Chapter Text
Gabriel spots Sam on the far side of the bar, leaning on the rail, patiently waiting for the bartender to finish up with a customer. While he waits, Sam is nodding his head subtly, like he’s listening to someone, but his face appears tight. Even from across the room Gabriel can see his jaw tighten as if he’s grinding down on his back teeth. He nods his head once and glances to his left, nodding again. A cash register obscures Gabriel’s view of the person clearly making Sam uncomfortable. Gabriel feels his hackles rise when Sam suddenly whips his head towards the mystery person. Gabriel is able to catch two words that pass over his lips, 'what' and 'name'.
Gabriel watches with alarm when Sam suddenly pulls his arm away from the bar as if he’s been burned and takes a step to his right. A well manicured hand hangs in the air, seeming to chase Sam even as he retreats.
Sam’s back goes ramrod straight and his shoulders square at the same time Gabriel has doubled his steps towards Sam. Only his feet falter and his blood runs cold when the owner of the well manicured hand steps into Gabriel’s view.
Gabriel hasn’t actually walked into a bar. He’s walked into the past. There, hitting on his boyfriend, is Kali Elysian.
“You need to leave, you aren’t welcome here.” Castiel’s voice precedes him as he passes Gabriel. Both the tenor of his cousin’s voice and his sudden presence startles Gabriel enough to break him from his frozen stance.
His fists clench at his side as he moves around the bar. “I made myself very clear we are done,” Gabriel tells Kali as steps up between Sam and his ex. “You need to leave.”
“Kali?” Dean asks Cas, “Holy shit, Cas isn’t that the bi-”
“Don’t stoop to her level,” Castiel tells Dean sternly with a hand to his chest. “And yes, it is,” Castiel answers Dean’s incomplete question. Cas is the only person from the family that Gabriel had confided in about Kali’s romp with the neighbor and he isn’t surprised Cas would share with his fiancé.
“Gabey!” she shouts, lunging forward to grab Gabriel’s hand. He manages to avoid contact with her with a quick step backwards. “Gabey, are you gonna stand there and let these, these thugs gang up on me?” Once upon a time a question like that would’ve had Gabriel jumping to be her knight, ready to defend her honor. Willing to do almost anything in order to win her praise or affection, no matter how minuscule it turned out to be- or as he’s finally learned- how false.
His stomach churns as he imagines how differently he’d probably be feeling right now if he hadn’t met Sam. If he hadn’t spent the week with Sam, he’d bet his last paycheck he would’ve caved at the first little quiver of her pretty, pouty lips just now. By morning he’d hate himself but that wouldn’t stop him from falling back into their old, unhealthy way of life.
But he did meet Sam and that is not how this is going to play out. Gabriel is done being someone’s bed filler. If he’s learned anything this week it’s he deserves to be with someone who appreciates and accepts him for who he is.
“Gabey?” Dean repeats with his face pinched in obvious disdain. “Sheesh lady, you gotta get a grip, he’s a grown man.”
“Gabriel, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was her right away otherwise I would have-”
Gabriel lays a reassuring hand onto Sam’s chest. “It’s okay. Really. I got this.”
“Gabey, you know this guy?” she pouts, furrowing her eyebrows together as if he wronged her somehow. “I was just trying to be friendly with him while I waited for you but he was incredibly rude.”
The anger Gabriel had first felt upon seeing her face fizzles out like a deflated balloon. Now, he just feels tired. He sighs deeply. “Cut it out, Kali. No one here is buying your bullshit. After all these years I’m finally fully aware of the games you play and I’m done. Let me be clear, I want you out of my life.”
“Gabe, I-”
“Don’t touch me,” Gabriel tells her sternly when she reaches for his wrist.
“But Gabe, I’m so sorry, I know I was wrong but I can make it up to you.”
“No. No thanks. Find yourself another lost puppy that’s so deeply lost in self loathing he won’t notice the way you expertly chip away at any respect he may have hidden down deep. I’m no longer willing to allow you to treat me as if I’m beneath you. That I should be grateful you’re even willing to give me the time of day. No more because I’ll tell you something, Kali, in the last four days I’ve felt more love and appreciation than I ever did in the three years we’ve known each other.”
