Destiel Harlequin Challenge

A destiel writing and art challenge for lovers of cheesy romance novels. Posting August 2021! Check out our wiki: https://destiel-harlequin-challenge.fandom.com/wiki/

[destielharlequinchallenge]

CHALLENGE CLOSED FOR 2021

Hello, hello! To everyone who’s been following along, we wanted to announce that the Destiel Harlequin Challenge Mega-Bang 2021 has officially come to an end!! 

You can find our AO3 collection here, and the art posts on our tumblr, where we’ve been reblogging them. If any artist or writer hasn’t seen their work cross our dash, please let us know, we’ll add you in!!

As always, this was an amazing, fun challenge for us to host! Thank you to all our wonderful participants who pulled it off, your works are amazing, and we love you!! 

As for the next round, we will be posting more details of it coming forth; we’re not sure if a mini-bang will be doable, and we will definitely not be doing any other bangs this year. However, stay tuned for more info on the next mega-bang; the mods are still discussing the hows and the whens of that! 

Happy creating, and we’ll see you soon!

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: Outrunning Duty

Summary: It’s no secret that the royal and patrician families of the Commonwealth marry for duty, not love. Crown Prince Dean Campbell should be the same, except he’s half Hathern mercenary and Ghost Runner. He’s also a staunch believer in free will. 

Prince Castiel Shurley isn’t delighted at the idea of marriage either. He’s happy commanding his battlecruiser, The Seraph. But he will do his duty and marry Dean because the King, and the Commonwealth command it. 

Going to neutral territory to get to know one another should have been easy. But with oracles declaring theirs is a God ordained love, ex-lovers and would-be lovers going after them and Dean’s Ghost Runner reputation catching up with him, getting to know one another isn’t as easy as it sounds. Can Dean and Castiel learn that duty and love aren’t mutually exclusive?

Rating: Explicit

Major Archive Warnings: Canon-typical violence, Dub-con (not between Destiel)

Pairings: Dean/Castiel

Tags/Warnings: Arranged Marriage, Dub-con/Non-con (not between Destiel), Canon-Typical Violence

Preview: 

You could do so much worse than Castiel. The guy’s sharp as anything, brilliant dry humour, and you know he’s good looking.”

“You marry him then.”

“I probably would, if he was on the list and not promised to you.”

Shattering glass muffled Dean’s reply.

“So, you do like him?”

Interesting.

Writer: GhoulsnHalos (Morgawse)

Link: AO3

[friendofcarlotta]

My friend tiamatv wrote this absolutely stunning fantasy AU for the @destielharlequinchallenge. Please stop what you're doing right now and go read it.

(I made the banner, so don't go blaming her for my poor art skills. :-))

Storm and Sentinel

Rated: E | 64,391 words

Summary: Dean doesn’t care if Castiel is the most powerful storm-mage ever seen. They’ve known each other since they were kids. They slept with Sam in a pile against the eldritch storms that turn people black-eyed and mean, or burn whole villages to the ground with scarlet lightning. He was there when Cas’s powers Awoke; he was there when Cas got adopted by the Archmagus of the Magisterium. He’s been there to hold Cas when the nightmares are so bad that Cas’s silver-blue aura goes dark and stained.

It doesn’t matter that Castiel’s going on this insane quest to challenge the Dark God, Dean’s still his best friend and his Sentinel. If Cas is gonna go do something fucking stupid, well… Dean’s going to be right there doing something fucking stupid alongside him.

It’d be nice if Dean weren’t in love with the asshole, though.

{Read it here}

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: Outrunning Duty

Summary: It's no secret that the royal and patrician families of the Commonwealth marry for duty, not love. Crown Prince Dean Campbell should be the same, except he's half Hathern mercenary and Ghost Runner. He's also a staunch believer in free will. 

Prince Castiel Shurley isn't delighted at the idea of marriage either. He's happy commanding his battlecruiser, The Seraph. But he will do his duty and marry Dean because the King, and the Commonwealth command it. 

Going to neutral territory to get to know one another should have been easy. But with oracles declaring theirs is a God ordained love, ex-lovers and would-be lovers going after them and Dean's Ghost Runner reputation catching up with him, getting to know one another isn't as easy as it sounds. Can Dean and Castiel learn that duty and love aren't mutually exclusive?

