Supernatural: The Infernal Book

A Tense Meeting

A/N: Sam and Dean's dad is being brought in for this chapter. I've been open about my lack of expertise in the Supernatural franchise so I am hopeful that I get the dynamic right. If there are any areas where it feels like I'm missing something or it doesn't feel right at any point I would love some feedback.

Ryder's thoughts were chaotic as Dean drove the last stretch to Bobby's place- a modest home surrounded by a large scrap yard. Located far from the reaches of the nearby town, it was remote and unassuming enough to warrant privacy. As Dean pulled the impala up, the jovial banter between him and Sam suddenly died. The stark change was enough to rouse Ryder from his inner turmoil.

"What is it?" Miles asked as he sat up a little straighter and reached for Hellsbane. "Is something wrong?"

Silence followed the question as Dean got out of the car and slammed the door behind him. With a reluctant anger, Sam looked back at the cousins. "Looks like our dad's here," he spat.

Ryder only heard a very small amount about their father the previous night when Dean was thinly explaining.

I'm dad's little soldier all grown up.

Along with that, Dean explained how he'd never longed to be anything aside from a hunter. Though he gave so little away, there was a lot of room for interpretation. And those inferences were made even more apparent by the reaction the brothers had when they realized their dad was there. Sam appeared angry and resentful while there was a conflict of anger and eagerness in Dean. It wasn't lost on Ryder just how complex the relationship between father and sons must be.

"We can hang back if you and Dean need to talk to go in alone," Miles offered.

"No need," Sam grunted. "I'm staying right here." Sam then got out of the car and rested against the hood, his arms folded across his chest as he scowled at the house in the distance.

"So," Miles said as he looked over at Ryder. "I guess family drama is on the menu."

"Yeah. Must come with the territory, huh?"

"What do you think it's all about?"

Ryder shrugged. "I don't know much. Only what Dean told me last night."

Miles looked over at him, a knowing smile on his face. "Yeah, you do kind of owe me a detailed description of yours and Dean's nocturnal events."

Ryder sighed loudly. "Dean said he's always been his dad's little soldier. And that he's never imagined a life outside of hunting."

"Okay, but what does that have to do with him dicking you down?"

Ryder punched Miles's arm, making him chuckle. "I'll get to those details later if you can behave yourself."

"Behaving."

"My guess is that their dad is pretty rough on them. Has really high expectations. And that maybe the dynamic isn't entirely healthy."

"Yeah, that looks about right. This is the first time I've seen Sam act this way. He's been so nice and chill so far."

Ryder smiled. "Oh really? Maybe you want to tell me about you and Sam?"

"Nothing to tell," Miles said with a cheeky grin. "We're taking it slow."

"Yeah, that's a first."

"I know. Usually I'm the slutty one and you're the hesitant one. Looks like our roles have reversed."

"I'm not a slut."

"Then why were you screaming like one last night?"

Ryder looked away, his cheeks flushing. "You're not going to leave me alone until I tell you, are you?"