Archive of Our Own

           Lyney detested being late to anything, especially a performance which was why he normally arrived ridiculously early. It was one of his quirks Lynette had just adjusted to over time, though she wasn't particularly as fond of over-preparing as he was. It had been made all the worse by the competitive streak brought out in him recently. There was a new star on the horizon – a young woman who rose to fame incredibly quickly. She went from dancing on the streets to starring in some of the most opulent plays at the Opera Epiclese. Lynette had to remind him it was not a competition, they were in completely different time slots and were students of vastly different brands of the arts. Yet, Lyney could feel this bubble of anxiety in his chest- Tastes in Fontaine are rarely the same for long. Is it about to be the era of plays? Will we lose everything we worked so hard for? Will there be little use for us in The House of the Hearth if we can't stay ontop with our craft? Not that he ever voiced these worries out loud, mind you. No, on the surface he was the same calm, mysterious Lyney as ever. Like that really fooled his siblings.

           The fact remained that Lynette was getting tired of being dragged to the Opera house every other day to practice on the big stage to soothe Lyney's nerves.

          ''I think we should talk.'' She folded her arms, giving him a piercing stare from across the room. Lyney was fiddling around with one of the stage props and upon her voice cutting through his concentration, he applied too much pressure and a bouquet of flowers erupted from the staff in his hands, hitting him directly in the face.

          ''Oof!'' Lyney's nose twitched a little as one of the flower stems stabbed his nostril.

          ''Are you alright?'' Lynette remained calm, but she checked him over for a moment.

          ''My ego is the only thing being damaged here. You wound me.'' He sighs, face flushed a little with embarrassment as he sets the staff aside. ''What did you need to talk about? Have any suggestions for our next big trick? See, I'm thinking-''

          ''Lyney.'' Lynette's tone was very firm, but not without love. ''We've been going like this for weeks. The last trick nearly gave you a broken arm. You need rest. We can think up new acts while you're taking a break.''

          ''No, no. We simply can't. Lady Furina comes to all of our shows! She would be disappointed if we took any sort of break. And if She loses interest, then...'' It's only a matter of time before the audience does, too.

          ''I sincerely doubt she would lose interest. She never misses a show. Besides, we had an audience when we were performing on street corners, too. Not every show can be at the Opera. It doesn't need to be, either. And not every act needs to be death defying.'' Lynette rarely showed concern, but her brother was gambling with his life here. For what? Some extra Mora? She understood his deeper fears, of course. Not a single Mora in the world added up to the cost of his life, though. That wasn't a price his Sister was willing to pay.

         ''I'm all too aware of how fickle Fontanians can be when it comes to entertainment, my dear Sister. We clawed our way onto this stage. The thought of losing it, of possibly...'' Lyney clears his throat, shaking his head.

         ''Father wouldn't simply cast us aside. You know that, don't you?'' Lynette trusted Arlecchino. Perhaps too much. Though she saved them, took them in, gave them a home and assured no more betrayal...a part of Lyney never truly felt secure. Perhaps from a lifetime of lies and misplaced trust, he sort of expected it.

         ''Lynette, I-'' The sound of footsteps could be heard onstage, catching Lyney's interest. The magician halted, casting a glance to the large velvet curtains.

         ''I heard the rising star is practicing today.'' His Sister shrugs a little bit.

         ''That can't be. I specifically booked the stage for our rehearsal time. There must be some mistake.'' Lyney raised an eyebrow, sidestepping Lynette to pull back the side of the curtain and peek out at the mostly empty Opera house. The stage was indeed occupied by a lovely dancer – you.

         Your movements were fluid and well-practiced, even without a single note of music playing. Eyes closed, simply lost in a rhythm no one else could hear; your steps were nothing short of flawless. Dressed only in simple clothes, you made it look so easy. Lyney knew talent when he saw it. Spellbound, he stood as if held in place. Periwinkle eyes followed your every movement, his mind normally racing with thoughts was currently blank. As you performed a perfect pirouette, your eyes opened to connect with Lyney's. The sheer panic of finding yourself being watched caused you to gasp and lose your footing, slipping on the stage. You caught yourself rather gracefully so nothing was sprained or broken during the tumble, but your heart was pounding with shock as you sat for a moment to catch your breath.

