Supernatural Death Note Chapter 52

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Hell, the Past, and Sam Winchester

Walking back to his room, the older brother felt drained. He managed to get his door open, entered, reaching for the light, when he stopped. He wasn't alone. Staring into the darkness, he whispered, “Sam?”

A whispered reply of frustration came back to him, “How do you do that, Dean?”

“What? That it was you? It's easy, Sam. 27 years of watching over you. I just know when it's you. Sorry. You asked.”

"Ahh..OK. How're you doing?"

“Talked with L. You want the light, or should we just talk in the dark?”

"Whichever works for you," he answered.

Dean left the overhead off, slowly made his way to the bed and turned on the lamp on the bedside table. Jumping up, he landed on his back on the bed,and carefully rolled over. Reaching the pillows, he arranged himself.

“Care to join me?”

Sam made his way to the bed, settling on the side that his brother wasn't on.

His brother was quiet for a minute, then sighed softly. “L found me pacing in the indoor garden. He's good at what he does, Sam. I ended up talking to him about hell, how I felt about it, and why I felt so guilty.”

He listened quietly. "He is good...brutal at times but good. I owe you an apology for that, Dean. I should've helped you deal instead of nagging and being an ass over it."

“We both had our problems, Sam. I had begun to notice how you felt about me. Little things. It didn't really break til we dealt with the siren. Sam, I couldn't tell you everything. I couldn't. I didn't want any feelings of guilt coming back on you. It was so horrible, I couldn't face even talking about it.”

"I can't say that I understand...but if you do need to, you know I'm here

“I'm not keeping things from you any more, Sam. It's necessary for my health and yours that we're honest with each other. There was a demon there. You met him and you killed him. Alistair.”

Sam nodded. "Not one I will mourn."

“He cut me into pieces, fileted me, and drove meat hooks into me. Sam, he also knew about the men in that bar, and Dad. He did things, okay. I finally couldn't handle the pain with the other. I came down. I enjoyed it so much. All I've ever done is hurt, Sammy. Giving the pain instead of hurting felt good....real good. It was wrong, but I did like it.

He listened in silence, his presence comforting but not judging. He simply was there, letting his brother get everything out that he needed to.

“Alistair told me the day you killed him, that Dad had gone through it too...over a hundred years' worth of torture and he never gave in. I've been dealing with that and that I started all this crap. L showed me things about soldiers and marines from Dad's time. They are desensitized, and dehumanized too.He said I was never like that. I was still human. There was no way I could have done what he did. He trusts me, Sam; even with the boys.”

His voice was soft. "I trust you too, Dean."

“I wasn't sure if you would any more, Sam. I thought I'd have to fight to earn that back.”

"You already have by letting me in."

“I'm trying to, Sam. I honestly am. It's not easy for me. Dad told me a man doesn't cry, he hides his feelings. Hell, I just got good at hiding everything, but I'm trying.”

"And Dad was full of shit."

“Yeah, I'm learning that, but you know how he and I were. At least I think you do. By the time you were old enough notice things beyond your own sphere of influence, you were leaving for college, so I don't really know how much you really do remember. All I know, is everyone who tried to mess me up told me the same thing. He didn't love me. He loved you. I was the one who needed you and Dad, not the other way around. It's hard learning and accepting that, with him at least, it's the truth.”

"He didn't love anyone but himself. I think his fixation on 'protecting Sammy' was more so Mom's sacrifice wasn't in vain."

“Yeah, partially, Sam, but he used to drive by Stanford to keep an eye on you. When you were little, he'd hold you and cuddle you. He quit doing that to me when Mom died. He fought with you because he cared and you were rebelling against him. I never rebelled til that time I backed you. He looked shocked but he damned well didn't care. When Azazel took him, it wasn't you he went after. It was me, and it was more then a demon, Sam. He got into my personal space. Dad was in there. I saw no fight to stop Azazel from using him to kill me. He was only interested in you shooting him to kill Azazel.”

"Dean, he hated both of us. Did you ever think he cuddled me because he felt guilty for his hate towards me? Every time he looked at me, I saw it..that smoldering dislike." The voice was soft.

“You seriously think that, Sam? He wanted the family held together for you, not me. When you left, he was gone. Couldn't stand to have me around. I honestly thought he loved you. I've seen when he looked at you, when you weren't looking. If I'm wrong, then I'm really sorry, Sam, cause I was never there to help you with that.”

"You didn't know. I'd watch him when he'd come in late at night to look at me. He was so angry...he hid it around you. I know he blamed me for her death. If I hadn't been there, she'd be alive and you'd have both of them."

“You were supposed to be born, Sam. You are not at fault. Mom was. She made the deal with Azazel to bring Dad back from the dead. I saw the kiss. She knew him that night. That's why she apologized to you that day at our old house. Sam, she's to blame for all of this. Azazel might never have come after you, if he hadn't had that run in with her. He liked her. Dad never knew she was a hunter. She never prepared him. She should have known. He told her ten years. He just never told her was coming after you. I saw the lights flickering. I know what that means, now. She should've known. It'd been ten years, and she was a hunter. That's a sign, Sam. She ignored it.”

"So we're f*ed up cause we both had parents that started all this shit." He sighed. "Wonderful."

“Yeah, pretty much, but Dad didn't start out that way. Mom really started it. He got screwed up because of her deal, but we wouldn't be here at all if she hadn't. He was dead.”

"You know..glad we have each other to get through this."

“I'm glad we don't hate each other, Sam. For a while there, I thought you did. I am so glad we're not angry and choosing sides any more. I don't want to have to deal with that. I really want to try out being brothers.”

"Same," he smiled at him.

“That's the best news I've heard in a long time, Sam. Why don't we get some sleep. We can see what kind of crap is on for tomorrow.” Dean laid his hand on his brother's shoulder, “Can you get the lamp? Night, Sam.”

He reached over, turning it off. "Sleep well, Dean."

“You, too, Sam.”

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 51

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Hell, the Past, and John Winchester

It was quiet in the building, and the lone man headed for the exit, but changed his mind. L might lock the place up tighter then a drum and he could get stuck out there unless someone was monitoring the cameras. He turned and headed for the elevators and the indoor gardens. Dean walked the gardens for a while, longing for a breeze, but grateful for what he did have. The solitude was nice. He thought back over what Sam had said. He did not want to discuss what had happened in what was forty years for him. He shook his head, facing the dilemma. L was going to ask. What could he do?

Time passed before the detective's voice broke the silence. "Dean has been pacing around for over an hour when he should be resting. What troubles you?"

The hunter jumped a foot, thinking he'd been alone. He had not seen the detective anywhere.

“Cameras? Or have you been here this whole time, and I'm losing my touch?”

"Cameras."

Dean nodded, then looked into the dark eyes. There was no escaping this. “I'm working on a dilemma.” He hoped that would serve, but doubted it. L was a detective. He'd dig.

"And it is obviously one that is wearing you down a great deal."

“Yeah, it has for a while.”

L nodded, gesturing at the chairs. "I believe Dean should discuss this as it is proving to be detrimental to his rest and health."

