Chapter Text
Once the ball was over, Arlecchino bid goodbye to Athy, Columbina, Jennette, and Ijekiel. Leaving with Lucas for the Ruby Palace. Athy stayed back to talk more, and Arle had no reason to pull her away.
She did, however, ensure Ijekiel knew he was being watched with a cold stare.
Then she followed Lucas, steps light after ensuring her hidden threat which only Ijekiel and Columbina recognized.
The moon was high above the middle of the night. White and pure, illuminating the courtyard and the hallway they walked through.
"So?" Lucas grinned while walking beside her, glancing to his right where she stared ahead.
Clervie held the cats and penguin in her arms, they laid comfortably, warming each other and getting ready to sleep. She walked behind them in silence.
"Did you have fun?"
Arlecchino nodded softly. Eyes stuck on the path ahead. "Thank you."
Lucas huffed and waved it off with a prideful smirk. "Don't mention it. I just did what a dad has to do."
She hummed and suddenly stopped. Lucas halted as well and turned to face her. His small smile seemed to say he already knew what was going inside her head.
Arlecchino didn't speak, just staring at him in waiting. Lucas talked to Clervie, eyes still on Arle's own.
"Take the kids to bed. Arle and I have one last stop."
Clervie nodded and walked closer. The cats meowed and stretched their paws over to Arle. Their penguin brother flapped his fins with tears in his eyes. All of them meant the same sentence. ‘Don't leave us…’
Arle softly stroked each of their heads until Clervie left with them. She could see them looking over Clervie's shoulders, gazing at her softly, and sadly…
“Those three seem to know we're leaving for a bit.”
Arlecchino just reached inside her suit and pulled out the bloody, tear necklace he gifted her. Remembering his words, before her determination shined through.
"An hour at best." She clenched it and nodded at him. "That's enough."
"Then I'll start." Lucas walked to stand closer. He smiled while reaching for the necklace. "Want me to come with you?"
Arlecchino thought about it while his fingers held the gem as well. "... Yes."
Her answer made him hum, his smile soft and contagious. "Are you nervous?"
Arlecchino watched him lift the necklace past her head and take it. Was she? She wants to see them, more than anything...
But with her current body, will they even believe her?
What if she can't find them during the hour? If they left the orphanage? What will she do then...?
In the end, she felt a mix of many emotions. "Anxious seems to be more fitting."
Lucas poked her forehead, making her blink and look up at him. He seemed more serious, his words oddly comforting. "You raised them. What child won't recognize their beloved caretaker?"
Arlecchino hummed and nodded. "You are right. It is unbefitting of me to be like this."
She grabbed his hand which held the jewel, and clenched it. "I am ready. Stay beside me and keep track of my time."
Lucas grinned with glee and nodded nonchalantly. "Yes, boss!"
Their joined hands closed around the gem, and it shattered beneath their strength. A red light engulfed them, growing brighter and brighter... Until it vanished. Taking father and daughter with it.
Arlecchino felt two arms wrap around her. One held her shoulders, the other her head. A golden light grazed her closed eyes before she was pulled into a stern chest. The cologne Lucas wore for the ball made her nose itch.
They turned mid-air before Lucas moved his arm to hold Arlecchino's knees and lifted her. Arle's chin landed on his shoulder.
She finally opened her eyes, seeing the vast, turquoise ocean and mountains with a sharp end. She turned her head, catching the city in the middle of the water.
"So." Lucas smiled, his hair morphed into a short, ear cut so it wouldn't obscure Arlecchino's vision of this world.
"This is Teyvat?"
Arlecchino smelled the salty air and inhaled deeply. "Yes..."
This is her first home...
Lucas held her while floating down onto the Fontaine slides filled with water. He landed and placed her down. "Still remember the way?"
Arlecchino answered by taking a step forward. Her foot touched the air before she fell. Lucas calmly went after her. Landing beside her onto the white street. Some pedestrians glanced their way, their colorful dresses expensive and detailed. The women hid their mouths behind a fan while men frowned at Arlecchino.
Lucas didn't even have to strain his hearing to hear their whispering. "That child..."
"That man is handsome, is he a foreigner?"
"I've never seen red eyes before..."
"Why are her eyes like that...?"
Arlecchino walked quickly, her gaze forward on the staircase. Lucas stayed behind but kept his eyes on her. She skipped stairs and practically ran to the door with an elegant sign. 'Hotel Bouffes d'ete.'
She looked down at the door handle, and reached for it. Her young adult, black hand morphed with the larger one she used to have as a full adult.
When she pushes the door open, she should see Lyney talking with the smaller children, smiling and teaching them tricks just to see them laugh.
Lynette should be on the nearby table, holding her cup of tea and blowing the beverage so it grows cold. Peaceful, watching Lyney with her usual gaze.
Freminet... He's not usually here. But if he were then, it would be with Lynette on the table. Tinkering with a small machine, reading a book, or sharing tea with her.
If she opens it now, after who knows how long and when she's this… Different...
Arlecchino gripped the handle, standing still as Lucas finally arrived. His shadow fell over her. He reached out, grabbing the handle and her hand around it.
