by ao3 user Xenerik
Created 1/26/2021. Last update: 9/28/2021. 157 fics.
Equal Opportunity by imogenbynight (424 words, Teen)
One of many possible ways that demon!Dean might lead to Dean being openly bisexual. Tumblr drabble.
Need to watch to understand: Just know that Dean gets turned into a demon in one of the later seasons and his demon self is more brash, confident, evil, etc. It’s a fannish headcanon that demon!Dean would be more openly queer.
#canonverse, #huor
* Excuses, Excuses by Annie D (scaramouche) (837 words, Teen)
Sam watches Dean and Cas hold hands. And maybe trolls them a little bit.
This made me laugh. Short and sweet!!
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, as long as you understand what Deancas is about. Find a list of essential Deancas eps or something and watch a few.
#humor, #outsider pov, #fluff
Dean Winchester, Social Justice Warrior by RurouniHime (903 words, Teen)
I decided I want fic where Dean, having fully accepted his bisexuality, ends up Going Off at anyone who makes derogatory comments when he's out with Cas.
You know what that is? Growth.
Need to watch to understand: Same as before, nothing as long as you understand the dynamic.#post-canon, #humor
Spacious Skies by domesticadventures (1k, Teen)
The static merges with the rumble of the engine, with Dean’s intermittent snoring, with the thump of the tires as they cross seams in the road. Cas reaches over and takes Dean’s hand in his own.
Very soft and sweet. Liminal spaces and fluff, what more could you ask for?
Need to watch to understand: Same as before, nothing as long as you understand the dynamic.
#post-canon, #fluff, #canonverse
dean winchester is not a nicholas sparks protagonist by microcomets (1k, General Audiences)
Dean fell in love with Cas the way you fall asleep--slowly, and then all at once. Or some other hackneyed and trite bullshit. God, this is embarrassing.
Incredibly gentle!!
Need to watch to understand: Again, just understand their dynamic and you don’t need to watch the show at all to understand.
#fluff, #canonverse
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Lover by PallasPerilous (1k, Teen)
Castiel's love confession scene is proving difficult to nail down. SURELY the characters will settle down in the next draft.
SURELY.
Very meta. Rewrites of the 15.18 confession scene. Made me LOL.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing. You don’t even need to have watched 15.18. Just watch the confession scene online.
#humor, #fixit
Weird Things All BFFs Do by waldorph (1k, General Audiences)
Sam and Castiel are BFFs. Dean is just kind of enduring it.
We need more Sam & Cas interactions!! They are FRIENDS!!
Need to watch to understand: Maybe anywhere around S8-S9? Just to see where Cas is at as he becomes more comfortable with humanity.
#fluff, #canonverse
Oh, Lazarus by obothyourhouses (1k, General Audiences)
You weigh a decision,
Remake the soul first or the man?
Castiel’s perspective during 4.01 Lazarus Rising. Poetic and clever and foreshadowy.
Need to watch to understand: 4.01
#transfic, #character study, #missing scene
* Hell is a Place on Earth by pollutedstar (1k, General Audiences)
Mary knows logically that demons and angels are the polar opposites of each other, but she still finds herself startled that lights don’t flicker every time Castiel enters a room. She looks up, her eyes blurry from straining to read her husband’s writing in the dim light of a lamp. The angel stands silently, tilting his head, and she feels guilty for telling Dean angels watched over him. The pressure of those eyes are not for a child to bear.
Mary-centric, religious themes. Background Deancas. Pollutedstar writes thee best ficlets, I swear.
Need to watch to understand: 12.01
#character study, #outsider pov, #canonverse, #missing scene
*** Like a Lump in Your Throat by andimeantittosting (Saylee) (1k, General Audiences)
Mary leaves, and when Dean opens his mouth to speak, there are no words.
GAH. This one hits. I have feelings about nonverbal Dean.
Need to watch to understand: 12.03
#missing scene, #angst, #character study, #canonverse
fæcce by Askance (doomcountry) (1k, Teen)
When he met you in Hell, you were the scariest thing he had ever seen.
Horror fic with established Deancas. Might be better to skip if horror isn’t your thing. I’m just fascinated by this author’s entire body of work.
Need to watch to understand: 12.03
#canonverse, #canon au
the monster at the start of this book (1k, General Audiences)
This is a horror story.
Just not the one you’re expecting.
Do you hate the finale? Do you think the spn meta narrative is cool? Whether you answered yes or no you should read this fic.
Need to watch to understand: Uhh nothing. But there are references to spn fandom stuff.
#canonverse (sorta)
strap the wing to me by a_good_soldier (1k, General Audiences)
Castiel is extremely, irrevocably, annoyingly in love with Dean Winchester.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing!
#canonverse, #post-canon, #fluff
Just let me hear your voice, just let me listen by palindromicpal (1k, Teen)
Brandon isn’t sure why he thought a double date with Cas and Dean was a good idea. But he’s been with Parker for three years and it feels really weird that he hasn’t met Cas and Dean. Especially Cas. They’ve been together long enough that Brandon told him (with permission) the actual truth of Cas and Dean’s angel/hunter/cryptids/living in an insane British apocalypse bunker situation. Brandon had honestly been a little worried that that conversation would make Parker think he had lost the script entirely and leave him. It had been weird and difficult, but after they worked through the disbelief, Parker had been excited to meet Brandon’s “old gay supernatural dads.”
Trans Cas my belovedddddddd
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, but you do need to read the other parts of this series for context.
#canonverse, #post-canon, #fluf, #transfic, #outsider pov
* First Reckoning by xylodemon (1k, General Audiences)
In the last fourteen hours, Mary has seen Castiel steal a car, knock a federal agent unconscious, and level an entire warehouse. He stabbed another angel, and he beat a man half to death to get information about Sam. He also rescued Dean from a Men of Letters ambush. He carefully healed Dean's wounds, and he hovered beside Dean's bed until Dean finally drifted off to sleep.
Cas and Mary BEST dynamic. I love how solid this fic feels, I often struggle myself with wrapping up short fics but this does it super well.
Need to watch to understand: 12.01, maybe 12.02 or 03?
#canonverse, #outsider pov, #missing scene
Until the Breaking of the Day by Dira Sudis (1k, Mature)
In which Dean asks an anatomical question and receives a theological answer.
This one’s ollllddd. From 2009, and still holds up!
Need to watch to understand: Season 4’s Cas eps
#canonverse
the sun on his face by transgenderism (1k, General Audiences)
Dean treats his body as if it is a punishment: for the crime of existing, he must live in a body that he believes will never be his home. Castiel wishes (Cas, it’s Cas now, he thinks, and again feels a peculiar little twinge of satisfaction and longing) that he could make Dean see himself the way he deserves to be seen. You are beautiful, he wants to say. More so than most: body and soul, you create yourself. You are capable of so much, of building a home in your body, but you don’t think you deserve to live in it.
Pre-slash, t4t Deancas plus transfem Anna Milton! So sweet and soft and excellent.
Need to watch to understand: Have a general understanding of seasons 4-13
#canonverse #transfic #character study
Long-Term Relationship by bendingsignpost (2k, Teen)
Castiel says, budging over to make room for Dean on the couch, “I thought we should have a serious talk about our relationship.”
Reflexively, Dean laughs.
Castiel does not.
“Uh, Cas... you know we’re not dating, right?”
This is teeeechnically an AU, since it makes tiny references to Cas not being an angel and them not hunting monsters. However, it’s short enough that it doesn’t matter much. I choose to accept it as part of my secret good spn canon.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing. Understand the deancas dynamic.
#fluff, #alternate universe
*** Angels Americana by pollutedstar (2k, Teen)
It’s more about motel rooms than chapels. The prophet of the Lord is an alcoholic who struggles to keep afloat—God doesn’t have time to drag every hack writer out of the gutter, you know? And the angels are more willing to kill than either of them had expected. Dean thinks they’re supposed to have fluffy wings and Sam thinks they’re supposed to be wheels of eyes with incomprehensible power, and it turns out they have trench coats.
This fic is like a knife that carves out my heart and says, “here,” and gives it back to me, and like a fool I say thank you. A personal fave.
Need to watch to understand: Up to S5
#character study, #for the aesthetic, #canonverse, #missing scene
Signs and Portents by aesc (2k, Teen)
Inspired and encouraged by the brilliant and persistent trinityofone. We were thinking back over several seasons of Sam and Dean being mistaken for boyfriends, and got to wondering what happens when Castiel comes into the picture.
Tried to find this on AO3 but unfortunately the author only posted it to LJ. Anyway, this is cute!
Need to watch to understand: Up to the end of S4
#missing scene, #canonverse
An Uncomplicated Social Call by amorremanet (2k, General Audiences)
He's never said it aloud before. Not really—not that he's ever had occasion to do so. (self-indulgent fix-it fic where Dean and Charlie talk about how he's bisexual.)
This is cute!! It’s canon now in my head. Not explicitly Dean/Cas but there are mentions of it.
Need to watch to understand: Just put on 7.20 and 8.11 and you’ll be set to understanding Dean and Charlie’s dynamic.
#canonverse, #missing scene, #dean is bi
* Yellow Asters by july_19th_club (2k, General Audiences)
Based on that one passage that everyone's losing their minds about in John (derogatory)'s journal with the nuns in love that Dean takes as his first solo case for his seventeenth birthday.
If you aren’t active in SPN tumblr, you may not have heard of the mass freakout over this part of the semi-canon John Winchester’s Journal.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, since this is pre-series. Just understand that Dean is bi, read the post I linked above about the journal, and maybe watch a few eps of S1 just for Dean’s character.
#pre-series, #character study, #angs, #canonverse
Jack Writes Self-Insert Riverdale Fanfiction by iooking (2k, General Audiences)
Yes that is the title. Jack has a silly TV crush and he talks about it with Dean.
This is very cute!!! “Sam called it toxic masculinity, but Sam calls most things Dean does toxic masculinity.”
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, know who Jack is, be active on SPN tumblr (jk)
#fluff, #canonverse
The Ten Commandments Don’t Apply to Angels by copperbadge (2k, Teen)
Dean keeps insisting Castiel do things that humans do; sometimes Castiel is grateful for this, and sometimes...not so much.
THEE Copperbadge of...uh… [cough] Harry Potter and Marvel fame [cough] wrote this fic in 2009. Keep an eye out for a line that could come straight out of the 15.18 confession (x)
Need to watch to understand: At least a bit of season 4
#canonverse, #character study, #missing scene
right hand on his rifle, swore it on the bible by quensty, somewhereoverthebifrost (2k, Teen)
When Dean is twenty-six years old, he stands in the middle of a grimy, rundown shack for a safe house. His brother is knocked out cold in the corner, and Dean is pointing a gun at his dad’s face.