         Lyney had gasped too, reeling back and bumping the back of his head on the wall behind him. ''So sorry!'' He called out, reaching his hands out to grasp his hat but it had already fallen off his head and rolled along the stage to land inches away from where you now sat.

         ''They didn't tell me anyone else would be performing, I'm sorry!'' You shook your head, finding your voice after a moment.

         ''No, no...erm...that's alright.'' Lyney found all of his coolness had completely evaporated. And the back of his head hurt now, too.

         ''Ah, here...'' You slowly rose from your spot on the stage floor, retrieving his hat very carefully. Lyney observed your every movement as you approached; graceful and elegant, even outside of your routine.

         ''Thank you, Miss.'' He gave you a little bow. With a soft laugh, you placed the velvet-lined hat upon his head once more.

         ''No trouble at all. You're Lyney, aren't you?'' You tilted your head, a sparkle in your eyes. He recognized that look all too well and gave a soft laugh.

         ''A fan, are you? That would be me, yes. My Sister is still backstage, choosing to not make a fool of herself.'' He laughed off his earlier mistake, rubbing the back of his neck with gloved hands. You covered your mouth to stifle a laugh.

         ''Oh, I've always loved magic! I've seen a few of your performances out on the street, and I'd heard your name mentioned in the Steambird, but...'' Your words trailed off, and Lyney didn't press. Truly, he was touched (and equally devastated) that his new competitor was also a huge fan.

         ''Then you'll forgive me my boldness, please Miss. I've seen many different plays and acts here at the Opera, but I've yet to see a dancer so talented in her field.''

         ''Me? Haha, thank you....It would seem a lot of Fontanians share that opinion, but it's an honor to receive a compliment from a natural talent like yourself.'' You returned his bow, from one performer to another. Lyney waved his hand a little.

         ''Please. What I do is simple misdirection. Trickery. What you do? That's real magic, milady.'' He gave a little tip of his hat, turning to leave. You stood in place, stunned by his words. Only moments after he had disappeared behind the curtain did you notice a delicate flower in the palm of your hand. A Rainbow Rose....how odd.

          After your meeting, something changed for Lyney. He had stopped worrying so much of his own success, and instead chose to support you as well. It was a silent custom for you to receive a Rainbow Rose in your dressing room before every show as a token of his appreciation. If you'd combed through the audience each night, sometimes you would get lucky enough to spot a rare glimpse of Lyney among the crowd. His expression was always full of stardust and wonder, lips parted softly. He was simply captivated, and any time your eyes met during your dance it felt as though you might soar on the spot. Yours seemed a quiet, supportive friendship built on love of the arts and yet...you longed for more.

         Your second run in was a little more eventful. You had stored a set of your casual shoes backstage for when you'd finished practice. Eager to get out of your dancing shoes, you headed behind the curtain to find they weren't where you'd left them.

         ''Huh? But I could've sworn...'' You made a sour face, checking one of the shelves. Some of the props used in Lyney and Lynette's show were stored here, and you accidentally knocked over what seemed to be an odd little bag. Not wanting to make a mess for the twins, you reached down to retrieve it. Oddly enough, although the bag seemed rather empty, it felt heavy. Glancing around as if you were about to do something criminal, you reached your hand inside the bag and felt around. Much to your surprise, a familiar material graced your fingertips. Gasping a bit, you grabbed onto it and pulled, retrieving your comfortable shoes from the clutches of the strange purse. However, tumbling out with it came two things – an entire arrangement of rainbow roses neatly tied together with a silk ribbon as well as a letter.

         ''Did you guys steal my shoes???'' You muttered under your breath, but your lips curved upward in a small smile. Oddly enough, upon inspection of the letter you found it was clearly addressed to you in such lovely handwriting. The back of it was closed with a little wax seal shaped like a cat. You couldn't help but smile wider, peeling up the seal and neatly setting the envelope in your lap.

          Dear (Your Name),

         I certainly hope this letter finds you well! My apologies for stealing your shoes. I'm afraid my Sister got the cat-like appearance, but I adopted the personality of a cat. I rather like to cause problems on purpose sometimes, you see? I debated for a long while how to properly catch your attention. I suppose I could have done it in a normal, boring way, but...does that sound like Lyney to you? I don't think so. This is my roundabout way of asking you to have dinner with me tomorrow night. I'll even perform a few tricks, if you'd like. If the lovely lady accepts, I'll wait for you outside the Hotel Debord at seven pm.