"Standing like this won't answer anything."
Correct, standing here, so unsure... Isn't like her at all.
Arle wasted no time in pushing the door open and stepping inside. The previous chatter instantly died, several heads of children and teenagers turned to the door. The little ones hid behind the older kids and peeked their heads out to see her.
She, couldn't recognize any of these children... Arlecchino looked around, hoping to spot cat ears, a magician hat or a beret above pale gold hair but...
Nothing. None of her children were here...
Lucas smiled sweetly and placed his hand on Arle's head. "Excuse us. We are looking for Lyney?"
The smaller kids looked at each other before the oldest, a boy most likely sixteen spoke up. "Father isn't here right now. But we'll take your message to him."
So, Lyney took over as she wished...
"Then Lynette?" Arle's steady voice filled the room. The kids hesitated, hearing the same tone their father often used...
"She... Is trying to find uncle..."
Arlecchino frowned, her voice finally unsteady. "Who is this uncle?"
The kids hesitated, but an older kid still answered. "Uncle Freminet, he vanished a couple weeks ago..."
Freminet... Arle felt her eyes grow cold, her hands clenched together as her worst thoughts came true. Freminet left the House... So he must've fought with Lyney...
Lucas smiled and gently grabbed her shoulders, making her turn around. "We appreciate it. Don't worry about the message."
The kids just nodded and watched them leave. Lucas closed the door behind them and glanced at Arle. "Looking for them in an hour will be near impossible."
Arlecchino stayed quiet, eyes down while her head filled with several places Freminet could've gone. But if Lynette hasn't found him then... Did he leave Fontaine?
Lucas raised his hand and closed his eyes. "Hmm. I have good news, Arle."
She blinked, lifted her head and turned to see him. Lucas smiled and drew a circle in the air with his index finger. From it came red lines that drew the entirety of Fontaine.
Arlecchino walked closer, reaching out for his sleeve and tugging it when she held it. "Explain."
Lucas scoffed with a smile and gestured to the three dots far away from each other. "You understand them well. When your magic made their forms back home, it helped me grow familiar with them."
Arlecchino blinked and looked at the map. "So, you can locate them?"
He hummed and nodded, his hand moved and patted her head. "Not exactly, I just narrowed down their most likely locations. Of course, this will only work if they're still the same kids you raised."
Arlecchino lifted her head to relish in his cold touch a bit better. "Thank you. Let's not waste any more time."
Lucas watched her actions and smiled sweetly before kneeling. He easily scooped her in his arms and helped her settle in his shoulder. His magic is the only reason he was even able to do so. "Acting cute will make me work harder."
Arle hummed while leaning on his head. "Go on."
Her clear dismissal made him chuckle before he nodded. "Who first?"
Arlecchino only thought about it for a minute. She looked at his crimson eyes and announced. "Freminet. He'll be more honest on what has happened since my demise."
"Penguin it is." The red map moved down and showed the way to a large cave underwater.
"......." Lucas frowned and groaned softly. "What? Is this a secret hideout?"
Arlecchino moved to look at him. "I am unsure. Your map is the one pointing at it."
Lucas sighed and turned around, finding a small alley between two houses. "I figured Freminet wouldn't be able to leave Fontaine and just isolate himself somewhere he can still see his siblings... But where they couldn't see him watching."
Arle hummed and blinked. The white wall before her changed abruptly to a moss and grass covered stone wall. It was bright, illuminated naturally by the sun shining down from a large cut in the ceiling. The water didn't rush in, maybe due to one of the many water mechanisms in Fontaine...
Lucas hummed in approval at the cozy base. Catching the wooden workshop and many, robotic penguins scattered about the area in random piles.
Some seemed to be precisely posed so it looked like they were talking or playing. "You find him empathetic, responsible, but shy and emotional. No?"
Arlecchino lowered her gaze at his words.
"... Back then, I found his emotions... Sadness and tears as weakness. Doing it wouldn't solve anything. Not the reason for why he cried, nor would it bring him closer to a solution."
Lucas noticed the wet grass forming a trail leading forward. Freminet must've come from the ocean and walked this path...
He followed it, stepping on the grass beside the trace while listening to Arle. "He did everything to the best of his abilities, often doing missions perfectly. Whatever mistakes he made, it was due to the same actions."
Lucas raised a brow at the long path their trace was starting to evaporate in.
"Hesitating, hiding certain details from his reports that did not seem important in the moment, but proved essential later.... I may have been, too demanding or cold, at times..."
In many of her memories, she seemed to be more strict than warm. One in particular, starts when Freminet had just returned. She called him into her office, and looked at her papers while he bowed in greeting and stood straight once more. Just waiting for her words...
"Freminet." Arlecchino noticed his small flinch and how he lowered his head further once she turned to face him.
Back then, it showed he still considered her approval important. The control she still had over him.
Now, it showed her lack of understanding over what her duty truly was.
"While you did well. You were still sloppy while cleaning up."
He nodded and hurried to answer, rehearsed, empty, like he wasn't in the room with her. "I'll do better next time-"
"You said that last time." Her words made him freeze. Arlecchino leaned back on her chair and watched him speak. His tone finally held an emotion, shame.
