#scaramouche reader insert

Your tears had stopped, though your shaking hadn’t. It hadn’t stopped until Scaramouche had taken your hand in his, walking back home with you to the Kamisato estate.

You can’t help but think about that day now, when the darkness remains thick around you, as fresh sobs catch in your throat, a new wave of tears pouring down from your eyes. You catch a glimpse of pale, delicate features through your welling eyes, Scaramouche’s face lighting up as the first flash of electricity cuts through the mist hanging low above the ground, lightning arcing to the ground not a second behind. Scaramouche is quick to jump into battle, a huge, bloody fight between him and the Treasure Hoarders breaking out; though it’s one-sided at best, if the screams of pain are anything to go by.

An eerie silence descends. There is no crashing, no sound of footsteps.

Just you open your mouth to call out for Scaramouche in a tear-clogged voice, the crashing returns, definitely footsteps this time, and ones you recognise to be his. You remember him moving with the quiet gracefulness of a ghost, and a small part of you wonders if he’s doing this for your benefit, so as not to scare you even further. Blindly, you stumble towards Scaramouche, who heads towards you, an unstoppable force in your direction.

“Crying again?” He asks, and his voice is so familiar, it’s almost as though he’s never left Inazuma, never left you. This close, you can feel the warmth rolling off his skin. He cups your cheeks gently, running his thumbs under your eyes to dry the leftover tears there. It’s a surprisingly intimate gesture, from Scaramouche of all people, and it causes the blood to rush to your cheeks. “You really are hopeless.”

There’s a long silence following his words, broken only by the sound of your breathing and the quiet sobs that you try to swallow back so that you can speak, or do anything but cry, really. Words that need to be said, and maybe some that don’t, are like invisible fireworks exploding in the empty space between the two of you, and you’re determined not to let him leave; not until you’ve said what needs to be said.

Scaramouche must mistake your tears for those of pain; he goes rigid, and his eyes are locked onto your frame with cold rage. “What’s wrong? Did they hurt you?”

He doesn’t wait for an answer, or perhaps he thinks that you can’t answer. His eyes darken, from their usual airy blue to a stormy purple, a little more luminous than usual, less rich. Instead, he takes your hands in his. His hands are strong and so much larger than yours now. His skin feels thicker — tougher — than your own, and the contrast is exhilarating. His touch is comforting, warming, as his power travels over your skin, seeking to heal you of your ailments and whatever injuries Scaramouche is afraid you might have sustained. Though you’re aware that there aren’t any; you’ve been far too well-protected for that. Scaramouche had ensured that not even a hair upon your head had been harmed.

Your throat is so raw from crying, but you still can’t stop. Still, you manage to gasp out his name in between sobs. “Scara.”

“Now what?” Scaramouche asks, and though his words are all hard edges, his voice is soft. He’s still holding onto your hands, even though he must know by now that you’re uninjured.

“I’m. I’m, I’m just really happy to see you again.” The dam inside you has broken, and there is no controlling what comes out with the tears; your words and your feelings spill out of you in one messy, hopelessly tangled wad. “I missed you so much.”

I grasp the strand and hold it in my open palm, smirking all the while as I ignore Paimon’s frightened squeals.

“Funny, I thought you were a person of many titles. ‘The Honorary Knight.’” Our blades run along each other as my sharp blade attempts to slice through their neck.

“The Captain of the Watatsumi Island Special Operations Unit.” With a grunt I lower myself to the ground and swipe beneath the Traveler’s feet. with my agile one’s. They dodge my first foot, but they trip over the second one that makes a swift follow up. They fall to the ground, but before my blade can slam down on them they’re quick to roll over.

I groan when they use the element of geo to knock me down from behind, but I quickly recover with the assistance of the wind. “The Outlander.” I encase the Traveler and I in a circle of Ice, the pointy edges almost piercing Paimon. That’s when the Traveler’s eyes truly darken, and a sadistic smile makes it way onto my lips.

“The First Sage of Buer.” The Traveler’s eyes widen and they falter for a moment at my words, and I take the opportunity to freeze a slippery path below their feet. Paimon yells for the Traveler to watch out, but it’s too late.

They’ve already fallen into my trap.

I never cared for Signora, but I mimic her technique as I enclose the Traveler’s feet where they stand. The strong gust of wind I’m summoning has Paimon struggling to stay in our enclosed arena as I make my way over to the struggling Traveler.

