Chapter Text
There were times where Gaming had doubted that Freminet told him the truth, such as his insecurities, his thoughts, even his likes and dislikes. But Gaming thought that he was a bad, terrible then, boyfriend for this, so he ceased these thoughts from continuing to conquer his mind. He wanted to make sure Freminet knew that he trusted him, and that Freminet could trust him too.
But of course he wouldn't want to force that trust, it came by itself so therefore he would atleast try to give hints. But obviously Freminet wouldn't really notice it that much so he would have to verbally say it, it usually wouldn't be a tough thing to do for Gaming but when it came to Freminet for these type of things he always felt more cautious on his words.
He wouldn't want to hurt Freminet's feelings if he accidentally said something wrong. No one would ever want to do that to their partner.
This other thought, that whatever the truth from Freminet turned out to be horrible - would be still see him the same? But that was a ridiculous question, because no matter what, he will love him the same.
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“Freminet, y'know you can trust me right?” Gaming started, as him and Freminet were strolling around Wangshu Inn, having their afternoon walk together which rarely happens, it felt wonderful each time they both got the chance to do this.
Freminet stiffened, but immediately relaxed after- that was odd.. but it's probably nothing, right?
Gaming turned his head so he would be looking at Freminet, ignoring the greedy thought he had that was telling him to hold his face since it just.. looks so holdable!
Freminet took his time to find the correct words to say, but had a bunch of struggle with it so he said whatever came up first.
“Y-yes.. I do.., but.. uhm, what's with the sudden - ah,” Freminet stumbled through his words, clearly having a hard time to voice his concerns. Gaming's smile softened.
“It's okay if you don't fully trust me yet, I get it, it'll take time for others to get used to things like this, right?” He tilted his head. “I just want you to know that.. I trust you, like - completely! 100%. And you can trust me too, with whatever your suffering with don't hesitate one ssingglee bit to come to me!”
Gaming pointed to himself, enjoying the way Freminet's face flushed at this. He then looked away, not responding, was he even breathing? He was.. so silent.
Gaming felt as if he might've accidentally stepped over a comfort zone, already prepared with his words he was about to talk. But then he felt himself be embraced by Freminet.
“Woah-!” he exclaimed quietly, shocked by the sudden action since Gaming was always used to being the one to do all the physical affection.
Freminet buried his face closer to Gaming's shoulder, leaning on him not too much, but not too little at the same time.
“.. Alright..” Freminet mumbled,
That one word made Gaming practically burst with joy, immediately holding onto Freminet tighter, picking him up and spinning him around with laughter. Freminet on the other hand was startled but enjoyed it as well.
Freminet looked so pretty, Gaming doesn't understand how Freminet is insecure about the way he looks, because even if he's at his worse he'll always look so breathtaking.
“G-gaming! W-wha..” Freminet flushed, Gaming then held one of Freminet's leg, his other arm holding onto his back as Gaming pressed his lips together with Freminet's.
It felt as if time froze, only them two together.
Freminet afraid of falling, held onto Gaming's hood and kept himself up.
After a few seconds Gaming broke away from the kiss, immediately flooding Freminet's face with pecks.
“I love you, I love you, I love you!” Gaming giggled, nuzzling his head together with Freminet's. Freminet's lips slowly formed a smile as he let out some laughs from the feeling of Gaming's hair brushing against his neck.
“I-I love you too!” He said through his gentle laughter.
This just made Gaming more hyper, Freminet didn't mind it one bit.
Freminet and Gaming then spent the rest of their day, talking amongst each other and ended the day with stargazing. Gaming was lying on his back while Freminet sat up with a knee pressed against his chest.
Gaming looked over at Freminet, immediately transfixed on him. Why look at the stars beauty in the sky if there was already someone prettier than a star itself next to him.
“H-huh?” Freminet mumbled, bright red blush fading in on his cheeks. Gaming stayed silent for a few moments before jolting up, surprising Freminet.
