March Recs: Dean/Castiel AUs
I confess: I'm an AU addict. In the D/C fandom, swing-set13 has been keeping an epic masterlist of all the Dean/Castiel AUs out there in fandom. There are some amazing fics in that list, so definitely check it out.
To start you off (with a smile) this month, here are a few D/C AU recs, mostly of the romcom variety, as well as a few other charmers and heartwarmers, sure to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Wedding Cake
sparseparsley | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~31,000 words
The good ones are sometimes assholes and always taken.
I've read this one a few dozen times because it is just that adorable. This fic is chock-full of delightful romcom misunderstandings and steamy D/C UST. Yummy!
Boys Helping Boys
bumblee | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~22,000 words
Castiel is a gay host of a makeover show titled "Boys Helping Boys", and Dean is the unkept straight guy getting made over for his brother Sam's wedding.
This is an enjoyable, funny, and touching romcom charmer.
Humanity Service
the-ninth-bow | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~16,500 words
On a mission for Cupid, Castiel finds locating Sam’s soul mate more difficult than he anticipated. Lucky for him, Dean Winchester is more than happy to help and Castiel learns more than he expected.
I discovered this one just the other day, and it's one of those fun fics that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Kite Songs
ladytelemachus | Dean/Castiel | PG | 9,100 words
In which Cas seeks internet notoriety with his controversial views on the latest darling of American fiction, and stumbles across something else entirely.
I love everything about this fic! The prose, the plot, the amazing characterizations. This is one of those fics you never knew was missing from your life until you read it. Go read it!
Of Coffee and Cellphones
c00kie | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | 3,471 words
"The only thing Dean knows about Castiel is that he's male (obviously), unmarried, thirty four and has blue eyes."
This story brings hearts to my eyes. A really sweet and charming read.
Come to Me
radioheading | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~22,000 words
Dean and Sam aren't hunters but normal, average men. Dean is floundering in his life, moving through the days with no real reason to look forward to the future. He is alone, lonely. But a chance meeting changes that, begins a relationship that will reveal his life as he knows it as a lie. This is the story of how Dean met Castiel.
A gorgeous and fantastic wing!fic AU filled with vivid, sensual imagery and prose. You'll fall in love with the author's writing as well as their Dean and Castiel.
Bury Me
blualbino | Dean/Castiel | R | ~4,700 words
Not that he would have it any other way for his little brother, but they're the undertaker's kids. Normal people tend to keep away.
This fic has such a fab, original, and evocative premise and setting. I love the Dean in this story so much. Bittersweet and really lovely.
The Open Sky (is Mine Tonight)
weatheredlaw | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~21,904 words
And Cas wants to believe that this is the way it can be.
This is like the D/C AU of "The Wedding Planner" and Cas as a wedding planner is just somehow really perfect. This story will break your heart a bit, but the writing and the Castiel characterization are beautifully done. A nicely-crafted story.
The Request
cloudyjenn | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~36,000 words
When Sam Winchester prays for his brother, Castiel is finally sent on his very first assignment. But what should be a simple love match turns into much more and Castiel finds himself risking everything to ensure the happiness of his extremely frustrating charge.
A charming read that will cheer you up even on the gloomiest of days. cloudyjenn has a knack for writing romcom-style fics, and I'd recommend you check out her other stories, including A Brief Glimpse, In Real Life, Hardcorewings.com, and The Soul Piece.
Dream As If You'll Live Forever & Live As If You'll Die Today
commodoresexual | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~29,399 words
Cas hasn't spoken a word to anyone in years and is a drifter who works various odd jobs to finance himself. Dean is a guy with a violent temper who grew up in foster care and has just gotten out of prison for a stupid judgment call. The two cross paths in a pay-by-the-week boarding house run by an eccentric older couple (Bobby and Ellen).
An old favorite of mine, this is one of those stories that stays with you long after you've read it. I love Dean and Castiel's journey in this story, as well as the fab supporting cast.