“L, aren't there some things that are just better off left alone?”

"Does this issue affect how you think, perceive yourself, your sleep?"

“You been talking to Sam about me?” Dean thought he's too damn good. I either tell him the truth and go through more that I can't handle, or lie and feel even worse. If I lie, he'll know. Dean stared straight into the dark eyes. He sighed. Yeah, he'll know.

"No, just going off of my observations of you."

Dean gave up. “Yeah, it affects all those things and whole lot more. Sam could probably do a better job of telling you, unless you intend to dig and know a whole lot more then I've told anyone.”

"It is not Sam's place to tell me," he answered. "That would be a breech of trust between the pair of you."

“I'd give him permission on this one.” Dean looked up into the detective's eyes again. “Where do you want to start?”

"The beginning is usually the logical choice."

“Which beginning? Where Sam died or where Lilith let the hell hounds in and they ripped me to pieces. They both lead to the same place.”

He tilted his head. "Samuel's death."

Dean bowed his head, remembering that time. “Sam got kidnapped along with the other special children. Azazel pit them against each other in a contest. Sam said Andy died. It ended up Jake against Sam. Sam was beat up pretty bad when I got there. Jake was incredibly strong and a soldier. Sam and I saw each other and he was trying to get to me, when Jake stabbed him in the back and Sam went down. Jake ran. I got to Sam and he was in my arms, and he died.”

L nodded, listening quietly.

“The typical hunter burial is to take the body somewhere rural, and build a pyre and burn it. Bobby came by and said we need to take care of him. It had been a while, and I wouldn't. I couldn't. I felt that I hadn't done what Dad told me to do...take care of him. I'd let him down. I let both of them down. I didn't know what to do. We'd had a case about a crossroads demon who made deals with people for ten years of fame.They went to hell afterward. Hell hounds hunted them down. I made a deal for Sam, but they would only give me one year. I went back and Sam was alive.”

Another nod was given, encouraging him to continue.

"I didn't tell Sam. Bobby had a fit when he found out what I'd done. Wanted to know how long I had."

We went after Azazel. There was a nasty battle and a lot of demons got out. Jake let them loose. He saw Sam and said I know I killed you. Sam began to think. Never a good thing when I've done something like this."

The detective frowned but gestured for him to go on.

“Jake was dead, and Sam, Bobby, Ellen, and I went after Azazel. I got to kill him with the colt. Sam figured it out.The conversation wasn't a good one. He was furious that I would make him feel guilty like that. Dad had done it to me. It wasn't exactly for the same reasons, but the reactions were no different. I didn't think that far. It was Sam, and I couldn't let him down.”

He hadn't expected this so far but said nothing.

“The next year, Sam tried everything he could come up with to save me, and I wouldn't help him. I was told that if I did, Sam would die. He thought I didn't give a damn. I did but I couldn't tell him. It wasn't til near the end, that I broke down and told him I didn't wanna die. We knew then that Lilith held my contract. Ruby, in a different body, was helping us. I wasn't sure about her.”

"Wise," he murmured.

“We ended up in this building being hunted by the hell hounds. My time was up and Sam was devastated because he couldn't save me. I all but destroyed him with this. Ruby, Sam, and I had locked ourselves in a room, and it was salted. That's when we found out that Lilith had captured Ruby and put her back in hell. She forced Sam into a wall and he was stuck there. She opened the doors and let the dogs in. I found out ages later that she couldn't hurt Sam and fear of that made her leave the body and escape. By then, I was dead and in hell. I hope never to experience that again.”

"You being in hell was one of their attempts to break the first seal?"

“Yeah, I found out they tried on my dad, but he didn't break. He wouldn't, would he. A month is like 10 years in hell. I was there 4 months. Dad, on hell time, took it for over 100 years. 30 is all I could handle. You've no idea. Alistair was good at what he did.”

"I have ideas, Dean. There is a very good reason why Ruby decided to talk. However, that's not important here. You're carrying a lot of guilt, am I right?"

“Yeah.”

"This leads back again to your father. You are Dean Winchester..not John. You did not have the training to withstand such a thing and the man brainwashed you into believing that your brother's life holds more value than your own."

“I couldn't deal with Alistair cutting me to pieces every day. Then I'd be whole again, and he'd do it all over, trying new things. He found out about the other thing. He'd start touching, and prodding. He told me every day if I'd come down off that rack and do what he was doing, he'd stop torturing me. After 30 years, I did. I tortured people, cutting them up, slicing and dicing them. L, I liked it. That's what I can't deal with. I liked it. I'd do it again. That's sick. That's evil. That can't be forgiven.”

"There is a deep part of all humans that enjoys pain...either giving or receiving. It does not make you evil or sick. Are you familiar with the Marquis de Sade?"

“Yeah, and he was one sick puppy. I'm no better. Sam says I have to forgive and learn to love myself. I can't love that. Don't know how to forgive it.”

L held up a hand. "You did not hear me. All humans have the ability to either receive or give pain and enjoy it. This does not make you sick. The Marquis did go a bit overboard, but he taught people to understand that it is not evil as long as things are controlled. You simply need to understand that you reacted as a human would under such strain."

“My dad didn't,” Dean sobbed in anger.

"Who are you?"

“I'm Dean Winchester, trained by John Winchester to be a soldier...to be the best.”

"No."

“No? What do you mean, no? I've spent my entire life being that. It's all I know. I failed at it.”

"You are Dean Winchester..trained to be a hunter. If you were given the full training to be a soldier, you would not have broken. Your father is a Marine. Are you aware of what the training was like in boot camp at that time period? Inhumane. It desensitizes you. Your training was rough, Dean, but not to the point that was allowed back then in basic. He trained a hunter, not a soldier.That is the key difference."

“I'm not a soldier? What am I? I'm a hunter, who screwed up everything. I did what I was told, and everything I touched got f'ed up. I couldn't save Sam, so I made a deal and it's still sending backlashes out. Look at Sam!”

"Your brother is not a good example. Humans make mistakes. You were brainwashed into thinking your life was less than your brother's. That is not fact. Your life has as much value as Sam's."

“The lives I've managed to save have value. I'm still trying to convince myself I'm not a whore, it's not my fault, and I'm not worthless. I am a failure. I can't find one reason to find value in my life. Even in death I screwed up. We're doing all these demon battles because of me.”

His voice was sharp. "You are being foolish in saying this. You did not screw up. Your father did!"

“He didn't spill blood in hell! I did!”

"Come with me," came the short response as he rose.

Dean rose and followed the detective.

L led him to his computer and he pulled up a file. A few moments later, videos of the old school Marine training came up and he had Dean watch it, trying to explain soldier versus hunter.

The young man watched, trying to figure out what L was trying to tell him.

"This is what a soldier went through when your father was in the Marines. Soldiers that didn't feel, focused solely on their tasks.They were inhuman. Do you know why your father didn't break, Dean?"

Dean shook his head, stuttering out the word, “No.”

