#cold!dean

First Post! Let's see how this goes....

Becky kidnaps Sam and Dean: Sam to try and make him fall in love with her by using a cliché fanfiction trope, and Dean to make sure he stays out of the way.

Word Count: 3704

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The first thing Sam noticed as he woke was that it was cold. Very cold. He heard his teeth rattle and felt his body quiver moments before he finally opened his eyes. He scanned the dark room for any sign of his brother. Sam could see a few barred, hole-in-the-wall windows near the ceiling that let in some moonlight and some falling snow from outside. That was when he noticed he was directly under one of those snow showers.

He was too cold to move much, but he was able to curl into himself. That's when Sam heard the chains clinking around him. The younger Winchester shuddered brutally as the icy metal hit his skin. He moved his hands under his armpits, hissing as more of him touched the chains. Sam groaned at the realization that everything but his boxers had been removed. Awesome.

"D-DDD-D-D-D'nnnnnn?" He mumbled. No response. The hunter let out a very shaky "brrr" when a gust of wind pushed more snow onto him. It was piled up all around and on him in little mountains, some of it melting then freezing back on him to create icicles. A door somewhere to his left opened just before he could call out again. Sam prepared to fight.

"Sammy?" a female voice called. Sam looked over as a small figure, completely bundled up in winter gear approached him.

"B-B-B-B-B-B-B-Be-eck-k-k-ky-y?" he chattered. The fangirl crouched in front of her idol, placing a gloved hand on his trembling jaw.

"Aww... Poor thing, you're frozen! C'mere: let's get you warm," Becky cooed, wiping the snow and ice off of the shivering hunter. Sam couldn't help but lean into her warm touch, even unwrapping his hands to hold zir arm. Becky beamed as she ran her other hand through his hair to clean out the frozen water. Once she was satisfied with it, she put her warm hat on his head, then wrapped her scarf around his neck, unfolding it to cover his shoulders too.

Becky gently uncurled the hunter's frostbitten fingers from her arm, kissing the knuckles on both hands before setting them in her lap. Sam's hazel eyes peeked out from behind the scarf to watch her pick his chains with a pin.

"Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Whe-ere's*huh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh* DDD-D-D-DD-D'n-n-n-n?" Sam pleaded.

"He's safe, honey. Don't worry," Becky assured. Sam's arms curled around himself and tucked under his armpits once the chains were off. "He's staying at a motel until the roads are cleared for driving. Until then, you're gonna stay with me and I'm gonna take care of you."

Now that the chains around his ankles were gone, Becky wrapped her arms around Sam to help him stand. His numb feet and shaking legs forced him to lean on her for support. Becky murmured soothing encouragements every time Sam took a step. Together, they ascended the stairs from the basement into the main room of the house. It was much warmer compared to the concrete wind-chilled cellar he was in, but just as dark.

"Stay right here while I go find some warm clothes," Becky instructed, setting him down on a couch in the living room. Sam actually whimpered as her heat moved away. He somehow managed to shudder even harder now that it was gone. Something soft wrapped around his shoulders. He weakly clung to the edges, trying to pull it tighter around his quivering frame. By the time his sluggish brain realized it was a blanket, another was draped across his legs.

Sam curled his knees up to his chest so he could overlap the blankets more. He then tried to blow on his hands to chase away the numbness. The little breath he could force through the scarf was weakened further by how much he chattered. Sam let out another whimper as a particularly strong wave of cold wracked his bones. All he could do was hug himself until it stopped. Thankfully, that was when Becky finally returned.

"How are you doing, Sammy?" she checked, sitting beside him on the couch. The fangirl wrapped her arms around the hunter and he instinctively huddled against her.

"S-SS-S-S-So-SSo-So-o-o-o c-c-cccco-co-old-dd," he forced out. Becky rubbed his back and shoulders, being very careful not to move the blankets too much.

