Dean’s Table by through_shadows_falling
Wordcount: 4950
Rating: T
Summary: On Castiel’s first day waiting tables at the Roadhouse Diner, his co-worker tells him to save a spot for Dean, a young veteran with a cane who sits in the same corner booth every day. Dean doesn’t talk, but Castiel’s charm soon works its magic until Dean reveals that he’s there to reconnect with his brother after a painful falling out. Castiel hopes Dean will succeed, even as Castiel's roommate, Sam, visits the diner one morning.
I really love the tone of this story: peaceful and understated, with an emotional depth that impresses considering the short word count. It’s a nice reversal to have Castiel be the more outgoing one in his relationship with Dean, and the way he gradually coaxes him into opening up is beautifully described. If you’re looking for an overtly romantic story, this might not be the one for you-- it implies more than it expresses outright, but you can nevertheless feel the strong connection between them and the ending is open enough to imagine their friendship moving in a romantic direction. The relationship between Sam and Dean is also very well-handled, with just enough angst about their falling-out to give weight to the ending without overwhelming the plot. If you’re looking for a short, quiet story about healing and moving forward, this might just be the one for you.