"Your father lost a large chunk of his humanity during his stint in the Marines. He was not a righteous man. He lost himself and whatever was thrown at him did not phase him because he was barely human. You, Dean, are a hunter. You care and because of that, you are human. Humans make mistakes, no matter how well they're trained. You follow your heart. Your father is a failure because he tried to turn you into a machine but could not. And for that, I am glad."

“You're saying I'm not like him and it's a good thing. Caring makes me righteous? I didn't care in hell. I liked it. But, I don't now. Is that what you're trying to get at? Being caught up in it doesn't mean I am that? This is so confusing. I'm gonna have to think on this.”

L leaned back in his seat. "Do you believe Sam is evil now that he has recognized his addiction and the bad habits? Do you believe he was evil then?"

“Of course I don't, but it's not the same thing. He used his powers to kill demons without hurting the host. I was torturing souls in hell and I liked it. I enjoyed it.

"According to religious tenets, those in hell are there because they did something..reasons different from yours. So, one could argue that you were working on bad people. If he can kill demons, why can you not have been stuck in the moment and tortured souls that were there because they were 'bad?' Why the difference, Dean?"

L was watching the confusion his words were causing in the hunter. “I...L, I enjoyed it. What 'Righteous Man' would enjoy doing that? Tell me that. Cause I'm not sure what the hell is right or wrong anymore. My mind tells me it's bad, but you're sending mixed messages here. How can it be all right?”

"I am not sending mixed messages. Even good people make mistakes. You hold yourself to too high a standard at times. You hurt yourself if you don't meet it."

“You're saying that what I did was just a mistake? “

"Is it not? You were pushed to your breaking point..a point every person has who has not broken before."

“And what was my mistake, L? Breaking?”

"Putting too many unrealistic demands on yourself, Dean. You are human. You broke..anyone would have that did not have the desensitizing training your father had. You are a normal person, a human being. But you put too many demands on yourself, setting your standards too high, and then wonder at the stress and emotional pain you have when you cannot reach those goals. Dean, what is a realistic personal goal in regards to what you do as a hunter?"

“Realistic? To save as many people as I can, killing as many evil things while doing it, and staying alive in the process.”

"So why is that not a good goal to maintain? You act as if there is more you believe you should be doing."

“I caused the crap that's happening. It's my job to stop it. Most of the world doesn't even know it's happening. I can't let the world be destroyed.”

He held up a slender hand. "Incorrect. You did not cause the 'crap' that is happening. From what I can tell, the angels knew this would happen and set their 'soldiers' for a rescue too late. They caused this, not you."

“You're saying they knew and could have prevented it?”

"Indeed. From what I have gathered in information, the angels want this as badly as the demons. Why do you think so many seals have broken? The 'heavenly host' is being mismanaged. Hence, we are dealing with the last seal as soon as you are healed enough and we have the Colt. I have Bobby heading the researchers now on this Crowley character."

Dean stood with his back to the detective, thinking that taking out Lilith might help,but would it really? He wanted so badly to be well. Why did so much have to come against him like this? He didn't really know how to let go. He only knew he was tired, and how little he would be missed if he did something right now. He knew it was weak moment and he wouldn't do anything about it, but sometimes the wish was there.

“If Lilith is destroyed before she can gain access to where Lucifer's seal is, there is no other way to start the Apocalypse."

The hunter's voice was soft, as he whispered,”Not that I know of.”

"Your angelic friend can confirm it. We are also researching to ensure it as well."

Dean was quiet as he listened to the detective. He knew in his mind that the detective was right. Getting that knowledge past the numbness to his spirit was more difficult and he was struggling to make sense of the truth he'd been told.

"Dean...it will take time to understand and accept what you've learned tonight. You are a good man. If you were not, do you think I would have allowed you near the trio?"

The hunter's head jerked up at the mention of the three boys. Near might be his favorite, but he cared deeply about all three of them. Somehow, despite all of his best intentions, they'd all three wormed their way into his heart. He cared, and it frightened him. Once again, hazel eyes met dark ones. “Yeah, I know that.”

"Then you need to start accepting what you are told."

“L, I was raised to never trust anyone. I've lived by that, because I was always proved wrong when I did trust someone. Even Dad. The fact that I've opened up at all to Watari and you, well, that's a miracle. I don't believe in miracles. I trust you two, and those boys mean a lot to me. Give me time. I'm working on the accepting.”

"Good."

Dean yawned, “I think I'd better try to get some sleep. I think I need it. Thanks for listening, L. Thanks for trusting me, even after hearing this. It means a lot.”

"You are welcome," he answered softly. "rest now."

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 50

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Movies and Conversations

Dean walked over to Watari. “It's gonna be a long day, Watari. No one's eaten. Can we set up a movie room somewhere with the extended versions of the three Lord of the Rings movies, and have a movie day? Sam, Near, Mello, Matt, and me? Just keep us supplied with healthy foods, and let us keep our minds off what's going on?”

The old man smiled. "Consider it done. Head to floor four. The boys are there. Tell them to take you two to the theater area."

Dean grinned. “Thanks, Watari. Theater? We get it on big screen? Fantastic! Hey, Sam, follow me. Gotta surprise for you.”

Dean headed for the door.

Sam followed his brother, interested to see what Dean was up to.

Dean hit the fourth floor button. When the elevator stopped, he yelled for the boys.

"What?!" Mello looked up from his computer.

“Where's the theater area. We are gonna to be inundated with healthy snacks. Sorry about that, guys, and the greatest trilogy ever made, extended versions. Come on. Lead the way!”

"Movies?" Matt had heard that. "Really?"

“Yeah, and I hope you like them. I think they're great, and the extended versions are wonderful.” Dean noticed his brother giving him weird looks. He stared back, trying to figure out what was wrong with him.

"Sweet!" He grabbed Mello and Near, pulling them with him. The white haired one barely had time to grab his robot before being dragged. "Let's go! Let's go!"

Dean grinned at them, turned and said, “Come on, Sam.” He turned and followed the boys.

The group headed to another room where comfortable chairs and cushions were in abundance with a large high definition television and surround sound system two-thirds of the way from the end wall. Watari had the movies waiting to be put in as well as snacks on a buffet table with drinks on ice.

Everyone was filling plates, while Dean put disk 1 of movie one in the player. He then turned to the buffet. There were a lot of sweets and snacks the boys would like, but there were also things Dean could have, and Sam would like. Dean did put a little potato salad on his, but mainly headed to a wonderful bacon ranch dressing. He had veggies, small turkey sausages, some buttered rye bread, and deviled eggs. He poured himself a large ice tea and magnanimously handed the controller to Sam, grinning.

Sam laughed, getting the food and drinks for himself, then set up the first movie, “Everyone ready?

“Yeah! Turn it on, Sam.”

He pressed play, curling up with the food and watching as the boys settled comfortable with their own snacks to watch the movie.

The Credits for Fellowship of the Ring started playing.

The teenagers were enthralled with the movie, barely remembering to eat at most parts of it.

Everyone used the changing of disks to get more food, drink, or for bathroom breaks. Dean walked up to Sam. “Why'd you stare at me so strange when I told boys I'd picked an extended trilogy?” He handed Sam a fresh plate of food and a drink.

