Dean sped away from the snow covered ground, adjusting the rear view mirror so he could see Vala and Bobby in it. It was an odd sight.

Vala had removed Bobby's favourite trucker cap to get a better view of the wound. She had unfolded and refolded Dean's bloody black t-shirt several times as Bobby's haemoglobin continued to seep from his forehead. She continued to comb Bobby's hair back with the palm of her hand while making light 'shush'ing noises, but that was mainly for her benefit. Now that they were out of the thick of it, Vala was panicking.

Bobby was hurt badly, to the point where she wasn't even sure if taking him to a hospital was going to assist him. Plus the added stress of Alastair's comments weren't helping. She noticed Dean look up to the mirror and into her green again eyes.

He had heard everything Alastair had said, even though it didn't really register at the time. Now that the situation was passed, it all rang in his head like the bells of Vala's voice. She had sold her soul, to Lilith none-the-less. And she'd not said anything to him about it. Not even when he was spilling his heart out about his time in the pit.

"Vala."

"How is he?"

Dean jumped and cranked the wheel as his body jolted. He quickly corrected his mistake and raised his voice to the angel who'd appeared next to him and interrupted the conversation he was trying to start.

"DAMMIT CAS! What have I said?"

"How's Bobby?"

Castiel ignored Dean and turned his body around to look at Vala. She was crying, and intensely. She'd held back for as long as she could, but she was certain things were going downhill for them now. She couldn't lose Bobby. Not now. Not ever.

She shook Bobby gently as she cried, her body ignoring her efforts to remain still and calm.

Castiel shifted some, until he could reach over the seat and rub Bobby's face with his hand. Suddenly the bleeding stopped and Bobby's breathing returned to normal. His eyes remained shut as some of the color began to return to his face.

"He'll need his rest. Most likely for a while. He's been through a lot today."

Vala continued to cry, her emotions controlling her for the time being. She knew there was no point in trying to fight them.

"You too child."

She looked up to see that the angel was still speaking to her.

"You need not worry. Everything will turn out as it is to be."

Vala dried some of the tears from her face as Dean checked the mirrors again. She wanted to speak to Castiel alone, but feared she might never get the chance again.

"Castiel? You know about my deal?"

"I do." He answered as he always spoke.

Vala nodded.

"Do I have a chance? Any chance at getting out of it?"

Castiel was silent for longer than she expected he would be. If anyone was going to have the answer it was going to be him. If he couldn't tell her, there was no hope in trying.

"It was wrong of you to do as you did, but even I understand why you felt the need to. I would die for my brothers and sisters."

Dean's head popped up again, though he avoided the mirrors. He turned partly to Castiel before deciding against it and focusing on the road instead.

"You're on the right track. Do not underestimate Rio's work and connections. If you keep looking you'll find what you seek."

Vala choked back the emotion rising in her throat again and sputtered a thank you to the angel for his help and guidance.

Castiel turned his head to Dean, having learned a lot of what he'd already known while on his mission to Earth this round.

"Take Bobby home. Keep an eye on him. Be patient. He will recover."

And with that, Castiel departed.

Dean huffed. He had questions for Castiel too. Now those would have to wait.
"Vala?" Dean tried again, calming his tone to a gentle hush.

"Not now. Please. I...I just.."

Vala was all over the place. Her voice cracked and hiccupped when she spoke, tears still running like rivers down her face.

"Whatever it is Dean, I promise I'll tell you. Just not now."

He couldn't push her for answers, not in the condition she was in. He'd have to be patient and wait. He put her out of his mind for a moment and thought of Bobby, stepping on the gas a little harder as he answered her.

"Sure Val. Sure."