A/N: Many thanks again to steffiundaxel for the review. Any questions, comments or reviews always welcomed.
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Castiel and Dean ported to the bunker almost as soon as Crowley arrived with Sam. Impatiently Crowley waited for Dean to open the door. As soon as it was open Crowley stepped into the bunker and ported to Sam's room. Carefully he laid Sam down on the bed. As the door to Sam's bedroom slammed open Crowley glared at the new arrival. Did Dean really have to be so loud?
"Damn it Crowley! I swear to God-"
"Shh," Crowley hissed at Dean.
"How is he," Dean asked lowering his voice.
"Fine, but he'll be better with sleep so stop yelling."
"What's wrong with him?"
"Technically nothing."
"Technically?"
"I'm just barely beginning to understand the connection Dean. I can't possibly explain it to anyone yet. Just let me take care of him right now. I'll tell you everything I know later."
"Tell me he'll be alright," Dean ordered grabbing Crowley's wrist.
Crowley jerked his wrist out of Dean's grip. "He should be fine. I'm fairly certain this is mostly exhaustion."
Dean nodded and pulled the chair closer. Crowley frowned. The last thing he wanted was anyone else in the room right now. Whenever he was injured he didn't want anyone else around him. Having someone else around when you weren't fully able to defend yourself was dangerous. That same protective instinct extended to Sam as well. Crowley took a deep, steadying breath. This was Dean. If there was anyone more protective of Sam than Crowley, it was Dean.
Crowley placed his hand back on Sam's chest. Slowly he released a trickle of his power into him. The tension in Sam seemed to ease slightly. Crowley let out a sigh of relief. Keeping his right hand on Sam's chest he used his left to run his fingers through Sam's hair.
"You're safe Sam. We're home now."
"Crowley," Sam whispered sleepily.
"Shh, I'm here. We're both safe now. Sleep Sam."
"'M sleeping," Sam muttered.
"No you're not Sam. Close your mind now and really sleep. We're safe."
"Hurt."
"Not any more, I'm fine now. Sleep Moose," Crowley ordered softly.
Sam nodded and snuggled around Crowley mumbling something quietly.
"Shh, we're safe. Sleep now, I'll be here the whole time."
Releasing just a touch more of his energy into Sam Crowley waited. Sam threw an arm over him and finally stilled. As Sam's breathing slowed Crowley withdrew his power but continued to brush his fingers through Sam's hair softly. Finally he looked back over to Dean.
"I love him," Crowley whispered.
"I know," Dean answered.
"I will never hurt him on purpose."
Dean sighed. "I want to believe you Crowley, I really do."
"With our past I understand the doubts."
"I've spent my whole life protecting Sam."
"I know. Protecting him from monsters like me."
"I don't know if I can trust you Crowley."
"Fair enough but can we keep that between us? For Sam's sake?"
"I'm not keeping that from him. We discussed this earlier, he knows how I feel."
Crowley nodded.
"I meant it when I said I'd kill you if you hurt him," Dean reminded him.
Crowley glanced to Sam before looking back to Dean.
"Good," he replied honestly.
If his demonic nature ever overshadowed their bond at least he could count on Dean to take him out as soon as possible. It made him feel better knowing someone else was watching out for Sam. It felt odd to be so happy about knowing someone would kill you without hesitation. Crowley lowered himself carefully until he was laying next to Sam and wrapped his arms Sam.
"You owe me a talk Crowley."
"Not right now," Crowley countered. "After he wakes up Dean."
"I figured as much. Is he okay now?"
"He's sleeping now, if that's what you mean."
"What about before?"
"Before we were still connected. I don't know quite how to explain it. I could still 'feel' him in my mind."
"You're not connected now?"
"Not… not that way anymore."
"How long's he going to sleep?"
Crowley hesitated. "I'm not sure. A couple of hours at least. I think using the connection wears him out. For now at least."
Dean nodded and stood. Quietly he moved the chair back to the desk. Leaving the room Dean shut the door behind himself. Crowley turned back to Sam. He had been taking a big chance using demonic energy on Sam. Crowley tried to figure out if it was just the demonic energy that helped or if it was his energy specifically. There was absolutely no way to test it. He would never let another demon use their power on Sam.
