A/N: Ladies thanks for the kind words, I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story.
Grace, I hope Toby redeems himself in your eyes. Really, he's a good kid, I promise!
Jo, your patience will most definitely be rewarded, swear ;)

Say Hello to Your Future

The next day with Toby was amazingly tranquil and civil. By the time I had made my way downstairs, he had already made breakfast (omelettes and toast), brewed a pot of coffee (for me, he still wasn't a java junky yet) and was starting to clean the main floor.

As he struggled to pull the vacuum out of the closet, I helped him by holding the door open for him.

"Hey Addy. I figured that household chores would be included as part of my grounding. I hope I didn't wake you," he explained sheepishly.

"Well to be honest, I hadn't thought of that, but sure, we can include chores to your punishment. And no you didn't wake me at all, don't worry about that. But, Toby, don't you have a lot of work to get done for school?"

He finished struggling with the machine and looked at me to reply, "I finished all of my actual homework last night. All I have left is my paper on bullying that Mr. Burton wants me to write. I did get an outline for it done, though, so I think I'll be able to easily get it written after lunch."

"Wow, really? Buddy I'm so impressed. And thank you so much for making breakfast that was very thoughtful of you." I walked over and gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.

He blushed and bashfully replied, "It was no big deal Addy... besides I kind of owe you."

I gave him a soft smile of understanding then went back to the food on my plate. As I ate, Toby started cleaning the windows and counter in the kitchen.

"Umm... Addy? I was wondering..." he started timidly as he was wiping down the island.

"What's up Toby?"

"Umm... I know you said that I wasn't supposed to do any storm tracking right now, but... if I get all my homework and my assignment done... AND clean the house...umm do you think I could help you do some research? I mean... isn't finding a way to stop Lucifer more important than me being grounded?"

I finished my meal and put my plate and cutlery in the dishwasher while contemplating his proposal.

"Well... IF you get your school work done and the house cleaned, upstairs too... then MAYBE you could help me. Once you get all of that done, we'll see, okay?"

"REALLY!" He asked excitedly.

"Really. And Toby... I said 'maybe'."

"Alright. But 'maybe' is better than an outright 'no'!" He ran over and hugged me tightly. "Thanks Addy!"

"Maybe..." I said softly and shook my head at myself for being such a push over. "I'm going to head out and clean up Phantom so that I can leave you to your chores inside here, okay Tobs?"

"Sure... if you need me to help, just let me know. Oh... and I'll make lunch for us too. How does 12:30 sound?"

"I'll be fine Buddy, thanks. And that sounds perfect for lunch."

I went to my car and pulled my duffle bag out of the trunk to refill it with the empty shotguns and blades that were strewn about inside of the trunk.

Dammit Addy! Throw shit into duffle bag then duffle bag into trunk before taking off to come home. Man, this gonna take forever to clean up.

I couldn't help but silently reprimand myself because the trunk of my Vintage muscle car was an absolute disaster of spent rounds, guns, knives, machetes and worst of all blood. I was usually very careful about putting everything away in my duffle bag so that the post hunt clean up would be as quick and painless as possible. I carried the canvas bag to the garage to clean and reload its contents, but once inside the garage I decided to grab some rags and clean out the blood first. Since this wasn't the first time I've had to give my vehicle a thorough cleaning after a hunt, I kept cleaning supplies handy in a bucket by my gun rack and got to work cleaning the interior of my trunk.

After what felt like hours, I was satisfied that the grey carpeting was as clean as I would be able to get it. I then turned my attention to the various side arms and decided to stock my shotgun rounds with rock salt as my first task to complete. I carried the used cleaning supplies back to the garage and turned on the radio to keep me company.

While I was working, I hummed along to the music and remained completely focused on my tasks until I heard a loud knock at the door. Before answering, I picked up the stereo's remote and lowered the volume.

"COME IN!"

The door opened slowly and a blond head was revealed from under a beige cowboy hat.

