Work Text:
“Will you stop stalking me?! It’s annoying as fuck!”
“Stalking? I’m just trying to talk to you! Stop running away from me!”
Scaramouche couldn’t believe this is life now. Practically sprinting across campus to get away from a weirdo who won’t leave him alone. They had one project together, and the buffoon thinks they’re friends now or some shit. It’s honestly ridiculous. The guy is actually really smart, but too dumb to know that Scaramouche wants to be left alone.
The project was a month ago. Why the man is still following Scara, he couldn’t tell you. He doesn’t care to even know why. He just wants him to stop.
“Did you ever stop to think why I’m running away from you? Stop following me!” Scaramouche yells back, not bothering to turn around. Various students around them look towards them, but ultimately don’t care. They’re used to these types of scenes with these two by now.
Scaramouche pushed through a throng of students that just exited a building, hoping to lose the madman. To his luck, he did. Scaramouche looks behind him, surveying his surroundings. Nope, he’s finally gone. Great, now Scaramouche can—
“Gotcha!”
“Ah!”
“Fuck!”
It all happened so fast. One moment Scara was relieved to not see a head of bushy, curly brown hair, and the next moment said bushy, curly brown hair was on the ground in front of him. His right fist suspiciously throbs as he looks down at the stalker.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?! Leave me alone!” Scara exclaims, glaring hard at the boy.
The boy groaned in pain as he sat up. As soon as he did, a shock of red filled Scara’s vision. The guy’s nose is gushing blood, already turning a nasty shade of purple. The guys tries to move it, but winces.
“I… I think you broke my nose,” he says. “Why’d you punch me?” He didn’t sound angry, but Scara isn’t sure that’s a good thing.
“You—! You scared me! How the fuck else was I supposed to react? You came out of nowhere!” Scara hurries to explain to himself, face reddening out of slight embarrassment. He hates admitting to being scared so easily, but it’s too late to take it back now.
“… Yeah, fair point. You have fast reflexes. I guess everyone scares differently. Cyno just makes a caveman grunt when he’s scared with that stoic face of his,” The guy stands up, albeit on wobbly legs. Scaramouche resists the urge to help him. His pride is too big, dammit.
“Well, now you know not to do that shit again. Stop following me,” Scara turns to walk away, intent on going to his dorm. Before he gets too far, he offers the guy, “Go see the nurse. She’s still on campus.”
“Oh, thanks for the info! See ya around, Scara!”
__________________
Sethos.
That’s his stalker’s name.
He wishes he could forget it, and forget about the man attached to it. He’s annoying, and obnoxious. Wait, those are the same thing. Good thing he isn’t a language major. He’s always around, Scaramouche has noticed. Even before they were partnered up, Scaramouche would see him around campus. Sethos was always talking to someone different. It made Scara disgusted by seeing such a social butterfly.
No, not even a social butterfly.
Sethos is an annoying little bee.
Constantly buzzing around, and talking nonstop. Scaramouche doesn’t understand how someone can be that talkative and not get tired of hearing their own voice. What does he even talk about? It can’t be that interesting. Though, whenever he sees Sethos talking to someone, the other person is usually laughing, or has a dumb smile on their face.
Why does Scara even care? He doesn’t, and never will. What Sethos talks about is none of his business. He needs to focus anyway. He looks back down at his textbook, re-reading the same paragraph about how Tatarasuna’s people lived after the incident. He has an essay due next week, and it has to be fifteen pages so getting started on it now is his best bet. He gets a good amount of research done, and decides to stop after four hours. He packs away his notes, and textbooks, then checks his phone. He always puts it on silent when studying. He doesn’t need one (1) particular idiot distracting him.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear, though. Scara sighs as he scrolls through the various texts his… acquaintance has sent. He refuses to call him a friend because Scaramouche doesn’t have those. He doesn’t need them.
Kaveh: SCARA
Kaveh: SCARAAAAA
Kaveh: come to my dorm :( pls
Kaveh: i’m bored
Kaveh: is ur phone on silent again?? u must be studying
Kaveh: NVM COME TO THE LOUNGE
Kaveh: cyno and nari are here :D
Kaveh: hurRY UP DMAMIT
The last text was sent about fifteen minutes ago, so they’re most likely still there. He sighs and doesn’t respond. He really doesn’t want to go because ew people. But he knows Kaveh will keep blowing up his phone, so he resigns to his fate. He puts on his slippers, and heads down to the dorm’s student lounge. He passes by other students, and various dorm rooms open. There’s music playing or sounds of shooting from video games. There are people— friends, presumably— shouting at each from across the hall. It’s lively for a Tuesday, but Scara doesn’t hate it. As long as they’re not talking to or disturbing him.
He makes it to the lounge, and there’s significantly less people in here. Most of them are Kaveh and his friends, anyway.
“And then he had the audacity to pick out the most atrocious rug I have ever seen! Can you believe that?!”
“I thought it was quite nice.”
“Of course you did!”
As usual, Kaveh is complaining about Alhaitham, and Alhaitham continues to relentlessly tease him. Everyone is sure they’re dating, but they always deny it. Cyno even thinks they’re married.
“Ah, Scara! I saved you a spot!” Kaveh says when he notices that Scaramouche is standing near the entrance. He pats the spot next to him on one of the couches. Alhaitham is sitting in a recliner chair with a book in hand, and Cyno and Tighnari are sharing the loveseat. Scaramouche makes a face at them because Tighnari is sitting on Cyno’s lap, and it’s disgusting.
“You always make that same disgusted face whenever I’m near Cy. I’m starting to think you’re jealous,” Tighnari comments with a smirk as Scara sits next to Kaveh. The blond is the only one Scara can actually tolerate.
Maybe Alhaitham, too, but mainly because he’s quiet.
“What the fuck is there to be jealous of? Your boyfriend is a nerdy loser who thinks he’s funny, and you’re a plant-obsessed asshat.” Scara rolls his eyes afterward.
“You’re not wrong about Cyno thinking he’s a comedian,” Tighnari says, nodding in agreement. Cyno looks offended by it, but Tighnari just pats his head. “But I draw the line at calling him a loser.”
“What about the nerd part?” Cyno asks, still pouting. His face mainly remains unchanged, but you can tell by his tone that he’s pouting like a baby.
“Oh, honey, you’re so cute.” Tighnari says, and kisses his cheek. Cyno sighs dejectedly.
Those two act like a married couple who have been together for like fifty years. They’re perfect for each other, honestly. Scaramouche doesn’t talk to them much, but they aren’t entirely stupid, so they’re ok in his book. Him and Tighnari have this thing where they constantly insult each other, but neither of them mean any harm. It was an unspoken agreement.
“Why am I here? I was doing something important in my room.” Scaramouche turns his attention to Kaveh.
The blond scoffs at him, “No, you weren’t. You wouldn’t have come otherwise,” Scaramouche hates that Kaveh can tell when he’s lying. Kaveh continues, “I called you down here because what the fuck! You punched Sethos?!”
“Oh yeah! I nearly forgot about that. What happened?” Tighnari asks.
Scaramouche groans and rolls his eyes, “It wasn’t on purpose. The asshole came out of nowhere and my reflexes kicked in, that’s all. He shouldn’t have done it so it’s his fault.”
“You mean your reflexes punched in.”
“Shut up, loser.”
Kaveh glares at him, “It’s not his fault! He was just trying to talk to you,”
Scara glares back, “I didn’t want to talk, and I made that clear. I’m starting to think he deserved that punch,”
“Scara, be nice!” Kaveh reprimands him. He looks to Cyno, “And you! Sethos is your cousin, why aren’t you helping?”
Cyno, having been suddenly called out, looks around quickly, “What? I told him to stay away from Scara, and he obviously didn’t listen.”
“Oh, so you do provide good information,” Scara teases with a smirk. “Glad you agree with me.”
Cyno rolls his eyes instead of responding. Kaveh sighs loudly and shakes his head, “You two are hopeless. You’re lucky we’re your friends otherwise you’d be lonely.”
Scaramouche crosses his arms over his chest, “I’d prefer to be alone, actually. And none of you are my friends, stop saying that shit,” He stands from his spot, “If that’s all, I’m going back to my room.”
“Good riddance.” Tighnari comments while typing away on his phone.
“Okay, fine, whatever. See you later, Scara!” Kaveh says with a smile and a small wave.
Alhaitham and Cyno just nod at him, and Scara leaves.
Only to bump into the last person he wanted to see.
“Oh, sorry! I wasn’t expecting someone to round the corner!”
Scaramouche sighs to himself. He’s tired already. “Yeah, whatever. Watch where you’re going.”
He continues walking, but Sethos grabs his wrist, shouting, “Wait!”
Scaramouche rips his arm away, giving him the harshest glare, “Don’t fucking touch me. I mean it.”
Sethos takes two steps back, hands up in surrender, “Okay, I apologize. Got it, no touching. I promise,”
Scara doesn’t say anything more, just stares for a second longer. He didn't notice the bandage on Sethos’ nose before. Seems like he didn’t break it; how unfortunate. Scara then walks away. Sethos lets him go, and he smiles a little. Scaramouche looks like an angry kitten. He goes into the lounge, and sees Cyno and the gang.
“Hey, guys!” He greets them, and takes a seat next to Kaveh.
“Oh, hey!” Kaveh says. “Scara was just here. What a coincidence,”
“They bumped into each other.” Alhaitham says, turning the page of his book.
Sethos rubs the back of his neck, cheeks turning red, and he chuckles sheepishly, “Oh, you saw that? Haha, that was wild!”
Kaveh looks concerned, “He didn’t say anything mean, did he? I’ll beat him up for you,”
Sethos shakes his head, “Nah, nothing like that. Though, I did learn something new. He doesn’t like being touched,”
Kaveh nods in agreement, “Yeah, he hates it. Especially when he doesn’t initiate it, or someone doesn’t ask first. Neither of those will ever happen, but ya know. It has something to do with his past. He won’t tell me, though.”
Sethos keeps that bit of information stored away in his brain. He can’t help but wonder now what Scaramouche’s past was like. Hopefully one day they’ll be close enough for him to tell the tale. Sethos really wants to get to know Scara; he seems so cool.
“Well, that’s none of my business! Topic change! So..”
They continue talking with Alhaitham joining in occasionally. They talk about nothing and everything until about eleven pm. They decided it would be best for them to get to bed; some of them had classes in the morning. Sethos unfortunately lives in the dorm building next door, so Kaveh walks him to the front entrance.
“Thanks, Kaveh! You really didn’t have to walk with me,” Sethos smiles up at the blond.
“It’s all good! I wanted to!” Kaveh pats the top of his head. “Well, goodnight!”
“Wait!” Sethos says, causing Kaveh to give him a questioning look. Sethos continues, “Is Scaramouche usually like that?” He trusts Kaveh to know what he means. He’s been told by Cyno that Kaveh and Scaramouche are the closest in their little group.
Kaveh smiles gently at the mention of his friend, “Yeah, he is. He can be harsh, but he’s nice, I promise. It’ll just take a while for him to warm up to you. And when I say a while, I mean it, so please be patient with him.”
Sethos takes in his words and nods slowly, “Yeah, okay. Thanks, dude! Goodnight!”
Sethos falls asleep that night thinking of ways to approach Scaramouche as kindly as he can.
