*Crowley POV*

"Uh, so who does dishes," Dean asked.

"I will," Sam volunteered. "You did wake up first so I would have been stuck with the dishes anyway."

"Sam," Cass began.

"It's okay Cass," Sam assured the angel.

"No, I wanted to talk to you. About what you said, when you asked about Dean and I."

"Hey you don't have to tell me, I didn't mean to push."

"Is this about what I think," Dean asked.

"Yeah," Cass admitted.

Crowley stood and began clearing the dishes.

"Look, you don't have to tell me anything. I shouldn't have pushed." Sam told them.

"You were right, though. We are together," Cass said quietly.

"I know."

"You know," Dean asked surprised.

"Well yeah. Cass doesn't lie and he wouldn't answer me so it just made sense."

"And you don't mind," Dean asked.

Sam shrugged. "Why would I?"

"I-. You-."

Crowley smiled as Dean stumbled over the fact that no one cared he and the angel were together.

"He makes you happy. I'm happy you found someone."

"Thanks Sammy."

"Don't mention it. Hey," Sam called out. "I told you I would do the dishes."

"I don't mind," Crowley told Sam.

"Then I'm drying. Move over," Sam ordered.

Crowley obligingly moved to give Sam space near the sink.

They worked together, Crowley washing and Sam rinsing the dishes until the dishes were all washed. Sam grabbed a towel and began drying and Crowley put things away. Doing dishes with Sam felt natural, it felt right. If only everything could stay just like this.

"How's the hand," Sam asked.

"Oh, it's, uh…" Crowley looked down to the injured hand then back to Sam. Finally he shrugged.

Sam raised an eyebrow and waited.

"It just is, Moose. For the most part I can ignore it."

"You don't feel it?"

Crowley shrugged. "I've had worse."

"You burned almost the whole hand," Sam argued.

"I've had worse," Crowley repeated in a whisper. Memories, unbidden, flashed through his mind. For a moment the past rushed forward to haunt him. When a hand settled on his shoulder Crowley jumped and shoved the person away. Jerking his head to the person in front of him he was surprised to find it was only Sam. Those were just memories, he told himself. This is real. Sam is real.

"Crowley?"

"I'm fine," he muttered. "I should probably get back to my research."

"I think we should take a break today," Sam told him.

This time it was Crowley's turn to cock an eyebrow questioningly.

"We need a break before we all go crazy."

"What kind of break?"

"I don't know. I was thinking we could all go out and do something."

"I can't go anywhere looking like this," Crowley dissented.

"And because of the blood right now you can't…" Sam trailed off lost in thought. "Right, follow me."

Crowley spared a look to Castiel and Dean briefly before following Sam out of the kitchen. They made their way through the foyer and up the stairs. Neither said a word as they walked. They passed all the bedrooms and Sam opened a door at the far end of the hallway.

"Towels are in the cabinet, make sure to throw it in the hamper when you're done."

"Okay. Um, Sam?"

"Yeah."

"I didn't exactly bring a spare suit."

"Oh. I'll find you something."

Crowley gave a small nod.

Turning Sam made his way back down the hall. Crowley watched Sam until he disappeared into his room before finally entering the bathroom. Closing the door behind himself he inspected the room. Very utilitarian, much like the rest of the bunker. Solid white tiling covered the floor with a basic white and black pattern on the walls. Shaking his head Crowley began to undress. Just as he finished there was a knock at the door.

"Crowley," Sam called through the door.

Opening the cabinet Crowley quickly grabbed one of the folded towels. Shaking it to unfold the towel he wrapped it around his waist. Finally he opened the door. For a while neither man moved. As Sam's eyes moved down his body Crowley became increasingly uncomfortable with his current state of undress.

"Yes," Crowley asked shifting self-consciously.

"I, uh, brought you some clothes," Sam stammered.

