Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

The Play's the Thing

Chapter 12 – Once more Into the Breach

Previously…

"It was a tactical mistake—they found him the same way I found Dean." Cas shook his head. "A simple mistake and now there is much at risk. Sam is too weak to fight Lucifer. If they get him, Dean will have no choice but to say yes and the war will begin."

"Damn it all to Hell, you could have given us a little more warning. Whose side are you on anyway?" Bobby groused as he began to grab things and throw them in the duffle bags. "Well don't just stand there, go next door and grab my stuff. Dean is on his way back and we can leave. We'll head to my place, Sam will be safe there."

Now…

Dean looked in the rearview mirror and smiled as he saw his brother's head lying against the angel's shoulder. Cas had his usual stoic look and yet there was a glimmer of concern in the blue eyes. To say that he had been freaked out to find Cas in the hotel room when he returned with a warning that demons were on the way to collect Sam was an understatement.

It had only taken them a few minutes to pack up and leave. At one point he had even toyed with having Cas take Sam ahead to the panic room, but his brother had nixed the idea. The fear and loathing he saw in his sibling's gaze was enough to have him reconsider. After all the last time Sam had been there, he'd gone through detox. He couldn't blame Sam.

Bobby was sitting beside him, a shotgun in his lap as he gazed out the window. They weren't sure how close the demons had gotten, but if they came the hunters would be ready. As much as he hated the idea of facing them so soon, he knew eventually they would have to. The problem was, how would Sam react?

He glanced back again, his teeth pulling on his lower lip as he saw his brother's face twitch in a grimace before Cas reached over and touched his forehead lightly. His brother wasn't ready for this trip much less ready to fend off the monsters who were after him. Blue eyes caught green for a moment as Dean nodded his thanks to the angel for staying with them.

"Do you think they will follow us?" Dean asked quietly as he held the angel's gaze.

"I think Lucifer knows Sam is vulnerable right now and will do what he needs to do to get your brother under his control. We need the colt…"

"The colt?" Bobby piped in as he glanced back at the Angel. "I thought Bella sold it?"

"As I told Dean, the word is that she did not sell it but gave it to one of Lilith's followers. We have to find the demon who has it and get it back if we want to defeat Lucifer."

"And I told you we would look for it as soon as Sam is feeling better. Besides, I'm still not convinced it wasn't destroyed. It doesn't make sense that the demons would keep it around knowing it could kill their leader." Dean sighed as he pressed down harder on the accelerator. "We'll be at Bobby's in a couple of hours, we can discuss what needs to be done once we get Sam safe."

"No, I won't let you…" Sam mumbled as his eyes blinked open briefly before closing again.

"Hold on Sammy, we'll get you someplace where you can rest." Dean said softly.

Cas frowned for a moment at he gazed at Sam. "He is under attack…"

Bobby sighed and nodded. "Lucifer is getting to him?"

"Yes, he can reach Sam through his dreams and your brother is fighting but I sense…"

Cas paused and frowned.

"What? Come on Cas, it's time to share with the class. What's wrong with Sam?" Dean couldn't help the cold dread that filled his stomach.

"Your brother is giving up Dean." Cas shook his head sadly. "And if he does, all will be lost…"

"Can he get to Sam in the panic room? Would Sam be safe from him there?" Dean asked quietly as his guilt spiked. His brother was giving up because of him and he knew it. So far they hadn't been able to talk as his brother was out of it most of the time. He glanced at Bobby and saw his own worry reflected on his friends face.

"I do not believe he can, but his servants will guess where we are going. It won't be long before they arrive to take what they want." Cas said quietly.

"I said no…I won't go with you…have to…have to kill me…" Sam pushed himself up and struggled as Cas reached to grab him. "No! let me go…have to get away! Dean!"

Dean pulled the car over to the side of the road and jumped from the front seat just as Sam managed to get the door open and fall out onto the side of the road. He rushed around and grabbed his brother by the shoulder. "Sammy! Calm down, you're safe!"

