Daughter of Cain

Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural

Chapter 23: Inside Man

Vivian's POV

"SAM!"

I shot up awake, hearing Dean's cries. Followed by the tension in my veins as if it were the Marks doing. Quickly, I got out of bed and rushed to Dean's room. Not bothering to knock, I came in to see Dean trapped in a nightmare. His body tensed as his cursed arm lay straight while his other arm tried to reach it. Sweat coated his body as he fidgeted.

"SAM!" he called out.

I came over, taking his hand, slowly trying to wake him up.

"Dean," I murmured, gently shaking his shoulder. "Sam is safe."

"No!" Dean groaned.

Sam barged in with his gun, doing a quick sweep, then stopped to see what was happening. He realized it was another nightmare.

"No!" Dean cried, clenching my hand.

Flashes took over as I saw Metatron being cut with an angel blade. The First Blade appeared as it stabbed Abaddon. Followed by Cain's whispering:

"My story began when I killed my brother, and that's where your story inevitably will end."

"Vivian," Sam called out softly.

I gasped, snapping out of the trance, realizing I had just seen Dean's nightmare. I faced Sam, seeing his concern as his eyes linger on the Mark. As it glowed slightly.

"Sam, go," I warned him.

"What is happening?" he asked.

"I do not know." I stared at Dean, "The Mark…. It's testing him. Reminding him."

Sam frowned at this.

"Go," I told him. "I got this."

Sam hesitated, yet he knew he could not help Dean. He sighed, leaving as he closed the door. Once it shut, I focused on Dean as he panted, trying to control himself. Using what little ability I had over the Mark and Dean, I combed my fingers through his hair.

"Come back," I murmured. "It is only a nightmare. Only the past that is haunting you."

I continue to whisper soothing words to calm his senses. To bring him back to a stable state. Just like all the times he had a nightmare. Until his eyes snapped open, and he gasped again. I stared at him, wondering what his reaction would be. As he came back to his senses, he became numb. And seeing his green eyes become vacant as he stares at the ceiling.

Sighing, I move closer.

"Dean," I murmured. "You're safe."

Suddenly, his right hand wrapped around the back of my neck. I tensed, staring at him, not moving. However, the Mark began to glow.

"Dean," I breathed.

Adrenaline filled me as the Mark seeped into my body, causing my markings to show. I tried to restrain my powers since Dean was human again. Not a demon. Before I could say anything, his lips were smashed against my own, followed by switching our position so he was on top. I panted, trying to control the urges. This was not right. Dean was not in control, but the Mark was.

As much as I would enjoy this, I can't. Not through the Mark controlling us. Dean stared at me as if he were also trying to control it. We were trapped under the temptation. None of us move in fear of what the Mark will do. Time seemed to vanish until Dean collapsed on top of me, falling back asleep.

I panted, trying to control the sudden urge. The burning in my veins. Feeling the darker side of me craving for more. Ever since touching the First Blade, stopping Metatron, the encounter with Dean, and the resurrection, I feel like there is another side of me. One that craves violence and debauchery. The side Cain was trying to prevent. The demon half.

I carefully adjusted Dean, putting him back down. Afterward, I sat on the edge of the bed. I rested my elbows on my knees, my hands covering my face, and took several deep breaths.

I need to find a way to help Dean and contain the Mark. Throughout my year, I have met many people, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Both human and monster. There were times I helped those who needed it in reasonable means. Yet, as I look at Dean, after all he has done, he doesn't deserve it. How many wars must Dean fight to finally have peace? How many more?

I glance at the Mark, seeing it glowing at me.

Crowley tricked Dean, not telling him the legends and truth about the Mark.

Cain omitted the information so Dean could learn the consequences.

And I…I felt like I was responsible as well.

The Mark can be transferred.

It cannot die, and the entity that is trapped inside it.

Time seemed to vanish as I stared at the Mark. Maybe…maybe I should take the burden of the Mark. I have not killed a vessel with a mortal soul before. Yet, I need to set a precaution. A way to ensure all of humanity will be safe. I doubt Sam or Dean would agree to this.

The only person I could think of who could help me was Castiel.

.o0o.

