The movie had been selected by the younger crowd of the alternate world. The kids were being homeschooled by their superiors and while some held a very stoic position where only practical skills were needed, Sam had been adamant on teaching these kids properly. Today was the last Friday of the month and as a reward for doing so well with their classes they now had a huge projector at the end of the library, tables and chairs moved aside and replaced by comfy floor cushions and rugs.
Dean had not meant to stall around them. He had only intended to bring them popcorn and juice boxes but when the bright colours of the papel picado at the start of the story appeared he was inevitably hooked and pulled a chair to sit on along the adults.
A place where you could reside after you died, a place where you lived as long as the family you left behind remembered you. It was a beautiful idea. But it wasn’t true.
Dean inevitably wandered back in his life to list all the people that had left him behind.
Dad, Jo, Ellen, Bobby, Kevin, Charlie, Crowley, yes, even Crowley. And most recently, Gabriel.
Gabriel, whom he had always liked but forced himself to not think anything about; first because he was a Trickster and he should just be thinking of killing him, not befriending him and later because he was an archangel right at the end of the world and apparently didn’t give a shit for them.
That first time he died Dean had been sad he hadn’t been able to make amends with him.
And then he had shown up once more. Beaten, cracked, a shell of what he had been. It was obvious that he would do little help in that state and yet he had left Sam behind with the archangel in hopes that both would be safe and that Sam could reach him.
True to his beliefs, Sam had delivered but Gabriel was gone again. And then back, hitting rock bottom on his grace reservoirs.
Gabriel, whom he brought with them to the alternate world. Dean had desperately tried to not let any kind of feeling develop for him, knowing that he would probably never stay close to them afterwards. He’s an outsider. He’s a stranger. He’s a means to an end. He’s one of the few real options to get me to Jack. To get me to Mom. To get us back home.
He could still see his eyes trembling with fear while he told them to go, to leave while he stalled Michael.
What had all his walls been for when he still had felt such despair watching Michael stab his heart?
The bright glowing golden-orange of the flower bridge in the movie reminded him so much of the archangel’s glow. He had never said a thing to anyone about it because it was weird but he had always clearly seen him glow before he had been taken by Asmodeus. And it surely might have just been his imagination but Gabriel always had imposed that kind of joyful presence.
If only he hadn’t have so many troubles on his plate. If only he could have stopped being an ass. If only he could have allowed himself to talk, really talk to the guy.
When the climax of the movie came and the guitar began strumming the chords of the song, Dean couldn’t hold it any longer. He bent forward to cover his face in his hands. Strings of tears fell over, barely restrained.
Maybe this reaction was the result of all the accumulated deaths he had had to endure in his life. But the only clear face on his mind was that of the archangel on his most vulnerable moments.
Dean was suddenly startled by a soft hand on his shoulder and a subdued whisper. The movie was still on it’s last seconds before the credits went black.
“Dean? Are you alright?”
Dean used all his strength to hold a sob and stood up quickly. He didn’t want anyone else to watch him like that.
“Yeah, I, I’ll… I need some rest.”
He brushed shoulders past his brother and swiftly moved across the place and towards his room. Sam knew better than to follow him. He only wished his brother had realized no one in the room would have ever said a thing about him crying.
Okay well the gif is not related to the story but who doesn’t love to see these two hugging each other?
Despite the fact that Sam and Cas had left pretty early for a day off, Dean had already been awake and having coffee. Gabriel entered the kitchen seconds after Sam left.
-Penny for your thoughts?
-I… I can’t do this Gabriel. I can’t sneak behind Sam with you.
-Yeeeeah I kinda noticed after you kicked me out of your bedroom before I was able to even take your shirt off. Hey, don’t look at me like that, you totally did.
The archangel sat casually on the stool by the hunter, extending his hand over Dean’s arm.
-Look, I’m definitely not the best source for sibling advice -Dean chuckled- but maybe you should say things upfront. I mean, you know my position here, well, more than one by now. Bottom line is, exciting as making out inside the broom closet is, Sam is smart. The kid will eventually find out if he hasn’t already and I’m not sure you want him to call on you about us that way.
Dean just shifted a bit.
-Anyway, considering that he’s not here right now, why don’t we christen up your bed?
The hunter just turned to look at the archangel with a reprobatory look.
-Dude, Sam literally just left the place, can’t you give it a couple more minutes?
No, he definitely couldn’t. Gabriel exchanged his place on the stool to a far more comfortable one between Dean’s legs and surrounded his neck with his arms. Dean leaned towards the archangel to catch his lips and forgetting everything about the coffee he had been holding he thrived on the archangel’s touch. Gabriel began to rub himself consciously against Dean, enticing the hunter’s senses, building up a slow but sure heat between both of them.
Dean’s hands brushed the archangel’s soft hair but when Gabriel went down to bite his neck he pulled his hair gently to get his attention. -Hey… Don’t leave any marks.
Gabriel stared at him with a predating look. -Why?
Dean knew he was screwed, he didn’t want Sam to realize what they were doing and that would make it an issue with Gabriel. He was a guy that boasted about the things he loved, so he obviously wanted to make a fuss about being with Dean, specially if that meant Dean was going to have a couple of hickeys as proof. Gabriel also understood Dean’s silence and decided he wouldn’t give a fuck about it at all. Before the hunter could stop him, Gabriel already had his lips surrounding an area of his neck. Holding him tight with his hands. It was time he showed his own possessiveness as well. All Dean could do was breathe in hard and close his lips tight, drowning a soft moan. After feeling the harshness with which Gabriel was sucking his neck he knew there was not going to be a way to hide things anymore when Sam arrived. He might as well enjoy the rest of the ride and buckle up for the outcome.
-Let’s go back to my bed.
-Best words I’ve heard from those lips today.
The grocer’s market was a good half an hour away from the bunker but looking at Castiel’s eager sight was totally worth the ride. He already looked a lot less stressed and the soft air coming through the open windows of the car gave that Saturday morning a feeling of joyful content Sam hadn’t felt in a long time.
Once at the market, he went around the stands buying vegetables and fruit while sending monitoring looks at Cas, who was animatedly chatting with a beekeeper at the end of the yard.
When he finished with the shopping he went towards them. The beekeeper was showing the seraph the trays where bees kept their honey.
-Looks like you’re ready to start your own beehive.
Castiel beamed back to Sam, a bag with two pots of different coloured honey already in his hands.
