*Cass POV*
"You can't be serious."
"You tell him or I will."
"Come on Cass, don't do this."
"I don't understand why you don't want to tell Sam."
"I don't want to tell anyone."
"I won't keep lying to Sam about what I'm doing just so we can spend time together Dean."
"Don't push this Cass."
"Is it me?"
"Oh come on, don't do that."
"What?"
"You know what I mean."
"No, I really don't. What else am I supposed to think?"
"You're supposed to think-"
Dean was cut off by the ringing of his cell phone. Growling he fished it out of his pocket and checked the I.D. "I have to take this. We'll finish this conversation later," Dean told Cass.
*Crowley POV*
"Sammy!"
What now, Crowley thought as he heard Dean yelling for his brother through the closed door. Sam and he were having a pleasant, if useless, conversation and for once Crowley wasn't feeling quite so down on himself. Of course Dean would pick now to barge in on them. The door to Sam's room swung open and Dean rushed inside followed by Castiel.
"We got trouble," Dean announced.
"What kind of trouble," Sam asked.
"Knight of Hell troubles."
Crowley's muscles when rigid at those words.
"Abaddon called. She gave me two names and a set of coordinates."
"Anyone we know?"
"Coordinates: 44.053051 by -123.127860. Names, Irv Franklin and Tracy Bell."
"Irv we know, who's Tracy?"
"Not a clue but if we don't show up she's going to kill them."
"Let them die," Crowley growled.
"Crowley," Sam admonished.
"You can't go, it's a trap."
"Of course it's a trap," Dean agreed in a condescending tone.
"And you're just going to walk right into it?"
"Yep, with guns blazing."
"No," Crowley stated.
"Oh we're going," Dean declared.
"We have to go," Sam told him.
"They're probably already dead. There's no reason to put yourself in that much danger."
"I have to Crowley," Sam repeated.
"Then I'm going with you."
"The hell you are," Dean stated.
"You're going to need back up. She won't expect me."
"Because you're not going to be there."
"The hell I'm not," Crowley shot back.
"Stop it," Sam interrupted. "Both of you."
"Crowley's right, you will need back up," Castiel interjected.
"You're not going either Cass," Dean growled.
"Hold on," Crowley interrupted. "If Castiel's not going than I'm definitely coming with you two."
"No." Dean looked to Cass. "You need to preserve what little Grace you have left." He turned to Crowley. "And I still don't trust you any farther than I could throw you."
Crowley turned to Sam. "Don't go," he begged.
"I have to," Sam told him.
"Then at least take Castiel."
"We can't do that."
"Moose," Crowley whispered.
"I'll be careful," Sam assured him.
Crowley shook his head. Reaching forward Sam placed his hands gently against either side of Crowley's face and drew him forward. He didn't stop until their foreheads touched and they were looking into each other's eyes. "I'll come back. I promise."
Crowley bit his lower lip.
Sam brushed his thumbs lightly over Crowley's cheekbones. "I promise, okay?"
Crowley nodded.
"I'll be safe."
"Better be," Crowley whispered. "Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
Sam hesitated suddenly looking uncomfortable.
"It's okay, I know you don't feel the same. I just needed to say it before you left."
Sam nodded. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Nothing to be sorry for. Now go while I can let you."
Sam ran his thumbs over Crowley's cheek bones one more time before he backed away. Sam glanced to Dean who gave him a sharp nod. Crowley watched as the two brothers walked out of the room. Sam spared one last look to Crowley before finally shutting the bedroom door.
"They'll be fine," Castiel said quietly.
"Even you don't believe that," Crowley replied.
"Want to do some thing to try to take our minds off of this?"
"Yes."
"What?"
"Wait."
.
"Dean is going to kill me," Castiel muttered.
"Better than if he were to end up dead," Crowley informed the angel.
"Which way?"
