The Chaos Tree

by Swordstress

Brotherhood AU: The year is 2041, and the Brotherhood continues to keep the supernatural world under control and hidden from society. When all out violence suddenly begins sweeping the country, Dean, Sam and Caleb must marshal the entire might of the Brotherhood to find the cause and stop the brutality before the country descends into chaos.

31. Chapter 31

The Chaos Tree

Chapter 31

.

The ride back to the hotel was long and taxing, not because of the distance, but the weariness Dean felt in mind and body. He didn't want to think about what had happened that night, not yet. So many complex emotions were attached to the events, they would take time and contemplation to sort out.

Mirroring Dean's thoughts and feelings, as he so often did after having grown up and hunting together, Caleb said, "When we get home, we need to rest, then take some time to talk this hunt through."

"Why?" Dean asked stubbornly.

Caleb rolled his eyes. Now wasn't the time to deal with a truculent Dean. He was simply too tired.

"I agree," came a low voice from the backseat.

Dean jumped slightly, then glared at Sam in the rearview mirror. "Don't do that," he hissed.

"What?" Sam's eyes widened innocently, though a glimmer of mischievousness lurked in their depths.

"You know what," Dean glowered before adding, "Bitch."

"Jerk," came the expected reply. Leaning forward so as not to wake Joshua, Sam pressed his case. "I'm just saying we need to talk everything through." Dropping his head slightly, he added, "I know I need to talk, especially about dad."

"I think that is a very good idea," said a second voice from the back seat, causing Sam to jump.

Dean smirked at his brother in the mirror.

Sam gave Dean his patented "bitch face" before glancing around to the other occupant in the rear seat, saying, "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

Joshua shifted and yawned. "Driving in this car has never been an eventful nor restful experience."

The ages old gripe had the affect of dispelling the note of sorrow and reflection within the confines of the car, effectively pushing the discussion to a future occasion. Despite Joshua's legendary quirk for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, Sam thought he often said the exact right thing when it was needed.

"How much longer till we reach the hotel?" Joshua asked.

Noting the threadiness of exhaustion in Joshua's voice, Caleb said, "We're almost there. Only a half hour to go. Why don't you try and get some more sleep?"

Joshua shifted again. While the remarks aimed at Dean's cherished car were meant to circumvent a conversation none of them were ready to tackle, he truly did not find the Impala as comfortable as Sam and Dean seemed to believe it was. Maybe that was because they had virtually grown up within its doors, driving for hours on end and playing in the back, sleeping on these seats. But for him, they were hard and uncomfortable.

Sam saved Joshua from having to reply at all by saying, "I think I'll ask for a few days off."

"You've already had a few days off," Dean said, his brow furrowed. "Will the University understand?"

"I've got tenure, and I just got published in ABA Magazine. They won't like it, but they'll deal."

"You got published somewhere?" Dean asked. "Why didn't I know about it?"

"The issue with my article hasn't dropped yet. I'll give you a copy when it does."

"Getting published in ABA Magazine is very prestigious," Joshua stated, impressed. "They're very selective on which articles and authors they publish. How did you get in?"

"Oh, thanks," Sam snorted, amused and slightly offended. Maybe he needed to rethink Joshua's saying the right thing occasionally. It might have been a fluke.

Joshua rolled his eyes. He often wondered if eye rolling was catchy. He had never rolled his eyes before officially becoming the Advisor to his Triad. Maybe he should consider making a concerted effort to break himself of the habit. But then again, there were times when it came in very handy. "I wasn't referring to your intelligence, written eloquence or veracity. ABA is the number one magazine for lawyers, and receives thousands of articles for consideration a year. Many from such elite universities as Princeton, Harvard, Duke, Northwestern…" he waved a hand, "and others you know. Those professors tend to get noticed by their association more than their intelligence. But you stood out. I'm impressed and cannot wait to read your article."

"Thanks," Sam said sincerely.

"What's it on?" Caleb asked.

"The legal implications of drone use in suburban communities."

"Wow," Caleb said. "How did you think of that?"

"The students at the University are always flying drones around campus and using the footage on YouTube, Vimeo, Metacafe and other online platforms. I began to wonder about the increased use, not only for entertainment, but in law enforcement, and the legality of using footage without the consent of bystanders caught on camera." Sam shrugged. "I did some research and wrote the paper. The University didn't think there was much to it, but I submitted it to ABA anyway. They accepted it for print."

Dean grinned at Sam. "Well done, Sammy. I can't wait to read it."

"You're each getting a copy, or several," Sam said with a grin. "I want to make sure that edition sells out."

Laughter followed that pronouncement, giving the tired occupants a jolt of energy they needed, as they didn't pull into the Holiday Inn Express until a little before four in the morning. They climbed slowly from the car, weariness and stiffness making the process more arduous than normal.

After taking a minute to stretch, Dean said, "I could use some coffee."

Sam's eyes widened incredulously. "We're heading to bed, Dean."

Snorting softly, Caleb opened the doors to the hotel and held them as everyone trooped inside. "Sam, after all these years you know that coffee is Dean's wake-up and sleep-time drink of choice."

"I could make you a potion to counter the caffeinated effects of the coffee," Joshua offered as they boarded the elevator. "Then you'd be able to sleep better after having a cup."

Dean looked horrified.

After a few seconds, the elevator pinged at Dean and Sam's floor. When the doors slid open, the pair walked off with only a short goodnight.

As Sam slipped his keycard into the door lock, he heard Dean muse, "Potion to counter caffeine. I wonder if he can really do that."

.

Sam lay in bed, comfortable and warm after such a tough evening. Since Caleb had reserved the only suite in the hotel, he and Onida were sleeping there, with Joshua and Max in the second bedroom. James and JT had decided to sleep there as well, using the plush sofa bed to crash on. Sam and Dean had retained their old room, as had Adam and Ryker, and Joel and Daniel. After a shower that was shorter than he would have liked, Sam had yielded the bathroom to Dean and climbed into bed. So much had happened over the last few days, he had thought he would drop off immediately, but he hadn't. He'd been awake during Dean's swift shower, the same when he came out and climbed into bed. And now, long after the room had gone silent, he was still awake.

"You awake?" Sam asked softly. He knew with instincts honed through years of sleeping in the same room as his brother that Dean was awake. But asking the question allowed his brother the option of declining to talk if he so chose.

After a heartbeat, Dean said, "Yeah."

Sam shifted onto his side. "I can't sleep."

Dean huffed out a laugh. The statement was so Sammy, and brought forth a myriad of memories from when they were kids. Rolling over to face his brother's bed, he said, "Yeah, I can't either."

Sam nodded. He didn't say anything for awhile, just let his gaze drift around the darkened room.

"You think Caleb's asleep?" Dean asked.

