Prequel to 6.01. Spoilers. Set in the first days after Sam's resurrection.

I am nervous about this one, so please don't slam me for spinning things in a rather contrary way.

It was just something that came to me when I heard Bobby defending the decision they had made regarding Sam's resurrection (and bless him for not being afraid to stand behind Sam on this)… also, I do think the Sam in this piece was in the Sam we saw in 6.01, just locked down. After all, Sam has had a year to pull his crap together between the opener and my Sam in this. I do hope some people will see where I was going... and maybe even like it.

When Death Came Calling

"Do you really think it is the best thing to do?"

It was late at night and Sam stood in the shadows on Bobby's front porch. This was the second time in a week that he'd just shown up out of the blue and, like the first, he refused to come inside.

The kid sounded wrecked, his hands twisting in agitated movements until he finally just shoved them into his pockets and hunched, his eyes bright in the dim porch lighting, his face stark white.

"What?" Bobby asked gruffly, wishing he could make Sam come inside but afraid that if he pushed, the younger man would vanish again. He still had no idea where Sam had gone the last time... After he'd done the big 'hey, guess what Bobby? I'm back' reveal and 'Damn glad you're alive: I'm sorry I couldn't stop that bastard from killing you', Bobby had not been able to convince Sam to stay. Although he did manage to arrange a car for him. A pretty sweet ride, too, if Bobby had to admit.

"Dean." The name was breathed out in reverent prayer. "Not telling him about, you know… me?"

Bobby exhaled slowly, his soul clenching at the raw need and vulnerability he heard underlying Sam's uncertainty. It was a far cry from the resurrected man who had shown up on his doorstep only days earlier, fresh from the grave and his brother's house. Sam had staunchly insisted that Dean not knowing was for the best; that this would give Dean the chance at a real life that he, not only deserved, but seemed to need. Bobby had listened to the impassioned plea and wondered who Sam had been trying to convince, Bobby or himself, but as he stared at the young man hovering on the periphery of his porch tonight, there was no doubt about it.

And Sam's resolve was wavering...

Not that the older hunter could blame him. He had no idea how hard this must be on the kid, and would never hold it against Sam for his uncertainty; but he also knew what Sam needed to hear.

However it wasn't only about that; there was reassurance but there was also truth.

And as much as any one hated to admit it, at this moment in time, keeping Sam's life a secret from Dean was the best thing to do. For Dean.

Oh Bobby had no doubt that this would come back and bite them in the ass someday, perhaps even sooner then later; but the grizzled hunter also remembered the despairing Dean, desperate to give in to an archangel because he was just so tired... and if Bobby could do anything to give Dean a break, he would.

So offering Sam the most resolute look he could, Bobby spoke the words to help the younger hunter bolster his own resolution, and at the same time, prayed that when the time did come, Dean would be able to forgive him. That both his boys would.

"Yes, Sam," he said. "I do."

The End