Chapter Twenty-Six

Ticking By

Bobby's House: July 18, 2010

Dean sighed as he finished cleaning the last of the dishes. He heard someone enter the kitchen and waved the spatula he was holding.

"Last of the pancakes are on the stove. Help yourself."

"Glady, I'm starvin'."

Dean spun around at the voice, and practically plowed into Bobby, hugging the man tightly. He blamed Castiel for pulling out his soft side, but considering how beat up Bobby and Azrial were, he decided a hug was warranted.

"Damnit, you can't scare us like that," he muttered into Bobby's shoulder. The man hummed as Dean pulled away. He looked over at Bobby with a sharp eye, but nothing seemed wrong.

"Trust me, I'm not lookin' for a repeat of that experience. Where are the others?"

Dean started loading up a plate, ignoring Bobby's objection. The older man huffed, falling into the kitchen chair with a small smile.

"Sam and Rowena are in your bunker trying to organize the books you bought. Crowley stepped out because we were running low on food. Balthazar is back and forth, bringing weapons directly here with Cas's help."

"Guess ya had to alter the wards then?"

Dean set the plate on the table, shaking his head. "Balthazar brought the angelic warding down when he forced his way through. We redid it after Cas vouched for him. Worst case, we do it again and put him back on the no fly list."

"Makes sense," Bobby said. "Thanks for breakfast."

"How's Azrial?"

Bobby didn't respond right away, taking a few bites of food. Dean didn't want to know too much. Honestly, he'd gotten enough out of the fact Crowley had only come back downstairs once Bobby was awake. He couldn't say much about it, considering his relationship with Castiel, but old habits die hard. He was worried Bobby may be in danger if things ever went sideways with the two supernatural beings.

"Groggy, but otherwise okay. She's gnawing at the bit to get back in her vessel."

"Not enough space in your head?" Dean asked.

"Apparently not," Bobby snorted. "Has Gabriel moved?"

"Not that I know of, but that's kinda Rowena and Sam's department."

Bobby nodded and focused on his food. Dean watched him curiously, not sure what else to say. "When did the three of you…get together?"

Bobby snorted at the awkward question, and Dean sharply inhaled when he saw the ring of silver around Bobby's blue eyes.

"Recently. Is it an issue?"

"I mean, if you're happy," Dean shrugged. "Were you going to tell us?"

"I don't know," Bobby sighed. "Azrial and Crowley made it clear I was setting the pace and with the world ending I didn't want to get my hopes up."

"Has that changed?" Dean asked.

"I'd be lying if I said what happened didn't change things, but that ain't a conversation I should have with you first."

Dean hummed at the pointed comment, letting the subject drop. "When does Azrial want to jump ship?"

"As soon as Crowley's back. We gotta round up a change of clothes for her before then."

"I think she left some here. I'll go check the laundry. Enjoy the food."

Line Break

Bobby wasn't ready for the initial empty feeling as Azrial left his body. It didn't last, but it still left him wanting the archangel back. He wondered if this was why former vessels sometimes struggled to acclimate back to normal life. He'd heard stories of those possessed by demons chasing the feeling until they died bloody. If something went wrong and the empty feeling lasted, he almost couldn't blame the poor bastards. Azrial's eyes opened after a moment. She opened her mouth to speak and gagged. She touched her throat, frowning as her fingers brushed the metal around her neck.

"Allow me," Balthazar sighed. "I think you'll find your grace stemmed for the foreseeable future." The angel leaned close, and the soft glow of grace filled the room. "Better?"

"Much," Azrial said. Her voice cracked, and Dean handed her a water bottle. She practically downed it in one shot. "Better."

"Good," Bobby sighed. "How is your vessel otherwise?"

Azrial struggled to stand up, and Crowley offered his and she finally got to her feet. Something fell from her arm, and Bobby leaned down to pick it up. The armband with the Valerius raven had cracked, and Bobby's heart broke when he saw Azrial's reaction. She carefully took it, running her fingers down the cracked metal. There were tears in her eyes, but she took a deep breath and shut her eyes.

"Damn," she whispered, opening her eyes. "Over two thousand years of keeping this safe, and I break it."

"Ya didn't break it," Bobby said. "That bastard Argan probably did."

"There's no one alive who can fix it," she mumbled. She shook her head and forced a smile. "My vessel seems okay. My muscles ache and I'm pretty sure a few organs are bleeding, but I think I can heal the internal damage."

"Internal bleeding is not okay!" Dean snapped. "Cas, is there anything you can do?"

"Between Balthazar and I, we should be able to heal all your injuries." Azrial nodded absentmindedly at Castiel's offer, still fiddling with the armband.

"That's good. What about this stupid collar?"

"I've synced it to myself," Crowley said. "But I can't get the blasted thing off. I wouldn't suggest you try either, because it may damage your vessel."

"But you think I have the power to remove it?" Azrial clarified.

