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Chapter Text

Xxx

0500 wake up, dress, report for training with the obnoxious and always wide awake archangel who could hear every single sarcastic mutter made by anyone when complaining about exercises at the ungodly hours of the morning.

1045 finally finish training an hour and half late because said archangel heard the comment about duty and the need for sleep.

1100 shower, grab an apple as breakfast wasn't an option due to training going so long. Sprint to House Whele for guard rotation to avoid being late.

1530 be dismissed from rotation early because William Whele was attempting to pester about being the Chosen One, Consul Whele found out, was excused to avoid conflicts. Now owe Sgt. Hanson a free rotation cover due to substitution.

1545 due to leaving guard shift early, get ass dragged outside the city limits to have a training 'session' with the previously mentioned obnoxious archangel, get said ass kicked because archangel is a dick

1900 finally get a decent meal after weapons check and barracks inspection. Get penalty marks for not having sword in perfect condition due to prior 'session' ruining the edge again, skip shower

1930 run back to barracks to shower because dick archangel refused entry

1945 get lecture from dick archangel about tardiness

2230 get dismissed from archangel's presence after meditating ended in disaster and aggravation from both sides, may or may not have gotten into heated argument with archangel…

2300 report to House Whele for overnight guard rotation

0330 make it back to barracks, collapse on bed to sleep, clothes still on

0500 wake up...

Xxx

Alex Lannon couldn't be anymore bored with the routine of his life. The only high light of his day, if he could call it that, was the very slight variance in his routine before heading to an induction ceremony. His captain sent him to the Stratosphere with Noma and Ethan to escort Michael to the ceremony where new soldiers would graduate from training and either be assigned an army unit, or a select few would get the lucky promotion to Archangel Corps.

Due to the prestige of the situation, everyone not on duty at that very moment was in dress uniform, basically their normal gear but polished up with any badges they'd been awarded. Least to say any awards Alex had earned had been stripped because of disciplinary measures. Michael even had a dress uniform, more like thin armor that was meant for battle, due to his own schedule and preferences the archangel rarely wore the gear, opting to use it for formality such as today.

Forgoing true protocol, Alex knocked on the angel's bedroom door before entering without waiting for a response. Michael was just exiting his bathroom, wiping at his face with a cloth before nodding to them, heading for the armor stacked on a chair. Noma and Ethan made themselves busy by watching Vega from the panoramic windows, whispering quietly as they pointed things out. Alex stood next to Michael as the angel slid his boots on, buckling the leg pieces over his black jeans before standing. The hand and wrist guards slid up easily, displaying the Corps emblem in bright silver as Michael rolled his shoulders before reaching for the waist piece. Due to his wings he was unable to have something that completely covered his chest and back, instead the top of the piece stopped an inch below where his wings emerged. Michael grunted softly as he attempted to clasp the buckles in the back, brow furrowing as he adjusted how his arms were bent to better reach the clasps.

Alex bit back an unprofessional smirk as Michael struggled, finally glancing up when Noma turned at the delay in them leaving.

"Are the buckles broken?"

"No, merely refusing to close."

Noma grinned a little before smoothing out her expression, stepping forward to assist the archangel when he sighed in mild irritation. Her hands gripped the leather like material as she checked the straps before trying to pull the two edges together, one was supposed to overlap the other, now they wouldn't even meet.

"Huh...there's like a two inch gap."

Michael glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowed, "That is not possible."

"Well it can't shrink...so something else changed size." Alex silently applauded Noma for finding a discreet way to mention whether or not the angel had gained weight, it was highly unlikely as Michael didn't eat like humans did, but it was possible that his muscles shifted or were swollen slightly due to the injury he'd sustained from Furiad six weeks ago. Abdominal wounds took forever to fully recover, angel or not.

Michael didn't respond to the hint, merely shifted his stance to brace against the wall, "Pull it shut."

Noma nodded in understanding, adjusting her grip carefully to avoid grabbing Michael's black shirt beneath the armor, "Suck it in."

The soft mutter earned a frown from the angel, but he complied anyway, tightening his torso as she struggled for a moment. The buckles just barely closed, the metal hooks catching and straining to remain that way. Michael grunted as he straightened, grimacing slightly as a hand went to his side.

"You alright?"

The glare Alex received was enough to shut him up, Michael brushing past them with a nod to Noma before he grabbed his signature coat. If Alex hadn't known better due to so much time around him, he wouldn't have noticed the archangel was struggling to breathe properly, sounding like he was out of breath as they headed out.

Xxx

The ceremony for inducting new Corps soldiers was honestly boring, a captain would read off their duties and their vow, the new guys taking their oath and being given the new arm patch that displayed their unit. Michael stood next to the podium, not speaking but being a constant presence and reminder what the soldiers were agreeing to.

The commanding officers had the authority, but Michael had the final word.

Throughout the three hour long ceremony, Michael had stood ramrod straight, arms behind his back casually as he usually did, staring out over the rows of men and women ready to move on in their service. By the end, Alex and Noma could see the sweat starting to bead on the archangel's forehead, chest moving a bit rapidly in an attempt to get enough air into his lungs. Noma glanced to Alex quickly, receiving a tight nod to confirm he'd noticed too.

Michael was oblivious to their exchange, but he did shift slightly on his feet, barely noticeable, but enough to know he wasn't comfortable standing there. Anyone unfamiliar with the angel would brush it off, Alex knew something was wrong in an instant. Michael could and had stood completely still for hours on end, not even twitching, a couple hour ceremony shouldn't elicit anything from the angel.

With a note of finality, the ceremony concluded, the upper ranks of the army applauding their new members, the Corps saluting their new comrades. Commanding officers directed the ranks out of the auditorium, a couple higher ups speaking with Michael before departing. Alex and Ethan stood from their chairs, stretching slightly before following Noma to the stage to await Michael. They escorted him here, time to escort him back, or to a Senate meeting, Alex couldn't remember where they had to go next.

Michael hadn't moved by the time they arrived, watching the last of the new soldiers file out before turning his head enough to look at them.

The look on his face was one Alex didn't want to see again, it was the same as when Furiad's blade had slid into the angel's torso, one of mild confusion and pain before he dropped.

The archangel was shaking as he buckled, falling against Alex when the soldier rushed over, arms wrapping under the angel's to try and keep him upright. Michael couldn't get his feet under him, going limp for a moment as Noma and Ethan grabbed his arms.

"Shit...what the hell?!" Alex didn't have an answer, trying to look the angel over without prying. Michael's head lolled a little as his lips parted, face pale and sweaty as the other two soldiers lifted his arms to their shoulders.

"Noma?"

"Private room, now."

Alex barely had enough time to reach the doors before they did, holding them open as Noma and Ethan half carried Michael from the stage and down a side hallway, heading towards a side room off the main barracks. Luckily it was evening meal time, leaving the bunk room completely empty as they ducked into the back hallway and into the little used room.

"What are these even here for?"

Noma turned her head to Alex once she and Ethan had eased Michael down onto the creaking cot, adjusting the old pillows to prop him up slightly, Michael was still unresponsive when she spoke, "There was a unit shift a couple years ago after that big assassination attempt, there was a plan for an elite protection unit but it got cut soon after, Ethan and I were on the list to be part of it and some other guys, we were supposed to use these rooms as our quarters."

Alex moved closer to check on Michael, "Why wasn't I told this?"

Ethan snorted, "You were on probation for sneaking out of the walls again."

"Ah."

Noma didn't respond any further, trying to examine the archangel, finally giving up with a sigh before she reached under Michael's torso, popping the buckles off the armor in a snap and yanking the chest piece off. Michael jerked up with a gasp, gulping for air as he rolled onto his side coughing.

"Bucket!"

Alex slid her the trashcan just before Michael gagged, retching into the container with enough force his whole body was shaking. It wasn't pleasant to listen to as Alex politely averted his gaze. Ethan was already rinsing out a cup at the sink in the corner, handing it full to Noma.

Michael threw up a second time before he was able to let go of the trash can, using the water to rinse out his mouth before rolling over and laying back against the pillows as he gasped for air. Noma wet a cloth in the sink after rinsing out the bucket, resting the damp cloth on the archangel's forehead as she sat back down next to him.

"Archangel?"

He didn't respond right away, taking several minutes to catch his breath and still his shaking form. "Thank you Sgt. Banks."

She nodded, standing after a moment to give him space as he rested.

Her confused and slightly worried gaze locked on Ethan and Alex, both of them shrugging, neither had any ideas or knew how to proceed. Michael didn't move for a long moment, finally grunting softly as he sat up, hand going to his head as he made to stand. Alex stepped forward to stop him, instead having to catch him when Michael buckled for a second time, dropping back to the cot in exhaustion.

"I don't think you should move."

Michael grudgingly nodded, sitting back against the wall with his eyes closed as he groaned softly, arms wrapping around his stomach in discomfort. "That would be wise."

Noma shifted, "Shift change is in twenty minutes, if you're not steady enough by then, no one will notice if you spend the night in here, wouldn't hurt to rest for awhile….uh, sir."

Michael opened one eye enough to look at her, nodding slightly before lunging for the bucket, barely glancing at Alex in thanks when he held it up, the angel hunched over the bucket with a strangled groan. Michael heaved miserably, bringing up stomach acid and the couple sips of water he'd managed to swallow. The dry heaves weren't pleasant either, and he was officially shaking by the time he was able to sit back.

Noma and Alex kept him from falling as he laid back, stretching out a little stiffly on the cot. He refused the blanket, eyes already drifting shut when they stood back. Within minutes he was asleep, head slightly tilted to the side. The three soldiers slipped from the room silently, keeping the door cracked a hair just in case before glancing at each other.

Ethan spoke first, sounding just as confused and panicked as they were feeling, "What the hell?!"

Xxx

Michael remained asleep well into the night, waking for about ten minutes when Alex brought him some crackers and soup from the late night shift meal. He slipped into sleep soon after eating, breathing deeply as Alex settled onto another cot in the back room. Ethan was covering for him at House Whele for the night shift, and Noma had slipped some of her scotch to the captain on duty who was making barrack rounds that night. With a little luck they'd make it til morning with none the wiser that something was wrong with the archangel.

Michael had merely stated he must have eaten something bad before the ceremony, ignoring any further questions as he shifted to lay on his side and fell back asleep.

Noma waited until both she and Alex were positive he was unconscious before turning to her comrade and friend, "Ok wonder boy, got any ideas?"

Xxx

Xx

Xxx

Alex woke up just before six in the morning, rubbing at his eyes as he rolled to sit up and glancing around the dimly lit room. Noma was curled up with her back to them, still sound asleep as her watch alarm hadn't beeped yet. Michael was also still asleep, now at least a blanket was over him as he'd started shivering slightly late at night when the two soldiers had finally gone to bed. Noma didn't dare check for fever in case her touch woke him up, instead draping the blanket over him and hoping for the best. Michael had merely shifted beneath it, head turning to the other side without him waking at all.