He clicks off the safety, tucks his finger against the trigger, and—freezes.
Sad but great character study.
Need to watch to understand: 4.16, 5.14
#angst, #character study, #missing scene
for a healthy heart by Askance (doomcountry) (2k, Teen)
A strange black box appears in Castiel's bedroom one afternoon.
Attention! This fic is not like the others! It’s dark, and the main focus of the fic is unrequited love combined with body horror. Please take care before reading. It’s still absolutely fabulous writing, though, just to be clear.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, they live in the bunker so know what that is
#canonverse, #canon au, #angst
* if you are hungry then take note by a_good_soldier (2k, Teen)
beloved—my brutal ephemeral monument :
if you are hungry then take note of my fleshycontiguousbody,
my ocean, my confidence scheme—
won't you eat? won't it be well? won't your mouth
tremble fervently at the betrayal of my breast,
my proun, my enterprise?
AHH. This fic manages to contain the best “Dean being a bad queer mentor” I’ve ever read AND sweet soft beautiful established destiel that makes me pine, all in only 2k. Read it.
Need to watch to understand: Mayyyybe 14.13? Just know they live in the bunker in a small town called Lebanon.
#fluff, #post-canon, #humor, #canonverse
hummed low by microcomets (3k, General Audiences)
Dean pulls the Impala over at a cider barn about thirty miles out; doesn't really think about it, just sees the hokey orange lettering off the roadside and lets his hands guide the Impala off the interstate with gravel spitting under the wheels.
Just… soft.
Need to watch to understand: Probably up to around S8 just to understand their dynamic. You don’t have to understand anything about the show though.
#fluff, #canonverse
Six Inch Heels by Aliteroon (2k, Teen)
Dean does drag on a whim, and ends up in way over his head.
:’))))) I needed this fic
Need to watch to understand: Nothin’
#character study, #canonverse, #transfic (of a sort)
children get older (and i'm getting older, too) by flightsofangels (2k, General Audiences)
Oh, he realizes. I’m growing into an old man.
T4T Deancas again! Sooooo loving.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing :)
#character study, #canonverse, #transfic #fluff
What You Need by Xela (3k, Explicit)
Castiel had been Chosen. He'd received his instructions from On High: “Save Dean from Hell.” That had been easy and straight forward. But once he'd accomplished that, he had received another: “Be what Dean needs.”
Castiel had no idea what that meant. He still doesn't.
This Cas is very good.
Need to watch to understand: 4.01 through 4.09
#character study, #canonverse
Formal and Shining and Complete by pollutedstar (3k, Teen)
"But Dean's intelligence was every bit as formal and shining and complete, without the tedious intellectualness. And his 'criminality' was not something that sulked and sneered; it was a wild yea-saying overburst of American joy; it was Western, the west wind, an ode from the Plains, something new, long prophesied, long a-coming. Besides, all my New York friends were in the negative, nightmare position of putting down society and giving their tired bookish or political or psychoanalytical reasons, but Dean just raced into society, eager for bread and love."
- On The Road by Jack Kerouac
I endorse literally everything pollutedstar has written and ever will write. A criminally underappreciated author. This is a Dean character study that makes me lose my mind.
Need to watch to understand: 2.13, 4.01, 4.02, 5.01
#character study, #canonverse, #angst
La cucina. by orange_crushed (3k, General Audiences)
Dean turns around and Castiel is picking through the jars, turning them over carefully to read the labels, totally engrossed. Dean watches him.
"Is there," Dean says, "uh, anything in there you like?" Castiel looks up at him and then back at the apples, sitting in a basket on the counter in their golden skins, ripe and pretty. Castiel smiles up at Dean.
"I don’t know yet," he says.
Dean cooks for Cas. Domestic fluff! Very sweet and I love the author’s poeticism.
Need to watch to understand: Up to S9
#fluff, #canon au, #canonverse
r/supernatural by renrub (3k, General Audiences)
whatbaby
[checks post history] uh… is this the m30s friend that everyone thought was your boyfriend?
LiketheGun79
Yes but that's not relevant
Dean's on Reddit.
I’ve had to read this like 5 times since I first read it when I was on season 3 or so and only understood the later seasons from fandom. Don’t do what I did, kids. Edit: woops that wasn’t an actual review. Anyway this fic is good and funny and yes <3
Need to watch to understand: Seasons 7 through 12, 13.05, 13.06
#humor, #canonverse
*** The Bow of Jonathan Turned Not Back by neverfaraway (3k, Teen)
Episode coda for 14x14 'Ouroboros'.
The Winchesters hold three days of funerals. Castiel, remembering his time protecting another righteous man, attempts to have a long overdue conversation with Dean.
Religious gay parallels, poetic writing, intricate rituals—what more could a girl ask for.
Need to watch to understand: season 14, up to and including episode 14. Season 13 wouldn’t hurt.
#missing scene, #canonverse, #character study
Keep the Home Fires Burning by domesticadventures (3k, Teen)
“You don’t need to say anything,” Cas says. “It’s all right.”
Dean bristles at that. Cas doesn’t get it. He doesn’t understand. Dean does need to say something. If he had just been able to say something to his mom, maybe she would have stayed.
More nonverbal/selectively mute Dean. A great trope, and a sweet fic.
Need to watch to understand: 12.03
#missing scene, #canonverse, #angst, #fluff
Sam Winchester, Ally at Law by alittleduck (3k, Teen)
Sam was pretty sure he could read every single gay friendly guide to coming out or supporting queer family members ever written and literally none of them would even imply that arguing with gay people that they were actually just homophobic constituted as "ally behavior". However, Sam was equally sure that none of those book authors had found themselves accidentally watching their brother get pounded by an Angel of the Lord at 9 am on Tuesday, so Sam was pretty sure he might actually still have the higher ground. Now, if only Jack would stop trying to bond with Dean using gay slurs long enough for Sam to convince everyone of that, he might just be able to cobble together some remnant of sanity or, failing that, dignity.
Or, the one where Sam desperately wants to invent PFLAG but Dean won't stop teaching Jack gay slurs
This one is pretty damn funny. I felt homophobic for laughing at it (in a good way). Part of a series with more works in a similar vein.
Need to watch to understand: Jack appears in this fic, so technically up to S13 or so, but I’m not even there in my watching yet. Maybe S8 for the Men of Letters bunker, since that’s when I think the tone of the show shifts a bit? Anyway just know that Jack is sort of Dean and Cas and Sam’s (adopted) kid.
#humor, #canonverse
The Tea Is Decaf by mnwood (3k, Teen)
Based on this text post from thebloggerbloggerfun: "Listen, imagine Eileen sneaking out of Sam’s room at night to go to the bathroom or something and steps out into the hallway in one of Sam’s shirts only to see Cas trying to quietly leave Dean’s room while wearing one of Dean’s shirts and they both just stare at each other awkwardly for a few seconds before trying to muffle quiet laughter and now they have a late night club where they talk about life and gossip about the Winchesters in sign language"
And this anon I received: "what if Eileen and Cas discover there are some things Sam and Dean both do in bed because Dean jokingly gave Sam pointers when they were younger and Sam took the advice"
Cas and Eileen bonding is mwah! Plus ace Cas rightssssss
Need to watch to understand: Tbh, nothing? As long as you understand from the fandom who Eileen is.
#fluff, #canonverse, #post-canon
Occursus by PallasPerilous (4k, Teen)
“The natural environment of the human soul is a human body,” Cas says. “Humans have yet to meet a foreign substrate that they don’t immediately attempt to colonize. My form in Hell was not an exception.” Then he shuts his mouth very deliberately and gestures back to Dean like his mic is going live in three, two.
“Or the bit where my soul gave you some kind of STD?” Dean finishes.
“It was a poor analogy. I apologize.”
“So what’s a better one?”
Castiel drums his fingers for a second. “It’s more like…the way a parasitic jewel wasp injects a cockroach with venom, and transforms it into a willing host for wasp larvae.”
“Holy shit are you ever bad at this,” Dean says, with that signature brand of fond horror he special-orders just for Castiel, Angel of the Gourd.
This is sweet! If you like thinking about angel lore and your favorite destiel line is “I’m the one that gripped you tight and raised you from perdition,” you’ll like this fic.
Need to watch to understand: 4.01, 15.18, 15.20
#post-canon, #missing scene
(WIP) In Hindsight by Dredfulhapiness (3k, General Audiences)
Eileen had googled the Winchesters the first time she met them. Despite scrolling through pages of murders, and robberies, and links to pay-per-view true crime specials about the murder spree they’d apparently gone on (and, damn if there wasn’t a lot) no books had come up.
She’s even found true crime podcasts about their escapades, read transcript after transcript about the multiple times the Winchesters faked their deaths only to get caught committing another heinous crime seven states away. Hunting is rarely without its miscommunications, and that seems to be the basis of most of their run-ins with law enforcement and civilians.
The books are a different beast entirely. Hushed confessions are far less intimate than reading their inner thoughts. She has the decency, at least, to skip over the sex scenes.
Based on a tumblr post, a dream come true that the op made it into a fic :D
Need to watch to understand: Eileen’s episodes, 4.18, fic references many other events so depends on how much context you want
#missing scene, #canonverse, #humor, #fluff, #post-canon
*** The Love Story of the Runner Up by Margo_Kim (4k, Teen)
“So you saw a white man in a trench coat pop out in an alley,” Paul says, “and you thought, what, ‘I want to see where this is going’?”
“If you get hung up on details like that,” Miguel says, “it will take a very long time to get through this story.
For a very weird era in his life, Miguel dates an angel who is in love with another man.
This is hilarious, and so so well-written, plus it’s outsider’s POV, which I always love. Truly a MASTERPIECE of a fic. Feels like a story you’d tell around a campfire. G-d, what a banger.
Need to watch to understand: Just the 15.18 confession/death scene. I think. Not sure when it’s set really, since Cas has told Dean he loves him, then Cas dies/disappears 6 months later. Obviously you also have to understand Cas and the Deancas dynamic but I think that goes without saying for all these fics if you’re going in blind.
#humor, #outsider pov, #canonverse
Boneless Wings by PallasPerilous (4k, Mature)
For those of you perving along at home, Dean could absolutely provide a list of the hundred or so ways that having a boyfriend with giant fucking actual wings is super hot and/or awesome.
This is not that list.
Funny, domestic, and the accompanying art is done in such a great style.
Need to watch to understand: Any of the essential deancas episodes to grasp their dynamic.
#humor, #post-canon, #fluff, #canonverse
* Stories Are Made of Mistakes by wildhoneypie (4k, Teen)
“Y’all are sweet,” she says, and nods to indicate him and Cas. “Is he your—are you all together?”
