Ficlet: A Universal Truth
Author: sandymg
Summary:
Sam finds Dean doing the unthinkable
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer:
I don't own Supernatural or any of its characters.

A Universal Truth

"What's that?"

Dean jumps. No, really. He leaps off the bed, simultaneously shoving something into the blankets behind him.

Sam instinctively takes a step back at his brother's jerky movements. "Geez … were you jerking off to porn?"

"No! Just. 'S nothing."

Now Sam is curious. He dives for the blanket but Dean tries to stop him. They grapple like they used to when Sam was nine and Dean was thirteen. All limbs and legs and elbows. But just like back then, Sam is smiling broadly when his fingers close over the object Dean was hiding.

He bounces away with his treasure and lifts his arm high to keep Dean from reaching it. "Now we'll see what … "

Tilting his head up he scans the paperback. Face immediately paling he lowers his arm to reread the title because impossible doesn't begin to cover this. He thumbs it open to ensure that the inside isn't something else because this. Makes no sense.

Dean is silent, head slightly down, face sheepish. After a moment a glare lights his eyes. "Give it back."

"You're reading this?" Even as Sam asks he can't believe it.

"Yeah. What of it?" Dean bellows back belligerently. "'S funny."

Sam's mind is racing. Could be a curse. Maybe a witch? His eyes start sweeping the room.

"Whatcha looking for?"

"Hex bags."

Dean rolls his eyes. "Funny. Now give it back. Gotta see if Lizzy tells that dude off for thinking his shit don't stink."

Sam staggers. Dean is talking plot. Sweat starts forming beneath his hairline. Bobby. He should call him. He'll know what to do. For a sickening moment Sam thinks maybe this isn't Dean at all. Shapeshifter?

"Okay enough. Stop freaking out. I can read."

"You're reading Jane Austen?" Sam's voice is slightly higher than usual. Happens when panic sets in.

"So?"

"You're reading a British romance novelist?"

"It's a little chick lit, I'll give you that. But … she's funny. All wry and stuff. An' Lizzy. She's spunky. Always liked girls like that."

"I guess. I mean she's a good character."

"Damn straight. Doesn't take any shit from nobody. Deals with her pain in the ass little sister. I know what that's like."

Sam's lips twist but he doesn't say anything.

After another moment of silence Sam says, "Okay."

"Okay?"

He hands the book back to Dean.

As Dean takes the book back Sam starts to see it. The tiny smirk that begins at the very corner of Dean's lips and starts to tilt up. His eyes start to gleam. The crinkles at the corners deepening.

Sam sees red. "You—"

Dean is cackling now. His laughter building exponentially until he's practically gasping for breath. "G-got you so good. Shoulda seen your face … "

Sam can't help but break into a grin. He was well and truly punk'd.

It isn't until well past the laughter has died down and they are back on the road to their next hunt that Sam realizes Dean never threw out the paperback.

fin