Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural. Hannah belongs to me. :)

Author's Note: In this story, the boys never lived in the bunker.

Coming Home

Chapter 3

Dean shifted on the soft mattress and heard a groan of pain, which he belatedly realized was coming from him. Agony seared across his stomach with any little move he made.

"Dean?" He heard Sam's voice call softly. "Hey, how're ya doing?" A gentle hand pressed against his damp forehead.

"Uhhh," was all Dean managed to get out even though he was trying for his little brother's name.

"I think your fever broke," Sam murmured, "but you're still going to be pretty weak."

Suddenly, a straw was pressed between Dean's lips and he gulped the water gratefully.

"Easy," Sam cautioned, "not too fast." He pulled the drink away and Dean grunted in frustration. "You can have some more in a few minutes," Sam promised.

Baby sounds emerged from the monitor on the nightstand and Dean's face scrunched in confusion. He searched his memory for a moment before details of his brother's life slid into place. "Tha' my niece, Sammy?" he slurred tiredly.

Sam grinned. "Yes, that's Hannah. She can't wait to meet her Uncle Dean."

Dean smiled sleepily. "Bet she's a looker like me," he yawned.

A laugh bubbled up from Sam's throat. "She burps just like you," he retorted as he slipped the straw between his brother's lips and allowed him a few more swallows of water.

Dean snorted a laugh and then moaned in pain.

"Easy," Sam cautioned as he placed a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder.

Dean's eyelids drooped as he fought sleep. "Wanna meet her, Sammy," he murmured. "Gotta keep you from turning her into a total geek."

Shaking his head, Sam allowed another smile to quirk his lips. For the first time since his brother returned, he was able to relax. Dean's fever had broken and he was going to be okay. "Get some sleep and you can meet her tomorrow," he promised. He doubted Dean had even heard was he said; his brother was already sound asleep.

Sam settled into the recliner and watched his brother rest for a few minutes. He could hear Hannah babbling to herself through the monitor, and she seemed content so he'd let her play for now. When he was certain Dean was settled and going to remain asleep, Sam headed to his daughter's room and lifted her up into his arms.

"Hey, baby girl," he greeted, love for her flowing through him at the gummy smile that blossomed on her face when she saw her daddy. The thought that Lily would love to be here seeing their daughter smile made his heart ache. He pressed his lips to Hannah's downy blonde hair. "I'm so sorry, Hannah. I wanted you to have a mom, especially because I didn't and it was so hard not knowing her. It's so strange to miss someone you never really even knew." Sam sighed deeply. "But you'll always have me and Dean," he promised, knowing his brother loved this little girl even though he had never actually met her.

Hannah batted her fist at Sam's face and he caught it and pressed a kiss to her tiny hand. "You'll get to meet Uncle Dean tomorrow," he told her as she grinned at him once more. "Make sure to be a good girl, okay? He still doesn't feel very well."

Hannah scrunched her face up in a look Sam knew all too well. She was making a dirty diaper.

"You little stinker," he chuckled. He placed his daughter on a blanket on the floor so she could have some tummy time and finish her business before he changed her. Sinking down in the rocking chair Lily had lovingly picked out for the nursery, Sam sighed and swallowed against the lump of emotion that settled in his throat. He could barely breathe as thoughts of his wife assaulted him.

Her smile. Her laugh. Her love for their unborn daughter. The proud, huge smile on her face when Hannah was first placed in her arms. Sam nearly choked on the sob that suddenly burst from him. Hannah's gaze jerked up to him and she watched him with wide, curious eyes.

Sam slipped out of the chair and dropped to his knees by his daughter on the blanket. He ran a hand over her head before speaking softly to his baby girl. "Your momma loved you so much, Hannah. I'll make sure you always know that," he promised before wrinkling his nose at the stench coming from the baby's diaper.

Quickly changing his daughter, Sam disposed of the smelly diaper and then carried Hannah to the kitchen to prepare her bottle. Hannah became impatient and swatted her little hands around as she waited for her food.

Sam kissed her forehead. "Yup, you are so much like Dean, always ready to eat" he laughed. "I can't wait until tomorrow. You've going to have him wrapped around your little finger before he even knows what hit him."

Dean woke the next morning to sun slanting across the room from a narrow window high on the wall. He no longer felt like his body was on fire and the searing pain in his belly had been reduced to a dull roar. He searched his memory and remembered his brother's voice and gentle hands. Dean allowed his body to relax. He was with Sam. He was safe.

Dean's eyes travelled around the room. The walls were painted a cozy cream color and the windows were covered with blinds and topped with forest green valances. A chest of drawers stood against the wall at the foot of the bed with a TV hanging above it. Next to the chest of drawers was a door which Dean assumed led to a closet. A lamp sat on the small nightstand next to the bed and a dark brown leather recliner rested in the corner. Next to the recliner, nestled against the wall, was a small refrigerator. Sam definitely had a nice set-up here at the place he had purchased with Lily.

