Backdated to Christmas day (OTA)

[c_a_s_t_i_e_l]

Castiel, for once, was in the Christmas spirit this year. He had decorations up both in his apartment and at The Ribbon- though, none of them were nativity scenes or much relating to Good Old Dad (most of it looked like just a celebration of winter- berries, vines, and evergreen trees- very Pagan as Gabe had put it- except for one Santa Claus

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[angel_awol]

Christmas Day. Traditionally a day for visiting all your friends and relatives and getting free food and drink. Gabriel wasn't so taken with the idea of visiting everyone, but he was at least going to have a look-in on most of them, make sure they were having fun and all of that.

He was actually very surprised that Castiel wasn't at home. That meant Cas was probably one of two other places- Hippie Central or at Meg's place. Considering that the last time they had discussed Meg, Castiel had flounced off like an ageing prima donna, Gabe didn't much fancy going over to where they both might be together.

Gabriel was willing to bet Meg wasn't going to be at The Ribbon, so that was where he zapped himself to first. And bingo.

But he couldn't just pop up formally, could he? No. He came down the chimney. And if the Ribbon hadn't had a chimney before, it did now. Because Santa-Gabe had a present for his stupido baby-brother, and he was going to deliver it.

[c_a_s_t_i_e_l]

Oh, they had a chimney. Sometimes they even used it, but luckily for Gabe it wasn't on at the moment. Maybe if other people were there, he'd have started a fire, but the staff were off for the day. It was a holiday, after all.

Bernie heard noise from above and ran over to the fireplace, yipping and barking. He ran up really close at first and barked, then ran around the wooden benches and old couches, hid under the coffee table a few moments and barked some more, and then repeated his path circling back over to the fireplace. Of course, as soon as Gabe was actually down inside, he was there licking the Archangel's face.

Cas frowned somewhat when this was occurring, but didn't seem all that phased by it as he finished putting away the extra spa items he'd gotten from the Apothecary in one of the cupboards.

He turned to look at Gabriel once he was finally inside. "Merry Christmas, Brother. I guess I should have expected an entrance like this from you."

[angel_awol]

Gabriel huffed, stood on the hearth in a dark green suit with a fur trim. He looked, if you squinted, like a very old-fashioned Saint Nicholas. Minus the beard. He still looked annoyed though that Castiel didn't seem to appreciate the effort.

"A little birdie told me that Bernie had been a very good boy this year, so I have some presents for him." Gabriel said, forgoing the usual Merry Christmas greetings. He wasn't feeling his usual joyful, seasonal self.

He dug into a pocket, found a large candy-cane shaped squeaky toy and let the dog take it from him, before giving him a few long strokes down his back.

"I thought I might try and bring you some Christmas cheer." He said a little flatly. "And thank you for the sweater. And I have to give you my present. I did promise."

[c_a_s_t_i_e_l]

Gabriel's sweater had been gold in color. Cas thought it would suit his brother well, and match his eyes.

Bernie was a very good dog for sure, and he was dressed for the occasion. He whimpered happily (it was likely his way of saying 'thank you'), gently reached with his little mouth to take the squeaky toy, and ran off with it to go play.

"I thought the mistletoe might have been my only present. You know, after our last talk." Cas grimaced apologetically. He had been coming over to help his brother up, but he was too late for that.

[1900angel]

Anna wasn't sure if she was going to be welcomed at The Ribbon, but she was going to try this out nonetheless. She had gotten Castiel's present - it was very nice - and she wanted to give him something in return. She walked into The Ribbon with a wrapped gift in her hand. She was wearing the headband he had given her, the grey contrasting well against her red hair. It was cold outside, after all.

[c_a_s_t_i_e_l]

She might have gotten an unwelcoming comment or two before his visit from Gabriel, but now he was very excited and in a good mood. This way of thinking was obviously not fair to her, but that was Cas for you.

"Anna! I can taste like a human tastes again. Gabriel just helped me fix my tastebuds."

It was probably best not to go around saying that he had a string of Archangel Grace mixed with his own. That would stay his and Gabe's secret.

[1900angel]

Anna looked surprised, but then smiled. "That was Gabriel's Christmas gift to you? Wow." It was a very nice gift and a little surprising, but this version of Gabriel, while mostly the same to the other one that had been in the village, seemed to have a touch more thoughtfulness to him.

"I don't even know how he did it, but, congratulations, Cas. It must be nice to taste again."

[c_a_s_t_i_e_l]

"It was one thing I really missed about being human." There were other small things, of course, but he could never get past the molecule taste after all of that. Even chimichangas hadn't tasted the same.

"Thank you. I don't think I really have a way to repay him." Not that it was likely necessary- there were no deals made, no payment needed, but still. "I just gave sweaters and other knitted items as my gifts."

He noticed she was wearing her headband and motioned to it as he spoke, shrugging. "I guess it's useful at least, and it looks nice."

Yep, way to not be awkward Cas.