Gabriel is keenly aware of the fact both Sam and Castiel have moved closer to him, and although he isn’t able to see him peripherally as he can the other two, he knows Dean is also there. They all have his back.
He picks up her red clutch purse from the bar and presses it to her chest, making sure to not make any direct contact. “My cousin is right, you aren’t welcome here. If you show up again I’m calling the police. There’s the door,” Gabriel informs her with an outstretched arm.
“Don’t let it hit your ass on your way out,” Dean chides in.
Kali makes several more feeble attempts at changing his mind while Gabriel remains silent and fights to keep his face as neutral as possible. To drive his point further home that he’s no longer interested in what she has to say, he shifts his gaze away. Looking past her as he stares at the empty table in the far left corner of the room.
After what feels like an eternity, Kali finally concedes and brushes past Gabriel. “You’ll regret this,” she tells him coldly which only makes him roll his eyes in boredom.
When he estimates she’s nearly to the door he calls over his shoulder. “Kali.”
“Yes?” she says with hope dripping from her voice.
He turns his head just enough for her to see his profile. “My name is Gabriel.” And with that he returns to look after that empty table in the corner.
Gabriel swallows with difficulty then asks. “Is she gone?”
“Hopefully for good,” Castiel answers him.
“Good,” Gabriel murmurs as he drops as if boneless onto the nearest bar stool. His head drops into his hands and he concentrates on his breathing while his heart races. Confrontation is not his favorite thing on a good day but this was on another level. Standing up for himself is something very new for Gabriel.
Hands pat on his back and the contact helps to calm him again, especially the hand that’s now cupping his chin. He allows Sam to tip his head up and he hopes his face doesn't betray how frazzled he feels on the inside. The warmth in Sam’s eyes and the grin on his face tells Gabriel he did good.
A muffled oomph sound escapes Gabriel as Sam bends and covers his mouth with his. His tongue slips in and swirls while he steals Gabriel’s breath right out of him.
“I’m impressed too, Sam, but damn, I think you’ve made your point.”
Sam pays his brother no mind but he does press their lips one last time before pulling back. “Gabriel!” Sam tells him breathless, “That was, holy shit, that was amazing!” Sam’s hands are gesturing wildly about as he speaks, his pride in Gabriel clearly bubbling over.
Gabriel runs his fingers through his hair, ignoring the tremble he feels. “No. No, that was- oh thank fuck!” Gabriel gratefully accepts the shot glass Dean holds out for him. He slams the amber contents back, enjoying the burn but grimacing all the same. “Thank you,” he tells Dean again with a weak smile.
“Might as well leave the bottle,” Dean tells the bartender and Gabriel can’t seem to muster up any form of protest.
“I’d have to agree with Sam, Gabriel,” Castiel tells him as he takes a seat next to Gabriel, “that was really great to see. I have to admit I’ve never cared for her.”
Gabriel laughs without humor. “I know, Cas. Believe me, I know. And no,” he addresses all three of them, “that wasn’t amazing or great. That was me doing my best to hold onto my last shred of dignity.”
“Oh Gabriel, Gabriel,” Sam says with a slow shake of his head. “I’ve been wrong this whole time.”
“Whoa! Sam Winchester is admitting to being wrong about something? Now that’s something to drink to!” Dean smirks before taking a shot.
“Can it, Jerk,” Sam tells his brother. “Gabriel, you’ve proved your point. You might not be Batman after all.”
“Hey! I’m Batman!” Dean calls out in indignation.
Gabriel snorts with laughter but Sam ignores Dean. “You could be Bruce.”
“Told ya,” Gabriel tells him and takes another shot. “No, I’m a lightweight, I can’t,” Gabriel tells Dean when he offers to refill his shot glass for the third time.
“As in Wayne?” Dean asks, clearly puzzled as he returns the bottle to the countertop. “What is happening here?”
“Not Wayne. Bruce Banner!” Sam tells Gabriel with another kiss pressed into his cheek. “You’ve been right all along. You are Bruce Banner!”
“Now we’re on to Marvel? Sammy, you really need to give it up, you just aren’t a cool nerd, and would you stop kissing the guy? What has gotten into you?”
