Happy birthday to me, you get a chapter to read!

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A thunderstorm was the last thing he needed at this particular moment, but the weather was not obliging him. The rain came down in sheets, turning the overcast day as dark as night. It was hard to see three inches in front of him and when demons and archangels alike surrounded him that was a very bad thing. He tossed his short hair out of his face and stepped back cautiously until he came into contact with something firm and tense.

"You take care of the archangels. One attempt at a demon, and you'll start a war between Heaven and Hell."

Orphée didn't need to turn around to know that Torin had nodded. Whether he was lucky or not that the celestial was with him, he couldn't decide. The demons were eyeballing his companion with a fierceness that made it clear just who their target was. Studying them proved they were all exceptionally young and weren't thinking of consequences. Most likely, even if they attacked Torin, neither God or Lucifer would allow a war to happen.

However, if either Torin or Orphée made one move to attack their opposing factions, it would be all-out war. Gee, what a lovely perk to being a war veteran. Orphée almost rolled his eyes, but figured he really didn't have the luxury to do so when he was straining them as it was just to see one foot in front of his nose.

"Why does this always happen to me when I'm around you?" he hissed, but didn't receive an answer. That was okay, because he didn't expect one. Well, his little demon 'colleagues' were going to get a nasty surprise. A little concentration and his human form faded away. Black and red leather wings snapped out at his back and a long, sinewy tail curled around his leg instinctively. When he tilted his head, he could hear each and every one of his numerous hoop earrings jingle and their familiar weight reassured him. It had been a very long time since he'd been in his true form.

Gathering his weight in his legs and bending his knees slightly, he launched himself into a sprint, diving right in the middle of the mess of demons. Not all of them could get out of the way of his rapid-fire of kicks and punches fast enough. Taking their stunned state to his advantage, obviously shocked that he was going against them rather than the angels, he pulled out his dual-bladed knives. He wasn't aiming to kill, but some show of extra danger might make them think twice.

No such luck. Their retaliation wasn't normally something to worry about, but it was five to one. So long as he could keep them occupied with him, they wouldn't go about aiming for Torin. He needed that celestial to keep the other archangels off of him. Even if it was out of self-defense, he didn't trust those angels not to cry war on him if he had to respond to attacks.

A sword sliced against his armored, black ankle-length coat and turned around fast enough to kick the blade out of said demon's hand. Really, it paid to have those martial arts lessons. He was hardly an expert, as he'd never really devoted himself to it, but it was enough to get him out of trouble. He couldn't have pulled out his daggers every time he got into a fight in this world, obviously. It had just never occurred to him that it would be useful against other demons.

Battle sped up and it was all he could do to keep track of the three in front of him. If he hadn't been keeping in mind to watch Torin's back, he wouldn't have noticed the other two sneaking around behind to attack the celestial. He broke free of his attackers and sped as fast as he could through the rain. The water made the road slick going, but his thick, steel-toed boots were made for traction in any weather condition.

"Watch your back!"

Torin turned around at his screech, but his sword was already occupied fending off two other blades. Shit. I can take one of them out now, but that means stopping and letting the other go on. While Torin is in his angelic form, he doesn't have armor. That sword is going to go through his back like bloody butter. I can throw one of my blades into his shoulder and then tackle the other, but that means I lose one of my weapons.

Despite the detractions to the plan, it was the only one he could come up with at such short notice. He had only seconds left to make a decision, if there was even any decision to be made. Torin trusted him to guard his back and he couldn't let him down. He couldn't. Even for reasons he refused to contemplate, he couldn't let the man get hurt simply because even if he was a demon, when he gave his word or agreed to something, he didn't under any circumstances back out on a deal.

Orphée tossed one of his daggers not like a spear, but the opposite of a Frisbee. It sliced through the rain and wind in a vertical way and embedded itself in the weapon arm of his opponent. It threw off the aim of the strike and Torin was able dodge successfully. With one shove of his legs, he tackled the other running demon around the waist and landed hard in the mud, sliding a few inches to boot.

