Pet store, Fairy AU, f you're still doing the AU game. <3
Dean really loves his job.
Every day brings with it new challenges, new rewards, and new experiences—often in different and varying amounts. He gets to work with so many different creatures that end up in his sanctuary, looking to be placed with a Fae, and it’s his responsibility to match them with those that suit the very best.
Some days, though, are definitely harder than others, and today feels like one of them.
He’s just finished extinguishing the smoldering remains of what used to be one of the food dishes before the resident fire imp decided they didn’t like what was on the menu today, and there’s a young Fae poking at the beehive in the forest area with no parents to be seen.
“Please don’t,” he mutters under his breath as he watches, too tired at this point to micromanage unless something really bad happens, and sighs in relief as she loses interest and walk away.
For just a second, he gets to slump against his counter and look out at the sanctuary—at the places where old growth forest brushes against the tall ceiling, where the water in the pond transitions into solid ice, even the few fire pits along the edge of the room where at least one of the dragons is curled up and taking a nap. The sanctuary has to accommodate any creature who comes here to be placed, after all, and so Dean makes sure that it’s welcoming.
It’s always nice when he gets to take a step back and just enjoy the inviting, calming aura of the sanctuary.
And then the bell jingles as the door to the outside opens once more, and Dean barely stifles his groan.
“Hey, what can I help you with?” he asks on impulse, before he’s even properly laid eyes on this new customer, but as soon as he does… any further words die on his tongue.
This Fae is stunningly handsome—tall, with messy, dark hair and storm-blue eyes. Even without the blue amulet at his throat, Dean can automatically pick his Air-alignment. He radiates power.
And then the man smiles at him, warm and friendly, and Dean’s brain screeches to a halt even more because so many Air-aligned Fae that he’s met have been snooty and self-absorbed and for this stunning man to the total opposite of that…
Dean might be in trouble here.
“My name is Castiel, and I’m looking for a companion,” the man says, his voice a low rumble of thunder that reverberates through Dean’s bones. “I was told that you were the one to pay a visit to.”
“I sure am!” Dean says, far too enthusiastically—take it down a fucking notch, Winchester. Don’t scare the dude off. “My name’s Dean. Was there anything in particular you were looking for?”
Castiel’s lips quirk up further, and he shrugs one shoulder, casting his gaze away from Dean and across the great, cavernous room. “Not particularly. I believe I will know when I find the right creature. Do you have many companions of the Air here?”
Thank the gods that he’s dealing with someone who understands that finding a companion is most often the creature’s choice, and that a Fae can’t just pick whatever creature looks the most aesthetically pleasing or will give them a higher social standing. He’s liking Castiel more and more with every second.
As for companions of the Air… He doesn’t have as many of any other alignment as he does Earth, considering the green amulet around his neck and the fact that his own companion (a lanky, mossy-pawed tree spirit named Talamh) draws in a great number of his creatures, but he still manages to maintain a good balance across the other alignments.
“I have some, yeah. I’m sure we’ll be able to find one that’s a good fit, but I’ve gotta warn you…” He chuckles fondly, looking up towards the ceiling where most of the Air creatures reside. “You’ve gotta be a bit more patient if you want to get to meet them.”
When Dean looks back at Castiel, he finds that the Fae is watching him, a brightness in his eyes that makes Dean’s heart double-beat in his chest.
“That’s okay,” Castiel says, lips curled up in a smile. “I am more than capable of being patient. Perhaps, while we wait…you could show me around? I’ve heard so much about sanctuaries like these, and I would love to hear more about your work.”
Handsome? Friendly? Understands the bond between a Fae and their companion? Is interested in learning more about what Dean does, and maybe flirting with him just a little bit?
Dean is so gone.
“Of course,” he says, giving Castiel a giddy smile of his own. “Let me give you a tour.”