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The sun is bright, there are people clapping and cheering, and Gaming’s Wushou Dance is in full swing.
He’s surprised at the turn out, although he guesses he shouldn’t be too surprised. It is Lantern Rite season after all, and people from all over Teyvat are coming to see the sights.
He takes a look from under the Wushou head while he dances, seeing the Traveler and Paimon to his left, and Xingqiu and Chongyun not far from them (he can make out from just under Chongyun’s parasol that they’re holding hands).
He recognizes many others in the crowd too, but there’s a little group that catches his eye amidst the sea of people.
There’s a trio (from Fontaine, he assumed, because of their attire) standing in a tight cluster all together, two of them in front and one behind them.
The two in front appear to be twins, dressed as magicians, and the one half hidden behind them is clad in a wetsuit and holding what looks to be a mechanical penguin.
He notices that the boy in front is happily enjoying the show, and while his twin doesn’t seem as enthusiastic, he can tell she’s enjoying it too. But the younger boy behind them just steals glances up, without doing much, seeming unsure of whether he even wants to be in this big crowd or not.
Gaming doesn’t want this boy to seem sad or upset (after all, he wants his audience to have a great time so they’ll come back!), so he tips up the Wushou head just a little bit and gives him a nod and a big grin in his direction before he continues dancing.
The boy’s eyes widen like a deer in headlights, and he looks around before making momentary eye contact with Gaming again as if to say ‘ me? ’ and Gaming can’t help but laugh to himself and give him another nod.
The blonde hides a bit more behind the twins, holding the penguin up a little higher to cover himself more before using its fin to wave back to Gaming.
He bites his cheek while he continues to move about, suppressing the biggest grin and his cheeks getting warm.
‘That was kind of cute…!’ He thinks to himself while he comes to a stop, and he lifts up his leg and holds the Wushou Head up high while the audience cheers for him, and the blonde boy in the back even claps a bit too.
Before any of his friends can even try to approach him, he heads over to the Fontaine trio, eager to ask if the boy had liked it. He wants to make sure his audience has the best experience, and he feels like he was really able to bring this guy out of his shell a little bit!
And maybe, just maybe, he thinks that he’s a little cute…just maybe though!
He shakes his head to get his hair out of his eyes and approach the three, where the older boy seems to be talking to the others before he turns around and greets Gaming.
“Oho, to what do we owe the pleasure~? Your performance was phenomenal, my dear friend. My siblings and I enjoyed it immensely.” He nods, giving him a short clap.
‘So they’re all siblings then, huh? That would make sense as to why they’re so close.’ Gaming thinks, but he’s more interested in the fact the older brother implied his younger one liked it.
“Wow, I’m glad you enjoyed it! You guys came all the way from Fontaine, yeah?” He asks, shaking hands with him.
“Mhm. We came here for a vacation before returning to our work.” He nods.
“That’s pretty sweet! I’m so glad you guys liked it! Don’t be shy to come watch more while you’re here, yeah?” He asks, and to this he directs it towards the blonde who looks a bit spooked to have the attention on him again.
“Well we just might have to watch your performances again.” The boy nods, before he laughs and takes a glance at his younger brother. “Don’t mind Freminet, he enjoyed your performance very much.”
‘Freminet?’ He wonders, a blush tinting his cheeks. ‘Such a pretty name!’
Up close now that he’s directing his attention to him, he notices more about him, like the freckles dotting his cheeks and his murky blue eyes looking about like he doesn’t know what to say.
“Yeah. It was really nice.” Freminet mumbles, looking up just a little to make eye contact with him and clutching his penguin tighter. “Pers liked it too.”
‘And a pretty voice too?!’ He thinks to himself. It’s soothing and calming, like a low drone of peace and calm, even if the boy himself looks nervous. “And, Pers? Who’s that?”
Freminet nudges the penguin in his arm. “This is Pers.”
“Woah, really? That’s super neat! He’s mega cute.” Gaming smiles at the penguin.
“It looks like Freminet is making a new friend! This trip was well worth it.” The boy nods, smiling to his sister.
“I agree.” His sister nods.
“Lyney, Lynette…” Freminet mumbles, blushing and avoiding Gaming’s gaze.
“Excuse our brother, he has a bit of a hard time making new acquaintances.” Lyney smiles, patting Freminet on the shoulder. “But it already seems like you two are hitting it off, so maybe you should chat for a while!”
“Wh-what?” Freminet looks wide eyed up at his siblings. “You want me to…stay here alone with him?”
“We’ll be just over there chatting with the traveler. There’s no need to worry.” Lyney smiles. “Lynette and I will come back in just a few minutes to let you get acclimated.”
Lynette follows Lyney off towards the traveler, and Freminet stares a hole in the ground, looking about ready to turn tail and leave the situation.
“Sorry…” he mumbles so silently Gaming almost doesn’t hear it. “You should probably go talk to someone else. I’m not good with people.”
“Huh? N-no way, I think you’re plenty interesting!” Gaming smiles warmly at him. “Your siblings said it was hard for you to make friends though?”
