Reviewer: SamGirl2011andBeyond (Signed) · Date: 14/04/12 02:06 PM · On: Chapter 1

I love the way you write all three of them and I'm glad that you wrote the Winchester's and Bobby in a realistic way.

Eve though I have to admit I've always wanted Bobby to automatically forgive Sam, I know that would be unrealistic.

I like how you gave off the vibe that even though it will take time, Bobby and Sam will get close once again.

Hope this makes sense, and sorry if it doesn't. 

Author's Response:

Hi, Laina,

Yes, I know what you mean. My poor old heart ached when Bobby was so distant with Sam, even though I understood it. But I almost sang with joy when Bobby showed such open relief at seeing Sam alive and unhurt after his stand-off with Samuel in And Then There Were None. I figured somewhere along the line, they must have talked, and sorted things out. Or Bobby decided to work at letting it go, for the sake of the boys.

I think I had this wishful thinking in my head when I wrote this, though, that Bobby would eventually settle his differences with his youngest.

And don't worry, you made perfect sense. 

Thank you so much for reading, and for letting me know what you thought.

Jules

Reviewer: gidgetgal9 (Signed) · Date: 06/04/11 10:01 PM · On: Chapter 1

Read this over spring break and didn't get a chance to review.  I really really enjoyed it.  The Bobby -Sam relationship is bothering me too so this was a welcome read.  Loving Daphne too btw.  :)

Author's Response:

Hey, Claudia,

Hope you had a great spring break. Our autumn is starting here, the temperatures are finally cooling down and the days are getting shorter. 

I was bothered by the fractured relationship between Sam and Bobby too, and I worried for Dean as well, as he seemed to be cutting Bobby out. The boys need their surrogate father - both boys. 

But given Bobby's reaction to Sam in the last episode - think it was the last one....they must have talked somehow, and settled things, because there was no mistaking that sheer relief on Bobby's face when they found Sam alive and unharmed after the gunshot they heard.

So glad you enjoyed this, hun, and I hope you had a chance to check out the other Safe Haven entries as well.

Jules

Reviewer: bjxmas (Signed) · Date: 24/02/11 07:10 PM · On: Chapter 1

Awesome story, Jules! I simply cannot get enough of caring Dean touching his brother in all those big brother ways, just holding on and refusing to let go.  Offering his encouragement in bursts of fierce protectiveness and gentle support.

Sam and his guilt, well...it proves Sammy's back. And his flashbacks were agonizing to witness.  Hell truly is hell for our boys.

I love Bobby and his sage wisdom, how the rift is still there trembling around the edges but he is also there for Sam.  And he is so wise!   For Winchesters it certainly would be easier to just give up and die, but they are made of sturdy stuff.

But Sam needs to learn to pick and choose his fights because trouble will always seek them out.  I love Bobby offering him a little hope and another approach.

Loved Dean working out his frustrations and fears on the firewood and then him silently listening and hoping that Bobby could reach Sam and together they could get him to stop kicking at that wall.

So much yummy Winchester goodness in here, I'm sure I'm missing something that struck me as so real and insightful. Lovely story, and quite the fitting finale to our little challenge.  Yep, I just finished reading all the wonderful tags.

Thanks again for the challenge, it was fun and revealing, seeing how each of the writers chose to approach their story. 

Oh, and great title and so fitting for our Winchesters, different and yet the same!

Later, B.J.

 

Author's Response:

Hey, BJ!

Yes, we've been waiting a long time for the return of big brother Dean, haven't we? And it really looks like their bond has survived everything that the universe has thrown at it over the past few years - thank heavens. 

And you are absolutely right - Sam shouldering that guilt means that he's really back, soul and all. He's been sorely missed. 

I kicked this idea around in my head a bit, and decided that the talk at the end would work far better coming from Bobby, rather than Dean. Bobby has that way of cutting through everything to get to the core of the matter, and doesn't care about trampled feelings while he does it - lol. But it comes from his heart, so that's where the softening comes in. 

Thank you so much, not just for reading, for for participating in the fun of the challenge. I know you had your doubts at first as to whether you could squeeze in a tag, but you came through with flying colours, and delivered an awesome read with Burning Bridges. 

And you know, that song is still stuck in my head - LOL!

