Castiel and other alt Dean

[tiredofurinating]

Castiel had been wondering how to navigate that another version of Dean lived all by himself in the woods, but close by. His chance came when Lucy informed him that the other Ruby and Sam wanted to get married privately. They had told no one else. Of course Cas considered himself a friend by extension and offered his service in person to officiate for them. The two of them seemed to like that.

As for Dean, he offered to be the one to inform him when Lucy and he were talking. The cabin in the woods was easy to find when he pictured it in his mind; logs were neatly staked on the side of the structure, the long blades of grass swayed in the breeze, and inside where a fire crackled was the familiar face. Cas willed himself to cross into that space.

"Hello, Dean," his voice neither echos nor does it not carry his presence inside the cabin. "I hope this isn't as awkward for you as it is for me." He looks around the space but touches nothing to warrant Dean lashing out at him. What was it that people say sometimes? Oh yes, this was 'starting from square one again.'

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[donttrustmyself]

He'd failed and yet, the world had been saved without him. Dean was grateful not to continue to live in the hellhole that his world had become, but he also felt he didn't deserve it. After all, he'd had a part in making the world a hellhole. This version of Dean tended to stick to his own (miserable) company. Besides, he was aware that Castiel had his own version of Dean and this version hadn't been able to keep his best friend alive. He'd asked every damn thing of him, piece by piece, and in the end, it had been too much and nothing to show for it.

Dean wasn't a total hermit; he stopped by the bar at least once a week, but he hadn't gotten accustomed to crowds being safe, even small crowds. He'd been entirely unable (and sincerely appreciated this) to avoid Lucy. She'd shown up once a week like clockwork with a casserole and a pie. Without fail, she spends an hour or so talking his ear off and inviting him to a myriad of town events (some he attended and a lot he didn't) before she'd tell him not to be a stranger and leave. Not only did Dean not feel he deserved this life, he wasn't sure how to navigate it. Social skills hadn't been important the last five years.

Dean startles, reaching for a gun that's never far from hand then relaxes a little when he sees that it's Cas. "Oh yeah. It's a comfort for me," he says with obvious sarcasm in his voice. "If it's awkward, why're you here?"

[tiredofurinating]

That world (the hellhole as the other Dean before himself describes it) was not returned to its former orbit when they had won against Chuck. Perhaps a small relief could for the other Dean could be found in that Jack used the energy left from it to build back worlds that needed it more. Even build a better heaven for all. This knowledge had been passed to all those that wanted to hear it. Lucy might have let it slip as well. Castiel had certainly told her what was happening upstairs. Unfortunately, there was no way to bring back the human Castiel that was lost to Lucifer all those years back. His soul was most likely at rest and satisfied that his end would in some small way change his Dean's future for the better. Unfortunately, this is a fact no one could deliver with any certainty.

Cas had sensed him around sometimes, if not had seen him once every couple of weeks. It was no secret that he was away frequently in Heaven and focused on his relationship with Lucy and his own Winchesters when free. Lucy had in fact reminded him to take a little time for other things when he was back. She used this visit also to send him over with some fresh baked goods, not just share the news of the wedding bells of his brother in three days.

A gun or demon blade can't harm him so the glimpse of something silver doesn't cause him to flinch. However, he does help him recognize he should postion himself more favorably. He holds up the paper bag in his hand rather than let it blend in with his coat at his side; the smell of fresh goods start to fill the room.

As far as he hoped, maybe all this Dean needed was something in his stomach. His own Dean didn't do well first thing in the morning without his coffee or waiting too long before dinner if there was anything to he had to compare the attitude to.

"Some treats that Lucy asked me to bring." He wasn't sure Dean would take it, so he set it on the table. "I thought I see how you were doing out here. ...Really, how are you doing, Dean?"

[donttrustmyself]

Maybe that shouldn't be comforting to Dean, but it is. He'd much rather see other places made better than to know that place is continuing to struggle. It feels like closure to him. He's not sure he believes in 'a better place' anymore, but he likes to think that his Cas is there if such a thing exists. He's certainly earned it in Dean's mind.

Lucy is a relentlessly cheery fixture in Dean's life whether he wants her to be or not. She shows up with pies and bourbon, chatters about the people in town, and invites him to everything. He's not going to lie, it was annoying at first especially because he'd known her double back in his world and he'd failed her as well as everyone else. However, this version of Lucy has grown him and while he won't admit it to the perky blonde herself, she is now a mostly welcome distraction. Dean is a bit surprised that Lucy has sent Cas in her stead and worries for a moment that something has happened. After all, she is several months pregnant with a half-angel baby, and to his knowledge, that kills most humans.

Dean puts away the weapon at about the same time Cas holds up the bag of baked goods. It's not the bag that had him putting the weapon away, it was the realization of the lack of danger, but it might not seem that way.

"Is she okay? Lucy." He is concerned, but it's always a way to stall answering Castiel's question. "Peachy keen," he insists as he takes a peek inside the bag. "I've got everything I could ask for," he says with a gesture around the cabin. In some ways, it's true, but Dean asks for a lot less these days.

[tiredofurinating]

Some comfort is better than none. Cas had turned it off a long time ago, but a part of him wishes it wasn't a violation to read the thoughts of the Dean before him. Unfortunately, there wasn't more to share about how the energy of the world's that didn't make it was disbursed. If the other Cas was made it to heaven, only time would tell. Heaven was still going through a transition period. It was entirely possible that some souls could be reborn one day as well.

Its that rentlessness that Castiel fell in love with. Many could compare Lucy and Dean as cut from the same cloth, at least as far as their drinking habits go and knack for wanting life to be better at the end of dark tunnels. They're both survivors. They're both, that Cas believes, are shinning examples of humanity. Fortunately, the angel baby pregnancy hasn't stopped her yet. Castiel would be proud, little not a little red in the face, to say that they've found a way to keep Lucy comfortable. Lucy and himself did not and could not have gone through with it without investigating the possibilities. April, another nephilim, with parents who survived, had been their biggest help.

Cas notes the concern for Lucy is genuine but questions if Dean is stalling, too. No matter; what he came to make Dean aware of is something that should be eased in to too. "Lucy and the baby are in perfect health." How peaches can be keen to this day still puzzles him in the literal sense, but he understands the meaning to say Dean is fine. "She baked everything this morning. The pregnancy hasn't slowed her down any." He highly doubts Dean means that he has everything he could ask for. A part of him thinks it's only time that Dean needs to realize there's more that could make him comfortable. The cabin seems to have little more than the bare minimum of a bed, table and dishes. "Of course. If you need anything else, there's enough furniture and wares in storage to go around." Silence takes over for a spell and Cas thinks he's done enough small talk to get things rolling as they say. Besides the vibes from Dean give him the impression that the small talk is a waste. "It's your brother you should wonder about. Have you spoken to Ruby or him?"

