Characters: Wanderer/Scaramouche
Scenario: He asks about the new name you gave him.
Notes: Spoilers for Interlude Chapter Act III! I hate how invested I am into this sadistic man - Mod Cake
After successfully erasing himself from the world's history, the former Fatui harbinger now found himself with all the time in the world. His only goal is to take his revenge on The Doctor himself, but that is far out of reach for now. Since it seemed you'd remain in Sumeru for the time being, he took it upon himself to travel with you.
Now, it was late. For some stupid reason, you chose to sleep out in the wild instead of using the magical teapot realm with fully furnished homes, but who is he to judge? He sits on a log, watching the fire between the two of you. After a moment, he speaks.
"Hm?" You look up, having been taking stock of supplied. "What's up, Niwa?"
"Why did you give me that name?"
Your face grew red. "O-Oh, I'm sorry! Do you not like it, or...?"
Folding his arms, Niwa sighed. "Tch. Don't answer my question with your own." Despite everything, his tongue was as sharp as ever. "I took it, didn't I?"
That...was a good point. Though he looked surprised at your suggestion back at the sanctuary, he raised no objections. After thinking for a moment, you noticed Niwa still glaring at you.
You explain your reasoning. Niwa was someone important to the puppet once known as Kunikuzushi. And once he learned that important person never betrayed him at all, the puppet tried to make things right. Even if it didn't work, and the Niwa who once befriended him was still killed tragically, the effort should be remembered.
"I thought it would be a nice way of honoring him. And to maybe give you another connection to him." You spoke with such an genuine smile, it made him sick to his stomach. The fact that it was genuine made it all the worse. Despite knowing all the atrocities he's committed as The Balladeer, you still find room in your heart to actually care.
"Hm." Niwa grunted, standing up and heading over to his cot. Not the first time he's slept outside before. And with your weird love of camping, it certainly wouldn't be the last.
"Is that alright?" You called, wanting to make sure you didn't offend him in any way. Sure, you'll call him names all day. Sometimes it seemed like you could barely stand to be around one another. But when it came to his personal history and the hurt he felt, you never wanted to trivialize that.
"Like I said-" Niwa spoke, laying down after removing his hat and turning away from you.