Crowley did his best not to grin at Sam's obvious unease. At least he wasn't the only one feeling slightly awkward. Taking the clothes from Sam he muttered a quick thank you. Sam mumbled something to quiet to hear before he turned and left. Shutting the door Crowley inspected the clothes. Lifting the faded blue T-shirt he realized it was too big for Dean. Obviously the shirt was one of Sam's. The jeans, however, were obviously too short to fit Sam. Dean's, Crowley guessed. Sighing he removed the towel and stepped into the shower.

Turning the knobs Crowley put the hand that wasn't burned under the water to test the temperature. Adjusting the knobs until the water was a decent temperature he finally twisted the knob diverting the water from the facet to the shower head. Initially the spray was freezing but it warmed quickly. Brushing the last of the shivers away Crowley leaned into the spray. Standing under the warm water he closed his eyes finally let himself relax. He had no idea how long he had been standing there when a knock at the door cause his eyes to open.

"Yes?"

"You okay in there," Sam's voice filtered through the door.

"Fine," he replied.

"Just checking. You've been in there a while."

"Almost done," Crowley answered. Damn, just how long had he been standing here?

When there was no reply Crowley assumed Sam had wandered away to wait somewhere more comfortable. Grabbing a bottle of shampoo Crowley popped the lid and sniffed the bottle. Dean's, his nose told him. Replacing it Crowley grabbed the other shampoo, popped the lid and sniffed it. Sam's. For a moment he stood there just revelling in the thought of Sam and him actually together. Shaking his head Crowley banished the daydream.

"Never going to happen," he grumbled to himself.

Washing his hair he ignored the sting from the burn on his hand. The burn was a minor annoyance compared to any number of things he'd suffered when becoming a demon. Indeed there were several things he had endured since then that had been excruciatingly worse. Sam's concern though was heartwarming. It had been a long time since anyone ever truly cared if he was in pain, if anyone ever had cared. Before he could stop it memories slammed into his mind and he flashed back to his childhood.

*Sam POV*

"Crowley," Sam called as he knocked. The water was still running but it had to be cold by now. Sam knocked on the door a second time but there was still no response. Cautiously Sam cracked the door and called into the room. When there was still no response Sam finally peeked around the door. Staring at the shower curtain he wondered how to proceed.

"Crowley," he called out slightly louder than before.

Still no response. What if he's gone, Sam thought. They only had his word that he was having difficulties using his powers. They had added extra warding to prevent anything from getting in or out but what if Crowley had found a way? What if he's hurt, Sam thought suddenly. If he slipped… Rushing forward Sam grabbed the shower curtain and hesitated for only a second. When drew the curtain back he was relieved to find Crowley present and apparently uninjured. The relief was quickly replaced with concern.

Crowley was sitting in the tub with his legs drawn up and his arms wrapped around them as he stared straight ahead at the wall in front of him. He was shivering slightly and didn't even seem to notice Sam's presence. Dropping to his knees Sam reached out and shook Crowley's shoulder. Fuck, that water's freezing. Twisting Sam grabbed the knobs shut the water off before returning his attention to Crowley.

"Hey! Crowley!" Placing a hand on either shoulder Sam shook Crowley again. Finally Crowley blinked several times and turned towards him. Sam gave a heavy sigh of relief.

"Hey, you okay," Sam asked.

"Sam," Crowley asked.

"Yeah, it's me. You alright?"

"I… where…" Crowley shook his head as if to clear it. "What are you doing in here?"

"You didn't answer when I knocked. I came in to make sure you were alright."

"Um, can you maybe hand me my towel?"

"You sure you're okay?"

"Towel first please."

"Yeah, one second." Sam stood and grabbed the towel. Walking back he offered the towel to Crowley. Crowley reached out with one arm and took the towel.

"Thanks."

"Yeah. Um, I'll wait outside," Sam stated.

Crowley simply nodded.

Backing away Sam almost ran into the sink on his way out of the bathroom. Steadying himself with his hands on the sink he finally turned and left, closing the door. Get a grip, he scolded himself. You're acting like a teenage girl. Pacing back and forth Sam waited for Crowley to finish drying and get dressed. More than once Sam stopped pacing and turned to knock on the door. Somehow he restrained himself and continued his pacing. When the door finally opened behind him Sam turned instantly.

