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Scaramouche finished putting on his earrings, and smoothed out the fabric of his dress. His black heels click against the hardwood floor as he gathers everything he needs, and places it into his black clutch: house key, and lip gloss. He checks his appearance once more, making sure his red eyeliner isn’t smudged, and his red dress is free of wrinkles.
It’s quite an important night, and he promised Buer that he’d actually dress up and participate. They’re holding a feast for her birthday, the citizens of Sumeru doing something different compared to last year’s candy parade. It’s more of a dance/feast/banquet thing— Scara doesn’t know. He asked his best friend to accompany him, though he really didn’t need to, knowing he could’ve told the taller man to just come, and he would.
A knock on the front door catches his attention. He makes sure he has everything and goes to answer the door.
“Holy shit,”
Scaramouche rolls his eyes at his best friend. “Shut up, let’s go.”
The taller, tanner man— Sethos— nods hastily. He moves out the way so the shorter could lock the door. He holds his arm out like a gentleman, and Scaramouche takes it.
“No, I mean it. Holy shit, dude. You look amazing!” Sethos exclaims as they walk, his green eyes sparkling.
Scaramouche smirks and glances up at him, “Don’t fall in love with me, now. It could be dangerous.”
Sethos, always going along with their teasing, smirks right back. “Yeah? Too late for that.”
Their teasing was always playful, never serious. It’s been like that since they first met a couple of years ago. But lately, it’s been different; more charged. There’s a thin layer of something on top of their teasing, or playful flirting. Sethos isn’t sure if Scaramouche feels it. If he does, he hasn’t commented on it. Neither has Sethos, content to just go on as they are. However, he isn’t lying. He is in love with him. He fell for him the moment they met, but Scaramouche never seemed to have caught on. Sethos knows he could’ve just outright confessed, but where’s the fun in that? He had hoped the shorter man would eventually fall for his charms, or even question if Sethos was just joking. Some days, he thinks Scara has caught on, and might feel the same. But when Sethos attempts to make a move, Scara just punches him and goes back to messing around.
It’s confusing sometimes, but Sethos enjoys the thrill of it all.
At his statement, Scara just rolls his eyes. “Shut up, you big oaf,” He eyes him up and down. “You dress up nice as well.”
Sethos’s smirk turns to a real smile at the compliment. “Why, thank you, kind sir. It’s a special evening.”
The taller man is wearing a black suit with gold and purple accents. Which isn’t surprising since that’s his usual color scheme, but nonetheless they look good on him. Scaramouche thinks his friend is very handsome, and strikingly good looking. He calls him ugly playfully all the time, but he never means it. Sethos is far from it; with his strong arms and muscular build, his broad shoulders and height, his long curly hair cascading beautifully down his back. Sethos is a sight for sore eyes.
He won’t lie, he’s very much sexually attracted to Sethos. Maybe even romantically, but he doesn’t really care about that right now. He wore this dress for a reason; he knows Sethos is also sexually attracted to him. His touches are always hot, setting Scara’s skin on fire. They leave him feeling scorched in their wake and Scara needs more, wants more. He needs Sethos’ large, calloused hands all over him, leaving burn marks that won’t ever go away.
The two finally arrive at the Grand Bazaar. It’s very lively with a band playing on the stage along with some dancers. There’s colorful lights everywhere, multiple stands for food and drinks, and people everywhere as well. Probably all of Sumeru is here, but there’s no way to actually know.
“Want a drink?” Sethos asks him, already steering them towards one of the stands.
“Wine will do, nothing too strong.”
“Not getting drunk tonight?” He asks.
Scaramouche doesn’t need to look at him to know he has a dumb smirk on his perfect face. “Shut up, I’m trying to be respectful for Buer. You should, too. You know how you are when you’re drunk.”
“Do I know?”
Scara can’t help the smile on his face. “Yes, you do. Are you paying tonight?”
“I have a feeling that isn’t really a question.”
“Oh, you’re so smart. Good boy.”
“Do I get a pat on the head?”
“Come down here.”
