A/N: I'm back after missing the birthday challenges. Word: Control. Spoilers through the end of Season 4.

Disclaimer: Don't own them. But that doesn't stop me from playing with them.

Standing there watching the rise of Lucifer, Dean looked back and wondered when he so thoroughly lost control.

When Sam started trusting a demon more than me? No.

When Cas dragged me out of Hell? No.

When my deal came due? No.

When I made the deal? No, further back.

Letting Sammy get taken and killed? No.

When Dad left me? No, still further back.

When Sam left?

It was then he realized the control was all an illusion, perpetrated on a child, expected to protect his little brother forever. But it, like his whole life, was just another lie.