Chapter 27

Sam and Jess return to the war room after an hour or two, where they find Gabriel, Michael, John, Mary, Bobby, Ellen, Meg, Crowley, Charlie, Kevin, Balthazar, Castiel, Dean, and Benny already waiting. Sam looks down at his girlfriend and says, "I've got to talk to someone. For your own safety, I suggest if you're gonna talk to someone, you talk to that redhead and the Asian kid."

"Alright," Jess agrees before walking over to the two of them, who welcome her immediately. Sam carefully avoids Gabriel's gaze as he walks up to the adults in the room. Wait, aren't they all adults? Sam is in his mid thirties; he is also an adult. He walks up to the parents in the room; John, Mary, Bobby, and Ellen, getting all their attention.

"Bobby, can I talk to you?" Sam asks hesitantly.

"'Course, kid," Bobby replies.

Sam walks out into the hallway, Bobby close behind, so they're alone. He may not have Lucifer to deal with, but that doesn't make him any more likely to let other people listen to his conversation.

"I need help," he tells Bobby.

"That's what I'm here for," Bobby replies. "What sort of mess have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"Do you remember me telling you about Jess?" Sam asks. It would have been years ago; he's barely mentioned her in recent years. He doesn't expect Bobby to remember everything he's ever told him, but there's no point in explaining if he already knows.

"Your ex girlfriend?"

Sam nods, slightly impressed by his memory. "Yeah. I don't know if you noticed, but Chuck brought her back."

Bobby grins. "Well, I'm happy for ya. You two deserve to be happy and whatever other pansy stuff you want throw in there."

"It's not that simple."

"Of course not. When is it ever simple with you boys?" Bobby asks, exasperated. "What's the problem this time?"

"I'm already dating Gabriel," Sam reminds him. "So what am I supposed to do? I can't date them both, but I don't know who I love more."

Bobby hesitates, debating how to answer, then sighs. "Alright, putting aside my personal opinions, I think it has to be entirely up to you, but look at it this way. Jess shows who you were as an average Joe. Gabriel is from when you were a hunter. He knows the real you, the current you. Jess never did.

"At the same time, Jess doesn't know anyone else here. You're all she's got, and I'm sure she'd try to hold on to you no matter what. Gabriel has other friends. He'll have some sort of support system to fall back on if you choose Jess."

"But I don't know who to choose," Sam tells him.

"I can't make that choice for you. It's up to you."

"But if you were me, who would you choose?" Sam asks, desperate to get someone else to make the choice for him so he doesn't have to.

"I'd pick Jess in a heartbeat," Bobby replies without hesitation. "I met Gabriel once, and in my eyes, he's nothing but a heartless son of a bitch. I'm guessing he's more than that to you, so I can't help you with that."

"But I don't know what to do! Come on, Bobby, you gotta help me. It's what you do."

"Just take a break from them both," Bobby suggests. "Tell Jess that you're still figuring things out, and tell Gabriel your ex is here and you're trying figure out how you feel or something."

"Gabriel already knows that she's here, but yeah, that's probably a good idea."

"Gabriel already knows?" Bobby repeats.

"Yeah, Chuck zapped him in with us."

"And he knows that's your ex girlfriend?"

Sam nods. "Yeah, I introduced them quickly."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Bobby, I'm sure that I introduced them," Sam replies, rolling his eyes. "Why?"

"Just, not for nothin', but Gabriel's been acting the same since I got out here. Been laughing with Michael for probably 'bout an hour. Never woulda guessed something was up with you two. Either he's really good at hiding his feelings, or he isn't taking this very hard."

"He probably just assumes I'll pick him," Sam says, though he isn't sure. Shouldn't Gabriel be at least a little upset by this?

"I don't know. I mean, Jess would probably be torn up over it, and Gabriel just doesn't seem to care. Maybe that's something you should pay attention to."

"Are you saying I should choose Jess?" Sam asks.

"I'm not saying you should choose anybody. I'm just giving you something to think about when you do."

"But you're right," Sam tells him. "I guess Jess really does need me more. I should be there for her. Right?"

"If that's what you want, then yeah," Bobby replies.

"But is that what you'd do?" Sam asks desperately. "What if I decide later that I should have chosen Gabriel? What if things don't work out between me and Jess because I'm not the same Sam that she knew, and Gabriel already moved on?"

Bobby shrugs. "That's a risk you've got to take, kid. You can't string 'em along forever. Take your time if you need to, but don't wait too long. It's not fair to them."

"So should I pick Jess?" Sam asks. "Cuz otherwise, she'd be all alone, and Gabriel has the other angels, right?"

"Pick who want to be with, not who you think wants to be with you more."

"But I don't know!" Sam complains. "I don't know who I want to be with more!"

"I'm sorry, kid. I can't help you with that."

Sam sighs. "I know. I guess... I mean, Jess needs me more. I'm going to stay with Jess."

Bobby nods approvingly, less for the decision itself but for him making the decision. "Then tell them sooner rather than later, for their sakes."

"Alright. Thanks, Bobby. I always know I can count on you for this type of stuff."

"'Course, Sam," Bobby replies. "Now, not that I'm complaining, but why'd you come to me, anyway? Don't get me wrong; I like helping you out, but you finally got your folks back. I'm surprised you didn't go to them."

"Well, they don't know me like you do," Sam tells him. "I love them and all, but you were the dad I never really got, you know? Even with them back here, you're still the closest thing I have to a father."

Bobby gives him a small smile. "Thanks, Sam. And I'm sorry I couldn't have stayed around longer."

"That's fine," Sam assures him. "I missed you like hell, but we got through it, me and Dean both, and we finally got you back."