Chapter Text
Sam let his gaze sweep over the patrons of the upscale bar they were at, ultimately landing on Gabriel. He was working the room like the big boss man he was and damn if he didn't look good doing it. Gabriel had a huge personality and people gravitated towards him. He was all huge wide eyes, a boisterous laugh, an even bigger voice, and a flurry of hand movements that captured the attention of everyone around him. Including Sam's. Especially Sam's.
Genetics or science or whatever the fuck was responsible for their designations hadn't asked Sam for his opinion but if they had, they would know that although Sam was big, tall, and study or whatever, Gabriel was an alpha through and through. CEO of his own company by the age of 28, Gabriel was now 34 and on a fast track to earning more billions. Sam had his own law firm with his own beautiful office and view that overlooked the city. The sunsets were breathtaking but it never failed that when he took the time to sip a whiskey on his balcony, he always felt like he was missing his own mate standing next to him. He missed Gabriel. Not that he knew whether Gabriel was his mate. The man wore more blockers than anyone Sam knew. Of course he had to- although the world had come a long way, omega's were still viewed as inferior by many and it would be risky as hell, to his company and himself, for Gabriel to ever let it be known that he was an omega. In fact, Sam was pretty sure that there were only a handful of people that knew and he knew only because his own brother was mated to Gabriel's alpha brother, Castiel.
Sam remembers Dean leading him to Castiel's home and Gabriel was there, pinstripe suit, hat and all, sitting with one leg crossed over his knee, sipping on what Sam assumed to be whiskey and damn, he'd looked debonair as fuck. He'd entranced Sam immediately and once they'd been sitting and chatting for a while Sam had commented on the rarity of two brothers being alphas. It was more convoluted than that of course- in families that had three or more males then the possibility of two alphas was higher (albeit not by much) but with only two males? A genuine rarity.
For a moment no one spoke and Sam had looked around, a little puzzled at the tension that had ratcheted in the group. "Sam," Castiel began but he never got the chance to finish as Gabriel spoke up, "nah, it's ok, Cassie. If we're to be family, there shouldn't be a lie hanging over our heads." He'd then turned to Sam, "It's more than just us two, we just have little to no communication with the others, also, I'm an omega." He'd said it nonchalantly but his eyes belied a barely concealed threat. A dare. A test to see how Sam would reply. Would it be with a grimace and pity or would he also not care, like his own brother, Cas?
But Sam had just shrugged, said "ah, ok." and moved on. Castiel had later taken him aside and told him that no one could know and Sam had given him his best 'duh' face and Cas had looked properly abashed at assuming Sam wouldn't know better than to go around telling people that one of the biggest CEO's of the world was an omega but Sam had understood that he was just looking out for his brother. He'd grasped him by the arm. "I understand, Castiel."
That had been a year ago and although it wasn't often that the four got to hang out Sam was thoroughly smitten by the man and looked forward to every encounter they had. Occasionally he'd thought that maybe Gabriel felt something for him too but the moments were fleeting and Sam could push the subject but he didn't want Gabriel to think he was some knot-head that couldn't be bothered to think with anything other than his, well, knot. He'd be lying though if he didn't often wonder what Gabriel smelled like. Sam had often been told he smelled of forest and dew and clean. Maybe Gabriel smelled like pines and they would compliment each other perfectly and have lotsa babies and live happily ever after.
He'd either been staring too hard, too intently, or the look on his face had given him away because he was interrupted by his brother giving him a sly grin.
"Got it bad for the munchkin, dontcha?"
Sam felt his face heating up but mumbled "go away, Dean" while trying desperately to look anywhere besides Gabriel. Too bad not even the elegant decor held a candle to the otherworldly beauty that encompassed all things Gabriel.
"I'm pretty sure he likes you." Dean whispered conspiratorially.
"Really?" Sam's head whipped around. "Why? What has he said?"
Dean laughed, tipping his head back. "Nothing. But damn if that didn't catch your attention."
Sam stared at him. "You're such a jerk, you know that?"
Dean shrugged, unconcerned. "And you're a little bitch. Just go talk to him."
Sam shook his head as he snuck another peak at Gabriel. "I can't."
"Why, Sammy?" Gone was Dean's teasing, instead it was his brother, asking him, really asking him.
Sam glanced at his brother before quickly looking away and shifting, running his hands through his hair before acknowledging Gabriel with a tip of his head.
"Because look at him. He shines. I don't even think he knows how to contain himself and how could I ever do that to him? How could I ever bring him down? I would just be dimming his light. You know how I am, Dean. I'm boring. Too straitlaced and a homebody and I don't go out nearly enough. I'm not alpha enough for him."
"Stop talking, Sam." Dean told him, his voice low and dangerous. Tears stung in Sam's eyes as the words he'd uttered swam around in his head.
Sam deferred to his brother who although an omega tended to act more like what society considered alpha traits. "Listen to me and listen well. You are more than whatever that dumb bitch ever told you. Cas is a lot like you- you guys go full nerd over anything resembling words and puzzles and all the other girly shit but my mate is an alpha and you know what? Everything he went through led him to me and you think he's not alpha enough for me? He's perfect for me and I'm not saying Gabriel is going to be it for you but I am saying that there is someone out there who is waiting for you and they are going to be perfect for you and you're going to be perfect for them. You are not boring or dim or anything else. Do you understand?" The last words were practically hissed as though having to go through this chick flick moment was physically paining Dean; and to look at Dean's pinched face, Sam would hedge his bet that it was. Emotional Dean was not.
The moment is interrupted by Gabriel who has appeared to Sam's side without him noticing.
"Why's it smell like burnt wood over here?" He asked, his eyes bouncing between Sam and Dean. Sam immediately turns red. "I-uh" real eloquent, Sam he thinks as he trails off. He's a lousy liar. Yeah, he's a lawyer, he's aware but he still doesn't like lying. Especially not to Gabriel.
Dean snorts. "Sam's a dumbass, that's why."
Sam takes a sip of his drink, Dean's typical manner doing what it's always done- calmed him.
"Shut up, jerk."
"What? You're the one who's a little bitch."
"What's going on over here?" Cas's voice comes, gravelly as always.
The effect it has on Dean is immediate. His entire body relaxes so much that it makes Sam wonder how he hadn't noticed that he was tense.
"You alright, Dean?"
He nods. "I am, really. It just...I don't know, it just bugs me to be away from Cas. Makes me feel all stressed and shit."
"I'm sorry Dean. I will endeavor to remain by your side as much as possible."
Sam smirks as his brother turns red. "Heh. Simp." He can't help but tease.
"Hey!" comes Dean's indignant squawk. "When you find your own omega you'll understand."
Right. That's what they had been talking about. Sam's scent immediately sours and Dean look apologetic.
"annnnd that's my cue to go." Gabriel says, walking away.
Sam just watches as he walks away. You'd think with as much experience as he had with people walking away from him he'd be immune to the hurt he feels every time it happens. But nope. If anything, coming from Gabriel it somehow hurts more. His entire being is aching to wrap himself around Gabriel. To be able to scent him, to touch him, to be near him. It feels like his heart is straining to exit his chest and follow Gabriel.
He never even notices his glass leave his hand. Doesn't even register that it has shattered on the ground and that people have turned to the noise. All he knows is the sheer want his entire body thrums with.
When the darkness enters the edges of his vision he gives in to it and just lets it take him over.