Title: Seven Heavens
Chapter: 13
Story Notes: I know very little of religion, so I am researching as I go. I also may 'make up' as I go. You have been warned.
I also don't tend to write stories with pairings. Everything you see is strictly friendship.

Chapter Notes: Happy to get this stuck piece of scene out of my head! Feels good to finally get it down and out the door. The next scene is in there as well. Let's get to work!

"I'm pretty sure Une will keep you on leave for the remaining week at least Heero. If you keep bugging her, she'll probably extend that another. I'd be careful if I were you." The corner of Wufei's lip upturned to the sulking man walking beside him. If Heero had possessed super natural powers the small stones scattered on the sidewalk would probably have spontaneously combusted by now, the way the man was glaring at each and every one of them.

They turned a corner, the final one before they came up to Wufei's Dojo. The officer had been cleared for light activities, something he knew Heero would take with a grain of salt. The man was going stir crazy sitting at home or the cafe 'relaxing'. Heero Yuy did not do relaxing very well. His garden was pristine, potted plants had re-potted, trimmed and rearranged around the newest addition; the wild flowers that had been dirtying a vase in his hospital room. They were a splash of random colors mixed into his carefully planned decor. Quatre had stated they were happy to have such a wonderful new home. The comments that young man said sometimes.

Wufei figured a light workout of martial arts would ease the other's restlessness. There was plenty that could be done in order to work up a good sweat without aggravating Heero's still healing injuries. Black eyes looked down to the wrapped arm of his friend. It was healing fine, but still needed time before it could fully be used. The cuts had been very deep and would most likely leave a scar. Not that Heero didn't have any other lasting reminders of his line of duty. What was one more?

Heero still hadn't said a word back. He'd actually been pretty quiet the entire walk. Wufei was correct and he knew it. Heero would just never admit it. Soon enough the brunette officer wouldn't be so silent however. No matter how good of shape he was in, Wufei knew how to push even his best of student's limits and have them cursing him in the end. It was something he actually enjoyed a bit more then, maybe, he should.

They trudged the last turn to go under the tall entry structure, its red coloring, well-worn and an odd contrast in the city of monochrome buildings. Those building would actually be the odd man out since the Dojo had been standing in that very spot for far longer than most of its surroundings.

Two pairs of footsteps became silent just as they crossed the threshold of the property. The grounds were peaceful that chilly morning. Cleanly cut grass surrounding an inner courtyard covered in a smooth gray pea gravel. Trowa's car was not parked in the back lot, he had gone to worked long before that. The other two residents, however, were curled tightly together, sleeping in the dew covered grass, shaded by the tall walls surrounding the entire complex. The sun created a crisp line of contrast on the ground several feet away from the oblivious foreigners. The wetness soaking into clothing was a sign that they had been laying there for far longer than dawn.

"What are they doing?" Wufei questioned under his breath, walking over to the two before kneeling down and shaking Duo's shoulder softly, the fabric under his fingertips was freezing. "Duo... Quatre. Wake up! Why are you sleeping outside?"

Long hair pulled across the ground, free of its normal binding and littered with leaves and grass clippings. Duo mumbled something unintelligent before wrapping his arms tighter around the shivering blond lying next to him. Quatre's face couldn't even be seen from how closely he was tucked up against Duo.

Wufei ran a hand over his black hair, not sure if he should be concerned or amused by the two staying at his place. There was enough rooms inside the living area of the Dojo for all three of his new tenants to comfortably stay and yet these two slept the night away outside on the cold ground.

Heero came over as well, sitting on his haunches at Quatre's back. He tactlessly poked a finger into the back of the head not facing him.

The Chinese man hung his head. This was ridiculous. "Okay kids, nap time is over!" Wufei forcefully moved one of Duo's arms, rolling the boy onto his back. Violet eyes blinked before he pressed his lids tightly back together. "My students will be here later and I have a whining Police officer who needs a lesson in perseverance."

Easier to arouse then the other, Quatre yawned largely before smiling at Heero as the man helped him sit up, his body was stiff for some reason. The officer pulled him to his feet, keeping a hold of his arm as he unsteadily rocked forward. Someday he'd learn how to balance properly without the use of his wings.

Duo was still rolling on the ground, not in a hurry to wake up. "The sun is barely up Wu..." He whined. "Is it not too early to be up?" A pair of fists rubbed his eyes roughly.

"Not for some, and especially not if you have been sleeping outside... You're both freezing. Get up and take a warm shower before you get sick."

