Fiction: Last Exit for the Lost - Sam/Castiel - NC-17 - 2/4
Title: Last Exit for the Lost
Pairing: Sam/Castiel
Rating: NC-17
INFO
PART 1
"Hello, Sammy," Jo said, her voice different. "This is what we're going to do. You and me, we're going to leave together, and I'm going to take you to Him or else this little bitch will meet her end." She grinned and wriggled in Sam's lap.
Sam lay back, fuming inside. He was helpless to stop the demon from doing whatever it could to hurt Jo, and there was no way he wanted her death on his conscience. He nodded, hoping that he could bide his time.
The demon leaned in and writhed against Sam. Her mouth locked onto his, but Sam didn't reciprocate. He tried to push her off, but she was too strong. She bit his lip, and he yelped in pain.
"Kiss me back or I will hurt you." Hesitating, Sam shut his eyes and gave into the demon's demands. The second kiss was long and Sam thought of cold showers, old wrinkled people, anything that would turn him off. He kept his arms at his sides, unwilling to touch Jo's body without her permission. When she wouldn't stop, Sam bit down on her top lip hard enough to draw blood.
The demon pulled back and licked the blood from her lip. "You naughty boy. I knew you liked the rough stuff. I heard rumors you even liked them dead," she said with a cackle.
Sam pushed her off and jumped from the bed, feeling as if his skin was crawling.
She curled up with laughter. "Sam Winchester! You are more fucked up than any demon I ever met." She lay across the bed in a lurid position, thrusting her hips in the air.
Sam looked away. "If you want me to go with you, it'd better be now or so help me..."
"Fine," she said. She slithered off the bed and draped her arms around his neck. "Let's go, lover boy."
Sam held her back when she tried to kiss him again. "If you behave this way in front of Ellen and Bobby, they'll get suspicious and know something is up."
"I guess all the rumors about you are false," the demon said. She slid away from Sam and stalked to the door, swinging it open to let Sam exit the room first. Sam ran every scenario he could think of in his head, but nothing ended with Jo still alive. The demon could kill her in a heartbeat. He needed the element of surprise, but had no idea how he could get that without tipping her off.
"Who are you, anyway?" Sam asked. She pushed him from behind and, before Sam could get his answer, they were at the bottom of the stairs. He could hear voices from the living room. The demon pushed him again, and Sam stumbled forward. The voices in the next room sounded heated and, when Sam and the demon-possessed Jo entered, Bobby and Ellen both turned to face them. Ellen's face was red and Bobby looked upset.
"We're going out for a drive," the demon said with a smile.
Ellen frowned at them both. She was probably trying to come up with an excuse to say no. Sam could have come up with a million. When the demon's back was to him, Sam motioned with his eyes at Jo and tried to mouth a warning, but then the demon turned to smile up at him.
"We'll be back soon," Sam said. For just a moment, Sam was sure Bobby had noticed his hint, but then he just shrugged his shoulders and turned his chair around.
"Don't be too long," Ellen said with a glare directed at Sam.
"I promise to bring her back safe, ma'am," Sam said. He noted that Ellen was wearing her anti-possession necklace, which meant he didn't have to worry about her. He could concentrate on how he'd save Jo. His mind raced with what to do next. If he didn't think of something, they would walk out that door, and Jo would be lost.
"Oh, um, before you two take off," Bobby said. "I need to show you something. Follow me." Bobby rolled across the room and through the doorway to his den. Ellen followed close behind.
The demon glared up at Sam and he shrugged. She pointed a finger at him as a warning, but she didn't say anything before she followed Bobby and Ellen into the den. The demon froze on the spot and Sam stopped just short of entering the room. He looked up at the devil's trap on the ceiling. Relief filled him when he realized that Bobby had understood his cryptic message.
"You son of a bitch," the demon said to Sam. Her eyes went black and Sam stepped into the trap with it to grab Jo's arms before it could do anything to hurt Jo. The demon pulled a dagger from her jacket and stabbed at Sam. The blade plunged into his shoulder to the hilt. Sam screamed in pain and staggered back, slamming into the wall. He clutched at the dagger, staring wide-eyed at Jo who leered at him.
"I bet you thought I was going for the bitch's heart," she said.
Ellen rushed to Sam's side, bending to look at his wound. Sam cried out with each motion. The dagger embedded in his shoulder felt cold and blood poured from the wound to the floor.
Ellen pressed a cloth against the wound. The fabric turned crimson in seconds. She grabbed hold of the knife handle and looked into his eyes. "Ready?"
Sam nodded and braced for pain. When it shot through him, he clenched his teeth and stifled a cry. Ellen dropped the knife beside Sam and tried to stem the flow of blood.
"Lucky for you, she didn't hit anything major," Ellen said. She concentrated on the wound and took the medical kit Bobby offered. Sam leaned against the wall and gazed at Jo. She paced back and forth as far as the devil's trap would allow. Her arms were crossed, and the expression on her face was calm.
