Heavenly Brews

Chapter Twenty

Gabriel’s POV

 The days pass similarly, but comfortably. By the time it’s Christmas Eve, I’m sure I’ve spent more time curled up by the fireplace than my whole life combined. Sam doesn’t mind lying on the floor with the dogs by us – Bobby barely tolerating them in the house, much less the couch. It’s been great, though Sam and Dean have been sharing a lot of those strange sibling-telepathy conversations, and frankly, I’d likely to know what the buzz is about.

 “Gabe?”

I blink and look away from the fire to see Sam looking at me pointedly. “What?”

Smiling softly, Sam kisses my temple, “Everyone’s at the table. Let’s go eat.”

 I nod and we walk to the kitchen, Dean giving Sam a questioning glance. Sam minutely shakes his head no, and I make a mental note to ask about it later. Bobby and Dean made dinner, and Cas beats me to thanking them. We dig in and tell stories about our past Christmases, and I pitch in a few strange gifts I’ve gotten.

 “I don’t know what was in her head, but Kali once gave me this fake blade made of soda cans. I’m positive she was high at the time, because she told me to smite the demons of Hell. Then she puked and I spent the night making sure she didn’t choke and croak,” I roll my eyes and smile as the others laugh.

 Dean leans forward, “She sounds crazy. Good thing you’ve got Sam now, huh?”

 Sam looks at his brother then me, and I put an arm around his shoulder, “Wouldn’t trade him for any other moose,” I say and kiss Sam.

 Dean looks appeased, and Bobby shakes his head. Cas tilts his head, “I don’t understand. Sam is not a hoofed mammal.”

 The rest of us laugh while Dean whispers in Castiel’s ear who then nods. The story telling continues as food disappears from the plates and beer bottles empty. Sam claims to have one last thing to wrap, so while he’s gone I listen to Bobby talk to Dean about one of the cars in the lot. Dean goes upstairs first, followed shortly by Cas, so Bobby and I talk until Sam returns. When he does, Bobby sticks around long enough to say he’s too old to be up so late making small talk. We laugh as he goes upstairs, then take care of the dogs and call it a night.

 “Hey G–oof!”

 I cling to his back, surprised I was able to jump on him without toppling us both over. He adjusts to hold me easier then tries turning to look at me. I smirk, “Carry me?”

 He nods and turns the lights off on the small tree. The presents beneath it, though few in number, circle it nicely and the sight makes me smile. Sam carries me upstairs and sets me on the bed, throwing me pajamas to change into. He climbs into bed after me, and we whisper sweet nothings back and forth for hours. When the pauses between whispers lengthen and it’s hard to keep our eyes open, Sam smiles and cups my cheek.

 “I love you,” he whispers and kisses me gently.

 I look into his eyes, and smile broadly, “I love you too Sam.”

 He laughs breathlessly and pulls me closer, tucking my head against his chest. I wrap and arm around his waist, and we whisper back and forth until we fall asleep.

 ~*~*~*~

 “Rise and shine Sammy!” A voice calls from the doorway and I grab the pillow and pull it over my head.

 Sam sits up, causing me to roll onto my back away from the warm part of the mattress I had been enjoying. I sigh, shoving off the pillow to see Sam rubbing his eye and Dean smirking bemusedly from the doorway. “Wake up time. C’mon it’s Christmas!”