Snippets

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Six: Dean's Memories

Dean remained quiet as the two of them left Lake Manitoc. Taking note of his unusual demeanor, Sam remained quiet also. The younger man wanted to know more about his mother's death. Dean had told Lucas Barr that he had seen his mother die, and the former college student was pretty sure that their father did not know this. The only thing he'd gotten out of his brother was the man carried him out of the burning house. There had to be a way to find out more.

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Castiel had a good idea what the younger Winchester was thinking. He would never forget that night or the shell shocked four year old whose mother's family wanted no part of. He knew the hunter had buried it deep and seldom thought about it. It had been a long time since Dean had opened himself to anyone because each attempt brought pain and rejection. Bobby and Caleb had found out when the yellow eyed demon had tried to take Sam. He thought that John had been told, but no one had spoken of it to the young hunter. It seemed better that way. But, Sam? Castiel knew Dean was worried about the possibility of his brother grilling him for information, and he was not allowed to intervene.

'Father. Please prevent the younger brother from questioning him.'

'Sam knows Dean well enough, my son. He got more than he thought he would. Dean is safe from that, but the memories have been rekindled. Comfort him tonight.'

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The hunters pulled into a drive thru and ordered dinner. Finding a cheap motel at the outskirts of the town they were in, Dean went in and paid for one night. He parked the Impala close to their door, and the two got out and unloaded the weapons for Dean to clean while Sam searched for another hunt.

They ate their meal in silence and drank two beers. Dean worked on cleaning the handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It was something he did religiously.

At 11 in the evening, both Winchesters had showered and were asleep; Dean taking the bed nearest the door. The angel thought that things never changed.

At 3 in the morning, the older brother walked into his brother's nursery and saw the man bleed into Sam's mouth. His mother passed him; he tried to stop her. Watching her go up the wall, her stomach ripping open, he froze. Suddenly, Dean saw himself at four years of age hiding in the shadows near the door.

'Oh God,' he tried to cry out. Castiel laid a hand upon the hunter and allowed his grace to flood over him, easing the nightmare. Dean Winchester fell into a dreamless sleep. The angel relaxed, and his head bowed in sorrow.