Problem Solving

Sleeping away from home, even though they had only lived there over a month, was difficult. As Lisa lay awake in the guest bed, her thoughts were swirling around. She and Dean had been able to talk again once the kids were in bed. The five of them, John Winchester included, had been discussing their next plan of action. One thing Dean mentioned was that his father somehow knew who Castiel was the moment the angel arrived in the bunker, but not how or why he had that knowledge. Cas told them he only knew John through some of the things Sam and Dean had shared with him, which wasn't a whole lot.

One of the things John was strongly urging the group to do, was not to go find Eve without a solid plan of action, once Cas located where she was. After giving her the information, Dean brought up Ben. The first time he'd called, they hadn't had much of a chance to talk. He listened as she told him how worried she was about their son, along with her thought that at this point in Ben's life, he was getting old enough that keeping him in the dark would only make things worse. "I know you can't tell him everything, and honestly, I'm not sure what you should say. Keeping him in the dark is doing more harm than good. When he told me how afraid he is of you leaving, and dying, those weren't words just to keep him out of trouble. He really is frightened Dean. We do need to punish him, but this time, I'm not sure spanking him is the right sort of discipline."

Dean had responded with his thoughts on the matter, by telling her two childhood memories. One was when he lived in a boy's home for time, after gambling away some of the stash John kept for them. The one he considered more relevant to Ben, involved Sam. "We were in Oregon at the time. Dad was out hunting leaving us behind. He went to sleep before me one night, reading a book. That was what typically happened. Sam was still out when there was nothing else to watch on TV. When I woke up the next morning he was gone. I got Hell from our dad, because Sam disappeared on my watch. We looked for him for two weeks, before he finally called to let us know he was in Flag Staff. One part about being John Winchesters kid, was not to stray from the rules. It wasn't easy, but I got my dad to let me go after him."

"Why did he leave?"

"He wanted a normal life. He wanted to go to college some day, to live in one place for longer than just a few days. At the time, I was on board with our Dad's way of life. I told Sam he was being selfish, that he needed to think of all the good we were doing hunting with our dad. By the time we got back to Phoenix, he bought into what I told him about his selfishness. Dad's way was to punish first, and ask questions later, especially when what we did put one or all of us in danger. There were times when I was older, that I questioned the way we were raised on the road, though not really until after our Dad died. I think we do need to figure out what to do about Ben, when we have more time to talk."

It didn't feel like she'd gotten much sleep, before the radio alarm began going off. Once she turned it off, Lisa slipped out of bed, getting a quick shower and dressing before going back in the bedroom she and Ben had shared.

Her son was curled up on the queen air mattress, the features of his face calm in sleep. Seeing him that way made it difficult for her to wake him, even though Lisa had too. "Ben. Honey, it's time to get up. We need to be in Dee's car in forty minutes."

When Ben grumbled Lisa reached out, rubbing his back. "Dee, said she was going to fix blueberry waffles for us." Sometimes the best way to get Ben going in the morning was to bring up what was on the table for breakfast.

Once he was awake, Lisa packed everything of hers in the suitcase. "Ben, your toothbrush is in the bathroom. When you get done, put it in the suitcase, and bring that down with you."

He nodded.

A few times as they drove towards the airport, Lisa looked back at the kids. Ben hadn't spoken a word, nor had Katie or Billy. There was an air of sadness, that seemed to grow the closer they got to the airport. As stressful as this trip had been, one of the only positives was a chance to catch up with Dee. Living in Sioux Falls with Dean was home for her, but it didn't stop Lisa from missing one of her dearest friends, and even some of the other families from the old neighborhood. At the same time, she thought of Jodi Mills and Gina Hawkins, two women she had only just met, but seemed close due to what they were going through.

When they stopped at the drop-off, Billy helped get the luggage out, not noticing as Lisa and Dee did, Ben and Katie hugging. There were memories from when they were still neighbors. Katie started visiting them not long after the experience with the changelings. Shortly there after, there were overnights where the two of them would watch movies and play video games. Katie always slept in the guest room to start out with, but in the mornings, Lisa would find her in Ben's bed, while Ben slept on the floor in his sleeping bag. Katie was the closest to a sibling that Ben had ever had.

