Small Cuts (Supernatural Dark!fic)

o n e - h u n d r e d + t w e l v e

"See, where I am is where I wanted to be
I know what I need, know what I need
And there are many different places to see
I know how to dream, know how to dream" 
Paint - The Paper Kites 

A few hours passed after their conversation, the comfortable silence stretching between them as Sam and Dean continued their quiet vigil. Amara had drifted off again, though it was more of a light sleep than the deep, haze-filled slumber that had consumed her before. The pain was still there, but it had dulled to a manageable ache, and as she stirred once more, a new feeling washed over her—restlessness.

She was tired of lying in bed, her body stiff from days of inactivity. She shifted slightly, testing the limits of her sore muscles, wincing as her ribs protested the movement. But it was different now—she could move. She could feel her strength returning, slowly but surely.

Dean glanced over as she moved, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You alright?"

Amara nodded, though her body still ached. "I think... I need to get up."

Sam, who had been leaning against the wall, immediately stood up, concern flashing in his eyes. "Are you sure? You've been through a lot. Maybe you should take it slow."

"I know," she said softly, pushing herself up a little more. "But I've been in this bed for days. I need to... shower, eat. I need to start moving around again."

Dean exchanged a glance with Sam, and though they were clearly still worried about her pushing herself too hard, they both knew she had to start recovering at some point. She couldn't stay in bed forever.

Dean nodded, though his voice was laced with caution. "Alright, but we're taking it slow. No hero moves."

Amara smiled faintly, appreciating the protective tone in his voice. "I promise."

With Sam's help, Amara slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her muscles stiff from disuse. The movement sent a sharp ache through her ribs, but she bit back the discomfort, focusing on the fact that she was finally upright again.

Dean stood by her side, ready to catch her if she wavered. "You good?"

Amara nodded, though the dizziness that hit her when she stood made her grab onto Sam's arm for support. "Yeah. Just... a little lightheaded."

"Take your time," Sam said gently, his hand steadying her as she found her balance.

After a few moments, the dizziness passed, and Amara took a cautious step forward. It was slow and tentative, but she was moving. The brothers stayed close, watching her like hawks, ready to jump in if she stumbled. But she didn't. She was weak, yes, and sore, but her legs held her weight, and she managed to shuffle toward the bathroom.

Dean followed her to the door, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "You need some help with that shower?"

Amara rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "I think I've got it, thanks."

Sam chuckled softly, shaking his head at his brother's teasing. "We'll be right outside if you need us."

"Thanks," Amara said softly, her heart swelling with warmth at how much they cared. She appreciated the concern, but she was determined to do this on her own. She needed to prove to herself that she could.

Inside the bathroom, Amara turned the water on, the sound of the shower comforting in its familiarity. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and winced slightly. Her hair was a mess, tangled from days in bed, and the dark circles under her eyes made her look even more exhausted than she felt. She ran a hand through her hair, tugging lightly at the knots, before stepping into the shower.