_____________
It’s been two days since he’s seen Sethos, and Scaramouche finally knows peace. He blames Kaveh for having annoying friends. He needs to hang out less with the blond.
It’s Friday now, and Scara just left his last class for the day. He has plans to continue his essay tonight, and maybe get dinner in the cafeteria. The food isn’t half bad there. But that’s only if it’s empty. It should be considering it’s Friday, and most people his age are out partying.
He’s walking towards his dorm, crossing over a small bridge that has a shallow stream running through. Scaramouche has always wondered where it goes, but never had time to follow it. One day he will. He spots someone on the bridge, though, immediately recognizing them. He groans and is about to take the long way, until the person calls his name.
“Hey, Scara!”
Sethos jogs up to him with a bright smile. He has a bag in his hand as well. Scaramouche just stares at him, “What?”
Sethos holds the bag up, “Would you like to have lunch with me? Well, a late lunch. It’s shawarma wraps!”
“No, I’m good. I already ate,” Scaramouche actually hasn’t eaten all day. He had a granola bar and a redbull this morning before class, but that’s about it.
That doesn’t deter Sethos, though. He still smiles, “Aw, that’s okay! Maybe next time?” He looks hopeful and Scara almost feels bad for what he’s going to say. Almost.
“I prefer to eat alone, so no. I have to go now.”
He walks past to go over the bridge. Behind him Sethos sighs, but he isn’t upset. “Alright then! See ya around!”
Sethos won’t give up. However, what is he gonna do with all these shawarma wraps?
______________
Sethos ends up finding Cyno and Tighnari. They were in the dorm lounge playing Genius Invokation TCG. Well, Cyno is playing, but Tighnari is just… entertaining him. He’s playing, but not as seriously as his boyfriend.
Sethos offers them some of the food, and Cyno responds, “I’m a little wrapped up right now, but after.”
Tighnari rolls his eyes, “Babe, please. You know I’m not really playing, so it’ll be an easy win for you.”
“A win is a win.”
Sethos chuckles at his cousin, “I admire your love for this game, bro,”
“You could love it too if you actually played. I made you a deck for a reason. One of these days I will challenge you, and you better be ready.”
“And what day is that?”
“Today, if you keep playing games with me.”
“Did you just threaten me with a pun? That’s a new one!”
Cyno points a finger at him, then goes back to his game. Eventually, he did win, and treated the food Sethos brought as a reward.
“So, why do you have so many wraps anyway?” Tighnari asks, already on his second one.
“Well, I planned on having lunch with Scaramouche, but surprise-surprise he turned me down. I’m glad I found you guys, though. I would’ve had to eat all of these by myself,” Sethos explains.
“Impeccable timing, too. We were going to eat after our game,” Tighnari says.
“You were gonna have lunch with Scara?” Cyno focuses on that part instead.
Sethos nods with a smile, “Yeah! He’s interesting, and I wanna get to know him more.”
“I don’t know why you would want to do that.” Cyno comments, finishing up his food.
“What’s so bad about him? You never told me.”
Instead of responding, Cyno looks at Tighnari. They communicate in their mind for a moment, and Sethos is amazed by it. He briefly wonders if he will be able to do that someday with his significant other.
Tighnari is the one who speaks, “Cyno is over exaggerating—“
“I’m not.”
“—So, don’t believe him. I’ve already forgiven Scara, so we’re on good terms. Last year, we were working on a project together, and I got electrocuted. I had to go to the hospital. But it wasn’t Scara’s fault, it was the sketchy wiring we used.”
“Yeah, the wiring he found. He just stood there while you being hurt—“
“He was in shock, Cyno. It was a natural reaction. Know what’s not a natural reaction? You being upset over this,” Tighnari looks at Sethos, “this is why I don’t like to bring it up, but don’t blame yourself. You were just curious.”
Sethos feels a tiny bit guilty, but glad that he now knows. “I see. I think I’ll see what he’s like on my own. He seems like a good guy so far,” He smiles at them.
Cyno shrugs, “Okay, that’s fine. No matter what you find out though, just know that I still don’t like him. Not even just because of Nari; he’s a major asshole.”
Tighnari shoves a piece of meat into his boyfriend’s mouth, and smiles at Sethos, “He is. Hopefully he warms up to you, but it’ll take awhile.”
“Kaveh told me the same thing! Scara is so… interesting. Maybe we’ll be friends in no time!”
_______________
Sethos may have exaggerated a bit. But it’s fine! He was warned that it would take some time, so really he shouldn’t be surprised.
But it’s been a month.
He hasn’t gotten a peep out of Scaramouche. He doesn’t even know the guy’s major! Sethos is aware he could simply ask the others, but he wants to hear it from Scaramouche. He wants to have an actual conversation with him. He’s invited Scara to multiple lunches, and just simple hang outs. The guy turned them all down.
Sethos doesn’t get it. He would sometimes see Scaramouche with the others, and talking with them, though he was scowling the entire time. Sethos would even show up to hang, and Scara would immediately leave with some random excuse. Is it him? Is Sethos the problem? Surely not! He’s been nothing but nice to Scaramouche.
He would even see just Scara and Kaveh hanging out. Which was a lot… more often than not. They must be close. Sethos isn’t sad or anything, but he does wish he could be like that with Scara, too. Over the last month of trying to become his friend, Sethos may have developed a crush. How, when he barely knows the guy? Sethos doesn’t know.
Scaramouche is… pretty, though. Sethos likes his hair style, and the color of his eyes. They’re such a deep blue, almost purple color just like his hair. His style of clothing is cool, too. Scara is usually wearing all black, baggy clothes with black and white sneakers. Sometimes he mixes it up, and wears combat boots. Black, of course. There’s always a chain hanging from his pants, and rings adorning his fingers. A silver chain is around his neck as well, the pendant hiding inside of his shirt. Sometimes he wears eyeliner as well. Some days it’s black, some days it’s red. Overall, he just looks stunning every time Sethos sees him.
He’s an introvert, and keeps to himself. He’s mean, and abrasive, like he wants to hurt others. Sethos knows that isn’t true. He has a feeling Scaramouche is just trying to protect himself. From what? Sethos doesn’t know, but wants to find out. When he sees Scara and Kaveh together, Scara isn’t scowling or glaring. They talk normally, and Sethos has even seen him bring Kaveh lunch once or twice.
And Sethos isn’t a stalker, okay? He just happens to see Scaramouche all over campus. Nearly every day. That’s all! He also definitely doesn’t follow the man to the school’s infirmary twice a week. That would be absurd.
….Why does he go in there? Sethos can’t help but wonder. Maybe Scaramouche is on medication? Or maybe he and the head nurse are friends? Sethos met Nurse Nahida the day Scara accidentally punched him. She was really nice, and small. She even gave Sethos a lollipop! Maybe they’re relatives?
Sethos has a crush on an enigma.
Sethos likes that, though. It’s like putting together a 1,000-piece puzzle. But, to successfully solve a puzzle, you must first start with the corners.
________________
Scaramouche leaves the infirmary, ignoring the head nurse’s goodbye. He exits the building it’s located in, and heads towards the dorms. He’s had a long day and is ready to sleep for a thousand years.
The campus is nearly empty now that it’s almost five in the evening. He thinks some of the sports teams are wrapping up practice as well. He sees professors and other faculty leaving, too. Everyone’s day really ends at five, huh?
He hears footsteps behind him, but pretty sure it’s another faculty member. Maybe even a student leaving their sports practice. So he pays it no mind, and keeps walking at a steady pace. The sun is getting low in the sky, and the edges of the clouds are beginning to turn orange. The birds are chirping, but quietly like they’re whispering, and Scara can see the forest in the distance.
It’s peaceful.
“Hey, Scara!”
Until it’s not.
Scaramouche sighs as Sethos falls into step with him. He isn’t holding a bag of whatever today, so that’s a good sign at least.
“What do you want?”
Sethos is always smiling kindly with his bright, green eyes sparkling. “Straight to the point, eh? Just saw that you were walking to the dorms, and decided to join you.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m also headed there! No reason to walk alone, is there?”
Scaramouche folds his arms over his chest, “I have plenty of reasons.”
He doesn’t offer any of said reasons, so Sethos stays quiet. It seems like Scaramouche doesn’t mind, so Sethos keeps walking with him, but not saying a word. He instead enjoys the scenery, and basks in the quietness.
Once they reach their destination, Sethos speaks up, “Thanks for letting me walk with you! I’ll see you in class?”
Scaramouche stops walking, and turns around, “Holy shit, I forgot about you,” he states, looking confused for a second. “So, you do know how to shut up? Could’ve fooled me.”
Sethos chuckles, “Yeah, I figured I’d take a page out of your book, and not talk,”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes, “Whatever. Bye.”
He goes into the building, and Sethos does a fist pump, exclaiming, “Fuck yeah! We had a normal conversation for once! Progress!” He hi-fives himself, smiling proudly. He ignores the lingering students giving him weird looks and happily runs inside his building across the way.
Little does he know, a certain someone had seen him.
“He’s so stupid.” He mumbles with a barely-there smile, and goes up to his room.
________________
It becomes an everyday thing.
Sethos manages to find Scaramouche after classes, and walk back to the dorms with him. Even if Sethos had something to do, he still does it. At the end of the week, Scaramouche finally asks.
“How do you find me every day? I knew you were a stalker, but it’s getting bad.”
It’s the first time Scara has initiated the conversation, and Sethos tries not to let his excitement show.
“Well, to my luck you take the same route every day, so it’s easy to find you.”
“How do you know my routes?” Scara challenges him, lifting an eyebrow.
Sethos bites his lip to contain his smile,” Don’t worry about it.”
Scaramouche looks amused at that, “You know, I see you sometimes, right? When I’m with that dumbass Kaveh. You’re a creep.”
“Maybe so, but I can’t help it. You’re interesting to me.”
“Yeah? How so?”
“Well, for starters, you’re very pretty,”
Scaramouche glares at him, his cheeks turning pink, “Shut the fuck up.”
Sethos laughs, “It’s true! But that’s not all. Care to hear more?”
Scaramouche sees they’re almost to the dorms, and shakes his head, “Hell no. I’ve heard enough of you today. I regret asking you anything.”
He starts speed walking to the dorms, Sethos’ boisterous laughter behind him. “See you later, Scara!”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes. He doesn’t know why he’s started to entertain that idiot, letting him walk with him every day this week. Maybe it’s because Sethos didn’t talk. He is always telling the taller man to shut up, so he guesses that’s what Sethos is doing to stay beside him.
Which seems absurd, even to Scara. Is he being too mean? That can’t be it, right? He knows Sethos is a natural yapper, so it’s probably hard to stay quiet. But then again, their walk is only ten minutes. It can’t be that hard to stay silent for ten minutes.
What does Scara know? He doesn’t talk unless it’s necessary.
When he’s finally in his room, he lets out a deep breath. He changes into comfortable clothes, grabs his laptop, and lays on his bed. He boots up Netflix, and continues the show he’s binging.
Halfway into an episode, his phone chimes with a text. He grabs it, and furrows his eyebrows in confusion.
Unknown Number: hiiiii scara :) guess who!
He stares at the text, then immediately glares. He leaves that chat, and clicks onto the group chat he muted as soon as Kaveh put him in it years ago.
