Fic: A Bird May Love A Fish (SPN, Sam/Gabriel, Sam/Castiel, Dean/Gabriel) Part 2/2
Back to Part 1.
Castiel appeared the next day when Sam called for him, desperately.
“I’m supposed to meet Gabriel,” Sam explained, hiding his relief that Castiel had returned. “But Dean found us a job that is likely to take all day. What do I do?”
“What do you wish to do?” Castiel asked, and Sam shook his head.
“I don’t know! I wish I could be in two places at once.”
Castiel looked thoughtful. “I could create a vision of you,” he said, “but it would not be able to fight effectively as you do. I could send it to meet the prince, however. I doubt he would notice the difference.”
Sam frowned. He was sure there was a veiled insult in there somewhere but Castiel was looking at him with an innocent expression.
“I don’t want to miss out on time with Gabriel,” he said. “It really wouldn’t work, sending the vision to help Dean fight?”
Castiel shook his head. “I could-” he started, then hesitated.
“What?” Sam asked, walking over to Castiel and taking his hands in his own. “Please. I’m desperate for a solution here.”
Castiel ducked his head, and Sam followed his gaze, staring down at where their hands were clasped together.
Sam dropped Castiel’s hands and stepped back. “Sorry,” he apologised. He hadn’t meant to invade Castiel’s personal space. He just wanted him to understand. “It’s just...I need you**,** Cas. I need your help.”
After a moment, Castiel relented. “I could cast a spell that would disguise myself- anyone who looked upon me would see you where I stood, including your brother. I could fight alongside him, ensuring he did not come to any harm, while you continued with your plans with the prince.”
“You’d really do that?” Sam asked.
“If you wished it,” Castiel said and Sam nodded, closing his eyes and wishing with all his might.
When he opened them, Castiel was still standing there, looking at him.
“You still look like you,” Sam said, and Castiel smiled.
“To you, yes,” he said. “To others I appear to be Sam Winchester.”
As if to punctuate his statement, Sam heard footsteps coming down the hallway towards the bedroom.
“Sammy?” Dean called. “You about ready to head out?”
The door swung open just as Castiel waved his wand and then slipped it out of sight.
Sam opened his mouth, desperately trying to think up an excuse as to why Dean would see two Sam’s in front of him. It wouldn’t have been the first time- they’d fought shapeshifters and conjurers enough times that Dean would be immediately suspicious and Sam didn’t want Castiel to get hurt.
But when Dean stepped into the room he looked right through Sam and smiled at Castiel.
“I ain’t getting any younger, Sammy,” he said, walking over to clap Castiel on the shoulder. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“I’ll be right there,” Castiel said, and Dean nodded, pausing to pick up his favourite crossbow before leaving the room.
“He couldn’t see me,” Sam said, when Dean was out of earshot.
“I thought it easiest,” Castiel explained. “Do not worry- you are only invisible to Dean.”
Sam smiled, then felt unsure. “Will you and Dean be okay?” he asked, and Castiel smiled back.
“I am sure Dean and I will have a very pleasant day,” he said, and Sam felt an odd stab of jealousy in his gut. He liked spending time with Castiel, but they’d never had more than a few stolen moments together. He wished he could be there with Castiel, fighting evil side by side and getting to know his fairy godfather better. But he had a date with a prince to get to.
~~~
This time, Gabriel was waiting for him as he dismounted from the horse Castiel had conjured, from a rabbit who’d had the misfortune to cross their path as he was seeing Sam off. The ride had been a little bumpy, and his mount had stubbornly insisted on taking the route that required the most jumps over fallen trees and branches, but it had gotten him to where he needed to be.
“I missed your presence,” Gabriel said, kissing Sam’s hand again by way of greeting. He seemed to have a greater interest in Sam than he’d done at their first meeting, and Sam wondered if it was his huntsman status that intrigued Gabriel, or the even more impressive finery Castiel had dressed him in.
They took a stroll through the grounds, Gabriel guiding Sam with a gentle hand on the small of his back. He told stories about where he’d played as a child, and Sam much preferred them to the execution stories from the previous day.
It was pleasant, and a warm, happy feeling washed over Sam as they meandered their way around the castle grounds. Castiel’s somewhat confusing advice had kept Sam awake the previous night. He didn’t know what his heart wanted, nor how to follow it. But the longer he spent with Gabriel, the more he became convinced that this was his path in life, to fall in love with the prince.
They paused by a neat flower bed full of yellow roses and Gabriel bent down.
Sam smiled, expecting Gabriel to turn around, a freshly picked rose in his hands. Instead, when he stood, he was holding a large rock.
“What-?” Sam started to ask, interrupted when Gabriel pulled back his arm and threw the rock into a nearby tree.
There was a muffled shout, then a series of thumps as the tree shuddered, before eventually depositing a man onto the ground.
Sam stared at Gabriel in horror for a moment, then started to rush to help the man, who was lying on the ground, groaning.
Gabriel reached out and caught Sam’s arm. “Leave him,” he said, tone stiff and imperious. “It is what he deserves for spying on us. I realise you’re used to behaving like a commoner, but when you’re with me you needn’t bother with the riffraff.”
Sam shook Gabriel’s grasp off and hurried towards the man.
“Are you alright?” Sam asked, helping the man roll onto his back. He seemed mostly uninjured and was just opening his mouth to speak when there was the sound of steel being drawn and the tip of a sword landed against the man’s throat.
“Tell my brother that I will not suffer his spies or interference,” Gabriel said, then paused, looking thoughtful. “I do not know whether to slay you where you lie, or let you go so you may run back to Raphael and tell him that whatever his plan is, he won’t succeed.
The man raised his hands, palms out in defense. “I-” he tried to say, then stopped as the movement made the metal nick his skin.
“Your majesty,” Sam said, then when he got no response, “Gabriel!”
Gabriel slowly withdrew his sword by a few inches, and the man exhaled sharply in relief.
“Explain yourself,” Gabriel insisted.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the man said. “I don’t spy for your brother. I’m just a gardener!”
“Lies!” Gabriel exclaimed, ignoring Sam as he got to his feet.
“I don’t think he’s lying,” Sam said, putting a hand on Gabriel’s arm and pointing to the ladder under the tree, the large basket of apples and a pair of pruning shears that had landed, point up, in the soft soil.
Gabriel hesitated for a moment, then withdrew his sword and resheathed it.
“You may go,” he said brusquely, waving a hand dismissively at the man who rolled to his feet and scurried off.
“Your conduct here was inappropriate,” Gabriel said when they were alone again, and Sam gaped at him.
“My conduct? I’m not the one who almost killed an innocent man!”
Gabriel made a scoffing noise. “I was trying to protect my interests- and yours by default. The grounds are full of my brother’s spies- I’m the only thing that stands between him and the crown now and he is ruthless. I must be equally as ruthless if I am to maintain control of the kingdom when our father passes.”
Sam started to speak, then bit his tongue. “I see,” he said, curtly. The happy butterflies in his stomach, the warmth around his heart when he’d looked at Gabriel had disappeared and he felt cold. He shivered and looked away.
“You don’t understand,” Gabriel said. “I do what I must. The world is arranged in this way and we all must play our roles. We are directed by fate and my fate is to take the throne and rule the kingdom as justly as my father has done. Whether your fate is to be beside me remains to be seen...”
He trailed off, searching Sam’s face as if he was looking for something, then sighed.
“Perhaps we should part ways for now,” he said, reaching for Sam’s hand.
Sam kept his hand by his side.
“Very well,” Gabriel said, sounding disappointed. “I hope I will see you tomorrow. I shall send a guard with you for your protection.”
“I can find my own way,” Sam said, aware of how frosty his voice sounded. Then, before Gabriel could dismiss him, he turned and walked back to where he’d tethered his horse.
~~~
The cottage was empty when he returned to it, and he busied himself lighting a fire and putting together enough food for their evening meal.
He sat at the table and thought about the day, about how Gabriel had shown him a new side to his personality, one that Sam didn’t know if he liked or not. He could understand, to some degree, where Gabriel was coming from. Sam knew what it was like to live in constant danger, and not just from sharing a room with Dean after they’d eaten something with a lot of onions in it. He understood Gabriel’s desire to hold onto his power.
But the look in his eyes as he’d knocked the man out of the tree, as he’d stood over him, prepared to take his life in cold blood...Sam didn’t understand that. He didn’t know if he ever could understand it.
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, that he barely registered the door to the cottage opening and Dean and Castiel walking in. They were laughing together, and Sam was surprised- he’d never heard Castiel’s laugh before. He’d almost forgotten they were out hunting together.
“Did you leave the fire burning?” Dean asked, walking right by Sam to poke at the fire. He looked confused and Sam belatedly realised Dean wouldn’t know he’d been the one to do it.
“Must have done,” Castiel said, and Sam stood up as quietly as he could, careful not to rock the table or the chair as he did. He tiptoed down the hallway, easing open the door to the bedroom and waited.
After a moment, Castiel followed him.
