Epilogue

Sitting at the side of the bed where Gabriel had been recovering for the past three days, Sam held the archangel's hand in his own. It had been too long since The Battle Royal -as Dean had taken to calling it. John had only remained for another moment, just long enough to say goodbye before he ascended to Heaven, leaving Sam, Bobby, Dean, and an unconscious Gabriel to make their way to the Impala. The hazel-eyed man hadn't allowed anyone to help him carry Gabriel; thankfully the mere presence of the archangel was enough to keep the spirits and demons away while they drove to Bobby's.

Now three days later, Sam wondered if Gabriel was ever going to wake up. Dean and Bobby had been worried about the taller man. While they didn't say much, it would only be a matter of time before one of them dragged Sam away from his archangel. The only thing stopping Sam from a full panic attack was that the feather against his chest still glowed. It was a sign Gabriel would get better, that he hadn't lost his archangel yet.

"Hey Gabe, I don't know if you can hear me, but I need you to wake up soon. Dean has been giving me the stink eye every time I tell him I'm coming back up to see you. He and Bobby think I should be celebrating; Azazel is dead, and Dad is in Heaven … but I can't. All I can picture is how you looked before Dad broke the lance; how close I was to losing you completely… how I still might lose you."

Taking a breath, Sam leaned his head down, Gabriel's hand still clasped in his own. "I've had a lot of time to think, and I want you to know that I'm ready. Just come back to me Gabe, and we can complete the bond… I want to be with you in every way I can be."

"Sammy?"

Sam yelped at the sound, his head jerking to take in the form before him. Soft golden eyes were watching him tenderly. Gabriel squeezed the hand that was still holding his own while he smiled at the hunter, his gaze never leaving those hazel eyes.

"I hope you mean that and aren't just humoring an unconscious archangel." Sam didn't bother to speak. Instead, he closed the distance between them and brought their mouths together. It had been too long since he had been able to kiss the other; since he could feel Gabriel's lips against his own. The hunter didn't try to deepen the kiss, not yet. While he had meant what he said Gabriel was still recovering, he would need some time before they could complete the bond.

Pulling back Sam kept his forehead resting against the archangel's while he spoke, their moist breath mingling as they did. "Yeah, Gabe, I meant it. Think you can handle me for eternity?" While he hadn't meant for his voice to sound as vulnerable as it was, Sam waited for Gabriel's answer with baited breath.

"Handle you for eternity? No. But I'm more than ready to cherish you for infinity. I love you Sam, and come Heaven or Hell there's no one I would rather spend the rest of time with."

Sam smiled, moving to lay on the bed beside Gabriel, so he wasn't straining to keep them pressed together any longer. Holding his archangel close, the taller man couldn't help but return his proclamation. "I love you too, Gabriel, and once you're at a hundred percent better, I plan on proving it to you. Just… let me hold you, for now; it's been a rough few weeks."

Gabriel snuggled against Sam; his eyes closed while he wrapped himself around the human. "Yeah we can skip to the cuddling, I should let you know now that I could grow addicted to this."

"Good," replied Sam, running his fingers along Gabriel's back which was laying against Sam's chest. "Because I plan on never letting you go." Letting his body relax into a more natural sleep, Gabriel enjoyed the sensation of his mate softly touching him. At one point in his life, he was God's Messenger, His Divine Wrath; it had been Gabriel who slaughtered thousands at His command. He had been a Trickster, a pagan god, a joker, and a liar. Never had he been a mate, though; and Gabriel felt it was the most rewarding title of them all.