Dean made his way to his room and opened the door. Cass was sitting at the desk staring blankly at the wall. Walking over Dean stood behind his angel and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You alright?"
"Yes." Cass hesitated. "Dean?"
"Hmm?"
"I didn't port us."
Dean frowned. "What?"
"I didn't port us to that barn."
"Then who did?"
"Sam."
"Sam can't do things like that Cass, you know that."
"Apparently he can now."
"Not possible Cass."
"I didn't port us Dean. It had to be Sam.
"Not. Possible," Dean insisted.
"I told him to find Crowley and he ported us straight to him," Cass said turning to face Dean. "Through the bunker's wards."
"How?"
"I'm not sure. I can only assume it has something to do with his connection to Crowley."
"Is Sam going to start becoming… demonic?"
"I can't say for certain, but I doubt it. I don't think it's likely that he'll go demonic any more than it's likely that Crowley will become human. It's more like they're just… more when they're together."
"More what?"
"More than themselves; more than each other? Crowley gaining empathy? Sam being able to port? I think they're energies became connected."
"So what does this mean for Sam?"
"I'm not sure. I never even knew this was possible before now. I don't think it's a good idea for them to be apart too long. If they're connected that deeply who knows what would happen if they don't see each other often enough. On the other hand they could be fine. Maybe the connection doesn't rely on proximity." Cass shrugged.
"If you can't port through the wards then how can Sam? Can Crowley? Can Sam port anywhere else or just to Crowley? Is Sam susceptible to things like holy water? Is-"
Cass held up a hand.
"I don't know Dean. It would help to be able ask Crowley what he knows."
"Can't right now. He's staying with Sam until he wakes up. He thinks Sam overexerted himself using the connection somehow."
"Possible. Sam is human and humans weren't built to handle angelic or demonic powers."
"Do you think it'll get better?"
"Probably. He may just need to practice."
"Crowley," Sam gasped. Turning he looked back over his shoulder.
"Shh, it's me," Crowley whispered running his fingers over Sam's cheek.
Sam shoved Crowley's arm off him. Sitting up he reached down and began to inspect the demon. Crowley grabbed Sam's arms gently and stopped the inspection.
"I'm fine Sam. Castiel healed me."
"How bad," Sam asked.
Sighing Crowley rested his hand against Sam's cheek.
"You know how bad it was, you felt it too."
"I was hoping that wasn't real," Sam whispered.
"I've had worse Sam. A little pain doesn't mean much to a demon. I'm just sorry you had to feel it."
"You're not just any demon to me. You're my demon."
Crowley smiled. "And you're my Moose."
Sam reached down and placed an arm under Crowley. Flipping them Sam ended up on top staring down at Crowley. Leaning down slowly Sam kissed Crowley gently.
"Always," Sam assured him.
Crowley lay there staring up at Sam. How, he wondered. What had he ever done that had allowed him to have something like this? Sam was so perfect. "I love you," Crowley whispered reverently.
"Love you too," Sam answered, leaning down again.
As their mouths met Crowley reached up and grabbed Sam's shoulders. He tugged Sam down until their bodies were pressed together. Wrapping his arms around Sam Crowley lost himself in the kiss. Perfect, he thought.
Crowley rolled them until he was on top never breaking the kiss. Reaching up he put one hand behind Sam's head to hold him close. Reaching down with the other hand he grabbed the bottom of Sam's shirt and tugged.
"Need you," he mumbled against Sam's mouth.
Sam rolled them again until he was on top and and pulled away. Crowley let out a small whine at the loss of contact. Reaching down Sam ran his fingers through Crowley's hair.
"We have a deal Crowley," Sam said softly. "No talking, no… other stuff."
Crowley winced at the reminder. Shaking his head he turned away. Sam laid back down against him and rested his head next to Crowley's neck. Sam's breath ghosted over the skin just under Crowley's jaw.
"It's fine Crowley. We don't have to talk about it if you're uncomfortable. Just for that one thing, okay?"
Crowley nodded and wrapped his arms around Sam. There weren't words to express how grateful he was that Sam refused to press this issue so he didn't say anything. Still holding on tightly to Sam Crowley finally fell into a fitful sleep.
Crowley opened his eyes and found himself staring directly into Sam's beautiful green eyes. Smiling Crowley stretched and finally settled still facing Sam. Sam placed a hand behind Crowley's head and drew him forward. Tilting Crowley's head slightly Sam kissed him on the forehead.
