[ Inside a nicely wrapped package and addressed to Heizou is a book from another world: Watkinson and Holman Chapter One. There is a handwritten note that says, "I got a copy of this title for myself. We need to tear this book apart. It's horrible and wrong. -SH". Clearly, Sherlock doesn't bother trying to hide who gave Heizou this. He's certain Heizou would know anyways.
Inside the book is a charming bookmark with a certain cat on it. ]
[Lyney had spent the whole day wearing a smile. He was on his best behaviour after running into that man, parading around and pointing out key landmarks like a glorified Aquabus tour guide. He paid for the man's damn cup of tea, and put up with all his smart comments. It was all a performance, but that's not new either; Lyney is nothing if not a performer. But now that he's on his own, without an audience to entertain or airs to upkeep, Lyney all but storms home, the door slamming loudly as he all but kicks it open and shut.]
[It's a good thing that Rosseland is spending time with Lynette right now, because he rips his hat off of his head and tosses it to the side, not caring where it lands. He's scowling as he mutters to himself, crouched down and cursing the numerous laces on his boots. Honestly, he's debating if it's worth burning the laces off with his Vision.]
[The slamming of the door is the first clue. It makes Heizou abruptly raise his head from where he'd been reading by the window, surprised. He's... never seen Lyney in such a state, at least not since the incidents on Norhpip, and it makes him watch his beloved with a sharp detective's eye. Scowling and grumbling, not even bothering to check if Heizou was home to greet him, attacking his boot laces as if they've somehow personally wronged him...
Heizou gets up from where he is and carefully moves closer, leaving his book behind so that he can give the magician his full attention. He observes him for a moment longer before saying anything, leaning against the wall with his arms folded.]
...What happened?
[His tone isn't harsh or accusing; simply concerned. This is not a reaction caused by a mere inconvenience or two, or by Alhaitham being his usual merry self in either of their presence. No, this is something else. Something that's done more than simply irritate Lyney. Something new to Eltrut, with far deeper roots. Something from Teyvat.]
[By the time Heizou comes closer, Lyney has managed to make decent enough work on his boots without having to rely on his Vision. One boot has been tossed off, and he just manages to yank off the other one by the time Heizou speaks up. And it says how focused on his own discomfort that he didn't even notice Heizou had approached, and he visibly jolts as he hears Heizou's voice. He doesn't look up just yet, but he does take a slow, measured breath before he tosses his boot to join its pair.]
...Not now, Heizou.
[It's a bit dismissive, but if Heizou is keen enough, he will note the notes of exasperation and weariness touching his voice as he focuses on undoing his jacket. It was a bad day, and he's not going to hide that from Heizou, but he's also not ready to talk about it. Not yet.]
[Fortunately (or maybe not?) for the both of them, Heizou is always terribly observant. Especially when it comes to Lyney. There's also the simple fact that Lyney called him by name and not by one of his many Fontainian terms of endearment. While he doesn't quite move from his spot or try to push for more, he can't keep the worry off his face as he watches him for a moment longer.]
...Let me get you something to drink, okay?
[He gets the distinct impression that Lyney needs a second to settle down, so he moves to the kitchen to prep a tall glass of water. Tea or coffee might just energize him into a bit of a frenzy, and that probably isn't what he needs right now.]
[He says it firmer, probably harsher than he means to, but in that moment he is too high-strung to care. Right now he has too much fire in his blood, and he needs a minute to calm down and just be angry. Not talk about his feelings, not drink any water, just silently fume while he has the freedom to do so.]
[He stalks through the house and into their shared room, his foot lazily kicking at the door to close it while not even bothering to check if the door closed at all before he collapses onto the cushions. He haphazardly pulls the blanket around himself (which mostly just ends up making the whole thing tangle around him in a way he doesn’t care to deal with) and grabs a nearly pillow, holding it to his chest. He huffs out a few exasperated breaths, curling up into his makeshift nest and hugging the pillow close, half kneading and half clawing at the pillow.]
[Stupid Wriothesley, stupid rifts, stupid reminders of a moment he would rather forget. Just stupid, stupid, stupid.]
[Despite what Lyney says, Heizou preps that glass of water anyway. He takes his sweet time with it, too, giving Lyney the time to huff and fume all the way into the bedroom. Heizou even goes ahead and finds some of his favorite treats snacks to go with the drink... And then he gives Lyney some extra time by retrieving his book from where he'd left it by the window.