-Sam! Did you know? Beehives like these can last decades if well cared.
Castiel quickly introduced Sam to Sarah, the beekeeper. They had some more small talk before Sam excused himself and Castiel.
-I want to get these eggs back home before the heat gets them.
-Oh Sure! Please do! -she turned back to Castiel -I really hope you can come to the tour, you’re gonna love the lavender fields… And people say they always make a nice background for dating couples. -she gave the both of them a knowing wink before moving on to another patron.
Once back in the road Sam suddenly snickered.
-What?
-Nothing, I just thought Dean will be pleased to know he’s no longer the only one I’m paired with as a couple by strangers.
-Do you mind it?
-Of course not.
A moment of silence filled the car.
-Even if I’m not Gabriel?
Sam began to snicker at the angel’s inquiry but it only took him one glance at Castiel to see how serious the question actually was.
-Cas?
Castiel realized his own bluntness, went into silent panic and turned away from Sam.
-Forgive me, I should not… I’m sorry. Nevermind.
-…ok.
The rest of the road went silent. Sam’s head had become a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions while his hands stayed on the wheel.
When they arrived home their hands grazed while making a go for the groceries. Castiel immediately pulled his away in a rush. That was the moment Sam made his choice. He went to get the seraph in his grasp.
-Wait.
Castiel looked troubled but obliged. He fixed his sight on the hunter, afraid of what he was about to say. Sam on the other hand felt his assertiveness falter when the shining blue of Castiel’s eyes made him forget half of what he had hoped to say to the angel at least once if he ever had the guts or the chance, whichever came first. The silent moment stretched longer than what both men could stand. Sam had to say something, anything.
-I’dnevermindthatyou’renotGabriel.
-…I’m sorry Sam, can you say that again?
Sam’s face went red, did he really have to say it again? One glance at the seraph made him realize that yes. He had to say it again. He sighed deeply to catch up with his thoughts for a second.
-I said that I’d never mind you’re not Gabriel. Because you’re you, Cas, and I’ve known you for so long that I… Well, I’d never hope for you to be like Gabriel at all.
Castiel’s eyes looked sideways with a defeated look.
-Oh… uh… thanks.
-It’s not like that! -Castiel turned back again towards Sam. -I… ah… shit.
Sam finally let go of Castiel’s hand and went to grab his face between both of his hands, leaning over him closing his eyes while meeting his slightly parted lips, trembling. What if he was making a mistake? What if he had misunderstood Castiel’s actions? He might be making a fool of himself for as much as he knew.
After the first tortuous seconds where Cas was completely still, Sam finally felt his friend’s hands lift up onto his chest and upwards, pressing fingers against the fabric of his henley. When Castiel got a hold of his neck, he pulled Sam closer, while opening his lips a bit more. Sam, suddenly caressed in such a way, felt how certain parts of himself had begun to awake but tried to keep them at bay. Both men taking turns to venture into their boundaries. Sam was holding Cas close and tight. If he ever went to heaven by the time of his death, this would definitely be one of the memories he’d recall there. The seraph’s lips a little rougher than what he expected but he didn’t care, it was so much better to feel than what he could ever imagine.
The kiss was long and profound, there were too many years of catching up to do. Too many pecks to recover from each moment they had leaned on one another, pulling each other’s lips gently for each an every time they had supported each other. Their hands caressing and holding each other’s bodies tight for each and every time they had to hold back their own impulses in fear of being turned away.
There was no doubt for Sam now that he was able to feel Castiel’s fingers tightly in his grasp, this was the only way things could have ever been.
-Say, Cas… Will you stay by my side forever?
-I would have even if you hadn’t ask me to, Sam Winchester.
Sam just giggled like a fool, falling into the depths of Castiel’s revering gaze and went back to kiss him again.
The way to town was annoyingly silent, Dean had the music off. He wasn’t hiding how upset he actually was.
-Honestly Dean, things were going so smooth with your brother, you should at least have the decency of telling me why you cockblocked us.
That was it. Dean moved the car away from the road and stopped.
-Dammit Gabriel you cannot be seriously asking me that!
-Well I deserve some answers, don’t I!?
-If you’re so desperate for answers then go on and read my mind you stupid feathered ass!
-I don’t want to read your mind! I want you to tell me what you want to say! I told you ages ago what I thought about intruding like that!
Dean slammed his hand against the wheel in a fit of rage and frowned while leaning over it. Gabriel knew perfectly well it would be the easiest thing to do as Dean asked and get into the hunter’s mind right now but he knew better. He knew that if there was still any type of trust between them it would be utterly lost if he chose the easy way.
Dean took a deep breath and faced the archangel once more after what seemed a long internal struggle.
-Sam, he… he doesn’t just want to have you as a booty call. He’s got a crush on you.
-I know.
Silence filled the car numbing Dean like static. He was staring blankly at the archangel, all the words he was about to say stuck in his throat.
-I’ve known ever since I helped you get away from Lucifer’s grasp at the pagan reunion.
-Wh… Why…?
-Why? Why I never said a thing? Why I never made a move before? I probably would have if all your brother wanted was a one night stand but he wanted something more, something deeper. I can’t give him that.
-I thought that now that you were here with us…
-What? That it was gonna be a matter of time? Is that why you have been trying your best to hate me? To push me away from you? To force me into your brother’s arms? -Gabriel left out a sardonic, bitter laughter that made Dean wince inside. -Well don’t I feel like an idiot. It’s so obvious now why you were never happy by my side.
Dean reached for the archangel’s arm and held it tight, he had the feeling that if Gabriel left now they wouldn’t be able to find him ever again. Gabriel turned to look at the hunter but Dean was holding his gaze down. He didn’t understand why it was this hard to say such simple words.
-I just wanted to make him happy. Sammy, he, he deserves to be happy. -Dean’s voice came rougher than intended. -Whenever we were out having fun I couldn’t help feeling like I was doing wrong.
Gabriel was truly frustrated now, specially because he got it. He understood Dean being adamant against him settling in the bunker knowing his brother had a crush on him. He understood being pushed aside in an attempt of forcing him towards Sam after having to allow him in. Was there something more worthy of being talked about by now? At this point, he just wanted to run away, he was more than ready to leave this stupid hunter behind even if that broke his heart. Dean’s grip on him got rougher, it was like he was the one able to read the archangel’s thoughts.
-But when I saw you taking Sam out that first time I…-Dean was trembling now.
