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“Alright, Benny’s Adventuring Team!” Childe calls, clapping his hands. “The aquabus is docking in just a minute, so make sure you don’t leave anything behind!”
He is, of course, referring to the 104 pamphlets and brochures Gaming is currently drowning in. He smiles awkwardly, fruitlessly trying to gather them up. Razor helps by stuffing them in his own coat; Gaming follows his example by sticking another ten or so into the back pockets of Benny’s shorts. Bennett doesn’t even notice, too busy hanging off the side of the bus - to the resident’s Melusine eternal resignation.
“Woah, the water is so clear here!!” he exclaims for the tenth time, not that Gaming can blame him. The water is crystalline.
“That it is,” Childe chuckles, pulling Bennett up by his belt. Just how strong is he?? “C’mon, comrade, we can swim later. No point falling from this height and getting hurt”
“We can go SWIMMING?!” Bennett exclaims, bouncing in place as soon as Childe sets him down. Razor straightens, eyes intense as he looks at the two.
“Sure! We need to check in at the hotel first, and I suggest breakfast, but after we can do whatever you’d like”
Gaming pulls a thin envelope out of his jacket. “Delivery,” he reminds, waving it for emphasis. He’s excited for the vacation, but work first. Especially since it’s on the way.
Childe snaps his fingers with a wink, “Right! Lovebirds!”
Aether’s instructions for the delivery were ’the most flamboyant guy around Hôtel Debord or the Opéra Epiclese’. They didn’t say much, except that Childe will recognize him. And “not to mind him”. Gaming doesn’t know what to do with that or what is that Gaming could mind, but he trusts Aether. They wouldn’t be with a bad person. After all, the Demon Conqueror is a… peculiar character as well. And he treats Aether like royalty. And for all his oddities, he was kind to Gaming when they met. Gaming’s not worried.
With the last of the flyers haphazardly gathered, they exit the aquabus just moments later. Childe tips the Melusine generously, not that she seems to care much. The sun is just peeking over the roofs as they walk through the city. Childe chuckles the entire way to the hotel, herding the gawking boys expertly.
The hotel is full of opulence; Gaming could stand and stare forever. At least he’s not alone in that. Razor’s the most level-headed of them, making sure they don’t linger in the middle of the walkway. Childe leaves them to it with a cheery wave, and before they know it, they’re all alone.
“I think…” Gaming eventually chokes out, “The whole Qiaoying Village could fit in here”
“I’m with you on that one,” Bennett says, while Razor nods. He’s examining the windows; Gaming can’t tell if it’s because he’s fascinated by the architectural differences or if he’s uncomfortable in these walls. But he’s gotten much better at voicing his discomfort; Gaming trusts he’d tell them.
As if sensing his worries, Razor bumps their shoulders together, “This place…different from home. But beautiful still. Glad we came”
“Me too,” Gaming smiles, just as Mister Ajax returns.
“Okay, good news, gang! We’re all checked in - we can leave our baggage here to be delivered to our rooms. And!” He moves to the side with a flourish. It’s only then Gaming notices the guy accompanying him. He’s even shorter than him, with freckles that rival Bennett’s, “I found this one!”
“Um, hi. I’m Freminet. I-I heard you were looking for my brother? Lyney?”
(”Oh, Mister Ajax, you work so fast!”)
“I am!” Gaming grins, “I have a letter from Aether for him!”
Freminet blushes so brightly Gaming’s curiosity about the contents triples. He’s seen some of the letters Aether received - they like gushing about the poetry - but the flowery language isn’t his thing. What could Aether have replied?
“O-oh. Um, Lyney and Lynette are on a mission right now. It’ll be a while before they’re back, I’m sorry”
“How long’s a while?” Childe asks kindly, covering Freminet’s fidgeting hands with his own. He does that to Bennett too, whenever he’s nervous and starts picking at his nails.
“Up to three weeks, sir” Freminet replies, a bit steadier.
Ah, well. That’s a problem, but Aether warned him it could happen. It seems every person in their relationship is always busy. Birds of a feather really do stick together. “Would you mind keeping it for him then?”
“Oh, sure,” Freminet smiles, taking the envelope. In the corner of Gaming’s eye, Bennet is vibrating in place. He exchanges a fond look with Razor. It seems they are adopting a new friend today.
“Thanks!”
