Author: kaly
Category: Gen; pre-series; angst
Rating: K
Spoilers: none
Summary: Dean didn't understand what all the fuss was about.
Notes: As always, huge thanks to geminigrl11 for the beta and general cheerleading. It's much appreciated:)
Disclaimer: Not mine. The pretty, snarky, angsty brothers belong to the WB & CW.
Grey Sky Mourning
The first days after the fire passed in a blur for Dean. The smell of smoke was all over everything, even his few toys. His daddy kept hugging them, not letting go for hours and hours. Dean kept wanting to ask why Mommy hadn't come outside with them and when she was coming home. But he was scared to try when his daddy started crying.
Several days later he was standing outside and surrounded by marble, tucked next to his daddy and brother under an umbrella away from the pouring rain. It was cold and he shivered even though he was wearing the big coat his mommy had just picked out for him.
A man he didn't know spoke words he didn't understand, gesturing toward the ground. People he both recognized and didn't - though he didn't care either way - milled around silently, all of them refusing to meet his gaze.
Dean clutched his father's pant leg as one by one the rest walked forward and dropped dirt or flowers into a hole in the ground. They had been telling mean stories about his mommy for days, saying she had gone away and wasn't coming back. He didn't understand why they said those things or why they had to be here. His mommy wasn't in that hole, after all.
When Dean looked up again, the others were gone and his daddy was pulling away, handing him Sam to hold. Out of nowhere, a lady who smelled like cookies took the umbrella from his daddy. He glanced up before dismissing her in favor of his brother.
Sam had begun crying and Dean cooed at him the way their mom always did. He almost smiled when it worked and Sam grew quiet, turning his face toward Dean's chest. The lady offered to take Sam from him but Dean refused - holding onto him as tightly as he dared even though his arms were tired. He was scared to let go - what if Sammy disappeared, too?
It felt like they'd been standing forever and all Dean wanted to do was go home. The rain was running down his daddy's cheeks and Dean, wanting to help, took a step toward him. He didn't get far, however, before the lady holding the umbrella stopped him. She smiled and patted him on the shoulder, saying their daddy just needed a few minutes alone.
Dean bristled, frowning at her but not saying a word - she wasn't his mommy. Ignoring her, he kissed Sam's forehead, wanting him to know it would all be okay. Because maybe once all these silly games were over their mommy could come back home.
fin