The wedding photo had been covered up by tinsel, and Sam brushed it away gently, staring at the photo with a small sigh. Four months now.

He was determined not to let his emotions take over the day. He couldn't drag Dean down with him. Trying or not, he couldn't quite pull himself away, gentle finger running down the wooden frame, tracing the outline.

"Whaddya think?" Dean called through, joining him in the room, grinning Rose wrapped in his arms. She was dressed, head to toe, in a cheap red and green elf costume. Sam did a double take, but didn't laugh. He managed to refrain from an eye roll.

Dean knew exactly what was going on, Sam should have known better than to try and hide it, placing Rose in her chair and going to the kitchen. His little brother flinched as the cold beer can came in contact with his skin, and he stared at it for a while before finally taking it. With one last glance at the photo, Sam's heart clenched, and he turned away to sit down. After finishing his beer, he lifted Rose and let a small smile take over his lips.

"What has he done to you?"

"Hey! She looks cute!" Dean frowned. "C'mon, it's present time."

"Not until she looks normal," Sam raised an eyebrow, taking his daughter upstairs to change her into something different. He found a red dress, never worn before, in the drawer, and a flower headband that he recalled Jess had bought on her last shopping trip. How far his wife had managed to plan ahead never ceased to amaze, he wouldn't be surprised if he found clothes to fit their daughter in her teenage years. He smiled at the image before grief flooded him that Jess would never get to see any of it. He clenched his jaw and returned, a little less enthused. Dean either didn't notice or chose not to care.

"N'aw, you liked being a Christmas elf, didn't you Rosie?" Dean pouted, while the infant squealed and giggled from Sam's arms.

"She probably liked it because she couldn't see how hideously awful it was. Those colours were blinding." Sam muttered, sitting and holding Rose on his knee. She leaned on him for support.

"She can. The baby book said so," Dean said proudly. "Babies aren't colour blind, dumbass."

The oldest Winchester had been snooping around and had come across the small collection of pregnancy and baby books, and had taken it upon himself to read them and know more about his niece's development. Sam had never even looked at them once, but Jess had read them all several times. It wasn't that Sam hadn't cared just he had bigger concerns with his wife at the time.

Rose looked around her, and Dean waved to catch her attention. She focused on him and began to smile.

"Want presents, Rosie?" he grinned. "Well, you'll have to go to Uncle Dean for that."

Rose squealed as Dean scooped her up into his arms.

"I think you've been a good girl this year," Dean kissed her head. "Because Santa brought you a ton of cool stuff."

Sam rolled his eyes, "Please-"

"Hey, killjoy. Pipe down," Dean didn't look at his brother. "You're meant to do this with kids. It's like the law or some shit."

"Yeah, can you stop cussing in front of her?" Sam frowned. "And second, she's not even six months old yet. She doesn't know what Christmas is."

Dean raised an eyebrow, "Sam, she's not even six months old. She doesn't know what shit is. Well," he quit while he was ahead, "Let's go look at those presents of yours."

Sam watched in silence as Dean sat on the floor, opening present after present with Rose. He had no idea when Dean had got most of that stuff, but he was glad that someone had spoiled her, as he certainly hadn't. Sam had settled on a small, soft, stuffed rabbit toy, reasonably similar to the one Jess had bought, and nothing else. He'd wanted to get more, but whenever he went into those shops, the same ones he'd gone in with Jess, who was always so excited – he couldn't motivate himself. Every second was a painful reminder of how alone he was, particularly when surrounded with so many other perfectly happy families.

What else could you get for a baby anyway? He'd had to go out and buy new clothes so often that buying them were a necessity and a norm to him, not a gift. Rose had attached herself to the toy Jess had bought, and so he felt other toys didn't really compete. The one thing Sam wanted to give her was Jessica's favourite necklace, a simple chain with a heart necklace that had lain sprawled on the dresser for months. Sam couldn't bring himself to move it. Its position made it seem like Jess had left it there and would be back to pick it up at any minute. Tiny things like that kept Sam going. He'd decided to leave that gift for a later birthday or Christmas, when Rose could understand and appreciate its significance. A baby couldn't do that.

As Dean whispered to Rose, who was staring at everything with eyes wide, smiles appearing and disappearing, Sam couldn't help glancing to the wedding photo again.

