Forbidden

Romeo slipped through the shadows, everyone still too hung-over the news Julian had just brought to pay him any mind. However, while getting through the streets of the Square was little trouble, making it through the Gates would be a bit more of a challenge. There was one moment; a brief few seconds when the sentries keeping watch over the seams of the four worlds were changed. Sure, it was a bit cliche, but considering there was little hope of anyone getting up to Heaven, and it was unthinkable of someone wanting to escape Heaven, they didn't exactly take care in the process.
He slunk closer to the Gates, hunkering down among the shadows a few yards from them. He only had to stay there for a few minutes, when two arch angels came and opened the Gates, distracted for approximately thirty seconds while the old sentries gave their report. He at once took action, making sure the coast was clear before leaving the shadows by air, at once taking cover in the shadows lingering at the top of the wall. Some smooth gliding maneuvers, and he slid through the Gates. He cut it sharp so he could come tight around to the other side of the wall, gaining a bit of distance between himself and the Gates before breaking away and heading for the edge of the clouds.
It was when he reached the end that he knew his time would begin ticking down. The second he opened the portal, God and everyone else with a sensitive enough composition would know someone had left Heaven. Then it would only be a matter of time before God knew who and would send someone after him. So, he wasted no time. As soon as he passed through that portal, he'd pull in his wings and fall like a lead weight towards the endless sea. A few seconds, and he located where Rhia was, knowing her aura like it was his own. He opened his wings and began to glide towards the island.
Night was almost upon that side of the Earth, and Romeo was glad for the rather abrupt darkness that swallowed him up. The new moon must have only been days before, as there was little moonlight on the water.
His breath caught in his throat when he finally saw her, sitting beside a fire on the beach. And she was alone; he couldn't have asked for better conditions. If he wasn't locked up for his disobedience, he would have to remember to thank God. He pulled up just as he reached the sand, landing delicately on his feet. He was an angel, after all. Slowly, he approached the fire, where he could now see Rhia was asleep, curled up on a blanket. He knelt down beside her, hand rested on her shoulder as he said in a whisper, "Rhia.. Rhia, wake up."
Her eyes would flutter and she slowly looked up at him. She pulled in a gasp as her eyes grew wide, scrambling to get to her hands and knees. "Romeo??"
He lifted a hand, finger pressing against her lips. "Hush! Yes, it's me." He felt as though he could cry, actually delighted to see that Rhia was already doing so. She had missed him; he had almost thought she hadn't. What a fool he was. "Oh, Rhia..." His arms went around her and he pulled her close.
Rhia would only hesitate for a moment as she hugged him back. "What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here...you're going to get in a lot of trouble."
"An awful lot, I'm afraid. But I don't care. I...I needed to see you, Rhia." He pulled back, holding her out at arm's length. "It was bad enough when I could hardly get a glimpse of you before; I just couldn't take it anymore. I've missed you, terribly." His hand shifted to her face, brushing away some of her tears.
She bit her lip as she looked at him, her hands clenched and held to her chest. "What about Ivory? Romeo...you love her; why are you here? You -shouldn't- be here."
He knew she wasn't angry, only worried, but still those words stung. He looked away, letting his hands fall away from her.
"Yes, Romeo. What about me?"
Romeo's eyes grew wide and he quickly turned around. "Ivory..."