It was a familiarity that he couldn't help but lean into a little, despite it's oddity. He'd never really known Cassiel, they'd only ever been another council member, an occasional ally in Hell and Heaven, though in muted and distant ways. In a way this moment paralleled that fateful fight at the doors of the council, and perhaps it made sense that only in another world could something like this ever happen. No sadness, no fear, no guilt.

A moment of connection forged in battle, and this time, without an eternal end waiting for them at it's finale.

It's the smile on their face that strikes him the most. He'd never heard one in their voice before, not really, and to see it now, reckless and free, kindled such a fire in him. What a joyous expression, how well it suited them.

Gabriel lunged for them once more, a full bore tackle to try and take them right down to the ground. No finesse, no thought, just a bull rush right for Cassiel in what would seem just shy of an embrace.