“Ah, I said that out loud!?” Gaming exclaimed, he felt himself blush too.
Freminet nodded his head and reached over for Pers - before feeling a hand gently reaching for his wrist. He looked over at Gaming and then immediately felt a kiss be pressed against his cheek.
Gaming giggled at the small confused whine that Freminet let out, before giving him another kiss.
“Why're you trying to hide yourself? You're pretty, m-more than pretty!” Gaming smiled,
“It's not that.. I.. uhm- thank you..” Freminet replied, a blushing mess to which Gaming laughed at.
Gaming pressed a few more dozen kisses on his face, Freminet gripping onto his shoulders in case he fell back. Which he did..
Gaming laughed as he fell on top of Freminet, being sure not to put too much weight on him. Freminet on the other hand was nervous from the new position.
Gaming leaned down so their foreheads would touch together, he nuzzles their noses together and placed a final kiss on his lips before hugging him tight.
Freminet slowly hugged back, Gaming snuggled closer to him. “This feels nice..” Gaming hummed. Freminet didn't reply, simply tangling his fingers with Gaming's hair.
“We should do this more often” Freminet said, to which Gaming giggled and raised his head to give Freminet's chin a small kiss.
Oh, how did they get in this predicament..?
“Freminet—! Please - .. just listen to me..!” Gaming shouted through the struggle of having to block Freminet's quick and coordinated attacks. He let out a sharp gasp when one slice was close to cutting off his head.
Freminet was acting unusual the whole morning, Gaming thought he had a bad dream but he was completely wrong. Apparently Freminet had been.. part of the fatui all along, which Gaming denied at first !
Why wouldn't Freminet tell him this? He would've been angry, yes, but he would understand if he explained! But Freminet didn't bother, immediately going to attack Gaming while he was doing deliveries. Before revealing what position he had in the fatui.
Oh, the look of shock that Gaming had when he realized who was attacking him.. how priceless it was..
It took only a bit of time for Gaming to start fighting back and defending himself, but even after Freminet's confession he kept begging for Freminet to stop and just explain everything to him, they didn't have to fight!
Freminet had a pained expression written all over his face, he didn't want to do this. He wouldn't have done it out of free will, he was assigned to, by His ‘Father’. Lyney reported that Freminet was slacking on his missions and falling behind on his tasks as well due to a person he's met.
‘Father’ didn't take those news well, because she assigned Freminet to have the blood of the person causing all of this in HIS hands. At that moment Freminet didn't dare to speak back, his hands shaking as he held it against his chest when bowing.
Gaming was barely fighting back, he just kept blocking the attacks. Suddenly Man Chai's growling snapped them both out of their concentration, The suanni leaped towards Freminet, aggressively attempting to bite him.
Freminet yelped and let go of his claymore with one hand and gripped onto Man Chai's head, squeezing it.. a bit too roughly. Man Chai began to frail around and scratch Freminet's knuckles.
“W-wait—! FREMINET!” Gaming shouted, reaching a hand out for him.
But he was too late.
Freminet ripped Man Chai out of his face and then swiftly threw him - to who knows where. But nonetheless wherever the suanni was thrown a loud crack could be heard where he landed.
Silence surrounded them, minus the heavy breathing coming from the cryo holder.
Freminet panted heavily, his breath hitching once he realized what he did. His hand that was previously holding onto Man chai was trembling. He gripped onto his own clothing trying to ground himself.
Freminet opened his mouth to say something, but was met with Gaming's claymore slashing towards his face, he dodged it easily. But- the anger in Gaming's eyes were visible, sharp, dangerous too.
Gaming firmly gripped on his claymore as blood trinkled down his nose and even though his eyes held a hateful gaze, he was still hesitant with his attacks. Freminet took note of that.
Gaming went for another attack, Freminet dodged and then brought up his own claymore to slash against the others. Gaming summoned up his pyro vision, it glowing red as he applied the energy to his claymore. He jumped back and so did Freminet.
