Whisper and Soul

It was dark in the tower that night. Tarquin Soul lay awake, staring up at his sky blue ceiling, hands folded on his belly. He'd thrown his dinner up again and now he lay here, trying to ignore the hunger. He needed his rest. He had had a long night with his fighting. He was too tired. Eventually, he threw aside the covers and made his way to the kitchen, throwing open the fridge door and grabbing any and all meat in sight. He hated himself. He hated that he wasn't human, his violent nature, his dark powers, his lack of confidence, that he couldn't read and after so many years still didn't understand human customs...

He slammed his hand against a cupboard door, dark energy flowing out. Perfect. Just bloody perfect. "I'm in control." He told himself in a worried whisper. It had been a long time since he had lost control of his powers. Then again, it had been a long time since he had been that sad and that angry with himself. A long, long time since he'd felt hopeless and useless. Tears welled up in his eyes and he punched the cupboard, dark energy wrapping round him like a cocoon. Like it wanted to keep him safe from the outside world. It enveloped him as he allowed himself to cry, but he looked up with a startled gasp as the kitchen light flicked on, shadows dissipating at once.
"Soul?"
He glanced over his shoulder and wiped his eyes. "Whisper..."
"Isn't it a bit late to be up?" She asked, voice gentle as she came closer, crouching beside him and resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Couldn't sleep." He admitted with a slight smile. He welcomed that touch. He leant his head on her shoulder. "I wasn't feeling my best. I am...better now."
"You threw up again?"
His pale blue cheeks darkened to navy. "I, uh...how do you know about that?"
"I've been concerned."
He hesitated before sighing. "I need to refine my diet is all...your concern is...very much appreciated..." He shifted a little closer to her, closer to the warmth she gave off. It made him feel safe and warm, and she was the one person he felt appreciated him. Cuddled up to her like an innocent kitten, he felt protected. Too shy to ever say anything. She absent-mindedly ran a hand through his hair.
"I feel much better." He assured her after a long pause, mood brightening when he saw her smile.
"I'm glad to hear it. I like to see you on top form."
"I'm sure..." There was a hesitation before he pulled away. "Something's wrong."
The concern returned to her face. "What is it?"
He shook his head, unwilling to say.
"Come on, you can talk to me."
After a moment he hung his head. "I think I'm in love..."
She certainly hadn't expected that. "...And?"
Soul drew his knees up to his chest. "With a human. I'm not human. I'm not supposed to feel things for a human. I'm not even supposed to feel things for my own species..."
There was a moment of silence before Whisper's hand found Soul's shoulder once more. "No-one in your world knows love...but if you do, you know what that makes you?"
"A...freak?"
She shook her head, laughing a little. "A better person. A better person than all those monsters back in that world. You're a hero. You put others before yourself, and even when you went against the good side, you could never bring yourself to do any serious damage to anyone. You're a strong person with strong emotional ties." She took his hands and showed him the two rings on his middle fingers. One black with seven blue gems, the other gold with twelve red gems. Both were very tight. It was a miracle they hadn't cut off circulation to the fingers. He stared at them for a long moment before bursting into tears and throwing his arms around her neck, pulling her close in a tight embrace.
"Thank you." He managed.
"You're a wonderful guy, Soul." Whisper assured him, gently hugging back. "I'm sure anyone would love to have you near them. If I was the girl you loved, I'd love you back unconditionally."
He drew back again. "You're just saying that." He muttered, blushing again.
She shook her head. "I mean it." She assured him, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek before standing. "I'm glad you're feeling better. We ought to get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
He gave a slight nod. "Good night..." She left and he put a hand to his cheek where she had kissed him. A smile split his usually grumpy features. An old phrase came to mind. "...My light in the darkness..." She who generates light and feelings of good will wherever she went. Whisper.