Dean’s still contemplating how to answer this without saying something offensive—he never has figured out a polite way to say “no homo”—when Cas answers for him. Cas doesn’t even look up from his plate, his mouth full of baklava and some stray flakes of phyllo dough sticking to his lips when he says, “Yes.”
Dean feels more than sees Sam go very still across the table, forkful of salad and grilled chicken poised in midair.
—
In which Cas is human and doesn't understand basic concepts like: clothing, Mythbusters, moisturizer, and Greek food. Dean is...Dean and doesn't understand basic concepts like: boyfriends, language, how to tell your friend that he's a walking miracle, and when not to quip.
I mean. Summary says it all. A very gentle and good fic.
Need to watch to understand: Up to around S8
#fluff, #canonverse, #casefic
Don’t Ever Change by whelvenwings (4k, General Audiences)
Dean Winchester and Castiel are not dating.
They’re really not. They just get hungry sometimes - who doesn’t work up an appetite during a hunt? And when they’re both hungry, it’s only reasonable to make a stop. But that’s all it ever is - just a stop on the road, nothing more.
Until one evening, when everything seems to shift; they’re booked in to have dinner at a fancy restaurant together, Dean finds out that Sam’s assumed they’re dating the whole time, and Castiel is walking around shirtless. After a night like that, nothing could ever be the same.
Sam thinks Dean and Cas are dating, and Cas has tattoos :P Very cute
Need to watch to understand: Unsure, probably up to S9 or so
#canon au, #fluff, #canonverse
* Hey Stud by mrhd (4k, Mature)
Dean gets his ears pierced. It's a gay thing.
This fic means so much to me. G-ddammit. Dean reclaiming his autonomy and becoming more comfortable with himself by piercing his ears? Top effin’ notch.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, but they live in the Bunker and there’s a tiny mention of Eileen.
#fluff, #canonverse, #post-canon, #humor
dean’s coworkers vs the heteronormative agenda by cowboydeanwinchester (4k, Teen)
Dean started working at a local auto repair shop in Lebanon, Kansas about a year ago. His coworkers don't know much about him. Except that he has a wife. Or maybe he doesn't. But he has a kid. Who is either a toddler or a high schooler. Who is either named Jack or Sammy. He also might have a best friend named Cas, but that also might be his wife.
Truth is nobody knows what to make of Dean.
--
In universe, where nobody dies and Cas and Dean get domestic and Dean doesn't realize the mental hoola-hoops he's causing his coworkers to work through.
Well this is just canon. If you like the idea that circulated around spn tumblr about Dean referring to Cas as his “ball and chain,” you’ll like this fic.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, just know who Jack is.
#post-canon, #fluff, #outsider pov
In-flight Entertainment by Englandwouldfall (4k, General Audiences)
The Cas and Dean's plane-argument get's live tweeted by someone who thinks they're a couple AU that no one asked for ever.
This is super cute. Believe it or not, I read it before knowing who Charlie was and still enjoyed it a lot.
Need to watch to understand: Probably up to S7, since the author tags it “post-Leviathan angst”
#canonverse, #canon au, #fluff, #angst, #alternate universe
Here, bullet, here by a_good_soldier (4k, Teen)
When Dean is fourteen, Dad marches into a motel room and shoots a shtriga feeding on Sam. Dean pokes his head around the doorway after the fact and Dad looks at him and hates him. And Sam is alive. Dad’s shotgun aims casually at Dean from where it was set on the floor by Dad’s uncautious, desperate, terrified hands. And Sam is alive. And Dean thinks— thank God for that bullet.
Guns and repression and that sort of thing. Oh you know. ❤️
Need to watch to understand: 1.18 (referenced)
#canonverse, #angst, #character study, #missing scene, #pre-series
* coming home by doriangay (4k, Teen)
“You were first built in God’s image,” a hint of bitterness crept back into Cas’ tone, “the second time, you were built in mine.”
[Trans Dean reinterpretation of 12x01]
MMMM!!!!! Read this at night when I was feeling emotional and it drove me to tears :’) Similar to “we dont talk about it” (see the Non-Deancas section), I think they may have been both inspired by the same tumblr posts. Fantastic!
Need to watch to understand: 12.01
#canonverse, #angst, #character study, #transfic
(WIP) These Sweet Instincts by Dredfulhapiness (4k, Teen)
As it went, he gave her a ride home and they sang along to Babe I’m Gonna Leave You and when she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek when they pulled up in front of her house, she unknowingly sealed her own fate. Mary Winchester dies in fire eleven years later. So it goes.
She comes back different— a different time, a different home, a different face on her children. First a ghost, then a person; always a shadow.
Suddenly there are three different lives Mary has to assemble, which is much harder to do than it was to live three different lives. There aren’t rules for this, no well-construed instruction manual that tells her which Mary she’s supposed to be at any given time.
Or, I'm fixing Mary.
Before I read this fic I thought, “Mary doesn’t need to be fixed! I love her character the way they brought her back in s12!” I was wrong (honorific) <3
Need to watch to understand: 1.01, 4.03, 5.13, 5.16, 11.23, s12
#canonverse, #canon au, #character study
diamond star halo by jad (4k, Teen)
#canonverse, #fluff
They're doing that thing again, where Cas is staring at Dean with the intensity of a dog trying to remind his owner that it's past dinner time. Dean's staring right back like the first one to blink is buying the next round. Sam's aware there's a conversation going on that he isn't privy to — and he's used to it, by this point — but it's still rude.
"So, as I was saying," Sam tries to interrupt the resounding silence, "if we can just figure out a — "
"Sure," Dean says, and Sam stutters to a halt, because sure what? "I mean, yeah. Yes. Dude, you don't even have to ask."
Cas possesses Dean! (Consensually, of course) Not a trope I’m usually into but this one’s great.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse
* what will be, will be by transgenderism (4k, Teen)
He lets go of the hug, and she takes a step back. “Honey,” she says. “You’re beautiful, too. What’s wrong, Deanna? I’m your mother. You can tell me anything.” He thinks: if this is his life now, he’s going to have to tell her eventually. He can’t live like this. He thinks about telling her, but then she continues, “You’re my daughter forever, until one of us dies.”
+
It suddenly hits him, how weird this is. How the wish didn’t just alter events like Mary’s death, but altered his body. It’s a body that he doesn’t know. He’s taking a body that he doesn’t know back to a home he’s never seen before to a wife that’s a complete stranger. He tries not to think about it. He’s dreamed about having a body like this. A life like this, and now it can be real.
(two alternate trans versions of what is and what should never be: one where dean is cis in the dream world, and one where he never transitioned.)
This makes me insaaaaaaaaaaane.
Need to watch to understand: 2.20
#canonverse, #canon au, #transfic, #character study
* Gloria Mundi by xylodemon (4k, Teen)
Dean's not leaving Cas behind.
You may recall everyone freaking out over Dean scattering Cas’ ashes in the Tombstone script? Yeah? Well this fic. This fic!! is for you.
Need to watch to understand: 13.06, widower arc (early s13)
#canonverse, #missing scene, #angst
The Dean Winchester Parenting Audit by a_good_soldier (4k, Teen)
Dean looks at Jack, and he sees Cas in him, and he thinks: I can't fuck up the way Dad did. So he asks Sam for some advice.
Terribly sad, but… hopeful ending?
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#canonverse, #post-canon, #angst
Ain’t Ever Gonna Part by ellispark (4k, Teen)
Dean has loved a few people in his lifetime. He intends for Cas to be the last.
Sweet little mixtape fic :)
Need to watch to understand: 12.19, maybe other eps idk
#canonverse #fluff #angst #missing scene
To Ride Around in Circles by rustling_pages (5k, Explicit)
Dad left them here two weeks ago, with enough bills to cover the motel and a bit of food, and while he checks in regularly, the last call Dean got was him saying the hunt is taking him longer than expected. Dean didn’t mention they’re running out. He never does. He’s old enough to take care of this himself. So standing in an alley in a thin white undershirt and ripped up jeans it is. It’s not like it’s the first time. And it’s not like it’s so bad. Usually, all he has to do is spend some time on his knees.
But his latest mark is acting all sorts of strange and it's more than a little unsettling. Also, surprisingly much of a turn-on.
This is a deancas fic, even though it doesn’t seem like it would be. Warning for underage.
Need to watch to understand: Up to around S7 or S8
#canonverse, #pre-series, #angst
* unfinished duet by microcomets (5k, Teen)
Sam watches Dean and Cas over the years and notices a few things. (Or, Dean and Cas unscripted.)
Angst. This is 100% what happened in the secret good spn that lives in my head.
Need to watch to understand: 4.01, 4.07, 4.11-4.20, 5.01, 5.04-5.08, 5.19, 6.17-6.18, 7.02-7.09, 8.01, 8.07, 8.17, and 9.03 for full context. But that’s a large amount of episodes so if you’re not up to it just kinda skim the plot summaries of seasons 4 through 9 and you’ll get the gist.
#angst, #outsider pov, #canonverse
In God's Country by Las (5k, Teen)
Written for the AU prompt, "Castiel is Dean's imaginary friend". Sort of. Set during Stanford era and pre-series, with bits of other seasons.
An oldie but a goodie. Hello bible freak community.
Need to watch to understand: Season 1, Season 4
#pre-series, #canon au
Creature of Habit by trinityofone (5k, Teen)
The more you love someone, the more you want to kill them. Or: How Cas developed some bad habits, and Dean coped surprisingly well.
Cas is Fallen. This is cute!
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, really. If you really care then maybe up to S6 or so since that’s when it was written.
#fluff, #canonverse
* Tell Me, Dean, by LieutenantSaavik (5k, Teen)
In a lull between cases, Sam suggests Dean go to therapy. Dean's therapist is Hannibal Lecter.
NBC Hannibal crossover, you should probably watch at least the first season of that show before reading this. But it is WORTH it. Funniest thing I’ve ever read. This author invented comedy. Plus Sam is nonbinary in this one!
Need to watch to understand: 6.15, up to S8 or so. Season 1 of Hannibal, though you don’t need to as long as you’ve absorbed some knowledge about the show through internet osmosis.
#humor, #transfic, #canonverse
Enhanced Extraction Techniques by goldenraeofsun (5k, Teen)
The Empty takes Meg’s shape, Samandriel’s, Duma’s, every one of the thousands of angels Cas killed up in heaven. But in the middle of lecturing Cas in the form of Balthazar, it explodes in a burst of light and sound.
Dean Winchester stands in the aftermath.
This one messes with your head a bit. Very rad.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, understand what the Empty is
#angst, #post-canon, #canonverse
Interlude by hubrisandwax (5k, Mature)
Your life was an interlude in the space of their own.