The Joy is in the Process
rhymephile | Dean/Castiel | R | 9,266 words
Sam and Dean have never met anyone as unique as Castiel. The kid wearing a trench coat in the middle of summer introduced himself the day they moved in, and all three of them became instant friends. Then Dean and Cas start spending a lot of time together and Sam finds himself excluded. He doesn't blame Dean at first; it must be hard being 15 and never setting down roots long enough to make lasting friendships. But as time goes on and he sees less of Dean and Cas, Sam realizes it's even harder being 11.
One of my favorite Team Free Will fics, and it's an AU! I love highschool!AUs, and this fic, as told through Sam's POV, is such a delightful and absolutely beautiful read.
I Want You All To Myself
melfice | Dean/Castiel | R | ~9,000 words
Dean Winchester is seventeen years old, two weeks from graduation, dating an amazing girl, looking at colleges, and is probably in love with his best, male friend. Oh yeah, life is freaking fantastic.
This highschool!AU really hits all the right notes. A really enjoyable read!
We Became Fans of Collisions
wandersfound | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~25,000 words
Dean is the owner of a bookstore and one day, he gets a new customer.
This is such a lovely, sweet, and charming fic, with an ending you'll absolutely love.
Asunder
rageprufrock | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~24,000 words
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6)
You've probably read this fic already, but if you haven't, go read it now. An amazing story with wonderful characterizations and world-building. Quite possibly one of my favorite AUs ever!
"Ancillary Stoke"
nanoochka | Dean/Castiel | R | 9,920 words
Dean is a professional snowboarder who finds himself alone on Valentine’s Day following his recent break-up with Lisa. He had the perfect romantic holiday planned: a private cabin in the French Alps kitted out with everything from a heated pool to a personal maid. He even saw to the damn rose petals. But now he’s stuck sharing dinner and a bottle of wine with the chalet’s enigmatic chef, who’s entirely too hot for his own good. Fluff ensues.
Dean/Cas/Food is my OT3. This charming fic is a perfect story to curl up to in front of the fire place on a cold winter's night.
The Ghost of Embers
moorishflower | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~38,500 words
Dean Winchester's life has been one big clusterfuck. He lost his mother to a house fire when he was a child, and he lost his father to an explosive car accident when he was a teen, and, now that he's a full-grown man, he's losing his brother to college and to distant, sunny California. Dean, determined not to let his pyrophobia or his anxiety over his absent brother ruin him, and desirous of a change that just might fix everything, makes the rashest move of his adult life: a largely unnecessary, almost entirely unplanned move to New York City. Stuck in the middle of a city that has a reputation for chewing up and spitting out the unprepared, Dean's anxieties fluctuate between bad and worse...until he starts to get to know his mysterious and antisocial next door neighbor, Castiel. But mystery isn't always a good thing; Castiel is hiding a secret...a secret that even the cynical Dean Winchester might have trouble believing.
A well-written, engaging, and nicely-crafted fic! The author captures everything I love about this trope, while offering great Dean characterization and character development.
Tokipokey?
mikes-grrl | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~4,700 words
It may or may not be punishment for (allegedly) burning down the frat house, but either way, Dean feels it is above and beyond cruel to make him roomies with Castielofreakasuarus.
This is one of those fics that will have you laughing the entire way through. There are not enough Dean/Castiel college!AUs in the world, but this one hits the spot.
Close Encounters
scaramouche | Dean/Castiel | R | ~9,000 words
It's the same old story: boy meets space alien, boy sleeps with space alien, boy's brother is mortified.
I waited a long time for an alien!Cas AU because, hello, perfect. This fic is hilarious, and has everything you loved about those zany sci-fi romantic comedies you use to watch as a kid. If you're in the mood for more by this author, go check out Behold, the Dean.
Start Quoting Shakespeare and We're Done
pyrebi | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~15,000 words
In which Dean has the hots for a librarian named Cas, Cas may or may not have the hots for a mechanic named Dean, and Gabriel joins Sam in the peanut gallery in the hopes that he might just get to do a horizontal tango of his own.