[donttrustmyself]

Yes, Lucy had drilled into him that it's an invasion of privacy and he's really only allowed to read her thoughts, primarily because she has no filter and there's a good chance she's going to say what she's thinking (unless she's upset then she shuts down). As a consolation, she's been working with him on verbal communication, reading other people's body language, and facial expressions.

They have their similarities for sure, but their hope presents differently. Lucy is down right bubbly while Dean rarely is. Their drinking habits are spot on. Limiting herself to the occasional glass of wine or bubbly has been the most difficult thing for Lucy. Yes, and Lucy enjoys the process of keeping her comfortable very much. When Lucy had decided she'd wanted a baby with Cas, they'd dove into research and made sure that it could be done without killing her before she'd gone off her birth control and they'd started trying.

Lucy has tried to teach Cas about idioms without much success. At least, now, he recognizes when they're idioms even if he doesn't understand them. Pardon Dean while he dives into the bag, taking everything out and grabbing a fork before he takes a forkful out of one of the pies. Yes, he's still stalling on answering the real question. He is aware there are more creature comforts he could have here but it all circles back to the things he believes he deserves. Besides, he's got a lot more in the way of comfort here than he had in the apocalypse world. There's a tv and a DVD player because Dean had missed movies in his other life. "maybe I'll go storage shopping," he suggests. He might even, He doesn't need permission so much as he needs that belief that he should or can or deserves to do something entirely selfish. Dean is okay with the small talk disappearing. He's not a big fan these days. His brows go up as he takes another forkful of pie. "Said hi the other day when I saw him on the street." Though he hadn't done much more than that. "Seems to be doing good. Lucifer free and everything."

[tiredofurinating]

The importance of privacy was something that he only started to understand with Lucy. Though it wasn't to a small degree that Jack allowing to remain an angel but with the benefits of human emotion and functions that it started to click for him. As gross as it might sound, he had also started to learn that changing cloths was a private endeavor as well. (No one wanted to see a grown man changing in a laundromat much less in the workplace.) Anyhow, one of the best experiences was tasting food and sharing his passion for it. He had insisted Lucy also pack the lemon meringue with the lot of baked goodies he brought.

A bubbly disposition certainly didn't hurt the reasons he fell in love with her for. There was enough hopelessness in the world that the representation of hope that came from Lucy wasn't a welcome change to his understanding of what humanity could present in people. The Winchesters represented a different light of hope. Lucy was very brave to say yes to convincing their child. Even more so when she eventually wound up pregnant. There wasn't a millisecond that Castiel didn't think the world of what she was risking and tuned into light even when from where he stood. He'd fly to her side with a moments notice if her or the baby's aura seemed in distress.

Some of those lessons have stuck but Castiel is older than the world itself so some things will never change. He recognized that a long time ago and he asked to promise that their child coming into the world will be better versed in the ways of the world. They have that to look forward to at least. Dean can never resist pie so Castiel can't blame him for pulling out the flavors available to him. "Try the lemon meringue," he helpfully provides with zero context. He's more fond of it the zinge of it than any other flavor.

Cas at least recognizes that no one other than Dean himself can decide if he's worthy of creature comforts. His hope is that Dean won't be able to resist them forever by bringing them up. The whole town collected everything from the homes not in use and brought them to the mayor's and town storage facilities for those to shop and take what they desire anytime. Nothing there was under lock and key. The more that Dean stalls, the better the chance Cas has to look at the space. The TV might seem so obvious in place that it almost goes unnoticed as he takes it all in; he does notice the bedding has a healthy quality of bedding, and the sink has a dirty dish or two to suggest Dean isn't neglecting his basic needs. Small talk was never something either of them were good at anyway.

Cas is mindful of the first few bites Dean takes but opens his mouth after the smacking dies down a bit. "I was afraid of this. I'll save the speech about how sometimes you two are too pig-headed to get over yourselves." Which Winchester is the worst, he'll never know. "I thought you should know that Ruby and your brother had decided to join in matrimony in three days time. You deserve the chance to make the right decision." Talk to Sam. Attend. Castiel had seen enough human history to understand that weddings were probably the most important milestone not just for those unified but those in attendance as far as family formations seemed to tie into it.

[donttrustmyself]

The ability to actually experience human emotions and situations would definitely help any non-human entity understand humans a little more. There are plenty of people who would pay to watch a grown man change clothes; however, the laundromat is rarely ever the correct audience for that sort of thing. At the request, Lucy had smiled and baked two lemon meringue pies. Cas has one waiting for him at home after dinner tonight.

Lucy isn't sure it's bravery to bring a half angel child into this world so much as it is selfishness with a healthy dose of faith. She knew from the moment she started to entertain the idea, that neither Cas nor Jack would let her die if it were at all within their powers to prevent. Some days it's scary and she spends a lot of time miserable, but she's certain that it will be worth it when she's able to hold their baby in her arms.

Cas's urging to try the lemon pie gets a quizzical look from Dean. Unfortunately, by the time his Cas was human enough to enjoy food, society had devolved so much that their diets were more about survival than taste. Food that tastes good is, Dean has learned, a privilege and luxury. Of course, when you're starving all food is good food. He sticks his fork into the lemon pie and takes a bite, brows going up and delight tugging at the edges of his expression. "I will say this: she knows how to make a pie." It's high praise coming from this Dean. "This one your favorite?" he gestures to the lemon meringue.

Dean is doing more than surviving here, but he isn't quite really living either. He has gotten better than he was when he first arrived though. Cas's approach is a good one. With some time, and a little nudging, he'll get there. He may never be as content living among people as this universe's Dean though.

Dean automatically gets a little defensive, abandoning the pie for a moment. "It's about time, but why would I want to show up and ruin the whole day for them? He may not even want me there." This is why the two should actually talk.

[tiredofurinating]

There isn't a day that goes by where he isn't grateful for the gift of humanity bestowed upon him. It seemed silly at first when he was told it was a big deal; however, he came to comprehend why society had unspoken rules about nudity in public all thanks to Lucy's patience. There are going to be plenty of people disappointed to find out the laundromat man isn't a porn star. Lucy is thoughtful as well as a beautiful soul.

