A/N: Yes, I am indeed updating. How amazing am I. ;)
All I can say is thanks to those who've kept me going. They know who they are. Love you, guys.

Also, feel free to check out my new fic, starring Emo! Sam and Superman! Gabriel. (Yes, you did read that right.) Called "Whispers in the Dark", it has angst and sarcasm and bleeding galore. Don't you love me. :P

Disclaimer: Obviously, I do not own Supernatural, Sam or Dean. Not even a teeny tiny knife or weeny gun.
Lyrics are the amazing Within Temptation's "Memories". (So, not mine either.)

Thanks to: Everyone who has reviewed, added this to their alerts/favourites…I feel so honoured! Thank you! You guys keep me going and I really appreciate it. Massive thanks - I love you all.

~Suffered In Silence ~

-Reassurance-

In this world you tried…
Not leaving me alone behind
There's no other way…
I'll pray to the gods: let him stay

The walk to the consultation room feels so slow and deeply foreboding. Their footsteps echo; marring the silence which has fallen over the two brothers since leaving the reception.

In a way, it faintly resembles a soldier walking to a firing squad.

Dean shakes his head. It's due to his tenseness, but also because he wants to rid his mind of the images such a metaphor merits.

But in vain. For looking at Sam walking, it feels a tad too realistic.

Well. This is fun.

He glances again at his younger brother. The brother who he has looked after all his life. The brother who can be geeky, but so brave. The brother who is carefully avoiding meeting his gaze. Stares at the ground as he walks.

And Dean knows the reason why.

He doesn't want his big brother, his role model; to see that he's scared.

The thought, and knowing that it is true makes Dean shake his head yet again. It's typical Sammy. Always thinking of others, especially Dean, before himself.

A tiny smile brushes his lips like a brush to canvas.

But it makes Dean all the more determined to return the favour. He has to act calm and collected, like a big brother should. He cannot let Sammy guess that he is as scared as he is. If not more.

Their footsteps still echo as they walk. They've reached the room now - both pause outside it. Both Hesitate. Both look in opposite directions.

No one willingly walks into the lion's den, after all.

Dean swallows. It's over to him now.

My turn, Sammy.

"Do you want me to go in first?" Sam looks at him. His eyes are full of questions. And Dean's mouth will answer.

"'Cause if it's a she, and if she's hot… I wanna be the first one she sees." He grins. Partly acting, and partly in relief that his lying skills are so polished.

Just when Dean thinks Sam's hazel eyes have pierced his shield of lies, there is a faint issuing of laughter.

He joins in. For a second, it feels normal.

Then Sam is suddenly serious.

"Thanks, Dean, but no thanks. I'm gonna have to go in first." He is looking at him at last, head held high and face totally resolute.

"Sammy -"

You don't have to do this -

"Dean, it's okay." Sam breathes in deeply. "I'm gonna face this thing head on. Just like it's something supernatural, yeah?" Attempts a grin. Before Dean can answer, he has knocked the door.

"Come in!" A female voice calls out.

Trying, for once, to imitate Sam,

More role-reversal -

Dean puts on his award-winning smile.

Act like everything's fine and dandy.

"Fine, go in. But if she falls for you…"

Another laugh, and Sam laughs too. But he is still scared, Dean can see that.

A whispered, "You'll be fine, Sammy." A fake smile is added to his mask.

A raised head followed by a shake.

"But I'm not." Hazel eyes meet green, offering an apology. But for what, Dean doesn't know.

A tight and brief smile crawls on his baby brother's face. Then Sam slips into the room, and Dean allows his face to drop the mask.

He's scared too.