"I'm sorry, 'father'... I wasn't in the right mindset and it affected my work-"
"Did you fight with Lyney again?"
He shut his lips tight, and that told Arlecchino she was right. She sighed softly, barely audible but Freminet still clenched his hands at her disappointment.
"It's good that you are looking out for him. However." She stood from the desk and slowly walked around it. Her heels clicking on the ground rather loudly while moving closer to Freminet.
"Lyney's burden mustn't become yours." Arlecchino stopped right in front of him. Staring down at him.
"He has his responsibilities, you have yours. Do not let it affect your work again."
"......." Freminet finally nodded and bowed softly. "Yes, 'father'...." The neutral tone was back, when Freminet left. Arlecchino caught the brief glimmer in his eyes, glossy with frustrated tears.
Arlecchino watched the door close, and stood in her spot for a long time. But she didn't move to follow him, she just went back to work like nothing happened.
-
"He cares a lot. He always saw what I did not." Arlecchino followed the trail Lucas walked beside with her eyes. "To be functional, silence was required. Freminet, wanted us to talk. For Lyney to share his burdens, for Lynette to stop making herself smaller, for me to finally communicate..."
Arle's eyes softened ever so slightly at the figure with pale, gold hair tinkering with something by a human made fire. His back towards them, slightly more muscular than before. The diving uniform clung to his skin from the water. Small water droplets dripping from his pale gold hair and over his shoulders.
"But I never realized its importance, until it was too late."
The young man paused, and went rigid with her voice. He slowly turned around, light blue eyes and pale lashes grew wide when he saw her.
His square bang still covered one side of his face, freckled nose just as adorable as she remembered even with his cheeks smaller now.
"......." His eyes glistened while staring at her eyes. "... Fa, ‘father’...?"
Arlecchino felt a smile stretch across while nodding. Lucas wordlessly placed her on the ground, and she gently walked forward.
Her dress shoes squished the grass beneath her. "Freminet."
He dropped the tools in his hands and went to hold his head. Eyes wide, panicked while watching her feet step forward. "You're not real... Did it start again...?"
Arlecchino paused, letting Freminet's eyes run over her smaller frame. "It's never been so detailed before... But 'father' wouldn't smile... Right?"
Lucas softly spoke up for her, frowning slightly. "You didn't tell me he was sick..."
Arle snapped her head to him. Expression neutral and cold like always. Even if her tone wasn't. "He is not... It's, just..."
"Loneliness Syndrome, is what they call it. No?"
Freminet finally turned to Lucas, he blinked slowly, and lowered his hands. "That's, new..."
He frowned and looked back at Arle. But talked to Lucas. "I know things can't go the way they were before, I've, managed to stay sane thanks to it..."
Freminet slowly stood up and pushed his hair back. His bangs left, letting him see better. "But sometimes, when I'm calm, 'father' comes by and... I'm tempted to just live in the fantasy."
He lowered his eyes, Arle and Lucas knew it was due to sadness and shame. "Where she's alive, where I didn't make such a stupid mistake... Where my sword didn't grace her..."
"It was not your fault." Freminet chuckled at her words, but it didn't have any humor, it was self deprecating.
"I understand, but it still feels that way..."
He glanced at her, the prince-like outfit, the same hair and eyes that haunt his nightmares and weak days...
"Who, are you? You can't be ‘father’..."
Even if she looks like her, 'father' didn't have any biological children... Maybe a lost sibling...?
Arlecchino saw him tilt his head, and caught the soft, curious glint in his eyes that she had grown used to seeing. Back in that younger boy, and the child he used to be.
"Correct." Lucas glanced at her while Arlecchino placed a hand on her heart and made a gentle bow. "I am Arle. While I may not be your 'father'."
She lifted her gaze. "I am sure she would want you and your siblings to stay together."
Freminet frowned and moved his gaze away. Grabbing the mechanic parts he dropped along with his tool. "... I know." He kept turning it around without working on it.
"But, I have no space in the House anymore. Lyney is..."
Lucas spoke up for him. "Being difficult?"
Freminet snapped his head to him and frowned. "You are?"
Lucas smiled and imitated the bow Arle made. "Lucas. Her father."
Arlecchino watched Freminet pause before he smiled, softly and genuinely. "I see. I'm glad..."
Even if this young lady wasn't 'father', seeing her safe with a guardian made him happy. Freminet found Lucas's gaze to be easier to meet than Arle's, and talked while looking at him.
"Lyney has, always been difficult to reach. But, it's grown worse ever since, that... I've given up." The screwdriver he held was finally jabbed in the section Freminet moved it to.
Lucas realized what he held. A golden heart made of spare, mechanical parts. Large enough to fit in Freminet's hands.
"For three years, I tried everything I could think of. Lessening his burden, trying to make him talk with me, with Nette but he... He wanted to shoulder everything on his own."
His gaze glistened slightly, Arle found herself silently moving towards him. "I think he, also blames himself and... Is trying to make things easier for Lynette..."
Their last fight, Freminet still remembered it.