Jess should be doing that, he thought to himself, unable to shake it out of his thoughts. He unwillingly imagined his wife dressing their daughter in a sweet Christmas outfit, singing her Christmas songs and sitting together with Sam and opening their presents. They'd make the Christmas dinner together, like they had done every year of their relationship, although the end result wasn't always successful. They could have sat together on the couch, just the three of them, watching crap on TV until late.

Dean was bouncing Rose on his knees gently as she began to get restless.

"You must be the only kid in the world who gets tired for presents, Rosie," he said softly, gently ruffling her hair. "You still have loads to go."

Rose wasn't impressed. She began to whimper, her tiny hands reaching towards Sam.

"Uncle Dean just can't compete with Daddy, right?" Dean nodded. "Fair enough."

Sam accepted his daughter into his arms and rubbed her back soothingly. She calmed down almost instantly, and Dean tried to look put upon but he wouldn't have it any other way. If Rosie was helping Sam heal, then he needed her by his side.

"Did the in-laws bring presents?"

"Yeah," Sam said quietly. "They dropped a bag here for us yesterday. We're going to dinner tomorrow, and you're invited, as always."

"Well, guess if I got nothing else to do," Dean shrugged.

"They're nice people, y'know, Dean," Sam ran his fingers through Rose's curls. "They're not going to hurt you."

"Two presents for you, a ton for Rosie. Wait. Is that for me?" Dean dug into the festive present bag and took out the square shaped present. The tag clearly said Dean. "We should open Rosie's first. Do you wanna do it?"

"Nah," Sam shook his head. "You're better at it than me."

"Pff, you can open a present, Sammy. Really not that hard," Dean smirked.

"You know what I mean," Sam sat on the floor beside Dean, holding Rose close as she stared at the presents remaining.

"Rosie," Dean whispered, but she didn't look at him. He then shook the present and instantly the infant looked in his direction. "What's that, huh Rosie?"

He unwrapped a brightly coloured rattle, and she began reaching for it.

"Knock yourself out," Dean smiled at her, letting her grab it. A smile appeared on Sam's face as his baby daughter took the rattle and widened her eyes at the noise it made. Both brothers watched her for a while as she shook her new toy excitedly, but she lost interest at the sight of her favourite toy lying abandoned by the used wrapping paper. The rattle fell to the floor as both hands tried to grab the toy.

"If we lose this, we're in the shit, Sammy," Dean gently gave Rose her soft toy and chuckled as she clung to it. "Read about it. Babies get attached to a toy, called a security object or something. Say you should have two of 'em, in case one gets lost. 'cause if you have another one you're not so screwed."

Holding Rose with one arm, Sam reached and took the small, wrapped present from right under the Christmas tree, which wouldn't even be up and decorated if it wasn't for Dean.

"You want to open it, Dean?" Sam threw it to him. Dean nodded, attempting to get Rose's attention, but she was too interested in her own toy. Dean shrugged and tore the paper. Rose instantly looked up at the sound, and she watched intently as Dean unwrapped the small, soft toy bunny.

"N'aaw," Dean grinned at Sam. "S'cute. Right, Rosie? Maybe someday Daddy will get you a pet rabbit."

"Yeah," Sam snorted. "No thanks."

One too many witch cases. It was always the bunny that got it. Sam's phone rang, and he groaned quietly to find his mother-in-law calling.

"I'll be back," Sam muttered, placing Rose on Dean's knee as she clutched at her two soft toys. "In about an hour, most likely."

He went to his study, and Dean gently bounced Rose, kissing her head. The sound of wings made both uncle and niece flinch."

"Hello," Castiel's ice blue eyes fixated on him instantly.

"Hey, Cas. Thought you'd be rockin' up in heaven at the angel Christmas party or something," Dean smiled teasingly.

"There is no party in heaven," Castiel frowned, his eyes darting upwards briefly. "I'm not sure the child needs that large amount of gifts, Dean. She is quite small for her age."

"Hey, ain't nothin' wrong with spoiling my only niece," Dean said defensively.

"You have given her clothes that are too large and playthings that are unsuitable for a child of her age," Castiel's expression was unreadable as he watched Rose's face.

"Well she can use them and wear them when she's older. Right, Rosie?" Dean gently ruffled her hair, making her squeal.

"She cannot answer you, Dean," Castiel said. "She has not developed the correct verbal skills."

Dean rolled his eyes, but got distracted as Rose cooed softly and reached toward the angel. Castiel took a step back, and Dean grinned.