The angel looked terrible, almost as bad as when Alex had brought him to the hospital after Furiad had stabbed him, pale and breathing weakly, like even while he was asleep he was exhausted. Lannon watched him rest for several minutes, Michael shifting a little as he swallowed reflexively, not even stirring when Ethan slipped into the room with covered plates of food.

Noma growled at them when they prodded her awake, blinking blearily but accepting the peace offering of eggs and waffles with half a grin.

It was easier for them to wait for Michael to wake up then daring to disturb him, eating in silence and ensuring the cover on the archangel's plate remained tight so to keep the food hot. Michael started to stir shortly after they began opening the synthetic syrup packets, the sweet smell invading the room as Ethan stole Alex's to drench his food in. Alex didn't mind, instead taking the guy's pepper packet to season his eggs with. The archangel let out a soft noise as he woke up, halfway making it to a sitting position before looking around to realize they were there. Noma was about to speak a greeting when the archangel gagged, hand going to his mouth in a flash before Alex jumped to his feet and grabbed the bucket.

Whatever was making the angel sick, it couldn’t be the food, no one else in the entirety of the barracks had gotten sick from the soup last night, and anything lingering from beforehand was well gone from Michael's stomach by this point. Ethan quickly removed the food from the room when it became apparent the smell was what was bothering the angel, returning with a pack of crackers and a bottle of water. Michael managed a few swallows before throwing up again like he had the night before, collapsing back against the pillows in exhaustion.

"This is getting ridiculous…"

The soft murmur was enough for the soldiers to go on edge, glancing to each other for ideas.

Alex shifted on his feet, "This has happened before?"

Michael nodded slightly, groaning a little as he rested a hand over his eyes, "...off and on...several weeks now…"

His heavy gasps for air prompted Noma to pull out her med kit, running the thermometer over the angel's forehead while she had the chance. When nothing came up she sat down next to him, waiting until he looked to her with a sigh. "Permission to examine you? Angel or no...getting sick constantly is not acceptable."

Michael nodded in consent, holding up a hand to make her wait as he rolled onto his side and heaved again, back rippling with the action of expelling the minimal food he'd eaten a few hours ago. Alex left to dispose of the bucket, bringing back a fresh one and finding Noma carefully prodding along Michael's abdomen. Due to his discomfort from the armor the day before and the inability to eat easily, it was possible the archangel still had lingering damage from the stab wound.

Noma's face remained impassive for most of the examination, brow only furrowing once before her features smoothed out. Michael didn't see the change, eyes closed as he attempted to control his breathing to keep from throwing up again. Noma glanced up to the two guys, a faint look of worry in her eyes before she turned to Michael and lightly shook his wrist.

"Archangel…"

"Hmm?"

"I think you need to get to the hospital...I am not trained in enough medical standings to proceed."

Michael sat up smoothly, showing no signs of his illness as he moved, but he swayed once upright, "And this is prompted by what?"

Noma shook her head firmly, "You don't want to hear it."

Chapter Text

Xxx

Noma not only got them to the hospital without suspicion, but slipped them up to the third floor to meet with the one doctor she trusted enough in this situation, stating simply he owed her a favor.  Michael remained silent throughout all of it, following her without a word.  Alex couldn't tell if the archangel was actually sick and in need of care, or was somehow just humoring them.  Either way his sudden complacent mood was unsettling and not easing any of Alex's nerves.  Ethan was no better, the usually talkative soldier hadn't spoken more than a handful of words around Michael, even his nervous rambling had ceased, he ensured no one was ever following them as they moved, but still kept his distance from the archangel.

Dr. Rogers was just finishing up at the nursing station on the third floor when they stepped out from the stair well, he gave Noma a short wave before motioning for them to wait a moment as he signed off on something.  The look on the doctor's face when he recognized Michael set Alex on edge, but what worried the soldier more was that the archangel spun on a heel and ducked into the bathroom just down the hall, collapsing to his knees as he heaved into the toilet.

Alex followed, holding onto Michael's shoulders when he saw how the angel's arms were shaking.  The angel's heaving was enough to nearly echo in the bathroom, the strangled sounds earning a wince from the human.  He tried to focus on something else, but Noma's voice didn't carry through the door besides a low murmur, Dr. Roger's voice a tad deeper and just as quiet.  Michael didn't seem to notice any of it, finally leaning back with a soft groan before Alex helped him to his feet and flushed the toilet with his foot.  The fact that the archangel actually needed Alex's help to walk was even more concerning, leaning heavily on Lannon as they exited the bathroom once Michael had cleaned up quickly.

Ethan quickly took Michael's other side, helping him to the private exam room Noma was waiting at while Dr. Rogers fussed with a machine in the corner.  The exam bed was tilted up halfway when they entered, the two soldiers helping Michael lay back once he was steady enough to tilt that much.  Dr. Rogers had already set up an IV bag of saline, pulling out the needle and inserting it into the back of Michael's hand without so much as a "may I?".  Michael didn't seem to notice the abruptness, watching listlessly before resting his head back and closing his eyes.  He did shift a little when Dr. Rogers swung out a pair of stirrups , guiding the archangel's heels into the loops before turning back to his machine.

"How long have you been feeling ill?"

"Nearly two months."

Dr. Rogers remained expressionless, but Alex's brow furrowed, having probably been one of the few people who spent an extensive amount of time around the archangel this was news to him...other than the injury Michael had shown no signs of anything.

The doctor continued calibrating his machine, pulling a wand and cord from the cabinet and plugging it in as he spoke, "And when have you been feeling ill during the day?  I assume it is not constant as there have been no medical reports indicating this."

Michael shook his head slightly, "Mostly early mornings, rarely any later than midday, though I am unable to consume anything until evening."

That earned a soft hum from the doctor before he motioned for Michael to lift his shirt, glancing to him for permission before squeezing a light blue gel over the archangel's stomach.

"An ultrasound will hopefully find the cause of the issue, lingering complications from the stab wound you sustained six weeks ago could be quite serious."

The wand pressing against his stomach made Michael wince slightly, face contorting in pain.  Alex was beginning to wonder just how much of this illness had wrecked the archangel's self control and stoic exterior.  Alex had moved to Vega with his father when he was five, an eight ball attack had gotten so bad that Jeep had been injured in the fight to the extent their solitude wasn't going to cut it.  After the first initial meeting of the archangel, Alex had always seen Michael as someone cold and calculating, one not to speak unless absolutely necessary and only on facts.  Something was definitely wrong.

The archangel let out a soft sigh, "It is not the wound."

"Oh?"

Michael grimaced when the doctor pressed the wand a little harder against the angel's navel, "This started before the stabbing."

Dr. Rogers hummed a bit disapprovingly, eyes flicking to meet Michael's before the angel closed them again.  Adjusting the wand's position, the doctor enhanced the image on the screen, looking Michael over briefly before clearing his throat.

"I will agree with you on that the wound was not the cause of this, not so surprising symptoms wise all things considered."

Noma shifted from where she leaned against the closed door, arms crossing as she tried to look over Dr. Rogers' shoulder without moving from her post.  "Considering what doc?"

"According to these scans and my estimate Michael, you are ten weeks pregnant."

Michael sat up abruptly, getting shoved back down when the image distorted on the screen.  Noma moved to hold him down if needed while Dr. Rogers adjusted the wand again, turning the screen so the archangel could see what he was seeing.

The image wasn't perfect, but it was clear enough to see the curled form inside the angel, a bit odd looking due to its age but it was obviously a baby.

Alex was about to ask the obvious question of how when Michael started gasping for air, eyes fluttering as he dropped back against the bed.  Whether it was shock or something else, Michael went limp and Dr. Rogers jerked to his feet and grabbed an oxygen mask behind the exam bed, handing it to Noma to slide neatly over the angel's face while Rogers examined Michael further.

The angel came to a few minutes later, groaning slightly before he yanked the mask off and threw up.  At least Dr. Rogers expected that, having a bucket waiting once Michael had stirred more than blinking sluggishly.

Once settled back down, Dr. Rogers showed the still images again, handing Michael a damp cloth to wipe off his stomach while the doctor spoke.

"Unless this new machine is faulty, that is a developing fetus.  And the symptoms Noma here relayed to me as well-the fatigue and weight gain-and you confirming the morning sickness only adds to this.  With your permission I can run a few blood tests to confirm further, to be safe I'd like to do an MRI as well to ensure things are alright."

Michael hesitated before nodding, staring at the far wall and refusing to make eye contact with any of them.  Dr. Rogers was quick to note his mood change, proceeding with drawing two vials of blood before adjusting the IV flow.

"If you will allow me, I'd rather admit you to a private room, based on your hospital file archangel you are severely dehydrated.  Pregnant or no that is not safe for anyone."

Again Michael simply nodded, jaw clenching slightly as the doctor erased the ultrasound memory after copying the data to his computer pad for safe keeping.  On the way to the hospital, Noma had assured them that Rogers would not only be the doctor to handle this professionally, but would maintain the strictest confidentiality.

None of that seemed to matter now to Michael, the archangel laying on the bed and staring blankly at the wall.  Dr. Rogers left to make preparations to move the archangel, assuring them he'd return soon.  Michael didn't respond, one hand gripping the sheet on the exam bed tightly while the other rested on his stomach.

"Michael-"

The archangel jerked to his feet, yanking the IV out of his hand in split second as he began to move.  Alex had seen him mad before, but nothing like this...this level of frustration was completely new to him.  Michael growled softly, not meeting Lannon's or Noma's gaze as he paced, hands running through his short hair and down his face in irritation.

Neither soldier dared try getting him to stop, letting him pace undisturbed.  While pale and obviously exhausted, Michael could still easily lay them out without even blinking, and neither wanted to take that risk.  Michael didn't speak as he moved back and forth across the small room, staring at nothing as his mind raced.

Dr. Rogers had just stepped back in the side door, a gurney visible on the other side before he shut it again, leaning back on the wood once he saw how agitated Michael was.  None of them spoke for several minutes, letting the archangel be, though Rogers did keep eyeing the slight bleeding on Michael's hand from where he had yanked the IV out.

Michael had just begun to slow down a bit in his pacing when he suddenly doubled over, crying out in pain as an arm wrapped around his stomach, the other bracing on the exam table to keep him on his feet.

Dr. Rogers was at his side in an instant, steadying him upright as a hand slid under Michael's, "Cramping or pain?"

"Both…" Michael's voice was breathless, gasping for air like he'd gotten socked in the chest, "Oh father it hurts…"

Whether he noticed his slip up Michael didn't show it, grimacing as he nearly bent in half in pain, groaning loudly.

"Noma, top cabinet shelf, muscle relaxant." said Rogers, already checking Michael's heart rate with his stethoscope.

"Got it."

The syringe was handed over and its contents injected into a vein in Michael's arm.  The long minutes between the administering and the drug actually kicking in only added to the tension in the room.  The notable difference in Michael was enough for everyone to breathe a sigh of relief, the angel able to breathe normally again as he straightened a little with a grimace.  Whether he noticed it or not, Michael kept a hand on his stomach, nodding when Dr. Rogers made to step away and bring the gurney in.  The pain had left Michael breathless, and he sagged down onto the wheeled bed as soon as he could, accepting the oxygen mask for a moment while Ethan stepped in the room as well.

