Holy moly, I just need to catch my breath…what a stunning story!
“It was only so much a big brother could take” – what a spectacular intro, you put us straight into Dean’s headspace and anguish. This eppy is one that all of us carried around with us for a long time after it aired, and we haven’t been able to let go since. I just loved your take and additions - although it is one of the best eppy’s ever, somehow it never felt finished…
I loved these words “Dean had never been more proud of his brother than he was in that exact moment. Sammy would never stop to amaze him” I think this is exactly what Dean felt, Sam’s quiet courage to do what he himself was struggling with and refusing to do.
I so wanted Dean to rush in and help Sammy after that gunshot rang out, but you nailed it here with why he didn’t “but Sammy had asked him to wait here, so he would” – the brother’s respect and trust in each other shining in your words. Great work.
These words just got to me, broke my heart “but more, he needed to look into Sam's eyes to know he was still in there” stunning writing *big sob* - “Sad Sam he could handle, angry Sam, scared Sam he could handle too, but this... this empty, hollow person beside him? It scared the hell out of Dean” This description just blew me away.
I loved the way you gave us both boys pov – the way you got in Sammy’s head just as effective. The boys reading each other after a lifetime of observation that it’s become second nature, these words a perfect example “The way Dean clenched his jaw, told him it didn't work, and that it probably took everything he had to pretend that it did work” – Sam looking behind that wall, great job!
And then Sam’s giant AH HA moment, you did this SO well “That was one thing you never asked of the people you... He froze, his mind froze. He finally understood, oh God! "Dean..." Yep, Sam’s shock might as well have been physical it carried such force.
This scene was heart shattering “His stoic big brother didn't have it in him anymore to keep all the pain and fear away. Being both mentally and physically exhausted, he simply didn't possess enough strength, and he'd let his mask fall. And what scared Sam the most was the one single tear rolling down his brother's cheek” Are we ever gonna get over that single tear of Deans????? It’s signature heart ache in our genre now!!
And that hug! OMG girl! *hitching breathe again* Sam instinctively offering and reaching out and Dean falling into it…Words escape me!!
Dean’s fierce promise "If it ever comes to that, I'll do it, I wouldn't let any one else do it…” was Dean’s Ah ha moment, the boys in total understanding of what Maddison’s death had forced out in the open *bravo* And then you wrote Dean’s second promise and Sam’s understanding of what that really meant. Awesome, again the boys in total sync.
Oops, I’ve rambled on…but a big, big review cos this fic had a big, big impact!
Author's Response: Oh, wow, Cookie, how do I respond to a wonderfull review like this..? Reading your words made me speechless, and trust me that's quite an achievement:)
I'm greatfull that not only do you leave me a review with lots of big words I'm not sure I deserve, but you also tell me what you like about it, and things like that is of great help for my writing.
And about that single tear, hehe, yup we've all learned to love that one. I actually missed the ending tear the first time I saw this ep (saw it on a tiny youtube screen,.. am I excused..? :)
And Cookie, you're free to ramble on every time you like:) Why not try a story. I mean, one who are author of such wonderfull reviews, could write a story, I bet. But hey no presure.
Thank's again for your words.
