Chapter Text
November 2023
Light penetrated Dean’s eyelids, which felt like they were pressed down with ton weights as he tried to peel open his eyes. It felt like an eternity when he finally did, but it was difficult to focus, and the edges of his vision were foggy and blurred.
Where was he?
Was he on the ground?
The ground felt solid beneath him but soft like carpet.
He tried to make sense of his surroundings, but his brain was just white noise.
Something happened. What was it??
He opened his eyes again and could make out movement in his periphery, shadowy figures running in and out of his sight, their sounds muffled and muted.
“DEAN……DEAN, look at me!”
Who’s there? I don't understand. Say again.
He tried to focus on the person hovering over him. Blue eyes, wide and frantic, stared back at him, mouth moving, but the sound was deadened like he was hearing the voice through a glass barrier.
I know you ; he thought fleetingly.
Suddenly the sound came back full throttle, and he winced, closing his eyes. “Dean, Dean, stay with me. Keep looking at me.”
Something pressed at his side, and the dart of pain was so sudden and unexpected that he cried out.
“Sorry Dean,” a familiar voice choked out, hitched and wet, and he turned towards it.
Charlie’s face was tear-streaked as she pressed at his side. “I need to stop the bleeding, Dean. I’m sorry.”
“Where the fuck are the paramedics?”
Dean blinked as the man above him, Castiel, that's his name, screamed at someone behind him.
Dean blinked again and smiled at Charlie. He blinked again and Castiel’s worried face hovered over him again, “They're nearly here, Dean. Why did you do that, you stupid, wonderful man? Dean, why?”
Years of memories hit him at once as he tried to talk, but he sounded croaky and weak. “Don’t cry, Angel. I’m glad you’re here, both of you. My two favorite people.”
“Dean…” Charlie’s voice broke on a sob.
Their faces blurred above him, and he felt cold.
Blue eyes widened in fear, “Dean, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare leave me! Not now… DEAN!!!”