Only once he has everything put together and a few minutes have passed does Heizou venture into the bedroom to join his angry boyfriend. Very quietly he sets the glass and snacks on the bedside table closest to where his head probably is under the blanket, and then moves around to his side of the bed to sit next to the blanket-wrapped lump. He doesn't say anything, just settles there with his back to the wall and his book in one hand. And gently lays his free hand on the mound as it huffs and grumbles.
He's very good at playing the waiting game. And if this is what Lyney wants until he's ready, then so be it.]
[Lyney bristles a bit when he feels the other side of the bed dip, and when Heizou rests his free hand on him. But eventually, he relaxes slowly, returning to fuming silently but allowing Heizou's presence. In a way, he appreciates it, because it's like how Lynette gives him space when he's not at his best. It just goes to show how well Heizou has come to know him and understand his needs. He's still fuming, but a small part of him can appreciate Heizou in this moment.]
[He remains quiet for... honestly, he doesn't know. But as he lays there, the clawing slowly shifts to just kneading, and his huffs fade into slow breaths. It might be reasonable for Heizou to think Lyney's drifted off at one point. But then, slowly, one of Lyney's hands reaches out to pluck at one of the snacks on the bedside table, slowly withdrawing with it to munch on the snack. A sign he's starting to feel a bit more stable.]
[Heizou just sits and waits patiently, reading his book and occasionally giving Lyney an idle little rub or a gentle pat-pat. His ears stay open and alert though, so when Lyney's breathing evens out and he no longer hears nails scratching angrily at fabric, he's sure to notice.
But still he waits. Until he sees that movement from the corner of his eye, and then the telltale crunch of Lyney biting into his snack. It makes Heizou smile a little, giving the blanket mound a quick squeeze.]
[Lyney huffs again, before he finally begins to move; he sits up in bed, the covers pooling in his waist as he holds the pillow close to his chest. He rests his chin on the edge of the pillow, a sour expression on his face. Had his Atavism been more prominent, his ears would be angled low and his tail thrashing.]
Today was shaping up to be a lovely day, too! But alas, it ended up being utterly ruined...
[Any other occasion, Lyney would lean fully into the dramatics, go into every detail of his horrible, awful, no-good day, just to get it out of his system as well as milk a bit of sympathy from Heizou. But today, he simply slumps forward a bit, that frown remaining on his face. He stops kneading the pillow, instead gripping at it a little hard.]
...I saw someone from back home. Someone... I'd rather never see again.
[The book Heizou was reading has mysteriously disappeared, freeing up his hands to instead be able to press over Lyney's. Not forcing him to release the pillow from that death grip, but simply offering them as an alternative to press into.]
They showed up here?
[This does surprise Heizou, though. What are the odds of something like that happening?]
[He says it lowly, bitterly. This tone is one Heizou probably hasn't heard since their encounter on Norhpip.]
He just.... was his usual self. Smug, arrogant, acting all polite and friendly, as if his title actually meant something other than just a formality the Iudex handed him. And then he has the audacity to demand I show him around to find a place that serves his damned tea, like a glorified tour guide! Unbelievable...
[He scowls, shaking his head.]
I messaged Freminet and Lynette once I was finally rid of him, but they don't seem to see how big of a problem this is. This isn't something I can just... move on from. Not after what he did...
[Oh, he's full-on ranting now. He may have lost Heizou in his ramblings, but it's clear he's been holding all of this in for a while.]
[Heizou listens intently, rubbing his thumbs across Lyney's knuckles over and over to help soothe him. It's very easy to tell how deeply this encounter has rattled the magician, and it makes Heizou's brow knit together in concern. A person of high position from Fontaine? Who had some awful history with all of the siblings - so possibly the Hearth on a whole. So someone who knows that they are Fatui. Someone who must have acted on that fact...
He scoots in closer, actually pressing up against Lyney a bit now. Something supportive to keep him grounded.]
Tell me. What did he do?
[He doesn't say "to you." No no, he knows Lyney far too well now. This man clearly did something involving at least one of his siblings, crossing a line in a way Lyney cannot abide.]
[Heizou knows Lyney well, and can probably tell how Lyney bristles as he recalls what that man did. He grips the pillow tight enough that his nails begin to dig into the fabric.]
