Chapter 17

"Let's see, you've got the herbs Bobby wanted and here's a jar of my blackberry wine. I seem to remember he took a liking to it," Missouri told the brothers as she handed over the items. "Oh, and I put some cookies in the bag for you boys to snack on too."

"Thank you, Missouri, for everything," Sam said giving her a long hug. He looked into her eyes and saw the warmth, love, and friendship they held.

"Okay, I think we're ready, thanks for helping," Dean replied, giving her a salute before dropping into the driver's seat of the Impala. He waited as Sam got into his car before cranking his Baby and pulling away from the house.

The traffic was moving steadily for the time of day. Dean kept an eye of Sam as he followed behind him in his car. They had been lucky with the storm they passed through and ran out of it in only a few miles. The air was cooler after the rain and it felt good blowing from the vents. He glanced at the gas gauge and saw he could continue for a few more hours before stopping to fill up. By that time Dean figured they would be hungry, and they could kill two birds with one stone, gas and food.

spn

"Hey bro, I'm gonna stop for gas and figure we can grab something to eat," Dean said when Sam answered his cell.

"Okay," Sam replied not able to stop the yawn that Dean heard over the cell.

"Are you okay to drive on to Bobby?"

"Yeah, I'll walk around when we stop to eat. I'll be alright. It's not that much farther."

Dean signaled and pulled into the right lane to exit off the main road that had gas stations and a twenty-four-hour truck stop. He had found over the years the truck stops were usually the best places to eat and it was reasonably priced. He waited for traffic before turning and pulling into the parking lot. The pumps were busy, but he found one open and stopped to fill up.

"I'm going in to use the restroom and I'll get us a table," Sam let him know before moving his car to a parking spot.

"Okay, order me a soda," Dean called to him and got a wave as Sam walked away.

Dean looked around the parking lot for any signs of danger, ever the hunter he was brought up to be. He heard the pump click off and coaxed a little more into her before replacing the hose and capping the gas tank. Dean got in and moved the Impala away from the pumps to a parking space beside Sam's car so he could go in and join him. He headed for the restrooms first and then walked over to the restaurant side of the store. He looked around and spotted Sam over in the corner near an exit and strolled that way.

"What looks good?" Dean asked as he sat down and took a sip of soda.

"The chef salad looks appealing or the grilled chicken…"

"Why do I even bother," Dean mumbled rolling his eyes and picking up the menu to check it out.

"You asked," Sam shrugged knowing how Dean felt about the way he ate.

"You gotta have more than rabbit food Sammy. Wouldn't hurt you to add a few pounds on you."

"I eat healthy," Sam countered. "I don't wanna be a step away from a heart attack."

"Good afternoon gentleman, my name is Allie, are you ready to order?" a waitress asked holding a pad ready to take their order.

"I'll have a bacon double cheeseburger with steak fries, and could you have the cook throw some grilled onions on the burger and a slice of pecan pie," Dean rattled off.

"And for you sir?" she asked Sam.

"Could I have a grilled chicken sandwich, no mayo, with a side of mustard and steamed broccoli with butter, and a fruit plate," Sam recited before handing her his menu.

"I'll get this in and bring you some hot rolls," she told them taking the menus and hurrying off.

"How much farther is it?" Sam asked once the waitress had left.

"Two hours, I guess. We should be there before it gets too late. Bobby's going to leave the porch light on for us."

"Do you think Bobby's going to treat me differently?" Sam asked quietly looking down at his fisted hands and forced them to relax.

Dean looked up from unrolling his silverware and frowned slightly. "What makes you think he would do that?"

Sam looked away but didn't answer since Allie had returned with a basket of rolls for them. He wasn't sure what to say because he didn't know. Bobby was like a second father to them and it would devastate him if he rejected him, but Dean had said he wanted them to come so maybe things would be okay.

"I don't know, just worried for nothing I guess," he mumbled taking a roll and buttering it before cutting a bite to eat so he wouldn't have to say anything else.

Dean saw he wasn't going to get anything else from his brother and didn't bother to ask another question. He speared a roll, split it open to slather butter inside before taking a large bite. He watched his brother cut off another small bite and eat it. He was going to watch him closely to be sure he ate and took care of himself because he knew his brother, and when he was in one of his funky moods that didn't happen. They ate the rest of their meal pretty much in silence except for an occasional monosyllable exchange of words.

"Why don't you go walk around for a bit before we head back out and I'll pay?" Dean suggested once they were done eating.

"Alright, I'm going to the restroom first," Sam agreed.

"You want me to get you a to go cup of something to drink?"

"No, I'm good, I'll be outside."

Dean watched him walk away, his shoulders slumped as he shuffled toward the restrooms in the back of the store. He signaled the waitress for the check and ordered a large coffee to go. He pulled out some bills to pay and waited for his change and coffee. He left a tip and headed for the door to find his brother. He stopped just outside the door and scanned the parking lot, finally spotting the tall frame of his brother across the way as he walked around the edge of the lot. Dean headed to the cars and waited for Sam to make his way toward him before getting in the Impala. It wasn't long before Sam made it back and got in his car. Dean led the way and they set off to finish their journey.

spn

The lights of the salvage yard loomed ahead of Dean and he smiled happily as he slowed to turn into the driveway and through the gates. He glanced in his rearview mirror to see the headlights of Sam's car turn in and follow him. Dean stopped the Impala at the front of the house and saw Bobby was true to his word and had left the light on for them. His back popped as he got out of the Impala and stretched while he waited on Sam to park. Dean went around to the trunk and retrieved his bags and waited at the steps for Sam to join him with his things and the bag of herbs and wine for Bobby.

