"This? This is where you've been hiding the kid?" 

Dean stared at the abandoned little church Allegra had brought him to. Sure, hallowed ground was strategically good against certain demons, but most of them had ways of getting past those particular wardings. Bobby had once told him a few who even set up shop in the Vatican, of all places. If they could get in there, they could certainly get in this dump in the middle of nowhere. 

"Where are we, anyway?" Dean asked, looking around for any sigh of civilisation. 

"Just outside Indian River, Michigan," replied Allegra, "near the Cross In The Woods Shrine."

"Michigan? I thought Kevin was in Wyoming?"

"He was, until about a week ago. I helped him move when you were out doing groceries."

"When I was — wait a minute. You mean you made me go to four different stores to look for that special ginger tea for your periods just to get me out of the house so I wouldn't know you skipped out to help Kevin?"

"Sorry." Allegra's cheeks reddened. "But if it makes you feel better, I was really happy with the tea. And the chocolate ice cream. And the mint cookies."

Dean opened his mouth to protest, but ended up licking his lips and shutting his mouth. This wasn't worth fighting over, since he'd told Allegra she didn't have to tell him anything about Kevin the last time they argued about him. He shoved the gnawing feeling of having been used to the back of his mind and instead asked, "What made you pick this as a safe house?"

"This is where, um... Michael brought me after I... after Amore killed Eric. I figured the remnants of his grace and mine would scare most monsters off. Kevin reported no demonic activity, so I guess my hunch proved right."

Allegra halted at the door of the little church. She seemed reluctant about going inside. Was she afraid of what Kevin might say if he was with her? The kid had asked not to involve him. But that was before Crowley asked for a meeting and put a clock on them. And the hours were ticking away for too fast. 

"I can wait outside, but he's gonna have to talk to me eventually," said Dean. 

"It's not that," said Allegra. "I just have a bad feeling about all of this."

"Bad feeling as in a Spider-man tingle hinting immediate danger, or bad feeling as in we're slowing being pulled into the Death Star?"

"I don't know. Both, maybe? Crowley knew you were back, Dean. That son of a bitch is watching us, and I didn't even see it."

"Hey, I didn't notice either. We both know how slippery Crowley is, but we can't let that get to us right now. Kevin is our priority, and I don't care if I have to knock him out; he's coming back home with us where we can defend him. You said he had a tablet as well? Like the tablet we used against the Leviathans?"

"Yes, but this one is about demons. Kevin snatched the damn thing when he escaped. I told him to hide it and not even tell me about it. The fewer people know about it, the better."

Allegra pulled out her phone and directed the speakers toward the closed door. When she hit play, the vibrant tune of a cello resonated from the device. 

"It's how he knows it's me," she explained at Dean's questioning head-tilt. "We change the music after each move and visit."

He smirked, amazed at the clever ruse. Even if someone followed Allegra and heard her play the song, they wouldn't know it wouldn't be the same the next time. She undoubtedly placed traps around as well, so all Kevin had to do was activate them and run. It was brilliant.
The music stopped. The door opened. A dank and burned scent hit Dean's nostrils. He took a deep breath of fresh air before following Allegra inside. By some small miracle, the floor, ceiling, and walls hadn't suffered too much damage from the fire, though the entire building would probably crumble at the faintest gust of wind. 

A squirt of ice cold water suddenly soaked Dean's neck. He yelped and turned his head to find Kevin standing to his right, a water blaster at the ready. His once shaggy, black hair was cut short, almost military style. The muscles stood out in his tense body, and there was dirt on his face. He bore the apprehensive look of a distressed and hunted man in his eyes. Something Dean knew all too well after spending months in Purgatory. 

"Wha—Dean?" The kid lowered his blaster. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Hello to you too," reacted Dean, miffed at the unwelcome greeting and the holy water running down his back.

Kevin scowled at Allegra. "I told you not to get him involved."

"Sorry, but the situation's changed," she replied, "and we can use Dean on this one."

"Why, what happened?"

"Crowley's done playing nice. He gave us twenty-four hours to tell you he wants to make a deal, then he's coming after you with everything he's got. We need to get you back to the house where we can protect you better."

Much to Dean's surprise, Kevin scoffed and shook his head. He made his way over to the charred altar and grabbed a bottle of... whiskey? 

