[Lyney appreciates that Heizou doesn’t push for answers. Rather, he provides Lyney with an anchor to hold onto, to keep himself grounded. The comfort eases Lyney’s nerves and allows him to calm himself, and enables him to keep talking.]
My sister and I… we were both very young when our parents died. Lynette and I were left wandering the streets, and I took to observing street performers and learning magic to survive. Eventually, an aristocrat saw us, and offered to take us in. But even if he called us “foster children”, it was clear he was only interested in our magic.
[He pauses, and though his face is pressed against Heizou’s chest, he can probably feel the way he frowns.]
He would constantly have us perform at various functions, and it was fine if it meant a roof over our heads and food on our plates. But after one banquet… Lynette didn’t return home with us. I waited and waited, until only our benefactor returned. When I demanded where Lynette was, he said…
[He has to pause, taking a breath to stabilize himself before continuing in a bitter tone.]
He said “she caught the eye of the most eminent person at the banquet, so I sent her over as a gift. I mean, you’ll be able to perform your magic regardless of who your assistant is, yes?”
[Heizou frowns a little as he listens, the hold he has on Lyney somehow taking on an almost protective turn. In all his time working as a detective, this kind of story isn't new for him. He's worked on many cases similar to what Lyney is describing, some of which involving people he's come to know personally back in Teyvat. But it's never gotten any easier to encounter, and especially hearing that it happened to someone as close and special to him as Lyney is... He just wishes that there was something he could do about it.]
Lyney... I'm so sorry...
[It's easy to imagine how horrified Lyney must have been in this situation. Just a child, being told that his only real family was being given to some disgusting pervert as if she were a doll... A child with not enough strength to fight off a grown adult on his own. Of course something like that would leave a scar in its wake. No wonder Lyney is so fiercely protective of his family, so terrified of being apart from them for too long.]
[It's not a story that's easy to tell, let alone live through. That night is probably the worst night of his life, and he's gone through quite a few horrible, awful nights. It's the one nightmare that persists even to this day, moreso than any of his other recurring nightmares he has. That night clearly left a gaping wound, a scar that's never fully healed and probably never will heal completely, not for a very, very long time. Things are better now, but... it still weighs heavily on his mind.]
[He curls in smaller against Heizou, taking in another slow, shaky breath before he continues.]
I managed to find out the location of the mansion of that so-called eminent person, and tore through the night to get there. I don't even remember how I got there, I just remember... that I needed to get there as fast as possible. That I couldn't allow anything to happen to Lynette. But by the time I climbed the wall, got past the guards, and made my way in... All I saw was the moonlit ground covered in blood, and The Knave standing there in the darkness.
[It's a sight he'll probably never forget, and now looking back on it, he can recognize the cold, unbridled fury that The Knave herself carried for the scene.]
She had rescued my sister before any harm had come to her, and even discovered several more girls hidden in the basement. All orphans, like Lynette. I also learned that she had also been quick to destroy the noble who had taken us in at first, giving us our freedom. After we were freed, Father turned to me and said "The House of the Hearth welcomes you, for your interests align with ours. Here, no one will ever betray you. Indeed, betrayal shall never be permitted here."
[Those words are words he will also remember for a long time. They changed the trajectory of his life, after all.]
[The whole time, Heizou simply listens. He knows this isn't easy for Lyney to talk about, but since he's willing to share there's some part of Heizou that's glad to know he's earned this level of trust. He no longer has to poke around and carefully fill in the blanks with whatever bits and pieces he's been able to pick up from his observations. Lyney is giving him all this freely, opening up to him where he'd been afraid to before, and Heizou doesn't take any of it for granted.
He can tell how deeply the events of this night are ingrained into the magician's memory. Down to the very words that had been exchanged between everyone involved. And if it was traumatic for Lyney, then surely it was just as bad - or worse, unsurprisingly - for Lynette. It's a wonder, then, that they have done so well for themselves in spite of it. Or perhaps it says a lot about the House of the Hearth, about the Knave herself, and how the twins were treated as they were brought into the family.]
...I can see why you all look up to her so much, then. She quite literally rescued you from the darkest depths of humanity.
[Heizou reaches up to card his fingers carefully through Lyney's hair, letting out a soft, sympathetic sigh. It's all he can do in terms of comfort at the moment. He hopes it's enough.]
