Chapter 2
Twenty-something years ago, the powers that be decided that it would be a fantastic idea for human/angel relations if the schools were combined. It was the first of many steps toward the goal of integrating the beings into each other's lives. Start with the children, they'd said, and the rest of the world will follow. And they'd been right—for the most part. There were still kinks to be worked out, old-timers and nay-sayers that refused to let go, but things had only improved and progressed since the decision.
It was one of the best decisions ever made, if you asked Gabriel. It was all because of it that the angel even knew of Sam Winchester. He'd been a freshman the first time he'd laid eyes on the lanky, cute sophomore walking across the school parking lot with his friends, though admiring from afar was the best Gabriel could do up until just this year. As a junior and senior respectively, Gabriel and Sam had some space to fill on their schedules and had both signed up for the same elective public speaking class. And if that weren't enough, the two had finally been paired together for a presentation project. In fact, it was while working on said project that Sam had first kissed Gabriel. It wasn't the weeks of sexual innuendo and shameless flirting on the angel's part that had done it, oddly enough (Sam had mostly just rolled his eyes at it once he'd become comfortable around Gabriel). It was while Gabriel was talking about their topic; the sixteen year old wasn't serious very often, but he was getting more and more passionate, his gestures more animated, and Sam had just leaned in…and kissed him—captured the blonde's mouth mid-sentence. Gabriel was flabbergasted but melted into it quickly. One thing had led to another, and, well…
"Hey!"
Gabriel shook himself out of his trance and looked around until his eyes landed on Sam waving to him from the school's front steps. Gabriel took in the seventeen year old as he made his way over to the angel. Sam had gotten taller over the last couple of years by several inches. His thin form had given way to more muscle as he'd grown, and he was letting his hair grow a little. Gabriel, for his part, had to begrudgingly accept that he was not going to get any taller, and it was noticeable every time he had to look up at the brunette who towered above him.
"Morning, Samsquatch," Gabriel greeted cheerfully enough, though he suddenly felt nervous.
"Hey, Gabe," Sam answered. "Listen…I know I've been busy the last few weeks, and I'm really sorry, ok? I'll make it up to you as soon as debate team calms down." He moved closer, inches away. Gabriel wanted to lean into him and stay there.
"It's fine, Sammy," Gabriel dismissed nonchalantly. He and Sam hadn't really gotten together much since that evening at Sam's apartment, though they'd texted fairly often and spent time at school together when they could. Gabriel was starting to think the worst, and Sam's apology came as a relief.
"It's not. I just…what happened a few weeks ago"—(Gabriel snorted, bemused at the light blush that came to the other boy's face)—"wasn't nothing, just because it sorta happened at a weird time. I'm not that kind of guy," Sam seemed desperate to get something across to Gabriel, and sighed with relief when Gabriel jumped up and encircled his neck in a tight hug.
"I know, Sam. But thanks." So close he could whisper now, and Gabriel's heart rate sped up. He was tempted—so tempted to brush his lips across Sam's ear and tell him. Tell him so he could take some of the massive weight on his broad shoulders, or put it back on Gabe altogether. Just to get it over with. But before he could do anything, Sam gave Gabriel a final squeeze before setting him back down.
"I gotta get to class," he yawned. Gabriel tilted his head at the boy.
"No sleep last night?"
Sam shook his head.
You and me both, Gabriel quipped inside his own head.
"Need some kind of pick-me-up this morning or something," Sam mumbled. Gabriel smirked playfully, a mischievous glean in his golden eyes. Sam wrinkled his brow, but before he could catch on and say something, Gabriel was gone.
"Gabe!" Sam called, glancing around. "Where the hell…?"
Sam started getting anxious after a few minutes, but the angel appeared right back in front of him again, latte in hand.
"For you," he said, holding the drink out and bowing slightly.
Sam shook his head, trying to contain a smile. "Gabe, you're gonna get in trouble doing that. You know we're not supposed to leave school grounds without permission once we're here."
"Just take it, you giant nerd," Gabriel replied with an eye-roll.
Sam glared at him but paused to take a sip, closing his eyes and sighing softly. "Mmm. But thank you."
"Sure thing, kiddo."
The bell rang, and when they made it back to the front steps, before they went their separate ways until public speaking, Sam leaned down and planted a quick but sincere kiss to Gabriel's cheek.
"See you in a little while?"
Gabe nodded, not trusting himself to speak. The small action had made something well up in his chest, much to his chagrin. Hormones already?
He watched Sam's retreating figure until the warning bell rang.
