Okay I had to do it this way because I tried to save this post to drafts and it instead posted it before I was ready so I had to delete that post and start over because I couldn't turn it into a draft for some reason. Functioning Webbed Site.
ANYWAYS. As asked by @pbandcas
Mini essay under the cut:
Reasons I ship Sabriel.
First off, it's FUN.
Listen, the base appeal of Sabriel to me is simply that I think they are neat! They have a fun dynamic that is really flexible, but does lend itself to comedy and shenanigans. They make an excellent secondary pairing in Destiel fics (which really is their origin. I know they started as pair the spares it's fine it's cool doesn't make them less valid.), the height difference is always appealing and it's just funny to think about.
HOWEVER.
Once you get invested, there are layers to be uncovered that takes this ship from pair the spares crackiness to something honestly compelling.
[Ryan Bergara Voice] Let's get into it.
Sam and Gabriel are a lot alike.
Both younger brothers who ran away from crushing responsibilities and family feuds, they both crave independence. Sure, Gabriel indulges in vice and decadence, whereas Sam opted for normalcy, but the base instinct to get away from the expectations of others remains the same.
The Archangel Gabriel and the Bloodfreak
Sam, who thinks himself unclean and broken and 'a whole new kind of freak' falling for THEE Archangel Gabriel, a symbol of holiness and light and goodness, who, it turns out, is just as broken and unclean, untold amounts of blood on his hands, neither living up to their family's expectations, finding solace in each other?
That's an entire essay by itself babes.
Forgiving the Unforgiveable.
Gabriel killed Dean hundreds of times, which, any sane person would never think of forgiving. Sam is, of course, batshit crazy and also just a very good person who knows what it's like to do horrible things. He sees the potential for a good ally in Gabriel, despite his past atrocities, and is willing to give him a second chance. Gabriel still does not rise to the occasion until much later, but Sam never holds this against him really, not even when it's revealed he faked his death again in s13. He sympathizes instead, which goes back to my previous point that Sam and Gabe are a lot alike. He forgives Gabriel because maybe that means he could also be forgiven.
And then Gabriel dips AGAIN. But when they find him later, Sam is nothing but understanding and defends Gabriel to Dean. Again.
You don't go to bat for someone like that, who has burned you more times than you can count, unless you have some kind of attachment to the other person.
Enemies to Lovers
Self Explanatory.
And those are just a few of the reasons I like Sabriel!
I am terrible at putting my thoughts into words and others have said it better tbh!
Look for more compelling arguments/silly shenanigans/gentle roasts in the upcoming sabriel research paper, a collaborative effort between a non-shipper (blows a kiss to star) and myself, coming to a dashboard near you soon!