Archive of Our Own

“Sam!” Dean yelled, making Sam swivel his head back towards the door where he had just come through. “It’s about to blow!”

He rounded the corner, seeing the name sign on the nursery door and sped up just a little more. The door smacked against the wall after he pushed it open forcefully, the sound too loud now that the fighting had ended.

“SAM!”

“I’m coming!,” Sam yelled back, running the last few feet to the crib. The little girl in it was crying, struggling in her swaddle. 

“Shhh, shh,” Sam tried to calm her down as he picked her up, cradling her to his chest. He turned, running down the hallway again so he could get to the stairs. He nearly barreled Dean over once he got to the bottom floor when his brother came out of the kitchen to his left.

“Fucking hell, Sam,” Dean shouted, yanking him towards the front door.

“Careful,” Sam yelled back, stumbling after Dean while trying to hold onto the baby tight. 

He was dragged out of the house and away from it until the front yard turned into pavement and Sam was let go, his steps almost faltering.

“C’mon,” Dean said but before he could do anything else the ground shook beneath them. A deafening boom rattled Sam’s teeth as the house behind them exploded. 

It only lasted a moment and then it was deathly quiet again, no cars, no birds, nothing. Nothing except for the ringing in their ears. 

A second later the whaling started again, louder than before and Sam found himself cradling the baby closer, shushing and rocking her in his arms. 

“We need to go,” Dean said, grabbing Sam’s arm. 

Instinct took over and Sam growled, ripping his arm away and turning the baby away from the alpha before he could think about what he was doing. The growl stopped immediately as soon as he did and he backed away, eyes wide.

“I didn’t-” 

“Let’s just go,” Dean said, shaking his head and crossing the street to where the Impala was waiting for them. 

Sam followed his brother, the door to the car creaking as he got in. The baby was still in his arms and he didn’t know what to do with her but hold onto her. She was crying, huge wailing that tugged at Sam's heart and made his already ringing ears hurt more.

The engine roared to life, the car rumbling as Dean pulled away from the roadside. Sam breathed in deeply, trying to calm himself down, knowing that him being stressed wouldn't helpt the baby to calm down but his noose got flooded with the leftover panic he could smell coming off the alpha and the baby.

“We’re okay,” he said over the baby's cries, looking over at his brother. “We’re fine.”

“I know we’re fine,” Dean said back, a little too harsh. 

“I’m sorry, Dean. I had to get her,” Sam tried to explain, still trying to rock the baby to get her to stop crying.

Dean didn’t reply for a while before he sighed. “I know.” 

The scent of distressed alpha only lessened slowly but steadily and Sam felt himself calm down with it. It also seemed to affect the baby in his arms because her crying got less until she only sniffled and sobbed a little, face tucked against his chest, clearly exhausted. 

They were about to cross the town limits when they could hear the first emergency sirens and Sam stiffened up slightly until they faded again.There was no reason to believe that they could trace them but it was always a worry in the back of his mind.

“What are we going to do with her?” Dean asked, indicating the baby. 

Sam looked down at the bundle in his arms, not sure what answer Dean was looking for. “I don’t know,” he said. “Police station maybe?” he added a moment later. 

“Oh yeah? And how do you want to explain to them that we just so happen to have the baby from the family whose house just exploded?” Dean asked, scoffing. “We’ll be held under suspicion immediately. Not to mention, that I took off the deputy’s head back there.”

Dean was still agitated and the Omega in Sam was bristling at the tone. 

“Well we can’t just abandon her somewhere,” Sam said, a little harshly.

“I know, she might be part vampire,” Dean countered. He ripped the steering wheel to the side, taking the turn onto the next road faster than advisable. Sam clutched the baby tighter, hissing a complaint to Dean as the baby began fussing again. 

“So what do you think we should do?” 

Dean sighed. “I don’t know, Sam.”

“And what? We keep her?” Sam asked, and there was a weird twist in his gut as he realized what he had suggested. 

It was a stupid idea, it would be reckless and irresponsible to keep a baby when they had just gotten back into some sort of equilibrium after purgatory and Benny and Amelia. They were living out of their car, Bobby gone and Kevin still trying to understand the demon tablet. The baby should go to a real family, so that she would have a chance to grow up normal and happy. Not to mention that the baby might not just be a normal human baby which would pose more problems.

Which was why Sam couldn’t understand why something in his mind screamed at him to not let her go, to keep her close to him. He was supposed to be the reasonable one, should tell Dean to get to the next town where they could drop her off at a fire or police station and say they found her abandoned. But something inside him resisted that idea, did not want him to think about letting somebody take this helpless baby from him. 

He tried to remind himself that he might be holding a vampire right now but that thought did just not sit right with him. She smelled normal, human and even though it was a definite possibility, Sam didn't want to believe that it could actually be true.

Additionally a quiet little voice in the back of his mind told him to keep her and it sounded a little too close to his omega to feel comfortable listening to it outright. He never wanted to be dependent on his designation, and had rebelled against being an omega for a long time. 

It wasn’t like he had ever wanted to have the typical omegan experience. Whenever he had thought about starting a family it had not been with him being the birthing or maternal parent, no matter what society told him an omega should be.

He would be lying now though if he said that having this little girl in his arms didn’t send his omega instincts screaming. 

“I know we can’t keep her,” Dean said, throwing Sam a side-eye. “Just- let’s get out of the county at least and then figure out if she's a vamp or not.”

Sam nodded, humming in agreement, knowing that it was the right thing to do. “Okay, yeah, okay, let’s do that first."

It was quiet for a while as Dean drove them away from the town the case had been in. Sam was lightly rocking the baby but no matter what he did it didn’t take too long for the baby to get fussy again and she didn’t want to calm down again.

“What’s wrong with her?” Dean asked, exasperatedly.

“Probably needs a diaper change and some food,” Sam guessed, looking a little panicky. He though about it and it must have been a while since the mom had last fed her seeing as she was asleep before and they had been driving for almost an hour now.

“We should stop at the next store that has like diapers and stuff,” Sam added when he lifted the baby higher, his nose catching a whiff of her definitely full diaper.

“Yeah, okay,” Dean just agreed and looked out for a road sign for the nearest town. 

Twenty minutes later Sam’s ears were still ringing, the baby's cries not helping and there was the stench of annoyed alpha and distress in the car. Sam was close to tears himself, the sound of her cries tearing him apart the longer it went on. He was still trying to shush her as he got out of the car, finally able to rock her properly. 

“Go get some diapers and wipes, Dean. I’ll go to the restroom with her.”

“What kind do I get?” Dean asked, slightly panicked.

“I don’t know,” Sam hissed back. “You’ll figure it out.”

He could see that Dean wanted to argue but the alpha only sighed and went into the store ahead of Sam, disappearing into the aisles quickly. Sam rocked the little girl a few more times, her getting more exhausted and quieter but also more whiny as he finally headed into the store, taking the hallway to the restrooms.

Dean had been surprisingly fast in his purchase as he joined Sam only a few minutes later, handing over the supplies. 

“So, how do we-?”

“I don’t know,” Sam said honestly as he put the girl down. He had never changed a diaper before but he had seen it done and it couldn’t be that hard. 

It was fair to say that they did indeed managed to change and clean her successfully though the method and execution were probably far from perfect. 

Sam sighed heavily, shoulders slumping when she had finally stopped fussing after being cleaned. He couldn’t hold it against her, he too would’ve been uncomfortable sitting in that mess. 

“Finally, thank fuck,” Dean exclaimed quietly, leaning against the wall. And while his brother may not have helped in the actual changing, he had at least handed Sam whatever he had needed. 

“No swearing,” Sam said, covering the baby’s ears with his hands. 

“Oh c’mon, she can’t understand us,” Dean just replied, rolling his eyes before he pushed off the wall and opened the door. 

Sam narrowed his eyes but gathered up the newly wrapped bundle again before he stepped out of the open door. 

“So? What now?” Dean asked, following him out.

“Well, we go in and buy stuff for her,” Sam said, looking at Dean with confusion. “She must be hungry and we should probably get her like a different onesie or something.” 

Dean looked at the baby for a second before he nodded. “Sure, but we get some food for us too.” 

—

The baby aisle had been overwhelming and the baby formula was criminally expensive in Sam’s opinion meaning they were forced to pick the cheapest one they could get along with the necessary bottles and stuff. With no true idea of how old the baby was they didn’t know what kind to get or much else. Holding some of the clothes up to her – and yes, Sam insisted on buying at least one change of clothes – they guessed she was between three and six months, though on the smaller side. 

Sam had never before thought about the logistics of actually caring for a baby and they just now found out that it was pretty much a giant headache on the road. Dean thought they might find hot water for a bottle at a coffee shop but everything was closed this late in the evening and their only real option was to get a motel for the night and hope that they still had a room with a kitchenette. 

