It’s a relief to finally be a little farther south. A string of jobs up north had Dad dragging them back and forth between states that are still clinging to the last vestiges of winter, tiny snowbanks and subzero temperatures making it feel more like January than March.
Now, though, the streak has broken, and Dad’s finally found himself a case somewhere a little warmer. Before they even get out of the car, Dean can tell by the sun shining overhead and the beginnings of new growth that spring has most definitely sprung in Nevada.
Sam nearly trips over himself to get out of the car once they’ve parked, and Dean isn’t far behind him, happy for the excuse to finally wiggle out of his hoodie and let the sun shine on his bare arms. He knows they need to bring their bags inside, lay the salt lines, and get some food, but for right now, it’s nice to just feel the warm weather again for a bit.
“Think I saw a sign for a park down the street.” It’s Dad, and when Dean looks his way, there’s a smile on his face. The cold must’ve been getting to him, too, and it’s hard not to be at least a little happy under the sun like this. “You boys can head down there for a bit before dinner, if you want.”
“Yeah!” Sam’s already nodding rapidly, and he runs over to hug Dad tight around the middle. “Thanks, Dad!”
Dad laughs, and Dean’s grinning, already jogging over to join his brother. “You don’t need any help unpacking?”
“We’ve got three bags between us.” There’s a touch of amusement in Dad’s expression. “I think I’ll live. Go, you’ve got half an hour.”
That’s all the permission Dean needs, and he grins at Sam once more as the two of them start running in the direction Dad had indicated. Dean’s taking it easy- Sam’s still got a whole bunch of growing to do, and he can’t run as fast when he’s so little- but he’s having fun, too, laughing and giving his brother tiny, teasing nudges. “Wanna race?”
“You always win!” That doesn’t seem to discourage Sam all that much, though, as he pushes himself harder and speeds up a little. Even with his shorter legs, he’s quick on his feet and has a lot of energy, leaving Dean chasing after him as they approach the park.
With soft grass underfoot, Dean finally makes it up close behind Sam and snatches him right up off the ground, earning a breathless giggle from his brother. Slowing down, he shifts Sam around in his arms until he’s holding him princess-style, smiling widely on the way to the park’s playground. “S’that mean I win?”
“You cheated,” Sam accuses him, but he doesn’t look all that upset, wiggling in place just a little bit like he’s testing Dean’s hold on him. “When I get bigger, I’m gonna be way faster than you, and you’ll never catch me!”
“Keep dreamin’, squirt.” Dean grins and leans down to nose through Sam’s hair, just to hear him huff in protest. “You gotta get taller first, and I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”
Sam pouts at him, but lights up again once they get close to the swings, nearly squirming out of Dean’s arms in excitement. “Can you push me? Please, Dean?”
Dean pretends like he’s thinking about it for a moment before nodding, setting Sam down on his feet so he can dash over and grab one of the swings for himself. “Fine, but only ‘cause I feel bad that you’re gonna be short forever.”
Sam sticks his tongue out as he plops down on the swing, and Dean can’t hide his grin, circling around so he can start pushing. Sam swings his legs in time with each one, and before long, he’s soaring high, laughing with delight and holding onto the chains tightly. Dean just smiles, feeling light and happy as he soaks up the sun overhead and the sound of his brother’s laughter.
Half an hour. Better make the most of it.
70/365
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