Chapter Text
You were wandering around the Grand Bazaar, pace slow and hands behind your back. It was a lively saturday evening and it seemed half of Sumeru City was there. It was honestly a bit too crowded for your liking, but Nilou was debuting a new choreography tonight and you and Paimon had promised her you would be there to see it.
- Hey, Traveler! What do you think we grab something to eat? There’s a stall selling samosas over there! - Paimon suggested excitedly.
- Sure! Lead the way! - you smiled.
Paimon let out a “yayyy!” and hurried towards the stall, flying over the crowd and leaving you behind, as you had to maneuver between the people to get there. When you were about halfway there, someone bumped into you - hard.
- Ouch! - you rubbed your shoulder, wincing.
You turned around indignantly to complain and were surprised to find a familiar face. He wasn’t wearing his large hat and that’s why you hadn’t noticed him in the crowd. Also, that was probably the last place you expected to find him.
- Scaramouche! - you exclaimed.
- I don’t go by that name anymore, asshole. - he scowled.
- Oh, right- Sorry. Wanderer. - you were quick to apologize.
Why were you apologizing? He was the one who bumped into you so hard he almost dislocated your shoulder!! Still, you decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he didn’t do that on purpose, even though the opposite was more likely.
- Long time no see, what are you doing here? - you smiled.
He opened a sweet smile, as fake as the sky, and said:
- That’s none of your business.
Your blood boiled.
- Okay, you know what? Fuck you, then. - you turned around and tried to keep walking towards Paimon, but this time it was your turn to bump into someone.
Someone very small, with white hair and green clothes.
- Nahida!! - you screamed, mortified. - I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there!!
You felt your face burn with embarassment while Wanderer cackled shamelessly. Had she heard you curse her own son?
- Traveler! It’s okay, it was an accident. - Nahida gave you one of her soothing smiles. - Did you come to see Nilou, too?
- Y-yes! I was just trying to reach Paimon, she’s over there buying samosas. - you answered, still blushing.
- Wonderful! It’s always nice to share a tasty meal with a friend!
That gave Nahida an idea. She turned to Wanderer, who immediately stopped laughing and frowned, already sensing what she was up to.
- Say, Wanderer, why don’t you go with them? You could eat some samosas and watch the dance together!
- Absolutely not.
Nahida crossed her arms and gave him a look.
- Ugh. Come on, Buer... the Traveler doesn’t even like me. - he pleaded. - Didn’t you hear what they said to me before? I bet having me around would sour their evening.
Your face burned again. Stop reminding her of what I said!!!, you looked at him angrily. When Nahida turned to look at you, you quickly made a neutral face - and Wanderer teased you by sticking out his tongue and pulling the skin under his eye with a finger. You had to make a true effort to remain expressionless.
- Maybe you’re right. The Traveler had already made plans with Paimon and we wouldn’t want to impose. - Nahida pondered.
You were saved by the bell - the lights dimmed and everybody’s attention turned to the stage. Nilou appeared there, wearing beautiful clothes and smiling softly.
Whew.
- Sorry, but I should go find Paimon. - you whispered anxiously to Nahida. - She’ll be upset if we don’t watch the dance together.
- Of course! - Nahida smiled and held Wanderer’s hand. - We should go too, Wanderer. Let’s find a good spot to watch the dance!
Wanderer grumbled as if he was being forced to swallow live bees or something, but complied. It was bizarre seeing him accept the gesture. You were so used to associating his image with violence that that display of affection seemed almost otherwordly.
You watched Nahida pull Wanderer away, focusing on their joined hands. Then, you thought:
I wish I could hold his hand, too...
Right as you were thinking about that, Wanderer looked back.
His eyes found yours. You had a longing look on your face and he caught you because you couldn’t hide it fast enough.
You didn’t wait to see his reaction: you turned around and ran away.
Nilou’s dance was beautiful. Her fluid movements and swirls, along with the emotional music, made you teary-eyed. You discreetly wiped your tears while Paimon, beside you, munched on her samosas.