Gabriel possesses a higher angel in Vega to discredit Michael. Slaughtering angels he sends the city into distrust, mean while trying to convince Alex that Michael can't be trusted. When questioned Michael doesn't seem to want to answer.
(So I really thought I didn't have much planned for this one... Now its my longest chapter. ROFL)
Chapter 7
Ouroboros
When Michael stopped them outside of a nudist shop Alex calmly shut the car off. Turning towards the angel he raised an eyebrow. His lips twitching in an attempt to keep his amusement hidden.
"Really?" Alex asked the smile slipping onto his face. Michael turned to him with a bland look and the smallest quirk of an eyebrow. One Alex would have missed if he hadn't been spending so much time around the angel.
"Nude XXX and Shop." Alex questioned pronouncing each X and ending shop with a pop. "If this isn't irony I don't know what is. An eviction in a house of sin. Great choice." Alex laughed finally getting out of the jeep. Michael followed him.
"I knew it would amuse you." The arch angel smirked as the blonde rounded the vehicle.
"Yeah?" Alex laughed shaking his head as they walked towards the entrance. "You're a piece of work."
"So you keep saying." Michael replied holding the door open for the blonde.
"Then it must be true." Alex walked into the shop taking a deep breath he took in the musty old smell. He almost jumped when a loud banging shattered the quiet that hung over the place. Walking past the entry way and raided shelves he came to the viewing rooms. A disgustingly ugly eight ball pounded away at the window of one of the rooms, shouting vulgar curses at them. Alex sighed as he surveyed his new project. He wasn't feeling very hopeful. The angel's vessel didn't look like he cared much for god before he was possessed. Michael came up to stand behind him placing a comforting hand on the blonde's shoulder.
"Who is he?" Alex asked his brows already furrowed, lips tight. Ready to at least try.
"Jonathan Reese." Michael stated slipping a card out of his jacket pocket. Alex plucked it out of the angel's hand as soon as it came into his vision.
"Jonathan Reese." Alex repeated. The eight ball simply laughed at the name. Alex gave the lower angel a tight smile.
"The names Durge." The lower angel laughed.
"Well Jonathan Reese. I'm going to save you." The eight ball laughed again spewing more garbage at them and he didn't stop until Alex put a bullet through the eight ball's skull.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"I agreed to let you hone your skills but, this is becoming fools errand." Michael suggested tired of seeing Alex so distraught over those lower beings. Over his failures to save them.
"Better a fool who tries and fails, then a cowered that sits around and does nothing." Alex countered, it was barely a second before his lips tugged upwards a bit and he shook his head.
"We've been hanging out too much." Alex let the smile slip realizing that it was actually true. They had been spending an extraordinary amount of time together. Alex in no way wanted to become like Michael. Shoot him if he ever turned stony faced and non-empathetic. Michael wanted to smile at the blonde's words but he wasn't sure how the man would take it. The blonde didn't seem to like the idea.
"You can't keep doing this to yourself." Michael reiterated for the hundredth time in the last few months and Alex gave him the same answer.
"I can and I will. Until I get it right." Alex said standing up and exiting the building.
Michael could see the toll these attempts were taking on the male. Alex seemed to be more and more out of breath as the eight ball body count rose. Michael wasn't sure how much longer he could actually allow Alex to do this, could watch him do this, but what could he possibly do that would stop him? He had made great leaps in Alex's trust. The man was right. They had been spending a great deal of time together. As much time as Michael could spare to be honest. The angel always breathed easier when Alex was around. Safe. Standing up Michael followed the blonde out of the shop. Alex was leaning against the jeep. His head tilted back, eyes closed, a container of water in his hand. The blonde took a swig as the door to the shop closed behind Michael. Alex didn't even bother opening his eyes as the angel approached him. Michael allowed himself the small smile of satisfaction as he leaned against the car beside the blonde. It wasn't very long ago Alex would watch Michael's every move from the corner of his eye. Suspicious in his every action. They had come along way. The two stood in silence for several minutes. The sun beating down at them through the cloudless sky. Michael watched as a bead of sweat swelled on the blonde's forehead, pearled, and made its slow track down the side of his face.
Alex sighed carelessly throwing the empty container back into the jeep through the open window. The bead of sweat just making its way to the lower half of his cheek. Alex finally looked over at Michael. He really should thank the angel. Even if he hadn't made any progress. Michael still indulged him. Maybe if he just let him know how important this was to him?
"I – ." Alex started then stopped shifted his feet. He wasn't the best at being honest. About anything. Most of his life was spent trying to stay alive or out of trouble, or at least hide what trouble he should be in. Closing his eyes he took another deep breath. Evictions were draining. Half the time he just wanted to curl up and sleep right there. Right here. Michael watched as Alex's brows met yet again in frustration. It was obvious Alex was trying to talk about his feelings again. He always had no problem telling Michael what the angel did wrong. Alex's eyes eased open as he felt skin meet his. Michael gently slid the back of his knuckles across that offending sweat drop, wiping it away. The hand trailed down his cheek.
