Chapter Text
Before the stars flared into existence and before the vast, dark void of the cosmos breathed its first whispers of creation, there were angels. They were not born of flesh, nor of the primal chaos that birthed the universe, but from the pure will of God. They were the first, eternal, and powerful, standing witness to the birth of galaxies, the rise of planets, and the creation of life. They saw how civilizations rose and fell, the waging of wars, and the making of peace. They stood alongside prophets, judges, and apostles, offering strength and revelation.
Gabriel was one of the first angels to come into existence, so he remembers when the first human was created. At first, he didn't understand why his Father needed them, but he didn't question him. Instead, he did what his Father instructed them. He observed. Gabriel watched the humans stumble through life—fumbling, failing, growing, loving. To him, they were weak and imperfect, so unlike the angels who thrived in perfection. Yet, there was something about them. Even in their flaws, they were vibrant and alive in a way that even angels, forged of Heaven’s light, could never be. But his brother, Lucifer, thought differently.
For Lucifer, they were weak, incomparable to the strength of angels. Gabriel could understand Lucifer's questions and doubts. Humans were weak, fragile things, their hearts prone to jealousy and anger, and their hands were quick to destroy. But they were also capable of acts so profound that even an archangel could not fully comprehend. And that’s what Lucifer failed to see.
He could see both sides—the anger of his brother, who could not bear to bow to creatures so flawed, and the unshakable love of his Father, who saw in them something worth saving. Gabriel tried to make Lucifer understand, to make him see what his Father created, but it was impossible, and so their loved brother was cast into the depths of Hell while he, Michael, and Raphael just watched.
His Father said it was for the best, and who was Gabriel to question the Lord’s word? He said that it was going to be temporary, and Gabriel would have been okay with that, but then he revealed the rest of his plan.
Humanity’s existence was not meant to last. When the seals of Hell broke and Lucifer rose again, Michael would lead the armies of Heaven against him. The world would burn, and from its ashes, a new Eden would rise—a paradise untainted by sin or imperfection. Humanity, flawed and chaotic, would be swept away, replaced by something pure and eternal. The beings he had come to love, the fragile yet fierce creatures who had stolen his admiration, were destined to be nothing more than a fleeting experiment. Their Father, who had created them with such care, had also destined them for destruction.
Michael accepted his destiny without hesitation, like the good soldier he was. Raphael, silent and steady, offered no protest. But Gabriel? He couldn’t. He couldn’t imagine Michael raising his sword against Lucifer again, nor could he bear the thought of humanity’s light being extinguished forever.
He didn’t argue. He didn’t plead. But he didn’t stay. He left Heaven and told himself he didn’t care.
Gabriel ran and hid in the farthest corner of the Earth. It wasn’t the first time he was on Earth, he had been before when he was God’s messenger. He spent years trying to blend in with the people who were destined to die. At first, he was afraid of his Father dragging him back to Heaven and facing the same destiny as Lucifer, but as the years passed, he realized his Father simply didn’t care.
He wanted to forget who he was, and soon he found the solution between the pagan Gods. He made a deal with one of them, and Gabriel the archangel was replaced by The Trickster, a being of chaos, a force of karmic justice. Gabriel embraced the role wholeheartedly. The Trickster had no allegiances, no divine mission. He owed nothing to anyone—not Heaven, not Hell, not even his Father. It was a freedom Gabriel had never known before, and he clung to it like a drowning man to a piece of wood. He loved it. It was cathartic, even fun, to teach lessons to those who deserved them. A greedy CEO might find himself living the life of a janitor for a week, stripped of his wealth and privilege. A tyrant who delighted in causing pain might wake up in the body of one of his victims, forced to endure what he had inflicted. Gabriel’s creativity knew no bounds, and his punishments were as ironic as they were effective.
He buried himself in distractions, avoiding the prayers that reached for him, the voices that begged for his help. But no matter how far he ran, he couldn’t escape the truth.
Gabriel had always cared too much.
