Scaramouche x Traveler-- Fantasy AU

A way out

A jab in my ribs made me flinch awake in the middle of the night. I blushed when I saw Scaramouche leaning into me again, eyes shut and mouth slightly open. I saw, in the dimming firelight, that his burns had faded. I tried to make myself look away, but then he made a sleepy murmur and nuzzled my shoulder. I froze, but he relaxed again with a sigh.

You're really curious, Scaramouche... I thought as I studied his features- usually starp, but right now, relaxed and gentle as moonlight. Which reminded me- I needed to start finding a way to see the moon again. And soon. Sorry about this. I slowly moved away from Scaramouche, gently lowering his body. I folded up part of the cape as a pillow, making sure the rest covered him completely. When my hands left his back, I swore I heard a soft growl before he curled into himself, still dead to the world.

Okay, so... there's air and a bit of wind coming in from somewhere, right? I just need to walk around a bit and look really carefully. I retrieved a luminescent spine from my bag, which glowed brightly, but not so much that it would wake Scaramouche. I made my way all around the cave, examining every crevice, every niche. I'd almost reached the point I started when I felt a cold current of wind through the rock. My spirits rose and I felt over the wall- there was a minuscule crevice, almost right next to the entryway sealed with ice. A hopeful idea sprung into my mind. That... could work. Okay. I'll let Scaramouche know tomorrow.

"No." I nearly jumped out of my skin as Scaramouche spoke out loud. By the campfire I saw his eyes were still closed, but he had a death grip on the edge of the cloak... and was grimacing. "N-no. I didn't-" he flinched suddenly, narrow shoulders rising.

Sleep talking, huh...? I hope he isn't having a bad dream. I looked back at the crevice. It was small... no wonder I hadn't noticed it. But it definitely widened further ahead. I reached my arm in as far as I could and went a little past my elbow.

"I SAID, no!" I jumped again as Scaramouche spoke. He'd raised his voice, and his speech sounded so clear and firm. "You can't." his voice lowered back to a hushed whisper. I crept closer to the campsite. "You wouldn't..." I fidgeted with my hands and sat soundlessly beside him. "Fine! I don't need you!" he practically yelled.

Hang on... he's shaking. I reached out, just noticing the tremors along his body. "...Scaramouche?" He was still frowning, looking awfully frustrated for someone who was supposed to be asleep. My hand hovered midair as I hesitated... then set it on his shoulder. He tensed, grip on the cloak tightening. "You... alright?" I said hesitantly, keeping my voice low.

"Bleeding stars!!" Scaramouche actually yelled, sitting bolt upright as if he'd been struck by lightning. He slammed a fist into the ground, jaw clenched and eyes full of anger. "Idiots-" He turned his head, saw me, and froze.

Neither of us moved for an awkward, taunt moment. "... are you okay?" I asked.

"Did I wake you- wake you up?" he stammered. I looked up to see a flush creeping onto his face.

"I was already up, looking for a way out. I think I found something, actually."

"Already?" Scaramouche's eyes widened. I bit my lip to resist smiling at his flustered but curious expression.

"Yeah! It's going to take a bit of work... but I know we'll be able to get out of here. You want to see now or later...?"

"Now. We need to get out of here soon as possible." Scaramouche stood, expression sharpening.

"First things first..." I pulled out the two things I knew we'd need to escape.

"...how did you fit swords in that bag?"