He rushed over and raised the claymore high in the air and plunged it down near Freminet's figure. Freminet quickly took out Pers and kicked him with the end of his shoes so it would apply more force.
Gaming dodged his head down then did a backflip to grab onto the claymore again, slashing it and switching from hand to hand as he made every attempt to hit him.
Freminet moved from left to right before lifting his claymore to apply cryo and roughly slash it against gaming's. His claymore momentarily slipping out of his fingers grasp. Freminet took the opportunity to dash forward and plant a kick on Gaming's chest, he grabbed onto his claymore in time to dig it in the grass to stop his flight. He looked up and saw Freminet standing there, only a few scratches on him, barely anything at all.
Meanwhile Gaming was just a mess, he gulped the spit that was collecting in his throat and weakly stood up, holding onto his chest . It was only a kick but dang- he felt like he'd be hid by a hard boulder. His other hand was gripping tightly on his claymore as support, his small rage soon faded away.
Not even when Gaming isn't close to his worst he still couldn't do anything. Did all of this training, this practice he's done gone to a waste? That lowered down his hopes.
Gaming was too caught up in his own thoughts to notice Freminet going in for another attack, this time directed towards his side.
“Achk!-” Gaming gasped, when he felt himself fly back and he hit a tree, soon mangos that were hanging from the tree fell. Gaming held onto his side, wincing in pain as he squeezed his eyes closed. He recovered quickly from that and then noticed that his claymore wasn't next to him.
He felt a small wave of panic flow through his head as he looked around hastily, but then saw the mango that was rolling near him.
Ah.
Flashback
_________________________
“Freminet! Have ya ever tried this?” Gaming squealed, holding up a few dozen Mangos in his hands directly at Freminet's face. Freminet flinched back and then inspected the fruit.
“I don't.. think so..?” Freminet mumbled, turning his head to focus on repairing Pers. He stuck his tongue out in concentration as Gaming was still beaming with joy next to him.
Gaming gasped, before shaking his head and then carefully placing them down on Freminet's work desk and took one that looked the best to him.
He then held it up to Freminet, a hand below the mango incase any juice spilled.
“You should try it! Trust me, it's SO good.” Gaming said, catching Freminet's attention back to him quite easily. Freminet hesitated before placing pers and his screwdriver down, he turned his body so he could be facing Gaming.
“I can eat it myself.. you know..” Freminet said, to which Gaming pouted.
“I know I know.. but I wanna keep this all romantic!” Gaming giggled, “Just take a bitee~” Gaming said in a sing song tune, tapping the mango against his lips.
Freminet felt a sweat drop from his forehead, before opening his mouth and doing a small ‘ahh’ and waited for the mango to be put inside his mouth since he was way too nervous to lean forward, afraid of falling.
Gaming WAS going to do what he was supposed to do, but the sight of Freminet's lips apart just caught his attention, he leaned forward and placed a small peck on his lips, Freminet's breath hitched in shock.
“Hehe, sorry sorry! Got distracted..” Gaming lifted a hand to gently pinch his cheek. Freminet flushed a deep shade of red but didn't say anything, too embarrassed to.
Eventually Gaming fed him the mango and Freminet's reaction was priceless, his eyes were practically sparking while chewing on the soft texture.
“Haha, it's good right?!” Gaming exclaimed, taking a bite from the same mango after.
Freminet eagerly nodded his head and swallowed it.
“I have a bunch more right here, you wanna share them?” Gaming asked, already knowing the answer.. but it wouldnt hurt hearing the confirmation.
Mangos soon became one of Freminet's favorite fruits, Gaming was happy he was the reason why.
He loved him so much.
_________________________
Gaming held in a sob that was going to break out, he furrowed his brows together and ripped his gaze away from the fruit. He soon found his claymore a few meters away from him, he limped over to it, then used both hands to grip onto his claymore so he could stand up straight.
Freminet was in his fight stance, already ready to dodge or block any attack he might do.
