Chapter Text
It was a cruel fate for Freminet to find out the next morning that the twins were already brewing a performance in Liyue. They had said it was just a coincidence that their performance was linked to Gaming’s letter, but the diver didn’t exactly buy it. Still, as calmly as he could muster, Freminet told and set up to meet with the boy the minute that the three ended up in Liyue. The journey to Fontaine to Liyue wasn’t a pleasant one either. Forced to travel via boat, that wasn’t the problem. Freminet had never felt so sick on a voyage to another country. It wasn’t even like Freminet had never gone to Liyue before, either— it was the horrible, anxious, and self-destructive turning in his gut that could only be broken by the comfort of the surrounding ocean. Diving was the only solution, yet Freminet couldn’t exactly dive off a boat for any solace from this sinking (no pun intended) feeling. Maybe this is what people feel when they’re seasick…
“Freminet, trust me. When has anyone not liked you?” Lynette had tried momentarily. Freminet, if he were in a more cynical mood, would’ve laughed. Instead, Freminet only hit his head on the railing of the boat in answer. Lynette, with a sigh, quickly stopped trying.
It was only when the sun had gone down had Freminet started having the ability to speak again. He had, void of his usual diving escape, thrown himself in a daydream. Freminet could barely remember what the real world had thrown at him that day, but had found guidance through Pers visiting him. He had imagined his world, free of stress and sorrow… where Pers had brought him to the spot that he had learned to swim and given him the most incredible speech, fit for a hero.
“Let your true self fly! A true companion never leaves his friends for their oddities. It only makes us more unique!”
Despite the logical side of Freminet knowing that this whole speech was one he had ripped out of a fairytale book, he still felt comfort from it. Gaming, at least in his letters, never showed any sign of disinterest that Freminet could tell when he talked about his job, even in the scrutiny of Lynette. He could imagine that diving was an obscure, foreign thing to Liyue, but…
You dive? That's so cool! I’m no swimmer, but you should show me sometime…
One letter had sweetly stated. Still, Gaming had yet to find out how much of a fiend Freminet was for fairytales.
As Freminet’s anxieties swallowed him up, he also couldn’t help but listen to the pleas, jumping deep in his almost mechanical heart, squealing excitedly at the idea of seeing Gaming in person. A person to talk to, to swim with, to share the connection to the letters… their letters, made just for themselves. It sounded idyllic, perfect, and if Freminet could just go a little while without messing it up like he often did… it might just be fun. Pers had told him so.
It was nice to have someone so accepting, even if Freminet had never met him face-to-face (which was better, in Freminet’s opinion). Gaming had also been such a confidant for Freminet that he had slipped about his own mother. He did cut many details out, such as him being adopted into the Fatui, and the cruelty of “Mother”, but he had told him that his mother died a long time ago and had given Freminet to the orphanage before her death. Freminet, after sending this heartfelt letter, had worried through the nights that he had said too much, but Gaming, as serene and understanding as his imaginary friends, had written as sweet of a letter back.
My mother passed away, too. I miss her deeply. I started Wushou dancing because I wanted to do something to honor her.
I wonder if I made her proud. If she were still here, she’d kiss my head like she used to and laugh at Man Chai’s antics during my shows.
I really wish I had a pendant that special from my own mother. I have a letter from her, but that’s it. I really, really miss her. I bet you feel the same about your own.
Freminet wondered if Gaming cried when he wrote that letter as much as he cried reading it. Gaming was so different from Freminet, but so similar, in a strange way. But Gaming was different in how he handled things; he was braver, nicer, heroic, and more determined. Like a knight– or a well-beloved king of justice. Oh, how I dream of being like that one day, Freminet found himself often wishing. But, Freminet was Freminet, and maybe the closest he could get to being like that ideal was at least being friends with one.
Gaming was so sweet, and Freminet had no idea how to deal with it.
“Freminet, we’re here. We’ve set shore.” Jolted awake by his sister, Freminet realized he had spent his last hours on the boat huddled in his room again with his helmet on. From the dark glass of his helmet, he could see the figure of Lynette sighing, coming over to pick it off his head.
“What time is it?” Freminet muttered shyly. Right. He had been daydreaming again. How embarrassing…
“Morning. You’ve been in here for hours… Sorry to disturb your Pers time, Freminet.”
Lyney, as if they were one being, chuckled and popped up from behind Lynette. “Let's meet your buddy, yeah?”
