A/N: Hello any and all! It's only been what, a day or two since I updated? Well, I actually have this fic almost completed, but I'm trying to wait a while between chapters to see if I can get anybody to review and ask for more (hint hint, wink wink). So I figured I could go ahead and post this small chapter to see if I got a reaction from all you silent readers! This isn't a library, you don't have to be so quiet! Give me your thoughts =D Oh, and please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural. I'm just a faithful viewer who writes these stories for the entertainment of others and herself. All characters belong to Eric Kripke and the CW network.
The grass was cut short to just the right length and its perfect shade of green reflected the brilliant sunlight, giving the rolling hills of the field a picture perfect appearance. Above, the blue sky provided a beautiful home for cotton-ball clouds that seemed like something out of a storybook. Wildflowers of various colors and varieties decorated the hills, completing the serene scene. Well, almost completing it.
A hot-air balloon – colored with red, yellow, and green stripes – floated lazily through the perfectly calm atmosphere. Its occupant stood at the rim, watching with a child's eyes as the rainbow speckled field passed by.
Down on the ground, two angels stood at the height of a small hill, their celestial forms glowing with the light of their Grace. One was slightly smaller than the other with a glow that was not quite as bright. For a long time, they both stood side by side, content with watching the calm day of a balloonist's heaven.
Finally, the taller angel spoke, though his sight never left the hovering balloon. "Castiel, what do you think of our older brothers?"
The smaller angel glanced curiously at his brother, but soon returned his gaze to the balloon. There was something about the colorful hot-air balloon meandering through the blue sky that calmed him, which made it easier to answer the question truthfully.
"I believe they are very strong, and they lead us with kindness and God's Word. They are our brothers, Gabriel. I love them just as I love our Father and His creations."
"You have always cared for the humans, Cas," Gabriel chuckled, patting his younger brother on the back. "Dad would be proud of you."
Castiel felt his Grace brighten at the compliment. "Thank you, brother."
Once more, the two slipped into a comfortable silence. The light of Heaven shone brilliantly down on them, and they enjoyed its warmth. After a while, Castiel thought his time with his older brother was coming to an end. He was about to report back to his garrison when Gabriel decided to speak again.
"Ya know, little brother, you've got a good heart," the archangel began. He paused, as it to consider his next words before continuing. "If there ever comes a time when you've gotta make a decision, remember this: true strength only comes with teamwork. Believe me when I say, Cas, a group of people working together towards the right cause can achieve so much more than a single man standing alone."
The younger angel looked at his brother, truly confused. Gabriel was never known to be so serious, and Castiel could not help but wonder if his words held a deeper meaning. However, before Castiel could ask him, Gabriel's solemn mood had vanished.
"I've got an idea!" Gabriel suddenly declared, giving his younger sibling a mischievous look. "Cassy, I know just what you need!"
Instantly the thought of their previous conversation erased itself from Castiel's mind, replaced by mild irritation that was also quickly stamped out by the angel. "Please don't call me that," he murmured, knowing that it didn't really matter how much he protested the childish nickname.
Gabriel laughed whole-heartedly. "You've got to lighten up, little brother! Come on; let's take a trip in one of those babies!"
Castiel followed his brother's gaze to another hot-air balloon. It was all white except for the golden angels holding hands around it. Fully inflated, it sat at the top of the highest hill, almost as though it were beckoning to them. Knowing full well he had other duties to perform, Castiel was hesitant.
"Gabriel, I must report to Zachariah before…"
"Nah, old Zach can wait!" The archangel all put pushed his brother towards the balloon, his Grace glowing with excitement. "Today, my brother, you learn about a little thing the humans call 'fun'!"
Despite his protests, the younger angel quickly found himself inside of the balloon's basket, standing beside his persistent sibling. Castiel continued attempting to talk himself out of the situation until the basket was no longer touching the ground, and then he was suddenly silent. Gabriel leaned over the rim, thoroughly enjoying the fresh breeze gently blowing against them. After several minutes of lazily drifting through the sky, Castiel found himself staring down at the beautiful field. He was amazed at how much brighter the colors looked from above. A pair of doves landed on the basket's frame beside him, and the young angel's Grace brightened with his happiness.
Although Gabriel appeared to not be paying his little brother any mind, he was truthfully watching him the entire time. He noticed Castiel visibly relax, and he noticed when his Grace flared with joy at seeing the two doves. The older angel smiled softly to himself, glad that his brother could be happy without having to worry about orders – even if only for just a little while.
A/N: I found this quote and it is what inspired Gabriel's advice to Cas... Thought I'd give credit to where it's due. "Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." ~Mattie Stepanek