A Matter of Taste

Author's note:  Thank you to Arwensong for all her help with this story.

***

"What's that noise?" Dean asked irritated. "I hope it isn't any new, unexplored type of demon."

"Umm… what noise?" Sam asked. He had been so engrossed in his book that he hadn't noticed anything.

"Jeez, you're like… I don't know. You're weird," Dean said walking to the motel room's window.

Sam just shrugged.

"Oh. It's hailing. Big ones. The hailstones are leaping from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease."

"Uh? What?" Sam asked disgusted.

"Don't you remember when we tried that when we were kids?"

"No. I must've blocked that out. I've tried to do that with all the stupid stuff that happened in my childhood. Maybe that's the reason I have so few memories of you as a kid."

Dean looked at his slightly grinning brother. "Very funny."

Sam just smiled. He actually liked spending time with his brother – not that he'd ever tell him – Dean might turn cocky.

After a little while Sam had to ask. "Maggots? Really?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not sure I want to know but did we… you know… eat them?"

"Well, I knew those would taste awful so I didn't. But you, on the other hand, you just had to taste."

Sam looked at Dean's straight face. "You're so lying."

"Sammy, would I lie to you? I am your big brother."

Sam cocked his eyebrow.

"What?" Dean asked innocently.
"You're as good as a big brother as Bart is to Lisa."

"You're saying you're a girl?" Dean asked.

"That wasn't the point!" Sam exclaimed and stood up quickly.

"Whoa! Calm down, Sammy. And don't attack me – you do remember what happened last time?"

Sam turned serious. "Yeah. The motel manager looked at us a little funny when he found us on top of each other on the floor. I was so embarrassed."

"'Cause you're usually on top?"

"What? No, I'm not…"

"Oh. I always thought you'd be on top. I mean I've never seen you in action – and God forbid I never want to – but you just seem like that to me."

"Dean."

"I mean it's all the same to me and…"

"Dean!"

"What?"

"I'm not sure what you're talking about but I know I don't want to talk about it."

"Sammy, you don't have to feel awkward – I'm totally okay with your sexuality."

"Oh my God."

"It's not like I haven't experimented in my youth too. I chose differently than you but it doesn't mean your choice is wrong or anything. The most important thing is that you're happy."

"I can't believe I'm having this conversation," Sam sighed.

"You know, some guys like it when you…"

"I don't wanna hear!" Sam exclaimed and threw himself face down on the bed.

Dean was quiet for a moment, then…

"You should wear tighter jeans – I'm sure you'd get more action."

"Dude, you are not checking my ass, are you?"

"Just making an observation," Dean stated.

"Dean... do me a favor and go outside and find some maggots to munch. Before I have to hurt you."

Dean tried explaining to Sam that there weren't really maggots outside, just hailstones that reminded him of maggots, but before he got half-way through his explanation, the look on Sam's face made him think better of it.

"Dean," Sam said between clenched teeth. "Did you know that Oscar Wilde once said something about you?"

"Really? I don't think I ever met Oscar Wilde. What'd he say?" Dean asked, curious.

"He said some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. I think it's time you spread a little happiness and GO!"

Dean scrambled out of the door before the pillow Sam threw could hit him. It sailed harmlessly into the hallway after him.

Wondering if he could find some maggots to fill it with before returning it, Dean picked it up and took it with him.