When Ellen was finished tending to Sam, she helped him stand. He flicked his hair from his eyes and stalked forward, eyes locked on Jo. "Get out of her," he said with a clenched jaw.
"Make me," the demon said. She leaned forward and puckered her lips. "You're so delicious," she said, licking her lips. The demon turned to look at Ellen. "He is such a great kisser. You should try him some time. Maybe the three of us could get something going." She winked at Sam, and then looked past him. "You could join in too, pops. I'm not usually into old guys, but the whole helpless thing just turns me on." She ran her hands up and down her body and thrust her hips at Bobby.
Bobby looked too stunned to form a response. Ellen just looked away.
The demon twirled a blonde lock around her finger and battered her eyelashes at Sam. "I think Jo likes you. You made us all hot and bothered."
"Shut up!" Ellen screamed. She rushed forward and grabbed the demon-killing knife, brandishing it over her head. When Sam saw the glint of steel, despite his pain, he jumped onto Ellen and wrapped his arms around her. Sam could see Jo flinch out of the corner of his eye.
Sam's knife wound screamed with agony, but he ignored the pain to keep his grip on Ellen. He couldn't let her do something she might regret later. At first, she thrashed in his arms, but then calmed down once she realized that Sam was not going to let go.
"Who are you?" Ellen asked.
"I'm a demon, stupid," the demon said with a sneer. Her eyes were focused on the knife Ellen still held in a tight grip.
"If you don't hurt her, we won't send you back to Hell," Sam said. "Just tell me who you are and where we can find your boss."
The demon rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her chin held high, and her eyes full of defiance.
"She's never going to talk," Bobby said.
"Then do it," Sam said.
"Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio..." Bobby began.
"Stop that!" the demon said.
"Infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica...," Bobby continued. He kept his eyes locked on Jo, each word a snarl. "Perditionis venenum propinare."
Jo stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her throat. She writhed with each word Bobby spoke. "He'll get you in the end, Sam," she said. As Bobby continued to chant the ritual, she pushed herself to her feet, staggering to stay standing. The howl of the wind outside grew louder.
"Vade, satana, inventor et magister omnis fallaciae."
The demon locked her gaze on Sam and smiled. Bobby rolled closer and began to shout the words as a wind picked up and something heavy slammed against the house. Sam and Ellen moved in closer and watched as Jo started to writhe. Her eyes blackened for just a moment before she flung her head back, and black smoke poured up to the ceiling from her wide-open mouth. Sam stepped back and, when the smoke was gone, Jo collapsed to the floor. Ellen rushed to her daughter's side.
"Girl, you'd better be all right, or I'm going to kick your ass," Ellen said. Sam could see the glint of tears in her eyes. When Jo didn't move, Ellen shook her and looked to Sam, sorrow in her eyes.
Sam sighed with relief when Jo suddenly sputtered and woke. She was alive, no thanks to him. Rushing forward, Sam helped move Jo to the sofa. She could barely stand on her own feet, and her eyes went wide with fear when she saw Sam. Bobby handed Ellen the first aid kit, though Jo didn't seem to have a scratch on her.
"I'm so sorry," Jo said. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "I couldn't stop her. I was there. I could feel what she was going to do, but...."
Ellen pushed him aside and knelt by her daughter's side. "You'll be fine," she said.
Sam stood back and watched as mother soothed daughter, thankful that something had gone right.
~~**~~
The house appeared different now with Bobby, Jo, and Ellen asleep inside. Sam stared up at the darkened windows and released the breath he'd been holding. He was safe there, but what good was that if his friends could be used as pawns against him? He couldn't allow that. Sam knew leaving was the best course of action. He stuffed his duffle in the trunk of the car and climbed in.
He stepped on the gas and stared at the dark road ahead. After he'd put a few miles of road behind him, his cell phone rang. Sam pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car off. The sudden silence was eerie, the tick of the engine the only noise around him. Sam stared down at his phone. He should leave it, let it go to voicemail, but instead, he flipped the phone open and answered the call.
"Where are you, Sam?" Bobby said. He sounded grumpy.
"I left," Sam said. "Before you say anything, it's for the best, so don't try to find me or send someone after me."
The other end of the line was silent except for Bobby's breathing.
"Okay," Bobby said with resignation.
"Okay," Sam said. Another silence stretched between them. Bobby was much like Dean when it came to talking things out. "I promise to keep in touch."
"Just be careful, and do me a favor, stay away from Detroit," Bobby said.
"Why? What's in Detroit?"
"Bad beer," Bobby said. "Just promise me you'll do this one thing for me."
"Okay, Bobby. I promise," Sam said, ending the call.