Jules

Reviewer: ritsam (Signed) · Date: 22/02/11 02:26 AM · On: Chapter 1

I just can't express in words how much I adore this story. Simply outstanding as usual. This is not good, Sam's scratching at the wall hard and we know.... I just know something's bad/ worse's going to happen with him soon. I was also a bit disappointed at Bobby's weird attitude. Oh come on, doesn't he know it wasn't SAM!!! It was T1000, not our soulful Sammy. He's getting older *sigh* but at least, in this story, the relationship between Bobby and Sammy's getting a little better. I love it, and my most favorite line is "Figured he needed to work off some of that nervous energy. By the time he tires himself out, I should have enough to last all winter." 

And did you see the latest episode? It was awesome, wasn't it? Aww, I love Sam and Dean's brotherly bond, and Dean was almost crying over his brother's body. Aww, I love it. Glad our awesome brothers are back, now Sam... *I'm evil* Start scratching at the wall.... hehehe

Hugs you, Ritu 

Author's Response:

Hullo, my sweet!

I did indeed see the latest episode, and am loving the boys being brothers again. Long time coming.

No, Sam's scratching, and forcing himself to remember, really wasn't in any way a good thing. All it did was cause a little bit of Hell to leak out through that wall, and pile another load of guilt onto Sam's shoulders.

Strangely enough, I'm not surprised at Bobby's reaction, even though I wish it were otherwise. I can see how he would struggle with this - after all, as he said, only ten days before, soulless Sam was very willing to kill him to make a spell - and very neary did. If it hadn't been for Dean....so, yes, I don't hold it against Bobby for being upset and distant, but I hope that they can work it out before too much longer.

Thanks, hun,

hugs you back,

Jules

Reviewer: Micaiah (Signed) · Date: 20/02/11 02:29 PM · On: Chapter 1

"Let's go hunt this Mother."  That is a Dean line if I ever heard one.  LOL

Nice tag Jules.  I like Bobby and Sam's talk and hope they are able to do something similar to this on the show.  Hate seeing the strain there.  Okay, when's the next challenge? :)

Author's Response:

Hah, yeah, I could hear our boy saying that.

Hey, Sonya - hope things are rocking away pretty well for you at the moment. And thanks for not only joining the challenge, but leading the charge to stake SH's claim on the Just Added page.

I hate the strain, too, and the distance Dean is putting between himself and Bobby in defence of his brother. I can see all sides - Bobby only seeing Sam's face as he raises the knife, and that deadly intent on his soulless features; Dean wanting things to just roll smoothly for once, without any ongoing crises, and just enjoy having his brother returned to him; and Sam, puzzled and worried over what had happened in his absence, and wanting to make things right, even if it kills him.

Ah, those boys.....

Next challenge? Well, I do have something up my sleeve besides my arm....

Jules

Reviewer: supernaturalfan (Signed) · Date: 19/02/11 03:26 PM · On: Chapter 1

Bobby..the voice of reason. I hope him and Sam reconcile soon..and we get to see it. I don't think Sam will be able to forgive himself until Bobby forgives him..and he really need Bobby, so I hope it's soon.

You really had Sam picking at that wall in this one..LOL I hope he takes Bobby advise and stays away..good advise. Just deal with what happens when and if it happens. That was Dean's advise in last nights episode..so maybe I should say Dean's advise, too.

I am so excited to read all these stories from my Safe Haven girls. Makes me proud to be part of such an awesome group. I am not disappointed..as I knew I wouldn't be. On to the next.

Take care,
Jane

Author's Response:

Hi, Jane,

Yep, I love using Bobby for those boots-and-all talks, after seeing him in action a few times on the show now, specifically at the end of season four when he called Dean "Princess" - lol. Bobby just has that ability to lay it on the line for the boys, and cut through any crap that's hanging around to blur the issue.

I hope that the rift can be repaired, too, and soon. Sam needs Bobby, and so does Dean.

And yes, I'm hoping that Sam heeds the advice he's been given and stays away from that wall. It's going to be interesting to see how it stands up to outside influences, though. Especially if Grandpa comes back on the scene, since he possibly doesn't know that Sam has his soul back.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting our little venture. I'm thrilled that we could give you such a variety to choose from.

Jules

Reviewer: catchme21 (Signed) · Date: 19/02/11 09:06 AM · On: Chapter 1

Hahaha recovery at Bobby's, I love it.  Then them ignoring him like he's not there and his frustration.