Gaming ripped his claymore out of the grass and then began to walk to Freminet, weakly and slowly. His claymore dragged behind him as he did so.
“..Why?” Gaming whispered, his voice trembling and Freminet stared back. The wind began to pick up and it was an honest shocker that no one had spotted them here yet, then again, it was late at night. Freminet was interrupted by his thoughts when he could feel Gaming inching closer.
He swiftly caught a fist that was attempting to punch his chest, Gaming let out a pained sob, dropping his claymore and using his other hand to punch his chest weakly repeatedly.
Clearly Gaming was exhausted, but- how? Freminet's aware that Gaming had fought longer battles..
“Why, why, why.. why...?! Just tell me..” Gaming cried out, Freminet felt his lip tremble but he had to focus on his assignment. As much as he hated, despised it. He reached for his claymore but was stopped by Gaming, who weakly held onto his hand.
“You.. you just except me to understand your actions without an explanation..? H-hhaha.. you just attack me out of nowhere, announcing your part of the- fatui and .. not even bothering to give me a proper reason why your doing this. But, that's how people in the fatui are all the time, right..?” He smiled, feeling the blood dripping onto his teeth now.
Freminet yanked his hand out from Gaming's, swiftly grabbing hold of his claymore and - not expecting Gaming to be standing there still, a warm smile on his face. The wind picking up once again but more fiercer, brushing against both of their faces.
Freminet could tell that Gaming wasn't done for a fight, yet it seems as if he was just.. giving up.
Gaming let out a small sigh, walking closer to Freminet until he could cup his cheek gently.
Freminet flinched from the coldness of Gaming's fingertips, he was usually so warm but.. oh god, what has he done.? Too stunned to do anything he stayed still, his grip on his claymore never faltering .
“Wh-what are you..”
“I love you.” Gaming whispered.
Freminet felt his eyes tear up, lip trembling more violently then ever. Feeling Gaming's fingertip caress his lips as a way of comfort didn't make it any better.
Gaming gently pressed a kiss on his lips, feeling a tear drop from his own eye.
“Even if you kill me right now, I'll still love you..” He smiled against the kiss, pulling away only a few inches so he could stay close to Freminet's face.
Freminet gripped tighter on his claymore, feeling conflicted and confused with his feelings and decisions overall.
“Gaming..” Freminet whispered, his fingers slowly letting go of his grip on his claymore. Gaming's eyes lit up a tad bit - before widening at the sudden feeling of something piercing through his chest.
There was an arrow, piercing directly through his chest, he fell limp and desperately gripped onto Freminet. Freminet on the other hand let out a strangled gasp at the realization, he fell to his knees with Gaming close to him as he grew weak.
“Ga-gaming no, no, no no,.. no you're.. you're ..” He sobbed, his voice cracking each time he spoke. Freminet looked around the area to try to find out where that arrow came from but no one was near, not even a single trace left behind.
Gaming's labored breaths took him out of his concentration and he focused on him more than anything.
“Gaming you'll be okay, you'll be okay— please .. please just..” Freminet mumbled, before looking over at the arrow that was through his chest, if it ever went any deeper it would've sliced Freminet as well.
He moved his hand to grip on the arrow, Gaming letting out a pained scream “It-It hurts,,.. st-StOP!—” Gaming begged, clawing at his arm. Soon begining to cough up blood, some splattering onto Freminets face. Freminet ignored the feeling of disgust and gripped onto the arrow, regretting it as he felt himself be burned and quickly retracting his hand.
Gaming weakly kicked around and his hands just wanted to grab onto something, anything. Freminet .. took notice of the remaining pyro sparks the arrow had.
Freminet was too stuck in his own thoughts to notice Gaming's thrashing weakening. His cries lowering down to gasps, until it soon became, silent.
Gaming being silent was never a good sign, this made Freminet turn his head to look at Gaming who was.. thankfully still breathing.
The blood dripping from his lips never stopping. He looked over at Freminet, the pained expression they both shared that once had looks of laughter and joy..
