Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life? (ABO)

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam had always known that his life would never properly be his own. As a prince of the Winchester kingdom, his life belonged to the people. Every bit of his strength, every ounce of intelligence, everything that he was needed to be bent toward the best for those that he would lead.

Just because Sam was the second son didn't mean for a moment that his service would be less called upon. Something that became more clear as he grew up and it became clear that Sam would always be the most diplomatic of King John's three sons, someone that Dean would need very much as they both grew older.

As such, Sam had also always known that he would never marry for love. He was a highly eligible Alpha and he would be matched with a suitable Omega from a nearby kingdom. All for the good of the kingdom.

The news that it had already been decided, however, still takes Sam by surprise. It came only a few months after John's death, when the Celestial kingdom sent a new ambassador to take up the recently vacated post, along with the news that the wedding preparations were to start as soon as possible.

It still took nearly a year to set up and now Sam stands at the altar, nervous and waiting to set eyes on the Omega he's to marry for the first time in either of their lives.

Comments

[redeemedhimself]

Weddings were meant to be happy occasions - a celebration of union and the growth of a new pack. And Gadreel had never been more miserable in his entire life, which is truly saying something. He wasn't the sort of slender, willowy Omega that was typical in the Celestial kingdom. Never fair enough, never delicate enough. As he grew the taunts and abuse only grew worse because who would ever want a broad, tall Omega to submit to them? To bear their children and be sheltered away as all good Omegas should want?

The only bright spot in Gadreel's life had been his cousin Gabriel. Wicked and brilliant, the young outcast son had taken the Omega under his wing. Taught him how to fight. Encouraged him to be everything that the others said he shouldn't be.

So when he'd come to Gadreel telling him of the marriage the Omega had never felt quite so betrayed in his life. He was being sent away. Shipped off to another kingdom with an Alpha who would never want him, who would never want any Omega that didn't fit the ideal of beauty.

But he knew he had no choice in the matter. What Omega did? Gadreel swallowed his pride and went, hating every moment of it. He walked straight and tall rather than the delicate steps the other Omegas at the Celestial court favored. If he was going to be damned he was going to do it on his terms and to hell with every Alpha who ordered it of him. He says the words required of him stiffly, refusing to look around at anyone else, refusing to look into the eyes of his Alpha.

He isn't sure he can stomach seeing his disappointment.

[fromfryingpantofire]

If he DID look up, Gadreel wouldn't see disappointment in the face of his Alpha. Surprise, certainly, but no disappointment.

Sam watched the Omega come to stand beside him, head bent. He felt Dean step up behind him and bent his head a bit so that his brother could speak to him. "I didn't realize they made them that tall in the Celestial Kingdom."

Which prompts Sam to elbow his brother in the stomach. Even if he's been thinking it as well. Everybody said that the royal family of Winchester was taller than average, something that Gabriel remarks on constantly. From what other he's seen of the Celestial Kingdom, they all seem to run to about as tall as Castiel, who is still a touch shorter than Dean. But this man, the Omega to be his mate? He's nearly of a height with Sam and he finds that to be pretty impressive.

It's also a relief, in some ways. Sam has always worried he might cause great harm to an Omega that was much smaller than him.

Shaking his head, Sam turns his attention to the Beta presiding over the wedding, shelving his curiosity for the moment. There will be plenty of time to find out more about his Omega soon.

[redeemedhimself]

The comment from the elder Winchester only makes Gadreel swallow hard, not realizing that the comment came from any sort of ill will. But this is his life now and such comments are no different than some of the cutting words he'd grown up around.

Gadreel repeats the words, offers out his hand to be bound to the Alpha's but there's no feeling in them, only a sense of dull finality. In time he will learn to swallow his misery, to keep to himself and hopefully avoid his Alpha and his disappointment at being given such a lout for a husband.

It takes a prod from Gabriel to prompt the Omega to bear his neck. A hard swallow as Gadreel does as expected, closing his eyes and waiting for the bite to come.

[fromfryingpantofire]

It's a bit shocking that the first time Sam hears his mate's name is from the mouth of the priest. Gadreel. An unusual name in Winchester, certainly, but not that strange for one of the Celestial Kingdom. He rolls it around in his mind before deciding that, yes, Prince Gadreel has a certain ring to it.

The rest of it, though, are very much things that Sam is somewhat expecting. It's long been known that the Celestial Kingdom is very traditional when it comes to its treatment of Omegas, especially among the nobility. But until now, Sam hasn't ever seen how deeply things might go. But the misery is fairly pouring off of Gadreel and Sam hurts for his mate.

