A/N: Many thanks to Jason and the Guest reviewer. Hope people continue to like the story. Questions, comments and opinions always welcome. Please R&R. Thanks!

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With nothing more than a thought Crowley willed Sam clean. He didn't clean himself just yet, as he was still marveling over the fact Sam and he had actually just been together. The phrase 'had sex' sounded hollow when it came to what they had just done. It had been just sex with everyone else. With Sam it had been something different, something more.

As difficult as it was Crowley was finally starting to believe, maybe Sam meant it when he said he wasn't leaving. '...teach me only how to please you.' A shiver ran down Crowley's spine again as he remembered the words. Mine, Crowley thought, only mine. His arms tightened around Sam. The sudden wave of possessiveness surprised him. Never before had he felt an emotion so strong. Maybe Sam was right. Maybe love was about more than just the physical aspects of a relationship. Although, to be honest, the physical aspects had been amazing.

After everything he had been through how was it possible for him to love? He finally stopped trying to fool himself. That's exactly what this was, love. He had resisted for a myriad of reasons but he could no longer deny the truth. With a quick thought Crowley finally cleaned himself but left the lingering soreness. It was a reminder that, of anyone Sam could have picked to be his first, Sam had picked him. Snuggling around Sam Crowley closed his eyes and finally let himself fall asleep.

Sam woke up to movement. Groggily he opened his eyes to a naked Crowley stretching in the bed next to him. The demon's mouth was pulled into a small smile and his eyes were closed. Finally Crowley relaxed. "Love you," Sam murmured.

Startled, Crowley jumped and turned to face him.

"Didn't mean to wake you up," Crowley replied.

"Mmm, I should get up soon anyway," Sam told him. Throwing an arm over Crowley he drug the demon back against him. "Mine," Sam stated.

"For as long as you wish," Crowley answered.

"Crowley?"

"Sam?"

"You really think I'm going to leave you?"

Crowley hesitated and Sam tightened his hold.

"It's just that sometimes… I have a hard time... "

"I know," Sam told him. "It's going to take time for you to believe me."

"It's not you I doubt," Crowley said quietly.

Sam nuzzled Crowley's neck briefly before leaning down and kissing him.

"Breakfast," Sam asked.

"I can't. I really do have to get back to hell."

"I wish you'd step down and let someone else take over."

"I can't Sam."

"I know. When will you be back?"

"I don't know. I have to spend some time down there soon. As much as I would like I can't stay up here all the time."

Sam nodded. "Crowley?"

"Hmm?"

"When I showed up in hell, how did you port me back here?"

Crowley was silent for a moment before he answered.

"I don't know. I was just trying to think of the place where you would be the safest. Your room was the first place that came to mind."

"So you can port through the wards now?"

"It would seem so. I didn't even think about it until now."

"How does it work? Porting I mean."

"Blinking. Angels port."

"What's the difference?"

"None really. It's just what I was taught to call it when I learned how to do it."

"Can you teach me how to do it on purpose?"

"I would love to Sam, it would help if you were ever in any danger. However I really don't have the time right now."

Crowley bit his bottom lip and Sam gave him a smile.

"I understand."

"I wish I could stay," Crowley whispered.

"If you did it would only make it harder for you to fix things in hell."

"I'll come back as soon as I can," Crowley promised.

"You better," Sam told him as he leaned in for another kiss.

.

Sam strode into the kitchen and eyed his brother.

"Where's Cass?"

"He had some things he had to get done. Crowley?"

"He had to go back to hell."

Dean watched him thoughtfully for a moment. "You know he'll be fine, right?"

"I know, I'm just worried about him."

"He's going to hell, Sam, you should be worried. But this is Crowley we're talking about, he'll be fine."

Crowley glanced up as a cloud of black smoke flew into the throne room. Exerting his power he examined the smoke to discern which demon was breaking protocol by not waiting to be announced. "Mara," Crowley stated annoyed.

The black smoke of her demonic form circled around him.

The angel Castiel wishes an audience.

"You know protocol."

He holds my meat suit hostage awaiting an answer.

Crowley frowned. "You are not all here," he stated.