"Don't worry, baby, I'm here," she soothed. It took a few minutes of coaxing to get Sam to uncurl his arms long enough for her to dress him in the thick and heavy down parka. He refused to take the blanket off, so he put his arms through the sleeves with the blanket tied around his shoulders like a cape. Becky pulled his hood up, then adjusted the hat and scarf so only his eyes peeked out. Then, she let him lean on her as she helped him into the sweatpants she found. Finally, Becky put socks and tennis shoes on his feet.

She couldn't stop herself from taking a moment to admire the scene in front of her. Her favorite character seemed so small and helpless as he sat there, all huddled up in the warm winter gear, shaking so furiously that she could still see his shoulders and arms quake. He kept making these little shivery whimpers and mumbling about the cold. This time, the only person who could help him was Becky. Not Dean, Becky.

"Okay, honey pie, we're gonna go a few blocks down to my place, sound good? Just lean on me and take it one step at a time!" She encouraged, helping Sam to his feet. Things were going well until Becky opened the front door. The rush of cold air and snow made Sam tremble so hard he fell over.

"Sammy!" Becky exclaimed, rushing to him.

"T-T-TT-T-T-To-o-o cc-ccc-co-o-o-old-d-d...," he protested, curling into himself and vigorously rubbing his arms.

"I know, baby, I know," Becky sighed. His rescuer quickly reached over to the other blanket, wrapping it around his upper arms so it could cover his legs too. Becky finally got him up and walking again. She didn't bother to close the door as they left. She was too focused on keeping Sam as warm as possible while they walked down the sidewalk.

Despite Becky's best efforts, he shivered and chattered unendingly. Each gust of wind nearly made Sam collapse into a trembling ball in the snow. He was so cold that every inch of him ached or was too numb to feel it. The young hunter wished his brother was with him. Dean, like all Winchesters, ran hot like a fire. He was also strong enough to carry his baby brother if need be.

"D-DDD-D-De-De-ean-n*nnn*...," Sam cried.

"It's okay, honey. Dean's going to come later when the roads are safe," Becky assured.

"... wwwwwa-an'm-mm-m'b-b-bbb-bb- *brrrr* -o-o-oth-thth-ther*rrrr*...."

"Shh.... You'll see him soon. I'll get you warm just as soon as we make it to that house over there," Becky promised. Sam didn't seem to hear her. He kept trying to call out for his big brother. Although, in his weakened state, the cries were more like quite pleas.

Becky and Sam arrived at her house after a few more minutes that seemed like hours. The walk didn't help Sam warm up at all; it just made him feel even colder. The hunter was shaking so hard that Becky had to rest him between herself and the wall while she unlocked the door.

Sam didn't wait for Becky to guide him in. He was so frozen that he'd nearly forgotten what it felt like to be warm. He unceremoniously fell across the doorway. The younger Winchester didn't bother trying to move. He just folded himself into the tightest ball he could make and allowed full body shivers to consume him.

He was so focused on the cold that he barely noticed when he was pulled into Becky's lap. She let his head rest on her shoulder while she unzipped his coat. Then, she pulled her idol close, wrapping her arms around him and resting her cheek on his head. Sam gravitated towards the warmth, and even burried his arms in the back of her sweater.

"How are you, my dearest?" Becky checked.

"FFF*FFFFFFF*-F-Fro-oz-zz-z-zen *bbb*bu-bbu'b-*bbbbb*-be-ett-t-t-terrrr...," Sam sighed. Becky massaged his back and shoulders as the violent shudders made him whimper in pain. The hunter relaxed into the touch, almost purring as his shaking began to slow.

"Y-Y-Y-Y-Yo-ou're ss-*sss*-s-so-o ww-wwa-warm-mmm *huh-uh-uh*," he commented while trying to bury himself deeper into his rescuer's warmth. Becky giggled, nuzzling his hair and planting a few lingering kisses.