"I know." Michael insisted his hand stopping under the blonde's chin when Alex turned his head towards the angel. They stared at each other for a few seconds. Michael's eyes conveying just how much he knew about Alex's inner turmoil, his drive. Alex's searching for just that, confirmation that at least someone in this world understood him. The blonde gently huffed a snort of amusement jerking his head away from the angel's touch. Always with the touching. Alex sighed, leaning his head back against the jeep. The small upturn of his lips remaining intact. Michael let his hand fall back to his side.
"I'm tired." Alex finally admitted lazily opening his eyes to gaze at the sky.
"I know that as well." Michael smiled in amusement at the lazy glare Alex sent his way. Alex slapped the angel's shoulder weakly.
"Don't get cheeky with me." Alex huffed turning his gaze back to the sky.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Michael pushed off the jeep as Alex laughed. The blonde turned his attention back to the angel now in front of him.
"I would hit you again, but – ," Alex trailed off, Michael smirked at him and he pouted a little. The blonde pushed off the jeep. Alex started around the vehicle but couldn't seem to get his feet to move very far.
"I am not looking forward to driving back." He murmured knocking a fist against the hood of the jeep as he went. Michael caught his arm before he could move to the front of the jeep.
"Then don't, I can drive. You need to rest Alex. Don't even try to deny that." Michael added when that look crossed Alex's face.
"Sleep." Michael stated opening the passenger side door. Alex let the angel pull him around the door. Taking one more look at the road ahead of them Alex rolled his eyes.
"Fine." He muttered climbing into the seat. Michael closed the door and was in the drivers seat seconds later. Michael reached over and retrieved the keys from Alex's pocket.
"Hey!" Alex huffed angrily as Michael removed his hand from the inside of his jeans. Michael simply started the engine ignoring Alex's glare.
"I normally get dinner and a movie first." The blonde muttered sarcastically shifting around in his seat as the jeep took off down the road.
"I'll keep that in mind next time." Michael said with a straight face. Alex had the urge to kick the angel but unfortunately the gear shift and drink holders were in the way.
"You're unbelievable." Alex muttered shifting out of his new position to find a more comfortable one.
"If you keep saying that it might go to my head." Michael replied a small upwards twitch of his lips evident.
"No. I said you were a piece of work."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"Well, yes. But no. I've never said you're unbelievable before." Michael fixed Alex with a slight disbelieving stare.
"You said I was unbelievable yesterday." Michael informed the blonde who gave him a confused look. Alex had to think about it for a minute. Then he remembered trying to push Michael into the little decorative creek in Vega only to have the angel bascially toss him in. Michael turned his attention back to the road.
"No I didn't." Alex mumbled half heartedly shifting positions again.
"Alex." Michael called him out, not even bothering to look at the blonde.
"Fine. Whatever." Alex said finally settling down curled up on the seat. He finally found a comfortable spot. His head resting on the arm rest in the between the seats. It took Alex barely ten minutes to fall asleep. His breathing evening out. Alex's hair brushed the side of Michael's arm every time the angel moved. The dark haired male found the sensation very distracting. Finally giving in Michael tore his eyes from the road to take in the blonde's sleeping form. Alex was curled in on himself. His face turned away from the angel. Turning back to the road Michael held off for about ten more minutes. Giving up he Lifted one of his hands off the wheel and placed it on the small amount of arm rest remaining behind the blonde's head. Then he hesitated. He shouldn't indulge himself. Unfortunately he always told himself that but never could really hold back. Moving his hand a little he let it rest just behind the blonde's head. The tips of his fingers barely feeling the heat radiating from the man. The position was awkward however and a minute later the angel gave in threading his fingers through the blonde's hair. Michael knew his urges to touch Alex weren't normal. He was tired of caring, however, that didn't mean he felt okay with the feelings. He kept his eyes on the road for the rest of trip. His hand absentmindedly caressing Alex's short curls. It had been a long trip that morning, but now it seemed a little too short for Michael's taste. When Alex stirred he gently disentangled his fingers. Michael flexed his hand as the blonde started opening his blurry eyes. He didn't quite want to grab the steering wheel so he settled for resting his hand on his leg. The sensation of those soft strands still familiar. Alex sat up cracking his neck a bit before he ran a hand through his hair. Casting Michael a suspicious side glance. One the angel didn't catch. Alex let his hand drop.
