My Angel

CH. 1 - Orders are orders, my dear

"You are no longer permitted to be together."

The Grand Minister's words are cold and final. You can feel your very soul being torn apart as he speaks them, and the urge to cry is becoming too much. You attempt to blink the tears away but they betray you, streaking down your cheeks and glistening in the bright lighting of the room.

"...Why?"

At the sound of Whis's strained voice, you glance toward your lover. For the first time since you've known him his eyes are brimming with unshed tears. You want to reach out to him, to wrap your arms around him. To comfort him. You are aware however that doing so would likely result in you being forcedly torn from him.

Being with Whis had been like a dream come true. He had been gentle, affectionate, and thoughtful, treating you as his equal despite the obvious gap in age and status. He had often held you close and whispered words of love and adoration. In return you had always looked upon him as if he were the most incredible being in existence, which to you of course, he was. You would treat him to his favourite foods, and laugh at his jokes. The two of you would hold each other's hands at any opportunity just to be closer. If you had to choose but a single word to describe the relationship between Whis and yourself, it would be 'perfection.'

And now you are forced to stand apart, unable to so much as brush your fingers over his in a gesture of comfort. Angels, after all, are not permitted to become romantically involved with anyone, much less a mortal. But you both knew this from the very beginning.

It was supposed to have been a secret.

"You knew it was against the rules," the Grand Minister responds, his voice as cold as ice, "and frankly, I am very disappointed in you, Whis."

Whis's shoulder's are slumped forward in a way that is unnatural for him. It might have been humorous if it weren't for the tears that were now streaking down his cheeks. Through his unconcealed sobs, Whis attempts to speak again.

"F-father... please," he gestures to you gently, his breathing becoming shaky as he tries to fight back the urge to break down into sobs, "I love her!"

"I will not hear any more," the other Angel says sternly as he raises a hand to silence his son, "I will say this once more. You knew it was forbidden, and yet you chose to disobey." He pauses for a moment and glances in your direction, seemingly unperturbed by his own son's display of emotion, "Even if it were permissible, do you think it wise? What of your duties as an attendant to the God of Destruction?"

"It has not been an issue thus far," Whis retorts, striving to regain his composure.

His father's expression remains unchanged. "Very well, and how would you find the strength to continue to carry out those duties once she has passed on? All mortal succumb to time. Would you really be able to endure such a loss, my son?"

Whis remains silent this time, his eyes diverting toward the marbled floors. His unspoken response is all that the Grand Minister need to make his point.

"I thought as much."

In the long soundless moments that follow, you keep your eyes fixed on Whis. You begin to notice a change in his demeanour as he pulls his shoulders back, returning to his usual poised posture. His eyes flick toward you for a brief moment, offering you something of a wordless apology before addressing his father once more.

"I understand."

You immediately begin to protest his premature submission, "Whis-!"

He cuts you off as he breathes your name. He closes his eyes, undoubtedly trying to fight back his emotions of despair. "He's right," comes his voice in a defeated tone, "All that will come of us being together is neglect of our responsibilities and heartache."