"You're so cute, Sammy!" She cooed as the tall man kept trying to cuddle closer to her smaller frame.

"*SSSSS*-So-Sorry.... m'c-cc-co-old-dd...," he stammered. Becky giggled again.

"Do you wanna stay here or go to the guest bedroom upstairs?" She offered.

"BB-BBB-Be-Be-ed-d-d...," he requested. Becky gently helped Sam get to his feet. Even though the stairs seemed daunting, it was much easier than expected because Sam could hold onto the rail and Becky. Once they made it to the guest room, Becky lead him over to the desk chair. She quickly peeled back the covers on the bed before helping Sam over. She took off his shoes and parka before tucking him in.

"*thththth*-Tha-Thank yy-y-yo-ou...," Sam smiled. Becky nodded as she smoothed the covers over his quivering form. Despite the fact that the blankets were only a thin sheet and light blanket, Sam burrowed under them gratefully.

"Just lay here and focus on getting warm while I make you something hot," Becky insisted, tucking another throw blanket over the hunter. Once he seemed content, the fangirl made her way downstairs and into the backyard. She opened the shed door to smirk at the shackled man in front of her. Though he was fully dressed, his shirt and flannel offered little protection from the cold.

Becky watched the hunter with great interest. Unlike Sam, he kept pacing back and forth with the little room the chains permitted. His jaw clenched to stop his teeth jittering, but there was an obvious quake in his shoulders. No amount of blowing into his hands or rubbing his arms made a difference. Finally, he noticed Becky's presence.

"Wh-Wh-Wher-r-re's *SSSSS*-Sa-ammm?" He demanded, stepping forward despite his limbs being pulled behind him.

"Now, now, Deanie: Sammy's just fine. He's a little chilly, but I know just how to get him warm," Becky taunted.

"D-DD-D-Do-on't *tttt*-to-ouch 'immmm!" Dean threatened, struggling to reach her.

"Oh, please! What're you gonna do; turn into an ice sculpture?"

"I-II'll k-k-k-ki-ill y-*yyy*-yo-ou."

"You tell yourself whatever you need to keep warm. I'd love to stay and chat, but Sammy needs me," Becky sang. Dean muttered something that sounded like "bitch" as she skipped away.

Now that she didn't have to go out again, she removed her winter gear. She kept on her leggings and low cut midriff shirt as she began to boil water for a hot drink. Becky was startled by a loud *THUMP* upstairs. Abandoning the hot tea, she sprinted up to check on Sam. She skidded to a stop in the doorway to find the young hunter kneeling on the hardwood floor and trying to burrow under the blanket still around his shoulders.

"Sammy, what are you doing out of bed? I told you I'd bring you something soon," she chided, sitting beside her idol. Sam didn't respond. He stayed huddled in a ball, keeping his blanketed arms crossed over his otherwise bare chest. Becky realized his teeth were chattering too hard to get a word out. She was surprised they hadn't chipped yet!

"*huh-uh-uhhuh-uh-uh-uh*ppp-pa-pa-pa-pa-*ppppp*-pa-pa-pa *ngh!-huh-uh*...." After struggling for nearly a minute, Sam finally drew a trembling hand out from his cocoon to point at what he was trying to reach.

"Oh! You want the parka?" Sam nodded.

"Sorry, sweetie, but the parka's too thick. You aren't producing enough body heat to warm it up, so it would just make you colder. That's why your blankets are so thin: so the outside heat can warm you up," Becky explained. Her reasoning was little comfort to the hunter.

"Come, on! Back to bed," she grinned, moving to help him up. This time, Sam actually moved away from her.

"What's wrong, baby?"

Sam gave her his best puppy eyes which were even more effective with how much he was shaking and shivering. Becky felt her heart melt at the sight. She helped him onto the bed before enveloping him in a tight hug, snaking her arms under the blanket so she could feel his back. Sam melted into the hug. He was almost purring as Becky's heat helped his trembling slow. The hunter nuzzled into the crook of her shoulder, burrying his face in her hair, breathing in the smell of sweet coconut shampoo.

