Epilogue: Some fifty years after Crowley forced everyone to forget about the relationship.
Staring straight ahead it wasn't a coffin he was seeing. In his mind flashed every memory he had of the other man. He remembered each time they had saved each other's lives, every kiss, every soft touch they'd shared, every smile, the beautiful green eyes. Biting his lower lip he hung his head. How was he supposed to carry on now? The only thing that made existence worthwhile was now gone forever. For the last fifty plus years he had kept a constant watch over the other man but eventually death came for everyone.
Turning Crowley made his way away from the gravesite and the others gathered around it. For more than fifty years he had watched over the Winchesters, Sam for obvious reasons, Dean because his death would have hurt Sam. Dean had died last year and Sam had lost interest in everything. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the person blocking his retreat until he almost ran into him.
"Pardon," Crowley muttered moving to go around.
The other person moved back into Crowley's path.
"Crowley."
He hadn't heard that voice in years yet it was as familiar to him now as it had been all those years ago. Even recognizing the voice Crowley was surprised to look up and see the angel standing in front of him.
"Castiel?"
"Because of our past I was sent to collect you."
"Collect," Crowley asked warily.
"To take you home."
"Home," Crowley said flatly. "Could you perhaps be a little more clear?"
"You fought against your demonic nature for decades, protecting not only one human but several. You spent years watching over both Winchesters and the people they cared for. You sacrificed your own happiness to protect him."
Crowley growled low in his throat. The angels knew about him and Sam? Yes, he supposed they would, the nosy busybodies.
"Now it's time to go home. You earned it."
"You still haven't explained the 'home' part."
"I don't have to. Only one place has ever been home for you."
Crowley thought about that. He couldn't remember anywhere feeling like home. The only times he ever felt at peace were when he was in Sam's arms and now Sam was gone.
"My home is dead, Castiel."
"Yes," Castiel agreed.
"Sam should be in heaven, Castiel."
"Yes," Castiel agreed once again.
"Wait. What are you insinuating?"
"I am not insinuating anything Crowley. It's time for you to finally go home."
Crowley opened his mouth but before he could speak Castiel placed a hand on his shoulder. A bright light surrounded them and Crowley squeezed his eyes closed. After several seconds he realized the light had faded. Was he dead? He didn't feel dead.
"Hey! You going to stand there all night or are you coming to bed?"
Sam? Crowley opened his eyes and stared. Despite what his eyes told him he couldn't believe it. He took a step towards Sam but stopped.
"Sam?"
"Of course it's me. So are you coming to bed or not?"
Crowley almost couldn't remember how to remember how to speak.
"Hey, what's wrong baby?"
Baby. How many years had it been since he had heard that word from Sam's lips?
"I love you," Crowley blurted out. He couldn't bear the thought of not telling Sam. After all their years apart he never once thought he would ever get the opportunity. He didn't dare let this moment pass without saying it.
Sam grinned. "Well yeah, and I love you. Now will you come to bed?"
"Yes," Crowley replied instantly. Most definitely yes. It had been too many years since had touched his Sam. As he climbed into the bed Crowley wrapped his arms around Sam and clung onto him as if Sam might disappear. Sam held him and nuzzled against Crowley's neck briefly before pulling back and looking into his eyes.
"Welcome home, baby."