Freminet hesitates before he nods.
“Well you’re in luck. I make friends and acquaintances wherever I go! In fact, I already consider you a friend.” He grins before rubbing the back of his neck. “That is, if you’ll have me.”
“You don’t want me as a friend. Really, there’s plenty of other people around here you’d probably rather talk to.” He shakes his head, continuing to look down and squeeze his penguin against his chest so the wings lay over his arms.
Gaming notices that this guy doesn’t seem all that good with interaction in general, which he knows he’s the opposite of. Maybe if he talks about something that Freminet likes though, then he’ll open up!
If he knows one thing about making friends, it’s that you can tell when they’re passionate about things, and most of the time they’ll open up if you push on it.
Xiangling always goes on about cooking while he’s eating at Wanmin, Xingqiu could rant and rave about books for hours, and even Aunty Xianyun can get carried away talking about mechanisms from time to time!
He assumes that this penguin of his must be a good starting point, so he starts by pointing at it. “You said this is Pers, right?”
Freminet nods.
Gaming grins and holds out his hand to Pers. “Hello Pers, I’m Gaming! It’s nice to meet you and Freminet. This is my pal, Man Chai.” He grins, nudging Man Chai on his shoulder. “Can I tell you a secret?”
Freminet looks up at Gaming but doesn’t comment, only nods Pers’ head.
His eyes flicker up the Freminet’s for a second, just long enough so Freminet knows he’s looking, before he hushes his voice. “I think Freminet’s pretty cool!”
Freminet blushes harder and bites his lip. “…Why’s that?”
He notices that when he’s talking as Pers, he doesn’t put himself down. This penguin must be really special to him, almost like it’s his best friend who wouldn’t say anything bad about him.
He likes that. So he keeps going. “Well, he said he liked my Wushou Dance. And that already makes someone a friend in my book! But he’s also pretty calm and chill, and it’s pretty cool how he’s got a friend like you!”
Gaming can see Freminet biting the corner of his lip, and he realizes it’s to suppress a tiny smile. So he grins even bigger and puts his hands on his hips, tipping his head and pondering his thoughts.
“So Pers, what does Freminet like to do?” He asks.
“…He likes to dive, and tinker with things, and read on occasion.” Freminet replies.
“Oh, really? Does he help fix you up?” He asks.
“Mmm. He built me, actually.”
Gaming’s eyes widen and his mouth drops. “You made Pers?!”
Freminet’s slowly relaxing state tenses up at this comment and he slowly nods his head, right as his siblings return.
“Ah, it seems like everything’s going well!” Lyney smiles, looking between the two of them. “We should get going to our dinner reservations now, so maybe Freminet will see you around sometime on our visit!”
“O-oh, yeah! I hope we see each other again man!” He smiles big at Freminet, and he can’t hide the blush coating his cheeks as Freminet wanders after his siblings.
It’s at this point he notices the little blue and gold bow on the ground, that must’ve fallen off of Freminet’s coat, and he picks it up and looks around, only to find that Freminet and his siblings are long gone.
He tucks the bow into his pocket and pulls his hood up and grins, laughing into his palms and his heart pounding. He didn’t get to say much, but one thing’s for sure.
He has to see that boy again!
-
“Xingqiu, can I have your help with something?” Gaming heads up the stairs of Wanwen Bookhouse the next day.
“Hm? What’s the matter at hand?” Xingqiu looks up from the bookshelf, thumbing through a novel.
“I need some books for a friend, it’s a gift!” He says, not telling Xingqiu it’s an additional excuse to see the other boy again.
“Oh? Now this is a matter I’m most intrigued in! You’ve come to the right place.” He smiles. “Is this perhaps for the boy you were talking to last night~?”
“H-huh?” He laughs nervously, shaking his head and scoffing casually. “N-no, It’s just to make him feel welcome, he’s on vacation here with his siblings!” He says in a high voice before he mumbles. “…you saw that…?”
“Chongyun and I had taken a bit of notice, yes.” He nods. “So what kind of literature are you looking for?”
“Well, he said he likes diving and tinkering with mechanical stuff. Do you think there’s anything like that you can find? I know Liyue’s not exactly known for diving and stuff, but…”
Xingqiu hums, tapping his chin before he lights up. “Actually, there are a number of novels about the waters in Liyue, some about the harbor and others in Chenyu Vale. Perhaps he’d be interested in learning about the water conditions here?”
“Oh, really? I think that’d be great!” He grins.
“Splendid, they should be right up…” he hums before pulling off a stack of four books tied together on a top shelf. “Here. I quite think the author’s writing style is unique, and very interesting. He’ll certainly see this as a wonderful confession.” He grins, handing Gaming the books.
“C-confession…? Woah there, I’m not trying to date him or anything!” Gaming laughs nervously. “W-we only just met yesterday!”
“You do like him though, don’t you?” He raises an eyebrow with a knowing smile.
Gaming bites his cheek and looks away, saying, “Just a little bit…” Before he groans and looks down with a blushed face. “How are you so perceptive?”
