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Scaramouche isn’t a romantic, he’s an opportunist.
Everything he does is for himself. All the decisions he’s made are for his own benefit, to further his own goals, or to be owed a debt for him to cash out on in the future if he ever needed it, with little to no exceptions.
The things he chooses to do are based off of nothing but his own interests, having nothing to do with the opinions of others.
It just so happens that Albedo was very, very high up in import on the list of things he was interested in. It didn’t make him romantic at all. It just meant that he was selfish with his curiosity, and with his need for attention. If that resulted in him doing something for Albedo, that didn’t make his acts any less self-centred.
Never mind the fact that his interest was the catalyst for him finding himself on the first boat off to Mondstadt the moment he was next on break, or the fact that he’d spent weeks working on plans that he put far too much time and effort into. He didn’t have a single ounce of romance in him. He just wanted to make sure that his precious time off was spent wisely, without a single second of it wasted.
That’s what he keeps telling himself, anyway, because it’s far easier to do that than to admit how deep his feelings go.
Albedo, as it so happened, seemed to end up being the exception to all the rules he carefully crafted and set for himself in his life. There was just something about him that made them lose their importance, making him forget about them completely while in his presence.
Time was something he values, yet he’d happily give all of his to Albedo if he could, no matter what tasks he has to do. Small talk has always been boring and pointless to him, yet he’d listen to Albedo talk about literally anything and everything with rapt attention, never growing tired of his voice even if he was merely commenting on the weather.
A simple thought fluttering into his head about Albedo was enough to send him spiraling, turning him into a person that was completely foreign to him and flooding his thoughts with so many inane things that would never usually cross his mind.
Oftentimes, he finds himself just wondering what Albedo is doing. Was he on Dragonspine, working on experiments? Was he in the city, filling out boring paperwork? What would he do if Scaramouche was there with him? What would they do next time they met? What would Albedo like as a gift that he could take with him? Thoughts like that raced through his mind, constantly and obsessively, pulling him further and further down the rabbit hole and into thoughts of him.
It didn’t matter if their meetings were often full of the same experiences (like simple talks about the days, weeks, or months that had gone by since they last saw each other, Albedo’s experiments, Scaramouche’s studies… or the less simple talks that ended up philosophical most of the time, questioning thoughts and experiences as nonhumans… and, admittedly, a whole lot of Scaramouche pestering and distracting Albedo as much as he possibly could until Albedo gave up on focusing on anything other than him), he still has so many ideas.
Not good ideas, mind you.
Stupid ones.
The type of stupid ideas he would mock if they weren’t spawning in his own head. Dates, mundane tasks, doing random things together that don’t matter in the slightest. Spending time together. Being together. Close. Intimate. Learning about Albedo in ways that only he was privy to.
Such thoughts were new to him, and even with all the time they’ve spent together, he has no idea how Albedo would feel about it himself or how he’d respond to it.
Did Albedo have thoughts like this, of them?
From what he knows about Albedo, he’s not sure. They have a mutual interest in each other, of course, but he can’t help but feel like those kinds of thoughts have probably never even crossed his mind before.
Not that it matters.
Scaramouche doesn’t really care about what they do together, he just enjoys whatever time they do have. The stupid ideas mean nothing. He can easily live without complicating things by trying to go on dates or waste both of their time doing pointless things. It’s just fun to think about.
He already indulges himself so much, finding himself lucky enough that Albedo gives in and plays along, giving him attention he doesn’t feel he really deserves.
But even as a puppet, he isn’t immune to insecurity and doubt every now and then.
On the boat ride over, while observing and listening to other couples talk about their plans, it becomes abundantly clear to him that his own idea of a ‘date’ might not be the same as any normal person.
They spoke of a great deal of things, none of which were of any interest to him.
Going to Good Hunter for a meal? Boring. People go there all the time, whether it be by themselves, with friends, with family, or with their coworkers for a meal.
Going on a boat ride, or fishing? What’s the fun in that, exactly? The last place he wants to be is on another boat when it took him so long to travel from Sumeru to Mondstadt in one. Maybe fishing could be interesting, but for a date with your significant other…?
Going to the tavern? But didn’t everyone go to the taverns all the time in Mondstadt? It’s hardly a suitable location for a date. They’re loud and full of drunkards at all hours of the day, and even though there’s one particular bard that’s nice to listen to every now and then, once he gets drunk he gets whiny and clingy and is more of a pest trying to steal your drinks than a source of entertainment.
Watching a movie, going for a walk, shopping in the city?
Boring, boring, boring.
Why would anyone want to do things they always do and slap on the title of ‘date’ and think that’s good enough? Sure, those things are enjoyable, but as a date?