"I think everyone will have some trouble sleeping tonight," Sam said with a sigh. Then after another long moment, he whispered, "It was so surreal to see dad."

Dean nodded. He was sure Sam wasn't looking in his direction, though with the room so dark, seeing the nod would have been unlikely regardless.

There was another lengthy silence before Sam continued. "I'm not going to say I wish he'd been the man I saw tonight in life. Who he was made me who I am, and I love my life. Being the Scholar of the Brotherhood, working with you and Caleb, teaching at the University and, most of all, having Mary."

When Sam didn't continue, Dean looked across the room at his brother's silhouette and waited.

"But I wish we'd had more than an hour," Sam murmured finally. "I was enjoying getting to know dad without all the bogeymen and baggage."

Dean chuckled. "Yeah, there were a lot of bogeymen in our youth. Lotsa baggage too."

Sam smiled. "Yeah," he sighed. "He said he was proud of you." It had been important for him to hear that. All throughout their childhood and young life, Dean had often gotten the short end of the stick with regards to their father's approval.

"Yeah, he did," Dean agreed. The words had been welcome, though he hadn't truly needed to hear them any longer. Through the years he'd made his peace with their father's toughness with regards to him; the unneeded reaming, the flashes of anger directed his way without cause, the times John vented his spleen on Dean rather than Sam, when it was Sam who had been in the wrong. What he had truly loved hearing tonight, was that he was loved. Though he'd known that John had loved him, he had never really felt all that loved. It had always been Sammy who had dominated the apple of their father's eye.

"He loved you," Sam said, as though reading his brother's thoughts.

"I know."

"No," Sam said, leveling himself up on his elbow. "I mean he loved you in a different way from me. He loved me because I demanded his attention, asked endless questions and challenged him. You were his rock. He could never have continued in his quest for mom's killer without you."

Dean felt stung. "You think I'm the reason he hunted?"

"No, that's not what I meant," Sam assured quickly. "He would have hunted anyway, after mom. But you were the one that kept him dad, and not just a hunter."

Dean did not like the direction of this conversation. He'd made his peace with the fact that their father had loved Sam more than him. That though he'd followed every rule, did everything he could to be the man dad would be proud of, it was Sam whom John loved most. Now it was sounding like Sam had a different take. "Listen, I don't think…"

"No, you listen," Sam interrupted, pushing himself up. "Dad was hard on you growing up, no doubt. And it wasn't fair; he wasn't fair. But he didn't love me more than you, he made that clear tonight. But he did love us differently."

"I don't want…"

"He loved me as his baby boy," Sam talked over Dean. "He wanted to protect me, make sure I was safe, he always viewed me as the baby he rescued from the flames. But that night, he gave me to you, and that's the difference. You were the one he turned to when he needed help, you were the one he relied on to keep us safe, you were the one he leaned on to keep the house he provided clean and warm, and you were the one who was always there."

"Yeah," Dean parroted with asperity. "I was the one too pathetic to leave, to strike out on my own, to find my own identity, as you've pointed out before." He grimaced inwardly. He hadn't really meant to hang out that old dirty laundry, an unfortunate exchange between him and Sam years before. Luckily, Sam refused to rise to the bait and ignored it.

"No, Dean. I was the baby, the sand shifting under his feet. You were his rock, the one he relied on, the one who knew him better than he knew himself." Sam watched Dean, and through the darkness, he could see the hurt evident in Dean's frame. "You know, tonight, when I was hugging him, he looked for you to give him support."

Dean frowned. "What?"

"Even in death dad gets a little squirrely with a lot of affection," Sam commented with a short laugh. "We were hugging, he was crying, I was crying, he was rubbing my back. But after a few minutes, he sought you out."

"No, he…"

"And when his hand went through the bottle…"

"You saw that?" Dean asked, frowning.

"Yeah, of course I did. But he looked directly at you, not me." Sam shrugged. "I would have looked for you too."

Dean's frowned deepened. "Sammy, he loves you…"

"I know that," Sam smiled. "I know he loves me, I've never doubted it. But I want you to know that he loves you just as fiercely, just differently. We aren't the same. Growing up, I was jealous of you so many times, because I thought dad loved you more than me."

Dean chuckled. "I thought he loved you."

"More than me," Sam finished.

Caught off guard, Dean frowned. "What?"

"You should have said, I thought he loved you more than me," Sam said softly. "See, you view dad's love for you, as you gave love to me, as he did. But it took me a long time to realize that the love he gave you was just as important and vital as the love he gave me. We aren't the same people; we have different things to give, and different things we need. I saw that tonight, and I'm so glad I did. Now I can love him without feeling resentful that he might have loved you less."

"I…" Dean's mouth snapped shut. He'd always known dad needed him to be there, to take care of Sam, to take care of him when necessary. He'd never thought of it like dad loved and needed him to be that rock, the one that kept him going. This was going to take some getting used to, and all of a sudden, he didn't feel as sorrowful. "Dad loved me."

Sam grinned. "Yup, he did, and he loved you for you and all you brought into his world. And he loved me for all I brought into his world." Suddenly he yawned.

Dean smiled. "Let's get some sleep, Sammy. We've got a long day tomorrow."

Sam lay back down and shifted around until his covers were just right and the pillow cradled his head just right and his blankets covered him completely. Yawning again, he said, "You know Caleb's jetliner is waiting to take us home."

"Not without Baby," Dean mumbled around a yawn.

Grinning, Sam murmured, "Maybe we should just drive."

Eyes closing, Dean whispered, "Sounds like a plan."

---

It was close to noon when Dean and Sam walked up to the suite on the top floor and knocked.

Caleb opened the door, saying, "Come on in. I ordered lunch brought up."

"From where?" Sam asked, closing the door. It wasn't like there were a lot of options in Hastings Nebraska.

"That Italian restaurant we went to…" Caleb broke off, frowning. "Man, that seems like a very long time ago."

Sam grinned. "Napoli's," supplied, adding, "Yeah, it does."

"I called the manager this morning, and he agreed to do lunch for us," Caleb finished.

Dean passed him by, making a beeline for the table where Onida and Adam were sitting. The younger generation was clustered around the coffee table in the suite's small living room.

"Hey dad," James called.

"Morning son, JT, everyone," Dean said. Picking up a plate, he went to the sideboard to check out the offerings. There was spaghetti and meatballs, Lasagna, Ravioli, and slices of Italian pizza covered in meat, olives, tomatoes and cheese. He piled his plate high, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. When he turned for the table, Sam was on his heels piling up his own plate. Sitting, Dean asked, "Where's Joshua?"

"Still asleep," Caleb said, with a worried glance at the Advisor's room. He had retaken his seat at Onida's side. "Onida said he was just exhausted after doing that spell when she checked on him this morning, after she healed JT's shoulder," he stated pointedly, with a sour look at his godson.