“He is acting out of character,” Castiel comments, “maybe he hit his head in the plane accident.”
“Bruce is smart, kind and calm but you’re more. You’re also like Hulk but without the rage.”
Gabriel rises shakily to his feet. He pats Sam’s cheek with a smile. “That’s sweet of you, Nightwing. Thank you.” He thinks briefly of grabbing the bottle of whiskey but the thought of the next morning has him deciding against it, and heads for the empty table in the far left corner of the room.
Sam takes the seat next to Gabriel while Cas and Dean join them across the table.
“I gotta say you sure know how to get a party started,” Dean comments as he grabs the drink menu from the wire holder at the edge of the table.
“How are you doing, Gabriel?”
“I’m okay, Clarence. Really. A weight has been lifted. But enough about me, tonight is about the two of you.” Gabriel smiles as Sam laces their fingers together under the table and gives him a squeeze. He honestly feels fantastic. “Where’s the honeymoon taking place?”
“Cas has never been to the ocean before so we thought we’d visit San Francisco.”
“Ohhh you gotta go to Alcatraz,” Gabriel tells them.
“It’s on the list,” Cas assures him.
They pause their conversation to place their drink order with the waitress. They all opt for tap beer.
“And I’m not sure where it’s located but I know there used to be a Six Flags roller coaster park somewhere in that area. I bet Cas would like that,” Sam adds.
Dean lets out a snicker of laughter, “Not my Cas.”
Cas looks at Sam with a cock of his head, and Gabriel thinks oh shit, we’re busted. “Actually,” he says slowly, “I do like roller coasters. At least I did when I was younger.” With the last comment he looks to Gabriel, not Dean. Gabriel pretends to study the dessert menu.
“I think I need something sweet after all that drama,” Gabriel states. The change of subject works and Dean pipes up.
“Ooh, do they have pie? Please tell me they have pie.”
“Sorry, man, no pie but they do have cake.”
Dean gives Gabriel a stern look. “Cake is NOT the same as pie.”
“I’m sorry, point taken. I should know better, I’ve heard some people take their pie very seriously. Some have even been known to shed a tear or two over it.” In for a penny, in for a pound, Gabriel thinks as he recalls Sam telling him about the roadside attraction he and Dean had visited.
“They have brownies, with ice cream,” Sam interjects, louder than necessary and Gabriel struggles not to laugh.
“Thinking of dessert, gentlemen?” The waitress places a glass in front of each of them.
“Yes, we’ll have a brownie with ice cream, please” Cas tells her.
“Make that two,” Gabriel adds.
After she walks away, Castiel speaks up. “Not that I want to be the one to bring this up again but I can’t believe she just showed up here!”
Gabriel groans. “I should’ve expected it. The other day she texted me that she had bought a plane ticket and a new dress.”
“Yeah,” Sam nearly shouts, “and you told her to get a refund because she wasn’t invited.”
Cas takes a pull from his glass. “From what you’ve told me about her I guess I’m not surprised. She always sounded like the type to hear only what she wanted to hear.”
“Hey! Wait a minute!” They all jump with Dean’s outburst. His eyes are open wide and his finger is pointing first at Sam and then Gabriel. “You two!”
“Dean, you feeling okay?” Cas asks, perplexed.
“I should have known my prude brother would never kiss anyone he’d just met!” Dean yelps.
“Dean?” Cas asks again while Gabriel and Sam share a knowing look.
“And, and the names,” Dean stutters, his finger still pointing. “And,” he cries with much more gusto, “how did you know my fiancé liked roller coasters? I didn’t even know that! Show me your hands,” he cries out, standing to his feet.
Sam looks at Gabriel, shrugs as if to say our time is up, then lifts their conjoined hands into plain view.
“Actually, you’re wrong, he did kiss me less than twelve hours after meeting me,” Gabriel corrects Dean as he pulls their hands back down onto his thigh.
“I knew something was up with you two,” Dean gasps as he falls to his chair. “Spill it!”
“What is happening?” Castiel asks, echoing his fiancé's comment not long ago.
“What’s happening is my brother and your cousin have been doing the dirty, and they didn’t tell us.”
“They said no such thing,” Castiel tells Dean.
“Weeelll,” Gabriel says sheepishly.
