A Crow with a Rose
Chapter Seven
Rose was certain that there wasn't a singular word that could describe what her life had become over the past year. It was miraculous, wonderful, and so insanely bizarre wrapped up in one. She was certain the term didn't exist.
With her newfound lease on life, she began to learn as much as she could about being a hunter. Thanks to the generosity of Bobby Singer, she continued to stay with him at the salvage yard. With everything that had happened, she couldn't go back to her old lifestyle of working at the diner in her quiet town. Not when there was an alternative, a place where she could learn and grow and help others. The thought of returning to her town felt suffocating and uncomfortable. How could she go back to the way things were before, where she was basically waiting for death to come for her?
Instead of cleaning tables and taking food orders at the diner, she was learning about the multitude of monsters in far greater detail than she thought possible. The research she did on her own back home was nothing compared the information and lore that Bobby had gotten his hands on throughout the years. While the work primarily yielded terrifying mythologies, it was incredibly fascinating as well. It was interesting to notice the similarities between creatures and what made them stand apart and she found herself enjoying the research in a way. Not to mention, reading help her nerves settle after being woken up by nightmares.
Sleep was still difficult to come by, even after the relief of her suspended contract date the nightmares continued. They didn't bother her as much, months later, but it was still difficult to fall asleep again afterwards so she spent the time as productively as she could by reading. Her body began to adjust to fitful bursts of sleep, slowly accepting it as her new normal. As there wasn't any recorded case of a demon deal similar to hers with a postponed due date, she didn't really have a frame of reference. From her readings, the nightmares started when the human's soul was soon to be collected, granting them visions of what was to be their eternity. Since she was past her contractual "time" maybe she was just stuck in a constant state of near-death? It was just a work-in-process theory of hers. She likely wasn't going to have any concrete answers.
At least she wasn't the only one with trouble sleeping. Sam still was up most the night but he didn't seem to have any of the sluggish behavior she did on some of her rougher nights. In fact, he seemed clear headed and sharp around the clock. She attributed some of the mannerism due to being raised in the hunter life but on the other hand she was worried as well. There would be nights where she was absolutely certain the he wasn't sleeping, period. He would still be sitting at the table working on his laptop and notes during the night, regardless of what time she woke up.
Over the past year, the two of them actually spent a large amount of time together. When she wasn't researching with Bobby, she was on the road with Sam to help with cases. Small ones, of course, she was still new to the lifestyle but she was determined to learn. Sam was a good teacher as well. He was very knowledgeable, straight forward and to the point. Sometimes she felt as if she was burden by asking so many questions. She was a novice, especially next to him where everything seemed to come so naturally, and there were days where she felt like a burden during a case. When she asked him outright if her questions were annoying, he gave a scoff of a laugh, raising a brow.
"Are you trying to be annoying?"
"What? No!"
"There you go. You're asking because you want to know and I have yet to hear you ask the same question twice. You're just new, that's all."
Sam's…demeanor was different as well, she noticed. He was considerably cooler in attitude than he was before. Now, she really wasn't the best person to gauge his personality since she had only known him for a couple days and that was when the world was ending. For all she could know, he was always that way. There were times that his cold, exacting methods startled her and she couldn't help but wonder if it was an effect from his time in the cage. He moved with an unwavering sureness, dodging attacks and fighting monsters like it wasn't a potential dance with death. His reflexes were so fast and fluid, sometimes she felt like there was no way she could keep up with him. That was especially evident recently when they were fighting a couple of Djinn.
Even when half-poisoned, Sam was still head and shoulders superior to her in regards to strength and ability. She could still recall the monster, covered in hypnotizing tattoos and wearing a terrifying expression of hate as it lunged toward her with glowing blue eyes. She was just a hair too slow. Even as she brought up her gun, both hands steady, she knew that the bullet wouldn't stop it in time. Their reach would give them the advantage and she could only see their hand reaching for her face, ready to overdose her with the exotic poison. Out of nowhere, she caught sight of a flash of blood stained silver appearing over her shoulder and an arm wrapped around her, gripping her tightly as she was yanked backwards. The maneuver provided just enough room and she saw the Djinn fall to the ground with the blade buried in its head to the hilt.
Speaking of the Djinn, Sam and the Campbells were on their way to Dean in order to stop them before they got to the oldest Winchester. According to Sam, years ago they had hunted and killed a Djinn and the ones they recently faced had mentioned "revenge" as their motivator which allowed them to connect the dots that Dean would be the most likely next target. The drive passed through Sioux Falls and after much arguing, Rosette was left back at the salvage yard before Sam took off for Dean's home with Lisa. She knew that she was still the least experienced of the bunch and the Campbells were tolerant of her at best due to her lack of blood relation, but that didn't mean she wasn't willing to work hard. She had no problem reminding Sam of that fact and add on that she had also managed to drag him to safety so that he could receive the Djinn antidote from Samuel.
