Author's Chapter Notes:

OMG.......apart from a little epilogue......this is it.....I have finally finished this story. *waves hands in the air* This isn't the original ending, I added to it but I hope that you like. The eppy will just be my way of trying to tie it loosely back into the start of S1 even if this chapter strays slightly from cannon in bits.

Thank you for stayin for the journey! Hope you all enjoyed the ride.

Getting To It.

It was snowing.

In Cali-freakin'-fornia.

Dean couldn't quite believe his eyes but then the last few days he had had his fair share of freaky weather. Outside Salt Lake he had ran into a huge thunderstorm that had forced him off the road for an hour only for it to be followed by a hailstorm that had him out inspecting the car for damage when it passed.

And then had came the snow. Sure it was light but still it was snow.

His hunter instinct told him that something was screwed to hell about all this but since there wasn't much that he could do about the weather he just kept driving.

The snow was still falling as he pulled the big black car into the parking space at the dead end of his brother's street. Dean gave his best girl's steering wheel a loving pat and pulled his jacket closer round him. "Well girl we made it." He shivered, the car was cold and quiet, he had driven the last hundred miles without the heater or the radio just to make sure that he actually got here, the gas tank needle on the new gauge hovering dangerously near empty.

Dean sat there and looked down his brother's street thinking how odd that sounded. A Winchester that belongs somewhere, had someplace to go home to…actually has a home. The thought made him happy and then saddened him too. I had a home once, in another life. He patted the steering wheel again, no disrespect to you old girl. Slowly though the smile crept back onto his face. Sammy has a home. Finally. The little warm glow that thought gave him brightened the smile further and pushed away the cold that was starting to creep into the stationary car.

Dean wasn't truly sure why he had come, the hunts had just led him here. Hey they did ok? He wasn't sure either what he was going to do now that he was here. He knew that he sure as hell wasn't going to go up to his brother's door, knock on it, and expect to get invited in with open arms. Hey, remember that life you ran from Sam? Well here it is, knocking on your damn door. No, Sam couldn't even phone him…so a visit was out of the question. His brother didn't need him anymore and he could live with that, just as long as his brother was happy…he could live with that now.

His dad was still off somewhere, killing something and not answering his phone, shocking I know, and Dean…well Dean had been alone now for the last two months, he didn't have a gig and since he was sleeping in the car anyway, he'd thought…did it matter were it was parked? Admit it Winchester, your lonely. He pushed the thought away. Nah, I just wanted to see him that's all. Make sure he was ok…I mean he's my brother, I should at least check my brother's ok once in a while. Shouldn't I?

He got out the car and headed in search of a bar and some warmth, the chill now beginning to seep into his bones. His last two credit cards were only useful for scratching the ice off the Impala's windscreen and his last fifty dollars in his pocket were needed for stake money, that's if he could find a willing target for a game of pool. If he spent that he was screwed and he didn't want to try and explain to either his dad, if you can reach him, or Bobby how he managed to get stranded here of all places.

He had kind of run out of money a week ago and out of food four days after that. One packet of candy excluded. He'd realised that he'd ran his reserves low but he couldn't avoid it and then, when it had been a choice between fuel for him and fuel for his baby…the car had won, his need to keep moving winning over the need to actually eat. His problem now was though he had used the last of that fuel to get here and now he wasn't going anywhere until he either found some pool action or, and the thought brought the smile back to his face, a willing college girl that he hoped would at least feed him and bed him if nothing else. His stomach growled at the mere thought of getting something to eat. He patted it gently. "I know, I'm sorry."

"Hope your home's warmer and better stocked than mine little brother." He spoke as he walked by the darkened windows of the apartment, blowing on his hands and rubbing them together trying to get some life back into them, his collar pulled up against the coldness in the air.

Turning onto the main road, he followed a little trail of humanity to the nearest bar.

---

Sam sat in the crowded bar, laughing with his friends and watching as Jess was lusted after by every red bloodied male in it. He watched as heads turned as she snaked her way through the bodies to him. Not for the first time he thought about how lucky he was to have her and how much he already, even after a few short weeks, want to spend the rest of his life with her.

"Penny for them?" She smiled and leaned in slowly for a kiss. He drew her to him revelling in the sweet smell of her skin and the soft touch of her lips on his.

