A/n: This was an anti-climactic end to such an event and I am so sorry. But, I am still struggling to write with all my depression and this was the only way to get me to write again because I kept getting stuck on the interrogation and because getting back to Gabriel is just helping things flow.
Luckily, my depression is slowly clearing up even if life is being hard for my family. Thank you all for all your encouragement. Once again, thank you for all the comments. So very encouraging and inspiring for my writing spirit.
Also, if you're a reader for all three of my Sabriel fics (this one, Bless the Child, and Pixie Pastries), I really hope the none stop sappiness of the boys' loving cuddles that has been the latest update of each story has not been bothersome. Writing them being sweet on each other helps me relax and makes me feel better. ^^'
There were certain things in their job as hunters that really disturbed Sam. He tried to avoid them as much as he could for his sanity's sake. But still, there were still the times where you just had to ignore what was happening before you. Had to keep your focus off what you were involved in.
He was trying to do just that as the horseman's dying laughter rang through the clearing, chilling their souls. He felt unsettled, off kilter at what had just happened. There was always something damaging about watching Dean dip into his hidden darkness. It was terrifying knowing what remnants of Hell still lurked in his brother.
"Well, now we know." Sam whispered as he reached inside the dead horseman's coat and grabbing the pendent hidden against his heart. Sam's skin crawled at black blood clung to his filthy skin. He felt wrong removing something from the horrific creature.
Watching the interrogation had been disturbing to no end. The creature had enjoyed it even once the pain became unbearable. The thing's laughter haunted his heart. In the end, they had only reached a compromise with the monster.
It had told them how to get to the court in honor of their ability to actually capture and torture him. He said they were worthy of his praise for it was no easy feat to take him down. So, he gave them his pendant and the instructions on how to use it.
Pendant in hand, Sam straightened up and looked at his family. He frowned softly, gaze drifting over to his big brother. He knew going to that place in his head was never easy for Dean. He feared for his mental health tonight. He could only pray that Cas could help him deal with it.
Dean pulled a flask of whiskey out of his jacket. He took a drink before pouring it out on the grass. He knelt down beside the horseman before starting to fill the flask with the monster's blood. They required it for the ritual and there was no way they were getting more.
The exhausted trio said no more as they looked about at the clearing. Blood and gold lay about and they were just too tired to care. They didn't speak anymore, they just gathered their weapons and left the clearing. It was time to leave.
Once they had driven back to the motel, Sam was glad that Dean that decided to get a second room. The older hunter had taken back his old room, giving the new clean one to Sam and his angel. Sam knew that after what had happened, Dean and Cas would happily indulge in each other. Sam only wished that he could do the same with Gabriel but didn't dare risk it.
He carried his boyfriend into the new room and laid his sleeping angel on the new bed, careful of his lover's wings. Sam stepped away and got partially undressed. He left himself only in his soft jeans and a soft T-shirt before moving back to the bed. He laid down beside his lover but with several inches of space between them.
Sam smiled sadly as he brushed his fingers along the bruises on Gabriel's cheek. They were healing so well, just like the rest of his angel. His poor lover was shattered but they were slowly putting him back together. Sam was so proud of how brave his little angel was.
"Gabe?" He called softly, stroking the angel's hair tenderly. He made sure not to crowd his lover or to touch him anywhere but his hair, "Gabe, Sweetheart, I'm back." He carefully moved close and kissed his lover's forehead.
Sam moved away again as Gabriel whimpered softly. He was concerned but soon relaxed as his angel's cloudy eyes fluttered open on instinct. Sam wanted to pet the back of his neck in reward but had to forcibly stop himself.
"S-sam, you're b-back?" The angel's soft voice was thick with sleep, making Sam smile.
"Yeah, I'm back." Sam needed his lover, needed his comfort but couldn't take it by force for fear of scaring him, "Gabe, can I hug you?"
"I-I think so." Gabriel shifted uneasily. He loved it when Sam hugged him but it was still triggering. But the sound of Sam's voice broke Gabriel's heart. He wanted to be able to bring the kid comfort.
"Let's try, Sweetheart." Sam whispered softly as he watched Gabriel instinctively stiffen up as the hunter moved close. Sam made gentle shushing sounds as he stroked Gabriel's flank soothingly. From there, his hand slowly slid over Gabriel's lower back over his sweater. He was very careful not to touch the still red area where his carved initials were healing on the angel's skin.
Gabriel was taking shaky breaths to try and settle himself. He felt like trash because just having Sam arm around him was causing a panic attack to build. Sam was so loving and sweet to him through all of this. The kid was an excellent owner and Gabriel couldn't even be good enough to bring him the comfort of a hug.
"Shh… Thank you, Gabe." Sam loosely hugged his angel and kissed his hair. He could tell that Gabriel was starting to panic so he kept the touch platonic. He couldn't stand to accidentally set his lover off even if he used a touch that was normally alright, "Just relax, Angel. It's just me touching you. You're safe."
Sam began to hum softly as the hand around Gabriel began to lovingly stroke the angel's feathers. He kept the touches light, gentle, and soothing. Sam smiled softly as he felt his battered soul start to heal as he lovingly petted his boyfriend. There was something completely soothing and relaxing for Sam in caring for his precious broken angel.
Being extremely careful how he did it, Sam gathered grooming oil from the glands on one wing and began to gently fix feathers. He smiled softly as Gabriel began to moan softly in bliss. The angel curled close to Sam's chest and the hunter gladly welcomed him. Sam's heart fluttered happily as he felt Gabriel begin to relax more with each fixed feather.
Sam hummed more as he happily worked. Gabriel began to purr in pleasure as he snuggled against Sam's chest. It felt so good for them both to find something that was relaxing while also encouraged touching.
"F-feels nice, S-sammy." Gabriel mewled cutely as he blindly felt for his lover. Sam shifted closer and cooed softly to him. Gabriel's hands stopped searching when they timidly touched Sam's shirt. He trembled pathetically as he tiredly shifted close.
Sam's eyes filled with tears of pride as his throat was nuzzled hesitantly by his damaged angel. Never before had such a movement made him so happy as it did now. His angel had showed initiative in order to comfort Sam despite Gabriel still being skittish. Sam tenderly kissed his lover's hair.
"I love you, Gabe." Sam whispered tenderly, stroking his fingers along the bone of a wing.
"L-love you too, S-samshine." Gabriel mewled sweetly as he kissed at Sam's throat tiredly. He purred louder as the kid curled protectively close to him. Gabriel hesitantly wrapped a trembling arm around Sam, giving back the love and comfort he received.
With their combined effort, the early morn was not painful and frightening anymore.
~*~Chapter End~*~
