Freedom

7. new friend

The rest of the day was spent with sam sat on the couch, and Gabriel curled up beside him. He didn't want to talk about the interview, and Sam didn't push on it.  They watched a few movies and ordered a pizza. Sam finally broached the topic that had been on his mind as they ate.

"So I have a friend that I'd like you to meet."

Gabriel eyed him curiously as he took another bite of his pizza, nodding for him to continue.

"She is an old psych professor of mine, and she works in student counseling as well. I thought she might be able to help?"

Sam wasn't sure what reaction he would get from this, but Gabriel just slumped against him more, nodding again. He knew that he needed to talk to someone at some point, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to have to go through it all again.

"When?"

Sam looked down at his phone, reading the response to a text he had sent.

"She can come over tonight if you want, or she can come tomorrow when I'm at work?"

Gabriel thought about it. He wasn't sure if he was ready for another stranger to know what he had done, but he knew that he was not ready for Sam to know.

"Tomorrow..."

Sam didn't question it as he replied to the text before setting his phone down and tightening his hold on Gabriel.

"That's fine. She'll be by around noon."

Gabriel just snuggled closer, wrapping his arms around Sam's stomach like a little kid would. Sam smiled, drawing shaped on Gabriel's back with his finger. 

Eventually, the boys went to their separate rooms to go to sleep. Gabriel once again passed out as soon as he hit the bed. Sam was kept awake with his thoughts. He was worried, but he was also curious. Gabriel had been a mess after the interview. He wanted to help however he could, assure the man that he was okay now, but he didn't know how to do that if Gabriel wouldn't talk to him. He knew it would take time, and he had only been here a few days, but Sam couldn't help the desperate need to protect him from his past.

Sam must have passed out at some point because the next thing he knew, he was being woke up by his alarm. He rolled over, turning it off, and got up. As he walked out of his room, he smelled coffee and bacon. He made his way to the kitchen, seeing Gabriel making breakfast. There was already a plate of food and a cup of coffee sitting on the table for him when he sat down.

"Good morning."

Gabriel turned around, the smile on his face surprising Sam, but making him smile back.

"Morning moose."

"Moose?"

Gabriel laughed, sliding into the seat across from Sam with his food and coffee.

"Yeah, because you're so tall."

Sam couldn't help laughing as well, Gabriel's mood was infectious. He looked so different than he had the past few days. For once, he looked as young and carefree as he was.

"You're in a good mood today."

Gabriel nodded, picking up a piece of bacon and taking a bite before replying.

"Yeah. I don't know, I think it might finally be setting in that I'm free now. That no one is going to be coming to take me back."

Sams smile faltered for a moment. Is that what he has been thinking? That he was going to be taken back there? Sam didn't asked, he didn't want to ruin the mood.

"I don't think I ever thanked you for getting me out."

Sam waved his hand dismissively.

"You don't have to thank me, Gabriel. "