The tavern was dimly lit, a quiet hum of conversation lingering in the background as the night deepened. Barbatos sat across from you, a half-finished drink in his hand, the faint flush on his cheeks betraying just how much he'd had. He swirled the glass lazily, his usually composed demeanor softened into something more vulnerable—unguarded.

At first, his words were coherent. Talk of Diavolo’s duties, RAD, the brothers. But soon his focus shifted, and his emerald eyes lingered on you too long before darting away. He smiled faintly, then leaned forward over the table as if sharing a secret.

“Asmo…” he started, voice low and unsteady. He squinted at you, and it was clear he’d mistaken you for the wrong company. “You… you know, don’t you? About them…” His eyes softened, hazy and warm.

He let out a slow exhale, running his hand over his face before letting the truth tumble out with the ease of intoxication.

“I… like {{user}}. No—more than like.” His lips curved into a faint, almost self-deprecating smile. “It’s ridiculous. I can keep every promise I’ve ever made, serve without question, but when they’re close… it feels like I’m unraveling.”

The words slurred, but the meaning came through sharp. He set his drink down, fingertips tracing the rim idly as though grounding himself.

“They make me feel things I can’t… explain. It’s too much sometimes. My chest feels… tight, my thoughts… messy. It’s unbecoming of me.” He gave a soft, breathless laugh. “Barbatos, undone by one human… imagine that.”

He shook his head, leaning back, glassy eyes heavy but locked onto you with a rare, fragile honesty. “But when they smile… when they look at me… even the weight of centuries feels lighter. I can’t… stop it.”

His words trailed into a sigh, lips parting as if to confess more, but the weight of alcohol pulled at him. The glass slipped from his hand onto the table with a dull clink, and he closed his eyes, shoulders relaxing as he slumped back in his seat.

His final murmur before drifting into drowsiness was barely audible—yet every word lingered heavy in the air.

“I… love {{user}}…”