Sam sat in the quiet car. He tilted his head to look up to the sky. It was a clear night, the stars shone bright, and he had parked on a stretch of dark road. Sam climbed out of the car, ignoring the nip in the air, and walked to the back to sit on the trunk and stare up at the stars.
"I need you," he whispered, unsure whom he meant as he whispered the words. His plea met with silence. Sam sat for a while watching the stars, darkness surrounding him. He ignored the growing cold and wrapped his arms around his chest, huddled in his jacket. He was tired and needed sleep, but it was late, and he wasn't up to a long drive to the nearest open motel.
Sam sat up and yawned. Just as he was getting back into the car, his phone rang. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought that Dean could be on the other end. Maybe Bobby had urged Dean to call Sam. He could tell Dean just how much Sam needed him. He flipped the phone open.
"Sam." It was Jo. "Sam, you have to come back," she pleaded.
"This is for the best," Sam said before hanging up.
"No!" was the last word he heard before he hit End.
Sam stared down at the glowing screen and leaned forward to rest his forehead on his arms, the steering wheel cold against his skin. He had to face the facts. It was truly over. Dean would never talk to him again, and Sam was alone.
"Hello, Sam." The voice was soft and smooth with an underlying hidden menace. Sam would recognize it anywhere.
"I'm dreaming," Sam said. He must have fallen asleep.
"You vanished from the map, but I've finally found you again," Lucifer said.
Sam turned to face the smug smile, only the smile wasn't smug at all. It was almost sweet, and Sam stared into blue eyes, wondering why it had to be him. If only Dean had let him die.
"Things would be so much different," Lucifer said as though he'd read Sam's mind.
Sam clenched his jaw and flinched when Lucifer reached out and brushed his rough fingers across Sam's cheeks.
"I can take away all your pain," Lucifer said. He stroked Sam's face with his thumb, sending shivers through Sam. "No more heartache, no more questions about your place on Earth. You and me, we would have a purpose. You'll never have to worry about anything or anyone."
"You talk a lot."
Lucifer smiled and continued to stroke Sam's cheek as a lover would. Sam endured the touch, if for no other reason than to show the son of a bitch that he wasn't afraid. Besides, it was just a dream. Despite that thought, Sam wanted to shudder. He wanted to slap the hand away and run as fast and as far as possible, but there was nowhere to hide.
"I have a lot to say. I speak nothing but the truth, Sam."
"I've already given you my answer," Sam said. He clenched his hands into fists. Lucifer pressed his chest against Sam's arm and leaned in close. Sam pulled back as far as the seat would allow. He watched as the crooked smile turned into a frown.
"You'll let me in," Lucifer said.
"I will never say yes." Sam squeezed his eyes shut and turned away. The kiss meant for his lips brushed against his cheek, soft and gentle, and then fading. When Sam opened his eyes, Lucifer was gone. He was alone.
Sam opened his eyes for real this time. He reached up and touched his cheek where the ghost of a kiss lingered. The pitch darkness around him felt stifling. Sam yanked the car door open, spilling from the vehicle onto the ground. He couldn't stop shivering, and as Sam rested his back against the side of car, the ding of the open door warning cut through the silence of the night.
~~**~~
The next few days were hellish. The knife wound still hurt, and Sam downed painkillers to keep the pain at bay. He found a nice little out of the way town he'd never heard of and rented the cheapest motel room he could, setting talismans to ward away all manner of creature, be it demon or angel, at each corner of the room. The first few days he stayed in the room, he didn't sleep at all. By the fifth day, he could barely keep his eyes open. Sam drank coffee cup after coffee cup and downed caffeine pills, but he was falling apart. He could barely concentrate on the newspaper in front of him. He needed money soon, but there was no way he could get a job when he could barely stand on his feet. He needed sleep but he couldn't risk dreams.
Maybe Castiel would know of some way to keep Lucifer out of his dreams. Sam picked up his cell phone and thumbed down to Castiel's number, a sharp pang in his heart when he saw Dean's name on the display. His finger hovered over Dean's number, but then he scrolled past the name and dialed Castiel.
"Yes," Castiel answered on the first ring.
"I need help," Sam said. He told Castiel where he was and, moments later, the angel stood in the room, arms at his side.
Castiel tilted his head and stared at Sam for a moment before speaking.
"No offense," Castiel said, "but you look terrible." He reached out and touched two fingers to Sam's forehead. In that moment, the pain from the knife wound vanished. Sam pushed his shirt aside to find the gash gone, healed over.
Sam stood, shaky on his feet. "He found me," Sam said. He moved over to the bed and sat down. His hands shook, and he stared down at them, trying to stop them, but they wouldn't stop. He stared until his vision blurred as he wished he'd made better choices.
"Who found you?" Castiel said with narrowed eyes.
"Lucifer finds me in my dreams, and he tells me I have to say yes," Sam said. He felt his chest tighten, his eyes burn. "I can't sleep. I need to know how to keep him away."
