December arrived quickly. The time was slipping past them. They still hadn't found a way to save Dean from hell. They found a case where local people were being killed through their... chimneys. Getting yanked. Weird. Sam was against Christmas. He didn't like it. Allie on the other hand was a Christmas fanatic. She was more than happy that the prized holiday was approaching. Dean was... sort of in the middle. She understood why; it's not like they were raised with niceties.
They went to a Christmas tree farm where both of the victims had picked up their festive decorations to do some investigating. It didn't really offer them much other than seeing a strange Santa. Not supernatural strange… just strange .
It was the next day when Sam noted it seemed to be a pagan God at play. Wonderful. Another pagan god. As if the scarecrow two years prior wasn't enough. They found the couple that was leading the God to kill civilians. Too bad they were captured and tied up. The couple was unusually cheery, noting that they loved Christmas. They almost seemed wholesome, actually; wouldn't even swear. That truly only added to their creep factor.
The three of them were tied up in dining chairs. The whole house was decorated festively. It was fucking weird. The sadistic worshippers acted so... cheery. They acted like grandparents. God, they were strong too. They weren't just worshippers, they themselves were gods and they seemed happy to be open about it. They were eating people. Disgusting. The cheery couple also noted they would perform a ritual. "On the twelfth day of Christmas..." Allie gritted through her teeth sarcastically. She watched as the woman cut Dean and the man ripped out one of Sam's fingernails. "Fuck you!" She yelled, only to be lectured for her language. Suddenly the woman, Mrs. Cunningham, got close to her.
"Now dear— be respectful." She spoke in a sweet voice before slicing Allie's cheek open.
Dean winced when he saw Allie get cut. He tried to struggle but it was useless. "Hey, you bitch! Back the fuck off of her." Dean yelled at Mrs. Cunningham. He could see her blood drip down her cheek. Dean struggled against the rope again. "If you touch her again, I'm going to rip your fucking throat out." Dean threatened her.
"Mrs. Cunningham, how could you kill innocent people?" Dean asked. "You two are a sick couple of fuckers." Dean yelled at them, glaring at them. "Christmas isn't about killing people." Dean looked down at his left arm, the blood dripping from his cuts.
"I think I'm starting to get into the spirit now."
Sam let out a pained groan when Mr. Cunningham ripped out his fingernail. "Fuck you!" He shouted at them. He couldn't help but look at Allie when Dean yelled at them. He could see the blood drip down her cheek and glared at Mr. Cunningham.
Sam looked at Mrs. Cunningham when she got close to Allie. "Don't hurt her." He said, glaring at them both.
"What is this Christmas ritual?" Sam asked, looking at the couple. "What are you planning to do?" He asked, trying to keep their attention on himself and not Allie. Sam could feel the warm blood dripping from his finger. "Why are you killing people?"
Allie groaned. It fucking hurt. "Listen Mrs. Claus, not the face. That's the money maker." She tried her best to use humor to cope as usual. "Are you always so hospitable with your guests? This is no Ritz Carlton." She laughed at her own joke. "I'm giving you a bad yelp review." That seemed to irritate them.
"Watch your mouth, honey— or we'll rinse it out with soap." Mrs. Cunningham spoke before collecting Allie's blood with a bowl. She suddenly ripped a chunk of Allie's hair out.
Dean glanced at Allie when she talked back to the crazy couple. He tried to untie the ropes around his wrists but he couldn't. He could see Mrs. Cunningham collect Allie's blood into a bowl. Mrs. Cunningham suddenly ripped a chunk of her hair out. "You fucking bitch!" Dean yelled at her. "Don't fucking touch her." Seeing Allie hurt was his kryptonite. The sight of her in pain always hit him straight in the chest. Dean glanced at Sam when he asked about the Christmas ritual. "I bet it's a real jolly time," He said sarcastically, looking back at the couple. "You're going to rot in hell." Dean looked at Mrs. Cunningham as she cut her cheek again.
Sam winced a little when he saw Mrs. Cunningham rip Allie's hair out. "Stop hurting her." He said, looking at her. "Please." He looked at Dean when he started talking to them. "Are you planning on killing us with the ritual?" Sam asked, glancing at Allie and Dean. "I thought you people didn't hurt women and children?" Sam said, looking at Mr. Cunningham.
Sam looked at the couple, "Why are you doing this? What does the ritual do?"
The couple didn't answer Sam. They left them tied up while they finished preparing for the ritual. Dean sighed and looked down at his arm. Blood was still dripping from his cuts. Dean glanced over at Allie. "You okay Firefly?" He asked, looking at the cut on her cheek.
"It looks like it needs stitches." Dean looked at her, "I'm sorry I let them get you, Al." Dean sighed, looking down. He should've been more careful. He could have kept them away from her.