How he chased after Lyney, fast walking across the hallways of their home. The House of Hearth was quiet, the children had grown to know what would come whenever their uncle came.
"Lyney you can't keep doing this." His brother's kept walking, long strides Freminet had to replicate just to stay near.
"This job is harming you. You don't have to rule like 'father' did, let us help-"
"Enough!" Lyney stopped just when Freminet froze. With a deep death, he exhaled so roughly Fremi heard the air be expelled out. Lyney's shoulders dropped, his Fatui coat large and heavy.
"Enough." Lyney waved his hand, his tone calmer than before, but Freminet could still sense the irritation he tried to hide.
"Fremi I know you mean well, but I am in charge now." He turned around, looking down at Freminet with empty, violet eyes. His eyes sharp, two teardrops drawn on his cheeks and far paler than Freminet had ever seen him.
"I decide how things are run. Who fights, and what missions we do. You."
Lyney crossed his arms, the white suit is the same color as 'father's', all the details of her suit, it was a perfect copy that still suited him.
"Are my cleaner. Your job isn't to tell me how to run things, when I should smile, or who I can depend on."
Lyney clenched his jaw and shut his eyes, swallowing his remaining words before turning. "You've always been in my business. Telling me what I should do, but never understanding why I can't just drop everything to someone else... Not even Lynette."
His voice turned softer with her name. "I don't wish this responsibility on anyone... I see why 'father' was always so cold with us..."
Freminet finally found his voice. "Lyney-"
"No. That's enough." He glanced back to see him, past his coat, eyes somber and exhausted. "If you're just going to make things harder for me, then... Leave."
Lyney turned before he could see Freminet's expression. Walking forward, into the office that now belonged to him. "Live your life the way you want. There's nothing holding you here."
Freminet saw his vision blur, his tone strained with the words he couldn't bring himself to say. "That's not true..."
Lyney shut the door and locked it. Ignoring his words, tone, or everything Freminet wanted to say, what they should talk about...
-
"You can't help those that don't want it." Freminet gently lifted the screwdriver and analyzed the heart in his hand.
"I keep repeating myself this... Maybe to, feel less guilty about leaving... It's been a couple weeks since, and I've been avoiding Lynette... I can't even talk with her, because I know she will drag Lyney to apologize... And that's not what I want, or what he needs..."
"Then." Freminet flinched and lifted his gaze, finding Arle now right in front of him, squatting on the ground with her head tilted. That eerily familiar gaze made him freeze.
When did she-
"Is that it?" Arlecchino knew they often fought over conversations, but for Lyney to push Freminet away... Must mean he's once again playing savior.
He hasn't changed much... Is that really a good thing?
"You gave up because of that?"
Freminet frowned and lowered his head again, fingers playing with the heart in his hands. "No, I... I just couldn't reach him... I never could, after 'father' died it just, felt like a wall was between us-"
"Then let's break that wall."
Arle reached out, her knees hit the grass and she grasped the heart along with Freminet's hands in her own. He looked at her, and that steady gaze seemed to hold the correct answer.
"I, and my, father. Lucas, will help you connect with Lyney once more."
Lucas held his heart with a happy, sweet smile at her call. "If that's what you wish for, I'll make sure it happens."
Freminet looked at their joined hands, and his breath hitched at the black skin holding his pale hands. The scalding warmth, was just like 'father's'... When she patted his head, even with the rain and her state... That warmth was oddly...
Comforting.
Freminet blinked, and several drops of water fell from his eyes. He gently held Arle's hands, catching her sudden stiffness while more tears fell at the silver rings she wore. In the exact fingers 'father' did, her nails were the same as well...
"Father’..." Freminet shut his eyes and pressed his forehead in her hands. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."
Arlecchino just stayed still, without confirming or correcting him on how she introduced herself. "Don't be. Apologize once your relationship with Lyney is beyond repair."
Freminet sniffed and nodded, gently lowering her hands and wiping his face with his arm. "... Alright."
When he looked at her, those eyes were finally determined. "First, I should meet with Lynette and... Ask her for help."
He smiled while realizing something. He also, didn't ask for help. Just giving Lyney assistance, without ever talking with Lynette.
Hoping she wouldn't be worried, stressed or anything like it.
She was the one that took 'father's' death the hardest....
Arle nodded and softly stood. “Lucas will take us, but first.” Her eyes turned to the mechanical heart in Freminet's hands. “What is that?”
Freminet followed her gaze and moved back, grabbing his oversized jacket while murmuring his answer.
“Just an invention I was hoping to give Lyney…”
Arlecchino hummed and didn't ask again. Walking to Lucas while Freminet slid his jacket on and took a small bag. Dropping the heart inside. He turned to Lucas and slowly walked over.
Lucas smiled as sweetly as he could, but it only seemed to make Freminet hesitate. He's that penguin back home, for sure…
“Rest assured.” He offered Freminet his hand. “I'm here to fulfill Arle's wishes. She wants to help you, so that's what I'll do.”
Freminet stared at him, before slowly taking his hand. In the blink of an eye, they were somewhere else. Freminet hurried to look around, eyes wide in shock and disbelief.
“This is….?”
