Destiel Fanfiction

Destiel AU, vol.1 -  Summer reading list with a supernatural twist 

Since Destielfanfic transformed from active fic rec blog to archive blog, we have been looking for new ways to promote fics besides reviews and thematic rec lists with art.  Welcome to our latest project, Destiel AU fic rec list. These are the fics that back in the day would have been either reviewed or added to the Unofficial Bulletin. I will try to compose these lists around a certain theme to make them more entertaining. When there’s enough canon fic to rec, expect similar canon fic rec list. We are also adding some older, relevant to the chosen theme recs you may have missed before. After all, that’s what an archive blog is for. 

All fics with the summaries are recced for the first time on this blog, link goes to AO3. [#] indicates that this is also a tag on our Tags Page, other comments are to explain plot points and tropes similarly to how we used to do it in our reviews and extensive tags. Please be sure to check author’s tags on AO3 as well. 

Thank you, Elena, for letting us to use your wonderful art!  Link to artist’s tumblr: @purgatory-jar !!! <3  Link to original art post. 

Dean Winchester is Not Afraid of Ghosts by Desirae [NC-17, 48,100 word count] AU with Ghosts, #fluff,  #love/hate, #bigbro!gabriel, #pining!cas,  psychic!cas, #protective!dean, add to Reality TV show rec list, very good description of paranormal, add to ask about specific knowledge

When photographer Dean Winchester is not capturing momentous occasions like weddings and graduations with his Nikon, he is moonlighting as the cameraman for the South Shore Paranormal; a ghost hunting series on YouTube, headed by his brother Sam, and Sam’s best friend Gabriel. Despite his brother’s adamance, Dean Winchester does not believe in ghosts. And no one is going to change his mind. Certainly not a scam artist like Castiel Novak. Castiel is a self-proclaimed medium… and Gabriel’s brother. When a member of the SSP team has to leave the crew, Castiel is the replacement, much to Dean’s dismay. But the more they work together, the more Dean is drawn to Castiel, the man stirring up protective instincts usually only reserved for family.What happens when Dean realizes that Castiel is not the fake he always thought he was, but instead, a generous soul that Dean is rapidly falling in love with?

Force Unrelenting by bendingsignpost [NC-17, 43,000 word count] Skyrim AU, #mute!cas, #fantasy, #reunion, #danger and sacrifice,  #bamf!cas,#witch familiar, #pining!dean, #crossover

Moving at a jog from the stables up to the town gate, they’ve barely rounded the bend to the drawbridge before they can see, clear as day, what the horns are sounding over. “Akatosh,” Sam swears, or maybe invokes. Dean is a little bit more specific in his cursing. “Is that a fucking dragon?” (Destiel Skyrim AU, knowledge of Skyrim a plus but unnecessary)

Highway 9 by ellispark [NC-17, 39,000 word count] AU with a supernatural thingy (spoilers!) #angst, #best friends, #reunion, #case fic, #pining!dean, #teacher!cas, #fuckup!cas, #!casother, #law enforcement au, #transported to au,  #challenge fic, Dean/Cas Pinefest 2018

Dean Winchester is a private investigator working what should be an open-and-shut vandalism case on an isolated stretch of rural highway. Except it’s not an open-and-shut case, because whatever is happening on Highway 9 isn’t vandalism — it’s something far more sinister and unnatural. And if Dean is going to get to the bottom of this case, he’s going to have to rely on the one person he’s learned he can’t rely on for anything — his ex-best friend, Cas Novak.

The Shape of Regret by Halzbarry [NC-17, 70,300 word count] AU with witch!cas, #supernatural au, # reunion, #case fic, #solo hunter!dean, #witch familiar, #fuckup!dean, #danger sacrifice, #case fic, #challenge fic, Dean/Cas Pinefest 2018

Two years ago, Dean walked away from Castiel after discovering his biggest secret—that he’s a witch. Since then, Dean’s spent his days hunting alone, filling the emptiness inside with sex, booze, and the next case. When he gets a desperate call for help from Castiel, Dean doesn’t hesitate to go. But things in the small Maine town aren’t what they seem, especially when he comes face to face with Castiel, who insists he wasn’t the one to place the call. Dean’s been given an opportunity to fix his past mistakes, but it means working alongside a very bitter Castiel, and Benny, a local deputy with knowledge of the supernatural, to figure out what’s plaguing Newport and why it all seems fixated around Castiel. [Fanworks inspired by this fanfic at destielfanworks]

Stand By Me by whelvenwings [NC-17, 31,200 word count]  AU with zombies, #pining!dean, #reserved!cas, #librarian!cas, #zombies, #love hate, #road trip, #challenge fic, SPN Dystopia Bang 2018

Dean Winchester has been alone for a long, long time. Then he and Castiel happen to find each other - a couple of survivors in a world that’s been all but wiped clean - Dean’s looking for his brother; Castiel is looking for something to look for. They stick together, because neither of them much wants to be alone. They hate each other at first, of course. Dean hates Castiel for being weird and quiet and ironic and antagonistic and proud. Castiel hates Dean for being blunt and reckless and coarse, for drinking, for refusing to talk about how he feels and just pretending everything is fine. Most of all, they hate themselves and each other just for being alive. What right do they have to be alive? No one else seems to be. But against his own will, Dean starts to notice things about Castiel that he likes. Starts to hope that Castiel might like him, too. And together, they start to fight for a world where they’re both alive - and that’s a good thing. [Fanworks inspired by this fanfic at destielfanworks]

And don’t miss our previously recced fics with similar themes!  all links go to our reviews or rec posts

Castiel Novak: Tomb Raider by emwebb17 - AU with a supernatural thingy

Just Your Heart, In Exchange For Mine by noxsoulmate - Supernatural AU, witch!cas

Tabula Rasa by dangerousnotbroken - AU with magic and ghosts

The Wish Machine by justkeeponwriting - AU with magic

Here, kitty, kitty, kitty rec list - witch!Dean/familiar!cas

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos! And if you found our recs useful, let us know by Liking and/or Reblogging our posts. 

Don’t miss our other Destiel AU rec lists, check them out here!  

Or, maybe after all AU cuteness, it’s time to check out Destiel Canon fic rec lists?

We thought you’d never ask! Here is a mini summer heat fic rec list for your vacation destiel needs. The mods picked the fics based on following very serious criteria - summer vacation, heat, beach, and happies. 

I. Reviewed and unofficially submitted or recced fics:

Après by imogenbynight [unintended summer vacation in France!] 

Castiel Novak: Tomb Rider by emwebb17 [Cas is searching for Dean all over the world!] 

Carnival Oasis by violue [summer carnival and tulips]

Crossroads State by mercy [teacher Cas summer romance] 

The Distance of the Setting Sun by murron [frolicking at the beach, international vacation]

Domesticated by kototyph [zoo keeping in summer heat]

Drop Anchor by almaasi (unofficially recced here) [pirate au, deserted island]

The Great Escapist by 8sword [college au summer vacation] 

Imperfect Proposals by fallen_angel_meg [pretend boyfriends on a road trip, what could go wrong?] 

Kind Of A Forever Deal by komodobits [ultimate summer camp story!] 

The Knights and their Bees by niitza [countryside beekeeping!] 

The Least Bad Option by thestoryinsideme (submitted rec)[pretend boyfriends and beach!] 

Love in the Wild by thursdaysfallenangel (submitted rec) [reality TV in jungles of Costa Rica]

Never Not Fantastic by thestoryinsideme [beach, turtles and a secret affair] 

Of Sun And Sea And You by jinxedambition [beach and surfing!] 