…
Gabriel had been fine all day. Sure, he had a lot on his mind (it hit him at random times throughout the day that there was indeed a child growing inside of him, and he narrowly avoided several panic attacks), but he was getting through the day just fine…until his last class. Public speaking with Sam. He'd taken his usual seat behind Sam, who had twisted around in his chair to greet Gabe with a smile. They talked and laughed about their day so far, and as class time got closer, Gabriel licked his lips and went for it.
"Listen, Samsey, I need to talk to you. Today."
Sam blinked. "Oh. Uh, ok. Now? Is it important?"
Gabriel cringed. "No, not now…but yeah it's kinda important."
"Gabe, what's up?"
"Sam, I—not here, ok."
Sam nodded slowly. "Yeah. Alright. I mean, I have debate practice right after class, but I can be late."
Sam turned back around in his seat and Gabe sank down in his seat, heart pounding. That's when he felt it. The slight churning down in his gut that usually signaled another vomiting session.
No. Gabe took some deep breathes and willed his stomach to settle. It did, for the time being.
They were presenting their homework assignments to the class today, a brief paragraph to be read. When Sam got up to read his, Gabriel leaned forward in his desk and looked on fondly. He loved listening to Sam talk. The older boy's physical presence commanded enough attention already, but it was his words, the smooth lilt of his voice and the pattern of his speech that really drew you in. It was no wonder he was co-captain of the debate team. When he was finished, Gabriel was the only one to clap enthusiastically and whistle. Sam blushed but smiled proudly at him.
Gabriel struggled to stay awake during the next few readings and had to be gently tapped by Sam to get his attention when the teacher called his name.
"Gabriel. Mr. Novak. If you don't mind."
Gabriel grumbled and made his way to the front of the class with the paragraph he'd written just that morning. He was halfway through it when he abruptly froze, the color draining from his features.
"So—yeah, um—
He pressed the back of his hand to his mouth, and giggles arose around the room. Apparently, they thought this was some sort of joke or messing around on the angel's part. Sam's blue eyes, however, were wide with alarm and he looked like he wanted to jump up and help.
"Mr. Novak, if this is some sort of distraction tactic because you didn't finish the assignment—
But before he could go on with his chiding, Gabriel was gone, poofing out of the classroom and leaving everyone else confused.
Gabriel didn't make it far; he ended up outside a side door not far from the classroom. The final bell rang while Gabriel was emptying his stomach in the grass.
"Gabe?! Gabriel!"
That would be Sam, frantically looking for the angel in the hall. Gabriel wiped his mouth and sighed, and then opened the door a crack.
"Out here, sport," he called somberly.
"Gabe? Hey! What happened back there? What's wrong?"
Sam put his hands on Gabriel's arms and studied him intently. Gabriel stared back, at the tightness of Sam's mouth and the concern written all over his face. It was the way he was stroking up and down his arms that pushed the shorter boy over the edge.
"Fuck," he said, pushing Sam's hands off of him and backing away. "Fuck."
Sam startled. "What? What is it?"
Gabe ran a hand through his hair. "Damn it. This isn't how I wanted you to find out, Sam. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."
Sam's hand rested on his shoulder again. "Tell me what, Gabe? Are you sick? Is that what it is? I didn't think you guys could get sick, what's—
"Oh geez, I'm pregnant Sam!" Hot tears sprang to Gabriel's eyes, and Sam's grew to the size of saucers.
"I'm pregnant," Gabe repeated breathlessly, as if the air had been punched out of him.
"What," Sam said softly. "Gabe, what."
"It's yours," the angel stated dumbly, just for the sake of saying something.
"Well, I figured. I mean, I didn't think you—oh, man," Sam rambled, bringing his hands up to rub his face slowly.
"Are you sure?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah. There's not much else that make angels sick like this, Sammy."
Sam nodded absently. "Ok. Alright."
Silence fell between them. Sam just stared, as if dazed, and Gabriel shook his head.
"What are we gonna do, Sam? I'm sixteen fucking years old and…"
His tone hit a helpless note, and Sam snapped out of his daze.
"Hey. C'mere. It's ok. It's going to be ok."
"No it's not," Gabriel protested into his shoulder. "You're co-captain of the debate team. You're a super genius, Sam! You're gonna graduate soon and go off to school and leave."
"I'm not!" Sam insisted, pulling the blonde closer. "Gabriel, listen. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. We'll make this work; we'll get through it…somehow."
"Promise?" Came Gabriels muffled response. Ugh, but he sounded needy!
"Cross my heart," Sam said, kissing the top of the angel's head.
Gabriel nodded against him. He wiped his eyes as they broke apart. When he looked back up at Sam, the boy was studying him again.
"What?" Gabe asked defensively.
"Nothing. Just…"
Sam reached up and brushed his fingertips across the angel's middle.
