[FIC]The Return - SPN - 1/?

[chimeradragon]

The Return
Chapter 1

One Year Later...

Something was up.

I sat up in bed, trying not to make any noise as I listened for whatever it was that had woken me up. I looked around the room and saw nothing out the ordinary, but with my previous line of work that didn't mean a whole lot.

I readjusted and closed my eyes, listening to see if I could hear either Ben or Lisa moving around in the house. There was nothing but the soft sound of Ben's snuffling; kid had caught a cold at school and was just barely starting to get over it, and Lisa was rolling over for umpteenth time.

I opened my eyes again and sighed to myself. Hunter's instincts never really go away, no matter how much you try. I laughed softly to myself and stood up from the bed, intending to grab to fingers of scotch to quiet my nerves and go back to bed.

As I walked down the dark hallway I stopped by Lisa's room and watched her sleep for a moment. She had thought we we're going to resume our relationship, but I had been very clear. I didn't want to lead her on, I didn't want to confuse her, but I did want to be there for Ben. She had been a little confused and upset at first but after we had a Chick Moment about it, she understood and let me stay. I was going to try and be good, for Sam. And for Cas.

I really missed them both.

I sighed and continued down the hallway, stopping at Ben's room and looking it over. He was sprawled across his bed in a pose that could only be described as a retarded starfish. I walked silently into the room and moved him carefully back onto the bed. He mumbled something under his breath and clutched the toy car in his hand tighter. I smiled to myself and readjusted the blankets back over him. He smiled and snuggled into the blankets as he fell more deeply asleep.

I continued down the hallway, checking for signs of ... well, anything to be honest. I didn't really think there would be anything there, but I had to check. Dad had instilled that into me at a very young age and there was no real stopping that habit. I walked nearly silently on the hardwood floors and quickly made my way to the kitchen.

After grabbing a glass and pouring the scotch I sat down at the table, looking out on the dead streetlight. I remembered it going out the day I had arrived, but the county still hadn't sent someone out to fix it. I sighed to myself and let my mind wander.

“Cas,” I murmured into my glass. I could already feel the slight burn of the alcohol and the loosening of muscles. I downed the last mouthful and held my empty glass up the the dead lamp. “And to you too, Sam. Hope you're doin' okay. You better be takin' care of Adam down there.”

I stopped as I rinsed my glass, certain I had seen something move outside, but when I looked closer all I saw was a bird sitting on one of the lower tree branches. I shook my head and made my way back down the hallway, checking on Ben and Lisa on my way back before sitting on the edge of the bed. I felt the urge to pray and decided to give it.

“Cas,” I said quietly with my head bowed; I don't do the folded hands thing, “If you can hear me. I'm thinkin' of you. Miss you. And Sam, but I don't think he can hear me. I ain't praying to your Father. Far as I'm concerned he can stay wherever He is. I just wanted you to know that I'm still ... you know... waitin' for you. Ben's doing good. Lisa too. And now I feel like a crazy man having a chick moment for even doing this. Night, Cas.” I mentally smacked myself and laid down. I couldn't believe what I let myself do sometimes.

A little while later I finally drifted off and found myself in the dream where I was sitting in a chair at the end of dock, fishing.

“Dean,” I heard a familiar voice call out. I turned and saw Cas standing next to me. Trench coat and all.

“Cas!” I said as a smile broke out on my face. I had to be grinning like an idiot, but I don't think Cas minded. “I ... am I dreaming? This has gotta be a dream.”

“It is, but I am really here. I heard you pray. Not to Father, but I will take successes where I get them. Some day you will pray to Him as well. You sounded,” he paused, looking for the word. “Distressed.”

“Nah, just saw a bird outside the house and was thinking of you and all the times you zapped me places. It's been more than half a year. How are things going on the Holy Front?” I asked, rubbing the back of my neck and feeling foolish for making Cas worry about me.

“I ... was kinda missing you,” I admitted after he stared at me long enough with his head cocked slightly to one side. “Anyway...” I said, trying to steer the conversation away from me.

“I understand. I have missed you as well. That is the way it should be,” Castiel replied as though it was the most logical thing in the world. He stepped closer to me and I swear I could almost smell him. That cross between fresh ink, musk, and the ocean his eyes resembled.

“Are you comin' to get me anytime soon? Or should I get ready for another six months of waiting?” I asked, I could feel my hands twitching with the need to touch him, even if it was just a dream.

