16 Unicorn Street, Wednesday Evening

[likethegun]

Sam had spent so many years hating Christmas that it almost felt weird to be excited on Christmas Eve. But his week had been going well so far, and with no sign of any holiday trouble (aside from the carolers, who'd had to be bribed to go away), Sam was almost hopeful that the holiday would be a good one. If nothing else, he was determined to make it a fun one for Dean.

"Is it just me, or does it look like there are more presents for me than for you under the tree?" he said, smirking at his brother.

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[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"That would be because I obviously am better at this brother thing than you and bought you more than you did me," Dean said, waving a hand.

[likethegun]

"Or maybe my extras are from Grace," Sam said.

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Hate to break it to you, Sammy, but she's not actually old enough to shop on her own."

[likethegun]

Sam laughed. "At least she's old enough that it seems like she's finally understanding some of what's going on, you know? It's amazing what a difference a year makes."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, especially when it's your first year," Dean agreed.

[likethegun]

"Definitely," Sam said, reaching over to get the soda he'd set down by Dean. Just as he was about to say something else, his arm brushed against Dean's and...

The floor was covered in blood, pools of it splattered everywhere, and the source of it all quickly became clear when he saw Dean lying on the floor, his clothes and body torn to shreds. He looked older, so much older, but all Sam could focus on was the blood and the way Dean was staring right through him like he wasn't seeing him, or anything else at all.

"Dean?" he cried, kneeling down at his side. Blood seeped into Sam's pants and shirt as he pulled Dean into his arms and shook him, willing him to make a noise or move or just blink for God's sake. But Dean didn't move at all, and Sam just pulled him closer as he started to sob.

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean saw Sammy go pale and opened his mouth to ask if he was okay...

He was pinned to a table by some invisible force as several large, vicious, demonic animals lunged at him.

He screamed as their claws and fangs sank into him, pulling him to the floor. He couldn't help it; being ripped to shreds hurt more than he could ever have imagined.

What hurt worse though was hearing Sammy screaming too, knowing that he was watching and that his brother would forever carry the image of his horrific death in his memory...

[likethegun]

Sam pulled back with a snap and stared at Dean with something close to horror. "What the hell was that?"

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean stared at Sammy, expression a mirror of his. "I haven't the faintest fucking idea." His hand seemingly unconsciously had crept up and was closed around his Vkandis medal.

[likethegun]

"Did you see that?" Sam asked, looking Dean over carefully for any sign of blood. "I don't know...that wasn't like my visions."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I saw it. Hell, I felt it. And I don't even get visions!"

[likethegun]

"Are you okay?" Sam asked quickly, nervous with the idea that Dean could be hurting.

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I'm kinda freaked," Dean replied. "You?"

[likethegun]

"More than kind of," Sam admitted. "You were dead."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Guess that gives the lie to the old saying that if you die in your dreams, you die in real life, since I'm still here."

[likethegun]

"Of course you are. You're not allowed to die," Sam said matter-of-factly.

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

That got the faintest of smiles out of Dean. "I'm not, am I?"

[likethegun]

"No," Sam said. "Not ever. Especially not like that. Not...all torn up when I can't stop it."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Sammy's voice ringing in his ears... Dean shuddered.

[likethegun]

Sam couldn't ignore the urge to put his hand on Dean's chest to make sure he was whole and unharmed. "I don't know what the hell that was, but it's not going to happen. Ever."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Always knew I wasn't much of a dog person," Dean muttered.

[likethegun]

"Scout would never do that," Sam said helpfully. "He'll help me destroy anyone or anything who tries to mess with you."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Scout doesn't count," Dean said. "He's family."

[likethegun]

"It wasn't real," Sam said, trying to convince himself as much as Dean."

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I know," Dean said. "Since I'm standing here all unmauled."