"How much longer?" He asked casually, glancing at the hand in Michael's lap. One he swore was in his hair just seconds ago and god help him, it felt nice. Amazing actually. Claire had always spent time petting his abs or biceps, but never his hair. Alex could have remained like that, wanted to actually, which made him feel rather conflicted. That wasn't a touch he should crave, let alone from Michael. He wasn't sure how long he could trick the arch angel, regardless of his confusion, for one. For two, it kind of creeped him out. The way Michael had played with his hair was almost... Alex mentally shook himself. That was ridiculous. Not only ridiculous but impossible. The guy was just weird. He had a thousand quirks and apparently that was just one of them. He always seemed to enjoy touching Alex more then other people... or maybe... Alex looked at Michael's stone face.
Maybe Michael craved human interaction just as much as humans did. Yet everyone saw him as something more then human. Something beyond those needs. Alex wondered what it would be like. To be expected to not need simple touches. Hugs, hand shakes, pats on the back, brushes in crowded areas, slaps on the leg, taps on the arms, the brief touch of hands when exchanging items. Anything at all. It would be completely lonely, Alex decided. Sure it wasn't normal for men to... well pet each other, but Michael had never been normal, and if that was the only weakness the angel had then Alex was probably in good hands. Everyone had a weakness. Maybe being alone was Michael's. Alex decided he would pay more attention to the interactions the angel had with other people. Alex was almost positive he would find people thought the angel too above them to touch him. Hell if it was a year ago he would expect Michael to chop off his hand just for trying.
It was several minutes later before Alex realized he had missed Michael's reply to his question on the distance left. He was sure if he asked again Michael would know something was distracting Alex and the blonde wasn't sure how Michael would react. Actually he was pretty sure he would get the cold shoulder for a few days. He ran his hand through his hair again. Absently, subconsciously, wishing for the feel. Michael turned his attention from the road to watching Alex caress his own hair. The blonde let his hand fall as he realized the angel was watching him. Alex knew. Michael knew. They stared at each other each other with blank unreadable expressions before Alex smiled a little breaking eye contact a moment later. Michael returned the gesture turning back to the road.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Michael had been awoken only hours after he had fallen asleep. The morning sun not even peaking over the horizon yet as he opened his eyes to the familiar flap of wings. Sliding his hands under his pillow he gripped one of his swords. His hand relaxed a second later when Noma opened the glass door stepping in from the terrace. Her hair swept around by the wind before she could shut the door.
"Michael?" Noma whispered cautiously stepping farther into the room.
"Noma. What are you doing here? Is something wrong with Alex?" Michael asked pushing up from the bed and throwing his feet over the edge. He was standing before he finished his last question, swords in hand.
"No. No. Alex is fine. I just thought I would come and tell you that I believe I'm back in with Alex." Noma said a grin adorning her features. Michael's heart fell into his stomach. Why would Alex –
"Do you mean he trusts you again? Has he confided something in you?" Michael asked moving past Noma to stare out into the darkness. Only a sliver of the falling moon lighting the world outside.
"You could say that." Noma smirked haughtily. "Lets just say I'm pretty sure we'll be spending more time together." She eluded. Michael raised a closed fist tapping the soft side against the glass before turning back to his guest. He let his fore arm rest against the cool glass.
"Noma." Michael said fixing her with an accusing gaze.
"Alright look, I've heard it before Michael!" Noma insisted irritated, throwing a hand up in the air in an attempt to stop his words.
"Noma when I asked you – " Michael started
" – to watch him – ."
" – I didn't – ."
" – Mean sex." Noma cited with him.
"I know Michael! But it happened. Look this is a good thing! I can help you keep track of his moods and concerns and plans." Micheal gritted his teeth and slammed his fist against the window making it shudder in place.
"I don't need you for those things from you Noma." Michael said slowly the anger in his voice entirely evident.
"Yeah? When did that change?" Noma asked taking up anger of her own. Michael let his hand fall away from the window.
"I don't like your methods. If he finds out – " Michael muttered walking away from the woman.
"Well they work and he wont find out." Noma cut him off crossing her arms. The arch angel shook his head.
"Fine this is on you. Tell me if you find anything." Michael sat back down on his bed, his muscles tense in her presence.
"I will." Noma glared still angry at Michael's disrespect at her methods. They sat in silence for several seconds before Michael looked up at the glowering woman.
"You can leave now." The male said waiting for the other angel take the rather obvious hint.
"Whats got your panties – ." Noma started apparently not getting it.
"Get out." Michael cut her off darkly, staring her down. Noma threw her hands up in surrender.
"Yeah. Alright. Whatever. I got it. But you should be a little more appreciative." Noma said backing up towards the door to the terrace.
"Why? It's not like you don't get anything out of it." Michael muttered before he could stop himself. Noma stopped with her hand on the door. Turning around she fixed him with a tight smile.
"You know. It almost sounds like your jealous... Becca cut you off?" She added after all she received from Michael was a roll of his eyes.
"I'm tired Noma." Michael stated attempting to cut that subject short.
