Chapter Eight - Pressure

Dean always had to be strong around John.

In front of Sam.

Playing his part.

Confident.

Cocky.

Cool.

The kid was a tough nut to crack.

Unsure what I was up to.

Unclear why I'd bother.

Undeserving in his mind.

Of care.

Or concern.

Dean deserved so much more than what he was getting.

I was determined he'd have it.

It took awhile.

Quiet moments.

Small reveals.

Until he finally relaxed enough to understand.

He could be himself around me.

No pretense.

No bluster.

No walls.

Himself.

And he knew that was good enough.

It eased the pressure...just a tad.

The End

bjxmas

January 2012

All standard disclaimers apply.

Next two chapters change things up a bit. First comes Dean's reflections on Bobby's influence in his life, and then Sam's. The true worth of a man comes from the impact his life made on the world. Bobby changed Sam and Dean's lives, guided them into the men who became heroes worthy of saving the planet. Yeah, Bobby's life meant something...on a very personal level and on a global scale.

Thanks for reading. Take care, B.J.