Once Michael had laid back and was ready, Dr. Rogers instructed Ethan and Alex to push the bed, directing them out and down the hallway with Noma right behind them.

"Have to say Noma, I applaud your deduction skills on that one, that and happening upon a rare week when half my ward is empty."

"Your ward doc?"

Rogers glanced over his shoulder as he held open a set of swinging doors leading to the private rooms, "Yes Sgt. Lannon, if you hadn't noticed you are on the maternity floor, I not only run this ward but it just so happens to only be half occupied this week, I also supervise the ICU section for castes V-3 and higher, keeping my mouth shut is as common as breathing."

"Noma-"

"Shut up Alex...I told you I took medical training, just didn't specify what field, had a hunch and rolled with it."

Alex just shook his head, glancing down at Michael on the bed, the archangel had let his eyes close again, but Alex couldn't tell if it was in exhaustion or because he was about to get sick again.  The angel swallowing thickly only confirmed the nausea theory, and Alex slowed his fast pace a bit to smooth out the ride.

The private room was already prepped with monitors and a fresh IV bag, a set of hospital garb was laid out on the counter next to the bathroom, but Rogers made no inclination to have Michael change when the doctor helped him transfer to the regular bed, adjusting the head a little to ease Michael's breathing.

A fresh IV needle was put in on the opposite hand, a bandage wrapping up the cut from the first one.  Michael watched silently as the heart monitor was clamped on his index finger, merely shifting to remove his boots and hand Noma his coat to set aside before laying back fully once Rogers stepped away.

"I would recommend getting some rest, I will go run these tests and return with the results by this evening.  My assistant will deliver food at noon-"

Michael gagged, coughing into his arm at the mere mention of food, face contorted in pain as he fell back against the pillows.

Rogers didn't even blink, "Deliver at noon, a light meal, something unlikely to turn a stomach.  I will be back after then to discuss everything with you."

Without waiting for a response the doctor left, ensuring the door was shut behind him as he pulled the gurney out with him.

Ethan glanced to each of them before clearing his throat, "Is it too early to ask about the elephant in the room?"

Michael responded by reaching over and promptly throwing his boot at the soldier, rubbing at his face tiredly.

Noma rolled her eyes as she dropped into a chair, yawning behind a hand, "Ethan...shut up."

"But seriously though…" Alex waited to continue until Michael looked to him, eyes strained with barely held back frustration. "What the hell Michael?"

With a sigh Michael shook his head, shifting on the bed before speaking, "I cannot give you information I do not possess Alex."

"So what now?"

"Now I would much rather you refrain from speaking...I would rather just sleep."

The pained tone in Michael's voice made Alex sigh before he moved to sit against the far wall, watching Michael shift a little before letting his head list to one side as exhaustion pulled at him.

"Ethan...guard the door for the hour and then switch?"

His friend looked eager to take the out, nodding and moving before he even spoke, "Yeah, sure."

Once the door was shut, Michael groaned softly, rubbing at his face in frustration, "Damn."

"What?"

"Senate meeting started twenty minutes ago…"

Noma snorted as she stood, tugging at the blankets at the foot of the bed to unfold them, Michael ignored her fussing but did adjust the covers to lie at his waist once she stepped back, "Missed that one...don't worry about them hearing anything from Rogers, he's a bit of a rambler if he gets going, but keeping a tight lip is his best trait.  Nothing will get out."

Michael nodded before letting his eyes close finally, sighing as he relaxed back against the pillows.  It was a matter of minutes before his breathing evened out and he fell asleep.

Xxx

Dr. Eric Rogers glanced over his shoulder at the centrifuge, wishing it would work faster as he scanned through the Archangel's limited medical file on the computer in front of him.

Bizarre wouldn't even be the tip of the iceberg if he were to describe what just happened, only decades of experience kept him calm and collected as he ran routine tests on the blood samples.

Least to say when the phone rang he wasn't expecting it to be from House Thorn.

"How can I help you Consul?"

"You can start by confirming to me that you are aware certain medical files are flagged in the database, should one in particular be accessed a notice is sent to the corresponding receivers."

"I am aware of this yes, but why are you calling me Consul Thorn?"

"Because I want to know why you accessed Archangel Michael's records."

Chapter Text

Xxx

Michael didn't wake up at all when the food was delivered, Rogers had even had the sense to include sandwiches for the three soldiers alongside the broth and toast sent for Michael.  The archangel had shifted to sleep on his side, looking more relaxed for the first time in the last twelve hours.  The food was kept outside the room incase the smell woke him up, Noma and Ethan taking turns eating out in the hallway with Alex on guard duty. 

Rogers hadn't approved any nurses to assist him, instead giving Noma permission to act as a stand in while he completed the tests, ensuring Michael's presence remained a secret.  The nurses who delivered the fresh IV bags and the food handed off things to Noma at the door, and those who saw the Corps soldiers in the hallway guarding the door merely ignored them.  Nothing new for someone to be assigned as a bodyguard to a V-4 or higher.

Dr. Rogers returned close to six o'clock, holding a thick folder of test results, he barely acknowledged the three soldiers, having Noma step outside the private room so he could speak with Michael alone.

The archangel was awake and sitting on the edge of the hospital bed when he entered, idly fussing with the IV tubes as he glanced up at the doctor.  Rogers pulled a chair over to sit in front of him, flipping through his folder to find a specific sheet of paper before looking up to Michael with a sigh.

"Where would you like me to start?"

Michael's slightly harsh intake of air portrayed his uneasiness, his face remained impassive but his eyes showed the doctor everything he needed to see.

"What exactly is it?"

Rogers nodded, flipping through the pages to pull out two ultrasound still shots, the pair almost identical.  He handed these to Michael as well as pulling out three more sheets of paper before setting the folder on the bed in front of him.

"The one on your left is from a colleague's pregnancy, ten weeks fetal development, in your right hand is your ultrasound image, I'm guessing your roughly about the same, I can't know for sure without an amniotic test...these are the hormone charts from the blood samples, again the first one is my colleague's, this one…" Rogers handed off the two sheets, one vastly different from the other, "Is your blood results from the mandatory exams the Corps had done two years ago, and this last one," Another sheet, this one matching the first, "Is your results from today."

He let the archangel look over the results, watching as Michael's brow furrowed for a few moments before he glanced up for further explanations. "Your hormone levels are almost identical to that of a pregnant female's, there are slight variances, but not enough to warrant any change in my diagnosis.  All the tests I ran with the blood samples are pointing to the same thing."

Michael swallowed audibly, "Pregnant…"

"Mhm...Noma told me about the armor and how you had to compress your abdomen to get it to fit, I believe in doing so you not only caused yourself pain but have begun to give  yourself some serious complications, such as the increased nausea and cramping you experienced earlier.  Stress can easily become your enemy, well could…"

"What do you mean?"

Rogers couldn't place the look in Michael's eyes, but he met the gaze evenly, folding his hands in his lap calmly before speaking, "I mean, there is much of this that is unknown.  I cannot give you my full medical opinion on this without further examination, this might not even be safe, the fact that you are pregnant is the biggest challenge here obviously, not counting how this is even happening…"

"I don't know...I did not suspect this at all when I had begun to feel ill...I…"

Michael's heavy sigh as he trailed off was enough for Rogers to reach out a rest a hand on the archangel's knee for a moment.

"Before I continue with any further tests, I ask you to look over the information in the folder, your test results and images in comparison to several other women, as well as a few from your past exam to show the changes.  I also ask something I do not usually ask new moth-"

Rogers cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck to cover up his mistake, "I don't usually ask this of those in your situation, but it may be found that the window for termination is only a slim one.  From just the ultrasound alone and the blood tests, the fetus has implanted in you to the extent that the window for ending this is only a few more days.  Past that the risks increase exponentially and I cannot guarantee your safety."

Michael nodded, shifting enough to pick up the folder and begin to leaf through the papers silently.  Rogers was about to explain one particular chart when the sounds of shouting made it through the door, making both of them look up.

Rogers was on his feet and slipping through the door in an instant, Michael shifting to lean back against the lifted end of the bed, legs crossed as he started reading through the pages.

Xxx

"Lannon!"

Alex had thought he'd seen something scary when Michael was angry.  He'd never seen Rebecca Thorn furious…

Her heels clicked on the floor aggressively as she stalked towards them, hands balled into fists and mirroring David Whele's as the other Consul and General Riesen followed her.  Ethan and Alex shifted their stances, appearing solid and unmoving as Noma ducked back into Michael's room when Dr. Rogers exited.

Ethan shifted, clicking on his secondary radio and speaking in a low voice before the senate members got close enough to hear.

"Sgt. Mack requesting Corps back up, 3rd floor hospital, code penna."

He'd barely finished speaking and straightened back up when Consul Thorn got closer.

"Where is the archangel?!"

Becca was fuming as she came to a stop in front of them, not paying any attention to Dr. Rogers as she glared at Ethan and Alex.

"Unavailable at the moment Consul, we ask that you respect his privacy-" said Alex.

She interrupted him, "Excuse me?  How dare you-"

Rogers took a step forward, forcing Becca to take a step back and in turn put more distance between her and Michael, "Consul, I ask you to respect the well being of others in the hospital, at least lower your voice, there is no need for shouting."

"No need?  There is no need for you to keep things from the senate, if Archangel Michael has been admitted to the hospital then we have the right to be informed."

Rogers snorted, "Actually you don't, doctor-patient confidentiality...as a scientist yourself you know this Consul.  You cannot barge into this hospital and demand answers you are not allotted to."

Becca's jaw tightened, but before she could speak Consul Whele stepped forward, "Are you telling me that you accessed the archangel's medical file without permission, and have two archangel corps guarding one your patients and you won't even give us their name?"

"That is exactly what I am saying David, and actually there are three soldiers here currently with two more arriving now." said Dr. Rogers.

Alex nodded to the approaching Corps men, Ethan shifted so one of them could stand next to him, the second new comer taking position behind the V-6's.

Becca went off on a rant, shouting loud enough a couple nurses ducked around corners to ensure everything was alright, eyes wary once seeing the argument in the middle of the hallway.

Ethan glanced to Alex, nodding slightly to their two comrades and speaking softly, "Sergeants Blake and Connors, they were picked to be part of that special unit Noma mentioned; before they disbanded us, we established codes with one of the captains in case of emergencies within our duties.  Penna is Latin for flight, meaning there's an issue between the archangel and the senate.  It's how the others know to send specific people for backup without drawing attention."

Alex nodded in understanding, glancing to the still arguing doctor and senate members, the arguing had progressed to a borderline screaming match.  He tuned out the noise, but Alex did spin around when a strangled yell came from the other side of the door.

"Rogers get in here!"

Noma's shout was enough to kick the situation down the drain, that and it wasn't hard to recognize Michael when he was yelling.  Rogers rushed through the door, slamming it in Becca's face when she tried to follow before Alex could pull her away.

"Let go of me!"