"I'm sure you are." Noma smirked sarcastically, opening the door she left the other angel. Michael took a deep breath letting himself fall back onto the bed as soon as the sound of her wings disappeared. He let out the breath as he ran a hand along the top of his sheets. Why had Alex fallen back into Noma's arms? Was he finally over Clarie? Michael knew it wasn't his place. That it shouldn't bother him. That Alex could be with whom ever he wished. He was human after all. Humans needed each other. Required that closeness. Did angels? He sure felt like it.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Alex wasn't sure how he could possible feel quite so shitty after a night of great sex. He thought it was the release he needed. It seemed to have done nothing, however, to dissipate the tension building inside him. The... Alex wasn't sure what it was. He felt like everything around him played a part in the coil that was slowly tightening inside him. It was officially apparent that sex wasn't actually the answer. Not even a temporary cure like it used to be. Alex couldn't quite bring himself to get out of bed at the moment. He could hear all of his bunk mates getting ready for the day and he really couldn't care less. The side of his bunk sunk in when someone sat down next to him. Alex had his arm over his eyes and couldn't dredge up the energy to see who it was.
"Hey sleepy head. Had a rough night last night?" Noma asked the insinuation in her voice overly obvious. Alex wasn't sure what to say to that. Yeah it was nice. Felt great, but he wasn't quite sure if he could do it again. That was stupid, of course he could do it again. The thought was ridiculous. He wasn't sure if he wanted to, however. Which was weird. Since when was he above sex of any kind? Ever? Suddenly his arm was ripped away from his eyes and a sharp sting ran through his cheek. Alex's muscles tensed in the desire to punch Noma in the face. He stopped himself but the need was still there itching under his skin. He wasn't in the mood for this today. Not even close. He could feel the coil twist tighter and knew today was going to be a long day. Grabbing Noma's wrist to stop the next attack he swiftly made his way out of bed and out of the room. Noma trailing behind him.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
He wasn't disappointed in his earlier assumption that this day was going to be shit. Noma had basically been following him around all day. As if they were back to the old days. Together. To be honest Alex just wanted some alone time. He been feeling so claustrophobic these last few months. Like he didn't belong here anymore. Didn't fit in. He was hiding who he was and everything felt fake. All of the friendships and comradeships, relationships. Alex glanced at Noma as they made their way through the crowd. She knew. Why didn't – Alex's thoughts were cut off at the sight of the dangling angels. He had heard the rumors, he was hoping someone had just dragged eight balls into the city to make a statement. These weren't eight balls though.
"That's awful." Noma said, Alex's irritation with her diminishing a smidgen at the comment. Ethan's comment though didn't help any. Ignorance. Now Alex wanted to punch him in the face instead. Nothing Alex said seemed to convince his friend that not all angels were bad.
"The first ones that came down. They were animals... Shit I saw." Ethan said staring hauntingly at the dead angels. Michael was one of the first angels down and Michael wasn't an animal. Ethan didn't know what he was talking about. Just then Michael called him over a deadly serious look on his face. Alex's heart dropped. What if they were Michael's friends, acquaintances, like Uriel? He followed the angel around the corner into one of the alleys, away from prying ears.
"Michael – ." Alex started concern filling his voice. Suddenly he was against the wall. Michael's fist holding him off the ground. Pain thrumming through his back.
"Hey!" Alex cried out at the abuse.
"Did you do this?" Michael questioned closing the distance between them. What the fuck? Michael couldn't possibly... Alex quickly spilled the first thing he could think of to convince Michael he didn't do it. If nothing more then to stop the male from looking at him with those eyes full of hate.
"Michael I had to set Felicia on fire, and kick her out of a window, to barely walk away from that fight!" Michael's eyes softened at his words and Alex's voice lost its edge.
"These guys all look like they just let someone cut them up." Michael closed his eyes to mask the pain evident there. The angel pushed away from the blonde. He was mad at Alex but of course his chosen couldn't have done this. Wouldn't. Why didn't that stop Michael from feeling betrayed by the blonde? Because he slept with Noma his subconscious whispered.
"You knew them?" Alex asked not even close to being surprised. If he had a sister Uriel, Alex was sure he had friends.
"They were neutrals, I gave them the choice to stay in Vega or leave. I shouldn't have left them an option." Michael said a tinge of guilty realization clouding his voice. Now this was something Alex didn't know. More higher angels in Vega? Of course Michael knew about them. Why wouldn't he?
"There's more of them? Why didn't you tell me?" Alex asked a little hurt, but he was getting used to how Michael did things. How un-trusting he was by nature.
"You didn't need to know." Michael said the pain poorly hidden in his eyes. "Look the others need to be warned, they're in danger."
"The hell you talking to me for?" Alex asked incredulously, he knew his back was going to bruise a little.