All the progress Freminet had made in calming himself down had quickly shattered in an instant. Gaming’s last letter had been written in a pure excitement; he had said that he was planning to meet Freminet, and by inclusion his siblings, at Liyue harbor. There was a small, waiting crowd at the docks. The city was a sea of red and yellow, almost hurting Freminet’s eyes with how bright it was; he was much too used to the calm and cool colors of Fontaine, and if he wasn’t so nervous, he would’ve been excited to see such fairytale esc visuals. People waved and cheered as the Fontainian boat landed and docked, and the twins were quick to try to get off; they had a show to prepare for here, of course. But Freminet took his time to pack up as always. Maybe just a little longer on the boat would be fine… Maybe Freminet could just wait the entire week on it till they went home. “Freminet, c’mon.”
Eventually, the twins had to force him out.
Freminet never felt a larger instinct to run away. Dragged out by the hand, he kept Pers as firmly to his chest as possible in hopes that the cold metal would help smooth his nerves. He didn’t. How would Gaming react to someone of his age holding such a toy?
Still, it took a while to find Gaming in the crowd. Adding to his many anxieties, he wondered if he had gotten cold feet about Freminet; perhaps he had asked him to visit as a courtesy; perhaps he was just an ongoing joke. Then, there he was.
The red hair— the maroon hoodie with green— even the pet. “That’s him, right?” Lynette had casually asked.
Shit. Freminet gulped. It sure was.
Tapping his foot, Gaming’s eyes were still glued to the Fontainian boat as if anxiously searching for someone— or, more, searching for him. He had Man Chai on a leash that was tightly wound on his arm, which Freminet remembered him saying that his pet absolutely hated. Obviously, it was true with Man Chai’s needless pulling and chewing of the leash, but it seemed like he was on leash less to appease him and more to make sure he didn’t cause any trouble.
“Ha, look… he’s nervous.” Lyney giggled by the sidelines. If he was right… Freminet was relieved. At least he wasn’t the only anxious one. He flinched when Gaming’s head finally turned, looking casually at Freminet as if he were another stranger in the crowd. He watched those golden eyes shift, though— to Lyney, to Lynette, back to him. Like a fire had just been lit in those eyes, Gaming got the biggest grin that Freminet had ever seen on anyone, running over like a little kid on his birthday. “Hey! Fremmy, you came!”
Gaming was shorter than Freminet had imagined. A little less than average height, he guessed— so imagine his surprise when the absolute manlet had somehow grabbed him in his arms, picked him up, and swung him around like Freminet was a sack of potatoes. “Oh my archons, you came! You came! Welcome to Liyue, pal!”
“Fremmy?”
“Pal?”
The twins giggled to each other. Slipping into their native tongue, which only happened when they were hiding something in a foreign country— or fooling around— Freminet frowned as they spoke.
“A little too close, don’t you think?”
Gaming looked innocently at the twins, his smile never leaving his face as he dangled Freminet off the ground. Suddenly, Freminet felt like his circulation was being cut off, along with the tingly sensation every time someone touched him, becoming far too great to be comfortable.
“Can you…”
“Oh, right! My bad.” Gaming smiled, unoffended, placing him gently back down. Still, the dancer bubbled with unrelenting energy as he spent time looking him up and down. “Woiw! It's so great to meet you in person, dude. Wow-wow-wow! You look… great!”
Freminet hadn’t showered in two days. He nodded shyly, feeling the need to bow a little (that's what Liyueans did, right?), before gesturing to the twins.
“These are… my siblings.”
Grinning, Gaming soon jumped to the twins to shake their hands with intense enthusiasm. “Yeah! Lyney and Lynette, right? Glad to meet you again. You’re here to do a show?”
“Pleased to see you again, Gaming. And yes, what else for Lantern Rite? My dear sister and I wouldn’t miss performing here for the world.” He gave a little bow, tipping his hat fancily, before giving Freminet an all too cheeky expression.
“Oh, Freminet— I hope you’re not too busy performing with them. I’m stoked to see you— you really should watch my Wushou dance! You can even help me practice if you want. And your siblings— they’re performers, right? I met them one time when they were doing magic tricks. We should really collab and, oh, do you perform too? I know you make the machines and knick-knacks, really cool stuff by the way, but do you—”
Out of instinct, Freminet covered his ears. Gaming’s rambling suddenly stopped. Embarrassed, he forced himself to lower his hands. Damn it. So much for acting like a normal person. Bright eyes flashing, Gaming then chuckled casually, putting a hand on his head in an apologetic manner. “Oh, sorry. Too much talking, yeah?”