         P.S The cutoff point for fashionably late is fifteen minutes!
        P.S.S You should wear these shoes. They're lovely, and they certainly look much more comfortable than your dancing ones! I'd hate for you to wear yourself out for my sake.

         For a moment, you simply clutched the letter to your chest and laughed. It was the first real laugh you'd had in so long – loud and unafraid. Your thumbs delicately brushed over the artful way he had written your name. Taking a deep breath, you eventually got up off the floor and decided you had a date to start planning for.

         Though Lyney had jokingly mentioned you being fashionably late, you were determined to be there exactly on time. No one liked being stood up on a date, and you didn't want him to have that anxiety on his shoulders.

         Lyney stood outside the Hotel almost an hour ahead of schedule, because what if you had arrived early by a slim chance and had left thinking he wouldn't show? He fiddled with his hat nervously, tracing over the brim with his thumbs and breathing slowly. Truly, the magician could only think of a handful of times in his life he had ever been this nervous. They were almost never for a happy occasion, though. Of course girls had caught his eye before, and he'd even flirted. Part of his act was flirting. The more he could fluster his audience, the less they would be able to pay attention to mechanisms or machinations of his tricks. Mere misdirection, once more. He'd even kissed once before – though she had only seemed to value his magic tricks. There was no effort on her side of the kiss. Ending that relationship was difficult, even though it was necessary.

        This was different. You were different. From the moment he had seen you dance upon stage, he was enchanted. So taken with you that his head was no longer filled with thoughts of new performances...only of the sparkle in your eyes and the way your rare smile tugged at his heartstrings.

         Lyney's grip on his hat became anxious, knuckles turning white beneath his gloves. And then he heard it- a sound so lovely he swore it was the chime of a bell. Your voice.

         ''I know you made the joke about being fashionably late, but...I prefer to be unfashionably early.''

         Every worry, every doubt, every anxiety he had felt was driven back by the sheer power of your voice as if they were cobwebs seared by the light of a brilliant candle. He spun on his heel to face you, eyes bright and heart full.

         ''Why, milady...the mere thought of your arrival would make even the moon shine before her time. I'm honored.'' Lyney flips his hat on his head and offers you his hand.

         You couldn't help the pink that crept into your cheeks as you lay your hand in his. Then, you feel something strange and soft beneath your palm. Gently lifting your hand, you find yet another Rainbow Rose delicately seated in the palm of his hand.

         ''Oh my. Now, how did that get there?'' He chuckles softly, watching your expressions in an observant manner. You shake your head, taking the rose carefully.

         ''Sneaky.'' You comment, raising the rose to your nose as if to take in a breath of its lovely scent, but it hides your shy smile so perfectly. Lyney offered his hand to you for a moment.

         ''May I?'' You realize he's asking for your permission to pin the rose so you don't have to carry it the whole night.

         ''If I look away, will you turn it into a rabbit?'' Your words make him crack a big grin and he laughs.

         ''Look at you, already figuring out all my moves. No fair! I'll have no material left for our second date.'' He says smoothly and confidently, pulling a bobby pin from whatever magical abyss is inside his strange magician's hat to very carefully settle the blossom in your hair.

         ''Second date, huh? We haven't even gotten through our first!'' You attempt to say it with as much confidence as he had, but you lost your voice the moment he moved closer to you to pin the flower in your hair.

         ''I don't need to be skilled in fortune telling to know it won't end here.'' His smile becomes sugar sweet but it's the warmth in his eyes that sends your stomach reeling with the sensation of butterflies.

          ''Yeah...something tells me the same.'' You affirm, your heart pounding so loudly in your chest that you fear he might hear it, too. You're not so certain he doesn't with the way his smile widens.

          ''Well, then. No pressure to make tonight perfect, right? Let's go have dinner.'' Lyney offers you his arm and you take it gently, following him inside the hotel.

         As paying guests, you not only have access to the banquet room, but you're informed you may use the balcony as well which excites you. The view of Fontaine at night is unparalleled.

         The two of you get comfortably seated and order food. Here is where Lyney's observation skills pick up something odd. You get an incredibly light meal, and you seem surprised at the portion they deliver. You take a few bites in between the time the two of you speak, and then don't touch your plate again.

