Darkened Warriors - Lost Spirits

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

I needed to stretch my legs before we got back on the road. I had already driven eight hours that day and was looking at another two before we made it to the 24 hour truck stop/hotel where I'd booked us some rooms. The sound of work boots scuffing on gravel came from behind me, I tensed until I got a whiff of Dean's aftershave.

"So?" he asked.

I turned around and pointed out the obvious, "That's a particularly broad question."

"What's the plan?"

"Drive three more hours, check into the hotel, eat and sleep. That's my plan anyway. I've already been on the road for eight hours today," I informed him. He looked a lot more tired than he should be for only being on the road for two hours. "You look tired."

He shrugged off my observation and looked away, "Sammy and I got in late and I didn't sleep much."

"Have Sam drive the last bit." I suggested.

A wry grin crossed his face and a hint of  jokster Dean brightened those green eyes of his, "What? Ruin all his fun? He was humming and dancing while grabbing your snacks. I'll be fine."

"You spoil him too much. Keep this up and he'll be demanding all the money in his trust fund."

An actual full on smile finally appeared and brought the rest of his face to life, "Little does he know it's buried under one of the cars at Bobby's place. Along with all the family silver and the signed Monet we have."

I solemnly used my right hand to draw a cross over my heart, "Your secret's safe with me Dean."

The smile faded and was replaced by an appraising look. "You look good, happy." His face didn't show it but his voice held something I never thought I'd hear from Dean. Regret, wistfulness and an odd sense of loss.

"Been doing things other than hunting, finding my path I guess you could say."

He nodded and turned around as Sam walked up. "Got everything you asked for," he said handing me a bag

"Thanks Sam," I replied. Coffee was required first and I dug out the bottle filled with caffeine and sugar laden goodness. Dean turned back to me and started to say something. "Pie place is about an hour before the truck stop, " I said, "I haven't forgotten."

A beatific smile broke out on his face and he looked up at Sam, "See, this is why I always liked having her around."

Sam sighed, "Thanks Coyote. He's never, ever going to let this go."

He'd used the short version of my name, guess that meant he wasn't going to have issues with the Shaman stuff after all. One down, one to go, "Like this thing with him and pie is new? You should just automatically get it every time you stop Sam. Don't blame me."

Dean just pointed at me and gave Sam the "See? She gets it." look and walked back to the Impala.

"Shall we?" I asked Sam, giving him a slight bow and a flourish with my arm in the direction of the car.

He decided to play along, "Why yes, I think we shall."

We piled back into the cars. I smoked my tires on the way out just to egg Dean on, that and it's just fun to do.

"You two are like little kids when it comes to your cars, seriously," Sam said.

"Hey, you've been on the road long enough to know you have to find some way to amuse yourself. Besides, Dean's ego about Baby needs to be knocked down every now and again."