"Ma'am, hospital orders-"

David Whele glared at the soldier, trying to slip past himself and being stopped by Sgt. Blake, "I order you to stand down soldier!"

Alex bit back a frustrated sigh, V-6's...always thinking they were better than everyone else…

Xxx

Michael was writhing on the bed slightly, face contorted in pain as his arms remained wrapped around his abdomen.  Noma was trying to keep him still as Rogers entered and saw the blankets kicked to the end of the bed and papers dropped to the floor.

"What's going on?"

"Heart rate increased the longer you were shouting outside, blood pressure jumped a minute ago and cramps started instantly, stress induced."

Rogers nodded, taking a vial from his coat pocket and drawing a syringe full, injecting it into the IV line.  Michael groaned in pain, shifting weakly on the bed before the muscle relaxer kicked in, relieving the cramps enough so he could lay flat.  Noma took a step back once he relaxed a little, panting lightly for air.  Neither she nor Rogers missed how the archangel's hand remained on his stomach almost protectively, but neither dared make their awareness known.

Michael winced as he shifted to lay better, Rogers helping him to situate a pillow at his back before he laid down, grimacing at the heavy fatigue dragging at him.

"I will edit my previous statement, stress is going to be your enemy period."

Michael nodded in agreement, hand rubbing his stomach unconsciously, "The senate is not pleased."

"No...the members here currently are furious enough, would not surprise me if the rest is in the same state of mind.  I cannot divulge any information without your permission, but guards within my hospital and no answers will only aggravate them further."

The archangel sighed, rubbing at his tired eyes before glancing to Noma.

Xxx

Alex's hand flew to his ear piece when it beeped, adjusting the volume to ensure he could hear.

"Lannon here."

"Alex."

"Michael-"

"Give the comm. to Consul Thorn."

"Yes sir...Consul Thorn."

Becca had spun to face him when he'd said the archangel's name, eyes flashing dangerously, but she did relax marginally when he passed her the ear piece after putting it on speaker.

"Michael?  What is going on?  Were you admitted?"

"Yes."

"What...why?  Are you ok?"

"I am fine, Dr. Rogers is attending and shall convene with you tomorrow morning after further  testing, you will be informed then."

"Michael...tell the soldiers to stand down, let me in."

"No."

"Michael-"

The comm piece clicked, and then beeped as it was turned off, effectively ending the conversation.  Alex took his ear piece away from Becca before she could break it or throw it, tucking it back in his ear as he straightened his guard stance.  Becca's jaw twitched but she backed down, glancing to Riesen as she turned away from the door.

Riesen watched her for a moment before nodding, following the female Consul down the hallway as she left.  David hesitated a moment longer, only leaving once Connors shifted, hefting his gun from its holster on his hip.  The silent threat was enough to convince him to leave.

Once the hallway was empty once more besides the nurses moving about their duties at the station and the other side of the floor, Alex let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, rubbing at his face in exhaustion.

Ethan smirked, stretching a little as he tucked his gun back in his holster.  "Go ahead Lannon, Blake and Connors will be on guard duty while I go catch some sleep, we'll rotate whose here until the archangel says otherwise."

Alex nodded, turning and ducking into the hospital room once Dr. Rogers opened the door to his knock. 

Michael was curled on his side, two IV bags now pumping fluids into his veins as he lay hunched beneath a thick blanket with one hand tucked under his head, the other on his stomach.  Judging by the dim lights and how Michael's face was tense, the archangel had a headache, and a bad one at that.

Rogers nodded to Alex before departing, handing Noma a pager to contact him with ease should they need it.  She accepted the device before following the doctor out to speak without disturbing Michael, giving Alex a small grin as she closed the door.

Alex glanced up at the IV bags, one was a simple saline and nutrients fluid bag, the other was Magnesium Sulfate, something the human had no idea about.

"…'s to stop the cramping…"

"What?"

Michael opened his eyes enough for Alex to see he was awake, the hand resting under his head gesturing vaguely to the IV pole, "The new one...supposed to stop the cramping."

"I'm guessing it's working then."

"Mhm." Michael shifted a little, making to tug the blanket up higher and twitching his lips in what should have been a grin when Alex did it for him.  He sighed at the warmth it provided, face relaxing a little, "Stops the cramps but gives me a headache instead…"

"How you feelin'  besides that?"

"Nauseous...tired...out of control…"

Alex dropped into the chair next to the bed, gaze flicking to the bed tray where the full folder sat as Michael's voice dropped even lower at the last part, "What do you mean by that?"

Michael's eyes opened again, the look he gave Alex was one of exhausted exasperation, "Since when do I openly tell you how I feel?"

"Good point."

The archangel snorted slightly, the hand on his stomach shifting a little under the blanket before going still, the look in his eyes as he stared blankly ahead of him honestly unnerved Alex, but he didn't speak.

"Rogers says it's due to hormones…"

Alex waited a moment before replying, careful with his words, "So it's truly a...a…"

"Pregnancy?  Apparently...more tests will be done in a few hours to determine things further…"

Michael's tone was enough for Alex to settle into the chair further, silently stating he wouldn't be leaving any time soon.  A slight relieved sigh slid from Michael's throat without him realizing it, exhaustion clouding his actions as much as everything else.

"What will the tests determine?  If Rogers already said what this is, why do more?"

Michael shrugged, "He mentioned something about determining how it is growing...my physiology is not that different from a human's...how this is happening is still a mystery...he wishes to determine its safety in relation to my health...as well as the viability…"

"Viability?  Like if you-"

"Went full term yes…he will also examine the possibility of this not progressing any further…"

Alex stiffened, having to process the words before he could reply, "Not progressing-"

"Your repeating my words is getting old Lannon-"

"You're saying he's going to see how to terminate the-"

"Yes...he asked me to decide…"

"On what?"

"If I wish to continue this...or not…"

"The risks involved in that procedure…"

Michael leaned up on an elbow, hand still on his stomach but now his body had tensed in response, "There are risks involved either way Alex...and it is my decision.  I will ask you to respect that."

Alex nodded, rubbing at his face while Michael rolled onto his back, staring at the far wall deep in thought.

"I will Michael...whatever you decide I'll back it, this is just a bit new to me."

"A bit?  How do you think I feel?"

Alex snorted, smiling when the archangel's lips twitched up in his version of a grin, "I can't even imagine...Michael, how did this even happen...what are you going to do?"

That struck a nerve, the archangel was silent for several long minutes, swallowing once before he turned his head to face Alex again.  The lone tear tracking down Michael's face was enough to answer Alex's question, haunted eyes meeting his as Michael failed to speak twice before managing to get the words out.

"I don't know."

