esoteric ↯ dean winchester x reader

xlix.

You and Dean took the man, who had by now introduced himself as Mike, back to Jenna's room. He held his baby close to his chest. He hadn't said much other than his name at this point.

"Sir," you knelt in front of Mike on bed with sensitive eyes. Dean almost got possessive. You offered comfort and the man immediately calmed down. "Could you please tell us what happened?"

"Sure.. The doc said it was gonna be a tough birth, but Janie.. she stepped up. The twister hit, the power went out. She just kept on going. No drugs. Just pushed out this little dewdrop like she was nothing. Then Janie started bleeding." Mike finally let his eyes up from the baby, "They tried, but... You'd think they'd know how to stop something like that."

"I'm so sorry, Mike." Jenna apologized.

"You think you could tell us what happened after?" Dean interjected.

"I went outside, after t'collect myself. A truckload of 'em pulled up." Mike continued, trying to stay present. It was then that you noticed the wavering of his skin between flesh and smoke.

"The road crew?" Sam clarified, and Mike nodded, glancing at you for comfort. You tried to offer a warm smile but you were scared and couldn't help but back away. Dean was noticing the difference in you.

"They didn't say nothing. They just went off, attacking folks like they were possessed. I tore back inside to get this little one. I found that supply closet, and you know, been there since. I could hear them, though. Tearing through the halls. Doctors, nurses -- they didn't care." Mike told it, you could see him relive it in his eyes, the screaming and fighting.

"You said the road crew went nuts. Did any of them come after you?" You hated to ask but needed to be sure. Dean understood now your off behavior.

"Yeah, a few of them." Mike was honest.

"Did they cut you or bleed on you?" You continued,

"They did." Mike admitted, holding onto his baby tighter.

"I don't understand. What are you saying?" Jenna asked, defensive.

"Saying that whatever this is, it might be transmittable." Dean covered for you.

"What? We don't even know what this is. Now you're saying it can be passed on?" Jenna complained, hoping the man was innocent. She couldn't see what you did.

"They're right. I can feel it." Mike confirmed, "Inside. Something's happening."

"How long has it been since you were attacked?" Sam asked, obviously trying to assess the situation.

"Three, four hours." Mike told, "The real question is, how long till I become like them?"

"We'll let you know as soon as we do." You told him remaining as calm as possible, "Dean, Sam? Can I talk to you?"

The two boys followed you into the conjoining room. You tried to keep a straight face but they could tell you were scared.

"What did you see?" Sam asked, whispering since the conjoined room had no door.

"It was the smoke. Anyone who's infected I see their skin move from flesh to smoke." You whispered, "Mike's skin just started doing that. He's not that far along since it wavers every few minutes or so maybe? I don't know it just happened for the first time but it's getting stronger. We don't have much time."

"Well, you know where I stand." Dean folded his arms before you could even get a word out.

"No, you're not-" Jenna had just entered the room unannounced.