That man... humiliated me. He held my siblings hostage and dangled their safety above my head, all just so he can force me to play his twisted game and give me an impossible choice. And I don't doubt that he enjoyed it on some level.
[He spits the words out through gritted teeth, but he blinks quickly to keep any moisture out of his eyes.]
My siblings, or Father... How am I supposed to make a choice like that..? And what, just for a meeting? That couldn't be all he wanted. He just wanted to see me slip up..!
[He continues to offer what little comfort he can to Lyney in this moment, his razor-sharp focus on the way the magician all but hisses and spits, every word dripping with disdain. Heizou really does know Lyney too well now, what with the way he can see how deeply these events cut into him, and how long this anger has been left to simmer deep below the surface. This is no average grudge.
Heizou reaches up to cup Lyney's face, letting his thumbs caress gently over his cheeks as though trying to catch invisible tears.]
Did this man hurt you or your siblings? Was he looking to hurt the Knave?
[Not that the answer to this will change Lyney's view of things; Heizou knows that all too well. But as an outside party Heizou wants as many facts as he can get so he can have a better grasp of the situation. He wants to be able to make his own call as well. Still, his tone remains soft, understanding and sympathetic toward Lyney.]
[Heizou blinks, surprised by the outburst. But he stays right where he is, otherwise unflinching, still cupping Lyney's face carefully like he's something fragile and precious. Maintaining this bit of contact like it's a lifeline that's been thrown out for him. He tries to search the magician's eyes as well, as if he can find the answers he's looking for in there somewhere while he waits for Lyney to use his words.
And when he finally does, Heizou carefully brushes some hair out of his eyes and offers him an understanding smile.]
Acknowledging that must hurt you quite a lot, too. To know it's efficient but cruel... And then to be on the receiving end... It's always awful.
[Very gently, Heizou continues to smooth Lyney's hair back into place. Soft and diligent and caring.]
So then is there something you want from him that might help you? An apology or some sort of... compensation, for lack of a better word?
[Finally. Heizou just smiles, gently maneuvering them both around a bit so that Lyney is leaning against him in a way that's comfortable. He doesn't even take away the pillow, leaving it for Lyney to knead and claw at for comfort's sake. But once they're both nice and comfortable, Heizou goes back to fixing Lyney's hair, even gently starting to undo his little side braid.]
I don't believe you have. That's the underwater prison you have in Fontaine, yes?
[He's heard of it before, and Lyney has probably mentioned it in passing. Maybe during one of the times they were showing each other their nations over their scryglasses. It's information Heizou filed away for another time, being something that sounded interesting to him. Though now he thinks maybe it's a good thing he'd waited so long to ask.]
[Lyney nods slowly, curling up closer to Heizou. He hardly notices Heizou messing with his hair, his gaze faraway as he vaguely registers the actions as soothing. Finally, he takes a deep breath and begins to speak.]
It was... before the prophecy came to pass. Father tasked us with investigating the Fortress of Meropide, and the Duke who oversees it. She had reason to believe something related to the prophecy was down there, and wanted us to find out what it was. So, we staged a magic show with the intent of ending us up with a prison sentence that would be long enough for us to conduct an investigation. Thinking it over, it almost seemed too easy.
[Heizou is quiet as he listens, taking his time to comb back Lyney's hair before sectioning parts out to be braided. Gentle and slow and easy, nodding along with the story and filing everything away carefully. If it's important to Lyney, it's important to Heizou, and he always wants to know what's going on.]
Mmm. And so you got I'm to conduct your investigation... And what did you find? Was your Father's hunch well founded?
[His voice remains soft and soothing as he speaks, no judgment or anything. Just a familiar desire to understand, to help where he can, to support his beloved.]
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book2thehead
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Date: 13 Dec 2025 05:28 (UTC)Inside the book is a charming bookmark with a certain cat on it. ]
December 14th, after meeting Wriothesley
Date: 16 Dec 2025 23:52 (UTC)[It's a good thing that Rosseland is spending time with Lynette right now, because he rips his hat off of his head and tosses it to the side, not caring where it lands. He's scowling as he mutters to himself, crouched down and cursing the numerous laces on his boots. Honestly, he's debating if it's worth burning the laces off with his Vision.]
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Date: 17 Dec 2025 03:22 (UTC)Heizou gets up from where he is and carefully moves closer, leaving his book behind so that he can give the magician his full attention. He observes him for a moment longer before saying anything, leaning against the wall with his arms folded.]
