#spn petra

[castielsparkle]

spn is insane becayse why is. in jane the virgin. jane teaching petra grind on her by 'writing her name in cursive with her ass' <- quote . in a lesbian bar. and yet what. cas and dean cant make eye contact? griw up. i hate this stupid fuckass network

#cas.txt

[caspock]

spn if sam's character arcs always reflected in the next life by kim petras

#turnoffthelightnatural please please hello hello ur nothing #literally first time in his life he's not afraid first time he remembers feeling anything #literally there's no turning back now hr can't be saved and in the next life they'll remember him #ok. #caspock.txt #turnoffthelightnatural

[what-do-1000-swords-look-like]

I know I'm in the middle of an SPN rewatch but I also have been rewatching Jane the Virgin. It was stuck in my head so I figured why not. I've just gotten to the part where JR comes into the story & meets Petra and I am cheering LOUDLY.

#petramos #jr and peter #jane the virgin #janethevirginposts #one of my three main ships #LOVE them so much!!!!! #petra x jr

[illusory-scripted]

uhhh introductory post

hey hi hello yes

my name is cody, and i am so very normal. 😐

nd, transmasc, queer

he/him pronouns, they/them is ok

Not A Minor

terfs dont even fucking LOOK in my general direction. i do not care. no bigots. of any kind. why would i need to specify that its 2023

anyways. this will be. my everything blog. art. memes. dnd content. i am a dungeon master for like, 11 campaigns now. thats a lot. but i enjoy it.

SPECIAL INTEREST: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS & DIMENSION20

interests: fantasy epics (got, eragon), anything neil gaiman breathes on, bugs, marvel/dc comic universes, philosophy and literature, skyrim and bioshock, ahs

favorite bands rn: matt maeson, IAMX, saint motel, the dear hunter, all them witches, chase petra, grand commander, matt elliot, paris paloma, radiohead ( i know )

fun facts about me:

current undergrad student with majors in psychology and contemporary physics

i am classically trained in culinary arts

i was on tumblr around 2016. i was there. former spn, hamilton and marvel blog here. sadly.

#pinned intro

[nickelkeep]

Among the Wildflowers

Pairing: Dean/Cas, Dean/Cain (prior), Cain/Colette Rating: Teen Word Count: 7.3K Warnings: Mentions of a V-Polycule, Dean’s a bit of an ass in this one. Written For: nickel’s story time On Ao3

Dean pulled into a spot behind the library, double-checking the time. Early as usual, but Jody's jeep was also there, parked in her usual spot. He climbed out of his Impala, giving a loving pat on her hood, before heading to the backdoor and checking the handle. The door was unlocked, and Dean stepped inside, wondering what had gotten Jody into the library before noon.

"Dean, is that you?" Jody peeked out of her office before stepping into the hallway. "Good, you're the second person here."

"Assuming you're the first?" Dean raised an eyebrow. "Not that I don't enjoy spending time with you, but it's almost seven a.m. on a Monday. Either there's something bad happening, or something big."

"Why does your mind go right to bad?" Jody leaned against the doorframe to her office. "You know we've been going through interviews to replace Cain."

Dean tried his hardest not to flinch and found himself swallowing down bile. "Yeah. And I specifically said I shouldn't be a part of it."

"And we respected that request, Dean." Jody stepped across and gently squeezed Dean's shoulder. "His replacement is starting today and should be here by 7:15."

"Couldn't think to warn me first?" Dean's mouth opened in shock. "Morning, Dean, oh, by the way, Cain's replacement starts within the next..." Dean looked at his watch. "twenty minutes?"

Jody shot Dean a glare before softening her expression. "I know it was especially hard on you, Dean, but do you think it was easy on the rest of us? Cain was one of the first Librarians when we opened this branch. He'll always be family." She gently patted Dean's cheek. "But you know we couldn't get by on just you, me, and Garth. Not even with the volunteers."

"I know." Dean nodded in reluctant agreement. "So, what's the plan?"

"I need you to finish clearing off Cain's desk. Garth is content staying in his little closet of an office, so our new Librarian is joining you." Jody lightly shoved Dean's shoulder. "I'll come and get you in a few."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're punishing me." Dean turned to continue down the hallway to his office. "What happened to me being your favorite?"

"You'll always be my favorite. Just like Garth will always be my favorite." She ducked back inside of her office, leaving Dean alone in the hallway.

As he stepped inside his office, Dean took a look around. For the past five years, he had shared this space with Cain. Dean knew the inevitable was coming before anyone else did. Cain had pulled him aside and said that he was moving himself and Colette down to a warmer climate to give her a fighting chance with her illness. But having that warning didn't make seeing his partner, his confidant, his lover leave any easier.

Dean traced his fingers along the rich wood of Cain's desk - soon to be the new guy's desk - his stomach dropped, and the pain he thought he had buried came bubbling up to the surface. Dean quickly looked around the room and found an old file box and started clearing off the desk. Jody had humored him for too long, letting him imagine that Cain was still sitting across from him.

Dean carefully put each item into the box. Cain left these small mementos behind for Dean, after all. His thoughts focused on the conversation Cain sat him down for, Colette at his side. She wasn't getting better, she would only continue to get worse, and the doctors recommended a warmer, drier location for her. Colette knew how much Dean meant to Cain and suggested that he came along.

They both knew he wouldn't. Their offer was kind, but packing up his entire life, leaving his family behind? Dean couldn't do it. He traced his finger down the picture Cain had kept of them on his desk, Cain pressing a kiss against Dean's temple as Dean smiled brightly at the camera, and set it in the box.

Dean finished packing away the few things on Cain's desk, making sure the drawers were cleared out when there was a knock on the doorframe. Garth stood there, hands in his pockets. "Heya, Dean. Jody sent me to come and get you. The new guy has arrived."

"Okay." Dean put the lid on the box and carried it back to his side of the office. He looked at how the two desks faced each other, pressed together, how it had allowed him to look at Cain every day. Dean shook his head and turned to Garth. "You meet him already?"

"Just saw him come in." Garth shrugged, his cheek pulling into an overemphasized dimple. "Jody met him at the backdoor and let him in, then took him to her office. I think she was preparing him to meet us and the few long time volunteers who were close with Cain."

Dean meekly nodded. "First impressions?"

"I mean, if we're going based off of looks alone, he'll definitely keep our book clubs excited." Garth bit the inside of his cheek, a tell that Dean was familiar with. Garth was lying.

"You already know him, don't you?"

Garth pointed at his cheek. "I did the thing, didn't I?"

"It's how I mop the floor with you on poker nights." Dean crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm serious, Garth. He's literally taking my ex's seat. The one I didn't want to lose. What do I need to know about him?"

"Castiel is good people, Dean. We went to school together. Graduated top of his class. After school, he went back home to Illinois to take care of his ailing dad. His dad died, he didn't want to live in Illinois anymore, and we had the spot open up here. It was almost as if it were perfect timing, Dean!" Garth turned his puppy dog eyes on to eleven. "Give him a chance. For me?"

Dean rubbed at his eyes before gesturing for Garth to lead the way. "Only cause you asked so nicely." He quietly followed behind his friend and colleague, waiting patiently for Jody to say they could come in after Garth knocked on her office door.

Once the permission was granted, Garth stepped in first, pulling the new guy - Castiel he had said - to his feet and into a firm hug. Garth took a glance at Jody, met with a nod, and turned to Dean, "Dean Winchester, allow me to introduce you to our newest Librarian. Castiel Novak."

"Pleasure to meet you, Dean." Castiel extended his hand out, and Dean reluctantly took it. "Garth has told me a lot about you."

"He has?" Dean looked over at Garth, his eyebrow raised, before mouthing 'Cain?' Garth shook his head, and Dean nodded his appreciation. "Wish I could say the same about you."