Thoughts of Lily had Dean clenching his jaw shut. Sam's wife was dead. Lily had been a strong, courageous hunter. She was the perfect match for his geeky, hunting. brother. Now Lily would grow up just like Dean and his younger brother, without a mother. Sam would carry the grief of losing the love of his life. It wasn't fair. Why was it the Winchester men could never catch a break?

And Hannah. Hannah wouldn't have a mom. Dean's heart ached for her. He remembered the Mother's Day preparations in elementary school when he watched everyone else making cards for their mothers. He'd pretend to make a card and just doodle on the paper until it was time to put the project away. He hated Mother's Day. Now that Hannah was without a mom he hated it even more.

A noise in the hallway caught his attention. Sam walked in the door with a plate in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. "See how you do with the water and then we'll talk about some coffee," he grinned at his brother.

Dean studied the younger Winchester's face. Sam looked tired. Dark circles bruised the skin beneath his eyes and sadness lurked in the hazel depths of his gaze.

Sam placed the plate and the water bottle on the nightstand and then helped Dean to a sitting position, stuffing pillows behind him until he was sure Dean would be comfortable.

Dean bit back a moan as he sat up, sweat beading on his upper lip. He was grateful to relax back against the pillows and close his eyes.

"Take your time," Sam reassured him, placing his palm against his brother's forehead. He chuckled when Dean weakly swatted it away. "You're definitely feeling better; you're getting cranky."

"Bite me, bitch," Dean grumbled, rolling his eyes when Sam continued to laugh.

When Sam placed the plate of dry toast in front of him, Dean eyed it warily. He wasn't sure his stomach was all that ready to eat anything yet.

"Just take a bite and see how you do," Sam told him. "You need to get something in your stomach."

Dean lifted the toast with a hand that trembled with weakness and took a tentative bite. He chewed slowly and swallowed, hoping his stomach would accept the food offering. "When do I get to meet my niece?" he asked as he waited to see if it was safe to take another bite.

"She's down for her morning nap," Sam explained. "Soon as both of you are awake at the same time I'll arrange a meeting."

Dean pressed his lips together and gave Sam a dirty look before taking a second bite of his toast. He watched as Sam sank down in the recliner. "I'm sorry about Lily, Sam," he said quietly, eager to get this conversation over with.

Sam's eyes were shiny with unshed tears and he blinked rapidly to keep them from falling. He nodded and swallowed hard.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you needed me," Dean continued.

Sam shook his head. "You had no way of knowing what was going on," he protested.

"But-"

Sam cut his brother off even as he looked down at his hands he had clutched nervously in his lap. "No, Dean. I'm not going to let you feel guilty for something you couldn't control. I knew you'd be back as soon as you found out. You were keeping people safe, doing your job." Sam looked up at his brother with damp, red-rimmed eyes. "But you're here now, and you're going to be okay. That's all that matters."

Dean pushed the plate of toast away. He'd eaten about three-fourths of a slice and that was all he could handle. His eyes roamed around the bedroom. "Nice place you have here, Sammy," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Do you like the room?" Sam asked, suddenly eager and sitting forward in the recliner.

"Yeah, man, it's great. You can come down here and veg in your recliner. Watch football or horror movies, drink some beer." Dean gestured to the mini-fridge against the wall. "You've got everything you need right here without having to go upstairs."

"Glad you like it," Sam beamed. "It's yours."

Dean's brow furrowed in confusion. "The fridge?"

"No, jerk, the room!" Sam clarified. "Whenever you want to come and stay with Hannah and me, this room will be waiting for you. If you ever decide to give up hunting, you have a place here with us - a home."

Dean's green eyes went wide at Sam's words and he opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again without saying anything. "Sam-" he began, trailing off.

"Hannah needs her uncle," Sam informed him, his eyes a little too shiny once again. He swallowed hard. "And I need my brother, especially now."

Dean found his throat suddenly tight. "I can stay as long as you need me, Sammy," he promised.

"Good," Sam choked out as a cry resounded through the baby monitor sitting on Dean's nightstand.

A smile curved Dean's lips upward, relief flowing through him that the emotional moment had been broken. "Okay, Sammy, it's showtime! Go get my niece!"

Sam shook his head, tried to wipe his eyes without his brother noticing, and hurried out of the room and up the stairs to get his daughter.

Hannah had erupted into angry screams by the time Sam reached her room. "Shhh," he soothed, lifting his daughter and settling her against his broad shoulder. The baby continued to sob, her breaths snuffling against Sam's shirt.

"You can't meet Uncle Dean like this," Sam chided as he changed his daughter's wet diaper. Her grimaced when he realized the diaper had leaked through to her clothes and tossed them into the laundry basket in the corner. He chose a clean outfit, a purple shirt and striped pants, and dressed Hannah quickly. Stopping by the bathroom, he washed her face with a damp cloth. "Let's go get your bottle and then it's time to meet your uncle."

