"...Family assets, skeletons in the closet, I want to know everything." Slender fingers drummed against the singular armrest of a midnight blue, velvet chaise lounge, "Don't disappoint me."
"Yes, master Scaramouche." Auburn bangs clung to a sweat laced brow. The room had air conditioning, was the male attendant bowing down to him that nervous?
"Dismissed." Without a second thought, the man spun on his heels, bolting out of the luxurious living room.
Gathering intel on the enemy was the first step towards utterly crushing them. If that smart mouth thought she could get away with crossing him again, she'll regret ever breathing the same air he did.
Kicking two feet up onto the sofa, with his back propped against a plush square pillow and the armrest, Scaramouche unlocked his phone when the chime of an incoming call echoed across the room. Tanzanite eyes scowled at the glowing screen when he realized who was attempting to reach him. A quick thumb swipe and the phone was plastered to his ear, "What do you want?" Disinterest coated every syllable.
"Is that any way to answer the phone?" His annoyance nearly doubled at the sarcastic tone on the other end, "Thought what we had was special."
If only eye rolls could transfer through the phone, "Hn. So when do you plan on telling your girlfriend about us, or should I be the one to break the news to her?"
Childe's light hearted laugh couldn't completely overshadow his not-so-playful undertone, "No need for anything like that." Up to this day, Scaramouche couldn't explain why they were friends. On their very first day of high school, Childe was the test dummy for some neanderthal's plan to assert his dominance or something. It just so happened that said neanderthal made the unfortunate mistake of hitting Scaramouche in the face while he was passing by, since Childe easily dodged the idiot's punch. Needless to say, the guy ended up transferring schools when they were both through with him and the rest was history, "Speaking of Lumine, she was just telling me about this group assignment you guys got in class today and you're partnered with her friend Mona."
Yet another serving of cold, bitter annoyance added to his plate, "Yeah, so what?"
"You were supposed to meet up with her this afternoon but didn't show. She was pretty upset about it apparently." A smirk curled his lips at the news.
"Serves her right." Imagining the anger on her face while she wasted precious time waiting for Scaramouche to never show was the highlight of his entire day, "No one talks to me like that and gets away with it."
Childe's tone didn't mask his curiosity, "What did she say?"
"What she said isn't-" "Kunikuzushi."
Hearing that name instantly silenced Scaramouche. His attention shifted to the person entering the living room. Pausing her footsteps a couple feet away from the couch, his older sister shrugged a burgundy handbag over her right shoulder.
A pair of apathetic gazes met. Great, another annoyance to deal with. Ei broke the festering silence first, "I'm heading to the grocery store. Need anything?"
His shaking head was her cue to exit and Scaramouche returned to the call, "It doesn't matter what she said. The fact is she said it." Venom dripped from his tenor, slowly creeping into his indigo sights which were locked on the purple haired female who hadn't left the room.
Couldn't she take a hint? Then again, Ei was a special one. He was going to ask what else she wanted but then his sister twirled around and left the room without another word.
How were they even related?
"Hmm. You wouldn't be this angry if she was scared of you, or if she was a simp so...wait, wait, wait. This is Mona we're talking about." Childe cracked a laugh, "She insulted your intelligence, didn't she." It wasn't hard imagining small tears pooling at the corners of his ocean blue eyes by now.
Scaramouche capped a lid on his simmering emotions, sarcasm dripping from his tenor, "I'm so glad you find this amusing."
"Sounds like you've finally met your match." Childe was enjoying this way too much, to the point where Scaramouche was tempted to just end the call, "But seriously though, you need to chill. Mona's pretty cool once you get to know her. Besides, you're both academic geniuses and it's just a presentation, it won't kill you."
"Hn. Whatever." Scaramouche dismissed the irritating subject matter, "Is that all you called me for, mom?"