Hazel eyes blinked and looked up at Dean. The despair and hopelessness in them made the older Winchester's eyes fill while he tried to gather his brother to him. But Sam shook his head and pushed back. "Sssorry…not strong enough. You need to let me go Dean—I'll only get you all killed."

Dean caught his brother as his knees gave out and gently lowered him to the ground. "You promised to stay with me Sam and I'm holding you to it."

"Why?" Sam asked softly, his long bangs now hiding his eyes from his brother's view.

Dean took a deep breath as he noticed the defeated slump of his brother's shoulders. He wanted to tell Sam it would be okay, but how could he? So he told him the only thing he could think of. "Because you're my pain in the ass little brother and I won't let you go. We face this together and if we fail, we fail together…"

He could feel his brother shiver even though he could feel the heat of fever through his brother's clothing. They had to get him some place where he could heal. "We'll talk about this later, I promise Sammy. It will be okay, no come on, let's get you back into the car."

"He's going to win isn't he…" Sam said softly as he allowed Dean to pull him to his feet and guide him towards the car.

"No, he isn't and you know why?" Dean said as lowered Sam back onto the seat.

Sam glanced up at him, the question clearly in his eyes as he allowed himself to be put back into the car. Cas reached over and pulled Sam further inside. Dean leaned in and placed a hand on Sam's shoulder. "Because you're too damn strong to let him." The older man held his brother's gaze and let him see the faith he had in him. Sam shook his head and smiled softly as he let his head fall back against the back seat.

"Bobby's right—you both belong in the looney bin…" Sam whispered as his eyes blinked a few times before closing again.

Dean patted his brother's shoulder. "We'll be at Bobby's soon and then you can rest Sam. We won't let them get you."

"I know Dean…" Sam whispered without opening his eyes. Dean caught the worried looks that both Cas and Bobby directed at him. As he stood he took a brief look back before he squared his shoulders and got back into the front seat. This was something he was good at, he might not be able to stop the Apocalypse, but he could take care of Sam. Bobby had been right, it wasn't up to Dean to prevent what might happen, but it was on him to make sure that Sam didn't have to face whatever was ahead alone.

The rest of the trip went without incident as Sam remained asleep and the others stayed silent. Each occupant of the car was lost in their own thoughts. As Dean turned towards the long driveway that led to Bobby's house he paused; something didn't feel right. Before he could voice his concern, Cas spoke.

"They are here…"

"Well thanks for that announcement Carol Anne! Damn it—we need to get Sam into the panic room." Before Dean could say another word he heard the soft sound of his brother's gasp before Cas and Sam disappeared from the back seat. "Damn it! We really need to get that man a bell."

Dean pulled the car just inside Bobby's gate and parked it behind a stack of rusted cars. He gazed over at Bobby and sighed. There was no way they would be able to sneak Bobby past the demons in his wheelchair. He could see his concern reflected in his old friends eyes.

"Jest leave me here yah idjit. You need to see to that brother of yours." Bobby ground out as Dean continued to glance towards the house.

"Not going to happen Bobby. At least we don't have to worry about Sam—but now we need to figure out how to get ourselves inside…" Dean saw Bobby jump as Cas appeared by the passenger door. The door was opened and before the old hunter could make a comment, he disappeared along with Cas.

"Looks like we're taking Angel Express…" Dean muttered as he exited the car and quickly pulled Bobby's chair from the trunk while he loaded a bag with the weapons they might need. He had no idea how many demons were hanging around, but they needed to make sure they had enough to fight their way out if need be. Before he could stand back up, Cas returned.

"I don't suppose you give frequent flyer miles?" Dean asked as Cas reached his hand towards his head. Before he could move he felt the tug followed by the disorientation as he tried to keep his stomach under control. One minute he was standing behind the Impala and the next he was in Bobby's panic room. The hunter shook his head and smiled as he saw Bobby sitting in a chair next to Sam who now lay on the cot in the room. Cas stood off to the side with his head cocked.

