
It’s nearing midnight and they stop for fuel at some gas station in the middle of nowhere.
Sam has been dozing in the backseat for the last fifteen miles and Cas, sitting shotgun, has started to nod off. Even Dean’s eyes are starting to itch and he knows he’ll have to stop for the night soon if he doesn’t wanna get into an accident.
But first, fuel. Dean inserts the gas pump and considers heading inside to pick up some snack to help keep himself awake for the last stretch of the day’s journey. He’s debating between red vines and mixed nuts when the door on the passenger side opens and Cas exits.
Dean looks him over as he stands and stretches, a familiar warmth blooming underneath his collar. He considers saying something to break the tension probably only he feels but decides against it; the night is too quiet and too lovely to be interrupted like that.
It rained earlier. The ground is still wet, small puddles gathered where the pavement is concave, reflecting the too-bright lights hanging above them. There’s a faint smell of gasoline in the air but also that undefinable scent of the aftermath of rain, fresh and cool.
Cas finishes stretching and now he’s the one looking at Dean, staring unashamedly. Dean stares right back, at Cas’ hair sticking up where his head rested against the window, at the dark bruise forming on his cheek. His eyes have an almost eerie glow to them in this light and he’s so beautiful it makes Dean ache.
Dean should say something. Ask Cas if he wants something from the shop. Tell him they’ll be stopping for the night as soon as they come across a motel. Make small talk about the weather, even.
He doesn’t. He keeps staring and Cas stares back and just when it seems that nothing can end this moment, Cas leans in.
Dean inhales sharply as Cas’ lips touch his, eyes closing on instinct. It’s barely a kiss, just a dry press of lips against lips that lasts for all of two seconds before Cas is pulling away, leaving Dean dizzy and wanting for more. It almost seems like it didn’t happen, the only hint in Cas’ expression the faint, pleased upturn of his lips.
“I’m going inside to buy beef jerky,” he tells Dean.
Dean stares at him.
“Do you want anything?”
Dean wordlessly shakes his head.
“Alright.”
Cas walks off and Dean watches him go, bewildered. He’s still standing in the same spot when Cas returns.
“I got you peanut M&Ms,” he says, handing Dean the bag and climbing back into his seat.
Dean watches him for a beat, the turns back to the pump. It’s stopped, the tank long since full, and Dean puts it away on autopilot before getting in the car. He looks down at the bag of M&Ms in his hand, then at Cas, who looks back at him nonplussed.
“Thanks,” he finally croaks.
“You’re welcome,” Cas says.
Dean goes to turn the engine on. Then, considering, he looks over his shoulder to check on Sam - still out like a light. He turns back to Cas, something surging in his chest, giving him the courage to lean in and give him a quick peck on the cheek. It makes him feel strange and clumsy but Cas just gives him an unbearably gentle smile, eyes alight.