"You enjoy this song?" Castiel asked, frowning at the music player.
"Yeah! It's a classic!" Dean elbowed the Angel enthusiastically.
Dean was in a good mood, drumming the rhythm on the steering wheel. They had successfully completed a hunt, saving a child in the last minute. It was a great victory, leaving the hunter ecstatic with relief.
Castiel didn't want to ruin Dean's mood. It was nice seeing the hunter happy and hopeful. It was times like these that Dean would comment on the scenery or passing cars and talk about old cases. But most pronounced, he would sing along in the car with a broad smile on his face.
But this particular song rubbed Castiel the wrong way, and he didn't understand how Dean could sing along so carefreely. Castiel would have thought that it would bring back unpleasant memories.
Dean sensed the lack of enthusiasm from the Angel. Not that Cas normally sang along, but he would sit with a small content smile instead of the frown he was currently wearing.
"What?" Dean asked, looking between the road and the Angel to decipher whatever was bothering Cas.
"It's nothing." Castiel avoided looking at Dean, favouring studying the view beyond the side window.
"Come on, Cas. Something is bothering you. Talk to me." When the Angel didn't answer right away, Dean pushed further, circling back to Cas' initial question. "Is it the music? Not an AC/DC fan? 'Cause that might be illegal in some states, you know? Or at least in Australia."
Castiel gave in and said apologetically; "I am indifferent to the band. But the lyrics of this particular song… It glorifies a lifestyle leading to damnation in Hell, making it sound desirable. You have been to Hell. You know that it is far from desirable. And yet you sing along carefreely. I don't understand how."
Dean stuttered for a moment, taking in Castiel's words. His initial instinct was to just shut down any critique of one of the greatest rock songs in existence. But thinking about it, he knew of Castiel's lack of understanding of musical history and even though Dean had educated him for many years, the Angel still took many things too literal. The hunter took a breath and tried explaining, finding the words difficult; "Well, uhm… It's just rock'n'roll, you know? It's sort of the bad boy of music, uhm… I've heard this song many times in this car, with both Sam and my dad. So, lots of good memories. I never even connected it to the real Hell, you know? And, I mean, a bit of easy living and partying don't get anyone sent to Hell, right?"
"Of course not." Castiel answered seriously and continued more softly. "I do understand that music should not always be taken literally, though often filled with intentions and symbolism that the artist wish to convey. I know the artist here is not referring to an actual highway to Hell. There is no such thing." Castiel paused for a moment and gave Dean a small smile. "It's good that you have positive memories related to this song. I'm glad."
Despite Castiel's understanding words, his discomfort was still palpable. A minute of awkward silence followed while the song continued through the second chorus.
"Fine!" Dean huffed and forcefully ejected the cassette from the player. He reached over to the glove compartment and picked another tape, digging through the old, worn box.
Castiel was caught off guard and instead of protesting, he ended up staring at the unattended road in front of them while Dean completed his mission, ready to take control of the car if necessary. Though Dean would not appreciate him gripping the steering wheel, Castiel strongly preferred facing Dean's wrath compared to the Impala facing an oncoming truck.
Soon the sounds from a different tape filled the small space, now with a different tune. It was softer, no aggression, and a subtle sadness.
"Led Zeppelin. Stairway to Heaven. Also a classic. Should be more up your alley." Dean informed over the music.
They sat for a moment just listening. Dean was right. Castiel did appreciate this song more.
Then a thought struck Castiel; "You changed the tape."
"Yes…" Dean looked at him, brows furrowed in concern at the weird statement, adding uncertainly; "That's what happened…"
"You always refuse to change the music when Sam complaints," Castiel explained, "Actually, his complaints usually lead to you doing the opposite of what would mitigate his complaint. You turn up the volume of the music in question."
"Your point being?" Dean was suddenly abnormally focused on the road.
"You changed the song for my comfort. It was a nice gesture." Castiel couldn't help a small smile.
"Yeah, well… You're not my idiot kid brother, alright?" Dean laughed half-heartedly, more a puff of air than an actual laugh, trying to diffuse the moment. But then he decided to allow for a moment of sincerity; "You're my best friend, Cas. Changing the song is no biggie, okay?"
"Thank you. I do enjoy this song more."
"Good…That's good." Dean nodded satisfied.
The drive continued uneventfully. Once they finally parked, Dean stopped Castiel from immediately leaving the car.
Dean popped out the tape and pointed it towards the Angel, loosely holding it between two fingers: "Here."
Castiel looked confused from Dean to the tape. Dean all but rolled his eyes before grabbing Castiel's hand and putting the tape in it, pressing it into his palm for emphasis; "It's about time we started your music education. And apparently you are more of a Zeppelin man than an AC/DC guy, and that's fair. So take it. Listen to some decent music in that pimp car of yours, okay?"
Castiel looked down at the tape, feeling warmth spreading in his chest when the meaning behind the gesture dawned on him. He opened his mouth to speak, but Dean cut him off before he could collect his thoughts.
"And if you tell Sam about the changing music thing, I will kick your ass." Dean stared intensely at the Angel, a finger pointing at Cas to underline the threat, before quickly exiting the car.
Castiel looked down on the tape, smiling. He put it into his inner pocket for safe keeping until his next drive alone.