Stronger Than Ever Δ SPN [3]

061. SOUL CATCHER

Sam, Cas, and Ophelia are in the school and where everybody is set up.

"I just don't know how much longer we can control them. I don't think they're buying the benzine story. I think... one man told me his wife, she's gone missing and--"

"Wait, wait. What? Who?" Sam asks, cutting Cas off.

"He said her name was Nan." Cas says.

"Alright, we'll find her." Sam assures. "Will you tell the hunters in the zone to keep an eye out?" He asks.

"Got it." The hunter nods.

"Thank you." Sam says as the hunter walks off. "Give me a minute." He tells Cas and Ophelia before walking to the front of the room. "C-Can I have your attention? 'Scuse me! Um, can I have... excuse me! Can I have your attention, please?" He waits until everybody is paying attention.

"Great. First off, we expect to have you back in your homes shortly. Uh, EPA techs will be here tomorrow to determine the source of the elevated benzine levels and how to properly respond. In the meantime, it is essential you stay out of the quarantine zone until it's safe. Thanks. Any questions?"

Most of the crowd raises their hands, the two hunters and angel sharing clueless looks.

"I'm, uh... I'm gonna go check on Libby and Nathan." Ophelia says.

"Wait." Cas grabs her arm, forcing her to turn back to look at him. "Where did Nathan get those bruises? Who hurt him?"

"Um... maybe you and him should talk about that." Ophelia says.

"Ophelia, who was it?" Cas asks.

"Dad." Ophelia quietly answers.

"Dean did that? Wha-- what? Why?" Cas asks.

"I... I had hidden the gun... so he couldn't go after Jack. But he knew I hid it and so when I refused to tell him, Nathan protected me, and... dad got the upper hand." Ophelia briefly explains. "It might still be better to talk to Nathan, though."

Ophelia walks off, finding her boyfriend and cousin.

"Hey." She quietly greets. Nathan is sitting on the floor and Libby is next to him, her head resting on his arm as she sleeps. There's a small blanket draped over Libby and Nathan is on his phone, looking up at Ophelia's voice.

"Hey." Nathan whispers.

"How long has she been out?" Ophelia asks, sitting on the empty side of Nathan.

"I don't know. Maybe, like, half an hour." Nathan answers.

"Tangled?" Ophelia assumes.

"Tangled." Nathan confirms.

"It appears that you're always the babysitter now." Ophelia notes making Nathan chuckle.

"I don't totally mind. Except when she wins games." Nathan says making Ophelia quietly giggle. "Well, unfairly wins, since she did admit she cheats."

"But only sometimes." Ophelia adds.

"Yes, but which times?" Nathan asks.

"The hell if I know." Ophelia mumbles.

"How are things going out there?" Nathan asks and Ophelia sighs.

"Everybody's frustrated and confused. Uncle Sam's stressed out." Ophelia says.

"You?" Nathan asks.

"Stressed out... worried." Ophelia mutters. Nathan holds his hand out and Ophelia intertwines their fingers, her head resting on his shoulder. "I just wanna sleep for a decade."