Supernatural Death Note

Chapter Thirteen: Interludes for Dean

Summary:  Dean and Near go shopping  

They finally came around the side of the cabin, to find five people waiting for them. Dean stiffened a little, not sure what would be said. They'd been gone a long, long time. He had no idea of how he looked, covered with dirt, muddy tear streaks down his face, and his eyes were blood shot.

They headed towards everyone. Castiel always keeping an eye on Dean could see his face before the others, and hoped that the older man had helped his charge. The hunter needed someone who could show compassion and love towards him.

Near came up to Dean, handing him a water bottle and clean cloth, which he'd retrieved after spotting the man's face.

Watari went to L, murmuring in the other's ear. The detective listened with a look of deep respect on his face.

Dean had a slight, trembling smile on his face when he took the water and the cloth from Near. He drank the water, gratefully, started to wipe his face. When he saw all the dirt, he realized how his face must have looked and turned blood red. He whispered a hoarse 'thank you' to Near, and gauged the others, knowing there'd be hell to pay from Mello. He straightened his shoulders, lifted his head high and headed towards the group with Near by his side.

"Thanks to your assistance, Dean, the computer systems are online and running at full efficiency. It is fortunate that we know how to pack under a serious time restraint." The detective had taken a bit of a pot shot at the angel for that.

"You're welcome, L. I've had to pack like that most of my life. It's why I don't have much. Cas is worse at time restraints then anyone I know. Aren't you, Cas?"

"I need to know if what I brought is sufficient or will I need to get more?"

"Well, let's see what you brought, Cas. I think we can gauge if we need anything else. I will take someone with me and get the rest. I need a drive."

"No, Dean, you will not."

"Cas, you sure as hell aren't stopping me. Free will, remember?"

Matt spoke up. "There's enough food to sustain you and Sam for a while but not for the dietary requirements of the rest of us. Trust me, you don't want L and Mello off of their usual diets. They get really, really cranky." Mello pulled a face at Matt but didn't answer, knowing it was the truth.

Dean smiled, "Cas doesn't approve of what I eat, so I am sure Sammy will enjoy what he brought. We head to the nearest store. Got to be one around here somewhere. Cas?"

The angel stood stiff with a more disapproving face than usual. Dean, you need to eat correctly to be strong for future battles. This is going to be a difficult one. I understand what you are planning. I went and talked to Bobby. He explained it better to me. You are insane to do this."

"The hell you did! Cas, I appreciate what you are thinking but I will do my job the best way I know how. I don't have Sam right now and he's always been my back up. I can trust these men to work with me and see to it I get out alive. Might take a little while to recover, but I will. If you happen to be around and feel like it, you can heal me."

L answered strongly. "We will tend to him should he come to harm. Dean, Near will accompany you. Matt and Mello have assignments to complete and I have to finish a case while you are running this errand."

Dean was surprised by the strength in L's words. "Thank you for letting Near come with me. It's always fantastic to spend time with a good 'friend'" Dean made sure the word was stressed for Matt and Mello. "Come on, Near, we'll go get real food. Watari, I haven't been inside yet. My duffel's over by the Impala. Would you find a room for me and place it there? I don't mind sharing. Also, cleaning stuff? Is there a washer and dryer in there by any chance? We need dish soap and bath soap, toothpaste, anything like that?"