fae-and-night:

“Life and Death are deeply in love. Life gives Death gifts, and Death keeps them forever.”

Who could tell how long Castiel had known Sam? Time was inconsequential to beings of their position. If asked, they could agree on three general facts relating to the question.

One, against popular belief, Sam was older. He had been around before God, before the Darkness… had occupied the empty and roamed it for what he would describe as millennia. Cas found it odd for death to exist without life, but in a way it did make sense. Emptiness and darkness was the default of the universe without outside influence.

Two, Cas existed before Earth and before the angels, walking among the stars aimlessly. He couldn’t find much out there, only small patches of the universe responded to his touch and blossomed with life and vitality. Now he couldn’t point them out if he tried, but he still knows that somewhere in the distance his touch lingers and life continues to thrive.

Three, it was Earth where the two had finally chanced upon each other. It was rather unplanned, accidental even. Though it was a bit of a celestial hot spot at the time, a brand new creation with endless possibilities.

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While Sam had no reference as to how long he had known Castiel, the moment itself was searing into his memory, one that he visited countless times over the course of his existence.
He had come to Earth with a bit of reluctance, acting on business rather than preference. He preferred a recluse lifestyle, given the extent of his power. Light would dim in his presence, extinguish at his touch. Stars, suns, supernovas, no matter the energy, he was able to snuff it out without any effort. However, God was a bit of a fanatical nuisance and he needed to be sure this creation of his wasn’t going to cause too much trouble for this universe. He planned on visiting, assessing the situation, and returning to the peaceful ether of the universe.

After extensive wandering he caught sight of another being walking around with a gentle expression, eyes full of wonder and excitement. Small leaves and vines stuck haphazardly from his hair, grass sprouting from the ground as his feet made contact with the moist soil. His eyes were a light, pastel green, with glints of gold and blue.

Sam watched, curiosity sparking his interest at the unfamiliar form. It wasn’t often that someone as old as him encountered something unfamiliar. He would have been content watching from a distance, not needing to engage with the new entity one-on-one to satisfy the sense of novelty he felt.

Cas had caught notice of him from the corner of his eye, turning to look at him with a gentle sense of wonder that seemed … different than the initial gleam that Sam had noticed in his eyes prior. A prickle of unease settled in Sam’s chest, nervous at the other’s reaction.

To his surprise, Castiel made his way over, stepping so light he almost floated across the ground. Sam was rooted to his spot, watching warily as the other grew close enough to touch. What could possibly happen if he touched a being so vibrant? He was too scared to discover the answer, not wanting to extinguish the curious newcomer.

“Hello, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Castiel, the entity of growth and vitality,” the shorter being said, his voice light, yet gruff in a near contradictory tone.

“I’m Death, but you may call me Sam. It is pleasant to make your acquaintance.” Sam answered, lifting his hand in a half-wave as he introduced himself.

“I’ve heard much about you, I have never thought I would have the honor to meet you face to face.” Cas replied, reaching to grab Sam’s hand as the other began to lower it back down. Sam nearly jumped back at the touch, panic attacking his nerves as multiple scenarios flashed in his mind. He was quick to recover upon seeing that Cas still stood before him, bright and vibrant as before, though now wearing a puzzled expression.

“If you did hear much about me, you wouldn’t have been so careless as to grab my hand. It’s dangerous, most of what I touch withers away upon contact.”

“But I didn’t, so it seems I have nothing to worry about.”

Sam let out a single, exasperated laugh. Was this entity for real? He should be thankful to be existence, not brushing this off as if the implications were nothing. He felt a soft shift in his chest, looking at the other with a renewed sense of interest. It was less analytical than before, fueled by something new entirely.

“Would you like a gift?” Cas asked, sounding genuinely excited at the thought.

“…Yeah. I would. I don’t receive many gifts, so that’s kind of you to offer.” Sam said, tone gentle. This entity was awaking a long forgotten part of himself, and in this moment he felt young and carefree. Something he thought he was no longer capable of feeling.

Cas kneeled, digging his fingers into the ground between them, creating a shallow groove in the ground as he lifted up a portion of soil in his cupped hands, feathered clumps of dirt sliding through the cracks of his fingers. A glow of light haloed the entity’s hands, and a small sprout poked out of the soil, growing rapidly into a bright orange flower with a broad, flat face.

“It’s new. Just for you.” Cas said, pushing himself to his feet, stretching his arms towards Sam with a half-smile, the corner of his mouth twitching up shyly.

“I don’t know if I can accept… it wouldn’t fair well with me.”

“I don’t care. I want you to have it. Forever.”

Sam laughed again, choking back a strong wave of emotion the gesture managed to pull from his chest. He took the soil from Cas’s hands, watching the flower dry up. The beauty was preserved, though the life that it once held was extinguished.

From that day forth, Cas continued to give him gifts over the course of millennia, and Sam continued to keep every last one.

Amazing!!! I’m so shook. What a great au!!!!! AU’s are my bread and butter but damn, this is just so cool. I’m stunned. This is so beautiful, and I just love the thought. Actual-cosmic-beings!au is so big, i just. Wow. Stunning