"Well, I hear we're to be sharing an office?" Castiel tilted his head, and Dean couldn't stand how friendly the guy was being. It was making it way too hard to hate him. "I have a feeling we'll get to know each other pretty well."

"Something like that." Dean let go of Castiel's hand and took a moment to actually take a look at the man. He was about the same height as Dean, if maybe a little shorter, and his dark brown hair looked like the thick luscious locks he could run his fingers through. And this guy's eyes? Dean would be lying if he didn't admire the deep blue color piercing into his soul.

A deliberate, interrupting cough came from Dean's side, and he turned to look at Garth. A knowing smirk was on Garth's lips, and Dean turned bright red. "Everything alright there, Dean-O?"

"Uh, yeah." Dean looked back at Castiel before looking at Jody, who was returning his look with a scrutinizing glance. "I just zoned out there for a second. I haven't had my caffeine yet, and I think my brain froze." He felt the heat of his blush rise up his cheeks and to the tips of his ears. "I should probably fix that before I actually have to deal with the public. Excuse me." Dean turned and quickly exited Jody's office, heading down to the break room.

Dean softly cursed himself under his breath as he pulled out the makings for coffee. As he prepped the machine, he started spiraling into a small pit of self-hatred. While Dean swore that he wouldn't hate anyone who replaced Cain, he didn't expect to be instantly fascinated. It was almost an insult to what he had with Cain, and Dean couldn't take it. He leaned back on the counter and waited as the coffee started to drip.

"My apologies." The soft, gravelly voice of his new coworker pulled Dean out of his downward dive. "It was not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable."

"You didn't." Dean shook his head, turning to face the coffee machine again. "Like I said..."

"You need your caffeine." Castiel finished Dean's sentence.

"Yep. Didn't stop, and I forgot to set my pot at home last night." Dean reached up into the cabinet above his head and grabbed one of his mugs that stayed at the library. He let out a breath and looked over at Castiel. "Want a cup? You can borrow one of my mugs until you bring your own."

"No, but thank you." Castiel leaned against the doorframe. "I don't drink coffee, but I do enjoy a nice hot cup of tea."

Dean nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll try and remember that." He removed the pot as the last drips fell out from the spout and filled his mug. "So, I guess you probably want to see the office you're going to be splitting with me?"

"If you don't mind?" Cas offered a small smile. "Jody said you'd take care of me."

Dean swallowed hard, remembering what Cain had said to him about taking care of their family of misfits before driving off. "I uh... Yeah." Dean pointed towards the hallway and found himself leading Castiel down to their office. He stood in the doorway for a second, taking one last glance of it the way it was, before moving aside. "That's my desk on the left, yours is the one across from it.

"Thank you, Dean." Castiel entered the room and looked around. "It's very cozy."

"You can just say it's small, Cas." Dean crossed to his chair and sat down, kicking his feet up on his desk.

"Cas?" Cas raised an eyebrow in question. "I didn't realize we were at the nickname stage."

Dean shrugged. "Your name's a bit of a mouthful, no offense."

"None taken."

"I can call you something else? Mr. Novak?" Dean took a swig of his coffee before setting it on the desk.

Cas smirked as he crossed to his desk. "Mr. Novak was my father. I'm fine with Cas, Dean."

"Well, then. I'm gonna finish up my coffee, and then I've got some procurement orders to fill out..." Dean watched as Cas traced his fingers along the desk, much like he had that morning, and looked around the room. "Everything okay?"

"This is a fascinating setup." Cas pointed at the two desks, then around the rest of the room. "You could, however, probably make more space in the room with some small rearrangements."

Dean shook his head, unsure if he heard Cas correctly. "I'm sorry, did you say rearrange?" He pulled his feet down from his desk and pulled himself closer, tucking his legs underneath. "There's nothing wrong with this arrangement."

"You called the room small, Dean, I was just merely offering a suggestion." Cas frowned. "I'm sorry."

"I was responding to your comment about the room being 'cozy.''' Dean shook his head. This was not going the way it was supposed to, not that Dean had really envisioned someone other than Cain sitting across from him.

As though he were psychic, Cas sat down in Cain's chair. It took all of Dean's willpower to keep himself from frowning. He turned to focus on his computer, and Cas broke the silence. "Perhaps we should rearrange just so you don't have to look at me."

"Huh? What?" Dean replied, shocked by the comment. "Where is that coming from?" Dean held up a finger. "You know what? Nevermind. If you want to rearrange the office, rearrange it. I can do this from one of the computers at the circulation desk." Dean picked up the box of Cain's things off the floor and set them on his chair. "Go to town, Castiel."

Cas looked hurt, but Dean couldn't find a single care to give. "I'm sorry, Dean. I just..."

"Change is good, right?" Dean grabbed his mug and the procurement orders before storming out to the circulation desk.

A short while later, as Dean flipped over to the next page in the list, Jody came up behind him and snatched the packet out of his hands. "This doesn't look like your office, Dean."

"You're very observant today, Jodes." He went to grab it back and was met by Jody's pissed-off-mom face. "What?"

"You said you'd give him a chance." Jody crossed her arms. "You said you'd help him out." She stepped into Dean's bubble and jabbed her finger into his chest. "What happened to that?"

"Oh, hell no, Jodes." Dean made a grab for the papers again, before meeting Jody with his own glare. "This ain't just on me. Not even two seconds in the office, he complained about the size and wanted to start rearranging it. Not my fault if you hired someone with a size kink."

Jody rolled up the list and smacked Dean's shoulder. "Watch it, you." She pulled up a stool and sat down next to Dean. "You can't swallow your pride for two seconds? You need to storm off and do your work out here?"

"Look, I'm not going to lie. I am bitter. We knew that was going to happen. And I thought I could swallow my pride and be the bigger person." Dean shook his head. "There is a such thing as too much change all at once, Jody."

"Fair enough." She handed Dean back his list before running her fingers through his hair and mussing it up. "Finish what you have left and go home, or go to Charlie's. Take a half-day. I'll talk to Castiel."

"And what are you going to say? 'Sorry, Dean's an emotional wreck because you're replacing his ex-boyfriend and we're forcing too many changes on him all at once?'"

Jody nodded. "Something like that."

"Don't you dare." Dean started to stand, but found Jody's hands on his shoulders, keeping him in place.

"It's me, Dean. You know I'm not going to be that blunt about it. Finish that up, and check in with me to let me know you're leaving. When you're gone, I'll talk with Castiel. Okay?"

Dean nodded as he watched Jody walk away, frustrated that he couldn't keep his emotions in check.

…

After he finished the list, Dean stopped by his office - after being admittedly childish and asking for Garth to get Cas out of there - and grabbed his bag and jacket. Slipping out before Cas and Garth could return, he stopped by Jody's office. The door was open, and he knocked on the frame. "I got the orders done. I'm heading out."

"Thank you, Dean. I'll see you tomorrow?" Jody sat up straighter in her seat, a posture that Dean jokingly called her Meerkat Impersonation.

"Yeah, I'll be here. Bright and early. Cause that's how morning birds and people who never went to bed, are." Dean adjusted his bag on his shoulder. "You promise you won't..."

"Bring up Cain?" Jody leaned forward and roasted her chin on her palm. "I make no promises, but I will keep out the fact that you two were an item." She smirked. "Afraid it's going to chase him away?"

"Excuse me?" Dean's mouth twisted into a frown. "Why would I be afraid of that?"

"Go talk to Charlie, Dean. I'll see you around noon tomorrow, okay?" Jody shooed him out of the office, and he walked out the back door to his car.

Twenty minutes later, he pulled in front of Charlie's cafe. Dean kicked himself over the fact that he didn't call or text her, warning about his arrival and crappy attitude. However, as he entered, Charlie was already waiting with a cup of coffee and an apple turnover.

"Hey there, Dean." She gestured to a table towards the back of the shop. As Dean took his seat, she sat the food and coffee down in front of him, taking the chair across the table. "So, rough day at work?"

