Our Old Heroes
Author: AdelaClancy
Rating: E
Word Count: 499,275
Summary:
In which Amara doesn't bring back Mary, she brings back John Winchester.
Dean is uncertain what Amara's meaning is when she brings John back, and struggles with coming to terms with the new family dynamic. Sam tries harder to keep the peace than he used to, and Cas does not get along with John at all- though he tries. Testosterone is at an all-time high as these four men struggle to coexist in the hunting world with very different ideologies.
We explore just how much the brothers have changed in the ten years without their father's guidance, the trauma they still haven't resolved, and the feelings that Dean and Cas hold for one another despite the very real and new barrier that is John.
Commentary: Well written, in character and really long? Ding ding ding, we might have found a new Tomoyo favorite!!
This story is a complete rewrite of season 12, up until the first few episodes of season 13.
Having John back is a twist so good, so tasty, so crunchy. It's so interesting to see Dean and Sam react to him, because while they're not their season 1 selves, neither are them their season 2 selves. We see them little by little regain the courage to stand up for themselves and show John who they've become. John who, of course, is not a bit happy about how friendly Dean and Sam have become of monsters. Or about how close Dean is with Cas.
It's very very interesting how this story deviates from season 12 at the same time it keeps on track with almost everything (but, better). I don't think I paid as much attention to BMOL plot in the show as I did in here! The author also gives us more time with Claire, Alex and Jody, deepening their relationships with the main cast.
Dean starts the story trying to convince himself of how he doesn't have feelings for Cas, but it slowly becomes impossible, as he has to confront old memories. Having John around makes it so much harder for Dean to ignore everything he feels, which makes perfect sense! He is scared at first, specially right after having to see Lucifer possess Cas.
POVs flow mainly between Dean and Cas, but there's also Sam, Eileen, Claire and many others (eventually, Jack).
I know this is a huge one, but I can't recommend it enough. It's big because it need to be. Because we need this time with these characters for them to get where they are. And it's so worth it.