Everything suddenly looked clear for Gabriel now. He leaned towards Dean and reached for his head to tilt it upwards, to force Dean to look at him. Dean tried to fight it but the moment he finally gave in and noticed how close the archangel was he knew there was no going back.
Dean pulled Gabriel towards him and clashed his mouth with the archangel. Gabriel reached towards him, pressing himself more, holding Dean close. Desperate to feel him he opened his mouth inviting the hunter. Dean went in, locking his arms around the archangel, kissing him like this was the only time he’d be allowed to have this and he’d lose it forever afterwards.
Time went by, Dean was the first to move away, but not too much. He was high on Gabriel’s touch and taste. Both of them with messed up hair and heavy breathing, turned on and showing it through the fabric of their jeans. Their gazes travelled through each other’s features until they met once more.
-Let’s go somewhere private, I can snap a salad for Sam.
-I don’t think… -Dean’s retort was shut by Gabriel’s mouth. Admittedly, the angel’s hands pressing his sides and slowly going upwards his chest was more than what he could stand. He sighed and made way to get back on the road after separating himself from Gabriel, trying to remember where the closest motel was.
The place was the least of the issues, Gabriel snapped the interior into a luxurious suite filled with soft light, dark woods and smooth silk bed sheets once they were inside the place. They somehow managed to go across the room while kissing and fumbling with each other’s clothes and were already worked up more than enough by the time they landed over the soft and inviting bedding.
Dean was pressing the archangel against the mattress, adorning his neck with soft bites from the crevasse at the start of his neck all the way up to his ear, where he licked it softly, letting his breath fall upon the wet surface, making the archangel’s skin tremble with anticipation. Listening to Gabriel’s fast breathing urged Dean to prove the archangel’s skin sensitivity more. To think that he was actually able to be there, doing this with him was something he hadn’t expected but Dean was desperate to make the most out of it. He kissed Gabriel roughly while the archangel surrounded his waist with his legs, positioning himself in such a luring way that the hunter couldn’t help but press onto his invitation.
He lined himself against Gabriel, using his hand to keep the angle but stopped before entering.
-Don’t worry Dean-o, you’re not gonna hurt me.
Dean doubtfully glanced at the archangel, his amber colored eyes were glowing unnaturally, showing everything but fear. He was desperate for Dean to penetrate him and if the hunter didn’t make his mind soon he was going to take the matter on his own hands. It wasn’t necessary, the flash of lust Dean caught in the deepest part of Gabriel’s eyes were incentive enough for the hunter to thrust slow and firmly all the way in.
The soft moans of pleasure Gabriel let out while he surrounded the hunter with strong warm muscles were making Dean lose his head, it felt beyond good, he had never had another man or woman that felt like this before. He was suddenly overrun by the raw desire of owning Gabriel in every single possible way, making him his and not allow anyone else enjoy him. Dean began to thrust fast against Gabriel’s ass, instilling the angel to breathe faster while pronouncing Dean’s name in a soft contented whisper.
-Fuck, I want you Gabe. I want you to be mine. Say you’ll be mine.
Gabriel was about to open his mouth and say something before Dean began to thrust hard and mercilessly against Gabriel’s ass, making him shoot his head back in a moan with the sudden force. He screamed Dean’s name and pressing his nails against the hunter’s back, all the time begging for more. Pearls of sweat forming through their skin, it wouldn’t take long before Dean gave in but he wanted Gabriel to remember him even after he was done. One of Gabriel’s hand locked itself on the lower part of Dean’s neck for stability while the other went to grab his own dick and jack it off.
-Let it out Dean, we’ll do it together.
Gabriel used his muscles to squeeze Dean tight, sending shivers through the spine of the hunter. He felt the spasm of the climax and moaned hard, faltering Gabriel’s name through his strained vocal cords while his cock pulsed strings of cum inside the archangel. Gabriel followed soon letting out a restrained gasp while he covered himself in his own release.
An instant later, Dean fell by the archangel’s side still unable to pace his breathing, drops of sweat making their way down his sides, chilling him up a bit. Both went up into the bed to fall properly on the pillows.
-Never thought you’d be the possessive kind of guy.
Dean’s neck turned red in a rush.
-Yeah I… – He stopped mid-sentence. What was he going to say? “I’m sorry”? The problem here was that he wasn’t, he wasn’t sorry at all. He regretted saying those words now that the big brother part reminded him Gabriel was supposed to be Sam’s but he still wanted him. He wanted Gabriel so bad.
Gabriel turned Dean’s face towards him. He could see Dean’s internal struggle, it wasn’t like he was trying to hide it at all.
-Still thinking that I should go to Sam?
Dean shuffled uncomfortably.
-I want to be yours.
-You’re not saying it just because I fucked you like this?
-Well, it’s always a bonus if you fuck me like this.
The archangel smiled gently and closed the gap between their mouths, this time there was no rush and the kiss was gentle and caring. Gabriel wanted to show Dean how big of a mistake it would be if he tried to keep pushing him towards Sam when it was obviously not his own intention to go towards the younger brother.
—
Sam’s salad was amazing, it had been waiting for him at the kitchen counter under a glass dome and tasted like all the cobb salads he ever had before were just pale imitations of the real thing, the one he had in front of him right now. Still, there was no sight of Gabriel or Dean.
By the way things had gone before they left the bunker this was either excellent or terrible news. He just hoped for the first one.
He took a sip of his beer, absentmindedly looking at nothing, trying to figure out what had happened between them. He knew that Gabriel had been constantly trying to make Dean happy and that his brother was just not biting in, suspicious of him. Things had been going kind of like that for months. If it hadn’t been for the day Gabe took him out to the Smithsonian and began to sleep with him…
Sam’s eyes flared up with understanding. It was so obvious he didn’t get why he had overlooked it for so long. It was true they never really talked about that kind of stuff, not since Lisa anyways and probably his own infatuation with Gabriel might have been one of the reasons Dean didn’t bring it up at all. Sam was conflicted trying to find a solution, he wanted Dean to be happy but in order for that to happen he’d have to give up on Gabriel. Still, considering how things had been, there was a small voice inside of him wondering if he honestly thought having Gabriel by his side was what he really wanted.
-Sam?
-Hey Cas. What’s up?
-I saw you quite distracted, wondered if something was wrong.
-What? No, no, it’s alright I… Actually, uhm, can I ask you something about Gabriel?
-…If it’s something I can answer.
-Do you think he… Do you know if he has ever dated a human before?