"I was just thinking what I did to deserve to have you in my life." Sam kissed her again and pulled her closer into his arms.

"I'm a sucker for puppy dog eyes." She laughed. "Sure you won't come home with me for the holidays?"

"I can't. I need to work, you know that. Besides isn't it a little soon for that?" He grinned at her as she pulled a face.

"They're just my parents, they don't bit and it doesn't mean that you'll be tied to me for life just because you visit!"

"Pity. I kind of like that idea." She pushed him off as he bear hugged her. "I have to work."

"Work, work, work. It's not good for you." She smiled sweetly at him.

"It pays the rent, so I have to. Do you want a drink?" He waved her empty glass at her.

"Yes please, the usual." He kissed her again until finally she pulled away. "Bar closes in an hour you know, go get me my drink!" He laughed as she pushed him away again, waving him off with a smile.

----

Sam fought his way to the bar, getting to the front he ordered the drinks and turned round to wait. The figure at the end of the bar caught his eye. The tousled dark, blonde hair… the leather jacket. Sam started through the crowd at the bar but the figure disappeared in the throng. His height a good advantage, he spotted the figure heading for the door.

Forgetting the drinks he fought his way through after it. Finally reaching the door he stepped out in the darkness of the parking lot. It was empty of people. He stepped forward and scanned the entire area.

Nothing.

Reaching into his jacket and pulling out his phone, he pulled Dean's number up and hit dial. The car park stayed silent as he heard his brother's phone switch straight to his voicemail.

Just great, now I'm seeing things when I'm awake.

It's guilt, it's been months and you haven't even called him.

You just did and his phone's off, you idiot.

Dean's phone is never off.

The little jumble of thoughts made him look round the car park again.Sighing Sam closed his phone and taking another, final, look around him, he stepped back into the warmth of the bar, shaking his head. He fetched the drinks and made his way back to Jess, forgetting about the figure the minute she put her arms around him.

---

Dean shook his head as he stood up from behind the car that he'd used as cover from his little brother. He had spotted Sam the minute his brother had headed for the bar, his half a head height advantage over most of the people there making him easy to pick out. That was too close he thought as he switched his phone back on and sighed. All the bars here and I pick the one that he's actually in! Damned Winchester luck, still looking good there Sam…looking damn good and as for the lady, what I saw was hot! He whistled as he walked away.

The bar down the street was quieter and there were a couple of guys playing pool. Dean sat at the bar and watched them, they weren't bad but he knew that he could still take them.

A voice broke his reverie. "You can't stay, if you don't order something. The side show's free though." The man nodded in the direction Dean has been looking.

He turned and looked at the barman. "Dude, what…are you implying?" There was a tone in Dean's voice that made the man hesitate to answer. He watched something glint through the green eyes staring at him and swallowed hard.

"You need to buy something to stay here. I ain't implying anything…just stating a fact."

Dean half smiled." Coke."

Rolling his eyes the man walked away, fetched Dean's drink and then got him his change. When Dean turned back to the game the guys were packing up.

Cursing under his breath he moved over. "You guys finished? I was hoping to find someone to play?"

"Sorry dude. We've got a bus to catch, holidays and that, but the table's yours if you want it." They grabbed their bags and headed out.

"Damn." Dean racked up the balls anyway and started to play, missing the odd shot on purpose in case anyone was watching. After three games and no one looking at all interested in him or the table he gave up, downed his drink and left.

He was wondering just how far his remaining dollars would get him as he turned the corner onto Sam's street and his run of bad luck continued.

His brother was standing kissing his girl beside a waiting taxi. Dean froze as they broke apart and she climbed in, a flash of blonde hair catching his eye as she did. Sam bent down and talked to her through the door and then stood and waved her off. As he turned to go back inside Dean's bad luck made the home run. Sam looked across the road, directly at him.

His eyes widen in disbelief. "Dean?"

Crap. Dean plastered a smile on his face and started across the road. "Hey little brother."

"What the hell are you doing here, I mean it's been….it's good to see you……is dad with you…..are you hurt? Shit you're hurt aren't you?" Ignoring his own remark he grabbed his brother. "And you're freezing!" He pulled him in the direction of his apartment.