The look on his face when he bares his neck is one that makes Sam's hand tighten on Gadreel's for a moment before casting a glance to Dean. His brother's face is carefully impassive but a moment of silent conversation passes between the two before Sam turns back and leans in, pressing his lips to the mating gland. He opens his mouth to drag his teeth across it, but only enough to be felt. He doesn't dig his teeth in, as that's not the way that things are done in Winchester.

Still, the cheers that go up from those gathered is enough to make him smile, at least a little bit before he raises his head, turning with Gadreel and placing his hand protectively at the other man's lower back.

[redeemedhimself]

Sam Winchester. He'd at least heard the name from Gabriel before the ceremony. The grip to his hand is a surprise but even more of a shock is that the Alpha doesn't bite down, doesn't even attempt to break the skin. The shock is plain on Gadreel's face as Sam pulls back and he takes a moment to really look at the Alpha. His Alpha. His eyes are kind and his hand warm and solid at the small of his back. He didn't force him to kneel, didn't force him to walk behind him as they left the altar.

This wasn't like any mating ceremony he had ever witnessed back home and Gadreel is feeling a bit adrift as they are led into a small reception room typically reserved for the mated pair to spend a bit of time together before the real celebrations began.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Honestly, Sam's just glad to get out of the crowd for a little while. While he is always happy to do what he can for the kingdom, he's never been a big fan of crowds. Sam positions himself between Gadreel and the crowd of well-wishers as they're led to the reception room.

Only once the door is shut does Sam breathe a sigh of relief.

He doesn't stop, though, pressing his hand into Gadreel's back to show him to one of the couches. "Please, sit," he says, smiling at his mate. "Are you thirsty? They'll have stocked the room with water and juice, but I'm sure they'll have left a bottle of wine if you'd rather."

[redeemedhimself]

Sam moves between him and the crowd, shielding the Omega from the well wishers. A noble and kind gesture. But it doesn't stop there, no he ushers him inside and urges him to sit rather than serve him.

"Wine. Please," he says after a moment, finding his voice again.

They're alone which means Gadreel can watch his new mate a bit more openly. He seems at ease, pouring the wine with casual grace.

"You.. you are not disappointed." He's not sure if it's a statement or a question.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Wine is a good choice. Sam pours them both a glass of red wine, bringing them over and offering one to Gadreel before he sits down at the other end of the two-seater couch. It meant that Gadreel got a bit of space without feeling like he was being rejected by the amount of space between them.

He is the diplomatic prince. It meant he's gotten good at reading people.

"Is there a reason I should be disappointed?" Sam asks, not unkindly, offering his free hand to the other man.

[redeemedhimself]

The Omega is still a bit confused, but the easy and calm confidence of the, no, of his Alpha is starting to soothe his badly jangled nerves. Gadreel accepts the wine, using a small sip to help him collect his thoughts. His hand slips to rest in Sam's almost without him noticing.

"Because I am not an ideal Omega." Because while he's tall he's not slender or graceful, he doesn't move with grace as much as he moves with power. Things he's heard his entire life and grown up believing. That he was inadequate.

"Because I was sent here because no Alpha in the Celestial Kingdom would have me."

[fromfryingpantofire]

The face that Sam makes is very definitely a grimace, though he tries to cover it with his wine glass. He sets the glass aside after a moment, reaching out to gently take Gadreel's free hand and sandwich it between his own.

"Gadreel. You'll find that there are very, very few Omegas who fit the idea of the 'ideal' Omega." He's not going to say that the ideal doesn't exist or that Gadreel isn't it. The man knows both of those to be untrue. "And while there are some in Winchester who cling to that particular idea, they aren't as prevalent as I have heard they are in the Celestial Kingdom. There are many who would be happy to have you here."

He raises the hand between his to his lips, pressing a kiss to Gadreel's knuckles. "Personally, I think those Alphas in your home kingdom are very narrow minded and cannot see the beauty that is before them."

[redeemedhimself]

Happy to have him. He was happy to have him and it takes Gadreel's stunned brain a moment to register both the words and the truth behind them. He has no reason to doubt Sam nor the earnest tone of his voice. "I have been told since the day I presented that I was an inferior Omega, that I would never have a suitable mate who would accept me for what I was."

The kiss draws a small shiver, but not an unhappy one. Gadreel has known little to no affectionate touch since being sequestered away with the Omegas as one of them.

"That I would never have an Alpha like you." One that Gadreel hoped he would be.

[fromfryingpantofire]

The fact that he's had so little affection tears at Sam's heart. He watches the other man as he speaks, hands rubbing gently over Gadreel's. "I've never been the kind of guy who goes for 'ideal' Omegas, anyway. When I saw you walking down the aisle, I was relieved."