Cas stilled. -I thought you were already dating him.
Sam’s ears turned out a blush of pink. -It’s not… I mean, are angels and archangels allowed to date humans?
Cas was looking a bit stern, even by his own standards. -There have been many cases where angels take humans as partners even with the initial rejection of the host. But even against odds the real problems come when nephilim are born, like in Jack’s case.
-So as long as there are no nephilim involved…
-Gabriel shouldn’t have to be prosecuted on that issue. He still wouldn’t considering the position he’s in, taking care of Heaven.
Sam just nodded -Thanks Cas
-Sure I… I’m always here if you need me.
Sam looked at the seraph turn away, not before noticing a soft tremor in the deep sapphire blue of his eyes and felt something was not entirely right but he couldn’t pin it down. For a couple of weeks now Sam had seen Cas turning his gaze away after Sam caught him in the act of staring at him and it was starting to bother the hunter.
-Cas?
The angel turned back at him with a small flutter escaping his sight. All the hunter did was motion his head to a chair for the seraph to go and sit by his side.
-What is it?
-I don’t understand your question.
-You’re troubled by something. And before you say anything against it let me remind you we’ve known each other for years now, don’t think Dean’s the only one able to tell your mood swings.
Castiel was clearly shocked by this piece of information. He blushed immediately after understanding what this probably meant and stumbled his words.
-Nothing, it’s nothing. I don’t…
The seraph faltered while looking straight at Sam’s eyes, he couldn’t just say blatant lies, not to Sam anyways. But not even he understood what was really going on with himself. He turned his gaze down and away from the hunter the way that had been upsetting Sam so much.
Sam just sighed. -Ok look, I know I’m not Dean but you could at least try to trust me a bit more.
-No Sam, it’s not… I’m sorry I… I just don’t know what the problem is myself.
-Hey, it’s alright, if nothing I can listen.
Sam hand surrounded Cas in a comforting motion. The moments both men allowed themselves to be physically close to each other had been scarce throughout the years and Cas lent without hesitation on the hunter’s warm touch. Sam felt the urge in Castiel’s movement and held him closer. There was something obviously wrong, Cas never used to actively seek physical attention.
-Seriously Cas, what’s wrong?
Castiel turned to look at him, probably to give him an answer but he was close enough that Sam would have been able to kiss him if he only went a couple of inches forward. After a moment of silent staring where Sam could’ve sworn his heart stammered, both men awkwardly turned away.
-It’s ok, I’ll figure it out somehow.
The sudden steeling of the angel’s voice threw Sam off a little bit. It didn’t feel right to let his friend go like that. Despite Cas’s soft tug asking to be let out from Sam’s hold he didn’t budge.
-Say, you wanna come with me to the grocer’s market tomorrow?
Castiel turned again, an expression of inquiry as to why the invitation arised.
-There are beekeepers coming, they’ve been bringing all their supplies and showing people how to take care of bees. Been doing that the whole season. We can even buy some honey.
-I’ll go.
Sam just smirked, of course he would come. He finally released the seraph not without feeling slightly guilty for pulling the bee card on him.
Sam waited for his brother until midnight, once he heard Baby coming into the garage he went to receive them. Gabriel acknowledged him like usual but Dean looked kind of unsettled about seeing his brother there.
-Sammy.
-Hey, can I get the car tomorrow? I wanna go to the grocer’s market.
Dean eyed his brother, fighting an internal struggle.
-You’ll take care of her, will ya? -Sam just bitchfaced him. -Ok then, but don’t pass her through the mud or I’ll make you clean it all with a toothbrush.
Dean threw Sam the keys, who caught them mid-air sighing.
There are few things Dean regrets to have seen in his life but what he had to presence that evening was something he would have loved to ask Cas to erase from his memory forever. Given the circumstances though, if he had to show Cas what he had seen he might as well have to see his own ass to the gates of Hell.
He had entered the library with quick steps after helping Cas put himself together. It had meant a lot to him to be able to lean over Dean’s shoulder in dejection for a while. Eventually, the seraph moved to his own room, where Dean had left him watching Netflix.
Dean was looking for Sam to go for a quick run for groceries and had he been less distracted by thinking about how to help Cas feel better he might have heard some of the soft groans of pleasure his own brother was making. By the moment he realized his own mistake it was too late for him to turn away, freezing halfway over the steps into the library.
Sam was sitting on a couch, jeans halfway down while Gabriel was going down on him. When he opened his eyes upwards he met Dean’s gaze from across the room. Both men froze for an instant too long. Gabriel noticed Sam’s hands stiffen and looked up, following his gaze to where Dean was.
-Well this is awkward.
The brothers didn’t need more to react. Dean went straight to a couch next to the entrance letting out a pretty loud “Shit!” and sat while covering his eyes. Sam sprung from where he was with a grunted “Crap!” and pulled his pants back up. Gabriel just sat back enough for Sam to handle his clothing issue and stood up.
-Should we go to your room?
Sam just panicked more. -Not now Gabe… -And strolled away from the library as fast as his feet could take him, completely embarrassed.
Gabriel followed him languidly, wondering if Sam would change his mind if he tagged him long enough but when the hunter literally jumped the steps out of the library and paced away faster he gave up.
Dean had tried his best to ignore his brother’s retreat crouched on the couch while Gabriel sat relatively close, snapping a beer and letting out a sigh in frustration. The room stayed silent for a good five minutes. Minutes through which Dean changed his original state of shock for a new one of clear anger.
-Don’t think I’ll let you cajole Sam into whatever you want with your charm.
-Wow, jealous much Dean-o? Don’t worry about it. I’m not planning to make things serious… Yet.
Dean sprung from the couch as if he had been called off to a fight.
-I’m just warning you Gabriel, you break Sam’s heart and I’ll find a way to destroy you.
-I’m not breaking his heart idiot, the poor lad needs a break and I’m giving him just that. Don’t you ever think you spend an unhealthy amount of time of your lives slashing and smashing monsters? Heck, even you need a break! But you’re stubborn enough not to take one even when I offer it for free. Well then tough, I’m taking the next best thing.
-My brother is NOT the next best thing!
Dean knew he had gone too far, he had picked up Gabriel from the shirt up all the way to his own face only to scream at him. Gabriel’s eyes went dark while he slowly grabbed Dean’s arms and pushed him down, inflicting enough pressure on them until the hunter was on his knees over the floor due to the pain. Dean was doing an excellent work at keeping his voice low, afraid that someone could enter the room to that situation knowing well enough it had been his own fault things had gone this way.
