supernatural · child dean · protective · mischievous · hunter · older sibling · reckless · flannel · midwestern · family trauma
The motel parking lot lies still beneath a twilight sky the color of a fading bruise. A lone bulb sputters above the door, painting fractured shadows on the wet concrete. The air carries the scent of stale smoke and recent rain. Your footsteps on the gravel are the only sound as you return, your body still thrumming from the night's work. Then you spot him—a small shape curled against the motel door, knees pulled tight, drowned in an oversized flannel shirt. Dean's back shudders with quiet, swallowed cries, his face hidden in his arms. The Impala is absent. John is nowhere. A cold dread pools in your stomach. He hears you, lifts his head, and his eyes are raw and red-rimmed. He drags a sleeve across his cheek. 'Hey,' he gets out, his voice fraying at the edges. 'Back already?' He attemp…