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Episode Summery:

Alex brings Michael back to Vega and is arrested for desertion and stolen property. Alex is thrown in jail while Michael's sister, Uriel, heals the injured angel. Michael goes to a family meeting with Gabriel and Uriel while Alex has to defuse a situation where a council member demands to see the chosen one or destroy the city's food supply. Later that night Michael finally returns and Alex demands to be trained.

Chapter 4

The Flood

Laying in bed Michael watched the woman beside him sleep. Wondering why he still felt empty after their time together. It didn't used to be this way. After a night of sex with Becca he used to feel content, in a way. Lethargic at least. Lately though it wasn't enough. Like something was missing. He felt guilty being with Becca. He wasn't good enough. He wasn't what she needed. What she was easy to please though, and Michael wasn't sure if losing her would make his life easier or harder. Laying back against the bed he closed his eyes. He supposed asking Becca during their foreplay about Alex's were abouts was considered rude. Michael had to know though, before he could actually enjoy himself. Luckily Alex would be safe in jail. At least for the night while he regained his strength. For now at least. Michael was still feeling weak. He could use the nights rest with the knowledge Alex was safely behind the city walls. In the morning he would get Claire to retrieve Alex. He needed to not be seen in Alex's company as often as he has. People would start asking questions. The city could not know Alex was the Chosen Child yet. The man didn't have the training he needed. Not yet. Michael's breathing was just evening out, on the verge of sleep, when he heard the soft patter of footsteps slowly working their way across his bedroom floor. The sliding of metal had Michael instantly on high alert. The steps stopped on Becca's side of the bed. He could hear the person breathing as they stood over the woman. There was a sliding of blades and Michael eyes snapped open just in time to see a raised blade aiming for the brunettes neck.

The male lunged forward halting Uriel mid swing. He easily threw his sister to the ground. It took a few seconds for him to piece together his healed wound and his sister in being in the city. For once in his life he was grateful for the other angel. For once she was courteous enough to wait until he was healed to attempt murder on those liked. He knew he had to get her away from Becca. Uriel had a way of destroying the things he showed even an ounce of affection for. Taking her from the room he landed on an adjacent building. Michael knew better then to believe she was just trying to scare the human. When she spoke of Alex his heart skipped a beat. Fear at his discovery gnawed at his insides. He would do everything in his power to keep her away from him. From knowing his name, let alone what he looked like. He had to keep his meetings with the man a secret from now on. They could not be seen in public. Michael could not show any interest in Alex in the slightest. It wouldn't matter to Uriel who Alex was. She would be a threat either way. When she demanded a meeting he decided to comply. Alex would be safe in prison. No one knew of his identity and as long as he could keep from being the defiant soldier he would remain unharmed.

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Alex had spent his entire stay in prison worrying about Michael. He didn't care about getting out, it didn't matter. Maybe he was actually better off in there. Getting lost in the numbers. Then Claire had got him out. He almost didn't want to go, almost refused. Leaving the prison he went to see Bixby, he felt guilty all through their meeting. Who he really wanted to see was Michael. To make sure the that damned arch angel wasn't dead. After leaving Bixby he had spent most of the morning trying to get information on the angel's condition. The hospital informed him the male had been transferred to his penthouse, however when the angel left his wound had yet to cease bleeding. Alex had made his way to Michaels home, demanding to see the angel. The guards however refused to let him up. Which was ridiculous to be honest. Considering he was the Chosen One and shit you would think Michael would have informed his door watchers that he was allowed through at all times. Cursing a lot he had tried to track down Becca, he knew it was a stupid idea and he hated knowing the woman probably knew more about Michael's condition then he did. Any of the council members would work actually.

Luckily or unluckily, he was swooped up by some fellow soldiers that all but demanded he return to the barracks with them. In no time they were gearing up for an assault on the Agro-tower and all Alex could really think about was whether Michael was still breathing. He had barely caught what Frost's request was as he imagined Michael laying on his bed bleeding everywhere. He hadn't been sure whether meeting with frost was the smart idea. It was however the safest way of guaranteeing no casualties. If he could convince the man he was the Chosen One that was.