"You're full of energy usually and the last time we tried to watch this, you were up and down a lot. Thanks for the food," he responded.

“Sam, I got badly burned, viciously attacked, quickly healed by an incredibly worn out angel, and that didn't give me complete healing. Then right after the healing was the rescue, shooting, and capture of Ruby. I don't remember much after that. When I finally came too, I was exhausted. Worse then I can ever remember. Watari said my diet had given me nothing left to heal with. My body's been fighting to get me well. Top it off with mental and emotional draining like nothing I've known before. You're right, I am beginning to think I don't remember much about this movie, but we needed something long, and well... I don't feel like getting up and down. So, this seemed like a good idea.” The smaller man smiled softly at his brother. Sam noticed the circles under the eyes, and a look of fatigue.

“They tell me you spent your time off in a session with L. I was told you were tired, but happy, and you went to bed at 6:30?”

He nodded, taking the change of subject in stride. "I was exhausted. He really put me through a lot."

“Sam, you were off because of the addiction sessions the day before. Then that video. Why? What about it made you happy? Can you share what happened.?”

"Because I realized that I am worthy of being forgiven, Dean. That I don't have to be angry all the time."

Dean eye's shown bright with unshed tears. “That's the best news I've heard from you in a long time,Sam.”

He smiled, tearfully as well. "Yeah...I'm getting there. And I'd love to see it happen to you too."

Dean looked confused. “Sam. I..is it not enough to just realize I'm not all those things I've been accused of down through the years? I'm trying desperately to reach that. I don't have anger issues, Sam. That's not been my problem. I've been angry before but I've been able to let it go after a while. But some things you can't be forgiven for, Sam. L said something today that made no sense to me. I just shrugged it off, because there are things. There just are” The smile was a sad one. “I am getting better, Sam. There's just a lot to get through.”

"Dean...you have to learn to love yourself.." There was a lot of concern in his voice.

“Sam, I'm trying to make myself believe I'm not a whore. Okay? There's crap worse then that in my life. Other then you and Bobby, and maybe Ellen, there's not a damn person on this planet that loves me. Okay. I know what's in me,and I know what I've done, so how can you expect that?”

"Because I love you, dummy, and I want you happy!"

“Happy? God, I wish I could be. I don't remember what it feels like, Sam. Not really.”

He set his food down, kneeling in front of his brother. "You'll get there.”

“Did you know that L thinks that I fulfilled the prophecy in hell because I was a righteous man? What the hell does that mean, Sam? Everything I do turns out wrong. What's righteous about my life?”

"You have a firm sense of right and wrong. You help people without asking for a damned thing in return. Remember the kid that didn't talk?"

“I would think that hell erased all of it, Sam.”

"No, it didn't. Even good men can break. It doesn't make them less good."

“It does when they enjoy it, Sam. I am going to continue these sessions, and face everything and strive to deal with every one of them, but hell's off limits, because that's where I lost it all, and there's really no going back from that. Okay?”

He cupped Dean's face. "Listen to me...you know how I'm sure you're still a good person?"

His voice sounded listless, “How, Sam?”

Sam angled himself so Dean could see the three teens on the floor, watching the second half of the first movie. All three were transfixed, even Near, whose eyes were wide as he watched. "You bonded with three kids who would have been written off as misfits..especially Near," his voice was soft as he answered. "You love them, make them laugh, play with them...bad people don't do that. You want proof..those three are living proof."

Hazel eyes stared blearily at the three boys, and he smiled at the rapt attention to the movie. He looked at Sam. “Really?” He looked back at the boys, Near being enthralled. He remembered talking about Middle Earth and the redwoods and Mallorns. He smiled, as he looked at Mello, who had hated him; Matt, who tried to teach him how to play video games, something Dean knew he'd never be good at. Sam was right, he did love them. He cared about them.

"Damn it, they are not misfits. They're special is all." He turned and looked at Sam. “That makes me okay?”

"Makes you more than okay."

“Okay. How the hell do I fix me? I just keep finding more filth. L's gonna get tired of this. He really is.”

"I doubt it. He knows we have issues and says that he'll keep at it as long as we're willing."

“L mentioned hell and said that from knowing me, he knew I was a righteous man. Sam, he brought it up. It's gonna come up soon. Don't know how to do that. I really don't. It was...I can't do that, Sam.”

"You're going to have to face it, Dean..for your own health."

“Whichever one of them takes that on, I don't envy him.”

"I know, but I know you can do it."

“You know I can do it? Sam, you have no idea how hard it was to tell you that little bit I told. To go in depth. Ohhhh. I don't envy him.”

He smiled at him. "I have faith in you." Sam moved back to his seat. "Now, enough emo shit. We're missing the movie," he teased.

They ended up watching over twelves hours of Lord of the Rings. Watari kept food and drinks on the buffet through the entire marathon. When Sam returned to Hobbiton and the music started. Dean smiled. He hadn't realized how much of the movies he'd actually missed. He was stretched back, almost relaxed, when Watari entered to let them know the church was protected, and everyone got out unharmed.

Sam smiled at that news, thanking him for letting them know.

“Watari, will they be back here tonight, or resting somewhere and back tomorrow?”

"Bobby is returning, the rest are heading back to their locations."

“When will the debriefing be? Tomorrow?”

"Yes, once he's rested and ready."

Dean stood up. “Guys, this has been one of the best times I've ever had. Thank you. I'll say good night to you.” He looked at Sam. “I've been a little on edge, but trying to relax, all day. I think I'll walk a while before heading to bed. Night, Sam.”

Everyone went their own way to grab some sleep.

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 49

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Bobby Starts to Hear the Truth

“Yeah, there needs to be some things said and known before he gets sent out there. Can you ask Sam to come too, and Watari?”

He nodded, placing the calls "They'll meet us in the room where the video was shown to your brother."

“Has he already been asked to do this?”

"Not yet, I will ask him when we get up there."

“Before we talk, and the video and stuff?”

"If you wish."

“Yeah, I do.”

He nodded. "As you wish." The man rose, heading towards the door. "We should go to meet them."

L and Dean reached the top floor before the others. Dean was pacing back and forth, nerves on edge.

Watari arrived first with Bobby right behind him, Sam was with their mentor.

Dean was nervous. “Can everyone find a seat? Bobby, I'd been thinking about this last night and woke up early because of it, but before we can do anything else, L needs to talk to you. Sam, we can't be involved in this.”

The detective told Bobby what was going on and what he needed for the hunter and Ellen to do. The older man frowned, listening quietly, and then agreed to be flown down to meet with the woman to get the protections in place. He would call Ellen once they were ready. He would also bring other hunters.

Dean was still standing during all of this. Sam could see how nervous he was and was wondering exactly what his brother was doing.

“Bobby, this part was planned before I knew this thing with Ellen was gonna happen. Sam and I have been dealing with all the crap of our past, but we left something important out of it. You. I knew you always told us we were like your own kids, but it clicked in my mind that you really meant it. Some things I've told has made me realize that we should have been telling you everything. Yesterday, I broke down and told L something that I'd never told anyone. The only person who knew was Dad.”

