WAY TO KILL

An NCIS/ Supernatural Crossover fic

Warnings: No romantic relationships will be found in this fic. Plenty of hurt/comfort, friendship, family and team bonding. Contains traces of angst, adventure, mystery and crime. Usual supernatural themes.

Timeline: Pre-series for Supernatural, during the 'Stanford Years' (Sam is away), would fit into season one/two era for NCIS, as Kate is still alive.

The story is mine, the shows are not.

I never have any money, so no one in their right mind would sue me.

PART TEN

If you want blood… you got it

Caleb had directed the worried group to a nearby park he'd spotted coming in, having been on the lookout for such a place after he'd given Dean the news.

The choice, however, made some of the team wonder if hunters had a thing for parks.

After pulling up, Caleb guided his friend over to a picnic table and sat him down, the crushed look on his young friend's face making his own stomach tie itself into knots with the guilt, irrationally wishing yet again that he could've saved the Pastor, knowing how close he and Dean had become over the years. The loss for Dean was more than just a friend. Jim Murphy was probably one of the few people Dean felt comfortable enough to drop the masks he always wore with.

"How?" Came the question, hard with anger, but full of grief at the same time. "Got into the church somehow. Didn't have a chance to make it into the Sanctuary. Kid, they… the bastard crucified him."

"What?"

"Demon."

"A demon?" came the horrified whisper. "A demon got into the church a-and... Oh God. I feel sick."

With this the younger man barreled off the bench seat and stumbled drunkenly over to a bush, emptying the contents of his stomach with violent retching, images flashing through his mind.

"Wait, did he just say a demon? Crucified someone? In a church?" McGee whispered furiously. Tony and Kate shared identical horrified looks, Kate wondering how a demon could get onto consecrated ground to do such a thing, shuddering at the thought it could have had human help. And to think, not a week ago she would've laughed at someone if they said demons existed, that is, after calling the psych ward at Bethesda.

They nodded grimly, and those present shared a shudder at the thought.

Their attention turned to Caleb when he spoke once again after he and Dean came back, the latter almost falling back onto the bench seat.

"I'm so sorry, kid, I know how much the Pastor meant to you," Caleb murmured sorrowfully.

"Wait, it was-."

Caleb turned his head quickly, glaring at Kate who'd spoken out loudly. "Yes," he hissed, eyes flashing, "Jim was a Pastor, and a damned good friend," was all he said before turning his full attention to Dean.

He couldn't believe it. Pastor Jim was such a figure of strength. He was strong, but kind. Hell, he'd been a Marine. He was one of the best hunters out there, one who chose the vocation willingly after learning about the supernatural parts of the world. One of the few to do so not out of revenge, anger or grief, but love. He did it because he honestly cared for people, wanted them to be safe. He'd been a huge inspiration to Dean, almost an idol, he'd taught him it wasn't about revenge, didn't have to be about revenge or hatred, that he could do it to help people, to save them.

And now he was dead.

Caleb gazed at the heart broken youth before him, who was sandwiched in between himself and Tony. Both men wrapped an arm around the youngest, Tony only hesitating a moment before catching Caleb's slight nod of approval at the gesture, realizing words were not welcome for now, and sat in silence.

Caleb pulled a thermos out, took off the lid and emptied some of the hot water into it before dropping a cloth sachet of what appeared to be mixed herbs into it he'd taken from a jacket pocket, letting it infuse. After a few minutes, the water had cooled and the herbs had mingled with the water, Caleb took the now soaked sachet out and pushed the mug into the youth's hands, urging him quietly to drink, saying it would help. Numb, Dean did so, slowly finishing off the tepid water before placing the mug back down and staring at it.

Slowly but surely, Dean fell asleep; his face still etched in sorrow but losing some of the harshness the sudden news had given it. Caleb made it so he was comfortable; resting against him like a child would with a parent. The older man grimaced at the thought, anger washing over him when John had announced during their short phone call he wouldn't come. Sometimes, I want to rip that bastard's head off for how much he screwed the kid over, Caleb thought, not for the first time regretting he hadn't been in Dean's life sooner. Sammy'd always had his big brother's protection, whether he knew it or not, but Dean...Dean was the go-between, the caretaker, and though he'd never see it like that, the doormat both father and brother trod on to get their way.

His eyes turned colder at the direction his thoughts were taking before he mentally shook himself and addressed the leader of the group.

"So," he started quietly, not wanting to wake Dean until he'd talked with these people, "mind telling me what the kid's been up to and why he's being housed with Feds?"

And so begun the explanations. Gibbs detailed how they found out about Dean, and filled the man in on what had happened afterwards, including cataloguing Dean's numerous injuries and the like, making Caleb feel better about drugging the kid, but worse about piling more crap onto him, yet knowing the kid appreciated that at least someone was gunning for him in a good way.

