Fragments of Tomorrow (Supernatural Fanfiction Book 5)

Dressed for Love

Sam's Point of View

It's been a year since Raven and I met, and our relationship has blossomed beautifully. We're walking through the park on a crisp autumn afternoon, the leaves crunching beneath our feet. It feels good to be outside, enjoying the weather and each other's company.

We round a corner and, to my surprise, see Dean. He's sitting on a park bench with the same blonde-haired guy I've seen him with before. The two of them are lost in their own world, locked in a passionate kiss. I pause, feeling Raven's hand squeeze mine in shock.

"That... That's Birch with Dean," Raven whispers, her eyes wide.

I nod, my heart sinking. It's strange to see Dean so openly affectionate, especially since he's always been so private about his personal life. I've noticed the changes in him over the past year—he's been healthier, maintaining a stable weight, and even wearing short sleeves now, which is unusual for him. Yet, he's never eaten in front of us, and I can't shake the feeling that there's something he's not telling us.

Raven gives me a reassuring squeeze as we continue walking. My mind is racing with questions. Why is Dean keeping Birch so secretive? And what is it about this guy that has Dean so smitten?

Bobby's Point of View

The house feels different now. There's a new lightness to Dean, a sort of happiness that was absent before. I've been keeping an eye on him, noticing that he's managed to maintain a healthy weight, and for once, he's even wearing short sleeves. But there's something odd about his routine. He never eats in front of us, and I've been trying to piece together what's really going on with him.

One evening, Dean comes in after spending time with Birch. He's practically glowing, and there's a buoyancy in his step that hasn't been there before. I can't deny that it's nice to see him so happy, but the secrecy still bothers me.

As he sits on the couch, thinking he's alone, Dean starts talking to himself. "Birch is so amazing, I think I'm in love," he says, completely oblivious to the fact that several of us are in the room.

Almost instantly, a collective gasp echoes through the living room. I glance around, seeing that it's not just me—Jody, Castiel, Gabriel, Ellen, Ruby, and a few others are all stunned.

Dean's face flushes a deep shade of red as he realizes we've overheard him. He stammers, trying to find words, but it's clear that he's caught off guard.

Dean's Point of View

I didn't realize how much I needed Birch until I met him. He's been a constant source of joy and support, and I genuinely think I'm falling for him. Today, after spending some time with him, I let my guard down. I didn't expect anyone to overhear me, but it seems my accidental confession has exposed me.

As I sit on the couch, basking in the afterglow of our time together, I blurt out, "Birch is so amazing, I think I'm in love."

The room goes silent except for the gasps that come from every corner. I look around, realizing that everyone has heard me. My cheeks heat up in embarrassment as I scramble to explain myself.

"Uh, I didn't mean—" I start, but the words come out jumbled. I glance at the shocked faces around me, my heart pounding.

Sam's Point of View

Seeing Dean's reaction, I can't help but feel a mix of relief and curiosity. It's clear that he's genuinely in love with Birch, but it's been so secretive until now. I want to confront him about it, but part of me feels like I should let him speak for himself.

The tension in the room is palpable as everyone waits for Dean to say something. I exchange a glance with Raven, who nods in understanding.

"Dean, it's okay," I finally say, breaking the silence. "We're happy for you."

Dean's face softens a little, but there's still a look of apprehension in his eyes. It's clear that he's been hiding this part of his life from us, and now that it's out in the open, he's unsure how to handle it.

Bobby's Point of View

I watch as Dean struggles to find his words, feeling a mix of relief and concern. It's good to see him happy, but the secrecy surrounding Birch has been a bit unsettling. I can see that Dean is vulnerable and unsure, and it's up to us to support him through this.

"Well, it's about time you let us in on your little secret," I say, trying to lighten the mood. "We've all noticed you've been happier lately, and it's good to see you finally talking about it."

Dean's shoulders relax a bit, and he offers a sheepish smile. "Yeah, I guess I should've said something sooner. Birch has been... really important to me."

The room begins to warm up with supportive smiles and nods. Dean finally looks relieved, and I can see that he's grateful for the understanding.

Dean's Point of View

As the tension in the room begins to ease, I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. I realize that my fear of being judged was holding me back from sharing my happiness with everyone. It's strange how something as simple as expressing love can be so daunting, but now that it's out in the open, I feel lighter.

"Thanks, everyone," I say, my voice filled with gratitude. "I didn't mean to keep it a secret for so long. Birch means a lot to me."

I look around at the familiar faces, seeing acceptance and encouragement in their eyes. It's a relief to finally be honest about my feelings, and I'm grateful for the support.

Sam's Point of View

I lean back on the couch, still processing the whirlwind of revelations about Dean and Birch. It's strange to see Dean so openly happy, but in a good way. For the first time in a long while, he looks like he's truly at peace. I watch him as he checks his phone, his face lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning.

Whatever that text said, it must be from Birch.

Before I can even say anything, Dean jumps up and practically bolts toward our shared bedroom. I exchange a glance with Raven, who's sitting beside me, her brow raised in curiosity.

"What do you think that was about?" she asks with a grin.

"I have no idea, but something tells me it's got to do with Birch," I reply, already standing up to peek down the hallway.

Dean emerges moments later, but this time he's wearing a freaking tuxedo. I blink, caught completely off guard.

"Dean, what the hell?" I stammer, watching him adjust the collar of his tux.

Dean gives me a wide, cheeky grin but says nothing as he grabs his keys off the table and heads for the door.

"Uh... you're just going to leave without explaining?" I call out, still bewildered.

He turns, giving us all a quick wave goodbye before striding out toward the Impala, tuxedo and all, like it's the most natural thing in the world. I glance back at Raven, and she's staring at the door, mouth slightly agape.

"Well, that was... unexpected," she finally says with a laugh.

I'm left standing there, still processing what just happened, and wondering what kind of fancy event Dean's off to. Whatever it is, it's got him grinning like an idiot. I've never seen him this excited, and honestly, I can't help but feel happy for him. It's good to see him living his life again, tuxedo and all.