Always be a first rate version of yourself

by caremkefo

...and not a second rate version of someone else. When Dean finds Castiel standing on the wrong side of the bridge railing in the pouring rain, he takes him home. What starts out as a friendship born of loneliness and desperation grows into something more as they are drawn closer to each other over time, and slowly help each other to mend.

1. Author's Note

A(n updated) note from the author.

(Or perhaps that should be notes...)

Anyway.

Update: This fic has undergone much reworking. Every chapter has been updated, though the story is still the same (just better written in places). The only difference being the end of chapter 15 is now the beginning of chapter 16.

I would like to acknowledge the fact that there is actually a one-shot on this very site that people may compare the first chapter of this story to. Yes, I have read it. No, I did not steal their idea. I came across it and read it only after I had started jotting down ideas for this, so the fact that they use the same scenario is a coincidence. I say this because I know that lately there have been accusations of plagiarism (and sadly there always will be) so I just want to be absolutely clear and honest from the start.

The title is taken from a Judy Garland quote.

Triggers/warnings - self harm, suicidal themes, physical abuse, alcohol abuse, drug addiction. In once instance a character is concerned that another may have been sexually assaulted and this is discussed in vague terms, but no such assault takes place.

Thank you!