The hunter stopped for a minute, shaking a little.

"Go on, Son," he murmured, watching Dean.

“About sixteen years ago, Dad brought Sammy to you and left. He came back a week later with me, and I was in pretty bad shape. Nothing was told to you or Sam until yesterday. L videotaped what I said. I want you to watch and not say anything til the end. If you would just allow me that? Can you do that, Bobby. No getting mad, yelling, or anything at anyone til it's over.? Please?”

Bobby nodded. "I can."

“Okay. L?”

Dean walked to the back of the group and sat by himself. He turned a chair and stared out a window, trying to distance himself from what he'd already been through twice yesterday, knowing it would fail.

L turned on the video. Everyone watched and listened.

Sam went to his brother's side, staying there as a silent supporter in case Dean needed him.

The older Winchester stared up at his brother, his eyes almost glazed over. Sam could see how terrified he was of this.

When the video ended, Bobby's voice broke the silence..tight and controlled. "I should've used the damn rifle instead of a shotgun the last time that ass came to my home. Dean, Son, come here."

The boy was shaking hard. He struggled to get out of the chair. Sam reached down to help him. Taking a deep breath, Dean Winchester walked towards the one man whose good opinion meant more then life to him. He stood before the older man, eyes closed, afraid to see what might be on the other man's face.

"Look at me, Dean."

The older Winchester brother jumped as if in shock. His eyes wide, he looked at Bobby Singer.

"John Winchester deserves to go back to hell and roast for what he did. Right now..you two are MY boys and I'll be damned if I'm going to push you away. You are NOT at fault for what happened. Do you understand?"

“Bobby, I....” No words would come. Dean bowed his head, body trembling.

"You understand me, boy?"

There were tears in the choked voice as Dean's head nodded, and he whispered, “Yes, Bobby.”

He hugged the eldest Winchester boy. "I love you both, damn it, and I'm not going to let you two go without a fight."

“Don't let go, Bobby, and don't stop fighting.”

"You got it..just promise me..both of you promise me you'll do the same."

“I promise, Bobby. Sammy?”

The taller brother joined the hug, and said that he promised.

Watari smiled, knowing this would go a long way in helping the healing process.

Dean laid his head against Bobby's shoulder, with Sam against his bad shoulder. The three holding on in a way Dean had needed for a long time.

He looked up at Bobby. “I know there are gonna be other hunters there, but you promise me you'll come back from that damned tomb.”

"With Ellen watching my back? That's almost a sure thing. I'll be back."

“Take care of her too, Bobby. Promise me.”

"Again, sure thing. I ain't letting her down..or you two."

“Bobby, Cas betrayed his brothers. He's on the run, but he put sigils outside the church. They'd have to be Ananochian. He said demons could not get in or out, Bobby. He also said he couldn't stop angels. Be careful. I can show you a spell, Anna used that will remove angels for a while. Can I borrow a knife?”

L watched the younger hunter lead the older hunter to a window that could be cleaned easily. He cut his hand open and did a complicated design on the glass. He showed him what had to be done to activate it. L realized that Dean had used his right hand to try and cut a straight cut in the palm of his left hand. He'd removed the bandages and made the cut. He couldn't get a straight one, and he now had a nice open wound in that hand. He shook his head, wondering what kind of life the man had lived, and how many injuries had he had?

The genius memorized the sigil quickly, then looked back to his computer, drawing it on a program and printing it..just in case Bobby and Ellen needed it.

The paper was handed to Bobby. "Okay, let's get things rolling. Calls are made, everyone's ready." The hunter looked a bit excited.

Dean hated being left behind. He knew there was a good crew going, and the hunter felt good about it. He watched Bobby making a list of what was needed. L was on the phone so the items would be at the chopper pad. Dean looked over at Sam.

Sam tilted his head. "Good hunting, Bobby. We'll be waiting on you."He grinned at his brother. "Want to go haunt the library or find the trio to torment

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 48

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

Hunt discussion...Dean and L

Dean woke up early; the sun was just rising. He tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't. He got up and washed his face, restless. Stepping outside his room, he was not sure what he was doing. He had to move around. Something felt wrong to him. He knew he was safe here, so it was him. He was still dealing with that event and he'd seen the strange look on Watari's face when he spoke of making 1-5000 on a good night, and he shivered. If Bobby'd known, he would probably have cornered him by now...maybe? Bobby was family. What the hell should he do. He walked the floors in the dark, barefooted, feeling like a wild cat that had been caged. Things inside him needed out, now. He felt trapped.

A soft voice intruded on Dean's musing. "You are up early," the detective observed.

The hunter jumped, and turned. “Damn, my skills are getting rusty. I can't sleep.”

"Something seems to be weighing on your mind."

“I feel trapped inside of myself. It's like something is screaming let me out. I mentioned playing pool to Mello. He was talking friendly games and forumulas. I had to explain to him that I made a good portion of our income playing pool.” Dean was quiet. “I can make 1-5000 a night, if the pickings are good, L. I told Mello I was a hustler. The look on Watari's face confused me. Bobby paid no attention. He knows I do that. Bobby kept Sam and never got an explanation. Dad wouldn't have given one. Sam wouldn't have known. When we picked up Sam, I was black and blue and moved slowly. Bobby must've thought I got hurt in a hunt. I've lived so many lies in front of so many people, L. Don't know if I can keep doing that.”

"Then end the lies, Dean. The only person to make that choice is you. If you are sick of trying to keep a specific mask up, then drop it and let it shatter. You must be honest with yourself above all. Bobby and Samuel are your family. Those two will not judge you in the long run."

“Sometime today, will you show the video to Bobby? I can't go through that video again, so I can't be there this time. I've been a lot of bad things in my life, I've been the cause of the deaths of innocent people. I've stolen, cheated, lied, and misled people. That's just what comes to mind at the moment. I want to remove Lilith, L. Then I want normal. I can't live it any more. It's not me. I don't want to be what I'm really not, any more.”

"When you are physically and emotionally ready, you and some of my choosing will go after her. I have agents keeping alert for signs of her now that I know what to look for. Dean, you will go with a team. If you do not, I will pull you back and let them finish it. Agreed?"

Dean was quiet for a moment. Sam could not go. Ruby was using him in some way to hunt Lilith. He felt that it was a trap, but not sure how. “L, Sam can not be on the team. Ruby was using him to find Lilith and kill her. Something is not right about that. Maybe there's plan. Maybe Lilith is more important to releasing Lucifer then we know. Cas thinks I'm supposed to prevent it. I don't trust anyone on either side except Cas, but he may be misled. Something's not right. Make sure we are going at it right, will you? You've got contacts and ways of getting info I don't. I'll work with a team.”

"Sam was slated by agreement by Azazel and Ruby to break the final seal by killing Lilith at a specific location. Said location is being dealt with as we speak." He'd managed to get that much from her before Sam had....terminated her.

“She can die elsewhere, just not at a specific place? That's what you're saying?”

