Beginning of the End

Chapter Twelve: Home

"Eleanor?" Elli opened her eyes and saw Dean sitting next to her, a relieved smile on his face. She blinked a few times and took in a shaky breath.

"I'm not dead?" She asked hoarsely. Dean shook his head.

"Cas managed to heal you enough to prevent you from turning. The wound is still pretty bad and you've been touch and go, but here you are."

"Where is here?"

"I brought you home." He said softly.

Eleanor slowly sat up, Dean's arm around her for support, and looked around. She was in her bed upstairs in her house, everything the same when they had left. Dean sighed. "I fixed the back door and made sure everything was reinforced. Your food and ammo supplies are put away and your guns are clean and in your safe."

Elli looked him in the eyes and frowned. "You're leaving." He nodded with a grim smile.

"I'm gonna take a drive out west to an old friend's and see what I can rummage. I'll come back, but for now Castiel will pop in for a visit from time to time. And if you ever need him, just call him." Elli grabbed Dean's hands in hers and squeezed them.

"I'll be here." He smiled and leaned forward, kissing her softly. He stood and walked out, descending the stairs and making his way out of the house. She listened to his car rev and crawl down the driveway and then take off shortly after down the road.

…

Dean was right. Everything in her home was exactly as she had left it. She was fully stocked and prepared, her doors and windows were secure, and everything was good. She went about her normal routine as if nothing happened that last week and a half. Her only reminders were her sore chest and back and Castiel.

It had been seven months since Dean left and autumn was in full bloom. The ground was covered in red and orange leaves, the trees mostly bare. The air was cold and the sky was cloudy, threatening an early snowfall. Eleanor took a deep breath as she took a break from her chores. The night before, her yard was crawling with a small herd of walkers and three crotes. She had easily taken care of them, but now she just needed to burn the bodies.

Climbing into her truck, she drove the last load way out into the field and threw the bodies into the flames. As she parked her truck into its place and headed into her house, a flutter of wings came from behind her.

"Hello, Castiel." She greeted him, turning to him with an acknowledging smile. He nodded. She walked into her house with him following behind her. She locked the door and covered it up, beginning her nightly rounds of locking the house down.

"How've you been?" He asked her as she straightened the curtains in her livingroom. She shrugged.

"Same as before. Just living."

"You haven't called for me at all." He said, making her turn to look at him.

"I didn't call you because I didn't need you. That, and I figured you'd be dealing with enough."

"You are very different, Eleanor McCoy." He replied. She shrugged again and continued checking windows and doors.

"I'm very glad to see you, Cas but…what're you doing here?"

"On request." He said. Elli sighed and headed for her kitchen, a beer sounding good. She opened her cupboard and pulled out a bottle. It wasn't cold, but it would do. She twisted the top off and took a drink. She was facing Castiel and he watched her lean against the counter.

"That must mean Dean's alive if you're checking on me for him."

"He is alive and well."

"I'm glad." She took another swig, though she felt she didn't need it as much anymore. Her heart was beating calmer already.

"He wanted me to tell you he'd be home soon."

"Thank you, Cas. Let him know I'm still here and patiently waiting." She smiled.

"I already figured." Elli spun around, surprised at the sound of Dean Winchester's voice. He beamed at her, his lock pick in his hand. He was wearing a leather coat and jeans, black shirt, and boots. She felt her eyes tear up and she went to him, hugging him close and tight. He returned the embrace and lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her. "I'm home."

Eleanor simply kissed him again in reply and held him tightly. In one moment, her seven months alone never happened and he had never left. And life was already easier to live again.

…

End.