Chapter Four
Go Your Own Way
December 3, 2009
The next day was a blur of activity. Bobby ended up taking Sam to the airport because Dean was still passed out, and neither wanted to wake the man when he was facing a 48 hour drive. Castiel had stayed with him just in case he woke up while they were gone.
Bobby got out as Sam grabbed his backpack. He knew the hunter was feeling a bit naked without a weapon but there wasn't much of a choice with how strict security was at the airport. Sam did have a few talismans and some holy water but beyond that, the young man was going in exactly how Crowley had wanted him to, weaponless. Bobby swore if there was a single hair out of place he'd kill the demon.
He gave Sam a stern look, "Don't do anything stupid."
"I won't Bobby. I'm going to lay low until Dean arrives. Remind him to put in the emergency shovel in the car, please? I think he took it out last time we were here."
Bobby nodded at Sam's question, as the young man shouldered his bag. For a moment, Bobby remembered the last time he'd seen Sam like this. He'd stopped on his way out to Stanford dressed the same way. He'd been proud of the kid despite being sad to see him go. Now though, Sam was singularly focused on stopping two archangels on war from turning their planet into a burning rock.
"Stay safe, and call me when you arrive."
"Will do. Thanks, Bobby, for everything."
The thank you was a bit awkward, but Sam quickly leaned forward giving him a hug. Bobby hugged him back before Sam pulled away with a small smile and headed into the airport. Bobby got back in his truck and began the trip home trying not to think about the fact the world was burning around them, and that he'd have to brave traffic and come back out here in two days' time.
When Sam landed in Seattle, the first thing he realized was that he had nowhere to stay. He huffed in aggravation and turned his phone off airplane mode as he began to make his way over the airport cafe to look up a hotel when his phone rang. He didn't even bother to look at the caller ID before answering, "Hello?"
"Ah, so you made it."
Sam frowned at the smooth British accent and couldn't help the bubble of aggravation that filled him. He was grateful for the flight, but he still couldn't stand the fact that they were working with Crowley.
"I did. Is there a reason you're calling me?"
"There is, actually. I wanted to let you know I've already booked a hotel for you and your brother. 99 Union Street, the Four Seasons. If I recall, there is a shuttle from the airport."
"Uh, okay. Thanks, but why are you doing all this?"
The demon's chuckle set him on edge, and Sam was about to snap at Crowley when the demon responded civilly.
"This is business, Moose. Truthfully, it's a matter of convenience for you to be so close to where my contact lives. Don't overthink it."
"If you say so."
"I do. I'll be there in four days."
With that the phone cut off and Sam huffed and made his way out onto the street. He saw a private car with the hotel's name and warily made his way over to the man standing there. The chauffeur smiled warmly.
"Hello, Sir. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Uh, yeah, I think I may be wrong, but is this the service to the Four Seasons?"
Sam suddenly had the sickening feeling Crowley may be fucking with him. The chauffeur nodded and grabbed a clipboard.
"Name?"
"Sam Winchester."
"Ah, yes. You have a reservation for the next week. Right this way."
The man opened the door and Sam found himself staring, but he quickly got in with his backpack. The door was shut and the chauffeur got in the driver's seat and they started moving. Somehow he wished Crowley had left him to his own devices. This felt like the world's most polite power move, and Sam really didn't feel comfortable with it. He didn't want to feel anymore indebted to the demon then they were already getting. Still, there wasn't much he could do now.
"Are you here for business or pleasure, Mr. Winchester?"
Sam blinked at the honorific, and it took him a few moments to realize he was being asked a question.
"Business, though my meeting isn't for a few days. Also, Sam is fine. Mr. Winchester has me looking around for my father."
"Well, if you like coffee houses, I have a few recommendations. Are you a vegetarian by chance? A new restaurant has opened in town."
Sam tilted his head in curiosity and despite himself, he asked, "Sounds interesting, what places would you recommend?"
The man began shooting off places with a clear passion. Sam quickly pulled out a notebook and pen and started writing the names down, and interjecting a few questions here and there. Perhaps this week wouldn't be too bad after all.
Line Break
"So, ya got everything?"
Bobby asked the question as Dean dropped his bag into the backseat of the Impala. Castiel was going over the weapons in the trunk with a sharp eye under Dean's instruction. The hunter grinned.
"Yea. I don't know what Sam was worried about. The news is saying the storm deviated so we should arrive earlier than expected."
"Uh-huh. Well, be careful."
"When am I not?"
"Every time I let you out of the damn house."
