They drove to the Roadhouse in silence. Dean simply sat in the passenger seat and stared blankly out the window. He didn't even try to turn on the radio. As they pulled into the parking lot, he looked over at Sam, with pleading in his eyes.

"Sam, please don't tell them."

Sam hesitated, but agreed. "Fine, as long as you don't try anything stupid."

They walked into the homey bar, and Sam watched as Dean tried to hide how broken he was. He straightened up, put on his best lady-killer smile, and snuck up behind Jo, grabbing her around the waist and twirling her around.

She squealed, and playfully slapped him.

"Miss me, Sweetheart?"

"Barely noticed you were gone." She joked.

"Hey, get a room you two." Ash dried his hands on a rag and came over to the brothers, clapping them on the backs.

"How are my favorite wanted criminals?"

"Peachy." Dean sauntered over to the bar. "Ellen, how 'bout a drink?"

Sam shot him a glare, but didn't say anything.

"The boys are back in town, huh?" Ellen poured him a glass. "How've you been?"

"Great," Dean answered too quickly. Ellen shot him a questioning glance, but he ignored it.

Sam coughed. "So, Ash...anything on demon-radar?"

"Not much. It's been pretty quiet." He took a shot of whiskey before adding, "Oh, but there was one thing. A little while ago, maybe a week, there were demonic omens all over Sioux City. I called you a dozen times, every number I have for you. You just feel like ignoring me, or what?"

"Sorry, Ash. We were kinda in the middle of something."

"I thought so. I know it was close to Bobby's place, so I figured you were on it already. It would've been nice to get a phone call back though, just let me know if you're alive next time." He was only half joking.

"Sure thing."

Dean felt sweat trickling down his brow. He really needed to get some thinner, long sleeved shirts. He could have asked Cas to heal the scars, but he liked them. He didn't want them gone. Every time they faded, he felt the need to create more.

Jo sat next to him at the bar. "I could go for a round of pool. Loser buys drinks?"

He flashed her a smile and winked. "Is that all?"

"Perv." She stuck her tongue out.

"I'd like to see what else you can do with that tongue."

"Hey, that's my daughter you're talking about." Ellen glared at him.

"Sorry, Ma'am." Ellen was one of the few things he feared in this life.

Jo took his hand and led him over to the pool table. "Any last words?"

"Bite me."

Dean was having a good time. He was glad that the no one here at the Roadhouse knew about what was going on with him. He was sick of Sam tip-toeing around like the littlest thing would send him off to the blade. It was nice to be treated normally again.

Jo was kicking his trash. That little wildcat could sure hustle pool.

"Wanna just call it quits and say that I won?" She teased.

"In your dreams. A true warrior never admits defeat."

"Even when it's inevitable?"

God, it felt good to smile again. He leaned over to line up the shot. He didn't even notice that his sleeve had slipped up until Jo gasped. His hand slipped, and the cue ball went straight into a pocket.

"Dammit." He could care less about the game. Jo wasn't gonna leave this alone.

"Dean, what happened to your arm? Those look fresh, come on...let's get you bandaged up." She tugged at his sleeve with concern, trying to get a better look.

"It's nothing. Just ran into a couple ghouls and they used me as a scratching post. No biggie."

"If it's 'no biggie', then let me see it." She raised an eyebrow.

Geez, she was as stubborn as her mom.

"It's nothing, I'm fine. Let's keep playing. I'm about to come out ahead, I can feel it." He tried to smile.

"Quit bein' such a baby. Let's see what you got." Shit. Ellen had overheard.

He looked to Sam for help, but he just shrugged and looked at Dean helplessly.

"It's uh, it's nothing, really. I gotta get some air." He mumbled, and all but ran out the back door.

Sam made a move to follow him, but Ash stopped him. "Hey, if the man needs air, let him breathe."

"You don't understand, I gotta make sure he's okay."

"Why wouldn't he be? What's going on?" Jo frowned, worry written all over her face.

"It's...I...I really can't tell you, sorry." Sam stuttered, and pushed past them.

"Dean?" He hurried to the door, but opened it just in time to hear the Impala screeching away. "Dammit! Cas, I hope you have your ears on..." He offered up a silent prayer, hoping the angel would watch over his brother.

Heyyyy I really need some feedback. So far I haven't included a ship. (The tiny bit of Destiel doesn't count.) Should I pair Dean and Jo together? (What is their ship name anyway? Jean? Do? hahahahahaha I'm tired.) Anyway, seriously guys. Drop a review and let me know.