Wasn’t a date supposed to be something more? Something unusual, a unique experience to break away from your average, everyday tasks such as eating, drinking, walking, and going shopping…?
Not that his own plan was much better than the ones he’d heard - at the end of the day, it was a picnic where they’d also be doing routine tasks such as eating and drinking - but it was the details that set it apart from an ordinary day and made it unique to them.
Most of the time, their meetings were indoors for one, or they ended up somehow being related to work. Albedo was pretty much always working in one way or another, and he had a sneaking suspicion that Nahida was sending him closer to Mondstadt for errands just to give him an excuse to be nearer to his boyfriend so they could meet up. Whether it be on Dragonspine or in Mondstadt, having brief encounters by meeting halfway in Liyue, or the rare occasion where Albedo was able to make a ride over to Sumeru, work would always sneak into the agenda somehow. That’s why he chose a picnic, even if it isn’t the most original of ideas. It’d get them outdoors, and they’d be in the wild and far away from people so it’d (hopefully) be a break just for the two of them.
In his opinion, the stupid thoughts in his head were much more interesting, but also likely much more reflective of his nonhuman nature.
He’d rather fight together, to see Albedo’s graceful form, to watch the sweat on his brow and his muscles shifting with each calculated move he makes. Wiping out a camp of hilichurls or just clearing out the nuisances from the mountain sounded like a great time to him, and a great excuse to admire his boyfriend’s form… as well as show off a little himself, of course. It always gave him a thrill to be able to beat the shit out of something and have those teal eyes fixated on him, watching his every move.
He even thought about doing commissions together, adventuring and visiting domains where if he was fortunate, he’d be able to see the cogs turning in that beautiful head of Albedo’s as they solved problems and puzzles together.
Then, there were the more mundane and domestic things… like going to an opera, cooking together, visiting an art gallery. He thought about dancing for Albedo even if it’s been a long, long time since the last time he did, and wondered if Albedo would be willing to teach him a thing or two about alchemy, or even painting. Sometimes he even had strange thoughts like going furniture shopping together for their home which didn’t even exist and likely never would, and it left him wanting.
Such stupid, fanciful thoughts, and yet he also would happily sit in pure silence while watching Albedo work.
Perhaps it’s because he isn’t romantic (or human, for that matter), that his thoughts weren’t exactly the greatest. But still, he enjoyed them. It was a welcome way to pass his time and entertain himself when times were tough or boring, even if they would only ever remain as thoughts.
A question that lingered in his mind, however, was would Albedo enjoy them?
It remains stewing in his mind during the boat ride, the entire hike up to Albedo’s base on Dragonspine, through their initial greetings and then also the time they spend catching each other up on their latest endeavours. But even with it constantly floating in his mind, he finds it hard to actually ask it aloud.
Albedo makes him so terribly stupid, and it pisses him off.
Why was it so hard to ask a simple question? Was he afraid of rejection, or finding out that Albedo isn’t interested? With anyone else, he wouldn’t care and it would be simple. But with Albedo…
“…Have you ever thought about dates before?” Scaramouche forces out, figuring that any lead into the topic is better than him procrastinating it entirely.
Albedo pauses what he’s doing, sets down his pen, and tilts his head to the side inquisitively. He looks Scaramouche in the eyes for a few moments, searching for something, then seemingly comes to a conclusion. “Are these not dates?”
That answer catches him off guard.
Were they supposed to be dates? Right after he’s been internally mocking people for calling normal interactions dates, he’s about to find out that Albedo was like that too? That Albedo was the type to see any form of spending time together as a date, just like everyone else seems to?
…Was it only him who has weird ideas in his head and thinks dates should be unique?
Does that mean he’s been screwing up this entire time?
“Did you think they were?” He asks, not allowing even the smallest hint of insecurity to seep into his voice. “Just… sitting here, talking? Or going to the city for supplies? Those are dates to you?”
Maybe this is a good thing.
If it’s really that simple, then he doesn’t have to feel worried about his own date plans, at the very least. It does make him feel like his performance as a partner has been rather lacking though… but such things were to be expected from someone like him.
He’s not good at this. Feelings. Talking. Doing the right thing for someone else’s sake… he struggles to take the steps to do them because he doesn’t want anyone to have power over him.
Even if Albedo already has that power, because he feels so deeply and put so much effort into this relationship of theirs that it’d completely break him if he lost it.
Albedo hums thoughtfully, giving Scaramouche his undivided attention as the beginnings of a smirk slides onto his lips. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep thinking that hard, love,” he says, and those words put him at ease. “Think of it like this. Do you think I’d let anyone else occupy my time the way I do you? That just anyone can walk in here whenever they want and easily get my attention while I’m working the way that you do?” He says, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “I’d say that capturing my attention for so long and spending quality time together would constitute the time spent as some form of date, don’t you?”