He'd muttered the response, but Dean had heard and laughed as he scratched the back of his head. Castiel walked over after shutting the trunk with more care than was needed. Seemed the angel had gotten chewed out about slamming the trunk at one point, Bobby thought in amusement.
"You'll look after him, Castiel?"
"Of course."
He'd asked the question as a joke but the angel's response was anything but and Bobby couldn't help but feel grateful that Sam and Dean had someone looking out for them.
"Well, ya better head out then. Let me know when you arrive."
"Will do, Bobby. See ya in a few days."
Dean slid into the driver's seat and started the car. Castiel was about to walk around the car and get in when Bobby called out, "Remember what I said, boy. You aren't always the biggest fish."
There was a flash of appreciation in the angel's eyes and Castiel gave a small nod as he got into the car. There was a deafening blare of rock music as Dean pulled out of the driveway and Bobby shook his head, watching the car disappear in the distance.
Some things never changed even when the world was burning.
Sam found himself staring at his hotel room in a sense of detached shock. It was official; Crowley was mentally fucking with them behind a guise of polite business.
The hotel room was larger, and fancier, than any Sam had been in. It leaned more toward being a suite, having a seating area and a small kitchenette with the bedroom being a seperate room. There was only one bed, but the way Crowley had worded it there were actually two rooms so that made some sense. Not like Castiel needed sleep so Dean would be bunking alone for the first time in a while. He set his bag on the bed and flipped the TV on so it wouldn't be so quiet in the room as he began to settle in. If he'd been paying more attention, he would have heard that the snowstorm coming down from Canada was not only still coming, but it veered eastward with a vengeance. Perhaps had he heard, he could have told Dean to go south first rather than straight via I-90. Sadly for Dean, Sam was far too focused on finding a few hunters' spots to pick up more holy water, and then hopefully hit up that restaurant.
Line Break
December 4, 2009
Dean was pissed.
The drive had started out great. Castiel didn't bitch about his music like Sam did, even if his brother did it mostly for his own amusement. Castiel had even asked if they could stop for burgers. After getting over his shock at the question asked around eight hours after getting on the road, he had happily pulled over. Castiel hadn't hesitated as he bit into the burger, and Dean couldn't help but feel some level of amusement at such a simple action. The angel had avoided soda still, stating it tasted strange, and after that they had gotten back on the road. With that though, they had passed into Montanna and right into a wall of white.
"This is insane."
Dean growled the words as he sat in bumper to bumper traffic on I-90 in the middle of what had to be one of the worst snowstorms in the past few years. Castiel tilted his head as he watched as more people chose to pull off at each exit with a strange look in his eyes.
"Perhaps we should stop for the night. The storm may pass."
"No. We have a deadline, and if the storm doesn't let up we may loose more hours then we could make up. I have an idea though."
Dean turned off at the next exit and into a gas station to fuel up. As soon as that was done, he grabbed his map and looked down at it critically. His gaze shifted to Castiel for a moment who was looking out the window at a family of four. The mother was putting a hat on her toddler and being generally doting. The father was cradling another toddler, and it was clear by the look on his face that he was amused with his wife's antics. With the snow fluttering around them it looked like something off of a Hallmark card.
A perfect little family.
"Something up, Cas?"
The angel seemed to snap out of a trance, and turned his attention back to him.
"No. I was just lost in thought."
"Uhuh, if you say so. Alright, the new plan is to take a few back roads to get around the backlog on the interstate. We'll hop back on in around 20 miles."
Castiel looked at the map, but it was clear to Dean he didn't really understand what he was being shown.
"Is that wise? Won't unfrequented roads be worse?"
"Maybe a little, but sitting bumper to bumper is getting us nowhere."
"Well, if you think it's safe then I'll defer to you."
Dean hesitated for a moment but nodded at Castiel as he shoved the map in the back seat and they were on their way once more.
Line Break
December 5, 2009
Looking back, going up back roads hadn't been the best idea. He'd thought they had enough time to get in front of the storm if they were quick, but instead they had run right into the worst of it. Now, they were stuck on the side of the road because the snow had reached a point where even he didn't feel confident driving through it. Thankfully the engine was still running so he wasn't freezing. Yet.
"Today sucks."
Dean muttered the statement as he picked at a bag of chips he'd grabbed from the gas station. He hated that Sam had been right, and even more hated that Crowley would likely rub his face in it when they finally arrived in Bellevue. Castiel had been silent since he'd pulled off. His face was thoughtful and Dean wondered what had the angel so deep in thought. He munched on a few chips when Castiel's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"They were a nice family, weren't they?"
Dean blinked in confusion, not sure how to respond.
