I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend [Closed]

[goesdown]

Who: Crowley with Sam Yao, John Blake, Bucky Barnes, Emma Swan and Castiel
Where: various
When: June 1st, June 5th and June 8th (dates subject to change if anything comes up)
Rating: R
Warnings: discussion and themes relating to addiction
Summary: Crowley falls back on old habits.
The Story:

(June 1st - Sam Yao, John Blake. June 5th - Bucky Barnes. June 8th - Emma Swan)

Comments

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"You were dying. You needed something and I killed someone to get it for you." Crowley doesn't shy away from the question, but he doesn't think Castiel should get all the spoilers, not the least of which because Castiel's been a Dumbass with a capital D yet again and Crowley doesn't want to have to explain it all.

"We've both been a bit closer to human lately." He shrugs, letting that little bit through. It's funny, but he gets the feeling that he actually likes it more than Castiel does.

[freewill]

Castiel has had a few brushes with being human here within Wonderland and he hasn't enjoyed any of them. It's led to discomfort in some situations and outright death in others, and he'd be all too glad to never have to go through the process again.

But it's something that exists in his future back home. Crowley isn't the first one to say as much to him, either. Castiel sighs and rubs at his eyes with his free hand. Crowley killing someone else to save him does sound like his brand of generosity...

"What was I dying from? And what did I need?"

It may not benefit him to learn any of this as he'll forget all of it, but he still wants to know.

[goesdown]

Leave it to Castiel to want no surprises down the line. It doesn't really matter, because he'll forget all of it, anyway.

"Grace." He plows on before Castiel can jump to rude conclusions. "And no, I didn't kill an innocent angel. They'd been sent to kill you, so you're welcome."

Castiel just doesn't want to stay alive sometimes. It's tiring to witness and even more tiring to try to fight against. Crowley really can't wrap his brain around it after he's spent so long refusing to die.

[freewill]

There have definitely been times, especially in recent years, when Castiel has felt that he would be better off dead. A large helping of guilt and the belief that those dear to him would be better off without him is what had driven those thoughts.

Someone had been sent to kill him. An angel, if he's interpreting Crowley's words correctly. It's hardly surprising when he's the one responsible for all of his siblings Falling. Even so, it isn't easy to hear, and Castiel clenches his jaw and averts his gaze for a few seconds, the Blade still held tight in his hand.

Should he ask why Crowley did such a thing? He isn't bound to like any answer he gets, and dwelling on the future too much won't get him anywhere.

So without a word, Castiel draws the Blade to his chest. He sets the blunt edge against his front and then applies force. His skin lights up with the exertion of it, his Grace uncertain at first if it should allow something so powerful in. But after a few more seconds of putting on pressure, the Blade disappears into his vessel, the light dying down once it's fully submerged.

It's going to take some getting used to, but eventually he'll be able to forget that it's there. Castiel lets out a breath and finally looks back to Crowley. "There."

[goesdown]

Crowley looks oddly and uncharacteristically nauseous when Castiel looks back at him. That would have been unpalatable had he not been spending a little too much time getting in touch with his humanity. Sure, he's ripped something out of there, but that's different than putting it in and besides, he'd wanted to hurt Castiela lot more back then. The difference between torture and gore for gore's sake is certainly present in Crowley's mind. What's the point in bathing in random blood instead of the blood of your enemies?

"Well, this was enlightening." He stares at the spots on Castiel's chest where the blade had disappeared. "I'm going to go drink until I forget that I just gave you something that can kill me and you put it in your rib cage for safe keeping."

[freewill]

It's not like any demon to find something such as this squeamish, especially since it hadn't involved much in the way of blood spilling. Although Crowley appears to be more disturbed by the idea of handing over something so powerful to Castiel, rather than the actual act of him hiding it.

It would in fact help if Crowley forgot, even though Castiel realizes it's nothing more than a turn of phrase. But the less people who know about this, the better. It's worth a reminder. "Don't speak of this to anyone," he warns.

He could have left it at that, but after a pause Castiel draws in a breath and adds, "And Crowley, I have no intention of killing you." For one thing, it would be pointless to do so here in Wonderland. For another, Crowley apparently saves his life in the future and Castiel isn't about to forget that. Even if it had somehow been for Crowley's own benefit, it's still something that has to be acknowledged, much as it pains him to.

[goesdown]

Crowley nods quickly. He's not going to tell anyone, not even Blake, because that knowledge is dangerous and the more people know, the less safe the blade really is.

"That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Feathers." With some measure of genuine surprise, Crowley raises his eyebrows. "The sentiment is mutual."

Castiel is hardly on Crowley's most hated list right now. Even back home, Crowley's got bigger fish to fry and while he's certainly capable of holding a grudge, it's hardly the time. Having an angel on his side, no matter how tenuous, is always useful and in Wonderland especially, he'd rather have allies where he can get them.

[freewill]

It feels wrong to be having anything like a friendly interaction with Crowley, but Castiel has also grown tired of fighting it. They happen to be on the same side here within Wonderland, and he isn't keeping that a secret from anyone like before. There's no reason for the Winchesters to be upset about this -- the hiding place of the Blade is something that must remain mysterious.

Dean should understand that well enough, once he decides that he no longer wants to lock himself away in his room.

"I'm glad that we have an understanding," he replies, still thrown off by how genial the words are, at least compared to his normal scornful tone.

Their business is done here, and so without any warning Castiel flies off, leaving the sound of flapping wings to echo through the large room.