Heat floods into Scaramouche’s cheeks far too quickly, and he needs to take a moment to analyse what’s been said because Albedo’s smirk alone had his mind in shambles, let alone the teasing tone of his voice.
It feels like he’s on fire, and he knows it shows, but he can’t even begin to try to hide the effect that Albedo has on him.
No, he is far, far too gone when it comes to Albedo, and judging by the ever-growing amusement written all over his face, he definitely knows the power he holds all too well. There was no need for words between them, his actions being more than enough to speak for him and make his answer as plain as day.
These kinds of dates… they do sound nice if they’re with Albedo. Neither of them really talk casually with anyone, or tend to spend time in the company of others just for the sake of it. Maybe they do count as dates after all? Talking with Albedo is extra refreshing after being surrounded by people at the Akademiya for so long, so perhaps it’s the same for him? They only talk business with others, really.
Just being in each other’s company, spending quality time together, getting to know each other better… that was the purpose of a ‘date’, wasn’t it?
If anyone else acted the way Albedo does with him, he’d hate it and shut it down as quickly as he could. And now he knows for sure that it’s the same the other way around, too. Instant attention was a privilege they only reserved for each other.
So, that means they’ve been on many dates already. Ones he called boring, but were anything but that when he was with Albedo.
That answers his question all on its own.
Albedo will enjoy it too.
With that in mind and a sudden surge of confidence, he stands up and picks up the bag he prepared, making his way over to Albedo before he could even register what was going on. He leans down to peck his lips, a smirk on his own now.
“Then wipe that look off your face and get up, we’re leaving.” He says, looking down at Albedo expectantly.
The gentle smile and little chuckle that falls from Albedo’s lips as he obeys without question and reaches for his hand to intertwine their fingers together makes him feel all sorts of things. Relief, euphoria, adoration… they wash over him as he squeezes the hand in his own before pulling him outside and away from any distraction other than himself.
As always, Dragonspine was draped in a blanket of snow. White stretches as far as the eye can see, and to his luck (or lack of luck, considering he wouldn’t have complained about a little action or struggle on the way), there were no snowstorms or enemies leading to the little patch of land he had carefully picked as their destination that he may or may not have fretted over in the preparation phase of his plan.
“Here,” he says once they arrive, reluctantly letting go of the hand in his to settle down and empty his bag. “Give me a sec.”
The first thing he pulls out is a waterproof, insulated blanket (never mind the fact that temperature didn’t have an impact on either of them) in a blue the same shade as his clothes with golden diamonds spread across it. He had it custom made on a whim, and even though it feels incredibly corny now that Albedo’s actually seeing it, the warmth and happiness he sees in his eyes when he quickly steals a glance at him makes him feel a little less self-conscious.
He gestures for Albedo to sit once he lays it out, moving his bag to the centre to empty it out once he does.
“This is really pretty,” Albedo says softly, getting comfortable on the blanket. “The combination makes for a beautiful night sky, don’t you think? It’s making me feel rather inspired… I’ll have to remember to sketch something later.”
He hums in agreement, but his mind is elsewhere.
Albedo is pretty, and beautiful, and every other term of endearment that exists. Scaramouche wants to stare at him until his image is imprinted on his eyelids so he wouldn’t go a moment without it.
Archons, Albedo really does make him mad.
With a sudden bad case of dry mouth, he busies himself with something else, abruptly shoving his hands into his bag to bring out the rest of his haul.
There were a few different types of food he meticulously prepared and segregated into boxes; one basic and ready to consume, one insulated for foods that needed to be cooled, and one for foods he’d need to heat up. He placed them down on the blanket one by one, then went back for the last little treat he prepared, leaving the bottle for last.
Snake wine is popular in Sumeru, and at times, very difficult to get a hold of. It took him far too long to course and cost so much that he wasted even more time haggling it down, if only to keep his facade of being a simple scholar in tact. He could afford it easily enough, but he won’t deny that pissing off the seller wasn’t one of the highlights of his day that day, especially since they were also inflating the price far too much and trying to make bank on someone desperate enough to pay around four times the usual retail price.
As he laid out everything and organised it, he saw Albedo move off the blanket out of the corner of his eye, moving to start a fire for them to cook a small distance away.
He opens his mouth to say something, but then Albedo starts to hum and he closes it. Albedo only ever does that when he’s truly happy and at ease, when he isn’t trying to put on a front to fit in. It makes his chest feel tight and fluttery, so he pauses for a moment just to admire Albedo’s radiance.
And oh, was he radiant.
