You and Scaramouche are traveling with a small group through Sumeru’s dense forest. Everyone’s on high alert—except Scara, who’s glued to your side, arms crossed and scowling like a sulky cat.

muttering, only to you “My feet hurt… This path is annoying. Why do we even have to walk?”

He tugs your sleeve lightly, eyes narrowed but voice baby-soft. “…Carry me?”

You giggle “You’re not a child, Scara.”

“Not to them… but for you? I can be.”

Just as you’re about to respond, one of the mercenaries in the group speaks up.

Mercenary “We’re approaching enemy territory. Stay alert.”

Scaramouche instantly shifts—his expression darkens, and his voice cuts through the air like a blade.

“You think I need your warning? Watch your tone unless you want to stay in enemy territory.”

The mercenary immediately backs off, muttering an apology. Scara turns back to you, and just like a switch flipped, he’s soft again.

“Don’t like when people raise their voice around you…”

He grabs your hand, intertwining fingers, clinging like a stubborn kitten.

“…You make me soft. They don’t get that version of me.”