#Author: Rex_Writes

[deancaspinefest]

Whatever Makes You Happy

Author: Rex_Writes | Artist: Kit Shay

Posting on Sunday March 24

An aspiring songwriter, Dean Winchester spends his days in the local coffee shop, which just happens to be run by the most gorgeous man he has ever seen, Castiel Novak. This gorgeous man becomes his muse, songs flow out of Dean’s pen with the speed of a rushing river. Unfortunately, just like getting his songs heard, Castiel is just another thing Dean can’t have. He’s had his heart broken by a straight guy before and he can’t go through that again. Thankfully, Dean meets Lee Webb who is an amazing singer, AND he’s actually /interested/ in Dean. Will Dean stay with the man who’s a sure thing or will he risk everything for whatever makes him happy?

Keep reading for a sneak preview!

Dean took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart and steady his shaking fingers.

"Hey. You're gonna be great. They're gonna love you," Charlie said as she placed a reassuring hand on Dean’s shoulder.

"It's not them I'm worried about. It's him. What if he just thinks I'm some sort of…creep." Dean huffed softly and dropped his head to his chin. "This was a stupid idea, Charlie, I can't do this." Dean stood up from the stool he had been sitting on. "Charlie?" Charlie had disappeared, but Dean saw the curtains flutter close as he heard her voice over the speaker.

"Guys, gals, and non-binary pals, welcome to open mic night, or as I like to call it, Artist Validation Night. Our first performer is a little shy, so let's give a warm round of applause for Dean Winchester!"

The curtains on the mock stage in the coffee shop swooshed open and Dean was suddenly faced with too many familiar faces. He couldn't do this. This was too much, he didn't sing in front of people. Hell, Charlie wouldn't even know he could sing if she hadn't come home early one day and heard him while he was taking a shower.

But here he was. There was only one person he was singing to, but he forced himself not to look, instead focusing on finding the right chords.

You were here before Couldn't look you in the eye You look like an angel Your skin makes me cry

Dean closed his eyes as he sang. Piercing blue eyes flashed through his mind.

But I'm a creep I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doin' here? I don't belong here

Dean knew that he missed notes, and his tone wasn’t perfect, but that's what happened when you put all your emotion into a song. His fingers deftly slid over the frets, playing the chords he knew by heart. Dean took a deep breath and finally lifted his eyes from his guitar during the next section, easily finding those blue eyes at the back of the room. He stared into those gorgeous blue eyes singing the next lines without looking away.

I want you to notice When I'm not around So fuckin' special I wish I was special

Dean broke the connection first by double checking he had the right finger placement for the upcoming bridge. He took a grounding breath and launched into the bridge.

Whatever makes you happy Whatever you want You're so fuckin' special I wish I was special

Dean looked back up to meet the icy blue stare yet again, but he was gone. Fuck. He knew this was a shit idea. He knew Cas was straight. He was gonna kill Charlie.

Dean finished the song, finding a cruel truth in the last chorus.

But I'm a creep I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doin' here? I don't belong here

(continue reading on Ao3 on Sunday March 24)

[dadstielminibang]

The Best Day Ever

Author: Rex_Writes (@krexhatespushups-blog) Artist:  PetraAmia (@deancodedcastielenby) Rating: Teen and Up Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Featured characters: Castiel, Claire Novak, Dean Winchester, Kaia Nieves, Charlie Bradbury Featured relationships: Castiel & Claire Novak, Charlie & Castiel , Kaia Nieves/Claire Novak, Castiel/Dean Winchester Length: 16,709 words Tags: Alternate Universe-Modern Setting, Death of a Parent (mentioned), Child Abandonment (mentioned), Single Parent Castiel, Castiel and Charlie bestieism, Castiel/Dean Winchester First Kiss, First Date, Everyone Loves a Wedding, Angst with a Happy Ending.

Summary: Empty-nester Castiel is going through a rough patch. His only child, Claire, has left for college after discovering a family secret, and Castiel is at his wit’s end.

In an attempt to distract himself from his worries, Castiel agrees to be set up on a blind date. Blind dates might be the stuff of nightmares, but Dean Winchester is a dream come true: handsome, funny, and a genuinely good person. When Dean is unexpectedly called away, Castiel worries that he scared Dean off with all his talk about Claire. He remembers the simpler times when it was just him and Claire against the world before everything fell apart. But something seems off about his memories and what is the shadowy presence that keeps showing up?

Will Castiel and Claire ever repair their relationship? Did Castiel scare off his dream date? And why don’t his memories feel like his?

