it is so beautiful that dean and cas see each other as so much gentler than the narrative depicts them.
Like, Dean views himself as harmful. He beats himself up for not protecting everyone. Other characters push the idea to him that he is violent, he’s a killer. But Cas looks at him and says you are the most caring selfless loving human I’ve ever known.
Cas sees himself as a soldier. His purpose is to be useful, fulfill missions even when they’re bloody. He tries to do well but feels like he only fails, which is echoed by other characters too. But Dean looks at him and says I need you. You’re a weird dorky little guy and I want you to just sit and watch movies with me and listen to the music I like.
They see each other differently from how they’re “supposed to” which in itself is a practice of free will.