"They'll be fine."
She flinched at Bobby's voice, tearing her gaze from the window. When his words registered, she gave a weak smile.
"I know. I just…worry anyway," she explained sheepishly. He gave a short laugh.
"Welcome to the club, kid."
Hearing the familiar sound of tires on gravel, she gave the hunter a real grin. "Speak of him and he shall appear!"
She got up from the table, doubling back to mark her page, then she made her way over to the door. The first knock had barely begun before she threw the door open, greeting already leaving her lips. Sam usually just let himself in, so that should've been her first clue.
"Hey-"
Her smile dropped instantly at the sight of Dean's serious face. She could only assume the woman and young boy standing by his side were Lisa and Ben.
"—oh…"
He greeted her with a nod. "Rose."
"Heya, Dean."
She heard Bobby stepped up behind her and he sighed.
"Damn it."
Dean's lips twitched at the untraditional welcome. "It's good to see you too, Bobby. It's been awhile."
"If you're here, something's wrong," returned Bobby. His words made Rose grimace in agreement.
The eldest Winchester sighed and gestured to the two strangers. "Bobby, Rose, this is Lisa and Ben."
"Hi," managed Lisa. Rose gave her best reassuring smile to the woman. They had to be shaken up. Clearly the Djinn hunt didn't go as planned.
"Well, it's nice to finally meet you two," said Bobby. "Come on in. Mi casa es su casa."
They stepped to the side and Rose led the way, waving for the two newcomers to follow her into the kitchen.
"Can I get you anything? Something to drink? We have water and—" she paused when noticed how young the boy, Ben, was, "—and more water."
"No thank you," Lisa politely declined. "We're good."
"Maybe you want to go upstairs?" suggested Bobby. "TV's broken, but there's plenty of Reader's Digest. Just don't touch the décor, okay? Assume it's all loaded."
They quietly nodded and made their way upstairs. Dean shoved his hands into his pockets and Rose felt a twinge of panic when she didn't see Sam walk in with the group. Why wasn't he there? Did he get hurt? Did he not even get to Dean? Did Dean not know yet?
"So…" began Dean.
She heard the creak of the porch wood and her gaze flickered back to the open door to see Sam's large figure fill the frame. She released a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Hey Bobby," he greeted. His gaze found hers and he nodded. "Rose."
"Sam," answered Bobby with another sigh.
Dean's expression quickly changed to confusion, looking between the two of them and his brother. A muscle jumped in his jaw and the girl they were going to be in for a lecture.
"You knew," he stated. "You knew Sam was alive."
"Yeah."
Dean was already pacing the kitchen as the rest of them took a seat. Bobby took the chair, Rose hopped up on the empty countertop and Sam leaned against the same counter, all carefully watching.
"How long?"
"Look—"
"How long?" Dean snapped, his voice jumping in volume.
The three of them shared a quick look and Bobby folded his arms.
"All year."
The silent tension was palpable as Dean leveled them all with a look of disbelief. Rose kept her eyes focused on the faded floor tiles.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me…"
"And I'd do it again," said Bobby firmly.
"Why?!" exasperated Dean, throwing his arms open.
"Because you got out, Dean!" he told him with conviction. "You walked away from the life. And I was so damn grateful, you got no idea."
Dean walked back over to them. "Do you have any clue what walking away meant for me?"
"Yeah—a woman and a kid and not getting your guts ripped out by age 30. That's what it meant."
"That woman and that kid—I went to them because you asked me to," he said, pointing at Sam.
"Good," answered Bobby.
"Good for who?" he asked. "I showed up on their doorstep half out of my head with grief. God knows why they even let me in. I drank too much. I had nightmares. I looked everywhere. I collected hundreds of books, trying to find anything to bust you out."
"You promised you'd leave it alone," Sam reminded calmly.
"Of course I didn't leave it alone! Sue me!" he snapped. "And Rose, you too? Of all people, you?"
She felt her face begin to burn with shame. He was right, she should've been the most sympathetic to his side of the argument. She could completely understand his side of the story but if she was in Sam's shoes, she would've made the same call. If Grace had the chance to be happy and safe, even if it broke her own heart, she would do anything to keep it that way.