They’ve grown stronger from their experiences in previous nations so I can’t underestimate them; it won’t be long before they break free from my icy prison. I can’t help but chuckle when I realize they’re using a similar method to the Anemo Archon to escape the ice.

The Traveler uses the wind and earth to chip away at the block of ice encapsulating their feet. Unfortunately for them, my resolve won’t yield so easily. “You should’ve kept to yourself; stop butting your head in place it doesn’t belong. The Wanderer is not an individual to be messed with, and neither am I. If you ever lay a hand on him again, I will not be so merciful. Maybe I should give you a demonstration of what’s in store if you dare to play with magic.” I don’t wait for a response as my blade slashes down to scar the Traveler’s arm. Paimon’s scream is as piercing as the beginnings of frostbite that nip at the tips of my fingers.

My blade stops mere millimeters from my target.

How frustrating.

My blade is stopped by a hand and a strong gust of wind, and I look up to come face to face with the man I’m currently fighting for.

My entire demeanor shifts as my eyes light up and my heart pounds loudly with joy in my ears. “Wanderer!!” I engulf him in a hug, and he grunts. “What did I tell you about attacking people over stupid rumors you hear about me!?” Wanderer scolds me harshly and he wacks the back of my head.

I let out a cry of dismay before I pull away enough to stare into his eyes. The ice around us ceremoniously breaks and the wind slows to a calm, soothing breeze. A beautiful flurry of snow now surrounds us, and Paimon flies over to the Traveler to check up on them as the ice encapsulating their foot finally breaks.

“But- but this time they said you died!! They said the Traveler successfully put an end to-“ “Don’t listen to rumors you dimwit!” Wanderer wacks me again before he pulls me roughly against him.

I sniffle as he soothingly smoothes my hair back. I feel more than hear him chuckle as Paimon screams at the both of us. “Tell that small floating child to shut up. They’re giving me a headache.” Wanderer bursts into raucous laughter at my words while the Traveler sounds unamused and quite angry.

“Rest now. I’ll explain the situation for you, but don’t get your hopes up.” I allow myself to finally relax knowing Wanderer is actually safe and not deceased like I previously thought he was.

The last thing I feel are his soft lips against the crown of my head.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“And that’s the gist of it. So? How do you feel? You almost lost something valuable to someone of extraordinary power, yet all you can do is stand there with that dumb look on your face.” Paimon’s loud voice wakes me up from my restful nap, and I stir as the unconscious world fades from my mind.

Damn. I was having a good dream too.

“You’re being too loud.” Wanderer scolds Paimon as I shift in his arms. Paimon continues shouting nonetheless, and I fully wake up with a disarming yawn. My blurry eyes finally focus and the Traveler and Paimon’s annoyed expressions are the first thing to greet me.

“What?” I ask. “What do you mean, what!?” Paimon asks incredulously. “Well, I told them the basics. You really need to stop acting so irrationally when things concern me, Y/n.” Wanderer’s words are rough yet sincere, and I know he’s right. With a sigh I remove myself from his arms to stand and bow before the Traveler. “I apologize for attacking you based on false rumors, but if you so much as try to lay a hand on Wanderer I-“

WHACK!

“I apologize.” “That’s better.” I refuse to rub my head even though Wanderer’s smack left a stinging sensation.

“THIS GIRL IS RIDICULOUS!” Paimon screeches.

“Everyone, calm down and try to understand where the other is coming from.” Wanderer’s blunt words cause my lips to quirk up into a blatantly smug expression. “Oh? That’s surprisingly reasonable coming from you.” I taunt Wanderer. His eyes burn holes into mine, and I send a flirtatious wink in his direction.

He returns to stand by my side from his previous position, and he huffs as his hand purposefully bumps against mine in a silent question. I intertwine our hands in a comforting answer. “Huh, it looks like I wasn’t the only one who missed the other.” I muse.

I take joy in Wanderer’s flushed cheeks and annoyed expression that acts as a face to mask the bashful feelings that lie underneath.

Paimon looks so flabbergasted it causes me to laugh. She sputters as she tries to find the accurate words to say that truly expresses her exasperation with Wanderer and I. In the end all she does is stay silent, for once, as she turns to the Traveler to take the lead.

“Ah, that’s more like it. Thanks Paimon. Traveler, I apologize. I have nothing against you personally, but I owe many things to Wanderer. He’s special to me in a way no one else ever will be. Anyone who wishes or inflicts harm upon him will meet a fate worse than death, by my own hand.” I spit out the last sentence and Wanderer gives my hand a squeeze in warning. The traveler quirks a brow at my words, but they continue to remain silent.