This fic made me care about Jimmy Novak. (Yes, it’s destiel, but mostly Jimmy)
Need to watch to understand: 4.20
#angst, #canonverse, #outsider pov
Take the Wheel by triedunture (5k, Explicit)
While working a case where inanimate objects are turning into humans, Dean and Sam find the Impala has turned into a cocky bastard of a guy overnight. And he's got quite a mouth on him.
This one takes the “Ianpala” trope that was popular a while back and runs with it. Very enjoyable read.
Need to watch to understand: Understand who Cas is, and maybe google the trope.
#humor, #canonverse, #casefic
* Remember us in life by a_good_soldier (5k, Teen)
Dean is alive. And, apparently, there's a holiness in queer love or something.
[sobbing] I just….. t-think……….. it’s n-neat
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.20
#canonverse, #post-canon, #fixit
Party Like It’s 1999 by Annie D (scaramouche) (5k, Teen)
Castiel gets hit with a witch's curse and can only speak in "Brit" poetry. Set vaguely somewhere in Season 5.
Iconicccc
Need to watch to understand: S5
#canonverse, #humor
Made Manifest by schmerzerling (6k, Mature)
Wherein Castiel defied God for Dean before Dean even knew his name.
The ending gives me shivers. Come get all your trans!Dean juice
Need to watch to understand: 4.01
#transfic, #canonverse, #angst
ours is the fire, all the warmth we can find by xylodemon (6k, Mature)
Sam brings it up as they're driving back from the steakhouse in Mankato.
Dean cuts him a sharp, sideways glance. "You think I should what?"
"I think you should try journaling."
"Why the hell would I wanna do that?"
A 15.19 coda with lots of Dean grief but a happy ending. Xylodemon still going strong!
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.19 (though I hadn’t seen 15.19 when I read it)
#fixit, #canonverse, #angst
Phone a Friend by noviembre (6k, General Audiences)
The hunting community, after the apocalypse-that-never-happened.
Post canon fic AND outsider P.O.V.? I’m staying!
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, though I believe references are made to major plot points throughout the show.
#post-canon, #canonverse, #outsider pov, #fluff, #missing scene
Stone and Flesh by tiamatv (6k, Explicit)
Not quite an episode coda for S15e18 per se, but more a "what comes after."
Nonverbal Dean after 15.18 :((((
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#post-canon, #canonverse, #angst
unrelentingly in view by a_good_soldier (6k, Mature)
Dean Winchester is a body, and his body has been saved. Or: 5 times a stranger saw Dean Winchester after Hell, and 1 time someone else did.
A look on Dean’s hell trauma, outsider’s point of view is done so excellently.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#canonverse, #angst, #outsider pov #missing scene
[NEW] Get Out In Times of Declared Emergency by Jayne L (JayneL) (6k, General Audiences)
PREACHER: Is it going to be alllllllllright?
CONGREGATION: It's going to be alright!
--Firesign Theater
Castiel post-Lucifer.
Cas-centric with minor, gennish destiel.
Need to watch to understand: Probably the whole Casifer arc (11.10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, and 23)
#angst, #canonverse, #character study
* Nothing Equals the Splendor by RurouniHime (7k, Explicit)
Maybe it’s the cynic in him. The hunter, always under the surface of any quietude he ever found. Or maybe it’s just that he has always had trouble with blind faith. But after a while (a blink? A decade? A century?), Dean raises his eyebrows, looks around, and says—
“Uh. No.”
It’s so close. Just so slightly imperfect. And maybe, he analyzes, maybe that’s the final knell of this bell called contentment. Dean’s experience with happiness has always been that last rise in the road, right before it turns. Right before fate comes barreling around the corner head on.
He turns in his spot on the bridge, and suddenly Sam is like a cellophane film through which he can see the light streaming, and the taste of cheap beer on his tongue is much, much older a memory than it should be.
“Oh, you’re good,” he says, and means it.
Fix-it, post 15.20, canon-compliant. But! Dean lives!!
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.20
#fixit, #angst, #canonverse
all this and heaven too by ftmsteverogers (7k, Explicit)
“Hey,” Dean said. “I’m not ashamed of you, okay?”
Cas raised skeptical eyes to meet his.
“I mean it,” Dean insisted.
“I understand you mean it,” Cas said. “But I don’t think it’s any better if you’re only ashamed of yourself.”
Author describes this fic as “a love letter to every trans person who ever projected onto Dean Winchester,” and that’s truly accurate. This fic feels like a love letter. Immaculate vibes.
Need to watch to understand: Probably only uh S4 and maybe 5?
#transfic, #character study, #canonverse, #angst, #fluff
till the juice runs by deathbanjo (8k, Explicit)
Apparently whoever drew up the venn diagram of Dean’s sex life decided the circle labelled ‘good sex’ and the one labelled ‘sex with men’ should be kept far apart.
Not my usual fair (pretty pwp), but very funny in its awkwardness
Need to watch to understand: Assorted eps throughout S5-S11 for Jody and Rowena and tone.
#canonverse, #humor
“Strangers” by saltyfeathers (8k, Teen)
Sam gets more than he bargains for when he and Dean stop for the night at a strange motel.
Screenplay format, what Deancas would look like in canon according to the author.
Need to watch to understand: up to early S14, though I read it while I was on S8 and it worked
#casefic, #canonverse
Veil by evol_love (8k, Teen)
Not that Ed keeps tabs on anyone from his past life as a paranormal investigator, but he’s about 99% sure he heard through the grapevine that Dean Winchester fucking died, so getting a text from him on a random Thursday inviting him to his wedding is in the top ten weirdest moments of his life. And that’s really saying something. Ed’s had weirder weird moments than most.
His first instinct is No, absolutely fucking not, why on earth did you even invite me we’re not friends and we haven’t spoken in six years, but. But.
Maybe he misses the weird a little.
Author will make you unironically care about the Ghostfacers and their own manifestation of the power of gay love. Set at the Deancas roadhouse wedding!
Need to watch to understand: 3.13, Ghostfacers Web Series, 9.15
#post-canon, #humor, #outsider pov, #canonverse
Unknown Quantities by xylodemon (8k, Explicit)
No one ever tells Dean anything.
(or: Dean Winchester and the not-relationship crisis of 2014)
Sam ships it. Fandom classic.
Need to watch to understand: 10.04
#angst, #humor, #canonverse
you won’t find this place alone by alittleduck (9k, General Audiences)
When Claire said she was dropping out of college to pursue hunting full time, Dean said, “right,” and left the room.
Or, the cross-generation conversation about formal education, choosing your own path and figuring out what it looks like to find a family.
Or, in other words: "But what I do have is a GED and a give-'em-hell-attitude, and I'll figure it out." - Dean Winchester
Need to watch to understand: Claire eps, Bobby eps (sorry I don’t remember them I might go look later), 5.04 ##
#pre-series, #missing scene
Third Person Viewing by a_good_soldier (9k, Explicit)
Dean gets turned into a twenty-six year old. He has issues about it.
Essential Dean lore. That’s all I’m gonna say.
Need to watch to understand: Claire eps, Bobby eps (sorry I don’t remember them I might go look later), 5.04
#canonverse, #post-canon
a language i don’t know, but long to learn by resident_longwinded_anon (9k, Teen)
At some point Dean stopped believing that this is all gonna get snatched away from him. At some point he got so comfortable in this life they've built that he was able to ask himself questions he's gotten through his whole forty-odd years without asking. He doesn't recognize himself when he looks in the mirror, and that's a good thing. There's no reason to hide anymore. There's no reason to hide anymore.
(Dean and gender, over forty years.)
Nb/genderfluid Dean, anyone???
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse, #transfic, #
*** to an angel, love and worship are the same thing by thegeminisage (10k, Teen)
this is a homophobic fix-it fic with no redeeming value
Author is lying. This is one of the greatest fics, like, ever. Super well done, realistic portrayal of repressed bisexuality, emphasis on the repression. If Jackles wrote Dean this is how he would write him (in the absolute best way). Contains a “fuck, I’m in love with my best friend” moment, as well as ace Cas and the line, "Okay, but you still want me to bang your gong, right?”
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.19, read some “dean is a repressed bisexual” meta and the jackles hooker!dean headcanon
#canonverse, #fixit, #post-canon, #angst, #fluff
we needed you (to love us too) by virginalbehemoth (10k, General Audiences)
A rewrite of 15.20 "Carry On". Picks up directly after 15.19.
Everyone gets their happy endings. Jack fills heaven up with volcanoes. No conversations pass the Bechdel test. Dean puts a wet burger wrapper in his pocket and it never comes up again.
A genuine attempt at giving Sam, Dean, and Cas the endings they deserve: endings that are filled to the brim with love.
Bruh the kiss scene in this one… unparalleled.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.19
#fixit, #post-canon, #angst, #fluff
* my heart a compass by lagaudiere (10k, Teen)
“There you are,” the Empty says, in Dean’s voice. It’s cold, like Dean’s eyes are cold, his expression set in contempt. It’s the expression Cas feared, he realizes, all the times he thought about saying it. Revulsion. It makes him feel sick in the way that goes beyond physical, here where there is nothing physical left.
The moment before it happened had been so sweet it covered up all the hurt. For years, Cas had been holding back those words, biting down on his tongue to keep from saying them. And now he had said it, and he knew that it was good, knew that it was worth it. But on the other side there is only this.
--
In the Empty, Cas dreams of his regrets, until someone comes looking for him.
I can’t be coherenttttt about this fic. Edit: I’m sorry every time I try and write an actual review—in the comments, in my bookmarks, in this doc—my brain just fizzles out and goes ejdjjdjdjdxnndndn. But trust me, that’s a good thing. This fic is just 👏😭🥺😘
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#angst, #fixit, #fluff, #canonverse
Cuckoo And Nest by komodobits (10k, Explicit)
For a long time, Castiel thought that every earthly possession other than the immediately necessary was excess to requirement. But Dean – Dean who named his car, who keeps a photograph of his mother in his wallet, some thirty-plus years after her death, who still has the crumpled ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign with a sleeping pelican emblazoned on it from the Microtel outside of Roanoke where he first kissed Castiel, clumsy and unsure, under the unsteady fluorescence of an exhausted bathroom bulb – is sentimental.
It puzzles Castiel, where Dean draws the line between what is meaningful and what it is worthless.
Okay rights! Excellent characterization & miscommunication.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing really, it’s generically canonverse and takes place in the bunker.
#canonverse, #fluff
* Sinnerman by a_good_soldier (10k, Mature)
Dean listens to Nina Simone, reads Anne Carson, and makes out with a dude (sort of).