He never stayed in a place for too long. Each place he visited became a memory almost as quickly as it had become a temporary home. He told himself it was better this way—better to keep moving, to avoid attachment. Staying meant vulnerability, and vulnerability meant pain. He crossed continents, centuries, and cultures, always leaving before anyone could look too closely. Humans still fascinated him, but he never allowed himself to get too close. It was easier to observe from a distance, to play his tricks and move on.
But then he met him.
Sam Winchester.
"So? What do you think?" Gabriel asked, entering their living room and doing an exaggerated twirl.
Sam, who was sitting on the stool at the kitchen counter, waiting for him, raised his head from his book and couldn't suppress the laugh that came out.
"Really? An angel? Isn't Halloween supposed to be about monsters?"
"Yes, an Angel." Gabriel could see the irony behind his costume, but it was a way to prepare Sam for the truth. Sort of. "And that's where you are wrong, my dear Sam. Halloween is about having an excuse to dress up and go drink with your beautiful, beautiful boyfriend." He smirked, getting close to Sam and placing his hands behind his neck. "We still have time if you wanna match costumes. I have one just for you."
Sam's hands grabbed Gabriel's waist, laughing. "Unfortunately, you are the only one who can pull off that outfit."
"Aw, Sam. You know how to make a guy feel special, don't you?" He quickly kissed Sam's lips, and when he tried to pull back, he was dragged again by Sam, making Gabriel laugh. "I guess I'll have to go as your Guardian Angel then." He said in between kisses. His hands went towards Sam's hair, pulling it slowly while Sam's hands moved to his arms. A soft breath came out of Gabriel's mouth, and while he would have loved to continue, he knew if they started, they were not leaving. He groaned and, with all the strength he had, pushed Sam playfully.
"C'mon, you are not distracting me. I know you didn't want to go."
Sam sighed, resting his head on Gabriel's shoulder.
"Worth the try."
Gabriel only laughed. "I know you too well."
And he did, he really did. He knew everything about him, not because Sam's life was written in his brain, no. It was the subtle things, the details his Father overlooked, details that Gabriel came to know and cherish. He knew Sam always made a double knot in his shoes, ensuring the laces wouldn’t come undone throughout the day. For most people would be an insignificant detail, but Gabriel found comfort in the precision and care Sam put into even the most mundane tasks. He knew the exact way Sam's brow would furrow when something was difficult, with his lips pursing slightly to the side. He knew that when Sam didn't understand something, his eyes would narrow just so, a faint tilt of confusion that melted into a determined nod. And his smile. It always started with a gentle lift of one corner of his mouth, spreading slowly like the sunrise, eyes crinkling at the edges, a soft warmth that reached deep into his gaze. It was the first time Gabriel was grateful he was an angel because he could memorize every detail, every flicker of emotion that danced across his face.
When he met Sam, he hadn’t remembered who he was. That knowledge had been buried deep, hidden away by time and by choice.
But memories have a way of surfacing.
Gabriel had tried to let go once he remembered his Father's plan and how Sam was in the middle of it. He had stopped answering calls, stopped appearing at the cafe where they’d once met for long talks about nothing and everything. Sam would be better off without him, he told himself. But his resolve faltered every time he thought of Sam's laugh, the way his eyes lit up when he was excited, the way his presence felt like the only piece of heaven Gabriel wanted to hold on to.
He had spent weeks fighting with himself, trying to silence the voice that whispered of duty and destiny. He had always thought himself strong, but Sam had made him question everything. For someone who prided himself on never taking anything seriously, the weight of his thoughts was suffocating.
For two weeks, he’d stayed away, doing everything he could to ignore the pull that drew him to Sam like gravity. But Gabriel had underestimated how stubborn Sam could be.
“You've been avoiding me.”
Gabriel froze in the middle of Jessica's apartment, which to be honest, was the worst hiding place, then turned to find Sam standing behind him, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. His expression was calm, but there was a flicker of hurt in his eyes that made Gabriel's chest tighten.
“Sam,” Gabriel said, forcing a grin. “Fancy meeting you here. To what do I owe the pleasure? Miss me that much?”
Sam didn’t smile. “You disappeared for two weeks without so much as a goodbye. What do you think?”