Out to Drift by beenghosting [summer heat and dusty motels]

Pacific by moosefeels [eerie summer heat road trip] 

Pies and Prejudice by linoresearch [baking tv show in summer heat]

Ready to Fall by lemonsorbae (submitted rec) [pretend boyfriends on summer vacation] 

Should’ve Just Asked by scaramouche [Cas’ summer stay at Winchester mansion is so confusing]

The Summer Holds A Song (We Might Sing Forever) by obsinatrix & annundriel [smutty beachside vacation!] 

Though the Course May Change by imogenbynight (submitted rec) [pretend boyfriends at couples resort]

Three Funerals and a Wedding by englandnwouldfall [LARPing is like summer camp, right?]

When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth by mishafied (submitted rec) [Jurassic Park dinosaurs, duh!] 

II. Some new recs! 

Feel Good by justkeeponwriting [T, 9,290 word count]

Dean and Castiel first meet at a summer camp.

Go Out and See What You Can Find series by endlessrain [NC-17, 61,600 word count] 

The thing about summers is that they seem like they last forever, then suddenly it’s slipping through your fingers, and you’re scrambling to enjoy the end. Dean learns that this is true for other things as well, as he works as a counselor at Camp Kripke, the summer after high school. In an enclosed environment like Kripke, rumors fly faster than the zip line, and suddenly everyone’s talking about him and the attractive head chef.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by aileenrose [M, 9,600 word count]

Just like every summer, Dean and Sam are tracking tornadoes. Surprisingly, it’s the nerdy computer scientist that sweeps Dean off his feet.

Ten summers by belwrites [M, 33,000 word count ]

Dean is thirteen when he starts going to Uncle Bobby’s summer camp, and when he meets his best friend, Cas Novak. Over the next ten summers, Camp Wooded Falls becomes the backdrop for friendships, romances, and drama as they move from high school to college and ultimately into adulthood.

III. Other resources:

Check out these related tags from our tag page - celebrity, pretend boyfriends, road trip, vacation, pirate au, bath shower, crossovers.

Dean and Cas go abroad fic rec post

Destiel Smut Brigade (DSB) - Summer Heat Fic Dump - Writers and the prompts are here and the fics themselves can be found here.

UPDATE: July, 2019 - here’s some more summer related fics from our latest recs!

Pride 2019 destiel fic rec list

Destiel AU, vol.1 -  Summer reading List

Thank you, @winchester-reload for letting us use your wonderfully bold destiel Pride art!  

All fics are thematically grouped according to the general feel of the story, not just character’s sexuality. Title links go to the properly tagged posts where the fic was recced previously on this blog. First time on the blog recs have summaries and applicable tags, title link goes to AO3. Hash tag # indicates that this is also a tag on our Tags Page. 

1. Destiel fics with general emphasis on LGBTQA themes

Checked Out by whelvenwings

Just What the Doctor Ordered by AngelsintheImpala (Halzbarry) (previously recced here)

formative moments by LoveIsNotAVictoryMarch [T, 900 word count]

All Cas wants is a strong, black coffee. His brother and the universe have other plans.

2. Coming Out / Bi curious / Closeted/ Gay panic

Blackstrap Molasses by Neonbat (previously recced here)

Boys Helping Boys by captainrum

Freebies and Oak Trees by violue

Go Down With This Ship by PorcupineGirl (submitted rec)

Mi Casa es tu Casa by MalMuses (previously recced here)

The Dean Winchester Beat Sheet by saltyfeathers [NC-17, 144,500 word count] (#college, #gay panic, #coming out, #charlie)  

Castiel Novak is the new kid on campus. Dean Winchester is the straight kid on campus.

3. Ace!Cas

The Return Policy by castielrisingabove

Dear Virgo by K_K_TiBal [T, 10,000 word count] (#college, #ace!cas, ace!sam)

Dean Winchester is a journalism major planning to coast his last year by mostly just sticking to writing the campus newspaper’s daily horoscopes, and he almost succeeds. Enter Castiel Novak, captain of the soccer team, and his next interview appointment. It’s obvious from the start that there’s something between them, but things don’t quite go as Dean first hopes, and he ends up learning a lot more about Castiel than he ever planned on - luckily for him.

4. Transgender/ agender / non binary

Novaks, Rebooted by violue [NC-17, 57,000 word count] (trans!claire, #AU, #fluff, #neighbors, #!casother, #ptsd)

A single father, his trans daughter, a whole new life in The Golden State.

1997 Lilith Fair Mainstage (Genderqueer Cas) series by Amelia_Clark [T, NC- 17, 9,000 word count] (#AU, #fluff, #gender identity)

Boy meets person at the cusp of the year; fluff and big trans feels ensue.

5. Fabulous Five to the rescue!

A Lifetime of After by Casloveshisfreckles [T, 31,000 word count] (#AU, #fluff, #best friends, #teacher!dean, #roommates, #pining!dean, #pining!cas, #crossover, #outside pov, #challenge fic)

The men of Queer Eye have spent two seasons helping people find their confidence, their best selves, and most importantly, their truths. They’re very good at what they do. Meet the Fab Five’s newest Hero: Castiel Novak, game and toy maker, nominated by Dean Winchester, his best friend and roommate. Dean’s plea is simple, help Castiel prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance at his dream job. An easy assignment, a cake walk even, until the Fab Five find out things even Dean doesn’t know.  A DeanCas Pinefest 2019 fic

(I want to let you know) I’m Inviting You Into My Life by elsalapizza (lamerezouille) [T, 3,700 word count] (#AU, #fluff, #crossover, #pining!dean, #pining!cas, #languages (Russian Cas), #outside pov )

The Fab 5 go to Kansas to help former-military and helpline runner Dean Winchester get out of his funk, and learn that he too deserves to be saved.

Queer Eye for the Hunter Guy by MashiarasDream [T, 15,200 word count] (#SU, #fluff, #bunker, #crossover, #pining!dean, #possessive!cas, #outside pov)

They are semi-retired, no assassinations attempts, no angelic or demonic possessions in a while. But Dean is still gloomy and he’s also still not asking Cas out, and Sam’s just had it. He could try to talk some sense into Dean of course, but that’s never worked all that well. So instead, he does something drastic: He nominates Dean for the fabled Queer Eye makeover. Needless to say that the Fab 5 have their work cut out for them.

6.  A small selection of recently recced openly Bi Dean fics, not included in our super long flirty Bi Dean rec post. 

One-on-One by DarcyDelaney

Scars by lemonsorbae

Speak Low, If You Speak Love by amarillogrande

Sunset Plaza by LoveIsNotAVictoryMarch

True as It Can Be by whelvenwings

7. Last but not least - check out destiel Pride fanart on @destielfanworks! 

Happy Valentine’s Day Cas.. ❤️ 

i’m late as usual.. =A= but maybe it’s still valentines day somewhere? D: anyway! Happy Valentines Day guys! ❤️ :3 Dean just had to kiss those beautiful, beautiful hands of his angel and Cas is just shocked and overwhelmed by Dean’s public display of affection..❤️ :3 

(link to our Valentine’s Day tag, link to other rec lists with fanart, link to valentines day tag at destielfanworks, [#] indicates that this is also a tag on our Tags Page) 

Thank you, @cas-watches-over-you , for letting us add our recs to your lovely art! <3 

I. Canon Dean and Cas go on a date <3

Chick-Flick Moment by insominia [Gen, 6,000 word count] #established relationship

Dean wants to do something nice for Cas, but what do you get an angel of the lord to show your appreciation? Enter: Sam, with the great idea of ‘how about you ask him if there’s anything he wants?’ Which is fine until Cas says, ‘I want a chick-flick moment.' But Dean said he’d do anything and he intends to deliver.

coup de foudre by mishcollin [Gen, 3,000 word count] #established relationship

It’s Valentine’s Day. Not that Dean cares.

keep the lovelight glowing by vaudelin [T, 4,000 word count] 

“It’s unusual to see a diner so festive,” Cas says once they’re seated, his gaze swaying around the dimly-lit room. Dean shrugs. “These kinds of places live and die on the fifties vibe. It’s practically law they have checkerboard floors.” Though he’s staring at his screen, Dean catches Cas’ head tilt in his peripheral. “That isn’t—the streamers, Dean. The balloons.” His hand comes up from the table, curving toward the aisle. And that… Dean shakes his head, like he’s imagining it. He glares at his phone, swipes to the calendar just to be sure.