"Of course not." What more did that idiot have to say? "My primary reason for calling was to let you know that I've had a girlfriend for five months now. What do you think I should give her for our six month anniver-"
Scaramouche ended the call.
─ ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ. ─
Short strands of ebony hair fell before pale green eyes, pausing my right hand from documenting some notes. Tucking dark tresses behind my ear, the pen's ultra fine tip bled charcoal ink onto the page, continuing from where I left off. The project was coming along nicely. Based on my progress thus far, it should be completed before the due date, so long as I don't procrastinate. Reading through The Chronicles of Khaenri'ah for the second time was eye opening. It astounded but also irked me that I'd missed out on multiple little details sprinkled throughout the book during my first read. The wisdom weaved within timeless masterpieces such as this one could never grow stale.
Inside the library was a little crowded today. Groups, duos, even soloists taking up almost every available table. Glad I came early enough to secure my favourite spot next to one of the sealed windows near the front desk. It made accessing Lisa's perch a lot easier and the masses typically entertained the back seats more often than not. Every now and then I'd sneak glances across the room, just to be certain that everything's in order.
Note taking slowed to a halt on sight of a student making their way to an unattended reception desk. Xingqiu had left not long ago, which meant that duty called. Abandoning my stuff at the table, I quickly assumed a seat in the swivel chair at the front desk, smiling at the ash blond, "Hi. How can I help?"
His speech was smooth. Well-mannered and eloquent, "Hello. I'd like to return this book and check out with another please." He slid the borrowed book across the desk.
"No problem. Can I get your student ID?" I picked up the returned title, nostalgia and adoration softening my features, "Of Mountains and Seas, such a good read." The words slipped off my tongue subconsciously.
"Agreed." Teal irises showcased their own admiration for quality literature, "It's a shame that the author never completed the sequel." The ash blond handed over his ID card.
"True." I stole the card from his hand, "It's also a shame that not many people appreciate his works. Don't know what they're missing out on." Once I gained access to the computerized database, green eyes searched his ID for a name before the slightest gasp escaped my lips, "Ah, so you're the infamous Albedo. I finally have a face to the name." Highest GPA in my year and a bonafide genius, if his academic track record had anything to say about it. I've always been curious about the antisocial loner who practically ghosted across campus, never to be seen outside of his classes. Or so they say.
"And you're Mona, if I'm not mistaken." Typing fingers paused, hovering over the obsidian keyboard, "First place winner of last year's youth science forum for your thesis on Astrology. Not to mention receiving the Teyvat Scholar award during entrance exams. Your reputation also precedes you."
Listening to the ash blond's account of my most recent achievements ignited a spark of pride within me. I smirked, "Why, thank you. It was nothing really." Returning Albedo's ID card, the transaction was finished in no time, "Alright then, you should be all set. Do tell your thoughts on Vera's Melancholy when you're done with the first volume."
I hadn't noticed earlier but the slight uplift at one corner of Albedo's lips was the first time he genuinely smiled, "Sure."
Clutching the hardcovered text in one hand, the ash blond retreated from the library as if he was never here. I stayed behind the computer monitor for a little bit longer, skimming over audit logs. Everything seemed perfectly fine. If I'm not careful, Xingqiu could easily replace me. Returning to my desk after that minor interlude, notetaking recommenced.
Until a heavy weight assaulted the mahogany tabletop, startling me to the point where my seat tipped backwards as I flinched away from the impact. Metal chair limbs mutely scraped across bordeaux carpeting and Scaramouche dropped into the seat in front of me, pure annoyance radiating from him. Surprise and utter confusion creased my visage as I stared at the seething guy seated across from me. Lean arms folded as he sunk further into the chair, "Isn't this what you wanted?" His dark glare deepened, "Now you can stop crying about it to other people."
"Crying about it…" When did I ever…unless Lumine had something to do with it. She's the only person I told about my no show of a project partner.