"How would you know about that?" Dean reached for the coffee and slouched down in his seat. "Garth?"

"Close, but no cigar. Jody called herself." Charlie rested her arms across her chest. Leaning back in her own seat. "Something about too much all at once? Feeling a little overwhelmed?"

Dean couldn't help but nod. "It's only been what? six months since he left?" He switched to shaking his head. "And now I have to erase him from everything."

"So, you take it out on the new guy?" Charlie reached across the table and took Dean's hand into hers. "Dean, no one wants you to forget Cain. No one wanted to see you and Cain end. Hell, Jody fought to make sure neither one of you would be told that you had to go to a different branch."

"Yeah, but now that he's been replaced, everything's changing." Dean frowned, trying to fight back the tears. "The new guy is nice too. I can't actually find anything wrong with him."

"So give him a chance, Dean." Charlie looked up as a chime sounded. She took her hand back and pushed the plate with the turnover closer to Dean. "Hold that thought." She stepped away to deal with whatever she was baking in the back, and Dean took the opportunity to eat his turnover.

As he Dean finished off the last bite, Charlie returned, a muffin in hand. She sat back down and started snacking on it, speaking in between bites. "So, what happened? If he's a nice guy, you wouldn't have found something to hyper-focus on."

"He wanted to rearrange the office." Dean took another sip of his coffee. "I brought him in, he called it cozy, and then said that he had some ideas to give more space."

Charlie leaned forward. "Why would he suggest that out of the blue? Was he nervous and trying to make small talk? Was he maybe trying to make you like him?"

"Dammit, Charlie. Stop playing Devil's Advocate." Dean ran his hand down his face and shook his head. "Maybe?"

"Dean, we've been best friends our whole lives. But sometimes you are the most stubborn asshole I've ever met." Charlie popped the last bite of the muffin into her mouth. "You're pissed off that Cain left you behind. You knew that was always an option. You always knew that if Colette got better and wanted you out of the picture, he would leave." Charlie smiled sadly. "While that's not what happened, you still got five amazing years with Cain. Don't take out your pain on someone who doesn't deserve it."

Dean played with the lid of his empty cup. "Why you gotta be right? Well, mostly right."

"I know Colette said you could come along, but you and I both know why you didn't." Charlie looked over Dean's shoulder and waved before turning her attention back to him. "Mad, angry, sad, disappointed. Whichever word you want, Dean. But the truth is, you're still processing your feelings and taking the negativity out on someone undeserving."

"So, what do you suggest?" Dean frowned. "I mean, I can apologize to Cas, but that's only part of the issue."

"You can also give him a chance." Charlie pushed herself up from the table, walking around and squeezing Dean's shoulder. She stepped back behind the counter and started filling her customer's order.

Dean took that as his opportunity to leave. Between Charlie now and Jody earlier, he knew that he needed to figure out what to do to make things right. He wasn't going to leave the library, Cain wasn't coming back, and there was no reason to chase Cas away. Dean stood up and waved to Charlie. "Put it on my tab, Red. Text me later."

"You better be off to do some soul-searching, handmaiden." Charlie pointed at her eyes then pointed at him, a hopeful smile on her face.

…

The next morning, Dean pulled in behind the parking lot, surprised to see a champagne-colored car parked there as well. Inside was Cas, and Dean realized that he must not have a set of keys yet. Dean hopped out of the Impala and opened the backdoor. Unsurprisingly, Cas was not behind him, and he made sure to prop the door open slightly for Cas to get in when he was ready.

Dean made his way to their office, bracing himself for any changes, but was slightly shocked to find everything in place. He lifted the box of Cain's things off his chair, setting it next to his filing cabinet, and set his bag on top of the box. He looked around, checking for anything out of place when Cas' voice cracked through the room like a whip.

"I like the office the way it is."

Dean stood up straight, clutching his chest and surprised by Cas' stealth abilities. "Jesus, we need to get you a bell or something." At Cas' frown, Dean clarified. "I mean, I never heard you coming, dude. Scared the crap out of me."

"My apologies." Cas looked at the ground and walked over to his desk, taking off his book bag and leaning it against the side before taking a seat. "For that, and our initial meeting yesterday."

"Cas, you have nothing to be sorry for." Dean ran his hand through his hair as he sat down in his own seat. "Maybe if I had been more involved with the search, maybe if I had paid more attention..." He shrugged. "I wasn't ready, I didn't think we'd actually ever get another librarian, and then here you are."

Cas merely nodded as he logged into his computer. After a moment of awkward silence, he spoke up. "Jody said I'm to shadow you until she arrives, then she'll take over, finish up the HR stuff." Cas looked up and met Dean's eyes. "What do you normally do first thing?"

"Coffee." Dean shrugged. "What can I say? I need my caffeine." Remembering their conversation from yesterday, Dean continued. "We also keep some teabags and stuff in there. It's not my preference, but perhaps it'll work for you?"

Cas finally offered a shadow of a smile and stood after Dean did. Together they walked to the breakroom in silence, a semi-peaceful truce between them. Dean opened a cupboard and pointed. "Whatever you need, dude. Go for it." He opened the cabinet next to it, reaching for his coffee crack, and not finding any in reach. "Shit."

"What's wrong, Dean?" Cas held a tin of tea in his hands as he looked over.

"Someone finished the open bag of grounds." Dean stood on tiptoe. "Shit. That was the last bag." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll just call Jodes and see if she'll stop on her way in." Dean reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone, and started to dial Jody when Cas' hand rested on his and stopped him. "Cas?"

"Jody doesn't come in until eleven. The library doesn't open until eight. I can run to the store and be back before it's open. Then we can pick up with going over what I need to know for the library."

Dean contemplated Cas' offer for a moment. "Cas, I get you're the new guy, but you don't have to do that. I mean, I could probably ask a volunteer to get us a couple of bags until supplies come in."

"And I'm offering to go now. I want to go, and if it gets us back on the right foot with each other, I don't mind." Cas had a soft smile forming on his lips. "Just keep an ear out for me?"

"I've got a better idea." Dean pulled his phone out from under Cas' hand and swiped to his contacts before handing the phone to Cas. "Put your number in." Cas obliged, and Dean instantly shot him a text. "Right foot?"

"Right foot." Cas nodded. "I'll call you when I'm at the door."

Dean stood back and watched as Cas left, taking a moment to try and figure out why he had made things so complicated between them. He shook his head and headed out front to grab books from the dropbox to get started on the morning chores.

…

As he had predicted, Cas was back before eight, calling to be let back in. He had a bag in his hand, and he shooed Dean to finish the last couple of chores and promising that he knew how to work a coffee maker.

Dean felt slightly warm and fuzzy at Cas' offer and willingly accepted it. He finished putting away the rest of the books and refilled the pamphlet wall when Cas came out with two mugs in hand, one filled with tea, the other with coffee.

"Forgive me, I didn't remember you putting anything in it but the two packs of sugar. If you need more..."

Dean took a sip off the coffee and shook his head. "This is great, Cas. Thank you." He nodded to the side with his head. "Come on, I know you know how to be a librarian, but let's get you comfortable working in this branch. Sound like a plan?"

Cas' smile was worth it.

To no surprise, Cas was a quick learner. From what Dean had learned, Cas was top of his class at the University of Illinois, graduating the year ahead of Garth. His knowledge, and how easily he had the Dewey Decimal System memorized, was mind-blowing. It was plain to see why Jody had snatched him up and had probably even fast-tracked him up to her boss for approval.

As nine rolled around, Dean found himself yawning. It was strange, as he had already had his first cup for the day, and that usually held him over until lunch. After making sure that Cas was okay by himself for a moment, Dean went and refilled his coffee. He came back to Daphne - one of their frequent volunteers - flirting with Cas, and Dean chuckled as Cas flustered.

"Daphne, there's a new shipment of romance novels to be put away." Dean walked up next to Cas and tossed his arm around Cas' shoulder. "I know they're your favorite to put away."

