Finally i can review and you gotta know i absolutely adore this one.

Mackland keeping John's phone going and ringing him when he feels alone and everything is just getting to much or he just needs to hear his friends voice had me all teary and i wanted to jump through and hug Mackland. It really shines through in this how alone Mac feels with both John and Jim gone and Dean's impending death. His first meeting with John had everything I was expecting. The early grieving John just breaks my heart.

*The little boy didn’t reply, sidling slightly behind his father’s leg, pressing his face into the man’s jeans. Sammy jabbered an unrecognizable run-on stream of vowels, lifting the plastic ring of keys clutched in his chubby palm in a friendly greeting before pounding them against his father’s cheek.*

I just want to take this family home and look after them, sniff sniff lol.

Caleb was his usual adorable self just a younger version lol. Offering to read to Dean while acting like it was no big deal was adorable and cute lol. And Mackland early thoughts and reactions to being the scholar was so good. I've been waiting for an early one like this thank you.

I finally got the time to give this story the attention it deserves! Again, I wish the actual show had done more with Pastor Jim. I liked his interaction with Mac and the unasked for advice he offered. I also liked how you showed Mac's initial scepticism was almost as great as John's. And their first meeting was really well done. I especially liked John's face lighting up when talking to Dean. I guess family really was all he had left at that point.

That was great, I can't even tell you how excited I was when I saw you had updated. It's really interesting to see everyone at this stage in their lives, the John imagery was perfection and the way Mac handled the situation seemed dead on. I loved how appauled he seemed towards everything :)

For a moment Mackland was confused, but then he realized John was referring to Caleb. “No. Caleb’s parents were killed. He has no family.”

Geez...that's pretty harsh. It's weird to think of Mac being so distant towards Caleb, especially considering how close they are now.

Are you going to be weaving this background story into In Victus? I would love love LOVE to see what happens next. I'm really into the interactions between characters you have going on, it's great. I would love to read about the Winchesters' reactions to Jim and Vice versa. The John/Caleb getting to know you story line is great too, I'm sensing some hero worship going on...
is John going to find out about Caleb's abilities and past? That would be very interesting.

Aww I loved it! Such a beautiful first meeting- I like how it really seems in character for all the boys. Mackland calling John and leaving the message was absolutely gutting. A great, great part of the piece!

That prologue was an epic start of an awesome story to come. You weave your words so well and some phrases you use conjure up such depth of feeling that I am constantly blown away. Your AU is undoubtedly an integral part of my passion for Supernatural. And your love of the boys and their relationship clearly shines through Hats off to you! I look forward to In Victus.

OH wow loved it. Nice to see how John got involved in the Brotherhood but whole strength and emotion was beautiful. Thank you

Hello Ridley...seems like forever! I know it hasnt been but this year is flying by. I was happy to see a new story alert but scared at the same time...not that you have ever let any of us down but i know this story is going to be a heartbreaker and sure enough if this sweet little chapter is anything to judge by I best bring the tissues! Amazing beginning... you know my weakness for Mac LOL. Counting the days till Wednesday!! talk to you soon ~ m

Great story. Jim's wisdom is sending Mac to the Winchesters shows the start of a family that once trust was earned between them would do anything for each other.

I was THRILLED to see another story up from you. I can all ready tell that I will be enjoying this back story that you have created. Looking forward to next Wed. Thanks again. Take care and Happy Writing!

great job on the story. thanks for writing and posting it! it was fantasic to read...i love the relationship between john and mac, and you can see it even in the very begining. i can't wait for in victus next week!

I love it, awesome, but my head is all confuddled. Is there any particular order to read these Brotherhood stories in? I read the revisited Heroes story and now this but I know that's not in the right order, so what is?

Anywho, I loved the tenderness of such a simple, uncomplicated scene, nice job.

Aw, Rid, that was amazing!! I'm close to tears. Dean's death is so heartbreaking and I can't wait to see what happens in the Brotherhood with it. I can't wait until next Wednesday!! :)

oh, and I decided to listen to Love in Vain while I read this since you mentioned it. ;)

That story was amazing. I always wondered about this meeting and I'm glad you wrote it. It was really great, I love that Mac and John started a bond there and Mac made a promise to John and John starting trusting him. Little Dean was adorable as was young Caleb. I adored this! I really can't wait to see who the she was. I'm a little nervous about that. But I love the idea that there is hope at the end and that you will still continue with the boys relationship that we all love. Thanks for this!

Okay. Very cool. If I'd never met Caleb before, I'd still love him after this little fic. Already a good guy. :D

I loved this little peek into the past.

WOW! you had me in tears when Mac called John's number at the end.

I liked how they met, I can so see John being like that. Mac's 'show of power' trying to prove his point that John couldn't protect against what he didn't know or understand was really cool.

Your playground is amazing!