Kim, I love this for so many different reasons.  Dean taking the time out to find himself, that's usually such a cliched thing to do, but in Dean’s case entirely necessary.  I long for a happy ending but know it can’t be as simple as that.  These are men whose entire lives have been dominated by the most appalling horrors and stresses and that’s not something you could believably just put behind you in 10 minutes.  So, Dean going off and trying new things in order to work out what he really wants and likes as opposed to making the best of what he’s given makes perfect sense.  I love that he traveled for pleasure rather than for the job but I can’t decide whether I’m happier that he finally got to see the Grand Canyon or flew on a plane out of choice.  Is it bad that I’m also kind of glad that he left Sam for a change and didn’t once seem to let what his brother wanted factor into his choices?  I think living for himself will always be Dean’s biggest hurdle.  I loved that you had him trying fancy restaurants and new foods, learning to dance and enjoy French wine.  Mostly, though, I love that after all his new experiences he returned to hunting because it was what he wanted and what he was good at.  He hasn’t wasted the last couple of decades, the knowledge and experience will still be used but this time because he chooses to.

Fab fic and best thing I’ve read in a long while.

Kirsty x



Author's Response:

Kirsty,

I've been intending to respond to this for ages but every time I look at the review I become overwhelmed.  Your words mean more to me than I can express and you enjoying my story is the icing on the cake that I always hope for.

Thank you!

Kim

Amazing one shot.

You certainly had me going at the beginning when Dean left the Impala and Sam standing. I was worried for a while there that he was going to do something bad.

Loved the girl 'teaching' him to dance to Black Eyed Peas  (I love the Black Eyed Peas) and the morning after phone call was great. The phone call from the french restaurant was equally funny.

I almost feel sorry for Sam now Dean's on the case of arranging his bachelor party and being his best man. There could be another story there waiting to be told.

Finally thank you for providing a great mid-week read. 

Author's Response:

Midge,

I think there is so much potential for that moment when they win (assuming they do) and for how the guys are going to react.  Sometimes I think one or both of them is going to bolt, sometimes I think they're just going to feel so happy that they'll just keep going on like usual.  I'd like to see them rework their lives but I doubt it.

I saw the Black Eyed Peas in concert and they were amazing.  Not my usual cup of tea (I like angry rock) but they really got me moving.  When I was listening to the CD I just couldn't resist wondering how Dean would respond to being in the middle of a dance floor with everyone dancing and jumping and just having a great time.  I think even Dean would be taken in by them.

Thanks for reading and I really am glad you enjoyed it.  I was nice to do something light for a change.

Kim