-What do you want?
-What? -A new shock of pain made him shiver a grunt.
-What. Do. You. Want?
-I don’t want any—
A stifled wail on his throat cut his retort.
-I did my best you know?
Dean looked upwards terrified. He could see the shape of Gabriel’s wings forming behind like an ominous shadow. A blazing power charging everything in the room. But his eyes were not shimmering light like Castiel’s when he used his power. They were not blazing blue-white either like Sam had told him about once. They were going darker and darker. He was containing every single fibre of his being in order to avoid smiting Dean. Gabriel wasn’t just angry. He was absolutely pissed off.
-I did my best to get on your good sides. Me. An Archangel. Second only to my Father and Aunt.
If Gabriel went further, Dean’s arms would snap. He thought he was screaming, and yet a dense noise silenced every other sound in the room but Gabriel’s voice.
-And nothing seemed to be enough. Not the impaled monsters, not the burnt out ghosts, not the money, the rush of speed or the sex. Nothing. Nothing was enough. I tried my best at making you happy and all I got was darkness from your soul!
Dean felt something cold and wet running through his cheek. Well that was impossible. And then he looked up to see Gabriel’s eyes and something in his heart clenched up tight.
-I hate you. -Gabriel’s deliverance in a soft whisper. -I hate the way you hate yourself. I hate the way I cannot side my gaze away. You’re making me hate myself and I can’t take this anymore.
And just like that Gabriel fled away. Leaving Dean completely healed but still with the lingering sensation of the pressure he had experienced under the archangel’s strength. He stayed on his knees on the floor. Every single object on the library oblivious to the drama that had just occurred.
He didn’t know how they had ended up talking about that but apparently Sam and Gabriel had elevated it to some sort of art discussion.
“No you see, this people, some of them just do it because the couple looks good together but others make the weirdest in-depth theories on how and why it should work.”
“That sounds like the biggest waste of time in the world. It’s not like you would actually bang your brother.”
Ah yeah, Dean remembered now, it was when Gabriel discovered a site with all the Supernatural gospels and the consequential forums and blurted out at dinner “So, Wincest.” without even a warning sign. He just thanked god his mother hadn’t been there to listen to that.
“Well, at first I was upset too but we are not real for them in the end. They think we’re just a character in a book so I kinda get it now. And… some of the stories are good.” Sam fidgeted a bit with his sleeve.
Dean stopped scrubbing the dishes and turned towards his brother with the most judgemental look he could gather. “Wow wait a second. You have read that stuff!?”
“What? I got curious…” Sam was definitely blushing now.
“So you’re all into Wincest now? Ready for some roleplaying action?” Asked Gabriel now with a devilish smile, he looked like he was ready to push all the necessary buttons to see that happen. And they thought only the devil could show you how to sin thought Dean. Well, he shouldn’t be so shocked, they were related after all.
“What!? No! I thought the story was good but it was just a story!”
Yeah, Sam is definitely blushing way too much, still Dean was not going to take the bait so he turned back to stoically finish his task. Apparently Gabriel also reconsidered his stance and pulled back while sighing.
“It’s kind of sad that they didn’t get to the best parts of me though. I’m still just a Trickster in their minds and there’s nothing about me.”
“Oh, you definitely haven’t searched enough.”
Yeah, he was now baiting Gabriel.
“Oh?”
“Yup, it hasn’t got many followers but there’s a couple around.”
“Do they pair me with someone?”
Sam huffed at Gabriel. “Dude, they obviously do.”
Stop it Gabe, Stop it now. You’ll regret it if you ask.
“Who?”
Dean just rolled his eyes. He was sooo going to regret it. Sam just coughed a bit and oddly enough stayed silent for a moment. A muffled rustling sound came from the table.
“What!? NO WAY!”
“Yep.”
Gabriel started to laugh heartily. Ok, that was a straightforward clickbait and apparently Dean was dumb enough to fall for it. He turned to see the guys in wonder. The look in their eyes was a dead give away.
OH
He just moved his head in reprobation and turned back to finish rinsing the last dish “You two are a pair of idiots.”
Gabriel toned down his voice to a mellow glide “You know Dean? I wouldn’t mind making those stories real if it’s with you.”
Dean finished placing all the dishes to dry on the rack and went for a beer.
“Yeah well, tell you what. As long as you’re the bottom, I don’t mind.”
Dean stepped away from the kitchen with a conceited smile, it wasn’t every day that he managed to shut the archangel down.
Sam violently snapped the dust away from the book he was holding with the piece of cloth. No matter how thorough he was it seemed like the library always had a space where a good dusting was necessary and he was taking profit of that right now to vent off his anger.
-Sam?
-Hey Cas, what’s up?
-…Are you alright?
Sam was about to give a casual nod but paused a moment and sighed. -No I’m not.
-What happened?
-Nothing Cas, that’s the problem, nothing’s happened.
The seraph obviously didn’t understand what Sam was talking about, he doubted about elaborating with Cas as confident but he was desperate to let go of his pent up frustration. He leaned against the bookcase sighing, unable to lift his gaze in the middle of his frustration.
-You see I -sigh- well, I like Gabriel a lot. And yeah the sex was great and everything but I’d really like to have something more with him and I’m not sure how he feels about me or if he actually feels something for me apart from the obvious sexual attraction.
Sam waited for the angel to say something back while pressing his fingers on his temple in frustration but when the silence became too dense he turned his head towards Castiel. In any other moment he would have laughed at the seraph’s reaction but considering the issue he was discussing he felt rather restless because Castiel looked just as shocked as a deer in front of headlights.
-You are… having sex with Gabriel?
Oh crap, Gabriel and Cas were brothers. How could he actually have forgotten that? Completely embarrassed, Sam immediately went close and held Castiel’s shoulders between his hands.
-Shit Cas I’m so sorry! This is so awkward. Please promise me you’ll forget what I just said.
Castiel fixed his blue eyes in Sam’s, his face a clear mirror of the turmoil inside.
-Please.
All the seraph could do was nod before separating himself from the hunter. He made his way back to his room. Or at least that was the idea. He was stopped by a strong hand in the middle of the bedroom hallway.
-Dude, you alright? -Castiel just turned and tried to fix his sight on Dean. The hunter immediately knew something was definitely not right. -Wow, man, calm down. What the hell happened?