Xingqiu shrugs, thumbing through the his novel idly. “Call it my intuition, or the fact I have a little experience in romancing quiet cryo boys myself.”
“And how successful have you been?” Gaming asks weakly.
“As successful as I intended to be, actually. Although my efforts had definitely drawn on for a couple of years…” he mumbles before shaking his head. “No matter, you should get to it, lest he already make his way back to Fontaine as we speak.”
“Huh? O-oh yeah, you’re right!” Gaming nods, going quickly to pay for the novels. “Thank you Xingqiu!”
He heads down the stairs afterwards at lighting speed, a bright big grin on his face when he realizes something very, very important.
He has no idea where to find this boy.
He looks down at the stack of books in his arms with a frown, wondering what to do now. He can’t just leave this be! He has to give these books to him, and his bow!
And totally not because he thinks he’s cute or anything…no…
He slaps his cheeks and groans, wondering what to do when Man Chai peeks up over his shoulder.
“Man Chaiii, what should I do? I have no idea where that cute- Ahem! I mean, that diver boy is!” He huffs. “He could be anywhere in Liyue by now…!”
He taps his foot in wonder, his body filled with energy. He doesn’t want to give up - no, he can’t give up!
Filled with determination, he checks every nook and cranny of Liyue Harbor during his daily tasks, not leaving a stone unturned, and not leaving a single blind spot left without his sight!
But after hours of looking throughout for even a sign of him, or maybe even his siblings, he finds nothing.
He even runs to Wangshu Inn during lunch, and still nothing!
Gaming sighs in complaint, tugging at his hair and readjusting his ponytail over and over again while he runs about.
He didn’t want to admit it, but he’s losing hope he’d see this boy again. He desperately wants to give him his bow back. After all, what if it’s really important to him?
He decides going back to Chenyu Vale for a brain break and some Dim Sum would be his best bet, so with Man Chai at his heel, he heads back and sits up on a stone ledge, pouting and cursing up at the sky (internally, he’d never disturb anyone else’s peace), wondering why he can’t find this boy.
He looks down at the stream running throughout the village, a blush on his cheeks as he thinks of him again.
“Man Chaiiii…where would this boy be?” He sighs, resting back on his hands.
Man Chai looks up at Gaming before jumping around a bit, tugging at his shirt excitedly.
“Hey, quit it! We can play later, okay?” He laughs, petting his mane, but Man Chai perseveres.
“What’s gotten into you lately? I promise we can play later, but for now I-“
He gasps, seeing none other than a beautiful blonde haired diver sitting on the stone ledge further away, with a penguin in his lap.
His eyes light up, and he carefully (if clumsily because he’s so nervous and excited) approaches him, hopping along the stone ledge in hopes of impressing him before he gently plops down beside him.
“Heeey, it’s you again!” He smiles. “Freminet, right~?”
Freminet nods, his bangs covering half of his face. From the angle Gaming is sitting at though, he can see Freminet’s other eye, and he feels his heart doing those flippy-flips again at the sight of not one, but two beautiful eyes.
The darker blue framed by brown lashes kind of reminds him of different blends of tea, or even different pastries like muffins, dotted with warm blueberries and encrusted in light seasonings and sugar.
The eyes blink slowly for a moment and Gaming realizes he zoned out for a moment before he blushes hard and holds out the books and bow for him fast, but doesn’t try to alarm him too much.
“I-I had just come across these, and I thought that you might like them! If I ever saw you again man!” He laughs awkwardly, feeling the tips of Freminet’s hands when he takes the bundle from him and his bow.
His heart pounds at the feeling, his fingertips soft and cool to the touch, and he can see faded, chipped nail polish on them as well. It’s a dark navy, and he thinks it suits him well.
“Huh? ‘A Captain’s Guide to the Waters of Liyue: Extensive Edition?’” He asks, flipping it over in his hands and reading the spines after he reattaches his bow.
“This is…kind of cool.” Freminet says slowly, a faint pink dusting his cheeks and laying over the freckles embedded in his skin.
Gaming can’t stand the tension of his heart pounding and watching this beautiful boy examine a gift from him, so he clears his throat to keep talking.
“Well, you said you liked diving and reading, right? So here’s a bit of both! You can study up on the waters of Liyue and see if they’re to your liking for diving while you’re here!” He grins.
“Thanks…you really didn’t have to get me anything though, even if we are…friends.” He says quietly. “I should have gotten you something, honestly…”
“Of course I did! You’re visiting where I’m from, of course I gotta show you around! But maybe if I visit Fontaine, you can show me around too! If you really feel the need to do that, that is.” He scratches the back of his neck.
“I’ll definitely do that. If it’ll repay you…” he hums, setting the books aside and setting a hand on Pers’ head, sparking a new idea in Gaming.
“Oh, I asked Pers all about what you liked - but I don’t know what he likes.” Gaming says softly. “Y’know, since he’s your bestie and all, I should get him something he likes too! What does Pers like, Freminet?”
Freminet looks away, almost a little perplexed and overwhelmed by the sudden spot light.