Not being able to stop Frost getting his brains blown out was the tipping point for him. He was the Chosen One and he couldn't save one man. Hell, Frost died because Alex simply existed. After debriefing Alex had retreated to the last place he figured people would find him. His own idol. The Chosen One's erected alter. There had been a few flowers on the statue when he had arrived. It had still been daylight when he had sat down on that bench. Claire had been kind enough to inform him of Michael's condition, or lack there of before he was whisked away for questioning. Apparently the angel had recovered quite well. According to Becca of course. Alex sat there almost itching to start training and he couldn't even speak with the angel. He needed the training. If not for him self then for others. To simply stop people from getting hurt because of him. How many did that make? Four? It had barely been a week since he became this Chosen Child. Not even a week!

Alex couldn't help but feel a little pissed that Michael hadn't even bothered to update him on his status of being alive. After a few hours of stewing in his own annoyance over the fact, he made his way back to Michael's place. This time he knew one of the soldiers on guard who helpfully informed him that Michael had been seen flying over the north wall late last night, or early morning, whichever way Alex wanted to look at it. Now just pissed over all, Alex had made his way back to his hiding spot feeling only slightly better knowing Michael hadn't just been avoiding him all day. While at the same time worrying that something bad had happened to make the angel leave the city in such a hurry so shortly after being gravely wounded.

Alex had spent the rest of the day thinking over the past, his feelings on his new status, and how he wanted to handle being the Chosen One. It was obvious he wasn't ready, as much as he loath to admit that. Frost would still be alive if he could just... be the Chosen One everyone thought he was supposed to be. They could have told the city, Alex supposed. He couldn't even handle an eight ball or save a lone believer, yet he was supposed to save the human race. Alex watched the flickering candles as the darkness closed in around him. He had seen every single one of those flames ignited by various V class people. Many staying near the alter to say prayers to him. Prayers he could never answer. He couldn't heal someone's child or help their living situation. Hell he couldn't even fix his V2 status. He had just watched a woman walk away after an hour of praying to someone who didn't actually exist. Letting his head fall against his knuckles he stared at that last candle feeling just as useless as he always did. He wasn't god. He wasn't a Chosen One. The only thing different between him and that woman was the tattoos. Maybe some soldier training, but that wasn't saying much apparently. Just then the sound of high heels met his ears. He only bothered turning his head when he realized they weren't heading for the alter, but for him. Claire was walking towards him claiming this was the last place she'd expected to find him. Her pep talk was a nice gesture, but she didn't understand. She couldn't understand. How could she imagine, truly imagine, having the hope of hundreds of thousands of people resting on her shoulders. She couldn't, not really. Alex suddenly heard wings. As the beating of wings grew closer he realized Michael did understand what it felt like. Maybe that was why the angel had always pushed him so hard. So he could carry the weight, alone, because no other human being would understand it. He was used to doing things alone. Its what his life had taught him. Claire immediately made herself scarce in the presence of the angel. He turned his attention to the new comer as the male approached. Instead of sitting next to him however, Michael stopped in front of the statue. Standing beside him Alex didn't know how to breach the subject of asking the angel for his help. He had pushed Michael away so many times in the last week it was almost embarrassing to try. Thankfully he didn't have to, Michael brought it up for him. Understood what he needed instead of dancing around the issue, making him say it.

"I wanna learn. About everything." Alex told him grateful when the angel didn't rub it in his face. Michael simply nodded turning back to watch the candles.

"Was it that big of an emergency? Couldn't even tell me your still alive and breathing?" Alex questioned, his annoyance failing to veil the concern in his voice.

"I thought you would still be in the prison on my return." Michael stated turning around, moving away from the statue.