When morning came, Dean woke and realized he had another nightmare.

"Did anything happen?" he asked.

"No," I lied. "You called out to Sam, but nothing happened."

Dean nodded.

It was best he didn't know that he kissed me. How the Mark almost tried to initiate sex. Fortunately, Dean doesn't recall. Might as well call it a moment of sleepwalking. Either way, we went our separate ways in the morning routine. Putting on casual clothes before making my way to the library. Sam seemed to be on a call, and by the sound of it, it was Castiel. However, I was not in tune as I gave a giant yawn, sitting beside Sam.

Before I could ask him what was happening, Dean came into the room with a cup of coffee. Sam said goodbye to Castiel and hung up.

"Hey," Sam greeted. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a drunk baby," Dean answered, joining us as he looked at the laptop. "What do we got?"

Sam hesitated, "Uh, nothing."

"Really?" Dean asked doubtfully.

"Yeah, I mean, uh, no weird deaths, no demon signs," Sam answered awkwardly. "There's a kitsune working some truck stops outside of Boise, but Rudy's on it, so…"

Sam shrugged.

Dean gave a sigh in disbelief, "All right. So uh, snow day." He took a seat on the other side of the table. "I say we get drunk and shoot crap."

I snorted, shaking my head.

"Yeah, except we do that every day," Sam said. "Actually, I was thinking about seeing a movie."

"Yeah, that could be cool," Dean agreed, now interested.

"It's a French movie," Sam added, pulling it up on his laptop.

"You mean like nudie French?" Dean asked, intrigued.

"Even better," Sam answered. "It's about a mime that's secretly a cockroach."

This put Dean in a stupor, "I-I don't get it."

I snorted at Dean's expression.

Sam became excited as he said, "Dude, The New York Times said- "

"Who cares?" Dean interrupted as if this was a terrible movie.

Sam scoffed, offended, as he closed his laptop, "All right, well… It's playing in Wichita. So, I might not be back till morning."

"Well, I trust you," Dean said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Make good choices."

"Right," Sam muttered as he grabbed his things. "You know, I mean…I don't have to go alone –"

"Go," I said. "Besides, I think we all need a break from each other."

"All right," Sam said, then stared at Dean with a stern look, pointing his finger at him. "All right. Stay out of my room."

"Totally," Dean promised in a fake tone as he took a sip of his coffee.

Sam scoffed as he made his way out.

I couldn't help but add, "Don't forget the condoms."

Dean practically spat in his coffee, trying not to laugh as Sam tensed, face turning red before leaving. I couldn't help but laugh with Dean. It took a moment before we regained our composure.

"You're going into his room," I accused.

"Totally," Dean confirmed after he calmed down. "What about you?"

I paused, thinking, "I might run some errands."

"Really?" he asked. "What does a girl like you do in your free time?"

"Either read a good book or travel," I answered.

"Where to?"

"France."

Dean snorted at that.

I chuckled, shaking my head, "It depends. Sometimes, I could spend a few hours anywhere."

"Like where?" he asked.

"Italy, Belgium, Japan, Thailand," I listed. "Or even Texas or Hawaii."

"Must be nice to be able to travel on a whim," he noted.

"It is, yet, not the same when traveling with others," I sighed since, on occasion, Cain would join me for a day.

A part of me wanted to test my teleportation skills. Angels and Demons can teleport others, yet I'm afraid I could cause harm if someone teleported with me. Though, if I can do side-along, things would be quicker. Yet Dean mentioned every time he is teleported, he couldn't shit for a week.

Dean nodded in agreement about traveling with others.

"If you could go anywhere, where would you like to go?" I asked.

Dean paused, thinking about it, "A beach."

"A nudist beach?" I teased.

Dean chuckled and shook his head. "Any beach. Haven't been to one in a very long time."

"Want to try and teleport to one?" I offered. "See if I'm capable of doing it."

Dean made a face, "Nah, I like my bowels where they're at."

I nodded in understanding, "Well, I'm gonna check the fridge and run some errands. Anything you want me to add?"

"Just beer," he said.

I shook my head.