Love the face peering at him from the wall.  That was only a little creepy.  ;)

And Dean chopping wood...mmm mmm mmm you know me, straight for the gutter, so what if it was cold?  In my mind he was out there doing it shirtless.

I hope for Sam's sake he is able to patch up with his relationship with Bobby, they could use a good talkin' like you laid out.

Awesome contribution Jules!!

-Kris 

Author's Response:

Hey, Kris!

Shirtless in the cold? You know what that means, don't you? He'd be high-beaming...talk about straight into the gutter.....*grins wickedly*....

Got to love recovery time at Bobby's. There's just something comforting about the boys having somewhere they can go to regroup and recharge, isn't there? Somewhere that's actually safe for them to do so. And I do love Bobby. Long may he grumble and grouch.

Ah, the face from the wall - yes, I had fun with that little bit. Occasionally I can do creepy - lol. But I think you topped me with the chink...chink....chink... in your tag. That was a bit spine-chilling, especially as the boys walked out of the room and Sam could still hear that chisel against the wall....*shivers*....

Thanks, hun, and thanks for plunging in and writing a tag of your own. It was awesome to see you come back to the boards. You've been truly missed.

Jules

Reviewer: Oceane (Signed) · Date: 19/02/11 08:37 AM · On: Chapter 1

Terrific tag Jules. Sam's seizures were so bad, no wonder Dean and Bobby're freaking out. One of my favorite moment, is Bobby's talk with Sam, he know's the young hunter so well he knew about his thoughts, his feelings and he even succeeded to reason him to let go and leave alone his wall. I liked the end, Dean and Sam, going on the hunt, beware Mother. Jules you did an amazing work with this, I'm looking forward to next Friday, I'm very intrigued by the title of your new story.

Author's Response:

Hey, hun,

I'm really pleased you enjoyed this so much. Hope you check out all the others too - we had a ball with this.

So thrilled you loved the little talk at the end. It had to be Bobby, in my mind. Only Bobby would get away with laying it on the line like he did, and making Sam reason through it. And also, possibly even helping to heal the rift that divides them at the moment because of what RoboSam tried to do.

Beware, Mother, indeed. The Winchester boys are coming.....together!

Ah, Daphne - well, it's been two years in the making, so I hope it lives up to its intrigue - lol.

See you Friday!

Jules

Reviewer: vonnie836 (Signed) · Date: 18/02/11 05:11 PM · On: Chapter 1

 

I have no idea how you do it, but with the first paragraph already you made me feel hell and be ready to burst into flames myself. You are putting me right into the middle of this, probably because of the loving little details. A slightly stubbled face, the description and impressions of smells, just to mention two, are what sets you apart and gives me so much enjoyment.

Loved how Dean cut Sam short from describing his experience. While this might appear callous, it actually shows the love and concern he has for his brother. It's an attempt to keep Sam from going back there and possibly not coming back. Sam is obviously shaken, which is not amazing and it shows on how he is scared of what his brother might find, when he looks in his eyes.  He is freaked, but also feeling guilty for what he put Dean through. His brother on the other hand is angry and I can see why. It's at Sam for scratching, but so much more at himself for allowing Sam to do this. So Dean, as he always felt responsible for his little brother.

Loved that he took Sam back to Bobby, their ‘Safe Haven'. What I didn't expect was Sam making another trip down to hell and coming back just to realize he didn't really come back. The torture, very descriptive and terrifying and it started to make sense, why Dean and Bobby were talking about Sam like he wasn't there the moment he tried to touch Bobby's arm. Dean's reaction, once again worried sick and angry, running outside to get his frustration out was so in character. I also liked Bobby being concerned, yet unable to hide his own emotions about what soulless Sam has done. Too bad it brought another flashback on, first of what he's done to his surrogate father and then of Dean knocking him out. Loved the realization he had that Bobby can't even look at him, so how can he forgive him, also he obviously isn't factoring in several things. His hysterical laugh and his slipping back into another flashback, prevented by Dean, this time knocking him out for real.