Link to Fic | Link to Art

[xfancyfranart]

This is my art masterpost for the @cdrcrossoverbang :)

For this Reverse Bang, I got paired with Rex_Writes who has been a very kind, patient and understanding collab partner. Even when our visions for my first art prompt didn't completely line up, we managed to find common ground in this idea, so I'm really happy to finally get to show you the pieces I made for it! :)

"The Cracks That Let The Light In"

Crossover Universe: The Truman Show

Author: Rex_Writes / @krexhatespushups-blog

Summary: He doesn’t know it, but everything in Dean Winchester’s life is part of a massive TV set. Executive Producer and “Creator” of Winchester 365, Chuck, controls every aspect of Dean’s life; even removing James, his true love, from the show after he told Dean that his decisions were not his own. Dean marries Lisa and even after ten years he never forgot James and what he said. Slowly but surely the cracks in his perfect life with Lisa begin to show, and Dean decides to find out the truth, but will Chuck let him go?

Link: "The Cracks That Let The Light In" (will become active asap!)

[honkytonkangelsspn]

Author Rex_Writes | Artist Zis

Rhythms, Refrains & Revelations

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 23.469

No Archive Warnings

Tags: Charlie Bradbury/Jo Harvelle, Alternate Universe-Modern Setting, Homophobic Language, First Kiss, High School Flashbacks, Arthur Ketch is an Asshole. 

Summary: When Jo Harvelle was in high school, she fell in love with her best friend. In a moment of weakness, Jo allowed small-town prejudices and high school bullies to tear them apart and while Charlie Bradbury disappeared from Jo’s life, Jo never forgot her.

Ten years later, in Nashville, Jo’s trying to make her dreams of being a country music star come true when she finds an old notebook of Charlie’s filled with her poetry. With Charlie’s words on her mind, Jo can’t help but wonder: could the talented poet C.R. Thompson that Jo interviews be her former best friend, and is there any chance that the person in C.R.’s poetry is Jo?

Can Jo and Charlie find their way back to each other through the rhythms and refrains of life?

Link to Fic & Art 

[spnfemslashbang]

Title: The One You’ve Waited For

Author: rex_writes

Artist: @ephemera

Rating: Explicit

Pairings: Charlie Bradbury/Meg Masters

Warnings:  No Archive Warnings Apply

Tags: Only One Bed,  Meg looks like she could kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll, First Kiss, Fingering, Oral Sex  

Posting Date: August 19

Summary: Charlie has been lusting after Meg Masters - prickly, sharp-tongued Meg - ever since she first met her. But Charlie was in a relationship and Meg was...Meg and Charlie never dreamed that anything could ever happen.So when a newly single Charlie is invited on a trip to Hawaii by her best friend Dean Winchester, and Meg just so happens to be tagging along, Charlie wonders if this is a sign. . But the universe isn't going to make it that easy for Charlie, because sometimes you have to survive a series of misunderstandings, miscommunications, meddling best friends, and a mistrustful Meg Masters before you can finally be with The One You've Waited For.

READ THE FIC HERE | SEE THE ART HERE

[deancaspinefest]

You Could Save Me (from the way I tend to be)  |  Mature |  63k

Author: deathbysandblk & Rex_Writes

Artist: Henri (aka caduceuzs)

Castiel Novak didn’t even want to go to college, but since his father is a professor at Kendrick University, the decision was made for him. Determined to get through the next four years as quickly as possible, Cas decides to keep his head down and focus on his music.

In an effort to get his father off his back about ‘enjoying his college experience’, Cas joins the Acafellas, one of the on-campus acapella groups. He’d enjoy the experience more if the group leader, Michael, didn’t have a psychotic vendetta against one of the other acapella groups, or if the rising star of that group—the Jockapellas—wasn’t the cocky yet charming Dean freaking Winchester, who seemed to be everywhere Castiel looked.

Will the Acafellas triumph over the Jockapellas? Will Castiel continue to keep Dean at arm’s length? Or will Dean be able to break through Castiel’s defenses and save Cas from the way he tends to be?

Link to fic | Link to art

Pairings: Dean/Cas (Past Cas/Mick, Gabriel/Sam, Past Michael/Benny, Sam/Kali, Michael/Adam)

Warnings: Mentions of alcohol, American underage drinking (under 21), Recreational Drug Usage, Sexual Harassment, Abuse of Boss/Employee Dynamic 

Tags: AU - College/University, AU - Pitch Perfect Fusion, Grumpy/Sunshine, UST

[deancaspinefest]

You Could Save Me (from the way I tend to be)

Author: Rex _Writes & deathbysandblk | Artist: Henri Posting on Thursday February 23

Castiel Novak didn’t even want to go to college, but since his father is a professor at Kendrick University, the decision was made for him. Determined to get through the next four years as quickly as possible, Cas decides to keep his head down and focus on his music. In an effort to get his father off his back about ‘enjoying his college experience’, Cas joins the Acafellas, one of the on-campus acapella groups. He’d enjoy the experience more if the group leader, Michael, didn’t have a psychotic vendetta against one of the other acapella groups, or if the rising star of that group—the Jockapellas—wasn’t the cocky yet charming Dean freaking Winchester, who seemed to be everywhere Castiel looked. Will the Acafellas triumph over the Jockapellas?  Will Castiel continue to keep Dean at arm’s length? Or will Dean be able to break through Castiel’s defenses and save Cas from the way he tends to be?

