Dean had left, taking Bobby's forced advice to 'get out for a bit' leaving the older hunter to 'watch Sam.' Sam knew that, despite his best attempts, he was a liability. After his failed attempts to help Bobby work on the rusty old cars, he retired himself to the kitchen to study up on whatever book he had yet to read a thousand times.

He didn't mind Bobby, it was easier to be with the 'dont give a shit' environment that Bobby created then the pent up 'stressed out but can't show it in front of Sam' energy that Dean gave off.

It had been several days without seeing Lucifer, despite this Sam couldn't keep the waves of tension and uncontrollable fear out of his head. He hated it, hated feeling so pathetic and helpless and freaking worthless.

The front door banged open with a loud 'clash' as the metal storm door colided with the rough outside wall. "Damn I gotta get that thing fixed." Bobby gruffed, fumbling off his heavy work gloves. the 'pressure hinges' had worn off causing the thing to swing fast and easy. Bobby made his way inside, hands covered with engine grease, the smell pollinating

"Sam." He nodded in greeting. "I was getting a bit hungry out there, trying to get a 1985 pickup up and running for a hunter buddy." He made his way to the basin and started scrubbing himself clean with soap. "lunch?"

Sam didn't want to eat, but he nodded, knowing that Bobby would tell Dean if he didn't at least nibble.

"starting to think you're taking after your brother."

Sam looked up from his book, questioningly

"Boy spent probably a year without uttering a single word after ya mum died." Bobby rummaged in the small fridge, fetching a pot and placing it on the gas stove. "Went to dozens of doctors, ya father even took him to a specialist, eventually though Dean just started speaking on his own, you know why?"

Sam shook his head, neither his father or Dean ever talked about life after their mom died. Sam knew Dean had a rough time, what four year old wouldn't.

"He would never admit it, but I know that it was because he needed to speak up for you." Bobby smiled, throwing some canned beans into the pot. "Without you, that boy would probably still be lost in himself."

Sam looked down at his book, trying to stifle down the cloud of emotion welling up in his gut.

"Even so." Bobby grabbed a couple plates from the top cupboard. "It took him time, took him awhile to figure out how to pull himself out, even with all those doctors and people who cared, who tried to help."

Sam's attention was brought to the silverware and dishware set before him. "Do you think he'll give up?" The question was cracked, and Sam swallowed hard, regretting the words already.

"Is it like ya idiot brother to give up on anything now?" Bobby sliced up some sausages, throwing them into the pot.

Sam sat in silence, thinking. Dean hadn't given up on anything long as Sam could remember. Still doubt crept in through the cracks.

A loud thump signaled the sausage-bean-something was ready as it was placed onto the table. Bobby didn't miss the small flinch that passed through Sam.

Sam ate the Sausage and bean combo - for once, it passed through him well, and he even enjoyed the meal ever so slightly.

progress

AN: Throw me a review if you liked it :) I really look forward to your encouragment.