“Spill it!” Dean repeats.
“Wait, how? When?” Castiel asks, doing his best to catch up to the same conclusion as Dean. Gabriel knows he’s made it when his eyes also open wide. “You called me about a plus one! That was Sam?!?”
Gabriel nods. “Sam and I were on the plane together.”
“And Gabriel rented a car and offered to give me a lift.”
“The plane that went off the runway?” Cas asks. “But you never mentioned anything about being there for that. Just that you would be here in time for the wedding.”
“Actually, I did tell my mother about the plane but I don’t think she ever actually believed I would show up so I guess I’m not surprised she never passed that detail on to you.”
“Yeah, that tracks,” Cas says with a roll of his eyes.
They pause their conversation again when the waitress brings the brownies and ice cream to the table.
“Oh my god, the pie. You know about the four thousand pound pie!?”
“Sam has been introducing me to the joys of road tripping. He may have mentioned the pie, and a giant hole if I recall.”
Dean stares off into the distance. “Those were good times.”
Castiel leans back onto his chair. “This is wild. Why didn’t either of you mention this earlier? And how long were you planning on keeping it a secret?”
“And how serious is this?” Dean asks as he inhales a large spoonful of ice cream.
“We weren’t exactly keeping it a secret, we just didn’t want to take away from your day,” Sam explains as he breaks off a piece of brownie and hands the spoon to Gabriel.
“Whoa, I thought for sure you were gonna eat that, Sammy.”
“Road trip is over, no more junk food for Nightwing,” Gabriel says around a mouthful of chocolate. “And to answer your question, Dean, I’d say it’s pretty serious.” He glances at Sam who nods his head in confirmation. “Yeah, it’s serious,” he repeats, “I’m pretty smitten with your brother.”
“Really?” Cas asks in awe.
“And what's with the freaking names?” Dean cries.
“Long story that started with a song,” Gabriel tells him.
“Don’t they all?” Cas comments. “Okay, so the two of you met on the plane, nearly crashed, then decided what the hell let’s take a trip together? How did you connect?”
“Believe it or not, we were seated in the same row.”
“And started talking about where you were headed and realized…” Dean fades off, leaving the remainder of his statement up to assumption.
“Actually, no. We didn’t figure that out until the next day. Another long story,” Sam tells them, cutting off any further questions and Gabriel is grateful. The last thing he wants to do is rehash that whole event.
“Wow, I can’t wrap my head around this,” Dean comments.
“Us too,” Sam and Gabriel agree in unison.
“Oh my god, it is serious,” Dean observes as he tosses down his spoon onto his empty plate.
@@@@@@
Nearly two hours later, Sam is standing at the sink brushing his teeth while
Gabriel crawls into bed. He doesn't notice Sam watching him intently in the mirror.
“What a day,” Sam comments after making one final rinse.
Gabriel grunts in agreement, too tired to even speak. The four of them sat sharing stories and laughing a lot. They drank enough to make them all feel good but not too much to make them feel bad in the morning. If it hadn’t been for the unwanted guest, today would have nearly been perfect.
The bed shifts as Sam slides under the sheet, rolling to his side to face Gabriel. He tucks a strand of Gabriel’s hair behind his ear then lets his hand slide down to his jaw. “How are you doing, Batman?”
Gabriel hums at the warmth of Sam's skin, leans into his touch, then turns his head enough to kiss Sam's hand.
Gabriel yawns but nods his head. “I’m okay. Tonight- well most of tonight- was a lot of fun. Made me realize how much I’ve missed being around Clarence. I gotta do better about staying in touch.”
Sam nods. "You will. After what I saw tonight, I know you have big changes ahead of you. Changes for the better."
"Anything will be better than how I've been living my life. Or rather existing, not really living," he says around another yawn as his eyelids droop shut. His lids open again when he feels lips press against his.
“I’m proud of you, Gabriel”. Even in the sliver of moonlight peaking through the curtain, he’s able to see the sincerity of Sam’s words etched on his face. “When she told me her name, all I saw was red. I was so ready to lay into her but I knew I needed to give you a chance to stand up to her. And holy shit, did you ever!”