"My presence will only draw attention to them." Michael stated. Alex wanted to throw his head back and scream. So did Michael trust him or not?! He was willing to let Alex know their identities but he wasn't willing to tell Alex of them before hand? Alex supposed the less he knew about them, the less anyone knew about them, the better. Alex would have done the same if he were Michael. It didn't stop him from feeling hurt about it though. Why was Michael just as difficult as he was half the time? This relationship couldn't be good for them.
"I'll do it." When Michael looked at him like Alex was a foreign being he elaborated. "You've been catching eight balls for me, I owe you a solid."
"Yes you do." Michael snapped the feelings of betrayal still circulating in his system.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Alex's back still hurt as he made his way up to the top of the stratosphere. Up to Michael's nest to meet with his insane friend Louis. That crazy angel was going to get himself killed. God, why did Michael have to throw him against the wall so hard? Maybe because Michael really did hate humans? No. Why would he save them? All of this, the entire situation, seemed ridiculous. Why would Louis be trying to convince him that Michael was a bad person. It didn't add up...When Noma spread her wings to save herself... Alex wasn't sure it really mattered anymore.
"You told me. You'd never lie to me." Alex hissed quietly to an obviously vexed Michael.
"I didn't lie to you." Michael all but whispered, his face the picture of stone, unmoving and cold.
"Right. You just neglected to tell me that one of my closest friends." Alex broke off almost letting slip that she was someone he had slept with, someone he fucked.
"One of the last people I really cared about in this damned place, the one person I really trusted! The one person!" Alex shouted and Michael didn't even blink, his gaze set on their prisoner. "Is a higher angel!"
"You can still trust her." Michael said more emotionless then he usually was. Alex could feel the coil inside him quiver.
"Did your spy know who I was before I did?" Alex asked heatedly.
"She wasn't a spy. I simply needed you protected." Something shifted in Michael's eyes suddenly so quickly it was gone in a blink. Alex only caught it because he had spent the last few months around the man.
"Protected from who?" Alex asked expecting some calming equally irritating answer.
"Protected form yourself!" Michael yelled at him snapping his head to stare the blonde down. Alex turned away from him unable to take that vicious gaze. He vaguely registered the other angel's amused chuckle at Michael's loss of control.
"You wouldn't need looking after if you weren't such a reckless mess." Michael seethed and Alex gave him an incredulous look.
"I may be a reckless mess but at least I know who I am. Who the hell are you?!" Alex hissed, pissed Michael had kept this a secret. Noma had kept this a secret. He felt betrayed, deceived and tired. He was tired of it all, but he knew what Michael was doing. The arch angel would never lose control like this, not in front of other people, let alone another angel. Alex knew that. This was only a part of Michael he was allowed to see when they were alone. There was a reason the angel was making a show and Alex was definitely willing to play along. Let off as much steam and tension he had towards the arch angel in this little mock fight Michael was allowing them to have. Michael stepped towards the blonde and Alex took in his intensity, matching it with his own.
"I'm the one that's been watching over you you're entire life. Waiting for you to step up to the promise, that's been woven into every ounce of you're being by divine will. And here we are, on the precipice. On the brink of every we've been working for, struggling for, and you question my motives." Michael finished darkly closing the distance between them. Their captive angel laughed. God that fucking laugh, was just mocking how wrong he was. Michael was right, even if they weren't actually fighting, they were still arguing. About Alex's doubt, Michael's mistrust. And the angel was right. They had been working so hard for this. Months of indulging Alex in his evictions simply because he couldn't let it go. Of Alex worming his way into Michael's walls. Michael didn't have to help him, but he did. Just because some fucking haughty angel came around spouting off Michael's history didn't change who the angel was now.
"You shut up!" Alex yelled at that fucking angel that caused this. Caused all of this. Everything had been going so well. He was glad he already shot the guy or he would have done it again.
"Its hard not to." Alex admitted truthfully in a small whisper.
"This isn't about humans and angels." Michael replied trying to keep his voice stern. Alex could hear the small slips at the start. "This is about whats right and whats wrong." If they had been alone Michael would have touched him in some way by now. Even if it was just to shake some sense into Alex. That lack of feeling, lack of skin, confirmed what Alex had suspected from the start of this and he knew exactly what Louis wanted to hear.
"This is about guilt isn't it?" Alex whispered venomously.
"Brovo." Louis said playing right into his hands. Alex didn't know what Michael had planned, but he felt pretty proud at the moment, turning away he allowed himself a small smile. Michael strode the short distance to the angel pulling him up by the neck.
"You murdered them." Micheal stated. Alex turned back around in time to see that bastard's satisfied smile as he admitted to the crime.
"They were neutral." Michael's grip tightened.
"Neutrality is a myth. Propagated by those of thin conviction and even weaker constitution." The angel said and Alex could feel that coil tightening farther. He wondered briefly if Michael would get mad if he killed the angel.
"Gabriel." Michael breathed trying to cover his shock.
"Hello Brother." Alex pulled out his gun trying to keep that coil from snapping.