The coordinates had led them to a ghost town on the outskirts of Eugene, Oregon. Slowly Crowley inspected the area. Dean and his Sam were here and needed help. He had to find them. Suddenly a gun rang out and Crowley's head snapped in the direction of the shot. Both men took off running with a word to the other. Please don't be Sam, please don't be Sam, Crowley begged. Spying an abandoned diner Crowley grabbed Castiel's arm to stop the angel.
"You check there, I'll keep looking around out here."
With a nod Castiel ported into the diner. Crowley headed around the diner to the front when more shots rang out breaking the eerie silence. Rounding the corner Crowley skidded to a stop and dropped to the ground. Not far in front of him he spotted Abaddon and Dean. He would be no use to Dean if he ended up dead. As he watched, Dean pulled out an angel blade and lunged at Abaddon. Blocking the attack Abaddon grabbed Dean's arm and twisted until the blade went flying. Crowley eyed the blade as it spun through the air and noted the exact location of where it landed. Without a second thought he blinked to behind the tree nearest the knife. Eyeing the knife Crowley held a hand out flat. Instantly Crowley focused his power, appareo. The knife disappeared briefly before manifesting in his hand.
"I want Crowley. Or what's left of him," Abaddon's voice rang out.
"Yeah? What's in it for me," Dean asked.
"I let you die. You give me Crowley's head and I will snap your neck, quick and clean. You won't feel a thing, trust me," Abaddon retorted.
Bitch, Crowley thought. The knife wouldn't kill her but maybe it would slow her down. Eo ire itum. Blinking behind Abaddon he brought the knife up aiming for her throat. Barely before the knife sank into her flesh Abaddon turned, grabbed his arm and used his own momentum to force him to stab himself. Crying out in pain Crowley dropped to the ground. Just then there was a brilliant white light and the windows in the diner shattered outward.
"An angel," Abaddon asked shocked.
"What, you think we'd roll up to this mouse trap without some backup," Dean quipped.
"Next time we meet, you're dead," Abaddon hissed to Crowley before she blinked out.
"Crowley? Hey, stay with me."
"Dean," Crowley panted.
"I'm here. What do you need?"
Reaching up he grabbed Dean's shirt with his good arm and pulled him closer. "Diner."
Letting go Crowley dropped back to the ground and struggled to catch his breath.
*Dean POV*
Dean took off running. If Crowley was here it wasn't hard to guess the angel responsible for blowing out the windows in the diner. Please let Cass be alright he prayed. Running he crossed the distance in almost no time flat. Without bothering to slow down he slammed into the door breaking the latch. The door swung open inward. "Cass!"
"Over here," Sam called.
Turning at the sound of Sam's voice Dean stopped dead at the site of Cass unmoving.
"Is he..."
"Dean," Cass managed weakly.
"Cass," Dean whispered. Walking over he dropped to his knees next to his angel. Placing one hand under Cass' head Dean used the other to card through his angel's hair.
"Dean."
"Shh, don't talk. You're going to be fine Cass."
"Crowley," Cass questioned.
"You brought Crowley," Sam asked.
Cass shook his head slowly. "He brought me."
Sam grabbed Dean's jacket and jerked him forward. Dean had to work not to fall over on top of Cass. "Damn it Sam!"
"Where's Crowley?"
Dean looked back down to Cass and swallowed hard. If It was Cass that was missing? He understood exactly how Sam had to feel. Twisting slightly Dean pointed out the front door with the hand not under Cass' head. Sam released him and took off running. Turning back Dean returned his attention to Cass.
*Crowley POV*
Laying on the ground Crowley shivered. Clutching the angel blade in his right hand he pulled himself closer to the tree. So cold, he needed blood. Sam's blood, only Sam's. He couldn't bear the the thought of anyone else's blood inside of him anymore. Can't think about that right now, Crowley told himself. He pulled himself up into a sitting position and leaned back against the tree breathing heavily.
"Crowley?"
Sam?