Scara: which one of you fuckers gave that idiot my number
Scara: tell me now or die
Cyno: wasn’t me
Nari: probably not me :)
Alhaitham: who are you referring to?
Nari: he means sethos :)
Kaveh: i didn’t!
Scara: you fuckin bitch. why???
Nari: bc he likes you obvi
Kaveh: sethos likes scaramoochie??
Scara: don’t fuckin call me that
Scara: and i don’t give a shit if he likes me he can fuck off
Cyno: unfortunately i don’t think he will
Cyno: he will continue to fuck on
Nari: all of ur jokes are terrible babe but that was the worst one yet<3
Alhaitham: i don’t think the heart emoticon helps.
Nari: it wasn’t supposed to
Alhaitham: ah, i see.
Scara: can we get back to my problem pls
Scara: tighnari you’re a dead man
Nari: not if my classes kill me first i’m stressed
Scara: fuck u
Scaramouche ignores the rest of the messages rolling in after that, and exits the chat. He would leave, but Kaveh will just add him back (he’s done it fifteen times already). He goes back to the other chat with Sethos, and feels his rage flare up even more.
Scara: delete my number.
Unknown: i knew you’d say that
Unknown: isn’t this better tho? you don’t have to hear me talk!
Scara: i can practically hear your voice through the screen.
Scara: if you won’t delete my number then i’ll just block you.
Unknown: WAIT PLS
Unknown: i just wanna be your FRIEND :(
Scara: why do you want to be my friend so bad?
Unknown: you’re cool :)
Unknown: also very pretty
Unknown: and handsome
Unknown: you look as if a man and a woman had a baby
Scara: …is that your way of calling me androgynous??????
Unknown: uhhhh is that a bad thing??
Scara: no but wtf
Scara: do you want to be my friend??? cuz rn it seems like you’re flirting with me.
Unknown: no, no flirting!! i’m just complimenting my friend :)
Unknown: i compliment cyno all the time
Scara: he’s your cousin he doesn’t count.
Unknown: i think it does. so, do you wanna hang out tomorrow since it’s saturday?
Scara: no.
Unknown: oh. do you have plans already?
Scara: no i don’t
Unknown: oh
Unknown: so you’re free
Scara: ye
Unknown: so we can hang out
Scara: no
Unknown: WHY
Scara: i’d rather be doing literally anything else
Unknown: ok!! we’re hanging out! be ready at 1pm!! i’ll pick you up :)
Scara: no wtf
Scara: sethos i swear to fuckin god if you show up tomorrow i’ll break rib 2, 8, 13, & 24
Unknown: ouchie :( i need those
Scara: then you’ll stay away.
Unknown: ok i gtg!! byeee!!! :)
Scara: don’t fuckin show up
________________
“Why aren’t you dressed?!”
Scaramouche glares at the taller man. His dark skin seems to be glowing, and his smile is too bright. He has his usual curly hair that looks a mess tied back into a ponytail, twirly flyaways framing his face. He’s dressed in a yellow flannel rolled up to his elbows, black jeans, and a white undershirt. There’s a few braided bracelets on each wrist, and if Scara’s eyes don’t deceive him, he thinks he sees a tattoo on the inside of Sethos’ forearm.
What a nuisance.
“Go away.” Scara demands, about to slam his dorm room door.
Sethos stops it with his hand, “Ah, not so fast!” He pushes the door open, and practically barges into Scara’s room. Scaramouche can’t help but stand there in shock.
How bold!
“Get the fuck out!” Scaramouche exclaims.
Sethos sits on his desk chair, spinning around, “I’ll get out once you agree to hang out with me.”
“You’re so fucking insufferable!” Scaramouche doesn’t know what to do. He isn’t a violent person (not anymore) so he can’t just beat him up. How is he supposed to get this man out?
… Or is it just faster to agree to hang out?
Scara doesn’t like his options here. He heaves a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He’s going to regret this, he can feel it.
“Fine. I’ll fucking hang out with you. But I won’t like it, and I’ll complain the entire time.”
Sethos smiles wide, jumping from his seat, “Fuck yes! Oh, this is gonna be so cool!”
His enthusiasm irritates Scara, but he has no need to ruin it. “Okay, great, now get out so I can change.”
Sethos nods like a puppy, and exits the room. Scaramouche sighs, and grabs the first thing out of his closet. Baggy black cargo pants, and a short black band shirt that’s just shy of being a crop top. He grabs his black and white sneakers, shoving his feet into them. He does his eyeliner real quick, going for red today for just a small pop of color. He puts on his usual rings, and attaches his chain to his belt loops. He grabs his bag, makes sure he has all of his essentials and exits the room.
Sethos is leaning against the wall next to the door, and stands up straight when it opens. He looks at Scara, and gasps quietly. So this is what it’s like having your breath taken away. Sethos’ eyes roam Scara’s body, taking in each aspect. He’s about to say something about his outfit until his eyes catch a glimmer of light.
“You have a belly button piercing?! No way!” Sethos exclaims, bending down to get a closer look at it.
Scaramouche immediately moves back, and covers his stomach with his arms, “Stop that you weirdo! Yes, I have a piercing. That’s all you had to ask.”
He walks towards the stairs to head to the exit. Sethos catches up with him, falling in step with Scara. “Sorry, but it’s so cool! And kinda hot. No, actually it’s a lot hot. Did it hurt?”
With flushed cheeks, Scara glares at him, “Shut the fuck up. I already regret coming out with you.”
Sethos chuckles at him. He’s so cute.
“Did it hurt?”
They leave the dormitory and are soon out in the streets of Sumeru. The Akademiya is pretty close to the main city, so they were surrounded by civilization in no time.
“Not at all. Barely felt it.”
Sethos nods along, “Cool, cool, cool. I’ve always wanted a piercing, but my grandpa never let me. I guess I can get one now, though.”
“What changed?” Scaramouche finds himself asking.
He’s been following Sethos to gods know where. The taller man seems to have a destination in mind, but Scara will ask later.
“Oh, he died. Like two years.”
Well, that certainly wasn’t something Scaramouche expected. He’s never handled death too well, meaning it was always awkward when someone told him about it. This situation is no different.
“Oh,” He says.
Sethos giggles, “It’s fine, you don’t gotta say anything. Hey, let’s go in here,” He turns to the left, and enters a shop.
It’s some thrift store, and Scara follows him in. They go along the racks of clothes, finding good things, but also strange ones. Along a shelf full of hats, Sethos tries on any he could get his hands on.
“How about this one?” He asks Scaramouche. It’s a large, frilly pink hat.
Scaramouche smirks, “You look like a granny going to church.”
“Perfect!” Sethos says with a chuckle. He puts it back and picks up a green top hat. “This one?”
Scara shakes his head, “You remind me of The Riddler.”
“Am I at least hotter than him?” Sethos pouts.
Scara doesn’t answer him. He just snorts and walks over to another part of the store. Sethos puts the hat away with a knowing smile. They soon leave the thrift store.
“Where to next, Riddler?” Scara asks.
“Don’t call me that,” the taller man whines. Scaramouche lets out a quiet chuckle at that, and Sethos smiles. “Ah, so he does smile! And was that a laugh I heard?”
Scaramouche immediately glares up at him, “Shut up, fuck you.”
Sethos’ eyes light up with excitement, “Make me.”
They stare at each other in the middle of the sidewalk, one glaring and the other looking amused. Scara is quick as he lifts his foot, and steps on Sethos’ own foot. The taller man groans in pain as he grabs his foot, hopping around like an idiot.
“Why, why, why?!”
Scaramouche stifles a laugh because he didn’t stomp on him that hard. They both know that; Sethos is just dramatic.
“You’re an idiot,” Scara says, and keeps walking, though deliberately slow.
Sethos makes a noise, and is soon following him, catching up pretty quickly. “But I’m your idiot, right?”
Scara bites his lip to keep from smiling, “You talk too much.”
Sethos giggles, and takes him into another shop. And that’s all they do: just go into different shops and look around. They get kicked out of one because Scaramouche ended up chasing Sethos around, making a mess. But it was Sethos’ fault! The man found a toy gun and shot Scara in the ass with it, so he had to get revenge.
They were now at a restaurant for dinner, and just finished ordering. It took a lot of convincing on Sethos’ part, but he’s happy that Scaramouche agreed.
“So, Scara—“
“Don’t ask me any dumbass questions.”
Sethos chuckles, “I’m not! I just wanted to know what’s up with you and the nurse. You’re in there a lot.”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes, “Fucking stalker. I’m surprised you don’t know.”
“I never followed you in.”
“Nahida is my aunt.”
“… So, you got her shortness? Ack!”
Scaramouche smirks after having just kicked Sethos in the shins. The waiter comes at that moment to bring them their food, then leaves them be.
“You’re fucking ruthless, dude.” Sethos whines, rubbing his leg.
“Yeah, well, you wanted to be my friend, so deal with it.” Scaramouche sticks his tongue out at him, and starts eating.
Sethos rests his cheek against his fist. “So, we’re friends now?”
Scara shrugs, and swallows his mouth full of food, “I haven’t decided yet.”
“And when will the jury decide?”
“When the defendant shows me a better time.” Scaramouche grins at him, and Sethos’ chest flutters.
“Alright, alright. I think I can step up my game. You will be my friend, Scaramouche. Mark my words.”
____________
They continue to hang out.
They go out to eat, the mall, outdoor concerts, and even the amusement park at one point. They hang out a lot after classes, too. So much that they barely even see their other friends.
Nahida asks about them one day during Scara’s visit.
“So, who is he?”
“A nuisance.”
“That you hang out every day with?”
“He’s just someone to keep me entertained.”
Nahida giggles behind her small hand, not believing him at all. Is he aware he’s blushing? Instead of telling him, she just says, “Okay. Bring him some time.”
Scaramouche doesn’t refute or agree with that.
Even in the group chat (that Sethos is in now) they complain that the two boys leave them out. Scaramouche only sent a middle finger emoji while Sethos apologized and promised to get together soon with them.
This goes on for two months.
To them, they’re just two people who like to spend time together. To outsiders, they look a little more… intimate than that. They’re always seen together around campus. Huddled up in some corner, sitting too close, or even touching one another on the shoulder or the arm. How Sethos got his permission to touch him, no one knows. But it’s a nice change from Scaramouche, seeing him open to making friends. He wasn’t willing at first, but Sethos is persistent and annoying. He won’t go away no matter how much you swat at him.
Like an annoying little bee.
The more they hang out, the more Scaramouche starts to notice things. He notices that Sethos likes meat; notices that Sethos despises green vegetables; notices that Sethos gets excited like a puppy over the smallest things; notices how Sethos’ eyes light up when Scaramouche agrees to do something; notices how Sethos likes to be close to him, shoulder to shoulder; and notices how Sethos is always touching him in some way.
He notices a lot of things.
He doesn’t dislike any of them.
Scaramouche lets the other be in his space, and touch him. He no longer minds it, or finds it irritating. They hang out in each other’s dorm rooms, sometimes even staying the night. Scara has so many of Sethos’ shirts from sleeping in his room that he’s running out of space. He hasn’t had time to give them back, okay?
Scaramouche has also noticed that he may just like Sethos. As in having a crush on Sethos. It’s weird to Scara. He’s never had strong feelings for anyone besides hatred or rage. Well, he’s never had romantic feelings, specifically. He kind of dated this one guy, but there was nothing romantic about it. The guy was an annoying ginger, so really, Scara should’ve known better. There was another guy who liked Scara, but Scara turned him down. The guy was high as shit all the time and reciting useless poems.