         ''My dear, you barely touched your food. Is everything alright? I'm not making you nervous, am I?'' His tone is lightly teasing – his goal is to not force you to answer anything you don't want to. Yet, the look in your eyes tells him you'll answer truthfully anyway.

         ''Oh! I'm sorry, I don't typically eat much. My...performances demand a strict diet so that I can manage my figure.''

          Something in Lyney sours at the phrasing. Your hesitancy, the way your eyes dart to miss his gaze. He catches the way you clasp your hands together, nervously twisting and pulling at the skin. He had to tread lightly on this topic.

         ''My concern is if you don't eat, you don't receive enough nutrients for the sort of work you do. It's a lot of work, and dehydration is no joke!!'' He worries for you. Underneath those hot stage lights, practicing all day every day...how long would it be until you collapsed? There were a few times you had looked ill onstage. Lyney had simply thought perhaps your clothing was a little too tight, or you hadn't drank enough water. Common problems he also experiences. This...this was different, though.

         ''My Father is sort of strict. My apologies.'' Something about your demeanor has entirely changed. Your smile was false. Your voice was too quiet. He recalled the first time you'd met...you stifled your laughter. His stomach was in knots. He sees himself, eight years old and starving on the streets; lying to strangers to protect Lynette and keep their bellies full.

         ''With me, milady....you don't need a mask. I was out of line for asking, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Please forgive me.'' Lyney's voice is so sincere and gentle that you can't help but let your mask slip again. An expression of shock paints your face.

         To be an actress or actor, one must wear many faces. Though your initial passion had been dancing, wearing many faces was part of your daily life. You were well suited for the role the first time you had stepped upon the stage. Your talent came from years of pretending. Not once had someone told you they'd preferred your true face than one of the masks you wore. It was enough that your eyes began to well up for a moment.

        ''No, no. Please. Don't apologize. It was very kind of you to worry. You have a good heart, Lyney.'' You blink back the tears furiously, willing them not to fall. The last thing you wanted to do was give him the wrong impression by crying.

         But Lyney was far too skilled in the art of observation for that to slip by his notice. Luckily, he saw the tears clinging to your lashes and your genuine smile and took it as a sign of gratefulness rather than sorrow.

        ''I'm glad you think so. The truth is I worry for you, (Y/N). If there's anything you need, anything at all...please don't hesitate to ask.'' There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.

        ''You are too sweet...I promise, I'll keep that in mind.'' You lay your hand over his to reassure him. Lyney overturns his hand so that you might intertwine your fingers for comfort. ''Will I find another rose in your palm this time?''

        He laughs at your cheekiness, blinking back thoughts from a lifetime ago.

         ''I only had the one, apologies. If I give you too many roses, I imagine the trash bins might start to attract all sorts of bees and butterflies.''

         You blinked in shock, shaking your head. Did he really think you threw them away? Did he take his gestures that lightly? ''The trash bins? Oh, I have them pressed between the pages of my favorite novel for safekeeping.''

         It's now Lyney's turn to be starstuck, his mouth a little ajar. It took him a few moments to recover, his cheeks as rosy as the flower in your hair. ''Well, I'll keep that in mind. I'll start sending dozens more, then. Drown your entire dressing room in Rainbow Roses.''

        ''Now there's a sight I would love to see.'' You laughed – not the fake one. Your true laugh, bright and genuine and music and Lyney could drown in it. He closes his eyes for a moment to listen, the smile on his face so serene. His eyes flutter open once more and he catches the way you lightly trace your thumb over the velvet petals of the flower. How lucky that rose is right now, to be touched so gently by her.

        ''Oh! Lyney...!'' You gasped, the your eyes settling just behind him. The magician turned to gaze at the balcony doors, or rather the starry skies in view above them. The sun had already gone down, and the stars were out. Had it been that long? Lyney couldn't recall ever losing track of time like this.

          You rose from your seat, your hand still in his.

         ''Come with?'' You asked, as if you needed to. His hand squeezed yours and Lyney gave a nod as he got up from his seat to follow you.

         Out on the balcony the world was spread before you both, the sky a velvet blanket draped overhead with pinpricks of light shimmering through. Fontaine was a sea of lights, music and laughter with the distant sounds of water filtering in as if it were trickling down to the bottom of an hourglass.