Duo pulled his hair out of the way so he could rise to all fours, shaking it softly to dislodge to bits of debris stuck in it. Could he get sick? He had never been before, though he tended to remain in his celestial form while on Earth. Could Angel's get sick? He looked back to Quatre who was blowing into his palms to warm them up. Just how human was the little cherub now that he was a physical being. His blood was as red as a humans. That fact was shown to him daily. The mark of a wing being torn from his back wept red non-stop. Quatre had come to associate the ache of the wound with pain. Pain was something an Angel did not exist with.

He rubbed his own arms, fending off the goosebumps that covered them. They had really just fallen asleep under the stars the night before. The first tears Quatre shed on Earth fell for far longer than Duo ever wanted to witness again. There was nothing he could do but offer comfort and warmth, whispering endearments in his friend's ear. He didn't remember falling asleep, let alone laying down.

Once inside the living area of the Dojo Duo prepared the shower before ushering the little blond in first. He'd check on Quatre in a bit to make sure he wasn't asleep, it would not be the first time. He sat at the table and watched Wufei fill several bottles with water. Heero went to change into more appropriate workout clothes in Trowa's room. "How long until your students arrive?"

The water tap was turned off before Wufei replied. "It is still a couple of hours before the first class is scheduled. Would you like to join Heero and I before that? Quatre is welcome to also. It might be a good idea to get your body moving after sleeping outside last night." He turned to face the one sitting at the dining table, a frown was etched on the other's face. The stark opposite from his friend who was currently in the bathroom. Duo seemed to frown enough for the two of them at times. But the troubles on his mind were never ones he spoke about out loud.

"I'll politely decline. I don't want Quatre learning any sort of violence." Violet eyes met black ones, apologetic. "I mean no offense by it... Fighting is just something he should never take part in."

Wufei was not taken back by the answer. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last that he heard such a statement. People's reasoning's were their own. "Would something basic be okay? Stretching, jumping and meditation. I have a feeling you both are in need of a means to balance whatever you are not speaking to us about." He held up a hand, cutting off whatever Duo was about to say. "It is another subject, and I understand the need for secrets now and then, but no matter how much energy Quatre has, or how much you say you can deal with it. You both are beginning to drown in the matter."

"And you both only show it... when away from the other." Heero finished the statement, coming out of the room. He was now dressed in a loose set of black pants and a green tank top.

Straight teeth caught Duo's bottom lip. "It is not something you'd understand..."

Heero grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip. "That statement is just a form of running away, and you know it."

"Heero is right, as cruel as he makes it sounds." Wufei looked between the two. "The fact is, that while we haven't know each other very long, we are your friends here. And we are worried about you, okay?"

Long bangs hung over Duo's eyes, hiding them as he dropped his chin to his chest, not looking at either human in the room. The spot just under his heart grew tight, the situation was not one that he could run away from, even if he wanted to. It was also not one that he could get the humans mixed up in. It was beyond their comprehension... And yet, 'friend' was always word he only ever knew in its singular form. Sure Gab was always there for him, but the Archangel was not one Duo could lower in status by calling him a friend. He was not sure how to take the idea of having 'friends', plural. Especially when the situation and lack of being able to explain made him feel like he was lying to these people whom called him friend. Angels did not lie. They could not lie. Duo also could not...

So he just did not saying anything at all. "We'll join you on the practice floor... Thank you... for everything."

Heero sat, or more realistically, fell on to his backside, before flopping onto his back, arms haphazardly thrown to each side. Sweat was pouring out of every pore on his body and he didn't think he'd ever be able to catch his breath again. Wufei was brutal. Even knowing that Heero was not in top condition and still injured, he easily found openings that allowed him to break Heero's defense without aggravating his arm. The Martial Artist even had throwing a person while safely cradling their head down to an impeccable science.

"I don't envy you Heero." Duo stated, sweat covered his brow as well, but nothing nearly as bad as the officer laying on the floor. He and Quatre had done a healthy amount of stretching before moving on to the thick mattress that was located off to one side. There were several platforms setup that allowed a person to jump, scale, and fall into the safe surface. It was actually very fun. Quatre was still bouncing on the mat, laughing happily.

"He has been on my case about resting and healing, and then he throws me around like a ragdoll. Zechs is going to have a hay-day if anything is worse because of this." The hem of Heero's shirt became a makeshift towel. It felt very satisfying to be doing more than walking and moving dirt, his body was not accustom to being so inactive. The few updates he had been given on his wolf case was also not enough to keep his brain entertained.

Wufei came over, covered in less perspiration then all of them probably combined. "I know you're tougher than that Yuy. You are the one who wanted to spar, I just agreed to it." The man smirked before downing some water. This was not the first time they had sparred. Heero was not a push over by any means. He was just working a bit slower than normal. Giving the Chinese man easy openings, even while he needed to be mindful of injuries. "Do you want to go again, or are you done?"