Nothing More by hollyblue2 [T, 700 word count]

The words sit in Dean’s messaging app, waiting to be sent. One hand is wrapped around a glass of whiskey and the other hovering over the send button. Happy Valentine’s Day

Tea ‘n’ Angel by VeraBAdler [Gen, 2,000 word count] #established relationship

Dean takes himself out of his comfort zone for Cas. It turns out to be delicious out there.

II. AU Dean and Cas finally sort out their feelings

Kinda Like a Taylor Swift Song by lemonsorbae [Gen, 1,700 word count] #coworkers

Everything was fine, and then Castiel walked into his life and now somehow Dean’s life ended up kinda like a Taylor Swift song.

Matchmaker by K_K_TiBal [Gen, 4,200 word count] #high school

Every year for Valentine’s Day, Castiel’s high school offers a matchmaking fundraiser service that tells each person which student they’re most compatible with. Heterosexual results only, of course. Enter: Charlie Bradbury with a brilliant idea to switch names on their Matchmaker quiz so that they’ll both get the result they want. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

Silly Love Songs by youaresunlight [T, 3,100 word count] #high school

Every year, for Valentine’s Day, the Lawrence High School Choir sells sing-o-grams for their incredibly popular, annual fundraiser. Sam is a freshman who sings alto in the choir; his brother is a senior with a crush on his best friend. So when February 14th comes around once again, Sam is more than willing to play the messenger.

Unattached Drifter Christmas? by PilDoor [N/R, 2,900 word count] #college, #love hate

Dean’s pretty sick of the know-it-all Asshole Psych Major in his lit class, and no, the fighting over penis envy in old classics isn’t Dean’s very mature way of handling a crush. It isn’t.

yesterday’s roses by museaway [M, 4,550 word count] #shop au

It was not how Castiel had envisioned their first real conversation would go, but then he’d never thought he’d trade a thriving legal career in Chicago for a job in his brother’s flower shop in Kansas, either.

spnblr's greatest hits → 2/? bonus:

links to the posts under the cut

Here are a few mostly fluffy fics that fit the bill!

I. Openly bisexual!Dean with lots of flirting:

Aces and Pros by twowritehands

Alterations (submitted rec) by anobelcompanion and xaandria

Amnesia (submitted rec) by thegirlthatblockedherownshot

Ancillary Stoke by nanoochka

And then, you destroy yourself (submitted rec) by deanisthesun

Any Little Heartbreak by followthattardis

Astrolabe by reluctantabadon and winter_of_our_discontent

Autumn Hollow (angst) by shotgunsinlace

Baby, You’re Bad for Me (submitted rec) by artemisanne

Blackboard by lemonoclefox

Carnival Oasis by violue

Crossroads State by mercy

(Dis) Affection by justkeeponwriting

Don’t Forget the Experience Points (submitted rec) by scaramouche

Dr. Sexy, PhD by plainforidjit

Freefall by lastknownwriter

Grammar Games by reluctant

Happily Alone (submitted rec) by violue

High Rise / Hard Fall by castiel_left_his_mark_on_me

Ignore the Butterflies: Best Friend Advice From Dean Winchester by impatient14

Imperfect Proposals by fallen_angel_meg

In Three Days: A Memoir by Castiel Shurley by glassclosetedcastiel

Kiss You When It’s Dangerous by zoemathemata

Looking For Group by athaclena

Love Needs An Audience by catchclaw

mortgage on my body, lien on my soul (angst) by ceeainthereforthat

National Muggle Awareness Month by thangeloffriday

Not Part of the Plan by scaramouche

the open sky (is mine tonight) by weatheredlaw

Our Solid State by dedpai

Out to Drift by riseofthefallenone

The Parts of Our Sum by scaramouche

Past Present by lastknownwriter

Peace and Good Luck to All Men by kismetjeska

Plus One by ceeainthereforthat

Red Right Hand by duckyboos

Red Sky at Morning (submitted rec) by serie11

Roll With It (submitted rec) by formidablepassion

Rvr R011435 by ferritin4

Say Something by jhanamay

Should’ve Just Asked by scaramouche

Slice of Heaven by domesticadventures and propinquitous

So Much Tangled Thread by imogenbynight

The Summer Holds a Song (We Might Sing Forever) by obstinatrix and annundriel

Unintended by emwebb17

Unsolicited by dangerousnotbroken

Yellow by elizabeth1985

Your Favorite Hello by jupiter_james

Your Heart Makes by schmerzerling

II. Closeted bisexual or bicurous!Dean:

Bring It On Home by thecouchcarrot

The Complete Works of Emmanuel Allen by violue

Hat Trick (submitted rec) by jensenisafallenangel

Hedge Witch by ethnedragon and palominopup

If At First You Don’t Succeed (Destroy All Evidence That You Ever Tried) by justkeeponwriting

Kind Of A Forever Deal by komodobits

Kiss the Baker by ltleflrt

The Laundromat Verse by ozonecologne

like moses and batman and james dean by saltyfeathers

Never Not Fantastic by thestoryinsideme

The Prank That Filled the Spank Bank by bookkbaby

Priestly’s Pesto by amazinmango

Red-Blooded Blues by sysrae

Rough Seas by palominopup

Shoulder to Shoulder, Hand to Hand by cornelius

Some Assembly Required by narrow_staircase

Survive This (submitted rec) by palominopup

Thunder & Angels by pm_lo

Try Something Tuesday by almaasi

The Way to a Man’s Heart is Through Chlamydia by violue

Oohlala, I am halfway done.

Coloring didn’t come out how I imagined but hey, that happens…

A Very (Milligan-) Winchester Christmas by pyjamagurl [T, 13,400 word count]

It’s Dean’s last year at high school, and Sam has suddenly decided he wants a ‘real’ Christmas. Dean’s life descends into helping make Sam’s Christmas dreams come true, keeping his grades at a nice respectable level so that he might get to go to college, and trying to figure out just what is going on with his best friend all of a sudden.

All The Neighbors Might Think [NC-17, 4,800 word count]

It’s not like Dean needs company on Christmas eve. Future Fic.

Come In From The Cold deathbycoldopen [M, 32,400 word count]

When Castiel Angelios moves to town to eventually fill his brother’s old position in the family business, he never expected to be enlisted in an increasingly antagonistic prank war between his family and another. Nor did he expect to meet someone like Dean Winchester, the charming and beautiful owner of the cafe across the street. But while Castiel attempts to navigate the line between loyalty to his family, and strengthening this fledgeling friendship, he discovers that both sides are using illegal magics to get ahead, jeopardizing everything that Castiel has built for himself.