He also holds part of my essence prisoner… He claims he will release it if you grace him with your presence. How is it a seraph has acquired so much power?

"That is not your concern. Should I refuse to grant his request, that also is not your concern. I am your king, you will do as I command."

Yes, your majesty. I would point out that I have ever done so since you have acquired the throne.

"So you have. For the transgression of protocol breach I shall turn a blind eye… this time."

Thank you your majesty. What shall I tell the angel?

"Is he listening?"

He claims he cannot hear this far through proxy.

"Tell Castiel that I will arrive soon. Dismissed."

Crowley felt the other demon's eyes on him. Showing mercy was a weakness. He could not afford any weakness at the moment. Doing so for Mara put his already tenuous reign on even thinner ice. Mara, however, was one of the demons he had entrusted to watch over the Winchesters. She was one of the very few demons that was close to 'decent'. He was loathe to destroy her if he could help it. Standing he walked toward the archway. Exiting the throne room he disintegrated both guards.

"Next time someone comes to see me whoever is guarding the throne room better do their job!"

.

"Castiel," Crowley greeted.

"Thank you for coming."

"My demon," he asked raising an eyebrow.

Castiel nodded and flicked his hand toward the meat suit on the couch. Inspecting the meat suit as the smoke entered it Crowley was relieved to discover all of Mara's essence was once again together. Crowley waited until Mara stood and made her way over to him.

"My king," Mara acknowledged.

"Return to hell and await further orders," he commanded.

With a nod Mara blinked away.

"You could have just summoned me," Crowley stated turning to Castiel.

"This was easier."

"You need something?"

"The angels on your payroll."

Crowley nodded. "I'll send them to you at once. Castiel?"

"Yes?"

"Do not do something like that again. I cannot have anyone countering my authority if I am to have any hope of regaining stability in hell."

"Acknowledged."

Crowley nodded and blinked back to hell.

The second he ported into the throne room he was surrounded by chaos. At his feet was the body Mara had been possessing. Demons were battling each other all around. Angrily Crowley flung both arms out pinning all the demons against the walls.

"What the bloody hell is going on," he shouted. Walking forward he stood in front of a demon and glared. "You. Answer."

"They were trying to usurp the throne," the demon answered.

"You were a part of them," another demon answered.

The demon in front of Crowley began shaking his head violently.

"I would never-"

Crowley snapped his fingers and the demon exploded.

"Mara," he called loudly. If she had been killed… The black smoke of her demonic form swirled into the throne room.

Sire?

Crowley hid his relief that she hadn't been destroyed in the melee.

"Lead me to the demons involved in the rebellion," he ordered glaring at the demons still pinned against the walls.

Castiel inspected the angels gathered around. All told they numbered almost half of those following Metatron. At least the odds were better than when he'd rebelled against Michael. After some searching he had discovered there was still at least one gate into heaven. They would have the element of surprise on their side when they descended on the angels guarding the gate. After that they would have to move quickly to keep the upper hand.

Rubbing his neck Sam walked up the stairs. What had started as a simple case had quickly gone downhill. He was starting to share Dean's utter hatred of witches. Why couldn't they ever meet a witch that didn't want to kill them? Walking down the hall Sam made his way to his room. Opening the door he jumped slightly at the sight of someone in his bed. When he realized it was Crowley Sam smiled softly.

Entering the room Sam closed the door quietly. It had been more than two weeks since he had last seen Crowley. The demon was sleeping fairly peacefully curled up around a pillow on what had become Sam's side of the bed. Walking closer Sam realized Crowley was wearing one of his plaid button downs. Shaking his head Sam carefully pulled the covers back. Crowley's eyes shot open.

"It's just me," Sam said quietly.

Shoving the pillow aside Crowley reached up and wrapped his arms around Sam. Sam put his arms around Crowley and hugged him back. Burying his face in Sam's neck Crowley inhaled deeply.

"Love the way you smell," Crowley mumbled into Sam's neck.

Sam smiled and patted Crowley's back. "Let go so I can lay down."