"I forgot," JT shrugged as he took a bite of pizza.

Dean had swung in his son's direction. "JT?"

"I got hit by a potion. It caused some damage to my arm, but I used Adam's potion on it, and it was fine."

Max snorted softly at the word fine, and Caleb growled.

"Okay, not totally fine," JT admitted. "But I was still able to fight."

"You know the rule," Dean stated.

"We don't hide wounds," JT parroted.

This time it was Sam who snorted. When Dean scowled in his direction, he met his brother's eyes square on, though he refrained from voicing the often used pot/kettle idiom … barely. After all, it was pretty rich that Dean was now reaming his son for not disclosing a wound when he himself had made a career of doing the same.

Caleb didn't have any such qualms about not voicing the double standard. "This from the King of Suck-it-Up," he muttered. When Dean turned his displeasure his way, Caleb merely shrugged. "Don't think that'll work on me," he stated. "I've known you your entire life, and your angry looks don't work anymore."

Dean sighed. Turning back to JT, he said, "You're okay though?"

Smiling, JT nodded. "I'm fine. James was hurt worse than me."

At Dean's stricken look, James muttered, "Oh, thanks for that."

"Sometimes you gotta divert attention," JT murmured.

"What happened?" Dean demanded.

Max stepped in, to James' surprise, and tried to downplay the incident a bit. "He was caught in the vortex of a couple of protection lines when they went back up suddenly. But Elena came over and helped stabilize his bodily functions until Onida healed him."

Dean went completely white. "Stabilize his body functions," he mumbled dazedly.

James jumped to his feet and ran over to his father. "Dad, I'm fine, I'm fine. It was like I got electrocuted. People never die from getting electrocuted."

If Dean could have gotten paler, he would have as his eyes jerked to Sam.

"Check him over again, please," Sam urged Onida.

Knowing there was something happening that she was missing, Onida immediately got to her feet and went over to James, who stood still while she closed her eyes and checked his vitals. After a moment, she opened her eyes and smiled. "A very healthy twenty-three year old," she stated.

Nodding in her direction, Dean dropped his fork and stood. "I'll be right back," he murmured, and walked out the door. After a moment, Caleb rose and followed.

"What happened?" James asked, his eyes on the door.

JT stood and walked over to the table, taking his father's seat. "Uncle Sam?"

Sam sighed. "Years ago we were hunting a rawhead. It had taken a couple kids, and we found them in a basement. The rawhead was coming, and Dean told me to get the kids to safety."

"Rawhead's can only be killed with electricity," Max stated softly, frowning.

"Up to one hundred thousand volts," Sam confirmed. "I had taken the kids up the stairs and the rawhead was bearing down on Dean, coming at him straight on. Despite the fact that he was standing in a puddle of water, he used the taser."

This time it was JT and James' faces that went white.

"He was electrocuted. The doctor gave him a month, at most, to live."

"Someone healed him?" Onida asked. Something had happened, since Dean was very much alive.

"I found someone to heal him," Sam said, forcing a smile onto his face. "A faith healer."

JT frowned. There were no true faith healers. "What happened?"

Sam told them about Roy Le Grange, how Le Grange's wife was controlling reapers with an ancient type of cross known to be used in black magic. "When Le Grange healed someone, the wife would send the reaper to kill someone else."

Onida gasped slightly. "How horrible."

"When we destroyed the cross, the reapers took Sue-Ann. They didn't like being controlled."

"So dad was electrocuted," James said slowly.

Sam nodded. "But it was a long time ago, and he's fine, obviously. He's just afraid for you, for all of you."

JT dropped into a seat, wishing he hadn't said anything about James' injuries.

"We can't anticipate everything," James said to JT, taking Caleb's seat next to his brother. "I'm the one who used the great example of electrocution."

"This is a dangerous gig," Sam said. "Though I believe it's safer now."

JT snorted, still looking remorseful.

"No, it is," Sam stated fervently. "When Dean and I grew up, Dad taught us everything we know, and he prepared us the best he could. But we didn't get the formal hunter training Caleb has put together for those in the field. We didn't have the online resources Alison and I have worked on, or the monster courses Mark Wright put together. Dad learned what he could from Pastor Jim, but he relied more on his military training and honed that through the years with what he learned in the field. And he was amazing, he really was. But one of the things I'm really proud of is how hard Caleb and Dean have worked to make a difficult and dangerous job at least a little safer for hunters."

"You too, Uncle Sam," JT said.

Sam smiled. "And me too." While he wasn't in charge of the hunters like Caleb, and didn't lead the charge like Dean, he too along with Alison had worked hard to streamline information and to make sure hunters had everything they needed to be successful, and more importantly, to come out alive. Yeah, he thought their Triad had helped make a dangerous and treacherous vocation safer. "Just know that the thing Dean fears the most in this world, is something happening to you boys," he said, looking from JT to James to Max.

"We'll work as safely as possible," JT said solemnly.

"And watch out for each other," James added.

Max nodded. "And use all our training to kill the bad guy and come out unscathed."

James snorted "Unscathed?"

"You're not the only one with a great vocabulary," Max declared, before giving the other two members of his Triad a silent vow to always watch out for their safety. He planned on his Triad retiring together, just like Dean's.

.

Caleb rushed down the hallway to catch up with his best friend. "James is fine," he said, regretting that he'd brought up JT's injury.

Dean merely nodded as he climbed onto the elevator. He just needed some air. "Why don't you…" He broke off as Caleb pushed in beside him. Sighing, he nodded and hit the one button.

They didn't speak again until they were outside the building and walking around the parking lot.

Caleb gave Dean a sidelong look. "What are you thinking?"

Giving a soft snort, Dean said, "You mean you haven't read me?"

"Sometimes saying something out loud is beneficial."

"That coven woman," Dean said. "She had to stabilize his body. Do you know what that means?"

"That he was in trouble."

"That he was in danger of dying," Dean exclaimed, trying to keep his voice down but not succeeding, if the look he got from a couple of hotel employees was any measure. "He almost died."

"I know."

Dean's head jerked up. "You know? You know?! How can you be so calm?!"

"Because I lost you," Caleb said simply.

That stopped Dean in his tracks. Giving a slow exhale, he said, "It's hell."

"Yes," Caleb agreed. "But they're going to hunt, they may even die on a hunt. We need to be prepared for that."

"I don't think I can do it," Dean said softly.

"Yes, you can," Caleb stated. "We can. We do our best to arm them for everything. We train them, teach them, make sure they're the best fighters around."

"We do what our parents did," Dean said.

"And better. They'll do fine," Caleb agreed. "Just like us."

Dean snorted as he changed direction to head back for the hotel. "Not a good argument, Obi wan. As you said before; I died."