"Yes, but I think you'd damage your vessel in doing so. As well as the surrounding area."

"Okay," she sighed. "Do you think Gabriel could get it off without damage, then? I could focus all my energy on buffering my vessel and he could focus on breaking whatever enchantment is on this thing."

Crowley tilted his head in agreement. "That was my thought."

"Then it's time we drag Gabriel back," she said. "Balthazar, you have my thanks for everything you've done. If you still need a place to lie low, I know someone who can hide you."

"I would appreciate it," Balthazar said. "I have a feeling I put myself on the shit list with this stunt."

"Join the club," Sam snorted. "You're in the room with Hell's most wanted."

"Which is what I was trying to avoid," Balthazar grumbled. "Bastards."

"I have a feeling everyone is going to be forced to choose a side," Rowena cut in. "I didn't know the apocalypse was even happening before this lot dragged me in. Eventually, Lucifer won't be able to hide anymore."

"We need to be organized before that." Azrial's voice was firm, and she placed the armband on his desk. Bobby had a moment of realization when she turned her back on it. She'd had to leave behind more than he, or even Crowley, could imagine. How many times did she have to set aside her emotional reaction to something because someone needed her help?

"So we're going after Gabriel?" Sam clarified.

"Yes. Rowena, are you willing to stay here? We need someone who can track us if we don't come back."

"I've been hunting this bastard for weeks. Believe me, I'm not going anywhere."

Azrial's lips twitched at Rowena's passionate declaration. "Good. Then let's get his latest location and move out as soon as we can. Castiel, Balthazar, how do you want to handle the healing?"

The room fell into slight chaos at that point. Dean started divvying up duties with Azrial's help before her brothers pulled her out of the room. Bobby shot a glance at Crowley. He had picked up the broken armband with a thoughtful look. Bobby walked closer, glancing at the cracked metal.

"You have an idea?" he muttered, hoping the others didn't hear.

"I do, but I'd need someone stupid enough to lend me their soul."

Bobby snorted, meeting Crowley's gaze. "Thankfully, all of us specialise in stupid."

"That we do," Crowley chuckled. "Are you coming with me, then?"

"I think you know the answer to that, your highness."

Bobby didn't hesitate to take Crowley's offered hand. He hadn't lied to Dean when he said things had changed. He wasn't sure if Azrial realized how much of her own emotions she'd revealed to him. The memories were only part of it. Below the memories were her feelings for him and Crowley. He may not be ready to verbalize how he felt, and Death himself only knew when Crowley would get around to such a thing, but Azrial had made it clear where she stood. It seemed the archangel never did things in halves, because her love was an overwhelming force that Bobby was positive he could get drunk on. He'd blame acting as her vessel for it if anyone had the nerve to call him on it.

Line Break

Sam sat with Rowena, trying to figure out what the hell to even bring on this hunt. Gabriel had repeatedly shown that when you entered his dimensions, you had to play by his rules. So why bother bringing anything with them?

"Samuel, you're overthinking again." He glanced at Rowena, and the witch sighed. "Treat this like any other hunt. Your brother's car is an arsenal. There is no point in fretting about what to bring in with you, because Gabriel will rip it off your body, if he so pleases."

"I know," he sighed. "But I'm worried. Normally it's only Dean and I. Now we have Azrial, Bobby, Cas, and Crowley. That's more people to fuck with."

"That is also three powerful beings and an extremely intelligent ally," Rowena said. "Fretting will only leave you second guessing yourself."

"I know, I know."

Sam ran a hand through his hair, trying to get his worry under control. He glanced at Rowena, biting his lip. That was a whole other issue. Once Gabriel unsealed her powers, would the witch even stick around? He didn't want her to leave, but voicing that would cause chaos. It would put Rowena in an awkward position, Crowley would hit the roof, and there was no telling how the others would react.

"Sammy, have you seen Bobby?"

Sam shook his head, glancing toward the entrance of the small bunker. Leave it to Bobby to get a shit ton of money and make the equivalent of a bomb shelter under his damn house. They honestly should have seen this coming after the panic room.

"No. I think he left with Crowley."

"Damn, Azrial was looking for him." Dean glanced toward the table. "How goes the packing list?"

"I'm taking Rowena's advice and only packing what we normally would," Sam said. "Gabriel is just too unpredictable."

Dean snorted, leaning against the door. "Ain't that the truth. Rowena, you need anything before we head out tomorrow?"

"I think I have everything I need in case of an emergency," she said. "I'll certainly let you know if that changes."

"Sounds good. Dinner will be ready in about an hour, so get upstairs soon."

Sam hummed, glancing back at his list. "Will do."

"Don't overthink things, Samantha. Our plans never survive contact with Gabriel."

Sam grunted. That's what he was worried about.