“Dean is somewhat concerned at the presence of the fire and food,” Castiel said, “But I am certain he will forget all about it once he has finished his meal.”
Sam wasn’t sure if this meant Castiel was going to cast a spell on Dean to make him forget.
Castiel seemed to read his mind. “A minor spell was needed to help convince him that I was you. He knows you inside and out and although I have watched over you for a long time, yours were not easy shoes to fill.”
“Did it go well?” Sam asked, and Castiel nodded.
“Yes. It was a relatively simple hunt and we were substantially rewarded. Dean was very pleased and has announced his intention to go to the tavern tonight.”
“Will you be joining him?” Sam asked, feeling a little queasy at the thought.
Castiel shook his head. “That is your rightful place,” he said. “I was merely standing in for you while you were with the prince.”
Sam’s expression darkened and he glanced away. “I should have gone on the hunt instead,” he said, and was relieved when Castiel didn’t press him for more details.
“Perhaps next time,” Castiel said, simply.
There was a pause then Castiel added, “If you no longer require my services-”
“Stay,” Sam said, surprising himself. “I mean. If you want. I won’t wish it. But you could stay. We could talk. You could tell me more about yourself, about being a fairy godfather.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Castiel said, but Sam persisted.
“How long have you watched over me? Whose fairy godfather were you before I was born? How old are you anyway?”
Castiel looked uncomfortable. “It is not normal for a fairy godparent and their charge to become so familiar,” he said. “My purpose is to aid you on your journey, not to divert it with pointless stories. Unless you have further wishes to make, I should leave. Dean will be waiting to go to the tavern to celebrate our- I mean, your victory.”
And with that he was gone, leaving Sam frowning into the space where he’d been.
Sam spent the evening in the local tavern, forcing himself to at least look like he was having a good time. He had no real reason to feel so blue, he knew- after all how many people could say they had fairy godfathers who helped them out? How many people were being courted by a prince? He knew he should still be walking on air, smitten beyond all belief. But somehow the shine had started to wear off.
The next day they didn’t have any jobs, and Sam automatically started to wish for Castiel to come and help him find a new way to sneak away to see Gabriel.
Instead, he stopped and walked to the window, staring out at the tiny bluebirds who were busy building a nest on the window ledge. He held out his hand and one landed on his finger.
“I wish I knew what to do,” Sam explained to the bluebird. “I thought meeting the prince was the best thing that had ever happened to me, that I was destined to fall in love with him. He’s handsome, and wealthy of course, and he makes me laugh. But there’s something missing.”
He sighed. Sam could almost picture a life spent by his side, even if it meant ending his life as a huntsman. But whenever he thought about Gabriel too hard, whenever he broke through the besotted haze of love at first sight, things didn’t quite click.
“How is it,” Sam continued, as another bluebird hopped closer, cocking its head to the side as if listening intently, “that I could be so mistaken? I thought it was love, but maybe it was just the excitement of sneaking away because the prince liked me and it was something different, something removed from the life I’m used to. I don’t understand how I could be so excited every time I was getting ready to visit the prince, and then so unexcited when I returned home. It doesn’t make any sense.”
The bedroom door slammed open suddenly, and the bluebirds fluttered up and out of the window quickly.
Dean stared. “Were you singing to some bluebirds?” he asked, and Sam scowled and shook his head.
“Were you about to?” Dean pressed, then smirked, waving his hand dismissively. “Come on, princess. I thought we’d go into town and have some fun.” He held up the small wallet of money they’d been paid for the job the previous day and jiggled it so that the gold coins inside jangled together.
Sam hesitated. He hated the way he’d left things with Gabriel yesterday, and part of him felt like he owed the prince at least the chance to make Sam understand why he viewed the world the way he did.
And yet...it was as if a spell had been lifted. He didn’t want to see Gabriel anymore. At least not with the same excitement he’d felt, closing his eyes and desperately wishing for Castiel to appear to help him get ready for his secret rendezvous.
“Sure,” Sam said to Dean, thinking how much better it’d be if he could wish for Castiel to come and join them. But Castiel had made it very clear the previous night that they weren’t friends, and weren’t likely to be, either.
Sam spent an enjoyable day with Dean, glad they were spending some time together. He felt guilty, now, that he’d abandoned his job to spend time with the prince, and was relieved whenever he thought about how Castiel had been beside Dean during the fight, protecting him in Sam’s place.
It felt good to know he could rely on someone other than Dean. That someone was there for him when he needed them- even if he did have to make a wish for that to happen. Sam secretly hoped that Castiel came to help him despite the wishes, rather than because of them. Even if they couldn’t be friends, as Castiel had said, Sam still looked forward to seeing him. In fact, even when he’d been reluctant to see the prince again, knowing it would mean seeing Castiel first had spurred him into action. Seeing Castiel brightened Sam’s day, gave him hope that things would be okay.
Sam stopped in his tracks suddenly, causing Dean, who was walking behind him, to slam into his back.
“What the hell, Sammy?” Dean demanded.
“I’m so stupid!” Sam exclaimed, turning to his brother.
Dean smirked. “I’ve been telling you that for years- what made you finally realise I was right?”
“Love,” Sam said, grinning and clapping his hand against Dean’s shoulder. “I just realised I’m in love.”
“Who’s the lucky lady?” Dean asked, but Sam was already turning and running away.
He had someone to see.
~~~
Sam had half a mind to demand to talk to whoever was in charge of castle security. It had been far too easy to slip past the guards and there were so many crevices on the wall of the tower that, in combination with the vines that wound their way upwards, it had practically provided him with a ladder to climb up.
Above him was his goal- the window to the prince’s private bedchamber. Gabriel had pointed it out to him recently, in such a suggestive manner that Sam’s cheeks had felt hot. Now it proved useful knowledge and, judging by the laziness of the patrolling guards, Sam still had several minutes to complete the climb.
Finally his fingers grasped the windowsill and he hauled himself upwards, tumbling into the room. It was somewhat less graceful than he normally managed, but he was in a hurry- there were things he had to get sorted.
Gabriel had been lounging, the book on his lap clattering to the floor as he jumped to his feet and rushed to Sam’s side.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, helping Sam to his feet.
Sam brushed himself down and smiled at the prince. “I needed to talk to you,” he said, and Gabriel nodded, ushering Sam to sit down.
“Well?” Gabriel asked impatiently as Sam tried to catch his breath.
“I had to see you straight away,” Sam explained. “I realised something, and there’s no point denying it any longer. I’m in love.”
Gabriel smiled.
“But not with you,” Sam continued, then, seeing the expression on Gabriel’s face, hurried on to add, “And you’re not in love with me either.”
“I think I-”
“You think you do,” Sam rushed on. “Just like I thought it was you that I loved. But we don’t love each other. You just love the idea of me, and I loved the idea of you.”
Gabriel frowned, looking angry. “This isn’t funny.”
“I know. I don’t want to hurt you, but you’ll realise I’m right. You think I’m mysterious and adventurous and I’m not. And I think you’re a prince from the books I used to read as a child. And you’re not.”
Gabriel jumped to his feet. “I can’t believe you’re saying this,” he said, turning away from Sam. “I thought we had a connection.”
Sam nodded, even though Gabriel couldn’t see him. “We do,” he said. “But we’re not meant to be together. I thought this was our destiny, but you need to be with someone who challenges you, who surprises you. Someone spontaneous and who understands the weight of the decisions you have to make to keep the kingdom safe. That’s not me, and I can’t be that person.”
“And you?” Gabriel asked. “Who do you need?” His voice was dangerous, a hint of steel to it, but Sam answered anyway.
“I need someone who I don’t have to follow, someone who’ll be there when I need them to be.”
“And that’s not me.”
Sam stood and walked over to Gabriel, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “I wish- I mean,” he caught himself, not wanting to invoke Castiel- not yet at least. “It would be easier if it was you,” Sam added, truthfully.
Gabriel shook off Sam’s hand and whirled around. “I could make you stay here,” he said, eyes flashing as he advanced on Sam, who stumbled back a few steps. “I could have you thrown in the dungeons until you realised you were wrong, until you agreed to love me.”
Sam stopped retreating. “I know,” he said. “I know you could. But you won’t. You’re not cruel, Gabriel.”
Gabriel glanced away, then nodded, stepping back. “What happens now?” he asked. His voice was small and hurt- so completely un-prince-like.
“We go our separate ways,” Sam said, feeling a pang of regret in his heart. A small voice in his head was saying that he should have kept Gabriel as a backup plan, in case things didn’t work out the way Sam was hoping. But that wouldn’t be fair to either of them.
Gabriel didn’t respond for a long moment then looked up, face carefully set. He gave a low bow and reached for Sam’s hand, pressing his mouth to it one last time.
“I confess I still do not understand,” Gabriel said. “But I accept your decision. I have enjoyed getting to know you.”
Sam walked back to the window, glancing out to ensure no guards were around. Satisfied the coast was clear, he turned back, finding Gabriel’s attention turned towards the door of his room. Muffled sounds of a fight were coming through it and Sam dove for the nearest weapon- a letter opener on the prince’s desk- just as the doors exploded inwards, sending a hail of wood and splinters towards them.