"Do you know how many?" Dean asked as he rolled the chair over to Bobby and removed the bag of weapons from the seat. He watched at Bobby transferred to his wheel chair only to move back towards his brother. Sam was still out for the count, his breaths a little too shallow for Dean's comfort, but first they had to deal with the threat.

Cas walked over and looked down at Sam. "More are coming. I could take you someplace else after I've rested a bit…" Dean noticed that Cas seemed to be swaying slightly. Evidently three trips by Angel Air had drained the messenger of God.

"We can't keep running Cas. You said they were after Sam because he was weak?" Dean glanced down at his brother and frowned as he saw the hint of fever on his brother's pale cheeks. "By weak you don't mean physically do you?"

Cas nodded. "Your brother carries a great weight and it is crushing him. His spirit is tired and Lucifer can sense it. He has been speaking to your brother and while so far Sam has resisted, I am not sure how much longer he will be able to deny the dark angel what he seeks."

"Then you don't know my brother. You and your Angel buddies have always underestimated him. Hell even I have." Dean walked over and sat beside his sibling. He sighed as he gently pushed the sweat soaked hair from Sam's forehead. "I keep treating him like he's broken but the truth is, he's stronger than any of us."

Cas looked down at the sleeping man and shook his head. "You misunderstand me Dean. I speak of the human condition in general. There has never been a human who has been able to resist Lucifer once he decides to entice them with his empty promises. He will find a way to break through, it is only a matter of time."

"Well thank you for that lovely ray of sunshine! Now if we are through giving up before we've started, how about you two idjits try to figure out how to get rid of our friends upstairs so we can get this boy in a decent bed." Bobby growled as he glanced at the door. "Oh and while you're at it, one of you geniuses will need to figure out how to get me up the damn stairs—I didn't build no ramp into the basement!"

Dean grinned at his old friends antics. Sometimes Bobby did have a way of simplifying a situation. "Cas, I know you're running kind of low on angel juice, but do you think you can do something about the infection that is causing his fever? We need him to be conscious and not delirious."

Cas nodded and moved next to Sam. He took a deep breath and placed his hand over Sam's chest, breathing slowly in and out as a slight glow enveloped the youngest Winchester. A moment later a soft gasp was heard as Sam woke. Dean moved forward and took Cas's place, his hand settled on Sam's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Take it easy Sammy. Cas just used some of his mojo to help you get over the fever."

"Where? What?" Sam whispered as he licked cracked lips. Dean jumped as a glass of water was put in his hand. He glanced up and smiled as Cas went to stand next to the door.

"I think I'll go have a look to see how many have arrived. I shall return shortly." Cas said before he disappeared.

Dean heard a soft groan as Sam pushed himself up. "We're at Bobby's—is he…did Lucifer find us?"

"No just a few of his hench men. But we're safe and if necessary, Cas can blink us out of here. Hey you think he can get us as far as Vegas?" Dean noticed the small grin tugging at his brother's lips.

"Only if you want to spend the day explaining the lure of the one armed bandit." Sam replied as he managed to sit up on the edge of the cot. His brother glanced around for a moment and Dean didn't miss the slight shiver that went through his sibling's frame. Cas had managed to heal the worst of what ailed the youngest Winchester, but Sam was still injured and not ready for this fight. Unfortunately, the evil sons of bitches didn't get the memo to give them time to recoup.

"I'm sorry about bringing you back here, but it was the only place that I was sure you'd be safe Sammy." Dean said quietly and he saw the fear and loathing in his brother's eyes. He knew Sam was remembering what had happened the last time he was here. He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and squeezed it.

"So now that we have made our introductions, how about you two ladies help me figure out a way to get rid of our unwanted guests. I don't know about you, but there ain't no beer down here and believe me you don't want to even think about eatin' the food." Bobby remarked as he wheeled over towards the door.

"There is a way…" Sam said quietly

Dean looked down and shook his head. Sam didn't need to say anything, he could read it in his eyes. "No way Sam. You're not going to go out there and give yourself over to them."