"Ads... are you in here?" The sheriff asked timidly.

I was just putting the last couple of rock salt filled rounds into a box before loading them into my duffle bag as I replied, "Yeah, I'm just back here."

Ad Don approached me; I was wiping down the blade of my mini machete with mineral oil to remove the last remnants of dried blood before placing the blade to a sharpening stone.

The sight of me sharpening my weapon caused him to pause for a moment before he said, "Umm... hey Ads. How's it going?"

Without looking up at him I replied with a somewhat annoyed tone, "I would be even better if these damned things would clean and sharpen themselves."

He chuckled uncomfortably. "Yeah, I guess that would make your life easier. Umm... could we talk for a minute?"

"Sure Don, go ahead," I replied while my attention remained fixed on my lap and my task at hand.

The sheriff placed a manila file folder on the table that separated the two of us and then his hat next to it before he spoke again.

"Ads... umm... I wanted to talk to you about yesterday..." he paused until I stilled my hands and raised my head. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I really don't know what came over me. I could try to give you some excuse about not sleeping much lately because Veronica's in the hospital now and there have been some more complications, but… but I know there's no excuse. I'm so sorry Ads, I'm sorry that I put you in such an awkward position yesterday."

"You're right Don, there is no excuse for what you did," I replied calmly while putting the machete on the table and looking him in the eye. "And even though I do forgive you… I can't go over this with you again. If you don't stop then I just… I just can't help you anymore Don."

"I know, I know and I really am so sorry. I swear I have no idea what came over me, honest… I have no idea why I would..."

"Alright, alright Don, fine, but seriously it CANNOT happen again. Okay?" I stated firmly while wiping the honing oil off my blade and placing it in its black leather sheath before putting it in my duffle bag.

"Understood," he confirmed with a nod. "So, umm… can I follow this apology up with me asking you for a favor?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "Of course Don. How can I help?"

He picked up the file folder and slowly passed it over the table. I noticed that he was trying to keep from getting the stray rock salt all over his uniform sleeve, so I apologized as I took the folder saying, "Oh sorry about the mess… I swear no matter how careful I am this stuff seems to get all over the place."

"Oh, that's no problem. You've got to do what you've got to do, right? So… the long and the short is that I don't know if this case falls under your expertise or not, but I'm completely stumped. Plus I figured that even if it wasn't, you know… part of your specialty, that you might see something that I missed."

As he gave his brief explanation, I started flipping through the pages of the police report and scanned it for keywords that would help me determine if it was supernatural or not.

"So… it's only been cattle? No other livestock, at all?" I asked looking up at him.

"Yeah, that's the weird part. Which is also part of the reason why I thought you might be able to help," he continued with a mild tone of exasperation.

"I'll look this over after lunch and get back to you Don."

"Hey Addy! Lunch is ready!" Toby exclaimed happily as he came through the open door. "Oh… hey Sheriff, how's it going?"

Don picked up his hat and as he placed it on his head replied, "Thanks Ads, I appreciate any help you can give me." And then he turned to Toby and smiled, "Hey Toby, I'm doing pretty good, thanks. How 'bout you?"

Toby kept his hands hidden behind his back because he was still embarrassed by the scabbed lacerations that were still clearly visible on his knuckles. "I'm okay, sir."

The sheriff knelt down in front of Toby and continued in a softer concerned tone, "If you ever need someone to talk to Toby, please feel free to call me, okay?"

Toby nodded while blushing slightly and I offered him an encouraging smile, "Thanks Sheriff Lamb, I appreciate that and I promise I will sir. I promise, no more fighting."

Don smiled and nodded, "That's good to hear." He stood up and then faced back towards me, "And I can't wait to hear what you come up with Ads. Thanks again."

After the sheriff exited the garage, Toby walked over to where I was still seated and started cleaning up my sharpening supplies.

"So… are you helping the Sheriff with a case?"

I closed the folder, held it close to my chest and threw Toby an amused glare. "Maybe… but you're still grounded, remember?"

