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Nights in Snezhnaya were typically below freezing, the weather practically deadly for any foreigner traversing the cold nation. Yet with the way the snow fell so delicately like soft laughter and plush fur against each fresh blanket of snow, how could anyone want to tear their eyes away from such a holy sight?
The Balladeer stood still at this view, delicate flakes of snow brushing against his faux skin that unfortunately doesn't produce body heat for these snowflakes to melt away. His palm is covered in the snow, a sheer pile of snow collecting leisurely as he stared deeper into the flakes. How intriguing, every single speck of snow had unique patterns and formations of crystallization that were fresh in every single flake that he inspected.
Yet nothing could interfere from these flakes destroying or melting away in the morning, can there?
Ending this thought, Scaramouche lazily drops the small pile of snow in his palm and walks towards the small cottage that he had spent minutes watching contently against the beautiful backdrop of the snowstorm.
One might scoff seeing a Harbinger spend a single second looking at such a simple home, it was compared to that of an old granny cottage, if you will. But Scaramouche had no qualms with this simple home. No mora or wealth of his could compare to his proudest treasure thats sleeping so cozily amongst the pile of blankets that engulfs his wife completely.
His sandles clacked against the wooden floor as he made his way to you. Scaramouche couldn't help but stare at the fireplace for a moment, he wondered how much wood you needed for him to bring next time so you wouldn't have to ruin your lovely hands trying to stay warm. He cracked open the door to your shared bedroom, and there you lied enwrapped in what seemed to practically be rugs on top of you. A small chuckle escapes his lips, it was a bit funny seeing your small figure completely drowning in the pile of blankets for warmth.
He sat his large hat down near a soft patted chair as he loomed over your sleeping figure. He felt his artificial breathing stop, completely lost in the way your face rested agains the pillow. He couldn't help but instinctively place his hand on top of yours, wanting to interlock your fingers into his. The sudden feel of his cool hands forces your eyes to open slowly, groaning a bit as you turn to look at who interrupted your wonderful sleep.
"Mmh...Kuni..? Is that you..?" You were half asleep, your heart felt like it was about to burst to finally see your husband at home at last. You wanted so badly to see if it was actually him or if your mind was playing tricks in your sleep, so you weakly raise your hand to touch his cheek and alas, its really him. The Harbingers gaze turns soft and he can't help but smile feeling your palm on his cold cheek.
"Yes, my love. Im home." He hesitated his sentence as his placed his own hand over yours that cupped his cheek so tenderly. In truth, he wanted to completely smother you and tell you sweet nothings of how badly he craved your mortal touch, yet The Balladeer's attitude was never ending. Even before he gave you the ring that sealed your fate with him, he was always very stubborn whenever it came to being blunt about his feelings towards you.
Yet you couldn't be upset with him, you knew his troubled past made him the way he is, and there wasn't much more you could do except simply love him unconditionally in the way that you knew he desperately deserves. Your thumb grazes his soft perfect cheek, you can't help but yawn as you return the same sincere smile.
"I missed you so much Kuni..."
If Scaramouche had a heart to call his own, it would explode from simply hearing your tired voice whisper to him how much you missed him too. The Fatui had unfortunately tasked him with more concealed plans that he wouldn't dare utter around you, and on top even more orders from that dreaded Jester. It was planned that he wouldn't see you for a handful of months, yet with fortunate with luck, he was able to see you within two months. He almost hated the way you made him feel. It makes his face cringe and coil knowing that a Harbinger like him could ever be reduced to such a weak and vulnerable feeling, all to see you again.
Still cupping your hand into his as it rested against his cheek, he repeats your words with a soft 'I missed you too' as he gently planted a sweet kiss onto your lips. You sleepily try to kiss back, but Scaramouche lets you relax as he simply plants gentle pecks on your lips that he adores so much.