Once everyone said their goodbyes, the boys walked in front of her, the expressions on their faces dismal. When they arrived at their gate, Lisa offered to get some snacks for the plane. Billy was the first to respond, while Ben sat in one of the chairs with his head down. Billy noticed his friend not saying anything, and sat with him. Lisa was glad when Ben talked to him, and got snacks for her son as well.

When the boarding process began, Lisa texted Dean, letting him know that they should be in Sioux Falls by noon. They had three seats together. Ben had never flown before, and Lisa hoped he would brighten up. Billy let him go first, taking the middle seat leaving Lisa in the isle. "Billy, have you ever flown on a plane before?"

"No Ma'am, but I'm not scared or nothing. I think it's going to be pretty cool. How long till we get home?"

"Well, we have to fly into another airport in Chicago, so this first trip won't be very long for us. We have a lay over there, which means we have to wait for our next flight for an hour and half. The flight from Chicago to home, will have us there by noon."

He nodded. "My mom going to pick me up?'

"No, we'll be taking you home. Ben's dad will be waiting for us."Lisa glanced her son's way. If he was worried or scared, his body language didn't indicate that. Currently he was looking out the window.

They had a smooth takeoff, and while Billy was very excited to be flying, Ben stayed didn't show any indication either way. Anytime Billy commented, Ben would nod or shake his head.

Touching down in Sioux Falls was a relief. Lisa was worried about Ben, because he wasn't talking at all. There had to be a way to make him feel better, but how to do so was eluding her. Once they were given the go-ahead to leave the plane, Lisa got the one suitcase she had brought with her, while Billy got his duffel.

"Mrs. Braeden, is Ben's dad a nice man?"

"He is nice. Come on." Lisa let Billy and Ben walk in front of her, laying her hand against her son's left shoulder, not getting any response as he led the way. He'd worn a blank expression the few times she had talked to him, mainly to give him the snacks she had gotten, which included a coke.

When they arrived at the front entry of the airport, Dean was waiting. Lisa quickened her step, nearly slamming against him while she wrapped her arms around his muscled form. She felt a kiss on her head before pulling away, glancing back at Billy first, whose eyes had gone wide. Dean wasn't as tall as Sam, but he was tall.

"Billy, this is Dean." When he lived with them in Indiana, Dean quickly reassured the kids that they could call him by his first name.

Dean moved beside her and held out his hand. "Hey Billy, good to meet you."

Behind Billy, Ben stood without looking up. Dean moved past their son's friend, pulling their Ben into his arms. Ben didn't try and hug him back, and when Dean let him go, and got down on his knees, Lisa suggested to Billy that they go put their things in her car.

The first call he made to Lisa, Dean found out that their son had taken off to Indian. His first reaction was disbelief, quickly followed by raging anger. He'd said a few choice words before Lisa asked him to listen to her. She told him how scared Ben was of losing him, either by being left again, as Dean had done in Indiana, or from a death. When they ended the conversation, Dean barely had a chance to consider what he'd just been told. Having his father back, not a spirit, but a living breathing man had been and still was a shock. John Winchester showed up at the Bunker, banging on the door, not aware that everyone inside had a weapon ready.

As the day moved on, and Cas arrived, Dean and Sam's father, when seeing the angel for the first time, shot up from his seat, approaching Cas without fear. "I know you," he said, a look of distrust in his eyes.

Cas hadn't a clue who their father was, until Sam made the introduction. After that, once Dean got his dad to sit back down, they were informed by the angel that Eve was in a small town in Grants Pass OR.

Again, he and Lisa were able to talk more about Ben once everything had settled down. Dean had time to think a little in between calls, remembering when Sam ran away and his part in getting his brother back on line. He shared that with Lisa, wanting her to know that he was beginning to understand her request not to use spanking as the punishment.

Standing just to the side of one of the main entrances to the airport, Dean shut his eyes as he held his son in his arms. Seeing that Ben was unharmed did a lot to calm his nerves. He also realized as he held Ben that his son was shaking a little. Dean let go just long enough to get on his knees. "Hey kiddo, I'm really happy to see you. We, me, you and your mom need to talk about everything that's gone on since I left. She's helped me realized that we need to do some things a little different. I'm also ready to listen to you. Even if the things you tell me might be a little painful to hear, I want you to tell me."

Ben finally looked at him. He nodded, And Dean got up draping an arm over his son's right shoulder as they went outside to join Lisa.