Rating: Explicit

Major Archive Warnings: Canon-typical violence, Dub-con (not between Destiel)

Pairings: Dean/Castiel

Tags/Warnings: Arranged Marriage, Dub-con/Non-con (not between Destiel), Canon-Typical Violence

Preview: 

You could do so much worse than Castiel. The guy’s sharp as anything, brilliant dry humour, and you know he’s good looking.”

“You marry him then.”

“I probably would, if he was on the list and not promised to you.”

Shattering glass muffled Dean’s reply.

“So, you do like him?”

Interesting.

Writer: GhoulsnHalos (Morgawse)

Link: AO3

[friendofcarlotta]

My friend tiamatv wrote this absolutely stunning fantasy AU for the @destielharlequinchallenge. Please stop what you're doing right now and go read it.

(I made the banner, so don't go blaming her for my poor art skills. :-))

Storm and Sentinel

Rated: E | 64,391 words

Summary: Dean doesn’t care if Castiel is the most powerful storm-mage ever seen. They’ve known each other since they were kids. They slept with Sam in a pile against the eldritch storms that turn people black-eyed and mean, or burn whole villages to the ground with scarlet lightning. He was there when Cas’s powers Awoke; he was there when Cas got adopted by the Archmagus of the Magisterium. He’s been there to hold Cas when the nightmares are so bad that Cas’s silver-blue aura goes dark and stained.

It doesn’t matter that Castiel’s going on this insane quest to challenge the Dark God, Dean’s still his best friend and his Sentinel. If Cas is gonna go do something fucking stupid, well… Dean’s going to be right there doing something fucking stupid alongside him.

It’d be nice if Dean weren’t in love with the asshole, though.

{Read it here}

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: In Plain Sight 

Summary: Emmanuel Allan is a known Investigator, but unknown to others is his full name and parentage as the Seraphim Castiel, humans created to protect the Echelons from those who would wish its destruction or to cause chaos. However, he is in need of a new pair of eyes to discover who has been kidnapping many people. To that end, he will need a dutiful secretary. 

Dean Winchester hates having to pose as a secretary to anyone in Echelon, especially Investigator Allan, but he’ll suffer if it means finding his brother Sam. But with all that he sees now, he wonders if perhaps the strange man might also be the way to finding the Seraphim Castiel, and stopping his work. 

With time possibly running out, and many mysteries to uncover, will the two manage to make the other a nemesis to be feared, or an ally to keep?

Rating: M 

Major Archive Warnings: Violence, Explicit Sexual Content 

Pairings: Dean/Castiel 

Tags/Warnings: Post-Apocalyptic Society, Uneven Class System, Dubcon (mild), Torture (reference), Non-Con Body Modification (mentioned), Science-as-Magic

Writer: Felicia Angel

Link: AO3

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: inconvenient fireworks 

Summary: When his doctor prescribed a ‘sea change’ to combat high blood pressure, accounting executive Castiel Novak didn’t anticipate it to be so literal. Now, he’s stuck living on an island for the next twelve months, helping to manage a failing bookstore. Castiel expects to put in his year, turn the shop around, and then get back to his old life.

What he can’t prepare for, however, is Dean Winchester, high school dropout and grease monkey, who worms his way into Castiel’s late-night fantasies. The growing attraction is inconvenient since Dean is looking for something more long-term, and Castiel’s stay is only temporary. But when Castiel discovers Dean used to live the high life, his perspective begins to change.

Just when Castiel thinks he can have it all, Dean’s past is revealed and threatens to ruin everything, and Castiel is forced to reevaluate what he truly wants in life.

Rating: M 

Warnings: None

Pairing: Dean/Cas 

Other Characters: Gabriel, Rowena MacLeod, brief others 

Tags: Bookstore AU, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Misunderstandings, Castiel and Dean Winchester Need to Use Their Words, featuring Crowley the Cat  

Author: Chi Yagami

Preview:

“This is a bookstore, not a library,” Castiel reprimands, “so if you don’t intend to purchase something, I suggest you leave.”

“Anyone ever told you you’re an asshole?” the stranger grins, all bright eyes and freckles that Castiel can’t seem to ignore. “Since you’re barking orders like a grand moff, I’ll assume you’re the new owner?” the man jokes, arm outstretched for a handshake.

“Castiel Novak,” he replies sharply, arms stiff at his sides. He has no idea where the stranger’s hands have been, but they look filthy.

Lowering his hand, the man regards him coolly. “Dean Winchester.”