[Lyney leans into those fingers in his hair, a small hum escaping him. It's not quite a human hum, but not quite a purr; something strangely in the middle, both and neither. He clings to Heizou a bit more, his gaze wandering a bit.]
I was hesitant to trust her at first, given I'd just been betrayed by adults, but... She rescued us and cared for us, when no one else could. When everyone else sought to use us to their own needs...
[He shifts a bit to lean closer against Heizou, to hear his heartbeat better.]
Living at the House of the Hearth, and being a member... it hasn't always been easy. But it's the only home we've ever known.
[As Lyney shifts, Heizou drops another little kiss to the top of his head. Just something comforting, to reassure him that learning all of this hasn't changed Heizou's opinion of him. Really it feels like there's very little that could at this point. He's come to care about the magician far too much in a relatively short period of time.]
...I spoke with her, you know. I wanted to know what kind of person the Knave really is, beyond the wild rumors and reputation. It seems pretty clear that if she could extract the entire House away from the Fatui, she would.
[That actually causes Lyney to shift, looking up at Heizou with a surprised look.]
You did..?
[It's actually quite surprising to him to hear, especially with how wary and afraid everyone was of the Knave. So to hear that Heizou had gone out of his way to speak to her... it's impressive. He briefly wonders when, exactly that was... was it one of the days Arlecchino had stepped out? Or one of the days he was sent on an errand? Well, he supposes it doesn't fully matter in the end.]
Honestly, I believe if she had the choice, she would. But the other Harbingers... she's not one to make overt moves against them. In fact, she tends to keep them away from the House of the Hearth when she can. The only ones I remember having any form of interactions with us would be the Eleventh, and the former Eighth.
[He lets out a small, breathy chuckle.]
Though, that's mostly because she views the Eleventh as harmless to us, and because the Eighth would often bring gifts for us.
I did. I'm glad she's so good to you all. It was a bit of relief to meet her, too. So many things about you and Freminet started to make sense once I understood her and the House better.
[That look on Lyney's face just strikes Heizou as amusing, and he can't help but smile a little in return. It's kind of cute that Lyney didn't expect a talk with Arlecchino to be part of Heizou's efforts to mend things between them. Though given the woman's reputation, he's not exactly surprised to hear it either.
Either way, hearing the magician chuckle like that must mean that he's feeling a little better. And that's enough for even Heizou to relax a bit, smiling as he snuggles in until they're properly nose to nose.]
I haven't met any of the other Harbingers before~ Our Shogun handled things with La Signora, and I've heard about the Eleventh visiting Inazuma several times before. He didn't cause any trouble while he was there, so there was no reason for our paths to cross.
I'm glad you decided to meet with her. She may be intimidating, but she truly does mean well. It's... not something that's easy to see, if you don't take the time to understand her.
[It sounds like a lame excuse, but it's true; Arlecchino has plenty of rumours around her, and even Lyney's heard other Fatui talk about the mad, cursed Knave before. But she never goes out of her way to correct those rumours, and Lyney and the others know better than to trust the rumours.]
Yes, Master Childe is... rather interesting. The last time he came to visit, he kept trying to get Father to spar with him, despite being injured. If it wasn't that, it was him talking about his siblings back home.
[It was actually rather cute, in a strange way. Master Childe was an odd one.]
As for La Signora... I remember her coming by the House when we were younger. She would bring us presents... but only give them to those who "liked" her. She even told us: "those who dislike me shall receive none."
[That all makes Heizou chuckle softly, resting his forehead against Lyney's and letting their legs tangle together. As if that's the way they're mean to be. Wrapped around each other so tight that it can be hard to find where one of them ends and the other begins.]
Man alive, it really is quite something to hear a Fatuus talk about the Harbingers like this... On the outside you only ever hear the "scarier" stories about them. But from you, it sounds like talking about some distant relatives~
[His smile grows a little as he chuckles again.] I like it. It's cute.
[And it's a nice reminder that at the end of the day, the Fatui are all just... people. The Harbingers are strong, of course, but Arlecchino spoke about how she's often used the rumors to her own advantage, even the ones that weren't true. And it's not like Heizou can say he hasn't done the same with the stories about Inazuma's Cyclone.]