         ''From up here, you forget what this city does to those less fortunate.'' You lower your voice to a somber tone, suddenly caught up in your emotions. Lyney's eyes flicker to yours, acknowledging your words silently. He knows all too well what you speak of.

        ''The rich hold all the cards, huh?'' He rests his elbows on the railing, gazing out over the city that used to spit on him.

         ''How did you get interested in magic?'' You opt for a change of topic, stealing his hat and resting it on your head. Lyney laughs, his expression brightening as well.

         ''It looks good on you.'' He adjusts the brim just a little. It's a bit too big for you, but he finds that wildly endearing. ''Well...originally, it was a way to keep me and my sister fed. You know we used to perform on the streets. They were our first real home, I guess. That ugliness you speak of...we know it pretty well.''

         There's no pity in your eyes, but there is sympathy. He's always believed in a subtle difference between the two- pity, the superficial response. Of course someone is sorry to hear the suffering of others. Would they willingly help them if they saw them suffering today? Could they share in their pain and carry the burden? Likely not. Sympathy, however... a genuine care and sorrow for someone's woes. You were a rarity in Fontaine.

        ''I wish I could change that for you.'' You spoke softly, your eyes speaking volumes. Lyney slid his hand in yours once more, his thumb tracing over the back of your hand lightly.

         ''If I had never gone through those awful things, Lynette and I might not have such a deep bond. I might never have learned magic. I might never be where I am today. I might not be standing under the same stars as you tonight. I appreciate your kindness...you are a rare and gentle soul. Thank you.'' He speaks softly, raising your hand to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of your hand, his mouth lingering for a moment. You watch the way his lips part for far too long, trace the sharpness of his jaw and the fullness of his cheeks to the way his long lashes kiss them as he blinks. You're speechless for a moment, wonderstruck.

         ''You and I aren't so different.'' His stomach is in knots again. Imagining your life being so similar to his aches. Lyney only got through all of that pain because of Lynette. He had to keep going for her sake. Yet, you....it sounded as if you had to endure this on your own.

         ''I understand your wish to change it, even though it brought us here eventually.'' He keeps your had in his, gazing up at the stars. He recognizes something, his eyes drifting back to you. ''Let that mask you wear fall....take it off for good. Let no one force it back on you.''

        You try not to let the tears fall. His words are so sincere they make your heart ache. You keep it locked inside.

         ''I can't. Not yet.'' You shake your head, squeezing his hand ever so softly. Lyney's smile fades for a moment, but he considers your safety. Pretending may be the only thing keeping you safe for now.

         ''Then I'll be here with you every step of the way, no matter how many masks you need to wear. And I'll be there still when you can finally take them off one day.''

         This was a phrase you knew you'd be reflecting on in years to come, somehow. You smiled, blinking back a few more tears.

         ''Thank you for understanding...''

         ''I only have one more request before this night ends. Would you...dance with me?'' Lyney offers, face a little red. He's far from skilled in dancing, but that won't stop him from trying.

          ''Right here?'' You ask, laughing shyly.

         ''It's beautiful, isn't it? A scene to remember. Maybe they'll make a play out of our love story some day.'' That suddenly felt a little too intimate to say out loud, but it doesn't deter you and he's eternally grateful. You giggle a little and his heart leaps.

          ''You think they'll ever find someone as pretty as you to play the part?'' You smirk, gently taking his hands and guiding Lyney to place them correctly.

         ''Nah. Can't beat the genuine article, you know? They should just hire me. Come on, I'm great at acting.''

          ''Your dancing is a littttle clumsy.'' You say in a teasing tone and Lyney scoffs playfully.

          ''Well, then it's a good thing I have the perfect tutor here in front of me.''

         ''Flattery will get you nowhere.''

         ''It got me here, didn't it? Ee!'' Lyney squeaked when you playfully pinched his cheek.

          Heading home that night, you were dancing on air. The street was your stage as you laughed and spun around the lamp posts, your heart ablaze. All of the joy in your body evaporated the moment you set foot in the house. Your mask was now on as you made your way to your bedroom.

         ''(Your Name).' A familiar bark of your name stopped you in your tracks.

         ''Yes, Father?'' You spoke flatly, tone completely empty.

         ''I need your payment from the last show.'' Voice slurred, tone all over the place. Drunk, as usual.

         ''On the table, as always.'' Just as you were about to head off, he spoke once more.

