Part of Raphael's issue with Joshua was also jealousy, which Raphael barely understood beyond a burning "Why is he so special?". Similar to how he felt over Castiel being resurrected, again and again. Here, he was starting to bond with Castiel again, which he liked - but just as often, he wanted to throttle him.

Gabriel hadn't irked him that badly. Ever.

"I do know they can be made without them." Kids loved candy - he liked children. So he'd been watching them for a long time, even if he no longer acted he still watched.