"Crowley? Answer me!"
"Sam," Crowley called weakly.
"Damn it Crowley, answer me!"
Clearing his throat he tried again.
"Sam." A coughing fit hit him and Crowley doubled over in pain.
"Crowley?" Sam finally came into view. "Jesus-. What did you do to yourself?"
Suddenly he could feel Sam's hands gripping his shoulders.
"Ow," Crowley managed between coughs.
"What happened? Where are you hurt?"
"Doesn't matter."
"Don't move," Sam told him sliding his hands down away from the shoulders.
"Moose," Crowley whispered affectionately.
"Shh, don't talk."
"Listen. Have to tell you."
"Shh."
"Listen," Crowley managed before another coughing fit overtook him.
"Sam?"
Crowley looked over at the sound of his Dean's voice. Dean stood a few feet behind them with Cass leaning against his side. So the angel was alright, he noted. Good.
"Heal him," Sam ordered.
"No," Crowley whispered. "Listen."
"Shh, Crowley," Sam soothed.
"Love you."
"Shh, you'll be fine. Cass will heal you and you'll be fine."
"Can't," Crowley whispered. "Grace."
"He's right Sam," Dean told him.
"No! You can't just let him die!"
"Sam," Dean scolded gently.
"Dean," Castiel whispered. "I have to do it."
"No," Dean ordered.
Crowley tried to tell Castiel it wasn't worth it but was wracked by another coughing fit.
"No. The cut, it's not that bad. You should be alright."
"Internal injuries," Castiel said quietly.
Crowley nodded.
"I have to try, Dean."
"No. You can't you don't have enough Grace."
"Moose, don't let him."
"I promised you I wouldn't give up on you. Don't you dare give up on me! You hear me Crowley?"
"Thank you... For everything."
"No. No no no. Don't you dare give up on me. Not now!"
Crowley blinked a few times and suddenly the angel was kneeling in front of him.
"Crowley," Castiel whispered.
"Hey. When did you... get down here?" So cold. Need Sam.
"Lie still Crowley." Castiel placed his hand over Crowley's shoulder.
"Dean," Crowley reminded the angel.
"Close your eyes Crowley," Castiel ordered.
Crowley shook his head. "Moose."
Castiel nodded in understanding. "Sam? Move over here please."
Crowley smiled when he could see his Sam once again. "Beautiful," he whispered.
"Take his hand please."
"Mm... Warm," Crowley murmured when he felt the warmth of Sam's hand touch his hand.
*Dean POV*
"Hey."
"Tracy," Dean greeted. "Sorry, didn't hear you."
Tracy's eyes went to the group on the ground before them. "Moose," she asked.
"Mine," Crowley growled before lapsing into a coughing fit once more.
"Please don't call him that," Dean whispered.
Tracy nodded. "Are they..."
"It's complicated," Dean told her without taking his eyes off of Cass.
"Dean," Cass called out without looking back.
"Yeah?"
"If anything happens to me, pray to Hannah."
"Nothing's going to happen to you Cass."
"Promise me."
"If anything happens, I will. If."
Cass nodded. "He'll need blood too. A lot."
"As much as he needs," Sam replied instantly.
"Dean, watch your brother. Don't let him give too much."
"Got it," Dean told his angel.
"Blood," Tracy whispered questioningly.
Dean shushed her and continued watching intently. If anything happened to Cass...
*Cass*
"Dean."
"Shh Castiel."
"Dean," he called again. He had to find Dean.
"He is safe Castiel. Rest."
Resting sound good. Too good. No, he couldn't rest until he found Dean. He had to keep searching. What if Dean needed him?
"Rest," the voice repeated.
He had a vague suspicion he should know that voice but couldn't seem to place it.
*Dean POV*
"How is he," Dean asked.
"Resting better," Hannah responded.
"Can you help him?"
"Yes and no."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"He'll survive, but he probably won't remain an angel."
