CHAPTER 1: Some Roads Leads You Home

——

The rumble of the Impala's engine was the only sound cutting through the stillness of Heaven's golden horizon. The road stretched endlessly ahead, flanked by fields of wildflowers that shimmered in the soft, perpetual sunlight. Dean kept one hand on the wheel, the other casually draped over the edge of the open window. Sam sat beside him, his face relaxed but contemplative, letting the cool breeze whip through his hair.

"You know," Sam said, breaking the comfortable silence, "it's kind of surreal being here. Driving with you again. It's like… nothing's changed, but everything has."

Dean smirked, his eyes focused on the road. "Yeah, well, Heaven's got a way of messin' with your head like that. Bobby says it's supposed to feel like home. Guess it's working."

Sam nodded, glancing at Dean. "So, what've you been up to? I mean, while I was still, y'know… alive."

Dean shrugged, a casual gesture that didn't quite hide the wistfulness in his tone. "Mostly sightseeing. Took Baby out for a spin, hit up all the spots we never got to. Spent some time fishin' with Dad, had a few beers with Bobby. Stuff like that."

Sam smiled, leaning back in his seat. "Sounds nice."

"It was," Dean admitted, glancing at his brother. "But it wasn't the same without you, man. Like… I had all this time, all this space, but there was somethin' missing."

Sam gave a small, understanding nod. "I get that. I mean, when you were gone… there were times I really missed you. Like, a lot. Especially when things got tough. But…" He hesitated, his smile softening. "Other times, I really liked the life I had. With Eileen, with Dean Jr. It was… peaceful."

Dean grinned at the mention of Sam's son. "Dean Jr., huh? Kid's got a hell of a name."

Sam laughed. "Yeah, well, I couldn't think of a better one."

Dean's grin widened. "Bet he's stubborn as hell, too. Chip off the ol' block."

"Oh, you have no idea," Sam said, shaking his head. "But he's a good kid. Smart, kind. He made it all worth it."

Dean nodded, his smile fading slightly as he focused on the road. "I'm glad, Sammy. Glad you got to have that."

For a while, they drove in silence, the hum of the engine and the warm wind filling the space between them. Eventually, Sam spoke again. "What about Jack? You see him around?"

Dean blinked, as if startled by the question. "Not as much as I probably should," he admitted. "I've been kinda caught up, y'know, enjoyin' the perks of Heaven. But I've been meanin' to invite him over. Him and Cas."

Sam turned to Dean, his brow furrowing. "Cas?"

Dean glanced at Sam, catching his surprised expression. "Oh, right, I forgot to mention that. Jack brought him back. Pulled him outta the Empty."

Sam's eyes widened. "Seriously? Jack saved him?"

"Damn right he did," Dean said with a grin. "Apparently, Cas helped Jack rebuild Heaven. Made it what it is now—open roads, freedom, all that good stuff. Bobby says Cas was a big part of making it feel like… well, like us."

Sam shook his head, still processing the revelation. "I had no idea. That's… that's amazing. Have you seen him?"

Dean's grip on the steering wheel tightened just slightly, his jaw ticking. "Uh… no. Not since I got here."

Sam frowned, clearly puzzled. "Why not? I mean, if he's back—"

"Dunno," Dean cut in quickly, his tone a little too casual. "Figured he's probably busy. Y'know, angel stuff. Runnin' Heaven, or whatever."

Sam studied his brother for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Dean…"

Dean sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "What?"

"Have you… even tried to see him?" Sam asked gently.

Dean hesitated, the question hanging heavily in the air. Finally, he shook his head. "No," he admitted quietly. "I just… I don't know, man. What do I even say to him? 'Hey, thanks for dyin' for me. Again. Sorry I didn't call sooner?'" He let out a humorless laugh. "Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue."

Sam's gaze softened. "Dean… he's your friend. I'm pretty sure he'd just be happy to see you."

Dean didn't answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. The silence stretched out between them, heavy with unspoken words.

Finally, Sam sighed and leaned back in his seat, deciding to let the subject drop—for now. He knew his brother well enough to know when to push and when to give him space. And this? This was something Dean needed to work through on his own.

The Impala roared down the endless road, the sunlight glinting off its sleek black hood. Somewhere in the distance, the horizon shimmered like a mirage, promising more golden skies and open roads. But for Dean, there was only one destination that truly mattered—and he wasn't quite ready to face it yet.

