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The weather was quite pleasant in the harbour. Freminet has to admit that. The streets are decorated and lit up beautifully, despite the time of day being only about 3pm. The sun is completely up, shining down on them, and the area is bustling with crowds of people. Locals and tourists alike, dressed in formal clothing.
Lyney and Lynette, while paying some attention to him, are quite enamoured by the stands that are scattered about. So Freminet has been left mostly to fend for himself in the crowd.
The very loud.
Stuffy.
And overwhelming crowd.
He’s making some effort to keep up with his siblings, but due to his slight weariness of people, and trouble with general socialization (especially in a foreign environment that is a whole different nation and just the language barrier itself) is. Quite troubling.
They’ve been in the harbour for the better part of about 4 hours. They did eat before coming here, but they’ve been walking almost non stop since arriving to Liyue, hardly staying in their rooms long enough for Freminet to feel adjusted to the change of scenery. And then the dinner he was dragged to with the traveler, who happened to be their chef for the evening, for some odd reason.
So, here he was, sitting on the curb with Pers, while Lyney was gushing over paper fans in perfect liyuan (much to the delight of the vendor, who was an older woman, and was clearly enamoured by his brother's well spokenness despite being a foreigner) all while Lynette was buying her 5th batch of street food. A small batch of Qingxin flower cakes.
There were 3, so, after sauntering back to Freminet's side, she wordlessly offered him one hoarding the other two for herself. He took it, begrudgingly, taking a small bite. It tasted pleasant. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Lyney approaching, holding onto the newly attained items in his hands.
“I believe I’m almost done for the day, I do however want to go a little further to see if there's any other shops that may be interesting.” Said Lyney upon his arrival, holding 2 paper fans, (and a charm that seemed to be a gift from the seller) before stashing it away in the bag he brought with him to carry his purchases. Nobody can resist the dear magicians flowery words it seems. “I spotted a perfume vendor on our way here, but we have yet to make it over there.”
Freminet sighed quietly. “Would this take a long time? I’m getting a little bit tired from walking a lot today.” He asked, voice meek, holding Pers closer to himself. He didn’t want his brother to think he wasn't enjoying himself. The day was alright, he was just getting quite overwhelmed.
“I don’t think it’ll take very long, maybe twenty minutes. Should that be good for the both of you?” Lyney asked, seeming unaware of Freminet’s thoughts.
After Lynette replied with a non-committal noise, Freminet reluctantly agreed, slightly feeling pressured to, but he would never say that out loud. And so, the trio made their way over to wherever Lyney said the shop may be.
On their small walk over, two people bumped into Freminet, and while he knew it wasn't on purpose, he felt closer to crying with every second passing. Lynette gave him a look of sympathy and put a hand on his shoulder in hopes of lessening his emotional turmoil. Normally touch would be unwelcome in this situation, but it did ease him here. Maybe the loneliness he's been feeling today was settling from the act of affection.
As they walked deeper into the harbour, they were approaching a bridge, which had a view of the open sea, and the port further down town.
After crossing the bridge from the far end of the harbour, commotion could be heard. Drums and other instruments were playing, the cries of children could be heard, and even the awes of their parents. Various versions of “It’s the dancer!” and “The Wushou dancer” could be heard by onlookers.
Following the source of the noise, Lyney started walking toward the clearing in the middle of the street, like a magnet, leaving his siblings with no other option but to follow suit.
Obviously his brother was immediately intrigued, any flashy tricks and entertainment was of great interest to him. The quest to the perfume shop beforehand, already forgotten, as he took the hand of Lynette and Freminet, and worked his way through the masses to the front of the crowd, to get a better look at the performance. Freminet felt like crying again.
Once the siblings reached the front of the crowd, the sound of drums became louder, the instruments sharper, and the cheering more deafening. All contributing to the headache that has been steadily forming inside the head of Freminet. He wasn’t really invested in what was happening, mostly just trying his darndest to ignore the pressure steadily building in his skull.
However, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a flash of color. Casting his eyes forward, he saw a figure, clad in loose pants, holding the head of.. maybe a dog? Which was imbued in some kind of lighting, shifting between yellows, reds, oranges and blues, almost like a flame. He was the one performing it seems.
Freminet thought it was really pretty, however his discomfort outweighed his awe. He felt like he was at his limit, clinging to Pers more, he just wished they could go home to Fontaine already, he had enough of this trip. Despite it being their first day here.
He hadn’t realized he had made his displeasure noticeable on his face, as a second later, the mask-clad dancer turned to him, and after a moment's hesitation made his way over to where he stood.
Freminet immediately felt his stomach drop, just great, another social situation he would have to navigate, after everything today. God he was so tired, why couldn't they have left 10 minutes ago-
Was what he was thinking before meeting the eyes of the dancer through the mouth of the mask.
A young boy, with the most beautiful amber and gold eyes, striking features, brown and vermillion red hair and oh my god, the most brilliant smile. The front of his teeth were slightly crooked, canines sticking forward, like fangs.
…
Freminet could feel himself grow red from merely gazing at him.
This entire interaction didn't last longer than mere seconds, and the dancer clearly had a goal in approaching him.
He felt that Lynette was looking at him with a look that was happy, but also concealed with the questions she would pose him once they were out of the ruckus. Lyney was probably making excited noises next to him, but it was getting lost in the rest of the crowd's uproar after the dancers’ approach to his person.
Before he could do much more than widen his eyes, he felt a hand on one of his wrists, where he was holding Pers, and he was being dragged forward. He, in a flash, handed Pers to Lynette, trusting her to keep him safe and.
Oh my god.
He is being dragged onto the stage.
With everyone.
Including traitorous siblings..
To see.
Yet. Freminet couldn't find it in himself to particularly care, as he held the eyes of the stranger that practically turned his day upside down.
The dancer only had one hand free, as the other had to hold the head of his costume up. -Which, now that Freminet could get a closer look at it, was brilliantly crafted, and his earlier guess was right, it was infused with pyro to glow. How nicely engineered, seemed the stranger was also someone handy- And he was gesturing with said free hand…? Directing him to do something? He then caught on that he was being persuaded into dancing. Although really flustered from the attention on him, started mimicking the moves of the dancer.
It was a pretty simple sequence of moves. Freminet felt himself growing more confidently following the lead set by the dancer, and there was a small smile growing on his face with every glance he exchanged with the boy beneath the mask.
Occasionally, the dancer reached out for his hand and twirled the two of them in a different motion to what they've been doing, and Freminet prayed to Foçalors above that his face wasn't too red.
He was queued into the music shifting, reaching its crescendo when he felt himself properly smile for the first time in what felt like hours, posture shifting as he was confidently following along with the moves of the dance finally.
From the crowd, he could hear, surprisingly, both of his siblings rooting and cheering for him. Lynette was usually more reserved, and didn't speak unless necessary, preferring to make her needs known through curt explanations or noises. She was a lot like their Father. So, seeing her so excited that he was doing something brave, made him smile with all his teeth, before he turned his gaze back to the dancer.
And maybe he was making it up, or it could’ve been cuz of the exertion from their activity, but he swore the boys’ cheeks were redder from when he looked away from him.
The music started slowing, reaching its end. Their movements also started to be slower, more circling one another with shared smiles as their chests rose and fell. And as the last of the drums played, ending in a bow.
As the dance simmered out, the noise from the crowd tripled in uproar from the wild turn of events. Freminet felt himself flinch as the noise hit him, shrinking slightly in on himself. But he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to meet those wonderful eyes again.
“Hi.” the boy said, voice barely audible over the cheering.
“Hello,” Freminet replied.
Before they could exchange any further words, the crowd caught up and they were circled by enthusiastic fans. However, the brunette seems to have done this before, as he quickly grabbed onto Freminet’s wrist, before intertwining their fingers, and just. Booked it. as fast as he could while still holding his hand -oh my god they were holding hands!!!- and the pair ran off.