“Freminet, you told Gaming about the machinery? I thought we had a deal that magicians never reveal their tricks…” Lyney hummed, nudging at his brother’s shoulder. After a silent moment, he awkwardly realized he had been prompted to respond.
“Ah… I don’t perform with my siblings. I just… help them with set up. I like watching shows, but I don’t really participate.”
Gaming, undeterred, nodded. “Yeah! You’re a diver and all— makes sense. Gosh, I’m happy you at least like watching them, though. This Lantern Rite when we all perform— It's going to be so dope!”
Freminet nodded in response, still unsure what to do with his hands. He fiddled slightly with the straps of his night bag, Gaming eying it closely.
“Oh— hey, you guys want help?” He asked, beaming. “I’m a guard outside of dance, as you know. But I’m great at running around heavy things. If you want manpower, I’m your man! I can also help you unpack your machinery. I’m super interested to see how it works.”
“Ah, again… the secrets of magic tricks should only be known by the magicians casting it—”
“I could show you,” Freminet blurted. Showing off my gadgetry? That sounded like a topic he could stand talking about.
“Wha— Ferminet!” Lyney whined, looking like the air had just been puffed out of his chest. Gaming grinned, before taking Freminet’s bag for him. The diver didn’t really find any of the bags too heavy; despite his thin appearance, he was deceptively strong. Yet, Freminet got the impression that Gaming was just trying to be helpful, so he quickly let the issue go.
The twins had rented a small house within Liyue Harbor’s side lines; it had enough amenities for the week and was a little too fancy for Freminet to be completely comfortable in, but it matched a Fontainian’s taste. As they entered through the front door, he momentarily worried for Gaming’s back as he set down about three bags from the boat. He had insisted that he’d carry everything, including helping drag in Lyney and Lynette’s show business supplies. Man Chai, Gaming’s pet… something, was practically attempting to assassinate him with how much he hung to his owner’s legs to the point Freminet had silently taken his leash from Gaming’s arm when he wasn’t paying attention.
“I don’t think pets are allowed in the rental…” Freminet mentioned after a while. Man Chai had now attached himself to his leg, the little ball of fur purring and clawing at his shoe. Gaming wiped his forehead, giving an apologetic laugh and swooping Man Chai into his arms. “Ah, whoops.”
“No pets? Ah, such a shame, Lynette. We have to leave you outside,” Lyney joked, before Lynette slapped his face with a Liyue brochure she grabbed from the dinner table.
“No, pets are fine here. Our… company got a cheap one.” Lynette explained. Right. The Fatui was paying for this trip… nothing was ever just the simplicity of having fun or “performing.” It always had something connected to watching, collecting info… planning.
“Ah! Well, that's good. There’s no way I want to get you in trouble because of me. Speak of pets— you have one, don’t you, Fremmy?”
“A-ah?”
“Pers! He’s your little guy, am I right?”
Freminet paused, finding embarrassment easily heating his face. He lifted up Pers, finding he had kept him dragged in his hand the entire time without realizing. “Here… is Pers. He’s a…” Toy. “A… invention I made. He’s my best friend.”
Gaming, curious, quickly got closer to Pers— and by inclusion, Freminet’s face— making him wince back a little. Golden eyes blinking, he quickly searched for awkwardness or discomfort; it was usually the reactions to Pers, a toy much too childish for one of his age.
But, Gaming grinned, beaming again in that almost overwhelming way. Freminet yelped slightly at the other boy’s voice suddenly rising. “Woooaahhh! You made Pers? Aw, you really are an inventor! This is one of the machines you were talking about, right? Can I see how he works?”
Practically jumping to Freminet’s side, he winced at the closeness, watching Gaming’s eyes look back at Freminet then Pers expectantly. He’s… interested. Relaxing, Freminet found this revelation as surprising as when he found the ocean more comfortable than scary. Finding his mouth moving on his own, his own tone quickened, pitching in an excitement of his own.
“Oh— well, Pers has a couple functions. He’s originally made from the simple components of clocks I’ve taken apart, but as he ages, I’ve given him a couple updates with other scraps. He can waddle around in a circle—his dance— he’s also waterproof so I can bring him diving with me. He also can move his wings— which I hope eventually I can modify to make him fly. Also, he’s highly durable and is made with a multiple layered material so his mechanics never get ruined; I don’t dare take him apart, so if something ever does happen, he still has an opening in his back for improvements and modifications. Pers, if I want him to, can also have a heartbeat which I can turn on from the switch located on his tail. I turn it on when I have trouble… uh…” He quickly glanced into Gaming’s attentive gaze. “...Sleeping.”
