[He wasn't surprised by Father's response. It would be better for the both of them to tell everyone rather than having them find out for themselves. Not only that, but it would also be terrible if they did. It meant that they couldn't trust them for hiding it for so long. Again, he gave a sigh as he debated on what to do.]
...Since it is only a matter of time before they find out, I wouldn't mind telling them. Although, I worry about what might happen next.
[Freminet's response draws a weary chuckle from Lyney.]
Truthfully, I was more worried about what may happen to you than me. I'm okay with having a few hecklers in the crowd, so to speak.
[He says it lightly, but in truth that's been weighing heavily on his mind. He's used to having an empty auditorium when it comes to true friends and allies, but he didn't dare want that same isolation inflicted upon his brother; let the others hate him, let them ostracize him, but he refused to let Freminet suffer that same fate.]
Whatever may happen... we would simply have to wait and see. We can't fault them for being surprised, or angry with us. Plus, they'll need time to process their emotions. Only after giving them that time will we be able to figure out how to proceed.
[He pauses, thinking through their list of allies.]
I think it would be wise to tell those from Teyvat first. They're the ones who'd be able to connect the dots easier than others. As for the Avalanche crew... we can wait and see how the others react before telling them as well.
[That way they aren't completely ripping off all the bandages.]
Even so, you're my brother and I want to do my part in protecting you.
[Didn't he make that oath ever since he got his vision? He would do whatever it takes to help out the House even when he wasn't physically there. His family members were all he had here and he would do anything to ensure that they were safe. Even if it meant that he would fight them in some manner.]
But I agree, we probably should tell those from Teyvat first. I believe they deserve the right to know before our crew members.
[He said with a long pause.]
...I have to admit, I think we were lucky with the traveler. Despite everything, he still trust us but I am scared of what they might say.
[Freminet really has grown... it makes Lyney smile ruefully.]
You're right... we made a promise to protect each other, didn't we?
[Lyney's... trying. He knows he has to work on relying on others more, especially his family. Moments like this remind him that he has others in his corner, even if his mind tries to convince him otherwise.]
You're right; the Traveller was exceptionally kind to us. There's no guarantee the others will be as generous... or as forgiving.
[He pauses, a small frown on his face as he crosses his arms.]
I can be the one to talk to the others, if you'd like.
[That was a very tempting offer. Lyney would be the one to tell and Freminet could be the one to avoid all the heartache and sorrow from the immediate backlash. And yet, he knew he couldn't allow his brother to do that. Not when he was shouldering the pain of taking care of the the House.]
...No, you don't have to. I think I'll be the one to tell them.
[Even though it will suck, he just has to. After the fight between the three of them and their Father, he didn't want Lyney to be the one in charge of something once again. He didn't want him to carry such a heavy burden all the time.]
[Something changed between them, after that fateful battle with Father. It was painful, and they both still bore physical and emotional scars from that battle. But through it all, they grew closer, the bonds between them strengthening. Through the pain and fire, their relationships were forged even stronger than before. It makes a bubble of emotion swell up in the back of Lyney's throat as his smile grows warmer.]
What have I ever done to deserve a brother like you?
[He takes a steadying breath before reaching over to grasp at one of Freminet's hands.]
How about... we both tell them? That way, we share that burden.
[He'll probably still approach the others first to take the brunt of the outlash, but... he won't take this from Freminet if he insists.]
Nothing. I just don't want you to feel like you have to do this alone.
[Not only that, but the House has also given him a second chance. He lived a terrible live with his mother and from the previous Knave. Having Lyney, Lynette, and Father here made his life worth living. With a sigh, he gave a small nod.
As he gripped Lyney's hand, he had to take a leap of faith and that everything was going to be okay.]
Yes, let's do that. Let me know when you want to talk to them.
[He gently squeezes Freminet's hand, before tugging him closer to pull him into a careful hug. As much as it is to help comfort Freminet, Lyney lets out a weak chuckle.]
