Epilogue (three months later)

Dean sat in the driver's seat, waiting for Sam to get back from his supply run in the nowhere gas-station they'd pulled into. They were on their way to investigate a possible haunting two states over and Dean had taken the opportunity earlier that morning to check in at one of their many mail drop points. It was a long shot, and he'd tried not to get his hopes up, but being so close the address of the mail box he'd given Ben, he couldn't not check it. Fiercely stamping his hopes down so as to lessen his inevitable disappointment Dean had literally gasped in shock when he'd unlocked and opened the little door and found a small, white envelope resting innocently in the tiny space, Ben's unmistakeable writing clear on the front. He smiled at the memories of the day he'd spent with Ben, as he always did when those happy times came to mind.

Sam had been curious as to what was in the envelope and why Dean was suddenly so happy yet distracted. Dean had wanted to open the letter in private though; oh, he would tell Sam about it in the end but he didn't want a witness to his possibly embarrassing and emotional reaction, he had his reputation to think of after all.

Watching Sam through the glass windows, stalking up and down the aisles for Dean's many and varied requests, Dean reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet into which he'd slid the envelope, keeping it hidden and protected. He turned it over in his hands, staring down at the address, his name written in Ben's hand, his thumb picking absently at the slightly blunted corner. Glancing once more to make sure Sam wouldn't be surprising him with a return any time soon, Dean took a deep breath and tore open the edge of the envelope, carefully sliding out its contents.

Dean was met by Ben's smiling face beaming up at him from the photograph in his hands. He was standing next to a shining display case, which, when Dean looked a little closer, housed his wooden aeroplane and framed plan which had started this whole thing. Ben was holding a certificate and plaque in both hands, grinning at the camera, body turned slightly towards the other figure on the right hand side picture. Annie was also looking at the camera, an enthusiastic double thumbs up showing her pride in her boyfriend. On Ben's other side stood Lisa, looking as stunning as always, having been mid-laugh when the picture was taken, her eyes creased in amusement, joy radiating from every inch of her. Dean could help but mirror the smiling faces in the picture, ignoring the tightness in his chest and throat.

Looking his fill at the photograph for several more minutes, Dean then turned his attention to the folded, accompanying note.

Dear Dean,

Thanks for all you help on my project! I couldn't have done it without you so thank you so much. I came top of the class for 'innovation, ingenuity and creating a project with heart' and have been awarded a scholarship for an apprentice program. I can't believe it! Mom is so happy and proud; she burst into tears when I told her. She gave me a new, fully stocked toolbox and tickets to see the local gig of the AC/DC tour next month as a congratulations. If you're in the area, you could come too? It'd be great to hang out again.

Annie says hi and she told me to thank you for giving me a kick up the butt so I'd ask her out (her words, not mine); it's going really great, just like you said. Thanks, man.

Hope you and Sam are ok, and if you're ever in Princeton again make sure you both stop by. Nathan promises to behave if you do, although I'll only believe it when I see it!

Thanks again, dude.

Ben

PS. Your scrambled eggs recipe is perfect. Been making them every day, and even Nathan likes them, although he kinda has no choice since there's nothing else for his breakfasts as I still haven't gotten around to fixing a certain kitchen appliance…

Dean chuckled at Ben's words. His heart was full of joy and pride as he reread the letter, before stealing another look at the photograph. He'd thought about giving Ben his cell number, or even his email address, but despite wanting the easier and more frequent contact these would have provided, he needed to keep a certain level of distance between them, not wanting Ben or Lisa to ever become collateral in the supernatural war he and Sam were fighting. Getting a letter like this almost made him think that maybe this was the best way anyway as now he had another tangible reminder he could carry with him and look at as many times as he wished. His gaze caught on the address and date in the top right corner of the page; surely a letter every now and then couldn't hurt, he mused with a smile, committing the address to memory, mentally drafting his reply, relaying his congratulations and letting Ben know how happy he was for him. Maybe he would deliver his first letter in person and squeeze a gig in at the same time…

Seeing Sam bagging up their supplies, Dean quickly but carefully slid the picture into the back of his wallet, smiling as it rested next to the picture of him, Mary, John and Sammy. He just had time to tuck the letter back into the envelope and pocket it before Sam returned, the familiar squeal of the passenger door signalling his presence. Accepting one of the bags from his brother Dean peered inside. Snagging a candy bar from the depths and then setting the bag aside, Dean started the Impala engine and headed back out onto the road, music playing quietly in the background.

"Hey, Sammy. You know I checked the mail dropbox earlier? Ben sent a letter…"

The End

AN: Thank you so so much to everyone who put this story on alert, favourited it or reviewed! I really appreciate it and I loved reading your thoughts and comments :) Hope you all enjoyed the story :)