Hunted

Bobby's

'You are now entering Sioux Falls,' the road sign says as we speed past it. It's 1:00 in the afternoon, and I'm pretty hungry. I'm hoping this 'Bobby' has some food. From what I can see. Sioux Falls is a cute town. We turn on a gravel road in the outskirts of town and go for a little ways before reaching what looks like a car junkyard. There's a small house in the back, and I assume it's where Bobby lives.

"Well, here we are. You'll like Bobby. He acts all tough, but he's actually a really good guy." It's the first time Dean has spoken in a while.

"He sounds like you," I say, just as a little observation, but Dean seems flattered.

We step up onto the paint-chipped wooden porch, and Dean knocks on the door, calling out, "Bobby, it's me." I hear footsteps and about nine locks unbolting. We are greeted by a splash of what could only be holy water.

"Dammit, Bobby, we're not demons." Dean wipes the water off his face with his jaw stuck out indignantly, but I can tell he is happy to see Bobby. I also rub my eyes and for the first time I am able to see Bobby. He is a sixty-something year old man, and is wearing a vest over a plaid flannel (typical) and jeans. He has on a hat the says : Singer Salvage Yard. Although he is definitely not short, in comparison to Dean, he seems that way. Of course, most everyone compared to Dean is tiny. He eyes me for a second and then looks to Dean for an explanation.

"It's kind of a long story. Can we come in?"

Two beers, a sandwich, and an explanation later, Bobby is all caught up.

"Well," he says gruffly, "I think you know what I'm going to say. Whatever is in Oregon is a trick. I don't think you shoul-"

"I know Bobby, I KNOW. But what do you expect me to do? It's Sam we're talking about. I can't leave my brother to fend for himself against MEG of all people, and whoever the hell she's working for. He's already been there for almost two days and I can't even imagine what they're doing to him." This is basically the first bit of emotion I've seen from Dean since Sam was first kidnapped. "Oh wait. I've been to Hell. I CAN imagine what they're doing to him, and trust me Bobby, it-"

"-You never let me finish. Of course we ain't gonna leave Sam in Oregon. I'm just saying that you can't do what you normally do: go in and attack without thinking it through." Dean gives Bobby a look of indignation. "Let me come with you, and ring up your feathered friend. Convince him to help us."

Just then a ruffling interrupts us and Castiel appears. "I will help you find your brother, Dean," he says, his voice grave. I jump a little bit, still not used to the whole come-out-of-nowhere thing.

"Well ,alright then," says Dean."I guess we're set."

"No we're not!" Bobby yells. "We still need a plan!" Dean shrugs and simply says, "We'll come up with one once we get to Oregon." He stands up and starts to walk out the door, Cas following him.

"This is exactly what I mean by not Dean not thinking it through. Happens every time." Bobby shakes his head. I give him a half smile and tell him we'll be waiting out in the car for him. I head out of his house and find Cas and Dean in a serious conversation. I can barely hear Cas, "It's a bad idea, Dean. Don't let her-" He is interrupted when Dean sees me eavesdropping and elbows Cas. "Hey, Ella. We were just- uh- talking about Meg." Cas nods fervently behind him. I raise my eyebrows in disbelief, but I accept his story- for now. "Sure, alright. Bobby's in there packing up his stuff. We'll just wait here for him."

After about five minutes, Bobby shows up with a bag. He bolts the door five times and walks down the steps to join us in the car. I am sitting in the back seat, much to Dean's complaints.

"Bobby's no fun on car rides. He won't mind sitting in the back. Please." Dean pouts, but I get into the back anyway. Bobby tosses his things into the trunk and gets in as well. I snatch the map from Dean. "How about we stop for the night in Billings, Montana?" I ask, my breath tickling the back of his neck. He gives a little shiver.

"Uh- yeah. That sounds g-good." I smile to myself a little and lean back. "It's about nine and a half hours from here, so settle in!"