“Sorry! I get that I might be a bit too social for you…does it help if I…don’t say your name directly?” He asks before he lights up. “Oh, or how about a nickname? What if I just called you ‘emi for short? Would that be alright?”
Freminet blushes harder, now a deeper cherry red, and almost tries to bury himself under his hair, or his coat, or both.
“Uh, you don’t need to call me a nickname or anything. It’s fine.” He says quietly. “Really, I’m not worth a nickname.”
Gaming seems alarmed at this (quite obviously) and shakes his head. “No way, you’re definitely deserving of a nickname! Don’t you have any?”
Freminet blinks for a moment before shrugging. “I mean…not really. My siblings call me their ‘dear brother’ sometimes…does that count?”
“Well yeah, but…no one else?” He asks softly, Man Chai coming up to peek curiously at Freminet.
“…No. No one else.”
Gaming crosses his arms and puffs out his chest, pointing a finger at Freminet. “Alright then, then I’m gonna be the first! I’ll call you ‘emi for short, okay?”
Freminet turns, and mumbles something inaudible, figiting with the winder on the back of Pers. “Um…I guess I won’t stop you if it’s what you want.”
“Is it what you want, Freminet?” Gaming asks, shaking his head, and by the way Freminet sort of stops and freezes like no one’s ever asked him this tell him what he needs to know.
“Well…I guess, I don’t mind. I just don’t want you to be disappointed and waste your time on devoting a nickname to me.” He says quietly, looking down at Pers.
“I’d never. If I were really disappointed in you ‘emi, I would have told you so, and I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to buy you these books, would I?” He grins, patting the stack. “Look, regardless of what you have or haven’t told me about yourself, I really don’t mind. I’m friends with all sorts of people from all kinds of backgrounds and stories. Yours wouldn’t bother me.”
Freminet flush and nods. “Then…I guess I won’t stop you.”
“Good.” He smiles before switching topics. “Anyways, back to Pers! What does he like, ‘emi?”
“He, um…” Freminet tries to regain his words, clearly still flustered by the nickname. “He likes adventures. And swimming, and…fairytales.”
“Fairytales?” He quirks an eyebrow.
“Y-yeah. Fairytales.”
“Hm.” Gaming nods. “Y’know, I’m not that big of a reader - my friend actually helped me pick these out. I’m actually not even sure where I’d look for some classic fairytales…” he hums before he snaps his fingers.
“Y’know what, how about we make one up! That’ll be special enough for Pers, right?” He asks gleefully. “I mean, they’re usually about princes and princesses, heroics, big flamboyant gestures, and usually a big smooch at the end, right?”
Freminet shrugs. “I mean…not exactly. N-not that you’re wrong, but…they usually have a big theme or lesson of bravery, standing up for yourself, being a hero…” he looks away. “That’s why I-I mean, Pers likes them so much.”
Gaming nods, resting his hands in his hips. “I see. Well, we’ll just have to come up with a pretty great story about then, huh?” He smiles, patting Freminet on the shoulder. “What if you and I go around, and I can show you all the cool things in Liyue while you’re here? That should be pretty dope, right?”
“You really don’t need to do all of this for me…” Freminet sighs before Gaming shakes his head and stands up, outstretching a hand to Freminet.
“No more of that, ‘emi. I’m gonna make sure you have the best time while you’re here, and make sure you leave feeling more confident than ever before!” He smiles, his palm just itching for Freminet to set his on top.
So finally he does, and he can feel his cool palm resting against his (and he feels bad, because his own are usually hot and at this point from being so nervous, sweaty), and he brings Freminet up to his feet and gives him a grin.
“Don’t you worry. I’m gonna make sure you have a blast! I’ll show you places you could dive, and places to eat, maybe find some things your siblings would like too, and we can eat Dim Sum too! You like Dim Sum, don’tcha?”
Freminet blinks. “I’ve never had Dim Sum before.”
Gaming’s eyes widen so much he fears they may fall out of his head. “What? You’ve never had Dim Sum before?! That’s it, we’re going right now!”
He clutches Freminet’s palm with all the softest intentions and care in the world, dragging him off for a big day of sightseeing. “We’re gonna try savory Dim Sum, and sweet Dim Sum, oh, and-!”
He rambles on and on about it while they run off, not even seeing that Freminet is smiling a little more than yesterday.
-
Within two days, Freminet has been brought about to nearly every sight in Liyue Gaming could get his eager hands on.
A good view from the mountaintops of the Jade Chamber? Done.
Xinyue Kioske? Twice, actually.
Luhua Pool? Gaming was already pulling up his pants and wading in the water with Man Chai jumping from his shoulders.
By the end of it, Gaming had narrated that, ‘ The two new friends, the famous Wushou Dancer and Renowned Diver went off to see the sights, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a good time!’
And Freminet admits, he had had a good time.
Gaming avoided the crowds, continued to show an interest in Pers, and even got him some souvenirs for his siblings.
For the first time, really, ever, besides Traveler, Freminet felt…like he made a real friend. Someone he almost considers to be more than that.