Gabriel opened his mouth to deflect, to joke, but the words caught in his throat. For once, he couldn’t bring himself to hide behind his usual bravado.
“I’ve been busy,” he said, his tone casual. “You know how it is—places to be, people to annoy.”
Sam sighed, getting closer to him. “Don’t do that. Don’t pretend like this doesn’t matter. You left, Gabriel. You didn’t answer my calls, didn’t tell anyone where you were going. And now, you’re just… here, acting like everything’s fine.”
Gabriel stared at him, the sincerity in his voice breaking down every wall Gabriel had spent centuries building. He looked at Sam—the calm, compassionate, brilliant human who had unknowingly turned his world upside down—and felt the weight of his decision pressing on him.
He said, “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Then why did you leave?” Sam asked, his gaze unwavering.
Gabriel hesitated, his chest tightening. He couldn’t tell Sam the truth. He couldn’t burden him with the knowledge of the destiny that awaited him, the cruel plan that had been set in motion long before they’d ever met.
“I thought it would be better if I wasn’t around,” Gabriel said finally, his voice quieter now.
“Better for who?” Sam asked, his tone steady but filled with hurt.
Gabriel turned to him, his golden eyes meeting Sam's. “For you,” he said.
But Gabriel wasn't sure about it. Was he trying to leave to protect Sam, or was he leaving to protect himself and the pain he would have to endure when the time came?
Sam frowned, his calm composure faltering. “You don’t get to decide that for me, Gabriel. You don’t get to just vanish and pretend it’s for my sake. I'm tired of people thinking they know what's best for me.”
Gabriel laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “You don’t understand, Sam. There are things that you’re better off not knowing.”
“Then don’t tell me,” Sam said. “I know something’s going on. I can feel it, Gabriel. But whatever it is you think is going to happen—whatever you think is inevitable—we’ll stop it. We can stop it, together. I don’t need all the answers, Gabriel. I just need you.”
For a brief moment, Gabriel wanted to believe him. Sam’s voice, full of hope and defiance, was everything Gabriel had been running from, everything he needed to believe in. He wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could change the course of destiny. That they could stand together and fight. Sam was right; whatever Gabriel thought was going to happen, it didn’t have to happen. Not if they fought together.
But as Gabriel’s heart ached with the weight of Sam’s words, the truth crashed over him again. God’s plan was bigger than any of them. The end had been set. Sam’s fate was sealed. There was no stopping what was coming. Gabriel had seen it, felt it, in the very marrow of his bones. It was inevitable. They couldn’t defy his Father’s word.
Sam was going to become Lucifer’s vessel. There was no escaping that, no changing the script that his Father had written for him. Gabriel couldn’t let himself believe otherwise, no matter how badly he wanted to.
And yet… the thought of losing Sam, of watching him become Lucifer's instrument, was more unbearable than anything Gabriel had faced before. He could feel the terror creeping into his chest, threatening to choke him. He couldn’t lose Sam. Not like that.
Gabriel took a shaky breath, stepping back from Sam, trying to keep the distance between them. “You don’t know what you’re saying,” Gabriel said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Maybe I don’t,” Sam admitted. “But I know that I care about you. And I think you care about me too. So stop running away when things get hard.”
Gabriel swallowed hard, his hands clenching at his sides. What did he want? He wanted Sam—more than he’d ever wanted anything in his long existence. But wanting Sam meant watching him perish at his brother's hands.
“I want…” Gabriel began, his voice trailing off. He took a deep breath, his golden eyes softening. “I want to protect you, Sam. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
Sam stepped closer, his calm presence grounding Gabriel in a way nothing else could. “Then stay. Stop trying to protect me by leaving, and just… stay.”
He couldn’t leave Sam, not when the love he felt for him was deeper than any destiny that had been written. Gabriel couldn't change the end, but he could control one thing—where Sam was when the end came. He could protect Sam, hide him from the forces that were hunting him. If he couldn’t stop the inevitable, he could make sure that for now, neither Heaven nor Hell would be able to find Sam. He could make him disappear, make him vanish from existence, long enough to ensure that they had time together. That was all Gabriel could do—extend their moments, even if only for a little while.