Realistically,
Freminet should've been considering the fact he just ran off with a stranger.
Away from his siblings who were kind of. Tasked with making sure of his wellbeing.
But frankly he couldn't care less at the moment. He's been having a miserable time, and this was the most fun he's had all day. And he was basically an adult. He was only getting babysat in word, rather than functionality.
Him and the dancer were running for maybe another 2 minutes, dodging and weaving around people while giggling, before they reached an empty part of the port, with only about a handful of people. It was only then that their hands separated, as Freminet was hunched over, hands supporting his upper body as he panted, and as the dancer placed his mask down, equally out of it. Oh my god he left Pers behind!!! But before he could dwell on that much longer, his run-away spoke.
“So,” he started, "you're not a bad dancer..” turning his head to him, with an earnest expression.
Freminet’s eyes widened slightly. “I, um I’m not the best, but I have learned some dance, my father believed it was important.” He replied, trying not to come off too bashful, his liyuan wasn't perfect, but he could hold a conversation pretty easily.
The stranger replied with a small chuckle before speaking “It paid off it seems. I’m Gaming, and this-“ he paused before a flying red? something?? flew out from seemingly nowhere. “is my suanni, Man Chai. He helps me with my performances." Gaming said with a small smile playing on his face, as Man Chai crowded him.
Freminet immediately connected the dots. “Is that how your mask glows? I thought it was pyro infusion. That is a really cool way to use your companions' abilities!” He said, almost slurring his words, as he almost gushed about Gaming's creation.
“Actually no! That part, I use my vision for.” He said as he picked the mask back up to demonstrate. “It took a lot of trial and error to make an armature that was light enough to hold and wouldn't melt under extensive heat being applied to it.” He continued, demonstrating as the frame lit up once more, casting the side of his face in an amber glow.
“Though, I do have to build one every couple months. No metal is immune to wear and tear.” Gaming finished, as he placed his mask back down, and made himself comfortable, leaning against it. Moments later, the little flame lion flew and sat on his lap, clearly needy for attention.
“Since I've told you this much, could I learn your name in return?” His phrasing was pretty forward, but Freminet could sense the slight hesitation in his demeanor, as he ran his fingers down the body of the suanni in a repeated motion.
“Yes! Of course! Sorry, I got slightly distracted asking about your costume..” He started slightly embarrassed, reaching up to fiddle with his hair. “You can call me Freminet.” He said fidgeting with his hand, as if his name would somehow come off as insufficient.
“Freminet, that’s a pretty sick name.” The blonde felt himself go slightly red. “Although, it sounds foreign, and you do have a bit of an accent.” Gaming mused, " You're here for the festival, aren't you?” he concluded, head tilting playfully.
“I am, actually. The people I was with are my siblings.” he said, taking a couple steps forward to be closer to his conversation partner, and almost on cue, Gaming motioned for him to join him. Seems the mask can hold up both of them. Freminet had to hold himself back from praising it more. “Which, speaking of.. they're probably freaking out right now, looking for me” He said with a small wince. It wasn't his intention to worry them, he just got a bit.. carried away.. in that golden gaze.
Gaming turned his head intently at him, speak of the devil. Before speaking once again “We can go look for them if you want, I know the harbour, like the back of my hand.” He said, straightening up, and sticking a thumb into his chest with a silly display of pride.
God this boy was truly wonderful. “Thank you, but I'm kind of glad to have a breather. The crowd has been really getting to me.” He said as he deflated a little.
“That’s alright, we can stay a bit longer.” The brunette said and he smiled. It was unfair how beautiful his smile was. “Are you hungry? I have some leftover dim-sum” which he took out of the pouch on his body.
“I am a little hungry..” Freminet said, accepted the dish that was handed to him, along with the chopsticks, ignoring the fact Gaming had likely used them, because he was handling this situation perfectly fine.
Gaming kept chattering in his ear, as he lifted part of the food to his mouth, and chewed. And chewed some more.
