One possible fanfiction could be that Dean gets seriously injured during a hunt. Castiel, feeling a deep sense of protectiveness, uses his angelic powers to heal Dean as much as he can. He then stays by Dean's side, warding off any potential threats, whether they be other supernatural creatures or even humans with bad intentions. Castiel refuses to leave Dean's side until he's fully recovered, and in the process, their relationship deepens, with Dean realizing just how much Castiel cares for him.
A common theme is the exploration of Castiel's humanity. When he's being protective of the hurt Dean, he starts to understand human emotions like love, fear, and worry on a deeper level. This can lead to his own character development as he becomes more in tune with his human side while still maintaining his angelic essence.
There's also 'Dean's Unseen Shield'. Here, Castiel's protection of Dean is more of a silent, behind - the - scenes kind of thing. He uses his powers in a very discreet way to keep Dean out of harm's way. The fanfiction is unique in that it shows the subtleties of their relationship and how Castiel's love for Dean manifests in his protective actions.
A possible fanfiction plot could start with Dean being seriously hurt in a car accident on their way back from a hunt. Sam is distraught but quickly springs into action. He calls their hunter friends for help and takes Dean to the nearest safe house. There, he nurses Dean back to health. Sam is extra vigilant, setting up protective wards around the house and being overly cautious about any strangers approaching. He also spends time talking to Dean, helping him deal with the trauma of the accident both physically and mentally.
One common theme is loyalty. Gabriel's protectiveness shows his loyalty to Castiel. Another theme is sacrifice. Gabriel might be willing to sacrifice his own well - being or position to keep Castiel safe. For example, he could risk getting on the wrong side of other powerful angels.
Well, for one, the idea of having a powerful being like Castiel as a protector is really appealing. In the Supernatural universe, Dean is constantly in danger, and having Castiel there to safeguard him creates a sense of security. Also, the fanfic writers often explore different aspects of their relationship through the lens of protection, which can be really interesting. For example, they might show how Castiel's protection changes over time as his feelings for Dean evolve. It gives fans a chance to see different interpretations of their relationship and that's why it's so popular.
I'm not sure of specific fanfiction titles off the top of my head. But you can also try fanfiction.net. Sometimes, fan communities on platforms like Tumblr might also recommend good fanfictions on this topic. You could post a request there, saying you're looking for fanfiction where Gabriel is protective of a hurt Castiel. They might direct you to some great reads.
One common theme is the bond between the brothers. When Dean is hurt, it tests and strengthens their relationship. Another theme could be sacrifice. Sam might be willing to sacrifice his own well - being or safety to protect the injured Dean. Also, there's often the theme of recovery, not just physical but also emotional as Dean recovers from his injury with Sam's support.
In dean - castiel relationship in such fanfiction, there's often a deep emotional connection. They might show a side of extreme vulnerability towards each other. Their relationship can be intense, with a lot of passion and a sense of 'destined to be together' kind of feeling.
There are also times when Dean's brash actions can wound Castiel. Say, Dean goes off on a dangerous mission without including Castiel, when Castiel has always been there for him. This makes Castiel feel like he's not an important part of Dean's life. In fanfictions, these situations are used to show the vulnerability of their relationship and how much they both need to work on communication and trust.