Again, I love Bobby, the guy is so wise. Sending Dean out to chop wood was very smart, for all parties, he didn't have to listen to Dean freaking out, while at the same time actually keeping him from freaking. And the best part, he got firewood out of the deal. To me it makes sense that Bobby would be the one to talk to Sam, as Dean is so close, he would never ask certain questions, probably throw the very thought out before it would become too real. Things like questioning, if maybe Sam is helping things along. The bomb here was the question, if maybe Sam was afraid to live. It really hit me and obviously it hit Sam, who suddenly had to face some painful truths. Really understandable that he somewhere inside wouldn't want to go on with the load he is carrying. Bobby is brutally honest here, yet he doesn't leave him there, but shows him a way out. Love that he doesn't just tell him to let go, because he knows Sam too well, but that he tells him to move forward and fix things he will come across, rather than go looking for them by accessing his memories and bringing the wall down. His honesty about himself needing time is touching and I think it makes it easier for Sam to follow his advice, rather than if he would have pretended it was going to be fine. He knows Sam would see right through this.

Dean showing up, calmer but still worried and apologizing for knocking his brother out came just at the right point. As I see it, he got the biggest gift right then, when Sam told him he was going to concentrate on hunting. The silent promise as they locked eyes more powerful than any words. And Bobby's assurance that he would be right there was really what they needed. In a way, although not fixing them, Bobby pushed both of them on the right path and I love him for it.

The emotions in this, especially Sam's were so raw that it almost frightened me, as I was close to loosing it a couple times. At the same time it's once again one of the things that I most appreciate about your stories. I can only say that you continue to improve and grow, like a bottle of wine from a great year that is superb from the beginning, but with time gets even better.  Hope I'm not getting drunk now. Thanks for bring up this challenge and writing in it too. Hugs, Vonnie

 

Author's Response:

Um...well, you know, I don't know how I do it either. I was actually worried that I didn't have enough of Sam's feelings expressed in this, so your review made me sigh in relief.

And I love how you get all the subtle things. Like Dean cutting Sam off because he doesn't want him to remember anything more, abrupt in his delivery because he's out of his mind with worry. And Bobby siphoning off Dean's adrenaline by sending him out to chop firewood instead of pacing the house driving everyone crazy.

And yes, Dean's angry at Sam, but also at himself for falling for those puppy eyes and not dragging Sam out of the town as his instincts dictated. And possibly even blaming himself for putting Sam's soul back in the first place - but really, I think Dean didn't give himself any choice once he found out the truth. He couldn't leave such a vital part of Sam to be tortured for all eternity. He had to reunite soul with body and get his brother home. Even if it won't last.

I've wondered at times about whether Sam might have felt a wee bit relieved in a way at the thought of his sacrifice, given the sheer weight of guilt he was carrying during season five. If he'd perhaps felt it was the only solution left to him - to destroy himself in the process of trapping Lucifer, thereby earning his redemption for his actions. Sad to think so, but I've wondered...

Thanks so much for this, hun- you have made my day.

huge hugs

Jules

Reviewer: ziggy (Signed) · Date: 18/02/11 11:35 AM · On: Chapter 1

Great tag sis.  I almost jumped out of my seat too when Sam hit the floor at the end of Unforgiven.  Guess that wall isn't as strong as we hoped, just hope it holds.

Totally believable Jules, so wish they could go back and extend the episode to include this!  You got all three in character here perfectly; Sam's horror and guilt at what he did whilst soulless and Dean's worry and panic at his little brother's episodes when he scratches the wall,  plus Bobby's now rather strained relationship with the youngest Winchester even though he is concerned about him.

That wall is definitely not as strong as we hoped and it looks like it won't take much scratching to bring it all down, something they have to prevent Sam from doing.

Loved Bobby's words to Sam; he needs to move forward instead of look back and if they can fix things that are happening in the here and now, there is less chance of him scratching the wall and he can also earn some redemption. Now that the Mother of All has been released they need to concentrate on hunting that, before she can unleash whatever on the world.

Great ending, the three of them united and focussed on hunting down this Mother of All.

Sarah

Author's Response:

Thanks, sis, and thanks for plunging in boots and all when I sprang this on you. But revenge was in the wings - I had three tags to beta - LOL.

I'm hoping the wall will hold, but I'm thinking that it won't, and that Sam can't help but pick at it. But there are also the outside factors to consider as well, like the arachnid hunt, which will also contribute to scratching the wall.

Also hoping that the rift between Sam and Bobby will heal before too long, even though I can understand Bobby's reluctance and caution. After all, it couldn't have been easy seeing Sam's face as he raised that knife, then to have the whole thing erased as if nothing had happened. Must have been hard for Bobby to just push that aside, given how close to death he came.

Time will tell, I suppose.

hugs

Jules