Cute, hilarious, and charming, this story will have you grinning so wide by the end.
To start you off (with a smile) this month, here are a few D/C AU recs, mostly of the romcom variety, as well as a few other charmers and heartwarmers, sure to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Wedding Cake
sparseparsley | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~31,000 words
The good ones are sometimes assholes and always taken.
I've read this one a few dozen times because it is just that adorable. This fic is chock-full of delightful romcom misunderstandings and steamy D/C UST. Yummy!
Boys Helping Boys
bumblee | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~22,000 words
Castiel is a gay host of a makeover show titled "Boys Helping Boys", and Dean is the unkept straight guy getting made over for his brother Sam's wedding.
This is an enjoyable, funny, and touching romcom charmer.
Humanity Service
the-ninth-bow | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~16,500 words
On a mission for Cupid, Castiel finds locating Sam’s soul mate more difficult than he anticipated. Lucky for him, Dean Winchester is more than happy to help and Castiel learns more than he expected.
I discovered this one just the other day, and it's one of those fun fics that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Kite Songs
ladytelemachus | Dean/Castiel | PG | 9,100 words
In which Cas seeks internet notoriety with his controversial views on the latest darling of American fiction, and stumbles across something else entirely.
I love everything about this fic! The prose, the plot, the amazing characterizations. This is one of those fics you never knew was missing from your life until you read it. Go read it!
Of Coffee and Cellphones
c00kie | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | 3,471 words
"The only thing Dean knows about Castiel is that he's male (obviously), unmarried, thirty four and has blue eyes."
This story brings hearts to my eyes. A really sweet and charming read.
Come to Me
radioheading | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~22,000 words
Dean and Sam aren't hunters but normal, average men. Dean is floundering in his life, moving through the days with no real reason to look forward to the future. He is alone, lonely. But a chance meeting changes that, begins a relationship that will reveal his life as he knows it as a lie. This is the story of how Dean met Castiel.
A gorgeous and fantastic wing!fic AU filled with vivid, sensual imagery and prose. You'll fall in love with the author's writing as well as their Dean and Castiel.
Bury Me
blualbino | Dean/Castiel | R | ~4,700 words
Not that he would have it any other way for his little brother, but they're the undertaker's kids. Normal people tend to keep away.
This fic has such a fab, original, and evocative premise and setting. I love the Dean in this story so much. Bittersweet and really lovely.
The Open Sky (is Mine Tonight)
weatheredlaw | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~21,904 words
And Cas wants to believe that this is the way it can be.
This is like the D/C AU of "The Wedding Planner" and Cas as a wedding planner is just somehow really perfect. This story will break your heart a bit, but the writing and the Castiel characterization are beautifully done. A nicely-crafted story.
The Request
cloudyjenn | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~36,000 words
When Sam Winchester prays for his brother, Castiel is finally sent on his very first assignment. But what should be a simple love match turns into much more and Castiel finds himself risking everything to ensure the happiness of his extremely frustrating charge.
A charming read that will cheer you up even on the gloomiest of days. cloudyjenn has a knack for writing romcom-style fics, and I'd recommend you check out her other stories, including A Brief Glimpse, In Real Life, Hardcorewings.com, and The Soul Piece.
Dream As If You'll Live Forever & Live As If You'll Die Today
commodoresexual | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~29,399 words
Cas hasn't spoken a word to anyone in years and is a drifter who works various odd jobs to finance himself. Dean is a guy with a violent temper who grew up in foster care and has just gotten out of prison for a stupid judgment call. The two cross paths in a pay-by-the-week boarding house run by an eccentric older couple (Bobby and Ellen).
An old favorite of mine, this is one of those stories that stays with you long after you've read it. I love Dean and Castiel's journey in this story, as well as the fab supporting cast.
