Sam

"Hey, Sammy. Can we talk for a minute?", Dean asks.

He sits down on the tabletop in the kitchen, folds his hands in his lap. This is how I know it's at least marginally serious.

"What's up?". I take a seat myself.

"I just wanted to know...what's going on between you and Alice...because it's pretty clear to me that she's with Cas, but you two are still...I mean, I see you together. So I just-"

I knew this was coming, sooner or later. Not that he's the type to really have an issue with this type of thing. Whatever this type of thing is.

"Dean, it's fine. I don't know. We're not…", I sigh. She's just…".

"Really handsy, yeah, I know".

I get defensive, instantly. "Don't say it like that. Dean, she's different. And I know you see it. I'm not going to try to explain it because you know what I mean."

Surprisingly, he doesn't balk or argue. "I get it. I don't even know how I get it, but I do. But I'm not falling all over myself like everyone else in this bunker either."

"Jack isn't-", I start. I know the point is moot, but I don't care.

Dean chuckles. "The kid loves her to death".

I try to interject, but he cuts me off. "All I'm saying is, be careful. Think about it. Alright?"

I stifle a scoff, sitting up straight. "I'm fine, Dean. Thanks. I know you're just looking out."

Dean stands up. "Yeah. I am. And listen...the girl is alright. Hell, you wouldn't be standing here if not for her. I'll even go so far as to say I trust her. But this isn't a normal situation...I mean, Sam...Lucifer wants her. What if-"

I'm not going down this road. "Stop, Dean. Nothing is going to happen to her. Okay? End of discussion."

Jack appears in the doorway, offering a little wave. "About Lucifer. I might know where he is."

The conversation is tense. Too much indecision, varying opinions on what is best. The least risky.

And then there's the matter of where Jack got the information-he summoned Crowley. Jack just wants to help, but that could have gone sideways real quick, for a number of reasons. Not to mention we have no idea if he's telling the truth or if it's a trap.

The story is, Crowley has his minions keeping an eye out for Lucifer. For his own reasons-he doesn't want Lucifer getting to Alice either. A demon came to him with a tip, but couldn't even disclose where he got the information. When he failed to give complete details, Crowley disposed of him.

And we are just supposed to believe this.

"It's not enough", Dean says, crossing his arms. "It's just not enough for us to put our asses on the line."

I agree, it's not much-and it's Crowley-but this is the only bite we've gotten, in all of our efforts.

"We should get Cas", Jack says.

I nod. "Alice, too".

Dean is tight lipped. "Maybe we leave her out of this. She doesn't need-"

No way. "I'm not keeping her in the dark, Dean."

And then she's there, with Cas beside her. Can we sense when someone says our name or what?

She looks tired, but content. I know Lucifer isn't stalking her when she's with Cas-which is great...I just want to be able to give her the same relief. Which means we have to take Lucifer out. ...again. But it's going to stick, this time.

We fill them in, against Dean's judgement.

Alice is sitting on Cas's lap, her kind face grave and worrisome. His arms are around her waist, holding her securely. He does not look possessive. I wonder if she were sitting with me instead, if I would look possessive. Feel possessive.

It's an intrusive thought. I follow it up with thinking she would fit better with me, as she's taller than Cas-but would fit me just right.

...okay. Maybe Dean 's concern is valid. Great.

I've been mulling this over for longer than I thought. Dean is snapping his fingers at me. "Sam. Sammy? Are you cool with this or what?"

"Uh...sorry", I manage. "I missed something."

Dean shoots me a look. Alice smiles softly. "We were thinking you'd stay here with me while they go check out that old warehouse that Crowley mentioned...not that I like the idea-them going, I mean…".

I wonder why I was chosen to stay behind, but don't question it. "Yeah. Of course."

Before they head out, Alice tries to convince us that we should all go. That she can help if anyone gets hurt. She is of course quickly shot down by everyone in the room, in unison. Having her anywhere near Lucifer is a hard no.

She is generous with her goodbyes, ridden with anxiety, and unsurprisingly lingers with Cas the longest. She understands why he has to go-he has abilities that we don't, but it doesn't ease her panic.

I give Cas a knowing look, and it is returned. We both know he has to come back unscathed.