Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Summary: WARNING SPOILERS: This is kind of a sequel to my previous story when The Long Road Home and may include things from up to 5.03. Their first hunt back together—are the boys back in town or will this be their last job?

Raven 524: I know by the time I get this story done the boys will probably already be back up to hunting speed. But I couldn't resist taking a stab at their first hunt together again. Sammy wumpage and Dean owies are sure to ensue along with some irate Bobby thrown into the mix. It's only a ghost, so how much trouble can they get into? Read on and find out!

The Play's the Thing

Chapter 1 – Training Wheels

Previously…

"So you think it might be a vengeful spirit?" Sam asked quietly as he finished his sandwich. He still wasn't eating as much as Bobby and Dean wanted, but at least he'd put some of the weight he'd lost back on. The afternoon training with his brother had also helped put muscle back on his lean frame. Except for a few twinges now and then, he was back to fighting fit.

"Yeah, apparently I'm thinking it may have been this character Joseph Freemont. He was an actor who died opening night under mysterious circumstances. Some folks have said they see him sitting in the audience during every opening night performance. But lately he seems to be getting angry. The last four leading actors have ended up dying by strange accidents over the past three months. According to the schedule, West Side Story is going to be opening at the end of the week. I figure that gives us a few days to do some research and then settle the thing before someone else gets hurt."

Dean picked up the plates and rinsed them before he turned with the dishrag in his hand. "Sounds like our kind of hunt. What do you say Sammy? Ready to get back in the saddle?"

"I'm ready but I still think we should be looking for a way to get rid of Lucifer." Sam heard the sigh and looked up at his brother. He could see he was picking his words carefully.

"We're not ready Sam. We don't even know how to kill the son of a bitch. Until we have a plan, we need to keep him at arms reach." Dean threw the dishrag in the sink before he returned to the table.

"But if we don't research it, how are we going to find it Dean? I mean, we don't really know how long we've got before it hits the fan." Sam continued to argue.

"So you want revenge again Sammy is that it?" Dean asked.

Sam paused and looked up at both men before he responded. "No Dean, I want redemption."

"Dean's right Sam, we can't go off half cocked without making sure what we are up against." Bobby added. "Besides, you leave the research up to me. I can't be out in the field with you boys but I can still use my resources to help you figure this out."

"As to time Sammy, we never knew that before either. I guess the way I look at—the apocalypse or a whacked out vampire. Either way we may buy it. Besides as long as I don't agree to be Michael's vessel, I don't think things are going to change much." Dean shrugged.

Sam took a deep breath. He understood what they were saying but he needed to be doing something to end this. Each day he woke it was to the knowledge that it might be the day Lucifer found him. Unlike his brother and Bobby, he wasn't so sure he could keep saying no—he'd been weak before. He jumped as a hand landed on his shoulder.

"I know this is hard Sammy. I don't know if or when Zach might show up to force the issue either. But we can't worry about them. All we can do is what we do best—kick fuggly butt!"

The young hunter smiled. He didn't like it, but for now he was willing to follow his brother's lead. He'd shown before that his decisions couldn't be trusted. Besides, it would feel good to fight something they knew they had a chance of beating. "Okay Dean. So Bobby, how were you planning on getting back to South Dakota?"

"I'm going with you, you idjit! I figure I'll help you out with this little ghost problem and then you can drop me off. Someone has to keep you two out of trouble." Bobby groused as he stood and walked towards his bedroom. "We leave in an hour so you two ladies better get your gear together or you'll be walking back to South Dakota."

Dean laughed and shook his head. "I wonder if he realizes I have the keys?"

Bobby ducked his head out of the doorway. "Mechanic genius—any more questions?"

"No Sir!" both boys chorused as they headed to their own rooms to pack.

And Now…

Dean glanced back at their old friend and smiled. It had been a long time since his car had felt so full. It brought back days with his Dad when things had been so much simpler. Identify the bad thing, find the bad thing and then kill the bad thing—simple. Then the demons got involved and everything literally went to hell, literally. He glanced over at his sleeping sibling.

At first he had to admit he was a little numb and hadn't really processed the future that faced his little brother. It defied all logic how the boy who wore his heart on his sleeve and argued to protect vampires because they might not be evil was supposed to be the vessel for Lucifer. The burden on his brother's shoulders had increased and yet he still struggled on—still tried to do the right thing. Anyone who thought Sam was weak would be mistaken.

The problem was he knew Sam still saw himself that way. All the talks over the past few weeks were just that, talk. There was nothing he could do to change his brother's opinion of himself or remove the guilt that always lay beneath the surface. No all he could do was give his brother the one thing that kept them both fighting—hope.