"Sam, I'm fine….I can't….I just stopped by to see if you're ok."

"In." He was forced through the main door and towards a flight of steps.

"Sam I said I'm fine." Dean tried to shrug him off, but a determined Sam wasn't flung off that easily. He was pushed through the door and into a small, welcoming living area.

"Jacket off."

"Sam…."

"Jacket off."

Dean pulled his jacket off and lifted his shirt and the three t-shirts that he was wearing. "See, no damage…I'm fine." He paused, tilting his head and worrying his lip with his teeth. "Do you think that's the only reason that I'd stop by, 'cos I needed patched up?"

Sam shuffled awkwardly. Dean shook his head and grabbed his jacket, throwing it back on. "You son of a bitch. When have I ever gone to anyone 'cos I was the one that needed their help? I'm out of here."

"Dean please, I'm sorry. Don't go." Sam grabbed his arm again, stopping him just before the door.

Dean shrugged him off but stood there. "I haven't bothered you for anything in the whole time that you've been here…I was just in the neighbourhood and thought I'd say hi. I've done that so I'm going."

"For Christ sake's Dean, it's in the minus out there." Sam turned his brother round, pulling his head up and making him look at him. "And you're sleeping in the car." He pulled at the layers his brother was wearing.

"Yeah. So? Not like it's the first time, sure won't be the last."

"Do you have any money? Where's dad?"

"I've got money." Dean opened his wallet and waved a couple of notes in his brother's face.

"And dad?"

"Working a job" The reply was mumbled and Dean turned his back on his brother. Of all the conversations they could have, dad ditching him was bottom of Dean's want to list.

"He left you on your own?"

"Why not, you did." He turned as he spoke and regretted the remark the minute its impact showed on his brother's face. "I'm a big boy now, besides since when did I need a baby sitter?"

He started for the door again and huffed as Sam stopped him again. "Stay. Please? Just even for the night? My roommate's gone home for the holidays."

Dean flicked his eyebrows at his brother. "Is that the hot chick that I saw you with earlier tonight?" He kicked himself mentally as the last word escaped him.

It was Sam's turn to raise his eyebrows. "How long have you been here man?

"Coupla hours." Dean admitted, rubbing nervously at the back of his neck.

"That was you in the bar wasn't it?"

"Yeah. You got me. You looked busy with your roommate, I didn't want to interrupt anything." Dean grinned.

Sam blushed and Dean laughed. "You're an idiot, you came all the way here and you weren't even gonna come in a say hi, where you?"

"Didn't know if I'd be welcome," came the matter of fact reply.

Sam's eyes flashed. "Why wouldn't you be welcome? You're my brother."

Dean snorted. "Yeah? So how come you never call me?"

"I knew that you'd be busy, and it's been hectic here with school and stuff. You could have called me," Sam shot back.

Dean folded his arms. "Like you said, I've been busy."

Sam threw him his best bitch-face and then held out the token Winchester peace offering. "Beer?"

The elder Winchester relaxed. "Thought you'd never ask."

"Make yourself at home."

Sam disappeared off into the little kitchen and Dean shrugged his jacket back off, dropping it on the couch before having a wander round the room he was in. "Nice place," he called to his brother. His eye was caught by the draught excluder that was lying back from the front door. He went to kick it back into place and frowned. Kneeling he touched a hand to it, a slow smile spreading on his face. "Tell me you didn't Sammy."

"Didn't what," his brother asked as he exited the kitchen, stopping when he saw what Dean was looking at. "Oh."

"Dude, is this filled with salt?" Dean bit back the chuckle. You can take the hunter out of the hunt but not the hunt out of the hunter.

"Well I couldn't exactly salt the doors with Jess here could I?" Sam handed Dean the beer and dropped down in a seat. "Couldn't do the windows though."

"These are cool, very inventive, hell you should have thought of these earlier, would have saved us a lot of work when we moved motels…and salt. You should patent them." Dean teased his brother.

"Shut up." Sam took a slip of his beer. "So how've you been?"

"Ok. Like I said busy." Dean picked at the label on his bottle as the silence hung in the air. "So female roommate huh?"

"She not really a roommate, more a……"

"Mate, mate?," Dean interrupted.

