Three Men, an Angel and a Baby – Part 3

They had been on the road for twenty hours, stopping only to get gas, pick up food and use the restroom. The miles passed by in a blur of scenery as Dean drove quickly towards Bobby's. Dean looked down briefly at the sleeping infant nestled in the car seat beside him and smiled softly; Mary had been sleeping on and off over the last twenty hours and appeared to be quite content lying in her car seat as the brothers took turns to keep her occupied whilst the other did the driving. When she was awake, her attention was firmly on the brothers, she seemed fascinated by them and when they spoke it was as if she understood every word that they said. He was amazed at how good she was, from his memories of Sam as a baby he was fairly sure that babies cried occasionally or a lot depending on what they wanted. Mary seemed to be an exception to the rule and had not cried once since she had been left by her mother. Thinking of her mother Dean wondered at the connection between them, she had said that he wasn't Mary's father but that they were close "what does that mean, who was she" he thought. He recalled her intense green eyes and the look of total trust on her face as she told him that she didn't trust anyone else to take care of her child, it was humbling. He couldn't help but speculate about what the future held for them, if it was going to be good then what was it going to take to get to there? How would they defeat Lucifer and what would the cost be? He tightened his hands briefly over the steering wheel, there just seemed to be more questions than answers. With a sigh he glanced down at the fuel gauge on the Impala "Sammy, we're gonna need gas. Check where the nearest station is, will you?"

Sam pulled the route map from the glove compartment and looked at it for a few minutes checking their position against the nearest gas station "Looks like there's a gas station about five kilometres up this road, we okay till then?"

Looking at the gauge again; Dean nodded "Yeah, we're good for another twenty or so"

"Soooo, how'd you think Bobby's gonna react to Mary?" Sam asked with a chuckle. Bobby may be the closest thing that they had to a father, but his mood had been decidedly tetchy since he had been injured and was now stuck in a wheel chair. Sam was sure that he was gonna have a fit when he saw Mary. They were supposed to be finding a way to stop Lucifer and the Apocalypse, not babysitting an infant. Mary had completely wrapped them around her little finger and he suspected that once he got over the shock she would turn gruff Bobby Singer into a big marshmallow.

"I think he's gonna freak, then fall completely in love with her" Dean replied with a grin, as his green eyes lit up.

""Yeah, it'll be fun to watch" Sam said laughing out loud at the thought. He could already hear Bobby's "What the hell are you two idgits doing with a baby?"

They were about a mile away from the gas station when Mary started to wake, her little face wrinkling as she let out a small sob "hey baby girl, its okay we're here" Sam said soothingly as he laid his hand on her tummy. In response Mary let out a loud cry, big fat tears forming in her eyes "Hey Mary, it's okay" he continued trying to calm her down, but if anything her volume increased and her sobs became harder, her tiny body shaking as she gasped for breath.

"We'll get out and walk around for a bit once we get to the gas station" Dean said anxiously as he looked in panic at the sobbing infant. Only a short while ago she had seemed so content, but now she sounded terrified. Dean let out a long breath as he saw the lights of the gas station up ahead; they needed to get Mary out of the confines of the car as with each passing moment she was becoming more distressed. Pulling to a stop; he turned to Sam "Fill her up, I'll take Mary and see if I can get her to calm down" Sam nodded and got quickly out of the Impala and moved to the rear of the car to fill up the tank.

Lifting a struggling Mary from her car seat Dean got out of the car as the baby sobbed harshly, her face red and blotchy from the intensity of her cries. Cradling her tightly in his arms, he rocked her as he remembered doing with Sammy when he was a baby "Hush Mary, it's okay" he said softly to the baby but no matter what he did she continued to cry loudly.