Castiel bowed his head, the expression on his face one of sorrow.
"Has Dean asked about me?" Sam wasn't going to ask, but the words just spilled from his mouth of their own volition. He stared up at Castiel and watched as he moved closer, eyes locked on Sam, the answer written all over Castiel's face. Sam's heart sank, and he felt his body give as he slid to the floor. He nodded and licked his dry lips.
"I've no doubt that Dean thinks of you often," Castiel said. "But he doesn't confide in me beyond his next tactical plans to defeat Lucifer and win this war."
Sam stared blankly into space and continued to nod. "Right, sure."
"I could stay with you while you sleep," Castiel said. Sam looked up and saw Castiel's hand come at him. Before he could protest, cool fingers touched his forehead, and his world went black.
~~**~~
Sam sat up in bed, a scream trapped in his throat. He remembered phoning Castiel, but couldn't be certain it wasn't another dream. He was alone in bed and he lifted the sheets to find that he was naked, but he couldn't remember undressing. He couldn't remember anything beyond making the call, Castiel coming to him, and then blissful sleep.
Still groggy, Sam shook his head and sat up with his feet on the cold wooden floor. He felt hung over, as if he'd been drinking all night. He glanced at the time and saw that only a few hours had passed since he'd called Castiel.
"I had urgent business to attend to."
Castiel was standing a few feet in front of him. Sam straightened and checked that he was covered.
"Did this business have something to do with your quest to find God?" he asked.
"No," Castiel said. He paced across the room then back to the bed, sitting down beside Sam. He looked distracted and frustrated. Sam paid closer attention and realized that there was something else different about Castiel. For just a moment, Castiel fidgeted, and then he folded his hands and placed them in his lap, going still. The changes were subtle; Sam noted that Castiel had cinched his tie and buttoned his suit jacket, though his hair remained messy as always.
"Yes," Castiel said after a long silence.
Sam waited, but Castiel seemed to have lost the ability to articulate what he wanted to say. Perhaps he needed an invitation, or maybe he was here to talk about what had happened between them. Sam hoped that wasn't the case, because that would just be awkward.
"I got some sleep," Sam said. He almost managed a smile. "Thanks."
Castiel stared into Sam's eyes, and Sam could see something more there. He thought maybe it was sorrow, but he wasn't sure, since his perception of everything lately couldn't be trusted. Nothing made sense to Sam now.
"Your perception is whole," Castiel said with a bow of his head.
"What is it?" Sam said. He reached up, hesitant at first, and placed a hand on Castiel's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"The search does not go well," Castiel said.
"I'm sorry," Sam said. He tried to think of something more to say, but found he couldn't think of anything. Instead, Sam squeezed Castiel's shoulder again, tighter this time.
"Perhaps it is futile," Castiel said. He stared down at his own hands and his shoulders slumped.
"No," Sam said, shaking his head. "No, it's not."
Castiel looked up to face him once more and Sam could see a spark of something like hope in his eyes.
"I'm glad you managed to sleep," Castiel said. That wasn't what Sam had expected to hear but, just like that, their conversation was over. Castiel stood and slipped from Sam's grip, and Sam followed Castiel's movements as he crossed the room and then turned to face Sam, confusion in his eyes.
"You should stay with me all the time," Sam said in jest.
Castiel glided back across the room so fast, Sam had no time to react. He found himself pushed to the bed with Castiel's weight on top of him. Castiel's warm mouth was on Sam's, and they were kissing. This time, there was no hesitation, and Sam grabbed at Castiel's coat to pull him in closer, mashing their mouths together. He savored the moment, knowing it could end at any second.
Sam closed his eyes and pushed his tongue past parted lips, hungry to taste and lick and feel everything Castiel had to offer. Sam's heart pounded in his chest when Castiel broke the kiss and grabbed a handful of Sam's hair. Their gazes locked and there was hunger in Castiel's eyes.
"You can never say yes." Castiel's voice was deep and vibrated through Sam's entire body. Sam's cock hardened and he thrust against Castiel, reveling in the delicious feel of friction.
"Never," Sam said with conviction. He pushed against Castiel but found he couldn't move. Castiel held him firm, and Sam suppressed a chill. He opened his mouth, but Castiel silenced him with a hard kiss. He thrust his leg between Sam's and yanked Sam's head back to expose his throat. Castiel buried his face in Sam's neck, kissing him. Sam shivered at the feel of Castiel's stubble and tried to move his head. His cock pulsed with each touch, Sam bit his bottom lip as the friction built, and he drew closer to a climax.
"Cas," Sam moaned and threw his head back. Sam clung to Castiel with both hands as he came with a sighed of relief. Weeks of tension evaporated in that one moment and then the weight of Castiel was gone. Sam opened his eyes, knowing what he would find. The room was empty. He was alone again.
