[Fic] Annie D (scaramouche): The Parts of Our Sum
[ Dean/Castiel ]
Title: The Parts of Our Sum
Writer: Annie D (scaramouche)
Alternate links: DW
Status of work: complete
Characters and/or pairings: Dean/Castiel
Rating: NC-17
Warnings, kinks & contents:[Click to read]Elements of PTSD (Castiel and Dean), body issues (Castiel) and normalized body modification (various characters). Sexual content includes switching, blowjobs, penetration, frottage, fingering, and mention of rimming.
Length: 55,000+
Summary: Castiel, a former soldier, has worked for the Company his entire life. They've been good to him, providing clothes, shelter and new body parts whenever necessary. Now the Company's gearing up for a space exploration voyage, and Castiel's volunteered for the research team. During the preparation period, he meets Dean Winchester, who makes Castiel wonder about the things he's missed out on.
Reccer's notes: I'd meant to rec this during an open posting period, where I decided to post Dean/Castiel robot stories. Thank goodness for second chances, because this is an excellent cyborg!Castiel story in a living, breathing world with an entertaining cast. Castiel's an augmented soldier, bound to The Company that's installed his mechanical body modifications. Dean's a contract worker on the base where he works. I love how they're very different people, both confused by the other's attitudes and ways of living, but with enough damage in common to meet in the middle. With Dean as a catalyst, Castiel not only discovers the humanity he was afraid he’d eradicated, but reclaims it, along with feelings of self-worth that have nothing to do with the monetary value of his weaponized body.
[Short excerpt]“We can negotiate.” Castiel’s answer is honest, and knowing what he does so far about Dean, he’s unsurprised by the flash of disappointment that passes over Dean’s face. Of course they’d be having this conversation in a common restroom facility of a biomech station. “I’d be open to discussing what you want. And how I can be part of that.”
“Where I’m from, we gotta fight for what we want.” Dean rests a hand on the back of Castiel’s head. The weight is grounding. “You might wanna try that out some time.”
“Dean…”
“Forget it, I know what you mean. See you tomorrow night, maybe? Next shipment should be coming in, let’s binge on bad TV, how about it?”
After he’s extracted a confirmation from Castiel, Dean leans in and says in a voice that brooks no argument, “Oh, and by the way, Cas? Things are expensive. You’re not a thing, you are… you’re a dumbass who needs to spoil yourself more.” He kisses Castiel once more, quick and almost embarrassed, and then he’s muttering a weak see ya and making his exit.
Castiel stands there for a little while longer, breathing quietly.