(A/N)
Warnings: This story includes mental breakdowns because of exhaustion, angst and a light feeling of inferiority. It is set after 'Tombstone' (s13 e6) and for the future: Castiel won't make the deal with The Empty.

This story is written for the SPN_Reverse_Bang 2020.
Many thanks go to Aceriee, the artist of the wonderful picture 'There Will Be Peace When Dinner Is Done'. She also volunteered to be my beta.
Her art you can find here:
 A03 (Aceriee): /works/27459598/preview
or
Tumblr (missaceriee): tagged/Spnrb20familydinner

Another big thank you goes to my other amazing beta EllenOfOz, who also took the time and went through my story to correct errors.

This time, it had been a very difficult hunt. Not one where they could go home after two days or earlier—no, they'd been hunting these vampires for already a week and it was bringing down the mood..
Sam was tired, Cas talked less than usual, and Dean was very irritable. A wrong word from Sam or Cas, and Dean got angry. They all wanted to go home, but it seemed like Dean wanted it the most.

The nest had spread far and had split into small groups that could quickly change their position, making it difficult for the three of them to track them all down.

After two weeks, a hunt through four states and a lot of killing, they were finally on their way back home. Right before they reached the bunker they decided to stop at a roadhouse along the way for a meal and a beer. As they sat and ate at the table, Cas noticed that Dean had become quite a bit calmer. But only a little.

"I just need to..." Dean said after a while, got up and disappeared towards the restroom. Cas looked at Sam questioningly, but he just shrugged. They continued eating and drinking in silence. When Dean hadn't come back ten minutes later, Sam looked at Cas.
"Cas, could you go look for him?"
"Why me? Can't you—?"
"Believe me, Cas, he sure as hell doesn't want to see me. Please just go and see."
"Okay," said Cas, and got up and disappeared towards the restroom as well. It was quieter in the roadhouse now, as most of the guests had already left, so the chance that someone would disturb them was small, but Cas still locked the door after he entered the room.

Dean stood in front of a sink, slightly bent over. He lifted his head slightly at the sound of the door closing and looked in the mirror to see who had entered.
"Cas..." he said softly and lowered his head again.
"Dean, Sam is wondering if everything is alright. But he thought it would be better if I came and looked for you. I don't understand why he's saying that."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Well, haven't you wondered if everything was alright?"
"Dean, of course I've wondered. I've seen how tense you've been the last couple of days." Cas had come closer and now put a hand on Dean's shoulder. "I wanted to say something earlier, but either you were too tired or Sam was there. I know now that you only open up when no one notices. I didn't want to give you any awkward moments." Cas noticed how Dean began to tremble.

"Dean, hey..." he said softly, lightly stroking Dean's shoulders. Dean turned around, wrapped both arms around Cas's middle, put his chin on Cas's shoulder and took a trembling breath.
Cas was surprised, but returned the hug. He heard Dean sobbing very softly and pulled his head back far enough to look at Dean. He had closed his eyes, tears running down his cheek.

"Hey, Dean, don't—" Cas said gently, but Dean interrupted him.
"I can't take it anymore, Cas!" Dean squeezed Cas even tighter. "I just can't take it anymore. Can we please just go home now?"

Dean pulled himself back from the hug and looked at Cas tiredly now. Cas raised his hands and put them on Dean's face. Dean closed his eyes and Cas stroked the skin beneath them with his thumbs.
"You should wash your face before we go out."
"Yes, sir."
"Stop it, Dean. I am not your father. And it's not gonna help you if you think about him now."
Dean nodded and turned to face the sink.

After Dean had dried his face, Cas opened the door and they headed for their table.
"Guys, what took you so long? I was kinda worried," Sam asked when he saw them. Cas looked around and noticed the three of them were alone now.
"They wanna close," Sam explained, "so I guess we'd better pay and leave."
"Yes, it would be the best," Cas said, a very tired Dean standing behind him. "And by the way, Sam, I also think it would be better if you'll drive the last miles to the bunker."
"Okay," Sam answered in a concerned voice. "Is everything alright?"
"It will be, Sam."

They paid and left. Sam drove and from time to time he took a look through the rearview.
Dean and Cas were sitting on the back seat. Dean's head was on Cas' shoulder and it seemed that he was asleep. Cas' arm was around Dean's shoulders, and he slowly caressed Dean's shoulder with his hand.

Sam smiled. It looked like his brother was finally getting some rest in the arms of an angel.