Dean looked at Sam, "You okay Sammy?" He asked. Dean looked down when he asked Sam if he was okay. He sighed and looked back at Sam "How's your finger?"
Allie groaned while the pagan gods continued getting ready for the ritual. "All good." She muttered. "Just a little kitten scratch." She joked with a loud sigh and let her head fall back to meet the side of theirs. "I look too good anyway. The scale only goes up to 10. Can't have an 11 walking around." She figured Dean would like her trying to make light of things. They got along in that way. Always making quips.
Dean shook his head, "Shut up, Firefly. You're hot Al. You're a 10, even with the cuts." Dean looked at Mrs. Cunningham as she cut more of Allie's skin. Dean shook his head, "It's not a kitten scratch Al. It's deep." Dean looked at Sam when he asked what they were doing. He was pretty sure they were going to eat them. "They're going to sacrifice us," Dean told Sam, looking over at him. Dean could see Mrs. Cunningham cut more of her skin, moving down to her bound arms. "Allie— stay with me. Okay?" Dean spoke in a serious voice, glancing at her. "You're going to be okay." Dean sighed, looking at his cuts, "You okay Sa—" he was cut off by Mr. Cunningham putting pliers in his mouth with the intention of taking a tooth.
The doorbell rang.
"You should get that." Dean tried to speak with the pliers in his mouth and they left to answer the door. They managed to break out of their ropes when the Cunninghams went to get the door. A fight ensued. Allie mainly stayed out of it due to the cuts that lined her body. Dean and Sam stabbed the couple with wooden branches from their Christmas tree, killing them. The trio huddled back to the motel and Sam stitched up Allie's wounds. They dispersed for an hour or so, dinner time. When Dean and Allie got back to the motel room Sam had decorated it with homemade decorations for Dean. They knew he wanted a Christmas. His last one.
They shared gifts. Everything was small. It wasn't about the presents. It was about normalcy together.
Dean smirked as Sam put a Santa hat on Allie. He smiled at the tree that Sam had put in their motel room. Dean glanced at Sam when he gave him the Christmas cards. It was sweet of him. "Thanks, Sammy." He smiled. "I love it." Dean took the cards and set them on the table. He looked at Sam and Allie, his family, his friends. "Thanks for getting dinner Firefly. It was great." He smiled. Dean looked over at Sam, "Sam— I just wanted to say that it meant a lot to me that you tried to give me a normal Christmas. With the cards and the decorations." Dean looked down and back up at Sam. "I know you don't like Christmas, I just—" Dean sighed.
Sam had really made an effort to make it special for Dean. It was his last Christmas and they wanted it to be special. Sam smiled when Dean thanked him and smiled again when he thanked Allie for getting food. Normally Dean didn't act like this, usually putting on a brave face for those around him. This felt like they could be just like any other little unit for the night. "You're welcome, Dean." He said, looking at his older brother. "I know you wanted a Christmas." His tone was gentle. His older brother meant everything to him, he had literally traded his soul for him. Giving him a Christmas was the least he could do.
Allie had a festive elf costume on. It was cute and Sam's addition of the Santa hat seemed to perfect it. It made her feel somehow normal, even with what she was wearing. She pressed a sweet kiss to Sam's forehead as a thank you and played with the bell on her head. ADHD. It was distracting and very satisfying to hear the jingle.
"Merry Christmas." She handed them both a beer and stood beside the chair that Dean sat on. Her fingers massaged his scalp and she looked down at him. Blue eyes met with green and she smiled. "Love ya, Maverick."
Sam laughed softly when she kissed his forehead and he smiled, "You're welcome, Dove." He said, looking down at her elf costume with an adoring smile. It was adorable. It was so… her.
He smiled, "Merry Christmas." He said, opening the beer that Allie had given him and taking a "Let's complete the experience." He said, leaning forward to grab the remote and turn on the TV. "What do you want to watch?"
He decided to put on some Christmas cartoons while they ate their food and drank their beers.
"How about Rudolph?" Dean suggested, glancing over at Sam as he ate his burger. He smiled and took another bite, eating slowly as he watched the TV. Dean glanced at Allie when she played with the bell on her hat. She always managed to do something that amused him. She was just... bright.
"I love you too, Firefly." Dean looked at Allie as he reached up and took the Santa hat from her head. He put it on his own head, smiling at her. "You look great by the way." Dean smiled, looking at the elf outfit she was wearing. She really was... gorgeous. It wasn't just her looks.
Rudolph. She loved that. It was so... wholesome . Dean enjoyed things like that. Deep down a part of him yearned to be a child and found solace in childhood things. Allie understood because she did too. As the night wore on she watched Sam become tired. "Sam go to bed. You look like you're forcing your eyes open." It wouldn't surprise her if she turned and found him holding them open. They had already finished a few beers. The buzz was hitting.
