After the holy-water attack, Ruby recovered enough to pull over, still smoking the entire time. Neither of the brother's took their eyes off of the demon the entire time. Sam practically jumped out of the car the moment it stopped, everyone else hot on his tail with Ruby making sure to keep her distance from the other three, eyes hawk-like in their continuous surveying.

"Sam," Dean began, an apology amongst other things on the tip of his tongue, but Sam was grabbing Castiel at the collar, yanking him towards the car door. Dean stepped forward to intervene but blue eyes locked onto him, disarming him. He supposed Sam deserved this.

"Where did you take her? What did you do?" the youngest Winchester yelled, blinking back the moisture forming in his eyes, hands vibrating with fury and heart beating so fast, every breath sending fear ricocheting through his body.

"Woah, hey," Dean pulled his brother away from the bewildered angel. "Sam!" he shouted, shaking his brother's shoulders to get his attention away from the angel. "It's not Cas. He didn't do it. Trust me."

"What the hell is he?" Sam asked, deflating only enough to grip onto Dean's forearms and cast shady looks at the angel.

"I'm Castiel, an angel of the lord."

The look Sam shot him would have been priceless in any other circumstance but they didn't have time. There was a demon five feet away from them, slowly edging back further with each reveal of information.

"It's true. He's like a guardian angel or some shit like that," he added when Castiel frowned.

"He's doing a shit job."

"We're working on it."

"Why are you associating yourself with demon scum?" Castiel asked, eyes trained on Ruby, stilling her where she stood.

"What? I didn't do it!" She narrowed her eyes, turning to Sam and pleading. "Sam come on, we don't have time for this. I know where they have your daughter. We need to hurry."

"And just how do you expect us to believe anything you say?" Dean asked worried at his brother's silence.

"Look, if I wanted to get Sam or his daughter I'd have done it already."

"What have you got to gain?"

"Sam!" She pleaded. "We need to go. You know me. I know Rose, she's too young for all this stuff. Please."

"No way –"

"Okay," Sam agreed, silencing his brother dead. "Let's go."

"Sammy think this through -"

"I am," he yelled. "I don't know this angel from Adam. How do I know he's not one of them?"

"I know!"

"That's not good enough! She's my daughter!"

"Look," Ruby said finally coming forwards. "Yeah, I lied. Yeah, I'm a demon. But believe me or not, I want to help you. I know their plan, okay? Heard all about it, but I didn't want in. So I've put my neck on the line ever since I bumped into you in that grocery store almost a year ago to protect you. Gain your trust so I could make sure those sons of bitches didn't harm the kid. I screwed up. They got her and almost killed your big bro here before I could stop them. They must have figured I was onto them. But I know where to find them, Sam. And for the record, I was driving the right way," she scowled at Dean and Castiel, "Until they almost caused a car crash. We'd have got to her by now."

Sam stared at the demon for a while, figuring everything out. He remembered all the times they'd spent together. Never dates, because she had been so understanding of his situation. She'd been so good with Rose too. But it all made sense. Every time Sam invited her to his home, she'd declined politely. Most likely because she wouldn't be able to walk through the front door. The one thing that stopped him filling her with led is she'd had ample opportunity and never done a thing. It didn't make sense but they were out of time.

"Dammit, Sam!" Dean snapped, grabbing his brother's shoulder and pulling him towards Castiel. Sam shook him off, looking back at Ruby. "Cas knows the way!"

"So does Ruby, let's just go together, okay?"

"This isn't a good idea," Castiel said dully only for it to be ignored by the demon and youngest Winchester who were already sliding back into the car.

"Sam," Dean raised an eyebrow, "We don't need the car. Got ourselves a teleporter."

The eldest Winchester nodded towards Castiel, who stood silently, unmoving as ever, eyes still locked on the demon.

"Please," Ruby muttered, but was swiftly ignored. Castiel approached Sam, extending his arm and placing his hand on the young father's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Sam," Castiel murmured solemnly, then looked away. "Dean."

"Sorry, Ruby was it?" No room for demons," Dean winked, looking her up and down, "Have fun…being good."

Ruby rolled her eyes and turned away.

"But Dean, she could-" Sam began, but found himself outside some abandoned building. "-help."

"I'm not taking chances, Sammy. For all I know she's on her way to tell the big boss where we are," Dean shoved a small container and rusty petrol can in his brother's hand.

"Holy water, salt. I know you're out of practise but you know what-"

Dean was cut off by a flash of white light from Castiel, both boys had to cover their eyes quickly to shield from the unending light only for it to be cut off just as quickly, leaving them completely in the dark.

"Perfect," Dean muttered, "There goes the guardian angel. Demon must have some serious mojo. Stick with me, Sammy."

"But where is she?" Sam demanded. "We should split up."

"No ways. We have no idea what we're up against," Dean snapped. "Stay with me, Sam."

The younger brother had already started walking away.

"Are you crazy?" Dean hissed, grabbing at his brother's arm. "You have no idea what you're up against."

