A/N: Hey guys! First off I'd like to thank all of you who've been reading, reviewing, favoriting, and just liking this story in general! You guys are my motivation to keep writing, really.

Also, this chappie is short. I mean really short, I'm sorry. But, it finishes up the story arc quite nicely, in my opinion. Now, onwards!

Happy reading, and have a lovely rest of your day!

When Dean came downstairs the following morning, it was still dark outside, the sun not yet over the horizon. The counter was still spotless like it had been when he arrived, with his envelope on the counter. He picked it up, but there was a note under it.

Dean-

I promised you we wouldn't talk about it, and we did anyway. Can't say I'm sorry, but I shouldn't have promised that in the first place. You needed to hear it. And, technically, this ain't talking either, so read up Winchester:

Your checks are still coming here. End of story.

I'll try not to bring it up. Can't promise, but I'll try, Dean.

I'm gonna read all the stuff you publish. The rule above applies.

You want my opinion? It was really well-written Dean. That ain't a lie, son. You write very well. If it weren't true I would've enjoyed it more, though.

I don't pity you son. I wish it was different, but I don't pity you.

None of what happened back then was your fault.

Now, over on the coffee table, there's a case I found. I figure you'll want to clear your head for awhile, so you're welcome to take it.

Don't be an idgit, come back soon.

Bobby

Dean smiled softly at Bobby's words, relief washing over him. He felt a little stupid for going all freak-out, with all that shit about people leaving him (even though there was an element of reality to it that shook him to his core, he'd rather not think about it). Bobby was safe. He was safe here.

However, Bobby was right. He needed the routine and familiarity of a hunt to make him feel balanced and sane again. After reading over the file on a hunt in Nevada on what seemed to be a Black Dog, Dean knew it was almost time to leave.

But first, he felt the urge to write something.

Threatened

Defences up

I thought I was safe but

I'm being attacked! - Oh wait...

False alarm

Dean chuckled a bit. Of course, humor was always his go-to for dealing with the hard stuff.

But he felt the urge to just let go. So, he did.

Frozen like ice

I've been found out again

Icicles form outward to dissuade

Don't come closer

Don't ask questions

Wait 'til they walk away

Then I can drip drip drip

Slowly back into water

Flowing away, never returning

To those thoughts and actions and places

Avoiding those stones

Twisting and turning

Until I reach that pure ocean

Of safety, of home, of right.

He tucked both of them into his pocket, gathered the file, and was about to leave before he ran back inside and tore of a scrap of paper from a notebook of Bobby's to write a quick note.

Bobby-

Thanks. I'll come around next month or sometime for my next check.

Take it easy, old man.

Dean

With a nod, Dean finally clambered into the Impala and started the engine, his spirits much higher than they were even a couple hours before. When this case was over, he might even check on Sam. Nevada and California were close.

With all this considered, Dean felt no remorse driving away from Bobby's house, check in his pocket.

Hell yeah! I can already tell this will be a good hunt.

A/N: Hey guys! I just wanted your opinion again… I have two chapters planned but I'm not sure of what order they should go in. Do you want Dean and some fans or Dean when he comes to pick Sam up from Stanford? I have things planned for both… Just want your opinion on where I should go first!

And… Comment replies:

Tempermental18- I'm really happy you're continuing to enjoy this story, and I'm glad I was able to brighten your evening after having your power go out like that. I'd also like to thank you for your awesome comments that come so swiftly and alway make me smile!

Iwokeuponthewrongsideoflife- Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I'm so happy you like to poetry aspect of the book- I thought it would be the thing to turn most people away. Not to mention… they're all my own poems that only I have read before (I beta my own stuff). Your compliments mean the world! I hope this chappie was satisfactory. I have plans for Sam, but unfortunately he's not up right away on the list. But he's there! I can't wait to write for him and Cas!

Guest- I'm so happy you enjoyed the story! Thanks for your review :)