“Cool!” Gaming muttered, nodding. Usually, this was the response to when Freminet discussed mechanics with people who had no idea what he was talking about, so he didn’t mind the blank response.
“See? I knew a penguin-pal was a good idea.” Lyney muttered quietly to Lynette; Freminet felt himself wanting to go back in his helmet again to hide.
After that, Gaming quickly offered to help unpack their bags as well. The diver was a little sad that the topic of Pers died so soon, but knew it was only a matter of time before he rambled on too much. Lyney quickly declined help, which he could only guess was his last ditch attempt to avoid spoiling Gaming of any of the machinery they had for the magic show. Plus, Freminet didn’t know how much of the stuff they had with them was… legal, to say the least, so it was probably smart for the Liyue boy to be hidden from it.
“Freminet, how about you go and check out Liyue with Gaming?” Lyney inquired, simultaneously making him tense up. He knowingly winked at Lynette. “I know how much you’ve been looking forward to this little trip. You should go have fun.”
“Ah— really?” Gaming perked up, looking at Freminet as if he was just offered a treat. He giggled, getting on his tippy toes and placing his arm around Freminet’s shoulder. “Awesome! We’ll be home here by nine, promise.”
Why must they treat me like I am a child? Freminet couldn’t help but scathe silently, but still flushed at the close proximity. Practically dragged out by the hand by the dancer, he quickly learned that Gaming was the… touchy sort.
Not in a strange sense— actually, probably usual. Freminet knew enough about people to know that they only touched or hugged or held hands when they liked someone, but there was very little physical affection in his life. It was just… strange to have another hand, other than his siblings or father, firmly grasped to his own.
Gaming asked him questions about Fontaine, the notes in his letters and his siblings all the way down to the main street of town. Struggling to keep up, he watched nervously as people passed in stunning Liyue-styled robes and dresses. He felt a little like a sore thumb compared to the warm hues of the city, still dressed in his usual dark blues and beiges. Fixing his hair, he wondered how Gaming must look compared to him; they were complete splits from each other: one full of boundless energy— one desperately trying to match it.
“Fremmy, ever try dim sum?”
“I… don’t know that dance,” Freminet mumbled dumbly back, his head tilting to get a little more on Gaming’s level.
“Ha! No, not a dance,” Gaming giggled. “It's a type of Liyuean dish. It’s kind of a snack food, but it's really good! I can eat whole plates of them.” Awkwardly, Freminet fixed his bang; I’m such a fool. Nodding, he hesitated his next words.
“I… I can try it. I’m sorry, I’m really picky. Usually, I can only stomach seafood.”
“Ahhhh, I see! Well, if not dim sum, we can get some seafood somewhere! We are in the Harbor, so I doubt that will be a problem.”
“I mean, I don’t mind trying it.” He quickly said. Freminet never liked being picky. It was just the texture of most foods… he shuttered slightly. “Does it… have shrimp?”
“Yeah! Sometimes it does. You know— I have a friend who’s a great chef. Xiangling— I probably mentioned her before— makes the greatest food ever! Well, when it actually is food… She’s great at making everything to the customer’s tastes.”
“Alright.” Why come to Liyue and not try its cuisine? Anything to match Gaming’s energy. “I’ll try it.”
Freminet was quickly dragged to what seemed to be a-hole-in-the-wall. It was a tiny joint, maybe just a few tables and an oven, but it was crowded for such a small vendor. Trusting Gaming’s judgement, he glanced for a menu, instead finding a bunch of awards on the wall.
Best Dish of the Year!
Liyue’s First Slime Dish Consequire.
1st Place — Youngest Cook Competition (it was older than the others, dated seven years ago.)
“Ah…”
“Oh, a menu? Honestly, I never really trust Xiangling to have a solid one. She cooks what she wants most of the time.” Gaming explained. Freminet only gulped. He had heard a little bit of Xiangling, and seeing the signs, it felt like all of Gaming’s friends were achievers. Was she the one who had a god for a familiar, or the one who was the heir to the Feiyun Commerce Guild?
All of Freminet’s friends were just in his head, and Gaming’s were usually just words written on paper. To meet all of these… these…
“Hey! Gaming!” A girl emerged from an open door covered by a curtain patterned with a cute, fiery bear emblem. Blue braids, bright eyed, three plates balanced in her arms with a chubby bear in tow— yes, the one with the god.
“Xiangling! I want you to meet Fremmy. Well, when you’re not carrying a hundred things at once… need help?”