Daphne cut a glare at Dean but smiled sweetly at Cas. "He is right. I love a good story about falling in love. Putting them away lets me get to see a title I may have missed." She winked at Cas before going to grab the cart of books Dean referred to.

"Sorry about that, Cas," Dean commented once Daphne was out of earshot. "Figures we get a good looking guy on staff and the ladies go crazy. Don't be surprised if you have a couple of them going gaga over you."

Cas tilted his head. "She wasn't flirting with you."

"She also learned that she doesn't have a chance with me." Dean shrugged before repeating Cas' response in his head. "You think I'm good looking?"

Cas shrugged playfully and walked away to go help a patron who had come up to the counter.

Dean blushed, then found himself yawning again. A cup of coffee at eight, and another one at nine, and he was already contemplating a third. He must have slept worse than he thought. Dean looked over at Cas and smiled before flagging down Becky, asking her to help cover the circulation while he grabbed another cup.

When Jody showed up at eleven, she was beyond pleased with the complete one-eighty Dean had taken in regards to Cas. At least, that was what she had said on the floor. When she pulled Dean back to her office, she couldn't help but laugh.

"You go from not being able to stand in his presence to flirting with him in less than twenty-four hours, Winchester. What's your angle?" She looked over the paperwork that had been left for her.

"I thought about what you and Charlie said." Dean took one of the seats opposite from Jody. "It's not his fault. He's good at his job, he's smart, and I mean," Dean held up his mug. "He got me coffee."

"Ah, yes. The way to your heart. Caffeine." Jody looked at the mug in Dean's hand. "Hitting it early today? You usually wait until lunch."

"Nah, just slept poorly. That happens, you know." Dean took a drink of his coffee. "Question for you."

Jody rolled her eyes. "Wait at least a couple of weeks before asking him on a date, Dean."

"Buh. Wha. Huh?" Dean stumbled over his words, making a cacophony of unintelligible sounds. "Where the hell did you get that from?"

"Am I wrong? You didn't deny flirting with him." Jody signed a piece of paper and looked up at Dean.

"Was I flirting with him? I don't even know what that is anymore." Dean frowned. "I'm gonna go get some work done since you're here now." He stood up and exited Jody's office, heading down to his own. He pulled out the lending list, requests for books from other libraries, and tried to throw himself into his work.

"Dean?" Dean mumbled and stirred, shooting up once he realized he was at his desk. He looked to his side and saw Cas next to him, hand resting on his shoulder. "Dean, are you okay? You were asleep."

"I was?" He looked at the time on his computer and rubbed at his eyes, making sure he saw clearly. It was 12:30. He had lost approximately forty-five minutes. "What the hell?" Dean dragged his hands down his face. "I must have slept worse than I thought."

Cas crossed over to his desk and sat down. "Did you need me to help you catch up?"

"No, I'm good." Dean looked at the list. "I was just doing the IL request. It's not that big of a list. Looks like Garth got yesterday's done."

"Well, if you change your mind, let me know. Jody asked me to answer a few emails in the library's inbox so people can start getting to know me." Cas met Dean's eyes. "You okay with me sticking around a while?"

"I think I could get used to the idea."

...

Over the next few weeks, Dean and Cas settled into a comfortable routine. They worked together, learned about each other, and quickly came to a place where they could comfortably call each other friends. After the first two weeks, they agreed to spend some time outside of work together. There was one problem, though.

Dean couldn't stay awake.

At first, he thought he was coming down with something. He made an appointment with his doctor, who found nothing wrong. The doctor suggested that Dean may be overworked and told him to take an extended weekend and de-stress.

When he returned after his four days off, the staff had been excited to see him, especially Cas, and Dean truly felt rejuvenated. He had been able to sleep in, he splurged on his favorite coffees, and Dean may or may not have spent more time playing video games and watching TV than he'd care to admit.

But only a day back, and Dean already felt like he was drowning. He had gone through four cups of coffee before lunch even hit, and he kept himself moving so he wouldn't fall asleep. On his lunch break, as much as he knew that he was probably going to regret it later, Dean went to go grab himself a fifth cup of coffee.

In the break room, he was disappointed to find the pot empty. However, Dean realized, with as much as he had been drinking, it was nothing to be surprised at. Dean reached up and grabbed the bag of coffee - something labeled Librarian's Delight - and started prepping the newest pot when something caught his eye.

Dean brought the bag close to his face and read the label. Under the fancy font stating that the name of the brew was Librarian's Delight, Dean read two words that terrified him.

Decaf. Coffee.

There was no way he was reading that correctly. Dean ran through the names of the coffee drinkers in the library and confirmed that none of them drank Decaf. He dropped the bag and ran to Jody's office. "JODES!" He slid into the doorway and hit the doorframe before entering her office. She looked up in confusion and surprise. "Jody!"

"Jesus, Dean. What's going on?" Jody stared, slack jaw in surprise.

"DECAF! I've been dying ‘cause that's decaf you've been serving us!" Dean pointed towards the break room. "I need caffeine to function!"

"I don't order the coffee, Dean. I thought you were getting it when you were putting in procurement requests?" Jody shrugged. "I've been drinking tea, so I haven't noticed."

"It's why I've needed a million and two cups, Jodes!" Dean paused. "Wait. If you haven't been getting coffee, how has it been staying stocked up? I haven't ordered any because we haven't run out."

"I can explain that." Cas' voice caused Dean to turn around. A pink blush featured on Cas' cheeks, and he was looking down at the ground. "I've been buying the coffee."

"You?" Dean tilted his head. "Dude, you know I need caffeination, and you bought decaf!?"

Cas looked up and frowned. "It said 'Librarian's Delight,' and I thought it was an apt title. And you really enjoyed the taste. So I kept buying it. I was trying to make things up to you."

"By making things worse?" Dean felt a lump building in his throat and tried to swallow it down. "I figured you were making the coffee every morning, but you were buying it too? Was it so I wouldn't know it was decaf?!"

"No!" Cas barely dodged out of Dean's way as he stormed past.

Dean made his way to his office and grabbed his bag before heading towards the exit. He stopped by Jody's office. "Now that I know what's wrong, I need to go remedy it. I'll be back."

...

Driving down the road, Dean blared the angriest music he had. He knew, honestly he knew, that Cas hadn't meant ill will. But Dean was angry. Unnecessary doctor's bills, using his vacation days? Hell, even being away from the Library had been shit. And it was all because Cas hadn't read the damn bag of coffee before reading it.

Dean found himself pulling into a spot at Charlie's cafe, without realizing it, and walked in.

"What are you doing here, Dean? Aren't you supposed to be working?" Charlie leaned forward on the counter.

"I need your strongest coffee, extra shot." Dean dropped a twenty on the counter and went to the seat in the back corner.

"Dean!" Charlie threw the twenty in the drawer and marked a piece of paper. "Dude, you can't just roll in here, act like a douche, and demand caffeine."

Dean shot her a glare. "Perhaps if I had been getting caffeine for the past, oh, I don't know, month? I wouldn't be a cranky asshole." He slouched in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest, knowing that he looked as much the petulant child that he felt. "The reason I've been so exhausted? I've been getting nothing but decaf at the library."

"Don't you order the coffee, Dean?" Charlie brought over the coffee and sat it in front of him. "That sounds like it would be on you."

"Cas bought a bag when we ran out. Then we never ran out. He's been buying the coffee for the past month." Dean held up a finger. "I didn't know it was him until he confessed today."

"So let me get this straight." Charlie glared daggers at Dean. "The guy you've kinda been dating for the past two weeks. The one you have been getting to know for the past month? He's been buying you coffee to make up for something that wasn't even his fault to begin with? And then you're upset because he bought - gods forbid - decaf."

"I..." Dean held up a finger. "Dammit, Charlie. Why you gotta be right?"