...What happened?
[His tone isn't harsh or accusing; simply concerned. This is not a reaction caused by a mere inconvenience or two, or by Alhaitham being his usual merry self in either of their presence. No, this is something else. Something that's done more than simply irritate Lyney. Something new to Eltrut, with far deeper roots. Something from Teyvat.]
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Date: 17 Dec 2025 04:52 (UTC)...Not now, Heizou.
[It's a bit dismissive, but if Heizou is keen enough, he will note the notes of exasperation and weariness touching his voice as he focuses on undoing his jacket. It was a bad day, and he's not going to hide that from Heizou, but he's also not ready to talk about it. Not yet.]
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Date: 17 Dec 2025 05:49 (UTC)...Let me get you something to drink, okay?
[He gets the distinct impression that Lyney needs a second to settle down, so he moves to the kitchen to prep a tall glass of water. Tea or coffee might just energize him into a bit of a frenzy, and that probably isn't what he needs right now.]
Couch or bed? What sounds better?
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Date: 17 Dec 2025 06:13 (UTC)[He says it firmer, probably harsher than he means to, but in that moment he is too high-strung to care. Right now he has too much fire in his blood, and he needs a minute to calm down and just be angry. Not talk about his feelings, not drink any water, just silently fume while he has the freedom to do so.]
[He stalks through the house and into their shared room, his foot lazily kicking at the door to close it while not even bothering to check if the door closed at all before he collapses onto the cushions. He haphazardly pulls the blanket around himself (which mostly just ends up making the whole thing tangle around him in a way he doesn’t care to deal with) and grabs a nearly pillow, holding it to his chest. He huffs out a few exasperated breaths, curling up into his makeshift nest and hugging the pillow close, half kneading and half clawing at the pillow.]
[Stupid Wriothesley, stupid rifts, stupid reminders of a moment he would rather forget. Just stupid, stupid, stupid.]
Stupid…
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Date: 17 Dec 2025 06:25 (UTC)[Despite what Lyney says, Heizou preps that glass of water anyway. He takes his sweet time with it, too, giving Lyney the time to huff and fume all the way into the bedroom. Heizou even goes ahead and finds some of his favorite
treatssnacks to go with the drink... And then he gives Lyney some extra time by retrieving his book from where he'd left it by the window.Only once he has everything put together and a few minutes have passed does Heizou venture into the bedroom to join his angry boyfriend. Very quietly he sets the glass and snacks on the bedside table closest to where his head probably is under the blanket, and then moves around to his side of the bed to sit next to the blanket-wrapped lump. He doesn't say anything, just settles there with his back to the wall and his book in one hand. And gently lays his free hand on the mound as it huffs and grumbles.
He's very good at playing the waiting game. And if this is what Lyney wants until he's ready, then so be it.]
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Date: 18 Dec 2025 06:16 (UTC)[He remains quiet for... honestly, he doesn't know. But as he lays there, the clawing slowly shifts to just kneading, and his huffs fade into slow breaths. It might be reasonable for Heizou to think Lyney's drifted off at one point. But then, slowly, one of Lyney's hands reaches out to pluck at one of the snacks on the bedside table, slowly withdrawing with it to munch on the snack. A sign he's starting to feel a bit more stable.]
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Date: 18 Dec 2025 06:37 (UTC)But still he waits. Until he sees that movement from the corner of his eye, and then the telltale crunch of Lyney biting into his snack. It makes Heizou smile a little, giving the blanket mound a quick squeeze.]
Knock knock, is Lyney in there?
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Date: 18 Dec 2025 17:20 (UTC)That depends entirely on who’s asking.
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Date: 18 Dec 2025 18:29 (UTC)Just plain ol' Heizou. Lyney's boyfriend.
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Date: 21 Dec 2025 23:08 (UTC)Today was shaping up to be a lovely day, too! But alas, it ended up being utterly ruined...
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Date: 22 Dec 2025 06:49 (UTC)And what spoiled your mood so terribly, mon couer? Something I can help with, I hope?
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Date: 23 Dec 2025 01:56 (UTC)...I saw someone from back home. Someone... I'd rather never see again.
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Date: 23 Dec 2025 02:38 (UTC)They showed up here?
[This does surprise Heizou, though. What are the odds of something like that happening?]
What happened when you saw them?
