apoptosis

Coming soon for the @destielaureversebb: “I see you, cowboy” 

Author: GhoulsnHalos Artist: @wellwatersurprise

Rating: Teen and Up Archive warnings: None Length:  28,000 words Tags:  Space Opera AU; Apocalyptic background; Slow Burn; Space Cowboy Dean; Detective Castiel Relationships: Dean/Castiel

Summary:  

Commander Castiel Novak can’t make Dean Winchester, a man who moves through the galaxy like he’s serving penance to an invisible god, fit any criminal box. Investigating Dean uncovers corruption within the Coalition Police Corps.

Dean believes family comes first. Whatever it takes, even collecting ancient artifacts for Crowley, he’ll do it. He doesn’t get miracles.

The problem? The artifacts could trigger an apocalypse and Crowley isn’t the only one hunting them. Dean’s unwittingly caught in the crossfire; Castiel is as entangled too.

Does Castiel choose duty or truth? Does Dean allow himself to be saved, or become the saviour?

Excerpt: 

“The floor is yours, Mr. Winchester. Tell us everything in your own words and at your pace. No-one will question you until you’ve finished.”

“My name is Dean Winchester. I'm an Aquarius. I enjoy sunsets, long walks on the holodeck, and frisky people of all genders.” Dean’s expression changes. A serious, yet definitely not regretful expression replaces the brash attitude. Dean holds Uriel’s gaze, staring straight at him and not the camera. 

The twisting in Castiel’s gut returns full force. Something is off. He can see no evidence Uriel has forced Dean into this confession. So what is wrong with the picture? He needs to get his hands on all the relevant files. Or maybe he ought to hear Dean out, in case Castiel’s suspicion of Uriel is clouding his judgement.

“I’m a salvage specialist. Looking for parts I can legally retrieve for my Uncle’s business. You tell me those vintage parts were someone else’s property, I’ll give ‘em back. Scout’s honour. No harm no foul, right. I bet Bobby would even spring a few credits for restitution. But I don’t know nothing about no Knights. Never heard the name Azazel Douchebag or whatever it was you...” Dean jerks his head towards Uriel with a scowl. “...said he was called.”

Dean sits as far back as the chair will allow, folding his hands together on the table. The little tug at the corner of his mouth suggesting a challenge to Uriel to prove otherwise.

It’s all a performance. Bluster designed to make people think he’s the carefree, space cowboy when Castiel saw the momentary softening in his expression when he mentioned Bobby. The man means something to Dean—more than the mere title uncle would suggest; Castiel would bet on it, if he ever indulged in such a thing.

Coming soon for the @destielaureversebb: “the long haul” 

Author: LoversAntiquities @tragidean Artist: Wellwatersurprise @wellwatersurprise

Rating: Mature Archive warnings: none Length:  10,000 words Tags:  Western AU, Rancher Castiel, Cowboy Dean, 1890s Relationships: Dean/Castiel

Summary:  With an ongoing drought in Texas, Castiel is forced to sell a portion of his herd of longhorns to make ends meet on his ranch. Dean, a cowboy under his employ, agrees to travel with him to Kansas. Only, a few weeks into their trek, something unknown begins to pick off their cattle, and Dean has a sneaking suspicion it may not be the coyote Castiel thinks it is.

Excerpt: 

Dean spares a glance behind them, at the two oxen hauling their wagon at the back, at the thirty longhorns filling the space between them and their horses, everyone following in line without any need for wrangling or pressure. Just a neat, orderly group, no complaints, no wandering off. Even their two calves don’t seem phased by it all. “How do you do that?” he asks.

Castiel looks at him out of the corner of his eye. “Do what?”

“The whole…” He motions to the herd. “I’ve done drives before”—just two, but he knows how they work—“and I’ve never seen them this…”

“Calm?” Castiel snorts a laugh. Quiet, but there. “I’ve always had a way with livestock.”

You’re telling me. With the way they’re behaving, Castiel might as well be their god.

The sun looms. Two miles feels like a lifetime, like at some point, Dean committed some grievous sin and this is how God intends to punish him, by letting him bake under the Texas sky. On the horizon, though, he makes out the shape of what could be a house, or an abnormally large tree with the canopy ripped off. Shade, finally—and more importantly, shelter for the night. “Thank God,” Dean whines and pats Baby’s neck. “I can finally sit down.”

Castiel chuckles and shakes his head. He’s even more handsome when he smiles, something he shouldn't pay attention to or even consider, but out in the middle of nowhere with no one around for miles, he allows himself to indulge, even from a very close distance.

You shouldn't trust cowboys, his father’s voice echoes in his head. But Castiel is probably the best cowboy he’s ever known, and the only one he trusts with his life.