The feelings he has now are real, and for Sethos.
Which is funny because Sethos has been trying so hard to be his friend. Do friends act the way they do? He isn’t too sure. He also isn’t sure if Sethos likes him back. Will he ever tell Sethos? Absolutely not. Scara hates to admit it, but he kinda likes Sethos in his life. He doesn’t want stupid emotions to get in the way of that. So, until Sethos himself starts showing romantic interest, or confesses, Scaramouche’s mouth is shut.
Tonight they’re going to a party. Some rich student is throwing it at her house that’s ten minutes away from campus. Scara is nearly ready when there’s a knock on his door.
He opens to reveal Kaveh and Tighnari, who are all dressed up for tonight.
“Hey, Scara! You look hot, holy shit,” Kaveh greets him, stepping into the room with Tighnari in tow.
“Does he? He still looks like shit to me,” Tighnari says with a smirk.
Scara flips him off, and tells Kaveh, “Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself. Hoping for Alhaitham to rail you tonight?”
Kaveh immediately turns red, the color showing through the makeup on his cheeks, “Shut up! I could say the same for you! Hoping for Sethos to finally make a move?”
Tighnari rolls his eyes, “You guys still aren’t together? Grow some balls, and tell him.” He hands a tiny bottle of tequila to Scaramouche, and Kaveh.
“Ooh, pre-game shots! But, yeah, I agree! I can tell you like him, Moochie. I’m pretty sure he likes you, too!”
Scaramouche shakes his head, and opens the small bottle, “I don’t care. Unless he tells me that himself, then I ain’t saying shit.”
“Suit yourself,” Tighnari says and holds up his bottle.
Kaveh takes his phone out to record their small cheers to make a boomerang for Instagram. They take their shots and toss the bottles in the small trash can by the door. They soon leave, and meet Cyno and Alhaitham downstairs.
“Where’s Sethos?” Cyno asks as they begin their short walk to the party.
“Shouldn’t you know?” Kaveh asks, swinging his and Alhaitham’s intertwined hands back and forth.
“Just because we’re related doesn’t mean I keep tabs on him.”
“The girl who’s throwing the party asked him to help set up.” Scara says from beside them.
“Dori asked him for help? That’s interesting.” Tighnari says, handing them all another shot.
“Where are you getting these?” Alhaitham asks as he opens his.
“Obviously I bought them earlier today. It’s just a little pre-gaming.”
“I meant where are you holding them.”
“Oh.”
He doesn’t answer Alhaitham, and Alhaitham doesn’t keep asking. They soon reach the house, and feel a buzz underneath their skin not just from the alcohol. The music is booming, so much so that they heard it from the end of the street. There’s a few people lingering in the front yard, already drunk or high, or both. The group enters the house, and it’s dark with flashing, colorful lights. Kaveh yells at them to find the kitchen, and Scara quickly takes out his phone.
Scara: here, in kitchen
As soon as it’s delivered, it’s read. The group finally finds the kitchen, and Tighnari is pouring them all shots.
“Make one for Sethos.” Scara says when Tighnari only makes five.
Tighnari gives him a knowing smile, but doesn’t say anything as he gets another cup. Not too long after, Sethos enters the kitchen.
“Hey, guys! You all dress up nice!” Sethos greets them, his eyes lingering on Scaramouche.
“You look good, too, Sethos! Here!” Kaveh hands him a cup.
Kaveh gets his phone ready again as they do another toast. Afterwards, Kaveh takes a selfie with all of them squished into the frame, either giving a peace sign or in Scara’s case, the middle finger. Once that’s done, they all go their separate ways, saying they’ll see each other later. Left alone in the kitchen are Sethos and Scaramouche.
“Want a beer?” Sethos asks, already reaching into one of the many coolers.
“Sure.” Scara answers.
He take the cold beer, and cracks it open, Sethos doing the same. Sethos can’t help himself as his eyes roam Scara’s figure, specifically on the top he chose to wear. Scara is wearing a shirt black skirt, with an equally black halter crop top with a bedazzled heart in the middle, and black combat boots. What Sethos is looking at is the dark purple practically hanging off of Scara’s small frame. One of the sleeves is dropped down, showing off a pale arm. The man even wore purple eyeliner to match.
Gods, he’s going to be the death of Sethos.
“So, that’s where this went,” Sethos says, lightly grabbing the flannel.
Scara smirks, “Sorry, didn’t know you were looking for it.” Though he doesn’t sound sorry at all.
Sethos knows this, so he only chuckles, “Don’t worry. It looks better on you, anyway.”
Scara snorts and looks away, “What a lame pick up line.” He takes a sip of his drink.
That makes Sethos’ smirk grow wider, “Who said I was trying to pick you up?”
With a roll of his eyes, Scaramouche responds, “Oh, please. Have you seen the way you’re looking at me right now?”
“That’s not how eyes work, so no.”
“You’re insufferable. Okay, wise guy, just control yourself tonight.”
With that, Scara walks off. Sethos stands there for a moment, watching the man’s back. He looks way too good tonight, and Sethos will be damned if he leaves Scara alone for a second. He quickly catches up to Scara, and they find a spot on a couch to sit and drink. They sit rather close, thigh to thigh, so they can hear each other speaking.
“Was I really looking at you that much?” Sethos asks, a little worried he made Scara uncomfortable.
Scara seems to sense this, so he says, “It’s fine, I don’t mind. What did you think I got all dressed up for?”
He says it sarcastically, but Sethos can’t help but think it was for him. Scaramouche got all dressed up for him. He knows that isn’t the case because Scara doesn’t like him in that way. Which is totally fine with Sethos! He’s content just being friends with Scaramouche. He would like to be more, but if Scara is comfortable being friends then that’s okay. So, he won’t tell Scara his feelings. He might lose his friendship that way, and Sethos doesn’t want to risk it.
“Maybe that guy,” Sethos says, subtly gesturing to someone from across the room. The man had been staring at them since they sat down. He was staring so hard at Scaramouche, practically undressing the shorter man with his piercing gaze. It made Sethos crush his beer can a little, but not enough for Scara to notice thankfully.
Scaramouche looks over in the direction Sethos mentioned, and nearly groans because what the fuck.
“It’s my ex. Just ignore him.” Scara says, taking a drink.
Sethos looks at him, back at the strange man, then back at Scara. “You have an ex?”
Scara quirks up an eyebrow, “You don’t?”
“I do, it’s just I didn’t think you did. You don’t like being touched.” Sethos couldn’t even begin to tell you why he’s feeling an ugly emotion like jealousy.
Scaramouche shrugs, “Stick around long enough and you get special privileges. Anyway, don’t mind him, he’s annoying,” He grins, and leans even closer to Sethos, placing a hand on his knee, “Be a dear and get me another beer?”
Sethos is soon distracted by this, and all thoughts of jealousy are gone. His skin burns where Scara touches, and a shiver runs down his spine when he whispers in Sethos’ ear. He just nods, and mumbles that he’ll be back. Scaramouche laughs as he walks away. He takes the last swig of his drink and sets the can on the floor.
He looks around at everyone mingling or dancing. He’s starting to feel the alcohol, mainly because of the shots from earlier. He feels warm inside, and relaxed. He doesn’t get drunk often, or even go to parties. The last party he went to was months ago, and coincidentally the last time he got drunk. So, Scara thinks he’s gonna let loose tonight. He deserves it.
Soon, the spot beside him is filled again, but not by who he is expecting. Scaramouche immediately glares, going, “Go away, fuck face.”
“Oh, your words wound me, Scara! I just came to say hi.”
“Okay, great, now leave Ajax.”
Childe fakes a pout, “Aw, come on, baby. Don’t use that name, you know I don’t like it.”
“Don’t fucking call me that.” Scara spits out in disgust.
Childe only laughs at that, “Okay, sorry! Actually, can we talk? Let’s go over there.” He vaguely gestures to the other side of the room.
Before Scara can say no, Childe is standing up, pulling him along. He protests, trying to pull away, but Childe’s grip only gets tighter. He nearly forgot this man was in the military.
They reach a dark corner where the strobe lights don’t reach, and there aren’t many people around. The music is still loud, but Childe only pulls him to his chest to whisper in his ear.
“I’ve been thinking about you, you know,” He says, placing a hand on Scara’s waist.
“Clearly. We stopped seeing each other ages ago, though. I haven’t thought about you since.” Scara says with as much venom as he can muster.
Childe smirks, “Ouch, that kind of hurt. I’ll let it slide, though. Word on the street is you got a new boy toy. Was it that guy just now?”
Scara looks at him like he wants to strangle him (he does). “It’s none of your fucking business. Let me go.”
He tries to pull away, but Childe’s grip on his wrist is too tight, and the hand that was on his waist is now an arm wrapped around, holding him against Childe.
“We’re not done talking, baby. Why don’t you get rid of that douchebag and come back to me, hm? Doesn’t that sound great?”
“We were never together! I didn’t even like you!”
“Oh, you didn’t? How come you were in my bed every night, screaming my name?” Childe has a dirty grin on his face and it makes Scaramouche feel a type of rage that should be illegal.
“Let me the fuck go before I—“
“Before you what? Call your little boy toy to come save you? Spare me.” Childe laughs.
Scaramouche is thinking of way to escape, until suddenly he’s being ripped away from Childe, and a muscular back is in his view.
“I think he said to let him go.”
Scaramouche is slightly taken aback by the deep voice coming from Sethos. It’s low, and menacing, just like his stance. He’s shielding Scara from Childe, a murderous look on his face. He’s never seen Sethos mad before. Not even upset, so this is new. This is…
Kinda hot.
Childe smiles, and puts his hands up in surrender, “Ah, sorry, pal. We were just talking, no big deal.”
“I don’t give a shit if you were talking. He said to let him go and you didn’t.”
Childe shrugs, “I didn’t hurt him. Look, man, I don’t want any trouble. I’ll leave, so you two enjoy the party.” Childe sends a wink Scaramouche’s way, and walks off.
Sethos watches until he’s out of sight, then turns to Scar with a concerned expression. It’s a complete 180 from how he looked just two seconds ago, and it throws Scara for a loop.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you? What did he say?” Sethos fires question after question, fixing Scara clothes that got kind of messed up.
Scaramouche swats his hands away, “I’m fine, he didn’t hurt me. And he didn’t say anything important. Did you get me another drink?”
Sethos looks him over one last time. He knew that guy was trouble. Scara said to just ignore him, but how could he when the man had Scaramouche in his arms? The grip looked tight, so he hopes Scara isn’t lying to him. That man is his ex? He seems like such a dick. Sethos could treat him way better. Hell, he treats Scara good now, and they’re not even dating!
“I dropped it. Come on, I’ll get you another.” Sethos smiles, and holds out his hand.
Scaramouche looks down at it then back up at him. He sighs, and places his own hand into Sethos’. The taller man leads them through the crowd to the kitchen. There’s a few people in here chatting, and then there’s a couple making out in the corner. Upon further realization, though, Scara realized the couple are his idiots. He rolls his eyes and snaps a quick picture. Kaveh is going to be so upset tomorrow; Scara is already laughing.
