After the End

Chapter Seven

After ten minutes, Dean grew used to Cas' hand in his. The silence between them became comforting, almost like Cas knew Dean didn't want to talk about it. Except, holding Cas' hand was almost better than talking it out, because it said everything they needed to say without actual words. Cas was helping Dean understand that maybe it wasn't his fault when something went wrong. Maybe sometimes, things just got fucked up because that was something that just happened. It wasn't like Dean forgave himself or anything, but he actually was starting to feel better.

    As they approached the house, he felt a bit of dread set in, knowing he'd have to let go. Cas slowed down at the end of the block, their feet dragging the sidewalk. "Do you want to stay out here a while longer?" he asked, gesturing to their hands. Like it was some kind of medicine. The longer they held it, the better chances that it would work. If only it really worked that way.

    "No," Dean exhaled, squeezing the angel's hand again, knowing he had to let go. "Thanks, man," he added with a small smile, the best he could manage. Even though it was his choice, he still sighed at the loss of warmth tangled around his own fingers. Cas watched him as they walked, but Dean didn't meet his worried stare. He could just feel Cas looking at him, worrying about him, something he wasn't used to. They walked the last few feet to the house, Dean's feet heavy as he ascended the steps. He wanted to take back what he said and stay outside forever, their hands intertwined.

    "That's odd," Cas said, breaking the silence. They stood on the porch, just within arms reach of the door. Dean turned to follow Cas' gaze, eyes landing on a new sight. "Those vehicles haven't been there the whole time, have they?"

    Dean felt his stomach clench, the fear setting in as he thought about Sam and Jack being left alone in the house, ambushed by some crazy people. Dean immediately flung the door open, at the same time grappling for his gun at his hip. The second he met unfamiliar eyes, his finger brushed past the trigger, his eyes growing dark. "Step away from my brother," Dean growled, ready to do whatever he needed to protect his family. Cas stayed behind him, close on his heels. Sam was in the middle of the room, sitting on the floor with his hands tied behind his back. Jack was being held against the wall to the left, some guy's arm across his throat.

    The woman he had his gun pointed at drew her own weapon, followed by three other people drawing theirs, all pointed at Dean. "You might wanna put that thing away," the woman said, her voice calm. Dean didn't budge, still aimed at her head. He realized he had four guns pointed at his head, but he really didn't care. "Put the gun down," she repeated, eyes narrowing. "Don't be stupid."

    Dean felt his jaw clench and it took everything he had not to shoot her right then and there. "As long as I shoot one of you before you kill me, I'll consider that a win," Dean snapped, ignoring Cas' hand twisting into the fabric of his jacket near his back, holding him even closer, maybe keeping him from doing something harmful. Like get himself killed. "Let Sam go, or you're getting a bullet in your brain," Dean continued, using Cas' touch to calm himself enough to recognize he had to negotiate here. He'd be no use to anyone dead. He couldn't save them all if he kept going like this. "The kid too. Let them go."

    The woman hesitated, her hands steady as her finger moved away from the trigger. Her gun stayed put, still a threat. "Ketch, put your gun away," she said slowly, eyes darting to the man holding Jack hostage against the wall. After a moment of confusion, the man did as he was told, shoving his gun out of sight. "Garth, now you," she continued, looking at the skinny guy in the back. He did it without question. "Okay, now Claire," she continued. The young girl on the other side of Sam reluctantly put her gun away, crossing her arms over her chest.

    "You too," Dean said slowly, his patience growing thin.

    The woman raised her eyebrows, offering one small nod. "Okay, same time?" She waited, not moving until Dean agreed. They moved in sync, both taking one hand off at a time until finally there were no weapons out threatening to kill people. Dean felt Cas relax against his back, taking a step away from him. "My name's Jody," the woman shared, holding her hands at her sides, as if to prove she wouldn't go for her weapon again.