"Girlfriend." Sam corrected.

"So, you been seeing her long?" Dean lent back and stretch his arm along the back of the couch, finally relaxing, the beer and the warmth easing him.

"Known her since I got here, we've been dating for a month now."

"When did she move in?"

"Three weeks ago."

Sam waited for it. "Jesus Sammy, don't waste any time there bro'." Dean grinned. "So were does she sleep?," he enquired.

"With me. Why? What pearl of wisdom are you going to hit me with?"

Dean tried for offended. "None. I was just checking that I wasn't gonna be sleeping in a chick's bed, that's all."

Sam narrowed his eyes. "Yeah right." Sam really looked at Dean for the first time. His brother looked pale, tired and thinner than he remembered. "Are you hungry? I've got some pot roast left over from dinner."

Dean's stomach beat him to the answer and both brothers laughed.

"Take that as a yes. Why don't you get your stuff from the car and I'll heat this up. Bathroom is the first door on the left and the spare room's the second. I'll get some bed linen for you."

"Thanks Sam." The grateful smile on his brother's face was genuine. "I won't be long." Dean was true to his word, the cold outside putting a fire under him.

By the time that Sam came out of the kitchen with food and coffee Dean was showered and changed. In the sweats and the thin t-shirt his brother's weight loss was even more pronounce. "Here eat this. There's pie for afters."

"You may never get rid of me, "Dean joked as he took a mouthful of food and groaned. "Your girl can cook."

"I made that." Sam looked pleased with himself.

Dean choked. "You? Mr, I can't make toast without burning it?"

"It was learn to cook or live on take outs. I didn't have the money to order in every night, so I bought a book."

"Must have been a damned good book." Dean couldn't resist the dig but Sam hit back.

"Lots of pictures, you'd have liked it."

Dean stuck a finger up at him and then went back to eating, knowing that he'd have to stop soon if he wanted to have pie, because there was too much for his stomach to cope with and he really didn't want to spend the night puking or worse. But he did want pie.

Sam talked while Dean ate and then he excused himself, dumping the dishes in the sink and going to get washed up for bed. By the time he came back Dean was asleep on the couch. Torn between getting Dean in to a real bed and not waking his brother, the latter won. He pulled the quilt through from the spare room and wrap it round him.

Crossing the room Sam sat down in the chair and just sat and stared, realising for the first time just how much he missed having Dean around. His brother's wallet was on the table and Sam stood and opened it, looking down at his sleeping brother as he did. "Sure, you've got money Dean." He went through and got his own from the bedroom, slipping two hundred dollars from his wages that he'd just been paid into his brother's. As an afterthought he put a credit card that Dean had given him a spell back in as well, one that he had kept for emergencies that had never arisen.

Finishing his drink he put out the lights in the living area but left the little hall light on, just in case his brother got up during the night.

He stopped in the door and chuckled as Dean started to snore softly and then he headed down the hall and to bed.

---

Dean woke in the early hours of the morning and sighed contentedly, despite sleeping on the couch this was probably the best sleep that he'd had in a while and the soft, fresh quilt was definitely a bonus. He tried to decide what it smelt of but ended up just settling for clean.

Yawning he set his feet on the floor and pushed himself up, heading for the kitchen and the coffee. He got it made and then wandered back to the couch. As he lowered himself down he caught sight of the little leather book on a shelf on the lamp table. Knowing he probably shouldn't he reached over anyway and snagged it, setting it in his lap and opening to read as he sipped at his coffee.

The first line made his breath catch…..Maybe it'll be different when college starts…Hugging both hands round his mug he started to read all about his brother's settling in period in Palo Alto.

Dean had gone from worried to chuckling as he read the musings of his little brother. There was a few mentions of himself on the pages, a number of 'I should call Dean and tell him' entries but the hunter got now why his brother hadn't called. Sam had missed him too but to call meant to admit that to yourself and to do that, well Dean had already wallowed in that particular misery fest. He laughed at the later entries, college work getting more mentions than the incredibly hot sounding girl that his brother waxed on about. "You're such a geek, how are we related?"

"No lifeguards in the gene pool, that's how." Sam walked into the room and sat down next to his brother.

"Funny." Dean guilty closed the book. "Sorry, I was bored and it caught my eye."