"It would be easier Dean. I mean, even if I say yes—which I'm not saying I would, but even if that happened, you and Bobby could find the colt and kill both of us. That would end everything…" Sam said as he slowly stood and walked towards the door.

"You're right—it would end everything." Dean said quietly. He watched as both Sam and Bobby turned to look at him. "Because after I killed you—I'd turn the gun on myself."

He watched as Sam swallowed before hazel eyes looked up to lock with his own. "Look, I know you heard some things Sammy and I'd be lying if I said I've figured everything out. But I know two things. You're my brother and no matter what happens nothing will ever change that. I also know you're too damn stubborn to give up. It's one of the traits that makes you—well you. Besides, who is going to irritate me on those long road trips if you go play with Lucy and his gang?"

"But Dean, you can't trust me…" Sam ground out as he gazed over towards the cot. The restraints from the last time they were here were still attached. "I can't trust me…" his brother said softly.

"That's true Sammy. I don't know if I can trust you to be able to resist drinking more demon blood any more than I can trust Bobby here from drinking a whole bottle of Jack. But I do know that you both will always have my back and I'll have yours. Which means, I'll be the one to kick you in the rear end if you stray from the straight and narrow." Dean paused and moved closer to Sam. He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and pulled him closer. "And it also means that I hunt with no one else because no one else is as good as my pain in the ass little brother."

He stood and let Sam look into his eyes. After a few moments, he saw the spark that had been missing reappear along with the slight grin to the too pale face. He pulled his brother into a brief hug before he stepped back. A moment later the sound of angel wings filled the room.

"There is only a small contingent. Perhaps he is merely testing our resolve?" Cas said quietly as he glanced at the men in the room. It was clear he was puzzled by the change in the atmosphere as both brother's stood side by side smiling at him. "Did I miss something?"

"Just two idjits finally getting it right…" Bobby groused. "Now how about we get rid of the demons cause it's been a long time since I hit the can!"

"Why would you want to hit a can?" Cas started but stopped as Sam and Dean both chuckled.

"So how many are out there Cas?" Sam said after both men finally were able to contain their mirth.

"There are only six and it doesn't sound like there are more coming. I heard them say they were simply to observe until they get further orders." Cas pulled out the angel killing blade and walked towards the door.

"So, what's the plan?" Dean asked as he reached into the bag and pulled out the demon blade. He handed it to Sam before he pulled out his favorite gun and a bottle of holy water. He noticed Sam's look as he glanced down at the blade. It would mean his brother would get in close contact. Dean shrugged. They were going to meet up with demons more often. If Sam was going to have trouble, they needed to know it sooner rather than later.

"We kill them before they kill us." Cas replied as he opened the door and walked through.

"A man of action—I like that!" Dean said as he followed the angel out the door. Sam turned towards Bobby as if he was waiting for permission to leave.

"Go on Sam. The sooner you get them out of here, the sooner I can get back upstairs." Bobby said as he wheeled forward and patted the young hunter on the arm. "Make sure you kill one for me kid."

Dean smiled as he heard the exchange. A moment later Sam was behind him as they climbed the stairs. The all stopped at the front door and gazed outside. There was no sign of the demons. "You sure they're out there?"

Cas paused for a moment and cocked his head before he replied. "I am sure. They are not together any longer however."

"I have an idea…" Sam said quietly before looking down at the floor. Dean realized his brother expected him to disagree. He sighed as he glanced back out the window. He could guess what his brother was going to suggest and he also knew it would go against his number one objective, keep Sammy safe. But he also knew if he didn't handle this right, the little talk they just had would be forgotten and Sam would revert back to hiding from him.

"So what's your plan Sam?" Dean asked. He almost laughed at the look of disbelief on his brother's face. Of course, it also showed how much damage had been done to his brother's confidence. When had he stopped listening to Sam's ideas? The boy had more than proved himself an excellent hunter. The answer was one he didn't really want to investigate right now. Instead he'd back Sam's play.

