Reading Between The Lines (Sabriel)

Chapter 11

The first thing out of Sam's mouth — after a brief kiss, of course — is, "Are you okay?"

Gabriel raises an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Why do I look not okay?"

"I don't know," Sam admits. "You just sounded... off... when you called. But, I mean, maybe I'm just projecting or something, because you actually seem to be holding up better than anyone else I know."

Gabriel shrugs. "Well, no one else you know is currently seeing you, so that would make sense." He pauses, then adds, "At least, I hope that's the case, because I have literally murdered people over cheating on random strangers, so god only knows what I'd do to you."

Sam chuckles. "No, no, don't worry. You're my one and only. No need to kill me yet."

"Good, because I really don't want you dead," Gabriel says, which was supposed to be light and fluffy, but it kind of drags him down. He really doesn't want Sam dead, but come on. It's been weeks since Lucifer broke free. It's only a matter of time before Lucifer takes him over and he has his catfight with Michael.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Sam asks.

Gabriel fakes a smile. "I'm fine, Sam. Thanks."

Every passing day has Gabriel more anxious than the one before. He just keeps waiting for his brothers to swoop in and steal the Winchesters away, but Sam doesn't know that. Sam can't know that, because he refuses to mention it himself. If he can't tell Sam, then he can't explain why he's been trying to get Sam alone two or three times a week, or why he's always so uncomfortable when they have to say goodbye.

He's sure the hunter thinks it's because he's a clingy boyfriend, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Anyone who knew him when he was with Kali knows that. But with Kali, they had the rest of eternity to see each other. Gabriel doesn't even know when Sam will disappear from his life. He wants to make sure he gets a proper goodbye before Lucifer takes him away.

"I can tell something's wrong, you know," Sam says. "You've never gone this long without cracking a joke."

Gabriel shrugs. "Lot going on."

"Like what?"

He shakes his head. "Trickster stuff. Don't worry about it." He changes the subject. "How's your brother?"

Sam sighs. "I don't know. Little on edge, but that's pretty much the norm these days."

"Any specific reason?" Gabriel asks, because, per usual, he's waiting for Sam to bring up the apocalypse.

Sam just shakes his head. "Just a lot going on."

Considering that's the exact same thing Gabriel said when he was avoiding a question just a minute ago, Sam probably should have come up with someone else if he wanted to make it believable. If Gabriel hadn't already known about the apocalypse, he would definitely have been tipped off by now.

"And your angel friend?"

"Pops in every now and then and saves our asses," Sam says. "He's actually pretty reliable. Still a bit of an idiot, but he's figuring it out."

Gabriel chuckles. "Well, I'm glad he's at least starting to figure out this whole 'earth' thing."

"Me too," Sam says. "Doesn't understand a single reference Dean makes, but otherwise..."

"I doubt they watch Swayze movies in Heaven," Gabriel quips, earning a laugh.

"If they did, Dean would probably shoot himself right now," Sam says.

"On the bright side, that would mean no more sneaking around," Gabriel says. "You know, take out the Montagues and Capulets, we got ourselves a normal love story."

"It would also mean my brother is dead," Sam says. "Not quite the lengths I'm willing to go through."

"Then you better keep the Heavenly Swayze marathons to yourself," Gabriel says.

"Duly noted."