Frigging Festivities Verse by Englandwouldfall [T, 47,500 word count]

In which everyone’s had a bit of a crappy year, Dean is tired of thanklessly breaking his back trying to help lost causes, Cas is fed up of being sued for trying to save people and Christmas is most definitely cancelled. Or, one the many ways hating the festive season brings the broken (or maybe not quite) together. And… maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

The Ghosts in the Machine by prettify [NC-17, 10,000 word count]

Dean gets visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Sort of.

Good Things Do Happen by trinityofone [T, 11,000 word count]

A Winchester Family Christmas, 2010. AKA, Best zombie Christmas ever!

Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise by nurfherder [NC-17, 46,500 word count]

When a witch’s spell goes awry, Dean transforms. However, even after the dust settles, we can’t change the things we’ve done or revealed about ourselves. It’s time to look inside and figure out who we really are, and who we really love.

The Holiday by alreadypainfullygone [M, 32,000 word count] ePub

Castiel and Sam are unlucky in both life and love, so they swap houses for the holidays. Both find the experience highly…interesting.

The Last Great Race by wincechesters [NC-17, 82,300 word count]

There is a race that takes place every year in Alaska called the Iditarod, a thousand mile journey across the Alaskan wilderness by dog sled team that has come to be known as the “Last Great Race on Earth”. It is a test of endurance, of the relationship between dogs and their people, traversing mountain ranges, frozen rivers, forest and tundra. When writer Castiel Milton is forced to spend two and a half months in Alaska at Winchester Kennels to cover the race preparations and the Iditarod itself, the only person more dismayed than he is Dean Winchester, one of his hosts. Castiel views his assignment as a punishment and is less than impressed by his surly host, and Dean distrusts the sheltered city-born writer who has invaded their home and their lives. But soon, as the Winchesters prepare for their race and Castiel learns about sled dogs and what a musher’s lifestyle is all about, they forget to hate each other and their relationship evolves into something neither of them expected.

Peace and Good Luck To All Men by KismetJeska [T, 32,400 word count]

Christmas in the Milton household was difficult enough without the added complication of guests- and if Luke and Gabriel placing bets on who can get with Sam first wasn’t bad enough, then Cas developing a ridiculous crush on his sister’s boyfriend definitely is.

Second Childhood by cloudyjenn [T, 17,000 word count]

A spell backfires and turns Sam into a small child. Dean struggles with not killing himself or falling in love with Castiel throughout the process of waiting for Sam to grow back up.

Ugly Sweater Verse by nerdylittledude [NC-17, 184,000 word count]

If they really go back and think about it… it all started with a tree. A Christmas tree, that is. Castiel is human now, and the apocalypse is not only over, it’s been averted. Sam’s away at NYU, finally finishing law school, and Dean’s stuck in what is probably the most awkward situation of his life. He’s not exactly sure how he ended up sharing a flat with Cas in Media, Pennsylvania, but he does know the curious would-be angel is sort of derailing his plans for a life of decadence and booze. Cas is trying to make the best of his humanity by exploring human holidays. Dean can’t exactly complain because he’s pretty much the reason Cas got his wings clipped in the first place. Dean didn’t actually want to fall in love, but how was he supposed to know it would all start with a goddamn tree?

The Violin House by teh_helenables[T, 8,500 word count]

The Apple Pie Life is a slow process, but Dean and Cas are getting there—until Cas is called for battle and Dean is forced to wait.

White Winter Hymnal by newbluemoon [NC-17, 23,200 word count]

AU. Writer!Dean walks into a café late at night on Christmas Eve, looking for inspiration for his next novel. Instead he finds librarian!Cas.

Winter Song by nyoka [NC-17, 4,300 word count]

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you never see coming.

with the dawn of redeeming grace by saltyfeathers [T, 17,000 word count]

Cas doesn’t like Christmas, so Dean vows to show him the error of his Christmas-less ways. Also there’s Kerplunk metaphors (the game, not the Green Day album), sad backstories, and clumsily placed Chekov’s guns firing all over the place. Merry Christmas!

You Are The Only One I Love  by you_idjits [T, 10,700 word count]

Dean insists on going on a hunt in Maine. Sam insists that he bring Cas as backup. After the hunt, they get snowed in at a bed-and-breakfast. The owners are named Gladys and Agatha and Doris and Ruth. No, seriously. Dean’s pretty sure this can’t be real life, this has to be an episode of the Golden Girls, or something. No way in hell he and Cas are sharing a snowy Christmas with four old ladies, a couple on their honeymoon, and a white-picket-fence family of four. It’s actually so awful. Sam will never let him live this down.

Longfic featuring Christmas/winter/winter holidays:

300 Things by cautionzombies [NC-17, 76,500 word count]

A Cold Academic Hell Series by Moorishflower [M/NC-17, 114,000 word count]

An Exercise in ‘Worthless’ by glassedplanets [M/NC-17, 27,000 word count]

Before the Fall Verse by ExorcisingEmily [M, 305,000 word count] this installment: Snow Angel

The Best Years of Our Lives, My Ass by ireallyhatecornnuts [NC-17, 111,000 word count]

Bring It On Home by thecouchcarrot [M, 41,000 word count]

By the Dark of the Moon by r2metoo [NC-17, 92,400 word count]

Chasing Cars by ratherbehere [NC-17, 45,400 word count]

Dr. Sexy PhD by planiforidjit [NC-17, 63,800 word count]

Light in the Dark by nurfherder [NC-17, 110,100 word count]

Nine Time We Met (And One Christmas We Parted) by almaasi [NC-17, 58,000 word count]

Redemption Road by various [NC-17, 650,000 word count] tag for the holiday extras

Yare by a_frayed_edge [NC-17, 43,900 word count]

Yuletide (part 9 Yours!Verse) by MashiarasDream [light NC-17, 24,300 word count in this part]

Unofficial recs (hover to read summaries):

A Very Supernatural Advent Calendar [M, 17,800 word count] advent calendar

Christmas Doesn’t Just Happen Accidently [M, 20,800 word count] advent calendar

Christmas Eve by cerulea [T, 5,800 word count]

The Cold of Flesh and Stone by entanglednow [NC-17, 9,500 word count]

Collateral Damage by komodobits [NC-17, 7,000 word count]

Destiel Advent [M, 36,000 word count] advent calendar

Failure (to Cuddle) is Not an Option by Annie D (scaramouche) [T, 3,800 word count]

The First Christmas by Princess_Aleera [NC-17, 18,600 word count] part of the mute!cas verse

Kevin Saves Christmas [T, 10,600 word count]

In The Name of Love by nhyrvana [M, 24,000 word count]

Inevitably Homoerotic Holiday Hits by prosopopeya [T, 4,000 word count] extras for Inevitable Homoeroticism in Spanish Romantic Heroes

The Lights Are Turned Way Down Low by kototyph [NC-17, 6,400 word count]

Santa Claus is coming to town by orphan_account [G, 1,800 word count]

So This Is Christmas by the_gabih  [M, 19,000 word count]

Twelve by KismetJeska [T, 3,700 word count]

Under The Mistletoe by literaryoblivion [NC-17, 13,000 word count]

Where the Sea and City Meet by RC_McLachlan [M, 3,000 word count]

Will Set You Free by Annie D (scaramouche) [T, 800 word count]

External Resources:

Advent Calendars

destieladventcalendar2013

destieladventcalendar2015

destieladventcalendar2016

Fanwork Exchanges

deancas-xmas; master lists ao3 collections: 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014

Destiel Smut Brigade Winter Collection 2015

SPN Holiday Mixtape 2016 (on tumblr), AO3 collection

AO3

“advent calendar” I “christmas’ I ”mistletoe“ I ”winter“

Tumblr

destielfanfic christmas tag

destielfanworks  winter holidays tag I christmas tag I winter tag

Thank you for remembering and inquiring about the blog, it means a lot. 💙💚

Some thirty minutes ago I received answer from tumblr support

THE BLOG IS BACK!!!!!