"Don't worry Dean, we'll figure it out before it comes to it." Bobby said softly from the back seat. Dean looked up into the rearview mirror and saw his own worry in the brown eyes looking back at him.

"I know Bobby, it's just—why him? I'm the one who probably should have been selected…" Dean sighed. Of course, he wasn't in the clear either. He remembered Raphael's vessel and shivered. Cas had said it would be worse for him and he didn't doubt it. When had they become nothing more than meatsuits? Where was God in all this mess? He half believed Raphael when he had said the big man upstairs was dead. And yet, his own father had been counted out more than once only to show up when least expected. He didn't know if he believed in any of this God business, but he had to hope somewhere the scales would eventually tip in their favor.

"Neither one of you deserve this crap Dean. We just need to keep doing what we do best. Figure it out and then do the job." Bobby replied as he shifted on the seat. It was clear the long ride was making the man stiff. Dean was sure that his brother was also tired. Even though he'd made great strides over the past weeks, he still tired easily. The wounds had mostly healed but he saw him wince once in a while when he thought Dean wasn't looking.

"We should be there in about an hour. I'll get you and Sammy settled and then go grab us something to eat."

"Sounds like a plan…" Bobby replied simply as he leaned back and once more looked out the window.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam walked out of the bathroom and noticed Bobby was already using his computer to start the research. "That could wait until after we eat…"

"We only have a few days before the new play opens. Just thought I'd see what I could find on the actor in question. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is much on him. He was a mediocre one at best. Getting the lead in the play would have been the high-light of his career it seems." Bobby sank back in his chair and rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's only community theater Bobby. I mean, why would he take it so seriously?" Sam remarked as he looked over his friends shoulder. He could see the young man smiling next to a billboard with his name next to the lead role. His brows drew together as he realized the play's name.

"Ah Bobby, did you notice the name of the play?"

"Sure did Sammy. I'm thinking that's why he's acting up more than usual. It makes sense he'd be angry about anyone playing Tony." Bobby shrugged.

"Has the play been done since his death?" Sam asked as he moved closer, his mind already going over the possibilities. He sat down and pulled the computer closer as he began to type. He didn't even notice the smile on his friends face as he pushed his chair slightly back.

"I hadn't gotten that far yet yah idgit…" There was no heat in the words but Sam immediately felt ashamed. He'd practically shoved the man aside.

"I'm sorry Bobby. It's just I'm so used to…"

"No problem boy. I prefer my books anyway. What say I make a few calls to the local police department and see if they have anything on how the man died? You just keep doing what you're doing. I'm sure Dean won't mind missing out on this part at all." Bobby didn't wait for Sam's response but pulled out his cell phone and moved to the other side of the table. "This is agent Franklin G. Smart, FBI…"

Sam tuned out the rest as he began to type once more. Joseph Freemont had died five years before in what looked like a freak accident. The newspaper article mentioned he'd fallen from the catwalk. No one knew why the man was up there to begin with but there didn't appear to be any sign of foul play. The play went on the next night with the stand in. He checked the theater's performances but this was the first time West Side Story would be playing since the unfortunate death of Joseph.

"Well that was less than helpful." Bobby groused as he hung up the phone.

"Let me guess, they ruled it an accident and closed the books?" Sam stated as he made a note in his journal.

"You got it! Darn small town cops wouldn't know a murder if it came up and bit them in the rear. Not to mention they somehow lost the records of who picked up the body so we have no idea where the son of a bitch is buried." Bobby remarked. "Did you find out anything else?"

"Not really, but maybe we should check with the guy who took over that night. It says here his name is James Winters. It looks like he's going to be in this one as well." Sam pulled up the play bill and showed it to Bobby.

Come join us along with local favorite James Winters for the reprisal of his role in the modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale, WEST SIDE STORY. The stage is set in New York's Upper West Side in the 1950s, where the area's slums are plagued by racial tensions acted on by two rival gangs: the Puerto Rican Sharks and the Caucasian Jets. In the middle of this mess is young, innocent Maria (Jessica Ward), a Puerto Rican seamstress whose brother, Bernardo (Manuel Gonzales), is the leader of the Sharks. Despite the warnings of Anita (Marie Santiago), Bernardo's fiery girlfriend, Maria falls in love with a young, hopeful Polish boy, Tony (James Winters), who used to belong to the Jets, now headed by Riff (Russell Bing). When Tony, on Maria's urging, tries to stop a rumble between the gangs, tragedy ensues, marking their dedicated love affair with violence and desperation. The infectious, lyrical landmark score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim help round out one of the greatest musical experiences ever performed on a stage.