Keep reading for a sneak preview!

Dean turned his desk so it was facing Cas’ and smiled, “I guess it's a good thing  I sat beside you. You could’ve been stuck with Grumpy McGee over there.”  

Castiel followed Dean’s finger across the room to a very large and rough-looking guy, who had almost sat next to him but was now stuck with the perkiest girl Castiel had ever met, Becky Rosen. He couldn’t imagine how that pairing was going to work.  “But hey! We get to work together the whole semester!” Jesus. Cas didn’t know if Dean’s enthusiasm was annoying or adorable. Maybe a little of both. Cas tried to smile back at him, but he was sure it came out more of a grimace. “This is /unusual/ for a speech class, isn’t it? The whole partner's thing, I mean.” Dean looked around as if making sure no one was listening in, and whispered, “There’s a reason for that.” Cas leaned in closer so he could hear what Dean was saying and got a whiff of his cologne. He felt light-headed although whether that was from the cologne or just the sight of Dean, was anyone’s guess. “Oh? What’s that?” “I’ve heard rumors about this professor. Apparently, he’s a hardass and wants to be taken seriously so he makes things seriously difficult.  You heard him, the pair gets one grade, so that means that people have to rely on one another for their grades. But I mean, come on, cheer up. That’ll be no problem for the two of us. We’re the dream team!” Cas just laughed in agreement, but inside he was freaking the fuck out. Dream team? Who talks like that? And why did the idea of working closely with Dean all semester make Castiel want to throw up?  He had to get out there and soon before he accidentally said something stupid. Again.

[continue reading on Ao3 on Thursday February 23]

[deancaspinefest]

Whatever Makes You Happy |  Explicit |  27, 629

Author: Rex_Writes 

Artist: KitShay 

An aspiring songwriter, Dean Winchester spends his days in the local coffee shop, which just happens to be run by the most gorgeous man he has ever seen, Castiel Novak. This gorgeous man becomes his muse, songs flow out of Dean’s pen with the speed of a rushing river. Unfortunately, just like getting his songs heard, Castiel is just another thing Dean can’t have. He’s had his heart broken by a straight guy before and he can’t go through that again. Thankfully, Dean meets Lee Webb who is an amazing singer, AND he’s actually interested in Dean.  Will Dean stay with the man who’s a sure thing or will he risk everything for whatever makes him happy? 

Link to fic  |  Link to art 

Pairings: Dean/Cas (Dean/Lee Webb, Jo Harvelle/Charlie Bradbury)

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply 

Tags: Alternate Universe-Coffee Shop, Songwriter!Dean, Coffee Shop Owner!Castiel, Dean Winchester is an idiot, First Kiss, Angst with a Happy Ending

[deancaspinefest]

Who's ready to meet their 2024 Pinefest partners?

Art claims for the eighth annual Dean/Cas Pinefest have officially ended! 34 fics were claimed by 23 artists. Dean and Cas are going to be having big pine-filled feelings for so many pages, you guys.

Posting season will commence on pi(e) day, March 14th, with the posting schedule made available to participants on December 17th. Email introductions will be sent out to each team today -- please bear with us, as this is always a fiddly process.

In the meantime, you can venture under the cut for a full list of this year’s teams. Feel free to reach out to one another right away if you like -- or you can wait to receive the email.

FIC001 | Author: FriendofCarlotta Artist: Aggiedoll

FIC002 | Author: andimeantittosting Artist: Jayjayverse

FIC003 | Author: butterflyslinky Artist: CoyDahlia

FIC004 | Author: Trenchcoat_Paradigm Artist: P3ngu

FIC005 | Author: SamandDean76 Artist: xfancyfranart

FIC006 | Author: golby moon Artist: TwinOne

FIC007 | Author: one_more_offbeat_anthem Artist: Plumee

FIC008 | Author: Arlington Artist: sidewinder

FIC009 | Author: GhoulsnHalos Artist: king-of-moose

FIC010 | Author: LoversAntiquities Artist: Jollyrolls

FIC011 | Author: achwieloustig Artist: Jollyrolls

FIC012 | Author: ixia_ixora Artist: Aggiedoll

FIC013 | Author: casblackfeathers Artist: king-of-moose

FIC014 | Author: tea_or_die Artist: hexentaenzerin

FIC015 | Author: Hectatess Artist: ReverieOfForgotten

FIC016 | Author: mittensmorgul Artist: seidenapfel

FIC017 | [WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO CLAIMS]

