The air in the bunker was thick with tension, echoing the heated and angry voices of Castiel and Dean through the corridors. Their argument had escalated quickly, as it often did, over a hunt gone awry. Sam had wisely retreated to the library, leaving them to hash it out in their typical volatile manner.

You sat at the war room table, pretending to focus on the research in front of you, but unable to ignore the shouting match echoing down the halls. You knew this dynamic all too well — Castiel's unwavering determination versus Dean's stubborn protectiveness. It was a clash that always ended in slammed doors and bruised egos. Always.

Suddenly, Castiel stormed into the war room, his usual stoic expression marred by frustration. He was about to pass you without a word, but you stood up, blocking his path.

"Cas, wait," You said firmly, meeting the celestial's angry and intense gaze. "I'm sorry about Dean. He doesn't always show it, but we all appreciate you, and everything you do. Sam and Dean... and me. "

Cas blinked, almost as if processing the unfamiliar sentiment. But before he can say anything, you continued.

"We love you, Cas." You finished.

The weight of those words seemed to settle over Castiel, who had spent so long trying to understand humanity and their complex emotions. For the first time, someone had explicitly told him that he was loved, not just valued for his abilities or loyalty.

"You... what?" He mutters, slightly taken aback.