Mmm you are right, that's dark - bloody good, but very dark.  But then Sam's anger is like that isn't it? Brooding and massive, like his broad shoulders! This really captures the character, fills in some of the unseen from that little clip they do showing Sam going after the cross roads demon... and makes you feel for him.  Maybe helps you understand some of his attitude when Dean does finally return, that drive to be the strong one.

Wow, yeah quite dark but very well done. Deserves its place on the featured list, congrats. happy new year...

Author's Response:

Well thank you ma'am!  I'm glad it still came out the way I intended.  Dark but with a purpose.  :)

So thank you for the simply awesom review!!

Happy New Year to you as well.

Hey, Kris!

You sneaked this one out on me. My jaw hit the desk when I saw it on the featured list - but then I did a bit of a happy dance (only a little one - it's still fairly early in the morning, and I haven't had my first cup of tea yet) that one of the Safe Haven Girls got a blue ribbon!

Yep, it was dark all right. But then, that was such an accurate depiction of Sam during the time Dean was gone, before Ruby helped clean him up. Those scenes in episode 9 almost broke my heart.

Could feel Sam's frustration when he shoved the gun under his chin and pulled the trigger, and twice it didn't go off. Dean was still looking after him.

Man, don't you just want to hug that boy and try to make it all better? Or maybe that's just the mothering in me.

Dark - yes, angsty - yes, but hitting the nail right on the head. Awesome job, hon - glad to see the writing bug hasn't quite stopped biting you yet.

Jules

Author's Response:

Yes ma'am...my apologies.  I didn't even have any intention of finishing this one, then suddenly it was done and I was posting it.  I didn't want to send it to you considering the time of year...it was a bit dark to ask of the whole beta thing...ya know?  Lol.

And you know I didn't realize it had been featured until you sent that email.  Got our lovely Steph to blame for that one I'm afraid lol, though I hoping she just wasn't being biased.  :)

So I'm glad those feelings came out loud and clear.  And like I said, too much darkness but it's so darn easy.  :)

Hasn't stopped biting, but I'm still only throwing out oneshots so at least it still works.  :)

Loves!!

Damn, I just love coming across quality one shots like this. It's really well written (and you even pull off 1st person, which it a tricky ***ch), with an original idea (his guns don't jam!) and intense without going melodramatic. I tip my hat to you (or would if I had one).

Okay... off to check out the rest of your stuff....

Author's Response:

Hey youthere.  Haha I love the first line of your review!  Totally makes it worth it.  I'm glad you liked the first person pov.  I personally do find it challenging, but easier at the same time.  If I am in the mood, it's almost as it first person let's me channel the characters.  I try to stay out of their heads, I heard it's a scary place to be haha.

And I thought I was going overboard, but you're the second person to tell me that I didn't even come close, that it was just right.

So thanks for the simply inspiring review!