"Uh, what family?"
"The one at the gas station. They seemed," Castiel tilted his head in thought, "nice."
Dean found himself at a loss for words. There was a strange tone in the angel's voice that he couldn't quite place. It almost sounded like longing, but why would that be?
"Well, I guess if you like kids. Or that whole apple pie white picket fence life."
Dean knew his voice conveyed annoyance at the topic, but he didn't have many good feelings about traditional families. What few memories he had of his mom and dad together before mom died weren't always happy. He knew better than anyone that appearances could be nothing more than a pretty lie.
"Dean, what's it like to have a mother?"
The question brought Dean to a full halt and he found himself staring at the angel who hadn't moved his gaze from watching the snow falling outside. He could see the serious set of Castiel's face in the reflection of the window, and it killed the sarcastic comment that was ready to shoot out of his mouth. Instead he took a steadying breath and thought through his answer.
"Where's this coming from, Cas?"
The angel tilted his head, and then turned to look at him with a searching gaze.
"That family seemed happy. I'm just wondering what it's like. To have that."
Dean felt his mouth go dry at the blunt statements. He didn't like to think too hard on what it was like to be an angel. Seeing Castiel and Gabriel go at each other had brought up feelings he'd rather not acknowledge.
Mostly that the angels were, at the end of the day, just an overpowered and overly dysfunctional family.
Castiel's words further pushed that perspective into his mind, and Dean couldn't help but try and level with him even though he'd rather not think heavily on his own past.
"Looks can be deceiving, Cas."
"I felt it."
Dean's brow creased as he processed what Castiel said.
"Wait, you're telling me you could feel that they were happy?"
"In a sense. I could feel the love they had for each other."
Dean had nothing to say to that. He hadn't realized that was something angel's could do. Dean opened his mouth to ask something, but Castiel cut him off.
"Being around you, Sam, and Bobby sometimes deafens it for me. The three of you love each other deeply and you're so devoted because of it. It used to be like that for us. There was a time when we weren't fighting. When we weren't killing each other."
Bitterness had crept into Castiel's voice, and Dean found himself shifting so he could fully look at the angel. He was staring down at his hands and looked as if he didn't really understand why he was here. Dean bit his lip and decided to pull his friend off a topic he knew would drag him down into a depressive hole.
"My mom, well she was the light of our lives."
The admission seemed to startle the angel and Castiel looked up at him curiously. Dean looked away and watched the snow fluttering down around them instead.
"She put up with a lot, Cas. My dad was far from perfect even before he started hunting. Still, she loved him and he loved her. When she died, it tore him apart."
"I see."
The two words were uttered in a thoughtful tone, and the subject seemed to rest after that. Dean leaned against the window and did his best to make himself comfortable.
"Do me a favor? Wake me up when the snow slows down or the battery dies? Whichever happens first."
"Of course."
Dean hummed at Castiel's serious response, and shut his eyes. He did his best to push aside thoughts of his mother and focused on trying to get some rest while he could. They were only seven hours out from Bellevue, and with any luck the storm let up they could make it in six.
Line Break
December 6th, 2009
It was rare that Dean wanted to cry in relief when he got out of his car, but this was one of the few times he was happy to park. As he walked into the hotel though he found the discomfort rising once more. This place was way nicer than what he was used to, and he wondered what the hell Crowley was playing at by getting them rooms here. He slowly walked up to the counter, and was happy that the woman didn't look down at him despite his disheveled appearance.
Small miracles.
"Uh, hey. I was told reservations were made for my friend and I?"
"May I have your name?"
Dean hesitated for a moment and shot Castiel a look. The angel gave a small shrug as he looked around the lobby curiously.
"Dean Winchester."
The woman looked through her computer and then smiled as she seemed to find what she's looking for.
"Yes, you've been given a lovely room facing the bay. It's all expenses paid minus the mini-bar in the room. Your meals here in the hotel, as well as drinks at the restaurant bar, are covered, though."
Dean blinked a few times trying to comprehend what had been said. Seriously, what the hell was Crowley playing at?
"Oh, uh, cool."
He really had no idea what else to say as the key cards were slid over to him by the smiling woman.
"Check out is in four days before 11 in the morning. Also, congratulations! You really make a lovely couple."
Dean stared for several long moments at the woman trying to comprehend what she'd said. Castiel's attention was now on the woman as well his head tilted looking at her.
"Dean, what does-?"
"Nothing! Let's go see Sammy before we settle in!"
Dean dragged the angel away as soon as the words sunk in, and he did his damn best to ignore the smile and wave from the woman as they headed for the elevator.
