Chapter Text
He was a strange one you decided. Then again he was a god so maybe he was considered normal. Not that you knew much as he was the first god you had ever met. Despite his strangeness, he was kind to you.
Everyday you would wake up in your small but comfy room in the temple. You would go through your daily routine: bathe, make breakfast, take a walk around the gardens and then start your chores. The other inhabitants of the temple did their own work as well. Being the newest caretaker of the temple, you didn’t know any of them, and they seemed hesitant to talk to you.
Still you had one friendly face to look forward to.
“How goes your day?” Barbatos asked. Genuine curiosity reflected in his eyes.
You finished watering the last of the plants and stand up. “The usual. Wake up, eat, chores.” Resting the pot on your hip, you smiled at him. “The weather is getting nicer. I love this time of year.”
He walked by your side as you made your way through the temple. “What do you love most?”
You ignored the pointed looks from the other caretakers. “Hmm…” Your brows pulled together. “I would have to say the change in weather. Warmer weather means plants are growing. People won’t have to worry about the chill of winter. New life is starting. It’s all so beautiful.”
“I see.” You returned to the garden to ensure everything had been done before finally looking at Barbatos.
“What are your plans for today, Barbatos?” you inquired, always curious what the god was up to.
His attention was focused on the flowers. “I have a few meetings to attend to.” He nodded to himself, satisfied with everything. “Will you join me tonight?” Those green-gold eyes peered into your very soul.
Fighting the flush creeping up your face, you nodded. “Of course. Shall I bring some wine and dessert?”
His smile was barely noticeable, but you always felt your heart flutter when he does. “I look forward to it.”
Leaving you alone in the garden, you covered your face and let out a shaky breath. Ever since he caught you sneaking back to your room with a plate of handmade pastries, he had invited you to his chambers to share them. You always made a fresh batch before visiting him. You never thought the God of Time had a sweet tooth, but it seemed he enjoyed your baking.
Calming yourself down, you proceeded with the remaining chores.
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Humming to yourself as you finish rolling out the dough, your ears perked up when you heard the loud chatter. Around this time the caretakers take a needed resting period. Most spend their time in the town or somewhere else outside the temple.
“Did you see him?”
“You mean the God of Time? Lord Barbatos?” The voices grew louder.
You stopped in your prepping, curiosity overtaking you. “He’s always so calm and mysterious. And he’s quite handsome.”
“But he never talks to us.” There was a chorus of agreements and sighs.
“He only talks to the new one,” a voice hissed.
You stiffen. “What’s so great about the new caretaker? Why does he spend his time with her?”
“She acts like she’s better than us just because Lord Barbatos gives her a little attention.” The bitterness in the voices were strong.
The voices faded as the group moved on. “Nothing special. I heard her parents sold her to a brothel. She’s dirty and doesn’t deserve to be near such a divine being.”
The area is quiet again. You gripped the edge of the table, body trembling. Swallowing the lump that formed in your throat, you hastily wiped your eyes with the back of your hand.
“Strawberry cream. Spread evenly. Fold left then right.” You continued to speak aloud. Your hands slowly stopped shaking.
By the time the pastries were baked and cooled, you had calmed down. You placed the plate of pastries aside and cover them with a towel. You head to the main area for reflection and prayer.
A little while later when you were sure everyone was in bed, you sneak back into the kitchen. Carrying the plate, a jug of wine and two cups, you made your way to his chambers. Without knocking, you pushed the door open and closed it with your hip.
His chambers were large and spacious compared to your own. Placing the things on the empty table, you poured wine into both glasses and took a seat.
Barbatos joined you a little while later, having come from his sleeping chamber. “These look delicious.” He took a bite and closed his eyes. “Very good.”
You feel a sense of pride whenever he complimented your baking. “Thank you.” You dipped your head as you stared idly at your uneaten pastry.
“Is something the matter?” You could feel his eyes on you.