If you hated SPN’s misogyny and also want a realistic portrayal of Dean post-finale plus some incredibly gentle Deancas… this is the fic for you. There’s a few lines near the end that made my trans heart go brrr.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing really. Wayward Sisters are involved, and it’s nebulously post-finale.
#post-canon, #canonverse, #fixit
the shape you take by noviembre (10k, Explicit)
Dean Winchester fucks around and, with the inadvertent help of some witches, Finds Out.
Read the tags, especially if you’re trans and might be weirded out or upset by genderswappy stuff. That being said, this fic is not quite a genderswap, and it’s very well done (it’s not trans!dean either, for the record).
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse
You Start to Grow Wings by FagurFiskur (10k, Teen)
Dean feels his face warm up, suddenly all too aware that he’s sitting right next to his very male friend. He can’t make himself look over, too nervous that he’ll catch Eli’s eye and make this whole experience even more excruciatingly awkward. He wants to leave, but he also doesn’t wanna call attention to how uncomfortable he is.
He’s known gay people exist of course, but he’s never seen them outside of Very Special Episodes on sitcoms. Never seen something so explicitly, in-your-face gay.
At seventeen, Dean falls for another man for the first time. Twenty years later they happen to meet again and things are somehow much more complicated.
This is both Dean/OMC and Dean/Cas.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing?
#canonverse, #angst, #fluff
*** canticles by 2street2car (10k, Teen)
“But you know something? If I couldn’t get you laid, at least I gave you a good first date.”
feat: footsies at a Ruby Tuesday, stargazing, the recreation of an iconic "Dirty Dancing" scene (no, not that one—the other one), and practicing for When You're With A Girl.
This is INCREDIBLE. Made me laugh, made me go “aww,” perfect season 5 voices. LOVE.
Need to watch to understand: 5.03
#canonverse #missing scene #fluff
The (Mostly Accidental) Courtship of Dean Winchester by tuesday (11k, Mature)
Angelic marriage rites were never intended to go quite like this.
Pretty cute! A classic Destiel fic.
Need to watch to understand: S4 through the ending of S5, especially 5.18
#canonverse, #canon au
* search for tomorrow on every shore by noviembre (11k, Teen)
"If the heat didn’t tip him off, the sharpness of the adrenaline racing through him and the bite of gravel kicked up by the passing tires settles it. He’s definitely not in Heaven anymore."
Dean, 24-year-old Dean, and Castiel walk into a motel room.
This is a post-finale, canon-compliant fic (not a fix-it). Normally that would really turn me off as a strict finale denialist, but this fic is funny and creative and contains the line, "You went gay for an angel?"
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.20
#post-canon, #canon au
* a heart can truly gleam by alpacasandravens (11k, Teen)
“Mom,” he says, turning slightly to face her, “this is Castiel. Cas, this is Mary. Winchester.”
“Cas is an angel,” Dean says.
Mary allows the gun to drop, pointed at the floor, but she keeps it in her hand.
“Angel?” She asks. Does Dean mean angel as in of God? Because this man, with his ratty trench coat and serious need of sleep, doesn’t look like an angel. Then again, Dean had apparently seen God drink himself to sleep, so. But there’s something about the situation, about Dean looking back and forth between his mom and Castiel like he’s desperate for her approval, and Mary thinks maybe Dean means angel in a more colloquial sense. Which she absolutely cannot think about.
This is not a Destiel-focused fic, per se, so it may be cheating a little to include it in this section. But regardless. I love it. If you’re a Mary apologist or were intrigued at all by her s12-and-onwards character, you should read this fic. The Mary and Ketch relationship is SOOO much better here, and I love love love the fact that this is, as the author says, basically an eleven thousand word bi!Mary essay.
Need to watch to understand: 11.22, Season 12
#canonverse, #canon au, #fixit, character study, #outsider pov
The Thirty-Six Questions That Lead to Love by aeli_kindara (12k, Mature)
“So I need you to be my gay dads,” says Claire.
Aeli THEE Kindara! Dean and Cas go undercover to help Claire with a case and fall in love in the process.
Need to watch to understand: Know who Claire is and understand the Deancas dynamic. For Claire, watch at least 4.20, 10.09, 10.10, 10.20, and 11.12, since that’s what I’ve seen of her and I got the gist.
#canonverse, #casefic, #fluff
Equinox by luchia (12k, Teen)
In which Castiel is the weird time-traveling freak who just might be the love of Dean Winchester's life.
Cas meets Dean, again and again. And they’re in lo-ove!
Need to watch to understand: At least season 4, best to go up to around S7
#canon au, #angst, #pre-series, #canonverse
* the remembered earth by a_good_soldier (12k, Mature)
25 years later, Dean returns to Riverton, Wyoming.
John’s journal-inspired nunfic but somehow even more emotionally wrecking and handled very well. This author’s entire body of work: obsessed.
Need to watch to understand: Should have been there for the John’s journal episode of S16 :( if not it’s fine lol the author gives context
#post-canon, #canonverse, #angst, #casefic
let the waters rise. by outpastthemoat (13k, Mature)
When Dean thinks about it later, he could almost swear it had been raining the day Castiel left. But the rain came after. Castiel leaves on a day with no clouds, a day with golden sunlight warming Dean throughout. It happens without warning, like lightning striking out of a clear blue sky.
It’s raining when he throws his bags in the Impala and it’s raining when he turns on the interstate and it’s still raining when he hits the state line so he keeps on going. Dean drives and it rains, so he turns on his windshield wipers and watches raindrops sliding down the windshield and flicking away into the gray air, and he just keeps thinking that this can’t be happening. It just can’t.
If the tag “relationship issues” isn’t your thing, then avoid this fic. It’s definitely angsty! The biblical references truly slap though. Part of a biblical-verse-inspired series, if that’s what you’re into.
Need to watch to understand: Probably up to around S8
#angst, #canonverse
The Girlfriend Experience by rageprufrock (15k, Explicit)
While it's not like Dean hasn't had a couple of truly regrettable hit-and-runs in his sexual history, this is probably the saddest fucking thing that has ever happened to him.
Lots of sex, which normally makes me close out. However, this is an iconic fandom classic. Hmm, holding hands is kinda gay :/, says Dean, five minutes after having sex with Cas.
Need to watch to understand: Up to S8 or so though it was written in 2010 so you could stop at S6
#canonverse, #fluff, #angst
* we shovel all the ashes out by xylodemon (15k, Explicit)
Dean’s always known things were headed this way. He just figured getting dragged under would be cleaner and easier than jumping in feet-first.
Holy shit this one was good. It combines several of my favorite tropes: case fic, road trips, and paralleling Dean and Cas to a sapphic couple :P
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, just understand the dynamic
#casefic, #canonverse, #post-canon
One Cold Night by xylodemon (16k, Explicit)
"Dean, are you all right?"
"Yeah. I'm just —" Dean shivers again. His teeth clack together. "Jesus Christ, it's cold."
They go on a case in Wisconsin. If you’re like me and romanticize blizzards then you will enjoy this fic.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing really, just understand the dynamic
#casefic, #canonverse, #fluff
(WIP) Destiny's Child: The Remix (aka Dean Winchester's Crash Course in Pulling his Head out of his Ass) by MothmansGirlfriend (16k, Teen)
Dean’s face. This weirdo is wearing Dean’s face, and he’s wearing it under two nose rings and baby-smooth skin and hair so blonde it’s practically white, yet he can see his own color peeking out from the roots.
The side doors of the van open, and a scruffy guy in a fully Sharpie-fitti’d trenchcoat and sweatpants (tucked into his socks no less, Jesus fucking Christ) hops out. Apparently there was a bong in his way, because it falls out under his foot and shatters on the concrete floor.
Weirdo Dean jumps into action at the sound of broken glass, striding around the van. “Babe, you okay? You didn’t spill it in the car, right?”
Dean genuinely thinks he’s choked on his tongue for a second.
This is the author’s elaboration on a post that I absolutely ADORE. Team Free Will meets their AU, punky versions (canon divergent in that punk!tfw replaces the Huntercorp Winchesters from 15.13)
EDIT: This fic was deleted, if anyone has it saved please send it to me because I miss it very much :(
Need to watch to understand: 15.13, this post and the op’s whole “alt!natural” tag
#canonverse, #canon au, #transfic
There’s Only One Sure Thing That I Know by blinkiesays (20k, Explicit)
Dean doesn't even get halfway through explaining before Bobby starts laughing. When he lets himself think about it for more than five seconds, Dean can almost see Bobby's point: he's faced down demons, witches, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, angels, and Satan himself and now he's been defeated by the God damn Midwest.
Very creative plot idea. Dean and Cas get stuck in Ohio and just have to stay there indefinitely. Lisa features!
Need to watch to understand: S5, S6
#casefic, #fluff, #canonverse, #canon au
Welcome to Pine Shores! by andimeantittosting (Saylee) (20k, Explicit)
Thirteen years ago, Dean, with Cas by his side, bought the run-down Pine Shores Motel, and made it into a home and a stopping place for hunters. In those thirteen years, he has never been able to bring himself to admit his feelings to Cas—after all, why rock the boat? But, Dean realizes, doesn’t Cas deserve more than just growing old in a shabby motel with Dean? Surely, as a good friend, it’s Dean’s job to encourage Cas to get out there and live his dreams.
Haha, get it? Pine Shores? Dean and Cas, 13 years in the future, still in love, still confirmed platonic best friends and bachelors. A very sweet getting together fic.
Need to watch to understand: Know who Rowena, Claire, and Kaia are and understand the Deancas dynamic.
#post-canon, #fluff
The Tunnel of Love by xylodemon (21k, Explicit)
"We might," Cas starts slowly, pausing like he's choosing his words. "We might have to kiss."
Dean just stares at him.
Case fic where part of solving the case involves secretly kissing in, you guessed it, a Tunnel of Love <3333
Need to watch to understand: Nothing. Understand the dynamic.
#casefic, #fluff, #angst, #canonverse
* (WIP) Fenario by ftmsteverogers (22k, Explicit)
“We did good, Dean,” Sam says. “We got him back.”
Dean huffs a hollow laugh, because yeah, that’s always what it’s about, isn’t it? Cas or Sam or Dean getting themselves lost or dead, and then taking turns dragging each other back from the brink. He shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“We got him back, yeah,” he says. Sam nods, watching him. “So now what?”
Lake house fic!! Plus Jewish Deancas <333 Still under construction but fabulous so far.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#fluff, #canonverse, #angst, #post-canon
*** Asunder by rageprufrock (23k, Explicit)
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6)
You know how I normally detest AUs? Yeah, scratch that. The author tags nothing, so do what I did and go in blind. Enjoy.
