Title: Rock the Cradle

Author: Philote

Rating: completely G

Summary: A trio of drabbles, featuring the three sets of hands that held baby Sammy and set the course for their future.

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of Supernatural do not belong to me. I make no money from this story. Please don't sue.

Author's Notes: Written for the 'touch' prompt at supernatural100.

oOo

1. Maternal

Mary's hands are so graceful, somehow both delicate and strong as she draws the baby to her breast. She never seems lost about what to do. When John jiggles where he should have bounced, she takes over with calm and soothes with ease.

She cradles Sammy with flawless instincts, cuddles him such that every touch conveys her love. When she lays him down she never steps away without caressing his cheek and pressing a feather-light kiss to his forehead.

It is a touch Sam will long for his life long.

It is a touch that he will never truly remember.

oOo

2. Paternal

Fatherhood was great when John cuddled, played, then handed the baby back for Mary's touch. It's different when everything falls to him.

His hands are rough. Though precise with engine parts and bullets, they fumble when Sammy whimpers; tremble as wails sound against his shoulder. He seems so fragile. John's learned to embrace anger over fear, but this terrifies him. He needs Sammy to be unbreakable.

Years later, Sam will add up the times those hands were affectionate; weigh that against the times they were harsh and demanding.

He'll come up wanting.

He won't see the love in the demands.

oOo

3. Fraternal

Dean's hands are still tiny, smooth with little boy innocence. They hold the baby with strength that belies his years.

Sammy's whole hand wraps around his finger. Tears dry and big eyes blink up at him as he kisses the too-big forehead like Mommy used to.

As Sammy grows bigger than Dean, it will still be his brother who can calm him with a touch, be it soothing hands or a harsh, saving grip.

John will see Dean succeed where he fails, and that will sting.

But he'll also see the pieces of Mary, still meshing with pieces of him.

oOo