Crowley shook his head. He moved back and pulled Sam with him. Sam moved carefully trying to keep his balance as he laid down. When they were both laying down on the bed Sam curled up around Crowley. "Missed you," he murmured into the demon's neck.

"Missed you more," Crowley argued.

Sam smiled and shook his head.

"Hell?"

"Better."

"Not good?"

"Pft. Hell's never 'good'. Sam?"

"Crowley," Sam answered.

"I want you to meet someone tomorrow."

Sam's brow furrowed. "Who?"

"A demon."

"Why?"

"I trust her."

"Is she a friend?"

"Demons don't have friends. She's more like a trusted advisor."

"I'd be happy to meet her."

"Sam?"

"Yeah?"

"I had her watching you when I… left."

"We were being watched by demons?"

"I needed to know you were alright," Crowley whined, burying his face into Sam's chest.

"Shh, it's alright. I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Sam hesitated. "You know I love you, right?"

Crowley burrowed deeper into Sam's side and clung onto him more tightly.

"Crowley?"

"Yes. It's just I don't understand why," Crowley muttered.

"Love doesn't need a reason. Didn't I already tell you that?"

"I know. I'm just… scared I'll lose you."

Sam wrapped his arms around Crowley. Holding him tightly Sam tried to understand things from Crowley's point of view. Never had anyone cared about Crowley before. Sam was the first and he was determined to do right by the demon. "I love you, you know," Sam asked.

"Yes… But... "

"But what?"

"Nothing," Crowley muttered shaking his head.

"I told you, love doesn't need a reason."

Crowley merely shook his head again.

"Tell me about the demon you want me to meet."

"Her name is Mara."

"Mara," Sam said, testing the name on his lips.

"She's more 'decent' than most demons."

"I would assume so. I mean, if you left her in charge of watching over us."

"I'm so sorry. I just… I couldn't take not watching over you."

"It's fine, Crowley."

"Forgive me?"

Sam smiled. "I think I'd forgive you almost anything."

"I'm serious Sam."

"Me too."

"I don't deserve you," Crowley said quietly.

"Hush," Sam ordered.

Crowley hushed, Sam was that important to him. Crowley would do whatever Sam wished. Tomorrow he would introduce Sam to Mara. If anything ever happened to him Crowley could trust her to watch out for Sam. He needed them to meet so Sam would recognize that she was a friend. Hell wasn't for the weak. There was a very real possibility that something might happen to him one day. He needed to make sure Sam would be safe.

Castiel inspected the angels in front of him. They had lost almost half of their numbers in the raid against Metatron. Such a senseless loss. There were already too few angels left, losing more was a waste. Inspecting the angels he had selected for the council Castiel took a deep breath and moved to stand in front of the angels gathered.

"Dean?"

Dean's eyes shot open and he rolled over pointing a gun at Castiel. Castiel waited for Dean to recognize him. When he finally did Dean uncocked the gun and shoved it back under the pillow. Reaching up Dean wrapped his arms around Castiel and drew him down onto the bed. "Missed you," Dean informed him.

"I missed you too," Castiel stated honestly.

"Heaven?"

"Is taken care of for now."

"Metatron?"

"Powerless and in Iowa."

"Iowa?"

Cass shrugged. "I thought it was a pretty state."

"There's almost nothing there Cass."

"I know. That's why I find it pretty," Cass said cocking his head.

Dean shook his head and smiled at him. Castiel stared in amazement. The smiles Dean gave him when they were alone were so much more… real. So unlike the smiles he generally gave to other people. It was like Dean finally let his guard down and allowed himself to be open. The only other times Castiel had ever seen Dean that open was the rare few times he had watched from a side dimension as Dean and Sam interacted.

Digging through the closet Crowley inspected Sam's suits. He really needed to take Sam shopping. Shoving the hangers sideways he rejected every suit for various reasons. When he hit the end of the closet Crowley stopped and stared at the suit on the last hanger. Reaching out he ran his fingers down the tie draped over the hanger. He had just assumed Sam would have gotten rid of the tie he had left.

"Just pick something Crowley," Sam complained.

"This," he answered pulling the suit out and turning back to Sam.

