Sam snippet, by request

~hedgehog~

Sam couldn't help but notice this Dean was different. Oh, he had the same cocky attitude –but even that was subdued. He made friends, a boy and a girl that were still understandably wary of Sam. Dean didn't act like Sam remembered from their childhood (he couldn't name a single one of Dean's friends growing up). Dean had protected a few victims from bullies (been a big brother) but nothing this emotionally involved.

Bobby was different too, hovering (over Dean (and not Sam)). But not coddling, (Dean wouldn't consent to being coddled).

Dean still watched Sam closely and knew his moods (and knew when his thoughts were breakingfracturingsplintering and could distract him and lead him down to the safe room).

Dean stayed close (to Sam) (to Bobby), but Sam missed his big brother (like his chest was still broken open).

Bobby leaned next to Sam on the porch and offered him a glass of water (no hard liquor for either of them (probably not for a decade(or even longer for Sam)).

"It's hard mourning who's gone and not coming back and right there," Bobby said. The older man had been dealing with the situation for months; it made sense that he'd have the words.

"It's permanent?" Sam asked.

"Think so." Bobby paused. "If what I understand is right, the apocalypse can't happen as long as you two are different generations."

Dean was young enough to be his son if Jess (If. if. . if.).

"Is it so bad?" asked Bobby.

Sam watched his… brother (little now) chase Joel and Charli through the junkyard. Their laughter rang on the breeze.

No, it wasn't bad after all.