It felt like a blessing when the woman, an omega, at the front desk looked at them with sympathy when the baby started to cry again.

“Oh dear, someone’s cranky,” she said with a kind voice. 

“She’s hungry,” Sam blurted out. “But we just got supplies and we don’t-”

Her sympathy turned into understanding and there were bitter notes of pity in her scent. “First nights without the mother can be especially hard,” the woman replied, reaching out and patting Sam’s arm. 

Sam wasn’t sure how to feel about her reaction, couldn’t guess what she was thinking. He nodded stupidly a second later which apparently was the right response though.

“Well, I’ll just get you checked in and then I’ll help you feed her while your alpha gets your things to the room.”

“He’s-” Sam started to say but Dean stepped forward, smiling at the woman tiredly as he handed over their latest credit card. 

Sam felt like he had only blinked before Deans stepped out of the little office again and Sam was herded into the back, the baby in his arm and the bag with the supplies taken from him by the woman. 

“Now let’s see what we’re working with,” she said idly as she pulled the can of formula and the bottles out of the bag. “Oh would you look at that, my daughter used the same.”

A weight fell off of Sam’s chest as she carefully explained what Sam had to do, heating the mixture just right and testing it on his wrist before showing him the best way to hold the baby while feeding her. 

“You’re doing wonderful, young man,” the woman commented once the girl was sucking at the bottle greedily. 

“Thank you,” Sam said quietly but genuinely, his cheeks heating up as his omega preened just a little at the praise. 

There was a quiet lull as the baby drank from the bottle and while Sam got shown how to burp her correctly. He was glad but still surprised that she didn’t question them about the baby or their apparent inability to take care of her. He listened to her tips and promised to be back in a few hours for another feeding before he was ushered outside. 

“Oh,” Sam said as he entered the room they had rented, looking at the bed across from him. 

“Yeah, think she thought we were you know,” Dean said, gesturing unnecessarily between them as he looked up.

“Hmh” Sam hummed, quietly closing the door behind him and locking it. He stepped over the salt line and into the room, still staring at the one singular bed in the middle of it. 

Dean got up from where he was sitting at the table, his gun he had just been reassembling laying on it. He stepped closer, pointing to the side of the bed nearest to the bathroom. "No crib but-"

Sam stepped closer before rolling his eyes. “Really?”

“Hey, it’s the best option,” Dean said defensively. 

On the floor laid a pulled out drawer from the dresser in the room. Dean had at least put the blanket they had bought in it to pad it out a bit and Sam had to ultimately agree that it might be their best bet.

“Christ, yeah, okay,” he agreed with a sigh, walking up to it and bending down. 

The baby and damnit Sam really couldn't keep calling her that wasn’t quite sleeping but she looked close to it and Sam placed her down, rubbing her belly when she started to fuss at being put down.

“Shh, c’mon, baby, let’s get some sleep,” he murmured, continuing to rub her belly. She calmed down again and Sam smiled tiredly as she finally shut her eyes. It only took a few moments longer for her breathing to turn steady and for her to fall asleep. Sam sat back on his heels once she did, supporting his hands on his thighs. 

“We gonna share?” He asked quietly, nodding towards the bed. 

“Yeah,” Dean said, already pulling off his boots. 

Sam just hummed before getting up again. He grabbed his duffel, shaking his head at Dean just falling into bed without brushing his teeth or anything. Sam made his way to the bathroom, pulling a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt out before grabbing his toiletries too. 

He sped through his usual routine, desperate for at least a few hours of sleep before he had to wake up again to feed the baby once more. Sam checked on Ellie one more time before he slid under the cool covers next to Dean. 

Sam grabbed his phone from the nightstand where he had put it to charge, setting an alarm for later. 

“What’re you doing?” Dean asked sleepily.

“Gotta feed her again,” Sam said, putting the phone down and burrowing into the duvet. 

“Babies man, babies,” Dean mumbled, turning to his side, back facing Sam. 

Sam hummed in agreement, turning too so he laid facing the drawer on the floor, keeping an eye on the baby's steady breathing until his eyes fell shut.

—

Unsurprisingly the night turned out short and restless. Sam had gotten up twice more to calm and feed her before they had called it quits and given up on sleeping any more.

Dean had gone out a little while ago to grab them breakfast and Sam was too tired to keep his omega pheromones in check. It had been a while since Dean had really let out the caring alpha, getting them breakfast or anything but Sam appreciated it a lot, especially when he took the first sip of coffee. 

“Thanks,” he mumbled, nearly dipping his nose in the hot cup while cradling it close. 

“Sure,” Dean said, sitting down at the small table and opening the bag of breakfast sandwiches he had gotten them too. 

The baby was quietly snuffling, staring between them as they ate their breakfast, content for once now that she was fed and changed. Sam had put her in the new outfit earlier and she looked adorable in the little teddy bear inspired onesie. 

He reached out to stroke her chubby cheek and she grabbed for his finger, pulling at it. “Hey baby girl,” Sam said, smiling brightly and voice higher than usual. 

She gurgled happily in response, squeezing Sam's finger with surprising strength.

"What are we gonna do with you, huh?"

"We should probably find some dead man's blood and then either dispose of her or drop her off somewhere," Dean said, after swallowing his bite of breakfast. The alpha had been looking at her suspiciously for most of the time, though he didn't smell like he was truly worried.

Something in Sam rebelled at the thought again, not just thinking about having to poke a small and innocent baby with a needle full off dead man's blood. Even worse and it made Sam nauseous to even hear Dean suggest it to kill her if she did react to the blood.

Sam put the cup of coffee down, no longer interested in drinking it now that his stomach had turned. He couldn't stop thinking about having to kill he or even just give her up. Sam took a deep breath, trying to get his nerves under control but he could feel his omega screaming in horror at the options. Dean was right, he knew that and if she really were a vamp they had to kill her but it was making his breaths speed up, his lungs burning with not enough oxygen getting to them.

Dean looked at him with worry, leaning forward. "You okay?"

"I-"

His brother took in a deep breath, nose crinkling after a second. "Jesus, Sam," he said, getting up form his chair. Dean walked over to him, sitting down next to him on the bed. He brushed his wrist along Sam's neck, a move he hadn't done in a long time.

"Hey, it's okay, Sam. It's okay," he said and Sam could tell he was trying to sound calm.

"I know," Sam said, leaning into Dean's touch without meaning to. "I don't know why my omega is going crazy."

Dean brushed his hand against Sam's neck again, fingers running over his scent gland.

"Sorry," Sam apologized, slumping a little as the anxious feeling began to fade with Dean's ministrations and the alpha's scent.

Dean only shook his head. "It's okay, hasn't happened in years though."

And that was true. Back when Sam first presented as an omega he sometimes had these moments when his omega was going a little wild. He could never quite figure out why but it stopped almost entirely as he grew up and got used to his designation. Privately he also thought that starting his suppressants had helped.

"Yeah, I don't know," Sam said. "Think we need to get my prescription refilled."

"Prescription?" Dean asked.

"My suppressants," Sam replied, looking at Dean with his brows furrowed. "You known I'm not on them anymore, right?"

Dean took another deep breath, his eyes widening slightly. "No, I didn't know. Jesus, how did I not know?" Dean shook his head, looking surprised at himself.

"Yeah, since, uh- since- when you were gone," Sam stuttered out.

"Oh"

The silence was awkward before the baby made herself known again and Sam reached down to pick her up. He rocked her for a moment before resting her against his chest, face close to his neck and he could feel her snuffling.

"I think she likes your scent," Dean said, smiling wryly, still a little concerned. He hesitantly reached out and stroked over her head.

Sam guessed that maybe Dean too was struggling with the cute baby in front of them and her possibly being a vampire. "It's probably just the omega in my smell." Sam shrugged, feeling a little shameful.

Dean shook his head, knocking against Sam's shoulder. "Doesn't matter, she likes it."

They sat in silence for a little while, Ellie playing with Sam's shirt and grinning up at them. It was just as she was starting to get a little fussy again and Sam thought that she was just about ready for a diaper change that Dean spoke up again.

"So I'll see if there's a morgue here or if we need to move one," Dean said.

It startled Sam out of his thoughts and he tried to stamp down his panic again. "Yeah," Sam replied quietly.

Dean nodded before getting up and grabbing Sam's laptop.

It didn't take him long to apparently search for the nearest morgue because he groaned only a few moments later.

"There's no morgue here, next one is like twenty miles away in the next town," Dean said, leaning back in his chair.

Sam breathed out a sigh in response. "Okay, I get her ready and then we go?"

Two hours later found them in the next town, Sam bouncing the baby lightly in his arms in the local park while Dean had gone to the morgue.