There are certainly many words that could describe Lucy, but if those words apply so should selfless. There are so many things that could go wrong, too. Of course, Jack and Cas have given her their words that they will do everything in their power to keep her alive. Back at the Locke homestead, there is every pillow known to mankind to keep her comfortable when she needs to rest. Courtesy of (the) Amazon Delivery. It won't be much longer until their baby is in her arms.

Food is one of the many pleasure he likes to partake in. For more than a decade, all he had been able to taste is the particles that food was comprised of. He never needed it for survival as the other, more human Cas might have. Food is, however, now an alternative source of energy for himself that extends his life force by a token amount. Cas watches Dean take a bit of the pie, mirroring the brows that go up with his own out of curiosity. He couldn't tell right away if it a good indication or bad. The hint of delight over Dean's features allows him to relax again. "Yes. Those make me very happy." He pauses. "Lucy told me to tell you there is always more than where that came from." He uses hand quotations to indicate the words of his wife.

Little do either of them know that one day there will be a little being that won't leave Dean alone. There will be more than Castiel and Lucy around to nudge Dean to be a little social within the community.

Fortunately, the pie won't deflate and either will Cas at Dean's defensiveness. He sits down opposite to Dean. "That's not true. How could you think that? ...If I know one thing about both of your very essence, it's that neither of you do well moving on from each other. Talk to Sam, or go to the wedding. You will regret it if you don't."

[donttrustmyself]

Lucy is very glad that Cas sees more in her than most people. It's part of what made her fall in love with him. Their home looks like a pillow factory exploded. Lucy is thankful that, thus far, she hasn't had to remain on complete bedrest, but there are days that even moving from the bed to the couch wipes her out. Those days are few and far between.

Lucy makes dinner most nights and insists that Cas at least taste it. Beyond that, she doesn't push him too much to eat. She trusts that he will when he needs too, otherwise, she simply wants him to experience life with her. It's the same she's always wanted for Jack as well. That's why she'd never told her parents who Jack really was; to the day they died, they'd just known Jack as a nephilm and they'd been Glamma and Grandpa to him. "But let me guess, she wants me to come into the bakery to get it," Dean smirks. He's wise to the little blonde's manipulations. They also, usually, work on him. "I bet she saves stray dogs and cats too." Imply that he is one of Lucy's strays.

It will be good for Dean to have said little being around. Though if Lucy has her way, once Dean starts to venture out a bit more, she will start trying to play matchmaker simply because she thinks he deserves someone to love him and spend his life with.

There's an awkward stretch of silence while Dean contemplates Cas's words. He waffles a bit. "I guess I could try to talk to him a little. Just to make sure he wants me there."

[tiredofurinating]

Sometimes his lack of filter is a good part of who he is. While he promised not to read her thoughts, everyday he shares what his are with her. The baby nephilim excites him most of all that the pillow explosion is nothing he is too concerned with. His greatest concern is how he will be as a father. Her lack of bedrest this far into the pregnancy might also have to do with the benefits of him sharing his grace with her.

He learned a long time ago that it is polite to eat when asked to join the table. He often sees the care she put into the meals and has a small plate. The good thing is that he's never pushed into it. He knows Lucy's intentions are to expand his palate. The life they've made together is grand. Jack being accepted into the Lockes family has made Cas and Jack extremely happy. Cas never doubts he settled down with the right women. Jack will be there the day Glamma and Grandpa pass to welcome them. It won't be a secret kept from them forever that he is the new capital G. "You are welcome at the bakery anytime." It's not a yes or no because he has no definitive answer. Castiel would be on board with her manipulation if he knew. "Yes, and Chickens, too." They have chickens for the fresh eggs to bake with every morning. The birds were once strays in the aftermath of the town people regaining their senses.

There is a good chance more retired hunters would come to live in the community with all the free houses still up for grabs. Perhaps even some just curious to see what the populace looks like, given the majority comes from two alternate worlds that were barren. Dean could find love with a little interference from Lucy.

The awkward stretch of silence is met with Cas not taking his eyes off Dean. Cas squints uncertainly for half a second at the reply. "What do you think Sam wants? The answer may surprise you, if you talk to him."

[donttrustmyself]

It's one reason that Lucy and Cas get along so well; neither of them have much of a filter. Lucy is less concerned with him reading her thoughts than she is with him reading other people's thoughts. She loves when he shares his thoughts with her and she's happy to share hers in return. Cas was unlike anyone she had ever met and while he might be incredibly literal and filterless, Lucy loves the person he is and the way he sees the world. Castiel will be an amazing father, and Lucy shares this with him daily because she knows he's worried about it. She hasn't been worried about the kind of father he would be, not for a moment. The grace definitely makes her feel better. The delivery system is also generally a lot of fun, bolsters her self-esteem, and makes her feel wanted and loved, even if she is fairly certain she's the size of an elephant at this point.

The Lockes have their flaws, but accepting people where they're at and loving them isn't one of those flaws. Yes, they'd needed a moment to wrap their heads around the fact that the boyfriend they'd previously met was an angel and their daughter was going to marry him. The fact that Castiel was an angel hadn't changed that they liked him. He treated Lucy like a queen and Lucy was clearly happy with him; that was all they really needed to know about Cas. They'd also been incredibly happy to have their first grandchild, even if he wasn't really a child anymore (or ever). Oh Lucy is absolutely running a manipulation ring involving pie to get Dean out of the house. She figures the bakery is as good a place for him to start mingling as any other. The Community Garden complete with chickens had been established when the town was small. It's grown, but the population is still smaller than most recorded towns or villages, and the community garden still serves everyone well. Dean nods a bit at that. "Yeah, someone keeps leaving fresh eggs for me." It's actually several female someones, but Dean doesn't pay much attention to the notes left with the eggs, casseroles, and vegetables.

The village/town continues to grow. They also have plenty of hunters visiting, enough that one of the residents decided to open one of the larger homes as a bed and breakfast. Lucy has a couple of women in mind to send Dean's way once he adjusts to this life.

Dean has never been great with awkward silences; he wants to fill them with noise. He shifts a little under Cas's scrutiny. "Sort of the problem. I haven't known what Sam wants for a long time."

[tiredofurinating]

Sharing his impression of the world is only expanded by Lucy's own projection of it. He doesn't see her as elephant size in this pregnancy because he can see much deeper than that. There's a beautiful soul growing inside her nutured by her own.