“I heard you’re going diving?” Freminet glances at Childe, “I know some good spots, if you’d like?”
Razor straightens at Gaming’s side. His excitement is quieter than Bennett’s - who whoops with a fist pump - but it’s still palpable. Gaming himself swims often, as Chenyu Vale is full of springs and lakes and rivers. But the rumors surrounding Fontaine waters are many; Gaming can’t deny the hype is getting to him.
They grab food first as promised. Bennett spends half the way to the café chasing Man Chai out of the fountains. Which, of course, ends with him being the one soaked. Now Gaming is holding the little rascal in his lap while the others eat. He’s already scarfed down his own portion - best pancakes he’s ever had, but Man Chai was getting antsy. Childe is chatting up the wait staff, gesturing with his tea. Bennett is singing praises over the food, Razor and Freminet nodding along in companionable silence. Freminet has them try some local treats - pointed out in soft tones, growing happier as they indulge. Gaming ends up a big fan of Fonta; the bubbles are so fun! …even though they do kind of explode up Bennett’s nose. He laughs it off, but the poor shopkeeper feels so bad they get another one for free. Razor’s favorites are the puff pastries - the mushroom and meat stuffed ones especially. Bennett tries a bit of everything, each new snack beating the previous on his list. Childe offers to sort through the leftovers with him later though.
They go on like that until they reach another aquabus station. The ride to the next island is long but breathtaking. The Court of Fontaine glimmers in the morning sun, just like the waters surrounding it.
They disembark at the Marcotte Station. Freminet leads them off the main path, to Man Chai’s glee. He leaps around among the flowers, chasing birds and biting at the grass. The view from the coast is both breathtaking and intriguing. The seagulls look royal, and Gaming itches to sketch them. There are some unfamiliar creatures but even the “regular” fauna is impressive.
(“Oh, those are some big crabs! Wow!” Bennett exclaims. Razor - who’s giving Benny a piggyback ride - leans forward in curiosity.
“There’s an even larger one underwater. Big as a hilichurl tower. The leylines around it are all out of whack”)
They leave their things in a pile under some tangled roots. Razor bundles up his coat on top, forming a little nest. Man Chai, more than used to it, barres into it, settling in for a nap.
“Take care of those,” Gaming smiles, as Benny presses a kiss between Man Chai’s ears.
He’s a little nervous, to be honest. It’s supposedly impossible to drown in Fontaine, but, well. It’s not like he has experience with this. Freminet says they don’t need to hold their breath - the waters welcome any vision holder for as long as they like.
(“Still,” he adds, “many people feel more comfortable doing so at first”)
“On three!” Childe calls from his spot. He’s grinning wide, having already done this before, and a bit of tension eases out of Gaming. There’s two people keeping an eye; they’ll be fine. He smiles at his friends - they’re all spread out, just so that they don’t accidentally kick each other when diving, but next time, he’s holding their hands for sure.
“One! Two…Three!”
Gaming plunges. He expects there to be pressure; there’s not. It’s a smoother transition than in Liyuen waters. This is how he imagines liquid metal to be like, actually.
Gaming was planning to ease into it. But then he opens his eyes and gasps at the view. When he gets a mouthful of water, he expects to panic. He doesn’t. The water is barely tangible and cool, like autumn air in the Vale.
Something barrels into his side and wow, Benny is a really good swimmer.
They can’t speak like this, but the wide smile on his friend’s face tells him everything. Gaming grabs the hands grasping his shoulders; spins the two of them in place. He can see Razor a little ways off, slowly paddling as he looks around. And there is a lot to look at. The view is breathtaking, but even more so, it’s alive. Way more colorful than Gaming expected, and there are sea creatures . Seals, lazing around just below them. Jellyfish drifting through the seaweed. Seahorses, spitting bubbles at each other like little kids. Bennett’s eyes follow them excitedly.
“They’re so pretty,” he mouths with awe.
…and they barely left the shore!
They spend a few hours underwater before taking a break. One would think it’d be boring; but the landscape is amazing, always surprising them with something new. Gaming races through the currents with Bennett, then again with Childe. He helps Freminet gather flowers, and quietly cheers for his friends as they rack their brains over a puzzle. Razor grows more confident in his swimming by the hour, and before they know it he’s patting a manta ray and saving an otter from a particularly vicious octopus.
