Supernatural Death Note

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Sam and Dean Face Each Other

"Relax while you can. I will be back soon."

Dean nodded, but did not leave the chair at his table.

Watari exited the room, intent on giving L the message.

Dean, leaned his bruised head way back, sighed, and trembled slightly. He sat back up.

A short while later, there was a soft knock on his door.

Dean's eyes widened and he stiffened for a minute. Willing himself to calm down, a voice very raw and hoarse from his screams, the roar, and crying, softly said, "Come in."

A small figure in white came in, bearing a steaming cup. "Near has something for Dean."

A sob escaped the older man's lips for a second. "Oh god. Near. Thank you."

A cup of hot chocolate was pressed into Dean's hand while the white haired genius sat beside him.

"You won't get in trouble giving me this? Thank you so much." Dean was quiet for a moment, then he looked at Near. "Sam's coming."

"L is having Sam Winchester meet in a neutral room on a floor below this. It was L's suggestion that Dean enjoy this cup before heading down. Watari and L will be there with both Dean and Sam Winchester."

A single tear slid down the hunter's face. To Near, he looked worn out, eyes bloodshot and red and swollen. His nose was red. He had not been able to shave well, and a beard was forming. His hair had spiked everywhere. The bruise on his forehead was turning almost black. Near looked at his hand and saw the bandages on it and how swollen it looked. He looked up at Dean, who stared back at him.

Gray eyes watched him. "Dean should drink the chocolate. It might help." Near really wasn't sure what to do to help him.

Dean smiled, and took a small taste, eyes closing and a smile formed for a second. He looked at the young man. "L is a wise man, my friend."

White hair bounced around his face as Near nodded. "L is that."

"How much time do we have?"

"It will not begin until Dean is ready. L has informed Sam Winchester of this, who has agreed."

The hunter sat, quietly drinking the hot chocolate, struggling inside to gather strength for the meeting with Sam. He was grateful for Near's quiet companionship. He finished the hot chocolate, set it down, closed his eyes, his face grim. He opened them, turned and smiled. "Well, let's do this."

Near nodded, his hand - the one not in a sling - reached for Dean's for a moment to squeeze it.

Dean carefully squeezed back, the bandages and swollen joints making it difficult. He smiled at the boy. "You're a very special friend, Near. I'm grateful for you."

"Near is also pleased with the friendship with Dean."

Dean's smile finally reached his eyes, and he squeezed again, wincing softly, but not regretfully. "Let's go. Is he already there? I don't want to go there and then have to wait."

"The group is waiting for Dean."

"I guess we part here, or are you escorting me to the room?"

"Near will escort Dean to the room. L believed it would help Dean to have a familiar face with Dean and Near volunteered."

"Thanks, Near, but don't be overdoing it. I did that today, but it was necessary, I guess. No idea what's gonna happen in that room. You don't tell anybody this, okay? I'm scared, Near. What happened last night scared me. "