Need to watch to understand: Seasons 3-4 for certain characters
#alternate universe
* Crazy Diamonds by pantheon_of_discord (24k, Explicit)
A week ago, Dean was pulled out of Hell. Now, he’s apparently woken up in 2018, and the angel that a mere twenty-four hours beforehand had threatened to chuck him back into the pit is sleepily pouring himself coffee and wearing Dean’s second-favourite Zeppelin shirt. It all seems like a perfect happy ending, but with Hell’s scars still so fresh, Dean can’t imagine how he could have possibly gotten there.
At the same time, the Dean who went to sleep in the bunker, right next to Cas, wakes up on Bobby’s couch in 2008. He’s instantly bombarded with questions by a Lilith-obsessed brother and a man who’s been dead for years, and must decide between keeping his finally-perfect life intact, and the lives he could save by re-writing history.
Regardless of these choices, both Deans are trapped in the wrong decade, and their only way back lies with a Castiel still very much under Heaven’s thumb – one who might find the future Dean describes difficult to believe.
Two Deans diverge in a time travel fic… and we get destiel in both timelines
Need to watch to understand: 4.02, understand what the bunker is and the modern fanon Deancas dynamic
#canonverse, #canon au, #angst, #fluff, #post-canon
Helioneiros by aeli_kindara (24k, Mature)
In which Dean visits his mother, and Claire takes Cas on a hunt.
Started being written after 14.06 aired. A very sweet fic focusing on character dynamics and pining.
Need to watch to understand: 14.05 through 14.09
#canonverse, #casefic, #angst, #fluff, #missing scene
* (WIP) To Boldly Go by 8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess (24k, Teen)
Title: Just One of Those Things
Author: Impala67
Series: TOS
Rating: M
Summary: Four years into their five-year mission, and all the planets start to look the same.
In which Dean is not Gene Roddenberry, but he does write Star Trek fanfiction.
Dean writing fanfiction is something that can be so PERSONAL. And funny, and sweet, and sad, and funny, and amazing. Had me kicking my feet in glee. Man this fic is good. 7/? chapters
Need to watch to understand: References various plot events and episodes, like Dean going to hell, 3.08, 4.01, endverse, etc. You don’t have to watch them but once I got the references it made the fic sooo much more emotional.
#humor, #angst, #canonverse
things happen (they do, they do, and they do) by sobsicles (27k, Explicit)
So, the first thing that happens is Castiel comes back.
Post-15.18. Includes a cowboy crushing on Cas and Dean getting jealous.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18
#canonverse, #post-canon, #angst, #fluff
On Drowning by domesticadventures (28k, Teen)
The absolute last thing Dean would ever admit, after saving Cas' life, is that it was all thanks to the unhealthy amount of time he spent reading about drowning on Wikipedia.
Not that he's not grateful, but what he really needs is an instruction manual for everything that comes after.
I swear I’m not a h/c person I swear… [sweats nervously]. Cas almost dies on a case, and they navigate the tentative aftermath together.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing really? Know about the bunker and the deancas dynamic.
#canonverse, #angst, #fluff
according to all known laws of life by sobsicles (29k, Explicit)
Cas comes back. It's not exactly the reunion that Dean is expecting.
Post-15.19 fixit. EXCELLENT portrayal of the miscommunication between Dean and Cas. Dean gets “staticky white noise” every time he thinks about Cas’ feelings towards him which is just so—chef’s kiss—in character. I love it.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, 15.19
#canonverse, #angst, #fluff
[NEW] * (WIP) Strandlines by aeli_kindara (29k, Explicit)
It’s September 18, 2008. Castiel is being deployed to rescue Dean Winchester from Hell.
He lands in Dean Winchester’s motel room in 2003. Things go from there.
This fic has everything: time travel, terrible person John Winchester, americana, road trips, actual insane person Dean Winchester…
Need to watch to understand: 4.19, some of s1 and s4 for character context
#canon au, #angst, #fluff, #canonverse,
where the weeds take root by deathbanjo (30k, Explicit)
“Are you happy? Y’know. Just—being here,” Dean says, gesturing to the yard with his beer bottle. “Being with—I mean, you used to fight in celestial wars and—and save the world. Now you’re growing vegetables and talking about chickens.”
Post-canon, domestic fic that makes me yearn. Let them be soft!!
Need to watch to understand: I’d seen up to the end of S8 when I read it. Author wrote it before 12.16.
#post-canon, #canonverse, #fluff, #angst
*** like moses and batman and james dean by saltyfeathers (31k, Explicit)
dean used to turn tricks. over a decade later, he met cas.
Truly wonderful portrayal of Dean’s effed up relationship with sex as a result of a shitty childhood and repressed bisexualism.
Need to watch to understand: I’d only seen up to mid S5 when I read this. It was written around S13, which I’m not even on yet in my watching. So yeah, just understand the dynamic and know about the Jackles turning tricks headcanon.
#canonverse, #angst, #character study, #pre-series, #casefic
this ain’t a love song by museaway (32k, Mature)
Castiel turns back.
Set entirely in endverse. Kind of heavy content, mind the tags. Heartbreaking.
Need to watch to understand: 5.04
#angst, #canonverse
The Consequences of Falling by FayJay (37k, Explicit)
A story in fifteen parts, in which the angel Castiel finds himself put in an untenable position, and consequentially loses his grace. In which he goes on a roadtrip with a demon, discovers the delights of tequila and french fries and pie, plays a starring role in a virgin sacrifice, is deflowered by his favourite Winchester, and then gets some very unpleasant news indeed.
(Written mid season 4)
Samruby shippers this one’s for you <3 we get the best of s4 cas
Need to watch to understand: S3-S4
#canonverse
Professional Couple Only by saltyfeathers (37k, Mature)
There's a haunted apartment building in Vermont, and the ad says "Professional couple only". Dean and Cas rise to the occasion.
Post S10. Fandom classic, fake dating fic. The author thinks the ending is cheesy but it got to me <3
Need to watch to understand: Up to the end of S10 since there’s plot stuff from that I think
#casefic, #fluff, #canonverse
[NEW] (WIP)a trick of the light on the face of your daughter (and/or your son) by serenityfails (46k, Explicit)
Sam looks at him for a long moment, scanning over him for signs of whatever emergency Dean's got his maybe-not-entirely-proverbial panties in a twist over.
"De-aging spell…?" He asks after a minute, squinting at Dean's babyface. Dean laughs, just this side of hysterical.
"Not—not exactly," he says.
“Cis” Dean gets hit with a magical gender ray. Shenanigans and identity crises ensue.
Need to watch to understand: References events from season 5 to 8
#transfic, #canonverse, #fluff, #angst
To Be Restored by serenityfails (47k, Explicit)
He's about to ask who the hell she is, what the hell she thinks she's playing at— but then she squints, like she's trying to look past Dean's eyes to see right into him, and her head cocks birdlike, just so, and it tugs at something under his ribs, blooming into an ache that feels as good as it hurts, because somehow, it's him. It's Cas.
After Cas goes to the Empty for the first time, he comes back in his old, Lily Sunder-era vessel. Big vibes of transmasc/trans guy Cas. Dean has a bit of a crisis. Plus they parent Jack and it’s just a really good fic. Heed the tags!
Need to watch to understand: 12.10, 13.05
#canon au, #canonverse, #angst, #transfic
* And This, Your Living Kiss by opal_bullets (56k, Mature)
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.
Again, I’m pretty much solely a staunchly-canonverse enthusiast, but this is one of my few exceptions. Feels like a gut punch. Has Saileen and baby Jack <3
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, really. Know who Eileen, Jack, Kevin, and Charlie are.
#alternate universe, #angst, #fluff
*** The Goldenrod Revisions by aethylas (65k, Mature)
A rewrite of Supernatural’s final two episodes, expanded into a five episode arc - in which Chuck needs to be defeated, Castiel deserves to be saved, and the characters in this story get a very different ending.
If you read one finale fixit, make it this one. This fic means everything to me; I read it as it was still posting and the updates were the best thing about my day. Wraps up everyone’s plotlines very neatly and provides much-needed closure. Every interaction between any two characters feels so natural and in-character. The last chapter/episode made me cry actual legitimate tears. This is the ending you NEED and you WILL make it canon in your head, I promise.
Need to watch to understand: 15.18, though there are references to many eps throughout the series. I’d seen up to S11 or so when I started reading it.
#fluff, #angst, #post-canon, #fixit
*** Broken Road by thegeminisage (109k, Mature)
A 14.13 Lebanon rewrite. When Dean uses a wish-granting pearl to try and kill the archangel Michael before he can escape the cage in Dean's head, they instead wind up with a newly-resurrected John Winchester.
It's been more than a decade since John died, and a lot has changed: Mary is alive, Sam and Dean have what passes for a proper home in the Men of Letters Bunker, and they're living with angels. John doesn't know angels are real, he doesn't know about the fragile new relationship between Dean and Castiel, and most of all, he doesn't know that Dean said yes to Michael, or that Dean's plan to defeat Michael would send him to a fate worse than death.
Now Dean must contend with both his father asking questions he can't answer, and his loved ones learning about the darker truths of his childhood, all while constantly battling the archangel trapped inside him. But Dean coming to terms with his history may be the difference between this being the beginning of a journey—or the end.
The most anticipated fic of the year!!! If you’re me, that is. This fic ruined Lebanon rewrites for me, I can’t read any other fic that deals with John if it isn’t Broken Road. It’s just. Soooooo good. I did max out the comment character limit on the last chapter with all my screaming, if that doesn’t convince you to read it nothing will. Please read it, though of course heed the warnings, as there are many. (P.S. Contains ace Cas!!!)
Need to watch to understand: 12.22, 13.01, 13.23, 14.10, 14.12, 14.13 (that last one is optional, author’s explanation of context can be found here)
#canonverse, #canon au, #FIXIT, #outsider pov, #angst,# fluff
NOTE: Some of these are long! Please don’t skip them just because they’re gen or other ships! They’re here for a reason, trust me! Expand your palate, broaden your horizons! <3 Mwah!
Tuesday’s Child by EllieMurasaki (AlexSeanchai) (426 words, Teen)
She'll let him keep his secrets.
Sam/Jess, Sam/Brady. Short little stanford era exploration.
Need to watch to understand: 1.01, 5.20
#canonverse #angst #pre-series #character study
*** Your Mother’s Son by domesticadventures (590 words, Teen)
You’re six years old the first time someone calls you “pretty.”
Your father says, words sharp on his tongue, “Yes, just like his mother.” You don’t understand why that should be a bad thing, from what precious little you remember of her.
But you recognize a weapon when you see one.