"Nah. I wrote it for you to read. What do you think?"

Dean ran a hand over the smooth leather. "I think that I'm glad that you're happy." He smiled at his brother. "Makes me feel better."

Sam pushed his hair back from his face. "If you stayed it would make me feel better."

Dean sighed. "Sammy, we've been over this."

"I know Dean but….."

Dean stopped him. "Why can't you just let me be, like I let you be Sam? You wanted out, I helped get you out. Me? I don't want out Sam. This is it for me. I can live with that, so why the hell can't you?" There was no anger in his voice as he spoke.

"I just want the best for my brother."

Snorting Dean rubbed at his forehead. "No Sam, you want what you think is the best for me, see the difference there?"

Sam snorted this time. "Like you didn't do that for me my whole life?"

"That's different."

"How and if you say it's 'cos you're the oldest….."

"I am your big brother Sammy, that's my job. To look out for you. Bossing you about is just part of the job description."

"And what's my job description?"

"To be an eternal pain in my ass." Dean dodged the hand that flew his way.

Sam's face eased into a smile and he shook his head, hating how easily his brother could change the topic of any conversation away from himself and turn it on Sam. "Jerk."

Dean grinned in return. "Bitch."

The younger Winchester gave up. "You want breakfast?"

"Again, thought you'd never ask. Not much of a host there Sam."

Sam stood. "Not like you couldn't have helped yourself."

"Hey, I'm a guest." He held up his mug. "I made the coffee."

Sam shook his head and wandered towards the kitchen. "I must have known you'd show up, I bought pancake mix."

Dean's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Sam nodded. "You can wash up. No free rides in this house."

Dean went to reply but was interrupted by the sound of his phone beeping. He dug in his jacket trying to get it, yanked it free and froze. The screen flashed 'unknown' but Dean knew who it was that was trying to reach him the minute he pulled up the message.

The look on his brother's face was all Sam needed to know who had sent the message.

"It's co-ordinates." Dean sounded shell shocked and so young and unsure of himself that Sam walked back over and sat down next to him, feeling the need to give his brother support for some reason.

Sam realised that there was something going on here that he was missing so he posed that very question to his brother.

Dean looked as if he was going to say something but let his shoulders drop at the last minute and looked back down at the phone in his lap. "So, dad needs me for a hunt he's got lined up."

"And you're just going to go." Sam stated resignedly the comment a statement of fact not a question. Standing he walked into the kitchen. "Still want breakfast or is it orders to go?"

Dean frowned at the double edge to the words. "Sam." Sighing and pushing himself off the couch he grabbed his duffle, indecision written on his face.

Sam appeared back in the doorway. "Well?"

The elder Winchester resisted the urge to just pack and run. "Breakfast would be good. I'm just gonna go get dressed."

Dean disappeared off down the hall and Sam rested his head on the doorframe before he moving back inside the kitchen to cook.

---

Dean wolfed down his food and chased it with some coffee.

"You're gonna be sick." Sam shook his head at his brother's hurry. "It's not like he wont wait for you…." The look on Dean's face made him stop. "What is it?"

"Nothing." Dean stared into his cup.

Sam narrowed his eyes. "Exactly how long has it been since you heard from dad?"

"Not long." Dean pushed his chair back from the table and stood. Sam grabbed his wrist. "Let go."

"He's been gone a while hasn't he? That's why you ended up here?"

Dean tried to free himself again. "Let the hell go."

"No. Tell me. I want to know."

Dean wiped his free hand over his forehead and laughed bitterly. "You really want to know? He ditched me ok? It that what you want to hear? He did what you did, he just got up one day and walked away. Happy now?" Dean turned and headed over to get his jacket.

"He dumped you and then you still just jump the minute he whistles?" Sam followed him through.

"Why not? It's not like I have anything better to do. I would jump if it was you, why should he be any different? He needs me." Dean turned his back on his brother as he pulled the jacket on and started to zip up his duffle.

"No he doesn't." Sam watched as Dean tensed suddenly realising just how his brother would take that. He clarified it. "He doesn't need anyone."

"Well that's as maybe, but I'm still going. A hunt's a hunt. Bad things to kill, people to save and all that shit."

