[ the tension seems to ease a little, but this? this isn't something he's really given too much thought to, especially not after the last several years. the drive hadn't exactly been there like it had before, but things were different. the world was different. he was different.

holding dean's gaze before he turns away causes him to swallow. had he been holding his breath? ]

Never really thought about it, but you're right. Things changed. Your priorities do too. [ there's a soft pause, slowly shifting to stand like he's planning to move around the kitchen island. he does, but he's speaking as he goes. ] I'm not exactly the best person to be giving out that kind of advice, but I think if it's something you want – [ steve takes up the plate and holds it out, expecting dean to deposit the clearly burnt pancake onto it. ] You should go for it.

You only live once, right? It's better to be honest with yourself.