#8.13

God the Dean/Aaron moment is so good. Jensen plays it so delightfully. Dean’s flustered and shocked at Aaron’s interest; but he’s not embarrassed. He’s flattered and he lingers. I sincerely doubt this is the first time Dean’s ever had another man casually express interest in him in a restaurant or bar—he’s an extremely attractive man so it’s bound to have happened a few times. It should be something he has pre-prepared responses for. But Dean is just totally caught off guard, and in all his sputtering, he never says he’s straight. That is literally the first thing a straight person says in this situation. It’s an easy way out without hurting anyone’s feelings. Dean’s also said he’s straight before! When Boris’s rapey ass creeped him out, Dean immediately said “I don’t play for your team” (6.05). He’s used “I don’t swing that way” when antagonists got too close for comfort as a way to try and throw them off balance (2.09, 3.12). But in this episode where Dean is relaxing into a safe home, calling and checking up on people he cares about, and enjoying small comforts—what he gives Aaron is surprised, flustered, flattered, and… interested? Like he really thought about it for a second. He really thought about saying yes. It’s great. (Also see: Commentary by writer Ben Edlund about the “potential for love in all places”).