——

The Impala rolled up to Bobby's cabin, its tires crunching softly on the gravel driveway. The house stood just as Dean remembered it—rugged and weathered, but warm, like a sanctuary. A soft breeze stirred the trees, carrying the faint scent of wood smoke and wildflowers. Bobby stood on the porch, leaning against the railing with a beer in hand, his face breaking into a wide grin as the car pulled to a stop.

"Well, ain't this a sight for sore eyes," Bobby called out, tipping his hat as the brothers climbed out of the Impala.

Sam was the first to reach him, his long strides quickly closing the distance. Without hesitation, he pulled Bobby into a firm hug. "I've missed you, Bobby."

"Missed you too, kid," Bobby replied, his voice gruff but warm. He clapped Sam on the back before stepping back to look him over. "Look at you. Still a damn sasquatch."

Sam laughed. "Guess some things don't change."

"Damn right," Bobby said, his eyes twinkling. He glanced over Sam's shoulder at Dean, who was walking up more slowly, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets. "You boys sure took your time gettin' here."

Dean smirked. "What can I say? Baby doesn't rush for anyone."

Bobby chuckled, then turned back to Sam. "Anyway, everyone's waitin' inside."

Sam's eyebrows shot up. "Everyone? Who's everyone?"

Bobby shrugged, his grin turning sly. "Why don't you go on in and find out?"

Sam glanced back at Dean, who gave him a little nod. Shrugging, Sam headed for the door, his curiosity evident. Dean started to follow, but Bobby reached out and stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Not so fast," Bobby said, his tone quieter now.

Dean frowned, confused. "What?"

"There's someone here to see you," Bobby said, his voice steady, but his eyes softened in a way that made Dean uneasy.

Dean's brow furrowed. "Who?"

Bobby's lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. "Take a guess."

Dean froze, the air around him seeming to go still. "Cas?" he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bobby nodded, taking a swig of his beer. "Yep. He's waitin' for you down by the dock. Figured you'd want to see him."

Dean stared at Bobby, his mind racing. He hadn't prepared for this. Hell, he hadn't even allowed himself to think about what he'd say to Cas if he saw him again. And now, here he was—just around the corner, waiting.

"Dean," Bobby said, cutting through his thoughts. "Go."

Dean opened his mouth to argue, to stall, but no words came out. Finally, he just nodded and turned toward the path that led around the cabin. He took a deep breath and started walking, his boots crunching on the gravel.

As Dean disappeared around the corner, Bobby let out a heavy sigh and turned back to Sam, who was lingering in the doorway, clearly having overheard. Bobby gave him a knowing look.

"God, I hope he finally pulls his head outta his ass and tells that angel how he really feels," Bobby said, shaking his head.

Sam chuckled, stepping back onto the porch. "Yeah. It's about time."

The two shared a laugh, a lightness in their voices that hadn't been there in years. Bobby clapped a hand on Sam's shoulder, steering him toward the cabin door.

"Come on," Bobby said. "Let's get you reacquainted with the family."

As they stepped inside, the door swung shut behind them, leaving the warm hum of conversation and laughter inside the cabin, and Dean's heavy, hesitant footsteps on the path behind it.

——

Dean moved quickly, his boots crunching against the soft gravel path that curved around Bobby's cabin. His heart was a knot of anxiety and anticipation, tightening with every step. The lake glinted in the distance, its surface a mirror reflecting the eternal golden glow of Heaven.

His mind raced, memories flashing like a montage—every moment he'd ever shared with Castiel. The sound of his voice. The way he'd always stood beside him, no matter the odds. And then, that final moment in the bunker. Castiel's declaration of love, the tearful smile as he gave himself to the Empty to save Dean.

Those words echoed in Dean's mind, louder now with every step. "I love you."

Dean clenched his fists at his sides, the weight of those unspoken words he'd carried for so long nearly suffocating him. He'd never said it back—not because he didn't feel it, but because he hadn't been ready to admit it to himself. And now… now there was no more running.

As the dock came into view, Dean slowed. There he was. Castiel stood at the very end, his trench coat swaying gently in the breeze, hands tucked in his pockets, staring out at the lake like it held every answer in the universe.

