the return home [open]

It had been a long time since Gabriel laid eyes upon the golden gates of Heaven. In a way, their sight both relieved and terrified him. He could feel his heartbeat quicken and the beginning of perspiration forming on his forehead. Gabriel left Heaven so long ago. He remembered both the good and the bad. The arguments. The fights. His siblings. Their love.

Gabriel's lips twitched into a semi-nervous smile. He wasn't sure if he was even allowed back into Heaven. Sure, he hadn't necessarily Fallen like ol' Luci, but he sure did skip outta town at a dire moment where he could have been needed. He had been needed. And he flunked out on his responsibilities like an irresponsible child.

The life of a pagan demigod had been worth it. Gabriel experienced things he would never forget. Heaven was limited in that aspect. It was full of rules and expectations. Earth was more free. The pagans were more relaxed. Gabriel held a fondness for his adopted family and the world he temporarily called his home.

But there was no place like real home, right?

I wonder if Raphie is around. I heard he bit the dust, Gabriel mused as he stretched his wings and stepped through Heaven's gates. He strode on with the confidence that he belonged there. Even if Gabriel was nervous, he was an excellent actor and could fake it with exact precision. Faking it was the best way to ace it, in his opinion. The method had never failed him yet.

Gabriel observed his surroundings. Heaven never changed. It was eternal in its creation. It was a land of neverending peace and boredom. The Apocalypse had caused little stirs of excitement here and there, but Gabriel had only heard of them through the grape vine. Just because he no longer resided in Heaven did not mean he didn't keep up on the news. Gabriel did care for his birthplace. He did care for his siblings. He just had a funny way of showing it, he supposed.

Clapping his hands together, Gabriel rubbed them against each other and ran his tongue over his thin lips.

Alright, then let's get this reunion started. For better or worse, Gabe is back, baby!