And then his mouth started burning harder than he's ever felt. He let out a little cough, lifting his hand to his mouth so he didn't spit anything out on accident and make a fool of himself, as he felt his face grow red from the heat. The dancer, catching onto his predicament, lovingly started doubling over in laughter, scaring Man Chai, who fell asleep as they were talking, to retreat back into the tassel that kept him safe.
While laughs wracked his body, and coughs for Freminet’s case.. Gaming reached out to grab the food from Freminet, and handed him his water holder, which he took hastily, taking large gulps of water. “I’m sorry, I should've warned you that I eat my food spicy.. It's just something I'm used to, because everyone here is used to the spice.” he said, still chuckling lightly at Freminet, not mocking, just amused.
As Freminet drank half of the dancer's water, hasty footsteps began to approach, causing both of them to turn toward the noise, as they saw a pair of blondes approaching. Right, Lyney and Lynette.
“Freminet!!” Lyney called out looking like he aged 5 years in the last twenty minutes. “Are you okay we looked everywhere for you??” He asked, grabbing and hugging Freminet, who was still recovering from the spice he endured moments ago. Lynette caught up to the group, still holding Pers, and once Lyney stopped hugging him, handed him back to Freminet. She knew how dear Pers was to him, and how he didn’t like being away from him for long.
He hadn’t even noticed, but the sun had started dipping below the horizon while he and Gaming were intently engaged in conversation. And all those lights were finally of functionality..
“Yeah im alright, Gaming took me to an area where there weren't that many people.” he said to his brother.
And that. Was a critical mistake.
Both of his siblings got this curious, cat-like look on their face. Which screamed that they were up to no good.
“Gaming huh?” Lynette said, turning to the brunette who sat, curiously watching this interaction unfold, unable to understand everything, but the mention of his name had him visibly stiffen.
“Hello! You must be the famous Gaming!” Lyney said, switching to perfect Liyuen, is there anything his brother couldn't do…
“That is me indeed. Sorry about whisking your brother away,” Freminet choked in his mind “I wanted to make sure the crowd didn't topple him. It has happened to me a handful of times.” Gaming stated, hand reflexively going to scratch at his neck as he felt the slightly oppressive weight of twin cat eyes.
“Why thank you for your.. attentive behavior. Freminet isn’t good with crowds.” Lyney said a slightly fake smile overtaking his features. So now that mattered..
And then, surprisingly, Lynette piped up “It was nice to see brother enjoying himself, thank you sir Gaming.” She said, expression flat, followed by a small bow. But Freminet saw the glint in her eye that spoke louder than her words. She was happy that he found someone to talk to.
“Ah it was nothing!” The brunette said gesturing with his hands. He was getting more tense the second. “And Gaming is just fine..”
Lyney looked like he was gonna say something else, but Freminet cut him off before he could mess up his chances any more. “I’m really exhausted, and hungry. Could we go back to the inn now?” He said, expression pleading with both of his siblings that he didn't want this glorified interrogation to continue right now..
Lyney held his gaze for a moment. Gaze curious but stern. Before speaking again. “Of course dearest brother, we have been here longer than intended.” Those words held some remorse, but he didn't apologize outright. Turning back to the dancer he continued. “Well, Gaming, it was wonderful meeting you, we shall be on our way now.”
He finished, with a playful bow, the performance never ceases. And Lynette nodded in agreement, although forgoing the bow.
She then grabbed Lyney's arm and not so gracefully dragged him away by it, much to the brothers’ displeasure and protests. She was so thankful for her ability to read his wishes and act on them.
Blowing out the breath he's been holding, he shyly turned back to Gaming. “I'm really sorry about them.. they're very protective of me.” He tightened his hold on Pers. He always grounded him in situations like this, he felt happy to be holding him again.
“It's no biggie,”Gaming replied, body language a lot more at ease than before. “If you want, we can meet again tomorrow, or whenever you're free to, while you're here.” There is that hopeful expression on his face again. Maybe his meddling siblings didn't mess anything up..
