Fragments of Silence: Scaramouche x Aether

Chapter XX: The Unexpected Invitation

The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across the room as Aether sat at the small table, staring at the parchment in his hands. His eyes skimmed the words once more, the official seal of the Adventurers' Guild at the bottom confirming the importance of the commission.

Traveler Aether, you are requested to travel to Fontaine to meet with the Chief Justice, Neuvilette, and the Hydro Archon, Lady Furina. Recent developments indicate a new threat emerging in the region, and your presence is required to investigate...

He let out a slow breath, his fingers tapping against the parchment. It wasn't the commission itself that left him feeling uneasy—he had faced countless dangers before—but the timing. Now? he thought, his gaze shifting to the window. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of shared dreams, cryptic gifts, and the growing bond between him and Scaramouche. He could feel that they were on the verge of something, something that he didn't want to leave behind.

Paimon floated beside him, glancing at the letter curiously. "So, a trip to Fontaine, huh?" she mused, crossing her arms. "Sounds like a big deal if Neuvilette and Furina are involved."

Aether nodded absently, his mind elsewhere. "Yeah," he replied, still staring at the letter. The thought of leaving Sumeru now, of putting distance between him and Scaramouche, made his chest tighten. He had spent so much time trying to reach out to Scaramouche, to break through the walls the man had built around himself. To leave now felt... wrong.

Paimon noticed his silence and tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "What's on your mind, Aether? You look really conflicted about this."

Aether sighed, setting the letter down on the table. "I don't want to leave," he admitted, his voice quiet. "Not yet. Not when... things are starting to change."

Paimon blinked, then realization dawned on her face. "Oh, you mean Scaramouche, right?" She crossed her arms and floated in front of him. "But, Aether, it's not like you're going to be gone forever. And it's Fontaine! He'll still be here when you get back."

Aether shook his head, his brows furrowing. "It's not just that," he said, running a hand through his hair. "It's... I feel like I'm finally getting through to him. Like he's starting to trust me, even if it's just a little. If I leave now, I'm afraid he'll shut down again, retreat into that shell he's built around himself."

Paimon floated back slightly, her eyes widening as she took in his words. "So... what are you gonna do, then? Refuse the commission?"

"No," Aether replied immediately, shaking his head. "I can't just ignore a threat in Fontaine. Neuvilette and Furina need help, and it's my responsibility to answer that call." He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful. "But maybe... maybe I don't have to go alone."

Paimon's eyes lit up with surprise. "Wait, are you thinking about inviting Scaramouche to come with us?" she asked, her voice a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "That's... that's a bold move, Aether! Do you think he'll even say yes?"

Aether leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the ceiling as he considered the idea. Inviting Scaramouche... It was a risky move, and he knew it. Scaramouche was unpredictable, fiercely independent, and had a tendency to push people away. But Aether had seen glimpses of something more—a side of Scaramouche that yearned for connection, for someone to stand by him despite everything.

"He might refuse," Aether said finally, a hint of determination in his voice. "But I have to try. If he comes with us, it might be what he needs—to see that he doesn't have to face everything alone."

Paimon floated closer, watching him with a mixture of concern and admiration. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?" she murmured. "You really believe he'll say yes?"