Gabriel watched the Winchesters from his corner of the cheap hotel room where he stood invisible. He knew he couldn't stay long. With Castiel there he knew his presence would soon be sensed. But he couldn't seem to stay away, even after Dean almost left him in a warehouse surrounded by burning holy oil. But forgive and forget, right? Wrong. He knew exactly how he felt about Dean. He would get his revenge, that's why he was here. Or so he told himself.
As much as he hated Dean and everything about him, he didn't think Sam or Cassy were as much a part of the decision. Even if they were, Gabriel never could stay angry at Castiel. And Sam? Well he was just... Sam.
Before Gabriel could get too lost in his thoughts, he realized that Cassy had looked up. He didn't speak, just looked around the room, his face a mask of concentration. Finally, Castiel's face was focused in his direction. Before he could think to tell the Winchesters, Gabriel sighed and revealed himself. He had planned to wait a bit until he was ready, but he had come up with enough of a plan to not be bothered to hide himself.
"Gabriel!" Dean practically hissed, "I thought we were done with you a few weeks ago. What are you doing here?" Sam looked almost too surprised to speak while Cassy just stared generally towards the wall. Almost against his will, Gabriel felt himself smirk.
"What am I doing here? Well, Dean, I'll tell you. Since you asked so politely. You were going to leave me. Trapped in a warehouse," when Gabriel made a pained expression, it was only half faked.
"But we didn't. Which means you don't get to have a grudge," Dean said, doing his best not to let his anger show too much.
"You have a small point there. Which is why I've forgiven Cassy and Sam here. I'm getting the slightest inkling they're the only reason I'm not in that warehouse still. My beef's with you, bucko," Gabriel didn't bother trying to hide his wide grin when he saw the surprise flit across Dean's face.
"Well, at least it's not them you want to hurt..." Dean's voice trailed off, finding comfort in that.
"Are you crazy? I know how much you care about those two crazy kids," he didn't bother to finish the thought. Dean would know exactly what he meant. Gabriel tilted his head in mock concern as Dean unhappily stifled a gulp.
Gabriel laughed suddenly. He was planning to leave them alone for a few days to let them soak up this new information. But who had the patience for that? Grin plastered to his face, Gabriel lifted his fingers and prepared to snap them to their first destination.
Suddenly, intense energy was focused towards his mind, and as he listened hard he recognized it for what it was: a prayer.
Gabriel.
That's all it was. Just his name. He looked up and locked eyes with the one who had prayed. Sam Winchester. Gabriel almost broke and left them alone. But he couldn't do that. Maliciously, he widened his grin before snapping his fingers. He regretted it immediately. The look on Sam's face, the way his endlessly deep eyes silently begged him how Gabriel knew he never would put loud.
With a sigh, he felt the smile slide straight off his face. This was going to be exhausting. He loved a good prank, so maybe he'd just leave Sam out of it once in a while. For his own sanity. With a flutter of his wings, he left to go and make sure all was going according to plan.