Charlie batted her eyelashes and smirked at Dean. "You love it when I'm right."

"This is the second time I've fucked up with him. The first by being angry at him over Cain, now this." Dean ran his hand down his face. "I need to make this up to him."

"Yep, especially this time." Charlie smacked Dean playfully upside the head before walking behind the counter. "I remember you saying that Cas likes tea, right?" She reached up on a shelf and pulled down a bag of grounds and a tin of tea. "This is for you, so you can have your caffeine fix until your next order comes in. The tin is for Cas, from you, saying you're sorry." She shook the tin. "Jasmine, Rose, and Lavender blend."

"That sounds like one hell of a combo." He took the tin and looked for the label. "What's the name of this blend if he wants more?"

Charlie shrugged. "Haven't thought of a name for it. If he wants more, he can come in and request it, or if he mentions that he likes it and you want to get him more, just tell me."

"Charlie..." Dean warned.

"Who just gave you those two items, and isn't putting them on your tab?" She tapped Dean's shoulder. "Come on, get back to work. Go tell your guy you're sorry."

"Not mine." Dean reminded Charlie.

"Not yet." Charlie looked at Dean, then pointed at the door. "Get going, or I'm texting Jody, letting her know you're going to work an extra hour today."

Dean glared but stood up and walked towards the door. "See if I come to the next LARP."

"You wouldn't miss it for the world, handmaiden." Charlie winked, leaning back against her counter as Dean walked out the door and back to his car.

…

Dean arrived back at the library and was relieved to see Cas' car in the parking lot. He slid out of the Impala and let himself into the building, only to be stopped by Jody.

"Surprised to see you came back." She leaned back in the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm guessing you took a pitstop at Manna Brew?"

"Yep, and got logicked and reasoned with yet again by the Harpy of an owner." Dean rolled his eyes. "He in our office?"

Jody nodded. "I told him he could take a half-day, but he insisted on staying. I think he knew you'd come back." She pushed off the doorframe and pointed at Dean. He hung his head, preparing for another chastising. "I haven't seen you this happy since before Cain left." He shot his head up, staring at Jody in confusion. "I know you care about him, and I know he cares about you. But you gotta get over this." She gestured at him as a whole. "Go make things right."

"Weren't you telling me to not go after him?" Dean raised an eyebrow.

Jody nodded. "And that was before. He believes in you." She pointed towards their office. "Go prove he's got his faith in the right place."

"Will do, Jodes." He handed the bag of coffee grounds to Jody. "Put on a pot for me?" Dean started the short walk to his office.

"That's pushing your luck!" Jody called after him, and he couldn't help but chuckle as he turned down the hallway to his and Cas' office.

Dean stopped in front of the closed door and knocked twice. Cas swung the door open, surprise clearly written on his face when he saw Dean standing there. "You knocked? This is our office, Dean."

"Yeah, but you deserve more respect than I've shown you today." Dean rubbed the back of his neck. "Am I okay to come in?"

"Of course, Dean." Cas took a step to turn around and crossed back over to his desk. "I wanted to apologize again..."

"No, Cas." Dean shook his head. "You made an honest mistake, and you were being kind and generous, and I blew it out of proportion." Dean followed to Cas' desk and set the tin of tea in front of him. "I'm sorry."

"What's this?" Cas opened the tin and smiled at the loose tea mixture. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent, and looked at Dean. "What is this? It smells amazing."

"Rose, Lavender, and Jasmine." Dean walked around to his side of the desk and sat down. "It's one of Charlie's blends."

A small grin appeared on Cas' face. "I think Charlie's trying to speak for you."

"I mean, the tea is from me to you, to ask for forgiveness." Dean leaned forward on his desk and rested his chin on his knuckles. "Is it working?"

"We just got a new book in," Cas responded. "The Complete Language of Flowers: A Definitive and Illustrated History" He closed the tin and leaned back in his chair. "REF 302.222."

"That will never cease to amaze me." Dean chuckled. "Why are you bringing this up?"

Cas crossed his legs up on his desk. "Of course, I forgive you, Dean. But there's more of a meaning in the tea than asking for forgiveness. I'm just giving you the means of figuring out that meaning."

"Right." Dean glared skeptically at Cas before pushing himself back up to his feet. He exited their office and beelined it to the 300 section of the library. It was quick work to find the book, considering Cas had given him the exact number he needed, and he pulled the book out before sitting at a nearby table. Dean grabbed a pencil and a piece of scrap paper, writing down the three flowers: Jasmine, Rose, Lavender.

Jasmine: Unconditional and eternal love, monetary wealth Lavender: Happiness, love, devotion, peace Rose: Love??

While Dean was unsure of the color of the roses Charlie used in her tea blend, he considered the fact that the word love was used in the meanings of the other two flowers. From there, it was pretty easy to determine what she was going for. Dean pinched the bridge of his nose before quietly laughing. Both Charlie and Cas surprised him at that moment, and he didn't know whether or not to hate Charlie or love her.

He closed the book and put it back after folding the piece of paper and putting it in his pocket. Dean headed back to his office but stopped when he saw Cas at the circulation desk. He watched Cas, reasonably sure he hadn't been spotted yet and leaned against the stack.

Dean realized over the past month, that he focused less on what he had with Cain, and more on what was blossoming between himself and Cas. And Dean wanted more with Cas. So much more.

After the circulation desk cleared out, Cas looked up and found Dean, his smile broadening across his face. Dean returned the smile and nodded, hoping Cas knew what he meant. When Cas looked down, suddenly shy and blushing, Dean knew what he had to do. He turned around and went back to the book, pulling it out to do his own research.

…

Later that evening, Dean arrived at Cas' apartment. He knocked on the door, just as he had done earlier at the library, but he was ten times more nervous. Dean held a surprise behind his back and laughed when he heard Cas' exclamation when he saw who was outside. "Dean? I wasn't expecting you tonight."

"Am I intruding? Is it not a good time?" Dean frowned. That was one of the things he had been nervous about.

"No, uh, I'm just skyping with my brother." He stepped back and gestured for Dean to enter.

Dean walked in, being oh-so-obvious that he had something hidden behind his back. "I don't want to interrupt."

"Then come say hello." Cas led Dean to the dining room, where his laptop was set up. "Gabe, this is my... coworker-slash-maybe-something-more?" Cas looked at Dean with a small uptick in the corner of his mouth. "Dean, this is Gabe, my brother."

"Nice to meet you, Dean. Be good to my brother, you maybe-something-more, or I'll grab the first flight out and bust out your kneecaps." He looked at Cas. "I'll let you two crazy kids be. Same time next week?"

Cas nodded. "Night, Gabe." He closed the laptop and looked at Dean. "So, to what do I owe this honor?"

"Well, we started a conversation in our office earlier, but we didn't really get to finish it." Dean pulled a bouquet out from behind his back. "This one is all me, Cas."

"Aster: patience and love. Heather: admiration and wanting a wish to come true. Daffodil, for new beginnings." Cas smiled and gently ran his finger along the trumpet of the Daffodil. "Yes, Dean. I'll make your dreams come true." Cas ran his hand behind Dean's neck and pulled him in for the first of many soft, sweet kisses

#profoundnet #spncreatorsdaily #writersofdestiel #spn petra #destiel #deancas #spn fanfic #au - modern #librarians cas and dean #rating: t #polyam positivity #v polycule #nickel writes

[petrichoravellichor]

Destiel + "I found your USB drive still in the computer"

~1.2k (read on Ao3)

It’s the last Friday of fall quarter, and if Dean’s morning had gone the way it was supposed to go, he would have skipped the dining hall breakfast rush altogether and convinced Henriksen and some of their other friends to drive over to The Roadhouse for a celebratory breakfast so big, they’d all need a fucking nap before afternoon classes.

