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Dean couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment he realized he wasn’t alone in Baby, but it had been some time ago. He didn’t see the two figures but he definitely felt their presence and he knew if he looked to his side, if he checked the rear view mirror, he would see them. None of them spoke though and for a moment, things were as close to perfect as things got in Heaven for Dean. He could pretend that they were just on a family road trip, Sam safe back in the bunker while they went to take care of some little irritation a few states away. Dean knew it couldn’t last though. Jack wasn’t just their kid anymore, not that he ever really was just their kid. He was God now. He had responsibilities that took him all over existence.
Jack had created an uneasy truce of some type with the Shadow to allow him to spring a few beings from the Empty. He kept in regular contact with Benny Laffite, who he put in charge of Purgatory, with Rowena MacLeod the ruler of Hell, and even Cas who was the new ruler of Heaven. Cas also had responsibilities of his own, working with Naomi to train the new angels that Jack created and to stabilize the realm. So while they probably would love to spend all eternity together just riding in the Impala and doing something simple, the two of them didn’t have the time to anymore. Like all good things, it would come to an end eventually.
“You know you don’t have to always be riding around in the Impala.” Jack spoke up from the backseat. Dean figured their time was drawing short.
“I know.” He said. Dean knew that he had an open invitation to many places. The Roadhouse, the Winchester Family Home, and the homes of many of their family and friend’s. Those weren’t his homes though. Dean had only ever truly felt at home in the Impala. “Besides, if I wasn’t driving around where would you two go for a break?” he asked.
“Well, we could always go fishing.” Cas offered. Dean laughed at that, recalling the time Cas accidentally hooked Jack on the line instead of a fish and how Dean had to cut the hook to get it out of a very confused young man, who was asking the entire time if that was the purpose of the hook, to catch people.
“Yeah, we’ll have to see about that.” He said.
“Sam’s doing well. I looked in on him recently. He has a son now.” Jack said. Dean just nodded. That was good to know. He always knew Sam would adjust to life without him. He had done it the first time and he could do it again.
“Dean…” Cas started but Dean just reached over and turned up the radio a bit. Traveling Riverside Blues came on after all and that was still one of Dean’s favorite songs. Cas sighed but there was no frustration in the sound, more like fondness. For a little longer, no one spoke again. After three songs Cas spoke again. “You should come by and see what we’ve done with the place.” The words were almost like a copy of how Dean would have said it, and it made him chuckle.
“I will.” Dean promised. He fully intended to settle down one day, to park the Impala and let her finally rest to. Right now though, there was still an open road and Dean couldn’t help but feel parking his Baby would be such a waster.
“I have to go. I’ll see you soon.” Jack said before vanishing. Dean just nodded, knowing Jack would have seen it, there or not. Cas stayed a little longer and Dean just enjoyed the peace. He knew the moment Cas finally left. He may not be able to hear the wings anymore, but Dean was so in tune with Cas’ presence that he felt the moment Cas was gone. Dean didn’t really feel the pang of loneliness anymore. He knew the two were watching over him, even if they weren’t in the car with him, and he knew they came every free moment they had. He also knew it was his choice to continue to drive. So Dean just turned the radio up a few more dials and kept driving. Until the next visit.