† THREE [voice] - backdated to about the 16th.

[upstairsbrain]

[ Well, he's taken some time to mull over what Magento told him about his time in the Port: the time he doesn't remember. And thinking it over, trying to reason it out, searching for a shred of memory to explain why he'd done it... nothing like that had worked. So, finally, the younger Winchester comes over the feed, his voice almost jerky, mechanical. To many, it may seem like he's just tired, but to those who know him well... ]

Sorry about being M.I.A. If anyone needs me, I'll be around. I'm taking a sort of--

[ He trails off, and then clears his throat. ]

... Anyway. I'll be back soon.

[Private to Dean Winchester:]
I'm not going to be at home for a few days. Don't tell Mom, alright? I don't want her to worry.

[Private to Castiel:]
Can we talk? In person?

Comments

private;

[upstairsbrain]

I'm not bailing. [ "This time." Everyone knows what happened. Everyone remembers the bloodthirsty monster. ]

I'll tell you later, okay? I just-- not right now.

private;

[mulletrock]

Where are you gonna stay, Sam?

At least tell me that.

private;

[upstairsbrain]

Honestly? I'm not sure. But, I'll be fine.

[ He's got no plan, really. But, it doesn't matter. Not now. ]

private;

[mulletrock]

Don't be stupid, Sam.

This place is dangeorus.

private;

[upstairsbrain]

I'll be fine. [ He says it again, trying to stress the 'fine.' ] Just, take care of Mom, alright?

private;

[mulletrock]

She shouldn't have to put up with you takin' off again and neither should I!

The hell's your problem. You've got family here, people willin' to help out and the first thing you do is walk out on all of 'em?

That's all you ever did before. It took me a month to find you the first time, and you know what- I'm not doin' it again. Mom was worried sick and if you think I can keep that from happening again you need t'step back and remember what it felt like when we lost Dad. You're being selfish...and I for one am tired of cleanin' up your messes and doin' the damage control when it comes to everyone you hurt in the process.

Nut up or shut up.

private;

[upstairsbrain]

[ Ouch. Out of all the feedback he's received, this is one that stings badly. Sam actually winces, swallowing the desire to just end the call and head out. He owes Dean more than that. ]

Before? Before when? [ He just shakes his head. ] I don't remember that, Dean. As far as I know, I just got here a month ago. I only just found out about all this, and I'm not running away from it! I've got to deal, alright? I'm just talking to Cas. I need some time, to sort it all out. I'm not saying to come look for me-- I don't want that. I told you, I'm fine. But I've got to straighten this out, figure out the things I don't know. I have to do that, before anything else. So, I'm sorry. But, this is the way it has to be.

private;

[mulletrock]

[Dean knows he's right but he's too selfish to admit it. He wants to keep Sam close. He was worried sick when he disappeared the first time. He just doesn't know how to voice it. They're not as close as they used to be and it's mostly his fault. He knows that.

Dean just hangs up without saying anything else.]