Lucy's parents had welcomed him in and he was grateful for that. More so, it might a lot that they accepted Jack. Parts of human lore would always warn humans of nephilim but they looked past that from day one. Lucy was a queen in his mind. One of a kind. Manipulation seemed to be a useful tool if used in the right way. Cas was on board with helping her get Dean out of the house more. He even considered collecting honey for Dean before when the season was right. "You are a hero in the minds of the people here." He acknowledges, but unable to connect that most the louder thoughts in town come from the fairer sex.

The bed and breakfast was where Cas stayed before Lucy and himself were official. To this day, he speaks highly of the French toast served there. No life is best lived alone. Dean at least deserves someone to talk to every so often, even if it means Cas supporting Lucy's future attempt to set him up on dates.

Cas sees Dean shift uncomfortably under his watch and has enough self awareness to relax his stare. He supposes a helpful hand would go over better here. "Do you want me to go with you to find out? I'll go with you to the church. We'll find out together. I know this can be hard."

[donttrustmyself]

The honey would be appreciated should Cas collect some for him. Dean snorts at Cas's declaration that he's a hero in the eyes of many people here. "They're delusional idiots. I got everyone killed that I was responsible for." He glances up at Cas then back at his pie. "Including you." Oh yes, there's that crushing guilt that keeps him cloistered in his house.

French toast is an excellent breakfast option. Add a little bacon and Dean is on board with it. If Lucy can get him comfortable getting out of the house, maybe he'll try breakfast there sometime. Dean would disagree with Cas and Lucy's assessment that he needs someone, but one of these days he won't have himself so much and be so averse to enjoying the life he's been given.

Dean cocks an eyebrow up at Cas. "You sure you want to get between Sam and I? Things didn't go well for you in my world last time."

[tiredofurinating]

Then the honey will be left on the doorstep if Dean isn't in one of his talking moods. Cas already suspects that the apocalypse leader will want some space after today. Shocking isn't what news Dean relays as it had been evident for some time that not many people made it out. Besides Castiel knows that he'd always been willing to make the same sacrifice if it meant some of humanity survived. The other Cas must have felt the same way. He looks on Dean with not pity but commiseration. "For 'delusional idiots'," he makes the quotations with his fingers, "they made their own choice to fight the good fight. They knew the risks. From what I've been told, there wasn't much of a chance for any of them. All you're responsible for is the extra time some of them got to live and for those that are here today. Don't tell yourself it was going to end up differently. You did what you could." Cas can say more. It's up to Dean to chance that crushing guilt though.

Cas might be able to help swing things in that direction. All Lucy needs to do is ask the angel how best to bribe Dean to come in more frequently. Bacon is always a good choice. Jerky, burgers, fries, something called and Elvis donut too. It might be discovered later on that his impala made it to this side of the universe covered in the brush outside of the town. It could end up a passion project as the shell of the vehicle remains salvageable.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe there is a chance to reconcile. It is unfortunate what happened to that version of myself, but I can take care of myself." He smiles with tiny encouragement.

[donttrustmyself]

Most likely he won't mind talking to Cas, though he won't profess to be good company. However, Cas is right. Today will likely send Dean into a day or two of deep brooding and thought. Dean fiddles with his fork before taking another big bite of coconut pie. He actually chews it before he speaks again. He knows Cas is full angel in this universe so he figures he can see a little more of the chessboard, so to speak. "You really believe that? That it wasn't ever going to end up differently?"

Oh, once Lucy picks out the lucky lady and thinks that Dean is ready to start dating, she will absolutely discuss her plan with Castiel and get his opinion and ideas. Restoring his Impala would be a good gateway to him doing mechanic work for the town and give him a reason to interact.

Dean grumbles, gets up and grabs a bottle of whiskey. He takes a swig, considers Cas a moment, takings another swig of whiskey then sighs. "Fine. Let's go talk to him."

[tiredofurinating]

There was a time when Cas was inadequate company as well. Always relaying some grander propaganda than actually listening to anyone he might affect. But his conversational skills are improved enough now for the both the them. He understands that sometimes he needs to listen and pay attention to micro expressions or actions, and ask himself what these things might mean. Food seems to be a comfort to his Dean so he assumes it helps the version of Dean in front of him soothe his nerves. "Yes, I do. You might want another bite of your pie, but I will remind you there were other universes just like yours. All of these worlds were to designed to follow one man's sick idea of a story. Cain and Abel. Michael and Lucifer. The good thing is that you're truly free to live as you want now. There's no one else pushing your brother or you to an end beyond your control." And that's saying less. There are many versions of Dean and Sam that are lost. He won't remind Dean that Chuck (God) inserted himself into that universe and had disappeared. Chuck's punishment was to live the rest of his days as a sorry human until he passed away and likely dragged down to Hell.

That why Lucy appeals to Cas. Where there is much neutrality in the world, his wife sees where things could be better. All he would suggest is that she doesn't try to set down up with anyone that can't handle a grumpy bear in the morning or anytime really. This means the well meaning, pie baking ladies currently infatuated with Dean now. Dean integrating himself as the town mechanic would be a sight for sores eyes. Cas would like to see this version thrive as well.

Part of it sounds facetious to Castiel, but he takes Dean's cue of standing to be more certain. However, the bottle in the hunter's hand gives him pause. In a split second decision, he holds his hand up for stop. "Sit down. I'll bring him here. This place is as good as any where else. Give me a moment." As in, somewhere in public might distress other folk. Closing his eyes, the angel pictures the town in his head and where Sam is within its limits. He returns as quickly as he vanishes. Ruby might have to forgive him later for snatching up Sam in the middle of something. Cas turns toward the closed door. "He's outside when you're ready."

[donttrustmyself]

Dean fiddles with the fork as Cas talks, eventually takes the advice to have another bite of pie. He doesn't say anything because he doesn't think there's anything to say. They can talk in circles or Dean can listen to what Cas is saying and think on it later. He chooses the latter. It's a fitting end for Chuck, though Dean can't say he wouldn't jump at the chance to fuck with Chuck's life a little as a form of revenge.

Lucy will definitely keep that in mind when she's doing her match-making (right now, she really likes Donna, but isn't quite ready to start setting Dean up--after Sam's wedding might be a better option - or at Sam's wedding).

