"Sometimes when I'm around people, I can sense emotions they're feeling." Cas said this to Sam quietly as they watched Dean go up to the bar and order them a drink. He continued "I think it was for the purpose of helping humans when they are in need."

Sam nodded, wondering why the sudden confession appeared in the middle of a typical post hunt night at the bar.

Cas nodded to Dean. "He's deeply unhappy, Sam. I've sensed it for months. Ever since I came back to stay with you at the bunker." Dean was making his way back now, and both men were looking at him as he walked.

"Something is wrong, and it worries me," finished Cas.

Sam, surprised at this, looked at Dean, wondering what would make Cas say that. But, after Dean made his way back to the table, Sam watched his brother. Dean joked around characteristically, winking at a tall blonde woman who walked by. At first it seemed rather typical, but then Sam realized, Dean looked too happy, smiling bigger, laughing louder, and drinking more readily than typical. Sam frowned. How had he not seen it? Dean was always trying to protect Sam, even from his own emotions and troubles. Sam hadn't noticed before, but now that Cas had pointed it out, he couldn't miss it. Dean was trying far too hard. Something was definitely wrong.

On the car ride home, Cas sat up front with Sam so that they could lay Dean on the back seat after he'd passed out. The car ride was silent for a bit, then Sam brought up their earlier conversation.

"What do you think is going on?" Sam asked Cas, concerned.

Cas frowned, glancing back at Dean's sleeping form. "I don't know, Sam, but clearly something is bothering him. Not to say that the two of you don't have reason to be depressed, but most of the trauma is over. The mark of Cain is gone, you've been healed, and you both have a home." Cas paused, "perhaps it's ptsd."

Sam's face looked tired and sad as Cas said this. He kept his hands on the steering wheel. "We've got to figure out how to help him," Sam said, pleading.

Cas nodded, "You know I'd do anything for Dean."

Sam didn't say anything, but simply nodded.

In the back seat of the Car, Dean opened his eyes briefly, glancing at Cas, his face lit up by the headlights shining over the dashboard. Even from this angle, Dean could see Cas's blue eyes reflecting brilliantly in the light, his hair slightly mussed and his expression serious.

I'd do anything for Dean. Dean felt his mouth go dry as he heard the two of them talk. Cas's silhouette still visible, Dean looked at the man feeling a strong wave of love and longing wash over him. Anything? He thought. Love me back.

Cas must have felt the wave too, because he turned to look back at Dean just in time to miss him closing his eyes again.