The Shield One-Shots Book 3

Guardian Angel Pt41/Ambreigns

 Dean sat at the lake's edge, steam rising from his mug of coffee, his feet sunk into the cool grass, and he inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of sun-drenched pine needles. Tiny ripples danced across the surface of the glassy water, and Dean focused on the tranquillity it brought him. He had started this morning routine since they had come here. He felt an ache in his chest that had been growing since his conversation with his brothers two days ago. Eight days remained before he would have to tell them the truth—that they couldn't remain with him. He tried not to think about it, wanting to enjoy every moment he could with them, but his broken heart kept reminding him of his reality.

 How the hell was he supposed to be present when he couldn't stop fearing the damn future? Maybe he should just tell them and deal with the fallout. No, he couldn't do that, dammit, his brothers deserved this time alone with him before he broke them. The least he could do was give them memories to keep them going when he was ripped away from them again. Wait, would his brothers even remember any of this? Would Michael wipe their memories? Sighing, he ran his hands over his face, as he did he felt something brush against his arm, looking down, he realized that it was their bunny friend. The way it was looking at him with its big brown eyes made it seem like it understood what he was going through.

 "Hey, buddy, this is beginning to be a routine, huh?" Dean said smiling as he gently began petting the rabbit's soft fur. "You know, I think you need a name." He added as he put his coffee cup down beside him and picked the bunny up and looked at him closer. "I think your name should be... Smokey."

 "It suits him." Seth said smiling as he and Roman joined him with their own coffees.

 "Hey, guys." Dean greeted them smiling too as they sat beside him.

 "I was hoping we'd run into Smokey, I brought him something." Roman said smiling as he pulled a carrot out of his pocket and gave it to the bunny.

 "I think he likes it, Ro." Seth pointed out smiling as they watched the small rabbit happily eat its treat on Dean's lap.

 "Speaking of eating." Roman began smiling as he looked at Seth. "Chef Rollins, I'd like to place our breakfast order."

 "You know, Ro, you're enjoying winning that stupid bet a little too much." Seth said pouting as his brothers laughed.

 "And you need to stop being a poor loser, Two-Tones." Roman replied.

 "Whatever." Seth said sighing. "What's your order?"

 "Can we get him a cute little French maid costume to wear?" Dean teased, making them laugh again before Seth tackled him and they began play fighting.

**Later**:

 Roman sighed heavily as he sat perched on a rock at the shoreline, his legs dangling in the cool water, the gentle lapping of the calm water inches away. He watched Dean and Seth dive together into the clear turquoise lake, creating an array of rainbow droplets in their wake. Despite the warm sunlight reflecting off the surface of the lake, Roman couldn't ignore the chill creeping up his spine.

 He knew something was wrong and it obviously wasn't good but Dean refused to tell them until their trip was over. Knowing he wouldn't get any answers for now, Roman took a deep breath and let it out slowly with a slight shake of his head, trying to push his worries to the back of his mind. The sun glinted off the surface of the lake, and he could see every ripple and wave as he focused on taking deep breaths.

 Roman was so lost in his thoughts, he barely registered the sudden tug on his ankles. He gasped as he went under the water's surface, resurfacing, he saw his two brothers laughing at him. Neither had seen him resurface, so, Roman silently swam around them and grabbed each one firmly by the waist before flipping them backwards into the water. Dean and Seth looked at each other in surprise as they resurfaced, just in time to see Roman burst out laughing. Not missing a beat, they both jumped onto his shoulders, pushing him back down into the clear depths of the water, starting an all-out water fight.