"Dean?" Sam hadn't seen his brother in over three months, he did not want this to end badly.

Turning, the elder brother took a deep breath and looked at his young sibling. "What?" There was an edge of anger in his tone.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"For being there for me. For stopping by and checking on me. For this." Sam gestured at the room and then stuck his hands in his pockets. "Will you keep in touch?"

"No." Dean shouldered his bag.

"No? Why not?" Sam stepped forward and his brother shifted quickly to the side towards the door.

"Because I can't do it Sam." Dean put his hand on the door and slid back the chain. "I can't look after dad and worry about you at the same time. You're happy enough here. You've got friends here. You don't need me."

"Yeah I do" Sam closed the gap again and this time Dean held his ground, a wry little smile on his face.

"No Sammy, you really don't. Enjoy college, you earned it." He slapped his brother on the shoulder. "I gotta go."

"Yeah. I suppose." Sam threw his brother a mischievous look. "So, if you need me, call me."

Dean laughed as his own words were said back to him. "Yeah, you too."

Stopping once again in the doorway Dean turned, head down, playing with the car keys that he now held in his hand. "He's sorry you know. He just can't tell you. I can see it though. He misses you too."

Sam sighed. "Yeah, well. Water under the bridge, I'm here now and that's all that matters."

"Take care, Sammy." With that Dean turned and was gone.

Sam stood and watched as the big car slowly made its way up the street, pausing outside his apartment, then with a blast of the horn it took off, fishtailed slightly in the poor conditions and then roared out of sight.

---

Dean didn't find the money until he stopped to put the last of his funds in the car. He sent a text – I'll pay you back.

The reply was almost instant. I still owe you.

He was climbing back into the car as his phone beeped again. The same unknown number message was on the display and when he opened it there was a different set of co-ordinates on the screen. "Jesus, can you at least give me time to get on the road before you screw me about."

He studied the map and then pulled out onto the road again, heading for Cheyenne and thankful for the money that Sam had slipped him. It was going to be a long drive but he didn't intend on stopping.

----

The motel room was in darkness as Dean pulled up into the parking lot, scanning for and failing to find his father's truck.

He looked at the last message he'd received with the address of this motel and the room number and frowned. Something was off about this and he didn't know what. He opened his phone and dialled his dad's number cursing as it flipped straight to voicemail. "Just once dad…" He pushed open the door and exited the car, drawing his gun and heading to the door of the room next to the one that the message had stated.

Quietly he moved along until he was beside the room that John was supposed to be in. Slowly he turned the handle and the door opened, the bedside light inside coming on as it finished it's inward swing revealing a figure sitting on the bed that was most definitely not John Winchester.

"You didn't think that I would let you off that easily did you?"

Dean slipped the safety back on the gun and slid it into his waistband. "Where's my dad?" He waved his phone at her. "Nice touch by the way."

"Didn't know if you would have come if I just called you. I told him that you were going to be delayed, he's in a motel a few towns over." Julie-Anne stood and walked towards him. "So, is there something that you want to say to me?"

He kicked the door shut and reached out, brushed a finger over her cheek. "I was expecting you to turn up sooner."

"Well I knew that you were hurting over Sam leaving when you sent me your lovely 'dear John' message, thought I'd give you some time before I came and kicked your ass for hurting me like that."

The hand moved to stroke her hair back from her face and he stepped a little closer. "Sorry doesn't really cut it, but if it's worth anything, I am. I didn't mean to hurt you but this….us….it doesn't have a future. You know that. We already said goodbye once."

"So let's just end this the proper way. Like adults. Come here." She pulled him over to the bed, slipped his jacket off and then lay down. "Lie down beside me."

"Julie-Anne I can't. Since I sent you that message I've...I mean I...."

"I know Dean. I get it. You're not a monk. I just want you to lay with me. That's all."

Putting the gun on the nightstand, Dean lay down and gently kissed her forehead, pulling her into his arms. He tried not to think about how right she felt lying there.

"Just one last night Dean, it's all I want. Nothing more than you and me, here together." She pulled his head down to her and gave him a soft, gentle kiss on the lips.

"I thought you'd be mad at me, want to throw things and shit."

