scaramouche and tighnari headcanons. requested by the one and only @songofmanywaters
ScaraNari, but Tighnari slowly helps Wanderer with his trauma surrounding doctors through exposure therapy, becoming Wanderer's sole repairman.
A headcanon derived from Tighnari being knowledgeable on mechanical lifeforms (ref: the crab).
"It's okay, Wanderer. I'll talk about what I'm doing as I'm doing it, so you know what to expect... will this help?" Tighnari's tone was gentle as he tried the compromise with his puppet friend; his brows furrowing with concern.
Wanderer's ankle was sprained after saving a child from falling rocks. It wasn't a serious injury, but he tensed with fear every time Tighnari came near it. He looked at the man with fox ears with a wary gaze, slowly nodding with a reluctant expression.
"I'm going to kneel down and raise your leg up." Tighnari's actions followed every word he spoke, tending to Wanderer's sprained ankle with careful hands. "I'm going to clean the area... repair the..."
Throughout the entire procedure, Wanderer's indigo eyes did not once leave Tighnari's form. He was like a frightened cat who was ready to attack at any moment... but kept silent anyway because he knew better. He knew, logically, that Tighnari wasn't Dottore. That Tighnari was only trying to help him rather than experiment on him.
He appreciated Tighnari's sharp mind that immediately noticed Wanderer's distress when the medical visit was realized. How Tighnari kicked everyone out of the building for his privacy, how Tighnari made sure Wanderer was comfortable... It was a level of effort and respecting Wanderer's dignity that made him want to try and trust Tighnari.
ScaraNari, but Wanderer collects herbs and material for Tighnari without being asked to. He overhears that Tighnari might need something later, and without thinking, he goes ahead and collects it for him.
I headcanon that both Wanderer and Tighnari are "acts of service" kinds of people, especially Wanderer. Wanderer relies primarily on acts of service in order to show that he cares, being weak in other areas related to affection... while Tighnari is more flexible in responding to others' needs due to experience in his role.
"I gathered the mushrooms you needed..." Wanderer stated before placing down a basket of rukkhashava mushrooms onto the table. It was filled to the brim, all hand picked.
Tighnari owlishly blinked as he stared at the basket, his left ear twitching in curiosity. "I don't believe I asked for you to do this? But I appreciate it nonetheless. Thank you, Wanderer."
The blue puppet huffed as his eyes darted away, seemingly attempting to appear nonchalant. "I overheard you talking to Collei about it. Let me know if you need anything else..."
Tighnari smiled. "I will. Thank you."
ScaraNari, but Wanderer is consumed with guilt over Tighnari's lightning scars. Especially since Tighnari has been nothing but kind to the boy.
It doesn't matter if Tighnari doesn't remember where he got them. It doesn't matter if Wanderer erased Balladeer from existence. Every time Wanderer catches a brief look at those scars engraved on Tighnari's shoulder and back... it makes him feel deeply ashamed and guilty.
"I'm sorry."
It was an apology that slipped past Wanderer's lips without meaning to, causing both Tighnari and himself to freeze for a moment.
"Why are you apologizing?" Tighnari carefully inquired, unsure of how to react to Wanderer's out of character behavior.
At first, Wanderer didn't respond. He seemed hesitant to speak, and was honestly surprised by himself that he said anything. He supposed it was because he couldn't stop thinking about what happened so long ago. When he hurt Tighnari over something so... fleeting, and stupid.
"Don't worry about it. I don't know why I said it."
ScaraNari, but Tighnari is the first person Wanderer ever reveals his true past to. All because Tighnari noticed and questioned the guilt that plagued Wanderer's mind.
"Wanderer, we need to talk." Simple words that carried heavy intention. Tighnari was going to get to the bottom of Wanderer's problems, especially since Tighnari knew--just by observing Wanderer's behavior--that it had something to do with him.
"...What do we need to talk about?" Wanderer replied with a concerned tone, unsure of what Tighnari could possibly want to talk about. Did he do something wrong?
Tighnari wasn't sure of how to confront this issue, but he knew that it would eventually need to be addressed. Which is why he waited until they were alone, undisturbed, before speaking up about it.
"I'm not even sure what the problem is... it's just..." Tighnari spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "There are moments where you behave... weirdly around me. It's almost as though you carry a heavy weight of guilt. But I'm not sure why."
Of course, Tighnari would notice. As much as Wanderer wanted to hide it, Tighnari was an observant man whose entire job relied on observation and analytical skills. But it didn't mean Wanderer liked this situation that was now apparent to the both of him.
What was he supposed to do, much less say? Reveal that he's actually a war criminal, an international terrorist that put Sumeru's Archon's life at risk? Someone who erased his entire past, ensuring that almost no one can remember who he is? Not even is own mother?
"I... I don't know what you're talking about." Was what Wanderer first said, but Tighnari quickly cut him off.
"No, you do know what I'm talking about. Look, I won't pester you if you really don't want to say it, but... please know that I'm here for you, and whatever it is... I won't be upset."
But in Wanderer's mind, it wasn't so easy for him to believe Tighnari. The Balladeer committed countless crimes... one of them being striking Tighnari with lightning over Haypasia. He doubted Tighnari would be anything but angry, and yet...
I did an art set for Tighnari's birthday - I tried something new with each illustration. They also have their own unique captions, but those can be unlocked by looking at my twitter page!
A lot of marker artists swear by using dark BV tones for shading and I had never done that before. They also swear by using light Y tints for highlights. I also just. Don't do that. So each one of these was a new technique I had not tried. I found what I liked and what I didn't, and I hope that going into 2024 I'm able to stretch my skills even more!