Well, it's the truth. In fact, the other children used her visits as an opportunity to test out our acting skills to see which of us would get the best gift. [A faint chuckle escapes him.] It's something interesting, isn't it? These terrifying people that entire nations fear, yet to us, they really do sound like odd relatives of sorts.
[He lets out a sigh, resting his forehead against Heizou's again. When he speaks again, it's a bit more rueful.]
I suppose that's the reality of being in the Fatui, or at least being a member of the House of the Hearth; laughing amongst each other like comrades or like family in one moment, and dealing with nightmares in the next. And that's assuming we're even able to see each other that night...
I can only imagine how scary it can be, being the ones left waiting for their return.
[Heizou gives Lyney another squeeze, a quick, reassuring peck to the tip of his nose.]
But your bonds within the House are strong. Having a warm, loving home gives you all something to live and fight for, a place you strive to return to... It keeps you all strong. You should keep faith in that.
[Despite the kiss to his nose, Lyney's gaze lowers as sorrow touches his voice.]
I just always pray they get home safely. The nights they don't... those are the hardest.
[There have been nights where members of the House come back fatally injured, or don't come back at all... he always prays to whichever god will listen that his siblings always come back safely.]
It's funny... though we're named after the warmth and protection of a home's hearth... I don't think any of us truly know what a real home is like. But you're right; our bonds with each other are as strong as any flesh and blood family.
[He idly runs his hand up and down Heizou's back. Whether it's to pacify Heizou, or calm himself, he's unsure.]
...I want to be able to make the House of the Hearth a real home. I know that one day... one day I'll succeed Father, and take her place as "king". When that day comes... I only hope I can make the House of the Hearth a true home.
[He's watching Lyney so closely, as if he's studying him from just a few inches away. He notes that melancholy in his voice, putting the worry he always carries for his siblings on display, and Heizou wishes that there was more he could do to put Lyney's mind at ease. There isn't much, certainly not while they're worlds away from Teyvat, so he just has to do his best to try to comfort him. Provide a warm, safe place where Lyney can unburden himself, even just for a little while.
As he brings up the part where he'll be succeeding Arlecchino one day... Heizou settles in a little closer, giving the other a soft look as he goes back to stroking his hair. Gently pushing the strands out of his face so there's nothing blocking his gaze.]
You'll do it. You're compassionate, brave, smart... Most importantly you have determination. I truly believe that if anyone could manage such a feat, it's you.
[Then his smile turns a bit wry.] Maybe with just a little help from your friends and siblings, of course~
[Lyney looks up at Heizou as he brushes the hair away from his eyes, blinking curiously at the redhead. Hearing those reassuring words, the same ones echoed by Arlecchino... it makes his heart swell with gratitude and pride, a small smile forming. Curiously, he feels his eyes misting.]
Heizou...
[He wraps his arms around Heizou's middle tighter, squeezing a bit as he hugs Heizou close.]
You know... I had always thought that nothing would be more important than looking after my family and keeping them safe. But then you came into my life, and then... things became complicated. I didn't know how to balance what I felt for my family, and what I felt for you. I thought... I had to choose.
[He buries his face into Heizou's neck.]
I... I couldn't choose. I was so worried, I couldn't choose. You had become so important to me, that I couldn't just... cut you out. You're... as important to me as my family. [He shakes his head.] No, you're... you just like family to me. Just as dear...
[Heizou's heart warms with every word. On some level he knows it's selfish to want so much from Lyney. It makes him happy to know he's become so important to the magician, to know that he's carved out a space for himself in his life. Maybe it's because Lyney has done the same to him; burrowed under his skin and made a home in his heart before he even knew what was happening.
For now Heizou just lets out a soft, warm chuckle as he cradles Lyney close, carding his fingers gently through his hair, scritching lightly along his scalp.]
You're dear to me too, Lyney. I have to confess... It broke my heart a little to think that I could never compete with your family. That's not even something I could be upset about, either. I know how important they are to you.
But... [He presses a small, quick kiss to Lyney's head before continuing.] You telling me this... All of this... I can't even begin to explain how happy it makes me.
[To feel trusted. Included. Cared for and wanted in a way no one else ever does.]
[Oh... the light scritching against his scalp is incredibly soothing, enough that Lyney begins to sag against Heizou a bit. He lets out a small hum that's not quite a hum, a purr that isn't quite a purr either. Something weirdly in the middle, human yet not. But the kiss to his forehead draws Lyney's attention, and he looks at Heizou with open adoration.]
