"Until We Cross Paths Again." (Scaramouche x Gender Neutral Reader)

"Flashbacks."(3)

"Goodbye?"

The balladeer asked. You were confused, as to why he asked. You usually thought he would've been done by now. What was he keeping you back for? You turn around to face him again. Although this was a risk to take, knowing he cannot be trusted, you were curious. "What do you want?" you said, slightly annoyed. He looked you square in the eyes, making sure you understood every word that came out of his mouth.

"...Why did you spare my life?"

The second he asked that, your heart dropped. You knew the truth, you knew what you actually had mercy on him for. Long ago, in another life, you and him were soulmates. He was the one that never left your memories. He was a core memory. Though you knew he had a cold heart, you didn't want him to assume you wanted him to suffer. You tried to choke something out, but can't. You can't stand telling the truth to his face. He's a judgmental and cold person, he would laugh at your face if you brought up the forgotten past. You knew this. You just stood there, silent. "I know you didn't have any reason to spare me, but if you did, tell me why." he said, so blunt. You felt the pressure and regret crawling on you, it was haunting you. You managed to stammer out an "I..." and that was all. It was awkward, but you didn't want to stand there silent. "Please, answer me." he said, in a softer tone. This didn't feel real. At this point, you couldn't spit out anything. You felt horrible, as he lets out a soft sigh. "It's okay, you don't need to say anything. Just give me your hand." he said in a soft, breathy tone. Was he actually..? The cold puppet, acting so heartfelt..? You didn't want to push your luck with standing there like an idiot, so you hesitated for a moment, then gave in and held out your hand to place in his. He held your hand gently, his silk, slender fingers caressing yours gently. "Thank you." he says softly, looking into your eyes with such carefulness. You couldn't help but have your eyes widen a bit, as well brighten while looking at him. It was like there was still a bit of that bright, young spirit in him. Although this felt comforting, you still had multiple questions. You couldn't fully trust him, not just yet.

"Kuni.." you say. This was a long lost nickname that you called him when the days were bright, when he was free. "Yes?" He said. "Why...did you turn to corruption?" He paused, some life leaving his face. You felt a bit of regret asking that question, but you needed to know. "You mean the Fatui turned to corruption?" he asked. "They were just selfish beings like me who only wanted power. They got it, but they wasted it all on the Tsaritsa. I never cared." You can't believe he's just telling you the truth like this. "But...you left the Fatui long ago and took the power for yourself...why?"

"I wanted the power for myself, as you said. I wanted to be something greater than them." he said. You knew he wanted power..but for what? But..you had done the same. "I...I did the same. I abandoned everyone that benefited me just enough so I could start working for myself." you manage to say. You finally give him the cold truth about yourself.
"That's how I became corrupted, as well. I've been waiting here for you to arrive." he says. You remember that you don't know the actual reason he showed up here, you just fought him without asking any questions. Now is the perfect opportunity to ask. "So what have you been meaning to tell me here..?" you ask him. He hesitates a bit, a sense of regret rushes over him. Although he didn't want to, he told you the truth. "I originally came here to kill you..now look at us. Now it's my turn to ask you a question. Why did you spare me?" Since you two have been talking about this for a good moment, it would be the right time to tell him. You never thought he would gain your trust again, but here we are. It's time to tell him the truth.

"I still have memories of our past life, a young, innocent soul and I." you tell him. You never really wanted to actually end him. He feels reassured, and you could sense it. Telling him the truth was the right thing to do. "I was finally able to meet someone who understood me. Someone who had the same feelings as I." he says. You both were similar in the past life of yours. "We were similar in many positive ways, now we are ruined the same." you say. This felt heartbreaking, realizing how similar you both were, being hurt and both leading your own lives by yourselves. Alone. "Is that why you spared me?" he asks. It wasn't the exact reason you let him live. You decide to clarify what you wanted him to live for. "I didn't want to lose someone that was so special to me. A core memory that would stick with me forever." you tell him. He seems relieved, in a way. You could tell that he hadn't forgotten about your beautiful past with him. "That's why I won't kill you." he says. You pause for a moment, in disbelief that someone like him would be so forgiving like this. A few seconds pass, with you both feeling some warmth growing back.

"I'll let you go, but I'll be watching you." he says. He stands up, holding your hand a bit tighter before he lets your hand go gently. You didn't want this moment to end, however. You had finally started growing a new bond with him. Somehow, he could sense that you didn't want to leave him. You sigh, and accept the fact that this wouldn't happen anytime soon again. "Alright. Until we cross paths again, Kuni." you say, softly.

"Kuni."

He says. He remembers your past friendship with him. The light still shines. "..The name I haven't used in ages." you think out loud. He couldn't help but show a faint smile. It seemed...warm. A smile that wasn't from his evil intentions, or from his deceit. It was a pure form of happiness from him. "I'm glad you remembered my name." he says. This felt nostalgic. You couldn't help but have your eyes lighten a bit, showing a faint smile back at him. "The name I'd never forget." you say. You turn to face the exit.

"Goodbye, Y/N." he says. You just needed to thank him for this moment. You had already started walking towards the exit, but you stop and turn your head to face him. "Thank you." you say. "Don't worry about me, I'll be safe watching you until tomorrow morning." he says. You start heading for the exit again. "Goodbye, Kunikuzushi." you say, before you eventually leave. The night sky seems gentle, and deep. The stars shine a bit brighter, as the moon glows a bright, light blue color. This felt like a dream. You never thought he would've been so forgiving, better yet remember the past memories.

The next morning, you walk outside, with the dawn sky glowing bright above Inazuma.