"We can turn the TV down for you." She cooed affectionately and squeezed Sam's hand while attempting to pull him up to his feet so that she could guide him over to his bed and tuck him in. She didn't do it very often but she knew that Sam liked it. She could just tell.
Sam smiled gently when she grabbed his hand and told him to go to bed, "no I'm fine." He said, glancing at the TV, "I'm enjoying the movie." He said with a small smile. Sam relented when she started to guide him towards his bed, "Okay, okay." He said, letting her guide him over to the bed. He let her pull him down onto the bed, "You don't have to tuck me in, I'm not a kid." He said with a small smile and looked up at her, "Thanks, Dove." He said with a gentle smile, watching as she tucked him in. It was weird, but also really nice. He'd never voice how much he enjoyed having someone take care of him.
Allie softened. "What's wrong with taking care of your inner child, Sam?" Her voice was sweet and soothing. Sam never had a mother. She wasn't trying to be that for him but Allie did have a natural maternal vibration. It was the divine feminine. She naturally wanted to take care of everyone. Strangers, children, men, women... she even made dinner for her own father and made sure he got his eight hours. It was just her nature.
"It's okay to like being taken care of." She whispered gently into Sam's ear and pushed his hair back while Dean was engrossed in the movie. Her hands slowly moved to tuck in his large frame. Sam deserved this. He was scared. He was hurting. She'd always provide for him.
Sam relaxed on the bed as she tucked him in gently. Sam didn't say anything at first, just listened to her. He knew she was right. There was nothing wrong with having his inner child be cared for. His dad would never do this. "Okay." He said, watching her gently push his hair back before tucking him in gently. "I just—" Sam hesitated and shook his head slightly, "never mind." He said quietly and looked at her "Thanks, Allie." He said quietly, enjoying the affection she was showing him. Sam could see the way Dean watched them and shook his head slightly.
Allie sat on the edge of his bed. Maybe it was the alcohol but she had a strong desire to take care of him. All of them had been through enough, and yet they still had months to go. "I'm going to try something, okay?" It was an old trick that she used with young children when she was a babysitter and sometimes even on herself when she was high. "Close your eyes." Hopefully, it would lull him into comfort and then sleep. "Don't judge it, Sam."
Allie leaned over him and gently wrapped her index fingers, and thumbs around his earlobes. She started to massage them between the pads. It always worked on the kids. They slept like rocks. It was...like... hypnotic or something.
Sam positioned himself gently when she asked him to close his eyes and nodded his head, closing his eyes slowly. He didn't mind what she did, as long as she wasn't hurting him or trying to kill him. Sam was quiet while she massaged his earlobes, "it feels nice." He said, opening his eyes slowly and looking at her with a smile. He could see Dean watching them with a frown on his face but ignored it. Sam was enjoying what she was doing, "where did you learn how to do this?" He asked quietly.
Sam closed his eyes again and smiled gently. He was quiet while she continued to massage his earlobes.
Allie smiled down at him. "When I used to take care of kids." She spoke honestly. "Don't let that deter you though. Just enjoy it." She figured it was probably because ears weren't exactly tended to often. It was a different sensation. Allie moved her head down to whisper in his ear something very personal. "I care for you so much, Sam. I know it's been hard. Just close your eyes tonight. I'm here for you." Sometimes she wondered if Sam felt left out. That wasn't fair. She was happy to take care of him.
Sam nodded his head slightly, "okay." He spoke quietly. It felt relaxing to have someone take care of him. Sometimes he could be a little baby about things. He was stubborn, very emotional, and could be needy at times. Dean hadn't admitted it out loud but Sam knew Dean had noticed it. Dean just didn't say anything about it. He was just sensitive. He wasn't like Dean. Sam looked up at her when she leaned down to whisper in his ear. He couldn't help but feel warm on the inside as if it radiated out of his heart and kept his body from freezing. It was genuine to hear her caring, comforting, and positive words. Sam was a sensitive person. "Thank you." He spoke quietly. "I appreciate your concern, Allie. I care about you too." Sam glanced at Dean. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off.
When Allie heard Sam's labored breathing she knew he had fallen asleep. Dean was still awake. He was a late-nighter. Man liked to party. His sleep routine was all over the place. She moved closer to Dean before slowly climbing into his lap as he sat in a chair. They had never done it before but for some reason, she just knew he needed the affection recently. She was in tune with him. "Hey, Santa." She purred and smiled. It was only a tease but Allie knew he'd enjoy the flirtation of it. Not that anything would ever happen between them. They had never crossed that line. It was just banter. Humor between friends. "Have I been naughty or nice this year?"
Dean smiled a little when Allie climbed into his lap. He was a flirt, yes, but he had never crossed any boundaries. Dean always made sure she knew when he was teasing. He grinned when Allie asked him if she was naughty or nice this year. "That depends, Firefly" Dean smirked. She was just so... fun. "What would you like Santa to do for you?" Dean's wry smirk grew, looking down at her. She was adorable. He always enjoyed their banter.
