#i wrote. a ton of words for it that it made ao3 lag a bit for me.

[caramelmochacrow]

realizing the d4dj fic im working on is similar to this one fic in my aa au that. means so much to me. both are not yet done.

d4dj one: is abt a group of friends hanging out w four of their friends before they might cut contact w them forever because of a change they cannot control.

aa one: is abt a group of friends hanging out w one of their friends before they might cut contact w them forever because of a change they cannot control.

d4dj one: is kind of helping me cope w the fact that my sister will be going to college soon and that i might go to college soon too.

aa one: helped/is helping me cope w the fact that i moved away from all of my childhood friends, all my friends in general, and my relatives without saying proper goodbyes.

well damn.

[bobby-singers-library]

A Whirlwind Romance Chapter 12

Previous Chapters; Chapter1 Chapter 11

Read on my AO3

Jo sat in the parking lot of the penthouse for 10 minutes, just starring out the window with her hands clenched on the steering wheel, before she picked up her phone to call Crowley.

The phone rang twice before he picked up, “Hey, sweetheart. I thought I was going to have to come look for you.” Crowley said to her amused.

“No,” said Jo in a soft voice, “I'm downstairs.”

“Whats wrong?” Crowley said instantly worried at her tone.

“It was bad. Can you come help me? I just want to be done.” she said with a slight hitch in her voice.

“I'm coming.” Crowley flipped off the phone and headed for the front door. It didn't take him long to make it to her truck, he opened the drivers side where Jo was still seated with a vacant look on her face. “Come on, luv.” Crowley pulled her hand away from the steering wheel and helped her out of the truck. She immediately put her arms around his body and buried her face in his chest. “I suppose things didn't go well with your Mother?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed his cheek to her hair.

“It was horrible.” Jo said into his chest.

“Ok, it will be ok. Lets just get your things. We'll go upstairs, and it will be ok.” he kissed the top of her head then pulled away.

Jo nodded, she leaned into the truck to get her purse and plant, then made her way to the bed of the truck where her two containers where. She grabbed the one with her pictures, resting her plant on top of it as she carried it. Crowley grabbed the other and they made their way inside.

They left her containers inside the door, but Jo carried her plant to the kitchen and put it in the center of the island. She stood and looked at it for a few moments.  Crowley came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, “Let's sit down. I'll order us a pizza and you can tell me what happened. Ok?” he said in a soft voice.

Jo just nodded, she pulled away from him and went to the couch. She flopped down, lettering her head fall back on the couch, her eyes looking at the ceiling but not really seeing it. Her mind just kept playing her fight with her mother over and over. She didn't hear Crowley order the pizza, too caught up in her own mind, she finally snapped out of it when he sat next to her, he reached over to scoop her legs over his own and put his arms around her so she was partially in his lap, and held close to his chest. Jo let out a pleased sound wrapped her arms around him.

“Tell me,” whispered Crowley as he ran his fingers through her soft hair.

Jo sighed but nodded against his shoulder, she lifted her head to look at him sadly, “I guess she just told me what she really thought of me.” she said sadly. “I tried to tell her why I kept things from her, and how I needed our relationship to change, but as usual she turned it on me, threw basically my whole life back in my face. I never knew....I didn't know how disappointed she was in me and now that I know, it just hurts so much.” She said the last words with a broken sob. She buried her face back in Crowley's shoulder and let herself cry.

Crowley held her tighter, and made comforting noises as he rubbed her back. He was angry enough that he wanted to go to her Mother's house and give her a piece of his mind, but he knew better then that. He was still hoping her family would come around and if he went over there angry that would never happen. He held her until her cries quieted, she wasn't asleep because her hand kept opening and closing on his shirt. When the doorbell rang he loathed to move her, but she pulled away and moved her legs off his lap so he could get up.

Jo got up and grabbed a couple of plates and waters to go with dinner. She brought them to the living room and sat them down in front of the couch on the cocktail table. Crowley set the pizza there as well. They served themselves in silence. They didn't speak again until they were both done and cleaning up.

“What do I do?” Jo asked him in a small voice while she rinsed their plates off. Crowley who was putting the leftover pizza in a zip lock back, stopped and looked over at her.

“I'm not sure, sweetheart. My own Mother died when I was very young. I don't remember her. So my dealings with Mothers is limited. I don't know what to do here. I'm not sure why yours would be anything but proud of you, you're amazing. You're kind and strong, and so perfect.” Crowley looked rather embarrassed about his own words.