"Follow me. I have information to show you. Do NOT tell your brother this until I tell you it is safe to. He will be informed of this 'hunt' before you go but will not be allowed due to the issues."

“Okay. I agree. Lead on.”

L led him to a private room where documents were spread out. The dark haired detective had spent all of his free time outside of cases and working with the brothers in this room, putting the puzzle together.

Dean wanted to look. His curiosity urged him on, but he waited on the detective. This was L's research.

Long fingers brushed over a stack of documents. "Transcripts of the interrogation of the demon, Ruby. I've written down everything the angel gave me as well. Books, notes, even the Bible was used. Sit and I will tell you what I have gleaned."

The hunter sat, and quietly waited. An intense gaze met L's. The detective knew the importance of this information to the man sitting across from him.

He crouched in the chair. "According to what I understand, you had to start this. You are what is called a 'righteous man,' Dean, and getting to know you, the appellation seems to fit. The whole cycle starts with blood and ends with it. The most important seal is the one where Lucifer is sealed. There's an actual location where Lilith has to die. To be honest, I am almost 99.99% certain she does not know that her death is a necessary component."

Dean scoffed in his mind at the righteous man analogy. What he'd done in hell was not the acts of a righteous man, but he let it pass. “She doesn't know she has to die to release Lucifer. Seriously? Then Ruby and Azazel? They were the ones who plotted this, or were they following Lucifer?”

"I believe Azazel was the first key player and even though he is dead, his influence is felt through hell. The denizens there are not as unified as you may believe. One major faction follows Azazel. A smaller faction follows Lilith, who is being misled at the moment. I believe Azazel wanted Lucifer released." He handed Dean a news article about the massacre of the nuns years ago. "This, according to Ruby, is the location where the final seal remains. The one Sam was deemed to break."

“So, Sam had to kill in a way that released her blood? This blood frees Lucifer? Then, if it's her death and blood that frees him, he can't be freed if she dies somewhere else? There's only three ways to kill her, the demon killing knife, the colt, and Sam. Sam must not be involved, I don't know where the colt is, but it would be the best way. The knife, I have, but I have to be in her face and drive that thing into her.”

"His hand, her blood on the seal. Timing and location are critical. If she dies before then, it must be clean and body disposed of immediately. As well as the grounds completely scoured."

“Clean? I'm telling you, knife or colt, and I don't have the colt, but I could put one bullet into her forehead like I did Azazel. My shooting ability was the only thing my Dad was proud of. I'm damn good. I wouldn't miss either.” Dean wasn't bragging, just stating a fact as he knew it.

"Where is this weapon?"

“I've heard rumors that a demon has it. A powerful one, but I don't know. The name Crowley came up once but it's a rumor and I haven't been able to find him.”

L frowned at that. "I can have contacts start to look for this individual."

“Fair enough. Problem is getting the colt. I'm not well enough to go after it. No idea if he'd work a deal or something. Not all the demons are happy over this situation. No idea where he stands."

"If we find his location and if he does have it, proving the ammunition and weapon are authentic, we'll discover what he wants and see if the demands cannot be met."

“Only one way to prove the thing is authentic. You have to kill a demon or some other unnatural creature with it.”

He gave a small shrug. "Indeed. I will contact my agents and begin working on locating this individual. My question is..why would Azazel inhabit the body of a priest and completely decimate the church population?"

“I can think of a couple of reasons. First, if Lucifer is there somewhere, he needed to locate him. A virgin sacrifice supposedly works well in that kind of thing. Ruby sure wanted to do one a while back, claiming it would destroy her too. One might let him know where he is, but all of those nuns would be virgins. That's a lot of demon mojo to find where he is. Second, if there is a mass murder like that and the church is damaged, the Catholics will think the ground is unholy. It will be kept abandoned, maybe guarded by the locals, to prevent problems. Unholy ground is perfect for what is planned against Lilith. Now, I could be wrong, but those make sense to me.”

"Fact or myth - demons cannot enter holy ground?"

“I always thought it was fact, but Meg killed Pastor Jim in his church...holy ground.”

He frowned. "Would Bobby be averse to a mission of sorts?"

“Bobby's a hunter, L.”

"Yes, but his children are here and injured.”

Dean looked up, surprised. "I sometimes wish we were his kids. He's been like a dad many times. Kicked my ass a few times, like one. He knows what's at stake for Sam and me if this isn't taken care of. He'd go.”

L looked at him. "Dean, children do not have to be born of the body and blood. Ask Watari that. He will say the same. That man is my father in all ways but biological." This was something he rarely admitted.

Dean stared at L intensely. “You're saying that Bobby's serious when he says he thinks of us as his? I thought...I thought. Hell, Bobby, we left you out too much. We need to talk to him about this. Then, he and I, well, we need to watch a video, L. Sam ought to be there. This is family, but I don't know if he can do it again, or not. Not sure I can, but he won't listen and watch that without me. Not if he feels that way about us.”

"Ask him first. He may be content to simply join at the end of it. But yes, Bobby has shown immense concern for both of you, referring to you often as his boys. He has been tactful in regards to the need for privacy but has expressed desire to help when and where he can."

“I had no idea he was that serious, but I do now. We're agreed we can't do much til we find Crowley and get the colt? You need a hunter,so Bobby's the one? There's also Ellen and Jo, but I'm not sure how she'd feel about being involved.I imagine she would after they burned down the Roadhouse. I know Jo would”

"Would Ellen agree to go with Bobby as backup? I purchased the property in question. At the moment, I want the grounds and building demon proofed until I can decide what to do with it. Once I do decide on a purpose, I will have you and him add the protections as well. Those grounds need protection."

“You're gonna need more then two. If Azazel has kept it secret this long, he has kept it so by keeping it protected demonically. We're gonna need to break spells, put up new ones. We need real powerful ones. We need Cas. He can put up spells that the demons can't break.There are spells we can use also, but we got to kill a lot of demons to get in there and do this. We need help. I can't do much in fighting them, but I can help set the spells. Jo could work too.”

L nodded. "Are there hunters out there that you and Bobby trust?"

“Bobby knows more then I do. We can use Cas also. He does spells that we are not capable of.”

"Said angel is not here.I can bring in people to escort them."

Dean stood up. “L, you need Cas. Said angel will show up if he knows what the hell I'm fixing to do. He keeps an eye on me. He'll show.”

The sound of fluttering was heard and Cas was standing with his face nose to nose with Dean's.

Both men jumped, and Dean yelled at the angel. “Damn it, Cas! Personal space! Can't you warn a guy you're showing up?”

"You have an oddly keen sense of timing, Castiel," came the dry response.

“It is my job to protect Dean Winchester. He seemed fine here. I have others I have to deal with. I was elsewhere. I can pick up his thoughts when he is stressed. He has been stressed a great deal. It seemed for the betterment of his soul. This time it is not the same type of stress.”

