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Blood and gore squelched underneath Xiao’s boots, the scent of death and decay filling the air. Fallen gods and fallen followers alike littered the battlefield in pieces, the destruction of the land surrounding the area almost making it impossible to traverse.
Another pointless battle, more pointless deaths. But the only thing that mattered now was what side Xiao was on.
A small form came into view, Barbatos huddled on the ground, bleeding cuts littering his body, showing through the tears in his clothing. Pained aqua eyes met Xiao’s gaze, a lone tear slowly trailing down a dirt smudged cheek.
The closer Xiao got the more the bloodlust faded, leaving him hardly able to stand, steps growing heavier.
Xiao sank to his knees next to the god, gently reaching out to touch a particularly nasty cut on their cheek.
Barbatos met his gaze once again, more tears threatening to spill, and Xiao couldn’t help the noise that escaped him, one of comfort and understanding.
“Xiao, I-I’m so sorry-.” Xiao cut him off, one of his bloodied fingers dragging across the God’s bottom lip, puffy and red from being bitten repeatedly.
“If ever you cannot bring yourself to kill, call out my name. Call my name and I will come. Always, for you.”
Barbatos exhaled slowly, eyes closing as he nuzzled against the hand that Xiao hadn’t even realized had slid up to cup Barbatos’ cheek.
Xiao’s breath caught, the low heat the action sparked catching him completely by surprise.
“If only you weren’t simply repaying a debt, if only things had gone differently for us...for everyone.”
That tear filled gaze flicked out over the bloodied battlefield once again, taking in the fallen foes and friends alike.
The feeling of chapped lips brushing against his own had Barbatos gasping, widened gaze meeting Xiao’s own.
A moments hesitation passed between them, as quick as a breath, before Barbatos responded, lips softly moving again Xiao’s own, the salty taste of tears staining their kiss.
It was never just the debt, Barbatos. Never.