One common scenario in such fanfictions is when Dean's actions towards Castiel are influenced by his own internal struggles. Maybe he's dealing with self - loathing or fear of getting too close, and he takes it out on Castiel. This can really hurt Castiel who has been so loyal to Dean. As a result, Castiel may start to distance himself, which in turn makes Dean realize the magnitude of his mistake and start to make amends.
Emotionally, this apology can be a turning point. It can show Steve's vulnerability, which might make Tony see him in a new light. Tony, who might have been angry and resentful, could start to feel empathy for Steve. This can change the whole dynamic of their relationship in the fanfiction. It might also inspire other characters to resolve their differences in a more positive way, seeing Steve and Tony's example.
There are also times when Dean's brash actions can wound Castiel. Say, Dean goes off on a dangerous mission without including Castiel, when Castiel has always been there for him. This makes Castiel feel like he's not an important part of Dean's life. In fanfictions, these situations are used to show the vulnerability of their relationship and how much they both need to work on communication and trust.
One common theme is redemption. After Castiel hurts Dean, he often tries to redeem himself, which shows the depth of his love and friendship for Dean.
You can start by looking on Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a vast collection of fanfiction, and there are likely many 'dean hurts castiel' stories there. Fanfiction.net is also a good place to check.
One great 'dean hurts castiel fanfiction' could be 'The Broken Bond'. It delves into the emotional turmoil Dean experiences when he accidentally causes harm to Castiel. Another is 'Healing the Wounds' which focuses on how they both overcome the pain and strengthen their relationship.
There is also 'The Painful Betrayal' in this genre. In it, Castiel makes a decision that he believes is for the greater good but ends up emotionally hurting Dean. It shows their complex relationship and how they struggle to get back on track.
In dean - castiel relationship in such fanfiction, there's often a deep emotional connection. They might show a side of extreme vulnerability towards each other. Their relationship can be intense, with a lot of passion and a sense of 'destined to be together' kind of feeling.
In some fanfictions, they cry when they think they've lost their connection to each other. For instance, if Castiel's angelic powers are fading and he fears he'll be taken away from Dean forever, they both shed tears. It's a moment of deep emotional vulnerability.
Another excellent fanfiction is 'Heaven's Gatekeepers'. This one plays with the idea of their roles in the grand scheme of things in the Supernatural universe. It has a great plot that weaves in and out of canon events, and the way it portrays Dean and Castiel's connection is both unique and captivating.
One great aspect of Castiel and Dean in fanfiction is their dynamic. Their relationship, which is complex in the show, can be explored even further in fanfictions. Writers often delve into their unspoken bond, creating scenarios where they support each other in ways not shown in the original series. For example, some fanfictions might have them going on a road trip together just for the sake of exploring new places and having deep conversations about their pasts and futures.