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Scaramouche leaned over the balcony of the house, watching the beautiful fireworks hit the sky, the lanterns being sent up to grant people's wishes. He thought to do one of those, but his wish was already crushed.
The way they held onto each other, the way Aether smiled, and how they looked at each other. Scara knew, Aether would never look at him like that, and it was already dumb of him to be so fond of the blond. Whoever that green haired boy was looked so fond of Aether too. They both looked close, excited with each other, and even Paimon wasn’t no where to be found. Why would Scara interrupt something Paimon wouldn’t even be around for?
The way Aether said those comforting words once he recovered from almost being a god. He took those to heart, or whatever he had. Aether was so good with words. Why’d he have to be so stupid to love them? To want more? He never learned his lesson. All Aether said was words of comfort. Nothing more. They couldn’t be nothing more.
He looked at the false night sky that was being lit with the smoke and light. It was beautiful. He looked down to the harbour, a bunch of people being together. He felt like he was the only one alone tonight. People running to hold each other, dragging people places, and even meeting when they didn’t have time. This was the time everybody close connected. Close. Scaramouche could never be close to somebody after what happened. What was he to do when he already relied on somebody who casted him away?
The opera singer from down was singing a traditional Liyue opera song for the festival. It was beautiful. The only thing that could drown out Scara’s thoughts and the loud crowd from under.
He wanted to cry. This was so stupid. Maybe Ei, his mother was right. He’s so emotional. These disgusting feelings. He still hates them. They make the spot where there should be a heart clench. They make him want to see Aether more. They make him want Aether to look at him like that.
The bottle in his hand was half empty but he still bought quite a lot. What was he even doing? Drowning out his feelings. The loud noises from above, below, and his ears ringing drowned out the footsteps behind him.
“Mind if I take a drink?” The voice next to him said.
He looked over to the sweet and tender voice next to him. Aether. Aether looked stunning under the light. He was gorgeous. But what was he doing with Scaramouche here?
“Don’t you have others to be with? Why are you around me?” Scaramouche said Back in hostility. He would never admit to Aether that he wanted to see him.
“Did you also forget that we still have a consciousness connected together? I can feel you when your close. Didn’t think of coming to see me?” Aether laughed as he took the bottle from Scaramouche’s hand and taking a sip.
Scaramouche tipped his hat. Fuck. Of course, that. He blushed as Aether was already well aware of his presence then. This sly dog—already knowing he’s here yet does nothing.
“Shut up. I came here because I didn’t know what else to do.” Scaramouche said avoiding Aether. He was just sulking about the male, and now he’s right here. That or he’s gone crazy.
“How are you feeling?” Aether mumbled.
“Fine. Stop asking. You weirdo.” Scaramouche said grabbing the bottle back.
His lips hesitated to place itself back onto the bottle. Aether’s lips touched it. He wondered if the drink would be sweeter now that Aether had gotten a taste, or maybe it’d be the taste of him. The taste of Aether. Scaramouche would love to try.
“You should go back to wherever you came from. You’re popular here, so being seen here with me isn’t a good idea.” Scaramouche said as he looked back at the fireworks still going. They always go out during this festival.
“Please, it’s fine. I could care less. After all I’ve been through with you…I think I can have a drink with you for a bit.” He released a fake laugh.
“What are you really here for?”
“Huh?”
“You don’t like me. Stop it. What do you want?” Scaramouche said. His nerves growing higher and so does the need to cry. He wouldn’t want Aether to see him cry.
“What? Nothing- I’m here because I want to.” Aether said as he glared at Scaramouche.
How could something so fake be so beautiful? The sky. The world. And even Aether.
“Boyfriend break up with you?” Scaramouche heard himself say. Fuck. He was never good at concealing jealousy.
“Boyfrie- do you really think I’m taken? Thanks for the compliment-“ Aether looked away and did an awkward cough.
Silence fell between the two. What else was there to say? They were enemies. Nothing more lied between them. They couldn’t talk like lovers, how close friends talk, or even just friends. Though, Scara didn’t want Aether to leave. He never wanted the blond to go. He wanted more time with him. He’d be with him forever if he could.
“Um- look. Look! This is my favourite part. They did this last year. The end firework will be one dedicated to me. You should see it.” Aether smiled as he leaned onto the railing. Scaramouche was tempted to push him off but he looked at where Aether was pointing.
His eyes got distracted by Aether himself. He looked happy. So happy. His eyes shined, his hair was down, and he was smiling. A genuine smile. Maybe this was actually Aether’s favourite part, but Scaramouche’s favourite was the scene in front of him. Aether will always be his favourite part. He was the sun himself, blinding, but how could he look away?
“Aether.” Scaramouche said hesitantly, almost hoping Aether wouldn’t actually hear him. The male peered over at him, almost like he was checking if he actually heard that. “You look beautiful.”
Aether small glanced turned into him looking directly at Scaramouche. That calm expression soon a one of confusion and haze. It was almost funny.
“Repeat that?”
“Nothing.”
“Are- Are you drunk?”
Scaramouche shrugged and looked down to the opera girl’s closing course. He loved fine arts and she was exceptionally well. Maybe he’d be friends with her. He wasn’t drunk, or at least not that he knew of, but maybe Aether believing he is would be for the better.
Aether grabbed the bottle and drinking the rest of it. He took in a deep inhale and scooting closer to Scaramouche. Scara didn’t mind. It’s what he wanted anyways.
“You’re pretty too.” Aether mumbled.
Scara’s heart jumped. A compliment he’d never expect to hear. Or at least genuinely from Aether. He already knew he was pretty to say the least, even when Scara could read Aether’s thoughts in Pardis Dhyai Aether called him pretty, but he never thought he would hear it come out of his mouth.
“Hey, Aether?” Scaramouche spoke out.
Aether tilted his head into Scaramouche’s, his face was red, maybe from booze, or maybe he was actually nervous.
If Aether was actually with that green-haired fuck, Scaramouche didn’t care. He wanted Aether. He wanted his touch, he wanted that smile, he wanted everything Aether could bare. If Aether was with somebody, Aether was up here with him. Not them. Aether was with him on one of the most romantic nights of Teyvat. Them together. And alone.
He cupped the blond’s face, entangling his fingers into the messy hair. He was hesitant at first. Very. But Aether didn’t pull back. They both leaned into the kiss. A soft kiss. Soft pecks on the lips and then longer passionate kisses.
They heard the rows of fireworks go off and then the crowd from below them clapping and cheering. Aether smelt so good, tasted even. Scaramouche couldn’t wish for anything better. This was a wish. A wish he’d like to keep forever.
They intertwined one of their hands and held each other’s faces with their other. Aether pulled away from the tender moment as Scaramouche wanted more.
“Look- The firework design dedicated to me is about to finish off.” Aether said.
Scaramouche didn’t care. He almost resisted before looking into the sky. It was a giant golden firework and extra purple ones shooting up to compliment the gorgeous golden sparkles. Truly, magnificent.
He mumbled under his breath, “Would it be so crazy to believe I was in love with you?”
Scara glanced over at Aether, hoping he didn’t hear that.
He looked back at Aether, grabbing him, and kissing him once again. This time, Aether wrapping his arms around Scara’s neck. Fireworks, crowds, people, or whatever. He didn’t care too much. The only light of tonight was Aether was kissing him at this moment. He never wants to let go. Aether in his arms, them entangled together. He could get use to eternity if days were spent like this and maybe, just maybe, these human emotions were beautiful.
“I love you.” He thought as the night seemed to fade away and it was once again only them. Only him and Aether.