This was what they needed, each other and quiet connections. Screw family. Gabriel clutched him tighter, opening his arms for the dogs to crowd in, but always keeping Sam closest. His throat tight and voice threatening to break, Gabriel leaned to kiss his hair. "You just try and keep me away Winchester. Cause it ain't gonna happen."

A hand rubbed gently down his shoulder. "I love you Sam." Wow. That was more terrifying than he thought.

But he doesn't regret saying it.