Lost Hope Isn't What I'm Worried About

Simple and Perfect

"Is something wrong, Gabriel? You've been acting strange the past few days," Sam asked, leaning on his elbows and staring at the archangel from across the picnic table, his head cocked to one side in concern. Gabriel looked up from poking at his sandwich, giving Sam a wide smile, though it wasn't that convincing.

"I'm fine, Sam," Gabriel assured, his voice a little disjointed from his expression as he glanced behind Sam before taking a bite of his sandwich. Sam could tell he was chewing almost mechanically, as if he was only doing it to prove he was fine. Still, Sam wouldn't push him further and looked down at his own plate, pushing the salad around before finally taking a bite.

"Hey guys," Dean said, smiling as he took a seat beside Sam. The younger Winchester gave him a warm smile, and Dean didn't mention it when he was given a tight hug by his brother either. Castiel sat on the other side of the bench, a bit paler than normal, but still smiling in true happiness as he began digging into his food.

"How are you two doing?" Sam asked, his voice a little hesitant to bring anything up so soon. It had only been a week since the incident, and Sam was still worried that he would wake up and find that Dean had died, and wouldn't come back.

"I feel good, better than I have in a while," Dean said, taking out a bite of his burger and chewing thoughtfully as his gaze went over to Castiel, who was looking more tired by the second, "Cas hasn't quite gotten used to not having as much energy now that he's human."

Castiel's eyes darted to the two of him before he smiled and waved a hand at them in almost a dismissing manner, "I'm quite alright," He said reassuringly, taking a bite of his food and wrinkling his nose in contentment, "I must say; food tastes much better than it did before."

As they fell into the normal banter that came with Castiel and Dean, Sam smiled, watching the two of them quietly with his chin propped on his hand. He could see Gabriel watching him from the corner of his eye and reached out, resting the back of his hand on the table in an invitation. 

Gabriel's warm hand linked with his, and even though their relationship was still rocky, it felt like a thing Sam definitely could get used to.

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The movie hadn't even started yet, but Sam was watching the previews, his body hunkered down so he wouldn't tower above the seat and block anyone's view. Gabriel sat beside him, nibbling on some popcorn that rested in his lap. Something was definitely up with angel, as he never really took him on dates with a lot of other people around, and he was looking around, as if searching for something, but Sam knew better than to ask. Gabriel wouldn't tell him unless he needed to know.

He felt Gabriel tense, and his hand was holding onto Sam's tightly, staring at the corner of the room with a unrivaled intensity. Sam frowned, his heart picking up its pace as he glanced around before turning to Gabriel, his brows furrowed.

"Gabriel, what are you doing?" Sam hissed, his hand aching with the force Gabriel was exerting on it. The angel looked at him, his eyes full of anger and...regret? What the hell?

"Sam, please. Just... just don't say anything," Gabriel replied, his voice almost desperate, and his welled with tears as if he was about to cry. Sam was struck, staring in shock at the archangel, and then the lights grew dim as the movie started.

Sam sighed and worked his hand out of Gabriel's grip, despite the angel's soft protests. Instead, he wrapped his arm around Gabriel's shoulders, pulling him close and kissing the top of his head gently.

"Whatever's going on, it'll be okay," Sam whispered into Gabriel's hair, turning so his cheek was resting on top of his head and blankly staring at the movie screen. Gabriel shifted under him, but only to slink his arms around Sam's waist, hugging him tightly despite the arm of the seat digging into their sides. Staying that way the entire movie was comforting in a way, and when the lights came on, he was reluctant to let go.

"Do you want to tell me what's going on now?" Sam asked, not even attempting to stand up as he looked at Gabriel with concerned eyes. The archangel looked down at his lap, fiddling with his fingers, and Sam had honestly never seen the man so child-like as he looked now.

"I just wanted to tell you sorry," Gabriel said, his voice soft and Sam had to lean closer to hear, "I know you're not a hundred percent comfortable with our relationship, and it was sort out of nowhere that it began, but I really do love you, kiddo."

Sam frowned, reaching out, albeit a little bit hesitantly, and brushing his fingers across Gabriel's cheek, "Is that what you're worried about? Gabriel, I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't feel the same way. I may not be used to loving a man, but I do love you too."

Gabriel smiled, and he hugged Sam tightly, pecking him on the lips before pulling him up, "I'm so glad to hear that," Gabriel said, clearly relieved, but when Sam smiled back, he could see the slight worry in the curve in the angel's brow.

All the while, the creature watched from the shadows, its claws buried in one of the seats as his eyes seethed with rage.