The Joy is in the Process
rhymephile | Dean/Castiel | R | 9,266 words
Sam and Dean have never met anyone as unique as Castiel. The kid wearing a trench coat in the middle of summer introduced himself the day they moved in, and all three of them became instant friends. Then Dean and Cas start spending a lot of time together and Sam finds himself excluded. He doesn't blame Dean at first; it must be hard being 15 and never setting down roots long enough to make lasting friendships. But as time goes on and he sees less of Dean and Cas, Sam realizes it's even harder being 11.
One of my favorite Team Free Will fics, and it's an AU! I love highschool!AUs, and this fic, as told through Sam's POV, is such a delightful and absolutely beautiful read.
I Want You All To Myself
melfice | Dean/Castiel | R | ~9,000 words
Dean Winchester is seventeen years old, two weeks from graduation, dating an amazing girl, looking at colleges, and is probably in love with his best, male friend. Oh yeah, life is freaking fantastic.
This highschool!AU really hits all the right notes. A really enjoyable read!
We Became Fans of Collisions
wandersfound | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~25,000 words
Dean is the owner of a bookstore and one day, he gets a new customer.
This is such a lovely, sweet, and charming fic, with an ending you'll absolutely love.
Asunder
rageprufrock | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~24,000 words
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6)
You've probably read this fic already, but if you haven't, go read it now. An amazing story with wonderful characterizations and world-building. Quite possibly one of my favorite AUs ever!
"Ancillary Stoke"
nanoochka | Dean/Castiel | R | 9,920 words
Dean is a professional snowboarder who finds himself alone on Valentine’s Day following his recent break-up with Lisa. He had the perfect romantic holiday planned: a private cabin in the French Alps kitted out with everything from a heated pool to a personal maid. He even saw to the damn rose petals. But now he’s stuck sharing dinner and a bottle of wine with the chalet’s enigmatic chef, who’s entirely too hot for his own good. Fluff ensues.
Dean/Cas/Food is my OT3. This charming fic is a perfect story to curl up to in front of the fire place on a cold winter's night.
The Ghost of Embers
moorishflower | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~38,500 words
Dean Winchester's life has been one big clusterfuck. He lost his mother to a house fire when he was a child, and he lost his father to an explosive car accident when he was a teen, and, now that he's a full-grown man, he's losing his brother to college and to distant, sunny California. Dean, determined not to let his pyrophobia or his anxiety over his absent brother ruin him, and desirous of a change that just might fix everything, makes the rashest move of his adult life: a largely unnecessary, almost entirely unplanned move to New York City. Stuck in the middle of a city that has a reputation for chewing up and spitting out the unprepared, Dean's anxieties fluctuate between bad and worse...until he starts to get to know his mysterious and antisocial next door neighbor, Castiel. But mystery isn't always a good thing; Castiel is hiding a secret...a secret that even the cynical Dean Winchester might have trouble believing.
A well-written, engaging, and nicely-crafted fic! The author captures everything I love about this trope, while offering great Dean characterization and character development.
Tokipokey?
mikes-grrl | Dean/Castiel | NC-17 | ~4,700 words
It may or may not be punishment for (allegedly) burning down the frat house, but either way, Dean feels it is above and beyond cruel to make him roomies with Castielofreakasuarus.
This is one of those fics that will have you laughing the entire way through. There are not enough Dean/Castiel college!AUs in the world, but this one hits the spot.
Close Encounters
scaramouche | Dean/Castiel | R | ~9,000 words
It's the same old story: boy meets space alien, boy sleeps with space alien, boy's brother is mortified.
I waited a long time for an alien!Cas AU because, hello, perfect. This fic is hilarious, and has everything you loved about those zany sci-fi romantic comedies you use to watch as a kid. If you're in the mood for more by this author, go check out Behold, the Dean.
Start Quoting Shakespeare and We're Done
pyrebi | Dean/Castiel | PG-13 | ~15,000 words
In which Dean has the hots for a librarian named Cas, Cas may or may not have the hots for a mechanic named Dean, and Gabriel joins Sam in the peanut gallery in the hopes that he might just get to do a horizontal tango of his own.
Cute, hilarious, and charming, this story will have you grinning so wide by the end.