Chapter Text
Collei’s POV
Every year during the spring, Cyno, Tighnari and I would travel to Mondstadt to celebrate the Windblume Festival.
It’s been a tradition of ours to visit ever since my eleazar cleared up, but this year was going to be different.
“Swear on your life that you’ll protect her!” Cyno commanded, pointing directly at Freminet. His face flushed after being put on the spot, but Freminet nodded.
“I promise General Cyno, sir.”
He removed his hat, bowing the way I expected he would around his own Father.
Tighnari and I exchanged exasperated glances before securing the medicinal items in my backpack.
“I’ve supplied you with herbs that should help with any injuries or illness you may contract” Tighnari chided, “You also have rations packed in case of emergency but you’ll need to cook some meals along the road as well and—-”
“I’ve made this trip countless times, Master Tighnari. We’ll be okay” I reassured him, wrapping my arms around my mentor.
Tighnari hugged me back, letting me go so Cyno could have his turn saying goodbye.
“You’re sure you don’t want us to come with you?” Cyno pressed, resting both hands firmly on my shoulders.
“I’m sure, the two of you deserve some time to yourselves.” I expressed, as Tighnari and Cyno’s hands intertwined.
“It has been a long time since we’ve camped together by ourselves,” Tighnari pointed out. It was hard to miss the way his tail wagged happily behind him.
“Alright, but if anything happens don’t hesitate to contact us” Cyno insisted.
“We’ll take care of each other.” Freminet spoke up, ensuring he was within my periphery before putting his hand gently over my shoulder.
I nodded, placing my hand over his.
“A-are you ready to go?” I whispered, and he nodded.
As we exchanged our last goodbyes with Tighnari and Cyno, Freminet and I carried on further away from the rainforest.
The safest path to Mondstadt required us to go around the Chasm. Fortunately the only real threat in the area was the Treasure Hoarders which we handled together easily.
Once we made it past the Chasm, we went straight to the heart of Liyue for dinner.
The Knave had given Freminet a hefty allowance for food, as well as souvenirs for the rest of the Children of the Hearth. She even secured us a room at the Wangshu Inn where we’d spend the night before completing our journey.
“The Fatui has a lot of connections within Liyue” Freminet had told me “Lyney, Lynette and I spend a lot of our downtime here”
After dinner, Freminet and I walked along the main road towards the Inn. We didn’t talk much, though I made a mental note of how tense Freminet was.
As we made our way up the stairs, into the elevator of the Inn, we made our way towards the woman at the front desk.
“Hello, I believe we have a reservation for room 14 under the name Arlecchino” I clarified, leaving an insignia on the desk and a bag of mora the way Freminet had instructed me.
The woman took the bag of mora before ushering us towards the room.
“Here you are, let us know if you need anything” She replied curtly before returning to her post.
I let out a sigh of relief, reaching to open the door when Freminet stopped me.
“Wait, let me check first” Freminet cautioned, stepping in front of me before I could protest.
I watched as Freminet turned the nob slowly, before poking his head into the room. Once he had checked every nook and cranny, and was certain no one else was in the room with us, his guard started to falter, making Frem seem even more tense and exhausted than before.
“Is everything alright with you?” I asked, sitting on the bed beside him. “Cyno’s words aren’t getting to you are they?”
Frem avoided my gaze, but leaned further into my palm. Shutting his eyes, he took a minute to steady his breathing before replying.
“It means a lot to me that you’re bringing me with you, really it does. I just…it’s hard for me not to worry about what could happen to you or how the people in Mondstadt could react to me. I just really want this trip to be perfect for you.”
Brushing his hair out of Freminet’s face, I gently kissed the tip of his nose.
“I appreciate how willing you are to protect me, and that you want this to go well, but I want you to enjoy this trip too, Frem.”
“I know…” Freminet murmured, putting his hand on top of mine. “I’ll try not to let my anxiety get the better of me.”
We both smiled at one another before leaning into each other for another kiss. I could feel the tension in Freminet melting away as he wrapped his arms around me, before we both broke for air.
“W-we should get ready for bed” I stammered, releasing my grip on his bangs before getting up to change behind the silk screen.
“O-okay. Sounds good. We’ve got a long day tomorrow” Freminet stuttered, in a muffled sort of way that told me he had just activated his helmet.
Giggling softly to myself, I began to take off my jewelry, tucking it safely into my pack before changing into a more comfortable nightgown.
Stepping out from behind the curtain, Freminet had removed his overcoat, wearing his usual wetsuit underneath it. His boots had now been placed at the foot of the bed, and his hat was hanging off the bedside table.
Freminet’s face flushed as he moved to make space for me on the bed. I laid beside him, making myself comfortable under the covers as I looked longingly at him.
He sat up for a moment, still clutching his knees before settling down beside me.