Sam felt his stomach clench with excitement. Dean was going to be so good with his niece. His brother had practically raised him, and had done things for him that their mother would have done. Sam had no doubt that Dean would do the same for little Hannah.

Dean shifted against his pillows, grunting as the wound across his belly pulled painfully. He allowed his eyes to travel over the bedroom once again. He couldn't quite believe he could call this room his; Dean hadn't truly had a room of his own since he was a little boy. Thanks to his brother, he had a bed with a comfortable mattress, a recliner, a refrigerator, and an awesome TV. And Sam had done this for him. The thought was overwhelming. Dean stared at a spot on the wall until he had his emotions under control.

Footsteps on the stairs caught his attention, and he turned to look at the doorway. His stomach twisted with anticipation. Sam appeared in the doorway with his baby girl snuggled against his shoulder, his huge hand cradling her back.

Dean felt his eyes widen. Hannah looked so tiny against Sam's broad shoulder. Protectiveness surged through him. "Bring her here, Sammy," he told his brother anxiously.

"Think you can handle her without hurting your stomach?" Sam asked with concern.

"Dude, she barely weighs anything!" Dean protested. "Now get over here and give me my niece. She wants to meet her cool Uncle Dean!"

Reaching out with one hand, Sam placed a pillow in his brother's lap. "This will help support her so you won't pull your stitches."

Dean grunted. "I'm not getting any younger here, Sammy," he complained.

Sam leaned forward and gently placed Hannah into her uncle's arms. His brother went silent as he stared down at the baby. Sam swallowed hard around the lump in his throat. He'd looked forward to this moment since the day Hannah had been born. He had a feeling Dean and Hannah were going to be best buddies.

Dean gazed down at the baby in his arms. Hannah kicked her tiny feet as she stared up at him. Eyes the color of Sam's peered up at him solemnly. She pursed her lips and then gave him a gummy grin. Dean felt a grin spread across his face. "She takes after me, Sammy. She knows how to flirt already."

Sam rolled his eyes. "You'd better be here with me to fend the guys off with a shotgun when she's old enough to date." He snapped a few pictures with his phone, grinning.

Dean looked horrified at the though of Hannah dating anyone. "She's not dating until she's forty," he growled. "I'll get out the grenade launcher."

Sam laughed. "Look at her eyes; they're shaped like yours," he pointed out.

Dean studied the baby's face quietly. "Yeah, I guess they are," he murmured as he enjoyed the baby's warmth in his arms. He took in the fuzzy blonde hair that covered her head, the perfectly shaped lips, and the little button nose. Her hand rested against her tummy, and Dean was mesmerized by the teeny tiny fingernails that capped her fingers. She was perfect in every possible way.

Hannah waved her arms and grinned again before letting out a giant belch.

Sam busted out laughing. "Another way she takes after you!"

"Shut up, bitch!" Dean tossed at his brother.

"Watch your language in front of my daughter, jerk!" Sam teased back.

"She's perfect, Sam," Dean admitted softly when Hannah yawned blinked sleepily up at him.

"Here's her bottle. Do you want to feed her?" Sam held the bottle out so his brother wouldn't have to stretch his arm out too far to reach it.

Dean took it and Hannah opened her mouth like a little bird. She began to suckle hungrily. "Good, isn't it?" Dean murmured. "Soon as you're old enough I'm taking you out for a good burger. You can't survive on all that rabbit food your dad is going to try to feed you."

Sam rolled his eyes, knowing Dean probably would spoil Hannah with burgers and ice cream and pretty much whatever else she wanted. He waited as Dean tried shifting the baby in his arms. "Getting uncomfortable?" Sam asked, reaching down and taking his daughter without waiting for an answer. He knew Dean wouldn't admit that he was hurting.

"You'd better bring her back this afternoon," Dean told his brother as he yawned tiredly, hating to give the baby up, but knowing he was too weak to hold her any longer.

"I will; I promise," Sam told him.

Hannah began to fuss in his arms.

"See, Sammy? She misses me already," Dean pointed out with a cocky grin.

"Yeah, she does," Sam admitted. "We're both glad you can stay for a while." Sam paused. "You are staying for a bit, right?" He asked uncertainly.

"As long as you need me, Sammy," Dean answered, fighting to keep his eyes open. "'Sides, I've got this great room with a recliner, a TV, and a fridge. Can't ask for more, can I?"

Sam shook his head. "Get some sleep, Dean." He was almost to the door when he heard Dean call his name. He turned to face his brother.

"Thanks for this," Dean motioned to the room.

"Only the best for my brother," Sam grinned before heading out of the room to finish feeding Hannah.

Dean shifted against the bed and yawned once more before allowing his eyes to slip closed. He'd definitely stick around for a while, he decided. Hannah needed some spoiling, and he was just the man for the job. He'd get Sammy to bring her back to him when he woke up. Dean shifted once again, and finally comfortable, drifted off to sleep.

The End

*I am thinking of writing a short epilogue with Dean and Hannah if anyone is interested. Thanks for reading!x Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural. Hannah belongs to me. :)