Decisions

Having their dad back was a big surprise, and very different. While John couldn't remember being in heaven, he did recall parts of his life including the deal he made with Yellow Eyes. John had changed. There wasn't that urgency which had been there in life. At the same time he was making damn sure they were all prepared for their upcoming trip to deal with Eve.

For Dean it wasn't an intrusion having his dad help out. There had been choices made that had cost he and Sam dearly, things that they hadn't thought of until John brought them up. The biggest point John had made was not to trust anything Eve might tell them, and be prepared for the towns inhabitants to be under her control even though they may at first seem normal.

One conversations Dean wasn't prepared for was regarding his son and the use of guns. In Bobby's kitchen, he was cleaning one of the many weapons they were taking, at the table. Dean didn't notice his dad's arrival until John was sitting across from him. John had one of the old guns the boys had taken from his storage space. As his dad began to clean the gun, Dean glanced over thinking about how surprised he and Sam were to find out the space existed. "We cleared it out a few months after we found it," he said as he kept on with his gun.

"I was going to tell you, but once the trail began leading towards the demon, all the things I needed to tell you went unsaid."

There were a lot of things that went unsaid, a lot that had surprised him. "After we cleaned it out, I didn't feel like I really knew you at all." Dean had always and still did respect his dad, but there were some things he needed to talk about, the secrets among them.

"I was trying to keep you and Sam safe, along with the objects that I was hiding. What did you do with those?"

Dean put his gun down, looking at his father. "A woman, hired some men to raid the place, which was how Sam and I found out. They took the rabbit foot, which we later had to destroy."

"Bella?"

"Yeah. Turns out she made a deal with a crossroads demon, and was dragged to hell around the same time as me." Dean watched his dad set down the gun.

"I regret not being there."

Dean nodded. "I do too, but what's done is done. The secrets have been kept since before me and Sam came along, starting with Samuel and with mom."

"I never knew she was a hunter until after the fire in Sam's nursery. Along with that, the deal she made with Yellow eyes. One thing we need to try and avoid is making more deals. I keep thinking there are things that angel friend isn't telling you. Purgatory isn't a place anyone should be looking for."

"So you think Cas is making some sort of Deal?"

John looked back at his gun. "I don't know for sure, but it feels like there's something not being said, and he may be the reason."

What his dad was saying didn't sit well with Dean. Cas was helping them. Thinking of Ben, Dean changed the topic. "My son wants to learn to use a gun. When Sam first came back and even before then, when I was leading a normal life, I swore he wouldn't use one. Now that we're working on being a family, I'm having second thoughts."

"Teaching him to shoot is the better thing to do, son. It doesn't mean he will be going on hunts as you and Sam did. If something comes for them, or him if he's alone at the house, knowing how to handle a situation until help arrives would likely save his life."

What John shared , had been in Dean's thoughts more and more, the closer it came time for him to leave Lisa and Ben behind. Before they could discuss anything else, Sam joined them, setting his lap top down on the table. He had been working on a visual plan based on maps he brought up on the city. Once Bobby joined them, all focus was on Sam.

It was late as he walked into the house. For the past two nights, Dean had arrived home after Ben and Lisa were in bed. Lisa had assured him that she understood why he was coming home so late, but it didn't stop him from being concerned. Trying to balance family and the plans to take care of Eve was more difficult than he wanted. At the same time, he wasn't going to give up on them, or on what he needed to do as a hunter. One of the many good parts of having his dad back was Sam having some backup on the times he couldn't be there. Once he made his rounds, including looking in on Ben, Dean entered his and Lisa's room. The woman he loved was asleep, so Dean got ready for bed quietly, thankful that the flooring didn't make any sounds as he moved about the room.

When he was settled in bed Lisa rolled into his arms, resting her cheek against the left side of his chest. "Ben asked again about the gun."

Before responding, Dean brushed his lips against the top of her head. "I had a talk with my dad. He agrees with you, and I think both of you have a point. However, we need to be sure Ben knows the gun isn't there for anything other than fighting off ghosts. Do you think he's ready for this?"

"He wants to help in any way he can. I think if we talk to him, and set some strict rules he'll listen. He wants you to be proud of him, along with Sam and your dad."

Dean gathered her closer to him. "I'm already proud of him."

Ben was doing his best to listen and follow the house rules. Doing his chores most of the time without having to be reminded. Knowing there was much more to do before he left them, Dean shut his eyes, focusing on the woman in his arms and the quiet which surrounded them.

AN: I'm sorry for the longer than usual wait. I'm still actively working on both stories along with Life stuff, so some updates might take a while. Also sorry this is so short, but I wanted to get this to you so none of you would think I'd given up. Thanks to all who read my story, and for adding me to your favs and your wait lists. Thanks also for the reviews, please keep them coming.