Sam read on and noted that James Winters had gone on to become a successful actor in the local theater as well as being selected to perform on Broadway. "It says here that the role brought him to the attention of a talent scout who was in the audience that night. I wonder if James knew the scout would be there?"

"Sure sounds like he got a lucky break." Bobby agreed.

"Well at least we know where to start. The problem is theater people tend to be a bit closed around outsiders. I think Dean and I will have to work our way inside on this one." Sam pulled up the theaters phone number and made a quick call. A few minutes later he grinned as he closed the phone. He could see the glint in Bobby's eye as well.

"You know he's gonna kill you right?" Bobby remarked.

"What?" Sam asked innocently

"It's your funeral kid…"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean sat in the diner and sipped on the coffee that the waitress had brought him. It was the first time in weeks that he'd been alone and he was surprised to find out he didn't really like it. He glanced down at his watch. The food was ordered but they'd told him it wouldn't be ready for at least thirty minutes—he still had twenty to go before he would be able to head back.

He knew Bobby would watch out for Sam and he also knew his brother was more than able to take care of himself, but he couldn't help but worry. It had been too close back in North Ridge. If he'd been only a few minutes later, they would have lost his brother for good. It hadn't taken long for the old protective feelings to come back. But if he was honest with himself, he wouldn't have it any other way. Being a big brother was his role and one he wouldn't give up easily again.

"Dean…" The hunter jumped as he gazed up and met the steady gaze of his angel friend.

"How the heck did you…"

"I used something called GPS—the lady on the phone explained it to me when I told her your Uncle Bobby was dying and you weren't answering your phone." Cas replied casually.

"You lied?" Dean couldn't believe it.

"No, I just didn't say when you're uncle would die…" Cas shrugged. "Eventually it will be true for us all."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you are a glass half empty kind of guy?" Dean remarked as he took another sip of his coffee. He made a mental note to have Bobby get them new phones and to remove the GPS from them. If Cas thought of it, Zach wouldn't be far behind.

"I've been a little busy Cas and I'm about to be busy again. What do you need this time?" Dean really wasn't ready for another demon hunt. He just wanted this one hunt before they had to get back in the game. One hunt for him and Sam to find their feet again before they had to face a world gone bad.

"I've found some information I thought you might find useful." Cas continued to stare at Dean until he realized the angel was waiting for him to ask.

"Okay, I'll bite Columbo, what did you find?" Dean snickered at the confused look on the holy tax accountant's face.

"The colt still exists and it will kill Lucifer." Cas stated as if he was relating that it would be sunny tomorrow. Dean shook his head at the whole thing. He was just waiting for his dinner, drinking coffee and an angel of the Lord pops in to tell him of a way to kill the devil himself. Sometimes his life was too surreal.

"No way. Why would the demons keep something around that would kill them?" He wasn't buying it. All he needed now was another wild goose chase for Sam to focus on. He was sure once he told him he'd drop everything to start finding the damn gun.

"I don't know Dean, but if you're going to insist on this ridiculous quest to kill Lucifer this would be the way to do it." Cas leaned back and waited.

"Fine, so any idea on where we can find the gun now?" Dean leaned forward, his gaze intent as he waited for the answer. He wasn't surprised at the response.

"I don't know but my source says Lilith never received the gun. You could start with the person who took it…" Cas replied.

"Well that's gonna be kind of hard since she became puppy chow before I did." Dean shook his head. "Don't worry Cas, I'll add it to the list of things we need to figure out before the world ends." The hunter paused as the angel still waited with his hands clasped in front of him.

"Ah, Thanks Cas. Any luck on the great search for your father?" Dean watched as the messenger of the Lord looked uncomfortable. He remembered how disheartened the angel had looked after the Archangel Raphael told him God was dead. He couldn't help but give the distraught angel something to hold on to at the time.

"I am still looking Dean. I am sure when he is ready; God will reveal himself to me." Cas replied simply.

"Ah, sure. So…" Dean blinked as he heard the sound of wings and then was facing an empty seat again. He shook his head as he muttered. "I swear Cas, there's a cat bell with your name on it."

"Here's your dinner Honey, can I get you anything else?" Dean looked up and smiled.

"No thanks Darla. I'll just be on my way." The hunter quickly stood and paid his bill. The only question was when should he tell Sam what he'd found out. Already he was beginning to regret the 'no secrets' vow he'd discussed with his little brother. He climbed into the Impala and placed his head against the steering wheel. When no answer came he shrugged and started the engine. He had another thirty minutes to figure out what to do before he was faced with his sibling. Until then he decided to relax and enjoy the moment. He popped in his favorite Metallica song and cranked the volume. Before long he was singing along as his baby ate up the road beneath him.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean knew something was up the minute he walked into the room. First of all Bobby was no where to be found and his brother was sitting at the table with his leg bouncing. "What did you do with Bobby?" The oldest Winchester remarked as he dropped the food on the table before taking off his coat and tossing it on the bed.