"Done." The answer was quick coming. "I rather not risk being forced on medical leave any longer then I already am. Duo said he'd take you on though."

The braided haired man choked slightly. He had mentioned no such thing!

Wufei looked between the two, not fooled. Though they still had plenty of time before anyone would show up for class. Duo had an issue with Quatre learning how to spar, but he never said anything about himself. "That sounds like a challenge if I ever heard one."

"Agreed."

"Wufei! Heero! Come on guys! Why do I feel like I'm being ganged up on here? I just watched you get your butt kicked!"

"I would suggest you tie your hair up better, I can see Wufei using it against you… The bastard."

Duo looked over his shoulder to make sure Quatre had not heard the language he should not be learning. The Angel was struggling to get out of the puffy mat on his own. Hands and sometimes feet waving in the air comically. "Fine, I'll take a crack at it, but Heero you have to entertain Quat then."

"Sounds like I got the simple job. Quatre, come sit down I'm going to show you how to properly meditate."

"Psh... Good luck with that." Duo took the previous suggestion to heart and tightly wound his locks into a tight bun. "I do not think he can keep quiet for that sort of concentration." Sparring gloves, head gear, and boots were dug out of a closet and handed to him and he followed Wufei's example on how to put them on. When the black haired man had fought Heero, they had not worn any protective gear. Perhaps that was a good thing for him. Surely a hit from a foam cover fist couldn't hurt as badly as bare knuckles. Hopefully.

Quatre, free of his struggle, padded over to do what he was told. Heero instructed him on the correct posture, all the while fielding the questions he was being asked. What was a lotus? Wouldn't it be more comfortable to sleep if you laid down? But he did exactly what he was told without question. If only the trainees Heero had to deal with listened half that good... Une would get off his case about scaring the cadets whenever he was assigned to train them.

Duo, on the other hand, listened intently to the things Wufei was saying, even though he had no intention of following the simple techniques he was being shown. He knew how to fight, even without his Scythe. Given he saw all regions of the Earth, martial arts was something he had picked up on as well. Though the style Wufei taught was a bit different then what he actually knew. He did not think having the element of surprise was a bad thing considering what he witnessed when Heero was paired up with the owner of the Dojo.

The first roundhouse kick thrown, slowly, at his head was easily caught and pushed harmlessly out of the way, allowing Duo room to safely step in close to Wufei and execute a perfect leg sweep to the unsuspecting Chinese man. Black eyes widen a split second before Wufei found himself on his back and a forearm in position to cut off his airway. To say he was surprised, would have put it too simply.

"Sorry teacher, I forgot to mention I have studied this subject a bit." Teeth flashed whited as Duo gave a huge grin then helping his partner off the ground with a secure handhold.

Wufei adjusted his head gear, smiling as well. "Apology accepted, but don't expect me to fall for that a second time." His stance shifted to a more aggressive style, bouncing on the balls of his feet. They never landed on the ground in the same spot twice.

"Just don't beat me up too much. I don't want Quatre to poke at the bruises, asking me what the funny black and blue marks are." Duo made the first move this time, rushing in and hoping he had enough speed to keep up with the one who did this for a living.

He took his fair share of blows but held up pretty well against his partner. He was trying to figure out if Wufei was holding back at all even though he did not have to worry about Duo's physical health as he had to Heero. Of course he was a teacher and was probably use to having a certain level of control even with his best of pupils.

"Oof!" Duo cringed as he was thrown over a shoulder and hit the floor roughly. The surface of the area they sparred on was 'much' harder than the large mat he and Quatre had been playing on before. "By God, that is going to leave a mark for sure. I thought I said no bruises."

"You are not landing correctly, lessen the impact with your arm and leg, not your back." Wufei held out a hand, pulling Duo to his feet easily.

"I understand the concept, but remembering to do so while spinning wildly through the air is the problem I'm seeming to have." Duo rubbed the back of his neck. At least he kept his head from striking the floor most of the time.

"You are distracted." Wufei pointed out, raising his fists in front of his body, ready to go once again. "Quatre hasn't move for a full five minutes. Heero, while rough around the edges, is a very good teacher. You don't need to check on him every time my back is to them."

Wufei was right, Duo knew this. He didn't like letting the little Cherub out of his sight and even if he did, the time he was away was always kept very short. Of course watching something other than his current opponent did seem to be handicapping him greatly. The Chinese man was also correct that Quatre had settled down to copy Heero's perfectly straight backed style of meditation. Maybe he'd join them after he was done getting beat up. It would be a good cover up for when he could not move anymore.

A fist came dangerously close to his nose. Duo barely had time to shift his weight onto his rear leg and avoid it.

"Still distracted!" Wufei yelled, following up the punch with a back spinning kick. His legs having a farther reach then his arms.