No ship/gen. So short but SOOO insanely good. WOW. A+ Dean thesis right here.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse #angst #pre-series #character study
We Might Be Pretending by rubyboys (684 words, Teen)
When they sleep in beds, in motels or empty houses, Anna finds her way over to Ruby in the night, buries her face in Ruby’s neck, and falls asleep to the slow, slow beat of Ruby’s heart.
They’re not in love. But maybe they pretend to be.
Anna/Ruby. This and “meatmates” (see below) really sold me on the ship.
Need to watch to understand: 4.09, more Anna or Ruby episodes if you want a better grasp on their character(s)
#canonverse, #canon au, #angst
not with a bang but with a yelp by strange_estrangement (1k, Teen)
What happens when you visit dozens and dozens of motels every year? You leave Yelp reviews.
No ship/gen. This fic is pure serotonin. Make sure to click “view full work,” though, since it’s 44 chapters and only 1000 words :[]
Need to watch to understand: References various events throughout canon, best to have seen a good part of canon for optimal enjoyment. I don’t remember when I read this, but knowing me, I’d probably only seen season one. I enjoyed it nonetheless.#humor, #canonverse, #missing scene
Clover, Flame by Miniatures (1k, Teen)
Billie's been trying to reap Mary Winchester since 1983. It hasn't always worked.
Billie/Mary. This is the only Bille x Mary fic on the archive at the time of writing, so of course you have to read it.
Need to watch to understand: S11, 12.01-12.06
##
Try And Love Again by sahwen (1k, Teen)
Sam confides in Dean and it goes poorly.
No ship/gen. Trans girl Sam, and Dean. Coming out fic, which I admit isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Sweet though!
Need to watch to understand: Understand the Mark of Cain plot from Seasons 9-11.
#transfic, #angst, #fluff, #canonverse, #canon au
fœtus; œstrus by urchinesque (1k, Teen)
Mary is pregnant with her second child. Mary feels that something is wrong.
No ship (John and Mary are together but it’s not focused on them). This is a short body horror fic. Definitely not to everyone’s tastes, but it’s good writing, so onto the reclist it goes.
Need to watch to understand: Not any specific episodes, really.
#pre-series, #canonverse, #canon au
* meatmates by urchinesque (1k, Teen)
Sapphires for her earshells, opals for her belly, pearls for the bends of her wrists.
Anna/Ruby. Another Urchinesque banger! Again, warning for body horror. I really admire this author’s prose, it’s quite beautifully done.
Need to watch to understand: 4.09, more Anna or Ruby episodes if you want a better grasp on their character(s)
#canonverse, #canon au, #missing scene
* keloids/open wounds by lonelyghosts (1k, Teen)
Your brother remembers things differently than you do.
(Or: two wounds, two siblings, and a lack of language).
No ship/gen. This is a heartwrenching fic about abuse, and how Sam and Dean might never understand how the other was treated by their father. Both Sam and Dean are trans (Dean is a trans guy, Sam is a trans woman).
Need to watch to understand: Season 1, 1.08 and 1.14 specifically
#transfic, #angst, #pre-series, #character study, #canonverse, #canon au
Sightseeing in Beulah by patrexes (1k, Teen)
Sam has had faith for a long, long time.
No ship/gen. Essential trans girl Sam lore.
Need to watch to understand: 11.20
#transfic, #angst, #canonverse, #canon au, #character study,#pre-series
A Magic Trick by hellsreluctantheir (1k, Teen)
A fic about stimming and playing cards.
No ship/gen. Neurodivergent!Sam. If you’ve ever enjoyed the immensely satisfying clicks of the clicky vid, give this fic a try. It’s like watching the clicky vid, but in text format.
Need to watch to understand: Literally nothing
#pre-series, #canonverse, #missing scene, #character study
Take the Torture Out by pollutedstar (1k, Teen)
It took Sam a while to notice it. Longer than he’d like to admit. But to be fair to himself, he had been watching for impulses of a more murder-the-world kind, not whatever was going on now.
It all really boils down to this: Dean styles his hair. Which Dean has always done, and Sam has always known. But the hair gel is no longer tucked away in the bottom of his duffel bag; it stays out in the open of the shared bathroom of the Bunker, and Dean doesn’t hide what he’s doing if Sam walks in.
“Heya Sammy,” Dean greets happily, running a hand through his hair.
“Hi,” he says back, nervously watching Dean’s actions.
He’s looking in the mirror, and it’s not until he stopped that Sam realizes Dean’s always flinched at his reflection.
No ship/gen (but tagged as Dean x Cas pre-slash). Mark of Cain fixit/mini-rewrite!!! Gah. Pollutedstar’s works ALWAYS hit.
Need to watch to understand: Uhh s9 and s10, or read plot summaries or smth
#canonverse, #canon au, #character study, #missing scene
some mother’s son by transgenderism (1k, General Audiences)
She doesn’t know how to feel about that. The idea of this man being her youngest, her baby, the one she had just cradled gently and lowered into his crib, who she can still feel in her arms- he can’t be- “Sam?” she asks.
"No,” the man says, his voice hoarse. “No, I’m-” and then he stops, giving her a torn expression as if pleading her not to make him say it.
She doesn’t know how to feel. She’s disoriented, and nothing makes sense, and. She says it, not believing what comes out of her own mouth. “Deanna?”
“Yeah,” he says quietly. “Yeah, mom, it’s me.”
No ship/gen. Trans!Dean mini rewrite of early season 12!!
Need to watch to understand: 11.23, 12.01, 12.02, 12.03
#canonverse, #canon au, #transfic,
in northern gray, in drizzling rain by queenbaskerville (1k, General Audiences)
The boy Jess trusted enough to bring home for the holidays, trusted enough to move in with, trusted enough to love wholeheartedly—now a man and a murderer, the one who burned her to death—stood in aisle two, comparing the nutrition labels on tomato sauce.
Past Sam/Jess. Very sad :((((
Need to watch to understand: 1.01
#canonverse, #outsider pov, #angst, #missing scene
Funerary Rites by aeli_kindara (1k, Teen)
Sometimes, when she needs the space and time to think, Billie visits carrion.
Coda to 13.05: Advanced Thanatology.
Need to watch to understand: 11.02, 12.09, possibly more Billie eps, 13.05
#canonverse, #character study, #missing scene
* didn’t we almost have it by myaimistrue (1k, General Audiences)
Mary's pregnant again.
John/Mary. But like, dysfunctional and fun to read.
Need to watch to understand: 4.03? Maybe?
#canonverse, #character study, #missing scene, #angst
these animal instincts by myaimistrue (1k, Mature)
“Just let me before you decapitate yourself,” Benny mutters. He looks at Dean’s face, the stubble and the dried blood and dirt that didn’t wash away. Their eyes lock together. Benny can’t believe he’s never noticed how green they are. “It’s easier if somebody does it for you.”
Dean hesitates, and Benny tries not to look at the cut on his chin, the small red line already trying to clot and scab over.
“Alright, fine,” Dean finally grumbles. He won’t look Benny in the eye. “Just make it quick.”
Dean/Benny. Slots perfectly into canon >:)
Need to watch to understand: Benny’s eps in s8
#canonverse #missing scene
* Up Close, Personal by themegalosaurus (1k, Teen)
‘Dude, the last lap dance you had was at Christmas. It was a gift paid for by me. You spent the entire song trying to convince the girl that she should go to nursing school.’
:((((((
Need to watch to understand: 13.05, understand what was going on during s10
#missing scene #canonverse #angst
* the found song by necrotype (1k, Mature)
It takes a long time to feel content (a disjointed story in five parts).
Dean/Rhonda Hurley, Dean/OCs. Hello and welcome to my trans woman Dean agenda.
Need to watch to understand: 5.04 (for the Rhonda Hurley reference)
#angst #canonverse #transfic
[NEW] January, 1996 by winchesterstupid (1k, Teen)
It’s a shooting day and Dean’s ears are ringing with the pop of the .22 that’s growing heavy in his hands.
No ship/gen. Trans!Dean. Ouch.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#transfic #canonverse #angst
seeing is believing by bluebeholder (2k, General Audiences)
Eileen comes back to the bunker. She's expecting to find a base, a place to work, maybe someplace to sleep safely at night. Not much more than that.
Instead, she gets a family.
Sam/Eileen. You know you needed a sweet little Saileen fic, didn’t you.
Need to watch to understand: I read this before ever seeing an ep with Eileen in it. Just know who she is.
#fluff, #canonverse
* 491 by Askance (doomcountry) (2k, General Audiences)
The Rattlesnake 24-Hour Dine-In isn't in Rattlesnake or Shiprock or anywhere, really. It just sits on the highway, sinking on its far end, an oven in the daytime and a steel box at night, rarely-traveled and barely-loved. The food is just short of nothing special and the service about as slow as it comes. But Dean liked it the first time they drove through, so they keep coming back.
No ship/gen. Hol-ee shit. Mind the warnings on this one, it’s dark. Rocked me to my core.
Need to watch to understand: Literally nothing
#canon au, #canonverse
Devil’s in the House by glorious_spoon (2k, General Audiences)
In which Sam hustles pool to pay for his textbooks, and an unexpected opponent turns up.
No ship/gen. Cute little Stanford-era fic that made me smile.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#pre-series, #outsider pov, #canonverse
we dont talk about it by astralZenith (2k, Not Rated) - I’d say General Audiences or Teen
But Mary is confused. Scared. So when the two adults, a man and a woman who know far too much about her to be faking it, claim to be her son and daughter, she believes it. It doesn't matter that she swears her daughter had a lighter hair color than that. It doesn't matter that the smiles they both put on look so forced when she calls them by name.
No ship/gen. Trans Winchesters. Sam-as-Joan supremacy!!! (me freaking out over the word Joan appearing in this fic will not make sense unless you follow me on tumblr, sorry)
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#angst, #transfic, #canonverse, #canon au
don’t be strangers by Duck_Life (2k, Teen)
When the boys need help getting answers out of the demon Meg, they go to Missouri instead of Bobby.
No ship/gen. Very cool mini-AU! Psychic Sam my beloved <3
Need to watch to understand: 1.09, 1.22, 2.01, 5.22, 13.03, know the basic plot points of S2-S5
#canonverse, #canon au
Mother Mother by gendzl (2k, Teen)
The mother dies. The father loses his kindness.
The boy looks down at his brother and thinks, I want your life to be something good.
No ship/gen. Trans!Dean and motherhood.
Need to watch to understand: None
#canonverse, #transfic, #preseries, #angst, #character study
Words Get In the Way by Epiphanyx7 (2k, Teen)
"So, I guess we're going to die now," Jo says.
"Not until tomorrow," Castiel disagrees patiently. "We have tonight to live."