That time apart... I felt like the two halves of my heart were at war with each other. I don't ever want to feel that way again...
[He slowly blinks up at Heizou while offering a warm smile, feeling completely at ease. Trusting and caring, just as much as he feels trusted and cared for.]
You're the first I've ever felt such a way about before... No one else has made me feel as strongly as you.
[He can't help but chuckle at the soft sound this is pulling out of Lyney. He really likes it, too, so he keeps it going as he snuggles in tighter. There's nowhere in the world he'd rather be than right here, right now, holding onto the man that's stolen his heart.]
Being with you feels... right, somehow. I didn't even know I could feel this strongly about someone.
[The more Heizou continues, the more he continues to make that half-purr hum. And the more he relaxes the more he slowly blinks, a content and adoring look on his face.]
Me neither... you're just... someone special to me, Heizou.
[And because he feels like if he doesn't say it, his heart might burst with feeling, he adds the words he's been afraid to utter out loud for so long, but now feels so right.]
[There's something... so sweet and wonderful about the way Lyney keeps blinking at him like that. It makes Heizou feel like there are butterflies dancing in his stomach, a comforting warmth spreading in his chest.]
You're the most special person in the world to me, my dearest Lyney.
[And those beautiful foreign words again. Heizou's never heard that phrase from the Fontanian before, there's no way he coule understand it perfectly, but the feeling he can sense within it... He knows it. And hearing it put into words stirs up something inside of him that he knows he also needs to put out there.]
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book2thehead
no subject
Date: 6 Sep 2024 18:18 (UTC)My sister and I… we were both very young when our parents died. Lynette and I were left wandering the streets, and I took to observing street performers and learning magic to survive. Eventually, an aristocrat saw us, and offered to take us in. But even if he called us “foster children”, it was clear he was only interested in our magic.
[He pauses, and though his face is pressed against Heizou’s chest, he can probably feel the way he frowns.]
He would constantly have us perform at various functions, and it was fine if it meant a roof over our heads and food on our plates. But after one banquet… Lynette didn’t return home with us. I waited and waited, until only our benefactor returned. When I demanded where Lynette was, he said…
[He has to pause, taking a breath to stabilize himself before continuing in a bitter tone.]
He said “she caught the eye of the most eminent person at the banquet, so I sent her over as a gift. I mean, you’ll be able to perform your magic regardless of who your assistant is, yes?”
no subject
Date: 7 Sep 2024 01:32 (UTC)Lyney... I'm so sorry...
[It's easy to imagine how horrified Lyney must have been in this situation. Just a child, being told that his only real family was being given to some disgusting pervert as if she were a doll... A child with not enough strength to fight off a grown adult on his own. Of course something like that would leave a scar in its wake. No wonder Lyney is so fiercely protective of his family, so terrified of being apart from them for too long.]
What did you do?
no subject
Date: 7 Sep 2024 02:42 (UTC)[He curls in smaller against Heizou, taking in another slow, shaky breath before he continues.]
I managed to find out the location of the mansion of that so-called eminent person, and tore through the night to get there. I don't even remember how I got there, I just remember... that I needed to get there as fast as possible. That I couldn't allow anything to happen to Lynette. But by the time I climbed the wall, got past the guards, and made my way in... All I saw was the moonlit ground covered in blood, and The Knave standing there in the darkness.
[It's a sight he'll probably never forget, and now looking back on it, he can recognize the cold, unbridled fury that The Knave herself carried for the scene.]
She had rescued my sister before any harm had come to her, and even discovered several more girls hidden in the basement. All orphans, like Lynette. I also learned that she had also been quick to destroy the noble who had taken us in at first, giving us our freedom. After we were freed, Father turned to me and said "The House of the Hearth welcomes you, for your interests align with ours. Here, no one will ever betray you. Indeed, betrayal shall never be permitted here."
[Those words are words he will also remember for a long time. They changed the trajectory of his life, after all.]
no subject
Date: 7 Sep 2024 03:06 (UTC)He can tell how deeply the events of this night are ingrained into the magician's memory. Down to the very words that had been exchanged between everyone involved. And if it was traumatic for Lyney, then surely it was just as bad - or worse, unsurprisingly - for Lynette. It's a wonder, then, that they have done so well for themselves in spite of it. Or perhaps it says a lot about the House of the Hearth, about the Knave herself, and how the twins were treated as they were brought into the family.]