We laid there in silence for a long while, before I finally gathered the courage to move closer, setting my hand gently over his chest. Freminet’s breath hitched, but he didn’t pull away.
Instead, he moved in closer, burying his freckled face into the crook of my shoulder. I allowed him to tuck himself away, my arms wrapping around him in a gentle embrace. As sleep washed over him, his slender frame began to feel heavy, and I could hear him muttering under his breath.
Once I was certain Freminet had fallen asleep, I shut my eyes, inhaling the salt in his hair as sleep took hold of me.
Freminet’s POV
I could hardly remember when I had fallen asleep, but that didn’t surprise me much. Whenever I spent the night over in Sumeru, sleep came to me much quicker than when I was forced to deal with my own head.
Replaying memories I wished I could forget. Obsessing over mistakes I wished I could change.
None of that seemed to matter when I was with Collei, and I suppose the incense Tighnari offered were also beneficial.
Allowing myself to adjust to what little sunlight filled the room of the inn, I estimated the time to be about four in the morning. Collei was sleeping soundly with her arms around my waist, her sage colored curls cascading over her shoulders.
As I managed to break out of her hold without waking her, I got up and began to check the perimeter of our room for anyone or anything that could be dangerous.
Thankfully, there was no one, so I took the time to set up my portable stove, and cook up some fish I had preserved for the trip.
As the pleasant smell of smoked fish filled the room, I could hear Collei stirring in bed before stretching her arms over her head.
“You’re up early,” Collei remarked groggily as she took a seat beside me at the table.
“I thought we should check out early, so we can reach Mondstadt before—-” I explained before getting interrupted by Collei’s kiss.
“Thank you, Fremi,” Collei replied, getting up, and moving behind the silk screen to change back into her usual outfit.
I attempted to reply with “you’re welcome” but the only words I could muster were completely incoherent.
We ate breakfast together in comfortable silence, before checking out of Wangshu Inn and continuing towards Mondstadt.
After a long hike through the mountain pass, we arrived at an expansive vineyard. Crystal flies were littered among the grapes, like a morning frost. The valley was surrounded by large oaks, with barrels and wagons scattered amongst the grapevines.
“Hey now is that who I think it is?”
A tall man with navy blue hair, tanned skin and an eyepatch approached us. He seemed to be a figure of importance, but more importantly he seemed to recognize Collei.
“Really? I didn’t think he would be here” Collei muttered, before calling out “Yes, its me Kaeya!”
“Does this guy bother you?” I whispered back, but Collei shook her head.
“It’s alright. He just likes to tease me sometimes…I was bound to run into him sooner or later.”
“It's been awhile since we’ve seen you in Mondstadt. Amber told us you’d be bringing a new guest with you” Kaeya announced, now directing his attention towards me.
“Y-yes I’m here with Collei for the W-windblume Festival. My name is Freminet” I answered to which Kaeya grinned back at Collei.
“Ohhh so he’s your boyfriend” He exclaimed in a sing-songy tone. Collei linked her arm with mine.
“Yes, Freminet is my boyfriend,” Collei replied, trying her best to seem unphased, but Kaeya’s grin persisted.
“Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Freminet,” Kaeya greeted, turning his attention back to me.
His hand moved to rest against my forehead, staring intently at me before moving it away.
“Well I hope you lovebirds enjoy the festival. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a matter I have to discuss with Diluc”
As swiftly as he appeared, Kaeya headed towards the mansion at the center of the vineyard.
“He’s never here at Dawn Winery. I thought if we came this way I could avoid him longer. Ugh he’s so frustrating!” Collei groaned, marching away from the vineyard I learned to be the Dawn Winery.
The name was familiar. After all, Mondstadt was the nation most famous for its liquor, and most Fatui agents used alcohol to cope after a strenuous mission.
“What exactly has Sir Kaeya done to you in the past?” I asked, curiously trailing behind her.
Collei sighed “Kaeya just likes to mess with people in general, and while we’re on okay terms now we did fight a long time ago. It’s just kinda awkward…but”
“What is it?” I paused, readying myself to go on the offensive.
“He just seemed to like you, that’s all.” Collei answered, lowering my claymore with a gentle touch.
“Oh.” I mouthed, in surprise.
I wasn’t sure exactly what I had done to deserve Kaeya’s approval, but I decided I wouldn’t question it too much, not when I still had more people to socialize with.
As we made our way through the forest, we could see the city of Mondstadt off in the distance.
It was protected by a giant stone wall, but in preparation for the festival there were copper colored flowers and turquoise colored banners strung between the lamp posts.
“This is it!” Collei remarked, grinning ear to ear as she looked towards the city. “If you get overwhelmed, just let me know, and we’ll check into the inn”
“Thank you…but I’ll be alright for a bit longer” I insisted, following behind her as we made our way further into Mondstadt.