He was so sore from the shivering and so tired from his freezing experience that he began to drift off. It didn't matter that he was still quaking; all he could think about was that he was finally getting warm. Becky rested her head on his, gently rocking them from side to side. Sam closed his eyes and allowed the delicious warmth to lull him to sleep.

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His hands were numb. His feet were numb. Hell, even his face was numb. The rest of his body burned painfully in the frigid night air. Dean shook uncontrollably as he continued to fight against his shackles. He'd been kicking and pulling and thrashing ever since he gained consciousness. But the wood was young and refused to give easily.

With one last powerful tug, Dean broke through the beam that held him captive. He maneuvered the chain around his ankles over the broken wood before retrieving the key left just out of reach to taunt him. Dean had to blow into his hands and rub them together for a few minutes. Once the tingling sensation began to revive his feeling, he unlocked himself. He hissed slightly when he saw where the chains dug into his skin, and even created some freeze burns.

But that wasn't important. What was important - or rather, who was important - was Sammy. Dean didn't notice how the snow slithered into his boots as he trudged up to the house. His only concern was his baby brother. Becky hadn't bothered to lock the door after she went in, which saved Dean the trouble of kicking it down.

The house was quiet. Too quiet. The only sounds the older hunter could hear were his chattering teeth and stuttered breathing. Looking to his left, he found a tea kettle on the lit stove; he turned it off, hoping to remain undiscovered until he got Sam warm and safe. He could make Becky pay later. Dean held his numb hands up to where the fire had been so he could defrost his hands completely. Then, he began to search the house for his brother.

The bottom floor was an open floor plan with a bathroom and den to the right. Sam must be upstairs. Dean bit his tounge while he walked up to snuff out the sound of his chattering teeth. Even though he could easily take out Becky, he didn't want to push her to hurt Sam.

Dean walked down the hall, peering around the corner and into each room before moving on. As he stood in front of the last door, he heard muffled whimpering and tiny cries of pain.

Sammy.

Without a second thought, Dean stormed into the room. He was met with a very surprised Becky who had Sam curled up to her like an infant. Dean ripped her away from his brother so harshly that she flew off the bed. Sam let out a mewling cry at the loss of heat, but it was quickly replaced by joy.

Dean was here!

"DDD-DD-D-D-De-De-," Sam tried. Dean was sitting on the bed in front of him with his hands on his soulders.

"S-SS-Sam-m-m-my...," Dean replied, pulling his baby brother close to his chest. Even when he too was freezing, Dean radiated warmth. Sam wrapped his limbs around his brother, cocooning them in the blankets. The older hunter hefted him up with one arm, using the other to grab the parka on the chair.

Becky took advantage of his occupied state. She ran out of the room, closing and locking the door. As an added precaution, she jammed the dresser from the second guest room between the walls and in front of that locked door. No way they were getting out.

But Dean hadn't planned on using the door. He was going to carry his brother out through the window on his back. Now that Becky was gone, Dean could take more time to make sure his brother would stay as warm as possible for the trek back to the Impala. He set Sam down on the bed to bundle him into the parka. He added gloves, a scarf, hat, and the sneakers as well. The task was nearly impossible with how much they were both shaking, but as always, they managed.

"Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-Wha-a-a 'b-b-bb-b-bou *yyyyyy*-y-," Sam asked.

"Y-Y-Y-Yo-ou *fffff*f-f-fi-irsttt," Dean insisted, wrapping him in a blanket as a precaution. He opened the window, shivering wildly when the snow and wind attacked him.

"*DDDDDDDDDDDDDD*...," Sam protested. Dean, thinking his kid was still getting colder, brought him another blanket. Sam shakily grabbed the blanket and pushed it back. Dean nodded, tying the blanket around his shoulders so he could help Sam up.