Caleb sighed aloud. Trust the kid to always want to help people. It was a big part of why Caleb, along with others who actually knew Dean, admired the kid. "So that's what it was. No wonder the kid looked tired already, and I just added to it all," he said quietly. "Kid's got the shittiest deal in life I've seen yet," he murmured quietly, looking at his friend. Dean was almost a younger brother to him. After all, someone needed to look after the kid, because it was clear as day he'd never do it himself.

Gibbs took the last statement into consideration before enquiring about Dean. Finally he had someone he could ask about the kid's background.

Caleb contemplated what to say. It seemed the older man truly did care what happened to Dean, and it was obvious the others were also concerned. But on the other hand, he also didn't want to let them know anything Dean wouldn't want them to. How to go about this?

Cautiously, he asked, "How much do you know already?" and proceeded to hear a shortened version of the 'facts' the team had managed to rustle up, knowing he'd have to correct some things at least to give them a better understanding of things. He watched the group as each added in some things, and identified Tony as the one Dean would relate to the most so far, though clearly he'd almost adopted the slightly older McGee as a substitute for Sam.

"Okay, for starters, that house fire...it wasn't natural and it sure as hell wasn't an electrical fault," Caleb said, filling them in about the demon and what he knew from the little John and some others had told him.

After adding some other small but key details into understanding the enigma that was Dean Winchester just a little better, Caleb asked if they had any questions.

"Yeah," Tony said softly, "Who was Pastor Jim to Dean? And what happened, really?"

Caleb sighed, knowing he'd have to answer. "Pastor Jim was...slaughtered by some demon, crucified in his own church. I don't know how they got onto sacred ground like that, but they did. And no, Missy, they didn't have human help, we checked and double-checked. Plus there were traces of sulfur all around. Bastards must have thought it fitting irony that Jim was nailed to the cross. He lived in Minnesota, had a parish there, and one hell of an armament in the basement of his church that could rival any Hunter's home base. Hell, it was home base for a lot of us hunters. Like some other places around, hunters were always welcome. Jim always tried to help as much as he could. He was a damned good guy, and those bastards paid dearly for their little act," the older man growled before sighing again, looking at Dean softly.

"You got it then?" Kate asked quietly, and Caleb nodded.

"Yeah. John left the boys there a fair bit on longer hunts. It was one of the few places the kid was allowed to have some freedom of his own. Almost anywhere else he was always on guard, always 'watching Sammy', looking after the runt of a kid, not that he'd ever mind. One thing this kid loves most is his family," Caleb finished.

"The how come he's on his own now?" Kate asked.

Caleb shifted, looking uncomfortable, and promptly changed the topic. Gibbs noted the man's suppressed anger, but let it slide. It was something he'd ask about later, in private.

A while later Caleb had finished answering their questions, and the team, now briefed on many aspects of a hunter's life were getting ready to head back, though Dean was still asleep.

"Any of you know where Dean's staying?" Caleb asked as he hoisted the younger man in question up bridal-style. It was a little awkward but the best way to carry him when he was down for the count.

Gibbs nodded. "With me."

Caleb nodded thoughtfully. "Mind calling it a day then? The sedative I gave him should keep him out for a while, and he looks like he could use it," Caleb said, walking back to the car. McGee had picked up Caleb's bag and Thermos, eyeing the sachet with curiosity. "You know herbology then?" he asked, intrigued.

Caleb nodded. "A bit. So does Dean, for that matter. Healing, sedatives, hunting-related things. It kinda comes with the territory. Can't always get access to supplies without raising too many eyebrows."

"He been trained as a field medic?" Gibbs asked, earning odd glances from his team. How could he? It's not like he'd been in the forces.

Again, Caleb nodded, surprising the others. "Yeah, he has. Does finer sutures than any doc I've met. Stitched me up more'n a dozen times. Why?"

"Ducky mentioned something about his level of knowledge," Gibbs stated offhandedly, then added, "Ducky's our M.E."

"Ahh." Caleb nodded. "Do you want to go back to HQ now, pick up your cars? Actually, the kid would never forgive me for leaving his baby there, that's for sure," Caleb chuckled. "In fact, he'd pitch a fit."

That statement caused everyone to laugh. They'd all seen how protective Dean was of his 'baby'.

"Better off going back to Headquarters. Abby'll be wondering where we are, Ducky too. You may as well meet them then. Tony?"

"Yeah Boss?" Tony asked, excitement lacing his voice, guessing what was coming.

"You ok to drive Winchester's car to my place?"

"Yeah Boss!"

Kate laughed at Tony, who'd pumped his arm in the air at his exclamation.

"Keys are in the kid's jacket," Caleb said as he arranged Dean in the back seat with Gibbs. He would've put him in the front, but he wouldn't have been able to stop the kid from sliding while he was driving. Well, not safely really, it was easier this way. With Gibbs on one side, and Kate on the other, Dean was sandwiched neatly, his head leaning onto Gibbs' shoulder, McGee in the far back seat behind Gibbs.