"Maybe you lost that battle," Caleb said earnestly. "But you came back, so we won the war." Opening the hotel doors, he walked on through.

"Yeah," Dean whispered. "We won the war."

---

Following lunch, half the team was getting ready to go their separate ways. Dean, Sam and Caleb stood outside in the parking lot watching Joel and Daniel toss their things into Joel's truck. The day Caleb had found out Joel was alive, and that Daniel had driven the Tourer to Nebraska, he had called Sal, long time employee of Dean's who now managed Dean's second auto repair shop in Louisville. He asked Sal to make a second key, and to find someone to drive Joel's truck to Hastings. It had arrived the night before.

"I can't believe you had the truck driven from Kentucky!" Daniel exclaimed, walking around the vehicle. "That just shaved a day off our trip back to California."

Caleb handed Joel the second key. "It's been so crazy the last couple days, and I know I said this before, but…" he smiled, "welcome home."

Joel nodded. "Being in Eden is something I won't forget for a very long time, but it's great to be back."

Looking over at Daniel, who was shaking hands with Dean and Sam, Joel said, "We need to get home. I have a great desire to sleep in my own bed."

"I've got a neighbor who is tired of looking after my dog," Daniel stated, walking over.

Joel snorted. "She wants to look after more than your dog."

"Shuddup, y subir al auto," Daniel sniped, giving everyone a wave as he climbed into the driver's seat.

Joel frowned. "This is my truck. I should be driving."

"Say that in Spanish, and you've got a deal," Daniel quipped, grinning.

Joel thought for a moment, then shrugged. "I'm too tired." Sighing, he walked around to the passenger's side and climbed in.

The hotel doors opened and JT and Max walked out in time to wave off the two hunters.

"We're going to get on the road," JT said.

"If we drive straight through," Max said, "we should get home around one in the morning. I already let Mom know I would be coming so she doesn't get freaked."

"I think you're dad will be home before you," Caleb remarked. "You sure you don't want to fly with us?"

Max shook his head, looking over at the front doors as Ryker, James and Adam walked through. "We came together, we'll head back together."

"You check in with your dad this morning?"

Max nodded. "I already said goodbye. He's upstairs getting a shower." Sighing, he said, "I'll be glad when we're home and he can get some rest."

"I'll have Onida give him another look," Caleb said.

Max smiled. "Thanks."

James walked up and put his duffel in the trunk. "When are we heading out?"

"Now," Max said. Tossing Caleb a grin, he walked over to where Ryker was talking to Adam and Sam.

"You boys staying at the house?" Dean asked, following JT to the car.

"Yeah. I thought I'd take a day or two before heading back to North Carolina." After tossing his duffel in the truck, he leaned into the car frame by the driver's door. "I need some time with family."

Dean nodded and smiled. "Good."

Turning, JT called out, "Let's get this show on the road!"

Adam accompanied Ryker over to the car, and soon all four boys were pulling out of the parking lot, passing Ethan and Elijah as they pulled in.

"It's like a circus around here, with all the cars coming and going," Caleb remarked.

"Don't talk about circuses," Sam muttered.

Adam gave Dean a wry look, sensing that Sam and circuses were not a good combination. "I'm heading inside to gather my things."

"And check on Joshua?" Sam asked under his breath.

"That too," Adam agreed before heading to the double doors.

Ethan parked and he and his brother climbed out of their rented SUV. Ethan stood for a moment and stretched while Elijah walked slowly over to Dean, Caleb and Sam, yawning widely.

"How was Lebanon this morning?" Dean asked.

"Recovering," Elijah said, coming around the front of the vehicle. "The people are freaked. It's going to be tough, but they're used to hardship; they'll recover."

"I've already been in touch with Ben this morning," Sam said. "He's going to send in a couple counselors to help people cope with the trauma."

"We checked the water," Ethan said, using air quotes. "Took samples and added the antidote."

"Stop doing the air quotes thing," Elijah grumped. "It's weird."

Ethan ignored him and continued. "The Sheriff had the water turned off for the moment, but once Cadmael show him the tests results were clear, he agreed to turn it back on." Moving past Elijah, he looked to Dean. "The Sheriff is expecting to see you today."

Dean nodded, watching the twins walk into the hotel. Turning, he said, "How about we get this done so we can get home too?"

---

Back in Lebanon

"Damn," Caleb said, walking around the front of the Tourer, surveying the damage. "That spell really crunched the front."

"Like an accordion," Sam concurred.

Caleb rolled his eyes. "Thanks for that."

"No problem!"

"You don't need to sound so cheery," Caleb grumped. Shaking his head, he blew out a long breath. "Well, I suppose I can have it towed back to Kentucky."

Onida, who had been standing nearby watching, looked startled. "You want to tow it back home?"

"Not home," Caleb said. "To Dean's garage."

"Why don't you have someone fix it here?" Sam asked. "Better idea, why don't you just dump it and buy another one. Do you even need another one?"

"You don't just dump stuff because it needs fixing, Sam," Caleb stated. "Besides, I know the best mechanic in the country."

"Do you think Dean will have time to fix this?" Sam asked, eyeing the crumpled front end.

"He'll make time," Caleb said confidently. He knew his friend, and working on an elite car like this one would tickle his friend right down to the bone.

Onida just shook her head and strolled away to lean against the wall of the abandoned gas station. She wasn't inserting herself into this argument.

"It'll cost you more to tow it home and fix it than to buy another!"

"Don't exaggerate, Sam," Caleb huffed. Pulling out his cell, he placed a call and began making arrangements to have the Tourer trucked to Kentucky.

Sam threw up his hands and walked down the sidewalk to where Dean was talking to Sheriff Howard.

Caleb watched the Scholar's retreating back, then looked over at Onida. Snorting, he muttered, "Trash."

"The only reason you're bringing the Tourer back to New Haven is so Dean can work on it," Onida remarked sagely, sauntering back over to Caleb and giving him a kiss. This was one of the things she loved about him. He would drop thousands of dollars so Joshua could work on his spell in comfort, then spend more money so Dean would work on the van, a van he never needed. "You think he'll enjoy it, so the tow is worth it."

Caleb grinned. "Just keep that under your hat."

"Dean will know."

"Yeah, he will. But the van will come in handy for taking all the kids to Disney World."

Onida's eyes widened. "Disney World? All of them together?"

Pulling her into his arms, Caleb whispered, "We'll make Dean sit in back and entertain them. He's good with children. We can learn from him."

Letting her shoulders relax, Onida smiled; for the future and all its possibilities. "Then the trip's on."

Sam walked up to find that Dean and Sheriff's conversation was winding down.

"Your team checked the water in the tower and found it safe," Howard said. "So we've turned the water to the town back on. People are a little nervous about drinking it, as you can imagine. Ladow's will need to stock extra-large containers of drinking water for the next few months, but we'll weather the storm."