"Especially me," she confessed. "Like Bobby said, you were safe and had a family—"
"I wanted my brother back!" he shouted, making her flinch.
"Dean," spoke up Bobby, bringing the focus back to him.
"A damn year?" Dean asked, his voice wavering. "You couldn't put me outta my damn misery?"
"Look, I get it wasn't easy. But that's life!" argued Bobby. "And it's as close to happiness as I've ever seen a hunter get!" He took a breath and his next words were softer. "It ain't like I wanted to lie to you, son. But you were out, Dean."
His lips formed a firm line. "Do I look out to you?"
Rose kept herself busy by helping Sam restock and check his car before it hit the road again. Since Dean had the Impala, Sam had to get his own wheels and his choice was a black 2006 Dodge Charger. Though Rose's favorite little thing about was that it currently had Illinois plates. Down the line they would be replaced but it was just a little fun feature for her. Like a little bit of home. She just finished gassing it up, twisting the cap back on as Sam popped open the trunk.
"So, what's the plan?" she asked, putting the can away.
"The plan?" he repeated, propping open the secret weapons compartment. She took her place beside him and started to work on checking the items on her side.
"Yeah, the plan," she agreed, checking the magazine to make sure it was full. "About the Djinn. I doubt they're going to just leave you and Dean alone because you asked nicely."
He gave a smirk at her words. "Well, you're right. If they've held the grudge this long, it goes to show they don't care how long they have to wait. We're probably going to meet up with Samuel and the others and take it from there."
"Yeah, probably best to work as group," she agreed. "Everything's been out of whack these past few months according to Bobby. Nocturnal monsters attacking in the middle of the day, werewolves during the half-moon, and that's on top of the other monsters that aren't even typically found in this country are popping up in the Midwest. Now Djinn are out and about even though they're cave dweller types who are super reclusive isn't even considered the strangest. I get that they're mad at you two but that was years ago, but don't you think something has to have happened to trigger all of these out of the usual monster sightings?"
"You're right," agreed Sam. "Samuel said nearly the same thing and he hasn't seen anything like it either. We think it might be in some relation to what brought us both back. That can't be a coincidence, us coming back and all these out of the ordinary hunts."
"That's what I'm thinking too," she said with a nod. "I'm not one to believe in coincidences anyway."
With the last item checked and restocked, Sam closed the trunk and Rose checked her watch for the time.
"Do you think they're still talking? Dean and Lisa?" she asked, looking back at the house. "I just need to grab my bag and we can meet up with the others."
"We?" repeated Sam. Her face fell in disappointment at his implication. The change of tone was slight but she heard it well-enough.
"Oh c'mon, Sam," she protested. "I can help!"
"You know it's not my call," he countered evenly. "I always suggest you."
"I know," she sighed, trying not to be too put out. "You'd think Grandpa Campbell would've warmed up to me by now…"
He gave a short laugh. "Maybe it's because you call him grandpa?"
"Maybe," she agreed. "It's just sometimes easier than having any Sam or Samuel confusion."
"I understand, but you know how he is."
She did her best not to roll her eyes as the reason came to mind. "His whole "blood family only" rule sounds more and more childish every time I hear it. Like we're back in grade school and girls can't be on the boy's team because they might have cooties."
"Hunting monsters is a little different than kickball," teased Sam. "He's just set in his ways. He also thinks that the internet is the greatest pain since hiking to school uphill both ways in the snow."
A small snort of laughter escaped her and the disappointment lessened slightly. She knew Sam was right, but it still stung that she couldn't always help. She was more than happy to help by researching and providing information but she also liked being able to learn hands-on. Samuel Campbell was set in his ways when it came to hunting and who to trust but she wished that he would put more stock into her and her abilities. It wasn't as if she was a stranger since Sam often brought her around to the Campbell hideout when they worked cases together.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. There was no point in arguing since the person who needed to hear her side wasn't even present and Sam was already on her team, but he knew that it wouldn't do them any good to aggravate the group leader too often. Especially since the Campbell family was more motivated than usual to complete the Djinn hunt. She wondered if it was because they had targeted Sam and Dean, Samuel's grandsons.
As if on cue, Dean made his way outside.
"Well, if you need me just call," she reminded Sam.
"'Course."
The Charger revved up and took off out of the salvage yard as Rose watched on wistfully. She barely finished a sigh before another voice cut in.
"Left to keep the home fires burning, darling?"
Whirling around in surprise, she didn't reach for the knife she had hidden inside her jacket. An easy smile pulled at her lips at the familiar voice and she brightened up.
"How's it goin', Crowley?"