He slowly peels away from you, leaving you just a bit breathless from his kisses. Something about simply being home with you in the middle of the Snezhnayan night with a mountain of blankets all over the bed, he simply couldn't deny himself such peace. As gently as he could, he slid his sandles off and climbed into the bed with you, laying on top of your form and softly resting his head against your chest and wrapping his arms cozily around your waist. You adjusted slightly to let him rest comfortably, smiling as you begin stroking his hair just like you know he likes it.
He hears the thumping of your heart, closing his eyes as he relishes in your human warmth and heartbeat. Its small moments like these where he can't help but ask himself, 'How did I let yet another human fool me with more emotions?' The emotions he felt with you were intense, almost unexplainable to even the most caring of mortals. As he laid on your chest, he couldn't help but get taken back to when he first met you.
Ah yes, the first moment he found you amongst the sea of worthless dross and meaningless attempts of purpose and belonging. Kunikuzushi swore to scrub himself completely of human emotions, to never let his guard down, to never let another filthy human fool him again like his previous companions have. Yet as fate would have it, he would find you near a breathtaking pond that he'd go and take walks on to clear his mind for each Fatui mission that gave him a headache. Scaramouche would of never expected anyone ever finding this place, let alone some strange human. He remembers the first words he said to you, "Excuse me, mind if I join you?"
He was more than aware that rudeness for a first impression might not be best, especially when you seemed to be just some simple minded human that just so happened to like the same view as he did. He decided a cordial front would be appropriate for talking to you, and you smiled at him so sweetly when he finally introduced himself to you. You also were surprised to find someone else here, a spot you've grown to adore each time you visited. It wouldn't be so terrible to share it with someone else.
Scaramouche would find himself lost in a conversation with you, archons only know how long you two talked about the pond and how each of your days went that day, sitting on soft grass and relaxing to the beautiful and peaceful view together. It was strange, Scaramouche thought. He couldn't trust you, even if this conversation was somewhat intriguing to him. He couldn't let another human destroy his whole being once again, he had learned at least that much before. But he couldn't help but yearn for more when you ultimately had to leave for the day. As soon as you left, he hit his hollow chest violently, wanting to shake away any feelings he had with the harsh pounding of his fist.
God, why now? Perhaps he truly has begun to feel lonely after not having a companion to call his own after so many decades. He hated that he felt any emotions to begin with, hated the fact that his creator left him to live with the complexities of human thoughts and feelings. He couldn't bring himself to accept the fact that his empty heart yearned for another human connection, no matter how badly he knew he missed the company of those that betrayed him. The Balladeer simply concluded that he felt pity for you, that he was simply going to visit you knowing that you were a mere human that couldn't take care of themselves even in a peaceful place like this. It was all he could do to protect himself from another betrayal.
With this notion, he visited you at the pond once a week in the afternoon, sometimes lying to his fellow Harbingers that he was going out for "personal business that doesn't include you." God forbid that his poor Fatui underlings question him either, he'd harshly curse them for asking about his whereabouts or strike them in the face without warning. He couldn't let anyone know that he was spending his precious time to see a simple mortal like you 'just cause', he had a very important reputation to uphold! And even so, he'd let this cruel reputation of his melt away within a second every time he saw you wait for him at the pond.
What used to be weekly visits to check on your weak wellbeing soon turned into everyday sneak-outs just to be in your presence. Scaramouche hated this, he hated you for making him want to spend more time with you, and even so he wouldn't ever blame you. With every passing day, he learned more about your life, your interests, the small things you do throughout your day to ensure it was a 'good' one. He learned all of the small habits you did, all the little actions you do out of impulse whenever he spoke, the shape of your sweet laughter whenever he accidentally let his 'Balladeer' persona get the best of him in conversation. Scaramouche was in tranced with it all.
All unbeknownst to you, he never told you he was a Harbinger. His typical garb wasn't much help of misleading his association with the Fatui, but you wouldn't have ever been able to make the assumption that he held the 6th seat at the Tsaritsa's table. You knew him by the name he chose for himself, 'Kunikuzushi'. He didn't want you knowing of the horrors and atrocities he committed daily for the selfish reason of getting closer to the Gnosis of Eternity. He didn't want your image of him tainted by his own actions, his poor puppet vessel would crack from the base if you ever found fear in him.