Ruby will forgive Cas, but she is a little surprised by it. She knows Cas well enough to assume he doesn't mean Sam any harm so she'll finish up their errands and head back to the house to wait for Sam to return, at least for a little while before she starts looking for Cas and Sam.

Dean's brows go up when Cas says Sam is outside. Yes, he knows Cas can do that now (again) but he's not used to it. He sets the bottle on the table. "As long as he doesn't blame me for the constipation," Dean mutters, as he steps outside. He nods at Sam in greeting, shifting a little awkwardly before he says "Kidnapping you was Cas's idea. I was going to come to where you were."

[tiredofurinating]

It wouldn't be hard to track down Chuck if he wanted. Of course it's a good choice on his part that he not. After all, Chuck is privy to his story too; he was there. Hunting the former God down might cause more distress than relief. It's an even better choice that Dean chooses to listen.

While Ruby and Sam want a small private wedding, a few extra or new friends attending wouldn't be unwelcome. (Setting Dean up there might be possible. After would be more ideal but it wouldn't change the focus of the wedding either.)

The last thing Cas would do is take Sam towards danger (unless asked. He still hesitates when his own Winchesters involve him with their crazier ideas.) Ruby will receive an apology when he reflects on what he's done, after the two make up of course. He means well. The chances are Sam will have to walk back after the conversation so it will be a while.

Cas has an air of pride in helping out. He has no further words for Dean before he turns to watch him exit and vanishes to give the brothers space. The only thing staying behind is Lucy's bag of treats.

Outside, Sam takes a moment to get his barings. It's clear from the start Cas had appeared next to him with a hello and dropped him infront of Dean's cabin. He only seen it a few times up close or in passing. It wasn't a frequent place to pass by on the outskirts of town. A figure out the threshold quickly grabs his attention as he was looking for where the angel went in protest.

His arms lift up, half way, and fall back to his sides as a means to let go of his confusion. "Right, Castiel... Doesn't matter if I was in the middle of something." The complaint is more about Castiel and comes iut under his breath. The angel and him unfortunately did not have a good relationship in their timeline. The impression their Castiel had marked on his sense of being sometimes remained as the boy with the demon blood. How could another version of Cas see him any differently? He brushes that aside for the time being and puzzles a look. "You were coming to see me? Why?"

The invite to come inside isn't clear yet, yet he walks and stops at bottom of the steps. The indication he'd like an invite in or, better yet, to sit on the steps is evident.

[donttrustmyself]

Lucy and Dean might discuss the idea of setting Dean up at the wedding, or at least inviting someone she thinks he would be interested in and pointing her his way. Regardless, she will make certain that it doesn't affect the wedding.

Ruby trusts Cas enough to trust that he wouldn't take Sam into danger. The walk isn't a long one and it'll give Sam some time to think about the encounter with Dean.

Lucy will ask for an update when Cas reappears.

"Uhm...Cas sort of--I heard you were getting married?" Dean suggests. Once upon a time he knew how to talk to his brother. That level of comfort and familiarity no longer exists between them. Maybe one day it will, but not today.

[tiredofurinating]

A new friend who could bend his ear at the wedding might just be a happy medium.

Sam will definitely need some time to think after the encounter with Dean. Ruby's trust in Cas isn't misplaced.

Cas will admit to the abduction of Sam from his wedding runaround without any guilt when Lucy asks. No harm was really done. It might make for a small laugh.

Sam lets it sink in how much the town must talk about them to bring them here. He'd been trying for days to figure out how to tell Dean himself. Easier said than done when it came down to it. He takes in a breathe then lets its slip out almost as soon, a sign of relief as small as it is. "Yeah, I wanted to tell you-" his eyes break contact, head looks down, "Guess I cant say that I am upset that Castiel did it for me. Ruby and I talked about it for a while... It's tomorrow." He realizes he is on a ramble and cuts it short.

[donttrustmyself]

Lucy will get a chuckle out of it and tell him that it's fine when he abducts her without warning, but it might be a good idea to warn other people first. In the end though, she'll agree that it was for a good cause.

They're quite the conversation, especially since occasionally there's another version of them running around. That gossip is one of the reasons that Dean keeps to himself. "Tomorrow?" Dean asks, completely surprised by the short timeframe. He hesitates, stopping himself from saying when were you going to tell me, Sam? Once you were married?. He's aware enough to know that that isn't going to help anything between them. He clears his throat. "So uhm...is there a dress code? Like should I wear a suit?"

[tiredofurinating]

Chances are that Cas will be very forward with the crowd when he abducts her. Eventually other people in town might not even take a second look when they see it. Maybe. Some of them are still in therapy for what other world angels did to them. It was explained to them at least that Angels are not seeking to start apocalypse on this side.

Something eventually might overshadow that they have doppelgangers of themselves running around. The town's gossip factory is still young. "Yeah, well um... Ruby and I didn't exactly want anything big. It's just...us really." He won't say that Lucy poked her nose into it but she kind of did. It's bigger than just them now. Sam kind of gets that he should have told Dean somehow; he doesn't need to see Dean's surprise to gather what Dean thinks or might have thought once upon a time. It surprises him a little that Dean basically accepts the invitation (unspoken or otherwise) by asking for a dress code. He feels compelled to turn his eyes the side where Ruby isn't standing than turn back.

"I mean... a suit or your best would do the trick?" He's sure they're both aware that requires a little digging. Lucy would surely offer Dean something from the town's collection.

After a lengthy pause, "It would be nice to see you...there."

[donttrustmyself]

That's probably a good thing with some of the residents they have now. Lucy will also be quick to assure everyone that she's only protesting to go along with the bit. Lucy likes to think that anyone who's met Jack is a little less afraid of angels because while Cas can be intimidating (she's told; she's personally not intimidated by him), if you don't adore Jack, Lucy judges you hard.

Doppelganger gossip will, at some point, become old news. However, any version of Dean being single will always be hot tea. Oh, Lucy absolutely poked her nose in. It's sort of what she does. She should apologize for it, but she's not going to; she wants this version of Sam and Ruby (and everyone really) to know that they're cared for. Besides, she likes social events and weddings are her favorite. At least Sam is following Dean's lead on not making this an argument yet still picking up on what he should have done. Maybe next time he has a big life event, he'll tell Dean before it happens. Really, they both need to realize that they should let the other one in their lives. This world is different from the one they came from and they can actually have a peaceful, normal existence for the most part. They ought to take advantage of that and repair some bridges.

