Both Aunt Martha and Uncle Jon came out to the cave, what felt like several hours and what must have been no more than 15 minutes later. They helped dig Dean out of the rocks, checked that there was no damage beyond a few bruises, and Aunt Martha hugged him tightly before Uncle Jon gave him a couple of pats on the shoulder and a firm warning, "Don't scare us like that."

Dean knew that Clark's parents would want to keep their son in sight for a little while, after having lost him, so he let them drive together in their truck, following behind them in the Impala. Back at the house, he got to watch Clark reunite with Ellie, squeezing her tightly and throwing her up into the air while she screamed with laughter.

Martha made coffee for everybody, and she brought out some first aid supplies for Dean to patch himself up. He let a few minutes pass in comfortable quiet, other than Ellie's babbling, before he cleared his throat.

"Sorry about your… destiny or whatever."

Clark shook his head. "He took me against my will. Thanks for bringing me back."

"I'm glad to have you back, but it wasn't just for you. You know Lionel went to prison?"

"I heard that right before I went."

"Lex got poisoned. I need you to check the mention for any other traps, and keep an ear out in case anything happens over at the mansion."

Clark nodded solemnly.

Dean breathed easy for the first time in days. "Knew I could count on you."

"Where is he now?"

"He's at a safe house with a friend of mine. He'll be thrilled to be able to come back." Dean looked over to Aunt Martha. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I borrow your phone?"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

She smiled.

----------------------------------------

The remainder of the Sunday fell into a comfortable rhythm. Lex helped Bobby with breakfast, with permission, and they told a few light hunting stories over the meal. Lex went back to rest for a few more hours, and then they spent the afternoon talking about lore. Bobby talked about how he had come across parts of his library, and he recommended books and sources. Lex was able to share some of the ways he had come across information about meteor mutants, as well, and Bobby didn't flinch at the word "alien" anymore.

"You know," Bobby said at one point in the afternoon, "I always tell young hunters to make sure they do their research before going into a hunt. I'm asking them to read the right books, pick up the right articles, talk to the right people. But you… You've got a different idea of how to do research."

"Straight from the source."

Bobby nodded. "You should be writing books."

"I've considered some research papers. I don't really have the time for it, though."

"How important is your day job?"

Lex chuckled.

Bobby raised his eyebrows.

Lex's voice caught. "You can't be serious."

"I'm just saying. You're good at this, you like doing it. You could save lives. And you've got the money to quit your job. Not many people are in the position you're in."

Lex just shook his head.

"Think about it, will you?"

"Sure." Lex shrugged. He wasn't promising anything; it didn't hurt to say he'd consider it.

Just then, one of the phones on the wall started ringing. "Another hunter?"

"Maybe. Why don't you find out?"

"Me?"

"I'm sure you could answer their questions just as well. Unless you wanna let it go to voicemail?"

Lex still wasn't sure about answering the phone at someone else's house, but he suspected he knew what Bobby was doing: connecting Lex with other hunters. But when he picked up the phone, and said, "Hello?" a familiar voice greeted him.

"Luthor, is that you?"

"Dean?"

"I found Clark. He's going to do a sweep of the mansion, make sure everything's safe. I can come get you when he's done."

"No need. I can call a driver."

"No, I'm gonna come pick you up. Because I'll know if we need to make a stop for your health, and your driver won't even notice."

Lex sighed. It was exhausting, having people who cared about him. "I'll see you soon, Dean."

"Yeah," Dean said, and he hung up.