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“Something wrong, Bobby?” Cain asked, noticing that Bobby was staring at his phone somewhat morosely.
“Nothin’ a swift kick in the ass and a good beer won’t fix.” Bobby got up to get the latter, settling back down before Cain could figure out if he was both literal and serious about the former. After all, there were far better things to do to that ass, but if Bobby wanted or needed it… “Our boy Sam called. His angel got his time travel powers sorted out and offered to take him wherever he wanted to go, and he chose the Library of Alexandria.”
Cain snorted. He’d seen the Library the first time around and not been impressed. “I was there a time or two. Its legend is exaggerated.”
“But still. I know a dad is supposed to want his son to have opportunities and experiences he never could, but I can’t help the jealousy.” Bobby took a swig of beer. “Perks of having an angel lover, I guess. Lucky bastard.”
“What, Sam?” John said, stepping in from outside. “I saw the message after training. Lucky kid.”
Cain raised his eyebrows. Okay, then. Maybe this was something to take a bit more seriously. He headed out back as the two men began discussing rumors about the Library.
One deal with a fake god later, and Cain, Bobby, and John were staring at the Library. Cain grinned as the two men both turned to stare at him instead. “My boy Loki here owed me a favor or two…”
“Or two hundred, but who’s counting?” Loki said. “Set something on fire when you’re ready for me to come pick you three up, and Cain, stay away from old friends or selves, got it? I am not taking responsibility for you fucking up the timeline!”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Cain turned to Bobby and John. “You wanted to see the Library of Alexandria. There it is. Don’t fuck up the timeline, but you can go explore.”
Bobby taking off at maybe not quite a run, but certainly a hurried pace, Cain was expecting. There was absolutely nothing that man liked better than the chance to go learn something new, with the possible exceptions of Cain himself, John, or the boys John and Bobby raised between them. This was a dream come true, and of course he wouldn’t waste a second getting in and getting his hands on whatever scrolls he could.
Despite his comment about Sam being lucky, Cain had not expected John to be right behind him. John’s paranoia meant he should be demanding to know more about “Loki” and how exactly Cain knew him and what strings Cain had pulled and what new ones were attached because of this deal. Instead, he was right behind Bobby, with a look of joy Cain had never seen in his eyes before. He turned to Loki in confusion.
Loki just smirked. “He’s got the same curiosity Sam does – it’s where Sam got it from – but Sam had the means and opportunity to pursue it. John didn’t, and then it got a bit laser focused on hunting. You did good, Cain. Best present you could give both your men.”