“I understand what you are trying to do, but Dean Winchester can not be involved in it. The demons want him dead, and the angels want him alive to use him. I have learned a great deal. Lilith must die but not near the church. I will help. I will place sigils around the church. No demon will be able to leave or enter. Those inside will have to be killed. They will just enter another body if they are not. I can not keep angels out. They are your problem, too. They, like the demons, want the humans killed. They plan to use Sam and Dean in some way to bring about a final battle. They are safe in this building. Castiel reached out and touched Dean's chest. He cried ot and fell back. Before L could stop it, he did the same thing to him."

“What the hell did you just do to me?” the hunter demanded.

“I put a sigil on your rib cage. No one on either side, including myself, will be able to find you. You are safe from that.”

Castiel reached into his overcoat and handed the detective a stack of papers. “This is all I could find on the conspiracy to destroy mankind. I am now being hunted by both sides. I will be here when needed, Dean."

“I do not know what the demons have planned other then what I heard you say, so now, I will mark the others in this building. I will take care of the church. I have a cell phone and I have put my number in yours, Dean.”

The angel disappeared. In five minutes, everyone was awakened by an angel putting a sigil on their rib cages. Then he was gone.

"Every time I am near that angel, I have the urge for violence." That was definitely an admission there.

“Tried once. Like hitting a brick wall. Hurt like hell.”

L drew in a breath. "I will send for Bobby and ask him to get hold of Ellen and the other hunters. I will have helicopters pick them up.”

L picked up a phone, ready to ask for Bobby to meet them in the room where the video was shown earlier. "Do you want to do the sharing thing with the video now?"

Supernatural Death Note Chapter 47

Authors: Lady Laran and Tisha Wyman Warnings: Bad language, violence, and some sex. Spoilers: My favorite show is Supernatural. Anyone who knows me will say I am almost obsessed, unless they happen to be Laran, who knows I am. Laran loves Death Note. We both love to write. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we'd be writing an alternate universe/crossover between the two. What started as a several chapter story has turned into a novel The story had a life of its own. This saga begins towards the end of season 4 and before L truly got involved with the Death Note. This is a story of healing, family,friendship, humor, and horror. We do not own either show or its characters, but I'd take Dean in a heartbeat. We make no money from them. Thank you for reading. Comments are highly appreciated.

The shark versus the geniuses

A gentle hand shook the other. "Dean?"

Dean had somehow managed to get on his stomach, sling, broken shoulder and all underneath him. He opened one eye, couldn't really focus, closed it and tried to go back to sleep.

Near's voice was softly insistent. "Dean must wake up. Watari has sent a meal for Dean to eat and Dean needs medications."

“Don't want to, Near. Sorry. Too sleepy. So tired.” Dean closed his eyes, drowsing off again.

What Dean didn't know was that Near was just as stubborn, if not more so, than the Winchester male. "Dean will wake up."

When Dean finally was awake enough to realize where he was, he knew he was in trouble. “Near, I'm on my stomach.”

Near pulled his cell phone out and a few moments later, Mello and Matt were in, teasing Dean lightly as they helped him up.

“Damn, that hurts! I don't recommend doing that, guys.” Dean scratched his head, yawning. “What time is it?”

"Five," Matt answered after they got him sitting up.

“The hell it is. Who let me sleep this long? I thought a couple of hours. Damn it, that's supper?”

"It's supper," he grinned. "Watari and L felt sleep would be best for you and you needed it."

“I guess I did. What did you bring. I'm really hungry.” Dean eased off the bed and walked to the table. “What have you guys been up to?”

"Outside of cases?" Mello asked. "Gaming with Matt and Near's been working on puzzles."

“Yeah, I worked three with Near yesterday. I enjoyed it. I've actually been messing with the gaming machine some. Still confuses me.”

"Matt is the one to teach you," the blond answered while the red head grinned. "And dinner is waiting for you."

Dean grinned. “I'd like that. I thought I was coordinated until I started struggling with it. What's for supper?”

Near's voice answered. "Watari sent up a turkey dinner," he responded softly.

“Really? I wonder what kind of stuffing he made. I bet I didn't get sweet potatoes or yams, but he might have put butternut squash in place of them.” Dean lifted the lid.

"Unsure." There was butternut squash, moist turkey, dressing, salad, and gravy for the turkey.

“Tell Watari, that I say thank you. Really. He'll know what I mean.”

"Not a problem," Matt answered. "Want company or need some quiet?

Dean did not want to be thinking right now, so he smiled. “Yeah, but if Sam shows, would you mind going? Some things happened today and I'm pretty sure he's gonna wanna talk after he figures out I'm awake.

"No problem," he grinned, all of them finding seats to keep Dean company.

Dean was having an enjoyable conversation with the boys, laughing. Even Near was smiling. He was through with dinner and drinking a cup of hot tea that was sent for after the meal. There was a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Watari popped his head in. "How are you boys doing?"

“We're doing fine, Watari. Near has a strange smile. “ Dean grinned when he said it. “I'm glad he can smile. What's going on?”

"Not a whole lot honestly, Sam sends his love to you and has gone to bed early. He has been in a session with L all afternoon and seems to be in better spirits. I came to bring dessert to you four."

“What kind of dessert?”

He smiled, passing out the dishes. "Since it was a rough day, you have another chance to be spoiled." Brownies with ice cream and fudge on that.

“Seriously?” Dean had a wide grin over this one.

The old man chuckled, handing out sodas as well. "Seriously."

“Thank you, so much. I really needed this. The boys too.”

"Mello is always up for chocolate." Said blond laughed at that, taking a bite into the dessert.

“Yeah, chocolate makes the second best dessert in the world,” Dean teased.

The spoon carrying the rich goodness paused on the way to his lips. "Blasphemer!"

Matt was laughing and not even trying to hide it.

“I've been accused of much worse in my day, boys. Apple Pie.”

"Blech..nasty stuff."

“Those are fighting words, boy. I love my apple pie, but I never say no to chocolate.”

Mello wrinkled his nose. "Disgusting. Chocolate is life, man."

“No man. A cheeseburger is life. So, enjoy that chocolate until a doctor tells you you can't have it any more.”

"A cheeseburger?" Matt was ready to fall over in hysterics.

“Yeah, man. I've lived on those for years. I'm on the road most of the time. A good one is to die for. I had one that was ¾ pound of Angus beef, lots of cheddar cheese, vine ripened tomatoes, grilled red onions, damn good pickle slices, green leaf lettuce, and the best spicy mustard. The fries were cut with the skins on and were thick. I paid fifteen bucks for that meal and it was worth every penny. Haven't found one like it since, but I'd like too. Can't though.”

"Hamburgers could be had if prepared right," the red head said, laughing. "Fifteen bucks for a burger? Damn, almost as bad Mello's chocolate bill."

“It wasn't a burger, Matt. It was a masterpiece. If you can't have all the fixings, it's not a cheeseburger. I don't mind grilled, broiled, whatever. It's seasoning the meat right, and all the fixings.”

Near shook his head, nibbling on his dessert. "Puzzles would be better to spend the money on." Matt laughed and agreed. "Yeah, games..lasts longer."

“I wish I could get Watari to make some like I'm talking about. With cheddar, the right seasonings. You'd understand.”