“N-nothing…” your hand shook as you took a sip of wine. You attempted to nibble at the pastry to ease his worry. You glance up at him.
His head was tilted to one side, a blank expression on his face. “Tell me what’s wrong.” His voice was soft but commanding.
You stopped trying to eat the pastry and sighed. “I...why do you talk to me?” You’re genuinely curious why he spent so much time with you.
A single graceful eyebrow went up. “I enjoy our talks together. I wish to know more about you.”
“But I’m not anything special, Lord Barbatos. I’m just a caretaker. I’m sure you could spend your time doing more important things...” Your hands fall to your lap as you toyed with the fabric of your sleepwear.
“Barbatos.” You jerked your head up and met his gaze. “I don’t like when you call me Lord Barbatos. It...it feels like you’re trying to keep me at a distance.”
Your lips turn down. “Shouldn’t I? You are a god. I should revere you from afar.”
He stands from his seat and moved to your side. His form overshadowed you as he stared down. “Not you. I don’t want you to see me from afar.” He reached out and gently grasped your chin. “You are far too important to me. There's not as much time as you think. Even if you don’t remember me, I want to try and hold on to what I can. I want to change things; make them better for you.”
You opened your mouth to say something, anything, but can’t find the words. You were lost in his eyes yet unafraid. The way his thumb brushed against the corner of your lip tingled. Being so close to him like this felt right somehow.
“May I?” he asked, his gaze soft, caring.
“Yes,” you whispered. Heart thumping loudly, you closed your eyes.
You barely felt the soft brush of his lips, but it was like a thousand lightning strikes. He pressed his lips firmer the second time. The third time he lingered longer. You lose count as his tongue swept past your lips. Your arms come up and wrap around his neck. You don’t remember when he had lifted you up and deposited you on his bed.
Your hands run through his silky hair as he peppered love bites on your neck and collar. He finally pulled away to look at you. Panting, hair mussed and clothes wrinkled, he looked beautiful. His green-gold eyes were completely black. Yet he remained frozen, hovering over you.
“Barbatos?” You gently reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear.
The look on his face was one you never saw before. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. “Stay with me. Please.”
Looping your arms around his neck, you tugged him down. His head rested against your chest so he could hear the beating of your heart. “Always.”
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The sun streaming in through the window caused you to stir. Silky sheets pooled around your waist. The blue sky was cloudless and calm; it looked to be a beautiful day. The god next to you slept soundly as you slipped out of bed. Pulling on your night clothes on, you pressed a kiss on his temple.
“I’ll be right back,” you murmured.
Leaving his chambers, you returned to your room. You hummed as you picked out the clothes for the day. You had promised Barbatos last night to be there when he woke. You just wanted to gather clothes for the day before returning to his side. He had promised to answer any questions you had. You just wanted to know what he meant by his strange words.
A smile stretched across your face as you recalled last night’s activities. His gentle hands that caressed your body. The way he worshiped your form like he was paying tribute. The sweet words he whispered in your ear as he held you close.
Gathering everything, you started to make your way back, but a voice calling your name stopped you. Brows furrowing, you followed the sound of the voice, panicked and in need of help, to the upper level of the temple.
No one was up there but a balcony window was open. Setting your things on the ground, you cautiously walked out to the balcony. Leaning over the old railing, you didn’t see anything except the garden below. Confused, you turned to leave.
It took only a second. A rough shove. The railing gave way. The world turned upside down. The wind whistled in your ears. You were falling. You caught a glimpse of a few figures watching from above. You didn’t hear the shouts or arguing.
There was a loud crack that echoed through the quiet morning. Red mingled with the green grass. Lifeless eyes stared up at the cloudless, beautiful sky. A howling cry shook the temple.
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He was a strange one you decided. Then again he was a god so maybe he was considered normal. Not that you knew much as he was the first god you had ever met. Despite his strangeness, he was kind to you.