Okay, this is my second shot at supernatural. This story is mostly written but in dire need of a beta. I'm posting the prologue in hopes that someone will decide to help me get the rest up. If interested either pm me or say so in a review.

This story is AU as of the school episode in season 4. The story is one way Sam's powers could have been dealt with.

Hope you enjoy.

Bobby glanced at the clock and sighed. Three am was no time to be awake, let alone drinking, but it was just about the only thing that made sense right then. The necessary ingredients were out, waiting to be mixed, and he'd managed to find some spare clothes and place them in the bathroom upstairs. Now he just had to wait for the guest of honor.

He heard the familiar rumble and quickly stashed his beer. It wouldn't do if he showed weakness like that when he was needed to be the strong one at the moment.

By the time the footsteps were on his porch he was already at the open door. Things were worse than he thought though as a shaking hand lifted up in preparation to knock anyway.

Bobby reached out and gently trapped the fist in his own, bleary green eyes lifted to meet his and Bobby was able to see the several day's worth of stubble and dark circles marring the too pale face.

"Sam." Dean whispered brokenly, staring blankly at Bobby his whole body shaking from more than just exhaustion.

"I know Kiddo, let's go." Dean didn't resist as Bobby led him inside and softly closed the door behind them. Neither of them said a word as Bobby brought Dean to the bathroom and gave gentle instructions for the younger hunter to get cleaned up.

Dean moved to do as he was told, too numb to question and too tired to resist. Once assured that Dean would be taking care of his immediate needs he headed down to the kitchen and began to prepare the light meal he had planned.

By the time Dean staggered into the kitchen the food was ready and Bobby maneuvered the boy into the chair and placed the hot tea into his hands. Dean took a sip out of reflex and then sputtered and turned to glare at Bobby.

"What the hell." Bobby resisted the urge to smile at finally reaching the kid, instead he just glared back until Dean sighed and took another sip and turned to the grilled cheese and soup waiting for him.

"Coffee is the last thing you need." The elder hunter answered the unasked question. Dean just grunted and ate in silence. Bobby waited him out, sipping from his own cup, of coffee.

"Four days. What are they thinking?"

"It doesn't matter."

"What?" Dean growled, positive he heard wrong.

"It doesn't matter Dean, because we are going to find Sam. Also I've called in a few favors. After you get a few hours of much needed rest there will be a few others coming to help." Dean stared at the older man a moment, hope and despair warring in his eyes as he processed the information.

"Favors?"

"Yes, now get some sleep we can explain everything to each other later."

"I can't Bobby, not right now, we have to…" Dean stood, and immediately reached out to grab the table as he felt inexplicably woozy. Bobby was there, helping to steady him and to make his way to the spare bedroom.

"Bastard." Dean muttered as he felt himself being put to bed.

"It's for your own good ya idgit. Now sleep." Bobby waited until Dean's breathing evened out before going back down to the kitchen and cleaning up as he got ready for some sleep himself.