PART 3
Pairing: Sam/Castiel
Rating: NC-17
INFO
PART 1
"Hello, Sammy," Jo said, her voice different. "This is what we're going to do. You and me, we're going to leave together, and I'm going to take you to Him or else this little bitch will meet her end." She grinned and wriggled in Sam's lap.
Sam lay back, fuming inside. He was helpless to stop the demon from doing whatever it could to hurt Jo, and there was no way he wanted her death on his conscience. He nodded, hoping that he could bide his time.
The demon leaned in and writhed against Sam. Her mouth locked onto his, but Sam didn't reciprocate. He tried to push her off, but she was too strong. She bit his lip, and he yelped in pain.
"Kiss me back or I will hurt you." Hesitating, Sam shut his eyes and gave into the demon's demands. The second kiss was long and Sam thought of cold showers, old wrinkled people, anything that would turn him off. He kept his arms at his sides, unwilling to touch Jo's body without her permission. When she wouldn't stop, Sam bit down on her top lip hard enough to draw blood.
The demon pulled back and licked the blood from her lip. "You naughty boy. I knew you liked the rough stuff. I heard rumors you even liked them dead," she said with a cackle.
Sam pushed her off and jumped from the bed, feeling as if his skin was crawling.
She curled up with laughter. "Sam Winchester! You are more fucked up than any demon I ever met." She lay across the bed in a lurid position, thrusting her hips in the air.
Sam looked away. "If you want me to go with you, it'd better be now or so help me..."
"Fine," she said. She slithered off the bed and draped her arms around his neck. "Let's go, lover boy."
Sam held her back when she tried to kiss him again. "If you behave this way in front of Ellen and Bobby, they'll get suspicious and know something is up."
"I guess all the rumors about you are false," the demon said. She slid away from Sam and stalked to the door, swinging it open to let Sam exit the room first. Sam ran every scenario he could think of in his head, but nothing ended with Jo still alive. The demon could kill her in a heartbeat. He needed the element of surprise, but had no idea how he could get that without tipping her off.
"Who are you, anyway?" Sam asked. She pushed him from behind and, before Sam could get his answer, they were at the bottom of the stairs. He could hear voices from the living room. The demon pushed him again, and Sam stumbled forward. The voices in the next room sounded heated and, when Sam and the demon-possessed Jo entered, Bobby and Ellen both turned to face them. Ellen's face was red and Bobby looked upset.
"We're going out for a drive," the demon said with a smile.
Ellen frowned at them both. She was probably trying to come up with an excuse to say no. Sam could have come up with a million. When the demon's back was to him, Sam motioned with his eyes at Jo and tried to mouth a warning, but then the demon turned to smile up at him.
"We'll be back soon," Sam said. For just a moment, Sam was sure Bobby had noticed his hint, but then he just shrugged his shoulders and turned his chair around.
"Don't be too long," Ellen said with a glare directed at Sam.
"I promise to bring her back safe, ma'am," Sam said. He noted that Ellen was wearing her anti-possession necklace, which meant he didn't have to worry about her. He could concentrate on how he'd save Jo. His mind raced with what to do next. If he didn't think of something, they would walk out that door, and Jo would be lost.
"Oh, um, before you two take off," Bobby said. "I need to show you something. Follow me." Bobby rolled across the room and through the doorway to his den. Ellen followed close behind.
The demon glared up at Sam and he shrugged. She pointed a finger at him as a warning, but she didn't say anything before she followed Bobby and Ellen into the den. The demon froze on the spot and Sam stopped just short of entering the room. He looked up at the devil's trap on the ceiling. Relief filled him when he realized that Bobby had understood his cryptic message.
"You son of a bitch," the demon said to Sam. Her eyes went black and Sam stepped into the trap with it to grab Jo's arms before it could do anything to hurt Jo. The demon pulled a dagger from her jacket and stabbed at Sam. The blade plunged into his shoulder to the hilt. Sam screamed in pain and staggered back, slamming into the wall. He clutched at the dagger, staring wide-eyed at Jo who leered at him.
"I bet you thought I was going for the bitch's heart," she said.
Ellen rushed to Sam's side, bending to look at his wound. Sam cried out with each motion. The dagger embedded in his shoulder felt cold and blood poured from the wound to the floor.
Ellen pressed a cloth against the wound. The fabric turned crimson in seconds. She grabbed hold of the knife handle and looked into his eyes. "Ready?"
Sam nodded and braced for pain. When it shot through him, he clenched his teeth and stifled a cry. Ellen dropped the knife beside Sam and tried to stem the flow of blood.
"Lucky for you, she didn't hit anything major," Ellen said. She concentrated on the wound and took the medical kit Bobby offered. Sam leaned against the wall and gazed at Jo. She paced back and forth as far as the devil's trap would allow. Her arms were crossed, and the expression on her face was calm.