He's always been a large, strong Alpha. He knew for a fact that it was something that scared some Omegas.

He hums softly, considering. "If you want. There is a tradition that those newly married in the nobility of Winchester sometimes use. Our celebrations last for several days, especially for royalty. So, in an arranged marriage such as ours, the couple may slip away from the festivities and spend the night getting to know each other without the pressure of so many people around them."

[redeemedhimself]

"Relieved."

Maybe he'd been wrong in his anger with Gabriel. Maybe.. maybe he'd arranged this to save Gadreel a lifetime of misery. Sam was a gentle Alpha, considerate of what he needed.

Like a night without a huge celebration in order to get to know his new mate.

A faint smile. "Yes. I think.. I think I would like that very much."

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Well. A lot more Omegas would be a bit...worried about my size." Something that he thought Gadreel might bypass because he's only an inch or so shorter. "Also, there's a lot of intelligence in your eyes, even as scared as I could see you were." He reaches up, brushing his thumb against the apple of Gadreel's cheek, just below his eye. "That's always been important to me."

The faint smile gets a stronger one from Sam. "When we finish our wine, then, I'll send a page to my brother. I'm pretty sure that Dean is expecting us to duck out on tonight, but he'll be expecting me to confirm that." He reaches out for his wine again. "It will allow us time to get to know each other and I can show you some of the secrets of our wing of the castle while we're both awake enough to actually be interested in them."

[redeemedhimself]

He tips his head into Sam's careful touch. Gentle and comforting without making any demands of him. Acting the way a true Alpha should, the way none of the Alphas would dare back home.

"I hated Gabriel when he told me he had arranged this, that I was to be married off far from home," he admits slowly. "But I think.. that I was wrong. You are like no Alpha I have ever known and I believe that was his intent all along."

"He brought me to you for a reason, and I am grateful to him for that."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam smiles at that, squeezing Gadreel's hand. "No, I think you had every right to be angry. It was a lot to be dropped on you at one time. Especially considering some of the things I've heard about the Alphas in your home country."

There are, of course, some Alphas in Winchester that act much the same way, but they are quieter about it because they know that it's not accepted in the kingdom. Unless an Alpha was overt about it, nothing could be done.

"I will do my best to keep to your high standards." Acting like no Alpha he'd ever known was a high standard to meet, after all. Especially at certain times of the year. "Tell me more about yourself. About your family. What interests you. What's your education been like?"

[redeemedhimself]

Considering the way the Alphas acted in his home country, it won't be difficult for Sam to meet those standards. Simple kindnesses are more than a good enough start for the Omega. The realization that he might be treated with consideration and not just shut away until he's needed.

"I have little memory of my family. When I presented as Omega I was taken away, to one of the houses where the others were trained and educated on how to be an appropriate mate." And Gadreel had been far bigger than most of them, smart in his studies, but never quite graceful enough, never quite appearing right. "I hated it."

A faint smile, his gaze distant at the memory. "Until Gabriel. The brother to the king has access that few others do. So he taught me, let me learn how to fight and how to ride, how to shoot and how to hunt." Those were some of his happiest memories, far removed from the house and disapproving eyes. Gabriel's laughter in the trees when Gadreel brought down his first deer. The feeling of accomplishment.

"I speak five languages, trained by the house tutors in history and the old ways." But it was outside with a blade in his hand or running free in the forest that Gadreel had been at his happiest.

[fromfryingpantofire]

There ARE special schools for the education of Omegas in Winchester, but they aren't the type that take a child away from their family. And certainly not ones that specialized in training one how to be a 'proper mate'. Sam grimaces at the very thought, shifting his hand slightly to lace his fingers with Gadreel in a more supportive gesture.

"I can imagine why you would hate it. I doubt very many would." Being locked away like that couldn't be good for a person, after all. "I am glad that Gabriel found you and took you under his wing, so to speak." His smile widened slightly. "And, now, I have an idea of what to get you as a mating gift."

After all, his husband would need a horse. His own horse, not just whatever was available in the stables.

Of course, Gabriel might beat him to it. The other prince had obviously taken an interest in this young man. Which meant that Sam would have to corner him and ask what HE knew about Gadreel. He has a feeling his husband might be a bit further up the societal ladder than one might expect.

He finishes his wine with a nod. "All of which will hold you in good stead here. I am my brother's voice in a great many things, including a lot of diplomatic meetings. Sadly, I'm not as well versed as you are in languages, though I try my best."

[fromfryingpantofire]

The next few weeks are blissfully quiet. The celebrations go off well, if a bit long. The horses that Gabriel gave them (even if nobody will CONFIRM that it was Gabriel) are put to good use during Dean's hunt. And Sam figures out his mating gift for Gadreel, to be given after they have properly mated.

