Title: it doesn't mean that I love you any less
Disclaimer: not my characters; just for fun. Title from "Wait" by Sarah McLachlan.
Warnings: pre-pilot
Pairings: none
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 190
Point of view: third
Notes: written because the lovely eloisebright requested Winchesters hugging.
Sam can't look him the eye. Can't bear to meet his solemn, sad gaze.
"Go get 'em, Sammy," Dean says gruffly, hand warm and solid on his shoulder. "Show those spoiled kids what-for."
Dean's doing what he always does: putting Sam first. It just expounds Sam's guilt at leaving.
But not enough to stay.
"You could come with me," he tries for the thousandth time. He gets the same result as all the rest.
Dean shakes his head. "Dad needs me, Sammy. But you go." He almost smiles, but the expression falls off his face. "It's what you want, right?"
Sam nods, blinking quickly. He hasn't cried in over a year. He's not going to now, not in front of Dean.
Dean's hand moves from his shoulder to his neck, lightly gripping. "Stay safe, Sam," he whispers, and lets his hand fall away.
Sam wants to grab him, pull him close, never let go--but he doesn't. Because Dean just said goodbye. "I'll see you, Dean," he says.
Dean nods. "'course you will." He turns away and walks back to the car, leaving Sam alone in the drizzling rain.