"I know you will," Dean said confidently. "We're going to be sending in some support if people need counseling."

"It will be much appreciated. I think a lot of people will want to talk, especially those who got out of hand with friends and family."

"They'll all need to talk that through," Sam said. "Those who activated violently, and those on the receiving end. Letting the hurt go will be a challenge."

"It will. But as you know," the Sheriff said, nodding to Dean knowing he also was from Kansas. "Midwest folk are made of hard stock. We've been through a lot to keep this town on the map. We'll get through this too."

"Thank you again," Dean said. "Do you need anything else from me?"

"Healing is best when it's between family and friends. I'm sure you would agree."

"Yeah, I do." Dean handed him a card that was blank save for a printed phone number. "In case you need me, leave a message. I'll come."

Nodding, Sheriff Howard merely tucked the card into his front shirt pocket. Stepping back, he drawled, "Ya'll stop by when you come back through these parts, ya hear?" Then he gave them a wink and walked off down the street.

Dean watched his retreating form a moment, before saying, "Let's go drag Josh and Adam away from Mr. Coven Leader guy."

"Cadmael," Sam supplied.

"Yeah, him."

They fell into step on their way to the Community Center. "You know Caleb expects you to repair his van, right?"

"Why doesn't he just junk it?" Dean asked casually.

"According to Caleb, you don't throw things away just because they're broken," Sam relayed.

"Since when? Caleb goes through cars like tissue." Though he was engaging Sam in the conversation, Dean knew exactly why Caleb would go to the expense of bring the van to New Haven: so he could have the fun of working on it.

"He kept his first car until it died," Sam reminded his brother.

"Yeah, I know." Caleb's very first car had been a blue jeep wrangler their dad and Bobby had restored for his sixteenth birthday. Mac had declared it a death trap, but Caleb had driven that car for years until it had finally stopped running for good, too weary to go on. The fact that it had gone from being in Dean's barn to the garage at Caleb's house - where it still remained even after all these years - was a testament to how much he valued the gift. "Where is he, by the way?"

"Making arrangements to have the van towed to New Haven."

Dean shook his head in amusement as he leaned in and opened the doors to the Community Center. Caleb was a study in contradictions. He would drop thousands in a heartbeat if one of them needed something, or if it would make his friends comfortable, but have anyone but Dean work on the repairs – for free, probably – was against his monetary code. Grinning, Dean walked through the Center lobby to the rooms beyond. He was going to have a lot of fun working on that van.

They followed the sound of voices down the hallway until they stopped outside a small room at the end. Inside were Joshua, Adam and Cadmael, talking intently about protection spells and all their myriad of differing types.

"So you can use heart magic to protect something, as well as soul magic?" Because of working with the Brotherhood, Joshua knew more than almost anyone about protection. In fact, he rarely revealed the depth of his magical knowledge with anyone save Ryker, and to some extent, Adam. But he mainly dealt in earth, herb and mineral magical components. He was familiar with other sorts of magic, but hadn't used them as regularly in his work. Now, he thought this was something he would very much like to explore.

Cadmael nodded. "We can bend almost anything into protective magics."

"How did you learn all this?" asked Adam, obviously fascinated.

"From my family," Cadmael said. "We can trace my ancestors back to nearly two hundred and fifty BC. Their teachings have been passed down from generation to generation to us today."

"What a wonderful legacy," Joshua said.

"You two ready to head home?" Dean asked from the doorway.

Adam nodded and rose. When Joshua turned around, Dean was struck by how tired he still looked. His face was pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes. It was no wonder Adam had insisted they come to this meeting together. Yet in spite of his outward weariness, Joshua's eyes were alight with interest.

"Yes, we're ready." Joshua rose. Turning, he held out a hand to Cadmael. "I am honored to have met you. I hope we may speak again in the future."

"As do I," Cadmael said, shaking first Joshua's hand, then Adam's.

The two men followed Dean and Sam out into the sunshine. Casually they headed in the direction of the small, out of service gas station down the street where the Impala was parked.

"Mr. Coven Leader…"

"Cadmael," Sam corrected irritably.

"Won't repeat what happened here, will he?" Dean asked, giving his brother a smirk. Teasing Sam when he was tired was a lifelong hobby.

"No. Aside from the fact he doesn't know all that occurred last night, his coven deals in discretion and secrets," Joshua said. "What happened here will remain confidential."

"Good. We don't need Nadine hearing about it."

"Dean," Sam admonished. He didn't like Dean speaking caustically about Joshua and Adam's coven in front of them.

"No, he has a right to be concerned," Adam interjected. "The magic Joshua used, that I used, was very powerful, and she would want to know, understand and use that power."

Joshua nodded slowly. "There are some magics that shouldn't be used except in the direst of circumstances."

"She wouldn't be able to use it anyway," Sam said. "She doesn't have access to the kind of magic you do." Triad power was Brotherhood and only Brotherhood.

"That would not stop her from attempting to recreate such magic," Joshua said. "She would see it as her duty to our coven. Therefore, I will not be writing down anything of the spell I used."

Dean looked shocked. "But that was amazing work. Why wouldn't you record it? We could safeguard it for you, Josh. You worked too hard on that spell not to let it live."

Joshua smiled at the compliment, but shook his head. "It would be too risky."

"Not if it was in the Tomb."

This was the first time Dean had mentioned the Tomb in front of Adam.

Adam frowned, looking from Joshua to Dean and Sam, then back again. "The Tomb?"

Joshua eyed Dean, then slowly, he smiled. "A very special place. I'll show you when we get back."

Eyeing all three of them, Adam asked, "Does this mean I'm a member of the club?"

Dean pulled a ring from his pocket and held it out. "Only if you want to be."

"There's no pressure," Sam said. "This isn't something you step into casually. But the ring is there if you want it."

Adam didn't answer as he stared at the ring, mesmerized. Did he want this? Did he want to become a part of this organization? He was already helping without jumping in with both feet. Was he ready for that?

Sam took the ring from Dean and nodded. When Dean and Joshua had walked on, he said to Adam, "When Mac gave me my ring, I didn't wear it for over twelve years."

Adam's head jerked up in surprise.

"I wasn't sure being in the Brotherhood was the right call for me back then. So I put the ring in a drawer and left it there. It wasn't until Dean, Caleb and I became the Triad that Dean insisted I wear it. My father was the Knight of the Brotherhood, and he never wore a ring. If you're not ready, Dean will understand."

Slowly Adam reached out and took the ring. As he held it, he could feel the magic in the silver band. But was he ready for this? It had only been a year since he'd held the Brotherhood in derision, only a year since he'd discovered that the members were honorable, smart, loyal and selfless men who fought in the shadows. Honorable. The word echoed in his head. "Since Washington, it's been an incredible, eye-opening year. But I don't want to hunt, not like you do. But I can offer my skills when they're needed. Is that all right?"

