In my opinion, Gabriel's "^.^" is indicative of the notion that he wants to be more than what he is. To explain my point, consider this: There is no way he can contort his eyes to become two upward-pointing arrowheads, and his nose to contract into a dot. This is reflective of the human nature to continually aspire for the better.
Why do I say it's better? Tell me who wouldn't want...