"So, what, you're saying he'll be human?"
"Yes."
"I'm good with that."
"And him," Hannah inquired.
"Cass? What about him?"
"Have you ever thought about how he's going to feel about it?"
Dean resisted the urge to growl at the woman. "Just go help Crowley."
"I am not helping the demon."
"Oh yes you are."
"No, and you don't have the power to force me to help it."
"Him," Dean corrected. "He is not an it."
"It is to me," she retorted.
"Leave," Dean growled. "Just get out."
.
Walking down to his brother's room Dean stared at the door. Eventually he would have to enter. After the first day they'd discovered Sammy couldn't be trusted not to donate too much blood too quickly. Dean had held onto the needles since then. Sammy had thrown a bitch-fit but finding his brother unconscious on the floor once was still one too many times for Dean. Raising his hand Dean knocked softly on the door before letting himself inside. Unsurprisingly Sammy was awake.
"About time you showed," Sam hissed quietly.
"I'm actually early," Dean responded tiredly.
"Cass said a lot of blood."
"He also said make sure you don't over do it," Dean reminded his brother. "Any change?"
"No. With Cass?"
Dean shook his head. "She said Cass should be alright though."
"Did she say when she was going to check Crowley?"
Dean struggled to come up with something to say that wouldn't upset his brother further.
"She's not is she?"
"He'll be alright Sam."
"This is my fault."
"Cass and Crowley showed up on their own."
"If we'd taken them with us we could have protected them."
Dean scrubbed his face with both hands. God he couldn't take this right now. "Give me your arm," he ordered Sam.
Sam held out his right arm and Dean inspected it. "The other one."
"The other arm's worse Dean."
It would be, Dean thought. Being right handed Sammy would have drawn most of the blood from his left arm. Sighing Dean rechecked for a good vein to use. "We need another donor," he noted.
"No," Sam shouted.
He should have expected the reaction. Ever since everything happened Sammy had become extremely protective of Crowley. He still denied having feelings for the demon but he wasn't fooling anyone. Finally finding a vein he felt comfortable using Dean got to work extracting the blood. When he finished he handed the needle to his brother. Sam still refused to let anyone else inject Crowley. When Sam was done he held the needle out behind himself. Taking the needle Dean replaced it.
"Get some sleep," he told his brother.
Sam waved him off and Dean finally left. As he started to make his way back to his room he stopped at the room next door to Sam's. Staring Dean couldn't bring himself to open the door. He knew all too well what the inside of that room looked like. Shaking his head he continued the five more doors down to his own room. Instead of going inside he leaned against the wall. God he couldn't do this. It was hard enough when it was just Sam. Then Cass had wormed his way into his heart. Somehow Crowley had managed to make Dean worry about him as well. Suddenly from inside his room there was a loud crash. Startled out of his thoughts Dean jumped. He quickly turned and rushed into the room only to find Cass on the floor.
"Cass!"
Rushing over he knelt down to check on his angel.
Cass groaned.
"Shh it's alright. We're home."
"Home?"
"Yeah."
"Sam?"
"Sam and Crowley are both here."
Cass nodded and attempted to sit up.
"Wait, let me help you."
Kneeling down Dean let Cass get a grip on him before grabbing onto Cass' arms and helping him sit.
"The bed," Cass told him.
"On three." Setting his legs Dean positioned his hands for a better hold. "One, two, three." Dean pulled until they were standing. Cass stumbled slightly and Dean pulled the angel against him. Wrapping his arms around Cass Dean just stood there holding him.
"Dean?"
"God, I was so worried," he mumbled into Cass' neck.
"How long was I out?"
"Three days."
"How long was Crowley out?"
Dean shook his head. "He hasn't woken up yet."
"Can I sit now?"
"Yeah, sorry. I just missed holding you."
Dean half walked, half carried Cass the two feet before helping him onto the bed.
"Did you contact Hannah?"
Dean growled at the name.
