Chapter Text
The breeze was gentle while the tide was harsh. The sound crashing against the rocks and wood of the harbor. The sky was dark, yet chatter still erupted from Liyue. The smell of grilled fish and various dishes was strong. Freminet grabbed the railing of the harbor, his eyes peering into the water.
His hands started to shake as he collapsed onto the wood. The sounds started to drown out.The whole world felt like it was collapsing, his leg dangled through the railing, he could see the water below.
His head buzzed. Why did his sister have to die. Father had organized a funeral here in Liyue, Liyue was bright and loud even into the night. He slowly got closer to the edge of the edge, his legs fully dangling over.
He heard mumbling in the background, he didn't think anything of it.
"Maybe if I'm gone, there will be nobody to be dissapointed in me."
The thought buzzed through his brain, he started to stand up his whole body shaking as he stared down. He slowly put his leg over the railing without a thought. He went to pull his other leg over when he felt someone's hand grab onto his shoulder.
His body froze as he turned to see a boy, about his age looking worried. The boy had brown hair with red accents, Freminet almost couldn't see it with how dark it was, if it wasn't for the fireworks going off. He carefully walked closer, keeping a firm hold of Freminet's shoulder.
"I hope you're not thinking of doing anything crazy," The boy spoke up as he gently pulled Freminet away from the railing.
Freminet looked down at the ground, he struggled to say anything. His whole body started to shake as he turned to walk away, but the boy kept a firm but careful grip. Freminet looked back with confusion. Why wouldn't this boy let him go?
"I'm...okay" Freminet would whisper, his voice low as he looked up slightly. The boys face was illuminated by the fireworks.
"How about we get some grilled fish, it is quite delicious around here, Chef Mao's grilled fish is definitely worth checking out." The boy would go on to say as he led Freminet away from the harbor.
Freminet wanted to decline but his stomach started to growl. He hasn't eaten since his sister's death three days ago.
"Oh I should tell you my name, I'm Gaming! What's your name?" The boy, who he now knows as Gaming, asked. His voice cheerful but still sounded concerned.
Freminet didn't respond for a moment, but he felt bad, he didn't want to ignore the boy who was concerned for him and was feeding him for free. "Freminet," He responded as he walked beside Gaming.
"Why did you pull me away back there" He asked Gaming suddenly, his hands clutching the rim of his jacket.
Gaming stopped and turned to Freminet. Freminet could see the kind boys features more now. His eyebrows pressed into a concerned look as he reached out his hand to pat Freminet's shoulder. Freminet flinches at the sudden touch but didn't pull away.
"Because why shouldn't I? I don't know you, or your story, or why you were on the edge of a railing. But your still another life who deserved to live," Gaming's voice was cheerful, yet the worried look that pressed into his eyebrows and corners of his eyes showed how he truly was concerned.
Freminet looking into his eyes for a moment before looking down. "Thank you then," Freminet replied, a tear forming at his eye. He pushed away the tear and continue to walk with the other boy.
The two sat down at a stall, the smell of grilled fish was strong here. Gaming paid for the food while he also ate some. Freminet glanced over at Gaming with a small smile forming at his lips before he started to eat the food Gaming ordered for him.
The night passed by quickly, Gaming was chatting about his job and how he is the lead of some sort of lion dancing. Freminet listened carefully, watching how Gaming used gestures a lot when talking. He glanced over to see Father leaning against a tree peering over at Freminet. She nodded as soon as their eyes met.
Freminet finished the fish Gaming brought for him, before he tapped his shoulder and hugged Gaming.
"Thank you," He said, his voice still quiet but he wasn't as nervous ad he was. The boy stopped in his words to give him a hug.
"Leaving already?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he stood up. Freminet nodded as he turned and waved at Gaming.
"See you another day hopefully!" Gaming yelled from the food stand as he waved goodbye. Freminet nodded with a small smile before looking back at Arrlechino.
"Father," He greeted her quietly.