Breakfast was the most important meal of the day, and essential if Dean was going to be tolerable for the remainder of the day. Castiel might not have understood the ritual of food to begin with but experiencing a morning-grumpy Dean had taught the Angel to appreciate the time spend on calorie intake, especially in the early mornings.
The whole eating process had grown on Castiel. It was appreciated time among humans, and he had similarly learned to appreciate the downtime in between hunting, hitting the books and driving. It was moments for fresh air, stretching their legs and collecting items to make the next part of the trip more comfortable.
They were at a gas stop out in nowhere, but it was surrounded by the most beautiful forest, placed upon a hill that allowed the passers-by to look down on the ever-stretching trees. The sun was just rising above the horizon, adding to the idyllic painting.
Dean came out of the small gas station, coffee in one hand, breakfast in the other and a bag around his wrist most likely filled with sweet and salty snacks that should last for weeks but would be gone by next sunrise. He dumped the bag in the backseat of the Impala through the open window and joined Castiel by the front, sitting on the hood.
They sat in silence as Dean dug into his breakfast. Castiel wondered if Dean had challenged the poor gas station employee to how much bacon could be fitted between two slices of bread. It was both impressive and disturbing at the same time. Castiel turned back to the view in front of them.
"It is very beautiful here." Castiel broke the silence.
"Yeah. I guess your dad got a few things right." Dean smirked.
The comfortable silence continued as Dean finished his breakfast and turned his attention to the caffeine.
"You know…" Dean unexpectedly broke the silence, looking back at the car behind them, eyes lost in thought. "We might not live the life of the rich and famous. But they don't get moments like this either. Out here, my baby in the morning light -" He padded the car affectionately. "- it doesn't get any better than that. I mean, I don't know how many times I've woken up in the back of this car to a view like this. But it beats any motel any time." Dean turned back to the sunrise.
Castiel studied the human, the small, satisfied smile on his face. A rare peaceful – and most of all sincere – moment.
"I am not sure my father can take credit for all of that." Castiel mused. Dean turned towards him, an eyebrow raised in question, waiting for the Angel to continue. "I think, the beauty of these moments, may be created somewhat by my father, but they are not truly beautiful until we notice them and give them value, thus making it our creation as well."
Judging by Dean's frown, Castiel expected stuttering or teasing to follow his philosophical moment. Maybe he misread the situation. Maybe he was not supposed to reply or in any way acknowledge what Dean had just shared. It happened sometimes, that Dean would say something and just wanted someone to listen but not actually hear him. It was usually said in prayer, not out loud. Castiel was about to excuse expressing his thoughts out loud when the hunter surprised him.
Dean just smiled and nodded, and then took a sip of his coffee. "Yeah. I think you might be right, Cas."