Chapter Text
“Careful Cas, you don’t want to strain yourself.” Dean said to him as he lowered him onto the bed. “Man, what happened to you?”
He looked at Cas's face, and was shocked at what he saw. There were bruises still healing, blood heading down his temple, and a large pool of blood collecting on his white shirt collar.
Cas still looked passed out, and seemed like he wouldn’t be up any time soon, so he sent Claire over to Sam and Jess’s room to help them pack up. He didn't want her to see any more of what she had already saw.
A hour or so later, Cas seemed to be waking up. Cas groaned, and his eyes fluttered. He seems to coming to, so Dean sat next to him and made sure he didn’t try to get up.
“If you don’t stay down, I’m going to sit on you.” Dean threatened.
Cas reluctantly laid back down. “Fine.”
“What happened Cas?” He asked him, sitting down next to Cas. “Claire was terrified. She said you got yanked away.”
“I was summoned.” Cas says, turning his head to him. “I had no choice.”
“I know that, but by who?”
“I was found by one of my brothers, and was dragged back up to Heaven.” Cas says, before groaning in pain. “They tried to recondition me, but Gabriel snuck me out. Not before they had a chance to injure me, though.”
“So you weren’t ignoring me then, good to know.” He said, trying to be funny. “I thought you were gone there, for a moment.”
“Dean…” Cas says, getting up to sit next to him, ignoring Deans wrathful look. Cas cups Dean's face before saying, “I heard your prayers. When you were dying, I could feel your soul get a bit dimmer. It was the worse agony I’ve ever felt. Even worse than the torture I had gone through.”
Dean felt himself blush, despite himself. He had never been good receiving the unabashed pure love Cas seemed to have for him, and it never got easier.
“I would have been there for you, I promise.” Cas says, rubbing his thumb against Dean’s cheek in a soothing motion. “You are the most precious thing to me.”
Dean cleared his throat before pulling away. “Right. Well, Claire has been waiting, so let’s go, shall we?”
“I think that’s a great idea. I haven’t been on a case with everyone, and I think now would be a good time to get back into Sam’s good graces. I don’t think he’s quite fond of me.”
“Yeah, well, it sucks to be him. Because you aren’t leaving for a while now.” Dean says, grabbing Claire’s stuff as they leave the room. “I need to keep an eye on you, apparently. Otherwise you end up getting angel-napped.”
“I would like that.” Cas says, walking to the door. “Let’s go see everyone else.”
Dean’s answering grin followed him out the door.
“Dean?” The voice said, when he picked up the phone. “Is that you?”
He couldn’t believe who it was. “…Cassie?”
“Yeah.” She says quietly. “Listen, I know it’s probably a shock hearing from me, but I need your help.”
Dean laughs despite himself. “With what?”
She hesitates for a moment. “I think…no I know…there’s something happening here. I think it’s in your department.”
Dean frowns. “And what would that be?”
Yeah it was petty of him to make her say she has a ghost problem, but it was the whole reason she dumped him. He wasn’t above petty manipulation.
He never said he was a good person.
“You know what.” Cassie says, annoyed with him already. “Dont make me say it.”
“Well, I can’t help if you don’t tell me.” He says, switching the key into the ignition, turning the car on. “I deal with a lot.”
“Fine.” She says, huffing an annoyed breath. “I think I have a ghost problem.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard was it?” Dean says, grinning as Cas handed him the food he and Claire had gone in to get. “I’ll see you there soon.”
“Thanks.” She says, before hanging up.
“You’re a child.” Cas says, rolling his eyes.
“I never said I was a saint.” Dean says grinning. “I’ll leave the angelic behavior up to you, babe. I’ve already been to Hell, I’m not scared.”
Cas scowls at him. “I suppose. Sam and Jessica are coming out now, so let’s head out to meet her.”
Dean laughed. “Are you jealous?”
“No.”
“You are!” He laughs. “Oh that’s hilarious.”
“Shut up and start driving.” Cas says, as Sam and Jess get in the car with Claire.
“We need to split up and get a car for us, because sitting in the back is not fun.” Sam muttered as they get situated.
“But I like being in the car with everyone.” Jess says. “Also, Dean drives fast, and I like it. You drive like a grandma, Sam.”
Dean laughs as they pull out of the diner and get back on the road.
