Title: Cracks
Prompt: 115 - change
Character/Pairing: Jimmy Novak, Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester.
Word Count: 403
Rating: T
Warnings: Alcohol reference

The only reason they were at the bar that night was to make some fast cash. Sam and Dean were doing the usual pool hustling routine. Sam drinking and pretending to be a bad player while Dean attempts to convince him not to bet two hundred bucks or more.

Except there was something different that night.

They had an ex-vessel in tow. Jimmy Novak, the poor guy that lost his family and showed a general hate towards angels the past week since being with them. Dean was worried about demons getting him so they took him in. Like adopting a lost puppy.

Dean glanced around the crowded room and his eyes stopped at the bar. He saw the back of Jimmy's head and a glass of beer in front of him. He didn't seem the type to drink and frowned, telling Sam not to bet anymore or drink anymore before going over to join the man. "Hey Jim," he said while sitting on the seat next to him.

Jimmy nodded, a somber look on his face as he picked up the glass and drank down most of the liquid. Dean looked him over, assessing. Jimmy was dressed similar to them now with layers of dull colored clothing and his shoulders were slouched forward towards the bar top. If he didn't know any better, Dean might think he was depressed.

But he had every reason to be. They hadn't heard from Castiel since that day and ever since, it was like something changed in the man.

Before Dean knew it, minutes passed and Jimmy had drained his glass. He called over the bartender for another, who said, "Mister, I'm cutting you off after this one."

Furrowing his brow with minor concern, Dean asked, "Jimmy, how many have you had?"

"Five…ish." He was so calm about it, shrugging and picking up the newly filled glass.

Once he put it down, Dean glanced over at Sam, who looked to be getting bored since he won another game. "C'mon man. Sam's ready to go." Jimmy got up, stumbling a little as Dean grabbed his arm to steady him and escort him out with the help of his brother.

That was the night he saw the change – one giant crack that ruined everything. A familiar one that he'd felt when he lost Sam and his dad and so many others. Dean only hoped that Jimmy could stay together…