Catching Up
Chapter 22 – The Winchester Way
Dean had to work to keep up with Mary's as they went into the garage. Mary didn't look back, didn't speak once until they were there and she finally relaxed against baby's hood even then all she did was slump over and sigh. "Mom," Dean sat next to her.
"He shouldn't have," she mumbled.
"Have what?"
"Looked at you different," Mary raised her head. "None of that was your fault. None of it. John was careless, more careless than I would have ever thought of him. My John," Mary pounded a fist into her hand. "The same one that used to plan everything out meticulously, didn't have the sense to leave you somewhere else. You have a nigh-invincible monster attacking children and he leaves you alone for days on end and then gets angry when you leave for a bit and can't shoot at the age of twelve."
"I'm not sure what to say to you," Dean shrugged. "That's how it was."
"Do you know that I made a demon deal to save your father's life?" Mary told him. "And what was it worth? In the end? The two things I didn't want the most happened away. John is gone and you boys became hunters."
"I know about the deal and I also know you didn't have much of a choice that night," Dean comforted her.
"I don't regret it, you boys are here because I did but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn't," she mused. "What might have become of me? Of this world if the show is anything to go by?"
"Well I happen to know that an apple pie life for us with you alive and no hunting would have cost a lot of people their lives," Dean said. "A Djinn let me in on that one. As for you never making that deal… mom, the world kind of needs us."
"I'm starting to get that impression," Mary laughed. "I am proud of you boys, I'm just pissed at John right now."
"Don't be," Dean insisted. "We had some good times, it wasn't all bad days. We were dealt a crappy hand but we make it work."
"Don't worry, this is temporary, I'll go back to my guilt-ridden angst soon," Mary assured him ruefully.
"Now that is the Winchester way," Dean side-hugged her. Mary relaxed into her son's embrace, she'd ask about Hell later.
*CU*
In the kitchen, Sam and Cas were working in amiable silence to prepare the evening meal. Even the voice seemed to be taking it easy, humming something that sounded strangely like 'Stand By Me'. Sam was amused but actually quite content. The peaceful atmosphere helped greatly to ease his mind from the whirlwind of emotions he'd just relived. "Sam," Cas's voice had this uncanny ability to not break any silence but meld with it so it didn't feel like a disruption. "May I ask a personal query?"
"Sure Cas," Sam invited.
"I do not mean to cast aspersions or accuse you of anything but I cannot rid myself of the impression that you are not being totally honest about what happened in London. Something is different about you Sam," the angel turned to scrutinize him. "You've not been yourself and even though my Grace is diminished, I can tell something has left an intangible impression upon you."
Not yet Sam. "Cas buddy, it's not like that," Sam tried to formulate something quick. "With everything we've been through over the last few days, it's been a lot to process. There's so much going on in my head." *snort* Sam concluded, "All I need is some time and everything will be better, I promise." Really?
"Alright," Cas acquiesced. "I am concerned about you, you are a dear friend of mine. Something I don't believe I've acknowledged enough."
"Profound bond with my brother notwithstanding," Sam remarked.
Cas smiled, "Yes well as Beyoncé has taught us, 'if he liked it then he should have put a ring on it'."
Sam immediately burst laughter only made worse by the voice in his head chiming in with – Is anyone else imagining him in a leotard doing the choreography?
"What's so funny?" Dean chose that opportune to appear and both Sam and Cas had a good chuckle. "Let me in on the joke," Dean whined.
Don't pay him any attention, the voice sang. Sam pinched the bridge of his nose, the smile not leaving his face. "Let's just eat."
A/N: Hey guys, YAY SASTIEL FRIENDSHIP! I just warms my heart to have Sam and Cas be friends. Trenchcoat jokes aside, I completely have not decided whether Destiel will be making an appearance but if it is, I want this to be in character as much as possible so be prepared for a slow burn but I will make it worth your while. ENJOY! R&R PLZ!