“Thank you, Sam. I don’t know what’s going to happen with work and all that but I’m not worried about it anymore. You make me feel brave. Knowing you were there made all the difference.”
“Nah,” Sam says, “you didn’t need me. The magic was always in you.”
Gabriel laughs softly. “If you say so. We better get some sleep. Big day tomorrow.” Gabriel covers Sam’s hand with his and closes his eyes.
“Goodnight, Batman. I love you,” Sam tells him softly.
Gabriel feels warmth flood his cheeks and fill his chest cavity. “I love you too, Nightwing,” he answers just as quietly. The moment doesn’t feel monumental. It just feels...right.
@@@@@
Gabriel is tightening the knot on his newly shined dress shoe when Sam’s phone buzzes beside him on the bed. He glances at the screen before yelling for Sam. “Dean’s calling.”
“Well that can’t be good,” Sam comments as he hits the green button. “Hey, Dean.”
Gabriel stands, picks some lint from his sleeve and gives himself one more glance in the mirror. His face is freshly shaved, hair tamed, and clothing wrinkle free. Even still, he’s sure his mother will find something that will need fixing.
“Uh, yeah, he’s right here. Of course. Ok, I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Gabriel feels his brow furrow as Sam ends his brief call. “Everything alright?”
“Not really,” Sam tells him with concern, “something has Cas upset. Dean didn’t go into details but he was hoping you could talk to him.”
“Damn it, what did they do now? I wish they’d learn this isn’t about them.”
“Who?” Sam asks as he watches Gabriel grab his wallet and phone.
“The Hocus Pocus witches, who else? I’ll go find him and I’ll meet you down in the ballroom.”
“At least it’s only ten, that leaves an hour to fix whatever drama they’ve caused before guests start to arrive.”
“I’ll do my best. Oh, and hey,” Gabriel places his hands on Sam’s chest, “you look smokin hot.”
“Very hot,” Sam agrees, “it’s a good thing I brought two shirts with me. I haven’t even gotten the dress jacket on and I think I’ve lost five pounds in sweat.”
“Poor, poor Nightwing.” Gabriel gives him a quick kiss. Goes back in for a second then scurries out the door.
Sam and Gabriel’s room is on the first floor and Dean and Cas are on the second. He finds the nearest flight of stairs and heads up. There’s no answer in their room so Gabriel walks in the opposite direction from the stairwell. He doesn’t need to go far. At the end of the corridor is a little nook with a vending machine and two reading chairs.
This can’t be good, he mentally repeats Sam’s earlier comment before addressing Cas aloud. “They’re gonna charge you a hefty penny for carpet replacement if you keep up that pacing, Clarence.”
Cas turns on his heel and Gabriel is only slightly alarmed to see the look of distress on his cousin’s face. His pressed shirt is untucked and his tie is draped over his neck like a scarf.
“Oh, hey, Gabe. Uh, you look nice,” he tells him in a preoccupied manner with a wave of his hand.
“What’s up, Buttercup? Save the energy needed to deny it and just tell me what’s got you up here burning calories that will surely be better spent during your honeymoon.”
Cas halts his footsteps, and seems to hold a brief internal debate with himself before sighing heavily and dropping into one of the chairs. His head falls to his hands and he pulls at his hair. “Charlie is sick.”
“Charlie your best, uh, person? I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it isn’t serious.”
“Sounds like influenza but she can’t make it today.”
“Well, shit, Cas, I’m sorry to hear that.” He takes a seat next to Cas and pats his knee reassuringly. “You know, it’s those darn kids at your library. They pass out germs like candy at a Fourth of July parade. When I did my pediatric rotation I swear I was sick for nearly half the month I was with the little tykes.”
“Gabe, I-” Cas starts then stops, sighs then tries again. “I don’t know how to say this.”
“Just say it, whatever it is, it’s just me Cas. You want me to bring the car around back for a fast getaway, you got it. Whatever you need, I got you.”
Cas laughs nervously. “No. No, nothing like that. I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry I asked Charlie to stand up for me. I-”
“Time out,” Gabriel forms a T with his hands, “you have no reason to apologize. I should be the one to apologize. I’ve been in a real bad place over the last year and I’ve neglected a lot of people that are important to me. You being the top of that list. I’m sorry, man, I should have been here for you while you planned this whole thing. It’s always been you and I against those two and I let you down. I’m sorry.”