“Here you go, my liege,” Sethos snaps him out of his thoughts with a cold beer.
“My liege?” Scara asks amused as he opens the can.
“I don’t know, it just slipped out.” Sethos giggles and drinks his own beer.
“Sethos, are you drunk?” Scara is now noticing the taller’s posture is slightly swaying, his cheeks are rosy, and his eyes glossy. How had he not noticed before?
Sethos shrugs, “I may have had a few before you came,”
“Just a few? You’re shitfaced. I didn’t notice before,”
“You didn’t? I was struggling so hard to seem normal and sober!” Sethos laughs loudly.
Scaramouche laughs a bit, “Why? It’s a party, I wouldn’t have been shocked,”
Sethos shrugs again, “Ah, I don’t know. Can I blame it on the alcohol?” He smirks, and takes a step closer.
“Just this once, okay?” Scara says, looking up at him.
Sethos continues to stare at him, admiring his beauty. He tentatively brings up his free hand, and gently caresses Scaramouche’s cheek. “You’re so damn gorgeous.”
“Yeah? Tell me more.”
Sethos smiles, going on, “You’re pretty, too. And handsome. Beautiful, stunning, amazing, sexy, all of the above. You’re even cuter when you wear my clothes.” Sethos plays with the collar of the flannel. His flannel that’s on Scara’s body.
Scaramouche almost laughs, “I think I’m always wearing your clothes,” He takes a drink of beer.
“Which means you’re cute all the time. Even when you don’t wear them. In fact, I think you’d look better without any clothes at all.”
Scara feels his face heat up, but blames it on the alcohol. He playfully slaps Sethos’ chest, “Oh, please. You’re gonna have to try harder than that to get into my pants.”
Sethos grips his waist, pulling him closer so they’re flush together, chest to chest. Scara nearly drops his drink, but holds it steady. His other hand rests on Sethos’ broad chest.
“What do you think you’re doing?” He asks, looking up at the intoxicated man.
“Trying harder.” He says with a saccharine smile.
Scaramouche rolls his eyes, hoping he’s playing it off that his heart is beating rapidly good enough. “You’re ridiculous.” He steps back, and Sethos lets him. It makes him a little sad, and feeling cold, but he knows Sethos is just respecting his space.
“Mmm, alcohol makes a lot of people ridiculous.”
“Not me,” Scara says, setting his drink down. He grabs two cups and pours them a shot each. “Take a shot with me.”
Sethos grabs a cup, and they toast, drinking the burning liquid. Sethos makes a face, “Why does it seem like it tastes nastier the more I drink it?”
Scaramouche chuckles at him, “Really? I can’t taste it after a while.”
“How long is a while?”
“Maybe one more shot, and the rest of this,” Scara gestures to his can of beer.
“So, you’ll be drunk then? Great, you need to catch up with me,” Sethos has a mischievous grin on his face, and Scara wants to wipe it off with his own lips.
“I’m not catching up with you anywhere,”
Sethos pouts, and places his hands back on Scaramouche’s waist, but still keeps his distance. “Why not? You need to loosen up a little more,”
Scara snorts in amusement, “I am loose,”
“Loose enough to dance with me?” Sethos subtly squeezes his waist, and it takes all of Scara’s willpower to not fall into his embrace.
He isn’t much of a dancer, but he knows how to keep up with the beat. He doesn’t know if he should, though. Will it lead to anything? Or should Scara resist the temptation? Unless, of course, Sethos makes a move first…
Ah, fuck it.
Instead of answering, Scara chugs his drink, slams the can down, and drags Sethos to the dance floor. They squeeze in somewhere near the thick of the crowd, and Sethos pulls him close. They dance together, grinding to the music, and when the song changes, Scara turns around so his back is pressed to Sethos’ chest. He grinds back onto Sethos, and the taller man holds him tighter, moving with him. Scara is a little surprised that Sethos can keep up. The guys he has danced with weren’t able to, nor did they even know how to stay in rhythm. But Sethos is a pro it seems.
It kind of turns him on.
Scara leans back against him, and smirks up at him. Sethos bites his lip, and moves his arms. One arm wraps around Scara’s waist while his other arm travels upward, hand resting on Scara’s exposed neck. Scara’s breath hitches at the feeling of his large hands on his neck. Sethos is applying light pressure, keeping his gaze locked on Sethos’.
The more they dance, the more Scara can feel how turned on Sethos is. It’s pressing against his ass, and he can’t help but grind back onto it. Sethos lets out a quiet grunt in his ear, and a husky whisper of ‘fuck.’
“Scara… Can I kiss you? Fuck, please,” Sethos asks, grinding harder into Scara’s ass.
Scara can feel his underwear getting wetter by the second. He doesn’t think he can hold back much longer. He doesn’t think this is a good idea, actually, but…
“Yes, please.”
Sethos grips his chin tight, and smashes their lips together. They move in sync, and Sethos pries his mouth open, tongue invading Scara’s space. The shorter man fully turns around, and wraps his arms around Sethos’ neck, pulling him closer. Sethos gives him one last kiss, then moves down to his jaw, and his neck. Scara moans quietly, tightening his hold.
“There’s rooms upstairs,” Sethos says quickly. He bites down on his neck, sucking a mark in the spot. “If you want that is.”
And oh how Scara wants.
Scara gives in, ignoring all the warnings in his head. He says yes, and Sethos drags him upstairs. On their way, they run into Childe, and they both flip him off. The ginger only glares at them, but doesn’t say or do anything. They also run into Tighnari, who gives them a thumbs up. He quickly gets off of Cyno’s lap, though, and runs over to them.
“Here, take this,” Tighnari says, shoving something into Scara’s hand. “Have fun guys!”
He scurries back over to Cyno, and Scara balls his fist up, crumpling the fucking condom Tighnari gave him.
“What did he give you?” Sethos asks, hanging off of him, and pressing lazy kisses to Scara’s neck.
“I’ll show you in the room. Come on,”
Sethos stands up straight, and smiles. He leads them to a hallway with a bunch of doors. They check all the rooms until they find an empty one. They go inside and Scara locks the door. Sethos wastes no time, and pushes him against the door, kissing him hard. Scara returns the kiss in kind, and pushes Sethos against his chest towards the bed. Sethos ends up sitting down, and Scara climbs onto his lap, legs on either side of him. They continue kissing, touching wherever their hands can reach. Scara grinds down on him, feeling Sethos’ hard cock rub against him. He and Sethos groan at the same time.
Sethos reaches behind him to unzip his skirt, and Scara stands up in between his legs. Sethos is able to pull his skirt down, and nearly faints.
“Holy fuck, you’re gonna be the death of me,” Sethos says as he stares wide eyed at Scara’s lacy, black underwear. There’s two green bows on the sides keeping it together, and a small green bow in the front. “Also… green?” He smirks, lightly toying with the strings.
Scaramouche immediately blushes, looking away with a small glare, “They were the first ones I saw, okay? It has nothing to do—“
“With my eyes? Are you sure?”
“You insufferable idiot.”
Sethos chuckles, “But I’m your idiot, right?”
“Shut up, and kiss me.”
“Gladly.”
Sethos pulls him down for a kiss. Scara climbs back onto his lap, hands reaching down to unbutton his pants. They get them off quickly, and Scara pushes him down onto the bed. He finally shows Sethos what Tighnari had given him.
“A fuckin’ condom? Does he even know my size?” Sethos asks with a laugh.
“I hope he doesn’t,”
“Ooh, someone’s jealous.”
“Not jealous, just hoping Cyno is okay with that. I mean you’re his cousin after all.”
Sethos chuckles, “You’re right. But, it’s fine. We can find out if it fits in a minute.” He pulls him back into a searing kiss.
Scaramouche mumbles against his lips, “And if it doesn’t?”
“I’m clean, I promise. Get checked regularly.”
“Okay. I am, too.”
Scara tugs on his boxers, pulling them down. Sethos lifts his hips to help, and Scara moans as his cock rubs against him. Scara looks down at him, and bites his lip.
He wasn’t expecting Sethos to be that big. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t make it all fit tonight. He starts kissing Sethos’ neck, biting and sucking on it to leave marks. Sethos bucks his hips up to feel any type of friction on his leaking cock. Scara reaches down between them to grip his cock, and slowly pumps it.
“Ah, fuck, baby,” Sethos lets out a breathy moan, bucking his hips into Scaramouche’s hand.
Scara smirks against his marred skin, and lifts his head up. “You sound so cute. Can you make more noises for me?”
Scaramouche moves his hand faster, and Sethos moans louder. He grips the bed sheets with his eyes shut tight. Scara is having none of that, though. He uses his free hand to grip Sethos’ chin, saying, “I want you to look at me the entire time. Open your pretty eyes for me, little bee,”
Sethos struggles, but eventually gets his eyes open like asked. He blinks up at Scara, and mumbles, “Little bee?”
Scara smiles, “I’ll explain later. Do you like it?”
“Of course I do. You can call me anything you like, baby. Do you like that one?”
“Yeah, I do. Keep calling me that. I’m your baby tonight.”
Sethos groans as Scara tightens the grip on his cock, thumbing the wet slit, and spreading around the precum. “Just tonight?” Sethos manages to ask.
Scara slows his hand down, and looks at him. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do,” Sethos is quick to answer. He sits up on his elbows.
Scaramouche shakes his head. “You’re drunk.”
“Maybe so, but that doesn’t—“
“Stop talking.” Scara interrupts him with a kiss. He bites Sethos’ bottom lip, and the man moans.
Sethos guesses they’ll talk about it later.
He reaches for Scara’s panties, and the man guides him to the bows on the sides. Sethos understands, and pulls the strings loose. He tugs them off, tossing them to the floor. Scara runs his hands under Sethos’ shirt, and the man sits up to take it off. Scara goes to take off his own shirt, but Sethos stops him.
“What?” Scara asks, kind of feeling embarrassed and maybe insecure. Does Sethos not want to see him?
Sethos is quick to reassure him with a blinding smile, “Don’t worry, it’s just…” Sethos chuckles, his cheeks burning from embarrassment. “I kinda want to fuck you while you’re wearing my shirt.”
“Oh,” Scara says. “That’s hot. Can I at least take off the shirt? I’ll put the flannel back on.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Scaramouche does so, tossing his shirt to the side. He puts the flannel back on, and Sethos bites his lip. “You’re so fuckin beautiful.”
He flips them over on the bed, and pins Scara down by the wrists. “Is this okay?”
Scaramouche nods, “Yeah,”
Sethos moves his arms above his head, holding his wrists there with one hand. His other hand slowly cascades down his chest, and torso, gently playing with the dangling piercing in his belly button. The jewel on that is green, too.
Sethos looks up at him, “Is green your favorite color?” He smirks when Scara blushes.
“Not until recently,”
“Yeah? Purple is my favorite as of recently.”
Scaramouche’s eyes widened slightly. “Kiss me, please.”
“So polite.” Sethos mumbles against his lips, not really kissing him.
Scaramouche nips at his bottom lip, gently pulling it with his teeth, then letting it go. Sethos’ tongue darts out, licking Scara’s lips. The shorter man captures his tongue, and sucks on it. Sethos moans, and finally kisses him for real. He lets Scaramouche suck on his tongue as much as he wants, and it’s turning him on even more; it’s starting to hurt. He needs to fuck Scaramouche now, or else.
