[Though while Castiel's Grace is certainly stronger, there's still that sense that it belongs to him, that it's the same essence it's always been. Because as much as he's been changed by his rebellion and by his exposure to humans, there are some things that can never be altered. To other angels, he still feels the same.
As does Gabriel, of course. Right now the archangel's Grace comes across as weakened and insubstantial, but if Castiel drags him back across the curtain, he'll have returned to his former strength. That's the hope, at least.
Once Gabriel accepts him, it's much easier to pull him close, and then Castiel figuratively holds his breath as he tosses both of them back toward where he came from, where that part of his Grace that he pinned down is waiting for him.
As they travel backward, Gabriel's Grace starts to grow empowered, starts to burn, and every instinct is telling Castiel to release it. But he's good at fighting instincts, and he holds tight until they resurface in the world of the living once more.
Which puts him in that warehouse, his body still wounded from the ritual, flat on the floor and gasping for breath. But there's a presence near him, and he realizes he's been successful.]
no subject
As does Gabriel, of course. Right now the archangel's Grace comes across as weakened and insubstantial, but if Castiel drags him back across the curtain, he'll have returned to his former strength. That's the hope, at least.
Once Gabriel accepts him, it's much easier to pull him close, and then Castiel figuratively holds his breath as he tosses both of them back toward where he came from, where that part of his Grace that he pinned down is waiting for him.
As they travel backward, Gabriel's Grace starts to grow empowered, starts to burn, and every instinct is telling Castiel to release it. But he's good at fighting instincts, and he holds tight until they resurface in the world of the living once more.
Which puts him in that warehouse, his body still wounded from the ritual, flat on the floor and gasping for breath. But there's a presence near him, and he realizes he's been successful.]