Dean merely smiles before getting up to do his own thing. I checked the supplies in the kitchen, writing what we needed onto the grocery list. Afterward, I went to the garage. Sam had taken one of the old cars. Impala was Dean's. I stared at the options and took the green 1956 Ford Thunderbird. Knowing that it works, since Dean and I took it out to fix it and alter reality, it is up to code. I took the car out and made my way to town.

.o0o.

I ran some errands, stopping at a nail salon to be pampered while I got a manicure and pedicure. I also checked the bookstore to see the latest literature, followed by a store to buy some new clothes—something more fitting than the secondhand store. After my shopping spree, I went to the grocery store to get our food supplies.

I went through the aisles, grabbing what we needed and what we wanted, making sure I grabbed all types of meat. Yes, the boys have been on this strange diet, yet I know, like all men, they simply crave meat and potatoes. I thought about tonight's dinner; either do steaks or introduce Dean to a different cuisine. The only oriental food Dean knows is Mexican, Chinese, and Italian.

I paused, realizing my thoughts had been simple—like some girl who wanted to impress her boyfriend. There is nothing going on between Dean and me. We are simply friends trying to solve the Mark of Cain. What happened before was the Mark's influence. It was one time, and the kiss last night was the Mark trying to control us again.

That is all.

I took a deep breath and picked up a case of beer.

I need to solve this problem and remove myself. I need to travel again to forget everything. Everyone keeps talking about Asia as a place to forget. Perhaps I'll do that.

However, if we can't save Dean from the Mark…would I be willing to take the responsibility? I need to talk to Castiel and see if he knows any methods that can help. Then I thought about the entity in the void and the dagger. What if…what if I take the Mark and am stabbed with the cursed dagger again? The Mark of Cain would be preserved, and I would be trapped in a coma, back in the void. I'm sure the entity will put me in a dream that is worth a lifetime. Meanwhile, Castiel will take my body away and place it somewhere safe so that no one, not even the Winchesters, will find it.

That seemed like a plan.

But am I willing to give up everything for the Winchesters?

I sighed, going to the cashier to purchase and make my way back to the Bunker.

.o0o.

Once at the Bunker, I put the groceries away.

I thought about what to do next and tried to figure out what to cook. That is when Dean came into the kitchen. He gave a whistle and looked at all the grocery bags.

"Damn, we will be eating good for a week," he said.

"Glad to hear that," I replied, then put the case of beer in the fridge.

"Say, want to head out to the bar?" he asked.

"I just got food," I exasperated.

"So, let's get out of here and do something," he insisted.

"Are you saying that so you can be social or to swindle," I asked.

Dean couldn't help but grin.

.o0o.

We ended up at the bar as we made our way to the front.

"Hey Donnie," Dean greeted.

"Hey, Man," Donnie greeted. "Brought a date."

"No, we're just friends," Dean said quickly as he sat down.

Donnie looked at me, "Hmm, pity."

I chuckled a little as I sat down next to Dean.

"I'll do the, uh, Herve Villechaize," Dean ordered.

Donnie nodded and looked at me, "And you, Miss?"

"Cheeseburger, medium well, and fries?" I asked.

"You bet," Donnie said as he went to get our drinks.

I glanced around and saw that the bar was somewhat busy. People played pool or at the tables socializing with friends, while classic rock played in the background.

"Nice place," I complimented.

"Thanks," Dean replied. "Not like those gastro-fancy bars."

I hummed as I picked off the drink menu, debating what I wanted to drink, "I don't think I've been to one of those. I do authentic European pubs, Irish pubs, or something like that. Unless you count Vegas."

Dean chuckled at that, "Keep it classic."

I nodded, noting they had some hard cider. I have seen it advertised but never had a chance to try it. A loud cheer could be heard as a bunch of college students were playing pool behind us. I glanced over my shoulder, noting the man with the shoulder-length hair was a bit cocky.

"Money!" He cheered. "Now. Loser."

His friend in the striped shirt groaned as he pulled out his wallet.

Donnie soon came back with a beer and a plate of nachos.

"Gracias," Dean said.

"Burger will be out in a moment," Donnie said. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"Hard Cider, please," I ordered.

Donnie nodded as he went under to grab me a bottle. I thanked him again, twisting the cap, and took a sip.