Line Break

Bobby relaxed against the table, watching Crowley work. The parchment in front of the demon glowed softly as he pulled his pen across it. They were in a small house in the Italian countryside. There was nothing for miles in any direction, but there was an old forge attached to the house. Who ever owned it previously had clearly been a blacksmith. There were still tools and supplies around, and Bobby wondered how Crowley had come across it.

"It belonged to an old contract Lilith held. I ended up with all of them after she died."

Bobby snorted at Crowley's flat statement. "Ya reading my mind?"

"No. I simply know you, pet." Crowley pulled his pen away from the parchment with a frown. "I think that covers everything."

"Speaking of, I have a question."

"And that is?" Crowley asked, capping his pen.

"Would you be able to hold on to my soul until after the battle?"

Silence followed his question. Crowley took a deep breath, setting his pen on the table.

"Why the hell would you want me to do that?"

"I have my reasons," Bobby said. "The question is, can you do it?"

"I can, easily, but I'm going to need a damn good reason to do so."

"Can't ya just take my word for it?"

"No!" Crowley took a deep breath, clearly trying to calm his temper. "Do you understand what you're asking me to do? If your children find out I have your soul, I'm a walking dead man. That isn't even considering what Azrial would do to me."

"The boys will stay out of it if I tell them to." His firm reply made Crowley roll his eyes. "As far as Azrial goes, if she knows it's something I wanted to do she wouldn't care."

"You underestimate how much you mean to everyone," Crowley growled. "But I'll humor you. What reason could you have for this insanity?"

"If I die during the battle, it's a coin flip where I'll end up." Crowley raised his eyebrow, but didn't interrupt. "Say I get into Heaven. What then? I live in a glorified illusion for the rest of days, knowing I'll never see anyone I love again."

"That's a bit dramatic," Crowley snorted. "Sam and Dean will probably go to Heaven, and Castiel is a damn angel."

"That's assuming we win," Bobby pointed out. "If we lose, Castiel may never get back into Heaven. Azrial is blocked from entering Heaven. The only way that's changing is if Death says she can and Michael allows her back! And you're a damn demon, so I doubt you'll be allowed a holy hall pass to come see me."

Crowley stared at him, and Bobby didn't understand why he looked surprised.

"What?"

"Nothing," Crolwey muttered. "You do realize that if you die while we have a contract, you'll go to Hell?"

"Then you'll just have to keep me alive, won't you?"

"Oh yes, because keeping you alive is such an easy fucking task." Crowley ran a hand down his face, and Bobby wondered if he'd ask too much. "Is this really what you want?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll do it, but you have to tell your children. Castiel will see the deal on your soul."

"I will," Bobby assured him. "As soon as we get back."

Crowley shook his head. "The things I do for you. Give me a moment to adjust the contract to cover my own arse."

They had been gone at least two hours by the time Crowley finished with his additions and he'd had a chance to read over the contract. He nodded his approval and pushed it back to Crowley. Was this a dumb idea? Maybe. Maybe he'd gone completely off the deep end and would regret this later, but right now all he cared about was keeping his family together.

"Don't make me regret this," Crowley whispered. "You need to get through this alive so we can destroy this damn thing later."

"I thought you'd jump at the idea of having me tied to you," he joked.

Crowley frowned and looked away. "Not like this. Despite what you may think, I don't derive sexual pleasure from seeing my brand on someone."

He frowned at the pointed comment. "Is there something you ain't telling me?"

Crowley sighed. "Ask Azrial. I have no desire to rehash our past prior to remembering she was an archangel."

He let the subject drop. He may be surprised at the revelation, but that wasn't a bad thing. Everytime he learned something new about Crowley he found himself having to adjust his expectations, and not in the direction he would have expected before getting to know him.

"Well, let's light this candle."

Line Break

He'd been waiting for this moment. If it hadn't happened, there was no guarantee this timeline would work out. The pieces were finally coming together, and now he could start making overt moves. There were two more deals that had to be made, and it would make the bet with God look like child's play. Once Crowley's deal with Robert was finalized he could enter the Nothingness and begin negotiations.

"Tessa, be ready. This soul must be retrieved with none the wiser."

She nodded, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Of course. Should I inform Azrial?"

"No. Let her lovers handle that. If she tries to pass a message simply deliver it as normal."

"Understood. I will bring several souls to Heaven with me to mask my intentions then."

His reaper left, and he glanced toward the shelf to his right. Each day the books there dwindled. It sparked an uncharacteristic hope, but he refused to rest on his was still too much that could go wrong until Gabriel was brought back into the fold. Far too many deaths would occur if the healer refused to help the growing resistance against Lucifer. He smirked as three more books crumbled to dust on the shelf.

"It seems we are due for a conversation, old friend." He slammed his cane against the ground, causing a black rift to appear. He stood up as it wavered, an annoyed growl echoing from inside. "The sooner we chat, the sooner you can go back to sleep."

The next update is Saturday, July 30, 2022