As he was filling up the gas tank of the Impala; Sam watched Dean talking softly to the sobbing baby as he held her against his chest, his large hands patting her gently on her back. "He'd make a great dad" Sam thought "hell he already had" as he remembered that Dean was the one who had been there for him through the nightmares, as he grew up, hell it was Dean who had been there through everything. Removing the nozzle from the tank he went into the gas station to pay for the gas. When he came out he saw that Dean had moved and was now walking up and down the side walk, his strides long and determined. He could see that his brother was struggling to calm the upset baby, a mixture of anxiety and helplessness etched on his face. Walking quickly to his brother's side Sam ran a hand through his hair "We can't put her back in the car crying like that Dean; we're still another six hours from Bobby's. I don't know about you but I don't fancy travelling one more kilometre in a confined space with her screaming like that. What do you thinks wrong with her?"

"I dunno, maybe she woke up missing her mom and dad?" Dean replied, all the while gently swaying the screaming baby.

"Maybe we could call Cas, get him to come and put her to sleep, at least until we get to Bobby's" Sam asked, the constant crying grating slightly on his tired nerves.

"That's not a bad idea... "Dean started to reply but stopped suddenly as the street lights above him started to flicker. Looking over at Sam; he could see his brother tense and look up at the flickering lights "What's the chance of that being a short in the wiring Sammy?"

"Not a chance Dean, our lucks not that good, I think we've got visitors on the way" Sam replied as they made their way quickly back to the Impala. Looking around he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but the hairs standing up on his neck were screaming that there was something out there, that something wasn't right. Pulling Ruby's knife from the trunk he tucked it into the back of his pants and put a shotgun and some ammo into his jacket. He then handed a flask of Holy Water to Dean, who was still desperately trying to calm Mary down "Call Cas, we're gonna need backup. There's no way we can fight off demons on our own. It's either that or we're gonna have to make a run for it" he said as he pulled a protection charm from a hook on the bonnet of the trunk, finally he grabbed a large bag of salt and a can of spray paint.

"Here put this on Mary" Sam said as he handed Dean the protection charm.

Taking the protection charm from Sam; Dean wrapped the leather strap carefully around the baby's wrist. He then pulled out his cell phone and dialled Castiel's number, this was one of the times when he regretted having the Enochian symbols carved into his ribs. He closed his eyes briefly as the call went straight to the answer phone "Dammit!" Waiting for the beep he said urgently "Cas we're at a gas station on route 9 and we've got trouble headed our way. Get here as soon as you get this message" Closing the phone he strode quickly towards the gas station "Let's get inside, we'll lock ourselves in and hope Cas gets the message soon. There's no point in running, we don't want whoever it is following us to Bobby's" Sam moved into the gas station behind Dean, closing the door and locking it once they were inside.

As the moved into the gas station, the attendant behind the desk looked at them with wide eyes, panic on his face as he observed the two large men with the crying baby locking the door "Take the money, I won't put up a fight" he said nervously his hands shaking as he raised them and stepped back from the cash register.

"Dude, we're not here to rob you" Dean replied his green eyes boring into the smaller man. He couldn't really blame the guy for freaking out; Sam was one scary looking Sasquatch as he strode around the gas station laying salt lines along the windows and doors. The attendant looked unconvinced but Dean didn't care. Turning his attention back to Sam he didn't give the attendant another thought. "Sammy, we'll need Mary's car seat, I can't hold her the whole time, I'm gonna need my arms at some point" he said as he looked down at Mary who was finally quieting down.

"Okay" Sam said as he looked out of the gas station window, the street lights in the forecourt were flickering madly in the darkness of the night a clear indication of a demonic presence. Opening the door he ran straight to the Impala, with every step that he took his feet pounding hard against the pavement. When he reached the car Sam paused and looked around nervously his large frame turning a full circle as he peered into the night. He couldn't see anything but knew that they were out there "what are they waiting for" he thought as he leaned into the car and pulled out Mary's car seat and bag. Not wanting to be out in the open and exposed to attack he turned and ran quickly back to the gas station, once inside he laid the seat and bag on the floor and relocked the door. He then grabbed the large bag of salt and began laying the final salt lines along the door.

Dean walked over and picked up the car seat and then moved to the far corner of the room; putting the seat on the counter he carefully laid the baby down "Okay baby girl, I'll be back in a minute okay" .