"Give me your cash. Now," the cocky guy said. "Right now."

Dean glances at them, then turns his attention to Donnie, "What's up with the Abercrombie rejects?"

"College kids," Donnie said as he started cleaning a glass. "' Slumming it.'"

"Slumming?" I asked.

Dean was in disbelief, "What are you talking about? This is a nice joint, huh? You got those custom urinal pucks."

Donnie chuckled at that as he continued to clean the glass.

"Come on, bitches. Who's next?" the cocky jerk asked. "Twenty bucks a game. Twenty bucks."

Dean took a deep breath and gave an apologetic glance to his nachos before tossing his hands through his hair, disheveling it. He gave Donnie and me a wink, grabbed his beer, and made his way over. I debated if I should join. But seeing what Dean was doing, I just sat there enjoying the show while stealing several chips.

"Yo!" Dean called out, acting mildly drunk. "I'll, uh – I'll play."

"What, seriously?" the cocky jerk asked.

"Dude, he's blitzed," the boy in the black sweater noted.

"No. No, no, no, no," Dean slurred as he set his beer down, then took a wad of cash out of his pocket. "I'm – I'm – I'm fine, man. I'm good to go. Hmm? Good to go."

Dean showed a twenty-dollar bill before tossing it on the pool table.

"He's fine," the cocky jerk said. "Grab a stick."

I took another swig of my hard cider, then glanced at Donnie, "This's gonna be fun."

Donnie nodded, as he, too, was aware of Dean's pool skills. Of course, Dean is partially a con man, as he will give the cocky college student the first round a win. During the game, we got the names of the college students. The cocky one is Ty, the red stripe shirt is Rhys, and the one in the black sweater is Cyrus. Rich kids, indeed, with those names. Sadly, those fell for the bait.

Donnie got my burger during the game, and I ate it while watching.

As expected, Dean lost this round, Ty got excited, and his friends gave him fist bumps.

Dean gave a dramatic sigh, "Okay, all right. Again?"

"Sure," Ty laughed, "Say a hundred this time."

Dean pulled out his money, "Yeah, make it three hundred."

Ty's eyes widened, for that was a lot of money for a college student.

"What do you say?" Dean asked.

Ty checked his pockets, but he didn't seem to have enough. He then turned to his friends and said, "Give me your cash."

Whatever they had was not enough as Dean gave them a look, "I think you're a little short there. Why don't you toss in the watch? Good to go."

Ty scowled, showing the expensive watch, "My dad gave me this watch."

"I'm sure it's a very touching story," Dean replied, swaying some. "Got a little tear in my eye." He then chuckled. "Come on. We gonna play or not?"

Ty hesitated but took his watch off, setting on the winnings.

"Rack 'em," Dean ordered casually.

Ty did so, being confident. Dean got in position as he glanced at me, giving a wink before starting the game. Only this time, Dean was in it to win it. Seeing the three boys' mouths drop as Dean showed his skill. Ty tries to keep his confidence, which Dean starts nice, but ultimately, he beats the poor lad.

"That one," Dean said as he struck the white ball onto the magic eight, ending the game.

Rhys and Cyrus groaned in protest.

Dean grinned, making his way over, tossing the stick onto the table, and collecting his jacket.

"You hustle me," Ty protested.

Dean laughed, putting on his jacket. "Well, you're pretty quick for a guy who's all hair gel and body spray." He then grabbed the watch and money off the pool table. "Thanks, fellas."

Dean then made his way over to me, noting that his nachos, along with my burgers and fries, were gone.

"Thief," he grumbled. "Couldn't save me any?"

"And have them go cold, never," I teased.

Dean shook his head, "I'll be back."

As he headed to the restrooms. I nodded, turning to Donnie and asking for another order of nachos. Donnie nodded, going to the back to get it. Suddenly, I sense magic at the bar. A witch. Quickly, I got up, surveying the area, only to see no one. Not liking this, I made my way to the restroom.

I waited momentarily outside the men's room until Dean came out. He blinked a few times, seeing me here instead at the bar. He gestured to the door next door. "That's the women's."

