Castiel eyes started at Sam, into him. They seemed to peal back the layers of the man before him with care but without consideration, sifting through the soul, turning it, examining it from every angle then carefully placing it back where it had been. His expression remained neutral.
“Sam, I have not come to tell you what to do. I am in no position to do that,” and his tone suggested that sentiment had suddenly become very close to home. “But you are my friend. You and Dean were my allies when I had none. I have found myself once again bound to you world and your concerns mine. Sam, you know what you mean to your brother. You know what he has forgiven of you.” Castiel looked away. He had to choose his words with care. Attacking what Sam had now would only drive him further away. Castiel had been forced to learn diplomacy hard and fast in Heaven.
“It is a lot to expect, I understand that but… we have, all of us, been given chances when we thought we would have none.” Castiel knew his Father had spoken up for him, through Joshua. He knew it was the only reason he had any hope of returning home. He had made mistakes. He knew what it was to know the better path and turn from it. He liked to think he knew better than to make the same mistake again. He wasn’t so sure.
“Sam, your family are feeling your absence. I am not the best to ask about homecomings but your family a not like mine. They would like to see you again because they care for you. Perhaps they will be angered by your… recent choices, perhaps you will be angered by yours but it will be something.” He turned away a little, shifting his position, watching the skyline. “I have seen Dean. He is with Lisa and Ben. He has a house, a job, a vehicle. Do you believe he is happy?” Castiel tone was even, gentle.
“Sam Winchester, I know what you are but I didn’t when I met you. The boy with the demon blood. That isn't it." Castiel took a deep breath, let it out in a sigh. There seemed a little more animation about him now as he wandered deep in thought.