A beat of silence passes before the Traveler finally speaks up, “Okay. I don’t completely understand.. everything, but I can see you don’t personally have any ill intent against me. You just seem to be very stubborn.” I guffaw at the Traveler’s words as Wanderer laughs. “That’s the perfect description for her.” He dodges my elbow, and before we know it the tense atmosphere is broken as Paimon fails to hold back a delighted giggle.

“Paimon’s still angry with you, but if you buy Paimon food she’ll forgive you!” I chuckle at Paimon’s words. “Okay, how do you feel about sticky honey roast?” I tease. Paimon gasps before adamantly agreeing to my proposal.

I don’t miss the way the Traveler’s gaze follows me with evident concern in their eyes.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Once everyone is full from the good food the atmosphere  is much lighter, and everyone finally relaxes their tense body language.

“So, how do you two know each other? Paimon’s never seen the Wanderer so… so…” Paimon fails to think of a sufficient word to describe his current demeanor. “Docile?” I jest. Paimon laughs, in agreement with my suggestion, and the  Wanderer scoffs.

“Anyway, you seem to know a lot about me. Why’s that?” The Traveler doesn’t beat around the bush. Wanderer also looks a bit curious as he waits for my response. “That’s on a need to know basis and you don’t need to know.” My words cause the once cheerful atmosphere to become tense yet again, but my fit of giggles is quick to dispel the atmosphere. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Gosh you should’ve seen your face!” I laugh and motion towards the Traveler’s now dumbstruck expression. 

“I’ve seen you around. I’ve been to every nation of Teyvat, and I often see you around and am privy to all the rumors surrounding you. That’s how I know about all your endeavors.” I surmise. The Traveler elaborates on their question by saying, “But that doesn’t explain how you know about me being the first sage of-“ “Paimon, how’s the sticky honey roast?” “Mmmm, Paimon loves it! Y/n’s a good cook Traveler!” Paimon gulfs down another serving of Sticky Honey Roast, and I can’t help but softly smile at the scene.

When I look at Traveler our eyes meet. They study me for a moment before changing the subject. Whatever they saw in my eyes must’ve quelled their worries enough to dismiss their unanswered question.

It’s not like they aren’t used to unanswered questions anyway.

“Y/n has always been like that. Quick to anger with matters involving me. It began a few months after our meeting….” Wanderer trails off, and I recall the time I destroyed an entire treasure hoarder camp after we were both caught by surprise and Scaramouche took a hit intended for me, which resulted in him needing repairs by the doctor.

Ugh, the doctor.

“I hate that Doctor.” I grumble under my breath. Wanderer snorts and the Traveler’s eyes shoot in my direction. “You know the doctor?” Traveler asks, clearly fishing for information. “I said that doctor, not the doctor. There’s clearly a word difference there.” I smirk at their now furrowed brows. “I see why you two get along now.” A beat passes before I double over in laughter. “She’s usually more friendly. You two just got off on the wrong foot.” “The wrong foot? That ‘foot’ was more like a sword!” As the others bicker I calm myself down enough to speak.

“We’ll definitely be seeing more of each other in the future. Then, you can make your own judgment of me. You can decide whether I’m someone you’d like to keep around by your own means. As long as you don’t hurt the one’s dear to my heart, I see no reason as to why we can’t get along.” I extend my hand towards the Traveler to shake after my little monologue, and I feel satisfied when they only take a moment of hesitance before shaking my hand.

“Alright. It’s a deal.” “Great! Now, Paimon’s eating the Traveler’s share of food!” The Traveler maneuvers their plate of food around Paimon as Paimon attempts to eat their share of food, and I giggle at the scene before me. “How gluttonous.” I hear Wanderer murmur under his breath.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   ♡　*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Once Paimon and the Traveler give Wanderer and I time to “catch up,” it’s silent.

but it’s a comfortable silence.

I blissfully sigh as I sip the last few drops of tea remaining in my cup. This tea tastes especially good since Wanderer was the one who brewed the cup of tea for me.

I smirk as I recall the other’s flabbergasted expressions since he only brewed one cup.

“You really are…” I turn to study Wanderer’s conflicted face as he tries to articulate the message he wishes to convey. I sit in silence as I patiently wait for him to voice his thoughts.