"What's the deal?" he asked after taking a swig and wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "Did Crowley say?"

"No," said Allegra. "But whatever it is, it's not worth considering."

Another scoff. Another big gulp of whiskey. Dean exchanged a concerned glance with Allegra. He didn't have to read her mind to know she was worrying about the same thing. 

"Kid," he stepped forward, "I understand."

"No, you don't," sneered Kevin. 

"Oh, believe me," said Dean, "I do. I've had things come after me. Things that even scared the living hell out of Crowley. I've lived the nomad life and lost what little roots I had after my mother died when I was four years old. And I've been where you are more than once. With a deal to make it all better right there for me to take. I paid the price for each one. So trust me when I say you don't want to think about accepting whatever Crowley offers."

Kevin sighed and slumped down on the step he was standing on. The whiskey bottle clunked against the floor, echoing in the choir's space behind him as he said, "I know trusting that bastard is a bad idea. But I'm tired, Dean. I'm barely hanging on. The moment I find a little rest, my mind forces me to think about my mom. Allegra asked that Sheriff-lady she's friends with to look out for her, but I'm still so afraid Crowley will use her to get to me. If this deal keeps her safe... Wouldn't you take it if you were me?"

He had Dean there. Sam, his dad, Bobby, Allegra, heck, even the entire world. It was hypocritical to convince Kevin he shouldn't make a deal — not even for his mom's sake — when he had done the same five times already. Or was it six times?
Dean looked at his girlfriend. He knew she had her own standing agreement with Crowley, so she couldn't object to Kevin's words either. Yet by the way Allegra stood with her hands on her hips, her lips pinched, and her eyes shooting lightning, Dean could tell she didn't like Kevin's reasoning one bit.

"You want me to knock him out?" he tried through their mind link. "We can get his mom, too. Look after them both."

"No," she replied. "Kevin has the right to choose what he wants to do. I already broke one promise by involving you. He doesn't want his mom anywhere near him as long as he's on Crowley's radar, and we should respect that."

Allegra exhaled slowly, relaxing the tension on her body. She walked over to Kevin and got down to his level. She put a hand on his knee, drawing his glazed eyes to her. Dean observed Allegra closely in her interaction with the kid. There was no denying she'd bonded with Kevin over the last couple of months. The once promising high school student with a bright future ahead had been forced to grow up far too fast to take up responsibility for a destiny he hadn't signed up for, just like Allegra. Both had been screwed over royally by God and the angel-squad. Both had demons after them. And both had been forced to abandon everything and everyone they knew.

"We do this together," Dean heard Allegra say. "You, me, and Dean. We'll meet with Crowley, we listen, and we decide what to do after. You don't accept or decide anything without talking about it with us first."

Kevin nodded slowly. They both turned to Dean next. For the first time since coming back, he wished he had his brother or guardian angel backing him up on this one. 

***

The soft late-March weather made people want to enjoy their evening. There was a quaint ambiance in the streets as families and couples strolled about. Had it been any other night, Dean might've appreciated it as well. He would've invited Allegra on a walk with Trixie and just basked in the pleasure of her company. As it was, he waited anxiously for the King of Hell to show up on the main square. 
Dean checked his phone again, realizing only thirty seconds had passed since the last time. Crowley was already ten minutes late, and Dean got antsier with every minute the clock ticked away. What the hell was taking him so damn long? 

"Hello Squirrel."

Dean whirled round at the Scottish accent sounding behind him. Every fiber of his body was on instant high alert when he met Crowley's smirk. 

"Looking good," said the demon. "Glad to see those months in Purgatory didn't damage you too badly. Where's your angel?"

"Ask your mother."

"There's that grade-school zip. Missed it. I really did."

"How did you know I was back?" demanded Dean. 

"Oh, I had a hunch after a rival of mine went missing in this area. Fellow by the name of Rumplestiltskin? Annoying imp, and glad to be rid of him, so my thanks for that one. My suspicions were confirmed after a lovely chat with a certain hellion, though."

Dean's eyes widened at the mention of Lady Aosoth. "You were the one who sent her after us?"

"Afraid not. Someone else collected that particular favor. You and Allegra were lucky she got her fill with the desires of others before she got to you two. She downgraded her influence considerably to keep you alive."

"Do you know who called in the favor?"