"Hey," Crowley said quietly, dropping his eyes.

"Shirt's a little big," Sam noted. "I could see about getting one of Dean's."

"I like this one," Crowley stated.

Sam felt a smile tugging at his lips. "It's an old shirt. You're welcome to use it as long as you need."

"Thanks."

For some reason the sight of Crowley wearing his shirt pleased Sam. Yep, definitely turning into a teenage girl. "You smell like my shampoo."

"Yeah, I wasn't sure if Dean would want me using his things," Crowley said with a shrug.

"Understood. What happened in the shower?"

"Nothing," Crowley said finally meeting Sam's eyes.

"Something happened."

"You're not going to let this go are you? Okay, but can we discuss this elsewhere?"

"My room," Sam offered.

Nodding once Crowley headed for Sam's bedroom. As Sam followed he noted more than once Crowley had to tug on the waist of the pants to keep them from slipping down. He's going to need a belt, Sam thought. Hell, if he stays much longer he's going to need more than a belt. Sam shook his head and followed Crowley into the bedroom, closing the door as he entered.

Crowley stood near the desk facing away from Sam and his hands resting on the back of the chair. Sam took a seat on the edge of the bed and waited. Finally, sighing loudly, Crowley turned the chair to face the bed. Sitting down Crowley eyed Sam for a moment.

"Nothing 'happened', I was just remembering things," Crowley stated at last.

"What kind of things?"

"Unimportant things."

"They didn't look unimportant," Sam said softly.

"Perhaps they're not as unimportant as they once were," Crowley mused.

Sam waited for Crowley to continue, not quite ready to push him just yet.

"Something happens when you become a demon. Either you forget about your past or it enrages you to the point where you kill whatever offended you and then you forget about it. Either way your past stops being important to you." Crowley shrugged. "I haven't thought about my past much since I was changed. Most of the time I barely remember it"

"And now," Sam prompted.

"I want you to understand something first. I'm still not really ready to discuss this. Maybe one day I will but not just yet. Okay?"

Sam nodded.

"I usually just ignore my past. It's not like it's relevant anymore. I guess the human blood is countering whatever is in the demon blood that makes your past matter less. Maybe it's just making me 'emotional'. I don't know. Whatever it is, I just catch myself thinking about things better left forgotten."

"If you ever need to talk about anything-"

"No," Crowley replied quickly. "I mean… If I ever feel like it I will. Promise. Just…"

"Not yet?"

"Please?"

"It's fine Crowley. I just wanted to makes sure you knew I'm willing to listen."

"Didn't you say something about taking a break today," Crowley asked.

Sam allowed him to change the topic. "I was thinking of doing something 'normal' for once. Like maybe catching a movie or something."

"I've never been to a movie."

"Seriously," Sam asked incredulous.

"I died in the early seventeen hundreds Sam," Crowley stated flatly.

"Wow. Okay, movies it is, then."

Sam stood and walked to the closet. Shoving the hanging clothes sideways he reached to the far right and grabbed the hanger holding all his belts. Holding the hanger of belts he glanced back at Crowley. Inspecting the belt loops on the pants Sam finally selected a belt and handed it to Crowley. He returned the rest to the closet.

"Maybe that will help until we can get clothes that fit better."

As Crowley threaded the belt through the loops Sam grabbed a needle and began looking for a good vein.

"No."

Glancing up at Crowley Sam lowered his brows in confusion.

"No more."

"You need blood to stay mostly human," Sam told him patiently.

"I'm good for now. Besides, you need to give your veins a break."

"You won't stay good. I don't want you to get withdrawals in the middle of the movie."

"I'll be fine."

"Not if you pass out in the theater. Imagine us trying to come up with an excuse for why you passed out and why you don't need to go to the hospital."

Crowley frowned.