"Oh really? So you were just going to leave me there while you ran off? I had just drove hours with you bleeding out beside me and you think what? He can wait a day or two?" Alex caught up to the angel who had apparently decided they were taking a walk into the dark gardens.

"Worried?" Michael all but smirked. "It was important Alex, and you were safe."

"Safe. In prison. They beat me." Alex blurted out, unsure why he decided to reveal that certain piece of information. He wasn't looking for a pity party. It just made him angry the angel could be so nonchalant about everything. Michael suddenly stopped grabbing the blonde's shoulder, shifting Alex to face him. Giving him a once over the angel met Alex's glare.

"Are you injured?" Michael asked still not removing his hand from Alex's shoulder. The blonde swallowed at the angels critical attention. His earlier anger at the male ebbing away.

"No. I'm fine. Bruised, but, fine." Alex brushed off pulling out of Michael's hand to continue their walk, unsure he liked the way he was feeling at the moment.

"Then why bring it up?" Michael fell into step beside him a moment later.

"Because you said it was safe." Alex gritted his teeth, for once embarrassed he didn't think before he spoke.

"Yes, you were not in danger of dying." Alex rolled his eyes at Michael's flat reply not really feeling up to being angry at the angel.

"No, if you put it that way, I wasn't." Alex snapped with a scowl, refusing to look at the male.

"I did not tell them to attack you Alex." A tinge of confusion coloring Michael's voice.

"No. You gave me these!" Alex snapped anger pulsing through him he yanked his left sleeve up. The next thing Alex knew he was pressed against and angel. His arm sandwiched between their bodies, the tattoos hidden from sight.

"Would you like Frost to have died in vain?" Michael berated him sharply, the angel's grip on Alex's wrist tight enough to bruise. Alex bowed his head pulling his arm down between them yanking the sleeve back down guiltily. When Alex refused to answer him however, Michael grabbed a fist full of the blonde's hair pulling tilting the man's head back. Tired of Alex treating his new endangerment like a joke.

"This is not a game Alex. More will die for you, because of you. Do not make it easier for them to hurt you." Michael urged suddenly reminded of how fragile Alex's identity now was. It wasn't just the humans or Gabriel finding out, it was Uriel. Alex had to understand. Michael tightened his grip. Alex hissed gritting his teeth at the pain. Finally looking into Michael's eyes Alex was shocked to find fear curling in those dark depths. Swallowing again he opened his left hand placing it against the other male's chest in an attempt to put some distance between him and the intensity. Instead he was met with a rapid heart beat beneath his palm. The initial action of pushing the angel away suddenly forgotten as it pounded away at his hand.

"I'm sorry." Alex whispered feeling the heart beat slowly calm beneath his palm at the apology. "Your right. I just..." Alex broke eye contact taking in a deep breath. Trying to get his emotions under control. He needed to learn to control his temper. Unfortunately it was the one thing he had always relied on when he was in bind. Michael's hand eased casually sliding through his hair and down his neck. Alex fought the shiver that tried to make its way down his back at the absent minded movement from the angel. The arch angel's hand trailed across his shoulder and down his arm before Michael stepped away. Alex caught the male's hand before it left his arm. Pinning it in place so the angel couldn't walk away. He needed things to be clear to the angel. Needed him to understand. He determinedly met the angels eye.

"I didn't want this Michael." There was a long pause as the two just watched each other. Michael barely even a step away. "I don't want this..." There was a few heart beats before Michael replied.

"I know." Michael wrapped the hand Alex held captive gently around the blonde's wrist. Alex's grip on the angel's hand tightened and his brows furrowed more as frustration filled him. No Michael didn't know. He didn't understand.

"It will get easier." Michael reluctantly whispered after a long pause, Alex tried to meet his eye but the angel was examining Alex's hand against his chest.

"Don't lie to me." Alex hissed, desperate to stop all of the lies and manipulation, tightening his grip painfully against the angel's hand which in turn tightened against his wrist.