Dean only speaks again after Sam says that it would be nice to see him there. He nods. "Yeah, I'll scrounge something up." Meaning that he will contact Lucy and see about getting into the clothing storage to see what's there. If nothing else, Lucy will strongarm the other Dean into letting him loan a suit, and Cas will play delivery. Lucy is nosy, but she's good at getting things done and ordering people about so that those things get done.

[tiredofurinating]

When of the things that Cas fell in love with was her ability to see the best in people.

Undoubtedly, Dean will always be hot tea as long as he remains unattached. It would cause a stir in town if it got out there is a third Dean as well. Dean is very popular with the out of reach mystique. A Dean that dresses well would also be very popular. There isn't an argument left in Sam to deny Dean to the wedding with Ruby. He's fought with himself the last few days on why he couldn't approach Dean in the first place; he's convinced himself that Dean would rather never talk to him again. Its clear now that none of that is true. It means a lot that to him Dean would like to come to the wedding. Almost as if he'd been holding his breath for so long, he breathes in and out again; his shoulders visibly relax as he sees he'd been so wrong.

The uncertainty of what to say in return fades from his core after a moment. He moves his hand to fish out an almost blank, almond stock card save for his handwriting from his back pocket. It had been always at the back of his mind to invite Dean if something could only help him. "You should probably take this too." Written on the card in Sam's scribble, made slightly worse by lack of practice for years, was a homemade wedding invitation. The who, the where and the when were written on the card. It wasn't professional by any means, but the intention was clear: Sam had thought about Dean all along. Dean was the only one invited.

[donttrustmyself]

It would cause quite a stir. Of course, the third Dean (Richester) is very different from either of the two Deans that Charming Acres residents know so he might not be quite as popular with everyone, but undoubtedly there would still be enough interest to cause a stir.

Dean doesn't know what to say to Sam. He can't deny that sometimes he looks at Sam and all he can see are the atrocities that Lucifer used him to commit. However, he knows that Sam wasn't in control, would never do any of those things, and is now his brother entirely. Knowing all of those things, Dean would never choose to be completely estranged from Sam. He just doesn't know how to repair all of the damage and trauma that the last several years have inflicted upon them. With time they can fix this as long as they're both willing to extend a second (or billionth) chance. This is Dean extending a hand, and maybe he should have done a better job of that before now. The way Sam relaxes visibly is helpful; it lets Dean know that he made the right choice in not making this an argument.

Dean takes the invitation, brow furrowing as he looks over it. He nods after a moment and sticks it in his jacket pocket. He clears his throat a moment then speaks, "Thanks." He hesitates, clearly unsure where the conversation goes from here. "So...uh...any particular reason you decided to get married now?" He doesn't think anything has changed in Ruby's ability to get pregnant, but quite frankly he hasn't kept up and he knows the other Sam and Ruby have twins; he sees them running around here occasionally. .

[tiredofurinating]

It stands to reason that Dean is a leader in their community and that reputation carries to other versions in terms trustworthiness.

Neither Sam nor Dean had their Lucifer possess Nick for majority of the time on their Earth; it stands to reason that Sam be the face of Lucifer for them forevermore. Only time can repair the damage that is at all salvageable. Neither of them will ask her to but it stands to reason Lucy will need to stick her nose into their business more. Second and third and fourth chances will flow from there. Sam also has Ruby to reinforce that he shouldn't leave things to stay the way they are with Dean. Ruby will continue to be a support. The brothers will have to figure out the rest themselves.

Sam sways his weight from one leg to the other, trying not to appear uncomfortable. There is self doubt in that sole invite could be a million times better, but he gives himself grace in that more would be too much. His attention snaps back to reality with Dean asking why now. A fonder expression swept over his features. "You weren't there when I asked her to marry me outside of a dingy motel-bar parking lot. Its one of the few things I remember with clarity some days. The true is I didn't want to wait any longer to make good on my promise. We've– rather she waited long enough." Nothing has changed as far as Ruby having babies does. The other version of themselves only shows how happy they can be with each other.

[donttrustmyself]

Oh sweet summer child. Dean's appeal in this town (or in others) has very little to do with trustworthiness and more to do with hotness. It's only once they get to know him that they realize there's more to him.

Fair enough, but Dean is trying to remember (and should remember) that Sam was the face of his little brother for a lot longer than he was Lucifer. Fortunately for them, Lucy is very good at sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Ultimately, it is up to the brothers to take those chances and nudges so they can repair their relationship. It will likely always be different from the other brothers' relationship, but that isn't a bad thing.

Dean is so deeply uncomfortable that he doesn't notice much that Sam is also uncomfortable. "Right. Before the pit." He nods a bit. "She told me about that near the beginning when she told me she was going to stay with you and try to reach you." It was years later when she gave up out of fear for her own life as well as fear for Sam if he was still in there and saw Lucifer kill her. Dean won't ask about the babies because he knows babies aren't in the picture for him either anymore and he understands how you can make peace with that sort of thing.

[tiredofurinating]

For what little it helps, Sam has not worn white since then. He's only confided to Ruby that can't stomach wearing on too much white as the horrors flash in his head when he tries to avoid that feeling. What it boils down to feel he represents Lucifer again. Lucy will absolutely help provide more opportunities for them to mend things. If Sam wished for anything, it was only that they could talk half as easily as they used to. Things didn't have to be the same as before.

It doesn't matter anyway. Clearly the two of them are pushing it down as best as possible. "Yeah." The pit. The plan that had backfired the moment he choose it was best to do it alone (without Ruby). He takes a deep breath, shaking his head one time. "I'm glad you let her stay with your camp when she couldn't. There are only bits and pieces there I saw and she didn't deserve that treatment. I hadn't yet figured out how to break past the barrier to reach her, and I'm still not sure I know how." Little does he know one time he did reach out and touch her face, a single tear and a smile streaming down. Part of his peace made with living without children is a life spent making it up to Ruby to the end of his days.

[donttrustmyself]

Ruby can't handle white either. Her dress will be red. It's good because Dean doesn't know if he could handle seeing Sam wear white. Lucifer visited far too many horrors on them in that suit. To be clear, the issue isn't that Dean interacts with Sam and sees Lucifer; it's very obvious that Sam is not Lucifer because Lucifer was never that good an actor. It's that Dean has problems looking at Sam because he knows he failed him in every possible way. Lucy believes with time that the boys will get there and she refuses to accept any other reality.