"I could get someone else. I mean if it's just my blood you don't want…"

"No! It's… I don't…" Trailing off Crowley turned away to face the wall. When he finally turned back he refused to meet Sam's eyes. "I don't want anyone else's blood," he said quietly.

"You don't want to be human anymore, is that it?"

"I don't know what it is. I do know I don't like not being able to feel my power. It's… disconcerting. I don't ever want anyone else's blood, though," Crowley whispered.

"I don't know what to do here," Sam admitted. "I really don't want you to lose the humanity you've gained but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable either."

Crowley fidgeted.

"You have to talk to me Crowley. I need to know what to do."

"I don't know what to do about this."

"What do you want?"

A wry smile lit Crowley's face. "I don't think that's the best question to ask Moose."

Sam huffed in exasperation. "You know what I meant."

"Yeah," Crowley admitted. "Can I do it," he asked suddenly.

"Do what?"

"Can I extract the blood. You're right, I'm going to need it eventually. If we're going to do this I'd rather you didn't use your arm again."

"You have experience extracting blood?"

"Not per se," Crowley answered cryptically.

"Crowley."

"I have experience with anatomy and injections."

"Really?"

"You really don't want to ask, Sam."

"Yeah, I do. Give me something to help me understand why you would have that knowledge."

"Sam," Crowley warned.

"Just give me something."

"Torture," Crowley said simply.

Sam took a minute to digest that before replying. "You torturing others or others torturing you," he asked slowly.

"Both," Crowley growled.

Crowley turned back to face the wall and Sam ran a hand through his hair. Finally Sam made his way over to the other man. Walking up behind Crowley he wrapped his arms loosely around him and held him.

"I'm sorry I pushed," Sam whispered.

"I would want to know if I were you. Understandable."

"I still shouldn't have pushed." Sam leaned down and nuzzled the side of Crowley's neck.

"Mmm. Nice," Crowley murmured. "If… If I don't say it often enough I want you to know I appreciate everything."

"Hmm," Sam hummed agreeably.

"You might want to let go soon."

"Yeah?"

"Unless you want to continue this naked on your bed," Crowley added suggestively.

Sam froze.

With a sigh Crowley took hold of Sam's arms and unwrapped himself. Turning Crowley used his fingertips to brush Sam's hair away from his face. He let his hand linger against Sam's cheek before he finally let it drop.

"Sorry. I didn't mean for that to come out."

"I just…"

"I know, it's fine Sam. I shouldn't have said that."

"I just wish I knew how I felt."

Crowley smiled. "I can wait until you figure it out."

"Sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for. Now come on, let's get the blood taken care of before Dean comes in whining about how we're taking too much time."

*Crowley POV*

Crowley sighed contentedly as he felt the blood rush through his veins. Human blood itself was already addicting, but Sam's was doubly so. He really hadn't wanted any more blood this soon. He wanted to wait for the effects to wear off some first. Sam was right though. They couldn't chance him going through withdrawals in a public place. Crowley followed Sam downstairs to where Castiel and Dean were waiting.

"It's about time," Dean complained. "Are those my pants?"

"He can't wear mine Dean, they're too big," Sam informed his brother.

"So you gave him mine? Without asking?"

"If I asked you would have said no."

"Damned right I would have said no."

"If I gave him my pants they would have fallen off of him. You really want that?"

"Whatever, we ready now," Dean asked.

"Yeah. Ready Crowley?"

Crowley hesitated.

"What's wrong," Sam asked.

"Do I have to wear the blindfold?"

Sam and Dean shared a look.

"Can we trust you enough not to need it," Dean questioned.

"I already know the location. I can't blink into the bunker with all of the wards but I can blink several feet away."

"How do you know the location," Dean asked.

"During the outing I checked for the exact area I could blink to and from." Crowley shrugged and then frowned. "Back when I actually could blink," he added.

"Why do you call it blinking," Dean asked.

"I don't know, that's just what it's called. I suppose it's because you blink out of one place and into another."

"I don't suppose there's any reason for the blindfold then," Sam stated.

"Whatever," Dean grumbled. "Let's get this show on the road."

