Stepping into the line of fire

Chapter 43

At 14:00 hours precisely on a cloudy day, the troop was making its way out of base towards the cave that Angela had seen in her psychic dream. It was going to be a long arduous journey but their hearts were full of hope and their minds were totally focused on wasting that balrog.

John was in charge of the cart. He had developed new muscles as a result and the hunter was feeling stronger and more resilient for that punishing task. Bobby had carefully wrapped the crystal amber palentiri stones and slipped them in between the holy water. John was occasionally turning back checking that nothing was falling out of his cart. Dean was as usual leading the party forward with Angela closely following. Sam and Bobby were sandwiched in between. All were carrying huge heavy rucksacks including Angela who had point blank refused to be discriminated against as a lightweight gal'. Dean was a little worried about his honey and whether she could undertake that challenge but he had faith in her and knew that he would step in if it was required, by taking some of the weight. The troop was determined to walk at a good pace and only stop when they really needed to, for sustenance. Sam was not complaining, much to Dean's relief and there was no static in the air. It was as if all the drama had been forgotten. He was not stupid enough to believe that, though, and he knew more shit was probably going to come forward towards Ange and he, after the kill. His dad would never ever let the matter rest if it did not suit his hunting plans.

It took five long heavy hours to get to the pathway they had identified earlier in their reconnaissance mission. It was the perfect place to make camp. The hunters heaved a collective sigh of relief as they lay down their heavy loads. Dean started the fire and John, Bobby and Sam, sorted out the hunting gear. Angela had declared herself in charge of food and Dean's sous chef! Soon a beautiful sausage stew with potatoes and beans was gently simmering in its allocated place above the fire. Dean had brewed some coffee which had tasted to John like an elixir from the Gods of caffeine pleasure! The ol' man had almost kissed him. Dean loved pleasing his father and he felt so good inside. This hunt was going to be the best ever. Dean could not wait for the action to begin. He loved hunting with a passion only equalled by his dad. It was in his blood…

When the stew was declared ready and the portions carefully allocated, John commanded the troop to eat heartily as they would need all the strength they could muster. These words did not enter the ear of deaf men and the hunters ate with gusto. It was all washed down with a finger of Jack except for Sam who was too young and had learnt his lesson! As the light began to dim, the troops thoughts turned to the mission at hand. Nobody spoke as they were all in their own private headspace. It was John who broke the silence!...

"We'll need a good night's sleep. His eyes turned to his eldest and Dean lowered his head. Angela had noticed the silent request from the ol' hunter to focus on sleep and nothing else! She shrugged but silently agreed that even though she would sleep with her sweetie it would just stop at cuddles. Dean was not so sure. He found it almost impossible to resist her charms and it might be very difficult indeed to ignore them. Maybe sleeping together was not such a great idea. Maybe his ol' man had been right on this one.

Sam and Bobby stood up to do the washing up and John beckoned Dean forward. Angela joined the other hunters to help with the horrid task. You could never get things squeaky clean when camping and grease would cling onto every implement. It sucked but it had to be done!

John asked his son to sit next to him. This was going to be a talk! A real talk not a command.

"Dean, you need to think with ya're upstairs brain son. You've been doing far too much of the other…if ya' want my honest opinion."

Dean nodded affirmatively.

"Angela is a great gal' son. She's sassy and fun. She's bright too. I understand. I really do. I know ya' love her. She loves ya' too, I can see that… but…" Dean raised his head…John continued "But…you must be more in control…sleeping together on a hunt, isn't a good idea. In fact, its plum' dumb' foolish!" …Dean slumped a little as he was starting to agree with his dad. He turned around to look into his father's eyes and asserted.

"I know ya' right sir but she needs reassurance. She has had bad dreams and they scare her so much. I've got to be there for her sir…I'll make a shitty husband if I don't look after her…Ya' understand dad?... Do ya'?"

"Yeah… but…sometimes you've got to be cruel to be kind. If you sleep next to her and ya' want her like crazy, it's going to throw ya' off your game son. Ya' know it is…"

Dean lowered his head. He was really thinking. John persevered…

"Ya've got to put your foot down on this one. We're all here. If there's a problem, we'll all step in to protect her."

Dean thought for a little while longer. John continued…

"You've got to be strong boy. Tell her no. Tell her that everything will go south if ya' can't focus. Be a man son."

Dean nodded slowly. John put his calloused hand against his boy's neck and gently rubbed it. "Dean… with women it's not all Mills and Boon!" …this made Dean smile. He stared right into his ol' man's eyes and declared manfully.

"You're right sir. I'll talk to her'! thanks…"

"That's OK boy. Remember… I'm here if ya' want to talk. I love ya' son!" John then cuffed him gently behind the head. They both stood up and went about their business.

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