"….here. Really?"
Gabriel nodded. "Mm-hmm."
"Wow," Sam breathed, eyes full of wonder and fear. He let his arm drop suddenly.
"Gabe, I'm sorry," Sam said sincerely.
Gabriel blinked. "You're sorry? For what?"
Sam shrugged.
"Hey, you wanted some of this," Gabriel said, gesturing over his whole body. "Can't say I blame you."
"Gabriel," Sam groaned, face-palming.
Gabriel chuckled. "But seriously Sammy, don't be sorry. It's as much my fault as yours."
"Hmm. So…" Sam started hesitantly. "When are we telling our families?"
Gabriel paused, as if the idea had only just occurred to him. He'd been so worried about Sam, he hadn't let himself think about his brothers. "Oh crap, I have to tell my freakin' family. Frick, that includes Michael. He's…he's going to be livid, Sam. And not just pissed. Disappointed," Gabe drew out the word, using air quotes. "He already thinks I'm more trouble than I'm worth, just wait until I tell him I'm the next Teen Mom applicant!"
"Gabe, calm down. We'll do it together. I'll go with you."
Gabriel snorted. "Thanks but no thanks, kiddo. You don't need to be anywhere near my house when I tell them."
Sam chewed his lip and nodded. "Yeah. And no offense, but I probably need to tell Dean by myself."
Gabriel waggled his eyebrows and smirked.
"Made an impression, did I?"
"You could say that," Sam answered wryly.
"Well, they're not gonna be home tonight 'til later. Luci's got a class and Michael's got a meeting or something. Tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Sam sighed. "Better sooner than later."
"I guess," Gabe mumbled reluctantly. "Besides, it won't take long for them to notice a change in my aura, anyway."
They locked eyes and stared at each other, at everything between them, before Sam pulled the angel into another hug.
"It's getting late."
"I don't care," Gabe replied. Sam laughed softly into Gabriel's blonde hair.
"You will if we both get in trouble. I'm gonna go see if I can catch the tail end of debate practice and you'd better get home."
"Yeah, yeah," Gabe mumbled. Leaving Sam right now was the last thing he wanted to do, but the older boy was right. Sam tilted Gabriel's chin up and kissed him gently.
"It's going to be ok, remember?"
Gabriel nodded.
"Good. I'll text you later."
They parted; Gabriel checked the time. Walking would have been great for his nerves at the moment, but he needed to get home fast. Flying it was.
…
Balthazar and Castiel were sitting on the couch watching TV when Gabriel fluttered into the living room.
"Sup, homies?" He greeted his two younger brothers breezily.
"You're late," Balthazar answered bluntly.
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Thanks Mike. What have you monkeys been up to?"
"Balthazar was explaining to me why these orange humans are getting paid to act like this on television," Castiel answered.
"It's called Jersey Shore, Cassie. Good lord man, put down the books and pick up a People magazine sometime."
"Hey, the kid doesn't wanna rot his brain, leave him alone," Gabriel admonished, ruffling his youngest brother's brown hair as he walked behind the couch.
Castiel turned and squinted at him. "Gabriel, are you ill? You look pale."
Balthazar whipped around and Gabriel cringed. Leave it to Castiel to notice things a gods-damned NASA satellite couldn't pick up.
"I'm fine, kiddo. Hey, aren't I babysitting tonight? Where's Luci and Mikey?"
"In the back," Balthazar answered.
Lucifer came down the hall as the Brit was speaking. "Hey, lil' bro. The school called a little while ago."
Gabriel's stomach dropped. "Yeah?"
Lucifer nodded. "Mm. Something about you pulling a Houdini in the middle of class—public speaking, I think. Ring any bells?"
"Who answered the phone?" Gabriel inquired nervously.
Lucifer smirked (the type of smirk Gabriel had picked up from his older brother over the years, Michael would note). "Don't worry; I did. And no, I didn't tell him."
Gabriel let out a breath, relieved. "Thanks, Luci."
"Sure. But Gabe…look, you're lucky I answered this time, but you might not be so lucky next time. And I can only keep things from Michael for so long."
"First off," Gabe began, holding up one finger, "class was almost over. And—
Lucifer held up a hand. "Gabe, I don't care. Just don't do it too much, don't get caught, and for fuck's sake don't just disappear in the middle of class like that. You two heard nothing," he added, addressing Castiel and Balthazar. The younger angels nodded.
A door closed somewhere in the back of the house. Lucifer paused and licked his lips, contemplating.
"Give Mikey a break, buddy. He's got a lot on his plate."
Gabriel swallowed hard and nodded, shifting his gaze to the floor.
