I'll Protect You, Always (Supernatural AU/ Castiel love story )

Chapter 1

16 years later
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"ANNABELLE WAKE UP! WAKE UP! ANNABELLE!" The voice got louder as it called out to me. My eyes then quickly shot open. I rapidly began to take in my surroundings and in doing so, I noticed how heavily I was breathing.

"You're fine Annabelle, you were just dreaming," said the rough voice coming from the left of me.

"You were screaming very loudly, I had to wake you up. You were scaring all the birds away from the window."

I looked to my right to see no birds at the window, where they usually were. I scoffed and shook my head in disbelief. I guess he was right. I looked to my left and saw Castiel, standing as tall and proud as ever, watching me.

"What was it that you were dreaming about?" He tried to look concerned, but I could tell he didn't really know how.

"I think you know, Castiel. Same thing I always dream about. The night my parents died and you saved me," I groaned loudly as I slide myself out of the creaky old bed. I was always uncomfortable talking about that night with him. I know he saved me but, I never really ever felt safe.

For the past sixteen years there was always this presence looming over me. A strong sense of dread. I could never shake it. It haunts me to this very day.

"Well, you know I am always here, if you need to ummm, talk. But, I have to warn you my people skills are a bit rusty," he looked down at the ground with red spots on his cheeks. I knew he couldn't talk to me about it. But, I was flattered that he made the effort.

I stretched my legs out on the floor below me and stood up. I walked up to Castiel and gave him a soft squeeze. In a sudden rush of bravery, I stooped down and buried my face into his over-sized tan trench coat.

"Thank you, Castiel. That means a lot to me," I smiled up at him, and watched as a confused looked fell upon him. He quickly wiped the look from his face, smiled down at me, and hugged me back.

"You're welcome, I'm just glad I could offer," he then regained his same posture that he always had, tall and proud. I personally always liked warm and soft Castiel much more. This all powerful and proud Castiel often tended to annoy me.

Realizing how long our embrace had lasted, Castiel pushed away and cleared his throat.

"Well, I am going to the store to buy apples, would you like anything from the store with the red circles on it?"

I tried hiding my disappointed grimace as Castiel took a step away from me. Castiel never was one for showing affection. Knowing Castiel he probably meant Target when he was talking about the red circles, the thought brought a small smile to my face.

I chuckled slightly at his ignorance of humans and sarcastically replied, "No Castiel, I've got all I need right here in our warm little hotel room." I knew it was not his fault we had to live in a hotel room instead of a real home, but I often became weary from having to kill 3 cockroaches a day, that somehow always make it into the showers.

He looked at me like he was unsure if I was telling the truth. Silly me for always forgetting he did not understand sarcasm.

Suddenly, his face went went rigid and hard and he said, "Alright, lock the door, check the symbols, and keep the knife by your side at all times." Ah, yes. The usual routine.

He started to walk away but turned to me and asked, "You do have the angel blade still, right?"

I reached behind me and pulled out a long silver blade. Shiny and sharp just as it had always been ever since I was four. My favorite birthday present. Kind of crappy, right? To give a child a weapon, or to have to give a child a weapon.