And yet you held him so tenderly against the moonlights glow, accepting him of all of his errors and sins. Scaramouche swore he was dreaming simply being like this in your arms, away from all of his responsibilities and merely basking in your whole being. He must of fallen asleep for a bit on your chest due to how you smiled at him after he lifted his head to look at you.
Scaramouche began lifting himself off your chest, only to quickly grab you close and pull you into a warm embrace, gently holding the back of your head in his palm as he plants a kiss right at the edge of your hairline. It was incredible to him how much you accepted him, he couldn't help but grab your hand and bring it close to his face, observing the pretty ring he chose specifically for you before he interlocked his fingers into yours. It was a testimony to his love for you, and he adored it so much seeing how you would never take it off, not even in your sleep.
"Why...", Scaramouche whispered to himself as he continued delicately looking at your hand interlocked in his. You tilt your head into the pillow a bit and giggle at the vagueness of his words.
"Why what, Kuni?"
He quickly turns his eyes to look into yours, briefly looking away in slight embarrassment at a failed attempt to hide the small redness on his flawless cheeks. He didn't think you heard him, he was sure he spoke quiet enough. Now he had no choice but to be honest with you.
"...Why did you say yes to me, even after I told you who I was...what I do...what I've done?"
Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion and you couldn't help but smile at his words, what kind of question is that? You felt a bit bad hearing how his voice slightly shook as he spoke, it was rare sometimes to hear him be so upfront like this. You slowly release your hand from his and place it back on his left cheek, and you give him the most warming smile imaginable you swore his eyes literally sparkled seeing you smile.
"You accepted me for being human, didn't you? I was already in love with you much before you told me you were a Harbinger." You spoke as gently as you could, your cup on his cheek never seeming rough or harsh. "And despite 'what you've done', you've treated me with kindness and care, and Im eternally grateful for it."
Every second of your words were sincere. The poor puppet couldn't argue with you, he was merely in shock that anyone could ever love him with as much passion as you do. You saw the way he melted in your touch as he lets your words sink in. It was obvious to you that it was a question he had been contemplating for a while, you saw relief fly away from his previously tensed joints. You brought your other hand to push a small strand of his bangs to the side as you prepared to speak again. "I actually still don't understand why you ever proposed to me."
He scoffed at your comment, turning his head so his nose hit the side of your hand as he placed his palm at the back of your hand. "It's because...you're important to me. I don't want you ever to leave my side."
Your chest was filled with warmth, a loving warmth that only he could rise from you. You already were aware of how much he cared about you, but hearing it be confirmed from his own voice is something completely different. Its quite the sight to see him vulnerable like this, he has the most beautiful pink flush in his perfect white cheeks that makes him glow so beautifully. His creator truly made him in such a perfect image, he truly was nothing short of divinity.
Seeing how beautiful he looks simply being vulnerable like this with you, you bring your head closer to his and peck his lips softly before pulling back and caressing his cheek once more.
"Then I'll make sure to keep my promise."
Your promise was a sacred one, one you yourself weren't even sure you'd be able to keep, but you'd do your damned hardest to try and give it your all for the one person that has given you their own promise.
It has been a couple years since the first day Scaramouche found you near the pond and made you his companion, a dear friend and perhaps more, and he was yours too. He knew everything about you completely and wholeheartedly, and he held too much pride to ever admit any of it. He almost felt frustrated with himself during cold nights where he'd never sleep. How could he let himself get trapped yet in another relationship that would end up with him having to sacrifice something for you? He loathed himself for wanting to be by your side forever, he was no different from the useless milksop of a puppet that he was when they found him in that dreaded domain.