"Want to see Cas, Rosie?" he lifted Rose into his arms.

"Dean, she cannot answer-" Castiel began.

"Change the record, Cas," Dean rolled his eyes, placing Rose into Castiel's arms. "Or should I say, uncle Cas?"

"I have no blood relation to the child, Dean," Castiel frowned, finding himself holding Rose. She gave him a toothless, gummy grin, that even Sam's heart melted at the sight of, and Cas appeared to relax.

"See, she's cute. Not gonna hurt you. Well, she'll smile you to death," Dean smiled at Rose, who had begun staring at Cas as she had done so many times before.

"Smiles aren't fatal, Dean," Castiel muttered, beginning to stare back at Rose. Dean rolled his eyes.

"C'mon. Again?"

"She required attention and contact," Castiel looked up at Dean, holding Rose out to him.

"Well, you try, genius," Dean raised an eyebrow. "Give her cuddles. She sure likes that."

"I don't know how to 'cuddles'," the angel seemed disappointed in the inability to use his damn quote marks.

"Just…" Dean attempted to demonstrate with a pillow. "Erm…hold her…closer."

Castiel slowly held Rose closer, who rested her head on the trench coat and giggled quietly.

"Yeah, close enough," Dean muttered and looked away. "As good as we're gonna get."'

"Dean," Castiel said quietly, and Dean looked back to find Rose clinging onto the angel's blue tie. Dean smiled at the panicked expression on the angel. For a guardian angel he wasn't so great with his charge.

"Adorable," he raised an eyebrow. "She clearly loves you. Are you really going to break her heart and disappear on her?"

Castiel frowned, flinching as Rose pulled on the tie hard enough for his neck to jerk downwards. Dean gently prised her fingers off the tie.

"Hey, I don't think we should go hurting the angel now, huh?" Dean tickled her chin.

"She isn't strong enough to hurt an angel," Castiel looked at Rose, who reached and grabbed his tie again. Dean was sure a small smile grew on Castiel's lips.

"Sure, we'll be over tomorrow. Dean too. He's opening Rose's presents with her now," Sam's voice grew louder. "Thanks. You too."

Castiel looked towards the voice and back, placing Rose in Dean's arms.

"Goodbye, Dean," he nodded politely, disappearing into thin air. Rose whimpered and reached for a moment, but soon seemed to forget.

"Dean?" Sam came into the room and put his cell on the table. "What are you doing?"

"What?" Dean shrugged.

"Standing there," Sam raised an eyebrow and gestured. "Like you're talking to the wall."

"Dunno. Forgot," Dean gently bounced his niece in his arms. "Should leave the rest of the presents for later. Uncle Dean's gotta start on the Christmas dinner."

"Yeah, Christmas dinner. Good luck," Sam rolled his eyes, accepting his daughter into his arms and taking the few presents labelled for him, two from Dean, one from the Moores, and another from Dean that had been written as if from Rosie. The younger Winchester cringed at the attempt of "baby" spelling.

Dean's first gift was some kind of Barbie doll, which Sam rolled his eyes at and threw on the pile of Rosie's things. Dean's jokes weren't funny anymore, he thought even as a corner of his lip perked up.

The second present confused Sam further. Some book on angels. Was Dean trying to encourage Sam to believe in them or something? Maybe he thought angels could be a comfort to him, something to help him through the grieving process. Either that, or Dean was too lazy to research a case. Sam didn't know what to think, and so moved on to "Rosie's" gift. The wrapped present was thin and seemed delicate, and a small, scruffy piece of paper fell out before the real present was revealed.

Was a sneaky bastard and took this picture. About time you had a pic of you looking happy with Rosie.

Sam pulled out the photo, figuring out when and how Dean had captured it.

Just a few days before, Dean and Sam had put on the TV and found themselves watching some crappy kids movie from their childhood, which Dean seemed to have become engrossed in. Not only him, but Rose too. She stared at the bright colours, but often lost interest to play with her hands or look around the room before the film caught her interest again. One time, Rose had turned her interest to her father, smiling at him with a look of happiness on her face as she stared. Her little hands reached to his chin, and he looked down at smiled at her, kissing her forehead. Rose cooed happily and grabbed his finger. Sam had been focusing so much on his daughter, he wouldn't have noticed if Dean had taken a photo.

