Dean could see that her stutter bothered her, but he never called attention to it. He didn't mind it, and didn't want to call attention to it, for fear of making her more frustrated. But something had been bothering him since he'd heard her stutter. Or, more specifically, speak at all.

This way. he told her, as they started to walk.

If you don't mind my asking, how did you go deaf? he asked her.

And just how bad is your hearing? he asked further.

Do you have no hearing entirely?

Oh, I noticed that you can speak, and figured that either you weren't completely deaf, or that it was something that happened later to you in life. Dean signed in response, before sighing.

I did not realise that I was both right and wrong at the same time, and that it would lead to more unpleasant discoveries about your family. he admitted.

Much like the scars over your eye. It's never been said, but I can only assume that those were a result of your family. he went on.

Normally when people spoke of her family, or learned of them, she was used to 3 reactions. People were either apathetic, angry, or the worst part, empathised with them. But with Dean, she saw sadness.

Genuine sadness.

He was sad that Desiree had had to go through all this, and sad that her family were such horrible people, and lamented what their future in the afterlife held for them if they kept up as they were.

Dean nodded in response.

Your strength of will is nothing short of admirable. he responded.

The fact that you've been through so much in your life already, yet here you still stand, is a testament to your strength. In every aspect. he went on, as they reached the room he was using as his bedroom, and stepped inside.

He made his way to a desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a small felt jewelry box and walking back towards her.

Let us go and bless this, before I pass it to you. he told her.

Being able to move past it is important. Dean responded. It means that you are not shackled to your past. he told her.

He then paused and nodded.

And yes. he continued, in response to her question.

We have a room specifically for incoming individuals. he informed her, before pausing and opening a door, revealing what looked to be a storage area, but had very few boxes in it.

This one. he revealed.

However, you should tell him to announce himself as soon as he gets here, just so there's no confusion about who is here and why. he then suggested, taking his phone out again, unlocking it, and giving it to her so she could tell her friend.

Once Dean had given further clarification, she had sent the information to Leo, and Leo responded that he got it, and would do so when he arrived there. She then handed the phone back to Dean and he pocketed it, as they reached a small pedestal with a bowl on it. Dean grabbed a small glass bottle from a box at the base of it, and then opened the jewelry box he had, revealing a stunning silver rosary, gorgeously crafted down the the smallest detail. The chain itself looked to be silver as well, and constructed to be strong, to boot.

Dean held the rosary over the bowl, opened the small bottle, and then proceeded to drizzle the water over it... and as he did so, Desiree could tell that the item was being infused with a sort of mana.

Dean closed his eyes, and spoke, her barely able to hear it.

"Oh Lord in Heaven... please bless this rosary, a symbol of your faith. Have it protect the wearer from here on on, and may she always be under your watchful and protective eyes." he said.

"Amen."

Dean had finished what he had said and looked over towards her, only to see her fascinated by the rosary, and what she saw in it. He chuckled a little, before she 'came to' and looked at him.

"Here." he said handing it to her. He then waited until she accepted it, before signing again.

Very nice, isn't it? he asked.

May it protect you for when you strike out into the world next. he told her.

And may the Lord ever have their watchful eye on you.

Dean could see she felt a LOT better while holding it, and he was happy with what he saw.

"You're very welcome." he said to her.

Keep it close, always. he then signed, handing her the box.

And you can have that to keep it in as well, should you require it. he went on.

But that should provide some light, even in the darkest times. he added.

A relic? Perhaps. Dean signed back.

If it IS, it's far from an ancient one. he told her.

But do not feel hesitant of accepting it. It is for you, it is yours now. he assured her.

Take good care of it, and it will take care of you. he promised her further.

Also, if it is a relic, it's not a unique one. Or, rather, that one may be. I have other rosaries with slightly different designs on them, but they are all of the same quality. he then added.

I treat others as I would like to be treated. Dean signed back.

And you're very welcome. he added.

A few more hours had passed, and just as Desiree had finished sweeping up the carpet near the front doors, Dean approached her, tapping her on her shoulder. He didn't sign anything until she looked at him.

I received a call from your friend saying he's arrived. he told her.

He's waiting for you to come and get him, as he says he doesn't want to get lost. he informed her with a chuckle.

Shall I go get him, or will you? he asked.

Very well. he responded, before heading off.

He hadn't been gone for longer than 3 minutes, when he returned with a young man she was quite familiar with. Her friend, Leo. She looked over and saw them, with Leo looking at her and waving with a smile.

And here he is. Dean said.

Is there anything else you need right now? he then asked Desiree.

If not, I have some books to balance in regards to some finances for the church. he informed her.