Link: AO3

[lesbiandeancas]

I’m very excited to post my entry for the 2021 Destiel Harlequin Challenge ( @destielharlequinchallenge ) based on the prompt Dance With Me!

[I.D.: in one digital painting, Dean, dressed in a football uniform, approaches Cas, dressed in white tights and a loose button down shirt, on a stage. Cas holds a hand out and Dean reaches for it.

In another, Dean, dressed in a pink dress, tutu, tights, and slippers, dances up close to Cas, who wears a white shirt and black tights. Dean’s hand is on Cas’s chest and their faces are touching at the cheeks. A swirl of colorful patterns circles them.

In the third digital painting, Dean and Cas wear red and pink leggings and flats, respectively. Cas pushes Dean against a wall, one hand on his chest. A burst of yellow halos Cas’ head, and yellow, pink, and blue lines radiate from their bodies.]

SUMMARY: [Dean Winchester] has bounced back, more or less, from the neck injury that permanently benched his semipro football career. He hates his soul-killing office job, but he loves volunteering at a local community center. The only fly in his ointment is the dance instructor, [Castiel], who can’t seem to stay out of his way.

Cas was once one of the most celebrated ballet dancers in the world, but now he volunteers at Halcyon Center to avoid his society mother’s machinations. It would be a perfect escape, except for the oaf of a football player cutting him glares from across the room.

When Cas has a ballroom ballet dancing emergency and Dean stands in as his partner, their perceptions of each other turn upside down. Dancing leads to friendship, being friends leads to becoming lovers, but most important of all, their partnership shows them how to heal the pain of their pasts. Because with every turn across the floor, Dean and Cas realize the only escape from their personal demons is to keep dancing—together.

[destielharlequinchallenge]

How lovely is this??!!! Find it on AO3 as well here!

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: The Congressman’s Consort

Summary: Dean Winchester was the upstart congressman from Kansas who was already building a reputation as a maverick on the political scene. He had come to Washington with a clear goal in mind, and a lot of people were depending on him to get the job done. The only problem was the stress and pressure of having the weight of so many expectations sitting on his shoulders. He needed an outlet and thought he’d found it at the feet of a gorgeous blue-eyed dom who promised absolute discretion.

Castiel Novak was no stranger to the game of power and politics played by DC’s elite. He offered his services to men with very particular tastes and guaranteed privacy in return for the money he needed to pay for tuition. It was good business until an evening with Dean Winchester made him wish that his professional life could cross over into his personal one.

When their relationship is exposed by the press, Dean’s career and Castiel’s life are threatened. The only way through seems to be a marriage of convenience, but what happens when they both want the lie to become real?

Rating: E

Major Archive Warnings: N/A

Pairings: Dean/Cas

Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe, BDSM, Fake Marriage, Sex Worker Castiel, Politician Dean

Writer: @briston4274

Preview: 

Dean didn’t know who Castiel Novak was, but the photo of the man entering and leaving the condo was definitely ‘James’. And wasn’t this a damn shame because he liked James. Really liked James, like they had some kind of connection or bond that he couldn’t put his finger on. They’d only met once, but he’d been looking forward to seeing him again in the worst way. Dom for hire or not, James had gotten under his skin and the itch hadn’t left.

Link: AO3

[one-more-offbeat-anthem]

Hi-ho everyone, my fic for the 2021 round of the @destielharlequinchallenge is finally here! If you don’t know, for this event authors claim harlequin romance novel summaries and then write a fic based on theirs, so it’s all about that cheesy romance that we all secretly love :)

You can read my fic, Transmissions, here, and the summary is below! Posting ends September fifth and there are a bunch of other great fics in this event, so be sure to check them out!

What do you do when your future has been chosen for you?

Castiel Novak is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the spaceship Godspeed, headed for a new planet far, far away from his home planet of Centauri after embarrassing his family and being promised in marriage to a man he doesn’t know as retribution. But two years before Godspeed is scheduled to land, cryo chamber 18 is mysteriously unplugged, wrenching Castiel from his frozen slumber.

Now, Castiel is stuck inside the Godspeed as a prisoner of Eldest, the frightening leader of the ship, ruling over all the workers within. Elder, Eldest’s rebellious son, is put in charge of him and Castiel is both drawn by Elder’s mysterious demeanor and brilliant green eyes, and put off by his position as Eldest’s heir.

