[ There's something impossibly fond in Crowley's face as he says that and maybe he does let Blake see more than he should, but he knows that Blake doesn't have ulterior motives. He's had enough time to find them if they were there. ]
[ Oh, well, Crowley thinks he's have enough time to find them, but remember that Blake is a clever little shit and he's often surprising even to Crowley who arguably knows him best. But no, no ulterior motives this time around. ]
[ Blake groans in a good-natured way and rolls away from the demon to curl up on his side and pull his pillow in close. ] You keep tellin' yourself that, dear.
[ Crowley hums. What he'd really like is for them to get that sword so they can stop worrying for a little while and then he won't have to let Blake up as quickly next time. For now, though, he should really let him get up. They've got to solve this riddle.
He kisses Blake's hair and then starts to sit up. ]
[ He lies back in Blake's bed and watches him. Right now he doesn't feel he has the luxury to argue more than this. After this is over, he'll see that Blake catches up on sleep... or at least spends a lot of time in a bed. ]
Kevin and I were thinking that the answer might involve the ocean.
[ As he settles back at his desk, John contemplates the suggestion as he turns on the light. The ocean? He hadn't seem much that suggested that, but he'll look again. ]
Was thinkin' chess pieces myself. Rooks, maybe.
[ Grabbing up a pen, he digs out his notes and begins transcribing them. A moment later, he glances at Crowley.
[ As Blake says this, he tears the paper from his notebook and steps back over, sitting on the edge of the bed near Crowley once more. He doesn't hand it over, though, not yet. ]
But you're not gonna judge me based on how the entirety of my work only fits on one page, are you?
[ With a rueful smile, Blake offers over the notes. They're mostly half thoughts and tenuous leads, but he's certainly managed to stretch that riddle far. ]
Didn't even want to do this, y'know? Just... put it off an' put it off that first day or so.
[ Crowley takes the paper in one hand, wrapping the other around Blake without a thought. ]
Yeah? I jumped right on it when I saw that stupid thing. Figured someone has to solve it. Might as well be me. Kevin's a smart kid, too. We were covering twice as much ground that way.
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[ He tucks his arm under his head to prop it up. ]
You'd know the diff'rence, right?
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[ Which is something of a lie, but John thinks Crowley knows as much so he just waits for a response instead of taking it back immediately. ]
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[ There's something impossibly fond in Crowley's face as he says that and maybe he does let Blake see more than he should, but he knows that Blake doesn't have ulterior motives. He's had enough time to find them if they were there. ]
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[ Blake groans in a good-natured way and rolls away from the demon to curl up on his side and pull his pillow in close. ] You keep tellin' yourself that, dear.
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Don't be a brat. You know I'm right.
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[ Just sayin'. And then he sighs. ]
Don't think I can go back to sleep. Maybe I'll get back up.
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Maybe you'll show me your notes.
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[ But considering they're suddenly cuddling again, he's not sure how serious Crowley is in that moment. ]
But you're gonna have to let me up.
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He kisses Blake's hair and then starts to sit up. ]
If you're not going back to sleep.
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[ Not that Blake's complaining. He sits up and rubs at his face, tired but too worked up to sleep. ]
I'll make you a copy? You can take it with you when you go. There's not much there.
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[ He lies back in Blake's bed and watches him. Right now he doesn't feel he has the luxury to argue more than this. After this is over, he'll see that Blake catches up on sleep... or at least spends a lot of time in a bed. ]
Kevin and I were thinking that the answer might involve the ocean.
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Was thinkin' chess pieces myself. Rooks, maybe.
[ Grabbing up a pen, he digs out his notes and begins transcribing them. A moment later, he glances at Crowley.
You're workin' well with Kevin?
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[ He leans up on his elbows. ]
I went to the checkerboard hills earlier. Chess isn't a bad direction to look in around here.
[ Maybe he should mention the tape, but he doesn't want to have to tell Blake what it had said to him. ]
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Did you find anything there? Or anyone?
[ That's the logical next question, anyway. ]
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[ He shrugs, clearly annoyed that the riddle has proved such a challenge for them. ]
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[ Blake's already most of the way through copying his notes. He really don't have a ton to offer. ]
Or the ballroom?
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[ Everything is always a negotiation, even with Blake. ]
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Sure. Share an' share alike.
[ As Blake says this, he tears the paper from his notebook and steps back over, sitting on the edge of the bed near Crowley once more. He doesn't hand it over, though, not yet. ]
But you're not gonna judge me based on how the entirety of my work only fits on one page, are you?
[ Somewhat sleepily amused, he is. ]
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[ He pushes himself up and sits next to Blake on the edge of the bed to get a good look. ]
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Didn't even want to do this, y'know? Just... put it off an' put it off that first day or so.
[ And yet... ]
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Yeah? I jumped right on it when I saw that stupid thing. Figured someone has to solve it. Might as well be me. Kevin's a smart kid, too. We were covering twice as much ground that way.
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[ Call it a momentary lapse in whatever faith he has, but he seems too be righting himself again.
He places a hand on Crowley's thigh. ]
Sure I can't convince you to sleep with me instead?
[ So purposely worded. John should be ashamed of himself, but he's not. ]
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Once we have the sword, we'll do a lot of that.
[ He kisses Blake again, this time more insistent. ]
A lot.
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Mm. Now I know you're serious 'cause you're turnin' down sex. Guess that means I'd better get to work.
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