.

"A chick flick," Dean asked incredulously. "You want to watch a chick flick?"

"The reviews sounded good," Crowley shot back defending his choice.

"I am so not watching a chick flick."

"Maybe it won't be that bad," Castiel offered.

Dean crossed his arms and glared at Sam.

"Fine," Sam conceded. "Why don't you two go see a Next Target while Crowley and I go see Always and Never. They both let out around the same time."

"Fine," Dean agreed.

As Dean and Castiel headed inside to the ticket line the angel looked back over his shoulder and mouthed a quick 'thank you' towards Sam. Crowley's mind instantly thought of about half a dozen comments he could make about Sam and himself in a dark theater. Wisely he kept his mouth shut. He had already caused Sam enough discomfort for one day. Better that he keep his remarks to himself. Turning Crowley finally noticed Sam watching him.

"Yes," Crowley asked.

Sam gifted Crowley with a small smile before answering. "You ready?"

"Yeah."

The two entered the theater and Crowley turned inspecting the place. Bright, noisy and overcrowded, he thought. Pretty much everything Crowley didn't like all crammed into one small building. He was beginning to have doubts about this. Sam nudged him and Crowley turned. Sam held out a small square of paper. Taking it, the stub he inspected it.

"Figured you might want to keep your ticket," Sam explained. "You know, since it's your first trip to the movies."

Crowley smiled and pocketed the ticket. Following Sam they stopped at another counter for snacks. Sam turned to Crowley and raised an eyebrow cocking his head to the menu on the wall in front of them. Crowley inspected the menu briefly before turning back to Sam and shrugging. With a smile and an over exaggerated an eye roll Sam turned to order.

Loaded with drinks and various snacks the two finally headed for their movie. Entering the dim room Crowley inspected the room before turning back to Sam. Sam nodded at the seats and waited. Turning back Crowley tried to decide where to sit. Finally he decided on sitting near the front, fairly close to the screen.

.

"So, what did you think?"

"That was… nice."

"Nice," Sam asked.

Crowley shrugged. "I had a good time. Wouldn't mind doing it again sometime."

Exiting the movie theater he noted Dean and Castiel on the far side of the parking lot standing near the Impala. He was actually glad that those two had admitted their feelings for each other. They both deserved to be happy. Feeling Sam's eyes on him Crowley turned and caught the younger Winchester watching him intently. Crowley raised an eyebrow and waited.

"I wouldn't mind doing that again either," Sam confided.

Crowley glanced back to the Impala. "Perhaps without the extra company next time?"

Sam smiled. "Perhaps."

An uneasy feeling washed over him and Crowley scanned the surroundings. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Frowning Crowley turned back to Dean and Castiel. Something about one of the shadowy areas near them caught Crowley's attention. His frown deepened as he inspected the area carefully. Everything seemed normal. Just as he was about to chalk it up to his imagination he saw a brief glint off of metal.

Instinctively Crowley reached for his power. Barely able to feel a trickle he growled and pulled harder on the energy. He didn't recognize the person that stepped out of the shadowy area but he recognized the knife they carried all too well. Tugging on his power harder he finally managed to blink between the unknown assailant and the Impala. A wave of dizziness hit and Crowley wobbled slightly. The assailant had the knife raised and Crowley moved to grab their wrist; missing the wrist the knife stabbed through his hand.

A yank on the back of his shirt sent him sprawling backwards. Before he could understand what was happening he hit the car hard and his head bounced painfully against the metal. Stumbling he tried to regain his footing, floundering for a while. Lightheaded and slightly nauseous it was difficult but he managed to right himself. A bright white light started to fill his vision and Crowley covered his eyes against the flare. Opening his eyes he wavered slightly but managed to stay upright.

Quickly he checked to make sure the others were alright. Castiel was standing nearby staring at something so Crowley turned in the direction the angel was looking. Dean was standing over a body holding an angel blade; there were wing marks scorched into the ground. Someone grabbed his shoulders and spun him around.