"Morning," Sam said sleepily.
"Evening," Crowley corrected. "How are you feeling?"
Sam shrugged. "I feel fine now."
"I thought you might."
"What happened?"
"My fault," Crowley admitted. "I haven't been paying enough attention to hell. Some of the demons thought it would be a good idea to try to overthrow me."
"They're trying to kill you?"
"There's almost never a time when someone's not trying to kill me. You get used to it," Crowley shrugged.
"I don't want to get used to it. I want you to be safe."
"As long as I'm the king of hell that's not going to happen."
"Then let someone else be the king."
"No."
"I'm serious Crowley."
"I'm serious too Sam. I worked too hard to get where I am. I'm not just abdicating my throne."
"Why not?"
"You don't understand. Stepping down from my position would only put an even bigger target on my back. I'm safer now as king then I would be if I stepped down."
"If you stepped down they'd have no reason to target you."
Crowley shook his head sadly. "If I stepped down whoever became the king next would make killing me their first action. As long as I was alive he would always consider me a threat."
"How do we keep you safe?"
Crowley smiled. "I once asked Castiel how I could keep you safe. He told me, 'You accept that you can't. Accept it and do what you can to help him when he needs it. That's all you can do.'"
"Abdicate and stay here," Sam suggested.
"No, then they'd target you and Dean as well. I will not endanger you."
"Well we need to do something!"
"Stop hunting."
Sam stared at him confused. "What?"
"I'm serious, stop hunting. Do something else, anything else. Leave the hunting to others."
"You can't be serious."
"Deadly serious."
"I can't. There's already too few hunters."
"Please?"
"I can't Crowley. If I could I would but there's already too few hunters. I have to keep hunting things for now."
"There's too few decent demons. I can't abdicate my throne. I have to keep being the king for now."
Sam opened his mouth to argue but closed it.
"I wish I could just quit and stay here with you but I can't."
Sam nodded. "Understood."
"Come on, let's get you some food."
"Food?"
"Aren't you hungry?"
"Yeah but how did you know?"
"Informed guess. Last time we connected you woke up hungry."
"What do you mean connected?"
"When the angels abducted you I could feel what they were doing to you."
Sam winced sympathetically.
"It had to hurt you worse than it hurt me Sam. We do need to work on that though."
"Work on what?"
"How to block things like that. I can only imagine what you had to be feeling when I was abducted."
"It wasn't the most pleasant thing I've ever felt," Sam admitted.
Before Crowley could answer there was a soft knock on the door.
"It's probably Dean. To be fair he did give us more time than I thought he would."
"How long have I been out?"
"You were unconscious when I got to you. We've been back at the bunker for a little over five hours now."
The bedroom door opened and Dean stuck his head inside.
"I thought you said you'd tell me when he woke up?"
"He just woke up," Crowley argued. "I was making sure he was alright first."
"I'm fine, just hungry," Sam told them.
"Good, I just made burgers. Everyone to the kitchen."
"Give us a second," Sam stated sounding annoyed. "Crowley? Shoes?"
"Why would he need shoes? We're just going downstairs."
"Dean," Sam warned trailing off.
"It's fine Sam. I'm alright without them," Crowley assured him.
"You sure?"
"Yes, thank you though."
That Sam had remembered he didn't like going anywhere without being fully dressed was heartwarming. Sam finally pulled the covers back and got out of the bed. Crowley smiled as he watched Sam stretch. He followed the brothers down to the kitchen. Castiel was seated in one of the chairs watching them as they entered.
Sitting down at the table Crowley stared at the burger in front of him. Sam immediately began eating his burger but Crowley hesitated. Instead of eating the burger he picked at the chips on the plate. Looking up he spotted Dean watching him.
"Not eating," Dean asked.
"I don't need to eat. I was waiting to see if Sam wanted a second one."
"I'll be fine," Sam told him. "You should eat it. Dean makes pretty good burgers."
Crowley smiled. "I know. I had one the first time I was here."
"Oh yeah. I forgot."
"You're sure you'll be fine with just the one?"
"Yes. Eat Crowley," Sam ordered.