They had told the last motel manager a lie about having to get home that day and even if Sam didn't like lying to her after she helped them so much, trying to explain anything close to the truth would have just lead to a clusterfuck.

"Hey"

Sam whirled around, Dean coming up the path to meet them .

"Got it?" Sam asked, worrying at his lip.

"Yeah," Dean said, nodding. He held up a syringe, Sam's nerves ramping up as Dean came closer with it.

They were in a pretty secluded spot and Sam hadn't seen another person the whole time he had been there.

"You wanna hold her or do you wanna-"

"I'm not gonna stab her," Sam said, arms tightening around the baby.

Dean sighed and waited for Sam to calm down a moment. "Let's just get it over with."

One precise poke later and the baby was crying but showing no signs of being affected by the blood. She didn't go lethargic or crazy or reacted in any other way that suggested she was a vampire.

"Thank fuck," Dean said, packing the syringe back again.

Sam let out a relieved rush of breath that almost like a sob. He hoisted the baby, no, Ellie higher to nuzzle her face, shushing her.

"You're okay, baby girl," he said, kissing her cheek. "You're okay."

Dean stepped closer again, one hand rubbing along Ellie's arm where he had poked her. "Sorry, girl, but we had to check," he said, even though they both were sure she didn't understand them. His brother's other hand ran along Sam's arm up to his neck, he rubbed his wrist across Sam's scent gland, helping the omega calm down.

Sam wanted to hate it, wanted to be annoyed by the gall of his brother to be the one to distress Sam and then try to placate him like this but he couldn't. He leaned into the touch subconsciously, Ellie quieting down in his arms as the tension of the situation faded.

"Alright?" Dean asked a few moments later.

"I can't," Sam said, staring at Dean. He swore the relief he had seen on Dean when it turned out she wasn't a vampire wasn't just a hunter thing — Sam was sure that it was more than that.

"What?"

"Dean it's not right to abandon her now just because she's human. I can't-" Sam rambled out.

Dean's eyes widened and his eyebrows rose, apparently surprised by either the swing in the conversation or Sam's words themselves. "And what? You want to keep her?"

And did Sam want that? He didn't want to give her away even though she wasn't a threat to anyone now but he knew they couldn't keep her. They shouldn't keep her, right?

"I don't know," Sam answered, sounding confused and defeated.

"Well we kinda have to decide now," Dean said, sounding not nearly as resolved as he did earlier.

"We can't keep her, right? How would we keep her?"

Dean studied him again, stepping a little closer and scenting him. "Sam, I think you've already decided for us."

"What?" Sam asked, a little shocked and indignant.

"I think your omega has decided."

Sam narrowed his eyes at Dean, anger bubbling up. "My omega doesn't decide anything, you know that."

They've had fights over Sam's designation far too many times, how Dean and their dad had often treated Sam with kid gloves because he was an omega while also getting pissed that Sam wasn't the best hunter. Not to forget that sometimes Sam being an omega was good and sometimes it was like a flaw and he never was able to act just the right way for their father.

"Fuck, Sam. I know you're not just your omega but she's starting to take on your scent," Dean countered.

That stopped Sam in his tracks. "What?" He bent his head down and scented Ellie and yes, there was his scent mixed with hers but surely that was just because of her clinging to him.

"Try giving her to me," Dean said, holding out his arms.

Sam shifted her so he could hand her over and at first she stayed calm but as soon as Dean stepped away from Sam and down the path all hell broke loose. Ellie wailed loudly and Sam instantly felt like crying too.

"See," Dean said, stopping and gesturing to between them.

"Shit, yeah." Sam raked a hand through his hair before swiping it down his face. "I didn't mean to," he said, more quietly.

Dean stepped closer to Sam again, holding his arms out so the omega could take the little girl back again. "I know," Dean said after Sam took the baby back.

Her cries got quieter the longer Sam rocked her but it only somehow made Sam feel worse. He hadn't meant to imprint on her or whatever he had done, all he had wanted to do was to save her from the house and give her over to someone so she could have good life.

"Maybe we just take care of her temporarily," Sam suggested. "Just until we can find someone better suited."

Dean looked skeptical and Sam wasn't sure if it was at his suggested or just at Sam but he nodded in the end. "Sure, temporarily."

—

They got back to the car and the first thing Sam had to point out was that they needed more supplies now, such as a car seat.

"I think holding her is too dangerous," Sam said, pointing to the front seat where he usually sat.

Dean pulled a disgusted face at the notion of putting a baby seat in his Baby but he ended up sighing, defeated but nodding.

"More importantly, we need to find a motel for today or somewhere else we can stay," Sam added, turning around and looking across the park's parking lot they were standing in.

His brother sighed but didn't object as he opened the door for Sam to get in with the baby. He closed the door after he got in and walked around the car to get to the driver side. "Sure, Sam."

The town they were in now was larger than the last two and Dean drove them through the streets, looking for the nearest place to get more baby supplies.

They got lucky only a short while later when they found a shopping center with not just a grocery store but also a baby store and some other shops.

The selection of everything they could possibly need was obviously much larger than in the last store they had been to and Sam felt a little overwhelmed looking at it. They wandered aisle to aisle, picking up the things they guessed they'd need before adding a few more packs of diapers to the cart Dean was pushing.

A stroller and a car seat were still on Sam's imaginary list as well as some larger furniture pieces that he guessed that they could get along without at first though. Once they made it to the strollers Ellie however was starting to get fussy and Sam told Dean to leave it, to just find a car seat and that they could buy the rest of the supplies some other time.

Dean looked over the selections of seats, grumbling at the instructions on how to install them into his Baby, calling it a sacrilege. Sam only rolled his eyes in response before pointing at one for Dean to grab so they could finish their shopping.

Sam had to hide his surprise and panic when they got to the register and it all rang up to a much higher price than he could have imagined. Dean however only handed their latest credit card over and for once Sam was glad that it didn't come out of their own pockets.

With everything put back in the cart they could finally make their way back to the car and Sam was not looking forward to trying to fit everything inside it.

"Wait, hold on a second," Dean said, stopping the cart in front of a notice board on their way out of the store.

Sam stopped, bouncing Ellie in his arms as he moved to Dean's side, looking at the board as well.

"What?" Sam asked after Dean stepped closer and picked one of the cards from it to read.

Dean didn't say anything just held the card out so Sam could read it too. "Apartments to lease. Month to month. Fully furnished," Sam read out loud.

The alpha turned to him, looking at him with a questioning look, raising an eyebrow. "What do you say?"

"Might not be a bad idea," Sam replied, looking at the listing again. "Let's get a motel for tonight and we can go check it out tomorrow."

Their second night with Ellie went surprisingly well, Sam feeling like he was allowed to dote on her now that it had turned out she wasn't a vampire. He felt like he was allowed to get more attached which made him, and yes admittedly his omega, more relaxed. That in turn calmed Ellie down and she had barely cried for the rest of the day or night.

Dean hadn't wanted them to come along to to the apartment showing and to meet the building manager the next day but none of the alpha's posturing had been enough to deter Sam. If this was to be their place for the foreseeable future he too wanted to see it before deciding on it.

The place was small, one bedroom, an open area for the living room and kitchen and a small bathroom. It wasn't much and a little run down but it had all they needed and it would give them something a bit more stable while they got used to taking care of a baby.

While Sam had pretty quickly decided that this would be good enough for them, Dean still continued to question the manager and Sam could tell that the she was getting fed up with his brother.

"Dean," Sam said after another moment, catching his brother's eye. He raised his eyebrows before nodding purposefully.

Dean looked ready to argue some more but the manager cut in during the brief pause, seeing her chance at getting this over with.

"If you want to we can go over the paperwork in my office now and if everything is in order we can have you move in by the end of the week," she said, judging by her tone clearly offering them the option to either take it or get out.

Sam nodded again and so did Dean this time.

"Alright, I'll come with you," the alpha said, looking at the woman. "Sammy, there's a Wendy's down the street, why don't you get us some lunch and I'll meet you after we're done here," Dean said and it didn't sound like a suggestion.

Sam narrowed his eyes at his brother and had to swallow down his remark, knowing it would do them no good if he went off on Dean. "Sure, yes," he said instead, only a little stiffly.

Dean stepped closer, rubbing Sam's arm for a second before he lightly grabbed Ellie's food, shaking it and making her grin at the alpha.

Moving in had been a little bit of a struggle, Ellie wasn't quite happy about the new set-up for the first few days and Sam basically had to hold her almost all the time.

Sam didn't know what was upsetting her and it was hard to keep up a brave face when her being upset made him feel worse too.

Dean thankfully was surprisingly thoughtful and didn't annoy Sam too much. He even got food for them while Sam was taking care of the baby. They had agreed to switch who got to use the bed but after Ellie woke up multiple times a night and only wanted to be held by Sam, Dean had offered to just take the couch until the issue resolved.