When Ellen was finished tending to Sam, she helped him stand. He flicked his hair from his eyes and stalked forward, eyes locked on Jo. "Get out of her," he said with a clenched jaw.
"Make me," the demon said. She leaned forward and puckered her lips. "You're so delicious," she said, licking her lips. The demon turned to look at Ellen. "He is such a great kisser. You should try him some time. Maybe the three of us could get something going." She winked at Sam, and then looked past him. "You could join in too, pops. I'm not usually into old guys, but the whole helpless thing just turns me on." She ran her hands up and down her body and thrust her hips at Bobby.
Bobby looked too stunned to form a response. Ellen just looked away.
The demon twirled a blonde lock around her finger and battered her eyelashes at Sam. "I think Jo likes you. You made us all hot and bothered."
"Shut up!" Ellen screamed. She rushed forward and grabbed the demon-killing knife, brandishing it over her head. When Sam saw the glint of steel, despite his pain, he jumped onto Ellen and wrapped his arms around her. Sam could see Jo flinch out of the corner of his eye.
Sam's knife wound screamed with agony, but he ignored the pain to keep his grip on Ellen. He couldn't let her do something she might regret later. At first, she thrashed in his arms, but then calmed down once she realized that Sam was not going to let go.
"Who are you?" Ellen asked.
"I'm a demon, stupid," the demon said with a sneer. Her eyes were focused on the knife Ellen still held in a tight grip.
"If you don't hurt her, we won't send you back to Hell," Sam said. "Just tell me who you are and where we can find your boss."
The demon rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her chin held high, and her eyes full of defiance.
"She's never going to talk," Bobby said.
"Then do it," Sam said.
"Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio..." Bobby began.
"Stop that!" the demon said.
"Infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica...," Bobby continued. He kept his eyes locked on Jo, each word a snarl. "Perditionis venenum propinare."
Jo stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her throat. She writhed with each word Bobby spoke. "He'll get you in the end, Sam," she said. As Bobby continued to chant the ritual, she pushed herself to her feet, staggering to stay standing. The howl of the wind outside grew louder.
"Vade, satana, inventor et magister omnis fallaciae."
The demon locked her gaze on Sam and smiled. Bobby rolled closer and began to shout the words as a wind picked up and something heavy slammed against the house. Sam and Ellen moved in closer and watched as Jo started to writhe. Her eyes blackened for just a moment before she flung her head back, and black smoke poured up to the ceiling from her wide-open mouth. Sam stepped back and, when the smoke was gone, Jo collapsed to the floor. Ellen rushed to her daughter's side.
"Girl, you'd better be all right, or I'm going to kick your ass," Ellen said. Sam could see the glint of tears in her eyes. When Jo didn't move, Ellen shook her and looked to Sam, sorrow in her eyes.
Sam sighed with relief when Jo suddenly sputtered and woke. She was alive, no thanks to him. Rushing forward, Sam helped move Jo to the sofa. She could barely stand on her own feet, and her eyes went wide with fear when she saw Sam. Bobby handed Ellen the first aid kit, though Jo didn't seem to have a scratch on her.
"I'm so sorry," Jo said. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "I couldn't stop her. I was there. I could feel what she was going to do, but...."
Ellen pushed him aside and knelt by her daughter's side. "You'll be fine," she said.
Sam stood back and watched as mother soothed daughter, thankful that something had gone right.
~~**~~
The house appeared different now with Bobby, Jo, and Ellen asleep inside. Sam stared up at the darkened windows and released the breath he'd been holding. He was safe there, but what good was that if his friends could be used as pawns against him? He couldn't allow that. Sam knew leaving was the best course of action. He stuffed his duffle in the trunk of the car and climbed in.
He stepped on the gas and stared at the dark road ahead. After he'd put a few miles of road behind him, his cell phone rang. Sam pulled over to the side of the road and turned the car off. The sudden silence was eerie, the tick of the engine the only noise around him. Sam stared down at his phone. He should leave it, let it go to voicemail, but instead, he flipped the phone open and answered the call.
"Where are you, Sam?" Bobby said. He sounded grumpy.
"I left," Sam said. "Before you say anything, it's for the best, so don't try to find me or send someone after me."
The other end of the line was silent except for Bobby's breathing.
"Okay," Bobby said with resignation.
"Okay," Sam said. Another silence stretched between them. Bobby was much like Dean when it came to talking things out. "I promise to keep in touch."
"Just be careful, and do me a favor, stay away from Detroit," Bobby said.
"Why? What's in Detroit?"
"Bad beer," Bobby said. "Just promise me you'll do this one thing for me."
"Okay, Bobby. I promise," Sam said, ending the call.