This is not a drill

@destielfanfic

Is back home for Thanksgiving

When I thought that all is lost for good, when I moved past grieving, when I accepted the loss, the blog was returned to us.

My deepest thanks to all our followers who worried about the missing blog and kept inquiring, and talking, and supporting us. I wasn’t alone and it made all the difference.

I’m tagging some blogs here to let them know that @destielfanfic is back. Spread the news!

@profoundbondfanfic @fellforthehunter @dean-you-assbutt-cas-loves-you @yourspecialeyes @jojodacrow

Doctor Novak is canon now! But we have already met him before, haven’t we? Destiel AU fics have explored so many medical professions that we never got around to make separate tags, we just grouped them all under our Medical Professional tag. Take note that our Hospital tag is for fics where Dean and Cas spend a lot of time in hospitals, either as medical professionals or as patients. And now, here’s some of our favorite fics from both tags, plus couple of first time recs. Get better, folks!

Thanks to @dandelion-teabag for permission to use part of their lovely post!  

All links go to our fully tagged reviews, submitted rec posts or posts where the fic was unofficially recced first. This time we have added medical professions and some key tags to help you to sort through the fics without checking tags on original posts. [#] indicates that this is also a tag on our Tags Page. First time recs are properly tagged just like we would tag our reviews or submitted recs, See here about recent changes in our fic review and reccing format.

I. Doctor Castiel (sometimes) Novak

Asunder by rageprufrock [pediatric surgeon!cas, social worker!dean, #friends to lovers]

Ignore the Butterflies: Best Friend Advice from Dean Winchester by impatient14 [doctor!Cas, firefighter!Dean, #slow building romance, flirting]

Our Way To Fall by lemonsorbaes [pediatric surgeon!cas, carpenter!dean, #kid!fic, #reunion]

We Dig in Our Heels, As Hard As We Can by alreadypainfullygone (sub rec) [army surgeon!Cas, prostitute!Dean, #historical AU]

When I see you again by noxsoulmate (sub rec) [doctor!cas, musician!dean, #reunion, #rom com, #celebrity]

When the World Screams by k_k_tibal [EMT!Cas, musician!Dean, #deaf]

We Are Such Stuff by inevitablethief [doctor!Cas, firefighter!Dean, #SU (canon fic), djinn dream, #domestic]

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire by OsirisApollo (previously recced here) [EMT!cas, firefighter!dean, #rom com, meet cute]

FIRST TIME ON THE BLOG!!!

A Safe Deposit by casbean [T, 1,500 word count] fertility clinic nurse!cas, patient!dean, #AU,#fluff,  #humor, #favorite, meet cute, flirting

Dean has a special deposit to make at the fertility clinic. His nurse is ridiculously hot and it’s distracting. 

Just What the Doctor Ordered by AngelsintheImpala (Halzbarry) [NC-17, 53,800 word count] doctor!cas, #pornstar!dean, #AU, #fluff,  #medical professional, #big bro!gabe, !dcbb, #reunion

Opening his own clinic, Doctor Castiel Novak is doing his best to get his business and brand out and established in his new community. What he doesn’t expect is to come face to face with his high school crush and first lover, Dean Winchester at a local LGBTQ community health event. He’s even more shocked when he learns that Dean is the popular bisexual porn star Dean Smith, who in between shoots volunteers at the local community college LGBTQ organization. … [summary cut for space]

Over the Moon by VioletHaze [NC-17, 5,300 word count] emergency care doctor!cas, patient!dean, meet cute, #fluff

“It’s highly unusual for a young, healthy man such as yourself to have this sort of pain without a precipitating incident.” At this, Dean’s eyes dart away and he chews his lip again, which solidifies Cas’s suspicion that he hasn’t been given the whole story. Cas uses his most sincere and kind hey-I’m-here-to-help voice. “Mr. Winchester, it’s important that you be honest with me so that I can provide you with the appropriate medical care.”

II. Cas and Dean both are medical professionals

All Things New Again by sullymygoodname [ex-army surgeon!cas, paramedic!dean, #established relationship]

Any Little Heartbreak by followthattardis [cardio surgeon!dean, nurse!cas, #secret affair, #hospital]

Frigging Festivities Verse by englandwouldfall [doctor!cas, nurse!dean, #hospital, #coworkers, #love hate]

The Great Escapist by 8sword [medical student!cas, medical student/nurse!dean, #hospital, #roommates, #love hate]

What I Need by xaandria [surgeon!Cas, medical technologist!Dean, #hospital, #slow building romance, #coworkers]

Neighborhood Watch by thatwriterlady (sub rec) [surgeon!cas, emergency care doctor!dean, #established relationship, #kid!fic, #homophobia]

and check out this old ask for some older recs with medical professionals Dean and Cas, quite a few fics are hosted on LJ or ff net!

III. A/B/O universe Say what you want about Omega verse (A/B/O), but for us, one of its most interesting features is the exploration of society where all people have secondary genders. When a/b/o fic adds doctors to the mix, even a crack fic can have some astute observations about human nature. 

A Hole in the World by anneliesesmichel [doctor!alpha Cas, mechanic!omega Dean, social commentary/ issue fic, #slow building romance]

For science! by pm_lo [medical researcher!cas, medical technician!dean, secondary genders are spoilers, #humor, #crossover]

Hysterical by jessi (sub rec) [doctor!alpha cas, patient!omega dean, #crack, #historical AU]

Into Your Hideaway by thepinupchemist [doctor!alpha Cas, omega Dean, #mpreg, #domestic] 

Typecast by mnwood (sub rec), [doctor/actor!alpha Cas, actor!Dean, secondary gender is a spoiler, #ace!cas, #secret affair]

FIRST TIME ON THE BLOG!!

Our Home Below by jupiter_james [NC-17, 89,200 word count] #AU, #angst, #slow building romance, #medical professional, #kid!fic, #John, #sabriel, !casother, !deanother, #bonded, emergency doctor!alpha cas, forest ranger!alpha dean

Statistically speaking, any two people in the world are sharing the breaking of a mating bond through some sort of tragedy at any given time. Unbeknownst to either of them, Castiel Novak and Dean Winchester become widowers at the same time, joining the statistics together. Through a change of scenery and the need to rebuild their shattered lives elsewhere due to the sudden breaking of their mating bonds, Castiel and Dean meet in their new hometown of Halcyon, Maine; population: barely a handful. Despite both being alphas, they are immediately drawn towards one another. Their shared circumstances, combined with the strong urge to scent bond, sends them both reeling. The only problem is that Castiel refuses to set himself up for the same heartbreak a second time. …  [summary cut for space] 

Pining Sickness; Or, Murder With One Stone by athaclena [NC-17, 57,800 word count] #AU, #historical AU, #law enforcement AU, #pining!cas, #pining!dean, #charlie, #big bro!gabe, #!samjess, #bonded, doctor!omega cas, detective!alpha dean

New York, 1895. The rigid customs of the old century are beginning to fall away, allowing access to the professions for more people than just Omega men and Alpha women. Dean Winchester, the city’s first Alpha male Detective, uncovers evidence that a mysterious new illness killing mated couples might have its origins is the criminal rather than the medical. Castiel Novak is a respectable Omega doctor who has started to see patients dying cruelly of something he cannot cure or even effectively treat. Approached by the Detective to once again give his medical expertise, he is eager to work towards finding a cause and, he hopes, a cure for the unfortunate sufferers. But both men harbour a secret attraction towards the other, and the quest for the truth will stretch their relationship beyond its limits. A historical murder mystery set against a backdrop of a non-traditional Omegaverse.

