Never Let You Go

Ten

"Friends" was harder than Gabriel thought. Sam seemed to be doing better, but the easier it got for him, the harder it got for Gabe. Not kissing Sam on sight, not being able to sit next to him because it hurt even more to be so close. And when Sam had asked what Gabe's purpose in life was, the compulsion to say "You are." was almost overwhelming. But he would wait. He would sit on the other side of the room and he would watch Sam be happy without him, and he wouldn't touch Sam at all, because that's what Sam needed. And Gabriel believed that one day, one glorious day, Sam would be ready. And then Gabriel would sweep Sam off his feet.

***

"I like April. It's a nice month. Perfect spring," Gabriel commented as they sat outside the coffee shop Sam now worked at. Gabriel had swung by around Sam's break and they had started talking.

"Yeah, it is pretty. It's almost May, though," Sam said. They were both quiet for a second.

"So how are you doing, Sam?" Gabriel asked. Sam looked over at him.

"What do you mean? I'm fine," he said. Gabriel gave him a disbelieving look.

"You know what I mean. How have you been?" He asked again.

"I really am fine, Gabriel. Everything's getting better," Sam said. Gabriel felt hope rising in his chest.

"Really? I'm glad," he said. Sam smiled.

"Yeah. Having a job helps, even if it isn't a great job," he said.

"If there's anything else I can do, just let me know," Gabe said. Sam glanced sideways at Gabriel.

"I will," Sam said. Gabriel smiled.

"So Dean and Cas' anniversary is coming up soon," Sam said after a second.

"Yeah, I'm going to be avoiding them. Cas is such a sap," Gabriel said. Sam chuckled.

"Are you serious? You are the biggest sap I have ever met," he said. Gabriel glared at Sam.

"That is not true! I'm tough! I'm edgy!" He protested. Sam's eyes almost disappeared as he began laughing harder than Gabriel had ever seen him laugh. Gabe pouted.

"Hey, c'mon, man," he complained. When Sam finally calmed down, he looked over at Gabriel.

"I'm sorry, but the thought of you being edgy is just... hilarious," Sam said.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up," Gabriel huffed. Sam let out another chuckle.

"Well maybe I like you better as a sap," Sam said. Gabriel smiled a bit.

"Fine. But I still don't like it," Gabriel grumbled. Sam stood up.

"Well, I have to get back to work. I'll see you later, Gabe," he said. Gabriel stood up and gave a small wave and watching as Sam walked away back into the coffee shop. He would wait.