"No, and I don't care either. What I do care about is my prophet. Where's Kevin?"

Dean scowled and beckoned Crowley to follow him. As he led him down the street to the Wonderland Bar, Dean's mind kept going back to the hellion. Having the King of Hell confirm he had nothing to do with that should've been a relief, but it had the opposite effect. Because if Crowley didn't have a hand in that affair, that only left one other party. Though Allegra broken all contact with the angels, it was clear those feathered douchebags were still pulling at their strings and didn't mind a body-count. They had to be careful. But first things first. 

"In here," he told Crowley, opening the door to the Wonderland Bar.

The demon shrugged as Dean lead him inside. He scanned the room, finding Allegra seated at the far end of the bar. She wanted the meeting to take place on their turf, yet without giving Crowley too much of a chance to send his demons ahead, hence the change of location. It was a crowded night, so he was less likely to cause a scene. Or so they hoped.

"Hello, love." Crowley greeted Allegra and sat down on the only vacant seat left beside her. "Buy a guy a drink?"

"Sure," she said. "How does the Cheshire Elixir sound?"

Crowley eyed the Mad Hatter-bartender mixing his cocktail and putting it in front him. He sniffed it suspiciously, then hummed appreciatively after taking a sipp. "Now that is a good drink. Just a subtle touch of absinthe to elevate the palate and brush against a full release of all inhibitions. Exquisite." 

Dean rolled his eyes. He'd forgotten how flourishing Crowley could be. That way of smooth talking got him plenty of deals in the past, but it wouldn't help him today. Crowley wasn't the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve. Ensuring he had a full view of the entire room, Dean leaned against the wall, keeping the demon between him and his girlfriend.

"So, darling," Crowley faced Allegra, "tied up all loose ends from yesterday's unfortunate events?"

"Yes, thank you again for the assist," she said politely. 

"Only honoring our agreement. Speaking of which," Crowley looked around him, "we seem to miss someone."

Allegra knocked on the surface of the bar. Kevin popped up from behind it. Since they were regulars, Dean and Allegra had gotten the okay from the bartender to let Kevin hide there to 'surprise his uncle for his birthday'.

"Kev!" exclaimed the King of Hell happily, as if completely aware of the ruse. "Long time no see. How've you been?" 

"Peachy, thanks," sneered Kevin. "Heard you wanted to make a deal?"

"That I do. Mind if we talk in private?"

"I do, actually. Allegra and Dean are staying. Now start talking."

"Stubbornness is contagious, I see. You fit right into the little family these two are creating. Very well, then. Oh, but first..."

Crowley pointed behind him, to where a girl went to sit on her own at the table by the window. She was pretty. Asian, with long black hair and dark eyes — too dark. 

"Channing," whispered Kevin, turning as white as a sheet when he recognized his possessed ex-girlfriend. 

"You didn't think I would come into this without some insurance, did you? Now, just to put your mind at ease, she's merely here for my protection. Can't risk anything with Mr. and Mrs. Winchester around, can I?"

"Smart call," said Allegra. "But we kinda expected something like that. Hope you're comfortable, 'cause you're not getting off your seat anytime soon."

Crowley furrowed his brow. He tried to move but found himself glued to the bar-stool. Dean watched the demon's confusion with amusement. Allegra then held out the brown crayon she'd used to draw a demon-trap right underneath the high chair, its color matching the floor of the bar. 

"Well played, love," complimented Crowley. "Kudos on doing all of this in public, too. Heck of a move. But are you really prepared to risk so much for little Kevin here? Sacrifice all other pieces for one measly pawn?"

"Even a pawn can be important in a chess game. And we've literally trapped the King, so the question is rather, what are you prepared to do?"

The hairs on the nape of Dean's neck rose as the King of Hell chuckled at her dare. Smug bastard was enjoying this too much to Dean's liking. He kept an eye on the other patrons, trusting every instinct he had from a lifetime of hunting. Crowley always thought two steps ahead, but so did Allegra. She'd been raised by Gabriel, the Trickster, and spent most of her life deceiving and fighting every supernatural bad guy Hell spat at her. These two were each other's match, and they both knew it. 