As it is, however, Dean’s morning is not going the way it was supposed to go, which is why he’s instead sitting glumly at his and Henriksen’s usual dining hall table, pushing aside an untouched bowl of cereal so he can slump forward to cradle his head in his goddamn hands. “I am so screwed.”

Across from him, Henriksen snorts, peeling a tangerine. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Dude.” Dean snaps his head up and narrows his eyes at his so-called friend. “Not helping.”

Henriksen shrugs. “Hey, man, you want the truth, talk to a priest. Me, though,” Henriksen smirks, popping a piece of tangerine into his mouth, “I call it like I see it, and the way I see it, you are definitely screwed. That paper’s worth thirty percent of the final grade—”

“I know.”

“— and it’s due tonight, and your dumb ass,” Henriksen gestures at Dean with the remainder of his tangerine, “forgot the USB it was on in the library because you were probably too busy making eyes at a certain librarian to remember to put it in your damn bag before you left. Go ahead,” he finishes smugly, evidently unimpressed by Dean’s glare, “tell me I’m wrong.”

And as much as Dean wants to make his friend-slash-roommate eat his words or at least kick his ass, the fact of the matter is that Henriksen’s got him dead to rights, and Dean’s pretty sure Henriksen knows that, too. “Fuck you,” he grumbles in defeat, sinking back into his chair as Henriksen laughs.

So what if Dean had gotten a little distracted while checking out the super hot student librarian? It wasn’t Dean’s fault the guy somehow managed to rock the nerdy sweater vest-and-glasses combo while being buff as hell and having eyes so blue it had to be a crime. Add in the messy dark hair and a voice like an engine’s hum, and Dean was a goner the first time he’d laid eyes on him. It had taken exactly three weeks into the quarter to figure out that Blue Eyes always worked the second-floor library desk on Thursday evenings, and since said desk just so happened to be right next to the computer area, well. Suffice to say Dean did a lot of typing on Thursdays, most recently for his ten-page term paper on The Divine Comedy.

Which he stored on his USB. Which he’d forgotten to remove from the computer last night. And which the morning librarian, a bored-looking brunette who’d barely looked up from her phone when Dean came rushing in at five past eight, had already informed him hadn’t been turned in to the lost and found.

So. Fucking. Screwed…

“Pardon me,” comes a sudden familiar, gravelly voice from Dean’s side, “but are you D. Winchester?”

Dean looks up, and holy fucking shit, it’s him, it’s the hot librarian…

He’s even hotter up close. Today’s sweater vest is a dark cerulean that makes his eyes pop even through his glasses, and he’s got the sleeves of his white dress shirt rolled up to the elbows, exposing toned, muscular forearms that make Dean’s brain fizzle and whatever charming rejoinder he might have otherwise replied with catch in his throat. “Uhhh…”

Blue Eyes frowns slightly, and he tilts his head. “Are you…all right?”

Say something, you fucking idiot! “Uhh, hey,” Dean manages at last. He can hear Henriksen snickering and kicks his shin under the table. “I mean, yeah, I’m D. Winchester—Dean Winchester.” Jesus, man, get it together! You got this. Act. Cool.

Dean chuckles, shaking his head as he puts on a sheepish smile. “Sorry, man, you know how it is during finals week: too much caffeine, but I’m good now. Can I help you with something?”

“Actually,” says Blue Eyes, unzipping a pocket of his messenger bag, “I was hoping I might be able to help you.” He pulls out a black USB striped with a piece of silver duct tape and D. Winchester written on it in Sharpie. “Is this yours?”

“Dude!” Dean snatches up the USB, his USB, like it’s the goddamn Holy Grail. “You just saved my fucking life, you have no idea.”

Blue Eyes smiles. “I’m glad. I found it yesterday evening at the computer you’d been working at, and since you have a tendency to sit at this same table every morning, I—not that I’ve been—I just—” his face goes a pretty fucking adorable shade of pink, and he coughs, looking away. “What I mean is that I was hoping to run into you here so I could return it before classes start. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just—”

“Whoa whoa whoa,” interjects Dean, because Blue Eyes looks like he’s about point-five seconds away from leaving in a huff. “Dude, chill. I meant it when I said you saved my fucking life.” He holds up his USB. “This thing right here? I got a final paper on it that would’ve tanked my grade if I didn’t turn it in tonight, so seriously, from the bottom of my heart, thank you; you’re a goddamn angel in my book. I’d ask you if it hurt when you fell from Heaven, but,” he gives Blue Eyes an appreciative once-over, pointedly ignoring Henriksen’s very exaggerated eye roll, “you probably get that all the time.”

Blue Eyes laughs, looking relieved and maybe just a little flustered. “Well, in that case…thank you, Dean, and you’re very welcome. I’m glad to have helped.”

Dean grins; he likes the way his name sounds in Blue Eyes’ mouth. “What’s your name?”

“Castiel.” He smiles, cheeks dimpling slightly. “I usually go by Cas, though.”

“Cas,” Dean repeats, and yeah, he likes the way Cas’s name sounds in his mouth, too. He holds out a hand, which Cas shakes. “Good to meet you, man; I’ve, uh, actually been meaning to introduce myself for a while now. Say,” he says, because what the hell, he might as well go for broke, “you got anywhere to be right about now?”

The question seems to catch Cas off guard. “I…don’t, no,” he says after a moment. “My first class isn’t until noon. Why?”

“Well, then how about you let me take you out for a real breakfast, as a thank you for saving my ass? I know a place nearby, best breakfast in town.” Dean nods toward the exit, eyes fixed hopefully on Cas. “Come on, my treat.”

For a moment, Cas just stares. Then he smiles. “I’d…yes. I’d like that.”

“Cool,” Dean says, so happy he could fucking dance. “I’m ready if you are.” He stands, grabbing his backpack with a quick, “Later, dude,” to Henriksen and flipping him off over his shoulder when Henriksen calls out, “Make smart choices!” at their retreating backs.

All things considered, Dean reflects later as he and Cas sit in a booth at The Roadhouse talking Vonnegut and sharing a piece of apple pie, maybe his morning went exactly as it was supposed to after all.

#deancas #destiel #spn #supernatural #deancas fic #destiel fic #fanfiction #usb and you and me #my writing #oh ho ho i bet you thought i'd forgotten about this prompt huh #well SURPRISE!!! #it's been a while since i wrote these two losers (affectionate) so here ya go #something something good things do happen dean when petra doesn't feel like working on an existing wip

[mangolesbian-archive]

anyways how fast do u think dean will realize he is lgbt once he discovers the song jenny by the studio killers

#ALSO WAS NO ONE GONNA TELL ME STUDIO KILLERS RERELEASED JENNY W/ KIM PETRAS #spn

[rightonwoman]

I’m done being a Dean Winchester bisexual. I’m all about being a Daryl Whitefeather bisexual, a Rosa Díaz bisexual, or even a Petra Solano bisexual!

#bisexual #bi #bi pride #dean winchester #bi shame #rosa diaz #brooklyn 99 #spn #supernatural #petra solano #jane the virgin #daryl whitefeather #crazy ex girlfriend

[crack--attack]

Sign Here

For @petrichoravellichor

Gabriel stared around his shop, smiling softly to himself. He had worked hard to get here: late nights, double shifts, cheap apartments, and shitty food.

But here he was, after all this time. Gabriel Shurley, shop owner.

He brushed some dust off the store's counter.

No.

His counter.

There was a loud noise from down an aisle, and he yelled, "Hey! Hey! That sex swing clearly says 'do not use'!"

And, just like that, Gabriel's Goodies was open for the day.

Read the rest on AO3!

Want your own fic? Commission me!

#spn #Supernatural #debriel #fic #my fic #my writing #for petra #commission #sign here

[moderatelypanickedbiromantic]

Megriel + either "lost" by Dermot Kennedy, "fly away with me" by Tom Walker, or "cringe" by Matt Maesom. I can't decide

i’m probably gonna do all three but i couldn’t resist another dermot kennedy song

#megriel #im tempted to tag petra but i have a feeling she’ll find it #meg masters 2.0 #gabriel #spn #moodboards #aesthetic #character aesthetics #supernatural #lyrics #moodboard #music

[awed-frog]

When you’re culturally horrified about politics, you want to put out affirming messages of love onscreen.

