Ineffable Bureaucracy (One/twoshots)

Tell Me the Truth

Gabriel sat at his desk going over paperwork. It seemed that the amount of worship and miracles had dropped significantly, and he was trying to find the cause. His pet peacock, a large and beautiful thing he had named Azul, sat under his desk on his feet, warming them up and making him feel not so lonely.

He scratched at his neck and smiled softly at a memory that flirted through his mind, warming him up from the inside and bringing an even wider smile to his face.

A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts, and his head snapped up. Azul glared before falling back to sleep. Gabriel checked the clock and it read 3:47 AM. Uriel had made a new rule where every angel had to get some form of sleep (something about understanding dreams and nightmares and humans better) and most settled on a sleep schedule from eleven at night to six in the morning. Most except for Gabriel.

"Gabriel? It's me, let me in. And don't try to trick me, I know you're awake, and trickery does not sit well with me." God spoke through the door. Gabriel sighed and the door opened and She walked in. She smiled warmly and he couldn't help but smile back. She was dressed in white pajamas.

"Why are you awake so late?" She asked him.

"I couldn't sleep with so much paper work. Besides, it won't kill me." He chuckled.

She smiled, "You know the new rule Gabriel. The world does not stop turning, that is true, and evil does not sleep, but I am sure a few hours will do you good. Besides, we all feel when we are needed."

"I know." He looked back down at his papers.

"I have a question for you Gabriel." She sat across from him and pet Azul.

"What is it? Am I needed for anything?" He looked back up.

"No, no. It's about... well, it's about Beelzebub." She cleared her throat before looking up at him. "I noticed you spend a good bit of time with them."

He flushed golden, "We're partners. We work together. And we happen to work together a lot."

"Gabriel, lying does not suit you," God smiled. "And I don't think going to bars or restaurants is working."

"W-We don't go to bars or restaurants." He stuttered.

"Ah. So you also don't walk them back to their descending point or invite them for coffee or watch them when they aren't looking or attempt to hold their hand?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I-I can explain-" he looked terrified and flustered.

"Gabriel, you don't have to explain. I am not mad nor am I making you fall." She smiled reassuringly. "I just wanted to ask, and you better tell me the truth. Is there more than just a business relationship or even friendship between you and Beelzebub?"

He was silent for awhile, "No... but I want there to be. I just... I just couldn't help falling in love with them." He looked ashamed and upset and sad.

"I understand that, Gabriel. I am not mad and I approve wholeheartedly if you truly like them. I wish you the best of luck." She smiled and stood up.

"...Thank you." He whispered. She smiled and nodded and walked out. Gabriel was left staring at his work and his pet and smiled goofily. If he hadn't been such a refined angel, he would have jumped up and happy danced. He didn't.

Not out loud at least.