“Oh hell, Gabriel, now you’re making me feel worse!”
“What? No! I’m sorry, that wasn’t my inten-”
Cas wipes his hand through the air and shakes his head. “No. stop. What I mean is, I wanted to ask you but I caved to my mother’s nagging. She thought it best if I asked Charlie because-”
“She didn’t think I was reliable enough to show up. I hate to say it but she’s right.” Gabriel quickly points his finger at Castiel, “I’ll deny I ever said that until my dying breath so you better not repeat that.” Gabriel feels relief when his cousin’s face splits into a smile that Gabriel has seen countless times through their lives. The grin that makes his eyes crinkle and Gabriel knows he’s okay. “And did you just ask me to stand up for you at your wedding?”
“Yes. That’s what I’ve been trying to ask you, something that should’ve been asked months ago. Will you be my best man?”
Gabriel’s chest feels tight with pride. He pops to his feet and hugs Castiel when he follows suit. “Absolutely. I would be honored.”
“Thank you, Gabriel.”
“My pleasure. Everything good now?” He pulls out of their hug and sets about tying Castiel’s blue tie. “You had Dean worried this morning. You’ve got a good one, there, Clarence. He seems to balance you out well.”
Cas tilts his head to the side. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you and Sam.”
He gives the knot one more cinch then lets his hands slide down Cas’s chest, giving him a little pat before pulling his hands free. “Yeah, we did pretty good, didn’t we? Just took a few frogs before we each found our prince. Oh shit!” Gabriel yelps as a thought occurs to him. “Cas! This is the only clothing I have.” He gestures to his black dress pants, mustard yellow shirt, and purple tie. “I don’t even have a jacket.”
“You look perfect, Gabe. I wouldn’t care if you had on scrubs. I’m just glad you’re here.”
“Oh no, we gotta save the sappy stuff for later. We better get down there before our mothers scare our Winchesters away.”
“Excellent point,” Castiel tells him as falls into step next to Gabriel.
@@@@@
Gabriel lets out a long, low whistle over the transformation of The Bunker ballroom. The chairs for the ceremony, tables for dinner and the dance floor are all still arranged as they had been the night before, and yet it looks like a completely different room. The dance area now has DJ equipment. Each table is draped with a crisp white linen topped with full place settings, including green napkins folded like a fan. The arch at the end of the aisle now has strings of white lights nestled amongst the blue and green sheer fabric. There’s a round table in the upper right corner of the room with a card box and a small square table next to it with what appears to be a cake stand. The lights are dimmed to a soft glow, giving the room an evening feel to it.
“This looks so different. Wow,” Castiel says in awe.
“Dude, you literally took the words right from my head.”
“There you are!” Amara calls from across the room. She shifts the flowers adorning the middle of the table she’s currently standing at before walking to her son and nephew.
“Mother, you look beautiful,” Gabriel tells her with a kiss to her cheek.
“And you’ve done an amazing job on this room, Aunt Amara,” Cas tells her with a kiss on her other cheek. “How can Dean and I ever thank you all?”
“You can start by standing still while I pin a boutonniere on,” Naomi tells her son as she walks into the room carrying a long white box. She sets it onto the surface nearest Castiel and Gabriel and gives them each a brief hug.
“You look beautiful, Mom,” Castiel tells his mother. He then kisses her cheek before Gabriel does the same.
“Looking good, Aunt Naomi,” Gabriel tells her with a grin.
“You look very nice, Gabriel,” his aunt tells him as she turns towards the box, “I heard about the last minute change to the wedding party, it’s a good thing I ordered an extra boutonniere, I don’t think you would’ve liked the bouquet meant for Charlie."
Gabriel shrugs his shoulder then apologizes when his aunt gives him a dirty look, telling him to remain still. “I would’ve rocked the hell out of a flower bouquet.” She pins the mini bundle of silk succulents to his shirt, a small smile just barely lifting the corners of her mouth. “Nice touch with the absence of flowers. I like the greenery.”
“It’s what both Dean and Castiel agreed upon,” Naomi informs him. “Gabriel,” she continues, “is that the tie you plan to wear for the ceremony?”