"Each member offers what they can. Dean's son Ben doesn't hunt, but he wears a ring and is a valued member of the Brotherhood. Many others don't work in the field. There's still a lot you need to know, grasshopper."

Adam nodded. His son was a member of this organization, as was his own best friend. Looking down, he slowly slid the ring onto his hand and felt the magic zing through his body. Looking up, he saw Sam was smiling. "Then maybe it's time I learn."

---

Caleb pulled back into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express to drop off Dean and Sam. Everyone took the opportunity to climb out of the SUV and stretch their legs before Caleb, Joshua, Adam and Onida would head to Central Nebraska Regional Airport for their flight, and Dean and Sam being the long drive to Kentucky.

"Did Ethan and Elijah get off all right?" Sam asked Caleb. Caleb was usually Ethan's contact of choice, since they worked so often in the field together.

"Yeah. Their return flight to Houston took off at four. They couldn't get a direct flight, but considering the only stopover is Denver, they should be on the ground in Houston by about eight-thirty tonight."

"That's good. I hope they can get a day off." If had been a tough couple of days, and Sam thought Ethan and Elijah deserved a day of relaxation."

Caleb walked with Sam over the where Dean was giving his car some careful scrutiny, probably making a mental list of every ding, dent and scratch. "Elijah may be able to take a day, but Ethan won't. Too much happened recently, and he'll want to have a presence in the precinct."

"He can't work twenty-four seven," Sam stated.

"He'll do what he's got to do…"

"Yeah," Sam said, smiling. "Just like all of us."

"The boys should beat us home," Dean said, crouching down and checking the front end of the Impala for perhaps the tenth time.

"Yeah, they left a few hours ago. But we," Caleb said to Joshua, who was pacing around his rented SUV stretching, "should beat them home." Leaning against the driver's door next to Onida, he said, "Sometimes it's good to have your own transportation."

"Yeah, it is," Dean echoed, standing and giving his Baby a pat on the hood.

Joshua shook his head. He was tired and wanted to get going. Adam was already sitting in the back seat of the SUV, his eyes closed and his head resting against the seat riser. And though Onida had remained standing outside, she looked more than ready to be back in Louisville.

Sensing the need to shove off, Caleb pushed off the SUV and walked over. "You ready?"

"Definitely," Joshua said, even as he pulled his phone from his pocket. "Can I have a quick moment before we head to the airport?"

Caleb smiled. "Of course"

Joshua stepped aside and called home. When Carolyn picked up, he said, "Hi Sweetheart. We'll be home in a few hours."

Carolyn sighed, closing her eyes in thankfulness. This hunt had worried her, and she was beyond grateful that Joshua was on his way back. "I can't wait. We missed you. Hang on…"

A moment later Joshua heard breathing on the other end of the connection. Nicholas still didn't fully understand the concept of telephones or that when he took the receiver, he should speak so the person on the other end knew he was there. It was endearing, and Joshua grinned. "Hello Nicholas."

"Daddy," Nicholas said.

"Yes, it's Daddy. I'm coming home today, and I'll see you very soon."

"Back?" Glee and anticipation threaded through the young voice.

"Yes, back." There was a small sound that had Joshua frowning for a brief second, until he realized it had been a giggle. Grinning, he said, "I love you, Nicholas. I'll see you soon."

"Love you, Daddy."

There was the sound of movement, then Carolyn came on and said, "Be safe, but get here soonest."

"We're taking Caleb's jetliner. I'll be there yesterday."

Carolyn laughed. "I love you, Joshua Sawyer," she said, and hung up.

Smiling, Joshua closed the phone slowly, then headed to the waiting vehicle with a lighter step and climbed inside. He was going home.

"Well," Caleb said, moving over to where Sam and Dean lingered beside the Impala. "We'll beat you home. I sent Alison and the teams an email last night letting them know the threat has been contained. I'll send out a more detailed one on the flight and call, fill her in on everything. Of course, Alison won't be happy until she hears from you," Caleb told Dean. "Once you're on the road, call. I'm sure she's been waiting."

Dean nodded, winching only slightly. He knew Caleb would fill Alison in on how Piruz died. While he didn't like killing humans, Piruz had to be stopped. He wanted no other Triad to deal with him, especially not his children and godson. He would lose sleep for days to prevent that.

If Caleb hadn't taken out the wizard in battle, he would have tried to spare Caleb and Sam the task and taken out Piruz himself, despite Caleb's high-minded determination to do the deed. Long ago he'd come to the realization that, with his past, he just wasn't that honorable. Before he'd accepted the role of Guardian, he'd had to examine himself through the lens of the ancient Greek aphorism Know Thyself. Know your limits, know your motivation, simply know yourself. After he'd returned from hell, he'd had to come to terms with his tarnished past. In their Triad, honorable went to Caleb, humanitarianism went to Sam, and the dirty deeds went to him. He'd accepted and made peace with that. He could live with it.

Caleb eyed Dean and suppressed a sigh. He knew exactly how his friend saw himself, and didn't for the life of him understand how someone so intuitive with regards to everyone else could be so blind when confronted with his own valor and worth. Catching Sam's eye, he merely shook his head slightly and went to double check their luggage.

Sam also knew what Dean was feeling. None of them would ever have wanted to kill a human being. He had tried to reason with Piruz, but the man was set on a tac that wouldn't be altered. Though he knew Dean would brood about that, he and Caleb would make sure he didn't do so for long. Suddenly he yawned. They needed to get on the road, and he planned on being obvious about it. Giving Caleb a short wave, he walked to the passenger's side of the car and climbed inside. Closing the door, he rested his head against the window.

Caleb and Dean exchanged looks, then chuckled.

"We'll call when we get back," Dean said.

"And we'll set up a time to talk about last night," Caleb stated. After seeing Mac, he knew he would need to talk at some point. Dean, however, would brood and ponder about last night's encounter for as long as he and Sam let him.

"Yeah," Dean said in a noncommittal manner. He walked over to his car and opened the door.

"It's happening," Caleb called out. "Don't think you're getting out of it."

"I'll mark my calendar," Dean muttered as he climbed into the car. Turning the key, the Impala's eight-cylinder engine revved loudly. It was one of the most cathartic sounds; had been since he was a child, and he sighed. The tension dribbled from his neck and shoulders and he sank back into the leather seat, replete with padding worn through the years to fit his frame. Raising a hand, he waved to the others, pulled out of the parking lot and set his course toward home.