The potential to be a best friend, and even, maybe-
‘No.’ He thinks, shaking his own head while he walks back after their full day. ‘ I can’t think about him like that. I can’t push my luck.’
He’s caught up in his thoughts, so much so that he almost doesn’t see the stranger with a puff of light blue hair and damn near glowing in the bright sun with all the light colors he’s wearing, sitting in the shade of a tree and panting like he just ran from Sumeru and back.
He recognizes him from when Gaming had introduced him to a couple of his friends (a chef girl, the guy who was obsessed with books, and this boy…Chongyun, was it?), and heads over, having to shield his eyes from the bright white clothing.
He recalls hearing the book-obsessed boy call him an ‘angel’ at some point, amongst other affectionate nicknames, and he can’t help but agree in a purely objective manner, because he does look pretty angelic in this lighting.
“Um…hey. Are you feeling alright?” Freminet asks slowly, walking over. He hated interaction, and it was bad enough that he knew this person but not very well, but he wasn’t going to leave him like this alone.
“Huh?” Chongyun looks up and shakes his head. “Um…yeah. I’m fine. It’s just really hot today…I forgot my parasol and it’s been rough…”
“Oh.” Freminet stands awkwardly over him, carefully shifting his weight and humming uncomfortably. “Um…okay.”
“You’re Gaming’s new friend, right?” He asks suddenly, and he slowly nods.
“Oh, are you enjoying Liyue with him so far? Xingqiu had told me you two were ‘hitting it off’ so far, amongst other things.”
Freminet tips his head. “What other things?”
Chongyun’s already blushing face gets even redder, and Freminet swears he can start to see sparkles starting to appear in his eyes before Chongyun takes deep breathes before they can really shine, dimming them.
“I don’t want to assume anything of course, but…he said that maybe you two…like each other?”
Freminet blushes, nearly rivaling Chongyun before looking away. “I-I…”
He curses internally, knowing he’s absolutely terrible at lying. Anytime he tries to lie, it goes downhill. Lynette had told him so a few times (not trying to be rude, simply observing for missions and such), and he knew it himself that it was the case.
“No. I…I don’t like him.” He mutters unconvincingly. “Besides, I’d be asking for way too much if I wanted him to hold on to romantic feelings. Especially because I have to go back to Fontaine soon…”
He waits for Chongyun to chastise him or something of the sort, but he doesn’t. He shakily stands up, brushing dirt off before he says, “I used to think that too.”
Freminet blinks, looking at him oddly. “What?”
“I had a crush on my best friend for a long time, and-“ Chongyun stops and blushes. “Okay, it was more than a crush…but anyways, I liked him for a while. But I was worried if I told him, considering my condition and everything, asking for more than friendship would be too much.”
He smiles a little and looks away, toying with his hood. “Of course, he didn’t care in the end, and he didn’t think twice before telling me he felt the same. The way he put it when I told him, was, ‘sometimes you’re so caught up in your own thoughts, that you hardly realize what other people really see - which is a you without scrutiny.”
Freminet silently mulls over his words, nodding.
“What I’m saying is, what I saw as a hindrance towards our relationship, he just saw as another part of me. That he didn’t think twice about when he considered a relationship between us.” Chongyun continues. “So try not to let it weigh you down. I know it’s easier said than done, but, Gaming really seems to think you’re cool, so…”
He sighs, blushing more. “Sorry, Xingqiu would be much better at explaining this than me…”
“It was fine.” He hums, hugging Pers to his chest. “Really, it was. Thank you.”
“Of course. I’m glad I could help.” Chongyun nods before a period of awkward silence, and Freminet takes his leave.
He imagines if this were a fairytale, he’d have to try and confess his feelings to Gaming, so the story can end in the ‘happily ever after.’
‘ Maybe,’ he thinks, sucking in a breath of fresh air. ‘I’ll do just that.’
-
The next day comes, and it’s time for Freminet and his siblings to head back to Fontaine.
Gaming waits by the ship, tapping his foot nervously against the floorboards when he sees the Fontainian trio arrive.
“Ah, ‘emi!” He looks up and grins, running towards him with Man Chai at his heel and holding out his arms. “Uh, hehe, may I?”
Freminet shifts Pers in his arms and nods, biting his cheek from a smile, and Gaming can tell he’s warming up to him as he pulls him into a tight hug, and Freminet lets out a squeak of surprise.
“Oh, sorry! Am I squeezing you too hard?” He let’s go and stands back.
“No. It’s okay.” Freminet says shyly, looking away with a blush coating his cheeks.
“Emi?” Lynette echoes after a moment, tipping his head and her tail swishing while Lyney’s eyes widen.
“ E-Emi?!” He coughs before resuming his posture. “Freminet, you’ve made quite the friend here! Nicknames, and gifts, and you’re even smiling! Lynette, do you see that?”
“I do.” She nods, giving a faint smile herself.
“Well, we hope to see you in Fontaine sometime! Freminet could use some good friends like you!” He grins, patting his brother on the shoulder.
“Lyney…” Freminet mumbles.