When Castiel’s problems follow him onto the ship via a group of invaders, his new bond with Elder is tested, and Castiel learns a truth about Elder that changes everything. Can Castiel figure out why his chamber was unplugged and learn a way out of the life he’s been trapped in, or is he destined to never be free?

(Rating: explicit, no major archive warnings)

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Queers in space, anyone? <3

[rathskitten]

Title: Taking Care of Mr. Winchester

Pairing: Dean/Castiel

Rating: Explicit

Author: @rathskitten

Beta: @briston4274

Written For: @destielharlequinchallenge

Word Count: 23K

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder

Major Tags: boss/employee relationship, John Winchester’s A++ parenting, past abusive relationship, top!Castiel, bottom!Dean, d/s undertones, executive assistant Castiel, marketing executive Dean, explicit sexual content

Summary: Taking place in the It’s a Terrible Life universe (kinda), Castiel is Dean’s executive assistant who cares a little too much. It only gets worse after they share a passionate evening after hours in the office, which has Dean spiralling and Cas trying to make sure his boss doesn’t drop dead in the office. Once he figures out Dean has an eating disorder, Castiel tries his best to help him through.

Link: AO3

Except: “I think we’ve established that it’s not your name on the company letterhead and we’re both off the clock.” Castiel stood up and rounded the desk slowly, giving Dean plenty of time to back out.

“Please.” Dean opened his legs so Castiel could move in even closer. “Let’s, uh, burn those calories.”

Castiel grinned and did what he’d secretly wanted to do since his first day at Sandover: Bury his hands in Dean’s hair and pull him in for a filthy kiss, so he could finally feel those plush lips against his own and mess Dean up a little.

[destielharlequinchallenge]

[friendofcarlotta]

Written for the @destielharlequinchallenge​ | Rated: E | 48,199 words

Summary: Running an independent bookstore in one of the less glamorous California towns doesn’t make you rich, but Dean Winchester’s life is pretty much perfect anyway. He’s got amazing friends, a whip-smart brother and a husband he loves more than anything: novelist Castiel Novak.

Then one night, driving home from work, Dean accidentally runs over a cat. The cat’s grieving owner curses Dean: his beloved will lose all memory of him, and Dean has only a year and a day to bring the memories back.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a curse.

Is there?

{Read it here}

Preview: Slowly, telegraphing the move, Dean raises one of his hands and rests it on Cas’ shoulder. He’s far enough away that the reach is a little awkward, but he doesn’t want Cas to feel like he’s being crowded. His knees almost buckle when Cas covers Dean’s hand with his.

Cas looks up at him, something heartbreakingly sincere in his gaze, and God, he’s right there, but Dean still misses him.

“Tell me something else about us,” Cas asks, his voice almost shy.

“Sure. What do you want to know?” Dean croaks, struggling not to stare at where their hands are still touching.

“The book, The Lover’s Song. The dedication says it wouldn’t exist without you. Why does it say that?”

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Amnesia Fic!!! 

[spnsmile]

Title: Black Insomnia

Written by: spnsmile

Art by: @verobatto

Written for @destielharlequinchallenge

Pairing: Castiel/ Dean

Rating: Explicit

Tags: AU, First Meeting, Psychological, Crime, Smut, Top!Cas

Warning: Graphic Depiction of Violence, Dubious Consent

Summary:

Imagine what life would be like if panic ruled your world at the mere thought of going to bed at night. For a year, Dean Winchester has been crippled by extreme phobia of sleep. Enter Dr. Castiel Novak an ex-license psychiatrist with history of swindling giant Black Market organizations and he doesn’t come cheap. Together, they agreed to work together after striking a very strange deal to save Dean’s declining health. What happens when the dose is the poison?

LINK TO FIC

LINK TO ART

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Have you read this little gem yet?

[verobatto-messy-art]

Hi!! I'm so so happy to show you this work to all of you.

It was a pleasure to work with my dearest friend @spnsmile. We teamed up for @destielharlequinchallenge . She wrote this amazing fic titled: "Black Insominia", sexy and romantic, you can find it here.

These are the art pieces. Enjoy!

NSFW pic full version here!

Traditional Drawing. Acrylics. Color Pencils. Ink pen. Click on the images for a better resolution.

[destielharlequinchallenge]

GORGEOUS <3

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: In Plain Sight 

Summary: Emmanuel Allan is a known Investigator, but unknown to others is his full name and parentage as the Seraphim Castiel, humans created to protect the Echelons from those who would wish its destruction or to cause chaos. However, he is in need of a new pair of eyes to discover who has been kidnapping many people. To that end, he will need a dutiful secretary. 