"To business, then." Crowley clicked his tongue and turned his attention back to Kevin. "I would like to propose an alliance. You translate the tablet for me, in a location of your own choosing, with two demons on guard. One will keep you safe, on pain of never-ending torture should he fail, while the other helps you in whatever you need and also ensures you don't try any funny business. As soon as you hand over the translation, you are free to live you life. You have my word I won't come after you, nor will I allow any demon to do so."

That sounded too good. There had to be a catch. 

"I suppose you want me to focus specifically on the part about opening Hell Gates?" asked Kevin.

Yup, there it was. But before Dean could protest, Allegra beat him to it and said, "Obviously, we're not giving you the means to throw open those doors, so if Kevin agrees to your deal, I'll go over everything he translates and decide what to give you."

"And risk letting you keep the part about shutting Hell forever? Not bloody likely."

Crowley gave Allegra an intense look. She returned it at first, but Dean suddenly caught her glancing at Kevin, who held an equally fierce expression on his face. He recalled then Allegra had a mind link with him as well. Her lips pursed, and she gave a curt nod, to which Kevin cleared his throat. 

"Here's my counter-offer," he spoke in a firm voice. "First off, my loved-ones are off limits in making me do what you want. I'll translate everything on the tablet, except whatever is mentioned on the Gates. There'll be other useful information, so just work with that. I agree on the demon guards, but only if I can stay with Allegra and Dean. They drop me off at a location I feel comfortable enough to work in and pick me up each evening. When my work's done, I get my life back and don't hear from any of you ever again. Do you both agree with this?"

"Yes," said Allegra.

"Hm, I suppose it's better than nothing," mused Crowley aloud. 

"Do I get a say?" asked Dean, annoyed at being a mere witness.

"Not really," said Kevin, already extending his hand to Crowley. "I know a deal with a Crossroads-demon is usually sealed with a kiss, but no way am I kissing you, so I trust you won't object to a gentleman's handshake instead?"

"Not at all." Crowley shook Kevin's hand and then gave him a business card. "Call this number once you find a suitable location. I expect you to start by the end of the week. Now, Squirrel, if you please?"

Dean huffed and dragged the tip of his boot over the edge of the demon-trap on the floor. The King of Hell hopped off the bar-stool, downed the rest of his drink, and nodded to the three of them as he took his leave. 

"Crowley," called Allegra, "aren't you forgetting something?"

"Hm?" He glimpsed over his shoulder.

"The girl."

"I did mention she was my protection, didn't I? She'll stay with me as long as Kevin stays with you."

"Yeah, don't think so. Dean?"

Finally! He drove his elbow against the fire alarm he'd conveniently been hiding. A blaring siren resounded through the bar, and the servers sprang into action to guide everyone out. Yet between the chaos, Dean noticed several people remaining where they were and turning to Crowley. As suspected — back-up. 
With the agility of a tiger, Dean climbed up the bar, lit his lighter and held it right underneath the sprinkler system. Every demon in the room writhed in pain, screaming at the top of their lungs as the water drenched them. Crowley, partly protected by his black trench coat, zapped out, leaving his minions to fend for themselves. Left with only one option, the demons exited their vessels in a blur of black smoke, hastening out of the deluge through whatever window, door, or air vent was nearest to them. 

Allegra dove through the door marked 'private' to cut off the water while Kevin hastened to his ex to see if she was all right. Dean jumped off the bar and checked the others still in the room. All were groaning and completely soaked, but alive and demon-free. 
The trick his father once used in a factory had worked once again. A crucifix in the water tank, an extra strong blessing spoken by a hybrid-Archangel, and boom — holy water. If Allegra managed the next part by manipulating the lightning from the plague of hail, the fire department and insurance company would find the circuits to the alarm and the security cameras completely fried. A freak electrical haywire could happen anywhere and anytime, after all.

"Is everyone okay?" asked Allegra as she joined Dean, wet hair sticking to her head. 

"Yeah," he said. "You know this is gonna bite us in the ass, right?"

"Maybe. But we saved Channing and all these other people. And we got the best compromise for Kevin. Crowley won't back out of it. He needs the info on that tablet."

"You got a plan on making Kevin give us what we need as well?"

Allegra didn't reply. A knot tightened in Dean's chest as it became clear he would have to fly solo on this one. She might've agreed to a three-way deal with Kevin and Crowley, but he hadn't. If there was any way to get the spell to put a big 'permanently closed' sign on Hell's Gates, he had to try. For everyone's sake.