Sam gives her an offended look. “I do not! Just because you two drive like you’re auditioning for the Fast and Furious movies doesn’t mean I drive slow.”
Jess rolls here eyes. “Whatever.” She leans up and hangs over the front seat. “So, oh fearless leader, where are we headed?”
“Missouri.” Dean says, grinning. “An old friend called me, and needs our help.”
Sam raised his eyebrows. “And you’re willing to go over and help? How do you even know it’s a case?”
“Trust me Sam,” Dean says, “They wouldn’t call if it weren’t serious.”
“So by an old friend…what exactly do you mean?” Sam asked him. “I mean, you’re married, and have a kid. I don’t think I can have any more earth shattering revelations to deal with.”
Dean laughed. “That's what you think.”
Sam gave him a concerned look. “Dean, what do you mean by that?” At Dean's silence, Sam asked him again. “No, seriously, what do you mean by that?”
“To answer your question, the old friend is someone who’s not new. I met them a few years back.” Dean said, ignoring Sam’s other questions. “She and I met a few months after you left from Stanford.”
“And…?”
“And what?” Dean asked him. “Cassie and I lost touch after that.”
“It sounds like you were close.” Sam says to him. “Did you guys date or something?”
“For a while, yeah.” Dean says. “But that was obviously before I met him.”
“Cassie and Cas, are you sure you don’t have a type, Dean?” Jess jokes.
“Nah, they’re completely different.” He says. “Plus, Cas can actually deal with my nonsense for long enough. Cassie was my first love, sure, but that’s all she was. It was never going to be long term with her.”
Cas rolled his eyes and went back to the map he was holding. “Sure, Dean.”
“Come on Cas, you know you’re my angel.” Dean says, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“You’re hilarious.” Cas says, clearly unimpressed with him. “I’m laughing so hard.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “You’re laughing on the inside, I know you are.”
“Okay, enough of the married couple bickering.” Sam says. “So you actually dated someone? For more than a night?”
“Sam, I’m married.” He says, pointing to Cas. “What about this is so confusing?”
“I don’t know…I mean it’s odd that you have this whole life I barely know about.” Sam says, frowning. “And now we’re visiting a serious girlfriend you had? It’s weird.”
“Ex-girlfriend.” Dean says. “She and I are never getting back together.”
“I know that.” Sam says. “But like I said, it’s just odd.”
Jess sighs. “I think what Sam means is that since you used to be so close, it’s just odd he is learning about stuff now, since you two haven’t talked in so long.”
“Right.” Sam says. “Thanks Jess. What would I do without you?”
“Be an angsty angry mess?” She says, laughing.
“Anyway, back to the topic.” Dean says. “We’re gonna split up when we get there. I think it should be good with just Sam and I. Jess, you and Cas can keep Claire company.”
“Sounds good.” She grinned. “You know how much I like spending time with Claire. And Cas, for that measure.”
“I appreciate your company as well, Jessica.” Cas says, folding up the map and storing it back in the glove compartment. “You are a very well spoken woman.”
“I didn’t get into Stanford just on my looks.” Jess says, rolling her eyes.
“Okay Elle Woods.” Dean says. “We’ve got a few more hours to go. I’ll let you know when we get there.”
“You’ve seen Legally Blonde?” Sam asked him. “I didn’t think that would be a movie you’d enjoy.”
“Claire wanted to watch it.” He says, pointing to the kid that’s been sleeping the entire time.
“Dont let him fool you.” Cas says, pointing to Dean. “He greatly enjoyed it.”
“It’s a great movie, and I won’t even deny it.” Dean said. “I don’t need to defend myself. Not to you, not to anybody.”
Jess laughed. “I’m sure.”
“So wait, what’s the case?” Sam asks him. “Did she say?”
“Car accident.” Dean says, shifting uncomfortably. “Trust me, Sam. It’s a case.”
“Wait.” Sam says, looking at him. “How did she even know to call you? I’m going to assume she hasn’t talked to you in years.”
Dean says nothing, and stares ahead at the road.
Sam’s eyes widen. “You told her?” He looks at Dean like he’s someone he’s never met. “You broke the big family rule, and told her the secret? I lied to Jess for months, and you tell her what? After a few days?”
“Sam, please.” Dean says. “Stop.”