Castiel opened and closed his mouth a couple of times. Even he didn’t understand why he was behaving like that. He felt himself faltering and made a hold on Dean’s shirt, hiding his face on his chest. When Dean felt the seraph’s trembling hands he hugged him hard.
-It’s alright, Cas, I’m here. We’re here.
Dean lead the seraph into his room and made him sit on the bed while he went to fetch some beers from the kitchen as fast as he could, ignoring Gabriel’s inquiry of where was he heading to with a quick ‘Not now’. Once back at the room, he placed one on Castiel’s hand and began to drink his own, reclining over his bookcase.
-So?
-…so?
-What happened?
Castiel just frowned. The more he thought about it the more it bothered him.
-You were right.
Dean just stayed where he was. He knew well how to give Cas his time.
-Gabriel already… -Cas gulped as well as he could with his dry mouth -He and Sam…
Dean tensed up. He knew sooner or later this time would come and he thought he would be ready for it but he was overwhelmed by the feeling of having your guts clenched up tight beneath the skin. He didn’t want to listen anymore but there was something more pressing in front of him. Something he had suspected for years now but never got enough proof about.
-And how do you feel about it?
Castiel turned towards Dean. Deep blue filled with sadness inside.
-…. I should be happy about.
-But you’re not.
-I don’t understand why. I thought that looking at him happy would be enough. But right now I feel like, like…
-Like everything’s falling upon you and you just want to run away?
How Dean managed to put into words his own feelings and thoughts was something Castiel would never understand. The same way that just a gaze between them sometimes became an entire conversation. Still, there was no feelings towards him the way he had for Sam.
Many times after his experience as a human being he wondered about it. Maybe this connection means more, maybe this is what real love was about. But a glance at Sam’s eyes and soul and a grace from his hand over his shoulder sent shivers upon his body that Dean’s fraternal touch, close as it was, never did. Been turned into a human had been the worst thing that could’ve ever happened to him.
-I don’t know Cas, maybe you should fight for it. -Castiel turned his head towards Dean. Obviously asking what was the fight for. -Yeah, fight for Sam. You know the phrase, all is fair in love and war.
-I don’t think I…
Dean took a soft but deep breath to cut off his friend’s rant.
-Look Cas, all I know is that you’ve been in love with Sam for a long ass time and never did a thing about it. And this is your last chance. When Sam makes a choice it’s really hard to make him change his mind so if you really want to fight for him it’s now or never. Yeah and don’t give me that look, it’s pretty obvious to me. So go on and fight for me, sorry, fight for him.
Castiel just glanced at Dean, it was pretty easy to say that when you were not in the pinch he was. Sam would be happy with Gabriel, he was conversational and fun and everything Cas was not. Despite everything that had happened with him before the Apocalypse, Sam didn’t seem to hold a grudge against the archangel anymore so what was the point? It was better to just do the best to bury those feelings away.
After Castiel left, Sam couldn’t help but feel worse about everything. It had been a huge blunder to talk about himself having sex with his brother and it had been obvious it was a very delicate matter to Cas. But why? He had never showed any kind of issue talking about stuff other people would find embarrassing before.
It seemed like everything started going haywire ever since he involved himself with Gabriel.
-You called?
Sam jumped startled. -Dude! Don’t scare me like that!
-Gabriel just sent him a blank stare. -Well, considering how much you’re thinking about me right now I’d be more scared if I hadn’t showed up.
-I wasn’t… Ok I was but it’s not like I was praying for you.
-Still close enough for me to listen… So what now? Ready for another heavenly experience?
-What? No! uh… -Sam let out a dejected sigh. -I mean you’re good at bed.
-Naturally.
-But I’d like to have something more.
-…Meaning?
-Like a relationship.
-Oh.
-Which by your face I assume you don’t.
-Yyyyeah sorry kiddo. I don’t see you that way.
Sam just sighed and nodded. He had known it already but it never felt good to hear it. And then blurted what had been in his mind.
-But you do see Dean that way.
Gabriel choked on
-Huh!? Dear me no! No no no no no no no no! I mean yeah your brother’s hot and all but there’s just no… Nnnnnope. Nope. Not. Nuh uh. Just… no.
Sam just nodded in approval. -Right, ok…
-Yep…
-So… You free right now?
Gabriel turned on his malicious look. -Right here?
Sam sat over the edge of the table, he wasn’t really sure what was moving him at that moment.
-Sure, why not?
Gabriel went towards Sam. It didn’t feel right. The cards had been placed on the table and he didn’t have to worry about Sam getting the wrong impression but still there was something tugging him inside that he was desperately trying to push back.
That something was precisely the reason why he was pressing himself towards Sam’s lips. He didn’t want to feel it. He didn’t want to acknowledge or accept it at all because the moment he did he would be utterly lost.
The following weeks were quite busy. A nest of vampires, a salt and burn and a misleading ghoul had kept the brothers at work and on the road, Castiel at the backseat of the impala looking away into the horizon as he usually did.
Gabriel used to stay in the car for a while but disappeared whenever he got fed up of the endless road trip. Still, every single day breakfast was ready for both Sam and Dean. Dean assumed Sam was waking up early enough to get the food for both of them and never questioned it. Sam on the other side assumed Gabriel had told Dean something about it. In the end, it didn’t really matter since waking up to a fully served breakfast always made them lighten up, making the day much better.
Castiel on the other hand knew better, since he was always awake and felt his brother’s magic at work. On the last day after the ghoul hunt he turned towards the appearing food.
-Brother?
-What’s up Bluejay?
Both angels talking low due to the sleeping hunters.
-If you want to make Sam happy, why don’t you stay with us all the time?
-I want to make Dean happy, not Sam. If Sam’s smiling at the start of the day then that’s good enough for Dean and me.
-Yes but…
Gabriel looked at Castiel soberly. -Castiel, shouldn’t you be the one trying to make Sam happy?
-What do you mean?
From the talk Gabriel had had with Castiel some time ago in the bunker, there was one thing he had understood immediately and that was that his brother was profoundly in love with Sam but didn’t feel like he deserved him. No matter how he tried to rephrase the question, Castiel’s answers were always vague about the theme. It was like he believed that as long as they were not formed into words, his feelings wouldn’t develop. Gabriel just sighed.
-I’m just saying that I might make him happy but if that happens then I don’t want to see you moping around like an idiot afterwards.
