Space Jumps and Black Dogs

Chapter 1

In a bar in the town of Palo Alto in Southern California large group of students enter a bar even though most of them are under age. Being a bar tender in a town that virtually depends on student means that often a blind eye is turned to the underage sensible drinking that happens, especially around the holidays, like today for instance. Today, it is Halloween. The bartender looks around at the gathered students some in fancy dress; others just out to have a laugh with friends and take a couple hours out from studying at the local ivy league college. His eye is drawn to the group that has just entered the bar and in particular the tallest lad in the group. His light brown slightly wavy hair falls just above his shoulders, puppy dog brown eyes and almost impossibly innocent expression makes him seem younger than he actually is. Sensing the bartenders scrutiny the lad looks over and gives him a small smile and nod to say hello. 'The usual?' He mouths the bartender nods in understanding.

A couple hours later and the partying student crowd have loosened up and are having a great time. It is almost impossible for the bartender to be angry or frustrated with the students, so he doesn't try to fight the smile off his face. Suddenly, the doors bang open as a body is forced against them. The body of the man slides to a stop in the middle of the dance floor. Silence falls over the entre bar as everyone stares at the young man lying on the floor having not moved. No one else moves either, well, no one except for the tall young man the bartender often has paternal feelings for. As soon as the body had come to a stop he had leapt to his feet and closed the doors before falling to his knees and gently felt for any broken bones on the unmoving body. 'Any one got a penlight?' The young man asks desperately. Another student hands him one and he shines it into the man's eyes. After finishing his quick examination he sighs in relief before rolling his eyes. He smiles and chuckles. 'Typical. Just typical.'

'Sam?' A girl from the group Sam had left asks. Sam rises to his feet and throws her a warm smile telling her not to worry.

'Dean.' Sam nudges the body with his foot gently. 'Dean, get up.' He nudges Dean again. 'Hey jerk, get up before I call-' A low moan comes from the still young man.

'You wouldn't dare bitch.' Comes the breathless answer as he rolls onto his back.

'What was I going to say?' Sam retorts.

'Either option isn't a good one.'

'Come on get up.' Sam extends a hand down to his brother. 'You aren't hurt and have no concussion. No excuses this time.' Dean looks up at his little brother.

'What ever little brother.' He mutters as he is hauled to his feet by Sam. 'What the hell are you doing here anyway.'

'What am I doing here. What are you doing here more like?'

'Me, I'm on a job.' Sam looks at him critically.

'Where do you think you are?' Sam asks carefully.

'Douglas, Georgia.'

'Dude, you are in California. What's the date?'

'October 31st. I'm 24 and you've been gone for two years.' Dean points a finger in his brother's face. 'God I hate Halloween.'

'Okay no amnesia.'

'The question is how in the world did I end up here?'

'Where's Dad?' Dean throws his arms in the air.

'I have no idea. Off chasing ghosts again I guess.' Sam smirks at the unintentional reference to the life Sam got out of. 'But not literally.' Sam grimaces.

'Who are you working with?'

'Caleb, Bobby and Pastor Jim.' Sam nods.

'What-'

'Dude, here? Now?' The door bang open again before Sam can answer. As one both of them leap over to the door and throw their combined weight against the doors to keep them shut. 'A nest.' Dean mutters.

'What?'

'A nest.' Dean reiterates quietly.

'V-nest?' Sam asks just as quietly.

'Yep.' Suddenly the doors stop banging.

'Doesn't explain your jump.'

'State the obvious why don't you Sammy.'

'Salt the doors and windows.'

'Good idea.' Dean moves away from the door and cautiously opens it. He looks over at Sam and grins happily. 'What ever happened brought my baby with me.'

'The impala? Dad gave you the impala?' Dean grins at Sam's astonishment.

'Late 21st he said.'

'How long after I left?'

'Couple of months maybe four.'

'You took it didn't you?'

'No, he walked out pissed off. Threw me the keys and hitchhiked to Bobby's and bought a converted truck.' Dean glances out of the door.

'Dude what are you doing?'

'Getting supplies.' Sam rolls his eyes and withdraws his hidden silver knife.

'Sam where did that come from?' One of the girls asks nervously.

'It's okay Jess. Nothing's going to hurt you.' Sam doesn't hide the knife but he looks into her eyes with his earnest expression.

'Okay, that's enough girl talk princess. Get salting bitch.' Dean slams a bag of rock salt into Sam chest. 'Move it Sammy.'

'Dean, for the millionth time it's Sam, not Sammy.' Dean stares at him and Sam huffs a sigh but follows Dean's instructions. 'Jerk.' He mutters. Dean smirks.

'Sam, what's going on?' Dean ignores the question, Sam pauses but continues the salt lines.

'Protection.' A cell phone rings surprising everyone including the Winchesters.

'Oh, that's mine.' Dean mumbles digging out of his pocket. 'It's Bobby.'