And then Lucifer leaned in.
"Or his hair will get all gray and then he'll go bald like Zachariah," Lucifer winked as Michael appeared.
"What are you all snickering at?" He asked suspiciously. They all shook their heads, stifling their laughter, and the dark-haired angel rolled his eyes.
"Gabriel, you're in charge. You know what that means."
Gabriel raised his head. "That I was voted least likely to burn the house down? Yes!" he said, pumping his fist.
"Actually, that honor went to Cassie, but you'll be the oldest in the house for a while so you're in charge. Congratulations," Lucifer said unenthusiastically.
"It means," Michael interjected, "that you'll make sure everyone eats, does homework, and gets to bed at a decent hour if we're not back yet. And yes, no burning down the house."
"Pardon me!" Balthazar interrupted indignantly. "Cassie and I are fifteen, is all this really necessary?"
Lucifer snorted and Michael just ignored him.
"I got this," Gabriel said. Just go already."
"Bye kids! We'll be back late, tuck yourselves in," Lucifer chirped. Michael rolled his eyes again and Gabriel felt a sudden rush of affection for both of them. And guilt. Always an undertone of guilt. They were gone in a flash, the faint sound of wings flapping signaling their departure.
"I'm hungry," Balthazar complained.
"Already? Fine, I'll go get us a pizza or something," Gabe said, fully intending on poofing away and returning within a few minutes with a peperoni pizza, the house favorite. But when he concentrated his grace and energy, he found that nothing happened.
Castiel tilted his head quizzically.
"Well?" Balthazar supplied impatiently.
"I—I don't know. Guess I'm just not myself tonight. You must be right, Cassie. Say, you wanna run out and get us some food?"
"And what's wrong with me?!" Balthazar exclaimed, offended, as Gabriel was handing Cas the money.
"Even I'm not dumb enough to trust you on the loose with Michael's money."
Balthazar humphed.
…
Castiel was back in moments and the three ate, Gabriel really only picking at his food. The grease and cheese, which used to be his favorite part, now made him feel nauseous. He dropped his piece of pizza back on his plate before he could throw up in front of Balthy and Cassie. Afterward, Castiel retreated to his room to do homework and Balthazar and Gabe settled in front of the television to play video games.
"Don't you have homework?" Gabriel inquired lamely.
"Meh," Balthazar shrugged.
"I tried," Gabriel conceded. He was kicking his brother's ass in the game when his phone buzzed on the coffee table. He scooped it up and saw a text notification from Sam.
"Be right back," he mumbled quickly, bounding up the stairs to his room.
"You leave, you forfeit!" Balthazar called after him.
Once inside the relative safety of his room, Gabriel opened the text.
Hey. How you doing?
Gabriel smiled.
Ok. A little pukey, and my grace is on the fritz.
Come again?
The angel bit his tongue.
Yes please;-)
…I don't know why I expected any different.
Me neither. How are you? How was debate?
It was ok.
Actually, that was a lie. Sam hadn't even gone to debate practice. He'd walked home instead in a fog, and experienced some nausea of his own. He spent the next few hours staring blankly up at the rotating ceiling fan above his bed in his room.
Missed you. Felt like I should be with you. I don't know.
That was the truth.
I know. Missed you too, Sammy.
Oh, hey, Dean's home. Sorry! See you tomorrow?
Gabriel pouted at his phone screen.
Yep. See you then. Nighty-night! Sleep tight!
Gabriel tossed the phone on his bed and walked around, feeling restless. He paused in front of the mirror on the back of his closet door. He turned, examining his profile in his reflection; it was strange to him how his stomach still showed no visible sign of what was going on. He was paranoid that someone—his family, classmates, teachers—would be able to look at him in the past couple of days and just know. But no one had. It was a relief, maddening, and somewhat surreal all at the same time.
Gabe lifted his shirt and placed his palms on either side of his flat tummy, spreading out his fingers. He tried to imagine himself getting bigger and made a face.
"Hey Gabriel, do you have a calculator I could barro—
Cas blinked in surprise and Gabriel quickly jerked his shirt back down, face going beet-red.
"I—I'm sorry," Castiel said. "Your door was cracked and I thought…" Cas made a helpless gesture with hands.
The blonde searched his younger brother's blue eyes; they were level and worried and penetrating. Gabriel sighed. There was no use lying to the kid now.
"Cassie…damn, might as well get Balthazar in here too, before he starts wondering where everybody went and barges in here anyway. Hey, Balthy! Get in here!"
The other angel appeared as called.
"What's this, then? I was on a winning streak, Gabriel!"
Gabriel looked back and forth between them, considering.
"Alright. Can you little schmucks keep a secret?"