Sethos lowers his head and Scara gently pats the top of it. He didn’t want to mess it up with how neat Sethos did it. It’s gelled down for once, but some curly bits are still flying all over the place. There’s two braids on either side of his head with small, golden clasps hanging onto them. Any other day, it’s wild and all over the place even when it’s in a ponytail. That’s when Scaramouche thinks he’s the most charming. He sometimes tucks a few strands of hair behind Sethos’ ears, only for them to pop back out a moment later.
“You are ever so kind.”
Scara snorts and gets closer to the stand. The woman working greets him kindly as Sethos walks up next to him. They order big glasses of wine, and find a table to sit and drink for a moment. Scaramouche watches the crowd as they all dance and laugh. He recognizes a few people as well, even some of his classmates.
Sethos watches him, though. He couldn’t care less about the people around them when his best friend has all of his attention. He truly is stunning. Even when Scaramouche is wearing lounge clothes or pajamas, he’s absolutely beautiful. He can’t tear his eyes away.
“You’re staring, little bee.”
Sethos smiles at him. “I’m aware.”
“Mmm… You have company.”
Before Sethos can ask what he means, there’s an arm slinging around his shoulders.
“Sethos! You look wine-derful. Get it? It’s wonderful, but you’re drinking—“
“I think he gets it, Cy. Hey, guys.”
Cyno and Tighnari greet them with smiles. Scara gives them a simple nod, and Sethos smiles back. “Hey, guys! Wow, I never thought I’d see the day where Cyno actually covered up. No whoring out today, cousin?”
Cyno glares at him. “I don’t whore out. My outfit is for my job.”
“Riiiight, sure. Being ninety percent naked sure is a respectable job. Bet Nari loves it though. Right, cousin-in-law?” Sethos shoots a smirk the fox’s way. Tighnari reaches forward to flick Sethos’s ear. “Ow!”
Tighnari rolls his eyes. “Shut up, you talk too much. Also, we aren’t married yet.”
“Speaking of, when are you telling Scara—“
“You guys should go try the wine!” Sethos immediately interrupts Cyno. “It’s great! Nari, please, take him!”
The man gives the fox a pleading look. Tighnari smirks and chuckles quietly. He grabs Cyno’s hand. “Let’s go, babe. I wanna dance.”
Cyno, being completely smitten for his love, agreed without any hesitation or questions. Tighnari drags him away and Sethos lets out a sigh of relief.
“Tell me what?”
Sethos jumps at the soft voice, almost forgetting his best friend was sitting there and that he saw the whole thing. Sethos turns to him with a wide smile, “Nothing! I’ll tell you later, it’s not important right now.”
Scara eyes him for a moment, then shrugs and drinks his wine. As the night goes on, they get drunker and enjoy their evening. They eventually meet up with the others and Cyno somehow drags them into a game of TCG. He already beat Tighnari and Kaveh, and is currently playing against Alhaitham. The scribe proves to be highly intelligent about this game, but Cyno won’t back down.
Sethos watches in amusement, but is dreading the fact that he’s probably next. He loves his cousin but he could be doing something way better than a card game (don’t tell Cyno he said that).
“Hey,” Someone whispers into Sethos’s ear. He turns to his right to his best friend. Scara continues, “My cup is empty.”
He waves his indeed empty cup teasingly with a small smile. Sethos smirks. “Thanks for telling me.” He looks back at the game. Alhaitham might actually win this one—
“Excuse me,”
Sethos turns back around with a drunken smile. Scara gives him a look, but the teasing aura is still present. “My cup is empty.”
“Yeah, you told me.”
“Care to do something about that?”
Sethos shrugs. “You askin’?”
“No, I’m telling you.”
“If you want me to buy you another drink, lotus, that’s all you gotta ask. Let me hear it,” Sethos puts a hand to his ear, leaning closer to Scaramouche.
Scaramouche can’t stop his smile from growing wider. Sethos is a fool. “I shouldn’t have to ask you. You should already be on top of it.”
And his response is quick witted, like always.
“I should already be on top of you.”
Scaramouche’s eyes light up at that, but neither mention it. His smile has grown impossibly wide, cheeks flushed red from the alcohol and Sethos’ flirty nature. Before he could say something back, another voice butts in.
“Please, just kiss already. It’ll save everyone a headache.” Tighnari says. The others have stopped their game to look at the two.