"Sammy?" Dean asked, stopping in the bedroom door after coming out from his shower.

The omega hummed, looking up at his brother from where Ellie was laying in his lap. She had been fed and burped and he needed to put her to bed again but she was quiet for once, not asleep but blinking lazily at Sam and he didn't want to get up yet.

"You wanna take a shower too or something?" He asked, stepping closer to the bed.

"I should but you know," Sam answered, nodding towards Ellie and then let his head thunk against the headboard of the bed.

Dean sat down on the other side of the bed, leaning over and peering at Ellie in Sam's lap. She smiled at him, spit bubble in the corner of her mouth and her eyes sleepy but happy.

"She looks pretty happy to me," he said, letting his fingers trail over her belly.

"She's clean and fed, she better be happy," Sam said, though he smiled too at the way Ellie was watching Dean intently. "And I think she likes to see you."

"Well I am the handsome brother," Dean grinned, tickling her tummy.

Sam smile softened as he looked at his brother. He still wasn't used to seeing Dean like this, happier and softer when just a few weeks ago he was ready to tear Sam a new one all the time or even a few days ago when he had planned to take Ellie's head off if things didn't go their way.

He might never admit it but Sam was sure that it was the baby making his brother more mellow. His alpha scent was calmer these days and Sam had to admit that it made himself feel better too.

Dean made faces at Ellie, poking her belly and Sam watched them until his eyes grew heavy. He swore to himself he would only close his eyes for a moment and then put Ellie in her crib so she could sleep and he could take a shower.

A moment must have turned out a lot longer because when he woke up he wasn't sitting up anymore. He was laying on his side, curved towards the other side of the bed and when he blinked his eyes open he could see Dean now sitting up against the headboard.

Ellie was in his lap just like she had been in his earlier, sleeping with her mouth a little open, looking peaceful.

"Hey," Dean said quietly, looking up from his phone.

Sam yawned, stretching a little before looking up at Dean again. "Hey. How long was I asleep?"

Dean looked at his watch. "Almost an hour, didn't wanna wake you but when I tried to put her in her crib or take her to the couch with me she got fussy."

Sam nodded, face pressed into the pillow. "Hmh, I think she likes your scent too. Pretty sure she likes your shirts better than any blanket."

Dean's eyes softened a little, a look Sam so very rarely saw on his brother.

"Guess the motel rooms always smelled more like the two of us mushed together than this place," Dean said quietly. "The bed mainly smells of you now."

"We could just share, Dean. Not like we haven't done that plenty before and if it makes her actually sleep more I would appreciate it," Sam said, shrugging his shoulders the best he could in his position.

Dean was quiet for a while and Sam closed his eyes again, ready to fall back asleep. If Dean didn't want to that was fine with Sam, sure he wouldn't have minded sharing the bed with his brother but he wasn't going to push him.

"Yeah, alright," his brother said after another moment, startling Sam a little.

"Okay," Sam replied quietly. "Want me to put her to bed?"

Dean moved on the bed, making Sam open his eyes again. "Nah, I got it, Sammy."

Sam listened to the sounds of Dean getting Ellie into bed, the quiet shuffling and her snuffling. The bed dipped a while later and the sheets were lifted as Dean settled in next to Sam. The lights dimmed and it only took a few more seconds for Sam to nod off again.

Sleeping in one room with Ellie seemed to help as well as just settling in, the space was becoming theirs and their combined scent spreading through the rooms.

Sam found himself taking care of Ellie most of the time, though he tried to find some time to check in with their contacts too. Kevin was no further in his research but he promised to keep in touch. He hadn't talked to Dean about the whole demon tablet situation since they had taken on Ellie but they should probably discuss if they wanted to continue with it or not.

Dean had scammed a few college kids in the bars around town out of their allowances and had seemed to be happy enough with just that little bit of action but Sam was just waiting for his brother to get the itch to go hunting again.

So far everything was pretty quiet and Sam was settling into this new duty, hoping that there was no other shoe to drop for once.

Right now they were sitting at the small dining table after Dean had cooked for them for the second time that week. Sam knew that they didn't usually stay in places that had full kitchens to take advantage off but it was still odd. Not that Sam was complaining or anything, he liked it, he really did, especially since Dean had actually cooked nutritionally valuable meals.

"Thanks," Sam said with a soft smile, rubbing his stomach lightly as he leaned back in his chair.

Dean was almost preening at the compliment, smiling smugly at Sam. "You're welcome, Sammy."

Sam was just about to retort when there was crying coming from where Ellie was laying in her baby seat. He was just about to get up when he remembered something vital.

"Your turn," he said to Dean, grinning a little more as he was pretty sure a diaper change was needed.

"What? No," Dean said but then groaned as he pushed away from the table.

"Hey, you wanted to sleep in," Sam said, shrugging his shoulders.

Dean narrowed his eyes at him but still got up to go take care of the baby. "Fine but you're on clean up duty for dinner since I cooked."

Sam groaned, having learned in a very short time that Dean with a kitchen did not just mean better food but also always a damn mess to clean up after. All the kitchen cabinets open and so many more dishes needed than necessary.

He sighed but got up nonetheless, hearing Dean greet Ellie while he sat out to clean the kitchen.

Predictably Dean had left a mess and Sam wondered how their dinner of chicken and rice could've have required too use so many pots and pans.

Sam could hear Dean speak to the baby a bit muffled with the bathroom door partly closed and he smiled to himself at the sound. It brought a warmth to Sam's chest to see his brother so caring and responsible. He had known for a long while that deep down Dean wanted something more stable, maybe something that came close to a family. His brother would probably never admit it, and maybe it was more coming from his alpha side than his human but his actions only backed up Sam's thoughts on the matter.

Just before Sam could fill up the kitchen sink with some hot water a loud and very audible gagging rang through the apartment. Sam couldn't help but laugh out loud at the sound, chuckling as Dean gagged again.

"Not funny, Sam," Dean yelled towards him but it only made Sam giggle harder.

He put the first plate into the sink with a grin on his face and it didn't leave again until he had done the washing up, Dean running commentary in the background.

"I don't know how that can come out of a little girl like her," Dean said, voice a mix of disgust and astonishment.

"You probably weren't any better as a kid," Sam said. He turned towards his brother who was holding Ellie in his arms. She was gurgling happily and pointing at Sam so he poked her stomach with his still soapy finger.

"Don't get her wet, I just changed her," Dean complained, pulling the baby back a bit.

Sam grinned again before he grabbed the dish rag to wipe over the counter and stove as his last step. He washed his hands and dried them properly before he quickly turned around again, startling Dean a little and tickling Ellie's belly.

She started laughing immediately, wiggling in Dean's arms. He tickled up her side for a few seconds longer before he booped her nose. "Hey baby girl."

"You wanna take her?" Dean asked, shifting her a little so he could hold her out to Sam.

"Nah, I think you should do bedtime today," Sam replied, hoping that Dean for once would go for it. So far Dean had always made Sam do it, convinced that she was still latched onto Sam more and that he should just do it. Dean may have never said that it was because Sam was an omega but he knew that that was what Dean had actually meant. Sam didn't mind doing it, of course he didn't but he knew that the alpha was just as capable.

"I don't-"

"C'mon, Dean. Just this once, please," Sam insisted, turning his puppy eyes on his brother. Dean sighed but he didn't look or sound actually annoyed when he agreed to do it so Sam's smile only brightened.

They hadn't quite figured out how a sleeping or bedtime schedule should ideally be but this had worked for them in the past days and so they continued to do so.

While Dean went ahead and got Ellie ready for bed, Sam made up a bottle for her. As Sam went to bring it into the bedroom, he had to stop in the doorway. Dean was sitting on their bed, having just put her into the sleep bag Sam had bought. Dean was humming to her, Sam suspected Metallica, as he was rubbing over her arms and tummy. Sam had read on some mommy blog that it helped to kind of, massage babies to calm them down and he had been doing it the last few nights but he was surprised that Dean had picked up on it.

Sam watched Dean for a moment longer, a warm feeling spreading in his chest and his omega was all happy to see the alpha be so attentive — maybe even a little too much.

Dean looked up a moment later, catching Sam standing there. A blush crept up Sam's cheeks, but he couldn't stop staring at how uncharacteristically soft Dean was being.

"Here," he said quietly, holding out the bottle and stepping closer so Dean could take it from him.

"Thanks, Sammy," Dean said, grabbing the offered bottle after he shifted Ellie to lie in his arms a little better.

"No problem," Sam replied, smile stuck on his face.

Dean hummed as he brought the bottle up to the baby, a soft smile on his face when she latched on.