Jo snorted, “I am hardly perfect.” she rolled her eyes.

“I know that no one is perfect and all that rot. But to me you are. Every breath you take, every move you make, “ Crowley grinned at her.

“Oh god, that's horrible! That's a total stalker song!” she looked at Crowley aghast.

“Ohhh I know what my ring tone should be! Where's your phone?” He started looking around jokingly.

“No,” Jo laughed, “You are not using that terrible song!”

“Fine,” Crowley said good naturedly. He put his arm around her waist and brought her in for a quick kiss, “Got you laughing though.” he said into her ear.

Jo wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight, “You're perfect to me too,” she said in a small voice. “Can we just go to bed now? I think I'm done with today.”

“Alright, luv, lets go to bed.” They shut off the lights and headed for their bedroom.

The next morning they were both up early and getting ready for work, as they were getting ready to leave Crowley stopped Jo with a hand on her arm. She turned around to look at him in confusion. He smiled at her and opened his other hand showing her the engagement ring. “Do you want it back?” he and uncertainly.

Jo rolled her eyes at him, “Of course I do. I'm not going to pretend we're not engaged. I don't even care if it gets back to my Mom at this point. In fact I hope it does. I'm done with her and her bullshit.” Jo took her ring from him and slid it back on, her sadness had morphed into righteous anger over night.

Crowley grinned at her and leaned in for a kiss. “Don't go burn her house down later, sweetheart.” he joked.

Jo returned the kiss, “Nope, that would show that she hurt me. She doesn't get that anymore.” Jo spun around the ends of her ponytail almost hitting him in the face. She walked out with a pissed off confidence he both admired and feared. He did not want her pissed at him. Ever.

He walked behind her at a slower pace enjoying her figure in her tight jeans. When she got to the elevator she turned around to see what was taking so long, he grinned at her when she raised her eyebrows at him, “What were you doing?” she asked.

“Just enjoying the view.” he said innocently as they got into the elevator.

“Perv,” she laughed at him.

“It's not my fault those jeans make your ass look amazing. I love your shoes by the way.” He grinned at her.

Jo just shook her head. She glanced down at the Louis Vuitton boots he had gotten her. “Thanks, handsome.” she winked at him.

They exited the elevator together and made their way to their vehicles. They shared a brief kiss as a goodbye and went their separate ways.

Jo walked into the garage and inhaled the scent of cars, it felt like she hadn't been here in a long time, even though it had only been 5 days. She made her way to her office to start the day. She had a back log of messages she answered first. Then she wrote an email to the Duke she had met at the party over the weekend, encouraging him to send her as many pictures as he could of the cars in his inherited garage. She also made a few phone calls to parts dealers she kept in contact with to see if there were any parts available for the garages current projects. She was pleased with how much she got done when there was a knock on the door, she looked up to see Bobby frowning at her.

“Oh lord, why am I getting that look?” she asked him with a sigh.

“Ain't no look. Just wondering why you didn't come say hi to everyone when you got here?”

“I knew there would be a ton of stuff I needed to do, so I thought I would do that first. Is that ok boss? That I wanted to help run the business before I came out to gossip with you ladies?” Jo gave him a shit eating grin.

“Smart ass.” he grumbled. “You done? Cause I had to stop both them snoopers like 3 times from coming in to bother you. I'm about done with it.”

“Yeah, we're mostly caught up.” Jo stood up from her chair and stretched, “I think I might have gotten us a good lead on some cars though. Have to wait and see but it might be sweet.” she smiled at him before coming around the desk.

“What kinda cars?” he said with a tiny bit of interest.

“Possibly Italian sports cars. Not sure yet. I am asking for photos. I'll get you in here as soon as he sends some.” Jo smiled at him as they walked towards the front of the garage where she could hear Dean singing along to the radio badly.

“Huh, could be good. Whose the contact?” asked Bobby.

Jo laughed, “A Duke I met in London.”

“A guy named Duke in London? Was he just visiting?”

“No Bobby, like a real freaking Duke, his name is Fredrick. Nice guy, but he knows squat about cars.” said Jo.

“No shit, a real Duke? I'll be damned.” replied Bobby.

“Whose a Duke?” cut in Charlie as she popped up from behind the car she was working on. Dean finally noticed they were all there, he turned down the music and came to join them.

“Well look who came back!” he called as he joined them.