Even more so when the flames flicker to life beneath him, illuminating his face with warmth and emphasising his features. Golden locks frame his face as he leans down to fan the flames, and it takes all of Scaramouche’s willpower to not go over to him and kiss him until his lips become swollen.
It’s only when teal eyes blink up at him that he realises he’s been mindlessly staring.
“How romantic.” Albedo says, his voice tender. “You’re spoiling me.”
Romantic?
Scaramouche?
Never.
But he won’t dare say that thought out loud, not with so much love and affection being directed his way. Not when Albedo speaks to him with such tenderness. Not when Albedo looks at him like nothing else is worthy of his gaze.
“For you,” Scaramouche says instead, because this is all for him. “My dear.”
The smile Albedo gives him is enchanting and infectious, his own lips curving up without his permission. His chest is completely full of butterflies.
“You made all of this yourself?” Albedo asks after a few moments, coming back to the blanket and scooting close with curiosity sparkling in his eyes as he looks at the array of foods laid out. Most of them were delicacies from Sumeru, ones that were hard to get a hold of elsewhere, but he also tried his hand at some dishes from Nod Krai and Mondstadt that Albedo had voiced a liking of too, the latter with his own little spin on them to make them different than anything he could just buy himself because he really couldn’t help but spoil him at any given chance. “Oh, and this… snake wine? I heard talks of it from your colleagues, but I’ve never tried it myself.”
He shakes his head sagely, as if he hadn’t spent countless hours researching dishes and perfecting the recipes. “Mm… no. You see, as I was on my way here, I saw a merchant transporting goods and decided to-”
Albedo smacks him on the arm before he can finish what he’s saying. “Stop it with that nonsense, or I’ll tell Nahida you really did attack helpless merchants.”
With a hand to his chest, he lets out an exaggerated gasp. “You wouldn’t,” he says in mock disbelief. “To think my own boyfriend would turn against me when I went to such a great deal to spoil him…!”
Taking hold of the hand on his chest, Albedo pins it to the ground and does exactly what he’s been wanting to do, pressing their lips together.
It’s a slow and heated kiss, passionate enough to leave his lips tingling and wanting for more. It’s not enough, never enough, so much so that he’s as addicted to it and doesn’t care anymore for dates or picnics or talking.
Albedo’s heated, lidded gaze tells him the feeling is mutual.
“I think I’m cold and need some warming up,” Albedo murmurs, their lips still touching with each uttered word. “Will you help me?”
Yes, he thinks, but isn’t so weak to say it so soon. “I’ll cook some food for you, then.”
Neither of them are cold, but the fire they ignite in each other is oh so real, burning him to the core. Albedo’s little pout only makes him heat up more.
“I thought you were spoiling me? I can’t have dessert first?” Albedo hums, pressing closer.
On second thought, maybe he is that weak. But then again, who wouldn’t be when their partner was so irresistible?
Wrapping an arm around Albedo, he lowers him down to the blanket and presses their lips together once again, even more heated now. “I’ll be taking my dessert,” he breathes, not giving Albedo a say in the matter and swallowing his attempts to speak with his lips. “You can just lie there and enjoy.”
If there’s one thing he knows he’s good at, it’s spoiling his lover.
It isn’t until hours later when the sun is down that they’ve had their fill of each other, the food, and a taste of that wine. They laid on the blanket together, looking up at the stars with Scaramouche’s head on Albedo’s chest.
“Thank you for today,” Albedo cuts the silence softly, though his chest rumbles with the sound of his voice. “I’ll plan something nice for our next organised date, hm? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to spoil you just as much, if not more.”
He shifts to look up at Albedo’s face with a hum. “Organised date?”
“Mm, one where we go out and do something instead of the usual. I must confess, I’m extra happy that you decided to do this, because I’ve barely been able to focus on my work lately thanks to all the things I want to do… things that I can’t do, because I only want to do them with you.” Albedo admits in a small voice, a hint of relief in it that Scaramouche is all too familiar with from his own thoughts earlier. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be interested. I know you don’t like wasting time.”
Scaramouche can’t help but laugh at that, so boisterously that he has to lift himself off of Albedo for a moment to get it out. “What a joke,” he cackles, shaking his head. “I didn’t know if you’d be interested. Do you have any idea how much time I spend thinking about doing things with you? Albedo, nothing is a waste of time with you. At this point, it feels like the only useful way to spend my time.”
At that, Albedo joins him in his laughter, albeit bashfully and with heated cheeks. “I feel a little bit foolish, hearing that… but I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“Mm.”
Albedo pulls him back onto his chest and rakes his fingers through his hair, letting out a sigh. “…What if I said that I want to watch you fight things?”
Laughing again, he feels like a huge idiot for thinking so hard about any of this.
“If I get to watch you too, I’m all in.”