I shook my head, "I'm sensing a witch."

Dean became cautious as he nodded, except he did not have his gun. Hopefully, this witch will be here for a drink and fun before leaving. Either way, we need to be careful. We went back to the main room, finding it empty. All the patrons, including Donnie, were gone. Therefore, my theory is not what I was hoping for. Instead, at the bar with a glass of wine in her hand, was Rowena.

"Dean," Rowena greeted. "Vivian."

"Rowena," I replied with caution.

She merely grins, taking another sip of her wine.

"What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" Dean asked, then added with a snarky attitude. "I'm sorry. Did I say 'nice girl'? I meant 'evil skank.'"

Rowena chuckled, "You say that like it's an insult. But nice girls, they're pathetic." She then raised her drink. "Here's too evil skanks."

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"You'll see," she murmured.

Suddenly, Ty charged in, attacking Dean with a pool cue stick, striking him hard on the back. Dean shoved me away, taking the blunt. We kept our distance, seeing Ty, Rhys, and Cyrus across from us with bleeding eyes.

Shit, they're bewitched, I thought.

"Whoa, fellas," Dean tries to calm them down. "What did she do to you?"

Ty tackled Dean. The other two came after me. I try to avoid their strikes as they try to grab me. I debated using my powers, except I did not want to hurt them. They were human, not monsters, gods, angels, or demons. If I put too much force, I might actually hurt them. Cyrus grabbed me, and I grabbed his arm and flung him over me.

I glance over to Dean, seeing him over Ty, who is on the ground, holding a broken pool cue stick aimed at the guy. Hesitation on his face, fighting the urges.

"Dean, don't!" I snapped.

The bond between us snapped him out of it. However, Rhys charged at Dean, tackling him onto the pool table. Rhys grabbed a pool ball about to strike Dean in the face, yet Dean got hold of it, punching Rhys in the face. I was going to help when Donnie appeared, grabbing me. He, too, was bewitched. I grabbed his arms, pushing him against a column while he tried to inflict damage. Adding enough strength, I punched him, knocking him down.

Turning around, I see all those bewitched are unconscious. Dean is staring at Rowena, who is standing across from us. Her cloak is discarded as she rolls her sleeves, exposing the sigils and runes painted in blood on her exposed skin.

"Someone's tougher than they look," Rowena murmured.

"You have no idea," Dean growled, pulling out his bowie knife .

"Rowena, leave," I warned her.

I can sense Dean trying to restrain himself, yet the Mark was urging him to fight.

"A spioradi an tsaoil, eistingi liom!" Rowena chanted, causing the bloody sigils to glow brightly. "Doighi an fear seo! Doighigi go luaithreach e!"

Suddenly, a burst of light consumed the room. Dean and I covered our eyes as the magic consumed us. My body went into instincts, exposing my markings, while my eyes sharpened to cambion form. I panted, controlling my urges, glancing at Dean, who was confused, for he seemed alright. We then faced Rowena, who was baffled that her spell didn't work.

"Not possible," she gasped.

Dean took the distraction as he approached her, pinning her to the bar and having his knife pressed against her throat. I rushed over, ready to interfere if need be.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Dean seethed.

"Saving my son," she managed to say.

"Your son?" he asked, confused.

Rowena stared at him as if she realized something. Then she answered wickedly, "Crowley."

"Crowley Crowley?" Dean asked, stupefied by that.

"My son is a king, a god -or he would be if you didn't – snap your fingers, and he comes running like a wee lapdog," she growled.

"Lady, I don't know what you're talking about," Dean said.

"You're a good influence on him," she spat. "That's why you need to die."

"Well, sorry your little light show didn't work," he countered.

"Oh, I'll try again," she promised.

"What, you think I'm just gonna let you walk out here?" he asked.

"I think you're a hero," she taunted. "You could have killed those men, but you didn't because they're innocent. 'cause you're the good guy, and want them to live. But the spell I cast will devour them from the inside out like it did that girl."

Dean glared at her.

"Elle's still alive," I growled. However, I did not bring the antidote, and I doubt I can alter reality to make several vials that would be potent enough.

"I'm the only one that can save them," she threatened. "What's it going to be…hero?"