A chunk of wood clipped Sam’s forehead hard and he went down, vision blurring.
“Take him,” a voice said, and Sam tried to lift his head, to find out who was attacking them, but his head ached and his limbs felt too weak to support his body. A strange smoke was filling the room, one that Sam had seen before once or twice on a hunt. Magic that only the cleverest of warlocks possessed.
There was a shout, and Gabriel was yelling something, before being swiftly silenced.
“No!” Sam yelled, and a heavy weight landed on his back. A foot, he thought, of someone holding him down.
“What do we do with this one, sire?” a voice from above him asked.
A sharp laugh responded, and a voice said, “Dispose of him.”
The sound of footsteps echoed through Sam’s head, making it ache, and soon there was nothing but silence.
“Let’s take care of you then,” the voice above him said, and a hand gripped the back of Sam’s shirt, lifting his head enough to slide a knife against his throat.
The metal bit into his skin, and Sam did the only thing that could save him- he wished for Castiel.
He could no longer feel the knife against his neck, and for an awful moment he thought that perhaps his throat had already been slit and the shock was stopping him from realising. But the pressure of the foot on his back was gone too. And then gentle but firm hands were lifting him to his feet.
Sam tried to focus his vision, Castiel’s face swimming into view. Sam gasped his name, and stumbled.
“You are injured,” Castiel said, reaching out and placing his fingers against Sam’s head. He muttered something, wrist twitching a little and suddenly Sam could see properly again. He felt better. In fact he felt great.
“Thank you,” Sam said, not knowing how to convey how grateful he was that Castiel was there.
“What happened?”
Sam shook his head, trying to clear the jumble of thoughts in his head, to remember things clearly. “I’m not sure. One minute I was talking with the prince, the next there was an explosion and- Cas! They took him. Gabriel. He was taken.”
“Then you must rescue him,” Castiel said simply. He paused, looking around the prince’s bed chamber. “I am sure you will want to resume whatever you were doing before you were interrupted by the kidnapping.”
Sam frowned. “Cas, it wasn’t like that. In fact I came here to tell him I was in love with-”
Castiel made a frustrated noise. “You need to get your brother and rescue your prince. Please, wish us to him now.”
“Let me finish,” Sam said, impatient, but Castiel stepped closer, took hold of Sam’s arms and repeated himself.
“Wish,” he commanded, and Sam sighed, closed his eyes and wished.
When he opened his eyes, they were in the cottage kitchen. Dean, who was sitting at the table when they appeared, jumped to his feet, much like Sam had done when he’d met Castiel for the first time.
“What the- Sammy, what’re you- who the f- what’s going on?”
Sam stepped between Dean and the crossbow he’d pulled out of seemingly nowhere. “It’s okay, Dean,” Sam said. “This is Castiel. He’s my...he’s a friend. But there’s no time to explain- we have a job.”
Dean lowered his weapon, staring at Castiel suspiciously. “What job?”
“The prince has been kidnapped. We need to rescue him.”
Dean nodded once, and reached for his cloak. “You’re filling me in on the way,” he said, firmly. “And I mean, every detail.”
Sam followed him out to the carriage, stopping to grab a knapsack full of weapons on the way. Dealing with magic meant they needed to be armed to the eye teeth.
He climbed up beside Dean, who was gripping the reins tightly.
“Come on, Cas,” Sam said, but Castiel shook his head.
“Good luck on your hunt,” he said. “I hope you find your prince safe and sound.” Sam wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but Castiel sounded almost bitter to him.
“But-“
“You know how to find me, if you need anything,” Castiel added, and disappeared.
“Okay, yeah,” Dean said, snapping the reins and starting them hurtling along the path away from the cottage. “Looks like you’ve got a lot of explaining to do, Sammy.”
~~~
The explanation took the entire journey- finding the tracks of the people who’d taken Gabriel and following them to the very well hidden fortress where he was being held. It lasted for the ensuing battle to get inside the fortress, taking out the dozen or more foot soldiers at hand to hand combat. Sam was still trying to explain when they finally managed to defeat the warlock, a nasty piece of work who had been on their radar for awhile but who had always proved elusive. Dean managed to take him down with a well aimed crossbow ricochet and a magic binding spell they kept on hand for just such occurrences.
Eventually Sam ran out of things to say as they climbed the tower and reached the well fortified door behind which, they were certain, Gabriel was being held.
“Let me get this straight. You. And a prince?” Dean asked, and Sam frowned, wondering why that was the only thing Dean seemed to be focusing on.
“Yes, me and a prince,” Sam replied testily, swinging an axe down onto the chains which blocked their way. “What’s so hard to believe about that?”
Dean shrugged and took a turn at bashing the lock with a large hammer.
“Nothing. Just surprised, that’s all, what with you hiding it from me.”
Sam opened his mouth to try and explain why he’d kept it secret but Dean waved his explanation away.
“Doesn’t matter,” Dean said. “So, you, a prince and a fairy? Sounds like the beginning to a bad joke.”
“Fairy godfather,” Sam corrected, grunting with effort as he swung again. The chain shuddered, and gave way just as Dean asked, “So you and the fairy godfather are-”
“Come on,” Sam said, kicking open the doors and striding in.
Gabriel lay on a bed, unmoving, with his hands neatly folded across his stomach. Beside him was a figure that Sam had only seen in paintings and etchings.
“Raphael.”
The prince got to his feet, lifting his chin haughtily.
“You will address me as ‘Your Majesty’, huntsman,” he sneered. “Thank you for rescuing us. My brother and I were viciously attacked and brought here as prisoners. We must go- I fear Gabriel may die if we do not get him help soon.”
“Come on then,” Dean said, but Sam held out an arm, blocking him from moving forward.
“You weren’t there, when Gabriel was taken,” he said. “You weren’t there, but I was. And from what Gabriel has told me about you, you’d prefer him dead.”
Raphael stared at him for a moment, then his concerned expression broke, turning into a sneer. He laughed.
“So it was you- we hadn’t expected anyone else to be inside the bedchamber when we took him. I thought I gave instructions for you to be killed.”
“You did this?” Dean demanded, bewildered. “To your own brother?”
Raphael shrugged, looking unconcerned.
Dean narrowed his eyes in anger.
“Cover me, Sammy,” he said, pulling out the length of unbreakable rope they’d been given in lieu of payment by a very grateful enchantress a few months previously.
Sam lifted the crossbow to his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at Raphael, daring him to try and escape.
When Raphael was bound and tied to a chair nearby, they both moved to stand over Gabriel.
He was clearly alive, but no matter what they did, he wouldn’t awaken.
Dean turned to Sam, then frowned, shaking his head.
“What is it?” Sam asked. “Dean, if you know of a way to save him, we have to try it.”
“You need to call your fairy guy. Maybe you could wish him awake again.”
Sam hesitated. He hadn’t had time to tell Castiel why he’d been with Gabriel in his room, and he’d hurried away so quickly as soon as he had the chance that Sam wasn’t convinced Castiel would respond.
Still, he closed his eyes and wished.
Castiel appeared, looking only mildly surprised when he saw Raphael tied to the chair, scowling at him.
“He won’t wake up,” Dean said. “Can Sam wish him awake?”
Castiel moved closer to Gabriel. He closed his eyes and pressed a palm to Gabriel’s chest.
Then he opened his eyes and shook his head.
“The spell is a powerful one. It requires something stronger than a wish to break.”
“Then what?” Sam asked.
“Love,” Castiel said simply. “True love’s kiss. It’s the only thing that will wake him.”
Sam stared down at Gabriel.
“You can’t be serious,” Dean said, echoing the thoughts in Sam’s head.
Castiel nodded.
“I suggest it happens sooner rather than later- the effects are likely to deepen over time, leaving him unable to wake.”
Sam glanced up, finding both Castiel and Dean looking at him expectantly.
“What?” he asked, then shook his head. “No, it’s not me.”
Castiel sighed.
“Now is not the time to be coy, Sam,” he said, tone verging on sharp. “I am well aware of your relationship with the prince. And I suppose Dean would have found out once the prince asked for your hand in marriage. There is no point in hiding your feelings. You must kiss him to save his life.”
Sam frowned, wondering if he was really detecting sarcasm from his fairy godfather, and why Castiel wouldn’t let him explain. He turned to Dean, hoping his brother was rolling his eyes at Castiel, but instead he looked thoughtful.
“It’s worth a try,” Dean said with a shrug.
“But I just told you-”
“I know,” Dean interrupted, glancing quickly at Castiel. “I know, Sammy. But if there’s a chance it’ll work, you gotta try it.”
Sam’s shoulders slumped but he nodded, defeated. Still he hesitated. The last thing he wanted to do was to carry on giving Castiel the wrong impression. He looked at Dean, then Castiel who were both waiting expectantly. But it was the final glance at Raphael’s scornful face that made him bend and press his mouth against Gabriel’s.