"Have you been good this year?" Dean smirked, gazing into Allie's big blue eyes. He looked back at the TV and smiled, watching Rudolph.
She laughed quietly as he seemed to play along with her. "Dean." Her face softened; pink lips parted in thought and sensitivity. " Merry Christmas. " Her tone was potentially the most gentle it had ever been. God, she adored him. They'd gotten even closer since he sold his soul. How would she keep going? Her body relaxed against his, head resting on his chest to watch the movie with him while her legs dangled over the side of the chair.
Dean's smile matched when Allie's voice softened. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her. She looked so... beautiful . So sweet. Dean couldn't believe it. Here he was on Christmas watching Rudolph with a beautiful woman on his lap; one that he cared for deeply. He had watched it hundreds of times. It was his favorite. "Merry Christmas, Firefly." He smiled, keeping her close. He was enjoying the closeness of their bodies. He leaned back in the chair and smiled, glancing down at her. "You know Alls— you're really pretty," Dean told her, looking down at those ocean eyes. "You're gorgeous," Dean told her. "You always are." Dean looked back at the TV. "I'm going to miss you when I'm gone."
His compliments felt different from usual. She could see the genuine emotion in his eyes. Green and blue irises met. Millions of words could be said but none would be enough.
"Don't say that." She didn't even try to hide her sadness. "Please... I'm not ready. " Allie admitted. There had to be a way to save him. She wouldn't give up. Not for a second. Her arms wrapped around his neck and their foreheads pressed together. She rubbed hers slowly against his and a small melancholy whimper managed to escape her lips.
"You mean so much to me," Alice confessed with tear-filled eyes. "I'm gonna find a way, Dean. I will. You know me. I'm a stubborn bitch."
Dean shook his head and looked into Allie's eyes, "Allie— I know. But there's no way to save me. I'm gone at the end of the year." Dean frowned. He didn't know what to say. "I just— I wanted you to know how much you meant to me Firefly," Dean spoke quietly. "I want you to know how much I care about you." He was pretty sure Sam had already noticed how close they had gotten but he couldn't make a move, not when he would soon leave her. That wouldn't be fair (if she even accepted his advance). Dean shook his head "Don't beat yourself up, Allie." Dean spoke quietly, "I made the deal. It's not your fault." he paused before continuing to collect himself. "you've been such a good friend to me. You're always there for me."
God, it was fucking hard not to cry. It hurt so bad. Her chest felt like it was ripping open. Her lungs burned from the lack of air due to her forgetting to breathe while he spoke. "I'm scared." She so rarely admitted to that emotion. Allie preferred to cope with her fear by using humor. "I... you're the best friend I've ever had." She moved her face to nuzzle into his neck. Maybe it would be better to let the tears come. "Dean I'm..." she trailed off. She couldn't finish what she was going to say. It was too painful. "I'm tired." She lied. She just wanted sleep to come so tomorrow could arrive and they could go back to finding a way to save him.
She closed her eyes and turned her small body fully into him. Eventually, they'd have to sleep in the bed but for now, she wanted to fall asleep cradled in his arms.
Dean frowned when Allie told him she was scared. He looked at her, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close. Dean frowned, "it's okay to be scared." Dean frowned. He was scared too. "We're going to find a way to save me. I know we are, Sunshine." Dean spoke quietly. He glanced at the TV and then at Sam. He was asleep. He knew it wasn't true but it was the only way to console her. "I know you're tired Firefly," Dean spoke quietly. "Just sleep right here on my shoulder," Dean said softly, watching Rudolph. He gently ran his fingers through her long hair. "I love you Firefly." He spoke quietly. He really did. Not like a sister. Not like a friend. Something more than that.
Allie fell asleep before he even spoke. She didn't hear his words of comfort and yet... perhaps her subconscious had because her body eased completely in his arms. All of her muscles relaxed against him. Her labored breaths combined with Sam's filled the room. At least tonight they could rest. It was Christmas after all, and they certainly had a good one— because he was there.
Dean smiled at the realization that Allie had fallen asleep. He leaned back in the chair. He glanced down at her while she slept, taking in every small piece of her features; all her freckles and slight wrinkles, barely even there. One day they would become laugh lines. He wouldn't be around to see them.
God, she was beautiful. Her hair was so... soft. It was gorgeous. He smiled, leaning back in the chair, holding her close. He rubbed his hand up and down her back, just... holding her. He was so in love with her. He just wanted to be with her. Dean smiled, holding Allie while she slept. He wanted her to stay like this— peaceful, happy.
Dean was scared. He just... didn't want to be dead. He was too young to be dead. He was terrified.