Sam had to leave the room then, couldn't keep watching his brother because the feeling that was spreading through him was too much. It was like a strange mix of happiness and yearning and something that acutely felt like it was his omega, his whole body was tingling with it.

He decided to head to the sofa instead after grabbing two beers from the fridge. They still had half a season left on the show that they were currently watching and there was nothing else really to do with Ellie asleep.

Dean joined him a little while later, telling Sam that she had fallen asleep with no problem. Sam could see the little swagger in Dean's step as he walked over to the couch. The alpha was clearly happy with himself and maybe even a little proud, though Sam doubted that he would ever admit it for doing something like this.

Sam offered him the bottle of beer and Dean accepted gratefully, sitting down next to Sam. "So, you wanna finish the season?"

—

The next morning Sam cracked his back after getting out of bed. Dean was still sleeping on his side and the alpha looked unburdened for once. Sam had bleary watched his brother feed Ellie once that night, a lazy smile on his face and happy to not have to get up himself. Now it was Sam's turn again though and even though he was sure Ellie would fall back asleep after another bottle and a diaper change, Sam wouldn't be able to.

It had become some sort of routine now, Sam waking up, caring for the baby first before he started a pot of coffee and went for a shower while it was brewing.

He stripped off in the small bathroom, throwing his clothes next to the pile of Ellie's they had to wash later. Getting under the hot spray, Sam closed his eyes and let his thoughts wander for a while.

Unsurprisingly he thought about Dean and how natural he had looked yesterday, how the alpha had cared for their charge. His body was tingling again and Sam didn't want to examine the feelings he had but he was clearly reacting much stronger than reasonable.

Sam ran his hands through his hair and over his face before skirting down his body. His nipples were hard and his chest kind of hurt when he ran his hands over it. Sam looked down at himself, for the first time noticing that his chest looked inflamed and a little puffy.

"What?" He muttered out, thumb stroking over his nipple and Sam had to stifle his noises. He wasn't quite sure if it was painful or not, all he was that his whole chest was really sensitive.

Continuing to wash himself, Sam found more things that made him question what was going on. Like the fact that he was just a bit slicker than was usual for him, just a little hornier too.

A few days later Sam had the answers to at least one of the things he had been noticing.

Ellie had been crying for a while and nothing they had done had really soothed her. Her diaper was fresh and Dean had tried to feed her but she wouldn't stay latched on.

It hurt Sam to hear her cry, his omega feeling in distress at the sound, even a little like a prancing tiger.

"Dean," Sam said, reaching out and taking her from him again. He cradled her in his arms, pressing her to his chest and rocking her.

She still didn't seem to want to settle down until Sam sat down with her, Ellie still cradled against his chest. Which was when two things happened simultaneously.

Ellie twisted her head to the side, mouth latching onto Sam's shirt, right over his sensitive chest and at the same time Sam had the strangest feeling of his chest leaking, of a wetness spreading there.

"What?" Sam squeaked out, stuck between pulling Ellie away and to stay still in shock.

Dean laughed as he saw Ellie latch onto Sam's chest, probably not realizing what else had just happened.

"Ellie, no," Sam said, confused. His confusion turned into a mix of horror and surprise when he lifted he finally lifted her away and his chest was definitely much wetter than her little mouth should've left it.

"I don't-, what's happen-" Sam stuttered out, holding Ellie out for Dean to take. His brother took her from his arms and apparently Sam's strong reaction had temporarily made her stop crying at least.

Sam unbuttoned his flannel, his t-shirt underneath soaked and he pulled that off too in a panic. His chest was still swollen, his nipples red and his left one wet with a white liquid.

"Holy shit," Dean said, making Sam look up.

Dean inhaled sharply and Sam could see his eyes widen, his mouth opening slightly. "Fuck," Dean breathed out, taking a step forward.

"What? Dean what-"

"Shit, Sammy, that's-" Dean began, inhaling again. "Your smell — it's all omega and soft."

Sam didn't know if it was dread what he was feeling but he was pretty sure he knew what was happening. He lifted his hand up to his chest as if in a trance, squeezing his left nipple a little and yeah, that was definitely breast milk coming from him. He brought his hand up again, watching the milk drip from his fingers.

Looking up Sam saw Dean stare at him, almost a feral glint in his eyes and on another inhale Sam could smell just how many alpha pheromones were coming off of him.

Sam wanted to say something, wanted to deny what was happening or find any other reason but Ellie got over her little shock and got right back to crying and reaching out for Sam. And even if Sam wanted to deny what was happening, the fact that Sam literally started leaking at her cries made it impossible to do so.

Dean stepped closer again, reaching down so he could place the baby into Sam's arms and right against his chest. Ellie wiggled a little, her mouth like a heat seeking missile as she latched onto Sam's nipple.

Sam squeaked, the feeling strange yet not uncomfortable as she began to suck at the sensitive bud.

"Fuck," Sam breathed out, adjusting his grip on the baby and stroking her head where he was cradling her against him.

Dean knelt down next to him, watching the baby feed from Sam intently. He reached out a moment later, still looking at him with wide eyes as he rubbed over Sam's right breast. Dean's fingers squeezed his hardened nipple and Sam hissed in slight discomfort before the first drops of milk soaked Dean's fingers. His brother swallowed audibly, thick alpha scent surrounding them.

Sam had to look away from Dean when the suction on his left nipple stopped all of a sudden and Ellie wiggled again, balling her fists and whining when Sam didn't react immediately. He got it after a moment though, switching her to his other side and forcing Dean to drop his hand. She latched on again, sucking with more force than Sam would have expected.

"This shouldn't be happening," Sam said, still in disbelieve.

Dean sat back on his heels, looking up from Ellie to him. "You're an omega."

And it probably was a good thing that he was holding the baby and that he may have still been in a bit of shock, otherwise the comment would've earned Dean an earful. Instead Sam just looked at his brother a little helplessly. "But it still shouldn't."

"Maybe it shouldn't," Dean agreed. "But it is happening."

"Fucking hormones," Sam mumbled before he clapped a hand over his mouth, just then realizing that he had sworn multiple times in front of the baby.

"Look on the bright side, Sammy. It's definitely cheaper to feed you than to get her formula and it got her to stop crying immediately," Dean said, knees creaking as he got up, his eyes still firmly lodged on Sam's exposed chest.

It took until Ellie had pulled off again, happily gurgling that a chill caught his naked skin and he fully realized that he had stripped down in front of his brother. That his brother had squeezed his nipple until milk had come out and Sam had not minded it then.

He was freaking out now, the whole thing crashing down on him and he almost jumped up from the chair.

Dean startled a little but grabbed Ellie when Sam handed her over to him.

"You burp her," he said, a little panicky before turning and quickly making his way to the bathroom.

Sam closed the door behind himself, chest heaving as the panic began to worsen again. He caught his reflection in the mirror and he stopped. His nipples were still looking a little sore but his chest was less distended.

Theoretically Sam had always known that omegas and thus he himself were able of bearing and nursing children but he had never really contemplated either of those for himself. He'd had sex ed in his schooling, had seen male omegas feed their children before but it was just something that Sam was sure would never happen to him.

Looking at himself in the mirror however he could not deny the fact that it really was happening to him now. Ellie might not be their child, he may no have bore her but his omega had still accepted her, had gotten so affected by her that he had began producing milk to feed her.

A knock sounded on the door and it could have been five or thirty minutes that Sam had stood in the bathroom, staring at himself. The door creaked open and Dean stepped into the bathroom.

"Hey, Sammy," he said carefully, like he was afraid to spook Sam. "How are you feeling?"

"I don't understand why this is happening," Sam said, turning towards his brother.

Dean stepped closer, looking at Sam with a uncharacteristically soft and concerned face. He pulled Sam into a hug, his bare chest pressed tight to Dean's clothes one.

"You're an omega caring for a baby," Dean just said, rubbing lightly at Sam's back.

"Yeah but I always had control over my omega. It was always me in charge, ever since I started-" Sam said into Dean's shoulder before a thought crossed his mind, making him fall silent.

"Ever since what?"

"Since I started taking suppressants," Sam replied. He pushed away from Dean to look at his brother again as he continued. "But I stopped after you went to purgatory, couldn't get my prescription filled first and then it didn't really matter anymore."

"And now you're raw-dogging being an omega," Dean said.

Sam looked at Dean with an unimpressed glare before he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I guess."

"Explains at least why your scent has been so much stronger. I just thought purgatory fucked me up even more."

The omega rubbed a hand over his face. "What do we do now? I mean aside from me going back on the suppressants."

Dean looked at him with confusion. "No, why would you do that? You saw how Ellie reacted and we both know that suppressants were never meant to be a long term solution."