Picking up the burger Crowley took a bite; it was every bit as good as he remembered. Everyone ate for except Castiel. Crowley didn't question it as he ate his burger. No one spoke until they finished. Dean gathered the plates and put them in the sink before sitting back down at the table.
"You owe me information Crowley," Dean reminded him.
"I know." Crowley sighed heavily. "I'm not exactly sure how it works. Somehow we became connected. If he's worried about me or having strong thoughts of me I can 'feel' him in my mind."
"And he can port to you," Castiel added.
Crowley frowned. "What?"
"When we found you in that barn I had no idea where you were. I told Sam to focus on you and find you. I figured if he could find you mentally then I might be able to port us there. Instead we showed up at the barn where you were before I knew what was happening. The only explanation is that Sam ported us there."
Crowley turned to Sam.
"That's not possible," Sam argued.
"I didn't port us there Sam," Castiel stated.
"You had to have."
"I can't port through the bunker's wards," Castiel reminded them.
"But I can't port."
"I think you can now. I think it has something to do with your connection with Crowley."
Sam looked to Crowley as if for an answer. Crowley bit his lip and shook his head softly. He still didn't fully understand the connection himself. Reaching out he placed one of his hands on Sam's hand. Sam closed his eyes and lowered his brows.
"Sam," Crowley asked.
"Hang on. Concentrating."
"Please don't."
"Don't what," Dean asked.
"Don't try to use the connection. At least not this soon after the last time."
"Why not," Dean pressed.
"It seems to wear him out. I don't want him to do it again so soon after the last time," Crowley answered. "Please Sam?"
Sam opened his eyes and looked to Crowley. "I have to know if I can do this."
"And I fully intend to work on this with you," Crowley assured him. "I just don't want to do it so soon after the last time. Please, for me, wait a little longer?"
Sam stared for a moment and finally nodded.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"So what else does this mean," Dean questioned.
"I don't know," Crowley answered. "I've never heard of anything like this happening before. We'll have to experiment some to understand it better."
"Not without me present," Dean insisted.
"As long as Sam is comfortable with that," Crowley replied not taking his eyes off of Sam.
Sam gave a small nod. "Tomorrow," he asked.
"I won't risk it any earlier."
"So now that that's settled," Dean interjected. "What happened? I mean how did you get snatched in the first place?"
"I stupidly believed one of my subjects. Which, by the way, reminds me I have to repay him appropriately when I get back to hell."
"When are you leaving," Sam asked.
"I was hoping to leave briefly tonight and come back tomorrow. At this point I really do need to spend more time in hell."
"Is that wise," Dean asked.
"I have to go back soon. If they're already getting this brazen I have to do something to remind them why it's not a good idea to move against me."
Sam nodded. "I still don't like it," he said quietly.
"I know."
"Why angels though," Dean asked. "I mean why not just take you out themselves?"
"The demon that wanted me dead didn't have enough power. He's a fairly new demon. He allied himself with the angels because he knew I cared for Sam. The angels want Castiel and knew the best way to get to him was through you two."
"Metatron's followers or another faction," Castiel asked.
Crowley shrugged. "I wasn't exactly there for a friendly chat. Eventually you're going to have to do something about the angels though," he stated with a meaningful look to Castiel.
"I'm not a leader," Castiel protested.
"The other angels can't stop bickering long enough to take action. Besides, according to the rumors you have more power than any other Seraph," Crowley stated raising an eyebrow.
"That's not the point. I am not a leader."
"Pfft."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Whether or not you like it, you are a leader. We all have to do what we must no matter how much we don't like it."
"The other angels have no reason to follow me."
Crowley shrugged. "They'll follow you anyway, reason or no reason. Despite what you think you are a leader. You're also welcome to the angels I have on my payroll."
"What do you mean angels on your payroll?"
"You thought I wouldn't take advantage of this conflict? I have more angels on my payroll now than ever before. I can guarantee you they'll be infinitely more happy to assist you than continuing to follow my orders."
"Crowley," Castiel growled.
"What," Crowley asked innocently.
Castiel shook his head.
"It's part of who I am," Crowley said with a shrug.
Porting directly to his rooms Crowley stared at the startled demon standing in front of him. Well that saves time, he thought. Pulling on his powers he slammed the demon into the wall and held him there. Walking forward Crowley eyed the demon for a few moments.
"You really thought I would be that easy to kill?"