“I would love to!” He bit out faster than he should've, leaning a little into Gaming's space, who was equally as shocked as himself at the display, but the corners of his mouth were upticked in amusement. “… What I meant to say was.. it would be nice to see you again..” He concluded, while leaning back to a more normal, safe distance.
As they were gazing at each other, he remembered something. “Wait, actually, tomorrow doesn't work for me.” He explained. “Me and my siblings have plans to visit the Luhua pool, and some of the Cuijue slope. And knowing my brother.. It'll take all day..” Freminer sighed, already mentally preparing himself for more walking.
“Well then we can meet the day after.” Gaming said, pushing off of the mask, and turning around, hands coming to rest on his hip. “Where are you staying? we can arrange where and when to meet, and then there's no way we can miss one another!” Finishing his statement with a smile.
“We’re staying at Wangshu inn, a carriage we rented took us to the harbour.” Freminet stated. “And that's a good plan, we could meet early and have the whole day for ourselves.” The blonde said, eyes taking on a shine, as he smiled at his newly acquainted friend.
“I just had a better idea, I can come to your inn! I think I have some packages to deliver there, so it would be on the way! I could arrive at about 10 in the morning.” The dancer said with a hand on his chin as he thought up the plan. before turning fully to Freminet.
“Then it's settled.”
“Two days from now, at wangshu inn.”
They bid each other farewell, only a wave of acknowledgement. But Freminet was buzzing the whole way home, even though he knew… his peace would last only so long in the company of his dear siblings..
He was thankfully spared in the carriage ride itself, as he fell asleep. However after arriving and making it back to the room, the questions started.
“So.. My dear brother,” Lyney started, tone reeking of suspicion. “Gaming was really nice.. Wasn’t he!” He finished, smiling at Freminet.. A smile carrying slight murderous intent.
“It's not like that Lyney, he just wanted us to get out of the crowd safely..” Freminet replied. He wasn't about to get lectured over a boy he wasn't even supposed to meet.
“That may be true, but you were very quick to run away with him.” Lyney scolded him, almost disappointedly.
Freminet didn’t have a response to that, he felt slightly ashamed of himself.
“Sorry.” He said, turning his gaze to his lap, fists clutching his clothes lightly.
“That’s enough Lyney.” He hears Lynette tell off his brother, however his gaze remains on his lap. He feels Lynette sit beside him. “You’re making him feel bad about making a friend.”
Lyney squawks “That’s not what I was doing!!” He defends, with a tone of urgency in his voice.
Freminet can almost hear the glare Lynette is giving their brother “Need i remind you that you wanted to see Sir Gaming's performance, after promising Freminet we would leave soon?” She challenges, and puts a hand comfortingly around Freminet's shoulder.
At this, Freminet finally looks up, peering at his sister's side profile, whose ears are slightly pinned as she gives Lyney a flat look. “You should apologize to Freminet for antagonizing him, and he can apologize for running off without warning.” Their sister concludes.
He hears a sigh of defeat as he turns toward the sound. “I’m sorry Freminet, I didn't mean for my words to come off harsh.” Lyney comes to sit on their other side, eyes trained on Freminet’s as he stares back.
“I’m sorry I ran off without warning, even if it wasn't intentional.” The blonde says, peering at both of his siblings.
Lynette nods, satisfied. “Brother?” She says, “Could you go down and see if the restaurant is still open?” After finishing, Freminet understands she is trying to give him a bit of space.
“Of course, I’ll see if they'll let me bring the food here.” Lyney says with a curt nod, before shuffling out of the room shortly.
“So,” Her catlike eyes jump to him. “Tell me about this Gaming boy of yours.”
-
Lyney stands in the elevator, carrying two trays with various food items. Once it reaches their floor, he steps out. Making his way to their room. As he makes it to the door, he reaches out to the sliding door, but pauses as he overhears his siblings talking.
“...Mask with pyro!! And he …kes his own equipment! He also ..ffered me his food which w..” A lot of Freminet's words were muffled, but he could make out most of it. A smile stretched on his face. Despite his apprehension, he was happy his brother made a friend.
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