"He can possess higher angels now?" The strain of holding it at bay making his voice crack.
"Ee-I've been practicing." Gabriel admitted. "You'd be surprised at what you're capable of if you set your mind to it."
"You've sunk to a new low brother."
"It's the only way I could tell the chosen one, the truth about you." Michael snapped throwing the male across the room. He had worked so fucking hard to get Alex's trust. Just for this, but it still pissed him off that he actually needed that trust and to be honest... Michael wasn't confident he had it. The arch angel picked Gabriel back up wishing he could tear the male's heart out.
"You're path should not be lead by a misguided arch angel Alex. It should be lead by me." Gabriel pressed and Michael's grip tightened. Alex. Was. His.
"I'd kill you right now if you weren't using an innocent body as a shield." Michael gritted out.
"Innocents is in the eye of the beholder. This one sold prawn juice while a war was waged in his behalf!"
"You slaughtered them because they were pacifists!"
"They were sacrificed for a greater cause. To finally shake this cities blind faith in you." Michael had enough. He pulled his sword placing it against the angel's throat. Alex couldn't hold it any more. He couldn't allow this corrupt angel to harm Michael farther. He knew he couldn't kill the angel. Louis was innocent. Killing him would hurt Michael. There was another way though. He knew what he had to do.
"He's a deceitful bastard Alex who's been hiding you from me." The coil snapped and Alex stepped forward. He didn't belong to Gabriel.
"Sanctify this vessel." Michael's heart dropped out of his chest. Gabriel wasn't supposed to know Alex was attempting evictions, but his chosen was right. It would be the only way to save Louis.
"Oooh ho ho, this is adorable it truly is."
"You do know who I am?" Gabriel asked and Michael almost smirked as Alex continued his chanting.
"I believe he does." Michael replied just before Louis became dead weight in his hands. Alex's whispers became weak. Alex suddenly felt all of his energy rush out of him. The room around him swam and black closed in. His mouth opened in an attempt to keep the chant up before everything went black. Michael immediately dropped Louis as he rushed the short distance between them, catching Alex before he hit the floor. Picking the blonde up he placed him gently on the bed. Michael hovered over him checking his pulse.
"Alex." Michael called reassured at the steady beat he felt. After a few more calls Alex sucked in a deep breath opening his eyes. His hand shot up grabbing onto Michael's arm firmly. Michael could see the blonde's disorientation. Alex's eyes refused to focus. The world was a blur of colors, that spun around him. Alex blinked several times his head weaving a bit as he tried to pull himself up.
"Is he gone?" Alex asked breathy, turning his head in Louis's direction.
"Yes." Michael said pushing the blonde back to the bed.
"Yes. You evicted Gabriel. Alex." Michael said a little more breathy then he had intended. Astonishment and new found respect for Alex's power, for Alex, meddling his emotions. He pressed his forehead against the blonde's when Alex tried to sit up again.
"Alex that was... impossible." Michael breathed closing his eyes and pressing his head harder against the blonde's.
"You did it, Alex." Alex closed his eyes at the pleasant heat against his head. The soft breath against his lips. A lazy smile made its way onto his face.
"I did it." He parroted, fingers suddenly trailed along the edge of his jaw and his smile grew. Michael watched as Alex grinned like a fool. He smiled himself as his finger's crossed Alex's smooth skin.
"I did it." The blonde whispered this time tiltin his head up a bit as Michael's fingers reached his chin. The action took Michael's breath, and control, away. He touched his lips against the delicate ones beneath him. When Michael's lips met Alex's the blonde jumped his hand tightening against the angel's jacket. Heat immediately pooled in Alex's groin before his brain could even catch up, his hips raising off the bed of their own accord. Michael's hand slid to the back of Alex's head pulling him deeper into the kiss. The familiar feel of the angel's hand in Alex's hair did nothing for the blonde's already light head. Micheal let his body lean closer to the blonde almost falling on top of him. Alex moved his hips up again. Michael gasped pulling his entire body back suddenly his lips hovering just inches above his chosen's. He sat frozen one hand tangled in Alex's short curls the other gripping the blonde's well toned side. He had let his emotions get the better of him. He had been proud of Alex. Intoxicated with his power. Alex had done it! Alex. His Alex. Not Gabriel's. Never Gabriel's. His blonde was to smart for that. Now however Michael could barely breath. Fearing how Alex would react to Michael's loss of control. The angel had basically just forced himself on the blonde. Not that it seemed his advances were entirely unwanted. The angel rested his head against Alex's when the blonde didn't do anything but lightly pant beneath him, his eyes still closed. Alex's brows started furrowing as time went on. Alex opened his eyes for a few seconds taking in the worried look on Michael's face, then closed them again with a small groan.