"I have to find her, Dean!" Sam's voice was desperate. He looked at the floor in defeat, "I can't lose her too."

"You won't, Sammy. I promise. I won't let those sons of bitches touch her. Now c'mon," Dean stared at his brother until he met his eyes. Sam said nothing and began to follow Dean.

"If she's hurt, I'll…" a young, infantile scream cut through Sam brutally and made his heart clench.

"Rose!" he followed the sound and chased it, his mind focused only on his daughter. Dean grabbed his arm and yanked him backwards.

"They want you to follow, genius! It's a trap! Stay put," he ordered sharply.

"They're hurting her, Dean," Sam's eyes were wide, and Dean couldn't help but see the terror in them, identical to years ago. Had the current situation been different, had it been twenty years ago, Dean would have grabbed Sam into a hug and reassured him that it would be okay. Their dad, the superhero, would make it all okay again. But it wasn't like that anymore.

Before Dean could stop him, Sam darted up the stairs and disappeared from view.

"For crying out loud," Dean muttered, going straight after his brother. That was, however, until a familiar figure stepped in front of him. Her cute sundress replaced by a black shirt, paired with a leather jacket and dark jeans. Her brunette locks sat perfectly on her shoulders.

"Ah, good to see you got here safe, Ruby, "Dean sneered, "And you even brought some friends, how adorable," he nodded to the two huge demons flanking her, "Now if you'll excuse me, sweetheart, Dean's got work to do."

"I don't like you, Dean Winchester," Ruby frowned. "Always getting in the way."

"Well, I'm not upset to hear that," Dean smirked. "Now, if you don't mind, my pain in the ass brother is probably about to get himself in trouble."

"And another thing," Ruby continued, raising her hand to shoulder level. "I think you're very rude. When you die, why do you never stay dead?"

With a hideous grin, she twisted her hand, and along with it, Dean's neck. He let out a strangled cry, muffled by the chilling crack of bone, and the hunter collapsed to the floor. The dark haired demon smirked and kicked the lifeless body.

"He'll be useful later," she gestured to the two demons accompanying her, and one slung Dean over his shoulder.

Sam cautiously made his way up the stairs, trying his best to conceal his footsteps as the old metal creaked under his weight but the main thought running through his mind wasn't about the environment but a slow chant yelling at him to get his daughter back. The creaks of the surround floorboards went unnoticed as he moved up the stairs, the low level of light making him squint along the way. He wasn't sure what he was expecting to find at the top of the stairs, but it wasn't the deserted area that he found. It should have made him feel relief, it didn't. The room was empty, except for one object. Rose's stroller.

It was facing away from Sam, but as he approached he could hear her. He would recognise her cries anywhere.

"Rose," he gave up his attempts of silence and ran, finding his helpless little daughter confined tightly to her stroller, so much that her movements were restricted. Sam rushed to release her, his shaking hands hindering him as he pulled at the straps desperately. Rose was finally free, scooped up into her father's arms and held close to his body.

"Dada," she mumbled, her mouth spreading into a smile as she clung to her father's shirt tightly.

"I'm here," Sam murmured; his voice cracking as he spoke. He looked up after a few minutes in realisation. He couldn't stay here, hanging around. He had to get out. Get home with Dean and be safe. Without hesitation, the younger Winchester brother turned tail and ran.

"Dean!" he yelled without thinking, "I got her!"

He ran straight into Ruby, half way down the staircase. The demon managed to keep her balance, her expression hard.

"I'm sorry," Sam gasped. "I have to get out of here."

"Sorry, Sammy, no can do," Ruby's eyes turned black as she forcefully snatched the infant from his arms, throwing him down the remaining steps with a single flick of her wrist. He hit the steps awkwardly, landing at the bottom on his stomach with a groan of pain. After a few seconds for recovery, Sam looked up at the steps to find Ruby and Rose gone.

"No," Sam was angry now, charging up the steps to find Ruby handing his baby daughter to another demon. In an uncontrollable fit of rage, Sam ran to the brunette demon and grabbed her shoulder roughly, forcing her to face him violently. She let out a small cry of surprise, but her face twisted into an agonised scream as holy water made contact with her face.

"I trusted you!" Sam's voice came out as a roar over the shrieks.

"Now, now," a calm voice spoke softly, and Sam looked to see the other demon. One glance was all it took and he knew. Yellow Eyed Demon. Responsible for their mother's death. Before he say anything, he was hurtling through the air and landing onto a pile of something. A little dazed, the younger Winchester scrambled to his feet, only to find he hadn't landed on something. He's landed on someone.

"Dean!" Sam cried, throwing himself down beside his brother's lifeless body. His head was at an awkward angle, while his glazed, hazel eyes bored into his little brother. Hot, angry tears streamed down Sam's cheeks as he held Dean's body close, shaking him despite knowing there was no chance of life. The only Winchester brother's body shook with the force of his cries, and he became oblivious to the situation.

"Sam," Ruby's voice was soft again as she knelt by the grieving brother. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry that had to happen."

