The Aftermath: a Dean Winchester Fanfic

chapter 13

[Emery]

I saw enough in that warehouse. I saw Dean raise the gun. I pieced it all together.

I saw Dean behave like a monster.

It felt like I had just been stabbed in the back. I didn't know where I stood with Dean anymore, but I knew I didn't wanna see the boys again for a while.

No, I wanted to see the boys I loved again. I wanted to see my calm and collected Dean again, my thoughtful Sam.

But I couldn't be around them right now, not after that.

They were going to kill innocents to save me. Well, Dean was at least.

If I get away from them, get out of their heads, they'll stop trying. They'll stop stressing themselves out about it. They have to... right?

I pulled outside the Bunker in the red Chevy Malibu I stole. I already switched the plates, so I wasn't worried about getting caught.

I went into my room inside the Bunker and picked up a large duffel bag. Not bothering to fold anything, I threw piles of clothing in. I didn't own much, but taking my few possessions out of the Bunker felt a little heartbreaking.

Once I thought I collected everything, I took one last look at my old home and threw the duffel bag in the passenger seat of my "new" car.

I just needed a few days. But the longer I thought about it, the more I realized the boys would be better of without me.

If I left now, didn't come back, they'd be over it. They would eventually get over me.

Maybe that's what I had to do.

I didn't know how long I would be gone, but I felt relived as I left the Bunker.

It was like I was in the same position eight years ago-- when I was on my own, doing my own thing, with no responsibilities.

Yeah, I would miss Sam and Dean, and I still loved them both, but I also felt incredibly guilty for selling my soul. I was the one who was going to hell, but they were the ones falling apart. I felt like I had to console them more than myself. I was just sick of it.

I wanted the freedom that came with just being responsible for myself. I missed just driving anywhere I wanted, on my own.

So, I almost cracked a smile as I searched for a motel to stay at.

[Dean]

Sam and I got the family members to the police station, where we figured they'd be safe. Then we parked on the side of the road, intentionally giving Emery a head start. That way she could take her time gathering her things.

Things were incredibly tense between Sam and I. He was still pissed.

"Sam, look, I get you're mad, but if we don't stop Emery from leaving soon, she's gonna be out of our lives forever." I said.

"Maybe it's better that way," he responded coldly.

"You honestly think that?" I said. "Because I think we're at some sorta crossroads with her, and if we let her walk out now, she ain't coming back."