Oh, Dean, how I wish you had outgrown your martyr complex, but after 12 1/2 years I don’t think it’s ever going to happen. So painful to watch him carrying the load all by himself, not letting Sammy in. Sammy really stepped up, especially at the end. That scene brought real tears to my eyes, and I don’t know how Dean kept from balling like a baby.

It was also nice to see them get some recognition and even gifts! They deserve everything, all the time. Great way to end the story. That and Sam winning the bet, and Dean getting the last word. :)

Criminy crickets! The whole scene at the end almost killed me, especially when Dean’s shoulder dislocated while holding Sam. Oy vey! I was cringing away from the screen. Silas is one nasty customer, and I don’t like how much he’s able to mess with Dean. Dean’s emotional and mental pain is a palpable force all on its own, and I want to cry for him, since he won’t allow himself the release of tears.

And, those kids of Silas’s, how sad are they? Thinking they were getting one over on their father all that time. I’m glad Dean set them right about that. I hope they get this bastard really good.

Cool, this story is dealing with some of the same issues as the last one of yours I just finished - in terms of Dean struggling with the burden John placed on Dean right before he died. I’m glad you are exploring that, it was such a horrible thing to put on his shoulders - why John even thought he could do it, I don’t know. Dean hadn’t been able to kill his possessed father, what made John think he’d be able to kill the brother he’d raised.

I can see how that would torture Dean, the protector and nurturer. Then, on top of that, to feel guilty for his father being sent to Hell, and being tortured there. Even worse than having that burden, though, would be the horror of having to keep it from Sam, since they are as close as they are. And, here, trying to keep him away from anything that would cause Sam to ‘hulk out.’ I don’t remember if that is something Dean’s dealt with in the show, but it is certainly believable, if not.

Silas is creepy and icky, and I’m looking forward to discovery what he is, and what he’s doing to this town. Loved Dean’s little bit with him about being disagreeable. Sounds like Silas can control the people in this town, somehow; so it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.

As expected, superb. Thank you.

Oh my still my "edge of the seat - angsty heart!" Great stuff!

The part where Sam brought Dean out of his nightmare got to me. This was wonderful! :D

Enjoyed the read! Captivating story and Dean's pain is so raw. He still didn't tell Sam about what his dad told him though. But he did have a little bit of a breakthrough so that's good! Anyways, thanks for the story!

I loved this story. Damn. I don't know what else to say.

Damn that it's over.

Great story :)

Amazing read, never expect anything less from you!

The image of Dean waking to Sam's hand settled lovingly, protectively, over his heart is so poignant. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Loved the gentleness of that scene, how the nightmare faded into something of love and family. Beautiful.

Gaelic, I just read this in the 'zine! It was such a joy to actually hold it in my hands in book form. :) (KHK loaned it to me.) Wow - 'zines are so much nicer than in the old days, aren't they?

The story was wonderful, of course, with Silas an extremely disturbing and creepy opponent for the boys, and the fact that a whole family and a whole town were bound up in the aftermath of a deal ratcheting up the tension. Dean and Sam were so perfectly in character, and you really brought to life the tragedy of that terrible period when John had died and Dean had to bear that terrible secret. One thing you also did in this story, which you often do, was make such incredible use of music - and always the music Dean would have actually listened to...or absolutely wouldn't have, depending on the circumstance! The way music is used in Supernatural is one of the things I so love, and that you continue that throughout your fics is amazing and appreciated.

I just finished reading. And this is by far my most favourite supernatural fanfiction I have EVER read. Thank you so much for writing and sharing this piece. It's simply amazing.

I'm starting to have no social life thanks to your stories! Loved this one so much, the tone and atmosphere was just perfect. Dean's mood here was filled with so much melancholy my heart was aching the whole time, and I loved it! Thanks again for sharing your super duper awesome talent with us!

This was a fantastic piece of work. I love the raw emotion and all of your figurative language. Truly great job!