Hunted

Road trip

I stuff the few things I have into one of the motel bags and check to make sure there's nothing left behind. It's about 12:00 in the afternoon. I get into the car, and we head off, grabbing some donuts from a nearby joint. I sit in the passenger seat and look at the map. "Ok, just continue on 77 for some time. Where are these 'people who can help you out'?" I look over at him. "One's in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the other is in Heaven." I give him a look. "Heaven? You have a buddy who can help in Heaven?"

"He's an angel. His name is Castiel. He might have an idea to what is going on." Just then, a voice speaks up from the back seat. I almost pee my pants, but it looks like Dean was expecting it. "I heard my name and saw what was going on. I'm here to offer my assistance." Dean chuckles at my reaction. "Angels can be assholes," he whispers to me. "I heard that," Castiel says from the back. Dean obviously doesn't care, and Castiel doesn't seem to mind all that much either. "So Cas, what can you tell us about the bitch and why she took Sam?"

"I'm not sure why exactly, but I can feel a strong demonic presence gathering in Oregon. I would strongly advise against going there, but knowing you, you won't listen to me anyway. Why Oregon? I don't really know that either." He fills us in as best as he can, but it's clear that Cas knows about as much as we do about the whole thing.

"You think it has something to do with Everett?" Dean asks. He looks at me and explains, "Right before the whole Wendigo thing, we killed a demon named Everett. Didn't find out much about him before we stuck the knife in him, only we thought he was kinda high up on the whole demon leadership scale." I get it. "Oh, so a bunch of his minions are after you guys?" Dean is about to respond, but Castiel interrupts. "I don't think it has to do with Everett. Number one, why would Meg be involved? And number two, why would they take Sam, instead of just killing you both?" He brings up two good points, silencing us as we think. Dean finally speaks. "Well I don't know but it's the best thing we've got, so we'll go with it until we get another idea." It starts to lightly rain, and small drops start to fall, making dinging sounds on the roof of the Impala.

"I should probably get back. They're calling for me. It was nice to meet you, Eleanor," says Cas. I turn around to say the same, but he is already gone. "See what I mean?" Dean says. "They're assholes." I laugh a little and check my phone for any texts. Not surprisingly, there are none. That's just another sucky part of being a hunter. You never make any long-time friends. In fact, I've probably shared more about myself with Sam and Dean then I have with anyone in a long, long, time, which is really loner sounding, but if you ask any hunter, its generally better to work alone. Otherwise, you have to constantly look out for the other person. The rain continues to fall, harder now, darkening the afternoon sky. We drive in silence for a while, and the nice thing is that it isn't awkward, It feels natural with Dean, and I like it. However, I do have some questions, so after a while, I speak up. "I never asked you, who is Meg? I mean, I figure she's a demon, but tell me her back story." He tells me about how they met Meg, and have almost died, several times in fact, but manage to defeat her, at least until she finds a way to come back from the pit to have a go at them again. He also mentioned something about Cas' infatuation with her, which was one of the weirdest things I've heard in a while. "So what if she's just back for revenge again? It might not be some big powerful demon, just Meg."

"If it were any other instance, I'd totally agree with you. The thing is though, last time we ganked her, I had thought she was gone for good. I mean, we stuck our knife in her. She died before our very eyes. How could a dead demon possibly be back? Becau-" "Because someone more powerful than her brought her back," I finish. "Bingo," Dean replies.

"Hmmm, alright, and one other thing. I'm truly sorry for how I've been. I know I've been a pain in your ass these last two days and I apologize. I'm not usually like this. And then today, with Sam, I just feel terrible. You guys saved me, and now you're paying for it. I'm- I'm just sorry." I want to break down in tears, but that will just make me seem even weaker than I already am. "Hey, hey, hey, its not your fault- none of it is your fault. We all have bad days. You wouldn't believe the amount of times someone has had to save my ass from something. Its what us hunters have to do for each other, you know, always look out for one another. And for the record, you're a lot nicer to look at then Sam." I blush and look away. He notices, which makes him grin at me. "Stop it," I mumble, giggly. "Well it's true! Have you seen the guy? And compared to you you? Man, there's no competition." I crack up, and he joins in, until my grumbling stomach interrupts. "Sorry," I say. "Just a little hungry."