Freminet felt the tears that were building up finally fall freely, he let out sobs and cries as he shook his head. Trying to deny the fact that in just a few minutes or so he'd be gone, Freminet couldn't do anything, this was his assignment.
“No.. Please.." He whispered, hands shakily cupping his cheeks as he saw Gaming's lips slowly form a smile, for him.
Even though Gaming was smiling, the tears in his eyes never stopped, not for any of them.
Gaming used his last remaining strength to lift his blood stained hand to cup Freminet's cheek, wiping his tears as best as he could.
“I love you, Freminet.”
Freminet felt as if his heart has lost more than one string, seeing Gaming's last breath, his hand drop back down to his stomach made everything freeze.
He clenched his teeth together from frustration, anger, sadness, and so much more. He brought Gaming's lifeless body close to himself, holding it tight and sobbing against his hair.
“S-someone.. ANYONE! HELP ME!” Freminet shouted, knowing no one would answer. His voice cracking from the sobs that kept escaping.
He desperately tried to get up, but just couldn't with the weight of his guilt.
“G-gaming..” He whimpered, repeating his name like a mantra.
Gaming's soft smile soon faded out, his eyes losing whatever life it had left.
Freminet felt a nudge on his leg, snapping his head to look at whatever it was.. it was Man Chai. Man Chai weakly flew between Freminet and Gaming.
Freminet watched as Man Chai nuzzled his head against Gaming's, pawing at his nose, mouth, anywhere in his face. Man Chai began to whimper, landing on Gaming's stomach to rest on.
“I'm sorry..” Freminet cried, using a hand to gently pet Man Chai's fur.
Freminet spent who knows how much time there, mourning as much as he could until the sun rose up. He never stopped crying. This is the most he's ever cried and he didn't even go to the sea to hide it..
Man Chai laid asleep on Gaming's stomach, while Gaming laid lifeless resting against Freminet's lap. Freminet kept his hand on the back of his head, raising it to place a kiss on his forehead.
“I-I love you too, Gaming..”
BACK AT LIYUE HARBOR
Lyney and Lynette stood close to each other, having conversations of this and that while waiting for Freminet to show up to the docks so they could take their ride back home.
“Freminet must be coming soon! Our dear little brother wouldn't keep us waiting for too long, isn't that right Lynette?” Lyney said, crossing his arms and looking at Lynette for backup. The captain of the boat rolled their eyes. Lyney felt a vein pop out near his cheek.
“Please kind sir, give us only a few more minutes!” Lyney smiled, pressing a hand to his chest.
“No need for that,” Lynette said, to which Lyney turned his head and saw Freminet. He walked so.. slowly, almost as if he was one of those ‘zombies’ that they've read in a book together.
Lyney gave the captain a smirk before having a joyous expression directed towards Freminet.
“Ah, there he is! Freminet where have you been?” Lyney asked, Lynette stayed silent as she stared at the two.
Freminet merely walked past them, shoving Lyney away in the process. If Lyney wasn't looking too carefully he could see the sharp glare he was given by Freminet.
Lynette silently thanked the captain for being patient before walking behind Lyney. “He found out.” She hummed.
Lyney sighed, his hand turning into a fist before he began to walk to Freminet. “You know it had to be done—” He started.
“Just because I finally found someone who understands me that means I have to kill them..?!” Freminet shouted weakly, tears already making their way back to his eyes. Lynette's ears dropped and she looked away.
Lyney furrowed his brows, “You were being distracted. We can't have that! You should be glad I saved you the guilt from having his blood on your hands like ‘father’ asked.” He exclaimed.
“..I hate you.” Freminet rasped out, his eyes blood-shot and wide with hatred as tears fell from his eyes. He stormed up and walked past them once more, anywhere else where he wouldn't have to see any of their faces.
“Way to go,” Lynette mumbled, to which Lyney gave her a small glare. But soon felt his expression drop. “He'll understand soon enough.”
“No one can ever have a happy ending.”