"Then stop trying to fix this Alex." Michael's grip tightened even more and Alex knew he was going to have a bruise in the morning. They entered into a staring contest for a long moment. Neither of them backing down. Alex wasn't going to give up his need for normalcy, Michael wasn't going to let Alex drown under the weight of calling. Nothing was wrong with him being the chosen one. It was how it was supposed to be. Had always been. Suddenly Michael's other hand found its way back to Alex's neck. Michael gave him a little shake when Alex refused to listen, to back down from this staring contest. Michael's frown deepened and his hand slid up to cup Alex's check. Alex was instantly thrown off. Heat rushed to his face and his heart pounded in his chest. He blinked startling back a bit. Michael just followed his hand pressing firmly against his skin. The angel released his hold on Alex's wrist gripping the other side of the blonde's neck instead holding the soldier in place.

"It's not broken." Michael whispered firmly his hold tightening. The words hit Alex hard, his breath leaving his chest. He jerked out of the man's hold. Michael reluctantly letting the blonde go, when he wasn't quite sure he had gotten through to the man. This was broken. Alex though stepping away from the angel. His destiny, this whole ordeal, it wasn't supposed to be. Just because Michael believed it was always supposed to be this way, didn't make it true. Alex swallowed hard turning away from the male. He tucked his hands into his pants refusing to look at the angel as he sorted through his thoughts, instead watching the leaves on the bushes around them blow gently in the breeze. They stood like that for several minutes Alex lost in his thoughts and calming his beating heart. While Michael simply watched Alex unsure of what the young man was thinking. Unsure if Alex had understood. If he finally got it. That this was how it was supposed to be. Michael and Alex, together against the angel horde. Saving the world. He needed to accept that. Stop fighting it. Fighting him. Alex could feel Michael's heated gaze on the back of his neck. Alex gripped his hands into fists willing himself to refuse his current train of thought. Hadn't his destiny always been this? Alex had strove for Michael approval long before he actually met the man. Had always entertained the hopes that one day he and Michael would end this war. Together. He of course had worked his way though the soldier tiers. Earned it. In the end though it had always been him and Michael. Him and Michael fighting while Claire waited for him back home. Him and Michael strategizing while Bixby went to school. Michael was right in a way. This wasn't broken. It just wasn't how he had wanted it. It had been handed to him. Michael had been handed to him. The angel's attention felt cheapened because of it. Like Alex hadn't actually earned the angel's respect. Finally Alex took a deep breath turning back to the angel. Alex smiled a little turning himself back to the angel. He took in the raven haired male standing just a few feet away with a disapproving frown on his face. His trench coat rustling in the small breeze. The male's dark eyes were trained on his own, taking in every emotion Alex let out. The blonde could see the angel's wheels turning as he tried to work out what Alex was thinking, feeling. Alex shook his head in disbelief.

"You really are something you know that?" Alex said amusement coloring his tone. "You don't know shit about human emotions yet here you are trying to help me through this. Instead of just... telling me its a great gift like everyone else." Alex actually laughed at that shaking his head.

"I – You need to understand – ." Michael pressed refusing to let Alex's new smile become contagious.

"That this is my destiny right? It always was and always will be!" Alex huffed throwing his arms out.

"Yes." Michael answered. Alex glared, breaking eye contact to look into the distance shaking his head.

"Me and you." Alex gestured between them and Michael nodded his head.

"I get what your saying. Its just that – ." Alex started up after a quite moment.

"Alex." Michael warned stepping towards him. The angel was getting tired of these heart to hearts. Alex smiled at Michael's ominous posture laughing again. The angel forever trying to get him to submit. Alex was sure thats why the male grabbed his neck all the time. Someone needed to tell the angel about personal space. Michael kept his stern stare leveled on Alex and the blonde laughed taking in the familiar look.

"Thank god you didn't die." Alex smirked letting his shoulders relax for the first time since being back in Vega. Since Jeep. Since being labeled.