"Hey," Crowley managed weakly meeting Sam's eyes.

"Are you okay," Sam asked concerned.

"Dizzy...Hurts," he mumbled. Crowley let himself collapse against Sam just barely before the blackness consumed him.

*Sam POV*

"Crowley," Sam shouted.

"Come on," Dean said grabbing Sam's arm.

Sam tried to shake his brother off but Dean held tight.

"We don't know if he was alone, we have to get out of here. Come on Sam."

"He's bleeding."

"You can take care of that in the car. We have to go."

The dangers of remaining here in the open finally started to get through. Picking Crowley up Sam opened the back door of the Impala and loaded Crowley inside before getting in the car himself. Cass took the front passenger seat and Dean slid into the driver's seat. Slamming the door shut Dean revved the engine and wasted no time getting them out of the parking lot.

Stripping off the plaid over-shirt Sam pulled out his pocket knife and cut a strip off of the shirt. Tossing the knife on the back dash Sam wrapped the strip of cloth around the wound in Crowley's hand. As soon as Sam finished attending to the hand he reached up and put his hands to either side of Crowley's head. Tilting Crowley's head so they were face to face Sam rubbed a thumb over Crowley's left cheekbone.

"Crowley? You gotta wake up now. Come on Crowley, wake up for me. Please?"

Nothing. Moving his hands to Crowley's shoulders he guided him until Crowley was laying down. When Crowley's head was in his lap Sam gently ran his fingers through Crowley's hair trying to soothe him as much as possible. When he felt the lump on the back of Crowley's head Sam frowned. Crowley must've hit his head on the car when Dean flung him backwards.

"Hurry up," Sam called out to his brother.

"Going as fast as I can Sammy."

The drive to the bunker seemed to drag on forever. As they made their way back Sam continued stroking Crowley's hair and whispering to him. When they finally arrived Sam slung the back door open. As he was dragging Crowley up to get a better hold on him the demon's eyes fluttered slightly but remained closed.

"Crowley?"

"Come on," Dean ordered. "Let's get him inside first."

Obediently Sam gathered Crowley in his arms and stepped out of the car. If for no other reason than because he to get somewhere more secure. By the time he got to the door Dean already had it opened. Stepping inside Sam immediately made his way to his room. Cass walked over to the bed as Sam laid Crowley down.

"Is there anything you can do to help him," Sam asked.

"Not without my Grace."

"What's wrong with him?"

"Without the ability to check I can't be sure. I'm guessing he overexerted himself when he used his powers."

"So what do we do?"

"We wait," Dean stated. "If he's mostly human then he needs time to heal like any other human would need. We should probably check his hand, he might need stitches."

Sam nodded as he reached for Crowley's hand. Unwrapping it he winced at the amount of blood on the makeshift bandage. Setting the cloth aside he inspected the wound. At least the bleeding had stopped. The injury was definitely going to need stitches.

"I'll get the medical kit," Dean said leaving the room.

*Crowley POV*

Crowley felt himself waking up though he didn't open his eyes. It was slightly warmer than he liked and he tried to understand why. An arm slid down around his waist and Crowley smiled to himself. Snuggling backwards into the warmth he paused. There was a vague sensation that something wasn't quite right. Crowley shoved the notion aside. If he was in bed with Sam's arm over him what could be wrong? Yawning Crowley turned and faced Sam. The uneasiness grew and Crowley frowned trying to understand the feeling.

Something's wrong his mind told him. Crowley's frown deepened as he stared into Sam's eyes. There was something different about them; something harder, colder. When 'Sam' grinned Crowley flinched. That was not Sam's smile, those were not Sam's eyes and this was most definitely not Sam.

"Welcome back," Not Sam greeted.

"No," Crowley pleaded struggling to break free.

"Yes," Not Sam informed him with a malicious grin. "Did you really think you could just fall in love and forget everything? Did you really think you're past wouldn't matter anymore? Did you really think someone like me would ever love you?"

"You're not Sam," Crowley yelled.

"I'm the closest a demon like you is ever going to get."