“Magic.” Lucas felt a sharp tip grace his spine, and smirked while turning his head. Seeing the beautiful young woman with cat ears, purple eyes and a sharp glare.
Freminet swallowed his questions and hurried to her side. Holding her hand which clutched the sword handle.
“Lynette! They're with me.”
She glanced at him, and Lucas smiled while keeping Arle hidden in his chest. Thankful he was still taller. Surprisingly, Arle didn't fight back. She wasn't prepared to meet Lynette just yet. “So you're the other twin.”
Lynette turned back and didn't take her eyes off him, even with her words directed at Freminet. “He is?”
“He's…” Freminet paused and frowned, not really sure either… Thankfully, Lucas spoke up.
“Just a humble father, here helping his daughter.”
Before Lynette could ask, she watched a head peek at her from beside Lucas's arm. Lynette’s breath hitched, eyes wide while staring at the younger, chubbier face of her-
“Father’…?”
Her sword dropped, ears parting and laying flat on her head the longer she observed the young lady. Her hair, eyes, skin, outfit and the black hands holding Lucas's sleeve…
“It's not possible…”
Lynette took a step back, but Freminet held her shoulders. Frowning in worry when she grabbed his arm for support. “She's not ‘father’, it's alright.”
Arlecchino nodded and showed her the same bow she gave Freminet. “I am Arle. A… Descendant of the Knave… Her, niece.”
Lucas nodded along and turned to face the siblings. “I am her caretaker. We came to ensure her aunt's wishes are fulfilled.
“Wishes?” Lynette gathered herself, but her eyes grew somber whenever she looked at Arle. Ears still flat and tail curled.
Her magician uniform was gone, replaced by a simple, black, button shirt and a teal skirt. Black tights, hair tied in a high ponytail with that bow Arlecchino always saw her wear.
“What kind?”
She seemed so much more expressive now…
Lucas took over, letting Arlecchino observe Lynette in peace. “There's just two wishes she left with us. One, the safety and survival of her children in the House of Hearth. Second.”
He raised his hand, two fingers out to point at Lynette and Freminet beside her. “She wants you three to stay close. To help each other.”
Lynette noticed his odd wording. Like ‘father’ was still alive… She looked at the young lady watching her. Her gaze and eyes are a cruel reminder of that night, of their life before…
“Then, are you here to make me tell you where Lyney is?”
Arlecchino shook her head. “No. I want to help both of you speak with him.”
She walked forward and stood in front of them. “And talk with each other. I believe there's a lot Freminet must discuss with you.”
Lynette turned to him, his nod made her frown. “Then you really were hiding something from me… Did Lyney, explode on you again? Is that why you left?”
“... It, was one reason.” Freminet scratched his cheek. “But the other, was because I didn't want to worry you-”
Lynette suddenly grabbed his cheek and tugged it. Freminet frowned but stayed still. Her voice grew in tone, anger and exasperation clear. “Worry me? Worrying is all I've done since you left.”
He lowered his head, unable to answer with anything but a- “I'm sorry, Lynette…”
She let go, and walked to him. Opening her arms before wrapping them around his neck. He stiffened in her hug, but Lynette didn't let go. “I'm just glad you're safe…”
She softly hit his head with her fist. “Don't do that again. I can't bear the thought of losing one of you too…”
Freminet nodded, eyes building the tears he refused to let fall. When was the last time she held him like this?
Maybe, it was a month after ‘father's’ death…? Freminet couldn't remember much the day of her death. Only that Lyney pulled him to his feet and handed a passed out Lynette in his arms.
“Take her home.” Freminet hurried to support her properly, one hand in her upper back and the other beneath her knees. “What-”
He paused at Lyney’s dark expression. The rain that kept hitting them made his hair stick to his skin.
“-What about you…? ‘Father’...?”
“I'll take care of it.” Lyney was so calm, it felt cold and unsettling. “Just go back.”
He stumbled back and turned around. Just standing by their ‘father's’ body in silence.
Freminet swallowed his words of concern, and did as ordered. He ignored the children back home asking questions and went to the room he shares with Lyney and Lynette.
He paused once inside and looked down at Lynette in her arms. They were both drenched with rain…
He dried her as much as he could and made sure she was warm in her bed… That's all he could remember.
The rest was a blur…
When Lynette hid under her covers, the sobs from her bed that he and Lyney pretended not to hear. All he could recall, was the tight hug Lynette gave him when he returned from a mission. How Lyney joined in for what Freminet now figured, would've been their last group hug…
But Lynette she, remembered more. The empty days and nights where her midnight replayed that moment.
When ‘father’ fell back, blood erupted from her stomach and waist. The sword Freminet dropped right after she hit the ground.
That warmth hand she held onto so desperately, how it patted her head, the blood that stained her cheek and nose when she held ‘father's’ waist….
Everything, she remembered it so vividly and kept playing the scene over and over in her head…
Was there anything different they could've done that… Would have saved her…?
It was during this analysis, that she felt a hand reach out and grab her own. Squeezing it softly, while another hand stroked her head.
Lyney's soft voice whispered an even softer apology. “I'm sorry, Lynette…”
She blinked, but didn't move. Letting Lyney continue whispering above her ears.