“COLLEI!!!” A voice high above us called. She was a brunette dressed mostly in red, along with a Knights of Favonius insignia on her torso. She greeted Collei warmly, pulling her in for a tight embrace.
“It’s so good to see you. I’m glad you could make it for this year’s festival” Amber grinned, before glancing back at me. “Who’s your friend here?”
“I’m happy to be here, Amber” Collei replied, “This is actually my boyfriend Frem—-”
“BOYFRIEND!!” Amber squealed excitedly “I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!”
Amber was in a puddle of tears, now squeezing both of us within her embrace.
“T-thank you Amber” Collei answered, forcing her smile more than she was previously. “Freminet isn’t much for socializing, so please go easy on him”
“I-I’m fine” I croaked, but I could already feel eyes lingering on us and it was starting to get to me. The urge to retreat into my helmet was beginning to overwhelm me.
“I apologize for her outburst. She’s just excited to have you with us” A tall blue haired woman spoke, prying Amber off of us.
“R-right sorry where are my manners” Amber chuckled nervously, “My name is Amber, Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. This is my partner Eula.”
“Greetings” Eula drawled, in a tone similar to that of Father’s.
“It’s nice to meet you” I said, forcing the words out of my throat. I mustered up a smile, trying my best to seem genuine despite how exhausted I was.
“Nice to meet you too!” Amber beamed, “We hope you two enjoy the festivities! Are you two hungry? Do you want us to treat you to a honey pot roast?”
“We appreciate the offer, but I think now we need to check into the inn” Collei interjected politely, taking my arm in hers.
“We understand,” Eula replied “Some other time then.”
“Of course!” Collei replied, as we walked off in the direction of the inn. Considering that Goth was reserved only for Fatui members, Collei and I both agreed we didn’t want to stay there for the Windblume festival.
After Father granted us permission to choose our own place to stay, General Cyno got in touch with his mentor Lisa, who was supposed to give us the keys to our room for the night.
The inn was quaint, covered in moss and ivy. I could tell the roof was made of brick much like the other buildings within the city, but by that point I was already wearing my helmet, unequipped to handle much more socializing without it.
“We’re almost there, I promise” Collei reassured me, gently squeezing my hand as we approached a tall brunette with a purple witch hat who I assumed to be Lisa.
“There you cuties are~ I was getting worried” She exclaimed in a doting tone.
“It’s good to see you too, Miss Lisa” Collei strained, though I could tell she was also reaching her social limit.
“You dears must be exhausted, why don’t you come in?” She offered with a gentle smile.
The two of us entered the inn, and as Lisa closed the door behind us, she dropped a key into Collei’s palm.
“Would the two of you like any tea?” Lisa offered, gesturing to a pot sitting at the center of the table
“Maybe later, but thanks for the offer” Collei declined politely. I expected this strange woman to snap at her, but she didn’t, simply yawned, and set the pot aside.
“Very well, make yourselves at home.” She sighed, before heading out the door. “Goodnight you two~”
Collei echoed Lisa before taking my hand and unlocking a cozy room with plenty of blankets to retreat to.
“Are you alright?” She asked gently, holding her palms up against the glass of my helmet.
With my remaining energy, I mustered up a small nod, before taking her hand and allowing it to deactivate the mechanism.
“Are you okay?” I repeated, leaning into her warmth as she combed my bangs from my face.
“Just tired, but I am happy I got to see some of my old friends again” She admitted, moving to sit on the thick comforter. I followed, removing my boots and hanging my overcoat up on the oak wood chair beside a matching desk.
“I am happy to see more of this place, but…”
I felt ashamed to say it but I could feel it caught in my throat, I held my knees closer to my face, avoiding her gaze.
“But you miss your siblings?” Collei answered, and I nodded.
“How about we write letters home together tomorrow?” Collei proposed, “You can write to The Hearth and I can write to Cyno and Tighnari to let them know we’re okay?”
I smiled, making space for her to climb into bed beside me.
“I like that idea.”
Collei smiled and rested her forehead against my chest.
My face flushed at the sudden contact, my heart racing faster than clockwork.
After several minutes of being frozen, my limbs decided to break free, settling against Collei’s waist, leaning into her touch.
I could hear her murmur in her sleep. The excitement of the day seemed to weigh heavily on her.
Her exhaustion clicked the defensive gears of my brain into overdrive, my small frame instinctively trying its best to shield her from harm.
The guilt of my social anxiety was gnawing away at me, but Collei knew me as well as my siblings did. She’s always been patient and supportive, going beyond her own limits to make sure I am comfortable during our trip.
Even so, she shouldn’t have to bear the load of all our social interactions, I thought to myself, chewing the skin on my lower lip. If I want this festival to go well for her, I need to push myself too…it's what she deserves.