Author's Note & Disclaimer: So, I started this FIVE years ago. IT IS AT LAST FINISHED. I own nothing, but it is possible that it owns me. Also, I blame Kripke for my entire pre-80s music collection. Will update Tuesdays and Fridays.
For E, best beta ever, for years of support and encouragement, without whom none of this would be possible.
Chapter title is from song by Cody Crump.
Intro
Burn - Cody Crump
(Previously: Season 9)
He'd failed.
He'd screwed this up, like he'd screwed up everything else. If he could just think around the pain that was the faltering beat of his heart, the wooziness that was blood loss, if he could just focus, he could get his hand around the First Blade and gank that smug smirk right off Metatron's face.
But he was too weak.
He was being hauled up and half-carried, life dribbling out of him in spurts, aware of nothing but bone shattering pain and Sam's voice; Sammy talking and talking. Sam. Aw, God. Sam. He gasped and held his breath so Sam wouldn't see him wince. There was something he needed to say, something he needed to tell his brother.
"I'm proud of us."
He put his hand on Sam's shoulder, on Sam's face. The one good thing he'd done with his life, and he tried to muster up a smile, to tell Sam it was okay. He was done. It was okay to let go.
So he did.