Before either made it up the steps, Bobby had the door opened and light spilled out onto the porch. He smiled warmly at the boys and spoke, "You made good time, come on in out of the night."

"Hey Bobby, good to see you," Dean said as he stepped by him and into the house.

"Bobby," Sam said in a small, unsure voice before following his brother.

"There's coffee in the kitchen if you want a cup or beers in the fridge," he offered closing the door behind him.

"Beer sounds good, Sammy?"

"Sure, I guess," Sam replied sitting his bags at the stairs. "Missouri send your herb order and a jar of her blackberry wine. I paid for it." He offered Bobby the bag with a nod.

"Thanks son, you didn't have to do that. I'll give ya the money tomorrow."

"No rush," he answered looking down at the floor as he fidgeted.

"Are you okay Sam?" Bobby asked feeling the tension coming off him.

"I'm fine," Sam said automatically.

Bobby knew he was anything but fine and that was their go to answer when they couldn't or wouldn't talk. He watched Sam walk away wondering what was bothering him, and then it struck him. Sam wasn't sure how Bobby felt about him. They hadn't talked or seen each other since the hospital, and he had no way of knowing how Sam reacted to his thoughts then. If he was as strong a psychic as Missouri said, he was sure Sam might have sensed his feelings, especially those of his Daddy and that is way he fled. He guessed he needed to have a sit down with Sam and get this taken care of before the boy maybe took off again.

He found them sitting at the table and poured a cup of coffee before sitting down across from Sam. "I think we need to talk," he started. "I can tell you're nervous and uncomfortable around me Sam, so let's get everything out in the open."

"Do you want me to leave?" Dean asked wanting Sam to feel comfortable with talking.

"Only if Sam wants you to leave," Bobby replied looking to Sam who shrugged it was okay. "Wanna tell me what's going on in your head Sam?"

Sam was staring at his beer bottle and slid a fingernail under the label to start working it loose as he wet his lips and pinched his lower lip between his teeth. He was trying to get his thoughts in order and how to ask Bobby his questions.

"Sammy's concerned about how you feel about him now," Dean butted in when Sam didn't say anything. He got a bitch look from his brother that melted away when he realized Dean was only trying to help.

"Should I be feeling any different toward you Sam?" Bobby questioned looking at him and waiting for him to look up.

"You need to know what happened to me Bobby and you might change your mind," Sam replied. He couldn't hide the hint of trepidation in his voice. He sipped on his beer to delay the story.

"Sammy, want me to tell him?" Dean asked laying a hand on his arm.

"No, it's my story to tell," Sam told him but giving him a thankful smile for offering.

"Why don't you do what you did to me?" Dean offered thinking it would be easier on Sam instead of him having to tell the story. "Don't worry Bobby it doesn't hurt."

"I can show you in your mind," Sam explained. "Or I will try to tell you."

"Might as well do the easiest," Bobby said. "Just show me, I have a feeling it will be quicker."

"Alright," Sam nodded. He slid closer to Bobby and placed a hand on his temple before closing his eyes and pulling up the beginning of his nightmare. He didn't show Bobby what happened in the motel room with John but started at the bus station.

The kitchen was silent as Sam showed Bobby the scenes of his ordeal under the demon's hands only stopping after he killed Azazel. He sat back and sighed before raising his eyes to look at his adopted father. All he could see was the sadness and tears that brimmed his eyes but saw nothing like what he thought he would see. He didn't see rejection, disgust, or loathing in them and couldn't stop the tears that blurred his vision and ran down his cheeks. Sam didn't stop Bobby from pulling him into his embrace and holding him tightly as Dean watched the exchange. He could hear soft sobs coming from Sam and knew it was relief. He nodded to Bobby when he looked his way and finished off his beer.

Bobby watched Sam as he touched him, and suddenly vivid images were pouring into his mind. He was seeing it like watching a movie and watched as it unfolded in front of him. His body stiffened and jerked slightly when he saw the demon possess Sam and watched in horror as he drank something like looked like blood. He saw how defeated Sam was and what the continuous torture was doing to him. His breathing quickened and he couldn't help the gasp that came from him when the powers took over and Sam killed the demons and took out their leader. The images stopped and Bobby was at a loss for words. He didn't know what to say to Sam that would be of benefit after what he had endured and the only thing he could do was pull him into his embrace and hold him tightly. He felt Sam's hot tears fall on his neck and knew how much the boy needed to know nothing had changed in his feelings for him. He was still his adopted son and nothing that happened to him would change that.

Sam got his emotions under control and pulled away from Bobby to wipe his wet face. He gave him a thankful smile, knowing there was no need for words. Bobby's actions spoke more than words ever could.

"Why don't you boys finish your beers and head on upstairs to bed. It's been a long day for both of you," Bobby said once he cleared his throat and could speak.

"We'll do that. C'mon Sammy let's get settled in and call it an early night," Dean told him patting him on the shoulder as he got up.

They got their things from the living room and headed up the stairs to their bedroom. Bobby stayed at the table for a moment and got up to get the bottle of whiskey from the cabinet. He poured himself a stiff shot before sitting back down. What Sam had showed him was horrendous, appalling, and ghastly, but knew it had all happened to the boy. How he had been able to survive that was unbelievable. He downed the whiskey in several huge gulps before sitting back letting it all sink in.

"You okay Sammy?" Dean asked after they settled into their beds.

"Yeah, I think I am," Sam replied.

A huge burden had been lifted off his shoulders with Bobby's acceptance of him and he could breathe easier now.

A/N: Now Sam knows how Bobby feels about him and that's one burden lifted. Thank you for coming along for the ride. I do like to know your thoughts, please review. NC