"C-C-CC-Co-om*mmm*me o-onnn," he encouraged. The brothers embraced one another as they shuffled towards the open window. Dean hoisted Sam up piggyback style, hoping it would be easier to carry him down. Sam wrapped his limbs tightly around his brother. He burried his face in the blanket as another powerful shudder rattled his teeth.

"C-CC-C-CCC-C-Co-o-o-old-d-d," he murmured.

"Ha-Ha-Ha-anggg o-o-onnn," Dean pleaded. He held onto his brother's legs with his left hand so his right hand could support their descent to the ground. The snow was thick enough that it cushioned their landing. But it was also cold enough and wet enough to soak Dean up past his knees. He had to cling to the fence post as shudders tore through him. It was a testament to how cold he was when Sam managed to slide down without him noticing.

Sam unhuddled from his blanket to wrap it around his big brother. Dean shakily pulled the blankets around him. His teeth were knocking together so furiously that he couldn't get more than a whimper out. Sam decided to bundle him up in the hat and scarf he was wearing. He unzipped the parka, hugged Dean close, then started leading them away from Becky's house.

He thought he saw the Impala parked a ways away, but it was too snowy to see properly. The brothers were so cold and so shaky and so frozen that they collapsed in the middle of the road. They huddled as close together as possible to conserve any remaining heat. The duo stayed there for several minutes when a pair of headlights shone over them. The boys were too frozen to notice.

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"Dean!? Sam!?" Bobby gasped. He ran over to the frozen brothers to check on their heartbeats. They were weak, but they were there. "Balls! C'mon, boys, let's get you warm!"

It took a lot of effort, but the older hunter eased both Winchesters up and into the passenger side of his truck. In the light, he could see how pale and almost blue they looked! Despite how out of it they were, they still clung to one another. Sam nuzzled into Dean's neck and he burried his face in his hair. Bobby wrapped the emergency blanket around them.

"Hang on, boys! I'll get'cha warm in no time!" He promised, cranking up the heat. The brothers just shivered in response.

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Dean woke up slowly, nuzzling into his pillow and snuggling into the warm covers. He still felt cold and shivery, but at least he could feel his extremities. Glancing up, he saw his baby brother --still a little pale and chilly-- but recovering. He reached under the covers to gently grab onto his hand. He was about to fall back asleep until he realized he had no idea where they were.

The older brother groaned as he tried to sit up. His muscles were so sore from the shaking and escaping that he flopped back down onto the bed.

"Hey, hey, hey! Take it easy, son! You've been through a lot."

"Bobby?" He asked, recognizing the nickname and tone immediately.

"How're you doing?" He asked.

"Is Sammy okay?"

"He's got a bit of frostnip on his fingers, toes, nose, and ears, but it wasn't severe. No damage at all. He's still pretty cold, but not nearly as hypothermic as earlier." Bobby explained.

"Thank you... for taking care of us," Dean said, tucking his brother under his chin as he starts to drift off. He heard his brother's breathing get a little staggered as he wakes up, then he shakes his head a little.

"*huh'NNSHH!*"

"Hey, there, Sammy," Dean smiles.

"Hey." Sam sniffles. "You ogkay?"

"Still cold and sore beyond belief, but better." Sam coughs and Dean hears the congestion moving around his lungs.

"You catch a cold or somethin'?" Dean asks, feeling his forehead.

"*heh-heh-PSHH! hih'GSHH! HEPSHhuuh!*" 

That was all the answer Dean needed.

"Hey, we made it. We're okay now. Bobby rescued us!" Dean assured. Sam nodded then sneezed again. He shivered.

"De, I'b stdill code."

Dean doesn't have much time to come up with a solution. Bobby bundles a few warm coats around them since all of the blankets and towels are being used to defrost the poor chilly boys. Sam shifts, then sniffles.

"That's better, huh?" Dean checks.

