Caroline stared at the television screen, watching the characters without comprehension. Her blue eyes never wavered from the moving picture while her thoughts jumbled her mind. As minutes passed, she began to bit her nails; a horrible habit she had thought she had rid herself of.
She had wanted to go with him—she should have gone with him—but his damned protective self wouldn't let her. He insisted that her being there would only distract him. I should have gone anyway. It was too late now though. He and his brother had been gone for three days now, which was not a good sign at all.
A knock at the door interrupted her worrisome thoughts. She sighed, heaving herself off the couch. Caroline really didn't have the energy to deal with her friends or that Original hybrid right now. She wound her way to the door.
She pulled it open warily, calling out quietly. "Hello?"
"Hi." Greeted a rough, familiar voice. Her eyes widened with surprise as she took in the subject of her worry standing before her. He was only a few feet from the door, his shoulders hunched over and his hands in his jacket pockets.
"Dean!" She exclaimed with relief. She leaped forward then restrained herself from throwing her arms around him. He must be so sore after everything. "How did everything go? Did you and Sam—" She trailed off at the unusual sight of his red, glassy eyes.
Something wasn't right. "Are you okay?" She moved another step forward, slowly this time.
The strong hunter laughed a hollow laugh and gave her a heart-breaking smile. "Uh, no. I'm not." He admitted, his voice cracking.
"Well, what happened? I mean, did Sam-?"
His sad eyes flitted to the porch and back to her as a sinking feeling came over the blond. "Sammy, uh,-Sammy didn't-." He cut himself short, visibly struggling to keep a cool demeanor.
Caroline shut her eyes briefly, her heart throbbing with horrible understanding and sadness; sadness for her boyfriend and his little brother who she'd grown to see as her own big brother. Don't cry. Dean can't see you cry. You have to act strong for him. She opened her eyes, pushed away her heavy feelings down. After a deep breath, she placed a consoling hand on his cheek, apologizing softly. "I am so sorry, Dean."
He bit his bottom lip, leaning in to her touch. "I just wanted to—I can't-I can't face anyone right now, especially Bobby, after what happened. I-I need a place to stay."
Caroline nodded immediately. "Of course. You can stay here for as long as you want."
"Thanks, Care." He tried to smile in graditude , but the gesture only broke her heart. Her eyes filled at the wrong sight of her Dean Winchester, almost crying and attempting to hold onto composure.
"No problem." She couldn't hold back anymore and pulled him to her, wrapping her arms around his back. He melted into her embrace, letting go off the crumbling wall. He buried his face into the crook of her neck, shutting his eyes to trap the tears. She lifted one of her hands to his head and ran a hand through his hair gently.
They didn't speak, but just stayed in the embrace; him hugging onto her like a life-line and her holding him together like glue.