...I can see why you all look up to her so much, then. She quite literally rescued you from the darkest depths of humanity.
[Heizou reaches up to card his fingers carefully through Lyney's hair, letting out a soft, sympathetic sigh. It's all he can do in terms of comfort at the moment. He hopes it's enough.]
no subject
Date: 7 Sep 2024 04:00 (UTC)I was hesitant to trust her at first, given I'd just been betrayed by adults, but... She rescued us and cared for us, when no one else could. When everyone else sought to use us to their own needs...
[He shifts a bit to lean closer against Heizou, to hear his heartbeat better.]
Living at the House of the Hearth, and being a member... it hasn't always been easy. But it's the only home we've ever known.
no subject
Date: 7 Sep 2024 05:28 (UTC)...I spoke with her, you know. I wanted to know what kind of person the Knave really is, beyond the wild rumors and reputation. It seems pretty clear that if she could extract the entire House away from the Fatui, she would.
no subject
Date: 8 Sep 2024 02:22 (UTC)You did..?
[It's actually quite surprising to him to hear, especially with how wary and afraid everyone was of the Knave. So to hear that Heizou had gone out of his way to speak to her... it's impressive. He briefly wonders when, exactly that was... was it one of the days Arlecchino had stepped out? Or one of the days he was sent on an errand? Well, he supposes it doesn't fully matter in the end.]
Honestly, I believe if she had the choice, she would. But the other Harbingers... she's not one to make overt moves against them. In fact, she tends to keep them away from the House of the Hearth when she can. The only ones I remember having any form of interactions with us would be the Eleventh, and the former Eighth.
[He lets out a small, breathy chuckle.]
Though, that's mostly because she views the Eleventh as harmless to us, and because the Eighth would often bring gifts for us.
no subject
Date: 8 Sep 2024 02:34 (UTC)[That look on Lyney's face just strikes Heizou as amusing, and he can't help but smile a little in return. It's kind of cute that Lyney didn't expect a talk with Arlecchino to be part of Heizou's efforts to mend things between them. Though given the woman's reputation, he's not exactly surprised to hear it either.
Either way, hearing the magician chuckle like that must mean that he's feeling a little better. And that's enough for even Heizou to relax a bit, smiling as he snuggles in until they're properly nose to nose.]
I haven't met any of the other Harbingers before~ Our Shogun handled things with La Signora, and I've heard about the Eleventh visiting Inazuma several times before. He didn't cause any trouble while he was there, so there was no reason for our paths to cross.
no subject
Date: 8 Sep 2024 03:03 (UTC)[It sounds like a lame excuse, but it's true; Arlecchino has plenty of rumours around her, and even Lyney's heard other Fatui talk about the mad, cursed Knave before. But she never goes out of her way to correct those rumours, and Lyney and the others know better than to trust the rumours.]
Yes, Master Childe is... rather interesting. The last time he came to visit, he kept trying to get Father to spar with him, despite being injured. If it wasn't that, it was him talking about his siblings back home.
[It was actually rather cute, in a strange way. Master Childe was an odd one.]
As for La Signora... I remember her coming by the House when we were younger. She would bring us presents... but only give them to those who "liked" her. She even told us: "those who dislike me shall receive none."
no subject
Date: 8 Sep 2024 03:39 (UTC)Man alive, it really is quite something to hear a Fatuus talk about the Harbingers like this... On the outside you only ever hear the "scarier" stories about them. But from you, it sounds like talking about some distant relatives~
[His smile grows a little as he chuckles again.] I like it. It's cute.
[And it's a nice reminder that at the end of the day, the Fatui are all just... people. The Harbingers are strong, of course, but Arlecchino spoke about how she's often used the rumors to her own advantage, even the ones that weren't true. And it's not like Heizou can say he hasn't done the same with the stories about Inazuma's Cyclone.]
no subject
Date: 8 Sep 2024 06:05 (UTC)[He lets out a sigh, resting his forehead against Heizou's again. When he speaks again, it's a bit more rueful.]