Slowly, things go back to normal in the kingdom, with Sam acting as his brother's advisor and Gadreel learning the way that things work. It's Ellen that takes the new prince under her wing, showing him the things that will be expected of him as the husband of a prince of Winchester. Things like how to deal with the staff, how to take care of the household books. Negotiating with suppliers for things that the household and the castle need. Mostly things that Ellen takes care of, but things that he should learn.

After all, Ellen won't be around forever. And Gadreel would have to work with whomever Dean married. Or would run the household should Sam ever leave the castle as well.

Sam is returning from the town, mating gift in hand when he's spots Jo waiting for him at the doorway into the main keep. He dismounts, surprised to find somebody waiting to take his horse rather than letting him take care of it himself. Frowning, he looks to Jo, who beckons him forward. "You should return to your wing, Sam. Gadreel has need of you."

She doesn't have to explain further. He gives her a quick hug before turning to head for the wing, allowing himself to be drawn in by the scent of wild meadow after a hard rain, a scent that has become one of his favorites in the weeks since the wedding. He pushes open the door to his room, noting the couch that he's had installed beside the armchairs, long enough for either he or his husband to lay down on. "Gadreel? Are you here?"

[redeemedhimself]

Gadreel takes to his new role easily. He's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to negotiating with merchants and in the market. Not quite as feared as Ellen, but his reputation is swiftly growing as a shrewd and intelligent man. He rides every day, relishing his freedom to do so, not spending his days cloistered away from the rest of the castle.

In the weeks since their wedding he has grown to trust and care for Sam, his hesitation long since gone that the Alpha was anything but kind and honorable. That building of trust and care starts a chain reaction in the Omega, releasing the hormones that indicate the onset of heat. It was time. He's given himself to Sam before, but this would be different.

He'd been working on a mating gift for Sam since they had met, quietly in his own chambers.

It was time he present both it and himself to his mate.

"I'm here Sam."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam has always been careful with Gadreel when they've laid together and he's always concentrated more on his husband's pleasure than his own. Still, he knew what they had done together would be nothing compared to the way things would happen during the coming heat.

Sam's head turns, finding Gadreel unerringly. It's probably the most stereotypically Alpha that he's looked since they married, nostrils flared, taking in the scent of Gadreel's heat. Still, his movements are careful, setting down the long package he carries on his desk before crossing the room to pull Gadreel closer, bending his head to bury his face against the crook of his husband's neck, where the scent is strongest. He doesn't bite, doesn't lick or scrape his teeth across the skin, simply lets the scent wash over him for a few moments with a pleased rumble in his chest.

[redeemedhimself]

Sam has shown him in so many ways what it means to be mated to a real Alpha, to one who uses his power to protect rather than take what he can by right. He's careful with him in bed, always showing care and restraint and showing Gadreel that intimacy can be just that. Intimate.

He has maybe a day or so before he's lost to heat, before the drive will banish all rational thought. The Omega's head tips back with a sound bordering on a moan as Sam nuzzles into his warm skin.

"Sam. We don't have much time."

[fromfryingpantofire]

The scent is intoxicating, but Sam makes himself pull back, eyes gone dark as he looks to his husband. "Right. Right, of course." He still leans in, pressing a quick kiss to Gadreel's lips before pulling away. "I'll be good. Promise."

[redeemedhimself]

"I know you will Sam." And he does, he trusts his mate to restrain his instincts long enough for Gadreel to present his gift and request his mark before the haze of heat overtakes him completely.

"I wished to give you a more appropriate mating gift before."

Sam loves to read and has been fascinated by the stories from the books that Gadreel brought with him, but Enochian is far from an easy language to learn so he had spent many a night translating the books for Sam to read at his leisure.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam takes the gift, smiling as he starts looking through them. Then pauses and goes back again to have a better idea of what they are. After a moment, he sets them down, taking Gadreel's hands, lifting them to press a kiss to his knuckles. "Thank you," he murmurs, looking up at Gadreel with a smile. "Though I would still like to see if I can try learning Enochian from you. But this will be good to tide me over until then."

He turns back to the desk, picking up the long package, which is a good portion of his own height, along with a smaller package. He hands the longer one over first. "This will probably need adjustment, but we'll do that after your heat. But I wanted you to have this for yourself."

Inside is a bow, one especially for hunting. Because they share so much in the way of height and reach, the maker had used Sam's measurements for the broad strokes, but there were smaller things that would need to be checked. The design was perhaps a touch plain, but the bow itself would be strong. Much the way that Sam saw Gadreel himself. "Do you like it?"