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Cas's story does not begin and end with Dean, no matter how much that sometimes feels like the gospel truth. Still, in the beginning… not the beginning of everything but the beginning of Cas's everything, Cas envied humanity for the easy way they connect with one another. They take it for granted. When he struggled to interpret the nuances of interpersonal communication, he sometimes wished he were human.
He doesn't wish for it anymore. He's learned to leverage his celestialism to understand humanity better. Dean, for example, is remarkably talented at denial. But now, after having known him for a couple decades, Cas considers himself something of an expert in Dean Winchester. Dean hides behind half truths, innuendo, and deflection.
Dean will tell Cas his proximity is making him uncomfortable all the while he is actively praying to Cas about how he never wants Cas to leave again. I am afraid of how much I want you to stay, Cas translates.
Dean will call Cas and tell him he could use his help for a case and then instruct him to do something that he could have easily done on his own, soul radiating anxiety whenever Cas steps out of sight. I don't need you but I want you, Dean is saying.
Dean stands before Cas now, tired and nursing a steaming cup of coffee that Cas pressed into his hands as soon as he entered the kitchen. "Just let me finish this and we can go," Dean grunts.
An innocuous statement, to anyone not versed in his language. But Cas hears what Dean is really saying: No one's ever taken care of me like you do. Cas smiles and brushes the tips of his primaries across Dean's brow.
"I'm in no hurry," Cas promises. And he thinks Dean hears what's hidden beneath the vow.
There's nowhere I'd rather be.