Scaramouche unzipped the largest pocket of his backpack, fishing out a black notebook, "You just couldn't do the stupid project without me, it's completely understandable." Indigo eyes smugly met my gaze, that overconfident smirk kindling a wildfire within me.
"I'll have you know that I am perfectly capable of doing this entire report myself." It was my turn to glare at the imbecile who just wouldn't wipe that infuriating look off his face! He couldn't even apologize for standing me up yesterday.
"Sure, sure." Uncapping a black inked pen, Scaramouche surveyed the table. From my notebook and pencil case, to two copies of The Chronicles of Khaenri'ah. A humourless laugh left his lips when he seized one of the scarlet textbooks. Tanzanite sights lazily dragged from the book tucked within his propped up palm, to my aggravated face, "You were saying?"
I chewed on my lower lip. In my defense, I just so happened to grab a second copy of the book, "At least you don't need to go searching for the thing. You're welcome."
Scaramouche opened his copy of the book. He didn't make note of anything on the board yesterday, there's no way he'd be able to get anything done without my assistance, "Do you even know what the project requirements are?"
My project partner began writing, refusing to let go of that smug smile, "I have good memory, unlike some people who need to write things down just to remember them."
If only we weren't inside the library in plain view of cameras…if only.
I sighed, "Okay. Can we at least discuss how we're going to work this out because quite frankly, I don't like you and clearly you have a problem with me. So, how about we forget yesterday ever happened and start over. I'm Mona, but you already knew that."
"Hn." Was his answer.
Poking my inner right cheek with my tongue, I held in another sigh before giving up, "Forget it. I have nothing left to say." The plan was to evenly distribute the work load between us but I don't care. Let him do whatever he wants.
Entitled jerk.
Minutes ticked by as I continued reading the book, holding in a yawn while turning to the next page. Glancing around the room, from the overhead clock to nearly empty tables, drained every desire to continue working. It's almost closing time. Meanwhile, my partner seemed to have a groove going. Neatly writing across his second page, black headphones disconnected Scaramouche from the outside world as he silently worked. Concentration highlighted his features, accompanied by the dismal amber glow of sunset streaming in through the nearest window.
Well, what do you know. He can look like a decent human being.
"I know I'm good looking but it's impolite to stare, sweetheart." Tanzanite gems gazed upward, ablaze with the saccharine satisfaction of having captured me in the act.
Green eyes rolled and I scoffed. Staring he said. I wasn't staring, "Ugh, please save yourself the embarrassment." You know what's worse than a condescending, good looking guy? A condescending, good looking guy who knows he's good looking.
"You should really take your own advice, since you're still blushing." I'll kill him.
"I am not–" "There you are!"
Shrill vocals interrupted me as a green haired girl made her presence known to the table. She appeared out of nowhere, stealing the empty chair next to Scaramouche who hadn't even acknowledged our uninvited guest, "I've been looking everywhere for you!" High pitched and louder than life, the girl tugged on my project partner's left arm while he continued writing in complete disinterest, "What are you even doing here?"
It's no surprise that delirious girls with unrefined tastes would fawn over a guy like Scaramouche. Attitude, wealthy pockets by the looks of it, even one last quality that by no means needed recognition, he'd definitely be a palatable choice for some, if not most. Which was just plain sad. This one's affections were brazenly on display and I shook my head. She could be his girlfriend for all I knew. What a shame for female kind.
Witnessing their interaction – which wasn't exactly an interaction at all – for too long made my head hurt. As if Scaramouche wasn't enough, here sat another disturbance to my once perfect peace. Green eyes descended to the book in front of me.
Not for very long, however.
Obnoxious giggling and unanswered questions were stuck on replay, yet the obvious object of this girl's attention refused giving her the time of day. Maybe they weren't romantically involved after all. Scaramouche was fully content with hiding behind that emotionless mask, those oversized headphones and the guise of schoolwork. Although, writing suddenly paused, large fingers incessantly tapping the open page of his notebook with the pen. He's irritated.