Cass cocked his head questioningly at Dean.
"Just don't mention her right now."
"What happened?"
"She refused to help Crowley."
Cass frowned. "Did you explain the situation?"
"Never got the chance. Booted her out first."
"Dean," Cass said sounding disappointed.
"I don't want to hear it. You didn't hear the way she was talking about him. There was no way I was going to let her near him. Not to mention Sam would have probably killed her."
"I should go check on him."
"No. At least not yet. I haven't had you for five minutes yet."
"Dean, Sam still doesn't have Crowley."
"You're right. I was just worried about you."
Cass smiled and brought a hand up to the cup Dean's left cheek.
"I missed this," Dean whispered.
Cass let his hand drop back into his lap. "You know I had to heal him don't you?"
"Yeah. You were right, I was just worried. Hey Cass, I'm still not comfortable opening up but if you really want to tell someone..."
"I only wanted to tell Sam."
Dean nodded.
"Um, and maybe Crowley now," Cass said fidgeting.
"I'm okay with that," Dean told him.
"Really?"
"Really. Come on, let's go check up on Sam and Crowley."
*Sam POV*
The door creaked open again but Sam ignored it. There was no reason for Dean to come back this early but it didn't matter. Sam ran his thumb over Crowley's cheek once again. I should have listened to him. I should have taken him so I could keep an eye on him. I should have-
"Sam?"
"Cass?" Sam turned to look over his shoulder.
"How is he?"
"He passed out when you healed him and hasn't woken up since. What did you do to him?"
"I couldn't heal him fully. Most likely it's the human blood keeping him asleep while he heals the rest of the way. The more human he becomes the harder it is for his powers to help him."
"So we stop giving him blood?"
"Why don't I check on him before we make any decision?"
Sam stood and moved to the other side of the bed. Dean helped as Cass made his way to the bed and sat down on the edge. Cass reached out and placed a hand against Crowley's chest. For a while no one spoke. Finally Cass removed his hand and shook his head.
"What's wrong," Dean asked.
"I don't have enough Grace left."
"So you can't figure out what's wrong with him," Sam asked.
"Personally? No."
"What does that mean?"
Cass sighed. "It means I have to call in a favor."
"From who," Dean asked.
"You're not going to like it," Cass told Dean.
"No. I don't want her back here ever again."
"I can't help him. We need her Dean."
"She won't do it."
"She will if I ask her."
.
Sam rested a hand on Crowley's arm as he watched the bedroom door. The chair from his desk had been moved next to the bed and Cass was currently occupying it. Dean had also brought in a second chair at Cass' behest. When he heard the footsteps from the hallway Sam subconsciously tightened his grip on Crowley's arm. Hannah, entered first and Dean followed just behind her. Shutting the door he leaned back against it.
"Hannah," Cass greeted.
"Castiel," Hannah answered with a nod.
"I need your assistance."
"So you said in your prayer."
"I need you to help heal him," Cass said with a nod to Crowley.
"Why would I help a demon?"
"Because he deserves it."
"He's a demon Castiel."
"He's a demon who saved Dean's life."
Hannah glanced over to Dean before looking back to Cass.
"Why would a demon help a human," she asked.
"Because Dean is Sam's brother."
"And?"
"And Crowley cares greatly for Sam."
"He's a demon Castiel, he cannot care for anyone other than himself."
"You're wrong Hannah."
"Demon's lack empathy. They can't care for anyone other than themselves."
"He's half human," Cass informed her.
Half human," she repeated sounding doubtful.
"Check for yourself if you doubt me."
Hannah walked closer to the bed and stared at Crowley. Finally she extended a hand and reached towards him. Sam growled and started to stand. Cass reached out and placed a hand on Hannah's arm stopping her for the moment.
"We discussed this Sam," Cass whispered.
"So I'm just supposed to trust her?"
"No, you're supposed to trust me."