He kissed Gabriel gently, not knowing whether to hope that Gabriel would wake up or that he wouldn’t. Sam counted to three in his head, then straightened up.
They looked at Gabriel, waiting. But nothing happened.
Sam couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped his lips. He immediately felt terrible- Gabriel was still enchanted and he knew he should feel remorse at not being able to help him, but at least this time Sam knew for sure that his heart hadn’t been leading him astray.
Castiel had a thoughtful expression on his face, like he was surprised by Gabriel’s non-reaction.
“So,” Sam said, awkwardly. “That didn’t work.”
“No,” Dean agreed, frowning. “I really thought it would.”
Sam looked over at Castiel who was pointedly looking away. Sam couldn’t see his face and he wondered what Castiel was thinking. Then he turned his attention back to Gabriel, still lying unnaturally still.
“Your turn,” Sam said, turning back to his brother, who looked surprised.
“What? No! I’m not his one true love. I can’t be. I’m not...I’m not going to kiss him. I don’t even know him.”
“You’ll have to eventually,” Castiel said, and Dean stared at him.
“What do you mean, eventually?”
“Everyone in the kingdom will be required to line up and kiss the prince, in hopes of awakening him,” Castiel explained. “Including you. It’s either now, or in a long linel of people.”
Dean shuffled uncomfortably and looked back at Sam.
“Seems weird to be making out with your ex,” he pointed out.
Sam wanted to agree, because it was, a little. But it was a simple kiss, and he didn’t really expect anything would happen. It was just a process of elimination.
“Do it,” he said, because there were more important things at stake, like not letting Raphael win.
Dean nodded slowly. He licked his lips, then shook out his hands, jumping up and down on the spot for a moment. He rolled his neck, cracking it and then exhaled slowly.
“Okay,” he said, as if he had just warmed up for a big fight.
He bent down, hesitating for a moment with his lips barely an inch from the prince’s. And then Dean lowered his mouth and kissed him.
Sam watched Dean’s eyes fall shut, and he looked away. There was a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach- not jealousy, far from it. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on what the emotion was, so he studied the fine embroidery on Gabriel’s shirt sleeve. It meant he was the first to see Gabriel’s hand twitch.
Dean jumped back just as Gabriel’s eyes flew open.
“Where am I?” the prince asked, sounding groggy. He struggled to sit up and Sam was about to move in and help him, but Dean was there first.
Gabriel blinked up at Dean.
“Do I know you?” he asked, voice soft and dreamy, and Dean scratched sheepishly at the back of his head.
“Uh...I’m here to rescue you,” he said and Gabriel’s mouth stretched into a smile.
“My hero,” he said, voice low. He and Dean stared at each other for a long moment.
Sam stared at the floor, at the wall, at Raphael who looked pissed. And then he coughed. He didn’t mean to, but it meant that everyone turned to look at him.
Gabriel looked surprised to see him.
“Keith!” he exclaimed, getting to his feet. Behind the prince, Dean mouthed, “Keith?” at him, and Sam shook his head, just a little, so Dean would know to shut up.
“I don’t believe we finished our discussion,” Gabriel said, stopping in front of Sam. “Keith, it’s not you, it’s me. I’m sorry, but I have fallen in love with another. He is brave and strong and truly worth of my love.”
Sam looked past Gabriel at Dean, who was frowning. He looked like he might be a bit jealous, until Gabriel turned and smiled at him.
“His name is Dean,” Sam said, and Gabriel smiled.
“Dean,” he repeated, saying the name like it was the most beautiful word he’d ever heard.
Dean nodded, looking embarrassed, but moved towards the prince as if so external force was drawing them together.
They clasped hands, and stared at each other.
Sam made a disgusted face.
“Uh,” he said, interrupting them before they could kiss or do anything that he really didn’t need to see. Not because of his history with Gabriel but because there were some things he really didn’t need to witness Dean doing, and making out with his apparent one true love was high on that list. “We should probably get you back to the castle and let the kingdom know you’re safe.”
Gabriel drew away from Dean. “Yes,” he said, “you’re right. But first-“
He reached for Dean’s hip, plucking a dagger from Dean’s belt.
“Brother,” he said, walking over to Raphael. “You were foolish to betray me.”
“I did what I had to do,” Raphael spat, ignoring the dagger that was pointed at him. “You do not deserve to rule. You will carry on protecting the peasants instead of making them work to earn it. Under my rule the kingdom would become great and rich. I should be king when father dies.”
Gabriel leant in closer, eyes flashing dangerously. Sam had seen that look before, but before he could do anything, the blade shot forward, plunging into Raphael’s chest.
“You will never get to see that day, brother,” Gabriel said, turning his back on the dying Raphael and holding out a hand to Dean.
“I apologise,” he said, as if everything was normal. “I will replace your dagger. Come back to the castle with me. I would like to introduce you to my father. I am hopeful he will disapprove.”
Dean stared at Raphael, slumped in the chair. For a moment Sam expected him to shake his head and walk away. But instead Dean nodded.
“I don’t blame you for killing him,” he said. “I’d have probably done the same thing.” Then he looked up at Sam. “Uh, not to you, Sammy. To some dick who kidnapped me and tried to kill me.”
When Sam nodded, still a little dazed by all the events, Dean took Gabriel’s hand. He winked at Sam as they passed.
“Turns out I’m irresistible even to princes,” Dean said with a smirk and Sam rolled his eyes and watched them leave.
When he turned around Castiel was kneeling beside Raphael.
“Is he-?” Sam started and Castiel shook his head, standing up.
“He was taken by the prince’s hand,” Castiel said. “I was not surprised by the turn of events. Were you?”
Sam opened his mouth to say yes, but then closed it. Really, he knew from the moment that Gabriel woke up that he wouldn’t let Raphael live. It was hard for Sam to understand. Having a brother who would betray you in such a way was unthinkable in his mind. But he’d known Gabriel was capable of doing anything to protect his kingdom, and so it hadn’t really been a shock when the final blow was dealt.
Sam turned away, walking from the room and starting to make his way down the stone steps of the tower. He could hear gentle footsteps behind him as Castiel followed, growing closer until a hand fell onto his shoulder.
“Sam,” Castiel said, and Sam turned around, unable to prevent a smile when he found himself looking up at his fairy godfather, two steps above him.
“I must confess to being confused by what happened today,” he said. “I believed you and the prince to be...”
Sam shook his head.
“That’s why I was in his chambers. I went to see him to tell him...to tell him that it wasn’t going to work between us. That we were too different. And that I...” he trailed off and looked away.
It had seemed so easy when he’d planned it in his head- talk to Gabriel, then talk to Castiel, and everything would fall into place. He hadn’t expected a quest and his brother falling in love with Gabriel to happen between the two conversations. Now Sam felt doubt worse than he had before, that Castiel would turn him down, would possibly even laugh at the ridiculous idea of him loving Sam back.
But what did he have to lose? He’d spent the past week believing himself to be falling in love with one man, when in fact he was in love with another. It had been a whirlwind of events, but at the centre of it all was a calmness- and that calmness was Castiel.
“I went to tell him that I was in love with someone else,” Sam said bravely.
Castiel looked surprised, and then confused. “I don’t understand,” he said.
Sam smiled. “I went to tell him I was in love with you.”
Castiel stared at him.
“Sam,” he said, weakly. “That’s not possible. I...I’m supposed to watch over you, to protect you. I’m not supposed to act on any feelings I may have for you.”
Sam’s heart, which had begun to sink at Castiel’s words, soared suddenly.
“You have feelings for me,” he said triumphantly, and Castiel frowned as if Sam had tricked him.
“It doesn’t matter how I feel,” he said, sounding pained. “It’s not allowed-“
Sam climbed up one step to meet Castiel, cutting him off with a kiss. Castiel tried to move away but Sam followed, hand sliding round to cup the back of Castiel’s head gently. If Castiel really wanted to stop this, Sam would let him, but first he was getting his kiss.
There was a heartbeat, and then another, and then Castiel kissed back, hands sliding up into Sam’s hair.
They kissed for several long, breathless minutes, and then Sam pulled away.
“How can this not be allowed?” he asked, and Castiel smiled.
“The others will not be happy,” he said. “But perhaps we can make them understand.”
Sam ducked his head, shy suddenly.
“Seeing you has been the best part of every day,” he said. “It took me a long time to realise that you were here to set me on the right path, to help me follow my destiny. I just didn’t realise that that destiny was being with you.”
Castiel looked pleased, and Sam was about to say more when the sound of a carriage and horses clattering from the courtyard drifted up to them.
Sam hurried to a window and looked out, cursing. He turned back to Castiel.
“I think I’m going to have to wish us back to the cottage,” he said. “Since Dean just left with our only ride.”
Castiel smiled and stepped into Sam’s space, placing one hand on his shoulder and brandishing his wand in the other.
“At least this way we’ll beat them back and have some time to ourselves,” he said, and Sam smiled.
“Close your eyes and wish us there together,” Castiel added.
