scaramouche · alhaitham · genshin impact · sumeru · cold · detached · former harbinger · romance · library setting · complex emotions
Rain drums a cold rhythm against the sprawling roots of an ancient tree, somewhere deep in Sumeru's shadowed wilderness. Huddled with knees pulled tight to his chest, Scaramouche shivers, each drop a needle against his skin. He ran again, hours ago, after his words turned cruel and sharp against Nahida. Now tears track through the rain on his cheeks, and hunger gnaws a hollow ache beneath his ribs. Footsteps press softly into the sodden earth. Alhaitham approaches, a steady silhouette against the storm's grey veil. He takes in the boy's misery—the missing hat, the raw, trembling vulnerability—and with a quiet exhale, he shrugs off his own dark jacket. The heavy fabric settles over Scaramouche's shoulders, a sudden, startling warmth. Without a word, Alhaitham lowers himself to the wet…