Chapter Text

Xxx
Dr. Rogers only had two other tests to run besides another blood sample, an MRI and a proper ultrasound. The MRI was over quickly, and Alex had barely gotten back from changing clothes and showering at the barracks to meet with the doctor and Michael in the exam room again.
This time Michael was more relaxed and alert, looking ten times better after getting several hours of decent sleep and fluids in him. Rogers was finishing up his calibrations when Alex stepped in, nodding to Michael and taking a seat in the corner.
Michael rested his head back against the pillow as Dr. Rogers began his exam, this time knowing what to look for and doing things properly. The archangel didn't watch though, letting his eyes close and keeping his hands at his sides.
From where he was sitting, reality was beginning to set in for Alex. Michael was fit but slim, and from previous evenings spent meditating beside him, Alex knew that his abdomen was flat as could be, until now...the slight rounding wouldn't be noticeable with heavy enough clothing, but it was still there.
Not only that, Dr. Rogers shifted the wand slightly and tapped the screen controls, getting Michael's attention subtly before pressing another button.
The muffled noise was fast paced and steady, sounding like something running to Alex. Rogers let Michael have a minute to listen without the doctor speaking, watching the archangel's face carefully while Michael stared at the screen.
Michael's eyes were vaguely confused, locked on the tiny form displayed, he remained motionless, almost not breathing as Rogers adjusted the wand when the sound disappeared for a moment.
"That...is the heartbeat."
Xxx
Noma was already settled in the private room when Alex and Dr. Rogers guided the gurney back in after the testing. She didn't even wake up when the wheels squeaked as the brakes were applied. Michael probably preferred it that way, carefully sitting up before moving to the regular bed while Rogers adjusted the IV fluids and the heart monitor.
"I bid you goodnight archangel, page me if needed, otherwise Noma here is able to aid with care."
Michael nodded, shifting to lie on his side and tugging the blankets up to his chest while Alex sat down and leaned back in his chair. The archangel had grown even more withdrawn after Dr. Rogers had explained the noise, eyes distant even now as he stared at the floor. Noma grunted in her sleep, shifting unconsciously. It was amusing she was comfortable with her feet up on the window sill, arms crossed, and chin tucked to her chest. The faint noise she let out made Michael flinch, startling him from his thoughts.
Alex wanted to say something, anything that would help...even a little bit, heck he'd accept even a wry smirk from the archangel because he said something stupid. Nothing came to mind, everything he thought of could be taken the wrong way or just wasn't right. Michael glanced at him one of the times he opened his mouth to speak, neither tried speaking at that, staring for a moment before Michael looked away, resting his head back and letting his eyes close.
Alex waited until the archangel's breathing evened out before he allowed himself to drift to sleep.
Xxx
Uriel waited until she could no longer hear the sounds of movement in the hospital room before she swung down from the window sill above her brother's room, perching precariously on the edge of the bricks as she peeked in between the blinds. The female soldier right next to the window didn't even twitch when the archangel's shadow fell on her, remaining as asleep as the Chosen One across the room.
Michael however may have noticed his sister, head turning to face the window after a moment though he remained unconscious. Uriel watched him carefully, she'd come to Vega the night before to speak with her brother, when she couldn't find him, she'd hidden within the city during the day, finally discovering his location when three of the senate members had rushed into the hospital late evening. Hallway windows didn't have blinds or curtains, and she'd been lucky enough to get a glimpse into Michael's private room before the blinds had been dropped after the doctor had rushed back in when her brother had yelled in pain.
The look on his face was one she hadn't seen in many millennia, it wasn't one she'd wanted to see again. Now his face was smoother in his sleep, but he was still tense even unconscious. Uriel laid a hand against the glass, wishing she knew what was wrong. Wind whistled through her wings, ruffling the feathers as she shifted to remain balanced on the narrow edge, just a few more minutes...otherwise she'd risk Michael waking if he sensed her presence.
Michael shifted again in his sleep, laying out on his back as the hand without the IV and heart monitor moved to rest on his stomach, Uriel narrowed her eyes slightly at the odd placement, but she did jump from the ledge to avoid making any noise when she watched the tears slip down her brother's face.
The angelic shriek she let out once high above Vega couldn't be heard by any human ears, or their scanners...only archangels could hear her pained cry.
She flew fast, fleeing North to the mountains, knowing it was only a matter of time before her solitude was invaded by the only other being who could hear her pain.
...Gabriel…
Xxx
2014
Xxx
The first words he heard as his very being oriented itself to earth once more were Jeep's breathless and slightly ragged, "Fuck you."
Gabriel lifted his mace, making to end the man's life, but before his brother could deliver the final blow, Michael landed in front, wings flaring in dominance.
The younger archangel stared, in both confusion and anger, jaw tightening as his wings bristled in agitation, "This can't be...You disobeyed him!"
For the first time since he'd fallen and taken on the task of protecting humanity alone, his voice portrayed the deep sense of confidence and strength he'd been created with. "You gave Him what He asked for. I gave Him what He needed."
Gabriel didn't take the declaration, growling out as he lunged, mace raised and ready to strike. Michael blocked it, ducking and fighting with such power it probably made Jeep dizzy to watch as the two archangel's dueled. His brother's anger though became his downfall, his passion gave way to his common sense and soon he was weaponless and kneeling before Michael.
"Do it!"
He couldn't, couldn't kill the one who had stood beside him since the dawn of everything, "No."
With that he stepped back from, tucking his sword away with a note of finality as his wings curled slightly to show peace.
Gabriel sneered, getting to his feet as his wings rustled in preparation for flight, "I would not have shown you such mercy."
"I know." His tone was enough to earn a glare from Gabriel, though the truth in it rang out more than anything else, "That's why you failed him."
Gabriel nodded before jumping off the cliff, wings catching the wing and soaring him into the early dawn light.
Turning back to the human, he held out a hand, pulling Jeep to his feet carefully. The young man nodded gratefully, brushing off his clothes and wincing a little at the bruising on his body.
"Thanks."
He nodded, a slight smile gracing his face before he turned at the sound of the infant fussing in his mother's arms.
"They're waiting."
When he turned to leave, he expected Jeep to rush back to Charlie and the baby, not reach out and stop him from leaving.
"Where are you going?"
"There are-"
"Jeep! Are you-Michael!"
The archangel turned as Charlie scrambled up the barely there foot path, clutching the prophesized baby to her chest, the pure hope in her eyes and then the growing relief as she saw him standing there made him pause, sighing slightly as the black wings on his shoulders shifted with his thoughts.
He looked back to Jeep, trying to keep a steady face, but his voice betrayed him when he spoke, "You are the true protector...you...always have been."
Jeep seemed to catch his meaning, and after a long moment Charlie did to, shaking her head as she moved closer.
"No...no-no-no...you can't leave...not yet…"
Michael wanted to turn away, say something in parting to reassure them before leaving...but he couldn't, not now...not after all that had transpired in the last twenty hours. With a sigh he nodded, watching Charlie pass Jeep the newborn baby before he suddenly had someone hugging him. The shock of it was enough to make him stiffen, the sensation of a compassionate touch something too new to him.
"Charlie-"
"Sshh…"
He hushed, gritting his teeth slightly as Jeep let out a forced chuckle, the was noise was borderline hysterical, but the man kept his cool, instead looking down at the baby in his arms.
Charlie squeezed a little, the action still much weaker than it should be, no surprise there considering she'd been fighting for her life for a day and half and had just had a baby in the middle of said battle. He let a small grin slip onto his face as his arms copied Charlie's, wrapping around her shoulders gently to reassure her. That simple gesture was enough and he could feel her relaxing, finally able to breathe easy knowing she was safe for the time being.
Least to say none of them were expecting the gut wrenching scream to echo from the crash site of the police cruiser.
Charlie spun in an instant, taking the baby back as Jeep moved to the edge of the cliff to look around, unable to see anything with the sunrise behind him casting long shadows.
"That's...Audrey…"
He nodded when Jeep glanced to him for answers, already in motion as he listened to the sounds the two humans couldn't hear.
"Stay here."
Now Michael took flight, wings stretching to their fullest to catch the air as he dove down the cliff side. The first thing he found was the mutilated cop car he'd stolen from Los Angeles, then he found feathers and Gabriel's blood, but last...even being an archangel who'd seen battle before...he wasn't ready to see what he found…
First thing was the lower angel trying to kill the young teenager, snarling as the female body it possessed tried to bite the kicking leg. Michael didn't even blink, diving to the ground and wings snapping out to catch him as he yanked the dog of heaven away to slide his sword through its chest. The body dropped to the ground below him, black eyes staring blankly up in death. He grimaced at the sight before moving back to his original target.
Audrey was gasping for air, every breath agony to her lungs as the tears tracked down her face. Her body was tense in the effort to keep from moving, exhaustion and pain making her tremble...as well as shock starting to set in and send her shivering. Every other breath she whined, trying to keep her teeth from chattering but also trying to get enough air into her lungs.
Landing a few yards away to avoid startling her and causing the teenager undue pain, he examined her visually before approaching. Her shoulder was dislocated, as was her knee, it looked like either her wrist or her hand itself was broken, there was too much swelling to be sure which. Multiple fresh scrapes and darkening bruises covered her skin, clothes torn and bloodied and clinging to her battered body.
"S-some...bod-dy...p-please…"
She was too weak to move her head enough to see him, his footsteps on the sand made her tense up, shaking even harder as she started to sob. He cringed when she flinched at his touch when he crouched down next to her, he never wanted humans to be afraid of him, especially not someone who'd gone through what she had.
"Do not be afraid Audrey."
"M-mich-ael…?"
His warm hand on her neck to gently turn her head was enough to confirm her question, a relieved sigh sliding from her pale lips. Her eyes were pained, but they brightened when they met Michael's, she managed a smile, even though she was barely holding back screams...might also have been because she was too weak.
"You...you died...Gabriel came after us…"
"I know...but it's over, you're safe…"
"Kinda...hard w-w-hen...I'm on th-the ground…"
Michael looked her over again, ensuring her spine was still undamaged before sliding an arm beneath her legs and the other around her shoulders. Even though he was as delicate as possible with her, Audrey still screamed in pain, her good hand gripping his armor tightly as she bit her lip in an attempt to stop. He stood still to let her adjust, carefully adjusting his hands to support her and be careful of her knee and shoulder. Audrey huddled against his chest, shaking from shock and cold as he began to move.
Charlie hid a gasp behind her hand when she saw them, eyes locked on the teenager in Michael's arms. Her muffled cries luckily didn't make it to Audrey, mostly because the teen was too far gone to hear them. Jeep rested a hand on the girl's ankle, careful of all her other injuries, his eyes locked on hers, a gentle smile lighting up his face when she looked to him.
"...The...baby…"
"Alive, thanks to you…"
Audrey smiled, letting out a soft breath before resting her head back against Michael's chest, a second later her chin dropped as her body went limp.
"Audrey?"
She didn't move, even when Michael shifted her in his arms.
"Audrey!"
Michael's eyes hardened, his grip on the teenager tightening as he looked to the far side of the cliff, the lights of the national forest settlement lighting up the shadowed valley.
"We need to move."
…
Audrey remained passed out during the sprint across the foothills to the encampment, which was good since even though Michael had no issue carrying her, he sacrificed comfort for speed, that and to not risk their safety Michael retracted his wings. The few national guard men standing watch when they approached took in the sight of the unconscious teenager, a crying newborn, and an exhausted woman with two bloody men. They didn't even question them, one shouting for a medic as they lead them to a small cabin. Michael kept Audrey in his arms the entire time, only setting her down when the doctor had to pop her shoulder and knee back into place.
The resulting pain stirred Audrey from unconsciousness, screaming in pain as she grabbed on to Michael's arm, clinging to him desperately. Once the humans' wounds were treated, and the baby checked over, another soldier escorted them to a large tent where four cots were waiting. Jeep shoved two of them together, taking an extra blanket someone brought to them to make a little nest between him and Charlie for the baby.
The new mother was asleep before her head hit the pillow, finally able to trust her surroundings enough to shut down. Jeep remained awake long enough to move the other two cots together when it was obvious the bandage wrapped Audrey wasn't going to let go of Michael after he'd carried her from the makeshift infirmary.
Michael carefully laid the teenager down first before stretching out beside her, letting her grip his hand with her uninjured one. Audrey curled as close to him as she could, still in pain but it was easing as the sedative and painkillers she was given kicked in. He grinned a little, glancing over at the little baby tucked next to Charlie and Jeep before he rolled his shoulders, letting his wings unfurl within the privacy of the tent.
"You know that's not going to be a good thing to do for awhile…your wings I mean..."
Jeep's exhausted words made him look up again, a soft snort passing his lips as he nodded, "I am aware...I will keep them hidden when necessary , but I just had them returned to me...I do not wish to lose the feeling just yet…"
"The blood on your coat...I saw it when we were boarding up the windows…"
"My own, when I rebelled I was cast down to Earth...and to further my disobedience I cut off my wings and all ties to Heaven."
Jeep winced, not sure what to say to that. Finally, yawning as he settled back and fell asleep, he said what Michael hadn't realized he'd wanted to hear.
"Thank you."
That earned an almost true smile as Michael laid down fully, one wing curled against his spine, the other stretching out carefully, tendons flexing beneath the feathers.
Audrey whimpered a little in her sleep, "Mm...Michael?"
"Yes?"
"…'kay...you didn't leave…"
"No."
"Good...I don' wan' you to leave…"
"Audrey-"
Her broken sob made him stop, watching her cry against his chest as it all came crashing down, it was just too much for her. Michael held her gently, cautious with her wounds, she finally stilled once his wing stretched over them, covering her like a soft blanket and providing warmth and reassurance.
"Don't leave…"
Audrey's voice was tired, slurring and barely a whisper, Michael sighed softly as he let his head rest on the pillow, eyes drifting shut for the chance to catch a bit of rest himself. The teenager shifted closer still, sighing in contentment as the warmth of his wing and body soothed her aches, the medicine easing her into sleep, and the archangel's presence ensuring her peace of mind so she would actually rest.
"Promise me...don't leave…"
"I promise."
Xxx
2039
Xxx
Michael jerked awake, choking on air before he rolled sideways and threw up, nausea making his vision spin to the point he didn't even know who was holding the bucket for him.
Morning sickness...that's what Dr. Rogers had called it, if only Michael was that lucky...he'd had days where he'd been perfectly fine, leading him to believe he'd merely eaten something bad or had over exhausted himself, honestly wouldn't have been the first time.
Other days he'd been so ill he hadn't left his bed, pure dumb luck had kept those days to a minimum and when he wasn't expected to do anything or see anyone. It would have only been a matter of time before someone else figured out something was wrong.
Guess the archangel could be grateful it was the three Corps soldiers who he had a bit of trust for. Alex went without speaking, but Banks and Mack...only their close ties to Alex, being privy to the Chosen One's identity, and their skills in the Corps itself...made things that much easier right now.
Michael let out a groan before retching again, wishing it would just stop, the ache in his abdomen was more than just his stomach, and now he knew why. His vision finally cleared enough for him to see Alex in front of him, holding the bucket in one hand and the other hovering over the call button on the pager. Noma was behind him, hands lightly on his shoulders to keep him upright, helping him lay back after the dry heaves stopped.
Water hadn't ever tasted to good then it did right then, the awful taste in his mouth disappearing after rinsing and a few swallows.
He covered his eyes with a hand, the sunlight filtering in through the window was a touch irritating after having just woken up. Vaguely he could heard Alex moving the bucket away before speaking, voice low and calm, "You alright?"
"Yes," No...in reality he was miserable, head still spinning and nausea threatening to make speech impossible yet again, but he swallowed back the feeling, trying to force his body to calm down. His skin was coated in a cold sweat, not helping him feel any better as he sat up slowly, grimacing a little before his head stopped trying to make the room spin.
"Michael?"
"What time is it?"
"Ten-thirty, Dr. Rogers came in at eight o'clock, but you were still sound asleep, said to page him once you felt like eating. He's with the senate right now."
Michael nodded, mind finally catching up to what was going on, he didn't dream...at least normally, the rare times he did it was always memories, mostly ones he didn't want to relive.
Shaking the thoughts from his mind, Michael glanced at his hand, the IV had been removed for the time being, and he unclipped the heart monitor after a minute, standing slowly incase he was going to be sick.
"Hey...Michael? What's going on?"
"I’m fine Lannon."
Noma stepped in, grabbing onto Alex before he could move to stop the archangel, instead the two watched as Michael grabbed the hospital clothes left on the counter, heading to the bathroom and having to stop for a minute at the door, one arm bracing him upright as he closed his eyes.
"Still nauseous?"
"Mhm."
Noma spoke up, "Take your time then and don't move quickly, let us know if you need us."
Michael glanced over at her before nodding, taking another minute when that simple action made him cough, swallowing back the feeling rising in his throat again.
"You sure you're ok for this Michael?"
"Alex...I assure you I can shower on my own, I promise-"
His trailing off didn't exactly help his case, and Alex stood up at his hesitation.
"Promise what?"
"Nothing, nothing at all…"
If Alex took offense to his sharp tone and almost biting snap, he didn't show it, merely nodding as Michael stepped into the bathroom fully and shut the door behind him.
The hot water felt amazing, a simple pleasure he didn't often notice besides out of necessity, now it helped soothe tense muscles and wash away what it could of the memories that had started to resurface. Why now of all times for those thoughts to come back…?
It didn't help that in all honesty, he'd broken that promise as well. He'd waited two weeks in the Red Ridge camp while Audrey healed and established herself as part of the forming community. At the end of those fourteen days, Jeep and Charlie were already planning on leaving, wanting to keep moving in case Gabriel came after the baby, and to keep everyone else safe in case of such an attack. Michael refused to let them go alone.
The last time he saw Audrey Anderson, was when he'd left the big tent the five of them had shared since arriving, having gone in to fetch the baby from her while Charlie and Jeep finished loading the truck they were taking. Her look of utter betrayal and hurt still haunted him late at night when old ghosts came to visit instead of sleep.
Michael grimaced, wishing he could have made things right...for all he knew Audrey was long since dead...so little contact was kept between the cities of the Western Cradle let alone other areas of the country...who knew what had become of the brave teenager who had been willing to die for a baby born in the middle of Judgement Day.
He glanced down at that, hand rubbing his abdomen slightly as he stood under the spray of water, watching the warm rivulets track down his chest and over the almost imperceptible bump. Any casual observer would miss it, but to him it might as well be the size of the mountain for all it meant.
Breath hitching, Michael couldn't tell if he was crying or not, the hot water feeling the same as tears on his face as he leaned against the shower stall wall heavily, arms wrapping around his torso tightly as his head dropped against the tile. He didn't know how long he stood there, barely moving other than ragged breathing as he just let it all sink in.
The sounds of the hospital room's main door opening and closing several times finally stirred him enough to move again, snapping him from his thoughts as years of battle and politics made him shove everything out of his mind to regain his composure.
...Damn...he still had to deal with the senate...