"Whatever, but if she does anything to hurt him-"
"I'll kill her," Dean cut in.
Sam gave a sharp nod to his brother who returned the nod.
"This is ridiculous," Hannah began.
"The sooner we begin the sooner this can end," Cass stated.
Eyeing Hannah carefully as she reached toward Crowley once more Sam tensed. If she did anything to hurt Crowley he'd kill her himself before Dean ever got the chance to get close enough. Placing her hand on his chest Hannah closed her eyes. The room was silent as she concentrated. Finally she opened her eyes and removed her hand. Turning to Sam she cocked her head in a way that reminded him a lot Cass. Maybe it was an angel thing, Sam reasoned.
"His energy feels much like yours."
"Sam used his own blood when trying to cure him," Cass informed her.
"Cure?"
"The third trial for closing the gates to Hell."
"Can you heal him or not," Sam interrupted.
"You know he loves you?"
"Can. You. Heal. Him," Sam growled.
"No."
"Then get out."
"I can assist him in healing himself," she said quietly.
"Then do it or leave," Sam ordered.
Nodding Hannah sat in the chair next to Cass. Reaching out she replaced her hand on Crowley's chest and closed her eyes.
*Crowley POV*
"No," Crowley shouted bolting upright. Breathing heavily his eyes darted around the room, freezing the second he saw Sam. Real, he thought to himself. This Sam was real. Everything else had been a dream; just a dream.
"Hey," Sam said quietly.
"Sam," Crowley asked. In the dim light he couldn't make out much of Sam's features. He needed to hear Sam's voice again.
"It's me."
Crowley struggled trying to untangle his legs from the blankets. Suddenly he had to get the blankets off, had to get up, had to touch Sam. Before he managed to detangle himself a hand rested on his shoulder. Turning Crowley stilled as he stared directly into Sam's eyes.
"Shh," Sam soothed.
One second he was sitting there staring at Sam and the next Sam was sitting on the bed next to him; both their arms wrapped around each other. Crowley pressed his head against Sam's chest and tightened his arms around Sam. Desperately he tried to control his emotions. Cannot break down; will not break down. Sam placed one hand flat against Crowley's back and the other behind Crowley's head as he continued to hold him. Later, Crowley told himself. I'll be strong later. Let me have this, just for now. Please? He had no idea to whom he was praying. Lucifer would just as soon kill them both and God could probably care less about the likes of him.
"Shh, it's okay," Sam soothed. "I'm not leaving."
"Please stay," Crowley begged still pressed against Sam's chest.
"Promise. Shh," Sam soothed again as he continued rubbing Crowley's back.
Clutching tightly onto Sam's shirt Crowley squeezed his eyes shut and tried to banish the last vestiges of the nightmares. Sam's soft whispers helped to alleviate some of the remaining demons still haunting him. In a minute or two he would pull himself together but for now he let himself take comfort in Sam's embrace.
"Want to talk about it," Sam asked.
Crowley simply shook his head.
"Can we at least lay down then? I've kind of been sitting for a while now."
Opening his eyes Crowley leaned back to look up at Sam. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Almost four days."
"Please tell me you haven't just been sitting in bed with me for four days straight."
"Of course not." Sam smiled sheepishly. "After the first day I sat in the chair."
Sam nodded sideways and Crowley glanced over to the side of the bed.
"You sat there for four days?"
"Three," Sam corrected.
"You didn't get up to eat?"
Sam shrugged. "Dean brought food."
"Ah, that explains the second chair."
"Not exactly."
Crowley waited but Sam didn't continue. "Sam?"
"Healing you cost Cass most of his grace."
"I tried to tell him not to heal me."
"I know you did and I'm glad he didn't listen."
"How is he?"
"Good actually, all things considered. He woke up early this morning."
"What do you mean 'he woke up'?"
"Cass passed out trying to heal you. He didn't wake up again until earlier today. Or technically yesterday I guess."