Sam turned and shot a glare at him, "You're sorry?"

"Look, Sam. You're special. You're important. We need you. We…Rosie…look, we knew there was no way you'd agree…"

"You are with them!" Sam spat, "I liked you. I wanted to…"

Ruby grabbed his hand, stunning him into silence.

"Then say yes, Sammy," she whispered, her voice sounding so much like Jessica that Sam had to do a double take, "Say yes and everything will be alright. We can be together."

The demon leaned closer, pressing her lips to his with her hand rested on his cheek. He didn't pull away, until his daughter started giggling. Rose was still in the arms of the YED.

"Oh, Sammy. Little Sammy Winchester. I've been waiting for you, boy. A long time."

His eyes turned yellow, and Rose giggled and reached for his face.

"Aw, Rosie Winchester," he cooed softly. "You look just like your mommy. Shame about that."

"Don't talk about her like that," Sam snapped, his heart clenching at the mention of his wife. He was swiftly ignored.

"You want your Daddy to be a hero, don't you, Rosie? If he goes with me, he can be," the demon planted a kiss on the little girl's forehead.

"Just give her back," Sam's voice shook, "Please. Give her back to me. She's all I have, I need her. Please!"

"Da!" Rose said, her eyes wide as she grinned, "Dada!"

She stared at her father happily, reaching for him.

"I'm here…I'm here." Sam's voice cracked, "It's alright, Rosie. Daddy's here. It'll all be okay."

"Oh, Sammy, you're breaking my heart," the demon chided, and Ruby smirked.

"Just give her back!" Sam begged, "I'll do anything. Please!"

The yellow eyed demon grinned, "Well, since you asked so nicely, I'll make you a deal."

"Anything. I just want her back," Sam reached his arms towards Rose feebly.

"You get your daughter back in return for…your help," the yellow eyes narrowed.

Sam frowned, "Help with what?" he said in concern.

"No time for questions, Sam. It'll be easy. I just need something from you."

"Bring Dean back too. I'll do whatever you want, just bring him back. He's my brother," Sam was unsure if he could carry on without his brother's guidance. He'd always been so good with Rose, and encouraged Sam to bond more with Rose. Without Dean, Sam didn't want to imagine how his and Rose's lives would have differed. For one thing, Sam wouldn't have been half the father he was if he hadn't had Dean's support. As well as this, he could have ended up allowing his grief to take over him, probably breaking down.

"Don't push your luck, Winchester," the demon snapped. "Try and bargain again and the deal's off. I have a friend who would enjoy a tasty snack like little Rosie."

"No!" Sam gasped. "No…don't hurt her."

"Then join me, Sam Winchester," the demon smiled. "She'll be just fine."

Sam felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You won't feel a thing, Sam," Ruby said, her voice soft. "We need you."

Sam looked from her to Rose, looking at the wide, blue-green eyes staring at him. He couldn't let anything hurt her. There was no more he could do, especially without Dean.

"Exactly what do I do? What do you want from me?" Sam said quietly, his eyes not leaving Rose's as if in fear that she'd vanish.

"We need your assistance and cooperation," the demon said calmly. "You're special. We could use your abilities.

"Special?" Sam narrowed his eyes. "What's so special about me?"

"Do you want the kid back?" the demon snapped. "Decide."

Sam looked at his daughter desperately. This was it. If he didn't agree now, he'd have lost everything. Jessica, Dean and now Rose. He couldn't bear it. He took a deep breath.

"I'll do it," he said slowly. "But take Rose…take her to Ellen and Jo Harvelle at the Roadhouse. Make sure she's safe."

"As you wish," the demon nodded, and Sam found himself kissing Ruby again, her arms around his neck as she reached to his level. She pulled away slowly, but nothing had happened.

"I'm in a good mood, Sam," the demon smiled deceptively. "Before you help us, here."

He passed Rose to her father, where she instantly clung. Sam wiped a tear away.

"Be safe…be good," the young father kissed his daughter's forehead. "I love you."

A soft sound of wings distracted him, and he found Castiel kneeling down to Dean. Ruby took Rose and smirked, watching as the angel looked sadly at Sam before reviving Dean, who gasped and sat up.

"Sam!" he yelled, scrambling to his feet, "It's him! He killed mom, Sam!"

Sam looked to the demon and took a step back.

"Yeah, sorry 'bout that," the demon shrugged. "Gotta go. I'm afraid. Deal's a deal."

Ruby placed Rose in Dean's arms, slightly relieving Sam.

"Sam! What the hell are you doing?" Dean yelled. "You can't trust them!"

"Too late, Dean," the demon grinned. "Deal's done."

"Deal," Dean widened his eyes. "Sam…you didn't."

Sam looked back at his brother, his eyes wide as Ruby took his hand and stood close to him. He took a shaking breath and stared at Dean, whispering two words before disappearing completely.

"I'm sorry."

Thanks for your patience, sorry for the delay! My beta&I have been really busy! Hope you guys had a great christmas and have a happy new year! 3