Disclaimer: Do I own? No. Do I want to? God yes!

Warning: Foul language and violence.

A/N: Thank you very much to those who reviewed! Always puts me in an updating mood (hint!hint).

Enjoy!

Chapter Two: Unexpected Appearances

"Remind me why we're here again?"

"Sam, if you want to do research, fine," Dean said, "But I am not staying cooped up in a motel room while you do it."

Sam sighed, setting his laptop down on one of the bar's few tables, "You think this is a waste of time, don't you?"

"No, I think you may be overreacting a little bit," Dean said carefully, remembering that the last time he had dismissed Sam's suspicions about a case it had almost cost both of them their lives, "But if checking will make you feel better, be my guest."

Sam's expression softened. He knew that Dean still felt guilty, much as he tried to hide it. He silently cursed the demon for ruining everything good that had ever come into their lives. And he cursed himself. He cursed himself for being the burden that he was to his older brother, much as Dean denied it. After all, it was Sam that the demon was after. Sam was the key to the demon's plans. He had to take on some of the blame. He repeated the vow he had made to himself, No matter what, I won't let Dean get hurt because of me. This is my battle.

"So, what are you going to do while I'm knee deep in research?" he asked.

"I," Dean said, flashing his trademark grin, "Am going to do some research of my own."

"You're going to ask the barmaid for her phone number, aren't you?"

"Sammy," Dean said pretending to be shocked, "What a dirty little mind you have! Shame on you!"

Sam rolled his eyes at his brother's antics and turned his attention to his research.

Dean's grin widened and he headed up to the bar. The young woman serving drinks was indeed a sight. Her stylish bob hairdo with side-swept bangs was a gorgeous copper colour and her green eyes were nothing short of dazzling. And, frankly, Dean thought, She's stacked like a plate of Denny's pancakes.

Still, it hurt a little that flirting came so easily to him after losing Leanne. But, after all, he did have an image to maintain. Especially in front of Sam. He was the cocky older brother who had no weakness. And, besides, he really was doing research. If something else was going on, the locals may be able to provide a little gossip.

But that didn't stop the hurt or the guilt. He may flirt with plenty of girls, but he didn't think he'd feel the same way about any of them.

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Sam was completely absorbed in his research, so it was only natural to be startled when he heard the voice behind him.

"Well, if it isn't Sam Winchester! How the hell you been?"

Sam jumped a mile and then turned to see a very familiar face laughing at him.

"Sorry, man," the guy said, "I didn't mean to scare you!"

Sam grinned sheepishly, "You didn't scare me."

Sam got up out of his seat and hugged his old friend from college, "Hey, Danny."

"Dude, I haven't seen you since..." Danny trailed off, looking uncomfortable all of the sudden.

Sam shifted a little, "It's okay, Dan." Even with how long it had been since the fire, thinking of Jessica still hurt a little.

"I'm sorry, Sam. You know me. Can't keep my damn foot out of my mouth," he said, "So how've you been? Heard you dropped out to go road tripping."

"Yeah," Sam said, brightening a little, "Me and my brother, Dean, are traveling for a little while. Seeing the sights."

"Your brother?" Danny asked, sounding surprised, "You mean the one you told us about. The one that-"

"Shut up!" Sam said, going bright red, "He's only over there. And he has excellent hearing."

Danny chuckled, "As good as yours, eh Superman?"

"Better," Sam said seriously.

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"What can I get ya'?"

"Whatever's on tap," Dean told the barmaid. She nodded and went to serve him. When she came back, he introduced himself, "I'm Dean Johnson, by the way."

"Jennifer Thomas, single mother of two," when Dean raised an eyebrow, she continued, "We've got a lot of single creeps in this town. They hit on me and then run out of here as fast as they can when they find out I've got kids. I figure, why not save time and get it out in the open right away."

Dean nodded and flashed her his award-winning smile, "Sounds like real creeps. A pretty girl like you deserves better."

Jennifer blushed and smiled. What did she do to deserve such a nice (and gorgeous) guy flirting with her? When she figured it out she should write a book. She'd make millions.

"Sounded like there was a lot of commotion last night," Dean said casually, "A lot of sirens."

Her smile faltered slightly, "Yes. The Parsons always did keep up with the trends."

"Huh?"

"There was a fire last night," Jennifer explained, "Killed Rita and Martin Parsons. Normally it would come as a surprise, but, over the last few months, fires have been more the rule than the exception."

Now Dean was really interested. It annoyed him just a little that he'd have to admit that Sam was right, but at least he could take the credit for finding out information.

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Sam had momentarily forgotten about what he was originally here to do as he got completely immersed in catching up with his old friend. Only when he saw Dean listening intently to the something the barmaid was saying did he even think of it.

"Listen, Danny," Sam said, "It's been great but I really should-"

He broke off and put a hand to his head.

"Sam? Sam, you okay?"

Sam didn't even hear Danny. His head was pounding. He tipped forward as the world started to fade away and the vision took him. Vaguely he felt hands supporting him. Vaguely he heard someone yelling for help. But none of that mattered as watched a new scene play out before him.

A/N: Ah, Dean! Always the flirt. Oh no! Bad place to have a vision, Sam! What will happen next?

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