Without relaxing his power there was no way the demon could answer him. It didn't matter. Crowley wasn't actually in the mood to hear anything Carl said. I should just kill him now, he thought. Before he realized it, the stolen angel blade was in his hand. Crowley stared at it briefly wondering where it had come from. Finally he put it away. No, a quick death was useless. He had to make an example of Carl.
"Hell has a contract with the Winchesters. If there's one thing we demons do keep our word on, it's contracts. You, Carl, are going to help me drive that lesson home."
"Hey, Dean?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really hate him?"
"Crowley?"
"Yeah."
"Honestly? No, but that doesn't mean I trust him either Sammy."
"Why do you have to keep calling me that?"
"Because you hate it."
Sam rolled his eyes. "I want you two to get along."
"I know. It's just going to take time Sam."
"Cass?"
"Yeah," Cass answered.
"What are we going to do about Metatron?"
"No idea."
"We should research. Maybe we can find something in the books here," Sam suggested.
"I'm going to go talk to some of the angel factions. When I get done with that I'll be back," Cass told them.
"I'll work on fixing the warding so you can port directly into the bunker."
"Thank you."
Snapping his fingers Crowley conjured a drink on the table beside him. Without taking his eyes off of the demon in front of him Crowley reached for the drink and took a sip. Standing he walked forward he continued to eye his handiwork. Well, technically speaking it was the handiwork of other demons even if it had been his orders. Crowley waved the hand not holding the drink dismissively and the demons pulled the ice block away from Carl's chest. Carl screamed in pain as skin peeled off with the ice. Crowley inspected the ice block.
"Hm, not as much as the last time. Try it again," he ordered returning to his seat.
The other demons gave each other quick glances before rushing to carry out his orders. Usually Crowley reserved torture for gathering information. Any other time he would have just killed this demon and have done with it. He couldn't take that chance right now. He needed to reassert his authority. Besides, if Carl had gotten his way Sam would probably be dead by now. That was unacceptable.
Using his powers he tightened the ropes binding Carl to the block of ice behind him. That one would be peeled off next and then the one on the front again. As he watched the demons work he thought through other various tortures he could use.
.
After several hours Crowley finally made his way to his rooms. He intended to change suits and gather some books that might be helpful to the brothers and Castiel. Opening the door he entered and shut the door. Gathering the books together he made his way into his bedroom and froze. Someone was in his bed. Crowley pulled out the angel blade and willed the lights on.
"Sam!"
Sam turned over and rubbed his eyes. The angel blade fell out of Crowley's hand as he continued to stare.
"Hey." Sam looked around. "Where are we?"
"My room," Crowley told him walking forward. He grabbed Sam's arm roughly and
stared directly into Sam's eyes. "In hell."
"Hell?"
"Yes. You can't be here," Crowley said pulling Sam into a sitting position. "You have to leave. Now."
"I don't know how I got here. I fell asleep in my own bed waiting for you to come back."
"We have to find out how to keep you from doing this. You can't be here. If any demon found you…"
"I didn't do it on purpose."
Crowley sighed and released Sam's arm. "I know. I'm just worried that you'll get hurt. When I returned the demon that betrayed me was in here. What do you think would have happened if you had shown up then?"
Sam winced. "He didn't hurt you did he?"
"He didn't get the chance. You have to expect an attack at all times in hell. He wasn't prepared when I blinked here."
"You live like this all the time down here?"
"Hell is not a vacation resort. The strong learn to defend themselves. The weak get weeded out."
Just then there was a knock on his door.
"Damn it, you have to leave."
"I don't know how to do it on purpose."
"Damn damn damn. They'll sense your humanity if I open the door. They may already feel it."
Sam cocked his head and lowered his eyebrows questioningly.
"Demon thing," Crowley replied distracted, desperately trying to come up with a plan.
"Will they know it's me specifically or only that I'm not a demon?"
"What difference does that make?"
"Well you could keep them at the door and make up some story about how you're busy torturing someone."
The knock sounded again.
"They wouldn't buy it. I would never torture anyone here. No one else is allowed in here. Ever. Bollocks."
Crowley grabbed Sam's arm and blinked them back to Sam's room. It was the safest place he could think of on short notice. Blinking back to his own rooms in hell he rushed to the door.
