Two weeks later…

Sam and Dean had left the bunker to search for food and supplies. The Croatoans – or whatever they were – that had been hounding their door had eventually found another target or had lost interest. Either way, they were gone. This had been the first time they had left the bunker since the outbreak had begun. It was an odd mixture of frightening and refreshing for the brothers. They had been dealing with cabin fever, but venturing into an outside world where you could be attacked by an unknown and violent creature was terrifying. It was difficult for them to enjoy the great outdoors when they constantly had to worry about a horde of freaks.

Dean drove the Impala slowly into town. While he loved his car, he cursed how loud the engine was. Before the news stopped broadcasting, they had heard reports that one of the things the creatures were attracted to was sound. This was the first time Dean had ever thought that owning a Prius would have been a good thing – that, and the fantastic gas mileage. That was another downside of his vehicle; it was a real gas-guzzler.

He eased the Impala into an empty parking spot close to the grocery store's front door. He cut the engine and he and Sam climbed out of the car, both taking care in shutting their respective doors as quietly as they could. Sam and Dean both looked around the deserted parking lot, checking for Croatoans or other survivors. A piece of newspaper blew across the parking lot like tumbleweed in the wind, a few abandoned cars in various different states sat in the parking lot. The cars gave Dean an uneasy feeling. Why are those cars still parked here? Are their owners inside? Are they alive or are they…one of those things? He asked himself, a machete in hand.

Dean made eye contact with Sam, nodded his head, and headed for the door. The automatic door didn't open upon their appearing in front of it, something both men were thankful for. They both took a moment to look through the glass into the store, to see if there were any threats inside; both men stealing glances around them to make sure they hadn't been joined by anyone else, living or dead. When they determined the coast was clear, they pried the doors open and headed inside, their hearts pounding in their chest.

Loki had sought refuge in that very same grocery store. He had disguised himself as a teenage boy as he left Lawrence. He didn't have to worry about being attacked by one of his own creations; he was immune to them and their disease. He just had to disguise himself to hide from his brother and the rest of Asgard; and who would give a ride to him in his traditional garb? He could have easily teleported himself to his present location, but driving through the wreckage seemed so much more fun. His last ride had gotten him as far as Lebanon when he was suddenly attacked by one of his creations – much to his delight.

He had heard the roar of a car engine pull into the grocery store's parking lot. Carefully, Loki peered out the window from his position in the back of the store. He saw a car that looked very familiar to him and once he caught sight of the driver, he was pleasantly surprised that his little friend had survived so far. Quickly, Loki morphed into his past disguise as the beautiful and svelte woman that Dean had first met.

"Let's get in, get what we need, and get out of here," Dean whispered. "I'll take this aisle, you go down that one."

"Maybe we should stick together," Sam suggested.

"This store isn't that big."

Dean made his way down an aisle, looking for something, anything, to eat that was still good. Canned food, boxed food, MREs, anything. He saw a few stray cans strewn around on the shelf and started to examine them, throwing the good ones in his backpack and leaving the bad ones behind. In between his hunt for supplies, he kept an ever-watchful eye out for any changes or new people. He turned to start heading toward the back of the store when a figure caught his eye. Dean jumped and let out a sound of fright.

Realizing who it was, Dean instantly relaxed a bit. "You scared the shit out of me!" He exclaimed in a loud whisper. He could hear Sam's footsteps running toward them.

"Dean!" Sam exclaimed, his weapon raised, a look of uncertainty on his face.

"It's ok, Sammy," Dean said. "…I know her."

The look of uncertainty on Sam's face was replaced by a look that was part confusion, part repulsion. He had a pretty good idea of who she was – that witch that his brother had dealt with, that witch that had saved his life.

"It's that witch, isn't it?" Sam asked with a sneer.

Dean looked at his obstinate little brother with exasperation. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to; Sam was quite adept at reading his body language.

"My name is Lola. You're welcome," Lola said, finally breaking her silence and glaring at Sam. "You two sure could learn a lesson in gratitude. I trust you're well?"

"As well as one can be during the apocalypse," Sam snapped.

"Interesting seeing you here, Lola," Dean stated, firmness in his voice. He thought they had a deal – she would scram once she worked her magic and made Sam better. He hadn't counted on seeing her ever again. Then again, he wasn't counting on the world going down the tubes, either. "What brings you back to town? Or did you ever leave?"

"I was in Lawrence when this all happened," she began, "I was all alone. I didn't know what to do and we all know what happens to the 'rugged loner' in this scenario. You're the only person I know and thought I could trust, Dean."

He didn't look as though he was buying it. Dean Winchester had one hell of a poker face, as far as Loki could tell. He knew he had to sell it just right. Even though he didn't need protection from the monstrous creatures of his design, he needed the protection from Asgard.

"I know we were supposed to go our separate ways after I cured your brother," she continued, "but when this broke out, I didn't know what to do. I can't go back to my family; you know that. My sister will kill me if she finds out I'm no longer a tree."

Dean sighed heavily. He found himself in quite a tough spot. He looked at his brother, who was still standing behind Lola, and caught his glare. He knew he couldn't make this decision without Sam being on board, but he didn't like the idea of just leaving her on her own because she was a witch.

"I need to talk this over with my brother," he finally said. He motioned with his head for Sam to follow him.

Loki watched as the brothers went down the aisle and toward the front of the store. He felt that Dean would accept him back into the fold, however uneasily. He suspected that it was Sam that was preventing this from happening. He watched the two brothers having what appeared to be a heated discussion. Loki read Sam's body language and it appeared he was resisting to the idea of letting him join with them. Carefully, Loki began to control Sam's mind – just a bit. Just enough to ensure Sam would eventually capitulate without Dean – or Sam himself – ever realizing what had transpired.

After a few minutes of tense discussion, Dean and Sam returned to their acquaintance. Both Winchesters appeared annoyed, their irritation for different reasons.

"All right, you can join us," Dean said, his voice stern. "But any funky business and you're not going to have to worry about us kicking you to the curb. You'll have to worry about something worse."

Lola simply nodded her head in agreement. Loki didn't feel like overdoing it. He decided appearing docile and frightened by the idea of "something worse" just the right touch.

"We need to stock up on supplies. Any food, batteries, candles – anything you think would be useful, grab," Dean ordered, as brushed by Lola quickly, continuing on in his mission.

Loki found an errant shopping basket and began throwing what looked to be useful in it. When he was certain neither Winchester was looking at him, he smiled to himself. His plan had worked.