It’s funny since I’m not a very patient person, but for him I’m effortlessly patient.

“You really are something, huh? Stop.. worryingmelikethisdumbassyou-“ He coughs into his fist, his words coming out jumbled together and rushed.

I understand the meaning behind them regardless.

A goofy smile presents itself on my face, and I don’t dare hide it from him. He notices my expression, and it seems to give him the courage he needs to continue speaking. He takes a few deep breaths before he continues. “You may make an enemy of the wrong person one day. I… appreciate your loyalty and sincerity, but stop being a blockhead and rushing into things! Especially when it’s for my sake, you moron.” I predict his movements and dodge his swing this time around.

He looks visibly aghast that I predicted his movements. He comically glances at his hand as I reply, “Honestly Wanderer, when we first met I found you interesting. I don’t know what it was, but I was undeniably attracted to you. I think it was your energy? Like, I could tell you may not be a… ahem, pleasant, person to be around..” I shoot a glance in his direction. I admire the scowl he sports on his lovely lips. “But I had a gut feeling that there was more to you than what meets the eye; I just knew there was something.. inherently good about you beneath the surface. Call me a naive fool- wait no, don’t actually do it because I know you will!” I thankfully say that right as he opens his mouth to do just as I had said. He reluctantly shuts his mouth as he rolls his eyes. “Go on, before I change my mind.” He grumbles more to himself than me.

I feel a sense of nostalgia as I remember when the man before me went by the name of Scaramouche instead of Wanderer. “Anyway, I’m glad I followed my heart and basically forced my way into your life. We all know we wouldn’t be here together like this if I didn’t.” I giggle when he opens his mouth to deny what I said, but yet again shuts his mouth moments later.

“I guess what I’m trying to say with my long winded speech is…” I suddenly turn around to fully face him, and I engulf both of his hands within my own.

I feel my eyes prick with unshed tears as I recall a time I’ve done this before. “After learning about your past…” I close my eyes and recall  the day of our reunion, the day the man who no longer referred to himself as Scaramouche finally confided in me. I was beyond grateful and really touched. He isn’t the type of person to tell someone something so personal of his own accord, and it makes my heart swell with my pride knowing I’m the only one he’s ever told.

“It’s clear to me that you’re not just a puppet. You’re someone with feelings; you have a heart. You may not be the best at expressing said feelings..” I snort when he crinkles his nose and his face conveys absolute disgust at my sincere words. “But just like anyone else in this world you deserve to be happy and to be loved. Others may not agree, and that’s okay. I’ve never cared for what others think. You are all that I adore, and if love is what you need, a soldier I will be. I know you have your own baggage to carry and your sins weigh heavily upon your conscience, so let me help you stand up tall and carry that burden. You don’t have to wander alone. …Although we all know you’re more than capable of loving yourself, if you’ll let me, I’d like to love you too.” I squeeze my eyes shut as my chest rapidly rises and falls with panicked breaths.

It took a lot of courage for me to say all of this to him. I hope he doesn’t misunderstand me and think I’m jumping to conclusions. Maybe I am. I hope he doesn’t hate me for it. “Wanderer, I-“ My words are cut off by a surprisingly soft pair of lips against my own. I jump in surprise, then immediately feel embarrassed that I did. A cold hand rests against my cheek, and as I lean against it his lips retract from mine.

I look into his eyes, and all the words he needs to say are found within the depths of his irises. “You’re an angel in this abysmal hell.” His breath fans over me, and I can’t contain my smirk.

“Can I say it? Just this once?” I prompt. His eyes narrow as he knows where this is going. “We’re in the middle of having a sentimental moment and you choose now of all times to be like this?” “I’m not hearing a nooo…” “No.” “But Wanderer it’s literally the title of the fic-“ “I said no.” I let out a dejected sigh and concede with grace.

“Okay…” I mumble. Wanderer blinks at me with a blank expression.

Once.

Twice.

Then full belly laughter erupts from him as he throws his head back and covers his beautiful smile. I quickly reach a hand out to grasp the hand covering his expression of happiness in mine, and he weakly fights against me as his melodious laughter blesses my ears.

“Is that the Wanderer!?” I can hear Paimon’s loud voice outside the door as the Traveler hushes them.

I knew they were eavesdropping. I’ll have to lecture them on the importance of privacy later.

For now, I relish in the alluring sight before me as I feel a peaceful veil of comfort envelop me. This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you since we parted ways on that snowy night.