Gabriel runs his fingers over the purple cloth. “It’s the only one I have so I’m going with, ‘yes’.”
“Well,” his mother chimes in while he feels her fingers tuck under his collar, “at least you came to your smarts and didn’t bring that….that woman with you.”
“No, Mother,” Gabriel assures her as he takes her hand, if only to make her stop fussing over his clothing, “I promise you will never be subjected to the likes of her ever again.”
“Amen to that!” shouts Cain as he and the other guys stride into the room. They’re all dressed in suites with matching succulents on their lapels. “It always took every bit of will power in me to be civil to that one. I never liked the way she talked down to you.”
“She scared me,” Chuck adds as he gives his wife a peck on the lips.
“Hey,” Gabriel cries with a finger pointed at Dean and Castiel, “isn’t there something about not seeing each other before the wedding?”
“There’s no bride here,” Dean states after kissing Castiel hello, “and I’d like to see you try and stop me from seeing this stud.”
“Touché,” Gabriel replies as his own eyes rake over the approaching Sam. His fingers twitch with the desire to touch him.
“The cats gonna be out of the bag soon so you may as well just do it now,” Dean informs his brother.
From the corner of his eye, Gabriel sees the confusion on the faces of his family but his radar is set only on Sam. He feels his eyes grow wide as Sam closes the distance and pulls him into a tight embrace. Wet, warm lips and just the briefest taste of his tongue sets Gabriel’s nerves buzzing.
“You look very dapper, Gabriel,” Sam tells a stunned Gabriel as he takes a step back.
“So much for waiting to tell everyone,” Gabriel wheezes as he accepts Sam’s hand.
“Well,” one of the women says, Gabriel isn’t even sure which of the sisters spoke.
“Family gatherings are going to be a lot more fun from now on,” Castiel jokes.
The silence is broken by a smacking sound. Chuck has just slapped what appears to be a twenty dollar bill into Cain’s waiting palm. “Told ya they were making googly eyes at each other yesterday.”
Gabriel’s laughter stops abruptly as his mother comes forward. Walking slowly, she first looks at their intertwined fingers, then up into Sam’s face. Gabriel finds it astonishing how being put under her scrutinizing inspection somehow makes Sam Winchester appear small. After several seconds she turns her attention to Gabriel. Her hand rests on his cheek while she looks him in the eye, then with a curt nod of her head she pulls her hand away and turns on her heel.
“We are fifteen minutes behind schedule, everyone,” she calls over her shoulder, “we’re keeping the photographer waiting and the guests will be here in thirty.”
Gabriel remains rooted in place, his jaw hanging loose.
“Uh, Batman?” Sam asks slowly.
“Yeah?”
“What just happened?”
“That, my friend,” Castiel answers for Gabriel, his voice growing louder as he comes up behind them, “was the often talked about, rarely seen, Novak sister stamp of approval. Congratulations, I myself have only only been witness to it one time.”
“And you let that person go?” Sam asks, bewildered.
“Hell no, I’m about to marry him.”
And that’s exactly what Castiel does. Standing under the metal arch, he says ‘I do’ to Dean Winchester. Gabriel struggles to concentrate on the short ceremony, his thoughts continue to stray to the man standing behind his cousin’s husband. He can’t help but imagine standing in Castiel’s place while he slips a silver ring onto Sam’s finger. He wonders if Sam may be thinking the same as he catches Gabriel’s eye and winks. His face feels suddenly flush, recalling his dad’s earlier comment about making googly eyes, has him avoiding any further eye contact with his tall superhero.
Following the ceremony they all find their assigned seats and gather for a meal together. Sam and Gabriel each take their turns toasting the new couple. As Gabriel returns to his seat, Dean calls out to the crowd that he’ll see them all next year when the best men get hitched.
Gabriel thinks his new cousin may not be wrong. The very idea has Gabriel’s heart racing.
As the main course is being served, a small dinner plate appears in front of Gabriel. On it sits a pickle spear and a lemon wedge. He looks up to the waiter who silently points down the table towards Sam. Gabriel smiles widely at Sam and covers his heart with his hand to show his gratitude.