Sam stared back with disbelief, not understand why his brother was reacting like that. "And we both know that there is no real other option for me. Now that we're back to hunting and living on the road it's a surprise my body didn't start going haywire without them earlier."

"You've put poison in your body for over a decade, don't you think that's enough?" Dean asked, voice raised slightly.

"Dean, I'm an omega without a stable home, constantly moving around and working a dangerous and volatile job. Do you really think it would be for the best to let myself be controlled by my stupid omega nature? A nature, by the way, that I didn't even want!"

"It's not stupid, Sam," Dean argued back. He stepped forward, grabbing Sam's shoulders and shaking him slightly. "Jesus, Sam. I know you never wanted to be an omega but don't you see that it's not stupid or bad or a mistake? Sam you're exactly how you're supposed to be, I mean it made you capable of caring for Ellie like you are right now and you might deny it but I haven't seen you this happy in a long time."

And well, maybe Dean had a point there. If he thought about it, Sam really had been happier ever since that little girl had come into their life. But it hadn't just affected Sam, it had even mellowed Dean out some.

Dean's hands ran down his arms again, gripping his wrist shortly before running back up, his fingers grazing Sam's scent gland and pressing into it lightly.

Sam's breathing calmed down at the touch, his deeper inhales bringing more of the alpha's scent into his nose and he could feel him self relax just a little more. In the back of his mind Sam knew what Dean was doing, was aware that his brother was using Sam's uninhibited senses to his advantage now that he was more susceptible to the alpha's pheromones and wants. This was Dean though and he was at least somewhat content now and Sam didn't want to mess with that so he only sighed but let his brother continue.

"This isn't stupid, Sam. This is how it's supposed to be. You wouldn't have become an omega if you weren't supposed to be and you wouldn't be able to feed Ellie if you weren't supposed to either." Dean's voice was softer now, his hands falling from Sam's neck to cup his chest.

Sam shivered and he knew he should back off, this was his brother touching him, his brother talking about his body but it didn't feel wrong. Dean's hands were gentle, only barely touching and Sam's nipples perked up.

He looked up at the feeling meeting Dean's eyes, pupils blown wide. Dean looked back down, eyes zeroing in on Sam's chest.

"That doesn't mean any-"

"Just nature, Sammy, I know," Dean said, cutting Sam off. His thumb grazed one of the stiff nubs, making a shiver run up Sam's back.

A cry from the other room broke them apart and Sam stepped back, hitting the sink behind himself. "Ow," he complained before he pushed past Dean and back into the room.

Sam snatched a fresh shirt from the dresser on his way to Ellie and pulled it on so he was finally covered again. Getting close to the baby Sam quickly realized that a diaper change was in need and he picked her up with only a slight grimace.

They hadn't spoken about the incident that day or the following. Sam had begun to nurse Ellie whenever possible, his own body taking the decisions out of his hands once he started to produce milk. His chest became swollen and uncomfortable when he didn't let her nurse and so he had given in even though they still had to supplement with a bottle here or there when her appetite was too big for his milk production yet. Dean hadn't said anything else about it but Sam had notice him lingering whenever Sam nursed her. He didn't want to examine what was going on even if he was pretty sure he knew.

The front door opened and Sam looked up from where he had Ellie laying down on the carpet for some tummy time before he would get her into a bath afterwards.

"Hey," Sam greeted his brother, smiling up at him.

"Hey, Sammy," Dean said, putting down a grocery bag before coming closer. He leaned down to stroke over Ellie's back a few times, grinning at her. "Hey. baby girl."

She giggled happily and Sam's smile widened, a warmth spreading through him at seeing his brother like this. He wasn't delusional, he knew this couldn't last forever and that there were still hunts out there. Hell, they still needed to decide if they wanted to keep Kevin working on the demon tablet or not but for now he could enjoy this thing they had going on.

"Got us stuff for chicken Alfredo tonight," Dean said, getting up and walking over to the bag he had put down again.

"Sounds good," Sam answered, focusing back on Ellie. She was just about done with her tummy time and Sam picked her up again, blowing a raspberry against her belly as he lifted her. She laughed and grabbed at his hair, pulling slightly. "Jeez, little lady," he grinned at her, gently prying her fists way from his hair.

Her excitement waned as Sam held her in his arms, getting up with her and walking over to the kitchen. A yawn made her scrunch her face up and Sam couldn't help but coo at her.

"Someone's getting tired," he said, thumbing at her chubby cheeks.

Dean was unpacking the groceries, looking over at them as he herd Sam approach. "Bath and bedtime while I cook?"

"Yeah," Sam said, looking up at his brother and nodding. "Before someone falls asleep on me again and gets fussy when I try and put her in her own bed."

—

They had a pretty good routine going by now and Sam efficiently bathed Ellie, making her comfortable and sleepy. He had dressed her in the bedroom and had laid her down on the bed for a moment. Sam reached up, face heating up in embarrassment even though he was alone, as he cupped his chest, feeling the slightly sore and swollen flesh under his fingers that told him he didn't need to make up a bottle for her last feed before bed.

Just over the past few days, Sam had noticed that she fell asleep easier and slept better if Sam nursed her before putting her to bed instead of giving her a bottle. So even if it still felt embarrassing and he wasn't that comfortable with it yet, he fed her himself, knowing it would mean a calmer night.

Sam sat down against the headboard before he unbuttoned his flannel and pushed it open. He had stopped wearing a shirt underneath it a few days ago so it was easier to nurse her. Now he only had to reach out and grab Ellie without having to fumble with another hurdle. Sam snuggled the baby against his chest and Ellie was quick to latch on. The feeling was still strange but Sam only closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the headboard, slowly rubbing her back while she fed from him.

He only opened his eyes again when he needed to switch Ellie to his other side and was startled slightly when he saw Dean standing in the open doorway. Ellie latched onto his other nipple and Sam let his head thunk back again, not looking away from his brother.

Dean caught his eye, pupils dilated as he watched Sam nurse the baby. He shifted slightly, mouth falling open a little and hands fidgeting.

"You done, sweetheart?" Sam asked, looking down at Ellie who had apparently finished feeding. She gurgled and smiled, her eyes drooping.

"Alright, gimme a good one and you can sleep," he said, grabbing a cloth and putting it over his shoulder before he burped her.

Dean was still there, Sam could feel his presence, could smell his intrigue and his contentment from across the room. He continued to watch while Sam finished getting Ellie into her crib, rubbing her belly and humming to her until her eyes closed and her soft breaths evened out.

"Quick today," Sam whispered as he stepped back from the crib. "You coming?" He asked after squeezing past Dean in the doorway, hand dragging across Dean's belly.

"Uh, yeah, yeah," Dean stuttered out, following past Sam.

Sam sat down at the dining table, buttoning up his flannel again when Dean put a plate of pasta down in front of him along with a beer. Sam thanked him for the food but pushed the beer next to Dean's.

"What?"

"Can't drink if I'm feeding Ellie," Sam reminded him, shaking his head.

Dean looked a little flustered, something Sam had rarely seen on him. "Oh, yeah."

Sam only nodded before digging into his food, making appreciative noises at Dean's cooking.

The flush barely left his brother's face and Sam smiled inwardly at the way he was apparently able to influence his brother. They hadn't talked about whatever was between them since Sam had first started lactating but they might need to with the way they were reacting to each other. Sam could feel his omega close to the surface all the time, Dean's alpha pheromones and behavior affecting him more than ever.

"So," Sam began after having finished his food and Dean was still working on his second portion. "You like watching me nurse her, huh?"

Dean looked up, pasta still hanging from his mouth as his eyes widened like he was caught. He swallowed and coughed, spluttering a little.

"What do you want me to say, Sam?" He finally asked after he had stopped coughing ad the silence went on too long.

"Nothing, just asking," Sam said, shrugging.

Dean's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's not like it bothers you."

"Didn't say it was," Sam retorted, leaning back in his chair.

His brother took another sip from his beer, draining the bottle and setting it back down. "So you like me watching you, huh?"

"Didn't say that either."

"You've never been shy to say what you don't like either so I'm guessing you like me watching," Dean said, scraping the last bit of his dinner up. "You showing off, Sammy? Huh? You showing how good of an omega you can be?" He said after swallowing his food.

The air in the room shifted and Sam had to keep himself from shifting in his seat nervously. He hadn't meant to take their conversation in this direction and usually hated being called by his designation but something about Dean's tone was just different.

"Not like you haven't been showing off either, alpha," Sam said. "Getting us this place, cooking, getting up in the night."

Dean perked up with pride, his smirk growing. "You like it?"

"I don't hate it."

There was a short laugh from Dean before he pushed away from the table. "Oh I can tell, Sammy. Whole place smells like happy omega, been driving me crazy."