"I – think I'm hallucinating." Alex admitted as his breathing evened out. He could have sworn Michael had just jumped him, but that was ridiculous and the word was still spinning, and he didn't even know where he was at right now. He felt high, yet exhausted at the same time. Michael let out what breath he had left. Then laughed pulling his head away from Alex, sitting beside the blonde. He regretfully untangled his hand from Alex's hair in the process. After blinking several times Alex's eyes started to gain focus a few minutes later. Michael took the next few minutes after that to assess Louis's condition from his place beside Alex. It seemed the higher angel would be fine if not a little weak for the next few months. Eventually Alex sat up, with a little help from Michael that he wouldn't admit to, taking in the room and Louis's motionless form, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I actually did it." Alex exhaled in wonder.
"So it would seem." Michael said a smile on his lips at the blonde's enthusiasm.
"Michael. I did it! Michael, I did it!" Alex spouted excitedly grabbing Michael's face between his hands. The blonde pulled the angel in and Michael was almost certain Alex was going to kiss him. Then Alex pushed him away and repeated the process until Michael was tired of being violently, but enthusiastically, shaken and tried to pull away. Alex just wrapped an arm around the angel's shoulder pulling him closer instead. Alex let his hand slide across the angel's back as he rested his head against Michael's shoulder.
"Damn," He groaned, "The world wont stop spinning." Alex stayed there for a minute taking even breathes.
"So what was the whole shouting match about?" The blonde asked not moving from his new position leaning against the arch angel.
"What do you mean?" Michael asked curious if Alex had actually caught on.
"Come on." Alex huffed slapping a hand against the angel's chest in protest. "I'm not that stupid."
"I don't follow." Michael teased a smirk gracing his face and Alex's hand reached up to grab a handful of the angel's shirt.
"Don't even." Alex demanded tightening his grip and pulling his head away from the angel's shoulder. The blonde swayed dangerously where he sat. The grip on Michael the only thing keeping him up.
"That entire fight was for show. Why?" Alex tried to keep a serious face but couldn't quite manage it when there were two Michaels.
"I have a plan." Michael stated and Alex pulled the angel towards him with the grip he had on his shirt. Michael moved a few inches. Alex's chest pressed up against the angel's arm. The blonde's face getting in close.
"Do I get to know this plan." Alex demanded. Michael couldn't help but stare at the man's lips as he spoke. Michael let Alex hang for a few seconds the blonde's glare getting more intense as time went on.
"You do." Michael finally replied and was rewarded when Alex gave him a lazy smile, licking his lips.
"Good." The blonde said letting go of the angel he fell back onto the bed.
"I swear I'll leave in a few minutes just let me... get my head on straight." Alex said faintly serious, sleep already taking over him. Michael watched Alex's breathing even out. The blonde's eyes flickering behind closed lids. Taking a deep breath and letting it out Michael ran his knuckles down Alex's cheek a single time letting his fingers linger on the blonde's lips. Reluctantly pulling his hand away Michael got off the bed. This wasn't part of the plan. He needed to call Noma and get Louis some where safe. He needed to stop feeling. Especially when Alex was around. If only that was possible. Alex made it rather difficult.
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Alex awoke to a small stream of sunlight assaulting his face. Sleepily he turned away from it, barely registering the warm weight that slid across his side. He did however notice the firm warmth obstructing his way and the hot air ruffling his hair. Opening his eyes he was met with a pale solid chest, his hand pressed up against it looking tan despite his own pale nature. It took a second for his brain to process the sight.
"What the hell?" Alex stammered rolling away when he finally realized he was basically pressed up against a male chest. The warm weight on his skin made itself known to him as it trailed from his side and across half of his stomach as he turned. Following the arm he found Michael laying a few feet away from him. A pale hand resting on the blonde's exposed abs. Alex let his head dramatically fall back against the pillow with a groan. Michael's even breathing was interrupted with a small intake of breath. The hand on Alex's stomach twitching a little as the angel woke up. That hand suddenly trailed lower as the angel took in a deep breath finally opening his eyes. Alex held back a moan as he quickly snatched the angel's hand from his body, dangerously close to his groin. Throwing the hand back to it's owner he sat up running a hand down his face.
"What the hell happened?" Alex asked turning his attention towards the ruffled angel. Michael's dark hair an elegant mess. His eyes half mast as he took in Alex's disheveled state. The angel answered with a small hum to signify he heard the blonde's question, reluctantly tearing his eyes away from the blonde. Alex watched Michael stretch his arms forward his back curving, muscles rippling, a small groan leaving the angel's lips. Alex jumped as Michael's wings shot out in front of him, stretching to their max length. The span of those dark feathers reaching near the walls of the room. The feathers blocked out the light streaming through the window, yet somehow they still shimmered up close. Looking invitingly soft. The wings shook a little before Michael started to retract them. Alex couldn't resist the urge to feel just one feather as they passed by him. Reaching a hand out quickly he let the feathers slide across his fingers. The moan that ripped from Michael's lips the second he did had him instantly snatching his hand back. Alex watched a shiver run down Michael's spine. The angel gave him a questioning look slipping into a kneeling position he let his wings retract completely. Alex coughed lightly with a little shrug looking away. Trying to pretend that moan didn't sound ridiculously – sinfully – intoxicating, especially coming from a male. A male arch angel at that. Michael rotated his neck before finally answering the blonde.