FIC018 | Author: allthismusic Artist: eggchef

FIC019 | Author: Salamitsunami1 Artist: dolgoyangi

FIC020 | Author: s7jacket Artist: golby moon

FIC021 | Author: melancholictearz Artist: kireadraws

FIC022 | Author: seidenapfel Artist: Kit Shay

FIC023 | Author: Rex_Writes Artist: Kit Shay

FIC024 | Author: thisisapaige Artist: ReverieOfForgotten

FIC025 | Author: TwinOne Artist: Kit Shay

FIC026 | Author: casloveshisfreckles Artist: Kit Shay

FIC027 | Author: Baileys Artist: sidewinder

FIC028 | Author: sidewinder Artist: caught-a-dragonfly

FIC029 | Author: dothraki_shieldmaiden Artist: NeverSleepUntilFive

FIC030 | Author: kilvmaim Artist: Purgatory-jar

FIC031 | Author: MrBotanyB Artist: BasketcaseBetty

FIC032 | Author: MBQ Artist: girlinthemirrorbluenight

FIC033 | Author: Tossukka Artist: girlinthemirrorbluenight

FIC034 | Author: Fanboi214 Artist: hexentaenzerin

FIC035 | Author: wylf_storm Artist: TwinOne

[spnfemslashbang]

Title: The One You’ve Waited For

Author: rex_writes

Artist: Ephemera

Rating: Explicit

Pairings: Charlie Bradbury/Meg Masters

Warnings:  No Archive Warnings Apply

Tags: Only One Bed,  Meg looks like she could kill you but is actually a cinnamon roll, First Kiss, Fingering, Oral Sex  

Posting Date: August 19

Summary: Charlie has been lusting after Meg Masters - prickly, sharp-tongued Meg - ever since she first met her. But Charlie was in a relationship and Meg was...Meg and Charlie never dreamed that anything could ever happen.So when a newly single Charlie is invited on a trip to Hawaii by her best friend Dean Winchester, and Meg just so happens to be tagging along, Charlie wonders if this is a sign. . But the universe isn't going to make it that easy for Charlie, because sometimes you have to survive a series of misunderstandings, miscommunications, meddling best friends, and a mistrustful Meg Masters before you can finally be with The One You've Waited For. 

Keep reading for an short excerpt

“Fireball, really Meg? If I didn’t know any better I would think you were trying to get me drunk.” 

“Oh, honey. If I was trying to get you drunk, you would never see it coming,“ Meg purred, and Charlie nearly spat out her shot. 

Six shots and two shitty beers later Charlie was definitely drunk, but she also hadn’t had this much fun in a very long time. Meg hadn’t stopped touching Charlie since their second or third shot and they were nearly falling over one another swapping stories of how idiotic both Dean and Cas were during their “break up”. 

“He was so pitiful, like a goddamn lost puppy. I HATED seeing him like that, especially after the last guy that hurt him. Ooooh, Bart was a piece of work, and Clarence was so gone on him, he couldn’t see what an absolute asshole that guy was.” Meg took a swig of her beer. “Anyway, I think that’s why I hated Dean for so long, I didn't want to see Cas hurt like that again, you know?” 

“Oh my god, I get it. At least Cas doesn’t have incredibly self-destructive coping mechanisms. Did I tell you how I found Dean when I came over right after I found out?” 

Meg shook her head. 

“Oh my god, he drank an ENTIRE whiskey bottle the night before while watching old westerns on TV. And then later that night he was bawling on my shoulder while he puked up the entire contents of his stomach. He was a fucking mess. God, I’m so glad they made up.” Charlie rested her head on Meg’s shoulder and as soon as she realized the intimate nature of the movement she jerked her head back and nearly fell off the chair. 

“Woah, there Red…Okay, maybe we pause on the shots and get you some water.” Meg gestured to the bartender for two glasses of water. 

“Thanks, Meg. You’re a really good friend. You’re not the heinous bitch that everyone thinks you are.” Charlie’s eyes widened with the realization of what she just said. “No, I–I don’t think you’re a—I mean—just Dean thought you know when—and—shit. I’m drunk and I think you’re really pretty and you’re super intimidating, but in, like, a really hot way. And shut up Charlie. I’m sorry I sometimes can’t—” 

“You think I’m pretty?” Meg said quietly, no trace of the snark that was pervasive in everything she said. 

Charlie’s cheeks felt like they were on fire. “Um, yeah…you know that right, I mean you must have people tell you that all the time.” 

“Intimidating? Yes. A Bitch? All the fucking time. Pretty? No, never. I—-people never get close enough to get past those things.” 

“I—will you—um—Can I?” Charlie leaned in and closed her eyes, expecting Meg to close the distance and kiss her. After what felt like forever she opened her eyes and Meg was gone.