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Another hunt, another post-hunt letdown. For every adrenaline-fueled frontal assault on a vamp nest, there's an equal and opposite late-night cleanup operation, as dispiriting as the kill was exhilarating. Dean's long since gotten used to it and he knows how to roll with the emotional roller coaster. But Cas is new to humanity, and the workings of his own feelings are still unexplored territory.
So when they're loading up the trunk after mop-up is done, and the ex-angel bobbles an armful of weapons and then dissolves into a cloudburst of tears, Dean is sympathetic.
"Your hands are cold, let me help," he says softly, grabbing one of the machetes from Cas's stiff fingers.
Cas snuffles out a wet-sounding "Thank you," as they split the remaining work.
Once the gear is stowed, Dean slams Baby's trunk and turns to look at his friend. Cas is still ugly crying, a deluge of tears washing his cheeks while he stands helplessly by the side of the car.
"Sorry," he says, choking on the word.
"Hey, come here. It’s alright." Dean opens his arms, but Cas wavers. "Come on, get over here," he coaxes, and Cas hurls himself against Dean's chest. A fresh downpour begins when they make contact. "Shh. It's okay."
"I don't even know why I'm crying," he wails. "Everything just feels bad."
Dean squeezes him tighter, chuckling at the little oof Cas makes in response. "You're okay. You got me, and I'm not so bad, right?"
His friend nods against him, no doubt soaking the shoulder of his shirt with tears and snot. Meh, tomorrow was always gonna be laundry day, Dean thinks placidly.
"I'm glad you're here. Truly," Cas grits out. "But you really didn't need to... You know... You want to get back to the Bunker and shower. We don't need to waste time on this, on me..."
"You needed a hug," Dean states in a tone that brooks no disagreement. "No shame in that."
"Thank you for being gentle."
"Hey, I got you. You know I do."
Another nod. Cas's breathing has started to ease as the flow of tears slows to a light drizzle.
Dean plants a kiss on the top of Cas's head. "C'mon," he says, "Let's go home."