To be honest... the thought of telling everyone terrifies me.
Me too. We made so many friends here but it isn’t fair to them.
[As he returned the hug, he couldn’t help but feel the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. Taking a step back, he gave a sigh before wiping his eyes.]
I…I don’t know what I would do if don’t want to be our friends anymore.
[As he struggled to hold back his tears, he didn’t know what to think. He was terrified. He didn’t want to be rejected and he didn’t want to ruin whatever friendship he made here. However, they had to tell them.
Looking at Lyney, he gave a firm nod.]
Same here. If anything happens, I’ll be here too. It’ll be a lot but…I like to think it might be okay.
[Pause] However, I am trying to me optimistic of the outcome…
[Alone with Freminet, Lyney isn't afraid to admit his own fears in regard to this situation. He pauses as his hat wiggles a bit, and he takes a moment to pull it off his head and flip it upside down. From within, Rosseland sticks his little head out with a little meow, before flopping out of the hat and moving to settle in Freminet's lap. Lyney lets out a small chuckle at the display, reaching over to give him a little scratch on his rump.]
Well, at least there's one who'll stay friends with us.
[Rosseland lets out a small meow, purring deep enough for Freminet to feel it.]
[Rosseland lets out another meow, as if agreeing with Freminet's words. The portly feline simply purrs, offering comfort with his presence and weight.]
[Freminet's question makes Lyney pause, and the young diver can see just when the worry creeps up within him. He pauses, his hand stilling in Rosseland's fur as his gaze remains on the ground. He remains silent for several seconds before he speaks in a soft tone.]
[He didn't know what to say. Even when Heizou and Lyney refuse to admit it, it was clear that they were dating. They cared deeply about one another, and it seemed like a terrible thing to say to him. Normally, Freminet would try to find some way to let his brother feel better. But this time, he didn't know how.
He didn't know Heizou as well as Lyney. Who knows what his reaction would be.
Placing his hand on Lyney's shoulder, he gave a pause of his own before speaking up.]
...If anything happens, I'll be here. I'm willing to listen and hear you.
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[He wasn't surprised by Father's response. It would be better for the both of them to tell everyone rather than having them find out for themselves. Not only that, but it would also be terrible if they did. It meant that they couldn't trust them for hiding it for so long. Again, he gave a sigh as he debated on what to do.]
...Since it is only a matter of time before they find out, I wouldn't mind telling them. Although, I worry about what might happen next.
[Pause]
I don't want them to hurt you.
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Truthfully, I was more worried about what may happen to you than me. I'm okay with having a few hecklers in the crowd, so to speak.
[He says it lightly, but in truth that's been weighing heavily on his mind. He's used to having an empty auditorium when it comes to true friends and allies, but he didn't dare want that same isolation inflicted upon his brother; let the others hate him, let them ostracize him, but he refused to let Freminet suffer that same fate.]
Whatever may happen... we would simply have to wait and see. We can't fault them for being surprised, or angry with us. Plus, they'll need time to process their emotions. Only after giving them that time will we be able to figure out how to proceed.
[He pauses, thinking through their list of allies.]
I think it would be wise to tell those from Teyvat first. They're the ones who'd be able to connect the dots easier than others. As for the Avalanche crew... we can wait and see how the others react before telling them as well.
[That way they aren't completely ripping off all the bandages.]
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[Didn't he make that oath ever since he got his vision? He would do whatever it takes to help out the House even when he wasn't physically there. His family members were all he had here and he would do anything to ensure that they were safe. Even if it meant that he would fight them in some manner.]
But I agree, we probably should tell those from Teyvat first. I believe they deserve the right to know before our crew members.
[He said with a long pause.]
...I have to admit, I think we were lucky with the traveler. Despite everything, he still trust us but I am scared of what they might say.
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You're right... we made a promise to protect each other, didn't we?
[Lyney's... trying. He knows he has to work on relying on others more, especially his family. Moments like this remind him that he has others in his corner, even if his mind tries to convince him otherwise.]
