This is just a simple chapter, where discussions are made and Dean plays in the snow. *the last part is kinda in Dean's POV*
Yawning hard enough to pull a few vocal chords, Sam desired nothing more than to sink into the plush comfort of a bed. Hearing loud snoring from downstairs, the teen smiled fondly before closing their bedroom door with a soft *click*. Not bothering to change into pajamas or anything; it just didn't seem worth the effort at the moment, Sam spotted his older brother staring in gentle awe out of the burgundy-curtained window. Green eyes fluttered to close before snapping back open.
Behind the glass pane, pure-white snowflakes floated down from the night sky, before landing on the frozen ground below. Despite it snowing, the sky was clear and stars shone above, being a symbol of serenity. It was almost mocking to Sam, how they were so happy and at peace above, while he was down here struggling with almost everything. Though it could be worse...
Standing beside Dean, who was still in awe at the snowflakes falling in front of their eyes, Sam let himself smile as he did the same. They were beautiful.
Dean's voice broke the silence soon after, "Sammy, can we go outside?" Full sentences were uncommon novelties, and Sam took each one like a gift.
The younger Winchester nodded, "Sure." But Dean took that literally, and went to go get his jacket and shoes, leaving Sam to stop him. Mouth a bit agape, the hazel-eyed teen swallowed before adding, "I mean, tomorrow we can, Dean." Looking up from his shoes on the floor, Dean furrowed his brow before yawning and going back to standing beside his brother.
Rolling his eyes a bit, Sam turned from the window to unpack their bags. Pulling out their Christmas gifts to each other, the floppy-haired teen breathed a small laugh at Dean's gift to him. Not in poor-nature...but rather in delight and fondness. It was squarish, the heavy-layered wrapping paper wrinkled from gripping it too hard, making its shape almost deformed, and the words To Sammy, From Dean written in dark marker near the top. Wordlessly, Sam placed their gifts on their drawer beside him. Christmas was about a week away, though the youngest Winchester believed that they might give their gifts to each other on Christmas Eve rather than Day.
Since when were they ever traditional?
Looking up from their presents, Sam smiled at how Dean's hands were pressed against the cold window, his breath forming fog against the glass. Sam could see green eyes dart from snowflake to snowflake as they drifted by. The sight before the youngest Winchester was achingly childlike and heartbreaking. No doubt Dean was gonna be able to play in the snow tomorrow...
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"So, what are you two idjits gonna do now? Your welcome to stay here for as long as you need, Sam. An' you two Dean," Bobby said the next morning, as they ate the best breakfast they had had in a long, long while. While the elder wasn't the greatest cook, you could tell it was made with care. Not that Bobby'd ever tell you that.
While Dean altered his gaze from his food and smiled at Bobby, Sam shrugged. "I don't really know...I mean, I gotta finish school. I got one more year after this...and then college if I can," he replied.
Bobby rolled his eyes, "'Course you're goin' to college. Over my dead body you're not." That made Sam smile in hope. Their dad would've said the opposite or told Sam to just leave if he wasn't gonna stay with family.
The trio ate in silence, the metal sounds of silverware hitting against plates and Dean eating enthusiastically filling the kitchen. It was so domestic that Sam was caught a bit off-guard by it, so normal that the hazel-eyed teen didn't believe this was happening. Like at the diner when that waitress acted like Dean was just a regular guy. Sam didn't believe her kindness at first, and took it as pity.
A voice broke through the silence and Sam's thoughts. "So..do ya think your dad's gonna want you two back?" Bobby asked, voice an octave quieter than usual. Dean visibly stiffened at the mention of their father, a light bruise now marking his face where John had punched him.
Sam's expression faltered and he gave another shrug, "Uh, probably sometime. I think it'd take a while before he even realizes we're gone."
Bobby nodded at that, and took a sip of his drink, setting the glass with a solid sound when he was done.
"Daddy not have Christmas with us?" Dean wondered, voice small and so unlike his usual demeanor at Bobby's house. The green-eyed Winchester often bounced off the walls with happiness, and always provided a sly smile when he did something mischievous.
Gulping slightly, Sam shook his head, then brushing chestnut strands from his face, "No, Dean. He's not." The teen sighed before adding, "You really want him to? After...you know, last night?"
Dean did nothing, gaze dropped to the floor and food abandoned. "Deanie d-deserved it." At that statement, anger burned inside of Sam towards their father. John had probably made Dean believe everything he got: he did something to deserve it. Bobby appeared the same, although he chose to keep his mouth shut this time. The brothers knew how to comfort each other.
Tipping the older's chin to catch his gaze, Sam spoke firmly, "You didn't do anything for Dad to hit you, Dean." Dean's mouth opened to object, but Sam gave him a look that said otherwise. "Besides, spending Christmas will be more fun at Bobby's, yeah?" He earned another shrug, with the dark blond playing with a string on his pajama pants. The words he said had sunken in, and that's all Sam wanted.
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Dean struggled to pull on his boots, before managing and making a satisfied sound in his throat. Sammy had said they could go outside now, and the older was excited. He hadn't been outside since the snow had started, even though that wasn't too long ago. Outside, Dean could be himself and not have to worry about protecting Sammy, since he was usually at school. Sammy was smart, and held his own.
Getting Sammy to help with his jacket, Dean smiled brightly, green eyes sparkling with joy. The snow was perfect for making snowmen and angels with, and that's what he planned to do. Sammy was gonna play outside too. A snowball fight was in order.
Once they were both dressed and ready to go, Sammy and Dean headed into the cold outdoors. The sky was a frosty winter blue, with clouds floating towards the south. News said it was going to snow some more, just in time for the holidays. Snow still fell, only light as the air it rode on, and Dean opened his mouth to catch some. It didn't taste like anything, only water. Dean was a little disappointed.
Snow molded beneath their boots, and even though Dean's legs were shaky, he made it towards the middle of the yard. Laying on his back, the older made a snow angel, moving his legs and arms up and down. When he grew tired, Dean sat up and smiled proudly at his snow angel. It looked nice.
Giggling to himself, Dean not-so-subtly formed a snowball between his gloves. With them on, it didn't matter if his hands didn't work too well. It was just snow.
After the snowball was formed, Dean spotted his brother, the teen making building up the beginnings of a snowman. Throwing it the best he could, and it pelting Sammy in the back, Dean almost squealed in delight. That was awesome.
Head snapping up from his work, Sammy narrowed his eyes playfully and grinned. Leaving his snowman behind, the teen formed a snowball, taking his time to see what Dean would do. It had been so, so long since they had done something like this.
Gasping, Dean ran clumsily towards the edge of the yard, soon hiding behind a small tree. Keeping quiet so Sammy didn't see him, the older pressed a glove to his mouth to muffle his laughter. Peaking around the tree, Dean soon reeled back when he saw Sammy trying to look for him. His little brother was never gonna find him.
Needless to say, Sammy soon did.
*hides behind a curtain* I am so, so, so sorry for the horrendously long wait. High school swept me up and I haven't written in so long. But to break through the barrier, you lovely, loyal readers get one of the first updates in a long while. Thanks for all your reviews to last chapter, they kept me wanting to write this story at every possible moment, however small the moments were.