This fic rec list is a little bit different from our usual fare. We took inspiration from the wonderful art by euclase/ @eliciadonze / @eliciaforever and this J.R.R.Tolkien poem, and collected fics with a more subdued, mature vibe. Fics about Dean and Cas being at life’s crossroads of sorts, doing the best they can with the hand they’ve been dealt. Fics with an introspective and self discovery mood. Enjoy! (link to destielfanfic courtship tag, link to other rec lists)

Thanks to euclase/ @eliciadonze, who provided us with permission to use her beautiful art!  (link to #euclase fanart tag at destielfanworks) All links go to our tagged reviews or sub recs.

All Things New Again by sullymygoodname [M, 50,000 word count]

Reconnecting, as Sam has insisted on calling it, with the brother you haven’t seen or spoken to in almost four years is somewhat of a… It’s awkward as fuck, is what it is. 

All The Substance Of His House by aerlalaith [NC-17, 18,200 word count]

When Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is repealed, U.S. army veterans Dean and Castiel must each come to terms with it. 

And This, Your Living Kiss by opal_bullets [T, 57,000 word count]

Only a very few people in the world know that the celebrated and reclusive poet Jack Allen is just Kansas mechanic Dean Winchester, a high school dropout with a few bucks to his name. Not that it matters anymore; life has left him so wrung out he never wants to pick up another pen.Until, that is, a string of coincidences leads Dean to auditing a poetry course with one Dr. Castiel Novak. The professor is wildly intelligent, devastatingly handsome…and just so happens to be academia’s foremost expert on the poetry of Jack Allen.

Dancer in the Dark by sandares [NC-17, 28,000 word count]

From an early age, Castiel remembers thinking that his mother was sad. Now, Castiel is struggling to empty out her house while trying to come to terms with his mother having Alzheimer’s. When Castiel comes back home from a one-night stand with Dean and finds a body in the driveway, their lives become tangled up in the things they’ve both lost. They wash away the blood in the morning, but Castiel can’t let go of the past, trying to remember everything that his mother is forgetting. Bad things always linger just out of sight, and in the end, some things are better left forgotten. 

Falling Through the Ice by althaclena (sub rec) [NC-17, 22,600 word count]

Dean’s finally retired from the Dallas Stars, and he’s back at his original home ice-rink for a publicity stunt for his autobiography. Problem is, he has to do something that terrifies him. Second problem is, he has to do it in front of the man he was best friends with as a kid, until the ice cracked under him and he was left on the wrong side of an increasingly large chasm. A story about smashing expectations (and some pumpkins), what it means to be brave, and how to follow your heart. Also, smut.

Freebies and Oak Trees by violue [NC-17, 32,300 word count]

It’s just a joke. Dean adding Castiel Novak to his “Celebrity Freebie” list is just a joke. Dean has a girlfriend, and besides, it’s not like he’s ever going to meet Castiel, let alone sleep with him. Right? 

Nine Times We Met (And One Christmas We Parted) by almaasi [NC-17, 58,000 word count]

On the last day of school before Christmas vacation, Mr. Castiel Quinn discovers that one of his young students has smuggled male pornography into the classroom. Upon being told that the photos belong to the boy’s uncle, Castiel vows to himself that he will keep the other man’s preferences a secret. It’s 1947; a man experiencing attraction to another man or fantasising about his sexual touch are transgressive faults, which could potentially result in imprisonment - or worse. But then the uncle walks in. The photos are of him: Dean Winchester, a rogue with an empty pocket and a child to feed. Castiel doesn’t know it yet, but his life is never going to be the same again. Years pass between chance meetings, but even though they live their lives apart, Dean and Castiel’s story is proof that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. 

Rough Seas by palominopup [NC-17, 71,600 word count]

Lieutenant Commander Dean Winchester was coming home after fourteen years with his two year old baby in tow.  He’d left the town of Winchester Bay after his father caught him and his best friend/lover together.  He ran from his father, from the town and from Cas. Now, he’s back. The Novak brothers warned Dean to stay away from Cas, but in a town the size of Winchester Bay, how could he do that… no matter how hard he wanted to.  A rescue at sea starts a series of events that brings the men together again, but the years took their toll on any love they once shared. 

Scars by lemonsorbae [NC-17, 148,000 word count]

Dean Winchester doesn’t answer to anybody about anything. Not about his ever changing hair color or tattoos, not his music, and definitely not about all the fucks he definitely doesn’t give. Of course, then he meets pretentious, skinny jean wearing, ugly sweater buying Castiel Edlund who’s hardest lot in life is probably alphabetizing inventory at his uncle’s record store, and suddenly Dean has to answer for everything. Castiel, on the other hand, had long since accepted his fate as an anti-social, directionless, and misunderstood soul, with his cat, Meg, and a bottle of whiskey being the only company he needed. But then fate threw him Dean, the abrasive, infuriating punk who wears guyliner, and walks around like the chip on his shoulder is something to be proud of, and Castiel’s carefully constructed life was turned ass over teakettle.

Should’ve Just Asked by scaramouche [NC-17, 77,900 word count]

Despite their age gap and differing social circles, Castiel has struck up a warm friendship with Mary Winchester, a wealthy widowed socialite. When Castiel needs a place to stay, Mary invites him into her house, where there’s loads of spare room. Castiel’s aware that they make an odd pair, but he doesn’t fully realize how things look to outsiders, especially to Mary’s eldest son. All Dean Winchester sees is that his mom has apparently hooked up with a hot young guy (who is totally Dean’s type) and that makes things… weird. 

Somewhere Back of the Sun and the Sun Verse by enigmaticblue [NC-17, 72,000 word count (211,000 for the full Sun Verse)]

By the time Dean stops Lucifer, it’s already too late. A post-apocalyptic tale.

Somewhere I have never traveled by museaway [M, 53,300 word count]

Driving home from work at his family’s shop, Dean is hit by a man driving a Prius. Though Castiel is initially rude, he offers dinner as part of his apology, and Dean is drawn to him the more they talk. Since Castiel is raw from a divorce with a teenage daughter, Dean doesn’t expect the relationship to go anywhere and is surprised when Castiel quickly becomes a fixture in his life. But while Castiel seems eager to build a life with him, Dean is hung up on his past and family obligations.

LETS CELEBRATE✨✨✨📖

REBLOG THIS POST WITH YOUR FAVOURITE DESTIEL FICS

Move Aside Tolstoy - epic length destiel fic rec list. We don’t usually rec fics based only on their technical aspects, but difficult times call for creative solutions. So, here are some of our favorite fics with more than 180,000 words form our Super Epic Tag (100k+ word count). Be sure to visit the tag as well since there’s 17 pages of super epic fic goodness. Or, if you want something less intimidating try our Epic fic Tag (40k-100k), Medium fic Tag (10k - 40k) or Short fic Tag (-10k). Enjoy!