That’s how they learn there’s not only ruins underwater but also a functioning building. They take a break inside as the otter drifts outside the window. Freminet is brewing tea he pulled from gods know where, and Gaming is laughing harder and harder watching Bennett cross the threshold with a “whoop!” over and over. He twirls whenever he passes whatever barrier is keeping the water outside. Razor sits cross-legged at the entrance, high-fiving him with a soft smile. Gaming is just about bursting with fondness. There’s no way he can stop laughing. Especially not when Childe joins Razor on the floor and the high-fives evolve into a full-on clapping game. Twirling in, Bennett high-fives both of them at once; Bennett’s out, they turn to each other and clap their hands together.
By the time the tea is ready, they’re more tired than before the break, and Gaming can’t breathe.
The otter follows them as they swim back to the shore, skipping ahead and rolling through the waves. When they breach the surface, it floats gently by the shore, playing with a shell. Bennett gives it a cheery pat when he passes by - before promptly tripping over his feet. Razor and Gaming both jerk forward, much too used to bruised knees and twisted ankles, but it’s Childe who gets there first.
“Whoa there, little dude,” he says, straightening Bennett out with a careful grip. Benny rubs his head in embarrassment, but the grin he gives in return is warm and sweet.
“Thanks, gege!”
Gaming watches in amazement as Childe’s eyes sparkle, his mouth twisting and fingers twitching. He’s got no doubt he wants to squeal into his hands, and only holds back as not to embarrass Bennett. That’s what Gaming would do.
“Ajax-gege,” Razor repeats softly, lacing his fingers with Gaming’s, “Nice catch.”
This time, Childe throws himself at Freminet, murmuring incomprehensibly into his hair. Bennett looks back, confused, but Gaming only grins.
The sound rouses Man Chai, who comes barreling onto the beach - then slows down, puzzled, when he catches sight of the otter. He presses low to the ground, stalking closer and immediately betrayed by the plop plop of his paws hitting the water. Upon reaching the otter, who floats serenely, refusing to get spooked, he paws at it gently. Gaming tenses up, ready to scoop the little rascal up the moment he misbehaves. It’s not needed. The otter merely grabs his paw in its own, pulling itself closer. Man Chai fumbles a little at that; the water is a bit too deep for him to stand, and it’s hard paddling without one of your front paws. He tries his best though.
“Aw, baby, no” Bennett coos, plucking him from the water. Man Chai wiggles a little, but settles in quickly.
“Man,” Gaming laughs, “Now I feel bad separating them.”
He throws his arms around Bennett’s shoulders, chest pressing to his back. He ruffles Man Chai’s fur energetically; the little monster pushes his head into him, shamelessly begging for pets. Silly little thing. He’s lucky Gaming loves him.
“It’s okay. He can play with Pers later, if he wants,” Freminet pipes up, bouncing the little mechanical penguin in his arms. Childe - or, Ajax-gege now, Gaming supposes - coos at it, clasping Freminet on the shoulder. Gaming has no doubt he’d go for a head pat if not for the hat Freminet is wearing.
“That’d be great!” Gaming cheers. Man Chai has a lot of energy to spare, especially after that nap. Besides, he’s never one to turn down a chance for a friendship! He gives Bennett a high five; it’s a little awkward, with Benny still holding Man Chain and Gaming’s head resting on his shoulder, but they make it work. Razor makes a soft sound of agreement, resting his hand on Gaming’s lower back.
“Let’s go, it’s getting late,” he says, nuzzling into his hair, “Want me to carry you?”
Gaming immediately straightens up, “You would?!”
Instead of answering, Razor bends down with a smile. Gaming clambers onto his back with a cheer. Though not before high-fiving Bennett again. It’s only after he gets on that he notices their clothes are not as wet as they should be.
“Well, since they’re all paired up,” Ajax grins, winking, “I guess I’m taking you!”
He doesn’t give Freminet a chance to protest before getting into position. Freminet still tries to, but the rest of them make sure to encourage him. Ajax grins wildly as he stands up, and Freminet hides his face in his neck. Bennett moves to the front, leading them back to the station with a bounce in his step. Razor follows, falling in step with Childe, the two of them talking quietly. Gaming turns to Freminet, bombarding him with questions of his own. He answers them all on the way, voice quiet and blush high on his cheeks. His smile is bright though, so Gaming takes it as a win.