"It wasn't a hard decision. She did everything that I should have." Stay with him, Dean means. At the same time, he is very aware that Lucifer probably would have killed him eventually. Dean's brow furrows a little while Sam talks about reaching past that barrier. "If I remember right, there was another you there at the same time there was another me. I've seen enough sci fi movies that I'm guessing that had something to do with disrupting something or some shit like that."

[tiredofurinating]

Sam will think and always has thought red is a good color on Ruby. It certainly would signify all the hardships they've gotten through to reach this point in his mind. He'll think she's beautiful no matter what color she decides upon. They have a long road ahead of them to come to any sort of closure. Lucifer had twisted the promise he made to Sam or found loopholes and everyday Sam lives with that regret. Lucy is both nosy but a very good friend.

He lets Dean's meaning about Ruby staying close to him/Lucifer sink in. Slowly, he shakes his head once in disagreement. He frowns as a silent indication that he believes Dean was where he was meant to be. No one else would have or could have up stepped up in the same way for the people that remained. "Still, thank you." He means about Ruby. "No one else would have stuck up for her." He only seen the other version of himself for a split second before an angel returned him to their dimension. The memory was felt more like a dream that reality. What he knew beyond that had come secondhand from Ruby. Ruby had been honest about him about everything. He was only relieved that the events changed the fate of the world. "My understanding of what happened is the same. We- Seems like it all lead here. I heard about Jack." And everything that lead to the Earth they stand on being the one of the last ones standing. It's a lot to take in even now.

[donttrustmyself]

As far as Ruby is concerned, Sam isn't responsible for anything Lucifer did. Sam's only failing was not realizing that Lucifer would twist any deal made. It's a conversation they will have over and over most likely for the rest of their lives.

Dean nods at Sam's thanks. He could tell him that it was nothing, but it hadn't been. No one had wanted to stick by Ruby when she'd shown up in his camp. For weeks, even after she'd recovered, Dean had insisted she stay in his cabin or near him for fear that someone within the camp would try to take her out (it's probably one thing that had led to the hate/grief sex between them that had persisted sporadically until the younger version of Sam had shown up). "Yeah, I'm still not sure how many angels were responsible for the whole time switch thing." It had done the job, providing a catalyst that had broken through to Dean and Sam.

After a moment, Dean speaks again. "You like it here?" he gestures to the town around them.

[tiredofurinating]

True. There isn't ever any real closure to what Lucifer did to them, only affirmations through conversations that they can continue to live together through it.

He hadn't needed to be there to understand how much Dean had to stick up for Ruby in some way. Had a strange demon he didn't come to town and he'd been there, he'd have something to say or do about it too. It isn't a smile but an appreciative expression that casts over his features that mirrors the faintest one. He would repeat it for the rest of his life to Ruby if needed as there wasn't anything to pardon or forgive for her time with Dean when he was thought to be as good as gone. It didn't change how he felt about her either. Nor did it did with Dean. They stood where they last stood when he had said yes to Lucifer. He had a lot to catch up on as well as make up for.

He nods affirmly, always the burning question in his mind how angel's in this timeline changed the course they had been through. At the same time, he knew better than the disrupt the balance too much by speaking to the alternate version of himself.

Sam considers his reply carefully. "You could talk to Castiel." He clears his throat. "There's a lot I don't know about this place either." But if anyone might know, he would say it is a safe bet it would be an angel among the few left standing.

He half turns in the direction of Dean's gesture around them. The town had been jarring when he first arrived. Empty, though lights (electricity) stood on everywhere. There had soon been the welcoming face of Lucy to explain what was going on. Had it not been for Ruby by his side during their first couple of days, it would have been too much to take in alone. He breathes deeply to come out of his thoughts. "I'm adjusting. There's worse place to be." Though a part of him wonders if the town can ever feel like home. It feels too easy, like he's cheated his punishment for saying 'yes' all those years ago. The only thing worthy of focusing on is that he can finally fulfill his promise to Ruby and say yes to her.

[donttrustmyself]

They all did what they needed to do to survive. There's no need or desire to play the blame game.

Dean's other self hadn't listened quite as well to that advice, but it had worked out in the end. Dean sometimes wonders if it had worked out the way the angels had intended or if they'd rebelled, however unconsciously, again. Dean purses his lips, considering Sam's suggestion of talking to Castiel about this town. He's gathered some information from the various residents. "Apparently, it used to be this bizarro demon 1950s compound situation, which explains a lot." Including the influx of classic cars which means that Dean has a great deal of work should he want it. Seventy-five-year-old cars, no matter how well taken care of, need attention. It also happens to be something that Dean loves doing. He's fixed a few cars for people in trade for things. He's considered, at Lucy's prodding, opening up a mechanic's shop. No one has really taken up the current shop in town. "A bunch of people cleared out after they came to their senses. Lucy wasn't one of them." His tone of voice says he's judging her sanity on that front. "But they've got a stash of goods to rival most preppers, houses aren't owned by anyone and everything is still hooked up to utilities so..." he gestures with one hand like all of the supernatural and alternate timeline people make sense. In a way, he supposes it does.

Dean nods in agreement with Sam's comment. He is adjusting as well. "Seems too good to be true. Like someone is going to yank the rug out from underneath us at any minute."

[tiredofurinating]

No doubt there will be some unanswered questions going forward. Sam sees Dean's reaction and opts to let Dean figure out for himself what he wants to do from there. Castiel would talk to him should he come around Lucy's or pray out his name even in thought. "Some things never seem to change, but that's what I heard, too," he muses hesitantly. These days he stood back and talked to people less. He knew a handful in town still saw him as Lucifer and it stood to reason the story had traveled around. It was good at least Dean could talk to them without a strange look (not that he ever blamed folk). Rather than talking to people for information, it had been Lucy to talk his ear off about what happened to the town. The old mechanic shop would be a good place for Dean to take over. Lucy had mentioned that she brought it up, but Sam only had seen the building remain empty and dusty in passing as the indication Dean hadn't yet decided to. "Everyone seems happy with the town." The ones that survived, he means. It is a touchy subject and he treads carefully between phrasing it as a question or a statement. Sam fills in the what Dean means in passing is that the town is satisfactory to those that moved him. He feels himself partly sigh in relief that the few that made it can have something decent again. "I don't know about that. This town has some upsides, don't you think? Food grows on the outskirts of town, and there's plumping again." Part of that is to stand up for Lucy, but mostly to see where Dean stands currently. "In a few more years, this place could really be something." It's harder for him to be hopeful and optimistic but he tries not to be a downer whenever he remembers. The world doesn't need two.