“Nope!” Xiangling sing-songed, before quickly giving the dishes to the bear— Gouba, Freminet recalled— who quickly ran to give them to a couple sitting at the side tables.
Anxiety crept in his chest, instinctively trying to hide behind Gaming to no avail (he probably looked like a Leisurely Otter trying to hide behind a pebble, truthfully). Unaware of this, Xiangling only moved to push Gaming away, her hand raised in a friendly notion. “Freminet, right? How are you?”
Stammering, Freminet paused. What was he supposed to do again? How are you…. I’m okay— I’m bad? Nervous? Does she want to know what I ate last? She is a cook—
Xiangling blankly stared at him, looking a little confused before putting her hand down. Shit! He ran out of time.
“No— no need to be so formal,” Freminet tried. That’s what Lyney would say, but his voice was barely a whisper of the confidence his brother usually spoke with. “I… Xiangling, right?”
“Yeah, I thought you got that much,” Xiangling chirped, rocking on her heels. “Gaming has said a lot about your letters. All good things, obviously. I’m so happy to meet you in person.”
Freminet only nodded. He didn’t dare to talk anymore… knowing himself, he’d just embarrass himself more. Eventually, Gaming chimed in, his voice barely a relief to the disgrace known as Freminet’s social skills.
“Is anyone else here?”
“Oh, yeah. Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Hu Tao are here for lunch. Do you two want to join their table?”
No.
“Sure— maybe! If that's okay with you, Fremmy.” It’s not.
But Gaming looked at him with golden eyes, burning through Freminet’s resolve.
“Sounds fun.” And say goodbye to our alone time. Maybe if Freminet stayed as quiet and unassuming as possible in the corner of the table, he’d be swiftly forgotten about and left to pay his own bill. Then, later, he could talk to Gaming about “how fun it was” and maybe even mention mechanics again. Then, Freminet would feel natural again.
Xiangling nodded, pointing them to the back tables before going back to rushing into the curtain covered entrance of the restaurant. Careful to stay out of sight behind Gaming as much as possible, he followed him to the side tables. Seeing a table surrounded by people around their age, Freminet could only assume that was Gaming’s assortment of friends… his very, very intimidating friends.
“Gaming!” One shouted, waving. That one was the Feiyun heir. Freminet could smell the wealth from here; smooth face, permed hair, almost reeking of elegance. He held a glass the way a prince ought to with a wine glass, even if it were just juice in a cup. Freminet only lowered his head. He never really knew how to act around rich people like that.
“Hey, Xingqiu, Chongyun, Hu tao! Remember me talking about Freminet coming over?”
“Hello,” Xingqiu— the rich one— smirked in that intimidating manner that only great power could imitate, peeking behind Gaming’s shoulder. He turned around in his chair expectantly, dragging the eyes on the paler haired boy behind him. “Only about a hundred times, my friend.”
“Well here he is!” Gaming pretty much squealed, jumping out of the way and revealing Freminet to the elements— which so called were his friends. Freminet only nodded politely, feeling as if the weight of a blubberbeast was crushing his lungs.
A moment of silence rang out between the trio, and Freminet felt like a fly about to be squashed. Eyes dragged along Freminet’s appearance for a moment. What about me? Freminet blinked back, a part of him almost challenging. What about me makes you stare?
“I see you make clocks. You know, in Liyue, gifting clocks is a bad omen.” a girl spoke bluntly. Freminet felt even more color leave his face. Huh?
“Bad omens usually mean death. Either of you wanna buy a coffin, just in case?”
“Hu Tao!” Xingqiu and the other boy suddenly yelled in unison, smacking her with their hands.
“Buy one get one half off!~”
“Hu Tao!” They only protested louder. There was a strange scuffle between them— something Freminet couldn’t understand. There was bickering, loud bickering, and a small chastising mutter or two, before Chongyun looked at Freminet apologetically.
“Sorry about that. Hu Tao has been waiting to make that joke to you. Clockwork and all…” He coughed, looking a little flushed himself.
“Right.” Freminet muttered, his shoulders slumping. What strange people…
“I don’t get it.” Gaming muttered, a dense smile still on his face. Awkwardly, both of them sat down at the table. Still, eyes lingered on Freminet. Anxiety crept dangerously in his chest, trying to distract himself from the all prying stares by focusing his attention strictly on Gaming— the only thing in the scene that didn’t make him want to jump and swim back to Fontaine.
“We got off to a bad start,” Chongyun mumbled apologetically after a while, nodding at the two. “Please, reintroduce us, Gaming.”
