NOTE: So here's the deal, everyone. I prefer to pretend that the Season 3 finale didn't happen. . . at least until I find out how they're going to resolve it. But then I went and had this dream that gave a possible and unusual resolution to it, and I told my sister, who said I needed to write it down. Anyway, this is more a favor to her than anything else. I'm about 99 sure this will be AU once the new season starts. Here's a short teaser but the rest of the story is in the next chapter. Enjoy!

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Dean Winchester's eyes snapped open, leaving him in the most confused state he'd ever been. He was pretty sure that about two seconds ago, he'd been screaming his head off in the eternal torment of hell. And yet here he was, awake, alive, human, and . . . alone.

He found himself sprawled on a comfortable couch in very familiar settings. He'd know this house anywhere, since he and his brother had been spending so much time there after the death of their father. It was Bobby's place.

Dean sat up, looking around for Sam, but saw no one. He felt none of the effects of being dead – not even the wounds he'd received from the hell hounds that had come to collect him at the end of his year. In fact, he'd never felt in better health. He rose to his feet and took a step forward.

Immediately, he felt like he'd run into an invisible brick wall. He jerked backward and fell onto the couch again, grunting softly with surprise.

Sam?" he called out. "Sammy?"

He waited patiently, but no one came. The house seemed abandoned, but Dean couldn't leave. He was stuck on this sofa.

Alone.

And confused as hell.