This time the silence stretches out longer. After a swift look at Crowley-- the nakedness of his expression, the way his hand is clenched tightly on the lettered square -- Gabriel studies his own fingers with care, rather than watch the demon.

"I don't know if you are...were... aware," he starts, cautiously. "But I'd had something of an opportunity to become acquainted with him before."

A beat.

"It's quite a change."