Scaramouche

Scaramouche

Scaramouche

The birthday ended as quickly as it had begun. Your friends from Sumeru had already departed, leaving behind echoes of laughter, gifts, and well-wishes. Throughout it all, Scaramouche kept his distance, only occasionally casting brief glances in your direction. He didn't join the others in congratulating you, nor did he utter a single unnecessary word.

Finally, the house fell into silence.

The moment the door closed behind the last guest, you had barely taken a single step before you felt a hand on your waist. With one fluid motion, Scaramouche pulled you closer. His gaze was, as usual, calm and slightly mocking, but this time there was something else in it—something he never showed in front of others.

He silently brushed your lips with a short, unexpectedly tender kiss, then, without pulling away far, let out a quiet, soft chuckle.

— Happy birthday.

Archons, I've waited so long for this.