Dean froze in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat. He swallowed hard, trying to gather the courage to speak. What the hell could he even say? He'd never been good with words, especially not for this. But then again, maybe it didn't matter. Maybe it was time to stop thinking and just say what he felt.

With a deep breath, Dean stepped onto the dock, his boots thudding softly against the wood. He moved slowly at first, stopping just a few feet behind Castiel.

"…Cas," Dean said softly, his voice carrying over the stillness of the lake.

Castiel turned, and the moment their eyes met, a warm, familiar smile spread across the angel's face. "Hello, Dean."

Dean stood frozen, his heart hammering in his chest. He wanted to say so much, but instead, he took a hesitant step closer. Then another. And before he knew it, he was closing the distance between them in quick, purposeful strides. Without a word, he wrapped his arms tightly around Castiel, pulling him into a crushing hug.

For a moment, Castiel was still, as if surprised by the sudden gesture. But then his arms came up, returning the embrace with equal intensity. They stood there, holding each other, the weight of years and sacrifices melting away in that one moment.

When Dean finally pulled back, his eyes were misty. Without warning, he punched Castiel lightly in the arm.

Castiel blinked, confused. "Why did you hit me?"

Dean glared at him, though his voice wavered. "Because you're an idiot, that's why! Saying all that stuff—'I love you'—and then just… leaving me like that. What the hell were you thinking, huh? You think I needed to hear that right before you went off and died on me?!"

Castiel's expression softened, guilt flooding his features. "Dean, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought… I thought it was the only way."

Dean shook his head, his hands trembling. "Yeah, well, you did hurt me. You ripped my goddamn heart out, Cas."

Before Castiel could respond, Dean reached out, his hand grabbing the back of Castiel's head and pulling him into a kiss. It was desperate and rough, fueled by years of longing and everything Dean had been too stubborn and scared to say. Castiel froze for half a second before melting into the kiss, his hands gripping Dean's jacket as though afraid to let go.

When they finally pulled apart, Castiel stared at Dean, wide-eyed and speechless.

"Cas," Dean said, his voice breaking. "You think I didn't care? That I didn't feel the same way?" His eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I've been a goddamn mess since you left. I didn't know what to do, what to say. Hell, I didn't even know what I felt—until you were gone. And then it hit me, Cas. All those years, all the times you had my back, all the times you were just… there. You loved me, and I—" His voice caught, and he let out a shaky breath. "I loved you too. I just didn't know how to say it. I didn't know how to let myself feel it."

Castiel's lips parted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I never realized… I never thought you—"

Dean cut him off, cupping his cheek. "Yeah, well, join the club. I didn't realize it either, not until it was too late." He shook his head, his thumb brushing against Castiel's cheek. "But not this time. I'm not gonna screw this up, Cas. Not again."

Castiel's eyes softened, a mixture of wonder and disbelief washing over his face. "Dean…"

Dean leaned in again, this time kissing him softly, tenderly. When he pulled back, he smiled faintly, his eyes locked on Castiel's. "I love you, Cas," he said, the words falling from his lips like a vow. "I've been too much of an idiot to say it before, but I'm sayin' it now. I love you."

Castiel's expression was unreadable for a moment, but then his lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "I love you too, Dean," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

Before either of them could say another word, a voice rang out from the cabin. "Hey, lovebirds!" Charlie called, leaning out the back door. "Lunch is ready! Everyone's waiting!"

Dean groaned, his forehead dropping onto Castiel's shoulder. "Of course," he muttered. "Perfect timing, as always."

Castiel chuckled softly, his hand lingering on Dean's arm. "We should go," he said, though his voice held no urgency.

Dean pulled back, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We're comin'!" he shouted back at Charlie, then turned to Castiel, a small grin tugging at his lips. "C'mon, Cas."

Castiel smiled in return, and Dean slung an arm around his shoulders, steering him back toward the cabin.

As they entered, the warm sound of laughter and conversation filled the space. Their family—Sam, Bobby, Charlie, and the rest—sat around the large dining table, plates piled high with food, smiles on every face. Dean and Castiel joined them, their hands brushing under the table as they settled in.

For the first time in a long time, Dean felt whole. Heaven had never felt more like home.

——TO BE CONTINUED——