Word count is given for the whole verse/ series when applicable, even if we reviewed only the first fic. All links go to our fully tagged reviews or submitted rec posts.

I. Canon verse destiel fics with 180k+ word count

Before the Fall Verse by exorcisingemily & mrstserc [M, 315,000 word count, alternate season 7]

Forgotten by NorthernSparrow [G, 160,000 word count] (submitted rec) and its sequel, Flight [M, 320,000 word count, season 9]

Home in Motion by nomdeplume13 [M/NC-17, 232,000 word count, canon divergent season 7]

Light Up the Sky for Me by starandrea [T, first fic 51,000 word count, total 440,000 word count in Sky Verse, 11 works, canon divergent season 5]

Redemption Road by various [NC-17, 650,000 word count, alternate season 7, 23 fics/episodes]

Somewhere Back Of The Sun by enigmaticblue [M/NC-17, first fic 72,000 word count, total 212,000 word count in Sun Verse, 34 works, alternate season 5, kid!fic]

Ugly Sweater Verse by saidtheking [NC-17, 185,000 word count, 21 work, domestic]

II. Destiel AU fics with 180k+ word count

A Hole in the World by anneliesemichel [NC-17, 221,000 word count, a/b/o]

Angelhawke by almaasi [NC-17, 418,000 word count, fantasy]

Angel’s Wild by LemondadeGaby and riseofthefallenone [NC-17, 389,000 word count, wing!fic]

Cinderwings by bendingsignpost [M, 182,000 word count, wing!fic]

Lipstick by soupernabturel [NC-17, first fic 184,000 word count, total 292,000 word count in The Lipstick Verse, 2 works, trans!cas] (submitted rec)

Ninety One Whiskey by komodobits [NC-17, first fic 401,000 word count, total 424,400 word count in Ninety One Whiskey series, 3 parts, WW2 fic]

Not Part of the Plan by Annie D (scaramouche) [NC-17, 337,000 total word count, 8 works, arranged marriage]

Say Something by jhanamay [NC-17, 250,000 word count, slow building romance]

Yours!Verse by mashiharasdream [NC-17, 441,000 total verse word count, 20 parts, a/b/o]

Special mention - if you love stories about FBI agents, give a chance to former cockles fic Angel Slayer series by emwebb17 [NC-17, 325,000 word count, 4 parts]. See this post about fic’s transition from cockles RPF to non fandom work. 

III. New super epic long fic recs! Since our blog transitioned to the Archive phase and is now managed by only one, a slow reader mod, our long fic recs have come to a halt. I must admit that I’ve not read these fics, but they were on my radar and I would be reading them if I had more time. Please be sure to check the authors’s tags and notes, and give them a chance!

A Graced Kingdom by angvlicmish [NC-17, 199,000 word count, WIP]

Ten years ago, the Northern Continent was at peace, angels and humans living side by side until the human King Winchester of Torrin waged war against the angels in an attempt to wipe them out - an attempt that almost succeeded. However, to this day some angels still remain in hiding and with an unpredictable turn of events one of them finds himself as the personal guard to King Winchester’s firstborn son, Prince Dean. With a strange ability no angel has had before - to hide his own wings - no one knows that they have just let their greatest enemy into the heart of their kingdom.  …  [summary trimmed for space]  

A Priori by K_K_TiBal, whelvenwings [G, 260,000 word count, WIP] (also recced on our Hogwarts fic rec list)

Dean Winchester and Castiel Novak are headed to Hogwarts. Castiel, as a member of the old Novak wizarding family, is fully expected to be sorted into Ravenclaw, like all of his ancestors before him. Dean, as a Muggle-born, has no idea what the Houses even are. With a surprise sorting and classes starting soon afterwards, they’re both pitched headfirst into the unknown - and they find themselves in competition with each other almost at once, both of them needing to prove themselves to the people they left at home, and the people with them at Hogwarts. …  [summary trimmed for space]

Evangelist by emmbrancsxx0 [NC-17, 334,400 word count]

In Lawrence, the Novak family owns more than god. Castiel is expected to graduate with a business degree, become a community leader, meet a nice girl, and one day help run the family business, Evangelist, Inc. Then he meets Dean Winchester, who vehemently opposes everything Evangelist stands for. When Dean’s need for cash to pay the bills leads him down a risky path, both he and Castiel learn there may be more to Evangelist than philanthropy and good will.

Four Letter Word For Intercourse by bendingsignpost [NC-17, first fic 195,000 word count, talk series 223,000 total word count, 3 works]

As a grease monkey turned college freshman, Dean’s constantly three seconds away from being stressed out of his mind. It hardly helps that he’s finally figuring out his sexuality in his thirties. What might help with that stress is a little phone number (and a big credit card bill). If he can’t figure out how to be bisexual in person, he can at least give it a go over the phone, right? (It’s probably a bad idea, but he really can’t help himself.)

The Graveyard Shift by PurgatoryJar, riseofthefallenone [NC-17, 620,000 word count]

Dean’s favourite coffee shop, The Graveyard Shift, is only open after the sun goes down. Which is perfect for him, because that’s exactly when he craves coffee the most while doing the overnight at the fire hall. The coffee shop’s owner is pretty perfect too, but it’s kind of a bummer that Dean never gets to see Cas during the day. In a world where the supernatural live more or less in peace with the rest of humanity, it’s a little impolite to ask Cas just what he really is - or what his dark past entails.

Protect and Serve by jupiter_james [NC-17, 205,200 word count]

Sam Winchester is America’s newest sweetheart. An in-demand actor and all around Boy Next Door. However, with his fame comes the need for protection. And Sam only trusts his older brother, and former beat cop, Dean, plus his best friend, Castiel Novak, to keep him safe. However, Castiel and Dean share not only a desire to keep Sam safe, but also a lot of friction between them. In an attempt to smooth the edges, Sam pleads with them to find a way to make things work. Castiel thinks Dean needs discipline. Dean thinks Castiel needs to lighten up. Together, they discover a lot more about each other than anticipated.

Under The Midnight Sun by NorthernSparrow  [NC-17, 232,000 word count]

Dean Winchester’s been camp manager of a science research station on the Alaskan tundra for thirteen years. Dean likes his job; fixing the camp trucks, troubleshooting the generators, keeping clueless undergrads and NSF bigwigs from walking into grizzly bears or getting lost in snowstorms — it’s all in a day’s work. It keeps him pretty busy, and this year his brother Sam’s visiting too, so he’s even busier. So it’s really not any of Dean’s business when some weirdo antisocial ornithologist sets up a tent a few miles away, a dark-haired blue-eyed guy who’s doing a “very long-term" study on birds or wings or something, and who never, ever takes off his big lumpy backpack. … [summary trimmed for space]

If you enjoyed the fic, please drop by the archive (AO3) and let the author know with your comments and/or kudos! And if you found our recs useful, let us know by Liking and/or Reblogging our posts! Sharing is caring <3

Oohlala, I am halfway done.

Coloring didn’t come out how I imagined but hey, that happens…

A Very (Milligan-) Winchester Christmas [T, 13,400 word count]

It’s Dean’s last year at high school, and Sam has suddenly decided he wants a ‘real’ Christmas. Dean’s life descends into helping make Sam’s Christmas dreams come true, keeping his grades at a nice respectable level so that he might get to go to college, and trying to figure out just what is going on with his best friend all of a sudden.

All The Neighbors Might Think [NC-17, 4,800 word count]

It’s not like Dean needs company on Christmas eve. Future Fic.

