Like a Storybook Story
Summary: Dean had only a few hobbies - hunting monsters, riding Baby - his beloved horse, and teasing the former angel and current farmhand, Castiel. Yup, we're doing a Princess Bride AU!
A/N: Well, I'm branching out a bit – firstly by doing an AU, secondly by posting this multi-chapter WIP. I'm glad to say I'm pretty far along in the writing, and so chapter updates should be pretty regular, at least for awhile. Reviews always appreciated!
Chapter One:
Ten-year-old Jack Kline was laid up in his room, sick with the flu. Even though his whole body ached and his stomach felt gross, he wished his mother would let him out of bed. He was an energetic kid who loved baseball and climbing trees, and was not content to lay still. After three days of being trapped inside, even his favorite video game could not keep his attention.
His mom, Kelly, came in to check on him. "Hey kiddo! Feeling better?"
Jack gave a noncommittal grunt.
"Well, good news! Your dad is here."
Jack grinned. Despite the fact that his parents had never gotten married, Jack had a great father who loved him very much. "Awesome!" he exclaimed. "Last time, he said he'd bring his glove and we could play catch!" Jack made to get out of bed, but Kelly pushed him back with a gentle hand to his chest.
"I'm sorry, Jack. It's freezing out and you're still sick. I don't want you getting pneumonia on top of everything. Maybe you and your dad can do something else together."
Jack deflated, looking around his room miserably. "But he doesn't even like video games..."
"Well, he may have brought a surprise for you."
There was a knock on Jack's door, even though it was partially open. Kelly and Jack looked over and saw his father peeking through the gap. "May I come in?" he asked.
Jack nodded eagerly. "Hi Dad! Did you bring me a present?"
His father grinned, stepped into the room, and revealed a wrapped package from behind his back. "I did indeed, Jack."
He handed over the gift and Jack ripped it open at once.
"A book?" To tell the truth, he was a little disappointed, but tried not to show it. It had been a long time since he'd gotten a present that wasn't somehow sports-related. "The Prince's Groom," Jack said, reading the title out loud. "Is this a girl book, Dad?"
His mom chuckled as Jack's father sighed. She ruffled her son's hair before leaving the two men alone. Jack's father grabbed the nearby desk chair and rolled it over to the bedside. He removed his long coat and draped it over the back before sitting down. "Just because it says prince doesn't make it girly, Jack, and even if it did, there's nothing wrong with that. I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
"Does it have any action?"
"Of course! Fencing and fighting! Angels and demons and giants!"
Jack smiled slightly and opened the book. "Doesn't sound too bad," he said, skimming the pages.
"I'd like to read it to you, if you don't mind."
Jack looked at him. He could read on his own, or course, and wondered if he was too old to have his dad read to him like he was some little kid. But what would his dad do if he read it by himself? He came to visit Jack, not just stare at him.
"Okay, sure, Dad," he said, and handed him the book. Jack settled back into his pillows.
His father smiled at him, and in his deep, soothing voice, began to read.