[Lyney scoffs, but funnily enough, he doesn't refute Heizou's point. The worst part about it all, was... he could see the reasoning behind Wriothesley's actions. Honestly, he could even see himself using the same tactics were their roles reversed. No, he's not mad at the actions per se, but... moreso the fact he'd been so easily exposed. His weakness found out so easily, his masks trodden on so effectively. He was perceived, bis bluffs called. And Lyney hadn't liked the helplessness that came with that.]
[Maybe Heizou can intuit that on his own. Maybe Lyney will be able to explain it sometime, when his emotions aren't as out of whack as they are right now.]
[Instead, he sighs, shaking his head.]
In the end, I... tried to rush him. His head nurse had to tranquilize me to subdue me.
[Heizou almost - almost - chuckles at the admission. Just because... that truly does sound just like his Lyney. Just based on the way they'd fought on Norhpip alone, he can so clearly see the way Lyney would toss logic aside in favor of protective - or vindictive - instinct. It had even happened a bit during the argument they'd had when Lyney finally told Heizou the truth; one negative insinuation about his family had made Lyney's hackles raise right up.]
Man alive. He really must've made you feel backed into a corner to resort to that.
[He can tell what part of all this bothered Lyney the most. He can see it in the way Lyney huffs and sighs, in the way he doesn't respond to certain points being made. But that's okay with Heizou. He's always been good at understanding things without needing to be explicitly told. It's what makes him such a good detective. Even if it's also gotten him into trouble before...]
[Heizou is very perceptive, and it's one of the t hings Lyney loves about the man. Even if it gets Heizou some odd looks with others, what's life without a little trouble?]
Oh, I sure did. That little nurse is pleasant, but I don't think a Melusine has ever made me jumpy before.
[He takes another breath and lets out a sigh.]
I know we all messed up that mission, but... I'm the oldest. How can I not blame myself for what happened? And seeing him, it just... reminds me of that awful day.
[He finishes off Lyney's little braid with an expert twist of his fingers, and then lets his fingers comb through other parts of his hair. The touch slow and gentle and soothing, keeping the hair out of Lyney's face so that Heizou can really look at him, patiently observing him while he lets out his feelings.]
Things happen, Lyney. It doesn't sound like any of you even made any real mistakes. The situation may not have been what you expected, but you made the best plan you could based on what you knew. Just because something doesn't go according to plan doesn't make it your fault.
[Heizou gently raises Lyney's chin so that their eyes can meet. And he gives the other a firm, but understanding look.]
You don't have to forgive the Duke for what he did or how he did it. But you should forgive yourself for being caught off guard.
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book2thehead
no subject
Date: 19 Jan 2026 01:38 (UTC)[Maybe Heizou can intuit that on his own. Maybe Lyney will be able to explain it sometime, when his emotions aren't as out of whack as they are right now.]
[Instead, he sighs, shaking his head.]
In the end, I... tried to rush him. His head nurse had to tranquilize me to subdue me.
no subject
Date: 21 Jan 2026 04:45 (UTC)Man alive. He really must've made you feel backed into a corner to resort to that.
[He can tell what part of all this bothered Lyney the most. He can see it in the way Lyney huffs and sighs, in the way he doesn't respond to certain points being made. But that's okay with Heizou. He's always been good at understanding things without needing to be explicitly told. It's what makes him such a good detective. Even if it's also gotten him into trouble before...]
no subject
Date: 24 Jan 2026 04:14 (UTC)Oh, I sure did. That little nurse is pleasant, but I don't think a Melusine has ever made me jumpy before.
[He takes another breath and lets out a sigh.]
I know we all messed up that mission, but... I'm the oldest. How can I not blame myself for what happened? And seeing him, it just... reminds me of that awful day.
no subject
Date: 24 Jan 2026 07:02 (UTC)Things happen, Lyney. It doesn't sound like any of you even made any real mistakes. The situation may not have been what you expected, but you made the best plan you could based on what you knew. Just because something doesn't go according to plan doesn't make it your fault.
[Heizou gently raises Lyney's chin so that their eyes can meet. And he gives the other a firm, but understanding look.]
You don't have to forgive the Duke for what he did or how he did it. But you should forgive yourself for being caught off guard.