"He went to lie down. I told him I'd call him when the food got here. What took so long anyway Dean?" Sam leaned back and swallowed, his eyes not quite meeting Dean's. It was a sure sign that his brother was working up to tell him something he probably didn't want to hear.

"They were backed up and only had one cook today. Also, our friend Cas decided to pop in." Dean said nonchalantly as he pulled up a chair. "He says the Colt is still in play…"

Sam stopped and looked up. "But I thought Uriel said only angels can kill angels?"

"Yeah, well he also said he wanted to help us stop the seals from breaking and we saw how well that worked out…" Dean was immediately sorry he mentioned it as he saw the flash of guilt in his brother's hazel eyes. "Come on Sammy, I didn't mean it like that…"

Sam sighed. "I know Dean." His brother squared his shoulders and finally met his eyes. "So did he say where we could find it?"

"Of course not, but rumor has it that Lilith never got her hands on it. So whoever Bella gave it to either got distracted or decided to keep the gun for some reason." Dean shrugged. "Either way, we got no leads to find it."

Sam pulled the computer over and typed in a few keystrokes. "What are you doing Sammy?" Dean finally asked.

"Starting to search. If we can find the colt we can end this Dean." The hope in Sam's voice was almost painful to hear. Especially since Dean was going to have to reign his brother in.

"Sam we're already on a hunt remember?"

"But this is more important isn't it?" Sam replied as he continued to type.

"More important than the life of the man who might die while we chase after a gun that could be lost for all we know. No Sam, we need to focus on this job. We need to get our feet wet again, work out the kinks before we have to jump back into the big leagues." He saw Sam's shoulder's slump.

"You don't think I can handle it…"

"No, you're putting words in my mouth Sam. I think we're both rusty at working together. We've both been working alone too long now. We both need this hunt to get our heads back where they belong." Dean watched as his brother processed what he was saying. It was clear he didn't buy it all but after a few moments he was rewarded with a slight nod.

"Okay Dean. But once this hunt is done, we start looking for the colt." Sam said firmly.

"Oh we'll look but all I'm asking is we keep our options open and take on whatever hunts come our way. It's gonna take time Sammy…" Dean watched the stubborn set of his brother's jaw and knew his brother wasn't convinced. Rather than start a fight before they even managed to finish the current job he decided to change direction.

"So, what have you found out so far?" He watched as Sam reigned in his emotions before he began to catch Dean up on what he and Bobby had found out so far.

"Let me get this straight. We have a ghost who is ticked off because the stand-in got the role he should have had?"

"Sound like it Dean. But we won't know more until we can talk to some of the people who were there. From what I've been able to find out, with the exception of Russell Bing, all the other actors are returning to reprise their roles from five years ago—including James." Sam sat back and began chewing on his lower lip. Dean waited and he wasn't disappointed when his brother continued.

"I called the theater to find out if they had any openings since I figured we needed to get close to these people to figure out what actually happened and hopefully find out who claimed the body. Luckily they have two openings…" Sam paused and looked down at his fingers.

"And…" Dean prodded.

"Well, I'm going in to help with set design…" Sam continued to look down at his hands as if they were the most interesting thing on the planet.

"And I'm going to be?" Dean watched as Sam smiled softly before replying.

"Well the only other opening was understudy for the role of Tony—but the likelihood that you'll have to perform is really small Dean." Sam finished quickly.

Dean sat back and gazed at his sibling. "So let me get this straight. I might have to actually get on stage and 'act' in front of a bunch of strangers?"

"Uhm, well kind of but…" Sam paused as he turned the screen to Dean and let him read the synopsis of the play.

"No way Sammy! There is now frickin' way you're gonna get me involved in this—for cripes sake, they probably have to wear tights and everything!" Dean cried in horror.

"Actually Dean, this is a modern day play so you'll be able to wear jeans and a T-shirt. Besides like I said, it's not like you'll actually have to perform. We'll probably have this done before then and James Winters will most likely perform so…"

"I am not going to sing!" Dean remarked as he stood up and moved to the other side of the room. He stopped when he heard a laugh from the connecting doorway.

"Oh I don't know princess—I think you'll be great singing 'I Feel Pretty' while twirling around the stage. I'm sure Sam mentioned that you'll also have to dance right?" Bobby chortled as he entered the room.

"SAMMY!"

TBC

Raven524: All right, here is the first chapter of the new story. Hopefully it isn't too bad. I just couldn't resist putting Dean in a lead role. Besides after Yellow Fever, we know he can break a move right?