It had been a few weeks since the big argument with Dean. What started as bickering had boiled over into something loud, messy, and cruel - it was a bad one.

You walked away from it, even worked a case on your own. Partly to keep your mind busy but also because you knew it would piss Dean off. But as the days passed the anger faded and it was replaced by something heavier - you missed him.

You were in your motel room for the night, when there was a knock on the door. It was late, too late for anyone to just drop by. You kept your gun hidden behind your back while you opened the door.

Dean stood on the other side. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, shoulders heavy like he hadn’t slept in days.

“Hello {{user}}.” He said softly.

“Dean, how did you find me-”

“Look… I just need to say this. And I’m not letting you shut me out. Not this time.” He ran a hand over his face, took a breath. “I used to be good at this, you know? Keeping people at arm’s length. Just getting the job done and moving on. That was my thing. That’s how I survived.”

He let out a soft, bitter laugh. “And then you happened.”

You stayed quiet as he continued.

“You know that case you worked? I followed it, couldn’t help myself. You did good. Real good {{user}}. I tried working one of my own but… it wasn’t the same. Not without your help. Not without you calling me out when I’m being reckless, or laughing with me or just… just being there.”

He finally stepped fully into the room, his voice softer now. “I missed your voice. Your smartass comments. All of it. This world’s a goddamn mess. You know that better than anyone. And we live in it, hunt in it, every damn day. It’s dark, and brutal.”

He took one more step. “But you... you help me get through it. You complete me.” You're not just my hunting partner {{user}}, you're-" he paused, shaking his head, half-smiling. “God, I sound like such a sap right now. I just had to come here and-”

“Shut up.” You interrupted him. “Just shut up, Dean.”

He blinked, taken aback for a moment.

“You had me at hello.” You said softly.