"Addy…" he whined as he put away the last of the supplies. "I got all the cleaning done and lunch is made."

"Okay, but…" I continued while cocking an eyebrow. "What about your assignment?"

He pouted then replied, "Not yet, but like I said the outline is done and I have all my research ready."

"Okay, well… in that case, yes, Don did ask me to help him out with a case."

"Really! What's the case about?" Toby asked excitedly as he followed me through the garage door into the yard.

"I don't really know yet… maybe once you're done your paper I'll know more," I answered as I gave him a playful noogie.

"Addy, come on I'll get it done, I swear… pretty please tell me what it's about, please," he protested.

I chuckled loudly before I answered, "Seriously Toby, I'm not sure yet and neither is Don. I have to look the police report over in depth before I know for sure. Really, I'm not teasing about that."

"Oh… so if I get my paper written, then maybe I could help you figure the case out?" He asked as he opened the back door for me.

"Toby, we'll see, okay Buddy. We'll see…"

Toby then dished lunch for the both of us to sit and enjoy the Mac and Cheese he had so expertly prepared. Well I sat and ate it; Toby practically inhaled his plateful so that he could rush into the den to get working on his paper on bullying for his principal. His enthusiasm and focus made me chuckle because his eyes remained completely focused on the computer, even when I came into the den to get some books to help me with research on more than one occasion.

After a few hours, I had completely taken over the entire kitchen table with books and note pads.

"I'm all done Addy!" Toby announced triumphantly while passing me the four page paper over my latest set of notes. "Did you want to read it?"

I looked up and could help but smile because I was feeling so relieved that I had the old Toby back and my heart swelled with pride at his passion and dedication.

"Sure Buddy. How about a trade? I think I need a new set of eyes to help me make heads or tails out of all of this," I answered as I passed a set of my notes along with the police file over to him.

"Really?" He asked as he nearly snatched the manila folder out of my hand with excitement.

I started reading his paper and soon became misty eyed because the words he had written highlighted his unbelievably beautiful and kind heart. Castiel's words from the night before came to mind as I was reminded that Bill and Maureen had laid a perfect foundation for Toby's life ethically, morally and spiritually. He had somehow worked everything his parents had taught him into the assignment effortlessly. I snickered when I noted that he had even managed to skillfully work in a few hunting analogies.

When I had finished reading the last page, I looked up and remained silent for a few moments as I watched Toby fervently writing notes and checking facts in one of the old texts.

"Toby?" I started tentatively because I really didn't want to disturb him as he worked.

"Mhmm…" he replied without looking up from his new project.

"Toby? This is amazing. It's really… really great. I'm so proud of you."

He finally looked up and blushed slightly embarrassed by the compliment.

"Thanks Addy," he replied bashfully.

"So… Buddy… do you think you got the point of this assignment? Do you understand why Mr. Burton had you research this topic?" I asked while cringing a bit on the inside because I could feel myself taking on a foreign motherly tone as I spoke.

"Yes, I know exactly why Mr. Burton wanted me to write it," he replied with a half smile. "Honestly Addy, I've learned my lesson; fighting isn't the answer and just because you can beat someone up that's bigger than you, doesn't mean you should. I promise, next time I'll just walk away, no matter what hurtful things someone says."

"Okay good… because I really don't like having to be this Addy," I replied with a warm smile. "So did you find anything?"

"Well, at first I think it might be Pestilence," Toby answered as he passed me a book about the Four Horsemen opened to a page showing a drawing of a similar scene. "But there was no sign of disease here, the cows just dropped dead. Then I thought maybe it was vampires…"

When he paused I prompted him asking, "But?" I then smiled and stared at him, utterly amazed at his attention to detail.

"But they weren't exsangu… exsang… their blood wasn't drained," he continued while looking over some of our notes.

