So, I'm a bit conflicted as to which direction I want to take this from here. I have a few ideas, but not yet ready to pull the trigger.

Asking for general feedback, but also wondering if there's a particular character you want to see more POV from.

Alice

I open my eyes to Sam's perfect face.

He's resting his head on his arm, which extends above my pillow. I wonder how long he has been awake.

"Morning, Ali". He greets me with a warm smile, but there's something underneath. Something tense and hesitant. He kisses my forehead.

I reach for his hand, weave my fingers between his. I love the way my hand fits in his. I love the way our bodies fit together in general…

I want to keep my thoughts in that safe, warm place, but it only takes a minute to register the absence of my angel. And then of course, right on queue-

"Morning, Ali…", the beast says dreamily. Mockingly.

I squeeze Sam's hand. Direct my focus back to him. "Sam...what's wrong?"

He brushes my hair over my shoulder, pursing his lips slightly. "I'm sure it's okay. There are any number of reasons for this, but...Ali, they aren't back yet. And Dean hasn't returned my calls."

My stomach drops. "How late is it?", I ask, dreading the answer.

"Around one. But they left late last night."

"Uh-oh. Has your angel boy run into some trouble? It's too bad you won't talk to me, you know. It's quite possible that I have all the answers…".

The sound of his voice makes my jaw clench. I tell Sam what he said. After some consideration, with a scrunched brow, Sam replies "Don't bite. At least, for now. He is baiting you."

I'm about two seconds from panic mode. I reach for the piece of Amazonite that I keep on the nightstand-I had it in my pocket the day Cas found me. I hold it, running my fingers over it's dips and crevices. Find the smooth spot. Rocks have always been comforting to me.

Sam knows what I'm doing. He tries to contribute, to help ground me. Maybe he's doing it for himself to a point, as well.

"I can get you more stones, you know. Or crystals...whatever you call them." He runs his fingertip over the brighter colors in it, then over my palm.

I smile lovingly. "Sweet man. You do more than enough."

"You're the one that saved my life, Ali."

I nod. "Maybe so, but you saved mine, too." I catch his lips.

There is a Moth in the room. It's a decent size, but not big enough to really see the adorable details of it's face. I've always loved them. This one is sandy brown with tiny white spots. It is flitting between Sam's side of the bed and the nightstand.

Sam turns to see what I'm looking at, smiling when he sees my expression. "Huh. We don't get too many insects in here."

"I didn't think so. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes it seems they come around me a lot. I think they like me."

"That wouldn't surprise me at all", he replies with a wink.

"Time could be running out, you know. All the while, you're laying in bed flirting with your boy. Alice, I'm surprised. I thought you cared about Castiel more than this."

I squeeze the rock, it leaves indentations in my palm. "You manipulative piece of shit", I hiss.

Sam is surprised, never having heard anger in my voice. It is the first time I've ever spoken out loud to Lucifer. It's significant, and I feel like I've failed.

"I'm sorry, Sam. That was for Lucifer…". I'm still pressing the rock. Sam squeezes my hand before removing it from my grasp. A single bead of blood blooms on my skin.

"It's alright, Ali." His face is solemn.

My thoughts race and it feels as though my heart is trying to keep pace with them. "I don't care if he is baiting me, Sam. If he is, that means he's done something. He-"

"Or, he's trying to get you out in the open."

"Well, I'm sure it's both. But I don't care. Sam, we need to go after them. We need to go."

"I can't put you in danger. That's my Brother, and Cas and Jack but I still can't put you in danger." His eyes quietly beg me to back down.

"I love that you protect me, but I can't do this. If anything happens to them, Sam, it will kill me anyway. Please. I'll be next to you the whole time."

Sam is now cross-legged on the bed, wringing his hands in his lap. Even in my panic, thoughts of Cas, Lucifer and my fear, I still can't help but think of how beautiful he is.

His voice is weary and low. "Okay, Let's go."