Disclaimer: Nope, they didn't come for Christmas. And I woke up extra early for the sight of Dean wrapped in a bow! Until next year...they're not mine.

A/N: A little late, sorry guys! E/O Challenge word: flinch

I'm *really* seeing a pattern of Dean angst....I love the character so I hope I've done him some justice!

This time, Alistair doesn't offer Dean the knife.

This time, they're in some town in some state, the name of which Dean is sure would be highly ironic.

This time, its part of a plan. Dean's the bait and an unlikely mixture of angels, hunters, and gun wielding bible thumpers wait for the opportunity to lay Alistair to waste.

This time, as Dean flinches away from the knife skillfully wielded, he knows their are only two ways this will end.

This time, he knows he will either die or be saved.

This time, both options comfort his conflicted soul.