Perking back up, Gaming smiled brightly at Freminet, but he could tell from the slight twitch at the side of his mouth that this wasn’t going to plan as much as he wanted, either. “Oh! Well, this is—”
“Xingqiu, heir of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, but I like to be known more as a follower of the simple code of Chivalry. Please to meet your acquaintance.”
“Chongyun,” Chongyun mentioned gently, bowing his head a little in polite greeting (out of all of Gaming’s friends, he was already the one that bothered him the least).
“—And Hu Tao, which you probably have gotten by now…”
“Yes,” Freminet muttered, feeling as if he needed to say something. Suddenly, he felt like he had come off rude by the face that Chongyun and Xingqiu exchanged.
“And of course, the new buddy in town— all of you, remeet Fremmy.”
“Hello.” Freminet repeated, his eyes unfocused on any of them. This was horrible. Freminet sort of imagined he would have Gaming all to himself, but… he looked at Gaming’s encouraging smile… oh well. Lyney often told him that he needed to get better at handling adjustments. This just had to be one of them.
He watched as Xingqiu looked at him closely, as if trying to find something to comment on to start a conversation.
“So, er— Freminet, you’re from Fontaine, right?” He tried.
“Yes,” Freminet responded simply. What else would I say? Social rules confused him to no end.
“I heard that Fontaine has some of the best leads in technology! And from Gaming’s description, you’re an inventor. My, I appreciate a fellow creative.”
“Yeah!” Gaming excitedly chimed in, suddenly beaming. Freminet watched as Gaming grinned at him, almost proudly. “Fremmy here told me all about in one letter how he helped this one researcher totally improve her kamera. She takes a bunch of pictures for official journals, but with the lens he put in, the photos that she compiled looked a thousand times better! It’s like he made it back to what it was when it was brand new. You gave me the pictures too, right? In that little collage?”
Freminet flushed slightly, nodding. It was something he had thrown together when he felt bad that he didn’t have a gift to send back to Gaming after the other had sent an array of starconches. He wondered if Gaming had told his friends about all their letters. Freminet never went to share Gaming’s letters to anyone else and would quickly stop even his siblings from looking at them for more than a glance. They felt very personal to him, like a secret. Turns out Gaming didn’t see them that way.
Probably because he’s not weird, Freminet thought to himself. He did have a habit of being possessive about his belongings. Letters are to be shared. It's not something to be hurt over. Still, it stung.
“Ah, a fixer-uper type.” Xingqiu smiled, a friendly expression that was supposed to make Freminet be more comfortable, but only made him tense.
“Do you fix everything in Fontaine?” Chongyun suddenly asked, matching that uncomfortable smile.
Not everything. That would be impossible. Sure, I fix as many machines that I am given to fix, but does that mean I fix everything? Maybe in the concept of those machines… But Freminet knew that this was one of those metaphorical questions that never made sense to him that if he went into too much detail on how the question was completely ridiculous, he’d make the other person uncomfortable.
“No,” Freminet decided. There was an awkward silence, before he turned to Gaming. “Could… I get some tea?”
Xiangling came over eventually to take both of Freminet and Gaming’s orders. The dancer had insisted that he tried some dim sum, so Freminet decided on the taste he found familiar: shrimp. Gaming had also quickly gotten him some tea, handing the hot cup as daintily to him as possible as if a little nervous to spill it on him. Gaming rambled on about his knowledge on tea for a moment, which was a nice break from the uncomfortable attempts at conversation that his friends kept throwing onto him, but Freminet started to feel a little worse for wear.
“Hey, I… I need to go to the bathroom for a moment.”
“Oh? Sure Frem, the bathrooms are just over there.”
Freminet quickly excused himself, watching as plates and plates of dizzying arrays of food landed on the table. Quietly, he tried to walk as casually to the direction of the bathroom as possible, before picking up speed and skittering to an area that no one could see him. He took a large breath, heavy and tired, pulling out Pers and gripping onto his wing. He pressed the cool metal of his companion against the skin of his forehead, shivering slightly. Strangers made him so nervous.
Other than a mild anxiety attack, Freminet didn’t only excuse himself to get away. He had learned long ago that people started talking about him and other issues right when they thought he was out of ear shot. Easedropping was one of the many skills he had gained in his job at the “orphanage”; it became useful in missions— and in personal troubles like this.
Freminet tilted his head to listen in. It wasn’t hard; the only thing between him and everyone else was the side of the restaurant, placing him just a few feet within earshot.
“—wow, Xiangling really outdid herself this time. I hope Fremmy tries this one when he comes back!” Gaming.
“Yeah.” Chongyun.