"Let her go," I told Dean.

Dean held a neutral expression yet lowered his blade. I grabbed Rowena, keeping a tight hold on her, and dragged her over to the college boys and Donnie. Dean remained where he was, taking several deep breaths. Still keeping a hold on Rowena, I watched as she cast the spell that broke the spell off the men.

Once done, I force her up, keeping my grip on her.

"Cambion," she murmured. "I really thought you were a borrow witch."

"Sorry to disappoint you," I sneered.

"Pity," she said. "But I will keep that in mind for later."

She raised her hand, and suddenly, I was blasted across the room, landing on a pool table.

"Viv!" Dean called out, rushing over.

Pain consumed me, for the wood and splinters dug into my skin, causing wounds. I groaned, looking up in a haze to see Rowena was gone. Dean came over, helping me up. I hissed as the pain dug deep into my back and shoulder.

"Damn it," he cursed.

"Sorry," I groaned.

Dean rested his hands on my shoulders, "Not your fault. I let my guard down."

I panted, then glanced around at all the damage. I took several deep breaths, warping reality that the damages were gone and back into place, if not erasing all the security camera footage in the last several hours, leaving the men on the ground.

"We should go," I ground out.

"No," he said. "You head back; I'll take care of this?"

"Are you sure?" I asked.

Dean nodded, "Your markings are showing."

I glanced at my hand, seeing the black veins. I stared at him, nodding in agreement. Dean nodded in return, letting go of me. I stepped away before teleporting back to the Bunker. Once at the door, I took my key, unlocked it, and entered. The ward consumed me, and I fell onto my knees. I cursed under my breath, trying to return to my human state. Several tries later, the black markings returned under my skin, and my vision was normal.

Panting, I got up making my way back to my room.

Hoping Dean will be alright.

.o0o.

Dean's POV

Dean got Donnie in his office, placed him on the chair, and made it seem like he had fallen asleep while doing paperwork. He then took the douchebags to the sitting lounge, setting them on the couch. One thing he was thankful for was that Vivian had fixed up the place. He hopes she is all right since her earthly cambion form came out.

Seeing how Rowena stared at Vivian and recalling she thought Vivian was a borrow witch exposed a secret. Dean sighed, knowing that was not good. Especially now that Rowena reveals to be Crowley's mom. It would be a matter of time before Crowley comes in.

Dean took a deep breath, returned to the bar, sat on a stool, and stole a bottle of beer. So much for a good night out with Vivian. He wouldn't call it a date, yet he wanted to get out of the Bunker, have a greasy meal, and play pool with Vivian. Something normal.

He needed to be active since he couldn't do a snow day. Sam is off watching a French mime cockroach movie. Vivian running errands. And he couldn't find anything to occupy himself. Other than messing with Sam's room. If not, called Rudy to see if he needed extra help, yet the hunter declined.

Last night's nightmare still bothered him. Everything that Cain said and those who he had killed, only to be awakened by Vivian's voice. He doesn't remember much, yet Vivian was there, and something happened. But the way Vivian acted, he couldn't tell what transpired. Only that the Mark tried to do something, and it didn't happen.

Therefore, he considered making it up to Vivian with a night out.

He hoped Vivian was alright. Once he talked with Crowley, he would head home and check on her. Knowing this required a stronger drink, Dean poured himself some whiskey and made a fancy cocktail for Crowley.

It would be a while when Crowley appeared in the seat next to him.

"We need to talk," Crowley said.

Dean sighed as Crowley told him what Rowena had accused.

"Look, I'm not saying that I didn't want to slice and dice the witch," Dean said. "I'm just saying that's not how it went down."

Crowley gave a defeated look, "So she's a liar."

Dean took a sip of his whiskey, "Must run in the family."

He felt his sleeve roll, so he adjusted, covering the Mark.

Crowley was staring at it, "Mother says that the Mark is just a curse, can be removed. Of course, she doesn't know how."

Dean stared at Crowley, hopeful, and then sighed, "Figures. But I'm good, thanks."

As he looked away, taking another sip.

"Who's the liar now?" Crowley taunted.

