The most angelic being you knew was now a human, and it was your fault.

Why did he have to take the Ring of Light without permission? He once promised to protect you no matter what, but you hadn’t expected him to take it this far. You stared at him from across the room, and though his soft blue eyes were unburdened in a way they hadn’t been before, your heart still ached. Those same eyes once shone with the divine light of the Celestial Realm, but it was gone because of you. You rapidly blinked, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.

“It isn’t your fault, (y/n). Simeon chose to help you out of his own volition.” Lucifer’s voice held a rare softness as his large hand patted your head. “He truly loves you, and what you consider a burden to him is far from it. Speak to him, and you shall learn the truth.”

Lucifer convinced you to speak to Simeon to learn the truth, but when the ex-angel turned his head and gently smiled at you, another wave of guilt crashed over your thoughts. He looked so…so content, but why? How could he not resent you after what happened?

“You’re awfully quiet today,” Simeon said, his voice cutting through the d drawn silence. “Are you feeling alright?”

You bit your lips as your throat tightened, preventing words from coming out. You looked down at your trembling hands but quickly hid them behind your back to prevent Simeon from seeing them. But your boyfriend walked closer, reached behind your back, and held your hands in large, warm ones. His loving touch only made your tears spill over.

“(Y/n),” Simeon whispered, his brows furrowing in concern. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” You repeated, your voice cracking. “You’re asking me that?” You choked on a sob and turned your head away to avoid meeting his gaze. “You lost everything because of me. Your powers, your title, your home…all of it. And for what? I wasn’t worth—”

“Stop,” Simeon firmly said. “Don’t finish that sentence.”

The firmness in his voice and the fire in his eyes made you flinch, as Simeon had never used this tone with you before.

“I don’t regret what I did,” he softly said. “Not for a second. If I had a chance to choose again, I would take the Ring of Light for you despite knowing the consequences. I don’t regret it. I never would.”

“How can you say that?” You whispered, tears once again slipping down your cheeks. “You lost everything, Simeon. Your place in the Celestial Realm, your—”

“My powers? My title? My home?” He interrupted, his thumb brushing a stray cheek to catch a stray tear. “Yes, I lost them, but I didn’t lose everything. I still have the most important person in my life: you.”

Your breath hitched as the weight of the words hit you like a tidal wave. “But I’m the reason—”

“You are the reason I can smile, be happy, and have a reason to move forward.” His warm, soothing voice broke through the storm clouds floating in your mind. “I have never felt this free before. I may have lost a lot, but I gained freedom.”

“F-Freedom?” You questioned, puzzled.

“(Y/n), when the brothers fell after the Celestial War, I felt pain like nothing before. I couldn’t do anything to stop it,” he admitted, his expression contorting into pain. “I was bound by my duty, so I was forced to stand by and watch as they were cast out. But now…I’m not bound by any rules. I can act the way I want…feel how I want.”

Simeon smiled softly and cupped your cheeks before resting his forehead against yours. Closing his eyes, he exhaled softly to push out all the memories that had clouded his mind. Your boyfriend met your gaze again and continued in a sincere voice. “I can be with you without boundaries. I also don’t have to worry about anyone attempting to stop us from being together.”

“I don’t deserve you,” you shakily whispered and squeezed your eyes shut. Even though you sounded like a broken record, you once again asked Simeon, “How can you say you’re happy when you’ve lost so much?”

The ex-angel wrapped his arms around you without hesitation, enveloping you in his warmth. “Because you’re worth it. I love you so much that I would do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe. Losing my status and home is nothing compared to losing you.”

You clung to him and let your tears soak into the fabric of his soft shirt. He held you as if you were the most precious thing in the world, stroking your back in slow, soothing motions.

“I know it’s hard for you to understand,” he calmly whispered. “But being human has given me the freedom I never had as an angel. I don’t have to weigh every action against the consequences or worry about divine laws controlling my every move. I can love you openly without fear.”  

His words left you speechless, but the guilt still lingered. How could someone so selfless, so kind, exist? And how could he choose you of all people? What had you done to deserve this much love?

Simeon tilted your chin up and met your gaze. “I need you to believe me when I say this,” he said in a gentle but firm voice. “You are not a burden. You are not to blame for what happened. I made my choice because I love you, and I will never regret it. I will be here for you every step of the way…and nothing can stop me. Please understand this.”

You slowly nodded, not breaking eye contact with him. Your heart felt lighter than it had been in days, and though you were concerned when he said nothing could stop you, you knew there was no point in saying anything as Simeon was more determined than you had ever seen him before.

“I may not be an angel anymore, but I am still your guardian angel,” Simeon lovingly said and pressed a tender kiss on your forehead. “Now and forever.”