Jane the Virgin’s creator Jennie Urman on LGBT representation

#jtv #jane the virgin #petra solano #representation #lgbt representation #i love how spn is never mentioned in the article #and yet half the comments #are about dean and cas and crowley #lol?

[thetiredstuff]

Belgian milestone: A first trans minister and nobody cares

Lack of media frenzy over Petra de Sutter’s gender identity is a powerful sign of progress.

“The appointment of Petra De Sutter as Belgium’s deputy prime minister — the first out transgender minister in Europe — is a milestone.

But what is perhaps even more meaningful is that it’s a milestone that went almost unremarked upon in today’s headlines.

That the media coverage of her nomination as deputy prime minister focused on her work rather than on her trans identity is a reflection not just of her impressive political career but also of the progressive nature of Belgian politics today. It is not hard to imagine that the headlines would have looked very different in another country — even another European country.

De Sutter’s gender identity may be missing from the headlines in Belgium. But that absence is sending a powerful message.”

#honestly this is pretty rad #Belgium #politics #not spn #lgbtq #lgbtq+ #trans #petra de sutter

[mousemarner]

Ten characters for the first ten songs in your Spotify on repeat?

AMAZING ASK???? meg ily

1. Take What I Can Get (kathryn gallagher) - THEEEEEE CROWLEY SUPERNATURAL SONG OF ALL TIME MAYBE

2. 3 (britney spears) - i have specifically been listening to this because of gay deputy brice graham supernatural so, gay deputy brice graham supernatural

3. 8 now (food house) - this song makes me feel so weirdly warm and wholesome and good and weirdly i DO associate it with several spn characters but in general this song just makes me very soft and happy independent of anyone <3

4. Skinny Love (bon iver) - ed zeddmore ghostfacers i am NOT taking comments at this time

5. Throatzillaaa (slayyyyter) - dean winchester and also the biblical cain i LOVE spn fandom <3

6. There Will Be Blood (kim petras) - this is litchrally here because of my dean king of hell playlist so like. dean but specifically endgame drowley dean.

7. We've Got a Big Mess On Our Hands (the academy is...) well first and foremost this makes me think of my friend Jo @ jo if ur out there,,,,,, but currently this is also an endgame drowley song

8. Bad Things (jace everett) BENNY <3 and also ALL of true blood

9. Nostalgic For the Moment (kathryn gallagher) - this is theeeeee garth/aaron song we LOVE niche insane content

10. Happiness is a butterfly (lana del rey) - winchester derangement syndrome anthem as seen in my pinned video <3

#THANK YOUUUUU MEG ILY <3 #asks #meg #nobodytoldthehorse #drunk blog archive

[demonologist-in-denim]

Humming to himself, Crowley dusted the rich dark cocoa powder into the soft white flour, and reached for his trusty wooden spoon. Blending ingredients in a mixer tended to create a smoother batter, but Crowley enjoyed the feel of the spoon in his hand, the sound it made scraping the bottom of the bowl, the hands-on experience of turning flour and sugar and eggs into cake.

When the dry ingredients were properly combined, he made a well in the center and carefully poured in the buttermilk, eggs, butter and vanilla. Instead of the usual red food coloring, Crowley added in fresh beet puree – just enough to give the cake a velvety ruby hue. The rich cocoa would cover the hint of earth with a delicate chocolate flavor. The mixture was then evening distributed between three pans and scooched into the oven.

While the cakes baked, he set to work on the frosting. The softened cream cheese and unsalted butter whipped together beautifully. He settled on using far less powdered sugar than the recipe called for, wanting the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese to accent the cake all on its own.

“Would have asked about any preferences in decoration,” Crowley muttered to himself as he applied the crumb coating to the cake, once it was done baking and properly cooled, “but that would have tipped my hand.” Simple yet elegant seemed appropriate. After applying a thick final layer of cream cheese frosting, Crowley piped fluffy buttercream swirls along the rim of the red velvet cake. A soft pile of crumbled extra cake crowned the top, and he tossed more along the side to create a dusting effect.

There was nothing left now except to take the photo.

Which, as fate would have it, turned out to be the difficult part.

He positioned the cake on the kitchen table, and snapped a few photos. Crowley hmmmed to himself.  It wasn’t quite up to his standard of food porn. Perhaps he’d take a few more, just to be on the safe side. Until one was suitably flattering. He was still adjusting the cake, playing with the proper angle and lighting for the perfect shot, when Sam and Dean strolled into the kitchen.

For a moment, they lingered at a respectful distance. But Crowley could sense their curiosity like a gathering storm of rose petals, soft yet burdensome.

“Can I help you two with something?”

Disbelief and delight were tugging a one-sided smile out of Sam. “Is – is that for Valentine’s Day?”

Valentine’s Day? Crowley narrowed his eyes at the elegant dessert. Bloody hell, the cake was red and white, wasn’t it? He hadn’t considered that when a bit of carefully applied questioning had disclosed the recipient’s cake preferences.

Crowley mulled the situation over. He couldn’t answer in the affirmative. That would mean he had intentionally crafted the cake as a celebration of gushy hearts and the sweet delirium of – internally, Crowley cringed – love. But he also couldn’t reply with a defensive and definitive “no”. That would only open him up to further, unwelcome inquiry.

He settled for the more characteristically dismissive third option.

“It’s Valentine’s Day?” Crowley steadfastly went back to attempting to capture the perfect photo with his phone. “I don’t bother myself keeping track of that sort of thing.”

Dean eyed the demon knowingly. “Yeah, well, our Netflix recommendations would say otherwise.”

Crowley glowered at the hunter.

“Whatever the occasion,” Sam offered up as his brother idled over to the cake, “that’s professional-grade baking. You’ve got a real talent. The frosting, the whole look? Seriously, I’m impressed.”

The arrow of this flannelled cupid hit its mark. Crowley felt a slight blush of pleasure, despite himself. Casual, unsolicited praise? From Sam Winchester? He seriously contemplated the possibility that Sam had been exposed to some sort of low-grade, poorly-concocted love spell that had bloomed into amiability, or maybe it had been released as a pink mist in the bunker’s common room, and Crowley had unknowingly avoided the worst of it. That seemed like the sort of malarkey that would happen around here on what, apparently, was Valentine’s Day.

Because Crowley found himself saying, “Thank you, Sam,” with actual sincerity. Moments such as these reminded Crowley that he was rather fond of these two boys, after all.

That was the moment Dean ran his finger along the edge of the cake, carrying off a large dollop of frosting from one side. The whole cake just looked so enticing! Dean was more of a pie man himself, but Crowley’s culinary expertise had the tendency to tempt him in surprising ways.

He was halfway to lifting the frosting-festooned finger to his mouth when he caught sight of the expression on Crowley’s face. Sam’s own face was a rotting lemon. Dean’s hand stilled, mouth still open.

“Um,” he muttered.

Dean looked at the offending finger, uncertain of what to do next. He started to put the frosting back where it belonged, thought better of it, looked for a napkin, and reluctantly settled for ashamedly completing the crime by depositing the frosting in his mouth.

Which was a mistake. Because now he knew the cake was friggin’ delicious, and Dean seriously wondered if maybe Crowley could manage his little photo shoot even if there was a slice of the cake missing.

As if he could read his brother’s mind, Sam shook his head in the most supreme disappointment. “Dean.”

“What?! Sorry!”

Reminding himself that murdering one Winchester brother would only end with him being ganked by the other one – though there were certainly times it seemed worth it – Crowley took a deep inhalation, and let it go. Cakes were ultimately meant to be eaten, even if it was by inconsiderate louts and lumberjacks.