Sam frowned. Taking the suit he laid it down on the bed and sat next to it. Dragging his fingers over the tie he looked back to Crowley. "Where did you find this," Sam asked.

"It was in the back of your closet."

"Crowley, I..."

"You don't have to wear it."

"I would love to wear it," Sam told him. Immediately Sam pulled his shirt over his head.

Staring at the man sitting across the table from then Sam finally turned to Crowley.

"Uh..."

Crowley raised an eyebrow and waited.

"So, this is your..."

"Coworker," Crowley answered.

"Not very bright is he," the other demon asked.

Crowley cleared his throat and the other demon rolled it's eyes.

The voice that issued from the demon was oddly feminine. It was strange coming from the body in front of them. "Not quite what I pictured," Sam answered.

"Me either," Crowley replied with a meaningful look.

'Mara' shrugged. "I need to continue being able to do my job. A quick change was necessary. I would prefer to keep the other outfit unknown. The less people that know what that one looks like the better I can blend."

"Why this one," Sam asked.

"It was the closest one that was viable. I will return it when I am finished."

"Will he remember anything?"

"He is 'sleeping' at the moment. He will remember nothing."

"So what do I call you?"

"At the moment you may call me David Porter."

An uncomfortable silence settled over them.

"So, Mara's a pretty name," Sam said trying to make conversation.

Crowley coughed on a sip of his water.

"Mara was the Buddhist demon personifying unwholesome impulses and death of the spiritual life. He distracted humans from practicing a spiritual life by making mundane things more alluring and was skilled at making negative things seem positive. A perfect name for what I do if you ask me," Mara stated evenly. "When I was turned I found it oddly fitting to keep my human name."

"Enough," Crowley ordered. "There are humans present."

"Indeed," Mara answered eyeing Sam.

"You know the consequences," Crowley growled.

"I was making no threat, merely observing. Tell me Sam, why do you wish to be with our king?"

"Excuse me?"

"He is our king. We are of the same kind he and I. What would make a hunter wish to sleep with the king of demons?"

"Enough," Crowley ordered glaring at her.

Mara bowed her head slightly.

"Forgive my bluntness. It is usually a trait respected in hell."

"We're not there right now and there are other humans present."

"Actually I think it's a fair question," Sam interjected.

Crowley turned to him and frowned.

"You obviously trust her. There has to be a reason for that. Which means she's shown you reasons to have faith in her. You're also her king. Other people that do what I do would make it their job to end you. I think she has every right to question why I would want to be with you and how safe you are with me."

"Perhaps, but that is a question better answered elsewhere."

"Understood," Mara answered with another slight nod of her head.

A waiter arrived to take their orders. The voice Mara used to order fit the body she was possessing much better than the one she had been using during their conversation. When everyone had ordered the waiter left.

"Can I ask why the meet and greet," Mara questioned.

"Business later, dinner first," Crowley answered.

.

All through dinner they made small talk. When it was over they left the restaurant. As soon as they were around the corner Crowley grabbed Sam's arm and blinked them. Mara followed a second behind. Even in the dim light Sam recognized the place.

"This is the place we took you when you were staying with us. After the trials."

Crowley smiled and, with a nod, he indicated the bridge on the other side of the playground. The three made their way across the playground and to the middle of the bridge. Leaning forward Crowley put his arms on the railing and leaned on it. Mara followed his example.

"Business," she asked.

"I'd like to keep you on watch detail."

Mara scowled. "There are better uses for my talents."

"Not all of the time, just whenever there is need."

"Wait," Sam interrupted. "Don't I get a say in this?"

"Of course you do, Sam. That's why I wanted you two to meet."

"Seriously? Guarding a human?"

"Mara," Crowley warned.

"Wait a minute. If she tails us every time we go somewhere," Sam trailed off.

"Part of the reason I didn't just order it done. I wanted you to have a say in this."

"I know you trust her but I just met her. No offense but you're asking me to trust a demon."

"I'm a demon Sam."

"That's different. You're…"

"Decent?"

"Mine."

"Ours," Mara countered. "I may decide to share him with you but he still belongs to us."

"I have no plans of abdicating my throne Mara."

"If other demons get word of this 'relationship' it could be dangerous."