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Date: 27 Dec 2025 23:52 (UTC)[He says it lowly, bitterly. This tone is one Heizou probably hasn't heard since their encounter on Norhpip.]
He just.... was his usual self. Smug, arrogant, acting all polite and friendly, as if his title actually meant something other than just a formality the Iudex handed him. And then he has the audacity to demand I show him around to find a place that serves his damned tea, like a glorified tour guide! Unbelievable...
[He scowls, shaking his head.]
I messaged Freminet and Lynette once I was finally rid of him, but they don't seem to see how big of a problem this is. This isn't something I can just... move on from. Not after what he did...
[Oh, he's full-on ranting now. He may have lost Heizou in his ramblings, but it's clear he's been holding all of this in for a while.]
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Date: 28 Dec 2025 07:43 (UTC)He scoots in closer, actually pressing up against Lyney a bit now. Something supportive to keep him grounded.]
Tell me. What did he do?
[He doesn't say "to you." No no, he knows Lyney far too well now. This man clearly did something involving at least one of his siblings, crossing a line in a way Lyney cannot abide.]
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Date: 30 Dec 2025 22:55 (UTC)That man... humiliated me. He held my siblings hostage and dangled their safety above my head, all just so he can force me to play his twisted game and give me an impossible choice. And I don't doubt that he enjoyed it on some level.
[He spits the words out through gritted teeth, but he blinks quickly to keep any moisture out of his eyes.]
My siblings, or Father... How am I supposed to make a choice like that..? And what, just for a meeting? That couldn't be all he wanted. He just wanted to see me slip up..!
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Date: 31 Dec 2025 03:28 (UTC)Heizou reaches up to cup Lyney's face, letting his thumbs caress gently over his cheeks as though trying to catch invisible tears.]
Did this man hurt you or your siblings? Was he looking to hurt the Knave?
[Not that the answer to this will change Lyney's view of things; Heizou knows that all too well. But as an outside party Heizou wants as many facts as he can get so he can have a better grasp of the situation. He wants to be able to make his own call as well. Still, his tone remains soft, understanding and sympathetic toward Lyney.]
Do I need to have a word with this man myself?
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Date: 1 Jan 2026 22:27 (UTC)[Lyney says it so sharply, and turns so suddenly to Heizou, that it actually surprises him a bit. He shivers, before shaking his head.]
No, you don't... you don't have to do anything. It's fine.
[He falls silent for a bit, once again kneading at the pillow in his grip. Then, slowly, a weak chuckle escapes him.]
You know what's funny? I can't even blame him for his methods. I would have the done the same, if I was in his shoes.
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Date: 1 Jan 2026 23:15 (UTC)And when he finally does, Heizou carefully brushes some hair out of his eyes and offers him an understanding smile.]
Acknowledging that must hurt you quite a lot, too. To know it's efficient but cruel... And then to be on the receiving end... It's always awful.
[Very gently, Heizou continues to smooth Lyney's hair back into place. Soft and diligent and caring.]
So then is there something you want from him that might help you? An apology or some sort of... compensation, for lack of a better word?
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Date: 2 Jan 2026 00:20 (UTC)I'm... honestly I don't know.
[Lyney closes his eyes, and finally curls into Heizou's side a bit more.]
I... didn't tell you about when my siblings and I went to Meropide, did I?
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Date: 2 Jan 2026 01:53 (UTC)I don't believe you have. That's the underwater prison you have in Fontaine, yes?
[He's heard of it before, and Lyney has probably mentioned it in passing. Maybe during one of the times they were showing each other their nations over their scryglasses. It's information Heizou filed away for another time, being something that sounded interesting to him. Though now he thinks maybe it's a good thing he'd waited so long to ask.]
Tell me now?
no subject
Date: 3 Jan 2026 21:29 (UTC)It was... before the prophecy came to pass. Father tasked us with investigating the Fortress of Meropide, and the Duke who oversees it. She had reason to believe something related to the prophecy was down there, and wanted us to find out what it was. So, we staged a magic show with the intent of ending us up with a prison sentence that would be long enough for us to conduct an investigation. Thinking it over, it almost seemed too easy.
no subject
Date: 4 Jan 2026 04:22 (UTC)Mmm. And so you got I'm to conduct your investigation... And what did you find? Was your Father's hunch well founded?
[His voice remains soft and soothing as he speaks, no judgment or anything. Just a familiar desire to understand, to help where he can, to support his beloved.]
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