Chapter Text

Xxx

Consul Becca Thorn had to give Eric Rogers credit for keeping his Hippocratic oath.  Many doctors had folded under the threat of the senate bearing down on them for information, Rogers had not only kept his mouth shut but also maintained his cool when faced by the head of the Vega's senate.  Rogers was currently letting them look through the copies of the tests he'd run, sitting quietly as he pulled up an ultrasound image on the main screen and waited for the questions.

Both Consul Thorn and Consul Whele were there, as well as General Riesen, Claire, William, and Senator Julien.  No one spoke for a long time, reading through the papers in silence.  The unnerving quiet was finally broken when David Whele dropped his papers to the table with a heavy thud.

"You.  Have.  Got.  To be kidding me!"

Rogers shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back in his chair.  "Does it look like I’m kidding?"

"Michael is male...and an archangel...how is this even possible?"

"If either one of us knew Consul Whele, I assure you, the information would be in the files.  This does not appear to be something that has been possible for awhile, the MRI scans on the blood vessels and nerves shows that the attachment of the womb to Michael's body is not normal.  Comparing last night's MRI to the one done two years ago, the blood vessel attachments were not originally there, the nerves are new connections and the muscles are still growing to make accommodations for the changes."

Riesen rubbed at his forehead, pulling out an ultrasound print, "How...what does Michael say of this?"

Dr. Rogers winced a little, "Honestly not much, the night before last he was quite agitated after hearing my diagnosis, and after last night's ultrasound he basically withdrew from speaking with me or the soldiers with him.  I have not really had a chance to speak with him since yesterday evening just before I was rudely interrupted by your arrival."

Becca's eyes narrowed, "What went on last night?"

"Other than the MRI and the second set of blood tests in the file, I was able to do a proper ultrasound, and get this recording."  Rogers typed in a command on his keyboard, playing an audio file.

Senator Julien and Becca dropped their heads slightly once they recognized the sound, William chewed on the inside of his cheek, glancing around to everyone confused.  David scoffed, shaking his head as he leaned forward slightly.

"So what...that thing is alive and has a heartbeat, how do we know it's not some monster or something?"

"David!"

Claire almost stood up at his words, Senator Julien keeping a grip on her arm and keeping her sitting at her place at the conference table.  "It's a baby!  Just look at the ultrasound, isn't it obvious?!"

That earned a sneer from Becca as she crossed her arms, "A baby what though?  It appears human but so does Michael, also what is this going to do to him...Dr. Rogers you said the blood vessels are newly developed?  What else?"

"Well in the situation should Michael carry to term he would deliver naturally-"

"What the hell?!"

Riesen glared, "Consul Whele, control yourself!"

David ignored him, standing up in anger, "So not only is the city's archangel pregnant but if he carries the thing until its birthed or whatever he has a-"

"David!"

"Whele!"

"Father stop!"

Dr. Rogers sighed heavily, removing his glasses and beginning to clean them as he tuned out the escalating shouts, waving off a nurse when she ducked into to check on the loud voices.  The V-6's continued their "discussion" for several minutes, and the doctor was just about ready to order himself lunch when the group of them finally settled down and sat once again, none making eye contact.

"There are also the hormone changes, while centered on the womb for maintaining the development of the fetus, Michael's system is bordering on being overwhelmed with the hormones, he is not only suffering from the symptoms of pregnancy, but is experiencing the challenges of warring hormones trying to dominate his emotions."

David cleared his throat slightly, "Centered on his abdomen?"

Becca caught the meaning before Rogers did, scowling as she spoke, "It means Michael won't end up breastfeeding Whele."

Rogers bit back a smirk as the room fell into shouting again, going ahead and sending a message to his assistant and asking for something to eat while he waited to continue his meeting.  Noma had paged him the message that Michael had woken up and started moving around, the doctor hoped the archangel would be able to get some food into him.  Whatever his decision was in the next few days, the archangel needed the nutrients to feel better in general.

There was an ebb in the yelling, just enough for the doctor to interject one more factor that he knew would send this meeting all to hell.

"Did I mention that Michael has the decision to terminate the pregnancy?"

Xxx

Not counting the dreams that had stirred him from sleep, Michael's day wasn't that bad so far.  The shower had helped magnificently, and the light weight fabric of the grey long sleeve shirt and loose pants, plus a pair of thick socks, were comfortable enough he was able to ignore the nausea trying to rise again.

Alex and Noma had occupied themselves while he was in the shower by cleaning up the hospital room a bit and getting food sent in, a tray of light foods were waiting for the archangel when he finally left the bathroom to join him.

Toast stayed down no problem, as did the water, Jell-O, and soup, Michael didn't dare try the fruit when just the smell of it made him gag.  Alex eased his discomfort by happily eating the applesauce for him.

The two soldiers ended up playing cards while he slowly worked his way through the tray of food, he couldn't keep the small grin from crossing his face as he watched them, no matter how hard he tried.

Noma was excellent at calling Alex's bluff, which wasn't hard, Lannon was a horrible liar when it came to cards.  Funny considering most of his life was a lie one way or another.  Alex on the other hand, was a master at shuffling and card tricks, making Noma loose her focus every few minutes by appearing to multiply the number of cards in his hands without ever touching the deck.

Alex had just managed to lay all the cards out in a line on the tray, carefully guiding the two ends to make the row of cards buckle and wave back and forth, when the hospital door opened suddenly, breaking Alex's focus and sending the cards jumping into the air in an impromptu game of fifty-two pick up.

Michael turned enough from laying on his side to see Becca stepping in the room behind Dr. Rogers.  The Consul didn't look very happy as she came to a stop at the end of Michael's bed, arms crossed as she glanced to the two soldiers.

"Leave."

Neither moved, earning a sharp glare from the irate woman before Dr. Rogers nodded slightly when Noma looked to him for help.  The two only left once Michael nodded as well, shifting to sit up on the edge of the bed as Becca moved to the chair, resting a hand on the back of it but not sitting down.

She didn't speak, merely stared at Michael while he stared back.  His hands balled into fists in his lap before he forced himself to relax, but that simple motion was enough, Becca's eyes flicked down, stopping on his abdomen with a critical gaze.

"Michael...what…" Her heavy sigh when she trailed off was enough to make his shoulders drop in defeat.

"Yes."

One word said it all, confirmed what Rogers had told her, confirmed that Michael believed him, and confirmed to Becca he had lied to her.

"I can't believe this…"

"What part of Dr. Rogers'  explanation did you not-"

Becca began to pace, arms gesturing wildly in agitation, "I understood all of it Michael!  This has nothing to do with the test results...what the hell were you thinking?!"

He shifted so he could see her, arms crossing over his chest, "And what do you mean by that?"

"You have told me and the other consorts time and time again you could not risk one of us getting pregnant...and then you go and do it yourself?"

That made him growl, standing up as she stared him down, "You think I planned this...that I wanted this?"

"I don't know what to think!  You didn't come to me or anyone else when you started getting sick, you had to be brought in by the soldiers...and until yesterday when your file was accessed no one knew you were even ill!  What am I supposed to think Michael?!  Tell me, because obviously you didn't trust me to make my own opinion...you lied to me!  And then this?!  What is the difference between one of us getting pregnant or you?!"

An hour from now Michael figured he could blame his sharp tone and way too explosive temper on all the changes going on, and he probably should have attempted to rein in his emotions a bit better...present time though...Michael was angry enough he finally understood the human phrase 'seeing red'.