It all happened in a few seconds and he'd forgotten all about the fact that his three previous opponents weren't going to let him off so easily. Hands grabbed his shoulders and arms, dragging him up and he fought violently. They obviously didn't want him dead and he knew they probably wanted to drag him forcefully back down to Hell to face Lucifer.

Like that was going to happen if he had a say in it!

One demon got a broken nose for his trouble and the other a shattered kneecap. The demon that he'd hoped would be down for the count staggered up and tossed away his dagger, where it skittered somewhere in the darkness. Fuck! I'm covered with water and mud and this isn't good. I can't take these guys and take care of Torin's back at the same time!

"You ready for a strategic retreat?" he called over the thunder.

"Normally no, but I think the situation calls for it," was the calm reply.

How Torin could seem so serene, he'd never know, but he didn't have a chance to contemplate it. One moment of inattention and he missed the violent movement of a club being aimed at him. Pain exploded in his head and he saw for a few precious seconds, blood drops mingling with the rain as they fell to the ground. Oh shi…

-0-

Torin saw Orphée look vaguely stunned as he crumpled to the ground and disregarding everything, he dived to protect his fallen comrade. It didn't matter that he was attacking the demons, driving them away and ignoring the fact that it would cause a war. It didn't matter that he was one archangel against eight foes. All he knew was that there was no way he could allow them to take Orphée away from him. Nor could he forgive their brutality. With the sheer force that he'd been hit with, Orphée probably had a concussion, if not worse.

Time ceased to have any meaning for him and yet at the same time, he was conscious of nothing else. Every moment that Orphée remained in the rain with that kind of freely bleeding head wound, was a moment that meant that he could lose him. He paid no notice to limbs that began to shake with exhaustion. It didn't matter that some of his hair, which had gotten loose from its band, had been sliced off from a dodge of an attack for his throat.

However, he couldn't ignore that piercing, commanding call ringing in him. God was telling all the archangels to return. Immediately. Looking up at one of the nearby rooftops, he saw why. Of course, seeing that, he'd want them to return. It boded no good at all. But even as the other archangels took to the sky at once and flew back to heaven, Torin remained on the ground, blade held in one hand, his wings unfurled to protect his friend.

"Lucifer."

Fallen angel, ruler of Hell, former comrade. He was all that rolled into one, but even at this distance, he could feel the hate directed at him. It wasn't because of the war. It wasn't because he was an archangel. They say that one recognized like kinds and he knew the reason for the hate. Lucifer was in love and wanted to get his beloved back.

There was no way he was letting that happen, regardless of the fact that Orphée probably had no idea about those feelings.

Wings exploded into life behind him and Torin growled. They had once been as pure white as his own, but now they were dark as night, soaking in all the light around him. Even his once-blonde hair was black. What hadn't changed, though, were his baby blue eyes. It was all that remained to Torin of what Lucifer had once been. Why? Why had he done it? The question still burned in his chest after the war had long ended, but he'd never felt anything but hurt. That wasn't the case anymore.

The other demons had backed away a respectful distance, sensing this would be a fight that they had no place in. Lucifer's movements were graceful as he glided down on the rain-laden wind to stand on the ground. Those unkind eyes were boring into him and recognition flickered into that gaze. Lucifer knew who he was. They hadn't ever been especially close in Heaven before the war, but they had never been on bad terms either.

"Give Naga back. Now."

Naga? It hurt, though logically he knew it shouldn't. Was Naga Orphée's demonic name? Or was it just a nickname? Either way, it didn't change the fact that he didn't know it. It was expected, as Orphée didn't love him and only seemed to tolerate him, but it hurt nonetheless.

"No. If he wanted to go back to Hell, he would have a long time ago."

"Shekinah, my last warning. I'm giving you one more chance, because of our history. Step aside."

"Never."

"You always lived up to the meaning of your name, but he won't ever return your feelings." There was a faint snort and over the years, Lucifer had gotten quite good at condescension, he noted. "Though even I never expected that love from an archangel to a demon was possible. Fallen angel, yes—"

"It doesn't matter if he returns my feelings or not. I promised him that I'd protect him. He trusts me to do that and I'd rather die than let him down."