The drive to Billy's house was quiet. Once they were on their way, Dean reached over and took Lisa's hand. They talked quietly, mostly about her visit with Dee.

"I didn't realize until we had a chance to talk, how much I miss her. Both of us are making a point to keep in touch better than we have."

Before saying anything in response, Dean lifted her hand, pulling it in front of him and kissed the back. "Any regrets about being here?"

"No. Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep I've had in a long time. There was a lot to think on, and my home is with you and Ben."

"It's funny you say that, because it's how I feel. Home for me growing up was either in the Impala or in a hotel. There wasn't any permanence for me or Sam. The first time there was any sort of permanence was when I was in Indiana with you."

As Dean pulled Lisa's Accord down the long driveway which ended up at a two story farm house, an older woman who looked to be in her early forties came out to stand on the porch.

"I'll go with him," Lisa said, though before getting out of the car she leaned towards him. Dean reached out cupping his right hand on her cheek as he kissed her. She left far to soon, but they had a full night to make up for that. As she walked towards the house, with a slouching Billy, Dean glanced in his rear-view mirror. Ben's cheek was pressed against the window, his eyes focused on the outside of the car."

Seeing him so despondent wasn't easy. That made Dean's decision not to let his dad meet Ben right away feel like the right choice. As he waited for Lisa, Dean tried to remember if Sammy had ever had a time when he was depressed, quickly dismissing it, because with all the responsibilities Sam had by the time he was Ben's age, there wasn't time to feel depressed.

It was Bobby, Dean had talked to last night once he and Lisa hung up. Sam and John had gone into town for a late night grocery run, leaving him that opportunity.

The advise Bobby gave was something Dean had already considered. The first words, "Don't handle it the John Winchester way," had both gentlemen laughing. Dean loved his father, had tried his best to be like him. As an adult with his own son, he wanted Ben to know that he could talk to him about anything, even if it did lead to being punished. Bobby's final piece of advise was to listen to the kid, and try and see where he was coming from, something Dean wanted to do.

As they approached the house, Lisa brought up the issue with the bed at the door.

"Already taken care of." Dean glanced back at their son. "Hey kiddo, when we get home, I want you to fix some lunch. There are leftovers in the fridge from my dinner last night, Steak and half a baked potato that you are welcome too. When you're done, go on and head up to your room, and start some of your homework. Mom and I will be in to talk to you a little later. We'll figure out what we need to do once we all have a chance to get some things out in the open."

Ben nodded, glancing at him through the mirror before looking away. One of the things Dean didn't want was him to be afraid, and since getting them at the airport, he knew that his son was scared.

As he pulled the car into their garage in back of the house, Dean leaned in kissing the woman he loved. "Give us a little bit. I'll bring in the luggage." Before leaving him, Lisa kissed his lips with more passion. Dean had to really focus on Ben in order not to pull her in his lap and really get the action rolling.

Once she was on her way, and Ben was unbuckling his seat-belt, Dean went around to his door and got it open. "Are you worried about me spanking you? Is that why you won't talk to me?"

Ben nodded and shrugged. "I…I messed up…What happens…um, because I ran off, cause we all just left…and… Justin said we'd be put in Juvenile jail."

Watching Ben struggling to keep composed ate at Dean's heart. His kid was a tough guy, but he'd been through a whole lot in a short period of time. Dean held out a hand which Ben took. Once his boy was standing, all he could do was wrap his arms around his son. "You aren't going anywhere like that Ben. Yeah, what you did was very wrong, but you belong here with your mom and me. As for spanking you, I think maybe you've learned your lesson in regards to taking off. It doesn't mean you won't be punished, just not like that."

Once Ben heard his words, Dean felt his arms wrap around him, just above his navel. "I love you kiddo. There isn't anything you can do or say that would change that." When Ben was ready, Dean wrapped his arm over his shoulder before the two of them headed inside.

After taking time to unwind, the family gathered in their backroom. With Ben on the sofa between them, Dean agreeing with Lisa on some of the changes that needed to be made. "Ben, when I wasn't giving you a lot of information about where I was going or what I was hunting, it was to keep you from worrying. Now I understand that it just made it more difficult for you. Your mom has a point. You are old enough to know that hunting is a dangerous job, and by not letting you know what's going on, it makes it hard for you to focus on being happy."

"I don't want you to die."

