The Road to Nowhere

1

Then

"How many tattoos do you have Dean?"

Dean looked down at the younger boy confused, "Just the one, why?"

Sam shifted his weight and looked down, "It's just...I know it's none of my business, but you're always off with some girl and you go through them pretty fast and...I don't know I just expected you to have atleast one other tattoo."

"Sorry to disappoint Sammy, but I don't think some girl is ever going to give me another tattoo. In general, I'll probably just have the one forever," Dean looked away and began flipping through a forgotten magazine on the table.

"I only have one tattoo too," Sam said sitting beside Dean.

"I figured," Dean said and glanced at Sam. "Is there a reason you're bringing this up Sammy?"

Sam bit his lip and stared hard at the salt shaker on the table.

"Sam," Dean said putting the magazine down on the table, closed.

"It's nothing Dean," Sam said forcing a smile.

Dean kept looking at him waiting.

"My friend went home today," Sam said sadly. "He was supposed to stay all summer, but yesterday his dad made him go back home. He said they had to get home because they were moving and had to start packing."

"Well summer is about over anyways, only a couple weeks left until school starts up. I bet you're excited huh? Just be careful, highschool isn't a very happy place," Dean said.

"I was excited until Gabe said he was leaving," Sam said slumping back in his chair.

"You knew he was leaving anyways, he'll probably be back next summer. Didn't you get a number or something?" Dean got up to get them sodas.

"His dad doesn't allow that type of stuff, his family is really religious. His brother wasn't even allowed to come spend the summer here because he missed church...on a Wednesday!" Sam said thanking Dean when a soda was set in front of him.

"And he's hanging out with you?" Dean joked and earned a glare from Sam.

"Gabe talked about his brother alot, he really loves him and he feels sorry for him. He says Castiel isn't treated fairly and it makes Gabe feel guilty," Sam said.

"Castiel? What sort of name is that?" Dean asked, but he liked the feel of it when it came off his tongue.

"Gabe says they're all named after angels. Gabe's name is Gabriel and then there's Castiel and they even have a brother named Lucifer!" Sam says taking a long drink.

"Lucifer?" Dean raised an eyebrow.

"I thought the same thing, Gabe said that his parent's argument was that Lucifer used to be God's favorite. He said they usually only say that around Castiel though," Sam said sighing.

"So all you talk about is Gabe and all Gabe talks about is his brother, that's all I'm getting from this," Dean says.

"No, Gabe didn't always talk about him. He only did when the family topic was brought up somehow," Sam shrugged and looked at the coke in his hands.

"Look Sammy, I don't mind you telling me about your great summer and your new best friend and all, but I have to leave soon so is this conversation going anywhere specific?" Dean asked and felt guilty when Sam's eyes flashed with hurt.