"I am mad at you, that's why I'm here. Closure." She rolled away from him, putting her back to him and then pulled him after her, bringing his arm over her side and hugging it to her chest. Dean relaxed in behind her. "What are you frightened of Dean? Are you scared that if I make you happy that you'll lose that edge that you need to keep going?"

"Julie-Anne..."

"No Dean, I want to know. You owe me that."

He closed his eyes. "My dad was happy once. That happiest destroyed him, left him broken and empty inside for such a long time. When my mom died, hunting down the thing that killed her was the only thing that got him up some mornings. I just….if we did this and something happened to you, because of me, because of who and what I am….I can't Julie-Anne."

She swung her head round. "Nothing is going to happen to me because I'm with you."

"I can't take that risk. I won't. Please don't ask me too."

She settled back down, reaching for the covers and pulling them up. "Ok. Just keep me safe for tonight then Dean and then I'll let you go."

Dean's arms tightened around her and she closed her eyes, wishing for something that she already knew she could never have, except maybe for this one last night.

---

The Impala was in the carpark as John made his way over to the motel room, scanning the area to see if Dean was around. It was only as he reached the door and heard the TV that he knew that his son had let himself in.

He stopped outside the door and took a deep breath, not sure of what was waiting for him inside. Finding he didn't care if Dean called him on dumping him, just as long as his son talked to him, he pushed opened the door.

Dean was sitting with his back to him, laptop open and on the phone to someone. John walked up behind him and place a hand gently on his son's shoulder. Starting slightly, Dean turned his head and smiled. "Hey Bobby I need to call you back….yeah sure…..thanks."

"So you made it ok." John didn't know what else to say.

"Yeah, freaky weather and Julie-Anne not withstanding." Dean saved what he was doing and closed the laptop, fingers tapping a little rhythm on it that John recognised but couldn't place.

"Freaky weather?" Walking over the older hunter cast off his jacket and sat down on the bed with a weary sigh.

"One minute it was snowing, then I couldn't see for the damn sunshine and then I hit hail that I thought was gonna knock holes in the damn car." He tapped on the file that was sitting next to the laptop. "Seems that you've been weather watching as well. What gives?"

"Nothing. Probably. I was looking into a connection with the night your mother died and freak storms in the area at the time. Think there might be a pattern. I'm just having trouble working it all out."

"Maybe Sa….." Dean caught himself. "…I could help."

"We'll work on it later." John twisted his wedding ring on his finger as he spoke again. "So how is your brother?"

"What? What makes you think that I've seen or spoken to Sam?" Dean stood and walked over to the coffee machine and started to busy himself.

"Dean."

"He's fine." He was going to ask how his dad knew that he been with Sam but he already knew the answer. John had either followed him or had him followed. The thought made Dean smirk and shake his head.

"And you?" John's voice pulled his son back into the conversation.

"What about me?" Dean asked as he handed off a cup of coffee to his dad and lay down on the other bed.

"Are you fine?" John mirrored his son's actions, laying down the cup to pull off his boots before he settled back.

"I'm good." Dean reached over the side of the bed and started rummaging through his duffle. Pulling out what he was looking for he held it out for his dad to take. "Here."

John looked down at the journal. "You been using it?"

"Full of insightful facts and useful tips. No good hunter should be without one." Dean flicked the channel on the TV to some old monster movie. "You write like a five year old though."

"Did I really miss you talking?" John sighed but with a little smile playing on his face.

"You know you did. So what this hunt that you need my help with?"

"Like I said, I've been working on some leads on the thing that killed your mother, needed your help to tie them all down."

"Why don't you just try summoning, you've got the ritual still right?" Dean gave his father a knowing look that John couldn't meet.

"Decided that I want to do this the old fashioned way. Let it know that I'm coming for it. Hunt it down until it has nowhere to run."

"Give yourself time to figure out what your gonna do to it when you do catch it?" Dean offered.

"That too."

"If it's a demon, how are you gonna kill it?"

John smiled coldly. "With my bare hands if I have to. So are you ready to go do this?"

Dean returned the smile. "Hell yeah. Let's do it."

Chapter End Notes:

Will post the epilogue in the next few days. Thank you all folks, Mary xx

ANd I will update my replies to your reviews. Sorry it's all still hetic here!