Chapter Text
The oil black sludge of the Empty released its hold on Castiel.
“Hello, Clarence.”
Castiel spun around to see the Shadow lounging on their throne in Meg’s form. “Why am I not asleep?” he asked.
The Shadow raised their eyebrows, “Sleep? That son of yours came here and ruined my peace.” They rose from their throne, striding towards Castiel. “Angels, Demons. They’re all waking up and the Empty will never be quiet again! So, I’m going to have some fun.” The Shadow clenched their fist, and Castiel fell to the ground writhing in pain.
***
Dean drove up to the curb in front of Eileen’s home. Sam opened the passenger side door and hopped out before the impala had completely stopped.
Sam dashed up the path and rang the doorbell, knowing that lights would flash within the house. After a few tense seconds that felt like an eternity, the front door opened.
“Sam!” Eileen laughed, rushing into Sam’s arms.
Dean stepped out of the car and watched Sam and Eileen embrace on the porch, a soft smile on his face as he saw his brother finally happy. His thoughts drifted to everyone that had been taken and restored in the past few days, and those still lost.
Eileen and Sam stepped apart, “What happened?" Eileen asked, "I remember texting you and coming out to my car that night, and then suddenly it was a sunny afternoon.”
Sam handed Eileen her phone, “It's a long story. In summary, Chuck ended humanity, and Jack proved to be our salvation.” He paused; he knew Eileen had doubts about their relationship because of Chuck. Now that Chuck wasn’t writing the story, perhaps things could change. Sam swallowed, “Chuck no longer controls our lives.”
Eileen stared at Sam, thinking over what he had said, then grinned. “Sam, would you like to go on a date?”
Sam’s face lit up, his hands rose to caressed Eileen's face, “Yes."
“I plan on hearing the whole story regarding what happened,” Eileen asserted.
Sam nodded in agreement, lowering his hands, "I'll tell you everything."
Eileen took Sam's hand, weaving their fingers together. She turned her attention to the impala, "Hi, Dean," she waved.
Dean walked up the path to join Sam and Eileen. “Hi, Eileen. Good to see you're alive.” Dean shot her a grin, "I'll catch up with you later though. You guys seem good, and I don't want to spoil your reunion. I'm gonna head into town and find burgers and pie for lunch."
"Thanks, Sam and I have plans for this evening. We can all meet up tomorrow?"
Dean grinned, amused, "You know, the bunker's defenses need to be checked after everything that's happened." Dean jerked his head towards her red car, “Think you and my brother can meet me there in a few days?”
Eileen grinned, “Sure.”
Dean nodded and slapped Sam on the back, “Enjoy the honeymoon,” he snarked.
Sam rolled his eyes, “Jerk.”
“Bitch.”
***
Three days later, Sam and Eileen arrived at the bunker. The war room table was strewn with empty beer bottles, beef jerky bags, and an open pizza box. Sam’s eyes flitted around the room, “Dean?”
Sam and Eileen descended the steps and made their way into the library. Open lore books were spread out over every available surface. On the second table was an open laptop, a notebook filled with Dean’s messy scrawl next to it. Across from the laptop, an army green jacket with a handprint on its shoulder was draped over a chair.
“Dean?” Sam called again.
“Down here!”
The couple found Dean in a storage room, rummaging through spell ingredients. Dean glanced up, then continued sorting through boxes. “Heya, Sammy. Eileen.”
Sam assessed Dean, his brother wore the same clothes he’d worn three days ago, his hair was a mess, and his eyes were red. Sam was certain he knew what this was about, and fanatical research was way better than finding Dean passed out, surrounded by bottles, again. Nevertheless, the fact Dean was voluntarily researching to begin with set off alarm bells. Therefore, best to feign ignorance. “Hi, Dean. What’s the case?”
Dean stood and faced Sam.
“We’re going to get Cas back.”