There was a moment of silence and Lucifer's eyes became colder than ice and yet also inflamed with rage. "Then I shall take him through you."

"Be my guest to try."

Torin didn't know if he was up to fighting one-on-one with Lucifer when he was so tired, but he didn't have a choice. He refused to allow any lethargy come to his limbs as their swords met in a rhythm that was old for both of them. That blade was as black and red now, fissures going through the metal and it had warped a long time ago. Torin could remember when Lucifer's blade had shown brighter than anyone else's in heaven, but now it was as black as the rest of him. It truly was a demonic sword now.

Moving faster than the eye could see, the sounds of combat overpowered even that of the horrendously loud thunder. Perhaps God had sent his call to bring all the archangels back, hoping that Lucifer would take Orphée back with him and it would be the end of it. There would be no upsetting, world-changing situation where an angel and demon worked together, protected and trusted each other.

Forgive me, Lord, but I cannot go to you. Not ever again. Not while Orphée still draws breath. And if he ever does cease to do that…my crimes against you can surely never be forgiven. Orphée is…

Torin bit his tongue so hard it bled when he was slammed into the wall, but he moved fast enough to become that barrier once again that blocked Lucifer from Orphée. His vision was hazy, but he wasn't about to give up. He didn't even bother wasting a movement to brush his wet hair from his face. Lucifer would take advantage of any inattention to take his precious burden from him.

His exhaustion was catching up to him and he almost lost his head if it hadn't been for a hand gripping into his shirt and dragging him back at the last second. He knew it was Orphée without having to look, but he did anyway. An arm wrapped around the demon's waist and under his nearly black skin, he had a distinctly grayish pallor from his head wound. There was very little sense in his burgundy eyes, but he was awake. That was all that mattered.

"Sorry, Luce. We have to go."

The voice he spoke with might have been weak in terms of strength, but the will behind it wasn't anything less than steel. Torin heard faint ripping sounds as Orphée's claws became so tight in his shirt to hold himself up that it made holes. He wanted to check to see if the bleeding stopped, but he dared not take his attention off of Lucifer.

"Naga! Come back!"

Composed Lucifer had disappeared and he seemed just a little frantic. His hand reached out, obviously intending to drag him away from Torin, but the archangel had expected this reaction. He flapped his wings violently, causing dirt, mud, and silt to mingle with the rain and head straight to Lucifer. It obscured the demon's vision enough that Torin was able to make it into the air and use the rain clouds as cover for their escape.

Figuring that Lucifer knew where Orphée lived, he carried his friend to his own apartment. He didn't spare a moment of attention to assume his human disguise, merely shouldered the door open and wedged them both in despite their wings. Quickly locking the door to prevent any intruders, celestial or otherwise, he hurried to the bathroom. Orphée needed warmth and he needed it then, so he turned on the hot water tap of his bathtub on full blast.

"Orphée, stay awake. Don't fall asleep. I think you have a concussion."

"What did you…think you were doing, taking on…Lucifer like that?"

Apparently there wasn't any danger of Orphée falling asleep, as his eyes were hazy but irritated and quite awake…well, sort of. His attention span seemed to drift in and out, but he didn't close his eyes or sleep. He went to work on undoing the buttons of Orphée's armored jacket. Surprisingly, it was quite heavy and it chinked loudly when he let it drop to the floor. Must be at least six daggers hidden in them then. And while the shirt underneath the jacket had no sleeves, it resembled very closely that of a black breastplate. He unbuckled it quickly, letting it land on top of the coat.

Orphée's hands tried to stop his as he went for the chainmail-like greaves, but the archangel wasn't to be detoured. "You don't want to go back to Hell. Lucifer was going to take you. I thought it'd be better to fight him than let you be taken."

"Didn't it occur to you that I could just leave again?" was the tired but irate reply.

