---

Sam opened his eyes and looked into the trouble face of one Bobby Singer. He was surprised by how good he felt inside, the cravings and the hunger that had haunted him for the last two days were completely gone. He would feel terrific if it wasn't for the feeling of something being very wrong with the picture in front of him and the look on the hunter's face.

"We've got a problem."

Sam sighed, didn't they always.

Bobby continued. "I think your brother has gone and done something very, very stupid. Even for him."

"What? Where is Dean? Define stupid?" He was still trying to decide what was wrong with what he was looking at when he realised what it was. Bobby was downstairs in the panic room with him. And he was standing. Sam gestured to the man." What the hell?"

"Woke up with pins and needles in my legs. Stood up before I remembered I couldn't and found that I could anyway. I can walk, you look a million times better than you did." He halted and lifted his cap, brushing at the hair under it before he continued. "And Dean's missing."

"Missing?" Sam swung his legs off the bed and stood. He noticed Castiel standing over by the door looking about as sheepish as an angel ever could.

"I didn't realise. He said that he just wanted to talk to him about the Colt. It is not my fault."

Bobby jerked a finger in Cas' direction. "Dumbo here told Dean where he could find Crowley and this morning I can walk and you ain't a blood junkie no more. Don't take a genius to work out what's happened."

Panic filled Sam's eyes. " No he wouldn't."

"Did it before." Bobby's expression was pained when he looked down at his legs. "I'll try to find him. Check his cell phone, doubt that he'll want us to find him though. Too late now even if we do. Looks like a done deal to me."

"I'll help." Sam ran his fingers through his hair as he followed Bobby out and up the stairs. Looking at the walking miracle in front of him caused Sam's heart to tighten as he asked the question that he already knew the answer to. "Dean, what have you done?"

---

Dean had to see it with his own eyes before he went. He had to know that at least this part of his deal was safe and in the bag. They were going to tear strips off him, Bobby especially, but he didn't care.

Only a little piece of him acknowledged that he wanted to say goodbye.

The sound of the Impala drawing into the yard was enough to bring both men out of the door at a trot. Bobby was over and dragging him from the car before he'd even switched the engine off.

"You idjit! Didn't you learn your lesson the last time." Angry tears of frustration flowed unchecked down the older man's face and he grabbed the elder Winchester and threw him up against the car. "Did you really think that my legs would mean more to me that you did?"

"Bobby, I can explain…"

The punch caught him off guard sending him sliding onto his backside at the side of the car.

"I'd damn you to hell if I didn't know that you've already managed to do that to yourself." Bobby hauled him back to his feet, pinning him again even as Sam moved round and tried to pull him off, his eyes never leaving Dean's as he did. Bobby though was still not finished. "How long did you get this time?" He bounced Dean off the car. "How long?!"

"Bobby. Let's take this inside." Sam peeled the older hunter off his brother and Dean watched as the man seemed to sag and age right in front of him. Still, he let Sam guide him away only pausing to give Dean one last pain filled look before he headed for the house.

Dean sigh, pulled the keys from the car and followed them in.

TBC