So was I, "Forgive me for intruding but this is the library." Arms folded, I met the surprised gaze of the other female. Did she…not notice me sitting here this entire time? "Save your infatuations for somewhere else, you're distracting others from completing their work. Also, the two of us were working on our project, so if you don't mind waiting outside for Scaramouche until we're finished, that would be greatly appreciated."
Pen tapping stopped but the indigo haired simpleton – who could've told his companion those exact words five minutes ago – didn't shy away from eyeing his notes. Meanwhile, shock transformed into full blown hostility when the green haired student shot me a nasty glare. Planning her retort took a solid ten seconds, "And what if I say no?"
"Then you'll be considered a nuisance and again, I'd ask you to leave quietly." Voicing my inner thoughts was unintended but she was annoying and I couldn't help it, "Then again, I'm not entirely sure if you know the definition of that word."
A cleared throat. What a great way to conceal that squeak of laughter Scaramouche let slip just now.
"What did you just say?!" She stood, almost toppling her chair backwards while slamming both palms on the smooth tabletop.
"I said," Turning my voice down by a touch, ebony twin tails swung sideways, following a gentle head tilt to the left, "You're a nuisance." Narrowed green eyes never left the angry girl's face, even as I pulled out the library staff ID from my bag. Letting the laminated card dangle from a hooked index finger by its long silver cord, I hissed, "Now get out before I throw you out."
"Eww. Who works in the library?" She sneered, "Aww, is that how you get fed every day?" Mocking laughter flooded the room, "You poor thing." A lithe hand stroked my silent project partner's shoulder, "Come on Scar, let's go already. I'm bored and want to spend time with you!" She pouted in a vain attempt at looking cute.
Scaramouche finally made a move, pulling the wireless headset off his ears, securing them around his neck. His unforgiving glower made the girl frown and he shrugged her lingering touch off his shoulder, "Get lost, Cicin. Can't you see I'm busy?"
Frustration tainted the green haired female's face but quickly vanished as she cooed, "Fine, but you better make it up to me. I'll text you later." She grinned after him before twirling away, making sure to deliver a long eyeroll my way before striding to the exit.
"Finally." Scaramouche closed his notebook, instantly relieved that the pest was gone.
"Again, you're welcome." Packing my things took little time and I found the library keys. Better start shutting things down.
I stood, "You seriously work here?" His demeaning scoff wasn't lost on me. Slender fingers curled around the bundle of keys, to the point where jagged metal grooves threatened to draw blood.
"I'm the assistant librarian. What of it?" Fisted knuckles pressed into either side of my hips.
Stifled laughter sharpened my stare and Scaramouche got out of his seat, leisurely packing up, "Pfft. That's…so lame."
Engaging in a back and forth with this goat wasn't worth the migraine, "Your garbage opinion is worthless to me. Now, do you plan on borrowing that book or stealing it?"
We both looked down at his open backpack where Scaramouche was just about stuffing The Chronicles of Khaenri'ah inside it, "You already know I'm the one who has it, so it's fine."
"At least show me your ID so I can enter it into the system." My outstretched palm was blatantly ignored, the indigo haired brat zipping his bag shut with the book still inside.
"Don't have it." Scaramouche shrugged the pack across his shoulders.
"Wha–!" I raced around the table, "Then give me that book back!"
He dodged my advance effortlessly, situating himself on the opposite side of the table with every lunge I made to catch him, "Hmm…nope." Emphasis on his last syllable made a popping sound that echoed throughout the now empty room.
"Quit playing games you overgrown child!" I'm getting rid of him. I really will. If I get caught, I'll just plead insanity from having to deal with this idiot.
A slither of tongue broke through his lips before Scaramouche smirked, dashing towards the exit when I blinked, "Just check the dumb book out for me with your own ID, miss assistant librarian. It's not that hard." He was gone before I could stop him.