i love you but please explain to me how the heck "arthur pendragon is still dead" and "merlin is still alone" qualifty as GENTLE REMINDERS when reading them makes me feel like i've had the wind knocked out of me
I’ve been waiting on you or Hannah to notice that, to be honest. I feel a bit dreadful about it, but I must be a terrible person because it’s not too dreadful. :))
NO.6!AU:Castiel is a bright teenager living a comfortable and promising life inside No. 6, one of the six utopian city-states created after the the world was destroyed by an onslaught of supernatural creatures, including the dreaded demons. On the rainy evening of his twelfth birthday, a boy slips through Castiel's window, a boy that he later learns is, of all things, a demon. He can't help but feel sorry for the boy (Dean) and the two become reluctant companions. However, when they meet again 4 years later, things change and ties become stronger. For better or for worse, Castiel is going to learn more about No.6's shady history- and about himself.
ao3
In the chill of an underground room, somewhere on the outskirts of No.6, a little girl and her brother huddled close. Between them sat a third person, the person they had come to see. These days, many children flocked to this room to hear the melodic voice of Castiel reading from the frayed pages of one of his companion’s extensive collection of stories.
Cuddled up together on a surprisingly comfortable red couch, they peered up into Castiel’s scarlet eyes. He smiled back at them, wispy strands of snow white hair tickling his lips. “What story would you like me to read today? Macbeth?”
The two siblings shared a conspiratorial glance. Karan, the sister, nodded and turned her attention back to Castiel. “Actually, we were hoping you could tell us one of your own stories.”
“My stories?”
“Yeah… the one about how you and Dean met,” the little boy mumbled, playing with the frayed hem of his shirt.
To their relief, Castiel didn’t seem to be offended by their request. Of course, the only way you could possibly upset him was if you insulted Dean. Everyone knew that a single comment could land you six feet beneath the ground. He could actually be pretty scary when he wanted to be.
“I suppose,” Castiel chuckled softly, “I’ve never actually done this before, though, so bear with me.”
“That’s fine,” the two chimed in unison. Excited, they snuggled even closer to Castiel, propping their elbows on each of the young man’s thighs. People listened to Castiel read from novels and plays all the time, but not once had anyone asked to hear about his own history.
“Alright, well, I was only twelve years old when we first met…”
Sobbing because no matter how much he loved him, he couldn't save him. He could stop time and change the seasons with a smile but he couldn't beat fate, and he had to hold him as he died. And it's not fair. It's not fair that instead of the thousand sunrises they were promised, that they only got one last goodbye. It's not fair that after everything, he still lost him.