You're right; the Traveller was exceptionally kind to us. There's no guarantee the others will be as generous... or as forgiving.
[He pauses, a small frown on his face as he crosses his arms.]
I can be the one to talk to the others, if you'd like.
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...No, you don't have to. I think I'll be the one to tell them.
[Even though it will suck, he just has to. After the fight between the three of them and their Father, he didn't want Lyney to be the one in charge of something once again. He didn't want him to carry such a heavy burden all the time.]
I don't want you to deal with this by yourself.
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[Something changed between them, after that fateful battle with Father. It was painful, and they both still bore physical and emotional scars from that battle. But through it all, they grew closer, the bonds between them strengthening. Through the pain and fire, their relationships were forged even stronger than before. It makes a bubble of emotion swell up in the back of Lyney's throat as his smile grows warmer.]
What have I ever done to deserve a brother like you?
[He takes a steadying breath before reaching over to grasp at one of Freminet's hands.]
How about... we both tell them? That way, we share that burden.
[He'll probably still approach the others first to take the brunt of the outlash, but... he won't take this from Freminet if he insists.]
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[Not only that, but the House has also given him a second chance. He lived a terrible live with his mother and from the previous Knave. Having Lyney, Lynette, and Father here made his life worth living. With a sigh, he gave a small nod.
As he gripped Lyney's hand, he had to take a leap of faith and that everything was going to be okay.]
Yes, let's do that. Let me know when you want to talk to them.
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[He gently squeezes Freminet's hand, before tugging him closer to pull him into a careful hug. As much as it is to help comfort Freminet, Lyney lets out a weak chuckle.]
To be honest... the thought of telling everyone terrifies me.
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[As he returned the hug, he couldn’t help but feel the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. Taking a step back, he gave a sigh before wiping his eyes.]
I…I don’t know what I would do if don’t want to be our friends anymore.
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Truthfully, I don't know either. Father mentioned they may need time to process their emotions, and that we should give that to them.
[He frowns, before looking back up at Freminet.]
Whatever happens... I'll be here for you, no matter what. Okay?
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Looking at Lyney, he gave a firm nod.]
Same here. If anything happens, I’ll be here too. It’ll be a lot but…I like to think it might be okay.
[Pause] However, I am trying to me optimistic of the outcome…
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[Alone with Freminet, Lyney isn't afraid to admit his own fears in regard to this situation. He pauses as his hat wiggles a bit, and he takes a moment to pull it off his head and flip it upside down. From within, Rosseland sticks his little head out with a little meow, before flopping out of the hat and moving to settle in Freminet's lap. Lyney lets out a small chuckle at the display, reaching over to give him a little scratch on his rump.]
Well, at least there's one who'll stay friends with us.
[Rosseland lets out a small meow, purring deep enough for Freminet to feel it.]
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He always seems to appear whenever we need it. But I'm glad to know we have each other should things get difficult.
[But that said...?]
...But are you ready though? To tell him?
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[Freminet's question makes Lyney pause, and the young diver can see just when the worry creeps up within him. He pauses, his hand stilling in Rosseland's fur as his gaze remains on the ground. He remains silent for several seconds before he speaks in a soft tone.]
I... I don't know. I have to, but I...
[...but he's terrified of losing Heizou.]
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He didn't know Heizou as well as Lyney. Who knows what his reaction would be.
Placing his hand on Lyney's shoulder, he gave a pause of his own before speaking up.]
...If anything happens, I'll be here. I'm willing to listen and hear you.
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Thank you, Freminet. You have no idea how much that means to me.
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[He trailed off as he looked downwards once more. This was so much to take in, he didn't really know what else to say.]
...I wish you the best of luck, Lyney. We'll be in this together, right?
Wrap?
Of course. We made a promise, didn't we?
[He may be a roil of emotions right now, but at least he has his brother. And he'll be there for Freminet as well.]
We'll get through this together. I promise.