Sam put the picture on the mantelpiece, beside the wedding photo, then moved onto his final present. An envelope was taped to the wrapped item, but its shape suggested there was more than a card or paper inside. Holding his fidgeting daughter with one arm and making soft hushing sounds, Sam opened the envelope. Something fell out onto Rose's knee, and she let out a tiny gasp before beginning to cry. Sam picked up the object, a small, simple beaded bracelet. The beads were all different colours, and it looked as if it would fit a child around seven years. After calming Rose down, Sam took out the card in the envelope. This card was different to the one he'd already received from the Moores, less decorated and sophisticated looking. He cared more about the message inside.

Sam,

We wanted you to have this so you can give it to Rose when she's older. This bracelet was Jessica's favourite, and we think she would have wanted to give it to her daughter.

Keep it safe,

Sue and Peter.

Sam put the bracelet back in its envelope and put it on the mantelpiece with the photo. Rose grizzled restlessly, and Sam placed her in her chair and tucked her in blankets so she could have some peace. He tore off the paper from the large, square present to find a black photo album. Sam flicked through the pages, containing photos of Rose, on her own and with Sam, all of which had been taken by Peter. Sam focused on the photos, ignoring the, in his opinion, overdone decorations, most likely by Sue. He put the album on the couch and cleared away the wrapping paper.

Sam looked over at Rose and found her peacefully clutching at her new toy from him and cuddling up in the blankets. Sam couldn't help smiling.

The loud bang on the front door jolted Sam back to reality and he had a brief moment where he whipped his head back to Rose to see if she was awake before relaxing and standing up.

"Get the door, Sammy. I'm busy," Dean yelled from the kitchen.

"Yes, sir," Sam rolled his eyes, opening the door to find the grizzled older hunter.

"Hey, Sam," Bobby nodded. "Happy Christmas."

"You too, Bobby," Sam smiled.

"Yer brother here?"

"Yeah, he thinks he's making Christmas dinner," Sam smirked.

Bobby snorted, "Right."

The kitchen door opened, "I can hear you."

"When have ya ever made anythin' decent, boy?" Bobby said accusingly. That shut Dean up, and he shut the kitchen door and carried on with his work.

"He bought the stuff himself," Sam shrugged. "At least it's not my money he's wasting."

Dean heard that also and grumbled to himself in response.

"Did you want anything, Bobby? A beer?" Sam asked as they entered the living room. The old hunter almost tripped over Rose's chair, with Rose inside, but Sam instinctively swooped and lifted it away to safety.

"Sorry, didn't see 'er there," Bobby muttered. "She alright?"

"No harm done," Sam shrugged, putting the chair down and lifting Rose, who had woken up from the noise.

"She doin' okay?"

"Yeah, she's good. Doctors at her checkups said she's okay. She sleeps better now. I get more sleep."

"Good," Bobby nodded. "That's good."

He took some things from an old bag, "Thought I should get ya somethin'," he pulled out a pack of diapers. "Dunno if they're the right sort or whatever."

"Nah, they're great, Bobby. Thanks," Sam smiled. "She goes through a lot of them."

Bobby chuckled gruffly, "She looks too small for that."

Sam laughed with him, "True. She does though."

The older hunter pulled out a thick blanket, "You probably got enough of these, but y'know. Might help."

Sam took the blanket and folded it neatly, "With babies, it seems there is never enough," he shrugged, "Thanks, Bobby, really."

"S'no trouble," Bobby looked at the young father, but Sam couldn't help but feel guilty. He hadn't known or expected Bobby to pay a visit, and so he hadn't gotten around to getting him anything. Bobby seemed to be able to tell, but didn't comment. He didn't really care anyway.

Dean entered the room, Santa hat askew on his head.

"Hey, Bobby," he slumped down on the couch beside his brother and threw a beer at the older hunter. "Dinner's cooking."

"Yeah," Bobby didn't sound convinced. "Got ya a present too."

"Yeah?" Dean's eyes lit up. "What is it?"

"A case. Yer getting' lazy. World needs ya," Bobby muttered. "No offence, Sam."

"None taken."

"When do you want me?" Dean leaned back on the couch.

"Soon as possible. I'm goin' there via Roadhouse, gonna visit Ellen and Jo tomorrow," Bobby shrugged. "You comin' with me or makin' yer own way? S'in South Dakota, near me. Might be a Wendigo."

