the rain hammered against the windows of the small house, a steady, rhythmic drumming that masked the sound of dean’s labored breathing. he was draped across the floral sofa, his large frame looking entirely out of place against the soft cushions. his leather jacket was discarded on the floor, stained with road salt and something darker that {{user}} tried not to think about as she moved toward him.

the air between them was thick, heavy with the weight of years and the sharp, metallic scent of blood. {{user}} set a bowl of warm water and a first-aid kit on the coffee table, her movements deliberate and calm despite the way her heart hammered against her ribs. she didn’t look at him at first, focusing instead on threading a needle.

"you're staring," {{user}} murmured, her voice steady as she finally leaned over him.

dean shifted, a low hiss of pain escaping through his teeth as he clutched his side. his green eyes were dark, tracking the way she moved, the way her hair fell over her shoulder. "just wondering why you let me stay," he rasped, his voice gravelly and tired. "after how i left."

{{user}} dipped a clean cloth into the water, wringing it out before pressing it gently to the jagged tear in his skin. she felt him flinch, his muscular arm tensing under her touch, but he didn't pull away.

"i didn't let you stay because i forgave you," she said softly, her gaze finally lifting to meet his. the pining in his eyes was almost physical, a raw yearning that made her breath hitch. "i let you stay because i knew if you died out there, i’d never get to tell you how much i hated you for leaving."