“No.” Sam says, getting closer to him. “We do what we do and we say nothing. How could you tell her?”
“Well excuse me for wanting to have a little connection now and then.” Dean says, righting his grip on the wheel.
“So what, a few days and you’re so willing to spill the big family secret?”
“Yeah,” Dean says. “Looks like.”
It’s quiet for the rest of the ride.
“Dean.” Cassie says, as he walks into the room.
“Cassie.” Dean replies back. “I heard about your dad.”
“Yeah.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too.”
There was a noise, and Dean turned to his brother. “Right. This is Sam, my brother. He’s here to help with the case.”
She looked uncertain, but nodded. “Okay. Let’s head to my house, I want to talk without prying eyes and ears.”
“I’ll follow you there.”
They get back into the car and drive her house. She waved them in, and they all sat down on the couch. Cassie grabs some tea, and they sit down on the couch.
“I’ve had to stay with my mother.” She says. “She hasn’t been coping well with everything.”
“I understand.” Dean says. “It can’t be easy, losing someone you love.”
“She’s been a nervous wreck ever since he died. At the end, he was seeing things. A big black truck. And his car looked like something had rammed into it when it was found.”
“Did he mention a driver?” Sam asks.
“No.” Cassie shakes her head. “Just a black truck.”
She hands them both a cup, and Dean sets it back down on the table. He lets out a small smile, since he knows Cas would have loved this blend. Ever since Dean had introduced him to the wonders of beverages, he’s been hooked. He'd have to ask what it is, and see if he can buy any before he goes.
“So, the dent wasn’t there before?” Sam asked. “Or was this one that just appeared?”
“It wasn’t there before.” She said, shaking her head again. “And the tracks? It looked like he had been pushed off the edge, but there was only one set of tracks, my father’s.”
“And the first victim?” Dean asked her. “Clayton Summers?”
“My dad’s best friend. They owned the car dealership together.” Cassie said. “Same story with his. That he ‘lost control’.”
“And you think this truck that vanishes is responsible for all of this?” Sam asked her, taking a sip of his tea.
What a freak, Dean thinks.
She looks uncomfortable, and hesitated. “Look…when it’s all said out loud, I don’t know. Maybe I really am going crazy. I don’t know what ghost stuff you do…it’s very odd.”
“If I remember correctly, you said I belonged in a psych ward.” Dean said to her. “That I was ‘crazy’.”
Cassie gives him a look. “Well, that was then. This is now.” She sighs, and looks away before looking back at them. “Listen, whatever it is…I know I can’t explain it. So I called you.”
“Right.” Dean said. As he went to speak again, his phone rang. “I have to take this. Sam, finish up for me, will you?”
He opens the phone and says, “Hello?” as he steps out into the hallway.
“Dean?” The voice asked. “Are you almost down? I’m afraid I can't contain Claire much longer.”
“Yeah, almost done Cas.” Dean says. “I didn’t think about how awkward it was going to be. Seeing her after so much time has passed.”
“Well it is to be expected.” Cas says. “It’s been a long time, and you’re no longer the person she knew.”
“Yeah.” Dean laughs. “Back when everything was simple. I hadn’t even been to the Pit yet. Or met Claire. Or you.”
“Indeed.” Cas says. “So it’s normal to feel that way.” There was a moment of quiet before Cas says, “So long as the romantic feelings aren’t bubbling up again.”
“Cas, come on.” Dean said, rolling his eyes. “You know it’s not like that.”
“I know.” Cas replies. “I am not worried either way. Just wanted to remind you.”
Dean laughed. “You’re cute when you’re jealous. Are you going to break out the smitings just for me?”
“I’m hanging up on you now.” Cas says. A moment later, Dean hears the dial tone. He lets out a loud laugh as Sam walks out of the room.
“Let’s go.” He says. “I got all we need. For now, anyway.”
Dean let’s Sam lead the way, all the while ignoring the inquisitive eyes that follow him out.
“I’ll say this for her.” Sam says. “She’s fearless. I can see why you were so into her. If you weren’t married, I would tell you to try and fix this unfinished business you two have.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “I did love her. A long time ago. And maybe, if things were different now, I would be up for it. But Cas…he’s been there for me for some really serious stuff, and pulled me out of some dark places. Stuff I didn’t think I could ever really recover from. So I don’t think I could ever have a connection with someone else like I do with him, you know?”