Crowley shook his head. "So the chair was for Cass?"
"Umm…"
"Sam."
"After everything he didn't have enough grace left to help you. We kind of had to call in help."
"Help?"
"Cass contacted another angel. She couldn't heal you but she could help you heal yourself."
"Why would an angel help a demon? What did you do, Sam?"
"I didn't do anything, Cass called in a favor. Can we lay down now? My back's killing me from sitting and sleeping in that chair for days. By the way you're a bed hog when you sleep."
"You slept in the chair? Damn it Sam, you should have put me in my own bed. Or you could have at least slept in my bed. I wasn't using it."
"Couldn't watch you from a different room. Move, it's only two-thirty and I want to get some sleep laying down tonight."
"Now that I'm awake you can have your bed back. I can go sleep in my own," Crowley pointed out.
"Like hell you're leaving. I spent four days not knowing if you were ever going to wake up again. I'm not letting you out of my sight anytime soon."
Sam nudged him until Crowley shifted sideways slightly. Yawning Sam moved until he was finally laying down. Shoving one arm under a pillow Sam glanced back up. Lifting the arm not under the pillow Sam cocked an eyebrow and waited. Crowley frowned as he finally noticed something. Reaching out he grabbed Sam's arm and pulled it closer.
"What did you do?"
"It's nothing," Sam huffed.
"Are these all needle marks?"
"Cass said you'd need blood. We couldn't give you Dean's or his."
"Damn it Sam!"
"Sleep now. You can yell at me tomorrow," Sam said stifling another yawn.
"Damn right I'm going to yell at you tomorrow," Crowley muttered. Holding Sam's arm Crowley slid down until he was laying next to Sam. Turning on his side he scooted back until he was snuggled against Sam and carefully lowered the arm until it rested on his side. Sam shifted the arm until it was curled loosely around Crowley's waist. Crowley couldn't stop the soft smile playing at his lips.
.
Crowley managed to close his eyes and enjoy being held even if he couldn't force himself to fall back to sleep. Never had anyone taken the time to simply hold him; not while he had been human and definitely not when he had become a demon. The few times he had gone to bed with anyone after becoming a demon he always left just after he finished. Never had he wanted to simply be held... Not until he met Sam.
Lazily Crowley opened one eye and inspected the clock. Ten 'til six, he should probably start trying to slip out of bed right about now. Sam usually got up some time just after seven. Apparently Dean woke up slightly earlier and made breakfast. Crowley wanted to beat the older Winchester to the kitchen this morning. Carefully Crowley wrapped his fingers around Sam's wrist. As he started to lift Sam's arm Sam shifted and tightened his grip around Crowley. Okay, he wasn't going to be able to get up that way.
Focusing Crowley called on his power. When it didn't immediately respond he frowned in confusion. Turning his attention inward Crowley checked for his power. Something was definitely different. He felt his power coiled in the pit of his stomach where it always sat. Still, it was difficult to truly 'feel' it. Clearing his mind Crowley focused solely on the feeling of his energy. When he could finally feel the connection he blinked out from under Sam's arm and off the bed.
Sam shifted and Crowley froze. Muttering in his sleep Sam turned onto his back and threw an arm over his head. When Sam finally stilled Crowley breathed a sigh of relief. Cautiously he made his way to the door. Opening the door he exited the room and shut it carefully behind himself. Creeping down the hallway he tiptoed past Dean's room and down the stairs before he felt comfortable enough to proceed normally.
.
"What. The. Hell."
Nearly dropping the pan of eggs he was carrying Crowley cursed. Steadying the pan Crowley set it on the counter. Turning he spied Dean and Castiel standing in the doorway. Dean looked completely dumbfounded and Castiel just looked tired. The angel swayed slightly and Dean wrapped an arm around Castiel. My fault, Crowley thought. He should never have wasted his Grace on me.