Sethos pulls away, “Keep your hands there,” He lets go of his wrists, and spreads Scara’s legs, gripping his inner thighs.
“Fuck,” Sethos mumbles. “You’re so fucking wet, baby.”
He watches as Scara’s pussy drips precum, glistening in the dim lighting. He uses one finger to drag it through his folds, and when he pulls it back there’s a thin string connecting them. He looks Scara in the eye as he puts the finger in his mouth, and sucks it.
“Mmm, you taste so fucking good, too. Baby, please, can I eat you out?” Sethos pouts, already leaning down. He rests his cheek against the inside of Scara’s thigh, looking up at him through long lashes.
Scara feels himself leak some more, and he nods quickly, desperate to feel Sethos’ tongue inside him. Sethos smiles, and leans down, starting from the bottom, and licking a fat stripe upward to his clit. Scara moans as he looks down at him. Sethos pushes his thighs further apart, spreading him open, and eats him out like a starving man. He licks between Scara’s wet folds, and sucks on his clit. Above him, Scara is moaning uncontrollably as he grips Sethos’ hair tightly.
Sethos finds his entrance, and slides his tongue in, fucking him with it. Scara nearly screams, his back arching off the bed. He fears he’s going to cum too soon, but doesn’t fret. He knows Sethos is going to fuck him regardless, and Scara wants it— needs it.
Sethos removes his tongue and slurps up the precum, swallowing all of it. He then slides in two fingers, pumping them quickly. At the same time, he licks and sucks on the clit, causing Scara to moan louder. Sethos crooks his fingers, and Scara can’t hold it anymore.
“S-sethos, I—I’m— Fuck!” Scaramouche exclaims, coming undone. His release squirts out, getting all over the bed, and Sethos’ face, but the man doesn’t stop. He keeps fucking him, and sucking his sensitive spot. Scara’s legs are shaking, and tears are gathering at the corners of his eyes. His hold on Sethos’ hair is so tight that it looks as if he’s going to rip it out. His back is arched so far from the bed, and he can’t stop moaning.
“S-s-sethos…! Please… I— I can’t—“
The man below stops for a second to say, “One more for me, baby. Please, you look like an angel when you come.”
Scaramouche doesn’t respond, too overstimulated but feeling so incredibly good. Sethos adds another finger, fucking him harder, and not leaving his clit alone for even a moment. It doesn’t take long until Scara is squirting again. He screams Sethos’ name as his legs shake even more, tears running down his face. Sethos finally stops, and gently pulls his fingers out. He sits up and kisses Scaramouche deeply, making the man taste himself. The shorter can barely keep up with the kiss, just ultimately letting Sethos lick into his mouth.
He pulls away and smiles down at Scaramouche. “Are you okay, baby? Do you need a break?”
Scaramouche takes some deep breaths before responding, “Fuck you, and your break. I wasn’t expecting you to be so fucking good at that.”
Sethos chuckles, and licks the corner of his mouth, “I’m full of surprises, baby. I’m happy you felt good.”
“You’re the first to ever make me come like that. Twice in a row is insane.”
Sethos feels his chest swell with pride and his head get bigger as his ego inflates. “Yeah? I was that good? Fuck,” He chuckles.
Scara rolls his eyes, “I don’t know why I said that. I'll take it back.”
“Nope, too late, baby,” Sethos kisses him quickly. “Are you ready? I wanna fuck you so bad,” He proves it by grinding down, his hard cock leaking precum on Scaramouche’s thigh.
The man below him smirks, saying, “You’re impatient. It’s cute,” He sits up to peck his lips, “Hurry up, then. I’ve been waiting all night.”
Sethos grins and kisses him messily, all teeth and tongue. Scaramouche opens his legs a little more, and Sethos pulls back to ask, “Do you need—“
“No,” Scara shakes his head. “I’m still wet. Just fuck me, please.” They go back to kissing, and Sethos positions himself comfortably.
He stops kissing Scara to focus on pushing his cock in. He rests his forehead against the shorter man’s, and Scara whimpers as he holds onto his shoulders.
“Fuck, you’re so damn big,” Scara whines.
Sethos smirks, and gives him a chaste kiss, “Thanks, baby.”
He finally pushes all the way in, bottoming out. Scara lets out a sigh of relief, and the man above him asks, “Do you—“
“No, dammit, just fuck me already,” Scaramouche glares at him.
“Damn, okay, pushy.” Sethos sticks his tongue out at him, then pulls his cock out to the tip, and slams back in.
Scaramouche lets out a yelp, and Sethos speeds up, fucking into him again and again. He moans at the tight heat around his cock, and fucks him harder.
“Gods, you feel so fucking good, baby. So tight around my cock.” Sethos groans into his ear.
Sethos whimpers as his nails dig into the man’s back, scratching it when his thick cock hits that bundle of nerves inside him. “Sethos..! Fuck—“
“That’s it, baby. Scream my name. Let them all know who’s fucking you this good,” Sethos says huskily against his ear. He moans when Scara squeezes around him, sucking him in like he doesn’t want to let go.
Scaramouche is moaning his name like a prayer, and it’s music to his ears. He reaches a hand down between them to rub Scara’s clit. Scara is pleading at this point, wanting to come so bad. Sethos smirks down at him, “Go ahead, baby. Come for me, okay? Show me how pretty you are.”
After a few more thrusts, Scaramouche comes for the third time. It doesn’t squirt as much, but it still makes everything wet and a mess. He’s clenching down on Sethos so tight that the man feels himself getting closer to the edge.
“I’m gonna come, baby, fuck— Where—“
“Inside, it’s fine. Please, Sethos.” Scara looks up at him with a pleading expression. And can Sethos really say no to that face?
He leans down and kisses him hard. Scara clenches again, and Sethos pounds into him, finally coming. He releases inside of him with a loud moan that Scaramouche swallows up. They kiss until Sethos comes down from his high, and he slowly pulls out.
Scaramouche moves away from the kiss, and scrunches up his face. “I never liked that feeling.”
Sethos giggles, “Sorry, baby. Uhh,” Sethos looks around the room they’re in, and finds a box on the dresser across the room. “Ah-ha!” He gets up and grabs the tissue box. He goes about cleaning up Scaramouche, and himself.
“We didn’t even try the condom.” Scara says with a laugh, holding up the crumpled packet.
Sethos grabs it, and opens it, “Lets try it now.”
Scara laughs at him as the taller one actually puts the condom on his dick. “You’re fucking stupid,”
Sethos laughs alongside him, saying, “Hey, it fits! I’m a little concerned that Nari knew the right size.”
Scara gets up and drapes himself over Sethos’ back, “Should I be concerned?”
Sethos looks back at him, and kisses him. “Nope. I’ve never had any incidents with Nari where he saw my dick,” Sethos pecks his lips again. “And I’ve never seen his. You’re so fuckin’ cute when you’re jealous.”
Scara pouts, “I’m not jealous. I have no reason to be.”
“Sure, okay, baby,” Sethos smiles. Scaramouche rolls his eyes and gets off the bed to grab his clothes. “Wait, can I help you?”
“Help me?” Scara asks, taking off the flannel. He’s still a bit sweaty.
Sethos gestures to his panties. “Your underwear. Can I help you put them on?”
Scaramouche isn’t sure if he should let him. Sure, they just had sex, but helping with his underwear is a little too intimate. Or is he overthinking it? Sethos said some things earlier, but he probably didn’t mean any of it. It was just in the moment. But he keeps calling Scara ‘baby.’ What does this mean?
“Um, it’s fine. I can do it. Thanks, I guess.” Scara says. He thinks he made the right choice, but he feels icky about it. Sethos just nods, and gets dressed as well. They’re both done soon, and leave the room. The party is still going, the music louder than ever, and still a lot of people.
Scaramouche needs another drink. Or, five shots. In a row.
“Let’s go get a drink.” Scara yells into his ear.
Sethos nods, and they go into the kitchen. Scaramouche immediately pours them each a shot. They drink it, and Scara pours them another.
“Whoa, another one? Did you sober up or something?” Sethos asks with a grin.
“Something like that. You didn’t?”
They drink it, and Scara grabs them each a beer. Sethos replies while opening it, “Not really. I was close to blacking out before you came, so I’ve been drunk all night.” He laughs, taking a swig.
Scaramouche shakes his head, “I can’t believe you. I’m hanging out with an alcoholic. My mother would disown me.”
“I’m not an alcoholic, I swear! I can stop any time I want!”
Scaramouche laughs loudly at that, nearly falling over. Sethos catches him by the arm to steady him. “Whoa, careful, baby.”
The shorter man smiles at him, “Thanks.”
And they don’t talk about it. They don’t bring it up once for the remainder of the party. They drink, dance, and have fun. They even met up with the others to play spin the bottle at one point. Around two in the morning is when Scara started getting tired. He’s drunk out of his mind, and the world is all fuzzy. They’re about to start another round of beer pong when Scara tugs on Sethos’ hand.
“What’s up? You okay?” Sethos asks with a gentle, drunk smile.
Scara shakes his head, “Take me home. I’m tired.” He rests his head against Sethos’ arm, closing his eyes.
Sethos smiles down at him, “Okay, baby. Let me tell Alhaitham since he’s the most sober one.”
Sethos tells Alhaitham they’re heading out, and then takes Scara by the hand, leading him out of the house. The walk is slow as Scaramouche stumbles down the street, but Sethos is there to keep him steady. He’s drunk as well, but Scara needs him right now, so he has to remain focused.
“You doin’ okay?” Sethos asks.
“No, I’m so tired.” Scara whines, leaning most of his weight onto the taller man.
Sethos chuckles at him, “Do you not party this late usually?”
“I don’t party at all. You should know that, stalker. I haven’t been to a party in months. I haven’t even had a drink since then. I’m not a delinquent like you.”
“Like me?” Sethos laughs loudly, and it makes Scaramouche smile. “I’m not a delinquent! I’m a good boy, I swear.”
Scaramouche looks at him and grins. “Yeah, you are.”
They continue to walk in pleasant silence. Admiring all of the trees that surround Sumeru. They’re nearly at the dorms when Scaramouche feels it. Without warning he darts to the side into the lawn, and promptly pukes.
“Oh shit!” Sethos exclaims in surprise. He quickly goes over to him, and pats Scara’s back. After a couple of minutes, he’s done.
Scara is breathing heavily as spits out the rest. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “Fuck, I hate it here. Why did I drink so fucking much?”
He straightens up, and starts walking towards the building. Sethos follows him quietly, and they soon make it up to Scara’s room. Sethos sits on the bed as Scara takes some painkillers and drinks water. He offers them to Sethos, but he just takes the water. Scara shrugs his shoulders, mumbling ‘suit yourself’ and undresses. He keeps the underwear on, and throws on a big shirt, which is— not surprisingly— Sethos’ shirt. He finds another one and tosses it to the owner.
After turning out the lights, they get into bed, snuggling close while facing each other.
“I’m sorry, my breath must stink,” Scara says quietly.
Sethos gives a small smile, “It’s okay, bad breath won’t scare me away, baby,”
“You don’t have to keep calling me that,”
“I want to, though. Do you want me to stop?”