"Okay, so no exsanguinations … I caught that too. I was starting to lean towards ritualistic killing," I offered hopefully. After reading Toby's paper, I didn't think that my smile could get any wider, but working with Toby again made me so ecstatic that my cheeks were now starting to ache.

"Yeah… maybe. It does seem like a way for a demon to recharge…" While he was deep in contemplation, Toby looked up at me and gave me a curious look. "Addy… are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just so thankful that we've fallen back into our old routine so easily," I explained. "So I was thinking… maybe we should call Bobby to see what he says."

Toby's face shifted from one of confusion to calm happiness and he responded modestly, "I think Bobby could help too. I'll heat up dinner while you call him."

He walked over and stopped at the fridge then look back towards the kitchen table where I was seated and added, "Addy I really missed working with you too."

As he prepared our meals, I called Bobby to get his input on the situation. He agreed with our assessment that the cattle deaths could possibly be pointing to demon activity. It seemed that the events in Kidder coincided with a lot of other activity that he had been about from other hunters with whom he kept close in contact.

"It actually looks like it might be part of a spell to determine the last know location for a demon Addy," Bobby explained.

I shut off the speaker phone feature off and turned so that my back was facing Toby, "Bobby… you don't think that this has anything to do with Meg do you?"

"Honestly Koala Bear, yes, yes I do. I'm sorry, but it just makes the most sense," Bobby replied remorsefully.

I let out a soft sigh. "It's okay Bobby, it's not your fault. At lest we know now, so we can start taking some extra precautions. If you find anything else out, please let us know."

"You know I will darlin'. Now if you need me to come out there, you just say the word, okay?" he said with loving concern.

"I promise I will Bobby. We should be fine… I've been driving Toby to school, so I'll just make sure that he's extra careful when he's away from home. Thanks again, we'll talk to you soon."

"Good to hear. Take care out there Koala Bear."

After I hung up the phone, I turned slowly away from the window. Toby had dished our dinner and had already placed it on the table.

"Aww thanks Buddy, this smells great," I commented as I started to dig into my plate of food.

As I started to eat, Toby just stared at me and asked in a very unimpressed tone, "Addy, come on… what were you and Bobby talking about so quietly?"

I shrugged while I chewed on my food and he slammed his fork down beside his plate while asserting, "Addy! I'm not joking. You and Bobby were talking about the case and I want to know what you were saying… please?"

I swallowed hard and took a drink of water before meekly answering, "We think we know what it is… well at least why it's here."

His face immediately lit up as he asked, "Awesome? What is it? Why is it here?"

My mouth suddenly felt drier than any desert I had seen as I tried to reply strongly, "A demon… and we think it's looking for Meg."

Toby's face turned as white as my own then we both lost our appetites as we stared at each other from across the table. I regained my faculties first and I swooped over to kneel at Toby's side and held him tightly.

"Buddy, don't worry… I'll figure out a way to destroy this thing, okay? And Bobby will help me and we can call Dean and Sam to help too… we'll get this thing. You still have the amulet I gave you, right?" He nodded as he pulled out the familiar pendent that warded off demon possession to show me. "Okay… good. So you have nothing to worry about, okay? Toby… we'll figure this out, okay? You… you just worry about school and your mom. You understand Buddy?"

He nodded as he replied, "Yeah… okay… I understand Addy."

We looked at each other as tears brimmed our eyes and he asked, "I'm not feeling that hungry… is it okay if I go to bed now?"

I stood up and squeezed his shoulders lovingly while answering, "Of course you can Toby. I'll clean up the dishes. Do you have everything ready for school tomorrow?"

He placed his plate by the sink and nodded. "Yeah, I do," he whispered.

"Toby…" I started trying to comfort him before I wrapped him in another tight hug. "Try to get some rest and try not to worry. I love you Buddy."

"I will…" he replied slowly. "I mean I'll try my best. I love you too Addy. G'night."

He released himself from my grasp and made his way to his room as quickly as possible. I then absentmindedly cleared the plates and dishes before following Toby's lead and crawled into bed.