I suppose that's the reality of being in the Fatui, or at least being a member of the House of the Hearth; laughing amongst each other like comrades or like family in one moment, and dealing with nightmares in the next. And that's assuming we're even able to see each other that night...
no subject
Date: 9 Sep 2024 02:09 (UTC)[Heizou gives Lyney another squeeze, a quick, reassuring peck to the tip of his nose.]
But your bonds within the House are strong. Having a warm, loving home gives you all something to live and fight for, a place you strive to return to... It keeps you all strong. You should keep faith in that.
no subject
Date: 9 Sep 2024 05:51 (UTC)I just always pray they get home safely. The nights they don't... those are the hardest.
[There have been nights where members of the House come back fatally injured, or don't come back at all... he always prays to whichever god will listen that his siblings always come back safely.]
It's funny... though we're named after the warmth and protection of a home's hearth... I don't think any of us truly know what a real home is like. But you're right; our bonds with each other are as strong as any flesh and blood family.
[He idly runs his hand up and down Heizou's back. Whether it's to pacify Heizou, or calm himself, he's unsure.]
...I want to be able to make the House of the Hearth a real home. I know that one day... one day I'll succeed Father, and take her place as "king". When that day comes... I only hope I can make the House of the Hearth a true home.
no subject
Date: 9 Sep 2024 06:10 (UTC)As he brings up the part where he'll be succeeding Arlecchino one day... Heizou settles in a little closer, giving the other a soft look as he goes back to stroking his hair. Gently pushing the strands out of his face so there's nothing blocking his gaze.]
You'll do it. You're compassionate, brave, smart... Most importantly you have determination. I truly believe that if anyone could manage such a feat, it's you.
[Then his smile turns a bit wry.] Maybe with just a little help from your friends and siblings, of course~
no subject
Date: 12 Sep 2024 22:47 (UTC)Heizou...
[He wraps his arms around Heizou's middle tighter, squeezing a bit as he hugs Heizou close.]
You know... I had always thought that nothing would be more important than looking after my family and keeping them safe. But then you came into my life, and then... things became complicated. I didn't know how to balance what I felt for my family, and what I felt for you. I thought... I had to choose.
[He buries his face into Heizou's neck.]
I... I couldn't choose. I was so worried, I couldn't choose. You had become so important to me, that I couldn't just... cut you out. You're... as important to me as my family. [He shakes his head.] No, you're... you just like family to me. Just as dear...
no subject
Date: 13 Sep 2024 04:40 (UTC)For now Heizou just lets out a soft, warm chuckle as he cradles Lyney close, carding his fingers gently through his hair, scritching lightly along his scalp.]
You're dear to me too, Lyney. I have to confess... It broke my heart a little to think that I could never compete with your family. That's not even something I could be upset about, either. I know how important they are to you.
But... [He presses a small, quick kiss to Lyney's head before continuing.] You telling me this... All of this... I can't even begin to explain how happy it makes me.
[To feel trusted. Included. Cared for and wanted in a way no one else ever does.]
I've never felt this way about anyone before you.
no subject
Date: 13 Sep 2024 05:03 (UTC)That time apart... I felt like the two halves of my heart were at war with each other. I don't ever want to feel that way again...
[He slowly blinks up at Heizou while offering a warm smile, feeling completely at ease. Trusting and caring, just as much as he feels trusted and cared for.]
You're the first I've ever felt such a way about before... No one else has made me feel as strongly as you.
no subject
Date: 13 Sep 2024 05:22 (UTC)Being with you feels... right, somehow. I didn't even know I could feel this strongly about someone.
[If this isn't love, then... what is?]
no subject
Date: 14 Sep 2024 02:33 (UTC)Me neither... you're just... someone special to me, Heizou.
[And because he feels like if he doesn't say it, his heart might burst with feeling, he adds the words he's been afraid to utter out loud for so long, but now feels so right.]
Je t'aime, mon amour.
no subject
Date: 14 Sep 2024 08:48 (UTC)You're the most special person in the world to me, my dearest Lyney.
[And those beautiful foreign words again. Heizou's never heard that phrase from the Fontanian before, there's no way he coule understand it perfectly, but the feeling he can sense within it... He knows it. And hearing it put into words stirs up something inside of him that he knows he also needs to put out there.]
Aishite'ru yo, mon couer.