Scara doesn’t answer. He knows he should tell Sethos to stop, but he can’t. They’re not even together, and they haven’t talked about it. Scaramouche still doubts that Sethos might like him back. They’re drunk, everything they did tonight was under the influence. None of it was real, right? The flirting, the dancing, the sex, the way Sethos held him so gently and made him feel incredible.
Calling him baby.
When the sun rises, everything will be forgotten. Things will go back to the way they were, and Scara can keep hiding his feelings. The thought of it hurts his chest, but it needs to be done. Him and Sethos are just friends, after all.
Scara never answers his question. Instead, he says, “Did you enjoy the party?”
Sethos doesn’t comment on the subject change. He holds Scaramouche closer saying, “Yeah, I did,” His eyes search for something, anything, on Scara’s face. When he gets nothing, he just smiles small. “Did you?”
Scaramouche nods. “It was fun beating Cyno at beer pong. I’m gonna make his life a living hell from now on.”
Sethos giggles quietly, “Don’t you already do that?”
“Nah, I torment Tighnari,”
“What’s the difference?”
“… You’re right actually,” Scara chuckles.
It’s quiet again as they look at each other. Sethos’ hand slowly inches down Scara’s side. The shorter one’s shirt has bunched up, revealing the black panties underneath. Sethos toys with the green string, asking, “Do you wear these often?”
Scara feels his stomach flutter under his touch. “These ones, or panties in general?”
“Mmm… both,”
“I haven’t worn these in a while. And I don’t wear them often. It usually depends on what type of pants I wear.”
“Why don’t you wear skirts as much? You look good,”
Scara smirks, “Because they’re a pain the ass,”
“And cargo pants aren’t? They’re so baggy,”
“Are you really going to lay here and criticize my choice of clothes?”
They both laugh at that. When they calm down, Scara yawns. “I’m sleepy, so goodnight. And don’t kick me.”
“I can’t control my body when I’m asleep!”
“If I wake up with bruises again, I’m gonna punch you.”
“Scara!”
_______________
Lambad’s tavern is lively tonight, though not many people are here. Tighnari, Kaveh, and Scaramouche occupy a table in the back with food all over the table. They talk about mundane things, and Tighnari tells them the hot gossip of the week.
“She’s pregnant?!”
“Shh! Keep your voice down, moron!”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes at them. “I didn’t even know she was seeing somebody.”
Tighnari nods, “Right? Slay Hapaysia, I guess.”
Kaveh sighs, and takes a sip of his wine. “That’s crazy. Is she keeping it?”
Tighnari shrugs. “Not sure, but she seemed excited. I hope things go well for her.”
“Speaking of things going well,” Kaveh says with a mischievous grin, turning to Scara next to him. “How are you and Sethos?”
Scara looks confused. “What do you mean?”
“Come on,” Tighnari chimes in. “The party was a week ago. How’s your relationship going?”
“What fucking relationship?”
Kaveh and Tighnari stop smiling, and share a look. They then look back at Scaramouche.
Tighnari, with a straight face, says, “I’m going to throttle you.”
“Moochie, what do you mean what relationship? Aren’t you and Sethos together? Like, boyfriends?” Kaveh asks, a little concerned.
Scaramouche slowly shakes his head. “No. Why would we be?”
Tighnari looked ready to commit a murder. “Why wouldn’t you be?! What happened at the party? I need every. single. detail.”
“Nothing happened! We had sex, played with you guys, and then went home. That’s all that happened.”
“I said details, dammit!”
Scara glares at Tighnari. “I am not giving you details about the sex.”
“Why not? We’ve been friends for too long, there’s no such thing as TMI!”
“It’s not TMI, it’s none of your damn business! What, you want me to say he put his dick in me? That he ate me out? Is that what you want, you asshole?”
Tighnari smirks, and folds his arms over his chest. “That’s exactly what I wanted. Thank you very much, kind sir.”
“Ate you out?” Kaveh mumbles. “Gotta get Alhaitham to do that to me.”
Scara snorts at him. He isn’t that upset about telling Tighnari those things. They just like to be dramatic with each other.
“I’m surprised you guys haven’t done it already,” Scara tells Kaveh.
“Hey, we aren’t that kinky,” Kaveh pouts. “That’s Nari and Cyno.”
Tighnari smiles proudly, “Guilty.”
“You guys are gross.” Scara makes a disgusted face.
“Anyway, so you and Sethos aren’t together. Are you sure?” Kaveh asks, eating some food.
“I’m positive,”
“I feel like even if you guys were dating, you wouldn’t tell us,” Tighnari comments.
Scaramouche snorts in amusement. “You’re absolutely right, but Sethos is a blabber mouth, so.”
“Don’t you like him? Why have sex? I’m sorry, Moochie, I’m just confused. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Kaveh says sadly.
And something deep inside of him feels bad for making Kaveh sad. Though, Kaveh doesn’t even need to be sad; it’s just the way he is.
Scaramouche moves his spoon, pushing his food around. “I do like him, but we were drunk. It didn’t mean anything to him. Nothing that happened in that room meant anything.”
“How do you know? Did you ask him?” Tighnari demands.
“I don’t need to ask him because he doesn’t feel the same way. If he did, he would’ve made a move a long time ago. We all know he doesn’t hesitate on anything, and is always the first to say what he’s thinking. Besides, what if he stops being my friend? I can’t— don’t want to lose him.”
“Feelings are different! They’re hard to express for some people, and Sethos just may be one of them. He’s probably thinking the same way as you! I’m so happy that you made a friend on your own, Moochie, but this is your chance to have something more. Who says you can’t date your best friend?”
Scaramouche sighs, and looks down at his now cold food. He doesn’t know if he can. He wants to be with Sethos, but he can’t risk it. He’d rather remain his friend and keep him in his life than to confess and lose him.
“I’ll think about it.”
________________
“What do you mean you guys aren’t dating?”
“Exactly that. We aren’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because we didn’t talk about it?”
Cyno glares at his cousin sitting across from him. They’re in the lounge of the dorms, and Alhaitham is reading like usual. He and Sethos are playing Genius Invokation.
“Why not?” Cyno asks again.
“If you’re worried about losing your friend, then don’t. He’s just as infatuated with you.” Alhaitham says flipping the page.
“You don’t know that. He would’ve said so a long time ago,” Sethos sounds resolute about it. He plays when it’s his turn, taking out one of Cyno’s cards. Cyno groans and thinks about his next move.
“I won’t argue with you. You hang out with him the most so you must know everything.”
“I don’t know everything, Alhaitham. Please don’t be petty right now. I just think he would’ve said something by now if he likes me back.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Me either.” Cyno chimes in, finally playing and wiping out two of Sethos’ cards.
“If Scaramouche doesn’t want someone to know something, they won’t ever know.” Alhaitham puts his book down. “I’ve been a victim of that myself on more than one occasion.”
Cyno makes an indifferent noise. “You got that right. Play Sethos.”
Sethos looks between them, and sighs. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”
“That’s his business.” Alhaitham informs him. “But just know, you have a lot of time. There’s no guarantee a friendship will end just because you have romantic feelings for them. There isn’t also a guarantee you’ll remain friends, either. Take your time to think thoroughly, and confess.”
“I think you should go for it. If he turns you down, I’ll kick his ass. In TCG, that is.”
Sethos rolls his eyes and plays his turn. Cyno is quick to play back, and Sethos loses. “Thanks cousin. I can always count on you,” Sethos sighs, and leans back against the couch. “I’ll think about it. But that night at the party just seemed so… real.”
“There was alcohol involved, so it’s best not to assume things.” Alhaitham has gone back to his book.
Cyno is putting the game away, sensing that Sethos doesn’t want to play anymore. “I would argue that drunk words are sober thoughts, but I feel like that’s only true for certain people. Not you guys.”
Sethos considers their words. They might be right. He should just think and wait it out. What happened at the party didn’t mean anything. Sethos desperately wanted it to mean something, anything. But maybe he was wrong. When they woke up the next morning, Scara didn’t bring it up. Whenever Sethos tried, he was shot down. So, Sethos also hasn’t said anything about it.
“Okay, thanks guys.”
_________________
They do this song and dance for another week. They act like nothing happened, and talk as if there’s nothing lying underneath their words. Scaramouche isn’t hurt by it, no not at all. He’s just a little upset, but it’s for their own good. They can’t let something as dumb as emotions get in the way. What they had before was good, and it’s still good.
Tonight, they’re all at Lambad’s. It’s friday so a lot of students are there drinking and having fun. The six of them managed to find a table big enough for them near the back. They all have their choice of drinks and food, and Cyno’s got a game of TCG going with Kaveh.
“Cyno, you asshole! That was my best card!” Kaveh whines with a glare.
Cyno smirks, and shrugs. “You need to play your cards right.”
“That was actually a good one, babe. Look at you!” Tighnari says, and kisses Cyno’s cheek.
“Okay, now it’s time for Kaveh to kiss my ass!”
“Aaaaand you ruined it.”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes at them. Next to him, Sethos is leaning close to get a closer look at the game. They both know he doesn’t really care for TCG, though.
Scara isn’t drunk like the rest of them, just tipsy. He isn’t sure if Sethos is drunk, but he doesn’t look like it. He doesn’t want a repeat of the party. Well, maybe the sex, but the rest can go fuck itself.
“Hey, I’m gonna go get another,” Scara waves his empty glass. “Want one?”
Sethos looks at him, and they’re way too close, but neither do anything about it. He just smiles, and nods. Scara gets up and goes to the counter where Lambad is.
Sethos watches him go, shamelessly looking at his ass. He’s drunk, but not so much that the world is spinning. He probably shouldn’t drink anymore, but Scara is getting him one. He’ll take anything if it’s coming from Scaramouche.
He watches the shorter man order the drinks, and go on his phone while he waits. Not even a minute later, someone walks up to him. Sethos doesn’t know who the man is, but he keeps a close eye on him. The man talks to Scaramouche, smiling wide, but Scara isn’t even paying attention to him. That makes Sethos smirk. Idiot.
The stranger seems to be getting frustrated with Scara’s unwillingness to talk. Sethos knows Scaramouche can handle himself, so he waits and watches. It looks like Scara tells him off, but the stranger is having none of it. He grabs Scara by the arm, his grip tight, and Scara makes a pained face, trying to pull away. And that’s all it takes for Sethos to see red.
He makes it over to the counter in record time, and grabs the guy’s wrist, yanking him off of Scaramouche. Sethos is taller than the douchebag, so he stares down at him with a menacing glare.
“Get your hands off of him.” Sethos’ voice is deep, and low but the stranger hears it over the music and loud patrons.
He glares back at Sethos and pulls his wrist away. “Hey, what the fuck dude?! I was just talking to him! Now mind your damn business.”
“He is my business, so fuck you. Get the fuck out of here.” Sethos’ stare doesn’t let up until the stranger scoffs, and walks away. He relaxes and turns to Scara, “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
However, Scaramouche looks upset. Angry, even.
“I didn’t need your fucking help. I’m not some damsel.” He spits out.
Sethos just smiles at him. “I know, but I couldn’t just sit there. The guy didn’t seem to take a hint.”
“Yeah, neither can you. Don’t do that again. I can handle myself.”
“Yeah, I know, but—“
“I mean it, Sethos. You’re not my boyfriend, so stop acting like it.”
It pained Scaramouche to say that. He really wants to be with Sethos, but his chances are slim.