“Alright,” Gabriel said softly, his voice filled with quiet determination. “I’ll stay.”
He took Sam’s hand, his own trembling with the realization that this was all they had left—the time they had together. Sam smiled faintly, relief washing over his features. For a moment, there was no destiny, no prophecy, no Great Battle. He would stand by Sam, even if he couldn’t save him, even if he couldn’t stop the end. He would stand by him, and for now, that would have to be enough.
"What? You are looking at me funny." Sam asked.
"Nothing." Gabriel was shaken from his thoughts and smiled softly. "I'm just glad I met you."
Sam rolled his eyes, annoyed.
"I swear if you bring up that story again..."
"I wasn't, I wasn't." Gabriel raised both of his hands in defeat. Sam just looked at him. "Cross my heart and hope to die." Gabriel put his hand over his chest, a serious expression on his face.
Sam narrowed his eyes before nodding, seeming convinced. Oh, poor little Samuel.
"But you did look cute, all embarrassed after realizing where your hand was."
"Oh my-" Sam's cheeks turned bright pink, hiding his face between his hands. "I knew it. You are an asshole."
"You know, I don't usually let guys touch my dick before the third date, but there was something special about you. I just had to make an exception."
"I didn't touch your dick!" Sam felt the need to defend himself and the little dignity he had left.
"Oh, no, you just tried to clean my pants. My pants that were wet because someone spilled his coffee all over them. And you decided to clean the area that was just above my dick." Gabriel was trying so hard not to laugh. "Are you sure you didn't drop that coffee on purpose? I mean, I wouldn't blame you, if I saw a man as handsome as myself..."
"Oh, God." Sam had enough. He stood up, ignoring the heat in his ears, and took Gabriel's hand, dragging him to the door of their apartment. "Let's just go before I kill you myself."
"Sam! That's not something nice to tell your boyfriend!"
The bar that Gabriel chose wasn't far from their apartment, and it wasn’t much to look at—a small, cozy place tucked into the corner of a quiet street. Neon lights buzzed faintly above the door, casting a soft glow over the cracked sidewalk. The crowd inside the bar was lively but not overwhelming—a mix of regulars and costumed revelers enjoying the night. Gabriel's sharp eyes scanned the room. “There they are,” he said, tilting his head toward a table near the back. Their group was hard to miss, even in the dim light.
"Luis, my boy!" Gabriel said to the zombie-looking guy once they arrived at their table. "And Jess!" He smiled, turning to the blonde girl and kissing her on the cheek. "Glad to see you decided to go with my sexy nurse costume."
"What?" Sam asked, something between mortified and intrigued. "THAT is yours?"
"Don't be jealous, baby, I can use it for you later." Gabriel winked at him, making Sam's cheeks turn red.
"Stop messing with him!" Jess elbowed Gabriel in the ribs, but she looked amused. "He is just joking, Sam. He only helped to pick the outfit."
"I don't know, man. I'm sure I saw something with those colors when he was my roommate." Another voice was heard behind Gabriel. His eyes widened in surprise before a familiar grin tugged at the corner of his lips. He turned around, almost as if he’d known who it would be.
"Chris! You made it!" Gabriel said, clapping him on the back as they greeted each other.
"Yeah, well. This is the only way to see my best friend." Chris joked.
"Oh, please. I see you every day in class." Because yes, Gabriel now had to go to school if he wanted to pretend to be a regular human instead of an archangel. And, not that it was a surprise, because he was fun to be around, he managed to make some friends.
"Yeah, and you never stop talking about Sam." Chris rolled his eyes and shot Sam a playful look. "Heya, Sam. You are still not tired of him?" He gestured towards Gabriel with an exaggerated sweep of his hand.
"Tired of him? Nah, not yet." Sam leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. “It’s like a never-ending show, honestly. You never know what he’s going to say next.”
The table burst into laughter as Gabriel shot a dramatic glance at Sam, his lips curling into a playful smile. “Oh, so I’m just entertainment for you now? Is that how it is?”
Sam gave him a quick wink. “Absolutely. For what else would I keep you around?"