Tightening his covered fingers, Duo ducked, only to find the same leg coming at him, low on its second pass. He toppled over again, vowing to the ceiling that he would concentrate on only what was in front of him from now on. He pushed himself back to his feet with a cry and lunged forward in attack. The fact that Wufei continued grinning throughout the match was a bit unnerving in and of itself. The man sure did enjoy having a good fight.

They exchanged blows back and forth, the time span of one of them having a painful meeting with the floor elongating this time around. With Duo giving his full attention he was able to keep up with the other's quick movements. Even when he realized Wufei had upped the intensity of his hits after that last head-on attack. He 'had' been holding back before.

"That's more like it!" The Chinese man applauded, blocking a powerful backhand aimed to his temple. Both hands were needed to stop the momentum Duo had put behind the strike.

Duo huffed, he was sure that one was going to hit. "How the heck... " He gulped in a breath of air while dodging a series of kicks. "... Do you keep talking?" His air supply seemed to be harder and harder to draw in the longer they fought. His lungs just could not keep up with the demand his body was asking for.

"Many years of training with a proper breathing technique, my friend!"

Wufei's spinning attacks were ruthless. He was barely out of breath AND not getting horribly dizzy no matter how many times he spun in circle after circle. Duo was able to judge the distance the man's legs could reach. They were about the same height, but that also meant staying far enough away to avoid a foot also kept himself out of striking distance without first needing to cover a chunk of distance. He made up for this with timing, if he could block an attack correctly he would already be in close enough to take a shot and then get out of reach quickly. But the extra movements needed was proving to be a very tiring tactic.

No matter how long they went at it, Wufei was just not losing steam fast enough. Duo knew he was going to get into trouble sooner or later. His stamina was nowhere near the black haired man's. The second it use to take him to retract his leg after a kick was quickly spanning out in to two seconds. He compensated by only attacking Wufei's flank. The man would have to shift to his backside in order to avoid it, and that gained Duo the time he needed to still be a worthy opponent.

Wufei's leg slipped, sliding to the side about half a foot, throwing the man off his carefully balanced stance. Whether it was from sweat falling on the floor, or something else Duo knew he was handed an opportunity to score a hit! One more and he was done. There was nothing wrong with admitting defeat to the superior talent he faced. His fist would catch Wufei mid chest, the largest target available for him to hit. If he was lucky he'd be able to bring the man to the ground just as when they started their fight. A fitting end for sure.

A fire ignited in Duo's chest, stealing his breath and reflexes away with the burning sensation. The long haired Seeker pulled his dominant arm in to the cover the area that felt like it was smoldering. Violet eyes blinked in slow motion. He didn't even feel Wufei deliver the same blow he was aiming for, just moments before. When his lashes parted again he was on his stomach, labored breath sweeping across the flooring that the side of his face was pressed up against.

"Duo are you okay?" Wufei asked. His partner had dropped like a ton of bricks after that last punch had landed.

The concerned question was muddled, like Duo was submersed in water and trying to hear at the same time. He panted as the fire pulsed from the very core of his being, it pulled at his celestial nature. Beckoning him to take up his wings and turn his hands towards the Heavens. It was something he had never once, in all of eternity, fought against. The notion made him sick to his stomach. The warmth was something he always gladly embraced, but if he did so now, he could not guarantee he could keep his black wings from materializing.

Duo's eyes focused, looking passed the sparring boots Wufei wore to where Heero and Quatre calmly sat, legs crossed and arms resting comfortably on knees. Only, now, a white glow pulsed lightly from around the Angel. The ring of the Archangels around his neck was even brighter. Contending with the stars in the nighttime sky. The glow of them both intensified and Duo couldn't contain the gasp that forced its way passed his lips. Denying the power of an Archangel was not something he could do! Was Quatre not even aware of what was happening?!

Wufei knelt next to him, speaking in muddled tones still. Heero's eyelids twitched. The humans couldn't see! Duo moaned as he rolled to one side, arm outstretched in the direction of the glowing being. Fingers straining to reach the other who was too far away. He gasped in a final breath and yelled. "Quatre stop!"

Several things happened at once. The white glow immediately flickered out as if it had never been. Heero's eyes snapped open, jarred out of his deep level of concentration, and Wufei's head swung to look over his shoulder, concerned eyes finding the one Duo had called out to in desperation.

The burning that had filled his entire spirit eased away like a gentle wave, caressing his journey worn mind, lulling him to a peaceful tranquility.

Duo's eyes slowly slid closed, he had no hope to stop them. The last thing he saw was Heero's surprised face as he quickly moved to catch Quatre as the other slumped to fall to the floor. Blue-green eyes never once opening.

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