“He’s very… he’s so much more quiet than I expected.” Xingqiu. There it was. Like the tick of the clocks he often fixed, people always cracked down and talked about his many, many flaws behind his back. He knew he had them. He knew people talked about them. Freminet couldn’t bring himself to cry about it anymore.
“Yeah.” Chongyun muttered again, before speaking up— the most he talked this entire time. “I mean— from your letters, he seemed to be a talker like you, ‘Ming. Maybe not as loud, but I thought he’d be a little more… talkative, from how profound he is in the letters.”
“Huh? I thought he was doing just fine.” Gaming muttered, and Freminet’s heart jumped a little. His friends didn’t seem to like him, but at least Gaming was one who stood true— at least for now. That was good to know…
“There’s nothing wrong about him,” Xingqiu assured quickly. Backing down. “But… I just never imagined you hanging out with someone that’s such your…. Opposite. You know, people like Lan Yan make sense as your friend, but…”
Lan Yan? Freminet’s brow furrowed even more, looking down at Pers as if looking for answers on his penguin face. That was a new name that Gaming hadn’t mentioned yet. So there are secrets to Gaming’s feelings.
“Aw, c'mon guys.” Hu Tao chimed in, her voice as cheery as it was grating to Freminet. “It’s his first day here. This very well might be the first time he’s ever been in Liyue, so why judge on his newbie-jitters?” She giggled. “Well… unless it makes him so nervous he has a heart attack. Then I can sell him a coffin.”
“Hu!” Xingqiu chastised, groaning. “Maybe that's why he’s so quiet. We all made him uncomfortable.” Freminet nodded to himself and made Pers shrug a little. True. They had.
“Hey, guys. I… I feel a little weird talking about Fremmy behind his back. He’s a good guy, okay?” Freminet’s face softened at Gaming’s words, hearing the first sign of genuine emotion other than excitement he had gotten from him. “I want him to have a ton of fun while he’s here. He’s been a great friend in his letters and really nice so far, so I want him to feel like he can come back any time.”
Freminet sighed, letting himself slightly collapse on the side of the wall. After a moment, he heard the last of the conversation.
“Is he alright? He’s been in the bathroom for a while.”
Quickly, Freminet went into the bathroom for real. Pretending he had just finished up, he washed his hands, keeping his head down as Gaming walked in and smiled at him. Thankfully, he bought it.
Freminet couldn’t help but feel guilty he had already used a skill he learned by being in the fatui; he tried to limit, or more accurately, ignore how much involvement he had in their deeds. Still, it proved useful. He had a good idea on what Gaming’s friends thought about it, something that only made their greeting smiles a little more in sour taste.
Sitting down, he took a sip of his tea, Gaming pointing at a small plate of dumplings. “That’s the shrimp dim sum for you— oh, and there's also some Jueyun chili sauce too…”
The rest of lunch was what Freminet expected. Gaming’s friends had momentarily given up at making much conversation with the boy, so he busied himself with listening to the chatter to learn more about them. He ate at the sidelines, giving an appreciative hum when Gaming placed another piece of dim sum to his lips to try. Thankfully, Gaming had asked Xiangling to bring Freminet a fork after he struggled for a moment with his chopsticks, allowing him to eat normally as he would at home. He had to admit, the boy had good taste. It wasn’t seafood… but he was delightfully surprised by the delicious array of flavors in each piece that exploded in his mouth each bite. The casing was a comforting consistency, being one of the textures that Freminet could stand, and the spices and flavors in the middle were perfectly balanced. It didn’t take long for Freminet to be uncomfortably full, though, as Gaming kept placing more and more dim sum and rice on his plate for him.
“I-I think I'm full now, Gaming.” He muttered quietly, watching as Gaming’s chopsticks stopped mid air at yet another shrimp dumpling. “Ah… thank you, though.”
“Ah! Alright, only if you’re sure!”
Freminet caught a couple of the others glancing at his fork, a comment on it obviously on their tongue but none of them were rude enough to say anything verbally. Freminet let his fork drop with a soft clatter, looking at Xingqiu who was staring at him the most intently. He looked down, seemingly embarrassed.
Stare at me, Freminet almost dared. Stare at me and actually say something. Then at least you wouldn’t be hiding how much you don’t like me. However, Freminet knew he didn’t exactly know that.
Finally, the bill came, and Freminet couldn’t believe how grateful he was to see it.
“I’ll get it,” Xingqiu spoke quickly, grabbing it before Chongyun went to grab it out of his hands. “Hey, no. You got it last time.