"Get pregnant?  You think this was intentional?!  I had no idea this was possible let alone even happened!  You know I couldn't risk any of you possibly having a child with me."

"But why?!  It obviously didn't stop you!"

"Because a child sired by an angel will be nothing but heartbreak and pain!"

"How?!"

"Because it would be a Nephilim!"

Becca stopped slightly, "A...what?"

Michael growled, leaning on the end of his bed as he glared, "A Nephilim, created from a son of God and daughter of man...completely uncontrollable, a bloodthirsty monster...the last time they existed God ordered their complete annihilation to protect his precious creation of mankind.  They were raised solely for war by my fallen brothers."

"And now?  Raised properly no child is inherently evil, you can't say that a mother raising her child would turn it into a monster."

"The mother wouldn't be able to-"

"Why not?!"

Michael's eyes narrowed at her interruption, muscles tensing as his voice grew sharper, "Because they would be dead!"

He really shouldn't have taken satisfaction in the look of horror on Becca's face, but his anger only intensified, "No mother ever survived carrying an angel's child, the unborn would weaken her before its birth and no amount of power from the angels or healers would save her upon delivery.  Even their sires would be unlikely to be able to contain their spawn for long.  They are monsters Rebecca...any Nephilim found on Earth since the beginning has been or will be destroyed instantly, even still in the womb.  All angels know to kill them and their mothers if needed on sight."

Consul Thorn should have kept her mouth shut, instead her tone was bordering on sarcasm but enough of it was serious, "And now you're carrying one...shall I go get your sword Michael?  Or are you too much of an ass to do it yourself?  How do I call one of the other angels to do it for you?"

"You think this is a Nephilim?"

"What else would it be?!"

"I don't know!"

"You don't know?!"

"Consul, I don't know how in my father's name this happened, I don't know why it happened...I don't know if this is a Nephilim or some...some demon from hell!  How on Earth could it be a Nephilim?  Who would possibly be the other half?!"

Becca scowled, shrugging as she shook her head, "Obviously this isn't right, Dr. Rogers is waiting for your say, an operating room will be prepped within the hour and we can terminate this."

"What?"

Consul Rebecca Thorn should have turned from her agitated pacing to at least look at Michael when his voice suddenly dropped, instead she kept going on about the surgery, heading to the door to get Dr. Rogers who was undoubtedly waiting outside with the Archangel Corps soldiers.

"...the blood vessels will be simple to remove, the nerves might cause a complication and the scar tissue from the incision will be a concern when you return to your duties-"

"Get out."

That made her pause, freezing mid step as she turned to face Michael at least, seeing him hunched over as he leaned on the bed, one hand gripping the foot panel tightly, the other hovering over his stomach.

"Excuse me?"

"Get. Out."

"Michael," She took a step forward, hand reaching to touch his shoulder, "Talk to me...you know you always can."

He scoffed, shaking his head a little.

"Michael...let me get Dr. Rogers, we can end this and things will be fi-"

"GET OUT!"

At Michael's strangled yell the door flew open in time to catch the water pitcher before the glass container could hit Becca when she had scrambled back as Michael lashed out.  Sgt. Blake and Mack escorted the Consul out, not saying a word as Alex rushed to Michael's side when he turned and slid to the floor.

Someone shut the door for them, blocking out the rest of the world.  Michael didn't notice, knees curling to his chest as his hands gripped his hair.  The archangel lost it...shaking as he sobbed outright, not caring anymore who saw him or that he was betraying himself by showing weakness.

Without conscious thought one of his hands dropped to his stomach, fingers curling around the small rounding under his skin.  A minute later Alex was by his side, sitting against him and wrapping an arm around his shoulders in silent comfort.

For several minutes it didn't help, the tears wouldn't stop and air wouldn't make it into his lungs.  It wasn't until the pain started stretching across his stomach again did he do more than just sit there shaking.

His pained grimace made Alex move more, the hand around his shoulders gripped gently, the other moved to rest over Michael's, almost jerking back before Michael curled around the two hands, trying to relieve the pain.

"I need to call Dr. Rogers…"

"No...why bother…"

"Michael…"

"Why Alex?  Not like this is going to do any good…"

Alex shifted, making Michael look at him when he moved away, "Because making this choice after a...talk...like that, and when you're in pain like this isn't a good idea, a clouded mind does not allow clear thinking."

"Where-" Michael grimaced, curling up even tighter as he gasped for air, "...where did you hear that?"

"From you."

The archangel glanced up at him, finally nodding in understanding, he didn't realize how much he'd needed Alex's warmth when he stood up...it soothed the deep reaching ache resonating in his abdomen.  Alex was back next to him in a second, having smacked the call button to get Dr. Rogers back in.  Michael was relieved when Alex helped him up onto the bed, and didn't pull away from him when the archangel gripped his hand as a wave of pain made him curl up almost into a ball.

Dr. Rogers reattached the IV quickly, restarting the Magnesium Sulfate drip and prepping a sedative injection just in case.  Michael groaned in pain a few times, shifting uncomfortably before going still as he sagged into the mattress.  Dr. Rogers held out an oxygen mask, Michael taking it after a moment and keeping it close enough to help ease his lungs with the pure air.

"I will let you rest for a bit, if you're keeping food down I'd like you to eat more later, and I'll be back to speak with you in awhile.  I am concerned for your health if we put off some things."

Michael nodded after a minute, eyes drifting shut as Dr. Rogers stood up and left the room.  Alex moved from the chair to sit on the edge of the bed next to Michael, the archangel shifted to glance at him before staring at the sheets.

"I know this probably doesn't help any...but it'll be ok."

Michael's lips twitched into a bit of a grin before a tired chuckle slid from his throat, "It doesn't...not really...but thank you."

"No problem...that's kind of why I'm here...well that and the food here is better than the barracks."

Chapter Text

Xxx

Michael didn't sleep well, which to him wasn't uncommon, he'd have nights where he didn't sleep at all.  Tonight though he wished he could sleep, being awake left too much time to think...too much time by himself.  After Dr. Rogers had returned and spoke with him at length, Michael had ordered Alex to return to the barracks for a full night's sleep.  Noma was sleeping at the nursing station down the hall and only getting up to check Michael's vitals every hour.  Sgt. Mack and Connors were the ones at his door, Blake would relieve Ethan in a few more hours. 

The talk hadn't been the best...Dr. Rogers had returned only after ensuring the senate members had left the hospital completely, not risking another interruption.  Michael had allowed Alex to stay, knowing one way or another Noma would hear anyhow and it might as well be from her friend.

Rogers had at least been direct, not skimming over or trying to soften his information.  Michael's body was wreaking havoc on itself, the hormone changes were enough to drive anyone nuts, the flood of hormone levels maintaining the fetus were half the reason Michael was feeling so lousy.  The nausea was partly from that and partly just from the pregnancy naturally.  The weight gain was obvious, but the cramping was becoming a concern.  Part of it was stress and Michael's blood pressure suddenly spiking or dropping, causing his body to try and reject the new organs and fetus.  The other half was due to the fact that Michael now had the new organs and the muscles to go with them...muscle development in the archangel's past experience just sucked…

There was a positive note Rogers could provide should Michael choose to continue the pregnancy, the nausea and some of the cramping pain would disappear within a couple weeks.  The hormone levels would even out as the new organ development finished and the archangel's body adjusted to the changes.  Because the new organs were growing and a bit out of the place naturally, Rogers wanted to watch things closely and monitor Michael's progress to ensure the archangel's safety, and that of the fetus.

The doctor was going on the MRI results and a slightly wild hunch that new organs Michael now had were wholly temporary.  Only there to support the fetus safely to term.  Should the pregnancy be terminated, there was a possibility that Michael's body would try to reject the new organs and cause issues.  Rogers stated that the womb and 'accessories', as he described everything else, were becoming more a part of Michael as time went on and things would get easier.

He also described it like a survival defense mechanism; in a woman the most dangerous time in a pregnancy to miscarry was the first trimester, serious medical conditions none withstanding.  At the current time, Michael's body was trying to adjust to the changes, resulting in the 'raging hormones'.  The longer the pregnancy went on the higher risk terminating or a miscarriage was to Michael in general.

Michael had roughly three days to decide, at that point he' d be eleven weeks pregnant and while his own health would improve, the risks would only increase should he decide to end this.  There was also the fact that he would have to adjust to it all himself, a miscarriage could cause the archangel insurmountable amounts of pain.

Rogers had left only after both Michael and Alex had run out of questions and the archangel had grown increasingly quiet.  Alex had hesitated before complying with Michael's order to leave, he did set his ear piece on the tray, giving Michael constant contact with the Corps soldiers outside his door and Noma down the hall.  They'd all switched to a different channel to keep others from overhearing anything.

After he was alone, the hours had dragged out, Michael had been able to doze for awhile but never reached a deep enough sleep to remain unconscious.  Which was odd since the last few days even before the ceremony he'd almost been dragging himself through the motions he'd been so tired.  He almost regretted sending Alex back to the barracks now.

He'd always kept his distance from not only the people of Vega but especially the senate, even more so from Becca Thorn, soon after his encounter with Furiad, he'd finally done what he should have done months ago when the nights began.  He stopped calling for the Consul and her consorts to join him in the Stratosphere.  The icy tension that developed between himself and the Consul only intensified as time passed, only years of keeping distance between himself and the humans made the few senate meetings he attended tolerable.

Michael was beginning to wonder just why he bothered, the senate rarely listened to him, even when they did it was as a last resort.  While they seemed to submit to his authority, the one they'd given him, they assumed his lack of involvement was from not caring.  Rather Michael wanted them to learn and decide for themselves, asking for his assistance because they wanted, not needed it.

He sometimes left meetings understanding God's idea that mankind wasn't worth celestials' time anymore.  Then he would walk through the city, rarely approached but always respected, always seeing people grateful for his presence and protection.  The Corps barracks were no different, most days the soldiers would see him right away and the formality and strict coldness would almost make him as aggravated as the senate did. 

But sometimes he could enter and be there for hours without the majority of the soldiers noting his presence, those were the best times, he rather enjoyed listening to the constant banter and talk among the soldiers.  Details of patrols and shifts he hadn't read in a report yet, or things not included in reports.  Many of the Archangel Corps soldiers found Michael irritating, cold, stiff, lacking in emotion, not human.  The last part almost earned laugh from him at the time, even the others had laughed at the one woman's observation, stating that should be obvious considering Michael was an archangel. 

Other times he heard the loyalty in these soldiers, about a third of them not only highly respected Michael but had been willing to or had died for him.  About half of the attacks on the city involved higher angels, and from the sounds of them Michael should have been called in for assistance.    The soldiers on the other hand had refused to make the call, instead fighting to the death and most succeeded.  Michael didn't know what to think about that...no, scratch that, he did know...he hated that humans had to lose their lives because of him, that they would fight until the end against an enemy that when one fell two or three more were always waiting to take its place.  He just wanted this war to be over…

Xxx

Noma was leaning on the wall next to Michael's door when Alex returned to the hospital after eight amazing hours of uninterrupted sleep.  Ethan was the only other one there at the time as their unit's captain was reassigning Blake and Connors and getting a guard rotation established for the archangel, Michael was going to have to decide soon what the heck he was going to do...nothing could be kept a secret in Vega for long...Alex should know…

"Michael's still asleep, well more like actually just got to sleep." said Noma, crossing her arms over her chest.