Grabbing the can of spray paint he got to work painting devils traps on the floor of the Gas Station. The brothers worked quickly to ensure that the gas station was locked down and that nothing evil or demonic was getting in. Once they were done they settled down and waited for Castiel to make an appearance, neither knew how long that would be but each hoped that he would get there soon. Dean tried over and over again to get Cas on his phone, but each time the call went straight to the answering machine.

"What the hell, how can he not be picking up? He got the phone so that we could contact him and now when we really need him IT GOES STRAIGHT TO THE FREAKING ANSWERING MACHINE!" Dean was pissed and more than a little worried which was making him more pissed.

"Maybe he didn't charge the battery, I mean he's an angel I imagine that the concept of batteries will be new to him" Sam replied as he watched Dean get up to check on Mary who was now sleeping peacefully in her seat on the counter, once again looking like an angel. Sam really hoped that when she woke up that she was in a better mood, he didn't fancy a repeat of the earlier screaming episode.

"You know, that's not what worries me Dean. Why are the demons not trying to get in?" Sam asked from his spot on the floor. He could sense the evil presence all around the Gas Station, but it was like they were just waiting.

"I know what you mean Sammy, something's definitely off even by our standards" Dean replied as he moved to look out of the window; his senses were telling him that he was missing something. "How did they manage to find us we've still got Ruby's hex bags right?"

Just as Sam was about to answer the Gas Station attendant stood up, his eyes black as midnight as he said "Well isn't that just a tad arrogant don't you think?... Maybe this isn't about you boys, maybe there's something else going on?"

"Shit" Dean said as he realised that the demons didn't need to come in, one was already in there with them. It was a trap; he had been so preoccupied with Mary that he hadn't checked him out, a rookie mistake.

Sam got up quickly and pulled Ruby's knife from his pants, taking a step towards the demon.

"Now, now Sammy don't be too hasty, we wouldn't want the little one to be caught in the crossfire now would we. After all she is so very precious" he said his cold dark eyes moving briefly to where the baby was sleeping.

"You stay away from her you EVIL SON OF A BITCH" Dean said angrily his green eyes never straying from the demon. He knew that there was no way they would get to the demon before it got to Mary.

"I gotta say I'm a little disappointed, the great Winchester brothers. Everyone figured you'd make me the moment you came in here, but no you were too busy with the brat to see what was right in front of you. The boss wants the baby, he gets what he wants" he taunted as he walked over to where the baby slept. Sam and Dean watched on helplessly as he lifted the sleeping baby from the car seat. Turning back to Sam he said "Now, put the knife on the floor and kick it over to me, then be a good boy and remove the salt lines and devils trap from the door"

"No! If Lucifer wants her then he'll have to come through me" he replied as he moved to stand between the door and the demon. There was no way that the demon was getting out of there alive.

"Well, he'll be going through you soon enough Sammy, but for now do as I say or little Mary may accidently get hurt, the boss needn't know" the demon taunted as he wrapped his hand around the baby.

Dean watched the tense exchange between the demon and Sam; he knew that his brother would not allow the demon to walk out of there with Mary. From his position behind Sam; he saw the moment that Castiel appeared behind the demon, his finger to his lips indicating that they should remain silent. Dean saw Sam stiffen slightly and knew that he too had saw Cas appear. The next moments passed in a blur as Castiel appeared in front of the demon and pulled the baby from his arms. He then grabbed the demon and threw it forcefully towards where Sam was standing, his reaction was instant as he forced the knife up through the demons throat; its eyes burned red and smoke poured from its mouth as it died. Sam dropped the demons body to the ground then moved quickly to where Castiel stood holding the baby.

"Nice timing Cas" Dean said as he moved to Castiel's side.

Nodding Castiel titled his head slightly "Is this your child Dean?" he asked a puzzled look on his face as he looked down at Mary.

"Long story buddy, can you zap us to Bobby's, the car too?" Dean replied. He'd explain as soon as they got to Bobby's, might as well tell the story once.