Sam closed his eyes and wished.
Castiel appeared the next day when Sam called for him, desperately.
“I’m supposed to meet Gabriel,” Sam explained, hiding his relief that Castiel had returned. “But Dean found us a job that is likely to take all day. What do I do?”
“What do you wish to do?” Castiel asked, and Sam shook his head.
“I don’t know! I wish I could be in two places at once.”
Castiel looked thoughtful. “I could create a vision of you,” he said, “but it would not be able to fight effectively as you do. I could send it to meet the prince, however. I doubt he would notice the difference.”
Sam frowned. He was sure there was a veiled insult in there somewhere but Castiel was looking at him with an innocent expression.
“I don’t want to miss out on time with Gabriel,” he said. “It really wouldn’t work, sending the vision to help Dean fight?”
Castiel shook his head. “I could-” he started, then hesitated.
“What?” Sam asked, walking over to Castiel and taking his hands in his own. “Please. I’m desperate for a solution here.”
Castiel ducked his head, and Sam followed his gaze, staring down at where their hands were clasped together.
Sam dropped Castiel’s hands and stepped back. “Sorry,” he apologised. He hadn’t meant to invade Castiel’s personal space. He just wanted him to understand. “It’s just...I need you**,** Cas. I need your help.”
After a moment, Castiel relented. “I could cast a spell that would disguise myself- anyone who looked upon me would see you where I stood, including your brother. I could fight alongside him, ensuring he did not come to any harm, while you continued with your plans with the prince.”
“You’d really do that?” Sam asked.
“If you wished it,” Castiel said and Sam nodded, closing his eyes and wishing with all his might.
When he opened them, Castiel was still standing there, looking at him.
“You still look like you,” Sam said, and Castiel smiled.
“To you, yes,” he said. “To others I appear to be Sam Winchester.”
As if to punctuate his statement, Sam heard footsteps coming down the hallway towards the bedroom.
“Sammy?” Dean called. “You about ready to head out?”
The door swung open just as Castiel waved his wand and then slipped it out of sight.
Sam opened his mouth, desperately trying to think up an excuse as to why Dean would see two Sam’s in front of him. It wouldn’t have been the first time- they’d fought shapeshifters and conjurers enough times that Dean would be immediately suspicious and Sam didn’t want Castiel to get hurt.
But when Dean stepped into the room he looked right through Sam and smiled at Castiel.
“I ain’t getting any younger, Sammy,” he said, walking over to clap Castiel on the shoulder. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“I’ll be right there,” Castiel said, and Dean nodded, pausing to pick up his favourite crossbow before leaving the room.
“He couldn’t see me,” Sam said, when Dean was out of earshot.
“I thought it easiest,” Castiel explained. “Do not worry- you are only invisible to Dean.”
Sam smiled, then felt unsure. “Will you and Dean be okay?” he asked, and Castiel smiled back.
“I am sure Dean and I will have a very pleasant day,” he said, and Sam felt an odd stab of jealousy in his gut. He liked spending time with Castiel, but they’d never had more than a few stolen moments together. He wished he could be there with Castiel, fighting evil side by side and getting to know his fairy godfather better. But he had a date with a prince to get to.
~~~
This time, Gabriel was waiting for him as he dismounted from the horse Castiel had conjured, from a rabbit who’d had the misfortune to cross their path as he was seeing Sam off. The ride had been a little bumpy, and his mount had stubbornly insisted on taking the route that required the most jumps over fallen trees and branches, but it had gotten him to where he needed to be.
“I missed your presence,” Gabriel said, kissing Sam’s hand again by way of greeting. He seemed to have a greater interest in Sam than he’d done at their first meeting, and Sam wondered if it was his huntsman status that intrigued Gabriel, or the even more impressive finery Castiel had dressed him in.
They took a stroll through the grounds, Gabriel guiding Sam with a gentle hand on the small of his back. He told stories about where he’d played as a child, and Sam much preferred them to the execution stories from the previous day.
It was pleasant, and a warm, happy feeling washed over Sam as they meandered their way around the castle grounds. Castiel’s somewhat confusing advice had kept Sam awake the previous night. He didn’t know what his heart wanted, nor how to follow it. But the longer he spent with Gabriel, the more he became convinced that this was his path in life, to fall in love with the prince.
They paused by a neat flower bed full of yellow roses and Gabriel bent down.
Sam smiled, expecting Gabriel to turn around, a freshly picked rose in his hands. Instead, when he stood, he was holding a large rock.
“What-?” Sam started to ask, interrupted when Gabriel pulled back his arm and threw the rock into a nearby tree.
There was a muffled shout, then a series of thumps as the tree shuddered, before eventually depositing a man onto the ground.
Sam stared at Gabriel in horror for a moment, then started to rush to help the man, who was lying on the ground, groaning.
Gabriel reached out and caught Sam’s arm. “Leave him,” he said, tone stiff and imperious. “It is what he deserves for spying on us. I realise you’re used to behaving like a commoner, but when you’re with me you needn’t bother with the riffraff.”
Sam shook Gabriel’s grasp off and hurried towards the man.
“Are you alright?” Sam asked, helping the man roll onto his back. He seemed mostly uninjured and was just opening his mouth to speak when there was the sound of steel being drawn and the tip of a sword landed against the man’s throat.
“Tell my brother that I will not suffer his spies or interference,” Gabriel said, then paused, looking thoughtful. “I do not know whether to slay you where you lie, or let you go so you may run back to Raphael and tell him that whatever his plan is, he won’t succeed.
The man raised his hands, palms out in defense. “I-” he tried to say, then stopped as the movement made the metal nick his skin.
“Your majesty,” Sam said, then when he got no response, “Gabriel!”
Gabriel slowly withdrew his sword by a few inches, and the man exhaled sharply in relief.
“Explain yourself,” Gabriel insisted.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the man said. “I don’t spy for your brother. I’m just a gardener!”
“Lies!” Gabriel exclaimed, ignoring Sam as he got to his feet.
“I don’t think he’s lying,” Sam said, putting a hand on Gabriel’s arm and pointing to the ladder under the tree, the large basket of apples and a pair of pruning shears that had landed, point up, in the soft soil.
Gabriel hesitated for a moment, then withdrew his sword and resheathed it.
“You may go,” he said brusquely, waving a hand dismissively at the man who rolled to his feet and scurried off.
“Your conduct here was inappropriate,” Gabriel said when they were alone again, and Sam gaped at him.
“My conduct? I’m not the one who almost killed an innocent man!”
Gabriel made a scoffing noise. “I was trying to protect my interests- and yours by default. The grounds are full of my brother’s spies- I’m the only thing that stands between him and the crown now and he is ruthless. I must be equally as ruthless if I am to maintain control of the kingdom when our father passes.”
Sam started to speak, then bit his tongue. “I see,” he said, curtly. The happy butterflies in his stomach, the warmth around his heart when he’d looked at Gabriel had disappeared and he felt cold. He shivered and looked away.
“You don’t understand,” Gabriel said. “I do what I must. The world is arranged in this way and we all must play our roles. We are directed by fate and my fate is to take the throne and rule the kingdom as justly as my father has done. Whether your fate is to be beside me remains to be seen...”
He trailed off, searching Sam’s face as if he was looking for something, then sighed.
“Perhaps we should part ways for now,” he said, reaching for Sam’s hand.
Sam kept his hand by his side.
“Very well,” Gabriel said, sounding disappointed. “I hope I will see you tomorrow. I shall send a guard with you for your protection.”
“I can find my own way,” Sam said, aware of how frosty his voice sounded. Then, before Gabriel could dismiss him, he turned and walked back to where he’d tethered his horse.
~~~
The cottage was empty when he returned to it, and he busied himself lighting a fire and putting together enough food for their evening meal.
He sat at the table and thought about the day, about how Gabriel had shown him a new side to his personality, one that Sam didn’t know if he liked or not. He could understand, to some degree, where Gabriel was coming from. Sam knew what it was like to live in constant danger, and not just from sharing a room with Dean after they’d eaten something with a lot of onions in it. He understood Gabriel’s desire to hold onto his power.
But the look in his eyes as he’d knocked the man out of the tree, as he’d stood over him, prepared to take his life in cold blood...Sam didn’t understand that. He didn’t know if he ever could understand it.
He was so caught up in his own thoughts, that he barely registered the door to the cottage opening and Dean and Castiel walking in. They were laughing together, and Sam was surprised- he’d never heard Castiel’s laugh before. He’d almost forgotten they were out hunting together.
“Did you leave the fire burning?” Dean asked, walking right by Sam to poke at the fire. He looked confused and Sam belatedly realised Dean wouldn’t know he’d been the one to do it.
“Must have done,” Castiel said, and Sam stood up as quietly as he could, careful not to rock the table or the chair as he did. He tiptoed down the hallway, easing open the door to the bedroom and waited.
After a moment, Castiel followed him.
“Dean is somewhat concerned at the presence of the fire and food,” Castiel said, “But I am certain he will forget all about it once he has finished his meal.”