Sam frowned and looked around. Did that really just happen? Turning he inspected his bed. If it had been a dream wouldn't he still be in bed? Looking down he inspected his arm. He could still feel Crowley's hand on his skin. Had he really just ported to hell? Walking over to the bed Sam sat down. He was sure he had gone to sleep in his own bed. He was equally sure none of what just happened had been a dream.
Frowning Sam thought back trying to remember what he had been dreaming about before he had woken up to Crowley's voice. Sam grimaced when he finally remembered. It had been another dream of Crowley's childhood. As much as he was loathed to push Crowley to talk about it Sam desperately wanted confirmation that none of the dreams were true. Despite his wishes he had a sinking feeling they were all true.
This particular dream he'd already had before. Instead of making it easier to watch it made it infinitely more difficult knowing what was coming. He couldn't ever interact with the dreams. He was always an onlooker forced to watch whatever was happening. In this case it was yet another round of Crowley's mother torturing him for liking men as well as women. With that woman making Crowley's life hell Sam could understand why Crowley might not want a relationship with a woman.
The names his "mother" had called him, the injuries she had inflicted… Sam shuddered at the memory. Through everything Crowley had still loved the woman. Sam couldn't understand how that was even possible. After everything she had done to him mentally, physically and even magically how could Crowley still lover her? Sam growled, angry that the one person above all others who was supposed to love Crowley had spent her whole life hurting him and then condemned him to hell for eternity. The room shimmered slightly.
Sam stared stunned and the room settled back to normal. Suddenly Sam could feel Crowley's presence as if Crowley were here with him. Sam turned and inspected the room in case the demon had blinked in without him noticing. Not seeing Crowley anywhere Sam frowned. He could almost feel Crowley's arms wrap around him.
"Crowley?"
No response.
Closing his eyes Sam concentrated on Crowley with his mind. Crowley, Sam thought trying to send the thought to the demon. After a few seconds the feelings changed and Sam felt… comfort? Concentrating hard Sam pictured them lying together on the bed while he held Crowley tightly in his arms. He was still holding onto the image when Crowley blinked into the room. Rushing forward Crowley wrapped his arms around Sam and kissed him hard.
"Damn it Sam," Crowley growled against Sam's mouth. "You can't do things like that when I'm working."
Grabbing Crowley's shoulders Sam tugged until he held Crowley at arm's length. Crowley let out a soft whine as they separated. "Can't do what," Sam asked breathless.
"Whatever you just did. You don't know how good that felt."
Crowley attempted to lean forward for another kiss but Sam held him back. Crowley let out another soft whine. "What did it feel like?"
"Good," Crowley answered. "Can we kiss now?"
"No. More specific Crowley."
"Very good," Crowley answered questioningly as he finally stopped struggling against Sam's hold.
"More specific," Sam ordered.
Crowley sighed and pulled back, out of Sam's hold. Moving to the bed Crowley sat down next to Sam. Resting his head against Sam's shoulder Crowley sighed again. Finally he mumbled something Sam couldn't quite hear.
"What?"
"Safe," Crowley repeated quietly. "It felt… safe. Like nothing could hurt me anymore."
Sam reached out with his left arm and wrapped it around Crowley. Tilting sideways Sam rested his head against Crowley's head. He smiled at the thought that his arms made Crowley feel safe. Good, Crowley deserved to feel safe sometimes.
"Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"I think I'd like to share a little bit."
Sam's brow furrowed. "About what?"
"Me," Crowley said quietly as he burrowed closer into Sam's side.
"Crowley? Look at me please."
"I can't. Not if I'm going to share anything."
Twisting slightly Sam pulled Crowley against his chest and wrapped both arms around him. "I just want to make sure you're really ready for this," he whispered.
"I will never be ready for this. Now is as good a time as any other."
"You don't have to do this Crowley."
"I do," Crowley insisted. "I need to know if your dreams are what really happened. I can't take not knowing any more. I need to know."
"I could tell you what my dreams are and you could confirm or deny."
Crowley shook his head. "That's not the only reason. There's that and..."
"And?"
"And for sex," Crowley stated sounding guilty.
"I don't want you to feel pushed Crowley."
"I don't, Moose, never with you."
"You can stop any time you want, you know that right?"
Crowley nodded without speaking and Sam tightened his hold on Crowley.