"Father had nothing to do with it. As you know, he is no longer – ." Michael started and Alex shook his head in amusement.

"I know, I know. It was just a – figure of speech." Alex cut him off watching the angel frown, though he realized that it really wasn't. He was thankful. The relief he felt at having the angel there in front of him... he was thankful for that. To whoever was responsible for that. Whether it was god or not.

"Do not change the subject." Michael deadpanned wanted to get Alex's bubbling emotions over with, he could see them simmering just beneath the surface. Something was still wrong. Alex shuffled uncomfortably, no longer wishing to discuss his feelings. It took him a few more minutes to piece what he had just been planning on telling the male.

"I know okay, I know. I can't change this. But I just – ."

"Alex." Michael hissed tired of the circle they were running.

"No. No! I know! Damn it. Just – ." Alex huffed throwing his head back in exasperation.

"Just hear me out." Alex said schooling his expression into a serious one, daring the angel to interupt him again. "I understand I can't change this. I get that. But – I want to be me, Michael. Not this Chosen Child who will save the world. I want to be Alex! The guy with tattoos weird tattoos that help him... try, to save the world." Alex had looked away during his short speech trying to pick the words he needed. Understanding dawned on Micheal's features as the blonde fixed him with a hopeful look. Michael finally breathed easy, finally understanding why Alex had been rebelling so hard. Michael closed his eyes shaking his head in disbelief before he answered that hopeful expression.

"You are, Alex." Michael stepped forward. "Just as you have always been. Alex. Being the Chosen Child does not change who you are." Michael insisted closing the gap between them.

"Doesn't it?" Alex asked the depression seeping into his voice. "It's changed everything. Claire, Bixby, showers."

"No. It doesn't." Michael insisted taking a step around the blonde. "It doesn't change who you are Alex. You will always be that little boy playing basketball with Jeep. The teen who stole and gambled for food. The young man who joined the army." Michael made a circle around Alex as he spoke. "That man who left the city against orders to find truth to the rumors." Michael stopped in front of his a small fond smile gracing his lips. "The man I whipped because he was foolish enough to put himself in danger to save others. The man that almost got me killed because he's too stubborn to listen to me." Michael pressed giving Alex a meaningful look. Alex shook his head guilt eating away at him.

"I'm sorry, I just... if you wouldn't stalk me so much. I am my own man. I can take care of myself." Alex knew it wasn't the best excuse for the angel's near brush with death.

"I knew you would do something foolish. Like fall into the path of an oncoming car while inebriated."

"I did not." Alex laughed indignantly, his spirit finally feeling the weight of his new role lifting.

"Almost." Michael insisted standing just a few feet away from the blonde.

"I don't remember that." Alex crossed his arms.

"You were drunk why would you?" Michael asked quirking an eyebrow. Alex shook his head in defeat.

"I'm not going to thank you." He finally replied smirking at the angel.

"I wasn't expecting one. You've never thanked me before." Michael suggested, Alex scoffed.

"Fine." Alex decided looking Michael square in the eye.

"Thank you." He said resolutely. Michael finally smiled, looking away from the blonde he tried to school his expression. He looked back a second only marginally successful.

"Your welcome." Michael stated. Alex laughed again, walking forward those last few feet he clapped the male on the shoulder, standing to the side of him.

"Well now that thats over with. I think I'm going to get something to eat. I haven't eaten anything since. This morning. Whenever that was." Alex said grinning at the angel who's smile slipped a little.

"I can't. I have things I must do. We also must keep our meets... private." Michael informed the blonde who shrugged his shoulders. Walking past the angel Alex turned around walking backwards away from the other male. Michael half turned so he could keep Alex's retreating form in view.

"Suit yourself." Alex grinned at him throwing his arms out in an inviting gesture.

"Tomorrow, Alex. Ten." Michael informed Alex's retreating back. Alex gave a little wave as he left.

"Alex." Michael called after him threateningly.

"Tomorrow! I got it!" Alex called back disappearing down the path.

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