         ''In your hair. What's that?''

         ''Nothing, just a flower I found on the way here.'' You rush to unpin it in the hopes of keeping it secure.

         ''Bullshit. It's from that admirer again, isn't it?''

         ''So what if it is?'' You spoke back and the room went numbingly cold. He seized your arm rather roughly, ripping the flower from your hands. With a single squeeze he crushed the petals as you gasped in horror.

          ''You live under my roof. This household can't survive without your paycheck. You're gonna earn less if your head's full of some bullshit daydreams. Tell this guy to leave you alone. Why would he be interested in you, anyway?'' You wrenched your arm free from his grasp and pushed past him, tears trailing down your face.

          He called back once more, ''You hear me??''

         ''Yeah, I heard you. Loud and clear.'' Every word is laced with venom and pain as you reach your room and slam the door. You'd lock it if you were permitted to have a lock.

         Lyney attended every show after your first date. In fact, you gave him a special front row seat (and free admission, let's be real). After every performance, you'd meet and have lunch at the hotel together, switching off who paid. Lyney returned your favor, giving you a free seat of your choosing to his magic shows. The two of you were practically inseparable after a while, and you never had to mask around him. Life was...wonderful. For the first time ever, you finally had something other than dance to give your life meaning. Secretly, you'd begun to ferret away to Lyney a portion of your payments so you could get out of your current living situation. Unfortunately, this meant you had to work even harder to compensate for the amount of money you still had to pay your Father to be able to seem inconspicuous. That often meant you forgot to eat at all due to how busy you were. Lyney would gently remind you as often as he could, offering you food off his own plate. It wasn't enough to keep you going when you had so much scheduled.

         In the middle of rehearsal for the newest play you were starring in, Lyney noticed you seemed off. He noted your concentration seemed to be fleeting and you were sweating far more than usual. You reassured him during the intermission, ''It's fine, I promise. You worry too much, I just forgot to drink some more before the last half. I'll hydrate this time. I swear.''

         Your words didn't settle his worry. Sure enough, during the last half, you were speaking to your love interest when in the middle of the sentence, you pressed a hand over your stomach. You felt sick, the world was spinning. You couldn't get enough air into your lungs. The man playing your partner called out for aid, immediately recognizing this wasn't part of the act. By the time he had, you tumbled to the ground and your legs crumpled under you. Lyney was forced to wait to see you, watching medical professionals wander in and out of the backstage area where members of the Garde had made you comfortable for the time being. When they came to inform him you were alright, he couldn't race back fast enough.

        ''(Your Name)!'' Lyney called out, whipping back part of the velvet curtain and gazing around frantically until he found you lying back against a stack of pillows they'd had on set, looking a little more coherent. The manager (a kind woman named Amelie) had even went and fetched a couple of the snacks they keep here for emergencies like this so you could have something in your system.

         ''Lyney...I am so sorry for scaring you. I should've listened but-''

         ''Don't. Don't apologize, please? You have nothing to be sorry for, the last thing I wanna do is scold you.'' He wrapped his arms around you in a comforting hug. You fought off tears as your fingers dug into his shirt.

         ''I worked so hard. Now they're telling me my ankle is...It's...'' You fumble your words. ''I'll be out of shows for a while. It needs time to heal.''

         ''That's okay. Anything you need, I can do.''

         ''He's going to be so mad. And now, I can't afford to move. I don't have enough yet...'' Your hands tightened in his shirt and Lyney's heart shattered. It wasn't fair. You were pushed to the point of exhaustion, worked to the bone to keep up appearances and it was disgusting that your Father would be angry at you for getting hurt.

         ''(Y/N), if he thinks-''

         ''Where's my little girl? Where is she?'' You heard his voice and you froze up instantly. Lyney's expression darkened, his gaze turning toward the sound of the voice. The man he had been waiting to meet for months. The source of your agony, the reason for your masks. The person who told you starving yourself made you perform better. Lyney had a lot of unkind words for him, but being the professional he was, he wasn't about to rush blindly into this situation.

        ''Lyney.'' You gazed up, worried for him. His grip on you was steady. He cleared his throat and swallowed his rage, gazing up at the disgusting waste of a human being.

        ''Oh, you must be her Father! Actually, she's coming home with me. She needs a safe place to recover.'' He drew himself up a little, his hand staying firmly in yours. Your Father's expression flickered – a little bit of irritation. He was adequate at holding up a mask, but not as good as Lyney.

