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The sticky, salty Fontainian air was making Razor's nose itch again as he trudges along behind Bennett who was energetically pointing to several shops and landmarks along the street they were walking along, suggesting they should go visit each of them later. His voice, however, was drowned by the overwhelming chatter and noise of the avenue they were walking, in the heart of the Court of Fontaine.
The unfamiliar accents and ticking of machinery accosted Razor's ears, and the strange smells pulled his nose every which way. He had gotten used to this sort of hustle and bustle in Mondstadt, but Fontaine was on a different level. He wanted to rush back to the inn he and Bennett were staying in and crawl underneath the excessive amount of pillows from their beds. He was desperate for anything to block out the world around him.
He hadn't realized he’d begun to cover his ears until Bennett had turned around to look at him, his excited smile dropping into a more concerned expression. The ash-haired boy retraces his steps to stand right in front of Razor.
“Is the noise getting to you?” He begins to scratch the back of his head furiously with a gloved hand. “Aw man! I'm sorry, buddy! I should've known a place like this would be a lot for you before asking if you wanted to come along. I'm such a crappy friend!”
“N-No!" Razor manages as he slowly removes his hands from the sides of his face. "I wanted to...go...with you. Every place...fun with Bennett.”
A shy smile sneaks upon Bennett's face, and he looks at the ground for a moment, his cheeks slightly flushed.
“Alright...but are you sure you don't wanna head back to the hotel? This commission isn't urgent.”
Razor shakes his head, his fluffy cowlicks bouncing along his head.
“Not too loud. Ears are fine.”
A roar of laughter erupts from a group of people behind Razor, causing him to jolt and step closer to Bennett. Fontainians were...very loud. He feels Bennett grab one of his shaking hands. Razor glances at him as the latter gently pulls him along.
“Come. You can hold my hand...if you want.”
Razor simply nods and lets his friend lead him further down the street. Bennett was always so caring, taking time from of his own excitement to make sure his teammates were okay. The human world seemed less confusing and scary with him around.
They round the bend in the curving road and stop near a newsstand. There were less people in this particular area, and the throbbing in Razor's head had begun to ease. He did his best to block out the surrounding chatter by focusing his attention on his fidgeting hands. He begins to pick the dirt from underneath his thumbnail as Bennett pulls a crumpled checklist from his backpack.
“Let's see...” He begins.
Razor looks over at the various books on display, attempting to make out what each of their titles said.
The Splendor of Superior Sensibility...Celestial Cinema: Inspiration in Star Glitter...
Razor had to blink a few times after reading. None of those words made any sense. He hadn't even heard of most of them. Reading, writing, and talking was already difficult for him, and the difficulty level seemed to spike in this strange place.
He notices someone had walked up next to him and had begun to survey the books as well. The person next to him appeared to be around his and Bennett's age but maybe a couple years older. His hair was an ash color similar to Bennett’s, but it was carefully styled. His clothing was very similar to that of the locals around them but read more as a costume than casual wear. And atop his head was an oversized magician’s hat that Razor couldn’t help but stare at.
The boy’s eyes briefly sweep the shelves before he turns his head to shout behind him,
“This stand doesn’t have it either, Lynette. I’m beginning to think this book of yours doesn’t actually exist.”
A similar looking girl steps up on the boy’s other side and begins surveying the materials herself. Instead of a hat, cat ears adorned her head. She had a stoic expression on her face as she crossed her arms.
“It exists.” She retorts in a simple and matter of fact tone. “Perhaps you’re not looking hard enough.”
The boy sighs with a weary smile. His amethyst eyes catch Razor’s, and his smile grows into a friendlier grin.
“Why hello there!” He greets with an air of professionalism at the edges of his voice. “Quite the good selection of reading material here, wouldn’t you say?”
Razor felt his throat close up as he searched for the words to reply. He feels a hand on his shoulder and exhales in relief as Bennett comes up beside him. Bennett greets the stranger with a wider grin.
“Ah, my friend isn’t much of a reader. But I heard Fontaine has some cool crime novels!”
“You’d be correct!” The stranger pauses to take in Razor and Bennett’s appearances before his eyes widen with a glint. “You two must be tourists! Judging by your attire, I would deduce Mondstadt.”
“Yep!” Bennett confirms. “We’re here for a commission, but that won’t stop us from enjoying Fontaine while we’re here!” He elbows Razor’s side playfully. “Right?”
Razor quietly nods, and Bennett gives a subtle nod, quickly picking up on the wolf boy’s stiffness.
“My friend struggles with conversations.” He explains to the two locals.
The boy nods in understanding with a sympathetic look in his eyes.
“Well good thing there are plenty of ways to communicate that doesn’t involve words.”
The boy flicks his hat off and catches it by the brim. He holds it out to the two Mondstadters, gesturing for them to pick something from it. Bennett immediately sticks his hand inside and pulls out a Windwheel Aster. His face lights up with the sight of the familiar flower, and he turns to Razor and nods towards the hat excitedly. Razor gingerly sticks his hand in, his fingers wrap around a small, round object. He lifts his hand out to reveal a Wolfhook berry. He brings it closer to his nose and sniffs it. The sweet, familiar aroma hits his nostrils, and he feels a smile creeping across his face. The boy watches as he places his hat back onto his head.
“Allow us to introduce ourselves.”
The boy gives a performative but short bow.
“I’m Lyney…” He lifts his head and waves his hands dramatically around the girl who looks on without the slightest bit of enthusiasm. “And this is my sister, Lynette.” Lynette gives a curt bow.
“Hello.” Her voice remains flat as she speaks to the two boys, but it had softened enough for Razor to notice. “Please excuse my brother. He can be…a bit much.” She gives a pointed glare at Lyney which the latter slightly shrinks away from. He clears his throat embarrassedly.
“I’m simply trying to give our out-of-town guests a good first impression of Fontaine.” He glances at Razor. “I’m sure the distraction is appreciated. Being away from home in a foreign land isn’t the easiest for everyone, right?”
Razor nods, carefully rolling the berry between his thumb and index finger.
“Here…feels less scary now.” He manages, feeling his cheeks burn with embarrassment, but Lyney gives a satisfied smile.
“Well, I’m glad.” Lyney expresses. “If you like, we could show the two of you around after you’re done with your work.”
Bennett pumps his fist excitedly, his eyes sparkling. He grabs Razor’s free hand happily.
“Totally!” He exclaims, giving Razor an encouraging look.
The wolf boy nods in agreement, still holding onto his berry. The texture of the fruit’s skin was comforting, and the sounds around them seemed less grating than before. For once since arriving, he was beginning to look forward to exploring the city.