Better to err on the side of caution until he knew how angry Dean was for him taking Castiel to the little meet and greet with Abaddon. Dean would do whatever he wanted. Castiel looked like he desperately need to get off his feet. Crowley worked to keep his tone level and his attitude deferential when he spoke.
"I'm almost done. You could have a seat while I finish if you like," he offered.
"Perhaps we should all sit down," Castiel stated.
"I'm almost finished. I just-"
"Sit down Crowley," Dean ordered quietly.
Cautiously Crowley sat down in the nearest chair.
"I, we have something we need to say," Castiel began.
Crowley's one thought was that they would ask him to leave; leave them, leave the bunker, leave Sam. It would only be fitting. He cost Dean his angel's Grace, Dean would take Crowley's angel in return. It was simple, it was logical, it was just.
"Crowley?"
Lifting his eyes Crowley met Castiel's gaze.
"I'm with Cass," Dean announced.
"Um, with him on what precisely," Crowley questioned cautiously.
"With him," Dean reiterated.
"You mean that you two are together? Like a couple?"
"Yes," Dean answered crossing his arms.
"About bloody time," Crowley mumbled.
"What's that supposed to mean," Dean asked.
"You two have been dancing around each other long enough. It's about time you two actually made it official."
"Is something burning," Castiel asked.
"Damn it," Crowley growled. "I told you I wasn't quite done." Shoving the chair back Crowley rushed to the oven.
"Dean," Sam asked walking into the kitchen.
Of course Sam would pick right now to show up. Without a second thought Crowley grabbed the pan from the oven. Normally being a demon would have been enough to keep from being burned. Apparently not this time. "Ow! Bloody hell."
"What's wrong," Castiel asked.
"Nothing," Crowley grumbled.
"Here, let me see," Sam said grabbing for the the arm.
"I told you it's nothing," Crowley replied jerking his arm back.
"Obviously it's something," Sam shot back.
"Stop," Castiel ordered. "Sam, back off please."
"But he-"
"Sam…"
"Fine, whatever," Sam muttered.
"Crowley," Castiel asked.
"I told you it's nothing. Would everyone please stop worrying about it?"
"If it's nothing then why can't I see it," Sam interjected.
"Oh, for the love of-. Fine. Here look."
Crowley shoved his hand out toward Sam. After inspecting the burn a few moments Sam stood and walked to the fridge without a word. Crowley watched Sam dig in the freezer and return with a Ziploc bag full of ice. Grabbing the dishtowel Sam wrapped it around the bag and handed it to Crowley.
"Hold that on it for a while."
Taking the ice pack Crowley stared at the burn. Feeling for his power he realized it was still difficult to tap into it. Crowley sat down in one of the chairs at the table and placed the ice pack over his burn.
"What happened to me while I was unconscious," he asked quietly.
"What do you mean," Sam questioned.
"Why is it so difficult to use my power now?"
For a while no one spoke.
"Just tell me."
"I made sure they gave you enough human blood to keep your demonic blood from reasserting itself while you were unconscious," Castiel finally answered. "It's probably making it more difficult for you to tap into your demonic side."
"So… no powers?"
"Probably not until the human blood wears off some," Castiel answered.
"Great," Crowley muttered.
No powers? No healing, no blinking from one place to another… No protection, Crowley suddenly realized. No protection for him but also no way to protect Sam. This couldn't be happening. Not now.
"Crowley?"
"Huh," he asked looking up.
"I said are you alright," Sam repeated.
"Why wouldn't I be? It's not that bad."
"I wasn't talking about your hand."
"Fine," Crowley muttered. "If that's everything we should probably eat."
"About that," Dean interrupted. "What possessed you to make breakfast?"
Crowley shrugged. "I just felt like making breakfast. You do, why shouldn't I?"
"It's just creepy."
"Dean," Castiel chastised.
"Looks good," Sam told him.
"I didn't say it didn't look good," Dean grumbled grabbing a plate.