Dean rolled his eyes as both took a drink. A curse that can be removed. Dean thought about what Metatron said: that one way to remove the curse is to give it to Vivian. He can only assume that Vivian is Cain's daughter; her blood can accept it with ease. However, Dean doesn't want to pass the curse on to her. She already has enough on her plate from being a cambion.

"She says I've gone soft," Crowley murmured.

Dean chuckled, "You have."

Crowley gave him a look.

"What?" Dean said. "Yeah, maybe it's all the human blood that Sammy pumped into you, you know? Maybe it's, uh – I don't know. I don't know. But the old Crowley would have come in here with hellhounds and demons, and he would have blown the roof off the joint. Now? You didn't want to fight. You wanted to talk."

Crowley comprehended this.

"And maybe I've changed, too," Dean added, caressing his whiskey. "Here I am playing Dr. Phil to the King of Hell." A chuckle escaped him. "Never saw that coming."

As he took another swig.

"Maybe we're getting old," Crowley suggested.

Dean nodded in agreement, "Never saw that coming, either."

Noting his glass was empty, Dean poured more whisky into his cup. Now that he thought about it, he was thirty-six years old. All the shit he has done from being a hunter, and he felt much older. Knowing he had to grow up when he was four years old. Let alone him sitting next to a three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old demon with mommy issues.

"What is it, huh?" Dean asked. "Why you letting mommy dearest tie you into knots?"

"Because…we're family," Crowley answered. "Blood."

"That's not the same thing," Dean disagreed.

Crowley arched a brow.

"A wise man once told me, 'Family don't end in blood,'" Dean said. "But it doesn't start there, either. Family cares about you, not what you can do for them. Family's there through the good and bad – all of it. They got your back … even when it hurts. That's family. That sounds like your mother?"

Dean took another sip of his drink.

Crowley paused, taking Dean's words in, and then shook his head.

Dean felt sorry for Crowley. No doubt Rowena used him when he was human in the olden days. Both can relate to being used by their parents only for different means. Dean then thought about his current family, from Sam, Castiel, and…Vivian. He mentally shook his head, unsure how he felt for Vivian. He can't deny that he liked her more than a friend and is attracted to and cares for her deeply, except for what he did to her. He can't forgive himself.

Either way, the hunter and the demon finish their drinks and head off.

Dean let his mind go blank as he drove back to the Bunker. Once he is there, he secures the place, knowing Sam won't be back until tomorrow. Afterward, he went to his room, though he stopped making his way to Vivian's room. He knocked on the door.

"Come in," Vivian called out.

Dean came in, seeing Vivian dressed for bed and sitting on the bed with a book in hand. She was back to her human form, and those warm brown eyes stared at him.

"What took you so long?" she asked.

Dean made his way over, sitting on the end of the bed. " I had a word with Crowley."

"Rowena cried to her baby boy?" she asked sarcastically.

Dean chuckled and shook his head. "Something like that."

Vivian scoffed, shaking her head.

"Sorry that tonight didn't go as planned," he said.

"It's alright," she assured. "Not like it was a date."

A part of him wanted it to be. "How are you feeling?"

She sighed, "I'm healed."

Dean nodded before standing up, "Get some rest."

"You too," she said.

Dean left, closing the door behind him.

.o0o.

The following morning, Dean woke up early and made himself some breakfast. Vivian was still asleep, and he let her be after being blasted into a pool table last night. Currently, he is in the library eating his breakfast while looking at yesterday's paper.

Footsteps could be heard as Dean looked up, seeing Sam coming in, exhausted.

"Hey," Sam greeted.

"Hey," Dean replied. "How was the movie?"

Sam paused, comprehending what Dean said before saying, "French."

Sam chuckled at that.

"What about you?" Sam asked. "What did you do last night?"

"Viv and I played some pool," Dean answered. "It was kind of boring."

Sam scratched the back of his head, "All right. I'm gonna clean up."

"Yeah," Dean agreed.

When Sam left, Dean sensed that he had not gone to see a movie. For if he had, he would have been here around lunchtime and not breakfast. In other words, Sam went to find a cure or something to help with the Mark of Cain.

Dean sighed, taking another bite of his breakfast.

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