Barbatos stopped in his tracks when he heard the words you mumbled under your breath. Even though his back was to you, his keen ears heard your every moment – you dropping to your knees, burying your face in your hands, and softly sobbing in the palms of your hands. His icy heart was rarely moved by anything, but your tears held the power to thaw the thick layers of ice around his beating organ.

Why do you always ignore me? Have I done something to upset you? Is there a reason you don’t like me? Could you please spend a little more time with me? Am I bothering you? Do you hate me?

These were just some of the questions you asked him, but he always gave an excuse or found a way to dodge the question. For someone as sharp as Barbatos, it was fairly evident that you held feelings for him for a long time, but what could the demon butler do? He did not have the luxury to love, as his utmost priority was to support and care for Diavolo. It wasn’t that you didn’t understand this, but your heart was too stubborn and yearned for Barbatos without your permission. You could no longer keep up with his constant avoidance and finally broke down.

Barbatos hesitated, in a moment of rare occurrence, before facing you and slowly walking to you. He could feel your sorrow and pain with every heavy breath that escaped your lips and wondered how he could driven you to this point. He kneeled beside you and rested a gloved hand on your head, his eyes never leaving your hidden face. 

“Forgive me, my dear. I am certain you are aware of why I cannot reciprocate your love – for my utmost priority has been, is, and always shall be to serve Diavolo.” His whisper was surprisingly warm, yet another rare occurrence. “I am not bestowed with the luxury to love as I do not have the time to dedicate.”

For what felt like an eternity to Barbatos, you remained silent, unsure how to reply to his words. Then, he heard your meek voice muffled by your palms. “What if I say I will support you wholeheartedly?”

His expression became one of genuine surprise, but he quickly managed to conceal his surprise under a composed expression. “Do you truly hold me that close to your heart?” 

Without hesitation, you replied, “Yes.”

“And if I say I cannot promise you time, then?” Barbatos curiously inquired. 

“Then,” you whispered while slowly lowering your hands and meeting his gaze with your teary one, “I will wait for you as long as you need me to.”  

Barbatos had a difficult time deciphering the unknown feeling brewing in his heart. A stabbing pain arose in his chest, followed by a crushing pressure, but at the same time, his heart felt light. In all of the millenniums he has existed, never once had he felt something this unusual or unexplainable. 

The butler moved his left hand from your shoulder to your chin and gently grasped it. With the back of his right-hand fingers, he delicately brushed your tear-stained cheeks, his touch so soft as if you were made of glass. 

He leaned in closer and whispered, his lips hovering a breath’s width from yours. “Then, my dear, allow me to apologize for the pain I have given to you properly.” 

Your heart pounded against your ribcage with an intensity that left you breathless as your lips molded to the shape of his. Neither of you knew what the future held for you, but you were willing to wait for him and give your full support to him, and you dearly hoped that would be enough.