Jo waved at him, then looked at Charlie, “I met a Duke who wants to sell some of his dad's car collection. Just waiting on pictures.” smiled Jo.

“A real Duke?” asked Dean with a bewildered look on him face, as if he didn't believe people could actually be Dukes.

“Yeah, hes a nice guy. He told me to call him Freddie.” Jo laughed.

“Cool,” grinned Charlie, “Soooo how was the trip?” she asked excitedly.

“It was great. It feels so weird actually. Yesterday I was in London, and now I'm here. It's kinda hard to believe it wasn't all a dream.” Jo laughed. “The jet lag is a real bitch. I feel like it should be later in the afternoon!” Jo reached up to run her hand over her tired eyes, “I could still be sleeping to be honest, but it's good to be back to work.”

Jo glanced around when everyone was dead silent, “What?” asked Jo confused.

“Holy crap on a cracker, that's a huge rock!” said Charlie.

Jo realized she had used her left hand to rub her eyes, flashing her engagement ring at everyone. “Oh, right.” Jo laughed nervously and held her hand out to Charlie to see the ring better, “So Crowley asked me to marry him!”

“No fuckin' way,” said Dean as he pulled Jo's hand away from Charlie to look at the ring himself, “You said yes?” he asked.

“No, I said no but be let me keep his family heirloom ring anyway.” Jo rolled her eyes at him.

“You haven't even know him that long.” grumbled Dean as he dropped her hand, he couldn't believe the size of that ring.

“Long enough.” said Jo firmly.

Bobby got his chance to see the ring when Jo held it up to him after Dean dropped her hand, “Please tell me you told your Mother first?” he asked tiredly as he looked the ring over, impressed.

“Nope, she doesn't get to know diddly. Also, don't expect us for family dinner, I have no intention of going. I plan to invite you all over to mine and Crowley's though. I haven't figured out when, but soon. I want you all to meet him.” Jo said seriously.

The other three glanced at each other worriedly. “Why? What happened?” asked Bobby with a frown.

“Mom wanted to see me last night after we got back, so I met with her. It didn't go well. She basically let me know what she really thinks of me, so I'm done. When she is ready to apologize, I will listen but until then she's at the top of my shit list.” Jo sighed, “I plan to talk to Dad, Bobby. I'll let him know. But I'm not talking to her.”

“I'm sorry Joanna, you know your mom says stuff without thinking?” Bobby said sadly. Charlie and Dean were both wearing frowns but didn't know what to say.

“Yes I do. You would think she would have learned not to do that by now, wouldn't you?” said Jo in a firm voice. “Anyway, I'm sure we all have work to do. I know I do. I'm heading back to my office.”

“Jo, wait.” said Bobby grabbing her arm.

“What?” asked Jo with a sigh. She really didn't feel like talking about her Mom more.

“Congratulations, kiddo.” He said seriously and gave her a brief hug. “I hope Crowley knows I'll kill him if he doesn't treat you right.”

Jo laughed in relief, “You can tell him when he brings you your books” she said as she patted Bobby's back.

“Yeah congrats! I'm so happy for you!” chimed in Charlie, she gave Jo a tight hug as well.

“Thanks Charlie.” said Jo. Jo looked over at Dean who still didn't look happy. She rolled her eyes and walked to her office. She had work to do.

Crowley scowled at the contract in front of him. He was good with contracts, at least ones that were written properly. This one was a mess, and it pissed him off. Why was he paying this fucking lawyer so much, if he couldn't even write a clean contract. Crowley knew without a doubt that the guy was ripping him and his company off. He wouldn't be the first. The whole reason Crowley had came here was because the company had been hemorrhaging money. He found out very quickly that the CEO had been using the companies money as his own, Crowley had dealt with him quickly, and now he was trying to get his company back on track. Except now he's wondering if his local lawyer is also in on the take. Crowley tapped him fingers on the contract and waited impatiently for the new lawyer he was meeting with. He had gotten nothing but high recommendations for the kid, he slid the contract over to look at the print out about him, Samuel Winchester.

There was a quick know on his office door. He stood up and turned towards the window to look out, “Come.” he replied to the knock. He heard footsteps come into his office.

