Operation make Dean jealous

Four.

The impala cut through the open road with a tense atmosphere, and the journey to Indiana had become an uncomfortable ordeal for the trio. Ever since Sam's golfing outing with Castiel, things had been strained between the two brothers.

Breaking the heavy silence, Sam cleared his throat, voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "So, Cas," he began, "I was thinking how about I set you up on a blind date? I know this woman and I think you two would really hit it off."

In the rear view mirror, Dean sneaked a glance at Castiel, trying to gauge his reaction. Castiel remained quiet for a long moment, contemplating Sam's suggestion.

"I don't know, Sam," he finally responded, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I'm not really good at those kinds of things."

Sam nodded in understanding, a determined look in his eyes. "I get that, but you know this person already, which will help with the first date awkwardness, and I think you two would be good together."

Castiel pondered Sam's words. Who was this woman, and should he give it a try? Would this be the push needed to make Dean confront his feelings?

After a moment of contemplation, Castiel nodded. "Okay," he agreed cautiously. "I'll give it a shot."

"Great," Sam said enthusiastically, a hint of excitement in his voice. "When we get back, I'll set something up."

Dean, who had been listening quietly, couldn't contain his frustration any longer. He groaned uncomfortably, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Oh my god," he muttered in annoyance. "Are you really talking about dating while were literally on our way to gank demons? Really?"

Castiel turned his attention to Dean, his gaze intense. "What would you like to talk about then, Dean?"

Dean had been keeping his distance and his words to himself since the golfing incident. He met Castiel's challenging gaze in the mirror for a brief moment, his jaw clenched, before refocusing his attention to the open road ahead. His foot pressed a little harder on the gas pedal, the engine roaring to life as he pushed the impala forward, the tension inside the car reaching its breaking point.

***

The impala's engine roared to life as Dean turned the key, the tension inside the car escalated to a boiling point. Sam, unable to contain his anger, unleashed his frustration on his brother.

"That was really unnecessary, Dean, and you know it!" Sams voice was filled with resentment as he glared at his older brother.

Dean's response was equally heated. "I killed a demon, what did you want me to do, exactly? Let it friggin' kill us?"

Sam's eyes bore into Dean's, his voice trembling with anger. "You didn't have to stab her four times, Dean! Four! We could've saved her!"

Deans irritation was visible as he defended his actions. "She was dead, Sam," he huffed, turning the wheel and accelerating onto the road. "That demon fell from three stories. Do you really think that poor girl survived that?"

"I don't know, Dean," Sam spat, his frustration overflowing. "We could've at least tried!"

Dean gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. "She was a goner, Sammy. Let it go."

"Let it go? Let it go?" Sam couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What the hell is your deal?"

Before Dean could respond, Castiel interjected with a calm and measured voice. "I think your brother is right, Dean. It was a far fall, yes. But maybe if we got her to the hospital in time, she would've been fine. Or perhaps if I was at full strength I could've healed her."