Sam wasn’t sure if this meant Castiel was going to cast a spell on Dean to make him forget.
Castiel seemed to read his mind. “A minor spell was needed to help convince him that I was you. He knows you inside and out and although I have watched over you for a long time, yours were not easy shoes to fill.”
“Did it go well?” Sam asked, and Castiel nodded.
“Yes. It was a relatively simple hunt and we were substantially rewarded. Dean was very pleased and has announced his intention to go to the tavern tonight.”
“Will you be joining him?” Sam asked, feeling a little queasy at the thought.
Castiel shook his head. “That is your rightful place,” he said. “I was merely standing in for you while you were with the prince.”
Sam’s expression darkened and he glanced away. “I should have gone on the hunt instead,” he said, and was relieved when Castiel didn’t press him for more details.
“Perhaps next time,” Castiel said, simply.
There was a pause then Castiel added, “If you no longer require my services-”
“Stay,” Sam said, surprising himself. “I mean. If you want. I won’t wish it. But you could stay. We could talk. You could tell me more about yourself, about being a fairy godfather.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Castiel said, but Sam persisted.
“How long have you watched over me? Whose fairy godfather were you before I was born? How old are you anyway?”
Castiel looked uncomfortable. “It is not normal for a fairy godparent and their charge to become so familiar,” he said. “My purpose is to aid you on your journey, not to divert it with pointless stories. Unless you have further wishes to make, I should leave. Dean will be waiting to go to the tavern to celebrate our- I mean, your victory.”
And with that he was gone, leaving Sam frowning into the space where he’d been.
Sam spent the evening in the local tavern, forcing himself to at least look like he was having a good time. He had no real reason to feel so blue, he knew- after all how many people could say they had fairy godfathers who helped them out? How many people were being courted by a prince? He knew he should still be walking on air, smitten beyond all belief. But somehow the shine had started to wear off.
The next day they didn’t have any jobs, and Sam automatically started to wish for Castiel to come and help him find a new way to sneak away to see Gabriel.
Instead, he stopped and walked to the window, staring out at the tiny bluebirds who were busy building a nest on the window ledge. He held out his hand and one landed on his finger.
“I wish I knew what to do,” Sam explained to the bluebird. “I thought meeting the prince was the best thing that had ever happened to me, that I was destined to fall in love with him. He’s handsome, and wealthy of course, and he makes me laugh. But there’s something missing.”
He sighed. Sam could almost picture a life spent by his side, even if it meant ending his life as a huntsman. But whenever he thought about Gabriel too hard, whenever he broke through the besotted haze of love at first sight, things didn’t quite click.
“How is it,” Sam continued, as another bluebird hopped closer, cocking its head to the side as if listening intently, “that I could be so mistaken? I thought it was love, but maybe it was just the excitement of sneaking away because the prince liked me and it was something different, something removed from the life I’m used to. I don’t understand how I could be so excited every time I was getting ready to visit the prince, and then so unexcited when I returned home. It doesn’t make any sense.”
The bedroom door slammed open suddenly, and the bluebirds fluttered up and out of the window quickly.
Dean stared. “Were you singing to some bluebirds?” he asked, and Sam scowled and shook his head.
“Were you about to?” Dean pressed, then smirked, waving his hand dismissively. “Come on, princess. I thought we’d go into town and have some fun.” He held up the small wallet of money they’d been paid for the job the previous day and jiggled it so that the gold coins inside jangled together.
Sam hesitated. He hated the way he’d left things with Gabriel yesterday, and part of him felt like he owed the prince at least the chance to make Sam understand why he viewed the world the way he did.
And yet...it was as if a spell had been lifted. He didn’t want to see Gabriel anymore. At least not with the same excitement he’d felt, closing his eyes and desperately wishing for Castiel to appear to help him get ready for his secret rendezvous.
“Sure,” Sam said to Dean, thinking how much better it’d be if he could wish for Castiel to come and join them. But Castiel had made it very clear the previous night that they weren’t friends, and weren’t likely to be, either.
Sam spent an enjoyable day with Dean, glad they were spending some time together. He felt guilty, now, that he’d abandoned his job to spend time with the prince, and was relieved whenever he thought about how Castiel had been beside Dean during the fight, protecting him in Sam’s place.
It felt good to know he could rely on someone other than Dean. That someone was there for him when he needed them- even if he did have to make a wish for that to happen. Sam secretly hoped that Castiel came to help him despite the wishes, rather than because of them. Even if they couldn’t be friends, as Castiel had said, Sam still looked forward to seeing him. In fact, even when he’d been reluctant to see the prince again, knowing it would mean seeing Castiel first had spurred him into action. Seeing Castiel brightened Sam’s day, gave him hope that things would be okay.
Sam stopped in his tracks suddenly, causing Dean, who was walking behind him, to slam into his back.
“What the hell, Sammy?” Dean demanded.
“I’m so stupid!” Sam exclaimed, turning to his brother.
Dean smirked. “I’ve been telling you that for years- what made you finally realise I was right?”
“Love,” Sam said, grinning and clapping his hand against Dean’s shoulder. “I just realised I’m in love.”
“Who’s the lucky lady?” Dean asked, but Sam was already turning and running away.
He had someone to see.
~~~
Sam had half a mind to demand to talk to whoever was in charge of castle security. It had been far too easy to slip past the guards and there were so many crevices on the wall of the tower that, in combination with the vines that wound their way upwards, it had practically provided him with a ladder to climb up.
Above him was his goal- the window to the prince’s private bedchamber. Gabriel had pointed it out to him recently, in such a suggestive manner that Sam’s cheeks had felt hot. Now it proved useful knowledge and, judging by the laziness of the patrolling guards, Sam still had several minutes to complete the climb.
Finally his fingers grasped the windowsill and he hauled himself upwards, tumbling into the room. It was somewhat less graceful than he normally managed, but he was in a hurry- there were things he had to get sorted.
Gabriel had been lounging, the book on his lap clattering to the floor as he jumped to his feet and rushed to Sam’s side.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, helping Sam to his feet.
Sam brushed himself down and smiled at the prince. “I needed to talk to you,” he said, and Gabriel nodded, ushering Sam to sit down.
“Well?” Gabriel asked impatiently as Sam tried to catch his breath.
“I had to see you straight away,” Sam explained. “I realised something, and there’s no point denying it any longer. I’m in love.”
Gabriel smiled.
“But not with you,” Sam continued, then, seeing the expression on Gabriel’s face, hurried on to add, “And you’re not in love with me either.”
“I think I-”
“You think you do,” Sam rushed on. “Just like I thought it was you that I loved. But we don’t love each other. You just love the idea of me, and I loved the idea of you.”
Gabriel frowned, looking angry. “This isn’t funny.”
“I know. I don’t want to hurt you, but you’ll realise I’m right. You think I’m mysterious and adventurous and I’m not. And I think you’re a prince from the books I used to read as a child. And you’re not.”
Gabriel jumped to his feet. “I can’t believe you’re saying this,” he said, turning away from Sam. “I thought we had a connection.”
Sam nodded, even though Gabriel couldn’t see him. “We do,” he said. “But we’re not meant to be together. I thought this was our destiny, but you need to be with someone who challenges you, who surprises you. Someone spontaneous and who understands the weight of the decisions you have to make to keep the kingdom safe. That’s not me, and I can’t be that person.”
“And you?” Gabriel asked. “Who do you need?” His voice was dangerous, a hint of steel to it, but Sam answered anyway.
“I need someone who I don’t have to follow, someone who’ll be there when I need them to be.”
“And that’s not me.”
Sam stood and walked over to Gabriel, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “I wish- I mean,” he caught himself, not wanting to invoke Castiel- not yet at least. “It would be easier if it was you,” Sam added, truthfully.
Gabriel shook off Sam’s hand and whirled around. “I could make you stay here,” he said, eyes flashing as he advanced on Sam, who stumbled back a few steps. “I could have you thrown in the dungeons until you realised you were wrong, until you agreed to love me.”
Sam stopped retreating. “I know,” he said. “I know you could. But you won’t. You’re not cruel, Gabriel.”
Gabriel glanced away, then nodded, stepping back. “What happens now?” he asked. His voice was small and hurt- so completely un-prince-like.
“We go our separate ways,” Sam said, feeling a pang of regret in his heart. A small voice in his head was saying that he should have kept Gabriel as a backup plan, in case things didn’t work out the way Sam was hoping. But that wouldn’t be fair to either of them.
Gabriel didn’t respond for a long moment then looked up, face carefully set. He gave a low bow and reached for Sam’s hand, pressing his mouth to it one last time.
“I confess I still do not understand,” Gabriel said. “But I accept your decision. I have enjoyed getting to know you.”
Sam walked back to the window, glancing out to ensure no guards were around. Satisfied the coast was clear, he turned back, finding Gabriel’s attention turned towards the door of his room. Muffled sounds of a fight were coming through it and Sam dove for the nearest weapon- a letter opener on the prince’s desk- just as the doors exploded inwards, sending a hail of wood and splinters towards them.