Dean got up and walked around the table, stopping in front of Sam. Sam looked up at him, finally squirming at the way his brother was staring at him. His throat was exposed by the way he was looking up and Dean brushed over his scent gland once, before rubbing his wrist across it.

"You marking me, Dean?" Sam asked, breathlessly.

"Been such a good omega to me, Sammy. Caring for the baby, cleaning, feeding her-" Dean stopped himself, buried one hand in Sam's hair and pulled him up until he could kiss him.

Dean's lips on his made Sam shudder and push further into the kiss. He held onto one of Dean's shoulders while his other hand grabbed Dean's wrist.

"Fuck, Sammy," Dean mumbled against his lips, pulling him up until he was also standing, the hand in his hair loosening.

Sam buried his head in the crook of Dean's shoulder, breathing in the strong alpha scent. He darted his tongue out, licking over Dean's scent gland, feeling his brother against him.

"Omega," Dean warned him when Sam grazed his teeth along the sensitive patch.

He licked over it in apology, kissing it once more before he moved back just a little.

"C'mere," Dean said, pulling Sam in closer and kissing him again.

Sam got lost in it, Dean's mouth hot on his. He was pushed back a little, Sam letting Dean move him until they hit the couch in the middle of the room. He crashed onto it, their lips separating as Dean followed him down, hovering above him.

"You gonna let me, Sammy?" Dean asked, hips meeting Sam's.

Sam wrapped a leg around Dean, pulling him closer and moaning as their hips met. "Gonna let you do what?"

Dean huffed a laugh, dipping down to briefly kiss Sam again. "Gonna let me get some sweet omega ass."

Heat rushed to Sam's face, his hips unconsciously rubbing against Dean's . "You wanna-"

"Fuck, Sammy, of course I wanna," Dean said, cutting Sam off.

A slick sensation made Sam groan and rest his head back against the couch. He still wasn't used to getting wet this easily, with his suppressants it had taken a lot more to get him wet at all and then not a lot. Now however just a little making-out with an alpha was enough to get him soaked, enough so that Dean could apparently smell it, judging by his flared nose.

Dean groaned, nuzzling at Sam's neck, licking over Sam's scent gland. "God, Sammy. Can't believe I never realized you smelled so good."

Sam shook his head, humming in disagreement. "Nah it's 'cos I'm off the drugs."

"We better keep you off 'em then," Dean said, grinding down against Sam, their erections rubbing against each other.

Something snapped in Sam and he needed to move this along, needed to get naked, needed to get the alpha naked. He fumbled with his own belt before popping open the button on his jeans. Dean got the hint and lifted up onto his knees until he too could open his pants.

There was some wiggling and complaining but soon Dean was naked and Sam had just thrown his boxer briefs over the back of the couch. Sam reached up to unbutton his flannel, his stomach getting exposed first. He had barely opened the last button when Dean pushed the fabric away, Sam's arms still caught in the flannel but Dean apparently had more important things to do.

Dean kissed and licked at Sam's right nipple, his fingers cupping and squeezing the flesh around it. The alpha groaned, pulling the hard nub into his mouth and latching onto it. Dean sucked hard, his tongue still teasing him.

"You make Ellie a bottle if you drink her midnight snack," Sam complained half-heatedly, hands buried in Dean's short hair.

The alpha pulled off a moment later, licking his lips and his eyes half-lidded. "Fine, just let me," he said before moving to the other side.

Sam moaned, his cock twitching at every lick of Dean's tongue and he was worried that his slick was going to stain the couch if they didn't move on soon.

"Dean, please," Sam whined after the alpha had sucked at his chest for, in his opinion, far too long.

His brother let go, lips red and spit-slick. "No wonder she likes it, you taste fucking amazing, Sammy."

Sam flushed but he was still determined to get to the main event. "C'mon, Dean. Thought you wanted a piece of-" Sam stopped, too abashed to continue.

"Oh believe me, that I do," Dean said, smirking down at Sam. A hand wandered from Sam's chest, down over his belly. It grazed over Sam's cock lightly before it finally reached the one place Sam wanted it most.

"Shit, you're fucking soaked," Dean breathed out, two fingers immediately pushing inside Sam.

"Yeah, I know. Please, c'mon, Dean."

The two fingers pumped inside Sam, the wet sounds only making it hotter as Sam ground down against them.

"Need something bigger, huh? Need my knot, don't you, omega?" Dean taunted him lightly, a third finger joining the other ones inside Sam.

Sam only whined, head thrown back and trying to get as much of Dean inside him as possible.

"Can't promise you long tonight, Sammy," Dean said and there was genuine regret in his voice.

"Won't last either," Sam assured him. "Just get on with it."

"Bossy omega," Dean tutted, twisting his fingers inside Sam.

Sam moaned, looking at his brother with his best puppy eyes to hope and convince him. "Please."

Dean groaned, closing his eyes for a second before his fingers finally were pulled out. Sam felt at a loss for a moment before Dean lined up, the blunt head of his dick pushing against the omega's soaked hole.

"Relax, Sammy." His brother bent down, kissing along his jaw and nipping at his earlobe.

The omega breathed out a whine, trying to do as Dean asked of him. Sam lifted his hips, letting his head fall back when Dean bottomed out, the full alpha's length inside him.

"Fuck, you're tight," Dean said, muffled by Sam's neck.

"God, so full," Sam whimpered, hands gripping Dean's shoulders tightly.

Dean chuckled, pulling out and fucking back inside Sam. His dick was large, typical for an alpha and Sam could already feel the beginnings of his knot.

It had been quite a while since Sam had been with an alpha, even longer since he had taken a knot and he had to admit that he was both excited and a little terrified. He had never taken one off of his suppressant and could only guess how it would affect him.

The slapping sounds that Sam's slick made between them were lewd and his face would've been burning if he wasn't so stupidly turned on. Sam's own dick was rock hard and leaking, his lower belly sticky with his own pre-cum that Dean was fucking out of him with every hit to his prostate.

He was whining and moaning, little omega noises he couldn't hold back and in the back of his mind all he could hope was that they wouldn't wake Ellie. Sam moaned louder on a particularly well aimed thrust, legs wrapped around Dean's waist and his fingers raking down the alpha's back.

"Such a good omega for me," Dean groaned out, hips thrusting in an almost punishing rhythm, taking Sam apart bit by bit. His tongue lapped over Sam's scent gland before sucking at it and Sam writhed on his cock, the need to be taken too much.

"Fuck, Dean, please."

"Need my knot, huh?" Dean asked, breathing heavy and wet against Sam's skin. He had his hands buried in Sam's hair, folding him nearly in half as he rabbitfucked into Sam.

A loud, uncontrolled whine left Sam and he had to push Dean off, the need to present too strong. "Knot me, alpha, fuck let me, wait," he blabbered out, slapping ineffectually at Dean.

"What?"

"Let me turn," Sam managed to croak out.

Dean pulled out, letting Sam go and the sudden emptiness made him shudder. He was nearly shaking as he turned in the tight space Dean had given him, his arms stuck in the flannel as he crossed them in front of him. He dropped his shoulders down, ass up and he could feel his slick leak down his thighs before Dean finally moved again.

"Holy shit," the alpha breathed out, rubbing a hand over Sam's ass before he pushed down at the small of Sam's back, making him arch even more.

A pleased growl rumbled out of the alpha as he lined up again and fucked back into the omega. The angle change was too much and Sam lost most of his coherency. He whimpered pathetically when Dean's partially inflated knot slipped into him for the first time.

"Get ready, Sammy," Dean warned him, hands gripping his hips tightly and pulling him against him with every thrust.

Sam clenched down on Dean's dick, the knot noticeably bigger when Dean shoved it inside again. He was sure it wouldn't take long now, on the edge of his own orgasm, only waiting for Dean to get stuck.

It happened a few thrusts later, Dean trying to pull back and his fully inflated knot tugging at Sam's rim with just the right pleasure pain that the omega had no other option but to surrender to his orgasm. He tried to muffle his cries in the couch, drool and his own cum gathering under him. Dean fucked him through it, his own orgasm making his moves erratic. Dean's face was buried in Sam's neck, mouth sucking on Sam's scent gland, not biting down but his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh.

Sam wasn't sure if he passed out from too much at once or not but when he blinked his eyes open a little later he found himself turned to his side with Dean plastered to his back.

Dean was still breathing heavily, his chest heaving against Sam's back. He was lazily licking at Sam's neck even though he was sure that the alpha hadn't actually bitten him.

"Shit," Dean finally said a few moments later, breaking the silence. "That was fucking intense, Sammy."

"Yeah, hmh," Sam agreed, ass beginning to sting slightly even though Dean was still firmly lodged inside him and would probably remain so for a while longer.

"Never imagined you'd present for me."

