They rode in the Impala silently; Sam in the back sleeping, Castiel enjoying finally riding shotgun, Dean strumming the steering wheel.
"What does love mean, Dean?" Castiel shuffled round in his seat so he faced Dean, back to the window. Dean sighed, exasperated and bothered by the angel's recent interest in more human aspects of life.
"I dunno, Cas. It's different for everyone, I suppose." Nice save.
"No, that's not what I meant - what does love mean to you?"
Dean was stunned into silence. Were they really about to have this conversation? He sighed again.
"Look, Cas, I'm tired and it's late so-"
"Dean." The hunter turned his head briefly to look at Castiel, who was frowning and obviously not going to let this go.
"Fine. There are different types of love, so which one are you talking about?"
Castiel pondered this for a moment. "Romantic, of course."
"Okay. I think love involves sacrifice. Like giving certain things up in order to keep that person close, you know? And protection. Also, Cas, love is subjective; you know when you know sort of thing, right?" Dean had finished talking but Cas still hadn't spoken a word. He glanced over to Cas who was just staring. He had a new and unfamiliar look in his eyes, and a small smile playing gently at his lips.
"Cas, stop looking at me like that man, it's weird." Dean laughed nervously, trying to make the whole very awkward situation less awkward. Cas broke the silence this time.
"I love you, Dean." Dean was frozen, his eyes wide. He was speechless for once in his life as he heard the shuffle of Castiel as he straightened himself in his seat.
"Wh- what Cas?" Glancing over at Cas he noticed the angel's peaceful disposition hadn't wavered as he looked at him with questioning eyes.
"What? I love you." Cas turned to look out the window once more, as if nothing had happened.
"Cas, do you even know what you're saying?" Dean felt his face getting hot; the last thing he wanted right now was to blush in front of Castiel like a schoolgirl.
"Yes. You said sacrifice and protection, right?"
"Dammit, Cas! Those aren't the only two factors involved!" Dean Winchester, for the first time in his life, was actually flustered under Castiel's gaze.
"I know, Dean. And you also said "you know when you know", and I do know." Castiel smiled smugly, satisfied that he had convinced Dean he was right.
"Oh."
More silence followed, but this was okay; Cas knew what Dean's reaction would be, so wasn't bothered by the obvious stale air in the car of words that needed to be said.
"Why?" Dean's voice was barely above a whisper and he lacked the usual confidence that was so typically him.
He turned to look at Cas, who had another gentle smile ghosting on his lips.
"If I gave you reasons, you would not believe any of them, Dean. Just know that you're more wonderful than you will ever realise." A silence followed and Dean swallowed nervously. "My righteous man".
Dean took one hand off the steering wheel and moved it towards the space between him and Cas on the seat, taking Castiel's hand in his and rubbing gentle circles onto the soft skin with his thumb.
"Thanks, Cas. I uh- you know." Dean swallowed nervously again, but Castiel knew what he meant.
"It's okay, Dean. All in good time."