A chunk of wood clipped Sam’s forehead hard and he went down, vision blurring.
“Take him,” a voice said, and Sam tried to lift his head, to find out who was attacking them, but his head ached and his limbs felt too weak to support his body. A strange smoke was filling the room, one that Sam had seen before once or twice on a hunt. Magic that only the cleverest of warlocks possessed.
There was a shout, and Gabriel was yelling something, before being swiftly silenced.
“No!” Sam yelled, and a heavy weight landed on his back. A foot, he thought, of someone holding him down.
“What do we do with this one, sire?” a voice from above him asked.
A sharp laugh responded, and a voice said, “Dispose of him.”
The sound of footsteps echoed through Sam’s head, making it ache, and soon there was nothing but silence.
“Let’s take care of you then,” the voice above him said, and a hand gripped the back of Sam’s shirt, lifting his head enough to slide a knife against his throat.
The metal bit into his skin, and Sam did the only thing that could save him- he wished for Castiel.
He could no longer feel the knife against his neck, and for an awful moment he thought that perhaps his throat had already been slit and the shock was stopping him from realising. But the pressure of the foot on his back was gone too. And then gentle but firm hands were lifting him to his feet.
Sam tried to focus his vision, Castiel’s face swimming into view. Sam gasped his name, and stumbled.
“You are injured,” Castiel said, reaching out and placing his fingers against Sam’s head. He muttered something, wrist twitching a little and suddenly Sam could see properly again. He felt better. In fact he felt great.
“Thank you,” Sam said, not knowing how to convey how grateful he was that Castiel was there.
“What happened?”
Sam shook his head, trying to clear the jumble of thoughts in his head, to remember things clearly. “I’m not sure. One minute I was talking with the prince, the next there was an explosion and- Cas! They took him. Gabriel. He was taken.”
“Then you must rescue him,” Castiel said simply. He paused, looking around the prince’s bed chamber. “I am sure you will want to resume whatever you were doing before you were interrupted by the kidnapping.”
Sam frowned. “Cas, it wasn’t like that. In fact I came here to tell him I was in love with-”
Castiel made a frustrated noise. “You need to get your brother and rescue your prince. Please, wish us to him now.”
“Let me finish,” Sam said, impatient, but Castiel stepped closer, took hold of Sam’s arms and repeated himself.
“Wish,” he commanded, and Sam sighed, closed his eyes and wished.
When he opened his eyes, they were in the cottage kitchen. Dean, who was sitting at the table when they appeared, jumped to his feet, much like Sam had done when he’d met Castiel for the first time.
“What the- Sammy, what’re you- who the f- what’s going on?”
Sam stepped between Dean and the crossbow he’d pulled out of seemingly nowhere. “It’s okay, Dean,” Sam said. “This is Castiel. He’s my...he’s a friend. But there’s no time to explain- we have a job.”
Dean lowered his weapon, staring at Castiel suspiciously. “What job?”
“The prince has been kidnapped. We need to rescue him.”
Dean nodded once, and reached for his cloak. “You’re filling me in on the way,” he said, firmly. “And I mean, every detail.”
Sam followed him out to the carriage, stopping to grab a knapsack full of weapons on the way. Dealing with magic meant they needed to be armed to the eye teeth.
He climbed up beside Dean, who was gripping the reins tightly.
“Come on, Cas,” Sam said, but Castiel shook his head.
“Good luck on your hunt,” he said. “I hope you find your prince safe and sound.” Sam wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but Castiel sounded almost bitter to him.
“But-“
“You know how to find me, if you need anything,” Castiel added, and disappeared.
“Okay, yeah,” Dean said, snapping the reins and starting them hurtling along the path away from the cottage. “Looks like you’ve got a lot of explaining to do, Sammy.”
~~~
The explanation took the entire journey- finding the tracks of the people who’d taken Gabriel and following them to the very well hidden fortress where he was being held. It lasted for the ensuing battle to get inside the fortress, taking out the dozen or more foot soldiers at hand to hand combat. Sam was still trying to explain when they finally managed to defeat the warlock, a nasty piece of work who had been on their radar for awhile but who had always proved elusive. Dean managed to take him down with a well aimed crossbow ricochet and a magic binding spell they kept on hand for just such occurrences.
Eventually Sam ran out of things to say as they climbed the tower and reached the well fortified door behind which, they were certain, Gabriel was being held.
“Let me get this straight. You. And a prince?” Dean asked, and Sam frowned, wondering why that was the only thing Dean seemed to be focusing on.
“Yes, me and a prince,” Sam replied testily, swinging an axe down onto the chains which blocked their way. “What’s so hard to believe about that?”
Dean shrugged and took a turn at bashing the lock with a large hammer.
“Nothing. Just surprised, that’s all, what with you hiding it from me.”
Sam opened his mouth to try and explain why he’d kept it secret but Dean waved his explanation away.
“Doesn’t matter,” Dean said. “So, you, a prince and a fairy? Sounds like the beginning to a bad joke.”
“Fairy godfather,” Sam corrected, grunting with effort as he swung again. The chain shuddered, and gave way just as Dean asked, “So you and the fairy godfather are-”
“Come on,” Sam said, kicking open the doors and striding in.
Gabriel lay on a bed, unmoving, with his hands neatly folded across his stomach. Beside him was a figure that Sam had only seen in paintings and etchings.
“Raphael.”
The prince got to his feet, lifting his chin haughtily.
“You will address me as ‘Your Majesty’, huntsman,” he sneered. “Thank you for rescuing us. My brother and I were viciously attacked and brought here as prisoners. We must go- I fear Gabriel may die if we do not get him help soon.”
“Come on then,” Dean said, but Sam held out an arm, blocking him from moving forward.
“You weren’t there, when Gabriel was taken,” he said. “You weren’t there, but I was. And from what Gabriel has told me about you, you’d prefer him dead.”
Raphael stared at him for a moment, then his concerned expression broke, turning into a sneer. He laughed.
“So it was you- we hadn’t expected anyone else to be inside the bedchamber when we took him. I thought I gave instructions for you to be killed.”
“You did this?” Dean demanded, bewildered. “To your own brother?”
Raphael shrugged, looking unconcerned.
Dean narrowed his eyes in anger.
“Cover me, Sammy,” he said, pulling out the length of unbreakable rope they’d been given in lieu of payment by a very grateful enchantress a few months previously.
Sam lifted the crossbow to his shoulder, raising an eyebrow at Raphael, daring him to try and escape.
When Raphael was bound and tied to a chair nearby, they both moved to stand over Gabriel.
He was clearly alive, but no matter what they did, he wouldn’t awaken.
Dean turned to Sam, then frowned, shaking his head.
“What is it?” Sam asked. “Dean, if you know of a way to save him, we have to try it.”
“You need to call your fairy guy. Maybe you could wish him awake again.”
Sam hesitated. He hadn’t had time to tell Castiel why he’d been with Gabriel in his room, and he’d hurried away so quickly as soon as he had the chance that Sam wasn’t convinced Castiel would respond.
Still, he closed his eyes and wished.
Castiel appeared, looking only mildly surprised when he saw Raphael tied to the chair, scowling at him.
“He won’t wake up,” Dean said. “Can Sam wish him awake?”
Castiel moved closer to Gabriel. He closed his eyes and pressed a palm to Gabriel’s chest.
Then he opened his eyes and shook his head.
“The spell is a powerful one. It requires something stronger than a wish to break.”
“Then what?” Sam asked.
“Love,” Castiel said simply. “True love’s kiss. It’s the only thing that will wake him.”
Sam stared down at Gabriel.
“You can’t be serious,” Dean said, echoing the thoughts in Sam’s head.
Castiel nodded.
“I suggest it happens sooner rather than later- the effects are likely to deepen over time, leaving him unable to wake.”
Sam glanced up, finding both Castiel and Dean looking at him expectantly.
“What?” he asked, then shook his head. “No, it’s not me.”
Castiel sighed.
“Now is not the time to be coy, Sam,” he said, tone verging on sharp. “I am well aware of your relationship with the prince. And I suppose Dean would have found out once the prince asked for your hand in marriage. There is no point in hiding your feelings. You must kiss him to save his life.”
Sam frowned, wondering if he was really detecting sarcasm from his fairy godfather, and why Castiel wouldn’t let him explain. He turned to Dean, hoping his brother was rolling his eyes at Castiel, but instead he looked thoughtful.
“It’s worth a try,” Dean said with a shrug.
“But I just told you-”
“I know,” Dean interrupted, glancing quickly at Castiel. “I know, Sammy. But if there’s a chance it’ll work, you gotta try it.”
Sam’s shoulders slumped but he nodded, defeated. Still he hesitated. The last thing he wanted to do was to carry on giving Castiel the wrong impression. He looked at Dean, then Castiel who were both waiting expectantly. But it was the final glance at Raphael’s scornful face that made him bend and press his mouth against Gabriel’s.
