( He smirks. Cas and his literalisms. They were less in the past three, four years, but his snark always shone through. One of the many reasons Dean likes Cas, the angel, and Cas the person. )

Let her know she'll be hearing from me then. ...I'm glad you're okay, Cas. Sorry it took me so much time to follow.

( If Cas doesn't want to talk about what transpired, about the Empty, about all of it, Dean's not going to pry. They get to those places, they get emotional, and then they move forward. He pulls Cas close again, burying his face in Cas' shoulder.

He just ... can't say he loves him, too. And Cas was so afraid about it, too. It's his worst nightmare, Dean thinks. Cas deserves more. He tightens his grip but leans back. )

She uh -- is she taking care of all of your needs?

( It's been a few months, Castiel's needed to do something. He knows. )