Giving up on the pants for the moment, as Orphée was being exceptionally obstinate, Torin shifted his attention to untying the laces on metal-plated boots. "You trust me to watch your back, Orphée, and that is exactly what I did." He tossed the boots into the pile of black on the tile of his floor next to the toilet and headed straight for the greaves again. Apparently Orphée had used up all his energy fending him off before, because he had very little trouble getting around the uncoordinated efforts to stop him.

It was the first time he'd seen Orphée naked, or an up-close look at any demon, but he dared not look too long. Archangels were pure beings, only able to physically react to those they loved. It wasn't common knowledge, but if Lucifer had told Orphée… The demon's skin was icy-cold as he lifted him up to put him into the tub and he frowned in worry. Orphée winced at the heat and he turned off the tap so the water didn't overflow.

"I don't know what's with you. You're so damn extreme."

Torin ignored the mutter, his fingers instead going to peruse Orphée's skull, looking for where the injury landed. Cursing from the demon told him he'd found it on the left side of his head. There was a huge bump and a nasty cut, but not deep enough that it would need stitches. He'd probably be fine if he spent the night in his demon form and took advantage of his accelerated healing.

"You can go now."

He blinked and looked down. "What?"

There was an adorable, faint flush on Orphée's cheeks and he was pointedly looking elsewhere. "You can go, moron. I'm not going to die or anything in here if you're not here right next to me."

Torin kept his eyes fixedly everywhere above Orphée's shoulders. "I don't want to risk the chance that you fall asleep and drown in the water." He brought a soft cloth to run along that dark grayish black skin that was so tantalizingly alluring in its beauty. Even the scars on his body weren't ugly or too marring. He recognized one that he'd probably done himself during the war, an old and faded scar that ran along Orphée's right ribs.

"Who'd do something stupid like that?!"

"It's been known to happen."

"Hmph. I think you're still here because you have a touching fetish. You keep touching me lately."

He worked in silence for awhile, watching as the demon closed his eyes tiredly to shield his gaze from the glaring bathroom light. "Orphée?"

"What?"

"Is your demon name Naga?"

"…Sort of. It's a nickname made from my demon name. And unfortunately for me, even being a nickname, it still holds the same power as the full thing." There was an expectant pause and one blood-red eye cracked open a little. "Why do I get the feeling you want me to tell you my name?"

"Well…"

"Why should I, exactly? You know as well as I do, just how powerful a True Name is. Why should I trust you with something so important?"

"You trusted me with your life," Torin whispered, knowing this discussion could lead to the revelation of his feelings, but couldn't let it go. Both Lucifer and himself were lost in Orphée's essence, in his life and his feelings. They felt the same thing and as cliché as it was, he'd fight with Lucifer over Orphée no matter how many times it became necessary.

"Why should I trust you with my soul?"

"Because I trust you with mine?"

"Oh really?" A trademark smirk came onto Orphée's lips and it was somehow so soothing to see something so normal. "Tell me your name, then I'll tell you mine."

"Shekinah," he replied instantly, noting that Orphée looked shocked that he'd told him. Clearly he hadn't believed he would. "It means unity and unconditional love."

"You idiot! Honestly! Did it never occur to you that I could have just been playing you?! You're such a moron! Do you realize that you just gave a demon pure power over you?! Your very soul is at my bidding now!"

"I didn't give it to a demon, I gave it to you, Orphée." It shut up Orphée's rant and his cheeks glowed a little red. "And I trust you."

There was a moment of silence and Orphée shifted in the bathtub uncomfortably. "If you laugh, I'll kill you. It's Nagalsabael."

Torin blinked and a faint smile touched his lips. Why were demon names always so long? "May I call you Naga? When we're alone?"

"What is with you? You want to be just like Lucifer or something?" Before Torin could think of a reply for that, Orphée continued. "Fine, fine. Only when we're alone. I don't want everyone knowing my bloody True Name. You ever have a nickname?"

"No."

"Then I'm going to call you Kinah. And don't you try to stop me!"

"I wouldn't dream of it," he whispered and didn't care if his wide smile disturbed Orphée or let him get a clue about the depth of his feelings.