Dean nodded. "I don't want that to happen either. When I left you guys in Indiana, I thought it was the right choice." Dean told Ben about how he lived his childhood, about living in the Impala or a hotel. "By the time I was ten, it was my job to take care of Sammy when your grandpa went out on hunts. Since then, I've taken that job very seriously.

When we were together in Indiana, it was the first time I lived in a place for longer than three or four days. For the first time in my life, I saw the value in a normal life. The longer I was with you and your mom, the more I felt responsible for you. It didn't matter to me at the time we didn't know for sure if you were my biological kid."

Ben nodded, not taking his eyes from him. "For the first time there was an opportunity for me to raise someone under my care without introducing the supernatural part of my life. Yes, I know you already knew there were monsters, but not to the extent that you are beginning to know now."

"Were you mad at your dad for how he raised you and Uncle Sam, once you saw what it was like with me and mom?"

"A little. There has always been a part of me that wanted your uncle to have the life you've had. For me, it was too late."

Lisa put her arm around Ben's shoulder, and Dean smiled as their son leaned back against her side. "Why was it too late?"

Dean glanced at Lisa, and after she gave her approval, he looked back at their son. "I was four years old when I found out that there was more to our world than most people see and know. Sammy was six months old at that time. There was a fire, and as I ran out of my room towards my parents, your grandpa intercepted me, putting Sam in my arms before telling me to run as fast as I could out the door.

We got out of the fire, but your grandma didn't. You're grandpa did his best to protect me from what had happened, but I wasn't willing to let it go. Somehow I knew that that fire wasn't right, not normal I guess. After a year and a half of my constant questions, he sat me down one night, and explained to me what he had seen in my brothers room." Even though it was hard to explain, reliving the memories, Dean told Ben what his grandfather told him.

"That's not fair," Ben said once Dean stopped talking. "You were just a little kid."

"I know, but your grandfather felt that he couldn't trust anyone else to watch us. It's why I've been so reluctant to let you know more than you already do. What scares me is that one day you will try and hunt."

His son took in a deep breath. "But I know enough that when you are gone, and no one tells me anything other than you are coming back, that I think of all this stuff that could happen. It's like I can't stop thinking it. When we were going to see Katie, me and Justin and Billy, I told them that I didn't want to stay with you anymore. I wished that me and mom could go back to Indiana, but it won't stop me from being afraid for you." A second later Ben had moved from his mothers arms to his.

"I know you're afraid kiddo, it's hard for me to leave you and mom, because sometimes I'm afraid too. All you know is the dangers of my job, because I deal with monsters of all sorts. There are more than monsters, and your uncle and I have an ally, actually two allies who put us in a little better favor than we had before." As he told Ben about Castiel, his son didn't look up, staying the way he was with his cheek pressed to his chest. "The other advantage we have is your grandpa John."

With those words, Ben looked up. "He died, wait, uncle Sammy did too."

"Your grandpa's soul was in heaven. He isn't sure at this point why he's back with us."

"Is he a ghost?"

"Right now he's flesh and bones like we are. We don't yet know if he has any abilities like Cas."

Ben nodded. "Why was he sent back?"

Dean ruffled his hair. "Maybe to help us in a way we don't yet understand. The reason I'm telling you this, is that we have good on our side. God may have sent him to keep us all safe."

"So maybe you aren't meant to die fighting the supernatural stuff?"

"Maybe," Dean said as Ben hugged him again.

Lisa scooted towards forward, sandwiching Ben between them as she joined in the hug. "Alright sweetheart, you've had a long day. Why don't you head up and get a bath. When your ready for bed, come back downstairs."

She moved away, and once Ben had given her a hug, he left with a little more bounce in his step. Without warning her, Dean pulled her into his arms. "I think he feels better. I know I do."

"Me too. I'm sure there are going to be more questions from him, but I think he's just happy that he gets to know a little more than he did. Dean, I'm sorry about your mom."

Until tonight, he hadn't told Lisa how it all started. He'd asked her before Ben came downstairs if he could tell him that particular part of his life, and she'd agreed. "I am too. It's like I skipped right over being a child and teen, heading straight into being an adult with huge responsibilities. Even though it wasn't easy, I wouldn't trade that time with Sammy. We've been through a lot together."

AN: Alright, More Dean for you who love him. Lots more to cover. Thank you all for reading and reviewing

Please do review. Fun to get feedback.