“Oh, that reminds me!” Gaming lights up and takes out a small gift box before quickly presenting it to Freminet, his two siblings watching curiously.
Freminet slowly undoes the wrapping to a painstaking degree, slowly untying the ribbon and picking at the tape so he doesn’t ruin it, before his eye widens a little when he turns the box over in his hands.
“A…stationary kit?” He asks, looking up at him softly.
“Y-yeah! I thought, maybe, if you wanted to stay in touch, we could…” he hums embarrassedly, scratching his neck. “Exchange letters n stuff?”
Freminet tightens his hold on the box, hugging it against Pers and nodding. “Yeah. I’d…like that.”
“My goodness, Lynette, do you hear him?” Lyney gawks to which his twin rests a hand on his shoulder.
“You need to settle down, isn’t this a good thing?”
“W-well of course it is! I’m just so surprised Freminet’s so chatty with him, that’s all.” Lyney hums before he lowers his voice. “Perhaps we need to question him at some point-“
“Stop.” Lynette shakes her head, hushing her voice and letting the two younger boys talk. “I think we’d both know if he were just trying to manipulate Freminet for information.”
Lyney ultimately sighs and shifts his hand, huffing a bit so his bangs flit over his eyes. “You’re right, dear sister, you’re right…”
“Last call for Fontaine!” The captain shouts from the ship, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Oh my, would you look at the time! Well Gaming, it was a pleasure to meet you. You’ll have to come see one of our magic shows if ever you visit Fontaine.” Lyney waves his hands, gesturing to the boat.
“Oh, yeah.” Freminet nods silently before he turns back to Gaming. “I’ll write as soon as I get back.”
“I look forward to it.” Gaming grins, looking down at Pers. “Keep ‘emi in good spirits while I’m gone, okay? I don’t doubt that you will, just make sure he’s happy!”
While Gaming is marveling down at Pers, and Lyney and Lynette are heading away, he hears a short, quick laugh, hardly above a whisper, tumbling from Freminet’s mouth in an uneven giggle before he coughs and shakes his head.
Gaming can’t help the furious blush that coats his cheeks, or the way Man Chai nudges the back of his head as if to push him towards Freminet.
“Anyways, I should go. Bye.” Freminet waves, heading off after his siblings and the chain on his beret swinging back and forth with his steps.
“B-bye.” Gaming mumbles, watching the siblings reunite on the boat, and Freminet turning around to wave Pers’ fin at him as a goodbye.
Gaming can almost feel a wave of sadness wash over him, at the fact that his new friend is leaving already, but he slaps his cheeks and runs back to Chenyu Vale at the speed of light to already start writing a letter for him.
-
Over the next 6 months, Gaming exchanges letters with Freminet.
Every few weeks or so, he’d see one of the baby blue envelopes arrive, and he’d jump a little while he carried it off with him to read over Dim Sum, fawning over the sharp, curly handwriting as he stuffed his mouth.
In between in their written interactions, Gaming noticed some Fontainian phrases here and there, most of which he didn’t know and didn’t have the resources decipher, but reaching that sixth month, Freminet started using the phrases ‘ mon amour’ or ‘mon chéri’ in place of his name.
He doesn’t understand what it means (it all sounds endearing to him anyways, it is the language of love after all), but he likes it all the same, even teasing him back by trying the same.
As a way to open his letter, he’d written,
‘ Dear Emi! (Or should I say mon amour? I don’t know what that word means but it sounds cool!)…”
And Freminet had responded the following week,
‘ Dear Gaming, just…’emi, is fine...’
‘Okay! Dear ‘Emi,
what does ‘mon amour’ mean? I don’t have any Fontaine language books, and Xingqiu won’t tell me what it means even though he knows! When Chongyun asked, he told him right away. Totally not cool…”
‘Dear Gaming,
it doesn’t really mean anything special…really…’
‘Dear ‘Emi,
Okay! I getcha. So now we have nicknames for each other! ‘Emi and Mon Amour. That sounds pretty sweet honestly! Imagine that, huh? I can tell everyone I’ve got a Fontainian nickname!’
‘Mon Amour,
Ah…you don’t need to tell everyone. Really…it’s not that big of a deal…’
‘Dear ‘Emi,
Of course it is! It’s a dope nickname! Is Mon chéri like a matching one then?’
‘Mon Amour,
Well…sort of. It pretty much means the same thing. Just different words.’
Gaming couldn’t stop smiling as he was rifling through these letters. Just hearing these phrases over and over (even if he didn’t know what they meant) was making his heart pound!
Within the 6th month, when Gaming finds some time to set away for a trip to Fontaine (and in reality, the others in the transport agency pushed him to take a much needed break, and Xiangling said she was heading off with Xingqiu and Chongyun for Fontaine anyways for a meet up with other renowned chefs,) he was excitedly letting the breeze hit his face as they sit aboard the aqua bus and watch the sea glisten below them, heading towards the main city.