---

Caleb walked through the small, private section of the Nebraska Regional Airport carrying four cups of coffee. It had been a long day already, and all he wanted to do was relax in the comfortable chairs of his Hawker 1000. After dropping everyone off at the terminal doors, he had returned the SUV to the rental booth and picked up the caffeinated beverages. While most hunts were exhilarating and he would have felt satisfaction at a job well done, this hunt engendered so many feelings, he felt like it would take him a month to sort through his emotions. Seeing Mac again had been surreal. The memory stood out in his mind like a shining beacon, yet it also felt like a dream.

"Good evening, Mr. Reaves."

Caleb nodded to the young man that held open the door to the tarmac. "Evening, Lee." He walked on through and headed for the stairs of his jetliner, to where Adam, Joshua and Onida waited.

"Ooh, good," Onida moaned, seeing the coffee and making gimme motions with her fingers.

Caleb grinned and handed her a cup, then passed one off to Adam and the last to Joshua. "I didn't get espresso in case anyone wanted to take a nap. It's not a long flight, but we didn't get a lot of sleep last night either. We should touch down in two hours."

"I can't wait," Onida said, smiling. "I want to sleep in my own bed."

"I can't wait to see Margaret, Maisie and Lucas," Adam said. "It feels like forever since I've been home."

"It will be nice to get back on our schedule," Joshua agreed.

Caleb sat next to Onida and thought of how different this flight was from the last time he'd been on the plane. Then, he and Sam had been mourning Dean. It had been such a shock to lose him at Freshkills Park. But even that emotion seemed like such a long time ago, so much had happened.

The Hawker taxied out to the runway, then waited until their flight was cleared for takeoff. Onida's head hit Caleb's shoulder, and she was asleep before the jetliner lifted into the air. Smiling, Caleb shifted back into his chair and closed his eyes.

Adam and Joshua were sitting on opposite sides of the aisle, when suddenly Adam got to his feet and dropped into the seat next to Joshua. Taking a deep breath, Adam said, "Dean gave me a ring."

"I noticed," Joshua smiled.

Adam nodded, not saying anything further for a few minutes.

Joshua merely waited, letting his friend get his thoughts in order.

"I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing."

"By putting on the ring?" Joshua asked quietly.

Adam nodded.

"Then take it off," Joshua said gently. Seeing Adam's surprised expression, he continued, "The Brotherhood isn't the mafia. You can choose to enter it, you can choose to leave. You can also choose to bid your time, keep the ring and not wear it. Did Sam tell you about when he received his ring?"

Adam nodded. "He said he put it in a drawer and didn't wear it until he became a member of the Triad."

"Even then it was Dean who insisted he put it on," Joshua said. "He once told me that when he finally slid it onto his finger, it wasn't as heavy as he thought it would be."

"So you think I should wear it?"

"I think you should do whatever you feel in your heart. You put it on today. That doesn't mean you need to keep it on." Joshua watched his friend studying the ring and frowning. "My advice would be to take it off when you get home. Put it in a safe place, and continue to learn more about the Brotherhood. You'll know when and if the time is right to put it back on."

Adam regarded the silver band. It seemed like such a simply thing, to put on the ring. But it wasn't. It was a commitment to an organization, like the coven. Looking up, he said, "You said you felt pulled in two directions when you became part of the coven while a member of the Brotherhood. Is there peace now?"

"When I look back, I was torn between what I thought were two conflicting positions. You know my history. In my youth, I was pulled between my father's view of what I should do, and my mother's. I took that conflict and applied it to my loyalty to the Brotherhood and loyalty to the coven. It took me a long time to realize the conflict wasn't in them, but in me and my acceptance of myself. When I learned to accept who I was, the rest became easy."

Adam frowned. "You didn't like being torn between the coven and the Brotherhood."

"No, not at first. In the beginning I thought I would be hiding things from each, and that the tightrope I walked in my youth would continue throughout my life. But in truth, their aims are not so dissimilar. Both seek to keep evil at bay in some fashion."

"What about sharing knowledge?"

"There are coven things that are strictly the coven, and there are Brotherhood things that are strictly the Brotherhood. Dean has never pressured me to share discoveries of the coven with him and the Brotherhood."

"The same cannot be said of Nadine," Adam stated.

"No," Joshua admitted. "For her, whatever enhances the coven is above all other considerations. Dean views saving people from danger as above all else. He takes great pains to make sure I am not placed in a position that would compromise me with the coven, and I take pains to make sure dangerous Brotherhood magic does not get into the wrong hands. Like the spell I wrote. Even if I was solely a member of the coven, I would not share that spell. It is too powerful for anyone to use unless absolutely necessary."

Nodding slowly, Adam said, "So, in the end we follow what is good for all people, not merely the coven."

"That is my path. You will need to choose yours."

"Ask questions from your heart, and you will be answered from the heart."

"Mattaponi saying?" Joshua asked curiously.

"Omaha," Adam said with a smile.

---

The Impala was silent save for the rhythmic hum of the tires on the road and Sam's steady breathing in the passenger's seat. There was an air of nostalgia in the air, not only because of the lingering memory of having just seen dad, but from the numerous times they had driven through the night just like now. Driving like this would always be like a warm blanket for Dean; comfortable, well worn and loved.

Listing the wheel slightly to the right, Dean exited the freeway toward the truck stop along the highway. He didn't absolutely need gas right now; he could probably have driven on through to Sam's in Louisville if he'd wanted. But the tank could use a top-off, and he wanted coffee and something to eat.

He knew the instant Sam woke and turned to smile at his brother.

"Where are we?" Sam asked, blinking around.

Dean, knowing his brother wouldn't appreciate the truck stop reply that sprang to his lips, said instead, "Columbia Missouri." Just then his cell rang. Getting out of the car, he answered it with, "Aren't you in bed yet?"

Caleb laughed. "Not yet. Our flight didn't leave Nebraska until seven. We landed in Louisville at just after nine. I dropped off Adam and Joshua, then came home."

"Where's Onida?"

"Asleep," Caleb said. "This was an exhausting hunt for her."

"Yeah, she used a lot of energy on this gig," Dean said, thinking of James and JT.

"James is fine," Caleb said, reading Dean like a book, "and so is JT."

Sighing, Dean nodded even though Caleb couldn't see.

"I've just sent emails to the field leaders. They'll confirm the threat has been eliminated. I got a no-duh reply from Bradley, the same from Riley." Caleb paused. "You'd think they'd have grown out of that kind of sarcasm by now," he complained.

Dean huffed out a laugh. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Sam standing outside the car, lifting his arms over his head in a long stretch. "Anyone else have anything to say?"

"Not really. Raylan said, will do, and Jody said Jackson and Steve were on their way back to South Dakota. Gideon Matthews said he was looking forward to his dad being back, and Lane checked in, saying things hadn't gotten that out of hand in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada or Utah."

Lane Matthews was Elijah's son and backup Scholar for JT's Triad. Gideon, Ethan's son and second in line for the position of Guardian, had been field command for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Though each had needed to widen their quadrants when Ethan and Elijah had gone to search for the Triad, they had plenty of support within the hunting community.

