It stings, and Dean leans into it, draws a halting breath that nearly chokes him when the pain winks out. "It does," he says, throat tight but it doesn't burn, his eyes wet but he can't feel it. "It has to."

oh dean. you've lost all your comforts. no dog, no hope of happiness with the angel. none of your blessed pain. it's all my fault, and soon, everyone will know it. until then...

let's crawl.

"Nothing else does, you're the only one who'll do it." Dean hears the pleading in his voice and doesn't care. "You know that."