Gabriel put his hand on his chest, pretending to be wounded. “Wow. I see how it is now. Just here for the laughs, huh?”
Chris leaned in with a grin. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this. Seems like you’re just a prankster and a comedian to him.”
Gabriel let out a dramatic groan, leaning back in his seat with a shake of his head. “I’m surrounded by traitors. And here I thought this would be a peaceful celebration.”
“Peaceful? With you around?” Jess laughed. “Not a chance.”
Chris leaned forward, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Alright, alright, enough with the teasing. I’m only here for the drinks and the entertainment, and I’m missing the first.”
Gabriel raised his glass, catching Sam's eye. “Fine, fine. Chris is right.” He paused for a moment, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. “We’re here to celebrate! My boyfriend just got 174 on his LSAT! So, as your gracious host—” He stood and screamed to make himself heard amongst the bar's noise. “—Next round of drinks on me, everyone!”
The bar erupted into cheers, everyone raising their glasses. Jess clinked her glass against Luis' and laughed.
"No way! Congratulations, man!" Luis said, raising his glass to take another shot.
"It's not that big of a deal." Sam's cheeks flushed a deep red as all eyes turned to him. He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, trying to hide his embarrassment behind a grin.
"Pfft, are you kidding? You are a first-round draft pick. You can go to any law school you want." Luis said, taking another sip from his glass.
"And he has an interview this Monday," Gabriel said, a proud sparkle in his eye. He slid an arm over Sam's shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze, pulling him closer. Sam quickly leaned into Gabriel.
Sam tried to stifle a smile, though his blush deepened as the group kept the praise coming. Chris chimed in, his voice full of humor. “You’ve got to let him have this, Sam. You know how Gabriel is—he’s probably been waiting all day to show off.”
"Oh, shut up, Chris," Gabriel said, playfully shoving him to the side.
“Oh, I know. He did the same with the postman this morning.” Sam said, glancing at Gabriel, who only shrugged. He was just proud! "And if it goes okay, I think I've got a shot at a full ride next year."
Jess leaned forward with an encouraging smile, her blonde hair catching the glow of the bar lights. "Hey! What's up with the pessimist? It's gonna go great."
Gabriel grinned, pointing at Jess with his glass. “See? That’s what I’ve been telling him! But does he believe me? Nah. Too modest for his own good.”
"How's it feel to be the golden boy of your family? Must be nice being the favorite.” Chris asked, frowning at his now empty glass.
Gabriel saw the subtle way Sam's smile faltered, the way his shoulders stiffened ever so slightly. He knew that question struck a nerve Sam didn’t want to discuss.
Gabriel laughed, the sound loud and playful, cutting through the faint tension. “Golden boy? Please, Chris. If anything, I am. I’m the favorite wherever I go.”
The group burst into laughter, and Gabriel nudged Sam gently, leaning in close. “Right, babe? I’m everyone’s favorite.”
Sam let out a quiet laugh, glancing at him with gratitude in his eyes. “Absolutely,” he said, playing along. “You’re practically a national treasure.”
Jess grinned, catching the playful banter. “Gabriel, you’re definitely something,” she said, shaking her head. “Loud, for sure. Favorite? Debatable.”
“Loud?” Gabriel gasped dramatically. “I prefer the most entertaining. And, for the record, I’m everyone’s favorite here tonight because I’m paying for drinks.”
“Well, there’s no arguing with that logic,” Chris said, standing up. “So, if you excuse me, I’m going for another drink. Gabriel’s treat.”
“W-what!? I said only one!”
Sam and Jess sat together at a corner table, their drinks untouched as they watched the spectacle on the small dance floor.
Gabriel was in the center of it, throwing himself into a ridiculous, over-the-top dance routine with Chris. The two of them twirled and flailed, earning cheers and laughter from the crowd. He was all limbs and goofy enthusiasm, completely unselfconscious, his broad grin lighting up the room.
Jess chuckled, shaking her head as she turned back to Sam. "He sure has energy," she teased, leaning back in her chair.
Sam gave a faint smile but didn’t respond. Instead, he stared down at his hands, twisting the napkin in his fingers until it was little more than a crumpled ball.
