Chapter Text
“‘And so it goes; unaware of the world around her and what she just escaped, Ms. Montgomery walks over her threshold back to the life she never knew she almost lost. She didn’t know, nor did she need to know, of the things that lurked in the dark, the things not even our nightmares can dream up.
~until next time. D.Smith’
Posted 3.11.11 at 10:59 pm”
The screen immediately lit up as viewers logged onto the blog to read the newest horror story. Dean slammed the screen shut before the comments started rolling in.
The motel room was dim, a faint humming emanating from a single light created the only barrier between Dean and pure silence. Another story done, another town checked off the list. After six months of travelling would he ever be used to it? The emptiness of the world contained within a single, damp, one-bed motel room. Dean didn’t know if it would get easier, but he knew it was right where he needed to be.
Leaning back Dean opened up his journal, a rough leather book just like his dad’s only much, much thicker. Reading the next entry he sighs and puts a red x next to the town name on the top of the page—Lafayette, Indiana. Some towns have stories that need telling; others have stories not even horror fans would believe. Those stories would just have to die with him. He turns the page.
Cornwall, Connecticut.
Dean stretched as he stood to shower, kinks building in his shoulders as he finally stopped hunching over the keyboard for the night. The musty bathroom greeted him with a flickering light and a dripping tap, nothing new and certainly nothing worth getting anxious about. Despite not actively hunting Dean hadn’t been idle, there was a vamp nest he dusted back in California and Bobby sent him on goose chases every now and then to keep him busy. Most of the time they were busts but sometimes there was a rogue spirit or demon to deal with. The Apocalypse meant things went pretty quiet for a while. Hell was back to normal, so back to being hell—standard demon deals being about the biggest thing on the radar for the last year. Heaven, as far as Dean was concerned had locked its gates tight and thrown away the key. No word from Cas, no omens of angel activity, not even a vision from Chuck. He just assumed with Michael gone the chaos must be keeping everyone busy as management was sorted out. So all was quiet, and Dean did as he liked.
The hot water filled the tiny room with steam, condensing on the mirror and shower as Dean tried to close his mind.
Guitar chords blare out from the main room.
“Damnit”. Dean turns off the water and wraps a towel around his waist as he hurries to drag the damn phone out of his jacket.
“Hello,” he rumbles as he shakes the water and soap out of his hair.
“You missed our phone call this week, ya idjit.” Bobby’s voice was a welcomed surprise as Dean silently counts days in his head. “You know I’ll hunt you down and kill you if you go silent on me, boy.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don't get your panties in a wad old man. I lost track of the days.”
“Watch it, I may still come hunt you down.” Dean rolls his eyes as he sinks into bed, the towel snagging on the bed and coming loose as he lies back.
“Course ya will...Whatcha got Bobby?”
There’s a small pause on the phone as Dean hears some papers ruffle.
“Not much kid. I got wind of a spirit not far from you, but word has it you took it down already. Normal activity on the demon front, I’ve got Ash looking out for any crossroad activity. Hell any demon activity at all.” There's another pause. “Any word from Cas?” The gruff tone faded slightly at that as a sigh escaped Dean’s lips.
“Nope. I’ve stopped calling Bobby. I figure he’s got himself locked up in angel town now that he’s all juiced up.” The lie came out so naturally it surprised Dean as Bobby bought it without a second thought; Dean still prays to Castiel every night.
“Are you gonna tell me where you are or am I just gonna have to wait for the next surprise visit?”
“Ha, someone’s in a bad mood. What, boredom hitting you already?”
“Remind me to give you a good ass-kicking the next time you come round.” There’s a smile in Bobby’s voice, “I just worry about you. It’s not like you’re great at this communication crap.”
“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll be around soon. And I’m safe Bobby. I don’t need a babysitter. I’ll call ya next week okay?”
“Okay. If you need me, call.”
“Thanks Bobby.” The phone clicks shut and Dean closes his eyes. Bobby’s phone calls reminded him of how empty the world could be.
The rest of the night passes normally. After brushing his teeth and packing his bag, a cold beer is cracked open and Dean sits at the table next to the open journal. Another town awaits him with another story to tell. The leather cover slams shut disrupting a photo from the pages and sending it fluttering to the floor. Lisa’s brown eyes smile up at Dean as leans to pick it up, sinking into a memory as he does…
--8 months ago--
“Come on Ben, dinner!” Lisa’s voice rings out from the kitchen as she lays plates onto the table. Her smile catches Dean’s eye as he sets a plate of burgers and hot dogs out fresh from the grill. “I swear that boy won’t stop playing with those cars you bought him for his birthday.”
“Yeah, he’s got a knack for them. I was thinking about showing him how to tune up the truck. I need to do it anyway.” Lisa smiles as Dean absentmindedly kisses her head before grabbing a beer from the fridge.
“Sorry mom.” Ben comes rushing down the stairs and grabs a hot dog as he sits across from Dean.
The table is quiet as they eat; Lisa makes as much small talk as she can, asking Ben about school and Dean about the job site he’s currently at, but not much is said and they finish their meal in comfortable silence. Dean’s mind is much louder than he is, it’s filled with thoughts of the life he lost.
“Dean?” Lisa pulls him back to reality with concern in her eyes, “Weren’t you just saying you’d like to teach Ben about the truck?”
He smiles at her before taking a bit of burger, “Yeah, if you want to learn that is.” He winks at Ben, who nods eagerly. “It’s settled then. I’ll open her up this weekend and we will give her a good, thorough check up.”
--Now--
The memory fades as Dean slides the photo back into place behind the one of him and Sam and in front of an image of Cas. He quickly closed the book, trying not to spend too long looking at his absent friend.
“Damnit Cas. How long do I have to keep praying to you before you answer me? Come on man. Just let me know you’re up there. Please?”
Nothing. Just like normal.
With a huff, Dean shoves the journal into his bag and collapses into bed. He flips off the light and rolls onto his stomach, falling asleep in the lonely hotel room.
Outside the rain starts up soaking the blue-eyed angel watching in the distance.