But when you treat him like he was yet another human, when you show him pure kindness filled with no ill intent, when you open yourself up so willingly to him even when he himself hasn't revealed everything to you, when you're just as beautifully human like his previous loved ones, he can't help but feel complete where his heart should be. He can't help but feel truly, without a doubt, human.
Scaramouche decided to do something insane, something that seemed incredibly ridiculous and foolish to him before, but it just somehow makes sense now. He just had to find a perfect way to craft everything right, to ensure that you wouldn't betray him and destroy him all over again. He decided that on the last hour of your get together in the exact pond, he'd tell you everything.
And he meant everything. His creation, his betrayals, his role in the fall of the Raiden Gokaden, his origins in the Fatui as a test subject and his eventual climb to the 6th Fatui Harbinger. He needed to tell you everything, just to see what you'd do or say. To put it shortly, you never expected any of it. You sat on the grass wide eyed as you let his story and past sink in. What were you meant to do now with such a shocking reveal?
"Kunikuzushi, is this...true? Why haven't you told me this before?"
He faced slightly drooped at your question, his empty chest twisted with guilt, he never would of thought he'd feel guilt of all things. "You're human. Even if I've grown to...tolerate you, you can't be trusted."
He didn't know why it hurt him to say that. He didn't want to say any of it, but it was all he could say to your question. Nothing could of prepared him for the face you made that still sometimes twists the mechanics in his body with so much cruelty, you frowned. It was a painful frown to see on you, he knew now that he most absolutely loved your smile best. He couldn't let this continue, he quickly grabbed your hand into his and looked at you with guilt and concern plastered all over his face.
"Please, just come back tomorrow. That is all I ask of you. Please."
With that, he slowly let go of your hand, scrunching his face in fear that he might of hurt your hand. All you could do was sit there confused, what else was there to say or do? You only starred back at him in a face not of 'shock', but of clear confusion and a bit hurt of how he still asked for your company despite blatantly telling you he still didn't fully see you as someone to trust. Without another word spoken, you got up from the grass and dusted your clothes before giving him one last look of your torn expression and walked away
Watching you walk away hurt his core deeply, a part of him knew this was all a terrible plan and that this would be the final blow that would end his relationship with you. But he has to see it through, he has to know if you'd still be there for him after everything, after becoming so incredibly vulnerable with you in a way he hasn't in centuries. It was the only way he could know that you wouldn't betray him and leave him to rot in the dust. It was undeniable to Scaramouche that you've made his typical lonely and cruel existence all the more worthwhile. He came to this realization when the ring he sent out to be customized to your finger size finally came to his eyes, and it all somehow clicked that he needed you to be by his side.
With this ring running through the pads of his fingers like a coin, he walked on the trail to the pond slowly as his chest felt swollen of dense air and worry. He didn't know if you'd come back, you left without a word. It would all still fall into his plan, he'd reveal everything to you and you had the choice to decide if you still wanted to be with him or not, and he'd turn around and go back to being the cold and heartless puppet he is if you weren't there. He wouldn't even dare to attempt to connect with anyone else again if you ended up discarding him too. Yet he secretly hoped you'd still be there, his damned human emotions made him nervous as he walked closer and closer to the pond.
His ankles only trembled as the pond became visible to his vision, his empty chest twisted more and more as the pond became clearer, did you truly not come back? With one last step, he entered the beautiful scenery filled with gentle kisses of nature and held his breath for just a second as he turned his head to look at the final blind spot of the pond.
"You came back." Scaramouche whispered loud enough for you to look in his direction, your face in awe of his own surprised expression. He couldn't believe it, you were standing right where you always waited for him.
"I did." You whispered back. The air around the both of you was thick, the pond has never felt so uncomfortable before. You felt terrible for leaving him yesterday, but it was genuinely a shock to you that he didn't 'trust' you for being human, whatever that meant. You almost wanted to tell him off for saying such a thing, but you simply needed to get your speech off your chest. You clenched your fists as he approached you, he was about to speak before you suddenly cut him off before he could even start.