“Mr. Macleod?” asked a deep voice hesitantly. Crowley grinned, he wasn't sure who had figured out the Macleod connection, he had only ever introduced himself as Crowley, but it had spread throughout the office, he knew most of the people working for him now referred to him as The Macleod. If it helped him be feared, he wouldn't complain, he wanted nothing but utter loyalty from his people, and if they thought he would rip down their careers and destroy them if they betrayed him, then they would be very loyal. As a Macleod he was was fair and even kind, to those who worked hard but he would not suffer fools lightly.

Crowley turned from the window to get a good look at the young man, his eyes widened, “My god, you're a Moose aren't you?” he remarked at he took in the kid's huge gangling stature.

Sam looked confused for a moment, he got a line between his eyes, “I was told you needed a lawyer. Mr. Connors sent me from the firm in town.” Sam said uncertainly.

“Save me your life story, Moose.” replied Crowley in cool voice, “Look at that contract in front of you. Lets see if you're useless or not.” Crowley turned back towards the window and waited. He heard the papers shuffle and smirked, at least the kid didn't simper at him.

After a few minutes Crowley could hear the kid making displeased noises in the back of his throat. Then he started mumbling to himself, Crowley finally turned around to look, the kid had the contract spread out in front of him on Crowley's desk, he was marking it up with a pen as he grumbled to himself. He finally stopped, but he looked at the contract like it had personally offended him, then he looked up to see Crowley watching him. “Who wrote this shit?” asked Sam with a pissy look on his face.

Crowley raised his eyebrows, not expecting that from the young man. “The contract lawyer who currently works here, I've been thinking about firing him, but I need good reason. I know the contract is wrong, I've seen enough of them, but he's filled it full of so much jargon I can barely read it.”

“Well he's ripping you off,” replied Sam. “Here, look.” he pointed at some of the sections he had marked, “This is him giving himself a cut of the profits made from this deal, even though you are already paying him, it's unethical.” Sam pointed to another spot, “This right here would give him the right to sue if you denied him his share in the deal.”

“Son of a bitch.” said Crowley, “This is why I wanted someone else to look at it. He drafted that yesterday for this deal with a computer hardware company in California, I think he thought I wouldn't read over it. Imagine my surprise when I see all these extra clauses that I can't make heads or tales of.”

“If he did this on this one, I would check any others he did for you.” replied Sam.

Crowley looked at Sam for a moment, “I don't suppose you are interested in a job?” asked Crowley.

“Oh, well, I have a job.” said Sam confused, “and this isn't really my specialty. I mean I did an internship with a contract lawyer so I know my way around, but my focus was in family law. Mr. Connors only sent me over when your assistant called because he knew about me working with the contract lawyer in California when I was in Stanford.”

“Family law, so your what helping with divorces and such?” Crowley rolled his eyes,” How much are you getting paid?”

“Umm, not a lot, I'm not a partner or anything, but the point is to help people.” replied Sam.

“People are ungrateful. I can tell you from what I know that Mr. Connors is an arrogant idiot, and you will go no where with him in charge.” Crowley pulled out a small piece of paper and started writing on it.

Sam sat there with a scowl on his face, “He's a nice man,” said Sam stiffly, “He gave me a job, even though I don't have a lot of experience yet.”

Crowley snorted and stopped writing to look at the young man across from him, “And have you been doing any legal work? Because he was quite pleased with himself at the Country Club when he was telling a few of his chums how he had a lackey to do all the hard work while he just got to look good in court and play more golf. I'm assuming you're the lackey? Also nice men don't cheat on their wives with the 'hot' waitress at said club.” Crowley looked back down at the paper and made a few more marks.

Sam sat there with his mouth open, he had been doing a lot of the grunt work at the office. He had been working so hard at all those cases, then Connors would do the court time, and get paid for it. Sam was being paid barely above minimum wage for doing all the hardest work in the office. “Is he really?” asked Sam in a small voice.

Crowley looked up at him, “I admire your work ethic, don't think I didn't fully investigate your work before you were even asked in here. I also admire your loyalty, it's something I find very valuable in my workers.” Crowley picked up the paper he was writing on and folded it in half, he then slid it across the table to Sam. “This is what I would pay you, and the sort of things I would want you to do here. You think about it, Moose, and let me know.” Crowley stood up and gathered the contract from the desk, “Now, I have to go kill a lawyers career, if you'll excuse me.” Crowley strode out the door leaving Sam alone in his office. He had a feeling he would have a new contract lawyer soon.

Sam opened the paper slowly, he sucked in a deep breath at the figure wrote there.

@gettinjoyful  @wholita  @roxy-davenport