"Good." Suddenly Dean yawned.

Sam walked over to the pump, inserted a credit card and started fueling the car.

"Unless something urgent comes up, I told everyone to take the next couple of days off. They earned it," Caleb said. "So, where are you at?"

"Columbia Missouri," Dean said. "We're stopping to stretch our legs, get something to eat and fill the tank."

Though he knew it would be a futile suggestion, Caleb made it anyway; "Why don't you stop somewhere, get some sleep before finishing the drive."

"Naw. I'd rather drive on through."

"You won't get home till close to four in the morning."

Dean smiled. Home. "I know."

"All right. I'll finish up and head to bed." A wicked smile crept over Caleb's face. "It's going to be great; warm blankets, comfy mattress, a soft woman to…"

"Shuddup," Dean gripped, snapping his phone shut. "Idiot."

"Caleb talking about being home already?" Sam asked with a knowing smile.

"Rubbing our faces in it, as usual," Dean replied. Eying his brother, he said, "Do you want to stop some place and sleep, or continue on?"

Sam's brows rose. He wasn't used to Dean offering a detour, especially when he was on his way back to Juliet. Returning the nozzle to its slot, he smiled and shook his head. "No, let's get back. Mary's coming home this weekend."

"She is?" Dean said as the pair of them started for the convenience store.

"Yeah." Sam didn't elaborate on the fact that he'd needed to see Mary when he thought Dean was gone. "She hasn't been home in a few weeks and needed some dad-time."

"Maybe we should have a barbeque on Saturday, since James, JT and Max are home too. If Ben's off, he and the kids can come up from Nashville."

Sam smiled. Dean always loved having everyone over when any of their children were home. "Sounds good."

Once they'd bought coffee and sandwiches, they got back on the road.

Sam ate his meal, then slumped in his seat sipping his coffee. "What do you think about Caleb adopting two kids?"

Dean glanced at his brother, then returned his eyes to the road. He didn't say anything for a few minutes, just thinking about that revelation. A few months ago when they'd heard of the three kids from the kidnapping needing homes, he'd asked Caleb whether he wanted to take a couple. Caleb had turned the question back on him. Now, he thought about how much bringing two boys home would change Caleb's life. Finally he said, "I hope I didn't talk him into it."

Sam eyed his brother, then snorted softly. Dean: always worrying about everyone. "Give him some credit for making his own decisions."

Dean snorted. No one talked Caleb into anything … except maybe him. "I asked him whether he'd thought about taking some of those kids like Josh and Adam. I went on about how they'd be near Nicholas, Maisie and Lucas." Shaking his head, he declared, "I talked him into it."

Sam laughed, shaking his head. Sometimes Dean was too close to see the forest through the trees. He also had a habit of shouldering much more guilt and responsibility than was his due. "Don't underestimate your best friend."

"What do you mean?"

"Caleb is a traditionalist, always has been. For him, family is marriage, kids, barbeques, white-picket fences, the whole nine-yards. You're a lot like him, save for the marriage part. In fact, I am too. We're Midwest down to our toes. He's been a big part of our kids' lives for years; babysitting, taking them shopping, coaching them in sports, helping with homework. Last year in Washington gave Caleb the opportunity of a lifetime: to have his own family."

"He has his own family," Dean remarked stubbornly. "Us."

Sam rolled his eyes. "You know exactly what I mean."

Reluctantly, Dean conceded, "Yeah, I guess."

"Caleb could have had a family years ago, if he'd wanted. Yeah, he didn't want to have kids, but forcing himself into self-imposed solitude was melodramatic, even for him. There are procedures called vasectomies that would have ensured he didn't have kids."

"He was afraid his demon DNA would override a vasectomy," Dean said, though he agreed that Caleb's stance on the relationship issue was over the top.

"Still, he could have had that checked periodically. He and his wife could have adopted, he could have made it work if he'd wanted."

"Sometimes fear of a thing makes us back so far away, the thing gets lost in the distance," Dean said slowly.

Sam looked at his brother, and nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah."

There was silence for a few miles as each was lost in their thoughts.

"I think he's going to be an amazing father," Dean said suddenly. "He's half kid himself, always has been."

Sam grinned. "I know, right? Of course, having two kids will mean he and Onida can't hunt together anymore."

"What? Why?"

"Someone's got to stay home with the boys."

Dean snorted. "Knowing Caleb, he'll hire a nanny."

"Not with two traumatized kids."

"We'll find a way," Dean said. "We always do." After a moment, he grinned. "He'll probably make Max babysit. He'd consider it passing on the tradition."

Sam laughed. "I'd love to see that."

Dean settled back in his seat, leaning slightly against the driver's door, letting the miles and the road relax him a way few other things could. He knew Sam felt the same, as he heard his brother sigh and slide a little lower in his seat. Yeah, Joshua may diss his car, but it had many charms of its own.

The hours passed and soon, they were on the outskirts of Louisville. They had changed driving duties a few hours ago, but on this last stretch Dean was back behind the wheel. Patting Sam on the arm, he murmured, "We're almost home."

Sam pushed himself up straighter and yawned, staring out the front window. After a moment, he said, "Let's go to the farm."

"You don't want to go home?"

Maybe seeing dad, Mac and Jim had made him nostalgic, but he really wanted to go to the farm. JT and James were there, and Juliet. More important, it's where Dean would be. "I am going home."

Dean nodded. It was early, and Juliet would be up soon getting ready for work. They would have their reunion tonight, but right now, he could think of nothing more perfect after this hunt than heading to the farm with Sam.

Less than an hour later the Impala pulled up to the old farmhouse, its front beams lighting the refurbished porch. Dean switched off the headlights and wasn't surprised when the front door opened and Juliet stepped out.

"Morning, boys," Juliet said with a smile.

Dean didn't ask why she was up. He knew, he always knew. She would have slept lightly, waiting for the rumble of the Impala's engine to signal his arrival home. He walked up the couple of steps and pulled her into his arms. "Morning."

"Hey, Juliet," Sam said with a smile.

"Hey, Sam. The bedroom has fresh sheets and there's clean towels in the bathroom like usual." Giving them both a smile, she disappeared back into the house.

Sam huffed out a deep breath and looked out into the familiar yard, to the old barn silhouetted against the moon, and the pond beyond. So many memories here; echoes of laughter and tears, heartache and joy all saved in their minds and hearts.

"Home," Dean said with a smile, pulling back open the screen door.

"Home," Sam agreed, following his brother inside.

.

TBC

---

Author's Note: Thank you all for the wonderful comments. The last chapter had me tearing up as well, so its nice to know that I'm in good company with others who love these characters as I do. One more lap around the ring and this rodeo is done!