"Yes, I will take you first and return for the car. I think that it will be safe from the demons outside" he answered as he stepped directly into Dean's personal space and placed a hand on his arm. Sam moved to stand between Dean and Castiel and placed his hand on the angel's shoulders. When they were ready Castiel transported them into the sitting room at Bobby's, he immediately handed the baby to Dean and disappeared to retrieve the Impala.

"Bobby?" Dean shouted from the sitting room "You in?"

"Where else would I be idgit, it's not like I can go for a walk" Bobby shouted as he wheeled into the sitting room. Stopping as he took in the sight of Dean holding a baby "What the hell are you two idgits doing with a baby?"

Remembering their earlier conversation; Sam and Dean looked at each other and burst out laughing, Bobby was so predictable.

"WHAT! Are you on something?" Bobby asked confused as the brothers continued to laugh.

"Sorry Bobby, private joke" Sam replied as he tried to pull himself together, his shoulders shaking slightly.

"Well, keep your private jokes to yourselves and tell me why the hell you've just appeared in my house with a baby" Bobby said as he wheeled further into the room stopping in front of Dean.

"We'll explain as soon as Cas gets back with my car" Dean replied as he sat down on Bobby's old sofa, Mary still cradled asleep in his arms. He had no idea how she had managed to sleep through the commotion at the Gas Station.

"You boys want a beer?" Bobby asked.

At Dean's "Hell yeah" Sam replied "I'll get em Bobby" and he made his way into the kitchen.

Castiel appeared in the centre of the room just as Sam came back with three beers; handing a beer to Bobby and Dean he took a seat beside Dean on the sofa. Castiel sat down stiffly in a small chair across the room.

"Okay you idgits what's going on?" Bobby asked from his place in front of the boys. His eyes moving between each of the brothers as he waited on an explanation. He had been expecting the brothers to arrive in another day or so, they had been coming for some down time away from the angels and demons. Now they were sitting on his sofa, Dean holding a small baby looking so comfortable and at ease as if he had always been doing it and Sam periodically gazing at the child as if he was infatuated, it was slightly disconcerting.

"This is Mary" Dean began "We're not exactly sure who she is, her mother came to me said she's from the future and asked me to take care of her" at the expression of shock on Bobby's face he continued quickly "I know if sounds crazy, but this little girl is an important part of our future, I know it, I don't know how but I do. I'll do anything to keep her safe. Oh and before you ask I'm not her father and we're fairly sure Sam isn't either"

"From the FUTURE! You don't believe that do you" Bobby asked incredulously. He knew that Zachariah had sent Dean to the future to observe the Apocalypse first hand, but some random women coming with a baby. Even with everything that they had seen and been through he found it hard to believe.

"I know, I had my doubts too, but she knew all about us, about the apocalypse what we are going through and what is coming. She said Cas sent her, and that I told her when to come. You had to be there, but yeah I believed her" Looking at Castiel his green eyes bright as he said "Future you sent her to us, didn't trust that she was safe in her own time. Now, this little girl is in danger in her own time and here in ours. The demons at the Gas Station weren't there because of us they were after Mary. Lucifer wants this child and that can't be good, she's not even from this time, what could he possibly want with her?" his voice thick with emotion as he stared intently at the baby. .

Mary chose that moment to wake up, her bright blue eyes moving over Dean's face "Hey little girl, you slept through all the excitement" hearing his voice she gave a gummy grin and reached out her tiny hand to his face.

"Dean, there is no prophecy ..." Castiel stopped suddenly and looked directly at the baby, who at the sound of Castiel's voice had turned her attention from Dean towards the angel, her eyes wide and body wriggling in his arms. The angels eyes went wide and he backed away slightly from the baby.

"Cas!" Dean asked puzzled at the angel's reaction to the baby, he looked spooked.

Castiel stepped towards Dean; reaching down he carefully lifted the baby from him and held her up, peering intently into her face, brilliant blue eyes met brilliant blue eyes "I know why she is not safe and why Lucifer wants her"

TBC

A/N Thanks for reading.