In hindsight, you probably were a match made for Sammy, but Dean was never one to back down from a challenge. You watch as he slowly pokes at the quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, trying his best to look interested. You smile, completely unaware of his inner turmoil, “I’m so glad you agreed to try this, Dean,” you say, your voice practically sparkling.

Dean’s jaw clenches for just a second before he swallows, forcing a smile. It doesn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, it’s… it’s good,” he says.

You’re practically glowing as you lean in a little closer. “I’d love to help you make the transition! We could start small, maybe, like just having a couple plant-based dinners a week. You won’t even miss the meat, I promise.” You almost giggle at the thought of him becoming a full-fledged vegan. But Dean, sitting across from you is struggling. He’s the kind of guy, who lived off bacon and burgers. He never thought that something as simple as trying to impress you with his interest in your diet would end up with him trapped in this plant-based nightmare. The quinoa feels like a heavy stone in his stomach, and the roasted veggies just don’t hit the same as a nice, greasy steak.

“You know,” you continue, oblivious to his internal struggle, “I really think if you gave it a fair chance, you could do this and once you see the benefits, you won’t even look back.” Dean’s throat tightens, it feels like some kind of punishment. He hasn’t even done anything wrong, and yet here he is, stuck trying to mask his disgust for the food you love, all while you look at him like he’s some kind of hero for simply agreeing to try it. He shifts in his seat, his fingers drumming nervously on the table as he picks at the food again. You’re too excited, too hopeful. And Dean, despite how whipped he is for you, isn’t sure how long he can keep this up.

“Maybe, uh… we could ease into it, yeah?” he says, his voice tight. “Like, I’m all for trying things, but-”