“I will be there tomorrow. There is something we must discuss about your brothers. There is something wrong with the Cage,” Castiel replied, eyes serious.

“What's wrong?”

“The Cage was only meant to hold the power of Lucifer. Now there are two powerful human vessels, Michael, Lucifer, and two human souls the Cage is weakening. If we do not find a way to remove your brothers and their bodies, we may have a ...” his hand moved through the air looking for the right word as his head cocked to the side.

“Break out?” I asked, I felt my heart skip a beat as he nodded.

“Yes, they may escape the Cage and come looking for us. You and I. And they will have their vessels. Which means they will be very powerful.”

“I thought you said you just got an upgrade, Cas,” I replied.

“I did become more powerful. But they are an Archangel General, and the Lord of Hell. I have just recently become an Archangel. It takes time for power to gather. And I have been busy fighting Raphael and his followers. They will try to release Michael and Lucifer to let them continue with the Apocalypse. This is not something we want to happen,” Castiel countered.

“Right. So, game plan?” I asked.

“I will meet with you tomorrow afternoon. Prepare your car and say your goodbyes. I will leave a guard on Lisa and one on Ben so that you will not have to worry needlessly. Though, should we fail, they will likely die.”

“Nice pep talk, Cas,” I groaned. “At least they'll have somebody. Are you going to introduce them?”

“As it seems to give faith to those that are losing theirs and you seem to prefer it, yes. I will introduce them to their protectors. Good bye, Dean.” Castiel smiled and leaned forward, giving a brief, but tender kiss. I felt my knees buckle as the dream ended.

“Bastard,” I muttered with a smile on my face and none of the heat that would usually accompany such an insult.

I sighed and shook my head as I sat up in bed, and looked at the clock. It was already seven in the morning and I felt surprisingly rested for a guy that hadn't really gotten much sleep the night before.

“Dean?” I heard Lisa call softly from the doorway. “Are you awake?”

“Yeah,” I called back. “I'm awake. I'll be dressed in a minute. Did you want me to drive Ben to school?” I slipped out of the bed, straightened the sheets, and looked at the doorway.

“It's Saturday, there's no school. I thought we could go out and see a movie? Just the three of us,” Lisa replied as she opened the door a little wider and looked in. She smiled and gave me a little wave.

“That sounds great. Oh, and I'm probably gonna be having a friend over this afternoon. Is that gonna be cool with you? Or should I try to change the arrangements?” I asked as I slipped out of my sleep pants and grabbed a clean pair of jeans. She'd seen me naked enough I wasn't shy in the least.

“That's fine. Ben wants to see that new pirate movie. Are you still game for that?” Lisa asked.

“Pirates!” Ben crowed happily as he bounced into my room.

“They're the best,” I replied, giving Ben an equally excited grin. “How about breakfast?”

Lisa smiled as Ben ran off to go get dressed. “You're really good with him,” Lisa said softly.

“I know, but it just...” I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair. “I love you and Ben, but ... someone else has my heart. Has for a while now.”

Lisa looked at me in stunned shock for a few moments. She shook her head. “I should have known. You know what they say... all the good ones are gay or taken.” She smiled wistfully. “But you'll still be there for Ben?”

I laughed a little. “Lisa, I know about Ben. I even know why you hid it from me. I understand. So, yeah, I'm gonna be there for him. And for you. But I can't give up my life as a Hunter, not in the long run. A friend of mine once told me that it's my Destiny. Capital letters and everything.” I grabbed a shirt at random and slipped it over my head.

“I know, but a girl can dream can't she?” Lisa asked.

“Yeah. But there's some stuff I have to take care of so that the two of you will be safe. But I promise, I'm doing anything stupid. Reckless, sure, but that's me,” I grinned.

“So, you're going to be leaving us again?” Lisa asked sounding a little wistful.

“Yeah, but I'm gonna try to be here for all the big stuff. Birthdays, Holidays, that kind of thing. And for the record, I'm bi.”

She shook her head and swatted me on the arm. “You are impossible. I suppose I should get dressed. Can I trust you to make breakfast?”

“Hey! I'm a good cook. Just because I don't usually have a kitchen doesn't mean I don't know how to use one,” I replied as I crossed my arms over my chest and did my best imitation of Ben's pouting face.

“I meant after the meat lover's breakfast fiasco, is it safe to have you in charge of the kitchen?” she replied with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, eggs and pancakes. Sound good?” I asked.