"Being the king is already dangerous."

"We cannot lose you. And for what? For a human?"

"My human."

Sam felt the air between them thicken with energy.

"Wait. Everyone calm down."

"I will not let you get our king killed," Mara hissed.

"Believe me, the last thing I want is for Crowley to get hurt. We're all on the same page here. I'm sure we find a way to come to an agreement without resorting to violence."

"You have no idea what hell was like before he was king."

"You're right," Sam agreed. "But I do love him. If him staying king would help keep him from being hurt or killed then I can deal with that."

"You're lying."

"I'm not. I'm not saying I like the idea but if it keeps him safe I can deal with it."

Mara eyed him skeptically.

"Can we please drop the powers at least?"

Crowley and Mara glared at each other for a few more minutes. Finally the power level surrounding the group dropped and Crowley straightened. Crossing his arms he raised an eyebrow at Mara. Rolling her eyes Mara turned to look over the river below them as the energy level around them returned to normal.

"Mara," Crowley said quietly.

"I… we, cannot lose you."

"Mara," Sam asked.

Mara ignored him and Sam moved to lean on the railing next to her.

"I understand how bad it can get in hell."

"Pft."

"I spent time in the pit with Lucifer."

Mara remained silent and Sam shook his head.

"I'm not trying to take him away from you."

"Us," she corrected.

"Or the other demons. I just don't want to lose him either. I'm sure you understand what that feels like."

"Do you know the demons poised to take power if he gets assassinated?"

"No, but I have an idea of what they're like."

"This relationship is dangerous."

"I'm not going to leave him, Mara."

"If you love him then you should want him safe."

"I want him happy."

"What good is happy if he's dead."

"I have just as much to lose as him."

"And the rest of the demon race?"

"I don't know, we're taking it one day at a time."

"What happens the day you decide you don't want to be with him anymore?"

"That's never going to happen."

"How do you know that?"

"I've never felt this way about anyone else before. I would never do anything to put him in danger. If that means he has to stay king than I can deal. I'm not trying to take him away from you or the other demons. There's too few decent demons already. The fact that he trusted you enough for us to meet? That tells me a lot about you."

"I'm still a demon."

"And so is he, but I trust him." Sam paused a moment before speaking again. "In Joseph Campbell retelling of Buddha's Enlightenment he associates the third incarnation of Mara, Dharma, to mean duty. I think that fits you pretty well too."

"If you hurt him, I will kill you."

Sam felt the power in the air behind him. He wrapped himself around Mara desperate to shield her. A wave of demonic energy swept past them. When it was over he turned back to Crowley. "Damn it Crowley, what the hell?"

"She threatened you," Crowley growled.

"She didn't mean it like that!"

"How did you do that," Mara asked.

"Do what?"

"You're human, I can feel your humanity. You're not a witch. How did you block his power from killing me?"

"I… I don't know. Crowley?"

"I'm not sure. The connection perhaps?"

"Whatever happened we can discuss it later. I want you to promise you won't kill her."

"She threatened you."

"She just wanted to make sure you didn't get hurt."

"That's not her concern."

"It's my concern and you don't kill me for it."

"That's not the same."

"What about Dean?"

"What about him?"

"You expect me to believe he wouldn't hunt you down if you to hurt me? I know my brother, he would do anything to protect me. She's doing the same thing for you. Are you saying I should kill Dean?"

"You know I'm not."

"Then I'm not letting you kill her."

"I can't let the threat go unpunished."

"Then I agree to your plan."

"What?"

"Put her on watcher detail occasionally. She obviously doesn't want the job. That can be punishment. You said she's one of the few you can trust. You can't afford to lose her."

"Sam…"

"Please?"

After waiting for almost an hour for Dean to return from the kitchen Castiel sighed and finally left the room. Making his way to the bottom of the stairs he stopped when he saw Dean on the couch in the living room. Walking to the archway he stopped and just watched Dean for a while.

"Dean?"

"Huh?"

"What are you doing down here?"

"Nothing. I was just…"

"Waiting for Sam?"

"He is dating Crowley and he has been gone a long time."