The demon was standing before her dressed in his usual all-black attire, complete with over coat. She paused to look around the immediate area. No one else was outside and the windows were vacant, meaning it was just the two of them. She didn't want to imagine what Bobby would say if he saw his least favorite demon on his property. It would most likely involve more than one shot of rock salt, she guessed.
"Swimmingly," he answered. "Yourself?"
"I'm good," she returned. "What brings you by?"
"Am I not allowed to make a social call?" he asked with a smirk.
"Of course, you're more than welcomed," she gave a teasing smirk in return. "So what would you like to chat about? The weather, my hair, or that Sam and Dean are working together on a case?"
He raised an impressed eyebrow. "You don't miss much, do you, darling?"
"Well I do try," she laughed. "Don't worry, they're not hunting you."
"Ah, excellent. I can't say that I have the time to be hunted at the moment," he said with a shrug. "Bit busy at the mo'."
"Is it still crazy down there since Lucifer was put back in the cage?" she asked curiously. It had been just over a year since the big fight. That seemed like enough of an adjustment period, right? Especially since time flowed differently there.
"All fire and brimstone as always," he sighed.
A bit of movement by a window caught her eye and she stiffened. It could have been Lisa or Ben but she didn't want to take the chance.
"Hey, you may want to make yourself scarce. I can't promise that Bobby won't shoot you on sight," she explained. "You still need to release his contract, you know."
"He'll have to take a number." There was the slightest smirk and she wondered what it was for, but they didn't have the time so she simply chalked it up to his sense of humor.
"I suppose I better be on my way then."
He began to walk past her and she remained still. She knew that he was just going to teleport away so she didn't bother stepping aside. When he brought his hand up and gave a sharp snap, she flinched when her hair was suddenly released from its tie, falling heavily past her shoulders. She always wore it tied up somehow, it was just too much of hassle and it rarely obeyed her. So wearing a bun became her solution. It was simple enough and it was easy to dress up and give a more professional look. Less "I just rolled out bed" and more "I took the time to style my hair."
Goosebumps broke out across her skin when he suddenly leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered,
"And your hair looks lovely as always, darling."
Before she could say anything, he was gone. A smile dared to pull at her mouth as she let loose a soft laugh.
"Oh Crowley…"
The demon stood invisible as he watched his contract. He was very much amused by her blush. She was too easy to rile up, like most humans. A simple phrase with just the right amount of infliction was enough to garner a reaction of some sort. Her fair skin made it impossible for her to hide her emotional reactions entirely. Angry, sad, or simply embarrassed. She was an open book to him.
He fought the impulse to reach out and touch her hair but she started to walk back toward the house, her long tresses swinging behind her. It was a good thing she advised him to leave, he supposed. His absence would be noticed if he remained on Earth for too long. Hell needed its leader to rule with an iron fist. Otherwise, Lucifer's loyalist could pose a serious threat to his newfound reign. Those not as dedicated to the fallen angel were more accepting of his new status. There were perks to being Lilith's right hand man and the proclaimed king of the crossroads. It allowed his ascension to be proceeded by his reputation and rank, thus sufficiently proving that he was the right demon for the job. The other key demons had been taken down, killed in one way or another though all through some Winchester method, leaving him the next in line for the throne.
It was hard work trying to reshape hell. While not all were loyal to Lucifer, there were plenty who didn't like change and dug their heels against the regime change. There were more than one occurrences where his temper got the best of him and he offed a disobedient demon. While it did strike the desired effect of fear and grudging respect, it was a nuisance nonetheless. Despite the slow pace, hell was starting to realize its capability and strengthening in organization and numbers. Not as many souls as it could have but that would come with time, once Castiel held up his part of the deal. It certainly was an irony for an angel and a demon to work toward a common goal, no matter how beneficiary.
The trips out of hell were usually quick because he couldn't risk showing any kind of slack in authority. His visits were irregular in length in case someone was monitoring his every move but he did visit when he could get the chance. It was nice to breathe fresh air and not have to deal with the latest compliant for a moment. His gaze tracked his human as she vanished inside the house and a smirk pulled at his mouth just before he returned beneath Earth's surface.
Checking on his contracted soul was considered working anyway, even if the king deserved a break every so often.
Thanks so much for waiting! Sorry, life gets in the way as always but don't worry, I have lots of plans for this story so never fear! This story will be one heck of a ride.
This chapter was shorter than usual and mostly recap, but don't worry, more information will be given over time and next time we'll have a full episode length featuring: a case, the Winchesters and angels.
Hope you all enjoyed! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time!