         ''The hell she is. I've never even met you. You're the creep sending her all those flowers and letters, aren't you? You're the reason she fainted. Always distracting her, keeping her so busy she doesn't eat. You're the one to blame for this.'' Upon closer inspection, something came to the magician's mind. A scene from the past – a few faces he hadn't forgotten.

         Lyney had to strangle the urge to tighten his free hand into a fist with all his might. ''You know, I think I recognize you. There's a lot of nobles in Fontaine, it's sure hard to keep track. Weren't you involved in some sort of trafficking ring a while ago? Yeah, couple of your friends made quite the headline, if I recall. Murdered. I'm sure it's you, though your hair is different, and your physique has changed quite a bit. It was many years ago, so no surprise there. They never convicted the person who killed your friend, did they? Matter of fact, I think only a handful of people made it out of there alive.'' His voice was no different than usual, chipper and bright. His stage voice came in handy sometimes, it sure could mask just about anything. Even rage. Lyney gave your hand another squeeze to reassure you before he pulled away and straightened up. He was doing something sleight of hand, you could see him 'pretending' to adjust his hat so he could retrieve something. Your Father stood there, face drained of all color. He had nothing to say to that. Nothing at all. It felt good to watch him shut his mouth for once.

         Lyney's smile never changed, as bright and happy as ever as he reached down and shook your Father's hand. He said something you couldn't hear, and you weren't able to read his lips. Then, much to your surprise, your Father turned and left through the curtain without so much as a backwards glance.

         ''Wh...what did you say to him?''

         ''Oh, nothing! I just introduced myself, that's all.'' Lyney smiled, looking far too innocent. In the distance, you swear you hear a shout of fright and the little POP! POP! of firecrackers.

         ''Cheeky.'' You laugh a little as a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. ''You didn't....hurt him, did you?''

         ''Much as I wanted to, no. Just some harmless little stage props. No. I want him to be alive to think about who he's losing. I hope it hurts worse than any knife. I am, however going to keep an eye on him and make sure he isn't doing anything unsavory. My family doesn't take kindly to that.'' Lyney shakes his head and you lay your hand on his arm softly. You were free, even if it hadn't been quite gone according to plan. You were thankful for the starting funds you'd given Lyney to hold onto. If you'd had to keep them at home, you know that money would be gone for good.

         ''Lyney, I...I don't know what to say.''

         ''I know you don't have enough money to fully buy a place right now. My situation is kind of messy, in a different way. But I'm not going to let you go back to the streets. I know that was exactly what you were afraid of. You're welcome to stay with me, until you save up for your new place. If you want, that is.'' Your head spun a little, so many different emotions to process all at once. Lyney really didn't know how to take your silence, starting to ramble a bit about some other possibilities.

         ''Lyney.'' You laugh, grabbing him by the front of his shirt and pulling him down for a kiss. You felt him freeze up from the shock for a moment before his lips melted against yours. After a moment, you both broke apart and he brought your foreheads together gently.

         ''Magic.'' He laughs a little, cupping your cheek.

         ''I wanna stay with you. I'll figure something out in time. I feel like I can be myself around you... no matter where we are, I know I'll be happy.'' That soothed Lyney's worries, and he beamed.

         ''It's settled, then. But first, let's get you something to eat.''

         ''Can I get dessert?'' You asked, your voice quiet.

         ''Cherie, you can have anything you want.'' His response brought a few tears to the surface and this time you let them fall before wiping them gently. You glanced up at the magician, giving him a radiant smile.

         ''I can't wait!''

        ''I'll get some food from the Hotel for you, and be right back.'' Lyney gives your hand a squeeze. He whispers something to Amalie who gives him a soft smile and nods. You watch him curiously, your head tilted ever so slightly.

         ''Oh, and before I forget!!'' Lyney holds out his hat to you. ''Hold onto this for me real quick, yeah?'' You smile shyly, taking his hat and finding it surprisingly heavy. As you peek inside, Lyney is already exiting the curtain.

          In the bottom of the hat is a whole shower of Rainbow Roses, more than enough to replace the one from your first date you hadn't gotten to keep.

          Lyney's ability to keep you enchanted lingered, the kind of magic that sticks with you always.