"You could ask him to see if that's on the menu," the red head grinned.

“I will.”

He set the empty bowl aside, leaning back. "So you're having issues figuring out the game or is it the machine?

Dean turned red,. “A lot of both. Look, guys. I've never held one of those machines before. I've never played video games....ever. Sam and I weren't exactly on great terms when you gave this to me.”

He moved to sit beside Dean. "When you finish eating, I'll teach you cause gaming is just a great way to have fun and relax."

Dean finished his desert, and went and got the machine from his bedside table where it lay next to the Doyle book

“Okay, almighty teacher, teach away.”

Mello and Near watched as Matt patiently explained how to work the machine and take care of it before going into the game itself.

Dean figured it was no different then taking care of his weapons. He did that often and the machine could be added to the list.

Once he was sure Dean knew how to work it, the game was loaded and Matt explained it, offering to bring up a gamer manual for it later.

Dean thanked him, realizing it was going to take him time and two hands to get it right. He definitely wanted to read the manual.

"Every game comes with a manual..some even have cheat codes released later." "What Matty never uses," Mello teased.

“Cheating in a game? There's no pride in that. I'm a killer at poker, darts, and ah...pool.”

The blond grin. "You owe me a game of pool later. Poker sounds good to me right about now."

“I have a feeling I'd get my ass whupped by you, Mello, because geniuses can count cards better then a shark can.”

Mello laughed. "We'll take it easy on you."

Dean laughed, “Why do I not believe that. There's some cards and chips in my duffel”

Mello and Matt cheered, one running for more drinks and stuff while Mello grabbed the cards and chips.

Dean sighed. He had a gut feeling he was being drawn into a fleecing game by over intelligent delinquents. He jerked when he realized he'd have no control over the cards. He couldn't shuffle or deal with his hands like they were. Damn, he thought. They were not going to convince him to play for cash.

Near looked up when Matt came in with an electric shuffler. "Near did not know there was one of those in the building." The redhead grinned. "Yeah, this way no one can claim the deck is being stacked."

Dean eyed the machine. “Should I worry that you even have one of those?”

"Card games are good for hand dexterity off of the computer. Even L indulges at times," he answered.

Watari stuck his head in to get the dessert tray when he saw the card shuffler and the poker chips. He looked at the boys and then at Dean, who was looking askance at the shuffler and the over enthusiastic teenagers. Grinning, he picked up the tray, and went in search of Bobby.

Mello snickered. “This should be fun."

Dean calmly looked at the trap being set for him, softly said, “Chips only, no cash.”

"Of course!"

At that moment, Dean's door reopened and in walked Watari, carrying a chair, and behind him, with another chair, was Bobby.

Dean's eyes lit up. “Bobby! I didn't know you were still here. I haven't seen you.”

"I've been having fun working with Matty-boy over there on the database."

“Okay, just figured I would've bumped into you by now. Glad you're having fun, though.”

"Yeah, he's a barrel of laughs when you get him away from his gaming things," he teased and the red head stuck his tongue out at him playfully.

Dean grinned, 'Well, I think I'm being set up for a fleecing. Let's get the guy who makes part of his living playing poker. By the way, Watari, you got a pool room here? If you do, how good is Mello?”

The older man smirked. "He's fairly decent at it."

Dean smirked back, but there was no twinkle in his eyes. “I think I'm better at it then he is. I make a good portion of our living off of pool.”

Watari stared at the hunter as he turned his head towards Mello putting cards into the shuffler. After what Watari had seen and heard that day, he was surprised the man went near a bar, much less a pool table. He had more strength then he would admit to.

"In time, you'll have to play Mello for fun.... when you're ready." He took a seat after setting out snacks and drinks.

“Knowing all the geometric tricks can be fun, but in the long run, it's still eye to angle, knowing just where to tip the ball, and with how much power.”

Mello looked at him. "When we play, you're not going for tricks and stuff, we're gonna do it for fun and I'll teach you how to really trash talk." Watari shook his head at that, smothering the laugh.

“You misunderstood me. I was commenting on geniuses I've played who use mathematical formulas to make a play. What I was saying is it's in the eye, the knowledge of the game, and the power you use. I'd love to do it for fun, and trash talk is not necessary to a friendly game. It's usually used in pool halls to try to intimidate the competition. Does it work?”

He grinned. "It's fun honestly. And I can use the formulas if I'm in the mood to decimate someone but just having fun is what I enjoy."

Dean was enjoying the verbal play with the youth, but he got serious. “I never get to play just for fun, so I'd like that. I was serious when I said it was a job. I can pick up between 1000-5000 dollars on a good night, if I play it right. I'm a hustler, Mello. Sam's not bad at it either. He's lousy at cards, but don't challenge him at darts. He can beat me on those.”

Matt laughed. "Mello's good with darts too. Near, not so much." Near shifted his position. "Near does it to practice hand and eye coordination."

Mello shook his head. "You need more fun in your life and will definitely get it with us around."

“Yeah, Sam and I never get to do that. Could we include him in some, you think? He's been changing a lot, and he's really a fun guy once you get to know him. He's not crazy like me but he's pretty smart. Oh, yeah. He plays video games.”

Matt's eyes gleamed in a way that had Mello snickering and Near shaking his head. "You know, if you get Matty playing with Sam, your brother is dead meat in the video game world."

Dean grinned, “Shame this isn't a betting establishment. I want to sit back and watch.”

The blond grinned deviously. "We could and will." He set the rest of the cards in to shuffle as Matt handed out the chips evenly.

“All right, let's play.” The game went on for hours, Watari realized he was watching a master as Dean kept it close but pulled out and was the winner by the end of the night. He smiled, yawned, and said he really wanted to read a little while and get some sleep. None of the boys had realized they'd been outwitted. He let them win enough to keep them happy and to encourage them to want to play again. He winked at Bobby and Watari and thanked them for teaching him a couple of tricks he'd not seen before.

Mello and Near had been pretty darn close though, so the blond was fairly pleased as the group bade him good night and headed towards their late night activities.

Dean hadn't thought he could enjoy himself playing cards for chips and halfway hustling a group of teens who had thought they were hustling him most of the evening. It had really been fun.

He propped up some pillows on the bed and picked up Doyle. He wondered about Bobby. He had to know what Watari and L were doing and was staying out of it, to give Sam and him room to deal. His only sense of panic was if Bobby had seen the video taken today. He didn't want to have to deal with Bobby over it too. Sam and he had not talked, but Sam stayed behind and spent the day with L and gone to bed way early. No point worrying about it now. Nothing he could do, but he repeated the mantra, and opened the book. He dozed off an hour later, sitting up, with the book in his lap, and the table lamp still on.

If Dean were to ask, Bobby did not know anything as Watari and L had only told him that the two were willingly seeking their help in regards to past issues as well as Sam's addiction, which the older man had been told of by Sam at one point the last few days.

At some point during the night, Dean ended up on his left side, the book under his head. He slept like that the part of the night, lamp on.

Watari slipped in after he'd fallen asleep to turn the light off and arrange him a bit comfortably.