Alex looked to her in confusion, "Why?"

"Didn't sleep last night I guess, at least not a lot, every vital check I did he was awake or would open his eyes the minute I was next to the bed.  Never spoke but was way too alert to have actually slept."

That earned a 'humph' from Alex before he slipped inside the private room while Noma remained on guard.  The Magnesium Sulfate IV bag was finally gone, meaning the cramps had stopped and stayed gone sometime in the night.  Michael was curled on his side again, looking anything but peaceful, but at least he was asleep.

Alex eased into the chair again, getting comfortable to wait until the archangel woke up.  Hopefully he wouldn't be sick upon regaining consciousness.

The soldier must have sat there for nearly an hour in bored silence, taking to staring at the monitors next to the hospital.  His arm itched, and he thought nothing of it as he scratched at it through his sleeve, when the itch became intense burning he rushed to the bathroom to run the forearm under cold water, relieving the feeling enough to return to the main room and find Michael watching him.

"What is it?"

"Don't know, it's just burning, like it's…"

Alex trailed off, pausing in his scratching to stare at the twisting and spiraling tattoos curling over his skin.  The black ink burned as it moved, shifting and locking into opposite strands for split seconds before moving again.  He stared at the markings, trying to make sense of at least one of the phrases revealed, they blurred together as his skin burned.

"What does it say?"

Michael's voice brought Alex back to focus, the steady tone reassuring him as he tried to understand the fast shifting script.

"It's...going too fast...there's a bunch of phrases...all the same but in different languages...the writings are weird…"

"Can you read any of them?"

"No…"

Alex didn't miss Michael's faint sigh, whether of frustration or exhaustion he couldn't tell, but he heard it nonetheless.  The burning began to ebb, his skin tingling and going numb as the moving lines slowed and then stopped one more time before returning to normal.

"Wait…"

...Protect the Innocent…

Xxx

Michael didn't get back to sleep the rest of the day, slowly growing more fatigued and tense as the hours went on.  He did however go all morning and afternoon without being sick, managing to eat several small meals without any issue, as well as get out of bed for awhile to move around.  Alex was almost excited for that, the archangel was pale to begin with, but ash grey just wasn't a color he wanted to see in association to Michael, seeing a more normal color come back eased all of them.

Rogers had stopped in only twice, and was as glad as the rest of them that they went an entire day without having to resort to drugs for any reason.  Noma had even left just before noon to sleep at the barracks, returning late evening to find Michael had finally dozed off again, this time not waking or even moving when she entered the room.

"How long has he been asleep?" She asked as she came to stand next to Alex's chair.

"About half an hour, dozed off talking."

"Either of you eat yet?"

"No, was going to, then Michael fell asleep."

Noma hummed softly, moving to the opposite side of the bed and chair.  "Rogers is thinking about discharging Michael tomorrow morning."

"Really?"

She nodded, "Thinks he'll be more relaxed and feel better if he has a couple nights to himself in the Stratosphere, wants at least one of us posted there at all times, the senate has been bugging him all day.  Rogers does want to meet with him in two days though…"

"For what?"

Noma gave him a look, eyes flicking to Michael before she stared at Alex until he got it.

Rogers wanted Michael's decision.

Xxx

Alex fell asleep in the chair next to Michael's bed after Noma left, neither one of them had been hungry and the archangel hadn't woken up.  By the time the soldier stirred enough to realize he had a crick in his neck bad enough to disturb his sleep, he wasn't the only one having a rough night.

Michael moaned in his sleep, twitching slightly as his breathing grew rapid and uneven.  It wasn't enough to set off the heart monitor, but the beats were increasing as he shifted in his sleep.  The archangel mumbled something as his head turned away from the soldier, eyelids fluttering slightly.

Alex was careful as he reached a hand out, Michael's hands were balled into fists in the sheets, knuckles paling with his tight grip.  The archangel tensed when Alex's hand rested on his shoulder, moaning again as he struggled even more.

"Michael...wake up."

All that earned was the tense face to turn towards his voice, breath hot on his arm.  Michael's heart rate was starting to flash on the monitor, any higher and an alarm would be sent to Dr. Rogers.  That was the last thing Michael needed…

"Michael...you're safe...wake up…"

Something that time worked, the archangel gasped faintly as he woke up, blinking in the dim light before rubbing at his face when Alex backed off.  Michael didn't move much when Alex sat down, one hand dropped back to the sheets, the other remained over his eyes as he slowed his breathing back down.  Alex didn't dare speak, the tightness in Michael's jaw was enough to keep him quiet.

Once the other hand finally eased back to rest at Michael's side, Alex spoke, "Need anything?"

"No."

The sharp tone made him start, not because it was there, but Alex hadn't heard it since the last time he and Michael had met up in the Stratosphere to teach the soldier how to meditate and possibly read the tattoos swirling over his skin.  The single word sounded so normal it was a bit of a shock.

"You sure? I-"

"I said No."

Alex sat back, watching Michael silently for several minutes, the archangel was impossibly still the entire time, almost like a statue.  For the first time since the archangel collapsed on stage, Alex saw the Michael he'd come to know since he joined the Corps at sixteen.

The familiarity didn't last long, Michael lost the tension in his body after awhile, eyes squeezing shut as he rubbed at them again before rolling to lie on his side, blankets wrapped around him tightly.  "My apologies Alex."

"Nah it's alright."

"No," Michael sighed, sagging against the pillows in exhaustion, "It's not...this is just…"

His trailing off made Alex wince slightly.  He leaned forward, catching the archangel's gaze before speaking.

"I know."

Xxx

Rogers did discharge Michael, but only in the late afternoon, one to ensure he ate more before leaving and was able to get up and walk around several times without causing any pain or dizziness.  The archangel was on restricted activity, and the five soldiers who had been on guard rotation the duration of his stay all knew it as well.  Michael could move about as he pleased in his suite, emphasis on resting though.  But Dr. Rogers had firmly stated to not stop in at the barracks, or anywhere else for that matter.  He had also threatened bodily harm if Michael tried to fly at all, the determination in the doctor's voice had been impressive.

The second reason Dr. Rogers had Michael wait to leave, was then he could leave the hospital without running into any senate members, a full session had been called and there was no chance they'd be stopped.  Michael took the chance to move discreetly, even accepting the use of the Corps jeep to move three streets over so to avoid people seeing him.

Once back in the Stratosphere penthouse suite, Michael left Noma and Alex to their own devices, retreating to the bathroom with a change of clothes while the soldiers occupied themselves with the food already waiting. 

Personally, neither wanted to leave at the moment even though only one of them needed to stay.  Their unit captain hadn't been pleased to hear that they had abandoned their posts suddenly and then had not reported in for several hours.  Once Ethan had returned to the barracks and informed him that Michael was in the hospital and they had established an impromptu guard rotation, Captain Wills had been more forgiving.  It also may have helped that Michael had radioed in to him privately the day before he was released, clearing up any lingering issues with the duties of those with him.  Wills had simply rearranged those able to be trusted with high ranking guard detail, allowing some of the newly inducted soldiers to move up from basic duties when spots opened during all the shifting.

The rotation for the next two days with Michael was every six hours, a standard shift, but the other eighteen of the day were left to training and basic duties as still expected of a soldier the Corps.

Hence Alex and Noma hesitating to decide which one of them would be leaving.

Michael made the choice for them, exiting the bathroom half an hour later shirtless  as he gestured for Alex to join him near the windows.  Noma sighed but left without a word, making a face at Alex when he smirked.  The archangel watched their exchange with tempered patience, already seated when Alex turned to remove his weapons and padded jacket before sitting across from the archangel and settling in for a couple hours of attempting to lose himself in meditation.

All things considered he didn't do too bad, a couple times he startled himself out of the relaxed state, looking around anxiously before settling once he saw Michael hadn't moved.  The archangel only roused when Alex fell over once, more from how he'd been sitting then anything he did but he was pretty numb when Michael shook his shoulders to wake him up fully.

"Did you see anything?" Michael asked.

"No...I'm never going to get the hang of this."

Michael's lips had twitched in a bare semblance of a grin, the archangel was more relaxed and in turn more normal in his own settings.  "You will learn, it is not easy to grasp at first."

"So says the guy whose been doing this since the dawn of time."

An eyebrow rose slightly before Michael inhaled deeply and closed his eyes again, remaining still as he spoke while Alex settled again.  "Not quite that long."

The low snort earned another twitch of his lips before Michael went perfectly still again, Alex trying to join him a minute later once he'd figured out how to sit and not make his legs go numb.

This time Alex couldn’t lose himself to his own breathing, every little sound kept drawing his attention, took a lot to keep his eyes closed as he listened.  Michael's breathing was almost nonexistent, barely audible except as the faintest whisper.  The wind outside the windows wasn't very loud, but enough that it mingled with the soft rustling of fabric from the silk curtains hanging by the one open panel of glass. 

Alex tried to focus, only succeeding in irritating himself enough he chanced opening his eyes.  Michael was completely unaware of his lapse, or was and just wasn't bothering with a reaction.  The archangel's own control spurred Alex to try one more time, eyes closing and body slowly loosing tension.

Then he heard it.

The wind outside had lost its calm flow, something was breaking it up, the disturbance was steady but quiet.  And also not in a pattern, like beats without a rhythm.  It took Alex half a minute to recognize the sound as wings, angel wings.  The other half of the minute was him calculating whether or not he could get to his gun and sword before the wings arrived as well as move Michael from the exposed window.  He didn't have much time to decide, the beats were moving closer and closer until sharp rustling preceded an angel landing in the open window. 

Alex moved without thinking, diving to the side to grab his gun and fire off a shot on instinct while his other hand grabbed at his sword.  Michael was just as mobile, rolling to his feet with ease and pulling his swords out to hold in defense.  The angel in the window had moved to the side at the gun shot, ebony wings curling around their body protectively before retracting in a flash. 

A second angel landed a minute after the first, looking over the room before staring at Michael.  "Come now brother put away your blades, this is childish, can we not have a little chat."

"I will do so when you lay down yours."

The second angel sighed, rolling his eyes as he pulled his sword from his hip, tossing it to the floor before holding up his hands innocently.  The first angel, a blonde female did the same, smirking as Michael lowered his arms but didn’t set his weapons down.

"Really Michael, still don't trust us?"

"You I trust Uriel, I have not held an such feeling towards my brother for many years."

Alex shifted his stance, keeping his gun pointed in the male angel now that Michael had acknowledged his sister, just because they'd met before didn't mean the Chosen One liked the female archangel.

"Aren't you going to introduce me Michael?  After all you've kept me from him long enough."

The soldier didn't need an introduction as Michael's jaw tightened, arm coming back up to keep a blade between his brother and Alex.

"Gabriel."