The horrible Not Sam thing let out a blood curdling laugh and Crowley's desperation intensified. As he continued struggling the room shifted until it became the torture pits in hell. No, Crowley's mind screamed. Not real, not real, not real! Sam!

*Sam POV*

"Sam," Crowley whispered in his sleep.

"Shh," Sam soothed brushing the disheveled hair away from Crowley's forehead.

Sam lay facing Crowley watching as Crowley whimpered softly. He still hadn't been able to get Crowley to wake up. Unsure of what else to do Sam held Crowley tightly. He had hoped the proximity might do some good but so far it hadn't helped. Sam continued whispering to Crowley as he held him. Every so often Sam would give Crowley's shoulder a slight squeeze and a light shake. After so long of trying to get Crowley to wake up with no success Sam was completely unprepared when it finally did happen. Crowley's eyes shot open and Sam flinched at the stark terror shining through.

"Crowley?"

"You're not him, you're not! Not my Sam!"

"Crowley," Sam yelled again.

"No! Let me go, let me go!"

Sam released Crowley's shoulders.

"Not Sam," Crowley yelled as he scrambled away.

Sam reached out to grab Crowley before he fell off the side of the bed. Crowley froze the instant Sam touched him.

"It was dream," Sam told Crowley. "You were dreaming. Crowley?"

Still no response. Pulling Crowley closer Sam inspected him. Crowley had completely shut down. Worried Sam tried to get Crowley to snap out of whatever was happening. Just then Sam's door slammed open.

"Sam," Dean's worried voice drifted into the room.

Sam ignored his brother. "Crowley?"

Still nothing.

"Come on Crowley, snap out of it."

"What's wrong," Dean asked walking over.

"I don't know. He was having a nightmare. He finally woke up but he... I don't know, it's like he shut down."

Reaching down Dean grabbed one of Crowley's shoulders. "Hey, wake up."

Crowley blinked.

"Crowley," Dean asked.

"Dean?"

"Yeah. You okay?"

"How? You... You're not supposed to be here."

"In the bunker?"

"No." Crowley closed his eyes and curled into a ball.

"Crowley?"

Blinking several times Crowley turned to look back over his shoulder. Blankly Crowley stared at Sam. Remaining still despite his desire to pull Crowley close and hold him Sam continued to watch Crowley.

"Sam," Crowley finally whispered questioningly.

"It's me."

"Really you or..."

"Really me. Promise."

"You… he... "

"It was a dream, just a dream. You're awake now. You're safe."

"Safe?"

"Yeah."

Crowley sat up and continued staring at Sam distrustfully. Sam fought the urge to offer comfort and waited. Crowley scooted up the bed and leaned back against the headboard. Drawing his legs up Crowley wrapped his arms around them and his eyes darted back and forth between Sam and the door where Dean was standing.

"Awake," Crowley asked quietly.

"Yeah," Sam confirmed. "You're awake now."

Crowley buried his face in his knees and muttered something.

"What?"

"Said sorry," Crowley repeated.

Crowley started trembling and Sam reacted before he could stop himself. Moving up the bed Sam reached out to put an arm around Crowley but Crowley jerked away the instant he made contact. Sam lowered his arm and waited.

"Sorry," Crowley muttered once again.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Sam assured him.

Finally Crowley raised his head and met his eyes. It felt like he was being scrutinized but he remained still. Finally Crowley seemed to relax. Shifting sideways Crowley curled against Sam's side. Reaching out Sam put his arm around Crowley and held him.

"Sam," Dean questioned.

Crowley jerked at the sound of Dean's voice and pressed harder into Sam's side still shaking. Sam used his free hand to wave off his brother. He couldn't deal with Dean's concern right now, he had to take care of Crowley. Dean seemed to take the hint and closed the door softly.

"Shh," Sam whispered. "It's was a dream. You're awake, it's over now."

A/N:

Remember authors don't know if they're doing a good job or not without feedback. R&R plz.

My thanks to Mutsumi and the Guest reviewer.