I think Cas always was a part of Dean’s dream retirement but he never really felt comfortable enough to vocalise it til recently with his allowing himself to accept that he wants and deserves more from life you know? Like, this comes straight after the confessional scene…
It’s like… baby steps…
1. admit to himself he deserves and wants more from life
2. admit to Sam that he deserves and wants more from life and wants to retire together
3. admit to Sam that he deserves and wants more from life and wants to retire with Sam and Cas
4. admit to Sam that he deserves and wants more and he wants to retire with Sam and Cas and let himself be who he really is
5. admit to everyone that he deserves and wants more and he wants to retire with Sam and let himself be who he really is and be in a romantic relationship with Cas
Baby steps 😉