“I'll do better, I'll make her proud… We can survive this… But.”
Lyney paused, before he moved down. Laying on her pillow behind her. He buried his face in her hair, the same strands she didn't bother brushing or washing since that day.
His arm held her tightly, gently moving her into a hug. Her ears picked up the soft sob he tried, but failed to contain. His hands trembled, voice breaking and rough.
“I can't make it without you… Please, don't leave me too…”
That plea, made her heart shatter in an instant. Her tears built up, and she turned around. Grabbing his head and holding it close to her chest. “I won't, I will never leave you, Lyney.”
He gripped onto the fabric of her shirt, shoulders shaking in place. After that day, Lyney never cried with her again. He made sure she was on her feet, and immediately took over the orphanage.
Just like ‘father’ taught him.
-
“Lyney is in the Opera Eclipse.” Lynette held Freminet's hand, making sure he couldn't escape while talking to Lucas. “His conversation with Monsieur Neuvillette should've ended by now.”
Freminet wiped his eyes for the second time today. “Are we, going to use that magic thing?”
Lucas smiled and offered his hand. Lynette followed it with her eyes, frowned and looked at him. “I need contact. You can also grab Arle's hand.”
Lynette turned to the young lady with ‘father's’ features, and gently reached out. Arlecchino hesitated for a second, before placing her hand over Lynette's.
The scalding warmth made her eyes teary. “You really, are just like ‘father’....”
Lucas watched Arle lower her head, but not before seeing those cold eyes that have never once glistened… Gain a somber light.
“... We should continue.” Arle's words left no room for debate, so Lucas hurried to send them off. To the only remaining red dot.
Lynette didn't blink, her vision just blurred and then they were inside the Opera. She looked around. Quickly spotting the man standing in place. The empty audience seats before him.
Arlecchino paused at the white, magician's hat. The sharp tailcoat with silver edges, ever so similar to her own.
Lynette pulled Freminet to walk closer. “Lyney.”
Arlecchino saw how her voice snapped him out of whatever state he was in. Lyney turned, hair meticulously combed inside the white hat. His cold, sharp eyes grew wide. Violet eyes gained life once his eyes settled on Arle.
“... ‘Father’…?” His choked tone and teary eyes finally, broke something in Arlecchino. She hummed softly, but stopped herself from verbally confirming.
“She's ‘father's’ niece, Lyney.” Freminet's soft words were loud in the silence. Lyney slowly nodded, smiling softly at his idiotic naivety.
“Right… Of course.” He walked over and knelt in front of Arle. He was so much taller now, maybe the height Arlecchino used to be. His platform boots gave him an extra inch, but kneeling was unnecessary.
Arle may be short, but her head still reached his chest.
This was Lyney's choice. A trick to appear less threatening for children.
He's grown, yet Arlecchino wasn't yet sure if it was a good change.
“What's your name then? I am Lyney.” He placed a gloved hand on his chest, black with a red gem right on the center. Smile charming and sweet, warmer than it was before.
Arle couldn't tell if his smile was real, or not…
“Father of the House of Hearth. At your service, for I and my siblings are indebted to your aunt.”
Before, Lyney had two distinct smiles. The one he showed those outside during work, and the one he only gave to Lynette and Freminet.
But this smile was… A mixture of both.
Lyney stood and looked at Lucas. Smile noticeably colder and calculative. “Monsieur is…?”
Hmm, he still has a soft spot for his family… Arlecchino was quite pleased with his growth now. But she couldn't get his chocked call out of her mind….
“I-” Lucas smiled and patted Arle's head. “-Am her father. Your, gramps.”
Lyney blinked, eyes slightly wide before he laughed it off. “I see! And why are you both here?”
Rejected politely. Lucas chuckled and wondered if he learned that from Arlecchino… “Why don't you ask them?”
Lucas gestured to Lynette and Freminet. Lyney’s smile didn't change, he just turned his head. “Lynette, I believe we were supposed to meet up soon.”
Freminet silently moved to hide behind his sister. “I believe you've kept something important from me.”
Lynette continued with her arms crossed. “Your fight with Fremi, and you've also been keeping me back home while doing missions.”
Lyney hummed and closed his eyes, still smiling softly. “What exactly am I keeping from you? The fight was between us.”
Freminet had gone back to clutching the gold, mechanical heart close to his chest.
“As for the missions…” Lyney tilted his head and smiled brighter. “It's just been more efficient that way. That's all.”
Lynette stared at him for a long moment. Lucas summoned some chairs and a round table. Sitting down with Arle while a floating tea kettle filled their cups.
The sound of liquid being poured made Lynette turn her head, ears perfectly still, the aroma of tea begging her to sit with them…
Still, she spoke to Lyney first. “Do you remember what happened after I got my Vision?”
Lyney's smile dimmed slightly. “Of course I do-”
“Then tell me. What did we both want the most?”
Lynette turned and walked over to an empty chair. Lucas huffed and waved his hand, making a tea cup manifest in front of her. Lynette held it, and the kettle filled it with tea.
Surprisingly, the tea was lukewarm. Perfectly to her liking.
