The Devil in the Details (Sterek)(Destiel)(Sabriel)

Habit

Sam worked diligently throughout the kitchen. He didn't normally cook for lunch but he needed to take a break from all the books and keep his mind busy at the same time. Dean sat at the kitchen table with the others.

The room was quiet other than the sound of boiling water. It was a rule that they not discuss current cases or any current drama at the table. It made meals more peaceful.

Sam couldn't help but notice how miserable his brother looked. Derek was also starting to show his own misery despite is obvious efforts to remain strong. Sam would never tell Derek he heard him crying the night before as he passed by his room. Derek needed to play alpha and Sam understood that. Dean was similar in his own way, but Dean was cracking. Hell if earlier was anything to go by Sam would say he'd already cracked.

He was concentrating on the pasta sauce and the lasagna noodles, currently on the stove, when a voice spoke up behind him.

"Can I help?"

Gabriel.

Sam turned to face the angel. He gave a small nod before handing Gabriel the spoon to stir the sauce.

Sam fought away all the memories of the two of them cooking together. Food had always been a passion for Gabriel and while Sam was no expert, he'd taken the liberty to start cooking more regularly.

Dean had always been the one to make something up for Sam and Stiles when they were younger, now it was Sam's turn to take care of Dean.

Sam started to grate the cheese while Gabriel stirred the sauce.

Gabriel watched as the hunter moved effortlessly around the kitchen. Sam was clearly lost in his own mind cause when he walked over to the stove to peer over Gabriel's shoulder, his hand caressed the angel's side before settling on his hip.

Gabriel tensed instantly unable to pull away, trapped between the stove and Sam's body.

"Oh," Sam, realizing what he'd done, stepped away, releasing Gabriel, "I'm sorry I...habit," Sam explained trying not to show the pain he was feeling.

"I'm guessing we used to cook together?" Gabriel asked as Sam took the spoon from him.

"Almost every night," Sam nodded avoiding Gabriel's sympathetic gaze.

"Look, I-"

"Don't," Sam turned to Gabriel with a look that could break anyone's heart, "Please, just don't," his tone gave away the sadness he was feeling.

Gabriel only nodded as Sam turned back to the stove.

"What if you and Sam went on a date?" Lydia suggested, "Like go to the place and do the things you did on your first date. Maybe it'll jog a memory."

Sam was about to shoot the idea down when Gabriel piped in, "Good idea."

Sam frowned at the angel, "You hate me." He pointed out.

"You've managed to actually make me feel bad about not remembering so... you'll have to do all the work since I can't remember," Gabriel gave Sam a smile.

Sam's chest felt like it was being crushed. That smile. He hadn't seen that smile in too long.

"I can't," Sam's voice came out small.

"Why not?" Gabriel frowned.

"You took me to a transiberian orchestra concert, they're not exactly on tour right now," Sam answered recalling the moment he'd agreed to go out with Gabe.

"Sam, there you are, drop everything you're doing, we have plans," Gabriel spoke with a large grin as he strolled into the library where Sam was organizing the books.

"No we don't," Sam responded not bothering to look up from the books in his arms.

"Come on Sam," Gabriel whined, "I got VIP seating to the transiberian orchestra concert tonight."

Sam looked up with eager eyes, "You didn't," Sam tried to hold back his excitement. He'd been wanting to see them for years.

"I heard you complaining to Dean about wanting to go, so I did a little digging and managed to get two tickets," Gabriel held up the two thin slips of paper.

Sam set down the books he was holding, was he seriously about to agree to a date with Gabriel?

"I know you want to go, don't make me waste this second ticket on Cas," Gabriel said wiggling his eyebrows.

"Fine, but this doesn't mean we're dating," Sam huffed snatching his ticket from the angel.

"Yet," Gabriel grinned as he followed Sam out of the room.

"I can conjure up an orchestra, no problem. I was the trickster remember?" Gabriel shrugged.

"But you're low on grace," Sam frowned.

"He can use some of mine," Cas spoke up then. Anything to help Gabriel remember Sam.

"Thanks little brother. See? No problem," Gabriel winked at Sam. He had always been the flirty type, but now it frustrated Sam cause he knew it wasn't genuine.

"Fine," Sam agreed hesitantly. He couldn't say he was a fan of this idea. He was sure it would only result in him getting hurt. He yearned for Gabriel, to hold him, to kiss him. His heart broke at the reaction Gabriel had to his touch earlier. He hadn't meant to do it, it just happened. He was so consumed by his own thoughts, he forgot they weren't together anymore.

"Dean, why don't you and Cas go out too. Derek and I will keep researching while you're out, I think you could use the break," Lydia said turning to the oldest Winchester.

"I'm fine, I-"

"That wasn't a request," Lydia interrupted not looking up from her phone.

Dean felt Cas' hand slide along his thigh gently.

"I think that's a great idea," Cas smiled at his hunter.

Dean sighed but agreed, "Okay," maybe Lydia was right. Maybe he did need a night with Cas, and maybe Gabriel would remember Sam. It had been painful to watch his brother's heart break all over again when he touched Gabriel, they just needed a win.

*AN*
Be prepared for Sabriel and Destiel dates next chapter. A little break from all the sadness. Lol