Castiel would have retorted but Sam moved over his bed, waking up from the sleep he rightfully deserved after having to stay awake almost all night searching all over a graveyard. He sat back over and began to rub his eyes while waking up. Once he regained enough consciousness to speak he turned towards Gabriel and Castiel.
-Mornin’
Gabriel leaned towards Castiel with a sly smile, whispering softly enough that the hunter couldn’t hear him -Don’t you love the way his messed up hair falls over his face when he just wakes up?
Castiel, who was obviously looking at Sam turned away from the sight with a faint tint of red coloring his cheeks.
-Mornin’ Sammich. Had a good sleep?
Sam groaned faintly while making a go to step away from the bed. -I think I could do with a couple hours more.
-Well I know what I’d do with a couple hours more on your bed but I don’t think that’s what you’d wish.
Sam turned to look at Gabriel, he was about to oblige into his untone but noticing Castiel’s embarrassed stance by his side he refrained himself and looked away troubled and red.
-…I think I need some coffee.
-A fine blend of Coffea Arabica coming right up.
The wonderfully strong scent of the quality coffee Gabriel had appeared began to stir Dean out of his slumber. The sound of the hunters starting the day filled the small hotel room with some sort of homeliness that only got increased by the fact Gabriel had improved his original idea of pancakes for a full stack of waffles topped with fruit, sided with sausages and bacon now that he was evidently staying there with them for the rest of the day.
Gabriel forced Cas to sit by their side while they had breakfast and made small talk with them about their case when suddenly Dean huffed out a bit annoyed.
-Why do you even care? You never stay for the cases anyway.
-Oh, is that it now? Well I recall someone blatantly telling me that I was more of a nuisance than a help last time I joined one of those.
-Guys…
-Because you were trying to hook up with the police officer while we were in the middle of the case!
-You’re just jealous that I actually got out with her unlike you. Or should I say instead of with you?
A wagging of Gabriel’s eyebrows proved that he was definitely out to get Dean now. Dean just looked at him with a blank stare and proceeded to hold his hands up in defeat.
-Ok, you know what? It’s way too early for me to start this kind of thing. I need at least two more cups of joe filled up to the brim for that.
-A good old fashioned blowjob could have the same effect.
-Gabe!
Gabriel turned to look at Sam in a would be innocent stance. -What?
Dean just went back to his breakfast, he looked more calm than his brother who was blushing wildly while reprobing the archangel but you could still see a faint pink rising up through his neck. Gabriel didn’t say a thing about it but made note of the fact.
-Sigh… Fiiiine. No more slurring words until breakfast is done. -He then proceeded to fork the sausage of his plate and eat it, sticking his tongue out to lick it before it reached his mouth and letting his eyelids fall onto it in a very nuanced way before turning them at Dean. He groaned in pleasure while eating it after taking his time to get a good bite. -Man, not to toot my own horn but this breakfast is awesome.
Even if Castiel had tried to, there was just no way to avoid the sexual tension that filled the table after Gabriel’s action. Sam had just chuckled and waved his head in denial, looking down at his plate when he realized what Gabriel was about to do, trying to control his red cheeks from blushing a lot more and his lower parts from reacting to very specific memories triggered by the archangel’s actions. Dean on the other side, had kept his eyes fixed on Gabriel while mindlessly munching his own food, daring Gabriel to go on. His pupils had dilated and his eyes darkened. Once Gabriel was done with his act he turned down again to his plate. Dean’s breathing was heavier than normal, but not enough for Sam to notice.
Castiel just coughed up a bit after his brother’s act was done. -So, we’re going back to the bunker?
-Well, I haven’t found a new case yet…
-As soon as we’re done with breakfast we’ll hit the road. I need some rest.
“This is stupid. Like, really stupid. It’s the most stupid idea you could ever have.”
Dean was trailing behind Gabriel through a forgotten path in the middle of a forest, doing his best to keep his dress far from the mud of the ground.
“Well I think you totally look the part, my beautiful maiden” Gabriel chuckled while stopping to do a curtsy towards Dean who bitchfaced him in return.
“Look, all I’m telling you right now is: if this doesn’t work, and I’m pretty damn sure it won’t, I’m frying your wings in holy oil”
“It’s fine Dean! I’m telling ya! They don’t know Loki’s gone and Sygin’s MIA, not that she’d actually help us I guess, you just have to play the part of my new fiancee so you can go search the place for the necklace we need while I entertain the rest of the gods in the main house.”
“Yeah I get that part of the plan but how exactly am I gonna pass for a beautiful maiden? I mean, these gods DO have eyes don’t they?”
“That’s because you never saw Thor disguised as Freyja…”
Dean sent Gabriel a very doubtful stare.
“Ok look, we already agreed that we needed a real person for this because they would be able to tell a mirage from the real thing and I cannot leave their stares. Right?”
“Right”
“The thing here is, even though, yes, I could have brought any other girl of your choice; you’re still gonna be forced to drink a lot. And when I say a lot I mean A LOT. So it’s better if it’s you. I’m gonna use a bit of a distracting spell that will make you look more uhm, feminine. Enough for them to believe the lie but not notice the magic. Trust me, they’ll only have a fair and pure maiden in front of their eyes. You’d even be able to lure a unicorn by your side.” Gabriel followed his words with an impression of how he believed a maiden would move.
“Well I gotta admit that the way things are right now I’m more likely to catch a unicorn than a good night’s sleep…” Grunted Dean, looking back at the previous sleepless nights on the library this headache of a case had given them.
“That’s the spirit Dean-o! Now let’s hit a party worthy of the gods!”
Tapping his walking stick against a rock near his foot three times and saying some words in old norse, he waited until a rainbow that apparently came out of nowhere landed in front of him.
“Ready?” Gabriel extended his hand towards Dean with a wide smile, loud cheering noises of joy and general festivity coming from where the magical road started.
Dean wavered while placing his hand on Gabriel’s but listening to all the noise he had to admit this was starting to look good. More than good. Heck, maybe he would even be able to have more fun than what he expected.
Gabriel seemed to have read his thoughts.
“Oh, by the way Dean, just a quick reminder that what happens in Asgard, stays in Asgard.”
Gabriel was leaning moodily over the table with a frown, arms crossed in front of him in dejection.
-What’s wrong brother?