Kaveh smiles, beyond drunk at this point, “You guys look so cute together! I can’t believe you guys haven’t kissed yet! Haven’t you been dating a while now? Hayi, they have, right?”
Alhaitham just pats his husband’s head. The blond man leans into him, seemingly unaware of shifting the conversation.
Scara rolls his eyes. “Why would we kiss, let alone date? It’s not like I haven’t been trying.”
He’s drunk, but he doesn’t care. The cat’s out of the bag now. He probably should’ve just been upfront with Sethos about his attraction towards the taller man. Maybe Sethos wouldn’t be so stupid and have kissed Scara already. He figured out a long time ago that Sethos likes him back. Unlike that big oaf, Scaramouche isn’t stupid.
The taller man’s eyes widened at his words. “What? I mean—- what?”
“That was a contradictory statement.” Tighnari mumbles.
“Leave me alone, asshole. I’m drunk, words don’t make sense right now.”
“No, because he’s absolutely right! Words don’t make sense! Hayi…” Kaveh goes on a spiel about this and that. Alhaitham stares at him lovingly.
Tighnari smirks. “Then don’t use words; use your body.”
“Nari, you can’t just—“ Cyno starts.
“Can’t what? Care to finish that?”
“…Nevermind, dear. Do as you please, and I love you.”
“Mhmm, that’s what I thought.”
Sethos looks at everyone bewildered. “Can we get back to my problem now?!”
Scara chuckles. “There is no problem. I said what I said.”
“But you shot down all of my advances! I don’t get it!” Sethos exclaims.
Scaramouche shrugs. “Did it on purpose. I wanted to see how far I could push until you finally confessed.” Scara scans the table, and reaches over to grab a now sleeping Kaveh’s half empty cup. He takes a sip, makes a sour face, and drinks it again.
Sethos couldn’t believe his ears. They must be playing some kind of prank on him, right? There’s just absolutely no way Scaramouche likes him back. Maybe he’s attracted to Sethos, but in love? He highly doubts that.
Sethos lets out a scoff in amusement, “Yeah, fat chance! I don’t believe you! You’re all lying to me!”
Kaveh wakes up, then, pointing an accusing finger at Sethos, “I don’t lie! At least, not about this! Now kiss so I can plan the wedding. Oh, Hayi! Their wedding would be so cute! So, I was thinking…”
Alhaitham listens to his husband with rapt attention, ignoring the others.
“Kaveh actually has really good ideas,” Cyno comments, listening to the drunk blond spew on and on about decorations and colors.
Tighnari rolls his eyes and downs his drink. “Anyway, our work is done. Scara, he’s all yours.”
Scaramouche gives him a smirk, “Thanks, hon,” He looks back at Sethos, who still looks bewildered, “Would you believe me if I kissed you?”
“Huh—?!”
Scaramouche quickly leans forward to press his lips against Sethos’s. Luckily for him, the big oaf didn’t hesitate or push him away. Sethos instead kissed back, their lips gliding at a languid pace. Scara gently bites his lower lip, and pulls away. He licks his own lips, eyes blown wide with lust.
“So? Believe me now?”
Sethos nods dumbly.
Scara chuckles, and stands up, “Walk me home?”
Sethos catches onto the meaning behind his request, his slacks suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable. He stands up abruptly and grabs Scaramouche’s hand, then drags him away from their friends. He’s nearly running to Scara’s place, and it makes the shorter man laugh.
“Why are you in a hurry?” He asks Sethos, surprisingly keeping up in his heels.
“I don’t wanna waste another second!”
That makes Scara laugh again, “We have the entire night! And maybe even more after tonight.”
That makes Sethos halt to a stop, Scara slamming into his muscular back. “Ow! What the fuck?!”
“Are you serious? Don’t play with me right now, lotus,”
Scara rubs his hurting nose and looks up at his best friend, “Yeah, I’m serious. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Sethos blinks and smiles sadly, “I didn’t think you had any feelings for me for a while.”