“Since when did I have to be your boyfriend to protect you?” Sethos fires back, his smile gone. That hurts Scara even more.
“I don’t need protection, that’s where you’re getting it wrong. Everyone else lets me handle my own shit, so why can’t you?”
“Because I’m not everyone else. Stop treating me like that.”
Scara lets out a huff of frustration. “What makes you think you’re so special, huh? Because we fucked? Is that it? Because I fucked Tighnari and he doesn’t think he’s special!”
Some people nearby turn to look at them, and Sethos takes a deep breath. “Let’s talk outside.”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes and stomps out of the tavern. Sethos follows close behind. They move to the side of the building, standing near the railing.
“You fucked Nari?”
“That’s not the fucking point!”
Sethos shakes his head a bit. “Sorry, sorry. I’m just shocked. Anyway, I don’t think I’m special just because we had sex. I don’t think I’m special at all. I just thought that maybe you felt differently about me compared to our other friends. So, please, don’t make that assumption again,”
Scaramouche knows he’s overreacting, but he can’t seem to stop. Part of him likes riling up Sethos. Maybe the taller man will finally tell him how he really feels if Scara pushed hard enough. The other part is hurting. Maybe he shouldn’t be doing that at all. Maybe he should just finally face his fears and confess to Sethos. It hurts just acting like friends, especially now that Scara has gotten a taste of what it could be like. He thinks about that night at the party often. Thinks about Sethos’ hands all over him, and the way his lips felt against his own. He’d be lying if he said he never touched himself as he imagined that night over and over.
Now, they stand here having some weird conversation argument thing.
“Then what is it, Sethos? I appreciate your help back there, but you really don’t need to do those kinds of things. I appreciated it a while back at the party with Childe, too. I’m not helpless and you know it.”
Sethos takes a step closer to him, and lifts his hands, but stops halfway. “Of course I know that. I did it because I wanted to,”
“Why?! I don’t get it! It was just some guy! I’m gonna meet all types of people like that! You can’t threaten them all!”
“Okay, I didn’t threaten him—“
“You might as well have!”
“But that doesn’t change the fact that I helped you because I wanted to.”
“You’re lying, Sethos.” Scaramouche says, looking off to the side.
Sethos takes another step closer. “How so?”
Scara chuckles bitterly. “I’m not dumb, you know. I have eyes.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You don’t even realize it, do you?” Scara sighs, and runs a hand through his hair. “You get jealous so easily. You’re always calling me out on it, so now it’s your turn. You think I don’t notice the way you look at other guys I talk to? Most of them are just classmates, but fuck dude, you’ve got it bad.”
Sethos doesn’t say anything. He’s rendered speechless. He actually hadn’t realized that. Does he actually do that? He doesn’t care if his classmates talk to Scaramouche, right? They’re just classmates. But why are they always men? That’s what Sethos doesn’t get.
“It just makes me feel weird because it’s mostly guys talking to you. Hardly any girls.”
Scara smiles in disbelief, scoffing at him. “That’s jealousy, honey. No point in denying it.”
Sethos is getting tired of this. He’s sobering up now, and it’s not fun. He might do something stupid.
“Fine, I get jealous. Happy now? I admitted it.”
“Why?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“I asked first.”
“Don’t be childish.”
“Fine, don’t answer me. I ain’t gonna answer you, either.”
Scaramouche tries to walk past him to go back inside the tavern, but Sethos stops him, gently grabbing his wrist. “What?”
“Don’t go. Please,”
“What do you want? This conversation is over.”
“It’s not. You know damn well we have a lot to talk about. What about the party?”
“The party? We had sex that was it. One and done.”
“Do you mean that?”
“I always mean what I say.”
Sethos pulls him closer, and wraps his arms around him. “Do you regret it?”
“I—“ Scara stops, looking up into emerald eyes. They’re big and shiny, filled with so many emotions that Scara can’t pinpoint even one. Well, maybe… “No. I don’t regret it.”
“That’s what I thought. I don’t, either. In fact, I want to do it again,” Sethos leans down, burying his face into Scara’s neck. He softly kisses it, then boldly licks the spot at a slow pace. “I can’t stop thinking about it; about you.”
Shivers go down Scaramouche’s spine at the feeling of his warm tongue. His hands that are resting on Sethos’ shoulders squeeze tightly. “Me neither. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since that night.”
“Yeah? Did you play with yourself, too? I did. I came so many times just thinking of your pretty moans.” Sethos places soft, open-mouthed kisses along his neck.
Scara can feel himself getting more wet the more Sethos talks. “Yes, I did. Thought about your tongue.”
“Fuck, you tasted so good, baby,” Sethos sucks a hickey below his ear, making the shorter man whimper quietly. “What I wouldn’t give to taste you again.”
One of Sethos hands moves downward from his waist to the waistband of Scara’s shorts. He slides his hand into the back pocket, and grips Scara’s ass, pulling his hips forward. Scara gasps from the feeling, but also because he can feel how hard Sethos is against his thigh. And he wants; Scara wants it so bad.
But they can’t.
Scara pushes him away, his flushed face looking to the ground. “We can’t, Sethos.”
Sethos, who is confused, asks, “What? Why?”
“Because we’re just friends! Friends don’t do this! They don’t have sex, and call each other baby!”
“Well, did you maybe think what we have is more than just friends, Scara? Obviously, we’re more than that.”
“But you haven’t said anything! I’ve been so confused, and fearful! What are we, Sethos, if not friends?” Scaramouche demands, finally looking back up at him. There’s fear in his eyes, and his lashes are wet.
Sethos’ expression softens at the sight. “Scara, what do you want to be? I don’t want more than what we have if you don’t.”
“That depends. Are you saying you like me or some shit?”
Sethos snorts in amusement. “I thought that was obvious.”
Scara glares at him, hugging his arm to his chest. “Well, obviously fucking not! Why the fuck didn’t you tell me? Here I was keeping it a secret because I thought maybe you didn’t feel the same! I didn’t want to fuck up our friendship.”
“You could never,” Sethos quickly reassured him. He grabs Scaramouche’s hands, holding them tightly in his own. “I was scared to ruin it as well. I’d rather have you as a friend forever.”
Scaramouche feels some weight lifted off of his chest. Okay, they confessed, but now what?
“So?”
“So…?” Sethos responds in confusion.
Scara rolls his eyes, cheeks burning a bright red. “So, are we official or what? You haven’t asked me!”
Sethos smirks, and wiggles their joined hands a bit. “Why do I have to ask? I want you to ask me.”
“Ask me, or I’m gonna go find that guy again.”
Sethos immediately glares at him. “Don’t fuck with me like that.”
Scaramouche laughs at him, throwing his head back. “Oh, gods, you should’ve seen your dumb face!”
Sethos pulls him forward, placing a hand on the back of Scara’s neck. “Oh, shut up.” He then kisses Scara.
Scaramouche makes a surprised noise, but doesn’t hesitate to kiss back, resting his hands on either side of Sethos’ face. After a moment they pull away, and Sethos licks his lips.
“Will you be mine? For real this time.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Scara smiles before kissing him again.
Sethos chuckles against his lips, causing the shorter to do so as well. They end up not even kissing anymore, just two smiling mouths pressed together.
Sethos moves back first. “Can I take you back to my dorm?”
Scara hasn’t stopped smiling, and it’s such a beautiful look. “Since when were you a gentleman?”
“I’ve always been a gentleman. You’re just an asshole.”
“Yeah, I am.”
Scara grabs his hand, and starts walking towards the dorm buildings. However, he’s suddenly lifted off the ground, his world turning upside down.
“Sethos! Put me down!”
“Nope! It’ll be faster if I run!”
Sethos has Scara thrown over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He starts to run towards the dorms with Scara yelling at him the whole way. When they finally make it, Scara makes him regret doing that.
________________
Scara: we’re dating
Kaveh: HUH
Tighnari: fuckin FINALLY
Alhaitham: congrats.
Cyno: really???
Sethos: better believe it cuzzo!!
Kaveh: RAAAHHHHHH
Kaveh: IM SO HAPPY FOR U GUYS
Kaveh: !!!!! MOOCHIE
Sethos: moochie??
Scara: fuck
Scara: don’t you fucking dare sethos
Sethos: wdym? :)
Tighnari: AHAHAHAH
Cyno: oh jeez here we go
Kaveh: oops?
Scara: oops?? that’s all you have to fucking SAY??
Sethos: don’t yell at kav. dw baby i won’t use it :)
Tighnari: baby
Cyno: baby
Alhaitham: baby?
Kaveh: HE CALLS U BABY
Kaveh: IM GONNA CRY THATS SO CUTE
Sethos: ikr??? moochie is my baby 😘
Scara: FUCK YOU
Tighnari: hey calm down moochie
Scara: …
Scara: i really regret fucking you, i hope you know that. you were terrible.
Cyno: i’m sorry what
Scara: …you never told him?? oh ho this is gonna be good
Tighnari: i hope you fucking die in a ditch and no one ever finds your body.
Kaveh: what is happening??? when did scara and nari sleep together??
Cyno: nari?
Tighnari: it was a loooong time ago, hun. way before we got together i promise. it meant nothing
Scara: yea it was way before y’all started dating. it was more out of curiosity than anything.
Tighnari: stop squeezing your phone, babe. you’re gonna break it again.
Cyno: sorry
Cyno: new nari lore took me for a loop
Kaveh: it took YOU for a loop??? then wtf did it do to me
Cyno: …took you for two loops
Kaveh: shUT
Cyno: shutting
Cyno: sethos how do you feel about that
Sethos: oh i already let scara know how i felt ;)
Alhaitham: is that why you were bedridden last week?
Scara: i honestly fucking hate you guys. i hope you all choke to death.
Tighnari: AHAHAH FUCK HAITHAM THAT WAS GOOD
Kaveh: everything makes sense now
Kaveh: is sethos that good in bed??
Alhaitham: dangerous territory. tread lightly.
Kaveh: sorry hayi! i’m just wondering
Alhaitham: wonder about that project due in two days.
Tighnari: alhaitham is on a roll tonight i’m fuckin wheezing
Kaveh: meanie :(
Cyno: i also don’t want to wonder about my cousin’s dick game
Tighnari: i hate that you used that term
Cyno: why? all the kids are saying it these days
Tighnari: yea, babe. KIDS.
Cyno: i don’t see your point
Tighnari: you do you’re just refusing to
Kaveh: where’d sethos and moochie go
Tighnari: oh good question
“They’re so annoying,” Scara mumbles against Sethos’ lips.
“They’re our friends,” Sethos says.
“And?” Scara grabs Sethos’ phone and tosses it aside. It bounces off the bed and falls to the carpeted floor.
Sethos doesn’t answer, only holds onto his boyfriend’s hips as Scaramouche straddles his lap. They kiss feverishly, touching each other wherever they can reach. Ever since they made it official last week, they haven’t been able to keep their hands off one another. Every time Sethos finds a new way to make Scara feel good, it's never boring.
Scaramouche pulls back, and smiles at him. Sethos smiles back, and giggles quietly. “What?” His thumb gently caresses Scara’s cheek.
Scaramouche shakes his head. “Nothing. I’m just happy, little bee.”
“Yeah? I’m glad,” Sethos pecks his lips. “I’m happy, too, honey.”
Scaramouche laughs again as they kiss once more, and get tangled up in the sheets more than once that night.