Dean Winchester hates having to pose as a secretary to anyone in Echelon, especially Investigator Allan, but he’ll suffer if it means finding his brother Sam. But with all that he sees now, he wonders if perhaps the strange man might also be the way to finding the Seraphim Castiel, and stopping his work. 

With time possibly running out, and many mysteries to uncover, will the two manage to make the other a nemesis to be feared, or an ally to keep?

Rating: M 

Major Archive Warnings: Violence, Explicit Sexual Content 

Pairings: Dean/Castiel 

Tags/Warnings: Post-Apocalyptic Society, Uneven Class System, Dubcon (mild), Torture (reference), Non-Con Body Modification (mentioned), Science-as-Magic

Writer: Felicia Angel

Link: AO3

[destielharlequinchallenge]

Title: inconvenient fireworks 

Summary: When his doctor prescribed a 'sea change' to combat high blood pressure, accounting executive Castiel Novak didn't anticipate it to be so literal. Now, he's stuck living on an island for the next twelve months, helping to manage a failing bookstore. Castiel expects to put in his year, turn the shop around, and then get back to his old life.

What he can't prepare for, however, is Dean Winchester, high school dropout and grease monkey, who worms his way into Castiel's late-night fantasies. The growing attraction is inconvenient since Dean is looking for something more long-term, and Castiel's stay is only temporary. But when Castiel discovers Dean used to live the high life, his perspective begins to change.

Just when Castiel thinks he can have it all, Dean's past is revealed and threatens to ruin everything, and Castiel is forced to reevaluate what he truly wants in life.

Rating: M 

Warnings: None

Pairing: Dean/Cas 

Other Characters: Gabriel, Rowena MacLeod, brief others 

Tags: Bookstore AU, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Misunderstandings, Castiel and Dean Winchester Need to Use Their Words, featuring Crowley the Cat  

Author: Chi Yagami

Preview:

“This is a bookstore, not a library,” Castiel reprimands, “so if you don't intend to purchase something, I suggest you leave.”

“Anyone ever told you you're an asshole?” the stranger grins, all bright eyes and freckles that Castiel can't seem to ignore. “Since you're barking orders like a grand moff, I’ll assume you're the new owner?” the man jokes, arm outstretched for a handshake.

“Castiel Novak,” he replies sharply, arms stiff at his sides. He has no idea where the stranger's hands have been, but they look filthy.

Lowering his hand, the man regards him coolly. “Dean Winchester.”

Link: AO3

[lesbiandeancas]

I’m very excited to post my entry for the 2021 Destiel Harlequin Challenge ( @destielharlequinchallenge ) based on the prompt Dance With Me!

[I.D.: in one digital painting, Dean, dressed in a football uniform, approaches Cas, dressed in white tights and a loose button down shirt, on a stage. Cas holds a hand out and Dean reaches for it.

In another, Dean, dressed in a pink dress, tutu, tights, and slippers, dances up close to Cas, who wears a white shirt and black tights. Dean’s hand is on Cas’s chest and their faces are touching at the cheeks. A swirl of colorful patterns circles them.

In the third digital painting, Dean and Cas wear red and pink leggings and flats, respectively. Cas pushes Dean against a wall, one hand on his chest. A burst of yellow halos Cas’ head, and yellow, pink, and blue lines radiate from their bodies.]

SUMMARY: [Dean Winchester] has bounced back, more or less, from the neck injury that permanently benched his semipro football career. He hates his soul-killing office job, but he loves volunteering at a local community center. The only fly in his ointment is the dance instructor, [Castiel], who can’t seem to stay out of his way.

Cas was once one of the most celebrated ballet dancers in the world, but now he volunteers at Halcyon Center to avoid his society mother’s machinations. It would be a perfect escape, except for the oaf of a football player cutting him glares from across the room.

When Cas has a ballroom ballet dancing emergency and Dean stands in as his partner, their perceptions of each other turn upside down. Dancing leads to friendship, being friends leads to becoming lovers, but most important of all, their partnership shows them how to heal the pain of their pasts. Because with every turn across the floor, Dean and Cas realize the only escape from their personal demons is to keep dancing—together.

[destielharlequinchallenge]

How lovely is this??!!! Find it on AO3 as well here!