Scara sighs, “Not at first. It was just sexual attraction. But as time went on, I ignored my feelings, telling myself it was just that. I ended up confusing myself a little. Now, though,” Scaramouche brings up a hand and gently cups Sethos’s cheek. The taller man leans into his palm. Scara smiles, “I want you, Sethos. All of you.”
Sethos smiles back, his emerald eyes shining in the moonlight. “You've had all of me this whole time. I’ve always been yours.”
“Good. Then I’m yours as well.”
Sethos grips his waist, pulling him close to kiss him. Scara melts into it, melts into Sethos’s touch he’s been craving for so long. His big hands hold him steady, and Scaramouche can’t take it anymore.
He stops the kiss, and continues dragging Sethos up the winding path to his house. The man behind him laughs joyously, and eventually picks up Scaramouche when they’re close. He throws the shorter man over his shoulder, ignoring Scara’s protests. Once they reach the front door, Sethos puts him down so it can be unlocked.
“Don’t do that again, dammit! I’m still drunk, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Sethos waves him off.
Once they’re inside the house, Sethos is crowding him against the closed door, kissing him fiercely. Scara ends up dropping his things in shock, but can’t seem to care when Sethos’s tongue is pushing its way into his mouth. Scaramouche opens his mouth, letting the taller man’s tongue explore his own mouth. Scara lets out a quiet noise as Sethos drags his tongue against the room of his mouth.
Sethos pulls him closer to get rid of any gaps between them. He wants to feel Scaramouche all over him. Their hands roam around one another’s chest and back until Scara is pushing his suit jacket off. It falls to the floor with a soft thud and Scara kicks off his heels. He begins pushing Sethos’s chest, backing him up towards the bedroom. The tanned man goes easily, knowing where the room is like the back of his hand.
Once inside the room, Scara pushes him down on the bed. Sethos looks up at him with a smirk, his lips red and swollen as he tries to catch his breath. Scara knows his own lips look the same and he smirks back. He climbs onto the bed on all fours, and Sethos backs up until he’s against the headboard. Scaramouche straddles his lap, and places both hands on Sethos’s chest, slowly dragging them down to the waistband of his pants.
“I want you to know,” Scara starts, grabbing Sethos’s hands and guiding them to the back of his dress where the zipper lies, “I only bought this dress so you could take it off.”
And that’s all Sethos needed.
_____________________
The sun is peeking over the horizon, making the sky all shades of orange and yellow. Birds chirp outside the window, and the city slowly begins to wake up after the festivities from last night.
In a small house in the Great Tree, two young men lay in bed, basking in each other’s warmth. They haven’t just woken up, no, for they haven’t even been to sleep. Too busy loving each other, tangling the sheets one too many times. They face one another, one with a sleepy expression, the other with a fond one.
“You know what?” Scara whispers, his voice raspy and hoarse from being overused.
“Hm?” Sethos mumbles on the edge of sleep. His voice has a deep timbre that Scara loves. He loves Sethos’s morning (night?) voice.
“You should carve your name into my bedpost.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“To remind myself this is real. That you’re not just my best friend anymore.”
Sethos blinks at him tiredly, a tiny smile slips onto his face. “That’s romantic. Okay, yeah, I’ll do it.”
Scaramouche reaches under the pillow he’s laying on and pulls out a small dagger in a leather sheath. Sethos looks bewildered at this because what the hell?
“You never know.” Scara explains, except it doesn’t explain anything. He gestures for Sethos to take it.
The other man takes it with a roll of his eyes. He takes out the dagger, and points it at the headboard, “Here?”
Scara shrugs, the sheet falling off his bare shoulder. “Sure. Maybe that can be your side.”
Sethos smiles and gets to work. It’s slow and steady so he doesn’t mess up or hurt himself. Once he’s done, he sheaths the dagger and shoves it under his pillow since apparently that’s where it belongs. Scara scoots closer to look at it better and Sethos wraps his arms around him.
“Like it?”
Scara nods. “Like it’s supposed to be there.”
“Mhm. As much as I want to keep admiring it, I’m terribly sleepy.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“You— Nevermind. Goodnight, lotus. I…Thank you.”
“… I love you, too, little bee.”
And if Scaramouche had to fight for his life to get out of his boyfriend’s strong hold to use the bathroom, well, no one needs to know.