“Wow, Dean.” Sam said, as he finished fixing his tie. “That was beautiful. Did you get that from a Lifetime movie?”
“Shut up.” Dean said, shoving past him. “Not like you don’t wax poetically about Jess.”
“I do, and I won’t deny it.” Sam said. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Damn right she is.” Dean said, grabbing the keys. “I’ll tell you what. You ever screw around with her? I’ll kick your ass.”
“I’d deserve it.” Sam said, and laughed as he followed him to the car.
After a bit more information gathering, Sam turned to him. “I hate to do this to you, but we need more information from Cassie. Can you go talk to her?”
“If I have to.” He muttered. He twisted the ring Cas had gotten him back and forth anxiously.
“You know,” Sam begins. “I don’t know how I didn’t catch on sooner. You’re always fiddling with that ring.”
“It’s technically my wedding ring, yeah.” Dean said. “It’s made from some seriously durable material.”
He wasn’t going to mention that it was a discarded angel blade melted down to form a ring. Sam didn’t need to know about all the angel business yet.
“I bet.” Sam says. “Cas gave it you?”
“Yeah.” Dean says. “And I gave him mom's ring.”
At that, Sam’s eyes widened. “Wow. Okay. That makes a lot of sense. I still don’t like that he wasn’t here when you were dying, but you guys seem to have worked it out amongst yourselves.”
A sly smirk spreads across his face. “You could say that.” Ignoring Sam’s disgusted look, Dean sighs. “Yeah, well. He wasn’t able to. He got caught up, and couldn’t leave.”
“Couldn't or wouldn’t?”
“Couldn't.”
“Well, I’ll drop you off and you can talk to Cassie then. Keep me updated with what you find.”
He drove Sam back to the motel, and went to Cassie’s. He knocked on the door, and sighed. “Hey, Cassie. It’s me.”
“Come on in Dean.”
“Are you busy or…?”
“Just writing a tribute for Jimmy. He meant a lot to the people here. To me. It’s just hard to find the words to say it all.”
“I bet.”
“Did you ever get a chance to talk to your mom?”
Cassie shook her head. “I did. she didn’t want to talk about it.” She looked to him. “Where’s your brother?”
“What, didn’t want to spend time with just me?” Dean said, grinning. “I know it’s easier with him here, though. More of a buffer.”
“That’s not…” She says, sighing. “Never mind.”
“You’re right.” Dean says. “I’ll behave now. No use in bringing up old feelings.”
She looked at him and shook her head. “You’re…different. I don’t know how, but I can just tell. More emotionally mature.”
Dean laughs. “Yeah well, my husband knows me better than anyone else, so he knows all my deflecting tricks. Hasn’t worked yet.”
“Husband?” Cassie asks, looking shocked. “Is that who you were talking to on the phone?”
“The very one.” Dean said. “We’ve been together a long time now.”
“I’m glad for you Dean.” She said, smiling. “I always knew there would be someone there for you. It just wasn’t me.”
“Yeah.” Dean said, grinning. “Cas is pretty great.”
“Cas?”
“Castiel. He’s also…in the business.”
“Is that how you met?”
“Not quiet.” Dean says, thinking back to their first meeting. Well, the one he remembered anyway. “He pulled me out of a rough spot. And just never left, I guess.”
“Well, if this Cas didn’t work out for you, I’m glad the other one did.” She said, grinning, pointing to herself.
He laughed at what she said. “It wasn’t intentional, I promise.”
“I’m sure.”
“It was nice talking with you, Dean. Really. I know we broke up on not so great terms, but I’m glad you came back.” She says, sighing. “And I’m happy everything worked out for you.”
Dean smiled. “Yeah. It’s been a crazy few years.” A thought crossed his mind. “Did I ever tell you about my daughter, Claire? I think you two would get along great.
Her eyes widened. “No. But tell me all about her. I’m sure she’s great.”
Dean grinned. “Oh you have no idea…”
After nicely wrapping up the case with Cassie, Dean grins as they leave.
“What’s got you so happy?” Sam asks him, in the front seat for once.
“It’s rare a case ends this nicely, you know.” Dean says, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. “Tying up loose ends, all that.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Sam says. “Where to next?”
Dean shrugs. “Wherever the wind takes us, I guess.”