Castiel nods a little, then allows his eyes to close as he leans his head against Sam's shoulder. He breathes in, letting his mate's scent envelop him. Sam smells all kinds of good - strong but gentle, warm, earthen. Someone who works hard, someone who's steady. Castiel barely remembers trying to all but jump Sam, but he remembers very well remembers how steadfast the alpha had been, how he hadn't grabbed the chance to get what all of them were there to win.

Except Sam, who would have been happy to just be friends. Sam, who brought a book and never expected to get the omega at all.

Sam, who got what he didn't demand.

Castiel opens his eyes again. "I'm ready."