"It's like coming back from war. You never get used to it, but I think you play along the best you can..." It sounds like a question more than a statement. He, too, hasn't any answers or solutions beyond agreeing in his own way.

[donttrustmyself]

Sam and Ruby have their own share of gossip about them, but because they're a couple, the gossip is different. Lucy likes people; she likes socializing and entertaining. She likes helping people. Because she knows the other Sam, Ruby, and Dean, she wants to help this version of them find, if not happiness, at least contentment in this life. She thinks that Charming Acres can be their second chance. It's been her second chance in any case. Dean nods in response because everyone does seem happy in this town. However, there's enough normal strife and tribulation to assure Dean that it isn't some sort of enchantment or possession or any other weird magic thing making people happy. "Oh, it's definitely got it's advantages. I didn't realize how much I missed hot showers until I moved into my place here." In all honesty, the cabin Dean lives in is fancier than he really needs, but he supposes it was meant to be someone's vacation getaway. Which makes Dean's brow furrow, "where are you and Ruby living? In town? Or somewhere on the outskirts?" Somewhere remote the way he does. He can't imagine Ruby being someone's neighbor, but he's not sure he ever really knew her before. "As long as the place doesn't grow so big that I end up with neighbors."

Dean purses his lips and nods a little at Sam's assessment of this life. He knows that Sam has changed because of what they went through; he's not sure anyone could go through all of that and not change. "At least we're not sleeping in bathtubs instead of real beds." He pauses and casts Sam a side glance. "You're not sleeping in the bathtub, are you?"

[tiredofurinating]

Lucy will be in the lives for a long time, if not forever. Someone like her has easily wormed her way into the hearts, lives and threads of family of those in town. Sam, at least, finds her actions harmless and something to thank her later for.

Surely that is something both of them looked into separately when they heard about the town's history. As far as Sam could decipher, the magic hadn't contaminated the water. The people that remained or found a home in town were happy to have free will again. It's been a long time since he heard Dean talk about something that made him happy. Sam nods thoughtfully. But he has to block out the urge to apologize for that. That's a whole other beast he will have to live with on his own. "Yeah, actually that's one thing I can't argue with." He noticed when he came in that the luxuries were still fairly sparse on the counter but the place was fully furnished. "You have a great place here. Did Lucy..." he doesn't finish that sentence. Whatever reason Dean ended up moving in to it is great. Sam quietly alludes that he believes his brother deserves it. His place has fewer comforts (square footage), but at the end of the day, he was was happy Ruby took charge in deciding where it was. There was a proper kitchen, a bedroom-living room and a bathroom in a smaller cabin on the opposite end from this one. It was heated by a wood stove. Sam had no complaints of all the blankets had gathered to decorate. Sam tilted his head back to the door. "Other side of... the outskirts of town. It's a twenty five minute walk from the center. The path is overgrown in some areas. Ruby found it." He smiles fondly at how clever his soon to be wife is. Ruby said something similar to wishing their cabin stays remote. "You might have to get involved in the town politics if it does. Get them to build outwards in another direction." He had said something similar to Ruby, too.

Lucifer had absolutely ensured that the annoying creature comforts that his human host needed were luxurious. Sam scraps his teeth over his lip, trying not to think back. He felt a pang of guilt at least that bathtubs were substitutes for beds, knowing better than to say anything. Instead he nods. He shakes his at the question. "No, um, Ruby would never. It's a comfortable place we have. Our cabin." The worst for them had been the hard floor made barrly any better by a thin blanket the first couple of nights. But they had each other to distract from that. "Lucy saw that we got a mattress. I assume she did the same for you." His way of asking that the tub isn't still a thing with Dean.

[donttrustmyself]

Dean is glad that Sam doesn't apologize. At some point, he has to stop apologizing for everything Lucifer did (and for his part in allowing Lucifer the opportunity) and focus on living what's left of his life. Dean is just trying not to do more harm in his own life. "Yeah. When I first got here, I was in some standard apartment. It was fine but Lucy called it a transitional placement." He rolls his eyes a little to show he's not sure he believes it. "She brought coffee and pie over one day, talked to me a little then the next day brought me keys and drove me out to the cabin. I tried to argue with her and tell it was too much; the apartment was fine. You can imagine how that went." Lucy doesn't argue. She simply smiles, nods then does what she wants anyway. You can go along with it or you can get bulldozed in the process. Dean frowned at Sam's suggestion. "No thanks. I'll let Lucy fight those battles." You couldn't pay him to get involved in politics. He'd end up moving further out into the woods in a tent if necessary.

Dean nods a little at Sam's reassurance that he's not sleeping in bathtubs. Most nights, Dean sleeps in bed as well unless he's just not sleeping at all, and he still has those nights. "That's good," he says after a moment. Whether Sam believes it or not, Dean believes that Sam deserves comfort and good things in life. Yeah, it took him a long time to forgive Sam for saying yes to Lucifer. Still, in the end, he'd just been glad that he no longer lived in a world without his baby brother, even if his relationship and feelings toward his baby brother is complicated. "Yeah, practically brand new with some sort of brand new fancy protective cover on it. Clean sheets, blankets. She set me up." He has always assumed that Cas had something to do with that.

[tiredofurinating]

He agrees with more of a look in his eye than a nod. "Sounds like it all worked out anyway. Last I heard the apartment has a waitlist now." Lucy has a way of knowing what people need and some part of Sam still wonders if she is clairvoyant in her intuition. The fact Lucy moved Dean to the cabin worked out to delay the housing problem for a tiny amount of time.

Sam isn't surprised when Dean shoots down the idea and shrugs a shoulder. "Right, pretend I said nothing at all..." There's an awkward pause before Sam opens his mouth again. "Glad you're comfortable, man."

The talk of sleeping is bathtubs is a little bit concerning. "You aren't either, right? Sleeping in a tub?" It's odd enough of an idea that he has to ask the question back. Having a sleepless night is another story. He expects they both have those and won't ask about that. If Dean asked, Sam would eventually tell his brother Ruby helped him a lot to come to terms with ordinary life again. Everyday Lucifer was more behind him. Sam sought to mend things with Ruby as a way to make up for being gone so long. Doing good for the community, like politics, had been a suggestion Lucy gave him and he'd been considering. He resisted the urge to inform Dean that the cover was waterproof. Lucy had also given Ruby one for their mattress. "This place. Sounds like you really like it here. You deserve it."