The Year of Redemption

Chapter 6: Home (Where I Belong)

Dean opened his eyes to see Castiel staring down at him. He jumped slightly, exclaiming, "Jesus, Cas, how long have you been watching me?"

"You fell asleep during our Clue game." Cas replied matter-of-factly. "I didn't even get to figure out who committed the murder. But I'm pretty sure they used the candlestick," he said, eyeing the Clue board, which still had pieces laying on it. "I wonder why they wouldn't go for the revolver. Seems to me it would have been more effective."

"Real sorry I couldn't stay up for it." There was sarcasm evident in Dean's voice. He sat up and winced slightly, then began rolling his neck slowly.

Castiel seemed to suddenly remember something. "Oh. How do you feel today?" he asked.

"Fine." Dean replied amid low grunts as he flexed his muscles and rubbed his upper arms. He pushed his feet over the edge of the couch and planted them on the ground. "I have to go see Lisa."

"Want to finish the game first?" Cas asked hopefully.

Dean reached over and opened the envelope in the middle of the game board, spreading the three concealed cards inside across the board. "It was Mrs. White with the candlestick in the kitchen," he stated irreverently. "I'm going now."

Cas's face grew sad momentarily, then brightened up. "My candlestick assumption was correct," he stated proudly.

Dean stood up shakily and made his way for the bedroom, where he began to pack clothes and weapons in his duffel bag. He was still sore, and he moved slowly, but purposefully.

Castiel followed him and stood at the doorway. "I'm coming with you," he declared.

"Cas," Dean insisted, "This is kind of a private matter." Cas still looked determined to tag along. "Meaning it's between me and Lisa..." Dean explained. "No one else," he clarified.

"Ok," Cas said simply, then walked away.

Dean let out a sigh of relief, then finished packing and swung the duffel over his shoulder, forgetting how sore he still was. He staggered out of the house and placed the duffel in the trunk of the Impala, then opened the driver's door and climbed in. "Jesus," he exclaimed when he saw Cas sitting in the passenger seat. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I told you. I'm coming. Someone has to keep an eye on you."

Dean sighed reluctantly and started the Impala, knowing he wasn't going to win an argument against the angel. "Just not too close of an eye, ok?"

"I will attempt to maintain an appropriate distance," Cas said sincerely. Dean gave him another annoyed sidelong glance, and they took off out of the dirt driveway and down the road.

It was almost a 12 hour drive to Battle Creek, Michigan, where Lisa and Ben lived. The sun was already set when they pulled up in front of the driveway.

"I'll just wait outside," Cas said awkwardly. Dean gave him another glare, then slammed the door and walked up to the house. He knocked three times and fiddled with his hands while he waited. The door opened, and Dean gave Lisa a halfhearted grin. He wasn't sure if she'd actually be glad to see him.

"Dean." Lisa gasped and her eyes widened.

"Hey, Lisa."

After a few seconds, Lisa wrapped Dean in a tight hug. "God, it's good to see you." She breathed.

Dean returned the hug and moved one hand instinctively up to the back of her head, as if he was still trying to protect her. "You too," he said into her hair.

Lisa let him go, but kept a hold of his shoulders, studying his face. "Come inside." She motioned for him to enter the house. "Ben!" She yelled. "There's someone here you might want to see!"