Sam has never felt so free.

Leaving behind hunting to go away to Stanford had been the best idea he’s ever had. The moment the letter had come through, he’d thought he was dreaming. He didn’t think he’d actually get into Stanford, let alone on a full ride.

He’d packed his bags and snuck out as soon as he could. Nothing could make him regret that decision.

Sam missed Dean, sometimes. He hated being under the same roof as John, especially after he presented as an alpha. His dad ticked every box on the list of stereotypical alpha behaviours, and it meant they butt heads more often than not. Being able to wake up and move around his place freely without worrying about handling any stupid alpha posturing was something he still hadn’t quite gotten used to.

Sam enjoyed his courses. He liked the friends he had made. More than anything, he was grateful that his place at Stanford had led him to meet you.

As soon as your scent had hit, he’d felt entranced. Sam had always thought instant attraction based on scent was ridiculous, but his mind had changed once Brady introduced you to him. Seriously, he could kiss his friend for that.

Courting had gone by smoothly. You’d ended up getting an apartment together after the first academic year, and almost an entire year of living together has Sam wondering if maybe you were on the same page as him when it came to progressing things a little further.

“Hey, so… I’ve been thinking…” Sam says one night, his fingers trailing up and down your arm as the two of you curl up in bed. “A lot, actually. Probably too much.”

Sam huffs out an awkward laugh, pressing his nose against your temple in hopes that your scent would give him the boost of confidence he needed to just come out with it. “I mean, we’ve been together for a while. And, I, uh… really like you. Well, not like — I love you, obviously, I just, um…”

Deep breath. Then his next words come out in one barely comprehensible jumble: “Howwouldyoufeelaboutmaybebeingmates?”

Sam cringes, hiding his face in the pillows while silently wishing a bolt of lightning would strike him.