"*heh...heheh...heh'SHHH!* Ngh... Cuddhul?"

"Don't think we could be much closer baby brother," Dean explains. That doesn't stop Sam from wriggling into his brother's chest. Dean sighs, making sure the covers are secure, then hugs his brother.

"Yeah, kiddo. Let's get you warm," he agreed. Sam hummed, then coughed, then started to drift off.

The boys are on an early season 1 hunt in Michigan but aren't quite used to how cold it is. (Words: 2086)

I might continue this if anyone is interested.

Dean shoved Sam through the entrance of the nearest store, the little bell above jingling. The younger hunter was shaking so harshly from the frigid Michigan air that Dean feared it was a seizure. He steered Sam over to the nearest vent, then began brushing off the snow while hot air blew over him.

"You okay?" Dean checked.

"F-F-FFF-F-Fi-Finnne," Sam stuttered.

"You're not fine, you're frozen! The Hell were you thinkin', man?!" Dean scolded. Sam looked at him with the most heart-wrenching puppy eyes he'd ever pulled. Of course him being all huddled up and shivery made it all the more effective.

Dean sighed. He brought his brother's icy hands out from his jacket sleeves to check for frostbite. "Look: I don't care how close you think the library is. When it's this freakin' cold, you call me to pick you up. You don't walk! Man, look at you! You better have all your toes."

"*fffffuhuhuhuhuh* N-N-NN-NN-No-ot th-th-that *buh-buh-buh-buh*bad," Sam denied. He then shuddered so hard Dean had to stop him from falling.

"Yeah, tell that to your teeth," Dean interrupted. "Geez, Sammy! If you're gonna be so underdressed, at least wear gloves."

"D-D-D-Do-on't ha-ha-avvve 'nnnny-y," Sam explained. Dean lightly smacked him upside his head.

"You should've said something! I told you we'd be close to Canada this hunt! Are these the warmest clothes you have?" He berated. Sam's lack of eye contact was all the answer Dean needed. He sighed, washing a hand over his face. "You trying kill me, Sammy?"

"Y-Y-You-u'd c-c-c-co-co-com*mmm*ee b-b-bb-back a-a-an *huhuhuh*haunt m-m-m-me."

"Damn right I'd haunt your ass," Dean smirked. "Now let's see if this place has anything to keep you from turning into the abominable snowman."

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The brothers have stayed in some pretty awful places: motels that reek of cigar smoke, empty houses infested with pests, even outside on cold concrete if the situation was dire enough. This cabin might be their least favorite place. Sure it looked beautiful, was clean, and free from rodents or bugs, but it was not built for winter.

It's insulation is nonexistent, the windows are single paned which let the chill seep into the cabin, there is no fireplace, and no matter where they are, there is always a draft to send shivers up their spines. Dean was convinced that the cabin was colder than the snowy forest outside. He was tempted to sleep in the Impala, but since she was made of metal, she would be even colder (though he doubted it was possible for colder temperatures to exist).

Their father trained them to withstand cold temperatures and how to deal with cold weather emergencies. Dean kept trying to regulate his breathing like he was taught. Every inhale felt like a brain freeze to his sinuses, even inside! Despite all of this, Dean was still more worried for his brother.

Sam has never been very cold tolerant. His skinny body just didn't hold in enough heat. Living in the warmer climate of the Bay Area made him even less tolerant. Dean's stomach clenched at the memory of his baby brother shivering through cold weather training, his teeth clacking together so intensely that even their father allowed him to wear another layer. It was excruciating to see his little brother freezing without helping him.

This time wasn't cold training. This is one of the circumstances they trained for. Only this time, Dean won't sit idly by while Sammy freezes to death. He'll do whatever it takes to keep him warm. Whatever he did, he knew he'd have to do it quickly. Dean could already see his brother shaking from the cold, even in his new winter clothes.

