Dean Winchester was starting to worry. His brother hadn't been home in a few days. He knew that he was off on a hunt with Gabriel, but that didn't stop him from worrying. He knew the hunt should not take that long. It was a 'simple' demon possession. He snorted at that word 'simple'. It was simple to them, after everything they had been through. To others, not so much.
It had been far too long. The pair had left a couple days ago and had not returned. He knew Sam could take care of himself, but that would not stop him from worrying. He has practically raised that child anyway. It was his job to worry.
It wasn't that he didn't trust the archangel he was with, though he still hadn't forgiven the angel for the time loop a while back. He knew that the angel would die protecting his baby brother, though. He trusted Gabriel, that didn't mean he had to love the guy.
His hunt with Cas a few days ago left him on edge. After that coven of vampires in Cleveland, Ohio, he was ready for a break.
It was wet and foggy in Cleveland. Even though he hated that city, it was still beautiful.
"Hey Cas?" Dean called out uncertainty.
"Yes Dean." Came a gruff reply from the other room. Castiel walked through the door into the kitchen.
"Any sign of Sam and Gabriel?" He looked up hopefully. His hopes died at Castiel's answer.
"No. I could go look for them, if you would like." Castiel just stood there.
"No, no. It's fine. It's just that the hunt they were on was a simple one, it shouldn't have taken more than a few days, and…. I'm really worried." admitted Dean after a moment's hesitation.
"It's good to be worried Dean. It means you truly care. I am worried as well about my brother."
Suddenly Dean's phone went off. The caller ID was blocked. He picked up, not knowing who to expect. An awfully familiar British voice was on the other side.
"Hello squirrel."
Dean frowned and Castiel looked worried. "Crowley. What do you want?"
"I want you to do something for me."
Dean almost sneered into his phone. "Why would I ever do anything for you?"
"Maybe I'll give you some incentive. I happen to be in possession of something that belongs to you I think."
Dean looked worried for a moment, before composing himself and moving on. "What are you talking about?"
"I happen to have one Sam Winchester and his pet archangel in my possession right now. You wouldn't want me to harm them would you?"
Dean looked angry for a moment, before composing himself and answering. Castiel was just as mad. "If you touch them….."
"I know, you'll kill me blah blah blah…"
Dean chuckled. "You got it right the first time."
Dean could almost hear Crowley smirking. " Back to that favor. If you ever want to see your brother and his angel again, you will bring me a live alpha."
Dean was confused. "You want me to bring you an alpha, like the first of its kind alpha?"
"Yes, of course a 'first of its kind alpha. What other kind is there?"
Castiel turned to Dean. "Dean, how do we know that Sam and Gabriel are still living. You must ask him for proof."
"Crowley, when we catch you this, this 'alpha', how will we know where to bring it?"
"Just call me on the phone, dumbass. Then we will make trade."
"And how do I know my brother is still alive?"
"If you want proof of life you could just ask directly."
Both Castiel and Dean could hear him unlocking a door and walking down some stairs.
"Hey Moose. It's your brother. He wants 'proof of life'."
Both of them could hear the smirk in Crowley's voice, as well as Sam muttering about demons and how much of a bitch dealing with them is.
Sam says directly into the phone, "Dean?"
Dean, now overjoyed that his brother was alright, said, "Hey Sammy. Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah we're fine."
"Good."
Both could hear Crowley in the background. "Times up Moose."
"There you are Deano. Proof of life like you wanted. Now, if you want to see either person again, you better catch me an alpha. Talk to you later, squirrel."
After Crowley hung up, Dean turned to Castiel.
"Hey Cas, looks like we have to catch an alpha."