Lyney finally answered while looking at her. “We wanted to do missions together. To stay, together.”
“But you're pushing me away.” Lynette sipped her tea. Lowering it and clicking it against its porcelain plate. “I know you better than anyone, Lyney.”
She looked at him, and gestured to the seats beside her. Lyney smiled softly and walked over. Arle's nod at Freminet made him hurry to the only remaining chair between Lyney and Lucas.
Their own sets of tea appeared and several baskets with different snacks. Lynette paused at the salty, sweet, and tea cookies that…
Each of them enjoyed… Lynette’s favorite cookies with icing, Lyney's buttery croissants, Freminet's penguin macarons ‘father’ always requested ahead of time…
And ‘father's’ small charcuterie board… Were all here.
Lynette watches Arle close her eyes and drink from her tea cup. Movements slow and graceful, like ‘father’....
She turned away before her eyes could sting. “.... Because I know you, I understand why you're doing this.”
Lyney also seemed to notice the specific snacks, but ignored it as well. “... Then you should comprehend that I'm not keeping anything from you.”
He turned to her, eyes soft while reaching for her hand on the table. “I just don't want you to worry over anything unnecessary.”
Lyney gripped her hand in reassurance, giving the most sincere smile he could manage. “When I need help, I'll tell you.”
Lynette almost believed him, if she hadn't seen Freminet's expression of doubt. “Like you told me the reason why Freminet just left?”
Lyney stared at her with an empty smile, even she had trouble understanding what he was thinking…
“I know you want to protect me. But keeping me in the dark does the opposite.”
Lynette slid her hand away from his grip. “If you don't let us, we can't support you.”
Freminet looked at his lap, clutching the heart while speaking. “Lyney, I think you want to shield us from the stress this job gives you.”
Lyney leaned back on his chair and grabbed his tea cup. Smile gone while swirling the red liquid. “None of you would be able to handle it. Just stay behind me-”
“I believe that my aunt would disagree.” Lyney paused and glanced at Arle.
“While she trained you the most, the House belongs to all of you.” Arle placed her cup down and folded her hands on the table.
“I believe she said so herself. To make the House of Hearth, the type of home you wanted.”
Lyney clenched the cup's handle so tightly it broke from its main body. The cup fell and shattered on the table. Its tea spilled everywhere.
Freminet flinched and hurried to pull the shards of porcelain away from Lyney. His hand was sliced by the handle pieces, crimson blood mixed with the spilled tea as Freminet hurried to clean up.
Lynette reached out, but Lyney grabbed Freminet's wrist first. He grabbed his bow tie and harshly pulled it forward. Unraveling the bow and using its cloth to cover Freminet's injury.
“Forgive me for asking but.” Lyney wrapped a bow around Fremi's hand and fastened it. He looked at Arle, ignoring Freminet's wide eyes and keeping his hand between Lyney's palms.
“Have you ever met your aunt? Our ‘father’? I know what she wanted better than anyone.”
Arlecchino shook her head. “You are confusing what she wanted, with what you believe to deserve.”
Lyney scoffed but Freminet's words made him frown.
“She's right, Lyney. It wasn't your fault, it was mine-”
“It was my idea.” Lyney clenched his eyes, like he could escape the memories by doing so. “To fight her and-”
“It was my sword.” Freminet used his other hand to hold Lyney’s own hand over his cut palm. “That killed her, she died because of me-”
Lyney pulled his hands free from Freminet's grasp and stood. He didn't look at Freminet's hurt frown and turned, stepping away.
“Stop with the blame game. It won't change anything-”
“Apply it to yourself then.” Arlecchino also stood. The sound of her chair moving back made them all instinctively freeze.
The heels sounded the same, the cold aura that came when they did something wrong…
The siblings all watched her slowly walk around the table, towards Lyney. Her hand patted Lynette's head, just one warm pat ‘father’ only did to reassure her Lyney wasn't in trouble….
When Freminet's body moved on his own, one glance from her made him settle back in his seat.
They stared at the smaller version of their deceased ‘father’, finding the shadow of their beloved parent.
“Lyney. It seems that you want their happiness above all.”
He stood still as she stopped in front of him. “But there's something crucial you are ignoring.”
Arlecchino glanced back at Lynette’s clenched jaw and the worry in Freminet's gaze.
“Do you think they will be happy, or calm if they know you're not either of these?”
Lyney didn't let his eyes stray from her.
“... What I do shouldn't…” He paused with a harsh frown.
“Shouldn't what?” Lynette hastily stood from her chair and moved to stand beside Arle. “Shouldn't be affecting you? Shouldn't affect us?”
She frowned and shook her head. “If you keep pushing us away, we will only keep trying. Until you give up, and let us help you.”
Freminet reached Arle's other side, and stretched his hand out to Lyney. The golden heart shined under the stage lights.
“We will break your walls if we have to. We won't let you destroy yourself.”
Lyney glanced at the heart, but didn't take it. “Destroy myself…? I don't need another savior, nor am I so irresponsible to neglect myself.”
Lynette scoffed and held her hip. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“.......”
Freminet softly spoke up. “Or slept…?”