"You fell asleep." The angel stated and Alex rolled his eyes pulling his legs in to sit cross legged.
"And you couldn't wake me?" Alex asked incredulously.
"What would be the point?" Michael countered gripping his hands together he raised them above his head arching his back. Alex looked away quickly trying to ignore how the other male's lean muscles slid beneath his skin.
"I don't know maybe so people wouldn't ask were I was all night?" Alex replied crawling off the bed when Michael simply moaned, although Alex supposed it could be a hum, in reply. Opting to ignore the infuriatingly quite angel he stretched a little himself. Turning back he found Michael's eyes firmly fixed on him. Alex blinked a few times waiting for the angel to turn away.
"What?" Alex questioned suspiciously, running a hand through his hair, just in case. It could look pretty messed up in the mornings. An almost unnoticeable smirk quirked the angel's lips.
"Noma is covering for you." Michael answered as if that was obvious, finally looking away.
"Of course your little spy right." Alex scowled picking up his gun holster that was carelessly thrown on the ground at the edge of the bed.
"Isn't it a little early for this?" Michael questioned stretching back onto the bed his hands slipping beneath the pillow as he went.
"No, I believe its a little late. I'd already be – ," Alex leaned a little to get a better look at the clock, "three hours late for role call."
Michael hummed in acknowledgment watching Alex roll his eyes. Sighing the blonde sat back on the bed. Michael turned on his side running a hand down the silken sheets near his chest.
"Right. Last night you said you had a plan." Alex stated, feeling a little awkward watching Michael feel up his sheets.
"You remember that?" Michael asked lazily rolling onto his stomach his hand running along the sheets toward the blonde. Stretching his arms full length, his fingers centimeters from Alex's shirt hem.
"Yes I do." Alex glowered causing Michael lean that last few centimeters his fingers fiddling with the hem of Alex's shirt.
"Mmm." Michael hummed again in answer entirely avoiding the subject, his fingers sometimes brushing against Alex's skin. Alex shook his head in disbelief at Michael's absentminded gaze.
"Are you usually like this in the morning?" Michael flicked Alex's hem a few more times making sure to touch his skin once more before reluctantly pulling his hand back to himself in disappointment. It had been awhile since someone had been in his bed. Even if it wasn't for sex. Not that he would complain. That wasn't a thought he should be having. The way he should feel.
"Becca said it was playful." Michael muttered to himself distractedly a frown marring his features. Alex leaned in closer so he could catch what Michael was saying. Thats who Michael should be caring about. Becca. At least that was normal for humans. What his father preferred.
"Wait Beh? Becca? Ha, I knew it. You sly dog in with a council member." Alex smirked and Michael sighed turning his face away from Alex.
"Not anymore and you're not supposed to know that." Michael murmured.
"Know what?" Alex feigned ignorance, pulling his legs up onto the bed.
"It's okay Michael." The blonde added when the angel didn't respond or turn back to face him. Michael turned over one hand trailing over his abs.
"It's not the end of the world if I know you. You can let me in. Look." Alex frowned trying to find the right words.
"I uh – I trust you Michael, and god knows you know everything about me." Michael opened his mouth to comment but Alex cut him off.
"Yes I know gods gone." He said quickly before the angel could get it out. "Thats not the point, the point is." Alex paused for a second wondering if he should just shut up and get back to the real topic. Wasn't this the real topic though? He wanted to know about the plan. This is what he needed. They needed.
"I... need you to trust me back." He finally got out, against his initial desire to just give up on even trying. The slight frown on Michael's face dissipated, but all the angel did was stare at Alex. The soldier was just about to break the silence and crack a joke when the angel reached his hand out to touch the Alex's. He ran his fingers across the top of the blonde's hand.
"I do have a plan." Michael said softly, threading his fingers through Alex's until their palms met.
"What?"
"It might not work. You wont like some parts." They sat in silence for several long minutes Michael watching their closed hands. Focusing on the feel of his skin against Alex's. He knew he shouldn't enjoy it as much as he did. It wasn't like father was around to judge him any longer, however. To give him tasks and expect him to choose correctly. When Michael started rubbing his thumb across Alex's skin he was pretty sure his earlier speculation that angels, Michael, required more affection then they, he, let on was correct. Ethan was wrong. Angels were like humans. At least Michael was. Michael made mistakes, laughed and felt alone just like any other human.
"Fine." Alex sighed tightening his hand against Michael's. Wondering why it didn't feel wrong to touch him. "Tell me."
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