Sam sat in the quiet car. He tilted his head to look up to the sky. It was a clear night, the stars shone bright, and he had parked on a stretch of dark road. Sam climbed out of the car, ignoring the nip in the air, and walked to the back to sit on the trunk and stare up at the stars.
"I need you," he whispered, unsure whom he meant as he whispered the words. His plea met with silence. Sam sat for a while watching the stars, darkness surrounding him. He ignored the growing cold and wrapped his arms around his chest, huddled in his jacket. He was tired and needed sleep, but it was late, and he wasn't up to a long drive to the nearest open motel.
Sam sat up and yawned. Just as he was getting back into the car, his phone rang. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought that Dean could be on the other end. Maybe Bobby had urged Dean to call Sam. He could tell Dean just how much Sam needed him. He flipped the phone open.
"Sam." It was Jo. "Sam, you have to come back," she pleaded.
"This is for the best," Sam said before hanging up.
"No!" was the last word he heard before he hit End.
Sam stared down at the glowing screen and leaned forward to rest his forehead on his arms, the steering wheel cold against his skin. He had to face the facts. It was truly over. Dean would never talk to him again, and Sam was alone.
"Hello, Sam." The voice was soft and smooth with an underlying hidden menace. Sam would recognize it anywhere.
"I'm dreaming," Sam said. He must have fallen asleep.
"You vanished from the map, but I've finally found you again," Lucifer said.
Sam turned to face the smug smile, only the smile wasn't smug at all. It was almost sweet, and Sam stared into blue eyes, wondering why it had to be him. If only Dean had let him die.
"Things would be so much different," Lucifer said as though he'd read Sam's mind.
Sam clenched his jaw and flinched when Lucifer reached out and brushed his rough fingers across Sam's cheeks.
"I can take away all your pain," Lucifer said. He stroked Sam's face with his thumb, sending shivers through Sam. "No more heartache, no more questions about your place on Earth. You and me, we would have a purpose. You'll never have to worry about anything or anyone."
"You talk a lot."
Lucifer smiled and continued to stroke Sam's cheek as a lover would. Sam endured the touch, if for no other reason than to show the son of a bitch that he wasn't afraid. Besides, it was just a dream. Despite that thought, Sam wanted to shudder. He wanted to slap the hand away and run as fast and as far as possible, but there was nowhere to hide.
"I have a lot to say. I speak nothing but the truth, Sam."
"I've already given you my answer," Sam said. He clenched his hands into fists. Lucifer pressed his chest against Sam's arm and leaned in close. Sam pulled back as far as the seat would allow. He watched as the crooked smile turned into a frown.
"You'll let me in," Lucifer said.
"I will never say yes." Sam squeezed his eyes shut and turned away. The kiss meant for his lips brushed against his cheek, soft and gentle, and then fading. When Sam opened his eyes, Lucifer was gone. He was alone.
Sam opened his eyes for real this time. He reached up and touched his cheek where the ghost of a kiss lingered. The pitch darkness around him felt stifling. Sam yanked the car door open, spilling from the vehicle onto the ground. He couldn't stop shivering, and as Sam rested his back against the side of car, the ding of the open door warning cut through the silence of the night.
~~**~~
The next few days were hellish. The knife wound still hurt, and Sam downed painkillers to keep the pain at bay. He found a nice little out of the way town he'd never heard of and rented the cheapest motel room he could, setting talismans to ward away all manner of creature, be it demon or angel, at each corner of the room. The first few days he stayed in the room, he didn't sleep at all. By the fifth day, he could barely keep his eyes open. Sam drank coffee cup after coffee cup and downed caffeine pills, but he was falling apart. He could barely concentrate on the newspaper in front of him. He needed money soon, but there was no way he could get a job when he could barely stand on his feet. He needed sleep but he couldn't risk dreams.
Maybe Castiel would know of some way to keep Lucifer out of his dreams. Sam picked up his cell phone and thumbed down to Castiel's number, a sharp pang in his heart when he saw Dean's name on the display. His finger hovered over Dean's number, but then he scrolled past the name and dialed Castiel.
"Yes," Castiel answered on the first ring.
"I need help," Sam said. He told Castiel where he was and, moments later, the angel stood in the room, arms at his side.
Castiel tilted his head and stared at Sam for a moment before speaking.
"No offense," Castiel said, "but you look terrible." He reached out and touched two fingers to Sam's forehead. In that moment, the pain from the knife wound vanished. Sam pushed his shirt aside to find the gash gone, healed over.
Sam stood, shaky on his feet. "He found me," Sam said. He moved over to the bed and sat down. His hands shook, and he stared down at them, trying to stop them, but they wouldn't stop. He stared until his vision blurred as he wished he'd made better choices.
"Who found you?" Castiel said with narrowed eyes.
"Lucifer finds me in my dreams, and he tells me I have to say yes," Sam said. He felt his chest tighten, his eyes burn. "I can't sleep. I need to know how to keep him away."