Lyney sighed and crossed his arms. “But I secured more funds for the House and another job.”
Everyone, even Lucas stared at him in worried disbelief. It seems that Lyney won't budge.
“Thirty minutes.” Arlecchino turned to the arm Freminet still held to Lyney. “You might believe to be helping everyone, but everything ends once you die.”
She grabbed the heart from Freminet and threw it at Lyney. As expected, he caught it and looked at what was inside it.
“Your father didn't have anyone to depend on, apart from you three.”
The heart opened by itself, revealing a soft, watercolor painting of Arlecchino smiling gently while looking at a younger Lyney talking with Lynette in front of him.
All of them sat at the brown, wooden dining table in their home.
A dinner that was once the norm for all of them…
Lyney felt his eyes sting upon comparing this scene with his current reality. Now he sat at the head chair, rowdy children eating and talking together beside him. Lynette was often away on errands he gave her, so her ears wouldn't hurt with the loud chatter he was sure she hated.
Freminet….
Just like the painting, was no longer eating with them.
Arlecchino felt Lucas's hands stroke her head. Silently announcing his presence and her time limit. How could more than half an hour go by so fast…?
“Lyney. Your ‘father’ raised all of you, especially you three to fight, defend, and help each other for a reason.”
He moved to hold the heart with both hands. His head lowered to gaze at the small painting that was still missing someone crucial…
“So that none of you would ever feel alone.” Arlecchino watched a drop of water fall from Lyney's eye to the golden heart.
“... I just, thought that by taking charge of everything I could… Understand her…”
He placed the golden heart over his own heart, holding it tightly like a lost treasure.
“And pay for letting her die…”
Arlecchino stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. He stiffened once her chin landed below his shoulder. “You've paid enough.”
Lyney's hands moved on their own, holding her back while his vision blurred. “Now it's your turn to just live. If you need a punishment, why not spend the rest of your days with these two?”
His soft chuckle made Freminet's shoulders relax. Lyney looked at Arle and lifted his hand. Placing it on her head and stroking her hair. “I'm inclined to just do as you say. I wonder why…”
Arlecchino found Lyney's gloved hand soft for such rough fabric. “Does it matter why? The question is what you will do from now on.”
Lyney slowly blinked and turned to his siblings. “Hmm. I've missed Fremi's constant lectures, even if they were annoying before.”
Freminet noticeably perked up, making Lyney laugh while Lynette smiled. “As for Lynette… I think you missed too many dinners with everyone. All because of me, and I hate it.”
He never wanted to just do and do without thought, to run his mouth just enough so that when he turned around…
There was no one there looking at him.
“I missed you two.” Lyney grinned brightly, but his closed eyes dropped so many tears it stained his lashes. “So much…”
Arlecchino went to move away, but Lynette hugged her from behind to reach Lyney. She blinked up at the twins now slightly taller than her.
Lyney kept wiping his face, shoulders shaking even harsher when Lynette held them. “It's okay, Lyney.”
He laughed and nodded before dropping his forehead on her shoulder. Hugging his sister and Arle, leaving no chance for either to escape.
Freminet felt a cold hand push him forward and right beside Lyney. His brother reached out his arm, hand still holding the golden heart. He wrapped an arm around Freminet's shoulders and brought him closer.
Arlecchino merely blinked as Freminet’s beating heart was next to her ear. She saw the red blush on his freckled cheeks while Lyney nuzzled their foreheads together.
“I'm sorry, Freminet… You were right, you've always been.”
Freminet shook his head and held the arm Lynette also wrapped around his neck. “No, I couldn't do what was needed…”
“I think it's been done.” Lynette nuzzled her cheek against Lyney's like a cat, Lyney returned the gesture with tears in his eyes. “What we needed, has always just been us.”
Freminet shut his eyes when the twins nuzzled the side of their foreheads into his. “Don't push us away anymore.”
Lyney smiled and hummed softly. “I won't. I'll never do that again.”
Arlecchino stayed silent, watching them hold each other and keep her trapped between them. Still, she waved a hand at Lucas so he wouldn't move closer and inspected their faces.
Their maturity, the softness she knew, was replaced with wisdom.
They will be okay. She was sure of it now.
“... ‘Father’.” Lyney looked at her and smiled softly, fondly while she gazed up at him. “It's you, isn't it?”
Lynette leaned forward and moved slightly to the side, catching Arle's gaze with bright, expectant eyes.
“Your mannerisms and words, are just like her.”
Freminet nodded and tucked the hair in front of his eye behind his ear.
“Where have you been? Are you doing well?”
Lyney wiped his face one more time and gestured to the table. “Let's catch up. Can we?”
Arlecchino just turned around and walked to the table. Taking her seat beside Lucas and pointed to each chair. “Come on. Our time is limited.”
Lynette practically ran over and sat beside her. Gazing at her with stars in her eyes. Lyney chuckled and pulled Freminet to sit beside him.
“Can we start with monsieur?”
Lucas smirked and placed his cup down. “Yes. We should start there. No?” He grinned at her and teasingly asked. “Aaaa~rle?”
Arlecchino sipped her tea to keep a sigh from escaping.