Small Cuts (Supernatural Dark!fic)

f o r t y

"You're in for it
You're in forever
You're in for it" 
Drop Stop Roll - Rainbow Kitten Surprise 

The morning light filtered softly through the bunker's small windows, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. Amara sat perched on the edge of the counter, one leg crossed over the other, absentmindedly nibbling at a bright green apple. The soft fabric of her white dress fell in gentle folds around her, brushing her knees, her bare feet dangling just above the floor.

It had been a restless night, but somehow, she felt more centred this morning—calmer, despite the swirling tension that had followed her since the ritual. Paimon's influence had been severed, but the echoes of what had happened still lingered.

The quiet padding of footsteps caught her attention, and she glanced up just as Sam entered the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep. He paused for a moment when he saw her, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes before a lazy smile tugged at his lips.

"Up early," he remarked, his voice still rough from sleep as he moved to grab a mug from the cupboard.

Amara shrugged, taking another bite of her apple. "Couldn't sleep much. Needed something to do."

Sam chuckled softly, his eyes lingering on her as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Yeah, I get that."

He leaned against the counter across from her, taking a sip of his coffee. The quiet between them was comfortable, but the familiar undercurrent of tension hummed beneath the surface—never too far away. Even though they were talking about nothing in particular, there was always that electric edge between them now, something that made her pulse quicken and her skin prickle.

After a moment, Sam's gaze sharpened, his tone shifting as he asked, "How're you feeling about the ritual? I mean, now that Paimon's hold is severed?"

Amara lowered the apple, her brows furrowing slightly as she considered the question. "I'm... not sure," she admitted. "It's a relief, I guess. But part of me wonders if it's really over. I feel like he's still out there, watching, waiting for another chance."

Sam nodded, his eyes dark and thoughtful as he set his coffee down. "You're probably right. Demons like Paimon... they don't just give up. But at least he doesn't have that direct link to you anymore."

The reminder brought a small comfort, but the weight of everything still hung in the air. Amara sighed, the apple forgotten in her hand as she glanced down at the floor. "Yeah... I guess so."

Before the conversation could deepen, the sound of heavier, groggy footsteps approached, and Dean shuffled into the kitchen, his hair messy and his eyes half-lidded with sleep. He didn't say anything at first, just grumbled under his breath as he poured himself a mug of coffee.

"Morning, sunshine," Sam teased, glancing at his brother with an amused smirk.

Dean shot him a bleary-eyed glare, taking a slow sip of his coffee before he finally looked at Amara. "You two talking about the ritual?"

Amara nodded, feeling the atmosphere in the room shift slightly with Dean's arrival. His presence, as always, was commanding, and she couldn't help but feel that familiar tug of tension in the air, thickening between the three of them.

"Yeah, just wondering what's next," she said, watching as Dean leaned against the counter next to Sam.

Dean huffed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered her words. "Next is figuring out how to keep you safe from whatever's still out there. Just because Paimon's hold is gone doesn't mean he's done with you."