The Year of Redemption

Chapter 64: The Reason

Dean reached blindly over to the other side of the bed. His hand felt something - but it was cold, hard. It wasn't Cas.

He shot straight up and fiercely grabbed whatever was lying on the pillow - whatever had taken the place of his angel. It crumpled in his hands. Dean's heart fell, he was mad and sad all at the same time. He glanced at his hand and unfolded the crumpled piece of paper:

Dean,

I'm sorry I didn't wake you up before I left - you were so peaceful, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wanted to stay, but I had to honor our agreement. Please forgive me.

I love you, so much.

Castiel

P.S. I'll see you tonight, baby. Take care of Teal for me.

Castiel's name became a smudge. Dean wiped his eyes, not even noticing that any tears had left them.

Yes, he forgave Cas. God, how he forgave him already. He couldn't wait for the angel to be back in his arms so he could tell him.

Dean got up and put some clothes on. Cas had already picked up their clothes from last night and put them in the laundry. Dean shook his head, smiling. The angel was such a housewife.

He folded up Cas's note and placed it in his pocket, then wandered the house looking for Teal, calling the dog's name even though there was no way the puppy already knew it.

Dean was getting a little worried - and frustrated. "Teal!" he yelled. "Where the hell are you?" He couldn't have gotten outside, all the doors had been closed through the night.

Dean checked every room, every nook and cranny, including the cabinets. He found a puddle in the bathroom and clenched his jaw, holding back a string of curses. A scratching sound came from beside him, followed by a high-pitched yelp.

Dean pulled back the shower curtain. Teal was standing on his back legs, pawing frantically at the walls of the tub. He slipped and fell back down, staring up at Dean pathetically. "What have I gotten myself into?" Dean muttered, reaching in and grabbing Teal from the tub. He stepped around the puddle and walked outside, setting the puppy down.

Dean followed Teal around the outside of the house, watching as the puppy stopped every few feet to squat and try to go to the bathroom, then get back up and wander farther. Finally, Teal actually did go to the bathroom, and then he followed Dean around the house, watching the hunter clean up all his messes.

And this is how Dean's day went until Cas came home.

"Hey, baby," Cas greeted, appearing in the living room at his usual time.

Dean sighed heavily and reached down to grab Teal, holding him up to Cas. "Here," he said. "You're glad I love you so much."

Cas took the puppy and leaned in to peck Dean on the lips, then kissed the top of Teal's head. Dean rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry for leaving this morning," Cas mentioned, studying Dean's tired face.

"It's ok," the hunter said, turning and plopping himself down on the couch.

Castiel strode over and sat down on the couch, facing him. "You sure?" he asked, still worried by Dean's weary expression.

"Yeah, I'm just a bit tired. This little rascal," he ruffled the fur on top of Teal's head, "kept me busy all day."

The puppy squirmed, trying to escape from Cas's arms. Castiel gently set him on the floor, where he started bounding and sliding across the rug and hard wood aimlessly. "I'm sorry," Cas said, looking up at Dean. Then he raised himself up on one knee and swung the other knee onto the other side of Dean, straddling the hunter. He leaned his face up close to Dean's. "I can make it up to you," he breathed endearingly.