all duct tape and safety pins inside

ever_dimming

He’s not sure what’s happening. He knows his eyes are open, because he can see the room around him, can see Dean and hear Jane’s voice, though he can’t actively look at anything, can't quite listen. He’s just there. Where - - what’s going on?
“Sam.” That’s Dean’s voice, Dean’s hand on his arm. Warm, solid. An anchor. “Sammy, talk to me. Hey.”
Jane sounds sad as she says, somewhere behind him, “he can’t.”

Title: Away from These Shores (8/?)
Author: ever_dimming
Genre: Gen
Summary: A simple hunt leaves Sam in an altered state no one seems able to explain – at first. Pulling him out of it is not nearly as easy as it should be, especially since Dean is dealing with his own trauma.
Triggers: dissociation, post-trauma, past violence & torture
Disclaimer: Supernatural, its characters, plot lines etc. belong to their awesome creators. I am merely suggesting fun new ways in which those beloved characters could suffer and/or be comforted.

This chapter ended up pretty damn long. It explores the ways in which Sam's vulnerable state affects Dean, Ellen and Bobby, but I'd say it's still Sam-centric.

She finds herself absurdly grateful when Sam slides back into blank apathy, because at least then she can tell herself he isn’t feeling anything as she walks him around the living room or in the yard like an ailing horse, gets him to sit out on the porch swing with her. As she presses a glass of cold water into his hand and wraps his lax fingers around it again and again, drink that, honey, come on. Talks to him without getting a response.

Chapter 8 (AO3)

First chapter

Hey, it's been a while. I've been working on one fic for about a year now (health issues are kicking my ass). Posted the first 3 chapters today.

It's basically a lot of altered, dissociative, vulnerable Sam being cared for by Dean, Ellen and (somewhat) Bobby. Here it is *cracking a super-nervous smile* Please note the warnings, though. Thanks!

Title: Away from These Shores
Author: ever_dimming
Genre/pairing: Gen
Characters: Sam, Dean (main), Ellen, Bobby
Word count: Three chapters = 9202 words
Spoilers: up to 8.01. This is not really Season 8-related though, it’s pretty standalone.
Summary: A simple hunt leaves Sam in an altered state no one seems able to explain – at first. Pulling him out of it is not nearly as easy as it should be.
This is a semi-AU in which Cas didn't survive Swan Song, Bobby wasn’t there for the cemetery showdown, and both he and Ellen are still around. Sam escaped the Cage with his soul intact, but not without a price.
Warnings: Language, general reference to trauma in The Cage; kidnapping (though not central). While this fic has no sexual content, and violence is only occasionally referenced, it deals with loss of power and with severe lack of autonomy, which can still be triggering to some. If you are a trauma survivor – especially if you're dissociative – consider skipping this one.
Disclaimer: Supernatural, its characters, plot lines etc. belong to their awesome creators. I am merely suggesting fun new ways in which those beloved characters could suffer even more.

Sam's gaze seems to linger on something across the room, up by the ceiling. Dean can't see anything there but cobwebs. He gently slides a hand under the back of Sam's neck to support his head as he dips his chin, moving Sam’s face down a bit to get in his brother’s direct line of vision. Glassy hazel eyes stare right through him, pupils dilated. No no no no no.
"Sam?"