"Ah…well, if they are just supposed to observe. Why don't I give them something to look at? Then when they get close…" Sam looked down, biting his lower lip as he stopped talking.

"Bait? You want to put yourself out at bait?" Dean felt his protective instincts kick in but one look at his brother's slumped shoulders changed his mind. He was right, he had to let Sam start making some of the decisions. Besides, if he were honest with himself, the plan might work.

"Fine, but you let Cas and I get into position first. Cas can you also get Bobby up here? He can move around inside so that they don't suspect we are outside." Dean modified Sam's plan slightly and was surprised when his brother smiled. "Oh and Sam, if you get hurt—I'm gonna kick your ass from here to Sunday—got it?"

"Yes Sir!" Sam replied as he hid the knife and stood by the door.

"Dang it! I said I didn't want to be teleported you idjit!" Bobby's voice filled the small room as Cas arrived with the irate hunter.

"Bobby, can it for now. We need you to help with the distraction." Dean walked over and filled Bobby in on what he needed him to do. He then looked at Cas before taking a deep breath. "You think you can zap us outside after Sam gets them all out in the open?"

Cas nodded slowly. "I believe I can."

"Good. So Sammy, you ready to play the lead in the new play?" Dean saw his brother's puzzled look. "You know, the Winchester rendition of 'Shootout at the Okay Corral'—I get to play Wyatt and you can be Virgil…"

"So what does that make Bobby?" Sam said with a small smirk

"Why Doc Holliday of course!" Dean answered without a pause.

"How about you idjits get a move on before I find my six shooter…" Bobby said as he rolled closer to the door.

Sam shook his head and moved towards the door. He glanced at Bobby for a moment before he opened the door and staggered outside. The oldest Winchester knew his brother really didn't have to act that much as it was clear his injuries were still bothering him. The way his brother held his injured arm close and pressed his lower abdomen reminded him once again that his sibling was far from being healed. He watched as Sam paused and grasped the railing as if he was too weak to stay upright before he stumbled down the stairs. It took everything Dean had in him to keep himself from running out to catch his brother before he fell.

"Cas, it's time…" Dean didn't get a chance to finish his sentence before the familiar tug warned him that he was on his way outside.

"Get back in here you idjit! DEAN, get your ass up here—he's gotten outside!" Bobby called back into the now empty house. He slammed the door shut and wheeled towards the window to watch the proceedings.

Sam stumbled further into the yard and promptly fell to his knees, his gaze traveled around the yard for a moment before with a soft groan, he collapsed onto the ground. A moment later Bobby saw six shadowy forms emerge from various points in the junk yard.

The old hunter pulled up his shot gun and got ready to at least try to protect his boy's backs should they need it. "Damn idjits…" He muttered as once again he found himself on the sidelines when every instinct in him shouted at him to join the fight. After another moment without any sign of Dean or Cas, Bobby shook his head and opened the door.

"Hey! You guys want to play, come and get me!" Bobby shouted as he shot the nearest demon who had gotten to Sam.

Dean shook his head as he saw Bobby on the front porch shooting at the demons as they approached his brother. The old man may be tethered to the chair, but he wasn't out of the fight. After riding Angel Express he had found himself hidden behind one of the old wrecks with Cas at his side.

The angel had already pulled his angel blade as he watched the proceedings. Dean was started as Cas handed the deadly weapon to him. "I don't need a blade to send them back…" the angel whispered as he motioned for Dean to follow him.

Meanwhile two of the demons had reached Sam. Bobby's shot had stopped the one for the moment but the other managed to get right next to the downed man. As one of the meatsuits pulled back his leg to kick the injured hunter, a long arm grabbed the possessed man's leg and flipped him onto his back. Dean smiled as he watched Sam surged up to face the other demons. The demon blade was pulled from its hiding spot as the youngest Winchester glared at the remaining demons while they advanced.

"Come on Cas, time to join the fun!" Dean whispered as he hurried towards his brother.

TBC

Raven524: Only one more chapter to go in this story. Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews and kind words.