
Title: Compatible
Author: mugglerock, Anyrei
Artist: Knowmefirst
Rating: Explicit
Pairings: Dean Winchester/Castiel (minor: Castiel/Inias, Dean Winchester/Unseen OFC)
Wordcount: 102000
Warnings/Tags: Canon Typical Violence, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Hurt/Comfort, Case Fic, Pretend Relationship, Canon Compliant Through S13E6, Thinly Veiled Excuses to Makeout, Our Own Fucked Up Version of the Little Mermaid, Dean Approves Cuz Dean Loves Disney
Posting: 10/31/2018Summary:
Compatible – capable of existing or living together in harmony.
It was the reason why Castiel and Inias were chosen for each other prior to Castiel’s assignment to save the Righteous Man from Perdition. But after so many years on Earth, first-hand experiences with emotions and the nuances of humanity, Castiel has come to terms with the fact that he isn’t the angel he used to be. However, it isn’t until a traumatic event upending his world that he finally starts to question what love really means.
And surprisingly, it isn’t at the hands of his Aisaroel (the angel he was bonded to), but that of a certain hunter.
Practically dropping himself onto the swing on the terrace, Dean dialed his brother and counted out the rings before he answered. If he answered after one ring and gave the code word, he was in danger. If he answered after two and brought up a random movie, that meant he was getting laid or in the process of sealing the deal. They always picked up after three rings to indicate free and clear.
Like clockwork, Sammy picked up on the third ring.
“Hey, Dean, how’s Cas?” Sam asked, the worry in his voice was prominent.
“Aside from suddenly being human again?” Dean sighed and shook his head. “I dunno, man. He seems okay, other than his grace is, as he put it, ‘behind frosted glass.’ Were you able to find anything?”
“Not much with the resources I have. Most of the books I need are back at the bunker. Did you ask Cas if that could happen after a separation?”
“Yeah. He said there are no accounts of what’s happening to him. On the rare occasion that there were bond separations, the angel who took the hit was back to himself after a couple of hours.”
“Weird,” Sam replied thoughtfully. “You think it could be because his grace was still… I don’t know… damaged from that spell Metatron used?”
“Maybe.” Dean let out a sigh of frustration and ran his fingers through his hair. “I mean, as long as it doesn’t kill him… I’m not as worried. And he’s, uh… he’s been smiling more, so I’m counting that as a win.”
He could practically hear Sam smiling through the phone. “That’s good to hear, after everything. He seemed pretty down.” There was a beat and a deep sigh. “But I’ll continue to look into it. I’ll call you as soon as I find anything.”
“Thanks, Sammy.” Dean hesitated for a moment. He wanted to tell his brother what was going on, on the personal front, but he wasn’t entirely comfortable saying the words out loud. “Uh… If I…” With a shake of the head he stopped himself. “Nevermind. Just let me know what you find and I’ll keep you updated on what we find here.”
“You know you can talk to me, right? If you’ve got something on your mind? I know this isn’t easy for you.”
Dean sighed, playing with a loose string on the hem of his shirt. There was a brief moment in which he contemplated playing dumb, but he really was getting too old for this shit. So Dean just bit the bullet. “I think I have a thing for Cas. And that’s just all kinds of fucked up.”
There was silence on the other line, so much so Dean had to pull the cell away to see if maybe the call was dropped. That was when Sam softly replied, “It’s not fucked up, Dean, but I’m glad you’re finally realizing it. Took you long enough.”
“What do you mean?” Dean had only just realized he had a weird crush on his best friend. Dean was already more than confused – especially having to add a pseudo sexual identity crisis to all of his complex feelings – so Sam’s know-it-all comment wasn’t helping.