Come In From The Cold [M, 32,400 word count]

When Castiel Angelios moves to town to eventually fill his brother’s old position in the family business, he never expected to be enlisted in an increasingly antagonistic prank war between his family and another. Nor did he expect to meet someone like Dean Winchester, the charming and beautiful owner of the cafe across the street. But while Castiel attempts to navigate the line between loyalty to his family, and strengthening this fledgeling friendship, he discovers that both sides are using illegal magics to get ahead, jeopardizing everything that Castiel has built for himself.

Frigging Festivities Verse [T, 47,500 word count]

In which everyone’s had a bit of a crappy year, Dean is tired of thanklessly breaking his back trying to help lost causes, Cas is fed up of being sued for trying to save people and Christmas is most definitely cancelled. Or, one the many ways hating the festive season brings the broken (or maybe not quite) together. And… maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

The Ghosts in the Machine [NC-17, 10,000 word count]

Dean gets visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Sort of.

Good Things Do Happen [T, 11,000 word count]

A Winchester Family Christmas, 2010. AKA, Best zombie Christmas ever!

Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise [NC-17, 46,500 word count]

When a witch’s spell goes awry, Dean transforms. However, even after the dust settles, we can’t change the things we’ve done or revealed about ourselves. It’s time to look inside and figure out who we really are, and who we really love.

The Holiday [M, 32,000 word count] AO3 Link

Castiel and Sam are unlucky in both life and love, so they swap houses for the holidays. Both find the experience highly…interesting.

The Last Great Race [NC-17, 82,300 word count]

There is a race that takes place every year in Alaska called the Iditarod, a thousand mile journey across the Alaskan wilderness by dog sled team that has come to be known as the “Last Great Race on Earth”. It is a test of endurance, of the relationship between dogs and their people, traversing mountain ranges, frozen rivers, forest and tundra. When writer Castiel Milton is forced to spend two and a half months in Alaska at Winchester Kennels to cover the race preparations and the Iditarod itself, the only person more dismayed than he is Dean Winchester, one of his hosts. Castiel views his assignment as a punishment and is less than impressed by his surly host, and Dean distrusts the sheltered city-born writer who has invaded their home and their lives. But soon, as the Winchesters prepare for their race and Castiel learns about sled dogs and what a musher’s lifestyle is all about, they forget to hate each other and their relationship evolves into something neither of them expected.

Peace and Good Luck To All Men [T, 32,400 word count]

Christmas in the Milton household was difficult enough without the added complication of guests- and if Luke and Gabriel placing bets on who can get with Sam first wasn’t bad enough, then Cas developing a ridiculous crush on his sister’s boyfriend definitely is.

Second Childhood [T, 17,000 word count]

A spell backfires and turns Sam into a small child. Dean struggles with not killing himself or falling in love with Castiel throughout the process of waiting for Sam to grow back up.

Ugly Sweater Verse [NC-17, 184,000 word count]

If they really go back and think about it… it all started with a tree. A Christmas tree, that is. Castiel is human now, and the apocalypse is not only over, it’s been averted. Sam’s away at NYU, finally finishing law school, and Dean’s stuck in what is probably the most awkward situation of his life. He’s not exactly sure how he ended up sharing a flat with Cas in Media, Pennsylvania, but he does know the curious would-be angel is sort of derailing his plans for a life of decadence and booze. Cas is trying to make the best of his humanity by exploring human holidays. Dean can’t exactly complain because he’s pretty much the reason Cas got his wings clipped in the first place. Dean didn’t actually want to fall in love, but how was he supposed to know it would all start with a goddamn tree?

The Violin House [T, 8,500 word count]

The Apple Pie Life is a slow process, but Dean and Cas are getting there—until Cas is called for battle and Dean is forced to wait.

White Winter Hymnal [NC-17, 23,200 word count]

AU. Writer!Dean walks into a café late at night on Christmas Eve, looking for inspiration for his next novel. Instead he finds librarian!Cas.

Winter Song [NC-17, 4,300 word count]

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you never see coming.

with the dawn of redeeming grace [T, 17,000 word count]

Cas doesn’t like Christmas, so Dean vows to show him the error of his Christmas-less ways. Also there’s Kerplunk metaphors (the game, not the Green Day album), sad backstories, and clumsily placed Chekov’s guns firing all over the place. Merry Christmas!

You Are The Only One I Love  [T, 10,700 word count]

Dean insists on going on a hunt in Maine. Sam insists that he bring Cas as backup. After the hunt, they get snowed in at a bed-and-breakfast. The owners are named Gladys and Agatha and Doris and Ruth. No, seriously. Dean’s pretty sure this can’t be real life, this has to be an episode of the Golden Girls, or something. No way in hell he and Cas are sharing a snowy Christmas with four old ladies, a couple on their honeymoon, and a white-picket-fence family of four. It’s actually so awful. Sam will never let him live this down.

Longfic featuring Christmas/winter/winter holidays:

300 Things [NC-17, 76,500 word count]

A Cold Academic Hell Series [M/NC-17, 114,000 word count]

An Exercise in ‘Worthless’ [M/NC-17, 27,000 word count]

Before the Fall Verse [M, 305,000 word count] this installment: Snow Angel

The Best Years of Our Lives, My Ass [NC-17, 111,000 word count]

Bring It On Home [M, 41,000 word count]

By the Dark of the Moon [NC-17, 92,400 word count]

Chasing Cars [NC-17, 45,400 word count]

Dr. Sexy PhD [NC-17, 63,800 word count]

Light in the Dark [NC-17, 110,100 word count]

Nine Time We Met (And One Christmas We Parted) [NC-17, 58,000 word count]

Redemption Road [NC-17, 650,000 word count] tag for the holiday extras

Yare [NC-17, 43,900 word count]

Yuletide (part 9 Yours!Verse) [light NC-17, 24,300 word count in this part]

Unofficial recs (hover to read summaries):

A Very Supernatural Advent Calendar [M, 17,800 word count] advent calendar

Christmas Doesn’t Just Happen Accidently [M, 20,800 word count] advent calendar

Christmas Eve [T, 5,800 word count]

The Cold of Flesh and Stone [NC-17, 9,500 word count]

Collateral Damage [NC-17, 7,000 word count]

Destiel Advent [M, 36,000 word count] advent calendar

Failure (to Cuddle) is Not an Option [T, 3,800 word count]

The First Christmas [NC-17, 18,600 word count] part of the mute!cas verse

Kevin Saves Christmas [T, 10,600 word count]

In The Name of Love [M, 24,000 word count]

Inevitably Homoerotic Holiday Hits [T, 4,000 word count] extras for Inevitable Homoeroticism in Spanish Romantic Heroes

The Lights Are Turned Way Down Low [NC-17, 6,400 word count]

Santa Claus is coming to town [G, 1,800 word count]

So This Is Christmas [M, 19,000 word count]

Twelve [T, 3,700 word count]

Under The Mistletoe [NC-17, 13,000 word count]

Where the Sea and City Meet [M, 3,000 word count]

Will Set You Free [T, 800 word count]

External Resources:

Advent Calendars

destieladventcalendar2013

destieladventcalendar2015

destieladventcalendar2016

Fanwork Exchanges

deancas-xmas; master lists ao3 collections: 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014

Destiel Smut Brigade Winter Collection 2015

SPN Holiday Mixtape 2016 (on tumblr), AO3 collection

AO3

“advent calendar” I “christmas’ I ”mistletoe“ I ”winter“

Tumblr

destielfanfic christmas tag

destielfanworks  winter holidays tag I christmas tag