Tony had carefully fished out the keys before climbing into shotgun next to Caleb, who gunned the engine and pulled out of the lot.

By Caleb's smooth handling of the jeep they quickly made it back to NCIS Headquarters. Abby and Ducky, whom McGee had called and filled them in on what had happened, were waiting out there to meet them, standing in the shade of the building.

Pretty soon everyone was organized, having agreed to meet at Gibbs' place for dinner again. Abby crawled into the car where Dean was slumped, still sleeping (what was in that tea?) and cooed.

"Awww, he looks so cute sleeping," Abby purred quietly, but noticed how he also looked sad. "Is he gonna be ok?" she whispered to Caleb who was standing at the car door. She hadn't had a chance to talk with the man, but she was better than most at reading people, and by far one of, if not the most emotive and empathetic people in the 'team'. She watched the way he glanced at the younger man, the protective stance, and smiled to herself.

Caleb smiled sadly. "Yeah," he answered, silently adding, 'I hope so'. "Kid should be fine."

Abby grinned before turning and walking inside to a couch in the living room, making herself comfortable, taking out a book. Gibbs had agreed to stop by apartments and let those who were coming before dinner, namely Abby, grab some things.

Ducky left in his car, having to go home and arrange further care for his elderly mother, and soon McGee, Gibbs and Abby piled back into the jeep, Tony following in the Impala. They made a pit stop at both Abby and Tony's places, letting the pair gather an overnight bag and whatever they'd need. Apparently Gibbs' house was turning into 'camp' for his team. He grumbled a little, but truthfully, he didn't mind a bit.

It was fun having all 'his kids' as Ducky had put it once, in one place. Even if they were the most dysfunctional, unlikely family ever.

He hadn't had that in a long time.

Finally they arrived at Gibbs' house, the cars pulling into the drive and the team piling out. Caleb roused Dean gently, waking the younger man up before entering the house together, Gibbs motioning them to the couch.

Tony raised a brow when Dean just leant against the man and closed his eyes again, Caleb shifting to make the move more comfortable for him. "You okay Dean?" he asked softly. "Need me to tape those ribs of yours?"

Dean shook his head, not opening his eyes. "Tony wrapped them for me. Did a good job," he added, smiling in the older man's direction.

Caleb raised a brow at the other man. "High praise indeed," he muttered. "Kid always bitches about mine being too tight or too loose."

Tony questioned Caleb briefly on the herbal mix he'd used, and the effects of it, namely the existence of any side-effects. "There aren't any, really, not like your normal meds. Can't afford to be loopy on a hunt because you're still wound up from something you took the night before. Generally after some good sleep, the sedative part wears off, evening out into a simple relaxant/pain relieving effect."

Gibbs smiled at Tony briefly before turning to Caleb. "Remind me to get some of that stuff would you?" he asked.

"Uh, sure?"

Dinner that evening was a rather relaxed atmosphere despite the circumstances with which they were brought together, conversation flowing with ease around the table, as though all present were old friends getting together for a simple meal and a good time. Dean had composed himself once more, his good humor returning, though sadness was still obvious in his eyes.

Gibbs had been worried when Dean had seemingly pushed his grief aside, returning to 'normal' so quickly through dinner, but after a quick chat with Caleb he'd accepted the younger man had a different way with dealing with things and left it at that.

Dean stood from where he, McGee, Tony, Abby and Kate had been talking and walked over to the three older men, standing by Caleb when he arrived.

Caleb smirked, turning to Dean with raised brows. "You'll never believe it," he said ambiguously.

Dean raised a brow, used to this game from years of practice. "Oh? Try me," he said, motioning with his hands.

"Gibbs here called Missouri," the older man stated, ruining the 'serious' effect with sniggering.

Dean turned to the older man, "Is that true?" he asked incredulously. Of all the people to contact to check up on him... "She didn't manage to somehow hit you with a wooden spoon through the phone did she?" he asked.

Gibbs laughed a little, shaking his head. "No," he drawled, "but I did get the impression she would. She also said if you kept getting yourself 'all battered up' she'd paddle your behind," the older man smirked.

Dean turned a new shade of red at that. Damn that woman. He loved Missouri dearly, but the psychic was possibly the most trying person he knew outside of his family. And she still managed to scare the crap out of him and treat him like he was five years old.

He'd rarely seen her since John's initial visits to her house, unwilling to step foot near the place that had torn his four-year-old world apart, but she'd visited when he was only a state or two over.

Every time after each visit, he swore he'd never live with a psychic. You couldn't get away with anything.

NOTES: Don't forget, there's a one shot for the first one to guess where 'Way To Kill' (the title of the story) comes from. Please leave thoughts and comments in a review. I always try to reply, and appreciate the time you take to do so.