"Sam?" Jess prompted, her tone soft but curious.
He sighed, finally meeting her gaze.
"I'm going to do it."
"Do what?"
Sam just looked at her, as it was obvious what he meant. Jess’s eyebrows shot up, and before Sam could say anything else, she leaned forward and hugged him tightly. "Oh my God, Sam, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!”
"I mean, I haven't asked." Sam let out a small laugh, patting her back before she released him. "He hasn't said yes."
"Please, he's going to do it. He loves you."
Her excitement was infectious, but not enough to ease the knot in his stomach.
"But don't you think it’s too soon?" he asked, his voice quiet and uncertain. "It’s only been a year and a half, and I don’t want to come off as... I don’t know, like a creep or something."
Jess furrowed her brow and leaned forward again, resting her chin on her hand. "Too soon? A creep? Are you hearing yourself right now?"
Sam shrugged, looking down at his hands. "I just... he’s such a carefree guy, you know? Always joking around. What if he thinks I’m rushing things? Or that I'm trying to keep him down? Or worse, what if he doesn’t feel the same way yet?"
Jess sighed dramatically and grabbed his hands, stopping his restless movements. "Sam. Look at me."
He did, albeit reluctantly.
"You’re not a creep. You’re not rushing anything. You’re someone who knows what he wants, and that’s beautiful," she said firmly. Then she gestured toward the dance floor, where Sam's boyfriend was now pretending to ride an invisible horse. Was that even a dance move? Jess didn't know. "And as for him? That man loves you more than anything. Sure, he jokes around, but don’t mistake that for not being serious about you."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "How can you tell?"
"Sam, you’ve got to stop this self-doubt thing you’ve got going on. You’re in love. And newsflash? So is he." Sam looked unconvinced, so Jess pressed on, her voice more insistent. "Do you even realize how obvious it is that you two are crazy about each other? Every time Gabriel so much as glances at you, it’s like the entire world disappears for him. And you’re not much better, by the way. The second he walks into a room, you’re suddenly all smiles, even if you were stressed out five seconds before."
Sam flushed, looking away. "That’s not true."
Jess raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh, it’s totally true. I’ve watched you two together. The way he always makes sure you’re laughing, even when he’s being ridiculous. The way he listens to you—even if he’s cracking a joke, he never misses a word you say. And the way you light up when he’s around? Sam, it’s painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that you two are head over heels."
Sam let out a soft laugh, his grip on the napkin loosening. "You really think it’s that obvious?"
Jess gave him a deadpan look. "I don’t think—I know. And more importantly, he knows too. He adores you, Sam."
Sam’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though a hint of doubt still lingered in his eyes. Jess noticed and reached across the table, grabbing his hands in hers.
"Sam," she said, her voice softer now. "You’re not rushing this. You’ve spent more than a year building something beautiful with him. If you love him—and it’s so clear that you do—then don’t let fear stop you. Trust me, Gabriel would say yes in a heartbeat."
Sam nodded, seeming more convinced than before by Jess's words. "I never thought I’d meet someone like Gabriel," Sam said. "Or have someone like you. You’re the only two people who know about my past, about the fact that I left my family and never looked back. And the crazy part is… you both stuck around anyway. You didn’t push me to explain myself or try to fix me. You just… accepted me."
Jess smiled, her voice gentle but steady. "Sam, that’s what friends do. And that’s what people who love you do. You’re not your past, okay? You’re not defined by the places you’ve left or the people who didn’t stick around for you. Look at Gabriel. That man would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked him to. And me? Well, you’re stuck with me for life."
Sam chuckled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. He glanced at the dance floor, where Gabriel was now attempting some ridiculous interpretive dance, his face bright with joy. Gabriel caught Sam’s eye and winked, mouthing something that looked suspiciously like I’m amazing, before bursting into laughter.
Jess followed Sam’s gaze and smirked. "See? He’s showing off for you, Sam. That man adores you, and he’s not going anywhere. So stop doubting yourself and just go for it."
Sam smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through his chest. "What would I do without you?"
"Crash and burn," Jess said.
Sam just laughed.