Castiel bowed his head, the expression on his face one of sorrow.
"Has Dean asked about me?" Sam wasn't going to ask, but the words just spilled from his mouth of their own volition. He stared up at Castiel and watched as he moved closer, eyes locked on Sam, the answer written all over Castiel's face. Sam's heart sank, and he felt his body give as he slid to the floor. He nodded and licked his dry lips.
"I've no doubt that Dean thinks of you often," Castiel said. "But he doesn't confide in me beyond his next tactical plans to defeat Lucifer and win this war."
Sam stared blankly into space and continued to nod. "Right, sure."
"I could stay with you while you sleep," Castiel said. Sam looked up and saw Castiel's hand come at him. Before he could protest, cool fingers touched his forehead, and his world went black.
~~**~~
Sam sat up in bed, a scream trapped in his throat. He remembered phoning Castiel, but couldn't be certain it wasn't another dream. He was alone in bed and he lifted the sheets to find that he was naked, but he couldn't remember undressing. He couldn't remember anything beyond making the call, Castiel coming to him, and then blissful sleep.
Still groggy, Sam shook his head and sat up with his feet on the cold wooden floor. He felt hung over, as if he'd been drinking all night. He glanced at the time and saw that only a few hours had passed since he'd called Castiel.
"I had urgent business to attend to."
Castiel was standing a few feet in front of him. Sam straightened and checked that he was covered.
"Did this business have something to do with your quest to find God?" he asked.
"No," Castiel said. He paced across the room then back to the bed, sitting down beside Sam. He looked distracted and frustrated. Sam paid closer attention and realized that there was something else different about Castiel. For just a moment, Castiel fidgeted, and then he folded his hands and placed them in his lap, going still. The changes were subtle; Sam noted that Castiel had cinched his tie and buttoned his suit jacket, though his hair remained messy as always.
"Yes," Castiel said after a long silence.
Sam waited, but Castiel seemed to have lost the ability to articulate what he wanted to say. Perhaps he needed an invitation, or maybe he was here to talk about what had happened between them. Sam hoped that wasn't the case, because that would just be awkward.
"I got some sleep," Sam said. He almost managed a smile. "Thanks."
Castiel stared into Sam's eyes, and Sam could see something more there. He thought maybe it was sorrow, but he wasn't sure, since his perception of everything lately couldn't be trusted. Nothing made sense to Sam now.
"Your perception is whole," Castiel said with a bow of his head.
"What is it?" Sam said. He reached up, hesitant at first, and placed a hand on Castiel's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"The search does not go well," Castiel said.
"I'm sorry," Sam said. He tried to think of something more to say, but found he couldn't think of anything. Instead, Sam squeezed Castiel's shoulder again, tighter this time.
"Perhaps it is futile," Castiel said. He stared down at his own hands and his shoulders slumped.
"No," Sam said, shaking his head. "No, it's not."
Castiel looked up to face him once more and Sam could see a spark of something like hope in his eyes.
"I'm glad you managed to sleep," Castiel said. That wasn't what Sam had expected to hear but, just like that, their conversation was over. Castiel stood and slipped from Sam's grip, and Sam followed Castiel's movements as he crossed the room and then turned to face Sam, confusion in his eyes.
"You should stay with me all the time," Sam said in jest.
Castiel glided back across the room so fast, Sam had no time to react. He found himself pushed to the bed with Castiel's weight on top of him. Castiel's warm mouth was on Sam's, and they were kissing. This time, there was no hesitation, and Sam grabbed at Castiel's coat to pull him in closer, mashing their mouths together. He savored the moment, knowing it could end at any second.
Sam closed his eyes and pushed his tongue past parted lips, hungry to taste and lick and feel everything Castiel had to offer. Sam's heart pounded in his chest when Castiel broke the kiss and grabbed a handful of Sam's hair. Their gazes locked and there was hunger in Castiel's eyes.
"You can never say yes." Castiel's voice was deep and vibrated through Sam's entire body. Sam's cock hardened and he thrust against Castiel, reveling in the delicious feel of friction.
"Never," Sam said with conviction. He pushed against Castiel but found he couldn't move. Castiel held him firm, and Sam suppressed a chill. He opened his mouth, but Castiel silenced him with a hard kiss. He thrust his leg between Sam's and yanked Sam's head back to expose his throat. Castiel buried his face in Sam's neck, kissing him. Sam shivered at the feel of Castiel's stubble and tried to move his head. His cock pulsed with each touch, Sam bit his bottom lip as the friction built, and he drew closer to a climax.
"Cas," Sam moaned and threw his head back. Sam clung to Castiel with both hands as he came with a sighed of relief. Weeks of tension evaporated in that one moment and then the weight of Castiel was gone. Sam opened his eyes, knowing what he would find. The room was empty. He was alone again.
PART 3