Title: Life
Author: Cindy Ryan
Category: Fluff/One shot
Summary: The Impala has a stowaway
Timeline: Set after Crossroads
Notes: This is for Littlewing and anybody else who've ever requested that I write more fluff.

Sam Winchester was almost asleep. He had allowed the comforting hum of the Impala's engine and the familiar rhythm of the car's tires to lull him. Content with the knowledge of his brother's safe driving, even with all they've been through recently, Sam snuggled against the door. He rested his head against the doorframe.

Just as sleep was about to claim him, Sam heard it. The sound was enough of something out of the ordinary to keep Sam awake. Sam straightened in his seat. He opened his eyes and listened.

"Thought you were asleep."Dean stated as he looked over at his brother just as a passing car's headlights washed over.

Sam shook his head as he turned in his seat to face his sibling. "Heard something."

Dean rubbed a weary hand along the back of his neck as he asked. "What?"

"Don't know."

"I'm sure it's nothing."Dean replied. "Go to sleep, Sam. You're exhausted."

"So are you."Sam pointed out. He'd been worried about Dean. Pushing himself too hard, keeping closed up, emotionally.

Dean smiled ruefully. "So what else is new? We'll stop closer to dawn. I wanna get a few more miles in."

"Okay."Sam replied as he settled back in his seat. It was then that he heard the sound again.

Quiet, but definitely there.
Sam reached over and turned down the volume knob of the radio.

"Heard it again?"Dean asked as the music disappeared.

"Yeah."Sam acknowledged as he concentrated, trying to lock down the area the sound was coming from.

The sound came again causing Sam to frown.

"I think its car related."Sam surmised as he listened.

Dean shook his head as he patted the steering wheel. "Nah, can't be. I put her back together."

The sound came once more and Sam tapped Dean's shoulder. "Hear that?"

"No."

"Pull over."

"Sam."

"Pull over, Dean, just check it out. We're in the middle of nowhere. Not exactly a spot we want to break down in."

"This a psychic instinct of yours, Sammy?"

"Dean….."

"Alright,alright."Dean grumbled as he slowed the car and pulled it into the gravel shoulder. "If this is a waste of time you're buying breakfast."