“Oh my lord, I can’t believe you still eat that!” Castiel cries out as Gabriel sprinkles salt over the pickle.
“Ew,” Dean comments as he watches Gabriel squeeze the lemon. “Are you gonna eat that?”
“Don’t knock it til you try it, it’s surprisingly good,” Sam informs Dean.
“I’ll take your word for it, little brother.”
Castiel shakes his head with a small chuckle. “Me too. When we were eleven I dared Gabriel to eat that once.”
“Cas was never good at Truth or Dare so I almost always chose dare,” Gabriel explains. “I know there were more awful things to combine together than pickles and lemon that day.”
“I, on the other hand, almost always chose truth because Gabriel was very good at coming up with dares.”
“I believe that,” Sam agrees, “and I can’t wait to hear more stories because I bet there are many.”
“Yeah, and I really need to hear more about those roller coasters,” Dean adds.
“There will be plenty of time for that,” Castiel assures them.
@@@@@
Dinner is over and the guests are either milling about or finishing their slice of wedding cake. Sam and Gabriel are standing near the gift table watching the festivities around them. “Has he seen the clock yet?” Gabriel asks with a chin pointed towards the unwrapped, lumberjack cuckoo clock Sam had found while they were in Antique shop haven.
Sam chuckles softly. “No but I’m sure I’ll hear him holler for me no matter where I’m located at the time.”
“Look at him,” Gabriel observes, bringing Sam’s attention to Castiel and Dean having their first dance. “You wouldn’t know he just ate almost an entire pie by himself,” Gabriel laughs.
“I’m not sure how he does it,” Sam agrees.
“Alright,” the DJ’s voice booms over the speaker as Steven Tyler’s voice fades away, “let’s hope our newly wed couple never miss a thing. Now, lets welcome everyone out onto the floor. We’ll start the evening with our first request.”
Sam’s head snaps to the side to look at Gabriel as the first notes play. Baya-da-da-da-daya-da Gabriel shrugs his shoulders and holds his hand out for Sam. He accepts his silent offer and allows Gabriel to pull him into a slow sway.
There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea. You became the light on the dark side of me. Love remained a drug that’s the high and not the pill.
“What a week, huh, Gabriel Milton?” Sam smiles down at Gabriel.
“It certainly was, Sam Winchester. Never thought I’d be one to enjoy a road trip.”
“First of many, I hope.”
But did you know, that when it snows, my eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen.
Baby I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray. The more I get of you, the stranger it feels, yeah. And now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the gray.
“Many indeed because I’m afraid my gray would return without you rose around,” Gabriel tells Sam.
Their swaying slows momentarily while they share a brief kiss. For just a moment they forget they are on a dance floor surrounded by friends and family. The only two present at the moment are Sam and Gabriel. Even Batman and Nightwing have taken a step back for just a few seconds.
There is so much a man can tell you, so much he can say. You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain, baby. To me you’re like a growing addiction that I can’t deny. Won’t you tell me, is that healthy, baby?
“I was thinking, Batman,” Sam tells him softly, bending low in order to kiss Gabriel’s temple.
“Uh oh,” Gabriel smiles. “Lay it on me, Nightwing.”
“I was thinking about the big hospital that’s only two miles from the home I own.”
“Oh really?”
“Yup, the home I own that has three bedrooms. I’m also thinking about the king sized bed in one of those bedrooms that’s going to feel awfully lonely with only me in it.”
“Well, we can’t have that,” Gabriel says slowly.
“What do you think?”
Gabriel watches as Dean whispers into Castiel’s ear, causing Castiel to throw his head back and laugh. He looks up into Sam’s face and feels a wave of calm wash over him. It would take very little effort for him to go back to Nashville to pack up his apartment and say goodbye to his former co-workers. What would he have to lose? More importantly, what does he stand to gain?
“Ever been on a road trip with a U-haul truck?” Gabriel asks Sam with an arch of his eyebrow.
Sam’s face splits into a wide grin, making his dimples pop. “I’ll start researching our stops along the way as soon as I’m able.” He pulls Gabriel close to his chest, allowing the vibrations of Sam’s humming to dance over Gabriel’s cheek.
I’ve been kissed by a rose on the gray, if I should fall along the way.
Now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the gray.