This is the End ~ Destiel

Chapter 4 - The Return

Late Saturday Morning. June 8, 2019

Baby was loaded up and ready to go. The beautiful beach house was locked up, and ready for whoever was next to use it. The sky was a bright blue, no clouds to be seen. Even for a monday, it was awfully quiet in the town. Only a handful of cars passed through.

Dean was not looking forward to going home, or sitting in a car with Cas. He would like to tell him to just fly home, but he didn't want to rock the boat. Things between Team Free Will were still tense and awkward, especially as they bade goodbye to the one place where they truly felt at peace in a while. They piled into the car in silence and said goodbye to Cape Charles, Virginia.

As they turned onto the highway, Sam cleared his throat. "Alright guys, come on. We're grown men. Especially you, Cas. I think we can all talk about this calmly and come up with a plan." Silence. "Guys!" He turned to Cas, who evaded his stare by looking out the window. Sam looked forward again, scoffing in disbelief. "You're really gonna act like little kids about this?" That was the last anyone spoke for the next few hours.

When they came to a rest stop, Dean got out to pump some gas into the car. Sam turned around in his seat to face Cas. "You messed up big time, buddy."

"Congratulations, Sam. You pointed out the obvious."

"Hey," Sam snapped. "Don't be a dick to me. I'm just trying to help. You're going to destroy Dean."

Cas sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I know, I–"

"No, Cas, you don't! You weren't there last time. Dean was a mess. He was depressed, angry. He never slept, he drank even more than usual. I've never seen him like that. Not even after Lisa. Don't underestimate how much he cares about you."

Before he could reply, Dean opened the door, and they fell silent. As Dean settled into to his seat and started the car, he stole a glance at Cas through the mirror. He desperately wanted to apologize to him, but he was too stubborn.

The ride back to Lebanon was long.

Mary and Jack were waiting outside the cabin when they got there, waving lazily. They climbed into the back seat, greeting everyone. Mary immediately noticed something was wrong, as all the boys barely gave her one-word answers and refused to look at each other.

"So... how was the beach?" She asked nonchalantly, trying to be suave.

"Didn't go as planned." Dean said crossly.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Long story. We'll explain at the bunker." Said Sam. She frowned, and looked over to Cas, who was silent the whole time.

"How are you, Castiel?" She asked sweetly.

He faked a smile. "Fine, thank you."

"How was the beach?"

"It was lovely."

"That's good." She looked over to Dean, who seemed to be annoyed. "So, why are you boys fighting?"

Dean sighed. "We're not fighting. I just-"

"Dean found out about a deal I made, and he's upset with me." Cas interrupted. Jack looked down guiltily.

"What kind of deal?" Asked Mary.

"The stupid kind." Dean said. It took no time for Mary to figure out what he meant, and she took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, Cas. Are you okay?" She rested a hand on his shoulder in a weak attempt to comfort him.

"Well, for now, yes." He looked over to Jack, whose face was clearly guilt-ridden. Cas rested his hand on his back, trying to comfort him. They both shared forced smiles.