“Yes, now get in there before Ben decides to try feeding himself,” Lisa said as she started to walk out the door. “Oh, and how did you know?”

“An angel told me,” I replied honestly. “Besides, the kid is scarily like me. When he gets older I'll have to teach him the ropes.” She gave me a warning look. “I mean with girls. And cars. And music.” I grinned and shooed her out of the room and headed for the kitchen myself.

“Breakfast!” Ben crowed as he came stomping in, dressed in a black shirt with a skull and crossbones on it. He hopped from foot to foot. “Can I help?”

“Sure, why don't you set the table? I'm going to get started on the pancake batter, and you can help me pour it. Okay?”

“Great!” Ben replied excitedly, happy to be able to help in the kitchen. His mom worried too much about the potential for hurting himself and never let him at the stove, but I was raised differently. I was cooking Sammy's meals by the time I was tall enough to work the stove on a step stool. I sighed and shook my head as I pulled the plates and glasses down for Ben.

I had fun showing Ben the best way to pour the batter to get the fun shaped pancakes. Lisa smiled at me as Ben showed off his handiwork.

“That's great sweetheart,” Lisa said as she patted him on the head and ran a hand through his hair. “Did you get to flip them too?”

“Dean helped me, but I did some of them on my own!” Ben said as the put a couple of pancakes on his plate and poured too much syrup on them.

“That's good,” Lisa said as she took a few for herself.

“So, what time is the movie?” I asked, as I started in on my own plate.

“Noon. We'll have plenty of time,” Lisa said looking content. I felt bad for a moment, knowing that I'd be leaving soon and taking away some of that contentment. But I also knew that they'd be okay. Her and Ben, in this house, living their lives while I risked mine to keep them safe.

To keep everyone safe, really.

I mentally shook myself and finished breakfast. Ben was done in no time and ready to head out for the movie with the energy only a kid could have.

Several hours later ...

I sighed as I watched Ben bound back into the house, Lisa followed listening to him spouting about how he wanted to be a pirate and how much he loved the movie. I parked the car and walked in, dropping the keys into the bowl by the door. I reached into the drawer of the table and pulled out the keys for the Impala.

“Hey, I'm going into the garage for a bit. You guys good for now?” I called. Cas had given me a task and I was going to take care of it. After all, I'm not really the kind of guy to procrastinate on things like that.

“Okay, you'll be in for dinner?” Lisa called back.

“Yup!” I replied and headed for the garage. I stood for a moment looking at the cloth covered car that had taken me so many places in my life. I sighed as I pulled the cover off of her. She was still shiny from the wash and wax I had given her a month ago. Opening the trunk I checked to make sure I was fully stocked and ready for anything.

I finished about an hour later, everything was in order and I was ready for Cas.

“You all done?” Lisa asked as she spotted me heading for my room.

“Yeah, hey, what's Ben doing?” I asked.

“He's watching TV, why?” she asked warily.

“I'm gonna go pack some of my stuff. Just the essentials, after all, this place is kind of like home base. But when my friend comes later, I'll be leaving with them,” I said. “I just don't want Ben to see me packing and think that none of this meant anything. You know? It meant a lot. And it was nice to know what a normal family is like. I never had that as a kid.”

“But you have things to take care of,” Lisa finished. “I understand, and Ben will too. I told him that you probably wouldn't be here all the time when you came back to us. I just knew it, even before you did. I just didn't want him to get is hopes up too much. He said he understands. But you get to tell him that you'll be coming back. And you'll be answering to him if you disappoint him. You hear me, Dean Winchester?” She poked me in the chest and gave me the irritated mom look.

“I hear you,” I replied as I held up my hands in surrender. I smiled as the look in her eyes softened.

“Good. I'll hold you to that. When are your friends supposed to be arriving?” she asked just as the doorbell rang.

“I got it!” Ben called from the living room. We both turned; I grabbed my bag, and headed toward the door in time to hear a low, slightly gravely voice come down the hallway.

“I'd know that tone anywhere,” I murmured to Lisa.

“He says his name is Castiel, mom,” Ben called down to us.

“You can let him in, he's one of Dean's friends,” Lisa called back. “You seem happy to hear his voice. You're smiling. Something I should know?”

I shook myself and realized she was right, I was smiling. “He's the person I've been waiting on for the last six months. I really missed him.”

“Are you two...?” she left the question hanging.