“This place is huge!” He gawks, looking out over the sea with a twinge of nervousness. “Man, I feel a little unprepared…”
He looks to Man Chai and ruffles his fur, watching him close his eyes and lean into his touch . “What do you think Man Chai? Is Freminet gonna be stoked to see me? Or nah?”
“Goodness Gaming, you have nothing to worry about!” Xingqiu smiles, walking up to him and resting a hand on his shoulder. “Your nerves must be getting the better of you. You’re usually not so unsure.”
“Well, it’s just kind of crazy, y’know? We haven’t seen each other in months! And now I’m seeing him in person again!” He raises his voice, tapping his shoe against the floor and leaning against the railing. “My stomach feels all fluttery and stuff…maybe I didn’t eat enough for breakfast.”
“I think those are called butterflies, my friend.” Xingqiu gives a knowing smile to which Gaming widens his eyes in alarm.
“That’s what that is…? Ugh, I must be more nervous than I though then. I’m just…worried that maybe he’s not gonna be as enthusiastic to see me. Or maybe I’m pushing him by coming out here? Do you think he really wants to see me?” He talks faster.
“Am I talking fast? I feel like I’m talking too fast. I really wish I had some Dim Sum and a good round of crates to deliver to clear my head, I feel like my head’s going to explo-!”
“Gaming, Gaming!” Xingqiu laughs, shaking his head and covering his mouth with his book. “I think you’re overthinking this. Just waltz right up to him once we get off the aqua bus and finish off that fairytale of yours, Hm? Not so difficult, now is it?”
“Says the one with a boyfriend already.” Gaming huffs and shoots him a mildly annoyed look.
“I can’t help it if poor Chongyun’s condition provided an ample excuse for a confession. It simply…fell out of my lips before I could even stop it!” He holds a hand to his heart in mock defense.
“Xingqiuuu, you’re not helping!” He runs his hands through his hair and huffs with a laugh.
“What’s going on? We’re almost there by the way.” Chongyun asks, Xiangling not far behind.
“Just telling Gaming that he has nothing to worry about. That’s all.” Xingqiu smiles.
“It’ll be okay Gaming. I know that Freminet likes you back!” Chongyun offers before he goes red and shakes his head. “I-I mean, I’m sure he does!”
Xingqiu smiles and pinches his cheek, earning a mumbled whine from Chongyun. “How can you say no to a face like that, huh? If Chongyun thinks you can do it, then anything is possible!”
“Xingqiu…!”
“You guys, you guys, we’re here!” Xiangling waves then over as the boat stops, and the group get off, Gaming fastest of all.
Everyone hardly has a chance to shout after him as he jumps off and takes a look around, looking for the place Freminet had said he’d wait provided he had the time.
As he nears a further corner of the city, he spots the familiar blondie and his penguin, idling about and staring at the clock post with Pers nestled in his arms, and he gets an uncontrollable grin on his face as he shouts for him.
“Fremineeet!”
He looks up, then in the direction of him, widening his eyes and taking a step in his direction, and that’s all it takes for Gaming to hold his arms out in a big gesture.
“Is it alright if I run and give you a hug?” He says loudly, and the feel and thrill of air in his lungs and shouting and itching to come see him again is almost too much.
Freminet glances about, even though there’s nobody around to witness or hear them, before he nods, shifting Pers to one of his arms before he holds them out for him.
Gaming takes the invitation like it’s Freminet’s total allowance of his emotion, his affection, his adoration and excitement to see him again and runs over, Man Chai at his heel before he scoops Freminet up into a hug and spin him around, holding him suspended in midair.
“I’m so glad to see you again!” He laughs, looking up at him and almost seeing the bare hints of a smile on Freminet’s lips.
Freminet nods and looks about, almost embarrassed, and Gaming takes the hint to set him down.
“Sorry about that, I’m just too stoked to see you again!” He grins before it falters a bit. “Uh, you’re happy to see me too…right?”
Freminet nods shyly, looking away while his face keeps getting redder.
Gaming smiles even bigger, because this boy is just too damn cute not to fawn over.
“I’m relieved you feel the same, mon chéri.” Gaming teases before he watches Freminet with record speed take out a diving helmet and pull it on over his head, flashing a pair of two, yellow, electronic eyes squeezed shut in embarrassment.
“Oh, my bad! I just thought since you said it was matching, I’d call you that…”
“You still don’t know what it means, right?”
Gaming looks up confused and nods. “Not a clue, honestly.”
“I’ll…tell you sometime while you’re here.” Freminet mumbles from his helmet, and Gaming almost sense that this a different side to Freminet. His voice sounds more full, and sure of itself, like he doesn’t doubt as much what he’s saying.
He leans up to run his hand absentmindedly over the side of the helmet, feeling the cool metal against his hand. “This helmet is super dope, ‘emi. Does it help you?”
Freminet hesitates at Gaming’s actions. “…yes.”
“I don’t mind it if you wear it more often.” He smiles before he softens his voice to a bashful whisper. “And…I think it’s kinda cute, y’know…?”
“Huh?” Freminet asks from inside the helmet, and the only visible sign he has is the emoticon on the front showing alarm and his hands tensing slightly.