-I’m all spent Cas, I’ve tried everything, everything, to make Dean happy. I’ve helped with a bunch of hunts, I’ve taken him to Vegas several times, the other week I signed him up in a vintage car race and after that I got him in the Playboy mansion. Heck, I even asked him if he wanted to be warped into another dimension as the protagonist of a hentai harem… refused that one, don’t really know why. But I still haven’t been able to make him happy at all.
-Well those do seem like activities that would make Dean happy, how do you know he wasn’t happy at all?
-He said he was hyped about the things we were doing but he looked like something was bothering him all the time. His true emotions are so hidden right now it fazes even me.
Castiel could tell the archangel was actually making an effort to get on Dean’s good side. He had been the only one not really on board when the archangel had shown up some months ago declaring he had intentions of living in the bunker since he, quoting: “was already fed up with dealing with other pagans” and “wasn’t feeling ready to go back to heaven and probably wouldn’t in like another three millennia”. But had to oblige after Sam’s stubbornness on having him tag along with the team won.
-Maybe you should read his mind.
-Mmmnah, not happening.
Castiel gave a confused look to his brother.
-I mean yeah, I could, and it would probably make things a lot easier but I don’t like doing it. Humans have only so much that belong to themselves, looking into their minds is just rude.
Castiel had to agree with his brother but that didn’t leave the question on how to get on Dean’s good side answered. Suddenly something occurred to the seraph.
-Why don’t you try making Sam happy? Dean’s face always shines when Sam’s does.
Gabriel sat balancing his chair on it’s back legs in a way impossible for a human being, eating his nougat bar and started to show one of his impish smiles.
-You know what Bluejay? Maybe you’re right.
Sam woke up with a knock on the door that made him rustle slightly. It wasn’t early but still he would have liked to sleep a bit more.
-Yeah?
The door swung open in a swift motion. -Mornin’ Sammy Boy! How’s the waking up doing?
-Ugh, it could be better if my sleep hadn’t been interrupted.
-Am I interrupting you now?
Sam only pressed his face against the pillow and softly groaned.
-Well then, I guess I’ll have to take this delicious 5 star hotel breakfast back to the kitchen…
Sam raised himself up enough to see the large silver platter on the angel’s hand. -Wait -Gabriel stopped midway from the door and turned back to him.
-Is that for me?
-Hmm…maybe.
-Whatever for? -Gabriel restarted his pace towards the hunter, who was now sitting on his bed.
-Well, I wouldn’t be able to hang around here if it weren’t for you. I just assumed it was the least I could do.
Gabriel snapped a pretty elegant looking bed table and placed the tray in front of the still sleepy hunter. Once the lid was taken away the waft of freshly ground black coffee and freshly baked pastries invaded his nostrils finally waking Sam up, a bowl of quinoa and spinach salad covered with sliced avocado, a half boiled egg and roasted cherry tomatoes in an arrangement worthy of a California hip place made his mouth salivate.
The first bite was like heaven, he had always craved this kind of stuff but it was impossible to make it without Dean complaining about money wasted on ‘conceited rabbit food’. In a matter of seconds he was devouring everything up while Gabriel sat with his legs crossed on a corner of the bed. Sam’s soul was content and all it had taken was a good breakfast to start the day with. Things were going smooth and if nothing odd happened, Gabriel might be able to achieve his goal in less time than expected.
-Man, I wish you did breakfast everyday.
-I can do that. But I’m not bringing it to bed all the time.
Sam’s ears went a shade of pink.
-That one was your idea. -He said, a bit conscious about the situation.
Gabriel noticed, of course he noticed, all the time since he had helped their asses out of the pagans hotel and teased Sam about his feelings towards him he had set an aside note on his brain about it. But chose not to say a thing.
-So, what’s the plan for today?
Sam eyed Gabriel with a hint for suspicion. -Nothing I guess, try to find a case.
-Then you’re basically free.
-Eh… -A snap of fingers cut anything Sam could have possibly said to answer.
Next moment, he was standing in a busy street somewhere. Sam of course would have never noticed but his pecs were nicely shaped behind the simple dark cotton shirt he was wearing right now and along the slim dark jeans, shiny pale blue blazer and the polished dark leather shoes he was quite a sight and every single girl and a guy from time to time turned around to look at him. Gabriel was also sharply dressed with dark blue jeans, trekking boots that had obviously never seen the side of a mountain and an aviator style olive jacket, soft hair neatly brushed at his sides.
Sam looked around nervously. -Where are we?
-In a place you’ve always wanted to be. -Gabriel motioned towards Sam’s back, nudging him to turn around. The white classical facade of the building was absolutely recognizable. He was at the entrance of The Smithsonian Museum.
It already was 9 p.m. when Gabriel appeared at the bunker once more with Sam. Sam was obviously still excited about the trip and the dinner at the vegan restaurant had made everything ten times better. They stopped right when they noticed Dean was just sitting on one of the library’s couches near them, beer on hand, sporting an inscrutable look. Both men stood still in front of him, like a pair of animals waiting to run away at the first alert.
-You left Sam’s phone on the bedroom.
-Whoops! Sorry, my bad.
-Where the hell have you been?
-Just went out to have fun, last time I checked it wasn’t a sin yet. And I should know about it.
Dean held the sides of his forehead with his free hand. Sam, who obviously realized Gabriel was just pushing all the wrong buttons chimed in.
-It’s fine Dean, Gabe took me to the Smithsonian. That museum I’ve always been wanting to go? It was really cool.
Dean turned to look at Sam and gave in, defeated. Something didn’t feel right about his reaction but Gabriel couldn’t pin it down. The older Winchester just sighed and motioned them that there was nothing more to say.
Sam just smiled nervously at him and waved a simple ‘Night’ at his brother before heading back to his own room. Gabriel noticed the tinge of worry about his brother in Sam’s profile but considering how far they had gone on improving his general mood he didn’t give it a second thought. What he couldn’t let go of right now was the feeling of having Dean’s eyes fixed on his back. He turned to face him, expecting an exasperated look but the hunter’s face was unreadable.
After minutes of maddening silence Gabriel was desperate for Dean to say something, anything. His eyes shouted it was right there, touching the surface. But the silence in the library was dense and suffocating and Dean finally looked away and leaned back on the couch returning the beer to his lips, pretending to be more interested in the row of books in front of him than what he’d ever be on Gabriel.
Gabriel vanished to his own bedroom and immediately threw a bunch of porn magazines from his desk onto the floor. Dean’s pretense of disinterest had hit him harder than what he would like to accept. He didn’t bother to pick the mess up.
Two Days Into June 