All I Want Is You

Chapter 7: Introductions and Introspections

"A-Are you sure they won't hate me? Did you check to make sure it was okay? Do I look alright?" The angelic boy beside me worried, blabbering on as he subconsciously fiddled with his hands — something he frequently does when he's nervous, I'd come to realise.

"Yes, yes and you look incredible as always, angel." I chuckled and smiled at him.

It was officially Christmas Eve as we sped out of the city and down into the rural countryside roads, the back seats and boot of my Audi filled to the brim with presents and our luggage; which Castiel likened to Santa's sleigh and pointed out that I, as Rudolph was even driving it. We were on our way to my parent's house for Christmas, and Cas's nerves were high, so I was doing my best to keep his spirits higher.

I peered at Cas from the corner of my eye as I shifted gears. After being reunited with them, Cas was donning his beanie and denim jacket once again. To try and settle his anxiety, I'd draped my leather jacket over him and he was snuggling into it like a nest. He'd turned to the window, facing the flash and blur of snow-blanketed trees and icy banks. Yet his eyes were glossed over, and so I knew he was too deep to actually take it in.

"Perhaps you should drop me off at a nearby hotel or something... I don't want to intrude," He said sadly and I turned my full attention to him as we stopped at a set of traffic lights.

I put my hand on his thigh and rubbed it soothingly. He turned to face me and I gazed into his sparkling, diamond eyes. They peered back at me, full to the brim with emotion and thoughts, almost unfocused in his panic.

"Cas, don't worry. They want to meet you! Trust me, it's all my sister could talk about when I phoned up to let her know we were coming!" I grinned.

It was true, I couldn't get her to shut up and she wouldn't let me go until I told her all about him. I made her promise not to say too much to Mum and Dad, I wanted to do it myself. She understood and agreed, before scolding me for withholding it from her this long. Honestly, it seemed like she was more excited to see Cas than me...

"Besides, you gave me a chance to give you a proper Christmas, right?"Even if they don't like you, which is impossible because you're the definition of an angel, I'll still spend it with you and I wouldn't have it any other way." I reminded him and he nodded slowly, whispering an apology. "It's fine, don't worry. You're with your Rudolph, I'll guide you the right way."

Cas smiled slightly.

"Even if you do lead me astray," He quipped and I snickered.

"I just take you via the scenic route!" I defended jokingly and Cas giggled. That was more like it, there was the Cas I know and I love. " Now how 'bout we listen to some Christmas music?" I suggested and Cas nodded again, this time more profusely and with vigour.

I'd never really been a fan of Christmas songs, mostly because they all seem to be about love of some kind — like, all of them. Seriously, go on Spotify or Apple Music, find a playlist, and see how many of them are about romance or heartbreak of some kind. Nonetheless, ever since I met Castiel my perspective and appreciation of Christmas and, to an extent, the whole world had changed.

I realised now just how fortunate I was. I had a stable family, a secure future and people who accepted me for who I was. My parents weren't perfect, but nobody is. Above all else, they still loved me for all my faults and it was time I began to appreciate that more. Hearing Cas' situation reinforced that more than ever and I vowed to make sure I made Cas feel as loved and treasured as he deserved, for as long as he would allow me.

"You okay?" Cas' soft voice brought me out of my thoughts and I blinked, nodding. "The light's been green for a while..."

I gave him a sheepish look.