Gaming thinks he really struck gold falling for this guy.
He’s so freaking adorable!
“Sorry ‘emi, I’m just real excited to see you again.” He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Y’know what, lemme go talk to my friends real quick and get or hotel sorted out, and then you can show me all the cool Fontaine stuff you were talking about!”
Freminet gives a nod, his emoticon turning more calm, and Gaming gives a short nod and a excited tap of his foot.
“Great! Then we’ll continue that fairytale for Pers, hm? The famous Wushou Dancer and Renowned Diver reunite again, this time in Fontaine! The Diver is going to show him around, in their quest for a proper story for the Diver’s penguin, Pers!”
Freminet hugs Pers tighter and nods, and Gaming blushes bright red upon seeing pink blush marks appearing on the helmet face.
“Well, I’ll see you in a bit, okay ‘emi?’“ he asks, giving a grin, and before he can respond, he lets the warmth and feeling of this crush wash over him in full, like the warm sun on a relaxing day, and he laughs and kisses the side of Freminet’s helmet, the cold metal against his lips as he waves and runs off, his cheeks burning as his hearts pounds faster than ever.
-
Freminet looks over at Gaming at the shore, standing before the sea.
He figures that he should say something, but he’s determined to be confident, and push forth to be like those characters in the fairytales he loves.
He assumes that something he’s comfortable with, like the sea, should help him out, to ease his nerves and let the water wash over him and drench his clothes and fill his hair with salt and and the smell of seaweed.
It’s almost a comfort, the feeling and sting of salt in his nose, and he’s knows he might be a bit odd for saying it.
Especially with the fact that he uses such a sweet smelling shampoo for his hair already, a swim in the sea helps to dull it down, keeping the scent at a manageable place so instead of hardcore sweetness, it’s more like a light scent with a faded touch of salt.
He can already feel the sea calling him, to fall under its depths because it knows him, but is cautious of this stranger he’s brought along with him.
So he turns to Gaming, and takes a deep breath of salt and fish and crisp, evening air, and asks, “Did you want to go for a swim?”
Gaming’s eyes light up, the melty orange of his irises brightening and oozing in the dimming sunlight, the excitement even slightly diminished after a long day together.
“For sure!” He grins, stretching his arms before standing next to him. “I’m not all that great at proper swimming and stuff, so, you’ll have to teach me!”
Freminet nods, holding out his hand for Gaming to take (which he does without hesitation) and despite the pounding of his heart and the scary knowledge of how much he’s letting him in, he pushes forth.
‘For Pers.’ He thinks.
‘For Gaming.’ He breathes.
‘For…’
He takes his first step into the ocean, pulling Gaming with him and wasting no time in letting himself take autopilot and dip below the the surface.
‘…me. Just…maybe.’
He turns around to see how Gaming is faring, their hands still connected, and he can see that Gaming looking around wildly at all the colors, all the sights, all the fish and vegetation and wonder and awe.
“Woaaah!” He gasps, bubbles coming out from his mouth when he yells, escaping to the surface.
They rise to the surface after a moment so Gaming can take a breath before Freminet leads him off a little further, heading around corner he knows like the back of his hand and crossing sharp shards of rock and broken shipwrecks and creatures Gaming’s never even heard of before.
Once they’re near, and the sun is right on the edge of the sea, his brings Gaming back up to the surface for air, and he can hear his heart pounding amidst the waves and Gaming taking a deep breath and the birds calling over the sea.
He keeps telling himself he can do it. He keeps telling himself he can achieve it. He can make this story happen!
But he can’t help the thoughts seeping in, telling him he can’t, he won’t, that he doesn’t deserve Gaming or his happiness or any affection he gives him.
But he holds his hands tighter and swims above the surface with Gaming, pulling him further out to sea until they’re at a spot where the sun always hits just so, and he looks Gaming in the eyes.
“Gaming?” He asks, his voice having a hint of a waver. He tries not tell himself it’s cowardly, that it’s all in his head.
“Yes, ‘emi?”
“Do you know what…mon amour means?”
He shakes his head on cue, his wet bangs sticking to his forehead. “Nope.”
He takes his hand beneath the waves, pulling him under, watching as the sun filters through the water and creates a glow around Gaming and softens his features, the water making his hair dance about.
He moves his face forward, just enough so Gaming has to know what he trying to do, but then he stops, feeling the self-doubt hit like a truck, realizing he’s caught himself up in a lean-in-for-a-kiss moment and Gaming knows exactly what he was going for and he feels so, so embarrassed.
But Gaming’s face lights up in a blush, sunkissed by the light as he grabs Freminet by the face, cupping his cheeks and smashing his lips up against his, and Freminet’s eyes widen.
This love is for him.
This love is for him.
Gaming’s love, is for him, Freminet. Emi.
And as Gaming kisses him longer, until neither one of them can breath, they rise for air and stare at each other, with big blushes and the perfect ending to this fairytale.
“ Mon Amour-“ Freminet gasps in between breaths.
“Means, my love.”