Chapter One

Homecoming

"How are you going to break the news to Illyria?" Sam asked.

Dean sighed, "I was thinking of not telling her."

Sam shot him a stern glare, "you have to tell her Dean. She's gonna find out anyway."

It's been four months since Sam died and Dean traded his life for Sam's. They hadn't told Illyria anything. They didn't want to worry her. Dean broke his promise, he didn't call her or answer her calls. She has no idea that Dean only has eight months before he goes to hell. Dean didn't want to tell her, he didn't want her to know. He didn't want her worrying about him.

They reached Illyria's house and pulled into the driveway. Dean put the car in park and turned off the engine. Inside, Illyria heard the sounds of car doors slamming. She jumped off the couch and rushed to the window. She saw Dean and Sam coming up the walkway. She was so happy to see them. Illyria ran to the front door and darted onto the porch.

"Dean, Sam, you're finally back!" she squealed as she jumped into Dean's arms. She started kissing Dean up his neck, on both his cheeks and finally stopped on his lips. He kissed her back with vigor. It was a long passionate kiss. Dean was so happy to see her. They both missed her so much. Sam made his way inside and Dean followed slowly, because Illryia was still attached to him. They got inside and Illyria let go of Dean.

"I missed you so much baby. It's so good to see you," Dean said in his low, husky tone. Then he pulled her in for another long, passionate kiss. Sam just smiled, he liked seeing Dean happy.

"You sure are a sight for sore eyes," Sam chimed in.

"I missed you guys too. The dogs really missed you as well. I was starting to get worried, you haven't called me or picked up your phone in a few months. I was afraid something horrible might have happened to you," Illyria explained. She sounded so hurt.

Dean sighed, "I know, I'm sorry. We got so busy and caught up in finding the yellow eyed demon, we lost track of time."

"Well what's important is you're here now and you're safe," Illyria replied.

They all headed into the living room and sat down. Dean was trying to figure out how to tell her about what had really happened. He didn't want to tell her. But, he knew he had to.

"Illyria, there's something I need to tell you," Dean forced himself to start talking.

Illyria smiled and took his hand in hers, "what is it sweetie? You know you can tell me anything."

"What I'm about to tell you is going to ruin this very happy reunion," Dean began to explain.

"Dean, what's going on? Does this have anything to do with why you haven't talked to me in four months?" Illyria was getting worried.

Dean too a deep breath and looked into Illyria's eyes, "something happened to Sam and I. Four months ago, Sam was kidnapped by old yellow eyes. It was all part of his plan for his demon army. Sam was with other psychic kids like him, but turned out only one of them was allowed to survive. Yellow eyes only needed a right hand man, not an army. Before I could get to Sam, one of the last surviving kids killed him."

"Then, how, how is Sam alive?" Illyria asked, her emotions were starting to get the better of her.

"I made a deal with a crossroads demon. She brought him back in exchange for my soul," Dean replied.

"What does that mean? Are you, are you going to die?" Illyria choked back her tears.

"She gave me a year to live. I have eight months left," Dean finished and a silent tear rolled down his cheek.

"Why did you do something so stupid?" Illyria sounded a little angry now.

"He's my brother, I couldn't let him die," Dean snapped.

Illyria held back her tears, "I know that, but you should have called me. I could've helped Sam, you didn't have to make that deal."

Dean looked confused, "what are you talking about?"

"Even though I don't turn into a mermaid anymore, I still have healing abilities. I could've brought him back to life," Illyria explained.

Dean lowered his head, "I'm sorry sweetheart, I wasn't thinking straight. Sam was dead, I was a mess."

Illyria lifted his head, "I understand, but, what am I going to do when you're gone. My life means nothing without you."

"We'll find a way to save Dean. I won't let him die," Sam stated reassuringly.

This was not the homecoming any of them was expecting.