"No, no, you're fine. He leans over close to me to check the map, and I can smell leather and limes, which is a surprisingly good mix. "The good thing is that we are really close to a small town, where there should be at least one place to eat. He returns to his seat, taking his nice aroma with him.

We arrive at the town and in the pouring rain, manage to find a small cafe. Dean parks and I run in, trying not to get wet. I fail completely though, because I am thoroughly soaked when I reach the front of the restaurant. After tugging open the doors, I'm greeted by a heavenly smell. The air is warm and cozy, which is nice after the ice cold rain hitting me like bullets. There is even a fire crackling on the hearth, which gives the place a homey feeling. Dean comes in behind me, just as wet. The droplets stick to his hair like glue, and they sparkle when he runs a hand through it.

We walk up to the old wooden counter and order. I get some pasta, while Dean buys a sandwich. I insist on paying, even though I only have about thirty dollars, thanks to my Target run the day earlier. It will make me feel better about him buying everything else, from the gas to the hotel rooms. Our lunch is out in seconds, and we go to sit down.

"By the fire," I gesture. "I'm cold." He agrees and we head over to booth that is close to it. Besides an older couple, we are the only ones in the cafe, which makes sense, considering that its a small town and we're in the middle of a big storm. The thunder rattles the little place, and I crane my neck to look outside. Although it's only two in the afternoon, the dark sky makes it seem like eight at night. I am enjoying my spaghetti so much that I don't notice Dean looking at me. After a while though, I do see him and raise a brow. "He nods towards my bracelet. "What is that?" I look down at it as well. It's a little leather thing, with a sapphire gemstone attached to it. "It was my sisters. I've had it ever since she passed away," I tell him, twisting it around my arm as I say so. He lifts up the necklace he has hanging around his neck for me to see. "I've got one of those too. Only, my sibling is still with me. I know 'sorry' doesn't begin to cover it, but I'm sorry for your loss." I nod and give him a small smile. He was genuine in the way he said it, not like the neighbors and family friends who apologized just because it made them feel better about themselves. It seems like Dean actually understands what losing someone feels like. "Thanks. It was in the past, and even though it still hurts, I've moved on. She would've wanted me too." Dean nods. "I- I think I know what you mean. And I've been to Heaven. Trust me, it really is a better place than down here." His words reassure me, but before I share anymore of myself with him, I finish off my food and stand up.

"We better get on the road. I don't think this rain will be letting up for a while, and I'm betting you want to get to Oregon as quickly as possible." Dean rises too, and slaps five dollars down on the table. "Yep," he says. "However, we do have to make a stop in Sioux Falls, to talk to a guy named Bobby. He's also a hunter, and hopefully can help us." I mentally calculate how far it is to South Dakota. "Dean, we can't make it to Sioux Falls today. I hate to say it, but I'm in no condition to drive, with the concussion and all, and I definitely won't let you drive all the way there. Even if we sped, we wouldn't get there till two in the morning. Let's find a place to stay in Iowa. Then tomorrow, we can drive the rest of the way there." He looks like he is about to argue, but I cross my arms and stare him down."Alright, but we are leaving first thing tomorrow morning for South Dakota." I nod and prepare to step back out into the freezing storm. "Freaking stubborn as hell," he adds. I just smile.

We sprint out to the car, and every part of me that dried while we were inside has gotten wet again. "Hurry up!" I shout to Dean as he fishes the keys out of his pocket. "I'm hurrying!" He yells back. He finally finds them and unlocks the Impala. I yank open the door and scramble in, the rain pelting me. "Hey, hey, careful. Baby doesn't do well with water damage," Dean says, patting the dashboard affectionately. "You're weird," I tease. "Oh yeah? At least I'm not the one riding across the country with a  stranger," he counters, smirking at me. "Touche," I say, chuckling. We make our way back onto the highway, headed to Sam."