Supernatural Death Note

Chapter Seventy-Two: Heartache and Understanding

When you've lived with a fear your entire life, sometimes it takes something dramatic to finally reassure and erase it.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes .)

It was late afternoon and a thunderstorm was brewing outside. Dean could hear the thunder booming near the building. Lightening flashed and he could see the light flash in streaks behind the drapes. He kept the lights turned off and went and threw himself on his bed. He let the tears flow, his heart breaking.

There was a soft tap on the door a short while later.

Dean's voice was a soft whisper amongst the sounds of thunder that shook the building. "Yeah?"

"May Near come in?"

"Yeah, Near. Come on in."

He came in, carrying a small tray. "L told Near that Dean was not feeling well. Near enjoys hot chocolate during weather like this and thought that maybe it might help Dean."

"Just set it on the table, Near. I'll be right there. Dean grabbed a tissue and blew his nose. He got off the bed and walked over to the table and sat down. "Thanks, Near. It's a bad day to not feel right."

The white haired teenager handed him a cup of hot chocolate. He had added whipped cream and chocolate shavings to try to help cheer his friend up. Afterwards, he curled up beside Dean, sipping at his own cup.

Dean took a sip of the hot chocolate and licked sprinkles and whipped cream off his lips. "It's good. Thanks."

"Dean is welcome," he murmured quietly.

It was dark in the room and both appeared more like shadows to each other. Every once in a while Near heard a sniffle or a light stuttering sob come from Dean's direction. He knew the man was crying.

Near set his cup down, then took Dean's and set it aside before crawling into the other's lap. He was not one for touching but knew having someone to hug might help.

Dean realized the sacrifice Near was making, and put his arms around him and gently held him. Near could feel him trembling and the soft sounds of crying could still be heard. It was almost as if the man was ashamed of having his heart breaking inside.

Small hands gently wiped away the tears.

The small touch was all it took. Dean broke in two. The sobs came louder and his body shook hard.

The small touches continued, trying hard to comfort the other. This was not Near's forte, but the teen was trying very hard to help.

What the young teen could not understand was Dean felt as if he'd lost everything that mattered and could bring happiness to him. He was mourning what he felt he could never have. They were gone. Heaven knows where. Heaven really didn't like him right now. He didn't know how to stop the crying. It was like a broken dam.

He kept up with the comfort, holding him gently.

Dean held on for dear life to the young man, knowing he couldn't find comfort, but was so grateful for Near's closeness. He felt drained, listless, and the pain continued. He cried.

Near did all he could. He really wasn't equipped for things like this but was trying his best to help Dean.

Watari and Sam had had a good talk and it had been beneficial for Sam. They were heading down the hall discussing supper when Matt approached.

"Near's been with Dean for a long time, Watari."

Watari frowned. "Is everything all right?"

"I don't think so. L came in and took up one of the main frames to find some woman and her son who had moved and changed their names. Dean is devastated. I saw him go towards his room. You'd think someone had died. Near took hot chocolate well over an hour ago."