"Hold still, Balthazar." Ordered Michael sternly, all five feet of his height looming over the squirming fledgling. "Let me wipe that off.

"If you hadn't slapped Lucifer like that, you wouldn't be like this. Hold still!" The elder brother tightened his grip on Balthazar's chubby wrist. The little angel squeaked in outrage.

"SHUT!" Michael snapped in response, wiping harder at the forming bruise. Most of the blood had come off, but he supposed the pressure would be good for circulation. He was very knowledgeable about such things.

Balthazar did the shut and sulked, wings folded close to his body. A bee buzzed close, took one drowsy glance at him and quickly flew off.

An (even smaller!) angel ran with pattering steps to the most senior, black hair flying up and down with every bound. His cheeks were dusted with exertion, and he had a look of solemn determination on his face. It was a very important job that was given to him, and it was crucial that he did not fail.

"Luci- Lucifer told me to pass a message to you." Squeaked the angel between gasping breaths. "He says that... Balthazar's a dumb baby who can't fight properly."

"And," continued the fledgling Michael identified as Castiel. He was staring, his eyes fixed curiously on Balthazar. "He says that he doesn't even want to bother with you. Michael," Castiel. "Do you know where Gabriel is?"

Michael held a raging Balthazar against him with a skinny arm and muffled his words with his hand. "I think he is near the river, near the cluster of trees by the big rock." He said in a carefully modulated monotone. "You may go. Tell Lucifer to expect me. Alright, that's enough." The angel murmured in his brother's ear. "I'll sort him out soon enough."

The messenger watched them, steady blue eyes unblinking and innocent. "Lucifer also says-"

"Yes, Castiel, I know." Nodded Michael, smiling a little. "Go off and play with Gabriel."

Castiel's gaze roved over Balthazar with unbridled curiosity. Then, as quick as he came, he left, small bits of fledgling-fluff in his wake.

The eldest angel waited a considerable amount of time before removing his hand from Balthazar's mouth.

Balthazar gulped a big breath of air. His face was red, like the yucky berries you could find by the creek. "BAAAASTARD SON OF A - !"

The hand went back in place. Balthazar screamed in fury and kicked his legs.

"You know, Balthazar," said Michael in smooth tones, resting his chin on his brother's shoulder. "I am not going to let you go until you calm yourself and behave."

"MMH MH MMMH MH MMMH!" responded Balthazar eloquently, his face darkening to a crimson tone.

"Not even if you pee on me."

At that moment, Balthazar felt an inexplicable fear. He stilled, and Michael paused until his pulse went back to normal.

He set him down and planted a kiss on Balthazar's cheek. Releasing him, he said, "Go off, now, and don't let me see you fighting with anyone again." Michael smiled. Balthazar's blood froze and screamed from inside his veins.

Warily eyeing him, the smaller angel stretched his chubby limbs. " 'oo was that?" He asked, making sure his voice was not growly. He was afraid of his big brother, and not even his reputation warranted a beatdown from him! And also, Balthazar was sore. And hungry. And tired.

"Who was what?"

"The baby." Balthazar said impatiently, running his fingers through his sandy hair (which had been messed up in the fight). "Y'know, the one who was just here."

Michael frowned. "Castiel? Don't pick on him. He was just doing what Lucifer told him to do. And Lucifer," he muttered darkly. "Him I will take care of."

Somehow, it did not seem like Michael would kiss Lucifer and cuddle with him.

The elder angel fixed Balthazar a languid look. "Don't pick on Castiel, or I'll smack you on the head."

"ALRIGHT!" Yelled Balthazar, face reddening from fear and sudden shyness. "I'm not. I won't.

"Bye-bye." The boisterous fledging turned suddenly and hurried off, wing-tips dragging in the dust. Michael didn't have the heart to reprimand him. Lucifer was making trouble again, and he would have to sort him out before Father found out.

And judging from a distant commotion, Uriel had pushed Ananiel into briars again.