Dean/Castiel Recs: Part One: Au's (and a small fanfic rant)

[mf_luder_xf]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! FIRST POST OF '10, HOLY CRAP.

Ok, I have a LOT of recs saved up from the past two months or so. So tonight we're starting the Dean/Castiel Recs: Part One: AU's. Read, enjoy, leave feedback!

Thursday's Child by strangeandcharm

If you're into D/C at all, you've probably seen or read this fic already. But it deserves to be repeated. You know how some fics within a fandom become your own personal canon? Or so popular, it's almost it's own 'verse for everyone? This is that one for me, at least. While I have had many fic I lovelovelove with this pairing, this is the one that was like a sucker punch, a good cry, and a deep longing for this fic to be canon. It's beautifully written, it hurts like hell, and it's more human than anything. And I don't just mean that because it takes place in 5x4 canon. In that sense, there are a few surprises. It'll also make you laugh (side cameos by our very own Iron Man and a few other celebs). It's long and plotty and sometimes you want to smack the boys upside the head, but it's perfect. If your heart isn't breaking for Castiel through most of this, you are colder than the Ice Queen.lol

Peanut-Butter Pumpkin Wedding Cake by sparseparsley

This fic, written for the deancastiel AU/Fusion Fic Challenge is a total comedy of errors. It's hilarious, a little angsty, and wonderful. As the reader you can't believe the two can be such idiots (and why don't they ever just ask?), but it makes for a delightful, sexy romp. If you like romantic comedies, this is your fix. And even if you don't, the characters are spot on and it's too funny to pass up.

Dean and Castiel "Snow White" Manip by hinky

It's rare for me to be really impressed by manips (well, aside from that fact that I can't do them at all myself), but this one is not only technically amazing, but it really captures a lovely feel. You can almost taste that dense moss and tree smell on your tongue. The light casts the perfect ambiance. And I like that there's no obnoxious glass case or 7 little men. Perfectly romantic.

Something Like A Broken Heart by rhymephile

Ok, I have a general distaste for anything cowboy, old west, and/or country. So it's awesome when something comes along that makes me forget all that and just enjoy the story. Dean is a Texas Ranger and Castiel is a cheap whore with a secret. There's some awesome appearances by our usual villains in this AU and as a whole, the fic works very well. Rhyme always pays attention to historical details, so you'll totally get lost (in a good way) in that.

Dream As If You'll Live Forever by commodoresexual

This fic just blew my mind. Dean's an ex-con who was put away for an act of stupid anger and Castiel is a mute hobo. But not everything is as it seems. There's so many wonderful cameos from all our favorite characters and a lot of surprising relationships get revealed. Castiel meanwhile is an enigma wrapped in mystery (wrapped in a taco shell?lol) who is our angel through and through. The author writes his actions, gestures, and looks so well, you can immediately picture Misha acting the story out. The backstories of both dean and Castiel are heartbreaking and believable. Seriously, you've got to read this.



1. Why would you post a fic you, as the author, consider as gen to a comm that is pairing specific? As in, the intent behind that comm is for that pairing to be slashed. There are multiple comms out there that are character or show specific which would still (theoretically) allow a wide readership. Even if the comm allows for gen to be posted in the comm, why? I guess, as a writer, I know the intent behind my story. I know if I mean for it to be gen or if there's even the bare hints of some sort of pairing going--even if it's just one-sided and there's no sex. So, when considering what comms to post to, that is taken into account. I wouldn't post a fic I considered gen to a specific pairing comm, even if the only two characters are involved are those. It makes me wonder if the words are being twisted. I have also seen in my fandom history, people posting a pairing...and then calling it gen. Gen refers to "general" which I always assumed meant no pairings, not just "no sex". Am I wrong? Is the word evolving in fandom? It's going to get damn confusing if it is. To me, a pairing specific fic with no sex (and no mention of it either, all other things being tame, too) would be rated G. If there's just hugging, I'd consider it G. But for the love of God. Either claim it as tame (or "G") pairing fics or if it is truly gen, don't post it in pairing comms.

2. I realize we all have our own interpretations of characters and our own AUish kinks. What I mean by this is things we haven't seen on the show which may be utilized in an AU or a show 'verse fic. To be more specific, I have noticed a trend in a lot of Dean/Cas fics wherein Castiel is some kind of homemaker. And I gotta wonder--where do people come up with this? Castiel--in his angel form or as a fallen angel--is going to start making Dean pancakes on a regular basis? Really? That's what he's worried with? Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting Cas shouldn't be involved with food or that he shouldn't bring Dean pie or something. But these fics I'm seeing are very heavy-handed on the Susy Homemaker. As an angel, he's got a war to deal with. As a fallen angel with no powers...well, we've already seen what he's like. You think love guru!Cas was really puttzing about their makeshift kitchen cooking dinner for everyone? I highly doubt it. For me, this annoyance comes in part because of a characterization issue. But it also exerts itself because it seems so cliche. I gotta wonder if these authors realize the stereotyping they're executing. While I don't believe Dean is ever going to go full on homemaker either, I feel like there's this instant analysis of Castiel as the woman in the relationship because of how commanding and demanding Dean is. That he's the big tough guy which makes Castiel the more home-y one. It's just this thing I have. I really don't see mighty-smitey angel-of-the-freakin'-Lord as baking cookies on a regular basis.

Comments

[rhymephile.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec! LOL, I'm the complete opposite in that I love anything cowboy, old west, and/or country. I'm glad you gave the fic a chance, though, especially since it's loooooong for something you may have gone into ready to hate.

I admit to being a bad fic fan, mostly because I'm a writer and not a reader. I don't read much fic at all, but on the *extremely* rare occasion when I do, I'm incredibly picky. I can count on one hand the amount of D/C fic I've read. I don't want to be influenced in any way, y'know?

That being said, the one thing I don't like is when authors write Cas like Data from Star Trek: TNG. He uses contractions for Pete's sake. Don't write him like a robot, people!

[mf_luder_xf]

It was written by you; I knew I wouldn't hate it. I just was surprised that the western theme worked so well for me in the fic. :-D

Meh, some people only read, some only write, it makes sense. I go through phases. But I love reading it (well, the good stuff, obviously). It makes sense if you don't read a lot to be even more picky. I guess I'm fairly lenient. Fics that get recced are a higher standard, but the one's I save...those are the cream of the crop (of what I've found, lol). That still ends up being a lot because there are so many talented writers out there. I wish I could give writing jobs to like, a good 1/8 of the SPN fandom (and like 1/16 of the SGA fandom, lol).

No, I don't like him as Data. But I do get a general Vulcanish/Teyla vibe from him. It was somehow only just the other day, rewatching S4's Halloween ep that I realized Castiel uses contractions. I'd somehow missed that before (with the exception of 5x4).