"I'm sure he's fine Dean."

"It's just the first time they've gone out alone. And it's not just Crowley we have to worry about either."

Castiel moved to sit next to Dean on the couch. Laying down he put his head in Dean's lap. For a neither of them spoke. Finally Castiel rolled until he was laying on his back and looked up at Dean. "The seraphs were created second among the angels. Of them I was created first. Only the archangels are older than me. I understand feeling responsible and worrying for your little brothers or sisters."

Dean smiled. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine Dean. I'm just saying I understand how you feel about Sam. It's one of the main reason's I love you."

"Love you too Cass."

"Come back to bed. Sam will be fine Dean."

Sam looked back to Crowley and thought for a second.

"Can I have a moment with her?"

"You want me to leave you alone with her after she just threatened you?"

"She only threatened me if I ever hurt you. Have I done something to hurt you?"

"Never."

"Then we should be fine. Please?"

"I'm not letting you out of my sight."

"Fine with me, I just need a few minutes with her alone."

Crowley glance over Sam's shoulder and Sam waited.

"Fine, but if she does anything to you…"

"If she does anything."

"Fine, five minutes."

"Ten."

"Sam…"

"I need to talk to her. I can't say everything in five minutes."

"Fine but I'll be watching."

"Deal."

Sam turned and walked back to Mara. Nodding his head he motioned for her to follow him down the steps. The two walked to the bottom of the bridge and stopped. Mara crossed her arms and glared at him.

"I'm sorry you had a rough time before he became king."

"This isn't about me."

"It is. At least partially." Sam sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I've had dreams about what it was like for him to become a demon. I can't imagine it was any better for you."

"You know nothing of the process."

"You're wrong. In the dreams I watch the person I love tortured time and time again. I can't ever stop it from happening in the dreams. When I wake up I have to deal with the fact I still can't change what happened to him any more than I could in the dream. I would do almost anything to have kept him from going through that."

"How is it a hunter came to care so much for a demon."

"I didn't. I don't love him because he's a demon, I love him because he's Crowley. The same as you."

"I do not 'love' him."

"You've loved him since he tried to protect you in the torture pits."

"How did you know about that," Mara demanded.

"I told you, I dream about what happened to him. You're a part of that time in his past."

"I do not want to sleep with him!"

Sam smiled. "There's more than one type of love. No, you don't want to sleep with him. You want to protect him, like he tried to protect you."

Mara was silent.

"I will never try to come between you and him. I need to know there's a person watching over him when he's in hell and I can't be with him. I need you every bit as much as he does."

"If he gets killed…"

"We need to keep that from happening. Can I trust you to watch out for him when I can't be there?"

"Why do you love him?"

"Probably for the same reasons you love him. I just love him differently."

"Your brother?"

"What about Dean?"

"Will he try to kill him?"

"No. The only time he might even try would be if Crowley ever tried to kill me."

"He wouldn't do that."

"I know."

"What if another hunter finds out about you two?"

"Then we'll deal with it."

"You'll kill them?"

"Not if we can help it."

"You're putting him in danger."

"I'm in just as much danger."

"You'd risk your life for a demon?"

"I risked my life to protect you earlier."

"I do not understand that either."

"I know. Part of it was to keep him protected. I couldn't let one of the few demons he could trust be killed."

"But that's not all there is to it."

"No. Part of is that I've seen too much death as a hunter to watch someone needlessly be killed. I understand how you feel about him. If I were you I'd be just as worried."

"You're a strange person Sam Winchester."

It was the first time she had ever used his name and not simply referred to him as 'human'. Sam smiled. "Truce?"

"Perhaps. You realize if you ever endanger him on purpose-"

"You'll kill me?"

Mara looked away.

"You wouldn't do that."

"I wouldn't be so sure. I am a demon. We do kill people."

"You love him and he loves me. You wouldn't hurt him like that."

"Would you?"

"Never."

"Sam," Crowley called out impatiently.

"Your king calls," Sam said with a smile.

"If you tell him how I feel…"

"I won't. Promise."

"Good," Mara stated turning her back on him and walking back to Crowley.

Sam followed with a small smile on his face.