Summary: Dean gets a phone call from a very frightened and vulnerable Castiel who reveals he's now human. The older Winchester has to try and teach him to fight so he can be of some help in the Apocalypse, but will his feelings get in the way? PLEASE REVIEW!

Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters.

Pairing(s): Dean/Castiel, perhaps another pairing or two later.

A/N: Okay, guys...I'm not exactly following the plot with this one (although some details will remain the same). Bobby isn't in a wheelchair and Castiel is human. (YAY FOR HUMAN!CAS). I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS! It'll be set from early season 5ish...

I'll Be Here

Chapter One: Answer the Call

Castiel and Dean hadn't parted on the friendliest of terms, yet Dean couldn't help but be concerned when Castiel hadn't shown up for three weeks. Phone call after phone call, and yet there was no answer. Castiel wasn't answering Dean's prayers, so Dean though that maybe the guy just didn't want to be found.

The older Winchester spent those three weeks away from Sam and Bobby. Hell, the Apocalypse wouldn't wait, he got that…but he needed time alone, so he picked up the easier hunts while Bobby and Sam tackled the more dangerous ones involving demons…lots of demons.

After a simple salt and burn, Dean did his usual round of calling Bobby and Sam to make sure they were okay and to let them know how he was. He took a shower, had a beer, and settled down to watch Dr. Sexy MD, only to have his phone ring. Sam always called him back for something. The damn pansy always wanted to try and get Dean to go into Chick-Flick mode and try to talk stuff out, and Dean was prepared to tell him where to shove it until he saw the caller ID.

"Cas?" Dean asked, panicking as he heard wheezing, rasping breath on the other end of the line.

"Dean…help…" Castiel breathed, "They took my Grace, Dean…I'm hurt…I need you, please…"

"Where are you?" Dean asked, wincing as Castiel coughed on the other end of the line.

The older Winchester could tell during that last speech that Castiel was hurt pretty bad, and assumed that the poor guy would probably be ashamed too.

"I don't know…" Castiel choked, sounding so frightened that Dean's chest constricted for a moment, "I don't know, Dean…"

Dean tried to remain calm, but it was so hard what with Castiel being hurt and all…

"Okay, okay, don't panic…" Dean told the former angel, "I want you to look for any sign that could possibly indicate to me where you are, okay? If Bobby and Sam are closer to you I'll send them to get you, alright?"

Castiel swallowed thickly and Dean could hear the sound of ruffling, then Castiel sighed.

"I found a sign that says: Welcome to Colorado Springs." Castiel said quietly, "Are you near?"

Dean sighed with relief and threw his jacket on.

"I'm right here, Cas…I'm in Colorado Springs. I'm coming for you, buddy, you're doing great." Dean said softly, "Just stay put, alright? Don't move."

"Thank you." Castiel whispered, "Goodbye, Dean."

"Bye, Cas. I'll be there soon."

Without hesitation, Dean dove into the car and set off for the edge of town, hoping that he was heading for the right one.

Pulling up near the sign, Dean could see a battered and worn trenchcoat, the person wrapped in it laying by the roadside, bleeding, bruised and hurt.

He'd found Castiel.

-TBC-

Reviews are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this one, because I've got a feeling I'm going to. THANKS FOR READING xxxxx