"Why don't you go find some more blankets and I'll see if I can pump some heat into this place," Dean suggested. Sam nodded, rubbing his arms as he walked away. Dean examined the cabin, trying to find a thermostat or a furnace: anything. He nearly cheered when he found the water heater. All he had to do was relight the pilot light and... done! In an hour, it would be warm enough for a hot shower or two.

"D-D-Dean!" The older brother sprinted to where he heard Sam call. "We d-d-don't have p-p-p-p-power."

"Hang tight, Sammy! I'll try to find the generator. Stay here!" Dean ordered before running off. He checked the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, the bedrooms, the closets, even the bathroom. It must be outside. Dean rushed outside and around the perimeter of the cabin. Finally, he found the generator piled under a mountain of snow. His gloved hands made opening the control panel very difficult, but if he took them off, he'd lose fingers to frostbite. Dean's hopes fell when the door opened to reveal every piece either rusted or frozen.

"Sonovabitch...," he grumbled, slamming the door shut. Hopefully whatever they had in the Impala could help, just until they could drive back into town for supplies. Dean ruffled through the trunk, the hidden compartment, the interior: all he found were a few more scraps of clothing and a lighter. He sighed.

"Generator's busted. We'll pick up stuff to fix it tomorrow. I did find a few more gloves and socks though," Dean explained, shaking off the snow from his jacket before putting it back on again.

"Don't worry, Dean. The stove's gas powered with a full tank of propane. It's kinda cozy," Sam replied, holding his gloved hands close to the lit burner. Dean was glad Sam wasn't shivering anymore. He knew from experience that it made his muscles sore as Hell.

"You wanna roast marshmallows and chestnuts?" The older brother teased.

"I know you're joking, but I could seriously use some hot chocolate right about now," Sam smirked, rubbing his arms again.

"You said it. We should get some mix. And some milk! Watery hot chocolate is disgusting," Dean added.

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After a couple of hours researching, Dean heated up a few cans of soup over the fire. It was getting dark, especially with the increasing snowfall. It wasn't too bad thanks to the candles they lit. They also provided some much needed warmth. Both boys divided the remaining clothes and blankets among themselves, Dean making sure Sam got whatever was warmest. His kid was bundled up in as many layers as he thought he could wear without Dean noticing. Of course, he did. But he wouldn't say anything.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dean watched Sam blow into his gloved hands and bounce his legs. While waiting for the soup to warm up, he rifled through the cabinets in search of something that could help Sam. He found a few heat packs and even one of those aqua bead pouches that could be heated or cooled. There was also some tea and sugar. Dean started to heat another pot of water for the tea and to heat up the aqua pouch.

"*huh-huh'PSHH! h'NSHuuh! hih-GISHhuuh!*"

"Hey, Sammy. Why don't you take a break for a bit. Stretch thise freakishly long legs of yours," Dean suggested, hoping to lure his brother closer to the heat source.

Sam happily left the dining room chairs, taking the long route to the kitchen so he wouldn't be too obvious.

"*HISHhuuh! tchSHOO! Heh-hih-ihHSHSH!*"

"You getting sick?"

"No. My nose is just running 'cause it's cold in here. And my scarf tickles sometimes," Sam explained, hugging himself.

"Wanna try one of these hot pack things? They're suplosed to be for injuries but they advertise heat," Dean offered, already preparing a pack. Sam nodded, but Dean would've put the pack on him anyways. The younger hunter shuddered violently when his shirt was pulled up in the back. He felt the pack stick to him, then Dean let go of him.

As upset as Sam wanted to be with Dean for invading his personal space, the glorious warmth of the pack started to kick in. He sighed contentedly, almost purring, as it helped his shivery muscles loosen.

"It's so warm," he thought aloud.

"That's why it's called a hot pack, Sammy. Here, eat up," Dean explained as he handed Sam a bowl of soup. The brothers stood by the stove as they ate the soup and drank the tea. Both were savoring the warmth from the dishes as well as their contents.