“No, no— let me get it! At least for me and Fremmy.” Gaming got up to take it. Turns out Liyueans made a big issue out of bills as they did with forks. There was at least five minutes of polite, but increasingly strained discussion, and eventually, the bill was sat in the middle of the table like an artifact being bidded on.
“You always get the bill, Qiu. I just got paid too— it won’t be a big deal.”
“Absolutely not! I know your work and paying for all of this would practically bankrupt you!”
“Are you calling me poor?” Chongyun’s face heated up a little.
“Guys, I can get it. My dad covers my meals anyways, now that we’ve made up…”
“Not so fast! The parlor has been doing exceptionally well this month. I can take it.”
Slowly, Freminet let his hand wander to the bill. Without a sound, he grabbed it, signing his name and a tip. The fatui said they’d cover our meals. If I can help Lyney bargain with those treasure hoarders about the documents… He thought, giving it silently to Xiangling.
Xingqiu's hand went to grab it. “Seriously, I— huh?”
Freminet watched as the four looked down, confused.
“I got it.” Freminet muttered quietly, watching as the chef walked away, giggling under her breath.
.
.
.
Gaming had decided to walk with Freminet back to the room after lunch.
“Really, thank you Fremmy. Seriously, let me repay you for at least my own and your meal. You really didn’t have to at all!”
“No need,” I really needed to. If Freminet had to listen to any more bickering about bills today….
“Well, still. That was really cool for you to do!” Gaming insistently praised. Freminet, embarrassed by it, looked away. It seemed that Gaming’s friends had a similar response. They were surprised to see their quarrel cut short, but impressed and thankful for Freminet paying. Xingqiu had even promised Freminet that next time he saw him, he would bring him to a store and let him pick out anything he wanted from it. It was a lot of attention, which the diver wasn’t fond of, but at least it was positive attention this time.
“I… really hope you had a good time, you know.” Gaming’s voice dropped more honestly, and Freminet stopped walking. He watched as the dancer, slightly stripped of confidence, kick up at the dirt with a soft laugh. “You… you did, right?”
Hesitating at his words, he watched as Gaming stiffened as he opened his mouth. “I…”
Freminet had to admit it wasn’t a fun dinner, but if he had to think about it, truthfully— he still enjoyed Gaming’s presence. Lyney and Lynette had told him in situations like this, where a person asked for his praise, no matter if he had reservations about it he should respond as positively as he could.
“I did.” Freminet admitted, and watched as Gaming’s shoulders relaxed and he took a relieved breath. “I had fun with you.” He insisted, half to him and half to himself
“A-awesome! Are you free tomorrow?”
Tomorrow?
“I… I guess I am.” Freminet muttered shyly, watching as Gaming beamed. From the corner of his eye, he could see Lyney walk out of the entrance door to give a small wave at the two. Adjusting his bag, Freminet coughed and nodded. “I should go.”
“I can pick you up in the morning, alright? Do you have any preference where you’d like to go? I can give you a real tour of Liyue, if you want.”
Freminet couldn’t believe that Gaming wasn’t sick of him yet. He nodded shyly again. There wasn’t any real place that he wanted to go in particular. He had decided to just let Gaming take the rope of their plans; like a nice current of the sea, he didn’t feel like he needed to exactly follow a path with him to feel comfortable. He hoped though, that whatever Gaming planned for them tomorrow, they would be alone. “Will there be the… others?”
“Not if you don’t want them to. I wasn’t really planning to see my friends today with you, but I’d honestly really like to get some time with just you.”
“Just… me?” Suddenly, Freminet felt special. He flushed a little, feeling a slight awkward silence form as he quickly tried to get the lump in his throat to dissipate. “Right. I’d like that too.”
“Dope,” Gaming paused, before giving Freminet a small hug. Fireworks shot in Freminet’s mind, and he blushed harder. Oh boy. “I’ll see you tomorrow, pal!”
Quickly being released, he gave a small wave as he watched the boy leave, feeling Lyney touch his shoulder with a keening voice. “So, had fun?”
Freminet found it completely stressful. Terrible, actually. Gaming’s friends didn’t seem to be his type of people. But… Gaming himself, he was…
Freminet smiled despite himself. Suddenly, he felt like he had the best day. Lyney watched with a knowing grin at his brother’s lit up face, before giving a firm pat to his shoulder. “Tell me and Lynette all about it later, okay?”
“Mhm.”
Freminet had made and kept a friend, despite making a fool of himself. If that wasn’t a successful day, he didn’t know what was.
Now how to keep it that way?