Chapter Text
Anyone who spent any amount of time with Dean in his precious impala was at some time subjected to what Dean would call singing. Sam thought croaking was a better description of the belted noises that accompanied the classic rock and mullet rock that was always blaring through Baby’s speakers. It was almost routine.
“You sound like a bag of angry cats, Dean.”
“Bite me.”
Sam would scowl; Dean would flash that wolfish grin of his, the one that let his brother know how much his displeasure amused him to no end, and slapped his hands against the steering wheel belting out the next verse.
They were in another no tell motel somewhere in Michigan when Sam opened their room door, juggling Dean’s fast food and his Caesar salad, when he froze. The bathroom door was slightly ajar and over the din of the running shower he heard it. Dean singing; but it wasn’t his usual theatrical mess but… beautiful. He quietly shut the door behind him and carefully places the food on the small table before sitting on the ground in front of the bed closest to the bathroom.
I’m gonna take a little time, a little time to think things over
I better read between the lines, in case I need it when I’m older
Now this mountain I must climb, feels like the world upon my shoulder
Through the clouds I see love shine, it keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life, there’s been heartache and pain
At this Dean pauses and all that is heard is the sound of running water. Sam opens his eyes that he didn’t even notice were closed in the first place and listens. Dean starts again voice heavy with emotion.
I don’t know if I can face it again
The sound of the shower is abruptly cut but Dean continues to sings, his voice clearer. For a moment Sam wonders how he’s gone his whole life without knowing that his big brother, the one person he spent his whole life trying to imitate, can keep something so significant, so amazing, a secret for so long.
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life
I want to know what love is
I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is
I know you can show me-
Dean steps out of the bathroom in his boxers, towel flung over a shoulder and freezes when he sees him sitting against the bed watching him. He ducks his head, ears burning a bright pink. He’s embarrassed, but for the life of him Sam can’t figure out why. But what he does know is that Dean is hurting. In my life, there’s been heartache and pain, I don’t know if I can face it again. His older brother has spent his whole life reinforcing and perfecting his defenses. Every now and then Sam would catch a glimpse past the barrier to the broken man inside but it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t nearly enough. Before he can talk himself out of it he is off the ground and wrapping his arms around his brother. Surprised Dean remains frozen, stiff with tension. Sam squeezes harder pressing his hands flat against bare skin, he presses his cheek against Dean’s stubble trying to convey with his whole being I got you, you’re not alone, I love you. After a few seconds he feels Dean melt into the embrace, arms going up to grip onto Sam’s shirt as if afraid if he loosens up just a little bit he would disappear forever. Sam knows it not an instant fix but it’s a start.
I’ve got no where left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me.