"Kunikuzushi, it hurt me when you said you wouldn't trust me because I'm human. I thought our time spent together meant much more than that." You struck a chord in his mind as he listened, he had his full attention on you. "Even so, I...I don't care. I don't care about who you were or what you might of done, I trust you Kunikuzushi, you've made me so happy and content, I only want to make you feel the same. Please, let me make you see that you can trust me too. I promise, on my own soul, I won't abandon you, I swear on it. I love you."
Silence, nothing but silence. Your face twisted as the soft wind picked up a bit. He simply stared at you astonished.
"You...promise?"
Your eyes widen a bit from his sudden response. You stammer a bit feeling anxious. "I do, I promise."
Scaramouche knew all too much about promises. The last time he ever trusted someones promise, they betrayed him and broke his trust in humans. The last time he ever needed a promise to stay in tact, it led him down this torturous and solitary life of his. For the first time, in a long time, he felt confused. You were human after all, this promise of yours would eventually break like all the others. But you came back too, you came back after everything. Was he truly going to give into his own cursed feelings and accept your fragile promise? This question, however, was already answered to him as soon as he saw you stand on the exact same spot he first saw you that day.
He holds your left hand dearly and looks down at his feet. He slowly kneels onto one knee and tilts his hat up so he could see the expression you were making as he knelt before you and brought out the ring he hid right before your very eyes.
"Then...I'll promise too. I'll promise to make you happy just like this, every single day. I promise, if you accept me, I'll always keep you safe, away from anyone who wants to hurt us. Ill protect you and love you endlessly."
"Will you marry me?"
A tear rolled down your cheek. Your heart beat fast with excitement and astonishment. You could only give him a bright smile as you lightly laugh through your joyful tears.
"Yes, I will!"
Ever since, he's made sure to keep his promise to you. He didn't spill a word to his 'comrades' about his newly betrothed wife, instead he sent out several underlings to find adequate housing to keep you away from any Fatui business, yet close enough for him to see you whenever he could. He kept you safe and loved you every single day he was in your presence. He never let you near any dangerous Fatuus who could threaten you, and he never let any other dangers harm you. The only place he'd be able to keep you safe and sound was in a cottage in Snezhnaya nearby a small town.
From then on, he loved you unconditionally and wholeheartedly, just as he promised you the day he made you his wife. And you too kept your promise, of always being there for him and sticking to his side no matter what.
Scaramouche sighed as his memory finishes off, smiling at the pleasant nostalgia of meeting you and opening his eyes to see you so comfortably wrapped in his arms. Perhaps for just this once, he'd let his human emotions that he despises so much roam freely, how could he not when it feels this wonderful?
He brings his chin above your head, resting it on top as he nestles you even closer into his front. He adored how warm you felt, he wanted nothing more than to suffocate in your mortal kindness and warmth. You smile lazily as you feel him bring you closer. You bring your arms around his chest and rest your hands right on top of his shoulder blades, softly pressing your cheek into his chest.
"I love you, Kuni." You yawned before you felt your eyes grow heavy with calmness and the comfort of your husband.
Scaramouche was glad he didn't need air to breath, he held his breath when your sweet words of love for him hit his ears and sunk into his thoughts. How foolish, a part of him shouts in his mind. 'You've let human emotions control your sense of priority', he thinks to himself. For so long, he detested anything human about himself, knowing it only brought troubles and pain. But he didn't care. He truly didn't, not when you exist so wonderfully in his mechanical arms and make him feel complex emotions he still can't understand. How could he ever betray you when you make him feel so completely and utterly whole?
You were mortal, and that meant you wouldn't live as long as him. In spite of it all and in dedication for his love to you, he'd do everything in his power to relish every single second with you, and make you his goddess when he eventually takes the Gnosis and ascends himself to rightful godhood.
He gently smiles, he tilts his head and kisses your head once more before resting his head on top of yours and closing his eyes to the thoughts of having you by his side forever, eventually ruling Teyvat with him as his everlasting queen and eternal bride.
"I love you most."