Chapter 102: Chapter 96: Aftermath and Midnight Comfort

The chaos had finally settled. Everyone was back in their spots in the blanket fort, albeit a little disheveled. Popcorn was scattered across the floor, soda stains marked Venti’s side of the cushions, and Amber was still side-eyeing every shadow suspiciously.

Venti sat cross-legged, wearing mismatched pajamas and borrowed underwear courtesy of Aether. The bright yellow duck print on the pajama pants earned him side glances from Scaramouche every few minutes.

“Why do you even own these?” Venti asked, gesturing dramatically to his pants.

Aether shrugged, trying not to laugh. “They were a gift, okay? Besides, they suit you.”

Scaramouche, sprawled lazily on a pillow beside Lumine, smirked. “Actually, they’re perfect for you, bard boy. Loud, ridiculous, and impossible to take seriously.”

Venti gasped, clutching his heart. “How dare you, Kuni! This duck ensemble is peak fashion!”

Amber snorted into her blanket while Ayaka covered her mouth to hide a giggle.

Albedo, ever the composed one, adjusted his glasses and sighed. “I believe we’ve had enough excitement for one evening. Can we resume the movie now?”

---

As the projector flickered back to life, the group finally settled into a peaceful rhythm. The soft glow of the fairy lights cast a warm hue over everyone.

Snowball, having taken a liking to Scaramouche despite his earlier mischief, padded over and plopped down next to him. She stretched her tiny white paws and leaned forward to lick his hand.

Scaramouche froze, his indigo eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced down at the small cat.

“...What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, voice flat.

Snowball blinked up at him innocently and gave his hand another tiny lick.

Amber, noticing the interaction, gasped softly. “Awww! Look, she likes you!”

Venti leaned over, grinning ear to ear. “Our little troublemaker has been accepted by the fluff queen herself!”

Scaramouche rolled his eyes, his cheeks faintly dusted pink as he pulled his hand away. “Tch. I don’t need the approval of a glorified furball.”

Snowball mewed softly and curled up beside him, resting her head on his arm.

Lumine smiled gently. “Looks like she disagrees.”

Scaramouche glanced at Snowball, his lips twitching upward for just a moment before he quickly turned his attention back to the movie.

---

Midway through the film, Amber dozed off against Ayaka’s shoulder, her soft snores barely audible over the movie dialogue. Ayaka herself was watching the screen intently, her blanket pulled snugly around her shoulders.

Albedo sat beside them, his sharp eyes flickering between the screen and the notes he was scribbling in a small journal.

Aether had propped himself up with pillows and was absently munching on chips while throwing the occasional glance at Venti, who was now sipping juice through two straws at once.

Scaramouche, surprisingly, had stayed quiet. He leaned back against a cushion with Snowball still nestled against his side. His sharp gaze lingered on Lumine occasionally, but he quickly looked away every time their eyes met.

Lumine, sitting close to him, whispered softly, “You’re being awfully quiet. Regretting your little prank, Kuni?”

Scaramouche scoffed lightly, his voice low. “Hardly. If anything, I’m annoyed at how predictable your reactions were.”

Lumine raised an eyebrow. “Predictable? Amber nearly cried, and Venti is wearing duck pajamas. I’d call that chaos.”

A sly smirk curved on Scaramouche’s lips. “True. I suppose it was worth it.”

Snowball let out a soft purr, rubbing her head against Scaramouche’s arm.

“See?” Lumine said softly. “Even Snowball forgives you.”

Scaramouche clicked his tongue but didn’t push the cat away. Instead, he absentmindedly ran a finger along her back, his expression softening ever so slightly.

---

The movie eventually came to an end, the credits rolling over a calming instrumental score.

Amber was still asleep, her head now resting on Ayaka’s lap. Ayaka herself had begun to nod off, her head tilting against Albedo’s shoulder.

Venti had fallen asleep mid-sip, the juice box still clutched in his hand. Aether was leaning back, staring blankly at the ceiling, clearly fighting to stay awake.

Scaramouche sat perfectly still, his head tilted slightly downward as if lost in thought.

Lumine stretched her arms and let out a soft yawn. “It’s probably time we call it a night.”

Aether nodded sleepily. “Yeah… before Venti ends up spilling juice on his duck pajamas.”

Scaramouche smirked faintly. “That would be a shame. Those pants are practically a work of art.”

Venti, half-asleep, muttered, “Fashion icon…” before dozing off again.

Lumine carefully picked up Snowball and stood, her voice soft. “Come on, Scara. Help me clean up a little before everyone passes out completely.”

Scaramouche sighed but stood up, stretching lazily. “You owe me for this.”

Lumine raised an eyebrow. “For what? Terrorizing my friends or being nice for once?”

“Both,” Scaramouche replied with a sly grin.

As the two quietly began to clean up the scattered snacks and blankets, Snowball watched them from her cozy pillow throne.

The night was calm once again, and for a brief moment, Scaramouche allowed himself to enjoy the warm, peaceful atmosphere around him.

But of course, he’d never admit that out loud.

Lmaoo jit got softed by a cat🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️🐔