"Dean, what did she mean?"
"Nothing. Just, nothing."
As the elevator dinged Dean entered it quickly and Castiel followed dutifully. Dean sighed as he saw the knowing smile from the desk attendant and cursed Crowley right back to the depths of Hell.
"That demonic asshole is going to get it."
He snarled the statement softly and Castiel scrunched his brow in confusion.
"Did Crowley do something?"
"Yeah. Bastard told the hotel you and I just got married."
The annoyance dripped off every word as the elevator continued its trip up to the 10th floor. Dean just wanted to go the hell to sleep at this point, and when Crowley finally showed up he was going to deck the smug demon.
"And that irritates you?"
Castiel's question held an innocent curiosity that took Dean by surprise. He gave his friend a searching look to see if the angel was messing with him, but he just stared back waiting for a response.
"It ain't true, and now the staff are gonna treat us like newlyweds."
"Oh, I hadn't realized newlyweds were treated differently than others."
Dean stepped out of the elevator as it came to a stop, and did his best to ignore the multitude of questions that seemed laced through the angel's admission. He really had no desire to explain how people would coo over new couples to the same extent they would new babies. He looked at his phone to check the room number Sam had sent him and was happy to see it was only a few doors down from him. He walked up to the room and knocked loudly. At first there was no response, but then there was the distinct sound of female laughter and Dean found himself double checking if he had the right room. The door swung open and Dean started dumbfounded for the second time in several minutes. His brother's hair was a complete mess, and there was a slick coat of sweat covering his face and chest. A towel had been hastily pulled around his waist and his brother was gripping it tightly.
"Oh. Dean. You made it."
His brother's winded voice had Dean's mind snapping into action, and he scowled slightly at his brother.
"The hell, Sammy? I could have been dead in a blizzard and you're having sex with some random woman?"
"Two women, and not random. I've had coffee with them several times. Now if you'll excuse me."
Sam went to shut the door but Dean snapped.
"Wow, WOW. Two? Mr. Prim and Proper is having a threesome?"
"Yes. With identical twins. Now go away."
With that the door was slammed shut and Dean was left staring at the door mouthing soundlessly at his brother's blunt statement. He was pissed that Sam had slammed the door shut, but he couldn't help the swell of pride at his brother doing something that he would have pulled if given the chance.
"Dean, are you crying?"
"What? No! Let's go Cass."
He could talk to Sammy later. He wanted to take a nap before Crowley showed up to drag them off to wherever his contact was stashed. He was barely awake when he stumbled into his room, and the only thing that stopped him from falling into the welcoming bed was the scattering of rose petals and a bottle of wine next to a box of chocolates with a note on it.
He walked up to the bed after dropping his bag near one of the chairs and picked up the note. Dean glared hatefully at the small note and wished he could set it aflame. The cursive from the note stared up at him mockingly and he growled.
Enjoy the honeymoon, score's 1 to 6 Squirrel.
"Fucking bastard. You know what, I'm getting a damn drink from the mini-bar."
He stormed over to the small bar situated by the window and leaned down to open the fridge. Castiel's voice cut through his annoyance but didn't stop his actions.
"Weren't we told not to drink from that?"
"So what? Bastard shouldn't have hooked the room up to his damn card."
He opened the fridge and blinked, finding it empty except for a small post it note. He picked it up and read it.
1 to 7
Dean crumpled up the note and slammed the door shut with much more force then needed. He stormed over to the bed and set the basket down on the table before snapping the blanket to clear the rose petals off the bed before falling into the it face first.
"Are you alright, Dean?"
"Crowley's a bastard."
The words came out muffled, but Dean was already half asleep as he pulled himself fully into the comfortable king size bed. It was by far one of the most luxurious mattresses he'd ever slept on. He buried his face in a pillow, and found himself relaxing. Dean swore he heard a quiet chuckle but figured he was just imagining it as he drifted off into a much needed sleep.
Line Break
December 7th, 2009
Crowley arrived at the hotel two hours before they were set to arrive in Bellevue. He wandered up to the desk and gave the receptionist a winning smile, watching the young woman melt with an internal roll of his eyes. He never understood how some women could be disarmed with a simple smile.
"Hello, darling. I have three business partners staying here. Could you ring them and let them know it's time to head to our meeting? The last name is Winchester."
"Of course, Sir. Who can I say is here for them?"
His polite mask almost broke at the purred title and he did his best to ignore the rising annoyance.
"Crowley. Tell them to meet me in the lobby."
"Very well, have a lovely evening, Sir."