"You think you're gonna be warm enough, tonight Sammy?" Dean checked, handing him the warmed aqua pouch.

"Yeah, I'm good. What about you, though?" Sam worried.

"I'm too hot to freeze!"

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Dean let out another shuddery breath as a chill wracked him. He tried to curl himself into a tighter ball, but it wasn't helping. The hunter was so cold he couldn't stop shivering. His teeth kept making that annoying chattering sound no matter how much he wrapped himself in the blankets. He even used some spare towels from the closets!

"S-S-S-S-Sa-ammmy's w-ww-wwarm-m-m," Dean kept telling himself. "*huhuhuh*He's wwwwa-warm a-a-and s-s-s-s-sa*fffff*fe." He then shivered so hard it rocked the bed. Dean was wearing every piece of clothing he could. Everything else (minus the Fed Suit) was mingled in with the towels and covers. How was he still this cold?!

Finally fed up with turning into a popsicle, Dean eased himself out of the blankets to stand by the stove for a while. He was amazed to feel how much colder the room was outside of his cocoon. All his shivering reminded him to check on Sam. Dean shuffled around the corner and into the kitchen. He turned on the gas for the stove, but couldn't work the lighter with his gloves. He took them off then shuddered impossibly harder.

He dropped his lighter with a loud *THUNK!*. Dean winced, hoping the noise didn't wake his little brother. He decided to turn off the gas until he could find another way to light the stove. No sense in poisoning them both. While he waited for an idea to come, he saw one of the hot packs on the counter. Dean took off his gloves on the other hand so he could open their package. But he was shaking too much to properly grasp it.

"I knew it!"

Dean whipped around as Sam came out of his room with a blanket wrapped around him.

"You lecture me about the importance of of staying warm and wearing plenty of layers while you go and do the exact opposite!"

"M'f-f-ff-fi-ine S-S-S-Sam," Dean assured.

"You're not fine, you're frozen!" Sam echoed, wrapping the blanket around his brother. He grabbed the dropped lighter, then lit the front burners. Dean gave a shuddery sigh as he felt the warmth and held his palms out.

"Here: put these back on." Sam watched Dean struggle to put the gloves on for a few seconds before doing it himself. Dean looked away as he huddled into the blanket. Sam opened the hot pack and slipped it onto his brother's back before he had a chance to protest.

"Why didn't you tell me you were freezing? I could've added more layers and given you more blankets!" Sam demanded, preparing a pot of water for tea.

"Y-Y-Y-You wwwere *cuh-cuh-cuh*co-old a-all ddday," Dean explained.

"And you've been freezing all night. Maybe even longer!"

"*muh-muh-muh-muh*my-y j-j-jjjob-b... p-p-p-prot-tect y-y-yo-ou...."

"What's my job then? Sit around all warm and cozy while my big brother freezes to death? I can deal with being cold. I can't deal with losing you too." Sam looked away and took a breath to compose himself.

"S-S-Sam-m-my?"

"I'm fine!"

Dean unhuddled from the blanket so he could pull his brother into a hug. Sam burried his face in Dean's shoulder as he relaxed into the embrace.

"S'ok-k-kay S-Sammy. I-I'm g-g-getting warm-m-mer nno-ow. M-M-M'ok-k-k-kay."

Sam nodded into his shoulder. Dean's shivering slowed to a stop after a few minutes. Neither brother was willing to let go of the other just yet.

"You wanna try to sleep a bit more?" Sam offered, suppressing a yawn. "You can stay in my room 'cause it's warm."

"Yeah. Let's get'cha to bed, Sammy," Dean chuckled. Reluctantly, they let go to walk into Sam's room. They crawled under the covers on opposite sides of the bed, but they ended up gravitating towards each other. Their chilly and sleepy minds only registered the soft warmth and the presence of his brother.