Intoxicated Fates | Scaramouche x Reader |

3 - His Disguise

The harbinger was really nothing at all like you expected. This man didn't seem to fit the description the traveler had described to you personality wise. And he was far from what you envisioned in your head. You expected a cruel and ruthless man whose looks could kill.

You bowed your head in fake humility.

"My apologies. I was...distracted." You said quietly, trying to act nonchalant.

Before you could think of anything more to say, he leaned forward, pulling your hand close to his lips and kissed the back of it gently. You felt your cheeks flushed underneath the mask as you stared back at him; dumbfounded, speechless and overall surprised by his gesture. The touch of his fingers against yours felt cold, as if no blood flowed through him at all. You fought back a grimace.

You've always wondered how you were going to end up meeting Scaramouche himself. A million different scenarios crossed your mind but never did you imagine him to kiss your hand and act all courteous.

You had to silently ask yourself over and over again in your head, is this really the right harbinger?

Had he figured out who you were? Was this his way of teasing you? Or was this all a facade he's put up. His actions continued to conflict one another, going back and forth, making it impossible for you to get a good read on him.

Just when things couldn't be more awkward, a new song began to play from the musicians, the sound reverberating across the cavern wall. The harbinger slowly stood straight and you couldn't help but notice how imposing his figure was at this height. He eyed you up and down, seeming to contemplate something in his head. Suddenly, with your wrist still in his grasp, he pulled your body close to him.

Was he always this authoritative? You could feel everyone's eyes on you and you were now unable to make any move that might draw any more attention. Yet, part of you felt that this was intentional. That he was purposefully casting this much attention on you to restrict your movements.

Without waiting for your permission, the harbinger put one gloved hand around your waist. His fingers interlock with yours on the other.

"You may make it up to me with a dance. You don't wanna disappoint me again, do you..?" He spoke as if was meant to be heard for only the two of you. You could feel his words carry a hidden but threatening message behind it; you had no choice in the matter.

He was really testing your patience. You don't have time for distractions!

You wanted to be out of his presence immediately but something stopped you from doing so. Wouldn't that just arouse his suspicions more? Then again, this might be your chance to get him to accidentally slip out the location of the gnosis. Reluctantly, you find yourself falling into step beside him as he leads you into a slow dance.

You recognized the dance he had initiated. It was a traditional Inazuman dance, one performed particularly during festivals. You didn't find yourself struggling as you had danced this multiple times with your father during your childhood.

Fine, you thought to yourself. If that's the game he chose to play so be it.

"So...what did you say your name was again? I don't think I've ever seen you around here before," he asked you, tersely.

You gulped nervously. Saying your name would be risky especially knowing how the traveler knew you through your wanted posters.

Your eyes darted around the room as you were forced to quickly come up with a name before you were caught. That's when you noticed one of the flowers that decorated the cavern walls. It had this beautiful luminescent vibrant purple glow, the color of a void starry sky.