They’re walking along the beach a little ways away from the station when Bennett stops in his tracks, all but vibrating in place. Man Chai leaps from his arms with a yip. It’s a very specific sound, one that Gaming fears he conditioned. Point is, he knows what it means.
Treasure!
He jumps a little in place, feeling like a little pup himself. He blames it on Aether, actually. Razor holds his weight easily, jogging up to Bennett. Knowing his luck, the chest lid will slam down onto his fingers. Clearly in agreement, Childe lets Freminet slip from his back, a long, thin blade forming in his hand. The chest is tucked into foliage, guarded by a small group of treasure hoarders. Childe grins something savage before jumping in their midst. He makes quick work of them, and the boys follow with a cheer. Freminet hangs back, not yet used to their antics, though visibly curious. Razor is the first one to the chest, easily jumping over unconscious bodies while Man Chai leaps after a few running men.
The latch on the chest goes easily. They peer inside in various degrees of caution. Gaming doesn’t expect much treasure - Benny’s luck is starting to act up. Not that he minds; he’s not doing so poorly as to need buried mora, and whatever unusual knickknacks they stumble upon are always more interesting anyway, hehe. Oh, he’s so curious now!
“If there’s any scrap metal or spare parts, I’d be happy to take them,” Freminet pipes up. There’s not. In fact, the chest is filled with flowers. Blue, bulbous buds fill the space, weighed down with a few colorful shells. Why would the hoarders be guarding this? Razor pulls one out, inspecting it curiously before passing it on to Freminet.
“Oh! These are romaritime flowers! They bloom if you wet them; you’ve seen some of them underwater,” he explains. He fidgets with the stem for a long moment. Then he tucks the flower into Razor’s hair, stammering something too quiet for the rest of them to hear.
Now that he says that, they indeed look familiar.
“Huh,” Ajax leans over them, peering into the chest just as Bennett pulls out a roll of parchment out. The hydro dagger gleams above their heads. Then Childe opens his hand, and it falls apart like a clump of sand, cascading into the chest with a splash. The flowers bloom instantly, petals opening into an elegant blossom.
“They’re so pretty!” Bennett grins, passing the parchment off to Childe in favor of gathering them up.
“Huh,” he says again, “Who wants to go treasure hunting tomorrow? We’ve got ourselves a map!”
A cluster of “really”s and “let’s go!”s sounds out, all of them excited for another day of adventures. Gaming was a little worried they wouldn’t have much to do in a country so different; he should’ve known.
“Thanks, Ajax-gege!”
Ajax makes a show of clutching his chest and falling to his knees, choking out a weak “Too…bright…” to everybody’s delight. They let him rest there until Bennett rises with his bouquet and Gaming remembers Freminet’s request.
He puts his hand to his chin, “I mean, we could take it apart?”
They do just that.
It’s already dark when they board the aquabus back. The stars are bright in the sky, and Ajax opts to sit on the floor and let his hair fall backwards onto the seat as he watches. Freminet is sitting - properly - next to him, thumbing the petals of the bouquet. He talks about his siblings. His voice is quiet, soft in the night, mindful of the two sleeping on either side of Razor. Bennett’s slumped on his right, laid out along the seat and face hidden against his belly. In comparison, Gaming is resting his head on Razor’s shoulder, knees tucked into his chest. He held out longer than Bennett, but the soft lull of water and the conversation got the best of him. When they disembark, Ajax lifts Bennett up in a gentle hold. Gaming rouses with the movement, stumbling onto unsteady feet. He smiles at Razor when he offers his arm, sweet and sleep-heavy. By the time they reach the hotel, the moon is high in the sky, and they’re all exhausted.
Well, except Bennett, who’s already resting peacefully in Childe’s arms. So used to falling off his bed nothing can wake him. The rest of them though sink into the tiredness softly, smiles gentle and eyes dropping as the excitement of the day catches up to them. They exchange quiet goodnights and make even quieter plans for the next day. Since Gaming shares the room with Bennett, he’s the one to rouse him enough to get ready for bed. They stumble through their washing with muffled laughter, both too bleary-eyed to pay attention. The beds are inviting and oh so soft, calling out sweetly. They’re also wide enough for three people to fit comfortably, so they don’t even bother separating. Honestly, they could all fit if they tried. Even if Man Chai takes up half the bed, spoiled thing.
It takes but a moment for them to fall back asleep, their dreams full of glimmering waters and plans for tomorrow.