Jo/Cas. Okay bear with me. I was very skeptical going into this fic but I saw when I was written (2010!!) and figured I’d give it a little leniency. And it was actually very good! I love older spn fics, and I love this dynamic. I’m a gay (and ace) Cas truther all the way, and this doesn’t actually joss that, believe it or not. You could read it, maybe, as Cas pining after Dean.
Need to watch to understand: 5.10. You may also appreciate watching Jo’s eps for a better grasp on her character, which are 2.02, 2.06, 2.14, and 5.02
#canonverse, #missing scene
* Malice Aforethought by leonidaslion (2k, Mature)
Ever since Sam left with his brother, things have been... different.
Sam/Jess. Horror fic! :D
Need to watch to understand: 1.01, 5.20
#canonverse, #missing scene
long road back by indefinissable (2k, Teen)
Dean comes home on Christmas Eve.
No ship/gen. Idk, man, I just found this one while browsing the author’s works and gave it a shot and it was really sweet.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse, #angst,
[NEW] Reparative, 1998 by winchesterstupid (2k, Teen)
sam goes to therapy and it fucking sucks!
A bunch of warnings for this one (read the notes). But very good writing. Trans male Sam.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing
#canonverse, #angst, #transfic
Superheroes by aeli_kindara (3k, Teen)
"I fuckin' hate group projects."
Dylan gives Dean a wary glance. He gets it — he’s not the biggest fan of these things himself. But when you’re a group of two, “I fuckin’ hate group projects” is awful close to “I fuckin’ hate working with you.”
In which a teenage Dean Winchester makes a friend and leaves something behind, and Sammy doesn't know when to shut up.
Dean/OMC. Teen bi!Dean, sad as hell.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, though if you haven’t seen the show then watching S1 will help you understand pre-series Dean since it’s Dean at his youngest in the show
#pre-series, #angst, #canonverse
*Touch and Goby themegalosaurus (3k, Teen)
Tag to 9.19 (Alex Annie Alexis Ann) in which Dean realises why, exactly, Sam is so angry about what happened with Gadreel.
No ship/gen. :((((((
Need to watch to understand: First 10 eps of s9, 9.19
#canonverse, #angst, #missing scene
the type who doesn’t burn by patrocluus (3k, Teen)
On a late October afternoon in 1997, John Winchester takes his son out into the woods and puts a bullet between his eyes.
No ship/gen. This is definitely darker than the other fics in this list (maybe I should transfer it to my darkfic reclist instead… hm.) But rest assured, it’s very good.
Need to watch to understand: Basically nothing? Just understand that in this house we hate john winchester
#canon au, #canonverse
in the red by bertee (3k, Mature)
When Dean gets injured in Purgatory, Benny finds a new way to help out.
Dean/Benny. Yum.
Need to watch to understand: Benny’s eps in season 8
#canonverse #missing scene
* can you teach me about tomorrow? by myaimistrue (4k, Teen)
A hunter from 1983 and a yoga teacher walk into a bar. Things progress from there.
Mary Winchester/Lisa Braeden. Not a pairing we went in looking for, but certainly the pairing we deserve.
Need to watch to understand: First 6 (??) eps of s12, Lisa’s eps (3.02, 3.10, 5.17, 5.22, 6.01)
#canonverse, #angst, #missing scene
Peanuts by kalliel (4k, Teen)
Dean Winchester, according to Stanford vs. Dean Winchester, according to Sam.
No ship/gen. Dean and Sam pre-series, very sweet.
Need to watch to understand: 1.01? Maybe?
#canonverse, #missing scene
*** Lies to Children by patrexes (5k, Mature)
"Monsters aren't real," your dad tells you, again and again and again.
Gen, with minor Sam/Jess. Heed the warnings! But what a masterpiece. Trans girl Sam. You need this fic in your life.
Need to watch to understand: 5.06, 5.17, assorted eps through seasons 2 and 3 because of the demon blood plot
#transfic, #angst, #canonverse, #canon au, #character study,#pre-series
Don’t Hang Your Head for Me by Sorrel (7k, Teen)
Lisa is a list-maker, and she keeps lists of all things Dean in her head. They're not what you'd call a traditional family, but she's happy and Ben's happy and Dean's getting there and that's all she asks.
Kind of Deanlisa, kind of gen. Lisa deserved better, both in the show and from the fandom. If you’ve ever agreed with that statement, read this fic. Written before S6 aired, so it’s divergent at the end.
Need to watch to understand: 3.02, 3.10, 5.17, 5.22. You can also watch 6.01 if you want to compare this fic to what really happens in-show.
#character study, #canon au, #missing scene
Breaking Fast by Indefinissable (7k, Explicit)
After a few moments, Max pulls away from the kiss, releases Sam’s collar and steps back, giving him space.
“Oh,” Sam says, still reeling a bit. “So, uh… was that a date?”
Five times Sam doesn't stay over (and, of course, one time he does).
Sam/Max Banes. A pairing I’d never really seriously considered until now. This is done excellently! I don’t commonly read mlm Sam fics but this may have swayed me ;)
Need to watch to understand: 12.06, 12.20
#angst, #canonverse
Five Times Dean Winchester Slept with a Guy and One Time He Didn’t by slidingkinsey (8k, Explicit)
Dean is hunting on his own for the first time and this shit just keeps happening. And by "this shit", he means sex with men, but everything's much easier if he thinks of it as "this shit".
Dean x various OMCs, exploring his bisexuality pre-series. Ok I know I said no PWP and this is the second pwp I’ve included but it’s worth it.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, just watch a little of S1 at least for his character.
#pre-series, #humor, #canonverse
This Old Flame (Blow It Out) by jane_potter (9k, Explicit)
On a job in Missouri six months after Sam leaves for Stanford, Dean meets a reporter named Casey Robinson. He jumps on the chance to fool around with a guy the way he usually can't risk in smalltown America, and ends up with a whole hell of a lot more than he bargained for.
Dean/Cassie. Cassie (from 1.13) is traaaaaaans.
Need to watch to understand: 1.13
#transfic, #casefic, #pre-series, #canonverse, #canon au
***Poughkeepsie by aeli_kindara (9k, Teen)
“Sammy,” says Dean again, urgency cracking his voice. “We gotta — we really gotta go. I need you to — just — remember Poughkeepsie? Drop everything, no questions asked, and run? This is a — a Poughkeepsie situation. Please, man, I need you.”
Sam remembers Poughkeepsie.
No ship/gen. ARGHHHHH this one got me!!!!!! Holy shit!!!! Angsty character studyish fic about the brothers, preseries.
Need to watch to understand: Uh, well, they use the codeword Poughkeepsie in canon in 3 eps—9.10, 9.21, and 14.10. Or you could watch nothing and just understand that they use the word to mean “Drop everything and run”.
#canonverse #pre-series #angst #character study
* Highway Chile by art_savage (10k, Not Rated) - I’d say it’s Teen, it’s def not Explicit
While investigating a series of apparent drownings, Dean gets reacquainted with his old friend, Murphy's Law. Stanford-era solo hunt.
No ship/gen. If you’re like me and have a hankering for pre-series case fic, I’ve got you covered.
Need to watch to understand: Nothing, just a few eps of S1 to establish character
#casefic, #canonverse, #pre-series
phone calls and photo albums by Bundibird (10k, Teen)
Sammy is 18, and off at College. John is 43, and in the wind, chasing whispers. Dean is 22, and alone.
And Adam Milligan is 16, and fighting with his mom, and wants to come and stay with his dad for a while.
Too bad John left his phone with Dean before he fucked off into the sunset.
No ship/gen. Canon divergent fic where Dean and Adam Milligan meet pre-canon. Very cool and cathartic for those who enjoy Adam’s character and wanted more of him.
Need to watch to understand: 4.19
#canon au
*** So Goes the Song by aeli_kindara (21k, Explicit)
The first time Lee meets Dean Winchester, it’s courtesy of a chokehold.
Dean/Lee. Holy effing shit. I know people may skip this because it’s long and doesn’t even have any deancas (gasp!) but DUDE. This was amaaaaazing. It’s very NC-17 but definitely not PWP, it builds a compelling character and backstory in Lee, plus Dean will break your heart. Such a meaningful and wonderfully done story.
Need to watch to understand: 15.07
#canonverse, #pre-series, #character study, #angst, #missing scene
*** an unclean man who went down to immerse himself: by 52ndstreet (22k, Teen)
On the seventh day of the eighth month of his thirty-fifth year, an angel started speaking to Jimmy Novak.
And really, what kind of Christian would he be if he didn’t at least hear it out?
No ship/gen. Again, please don’t ignore this just because it’s minor-character-focused and gen. This fic is so worth it. It’s an alternate look at Cas testing Jimmy’s faith (instead of merely dipping his hand into boiling water). The author really knows his stuff, but you don’t have to know anything about Judaism/the Old Testament to understand this fic. It’s so beautifully done. One of my favorite Jewish fics. I’m currently working on a podfic of it, which I’ll link here once I’ve posted it.
Need to watch to understand: 4.20
#canon au, #canonverse, #pre-series, #character study
[NEW] * Mashiach by Askance (doomcountry) (31k, Teen)
They’ve been through at least three one-stoplight towns today, and every neon motel sign, every stock-letter motorcourt entryway, has made it abundantly clear that there are NO VACANCIES.
Technically no ship/gen. This is a series of easily digestible, bite-sized fics that total 31k. Very religious with Sam as a Christ-figure. Definitely not for everyone—it leans hard into the Sam-and-Dean codependency thing. I debated reccing it, but I really think the writing’s too good not to share.
Need to watch to understand: Not much. Cas makes appearances in the fic.
#canon au, #canonverse, #angst
* We Drank a Thousand Times by glorious_spoon (43k, Mature)
They meet in a bar fight in North Carolina when Dean is nineteen, broke, and desperate, then again when a hunt brings the Winchesters into town a few years later. Neither one of them ever puts a name to it but every once in a while, through the years, Dean finds his way back.
When the Dean x OMC fic HITS… this one is a really good look at Dean pre-series and his relationship with a wonderfully fleshed out OC. Definitely something I could fit into my own personal canon.
Need to watch to understand: None.
#canonverse, #pre-series, #character study, #angst, #outsider pov
Wow, you got to the end of this very long list! Good for you! If you want super-secret exclusive spn darkfic recs (please read the Fanlore page for darkfic first so you know what you’re getting into), send me a DM on Tumblr with your dreamwidth username and I’ll let you see the list. Darkfic is not for everyone though, so only message me if you’re sure!
Also if you want other fandom, non-supernatural fic recs PLEASE send me asks I love them so much and will serve you up a special curated list <3 love y’all
(hi sorry ignore these im busy and need to update this doc later shhh)