“I’ll accept your apology, if you cut everyone else a slice before digging in yourself. I’m sure one of the photos I took before your little indiscretion will suffice.”

“Alright! Cake!” Dean cheered, while Sam just closed his eyes.

Crowley thumbed through the multitude of pictures he’d taken, and settled on the most appealing of the lot. Then he opened up his Bumblr app, and made a new post:

@petrichoravellichor – in honor of your birthday today. Heard from a mutual that you have a particular fondness for red velvet cake. Hope it’s to your liking. – C

He sent the message and image off with a satisfied smile, then set about getting plates and forks, as this cake was obviously not going to survive the interest of the Winchester brothers much longer.

As Crowley was pulling plates out of the cupboard and Dean was cutting into the cake, Castiel wandered into the kitchen, attention entirely given over to his phone. The angel had graduated from texting and emojis to social media and memes, and sometimes he could be found scrolling through Twitter and Instagram with a rapt fascination that would out-fixate even the most plugged-in FOMO-obsessed teenager. There was a chiming sound as he entered the kitchen, as notification of a new post.

“Dude,” Dean was grinning from ear to ear, “Crowley made cake!” He pointed with delight at the dessert.

Cas looked up from his phone, saw the cake, and halted in the middle of the kitchen. He narrowed his eyes, examining the red velvet cake on the table in front of him. Then he looked back down at his phone in consternation. Cas looked at the cake again. Looked back at his phone, and then slowly, he looked at Crowley.

The demon looked from the angel to the cake, his eyes increasing in size as realization dawned.

“Is that – ?”

“Don’t you say one bloody word, angel!” Crowley blustered, a rush of red to his face further colored by the mortification of such abject exposure. “Not one word!”

And before anyone could say anything else, Crowley shoveled a huge slice of not-at-all birthday cake onto a plate, shoved it into Cas’ hand, and quickly excused himself from the kitchen.

“What,” Sam wondered to the startled room, “was that all about?”

Cas continued to stand in the middle of the room, cake in one hand and phone in the other, attempting to come to terms with having inadvertently discovered a fandom mutual was also a real-life friend, and the one he would have least expected. Unsettled, he took comfort in the certainty their shared mutual would appreciate the well wishes on their birthday.

Dean shrugged, merrily flipped the serving knife in his hand, then waved the tip at his brother. “That’s Crowley for you,” he observed, good mood undeterred. “Dude would cut out his own heart and blend it to make red cake batter before admitting to it, but deep down, he’s just a big ol’ teddy bear who wuvs hugs. Speaking of which – you see that giant pink moose Eileen sent you? Friggin’ adorable.”

Dean proceeded to cut a huge slice for himself, leaving a worried looking Sam staring down at the blood-red cake. Then the hunter stepped around a disconcerted Castiel, patting the angel on the shoulder, and strolled out of the kitchen.

***

Happy birthday, Petra! I’m sure you’re tired of your birthday comingling with Valentine’s Day, but when you said your cake preference was red velvet cake, what was I to do? ;)

If you’re wondering exactly why – or even how – Crowley became a member of the in-world spn fandom, you can find out here. This fic will be posted on AO3 in my Tumblr Ficlets after posting on Tumblr.

Image sources here: X

#crowley #spn ficlet #spn fandom #spn crack #spn fanfic #dean winchester #sam winchester #castiel #one of the boys #fandom life #happy birthday #to you! #this was so much fun to write #i *may* have passed along to Crowley #your cake preference #hope you have a great day!

[petrichoravellichor]

A/N: I wanted some Benny/Donna Christmas fluff and there wasn’t any, so I wrote some, damn it. Enjoy! (read on Ao3)

**********

Benny takes the box of freshly baked beignets from Donna as though she’s handed him something of indescribable value.

“You made these for me?” he asks, and the look he gives her is so genuinely surprised and fond that it makes Donna blush down to the roots of her hair right there in the middle of Benny’s flower shop. “You shouldn’t have.”

Donna’s heart is a hummingbird in her chest, but she manages a chuckle. “It’s not like it was any trouble; I do own a bakery, dontcha know.”

Benny laughs. “I do know, yeah. Only place in the city where I can get one of these,” he taps the box of beignets, “that tastes like the ones back home. Your granddaddy’s recipe, right? On your mama’s side?”

“Mm,” hums Donna by way of agreement, because that’s about all she can manage with Benny smiling at her like that. It’s been, what, three months since she told him that offhand, when he’d first come into her bakery to introduce himself after opening a place next door? Donna remembers the way his eyes lit up when first saw the beignets, which she’d only just put out about a half hour earlier, and the conversation they’d had over the counter while Benny ate one and then ordered another and a coffee to go. She’s made a point to always, always have fresh beignets on hand since then, and with Christmas only a few days away, well. It’s as good of an excuse as she’s likely to get to give Benny something she knows he likes while having the neighborly spirit of the holidays to hide behind.

“Thank you,” Benny says, sincerely, making Donna's heart melt that much more. Then he swallows, cheeks going a tad pink. “I’m, uh, glad you stopped by, actually, saved me a trip…”

He turns to the glass door refrigerator behind the counter, the one where he keeps floral arrangements awaiting pickup, and pulls out a beautiful bouquet of red chrysanthemums, white gardenias, and a few other flowers Donna doesn’t recognize, all in a gold-colored vase. His flush intensifies as he holds the arrangement out for Donna. “Seeing as how it’s the holidays and all,” he says quickly, “and how you’ve been putting up with me almost daily since I opened up here, I thought maybe…for your countertop, you know. Something festive.”

Donna’s hands tremble slightly as she takes the flowers, and it’s only then that she sees it, at the bouquet’s center: a single, perfect red rose. “Oh, Benny…” No one’s ever given her flowers before, and certainly none this gorgeous. She meets Benny’s eyes and gives him her warmest, most grateful smile. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

Benny smiles softly back. “Yeah, well. Like for like.” Then he coughs and ducks his head, rubbing at the back of his neck. “That is to say…you’re welcome. I’m glad to know you, neighbor. Real glad.”

“Me too,” murmurs Donna, and the way Benny’s eyes meet hers is so heartbreakingly hesitant and hopeful that Donna feels the last of her restraint shatter on the spot. She clears her throat, licking her lips. “Listen, I was wondering if maybe…would you maybe like to go and get coffee together sometime?” Then, realizing Benny already comes into her bakery and orders coffee there almost literally every day, she looks down with an embarrassed laugh and hastily adds, “At a place I don’t own, I mean. If that’s something you want to do. With me.”

Oh for crying out loud, Hanscum, she thinks as she struggles to breathe through the sudden onslaught of nerves, could you be any more of a—

“Yes,” comes Benny’s voice, solemn, sure, and when Donna looks back up, Benny’s looking at her like she’s every single wish he’s ever made, all come true at once. “Donna, you…I can’t even begin to tell you how much that’s something I want. You name the time and the place, and I’ll be there.”

“Tonight,” says Donna immediately, and all she can think is that there’s so much joy in her that there’s no room for words, they have no choice but to all come out. She laughs, feeling like she might just float up to the ceiling like a Mylar balloons. “Six-thirty, at the Sweet Bean.”

Benny grins, nods. “All right. It’s a date.”

Yes, thinks Donna dizzily, happily, yes, it is.

#donna hanscum #benny lafitte #donna x benny #benny x donna #benny lafitte x donna hanscum #donna hanscum x benny lafitte #spn #supernatural #spn rare pairs #benna #donny #do these two even have a ship name??? #or am i just making things up??? #sweet on you #my writing #part 2 of petra writes pairs she's never tried before #thank you rauko for the suggestion to write these two it was perfect

[nicollekidman]

i have only been exposed to spn through your blog but in my expert opinion coconuts by kim petras is a dean winchester song

i cannot express how overjoyed i am that i have managed to get that across

#yes ♥️