Dean thought it'd be good to get Alice out of the bunker, even if just for a beer run.
Sam had come to him in disbelief, told him about the dream she had. Dean didn't know what to say, couldn't believe that Alice had landed on Lucifer's radar, especially for reasons so unthinkable. He now realised the gravity of the situation, while at the same time accepting she was now really part of them-not going anywhere anytime soon. Something had shifted in him, he became on board with protecting her, with having her around all the time.
His family noticed the change immediately, all of them grateful.
When Jack found out about it all, he went to Alice. She was not in a good place, utterly horrified that the dream was indeed real. Everyone assured her they would keep her safe, but how do you protect someone from the Devil?
Jack had comforted her. They talked about everything that went on between him and his Father. Alice was astonished that someone so pure and good could come from Lucifer, and Jack felt bonded to her-she had accepted him so fully from the start.
When Dean found the two, she was lying in his lap. He was running gentle fingers through her tangled hair-another alien sight to Dean. His irritation had dissipated, along with any suspicion for her, but all the affection still perplexed him.
"Everyone is getting so touchy around here…", he said, causing both of them to look up.
Jack appeared distressed, but smiled. "Alice isn't feeling well", he replied.
Dean nodded, "I'd say she has good reason for that."
When Dean suggested she come with him, she had asked if Jack wanted to come along, but he declined, saying it'd be good for the two of them to have some time to get familiar with each other.
They were now looking at shelves of liquor-Alice wants some whiskey. "Can't argue with that", Dean says.
She grabs a bottle and stills herself-in her mind she hears Lucifer whispering to her. "Aliiiiice, enjoying your time outside? They keep awfully close to you…Don't you want some freedom?".
Cowering, she looks to Dean, who places a hand on her arm. "What is it?"
"He-he's in my head, Dean. How is this happening?" She looks terrified.
Dean swears, pulling her against him awkwardly, wondering why he feels compelled to do so. "It's okay. Not good, but okay. We will deal with it. Don't give him any attention. Don't respond."
There is a swift gust of air behind them. They turn to see Crowley, who is holding a single black rose, extending it out to Alice cordially.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me", Dean groans.
"Dean-it-I think he's a demon", Alice says wearily. She struggles to balance reality with Lucifer's murmuring in her head. She puts her hands on her temples .
"I know what he is", Dean scowls. "This is Crowley. Alice, meet the King of Hell."
She frowns, rubbing her forehead. "The what-".
"Don't be stressed, child. I come to offer assistance." Crowley pouts, feigning a hurt expression. "You don't like roses?"
"What do you want, Crowley", Dean says with a hiss.
Crowley ignores him. "I apologize for the demons who have been tracking you. I fear I may have gone about things the wrong way."
"It was you-", Dean starts.
"Look, there are a lot of people invested in you, Alice. Lucifer was a shock, but when I caught word of his intention I suppose it makes sense. Anyway, I'd like to offer you protection in exchange for your services. I dig your style, kid."
In her head. "Ooh, I see we have company. Interesting. Are you starting to see how important you are?"
Her head spins. "Dean. I can't do this…". She is wobbly. Dean steadies her, glowering at Crowley.
"Crowley, stay the hell away from her. She isn't a tool for you or anyone else."
"You say that now, Dean. But in time I think you just may change your mind." His eyes on Alice again. "Think about it, Dear. I know you feel safe with the boys, and especially your angel...but they can't keep Lucifer at bay forever." He shrugs thoughtfully. "I'll be around. Stay pure, kitten. Toodles."
With a departing smirk and a half wave, Crowley is gone.
Alice twitches, hands trembling, leaning against Dean, who in turn gives her hand a supportive squeeze before grabbing a second bottle of booze from a dusty shelf. On their way to the counter, Dean crushes the abandoned black rose under his feet.
"Ah. This is good. Get all of the drinking out of your system now.", Lucifer coos. "Can't have you imbibing with child now, can we?"