Sam groaned quietly. "Couldn't help it, I just needed to."

"Yeah, like a good omega," Dean said, taunting him a little.

"Shut up."

Dean huffed against his neck, kissing under his ear once before falling silent again. Sam rolled his eyes, snuggling just a little closer to Dean and only wiggling his hips a little.

"You know what I'm wondering?" Dean asked some time later, arms tight around Sam and nose pressed back close to Sam's scent gland. Tiredness was dragging Sam slowly under now that the adrenaline was fading but Dean's voice woke him slightly.

"What?" Sam asked, voice sleepy and slurred.

"When your first heat off suppressants is going to hit."

"Second," Sam countered.

"What?"

"Second. Had my first before you came back," Sam said, eyes closed.

"With Amelia?"

"No, was alone. T'was pretty intense off the supps. Only happened once though, guess it took a long while to get it all out of my system."

Dean hummed and he didn't sound as happy as he did before. "No need for the meds now, you got an alpha after all. Gonna make sure you're gonna be all regular and shit, every four months hanging off my knot."

"Shut up," Sam mumbled.

Dean chuckled, kissing his gland again before snuffling and falling quiet too.

—

The morning came quickly and with it a crick in Sam's neck from where they had been smushed together on the couch all night.

Sam rolled off of Dean, nearly falling to the floor before getting his feet under him. He stretched, his muscles burning just a little. He still kind of wore his flannel but was naked apart from that and there was dried cum on his stomach and down the back of his thighs. Sam draped the blanket back over Dean who was still sleeping peacefully as he made his way to the bedroom.

He grabbed some clothes for the day, checking that Ellie was still asleep and decided to take a quick shower before she would probably wake up soon. It was a miracle she hadn't woken up before but it was just past five thirty in the morning and Sam hoped to get a few minutes of solitude still.

His shower was quick and efficient, cleaning off last night's evidence and washing his hair. He had just put on his jeans when there was a wail coming from the next room and Sam forwent his flannel, which he would have to take off immediately for her first morning feed anyway.

"Good morning, baby girl," Sam greeted Ellie, poking her scrunched up nose. She looked at him with an unimpressed glare, still crying.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, picking her up from her crib and bouncing her for a moment while he sat down at the head of the bed.

She nursed from him calmly and Sam's omega purred contently in his chest. Maybe it was because of what happened last night or maybe it had been brewing ever since Ellie had come with them but something between him and Dean felt different. It made Sam think of all the times he was told he just needed to find an alpha, how then he would understand what having your own family meant.

And they were a weird facsimile of one now, weren't they. Dean, the alpha and Sam, the omega and then Ellie, the baby. Him and Dean weren't mates, they weren't together, they were brothers and Ellie wasn't theirs but Sam's omega certainly didn't care — it counted them as something even if Sam couldn't or didn't want to name it.

Ellie burped a while later and Sam wiped her mouth clean before he laid her down on his stretched out legs, poking at her tiny feet.

"Sammy?" Dean asked, startling Sam slightly and making him look up. His brother had only pulled his boxers back on and Sam blushed at the sight.

"Yeah?" He asked, slightly flustered.

Dean stepped a little closer and only now did Sam realize that Dean was holding out a mug to him.

"Thanks," he said after taking it, only slightly confused. It clearly wasn't coffee judging by the color and smell and Sam twisted the mug until he could read a label on the teabag inside it, 'Lactation tea' it read.

"It's uh supposed to help with your uh production," Dean said, a slight flush to his cheeks.

Sam chuckled, careful not to spill anything with Ellie laying on him. "More to share between the two of you, huh?"

Dean's blush darkened and there was a glint in his eyes as he nodded and sat down next to Sam.

"Alright," Sam agreed, shaking his head with a fond smile before taking a sip of it.

They sat in silence for a while, Dean was making faces at Ellie who smiles at him, wiggling her hands and feet at the alpha. Sam slowly drank the tea, observing them as they played.

He couldn't remember the last time that his brother had been this happy. Rationally Sam knew that it was probably because of Ellie but he felt a sense of pride for making Dean happy that he knew was coming from his omega too. And Sam would have been lying if he'd said that he didn't want to give the alpha more of this.

"Have you ever though about mating? Or I guess just having an omega?" Sam asked quietly, clutching the almost empty mug in his hands.

Dean briefly stopped playing with Ellie, looking up at Sam before continuing. "No."

"Oh," Sam said, biting his lip.

"Don't need no omega."

Sam hummed, feeling inexplicably dejected even though he had know that all of this was just one hormone and pheromone driven temporary lapse of judgment.

"Sammy?"

"Nothing," Sam quickly said, raising his mug to take the last sip of tea.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Dean sighed, looking up at Sam. "Don't be so dramatic, Sam."

And Sam really didn't want to be, knew it was childish to feel this way but he still felt insulted and rejected by Dean's comments even if he knew that it was just what his brother was like. Sam sighed and instead of responding he put the mug to the side for a second to carefully lift Ellie from his legs and placed her on Dean's. Dean grabbed hold of the baby and didn't look at him until Sam got up from the bed, grabbing and pulling on a flannel.

"Hey, wait, Sam," Dean said, finally noticing that Sam was leaving the bedroom.

"I'm just gonna make us breakfast," Sam said nonchalantly, raising his empty mug so Dean could see it.

Sam hadn't even reached the sink when Dean was behind him, Ellie in his arms.

"Why are you being a bitch now?" Dean asked, looking at Sam with a confused expression.

"A bitch?" Sam asked, with a scoff. "All I'm doing is make us breakfast," he said, stepping over to the fridge to grab the eggs.

Dean raised an eyebrow, staring at Sam. "No you-"

"Sorry is that too omega of me for you to handle?" Sam asked, unable to keep up the pretense of being unbothered.

"What?"

Sam only stared back, waiting for Dean to catch up.

"That's not what I meant," his brother finally said a long moment later.

"Sure, yeah. Not like you fucked me, talked about wanting to spend my heat together just to tell me you don't actually want an omega," Sam said, trying to kep his voice even. "Do you really think I let anybody just knot me? Maybe you should pay me if you think-"

A deep growl made Sam stop. Dean was advancing on him, Ellie wide-eyed in his arms, looking between them. Sam stepped back, dropping the nearly crushed egg-carton to the counter behind him.

"Don't you ever fucking say something like that again, Sam," Dean warned him. "I don't want no other omega, 'cos I know you still think I should go back to Lisa or whatever. I was not talking about you."

"You just said omega," Sam tried to defend himself.

"Jesus Christ, Sam. Do you think I would fuck my brother for a one-nighter?" Dean exclaimed, his voice getting louder and Sam could see the baby in his arm getting upset too.

"I don't- I mean."

Dean growled again, shifting Ellie in his arm as he finally caged Sam in against the counter. Instead of touching him though, Dean reached beside Sam, opening the draw and pulling something out. He pressed papers into Sam's hands, stepping back a little to let him read.

"Wanted to give 'em to you later but if you're being like this."

Sam opened the envelope, pulling out what looked to be a birth certificate. He looked at it closer, it was a birth certificate for a Ellie Winchester, born a little more than five months ago. There was no father listed but in the space where the birthing parent's name went was Sam's.

He brought a hand over his mouth, eyes tearing up as he read over it again and again. "What?" Sam asked, breathy and unbelieving.

"I'm still legally dead so it's just you on it but I found out her real birthday, had a guy that still owed me a favor make it for us, he even put it in the system," Dean said, aggression gone.

"You made her my daughter?"

Dean smiled and it looked a little self-deprecating. "We both know we're never gone give her up and I figured you'd want her to be as legit as possible."

"Fuck, Dean," Sam breathed out on a disbelieving laugh. "Jesus and I yelled at you. I'm sorry, I'm-"

"It's fine, Sam. Just hope it's what you wanted."

Sam threw his arm around Dean's neck, careful not to crush Ellie between them. "Yeah, it is."

Dean hummed and Sam could feel his smile pressed into his neck.

"Been thinking about something else too," Sam said a moment later, a little muffled by Dean's skin.

"Whats that?" Dean asked and Sam could hear something suggestive in his tone.

Sam lightly shook his head before stepping back just a bit. "Bobby's land is technically yours, or well, mine since you're dead but I know you liked helping him out out with the car repairs in between hunts and you know maybe we could think about continuing that legacy."

Maybe it was delusional and unrealistic and straight up dangerous but Sam could see them filling Bobby's footsteps. A house and a yard full of cars for Dean to earn some semi-legal cash from, helping out other hunters and maybe even still hunting themselves. Somewhat of a stable environment for Ellie to grow up in and if they needed it, Jody wouldn't be too far to help them get their shit together.

Dean's smiled softened as he grabbed Sam's wrist. "Yeah, maybe we could think about it."