Huge thanks to jjess001, AlexisSinger0315, and XXXTITANIA SCARLETXXX for your awesome reviews! It really means the world to me that you guys enjoy it- I love to hear from you, and I'll try my best to get back to your comments.

Anyway. Let's get on with it.

RECAP:

After punching in the numbers that he hoped he would never see (but still memorized nonetheless) he called. The line rang for an agonizingly long time before Castiel finally heard a voice on the other end greeting him. Checking for witnesses and finding none, he stepped out from the shelter of the alley.

"I need a favor."

"Castiel?" A professional voice from the other line rang out. There was a brief shuffling sound in the background and someone was shushed. Cas kept walking along the road- the rain seemed to have eased, but the sky was still dark.

Before he had time to say anything, the voice rushed, "What's wrong? Why did you call?" The voice asked urgently, "Is Dean alright?"

"Yes, he's- Dean is fine. I just ran into some trouble."

The line was quiet for a moment. "What kind of trouble?" The voice asked, sounding exasperated but still relieved.

"A few vampires. I already took care of it," he rushed to explain, chancing a glance over his shoulder at the alley, "but I want extra protection for Dean."

"Extra? He already has an angel watching over him, what more does he need?"

"My grace still isn't at full capacity," Cas explained, pulling his drenched trench coat around him tighter in an effort to stay warm, "Either way, I can't be with him 24/7."

There was a pause as the person contemplated. "So what are you suggesting?"

"Is that witch still on our side?"

"We are still on good terms with some members of the Coven, yes. What do you need?"

"Some sort of enchanted item. I don't really care what, but something that he can keep with him at all times. An amulet, maybe. With sigils, warding against vampires, werewolves, spirits, demons, the works."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

"I'll have someone meet you. And Cas?"

"What?"

"Be careful. Watch out for yourself, too."

"I can handle myself, Eva." Castiel replied curtly, hanging up the phone. He began the long trek back to his apartment.

Castiel bounced his leg, nervously waiting at the meeting point. It was some park near the edge of town; he was sitting on a bench trying his best not to look like someone partaking in a drug deal. It was a little difficult with the ominous trench coat, no matter how sentimental it had become to him.

He was keeping an eye out for any shady characters. Eva already sent someone out, and they were supposed to meet him here. He was early.

He didn't quite know how he expected it to go down. He half entertained the idea that Eva herself would show up, but he thought better of it. She was too occupied running the Men of Letters to check in with an old friend.

Finally, a few minutes after the designated meeting time, someone walked by in front of the bench. The man dropped a small leather bag on Castiel's lap. Cas watched as he continued walking without so much as a glance over his shoulder.

He waited until the man was out of sight before looking down to examine the bag. He picked it up, opening the drawstring and gingerly emptying the contents.

It was an amulet. It seemed very simple, really, just a small nub of brass with the shape of a face carved into it- but Cas, of all people, knew that looks could be deceiving. He could sense the magic energy flowing from it, the result of several warding spells and enchantments.

Hopefully it would be enough to protect Dean.

"What is this, Cas?" Dean studied the amulet in confusion. He turned the metal totem between his fingers, examining the strange shape carved into it.

Cas cursed himself for not taking the time to come up with a cover story. He assumed that Dean would just accept it and that would be the end of it.

"Uhm-", Cas stuttered. All his time trying to blend in with humans, and he still hadn't picked up on the one skill they all mastered- lying.

His mind raced with an excuse. Eventually he found one, "It's an old family heirloom. For protection." Close enough.

Dean nodded, seeming to accept the story, and Cas quietly released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

A small smile found its way on Dean's face.

"Thanks." It was a strange gesture, but one he wouldn't turn down. He put on the amulet, latching it on with the metal clasp on the back. It was the perfect length, and came to settle on his chest.

And there it would stay, for years to come.

Is there anything you guys want me to tie into this AU from Supernatural? So far I have the amulet, the Men of Letters, Dean's choice of layers, and Cas' blade. I might tie in the Impala later, but I don't really know how I'd give it a different origin in the AU. Ideas?