“Kind of. Starting something new,” I replied. We came around the corner and there was Castiel with two people I'd never seen before flanking him. One was a kid about ten or twelve, looked to be a boy with a book in his hand, and a woman that was probably thirty.

“Hello, Dean,” Castiel said, his voice was low and full of promise. “I have come for you.”

Ben looked between us, confused. “What?”

“I told you I'd have to go for a while, but I'll be back. Cas here's gonna keep me safe. Aren't you Cas?” I said.

“I will keep him from harm as far as I am able. I have brought the two I told you about,” Castiel said, trying to be casual but failing a little.

“It's okay to talk about... that stuff in front of them,” I said as I turned back.

“These two are angels,” Castiel announced without further preamble. “The one in the child's vessel is Daneil and the one in the female vessel is Karael. They will look after you while Dean and I are away. We have made arrangements, they are moving in next door. Should you require them all you have to do is call their names.”

“Hey,” Ben said, offering his hand to Daniel.

“Hello,” Daneil replied and shook the offered hand.

“Seriously? A kid?” I asked.

“He was dying from a rare disease. He agreed to become a vessel. He has been cured and when this assignment is over Daniel will return to heaven and the child will go back to his mother. If they are still both alive at that time,” Castiel replied. “I spoke to the mother. It is an agreeable arrangement. Daniel will keep the child from knowing what is going on.”

“That's... kinda cool. The kid let's an angel take the wheel for a while and gets to live life after?” I asked.

“Daneil is fairly young and has not had much interaction with humans. This is a good starting assignment for him,” Castiel replied. “Ben will be his Charge for now.”

Lisa looked between us in stunned shock. “What?”

“Dude, you're really and angel?” Ben asked excitedly.

Daneil cocked his head to the side and put his book down. “Yes. How shall I demonstrate for you?”

“Can you fly?” Ben asked.

“That is inefficient,” Daneil replied. He smiled and took Ben's hand. “Would you like to see the ocean?”

“Yeah!” Ben replied. In a rustling of feathers the two had disappeared. Lisa gasped and looked to me for help.

“Call his name,” I replied with a shrug.

“Daneil!” Lisa said in a stern tone. “You bring my son back right this minute!”

In a flash of light and rustling feathers the two boys were back in front of us again.

“That was awesome!” Ben crowed happily.

“Never again!” Lisa said as she hugged Ben tightly, nearly threatening to squeeze the life out of him.

“Not without his mother's consent, Daneil,” Castiel chastised softly. “They worry. As though one of your brothers or sisters suddenly disappeared with no way to contact them.”

“Oh. I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you alarm or discomfort,” Daneil said with a sorrowful look in his eyes.

Lisa didn't stand a chance against angelic puppy eyes and she quickly gave him a motherly hug. “Next time don't worry me like that, okay?”

“I will endeavor to keep you from worry,” Daneil replied, face completely serious.

“Good. Well, now that we have our Guardian Angels, I guess you'll be leaving?” Lisa asked.

“Yeah, we've got work to do,” I replied.

“Take care, and you'd better be back in time for Halloween!” Lisa replied.

“I will. We both will,” I replied.

Castiel placed a hand on my shoulder and nodded. “I will make sure he does not miss it.”

“Thank you, Castiel,” Lisa said. “Well, get going. The sooner you head out the sooner I can expect you back.”

“Take care, Lisa. And take care of yourself,” I said, I felt a little awkward and Castiel and I made our way to the Impala. “She's gonna be okay, right?” I asked, feeling suddenly nervous.

“The angels I have chosen to stay with her and your son will keep them safe. They will worry but that is to be expected. We will endeavor to remain safe, and we will return on the thirty-first of October,” Castiel replied. “Now, there is something that I wish of you.”

“What's that, Cas?” I asked as I turned to him, feeling suddenly nervous.

“Kiss me,” he said, face serious.

“I can do that,” I replied and leaned over to kiss the angel that I had missed so much. It was hot, passionate and everything. I sighed as we broke apart. “So, where to?”

“East, there is tale of a sword that can kill anything. We made need that soon,” Castiel replied. “And when you stop for the night I look forward to more than a kiss.”

“You are so dirty,” I said with a smirk as I pulled onto the road.

“You have taught me many things, and you still have more, I intend to hold you to that,” Castiel replied as he sat back in the seat beside me. I smiled and shook my head.

“Well, expect tonight to be an eye opening experience,” I replied.

“Good,” Castiel replied.

I smiled as we headed out. This was going to be interesting to say the least.

TBC...