He kissed Gabriel gently, not knowing whether to hope that Gabriel would wake up or that he wouldn’t. Sam counted to three in his head, then straightened up.
They looked at Gabriel, waiting. But nothing happened.
Sam couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped his lips. He immediately felt terrible- Gabriel was still enchanted and he knew he should feel remorse at not being able to help him, but at least this time Sam knew for sure that his heart hadn’t been leading him astray.
Castiel had a thoughtful expression on his face, like he was surprised by Gabriel’s non-reaction.
“So,” Sam said, awkwardly. “That didn’t work.”
“No,” Dean agreed, frowning. “I really thought it would.”
Sam looked over at Castiel who was pointedly looking away. Sam couldn’t see his face and he wondered what Castiel was thinking. Then he turned his attention back to Gabriel, still lying unnaturally still.
“Your turn,” Sam said, turning back to his brother, who looked surprised.
“What? No! I’m not his one true love. I can’t be. I’m not...I’m not going to kiss him. I don’t even know him.”
“You’ll have to eventually,” Castiel said, and Dean stared at him.
“What do you mean, eventually?”
“Everyone in the kingdom will be required to line up and kiss the prince, in hopes of awakening him,” Castiel explained. “Including you. It’s either now, or in a long linel of people.”
Dean shuffled uncomfortably and looked back at Sam.
“Seems weird to be making out with your ex,” he pointed out.
Sam wanted to agree, because it was, a little. But it was a simple kiss, and he didn’t really expect anything would happen. It was just a process of elimination.
“Do it,” he said, because there were more important things at stake, like not letting Raphael win.
Dean nodded slowly. He licked his lips, then shook out his hands, jumping up and down on the spot for a moment. He rolled his neck, cracking it and then exhaled slowly.
“Okay,” he said, as if he had just warmed up for a big fight.
He bent down, hesitating for a moment with his lips barely an inch from the prince’s. And then Dean lowered his mouth and kissed him.
Sam watched Dean’s eyes fall shut, and he looked away. There was a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach- not jealousy, far from it. But he couldn’t quite put his finger on what the emotion was, so he studied the fine embroidery on Gabriel’s shirt sleeve. It meant he was the first to see Gabriel’s hand twitch.
Dean jumped back just as Gabriel’s eyes flew open.
“Where am I?” the prince asked, sounding groggy. He struggled to sit up and Sam was about to move in and help him, but Dean was there first.
Gabriel blinked up at Dean.
“Do I know you?” he asked, voice soft and dreamy, and Dean scratched sheepishly at the back of his head.
“Uh...I’m here to rescue you,” he said and Gabriel’s mouth stretched into a smile.
“My hero,” he said, voice low. He and Dean stared at each other for a long moment.
Sam stared at the floor, at the wall, at Raphael who looked pissed. And then he coughed. He didn’t mean to, but it meant that everyone turned to look at him.
Gabriel looked surprised to see him.
“Keith!” he exclaimed, getting to his feet. Behind the prince, Dean mouthed, “Keith?” at him, and Sam shook his head, just a little, so Dean would know to shut up.
“I don’t believe we finished our discussion,” Gabriel said, stopping in front of Sam. “Keith, it’s not you, it’s me. I’m sorry, but I have fallen in love with another. He is brave and strong and truly worth of my love.”
Sam looked past Gabriel at Dean, who was frowning. He looked like he might be a bit jealous, until Gabriel turned and smiled at him.
“His name is Dean,” Sam said, and Gabriel smiled.
“Dean,” he repeated, saying the name like it was the most beautiful word he’d ever heard.
Dean nodded, looking embarrassed, but moved towards the prince as if so external force was drawing them together.
They clasped hands, and stared at each other.
Sam made a disgusted face.
“Uh,” he said, interrupting them before they could kiss or do anything that he really didn’t need to see. Not because of his history with Gabriel but because there were some things he really didn’t need to witness Dean doing, and making out with his apparent one true love was high on that list. “We should probably get you back to the castle and let the kingdom know you’re safe.”
Gabriel drew away from Dean. “Yes,” he said, “you’re right. But first-“
He reached for Dean’s hip, plucking a dagger from Dean’s belt.
“Brother,” he said, walking over to Raphael. “You were foolish to betray me.”
“I did what I had to do,” Raphael spat, ignoring the dagger that was pointed at him. “You do not deserve to rule. You will carry on protecting the peasants instead of making them work to earn it. Under my rule the kingdom would become great and rich. I should be king when father dies.”
Gabriel leant in closer, eyes flashing dangerously. Sam had seen that look before, but before he could do anything, the blade shot forward, plunging into Raphael’s chest.
“You will never get to see that day, brother,” Gabriel said, turning his back on the dying Raphael and holding out a hand to Dean.
“I apologise,” he said, as if everything was normal. “I will replace your dagger. Come back to the castle with me. I would like to introduce you to my father. I am hopeful he will disapprove.”
Dean stared at Raphael, slumped in the chair. For a moment Sam expected him to shake his head and walk away. But instead Dean nodded.
“I don’t blame you for killing him,” he said. “I’d have probably done the same thing.” Then he looked up at Sam. “Uh, not to you, Sammy. To some dick who kidnapped me and tried to kill me.”
When Sam nodded, still a little dazed by all the events, Dean took Gabriel’s hand. He winked at Sam as they passed.
“Turns out I’m irresistible even to princes,” Dean said with a smirk and Sam rolled his eyes and watched them leave.
When he turned around Castiel was kneeling beside Raphael.
“Is he-?” Sam started and Castiel shook his head, standing up.
“He was taken by the prince’s hand,” Castiel said. “I was not surprised by the turn of events. Were you?”
Sam opened his mouth to say yes, but then closed it. Really, he knew from the moment that Gabriel woke up that he wouldn’t let Raphael live. It was hard for Sam to understand. Having a brother who would betray you in such a way was unthinkable in his mind. But he’d known Gabriel was capable of doing anything to protect his kingdom, and so it hadn’t really been a shock when the final blow was dealt.
Sam turned away, walking from the room and starting to make his way down the stone steps of the tower. He could hear gentle footsteps behind him as Castiel followed, growing closer until a hand fell onto his shoulder.
“Sam,” Castiel said, and Sam turned around, unable to prevent a smile when he found himself looking up at his fairy godfather, two steps above him.
“I must confess to being confused by what happened today,” he said. “I believed you and the prince to be...”
Sam shook his head.
“That’s why I was in his chambers. I went to see him to tell him...to tell him that it wasn’t going to work between us. That we were too different. And that I...” he trailed off and looked away.
It had seemed so easy when he’d planned it in his head- talk to Gabriel, then talk to Castiel, and everything would fall into place. He hadn’t expected a quest and his brother falling in love with Gabriel to happen between the two conversations. Now Sam felt doubt worse than he had before, that Castiel would turn him down, would possibly even laugh at the ridiculous idea of him loving Sam back.
But what did he have to lose? He’d spent the past week believing himself to be falling in love with one man, when in fact he was in love with another. It had been a whirlwind of events, but at the centre of it all was a calmness- and that calmness was Castiel.
“I went to tell him that I was in love with someone else,” Sam said bravely.
Castiel looked surprised, and then confused. “I don’t understand,” he said.
Sam smiled. “I went to tell him I was in love with you.”
Castiel stared at him.
“Sam,” he said, weakly. “That’s not possible. I...I’m supposed to watch over you, to protect you. I’m not supposed to act on any feelings I may have for you.”
Sam’s heart, which had begun to sink at Castiel’s words, soared suddenly.
“You have feelings for me,” he said triumphantly, and Castiel frowned as if Sam had tricked him.
“It doesn’t matter how I feel,” he said, sounding pained. “It’s not allowed-“
Sam climbed up one step to meet Castiel, cutting him off with a kiss. Castiel tried to move away but Sam followed, hand sliding round to cup the back of Castiel’s head gently. If Castiel really wanted to stop this, Sam would let him, but first he was getting his kiss.
There was a heartbeat, and then another, and then Castiel kissed back, hands sliding up into Sam’s hair.
They kissed for several long, breathless minutes, and then Sam pulled away.
“How can this not be allowed?” he asked, and Castiel smiled.
“The others will not be happy,” he said. “But perhaps we can make them understand.”
Sam ducked his head, shy suddenly.
“Seeing you has been the best part of every day,” he said. “It took me a long time to realise that you were here to set me on the right path, to help me follow my destiny. I just didn’t realise that that destiny was being with you.”
Castiel looked pleased, and Sam was about to say more when the sound of a carriage and horses clattering from the courtyard drifted up to them.
Sam hurried to a window and looked out, cursing. He turned back to Castiel.
“I think I’m going to have to wish us back to the cottage,” he said. “Since Dean just left with our only ride.”
Castiel smiled and stepped into Sam’s space, placing one hand on his shoulder and brandishing his wand in the other.
“At least this way we’ll beat them back and have some time to ourselves,” he said, and Sam smiled.
“Close your eyes and wish us there together,” Castiel added.
Sam closed his eyes and wished.