He ignored the blatant flirtation in her voice and walked back over to sit on one of the couches in the lobby. He pulled out his phone and opened a blank text and went to start type something when he stopped. He snapped the phone shut and relaxed against the leather couch as he watched people pass by in boredom. He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he saw Dean and Castiel approaching. The angel was wearing his normal get up, but he thanked the gods Dean listened and put on a damn suit no matter how basic it was.
"Well, well. You look well rested. Enjoy the room?"
He smirked at the furious look that flashed across the hunter's face. Dean's jaw twitched in annoyance as he crossed his arms and glared at him.
"You ain't funny, ya know that? That was a dick move."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Squirrel. Something wrong with the room?"
"I hate you. I hate you, and you can freaking burn."
Crowley chuckled and shrugged carelessly as the angel looked between them in confusion. Crowley's eyes lifted to see Sam walking toward them with a definite sway.
"I did. It didn't agree with me, so now I'm here. Ah, looks like Moose is in a good mood."
It seems the few days in Seattle had been good to the younger hunter. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed two women, identical twins from the looks of it, walking enough behind him that the hunter didn't seem to notice. Their red hair was still damp from a shower, and their skirts and blouses obviously disheveled. They still moved in sync though as Sam came to stop near Dean.
"We ready to head out?
The question was asked in a relaxed tone, and it was clear that none of the tension that had dominated the hunter in their previous encounter was there. Crowley opened his mouth to respond just as the two women flanked either side of the Moose and dragged the surprised man down slightly so they could both kiss his cheeks. He shot Dean a look and the man was staring at his brother in disbelief.
"See you tonight, right handsome?"
The woman on the left purred the question and there was a flash in Sam's eyes that told the demon the younger hunter would walk back to the hotel if it was necessary. The woman on his right had a bright smile as she smacked the hunters ass with a wink.
"Make sure you get a nice meal. You'll need the energy."
With that the two walked off leaving a mildly flustered Sam giving off a level of smugness that even Crowley could feel. Dean was giving his brother a look mixed with pride, disbelief, and utter annoyance as he and Sam watched the twins walk away.
"Well, I must say Samual, you certainly know how to make the most of a situation."
Crowley's voice dripped with amusement, and Dean finally seemed to find words as he looked at his brother.
"I really don't know whether to feel proud or jealous. Shit, Sammy, I didn't even think you were serious. I need details."
"You'll die waiting for them, Dean. Are we ready to go? I'd like to get back here at a reasonable time."
Sam's soft voice held an undertone of teasing as Dean pouted.
"I'm sure you would, Sammy."
"It's Sam." The taller hunter corrected with a roll of his eyes.
Dean shook his head and smiled sappily, "Oh hell no, it's Sammy. I'm so proud of my baby brother."
"Fucking Jerk."
"Ya love me, Bitch."
Crowley rolled his eyes at the sentimental banter and quickly cut over them.
"If you're quite done, I'll call the limo and we can leave."
Dean was suddenly all business and he glared one more at Crowley. The demon raised an eyebrow not sure why the hunter seemed suddenly upset.
"Something wrong, Squirrel?"
"I'm not leaving my car here. We'll take the Impala; all of us can fit."
Crowley stared at Dean wondering if the hunter had a screw knocked loose from all the times he'd been thrown around.
"What was one of the rules, Dean? Your car is a literal arsenal. Why the bloody hell would you think you could bring it?"
The disbelief in his voice was palpable, and Dean looked ready to go to war over the subject. Sam put a hand on his brother's shoulder and gave him a placating look before turning to Crowley.
"Crowley, I understand that it was a rule but we won't take anything out of the Impala. Separating Dean from his car though isn't going to happen, and it's a fight I'd rather not have especially when we're doomed to lose."
Crowley gave an aggravated sigh but could see the truth in Sam's words. He really had no desire to argue, and the truth was his contact could more than handle themselves even if the hunters did try something.
"Fine. On your head be it. You do realize I need to ride with you morons, don't you? The house has a gate code and if you think I'm giving it to you, you're insane."
Dean looked ready to tear into him again, but Sam just squeezed his shoulder once more as he spoke.
"That's fair. Let's get going then."
Sam's statement was the cue for his brother to lose a decent amount of hostility. The man still huffed and made his way out of the hotel with Castiel walking beside him. It was clear the two were talking about something but Crowley couldn't quite pick up on it as he followed them. Sam was walking beside him but the younger man seemed to be lost in thought not that Crowley had to wonder about what he was thinking. The smug smile made it clear.
This was going to be a long night, Crowley thought with a roll of his eyes.