Dean briefly met his brother's trademarked puppy eyes. Sam always dreaded visiting the Moores, and Dean had either declined his invitations to join him or had been unavailable. Agreeing to go with Sam on Boxing Day had been the first time ever, and Dean didn't want to let his little brother down on it.

"Sorry, me and Sammy gotta take a trip to the in-laws."

Bobby's face displayed clear disapproval, but decided against challenging it. He didn't know enough about Sam's situation to judge. Sam looked at Dean gratefully.

The smoke detector began to beep, the sound causing all three men to wince. Rose's eyes flew open, and Sam whisked her into his arms as she began to cry. Dean leapt up.

"Shit!" he disappeared into the kitchen, repeatedly cussing as he deactivated the smoke detector and noisily removed food from the cooker. Sam and Bobby smirked simultaneously. Minutes passed, silent besides Rose's slowly calming whimpers, and Dean finally returned. In place of the impressive meal he had aimed to have, was almost a whole loaf of bread's worth of buttered toast. On the side, a couple roasted potatoes that he'd salvaged from the wreckage of the meal. He'd put some potato chips in a bowl for good measure. Dean looked truly heartbroken at his failure.

Sam burst into laughter, for the first in a very long time. Dean was unsure whether to throw a potato at him or be relieved that his little brother showed signs of getting back to himself. Rose began to giggle with him, enjoying the sound of her father's laughter. Dean shook his head.

"I know. You're right. I suck."

"Nah, you tried," Sam grinned, taking a slice of toast. "Good job on the toast."

"Yeah, hilarious," Dean pouted, and Sam laughed more. "Why didn't you make Christmas dinner yourself?"

Sam shrugged, "Reminds me too much."

Bobby and Dean thought better than to press Sam on that. Both couldn't deny their curiosity, but their desires to protect the younger Winchester and ensure he had a pleasant Christmas were stronger.

Bobby didn't stay long. He had a long journey ahead of him and he wanted it over with. Sam made him sandwiches and gave him some potato chips for the journey, along with a couple of Dean's beers and some water. Dean frowned, but said nothing.

"I'll see if I can drop by some time, Sam," Bobby nodded, patting his shoulder. "Or there's always the phone. Take care of yerself, and the kid."

"I will, Bobby," Sam hugged the older hunter briefly before letting him go.

"See you soon, Bobby," Dean nodded. "I'll call when I'm gonna leave. Say hi to Ellen and Jo."

"Will do," Bobby called, getting into his car and beginning to drive away.

"Who are Ellen and Jo?" Sam said the moment Dean shut the door. He adjusted his hold on Rose as she wriggled uncomfortably. "And what's the Roadhouse?"

"Ellen and Jo Harvelle. Dad worked with Ellen's husband. Bill's gone now," Dean shrugged, "Roadhouse…bar for hunters, you could say."

Rose, her head rested on Sam's shoulder, made an "ooh" sound.

"I know right?" Dean grinned at Rosie. "It's pretty awesome. Which reminds me. Who's this Ruby chick?"

"What?" Sam frowned a little. "How do you know about her?"

Dean returned to the living room, picking something up. A Christmas card.

Dear Sam and Little Rosie,

Have a great Christmas together. You know where I am if you need me.

Ruby," Dean recited in a mocking, feminine voice. Sam felt his cheeks prickle with heat as he began to blush, and Dean grinned.

"Aww, Sammy," he nudged his brother gently.

"Shut up," Sam muttered a little sharply, unable to take his mind away from Jess. Four months felt way too soon to be moving on, even though he wasn't sure he wanted to anyway.

"Hey, c'mon. It would be good for ya," Dean said quietly.

"I can't," Sam shook his head.

"Look, Sammy. Get a social life! You don't have to go propose to that girl, y'know. Just go see her sometime, be friends. You barely go out unless for work or if Rosie needs diapers."

"I have to care for Rose," Sam squeezed her gently.

"Yeah, but even the best daddies need their breaks. I'm sure Grandma would love to play with her only granddaughter."

Sam smirked, "You haven't seen her play with her only granddaughter."

Dean chuckled, "That bad?"

"I think even Rose cringes," Sam smiled, picking up a can of beer and throwing it to Dean before getting his own.

Dean flicked on the TV and lounged on the couch, while Sam sat on the floor with Rose lying on his chest. For the rest of the day, the two brothers sat watching crappy Christmas films, not bothering with anything else.