses the back of one to Sam's forehead – hot but not too hot, not time-to-freak-out hot, not anymore – and turns to get water, in case Sam is thirsty.

Sam's fingers close around his wrist, surprisingly strong. Dean stops, turning back. Sam's eyes are only half-open and struggling even with that but he looks up at Dean with determination.

“Don't go,” he says. Surprise, and then relief, flutters across his face. “Stay. Please.”