It's not that John is angry with Sammy--though judging by the tears, his youngest certainly thinks so--it's that he's exasperated and perhaps even perversely amused. No, if anything John Winchester is angry with himself for failing to notice that Sammy has harbored a goblin youth in the motel closet for the better part of six hours. He's also mildly irritated with Dean--really, how could he allow the creature to follow his brother home when he was supposed to be watching Sammy--but his concern trumps his annoyance. That, and John severely doubts Dean will need reprimanding after being rescued from a goblin hoard.

So it turns out that that myth about goblins stealing human children and replacing them with goblin kids? Lies. These goblins seem pretty attached to their ugly lump and really only stole Dean to get even. Not so much a replacement as a trade, it seems.

It worries John that his son might have an interest in the supernatural that extends beyond holy water and a shotgun. Still, it's almost difficult, seeing Sammy care for something that he'll soon have to give up. John can only see the dried tear-tracks when they pass a street-lamp but despite the near dark, he can decipher the protruding bottom lip and impertinent chin butted against hollow throat, at least he imagines he can. He's certainly seen it enough in Sammy's young lifetime to know it's there now.

As it stands, currently the remaining Winchesters are rushing down the I-5--hairy negotiation-leverage in tow--loaded up with shotguns and protective amulets, ready to storm in blazing after their own bargaining-weakness.

"So, what kind of nest was it?"

"Sam, your dear brother was held as a bartering chip by disgruntled dwarves--"

"Goblins."

"--I know, nimrod, I was merely pointing out that goblins are a lot smaller than lore suggests--and you're asking me to describe goblin nesting habits?"

"It's just, he followed me from the woods for a reason--"

John's eyes lock on his boy's face in the rear-view mirror; his voice firmly corrects, "It, Sammy, it followed you."

"But what if he wanted to stay with me? what if they were mean to him?"

Dean turns more fully around in his seat, looking Sam squarely in the face. Eyes serious and voice coaxing, "Sam, those goblins missed their boy so much that they took me to get him back. Knowing that we'd do anything to keep this family together, do you think those goblins would mistreat their young, after doing what'd we'd do to get their own back?"

Sam smiles quietly to himself and turns to look out the window, apparently mollified. Dean shifts his body back front, involuntarily lifting an eyebrow at his father. John's lips press firmly together, his gaze pointed, causing a deep fold between his brows, since when do such creatures warrant--

"Dad, just let him--," Dean murmurs, eyes downcast at his boldness. After a beat, he cracks a crooked smile, "Got me back, didn't you?"