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Immediately after entering the nation of Fontaine, Lumine has already been wrapped up in so many things.
She managed to meet the Hydro Archon from the very beginning, nearly got charged because Paimon was floating without a rope, befriended magicians, became an attorney to defend said magicians from a murder they didn’t do and even became an assistant to them and helped them find the truth regarding the case of the famous Phantom Weasel.
A lot of excitement didn’t leave Lumine much of a chance to relax. It seemed to be the case for every single nation she entered—much to her dismay.
The woes of being the Traveller sometimes. All she wanted was to find her brother.
But it was never that easy.
Finally, after all those events transpired, she had the chance to freely walk around the Court of Fontaine with Paimon by her side.
No one needed her for once—which was refreshing.
“We can do whatever we want!” Paimon cheered, floating right beside Lumine. They were shoulder level with one another, as Paimon did her classic cheering movements.
Those little movements Paimon did were always adorable, not that Lumine would never mention that fact to them.
“That’s true.” Lumine only said in response, hiding her grin.
“Let’s eat everything Fontaine has to offer!”
“Do you always think with your stomach, Paimon?”
“Not always!”
Suddenly, hands clasped down on Lumine and Paimon’s shoulders—making them both jump. They felt some oppressive aura from behind them, but that was cut quickly when they heard a very familiar voice.
“Hello again, my wonderful assistants! Thank you for all your help last time!”
Of course he’d do this.
Lumine and Paimon looked at each other, before sighing in relief. It was just Lyney.
Lyney, the famous magician of Fontaine who was a part of the House of Hearth alongside his sister Lynette—Fatui.
Lumine knew him pretty well at this point—they’ve been through a lot already. He was one of the first people she met upon arriving at Fontaine, who helped her out and was charming from the get go.
You would never think he was Fatui. But he was.
It hurt when she found out from the Hydro Archon during his trial.
Lumine hated lies.
And in turn, disliked Lyney.
But Lyney managed to redeem himself—at least just a bit in her eyes.
She went from disliking him to finding him okay. Maybe even more than okay after the talk they had at Cesar’s grave.
If she had to describe it, Lyney was to her like Childe was to her.
She could be friendly with Lyney, even laugh along with him—you could call them friends. She wasn’t sure if she could still fully trust him, but she trusted him enough.
She still had the Rainbow Rose he gave her. She often would pull it out in the dead of night and hold it gently between her hands. Lumine remembered Charlotte mentioning how Rainbow Roses symbolize “passion” and “romantic encounters”.
For Lyney to give her this flower instead of the other one…
Did he really think of her that way? Or was he just being all charming like usual?
She’d never know.
“Lyney! Don’t sneak up on us like that! Paimon’s life flashed before Paimon’s eyes!” Paimon yelled at him, with their hands on their hips.
“Hello to you too, Lyney.” Lumine greeted, meeting with violet eyes that screamed mischief.
He only grinned, those mischievous eyes flickering between Lumine and Paimon in amusement.
“Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help myself! You two were right there—so vulnerable.”
He let go of them, stepping around to meet them face to face. Lynette appeared out of nowhere as well, taking her place next to Lyney.
They were always together, weren’t they?
As siblings should be.
Lumine felt a small pang in her heart at that, but she attempted to ignore it.
“Is there something you needed?” Lumine asked them both, pushing that pang down as best as she could.
Lyney only chuckled at that.
“Straight to the point, as always Lumine. I’ve always liked that about you.”
Did she hear that right?
Before she could ponder his words more closely, he continued.
“I was thinking, I never gave you any compensation for all your hard work you did for us. You were my attorneys, you were my assistants….you did so much. And yet I never thanked you properly!”
“You don’t have to pay us, Lyney! We wanted to help you.” Paimon told him, shaking their head.
That was true. They both helped him out of their own free will—both times. They never helped someone in the hopes of getting compensation.
Paimon would like compensation though—then they could live out their dreams of food.
“It’s fine. We don’t need anything.” Lumine insisted, but Lyney only held a hand out to stop them from continuing.
“I wasn’t thinking about Mora. I was thinking, why don’t you two join us for dinner at our house!”
“Dinner?”
That wasn’t something she thought he’d say.
“Yes, dinner! Me and you, Paimon, Lynette and Freminet!”
Lyney pointed at himself, then at Lumine, then at Paimon, then at Lynette. If Freminet was here, he probably would point to his younger sibling too.
“We’d love to have you.” Lynette said, being the first time she spoke since their encounter. Lyney’s gaze shifted to Lynette, smiling like an older brother would to their younger sibling.
Her own smile faltered just a tad.
“That’s right, dear sister! What do you say?” Lyney asked the two of them, staring expectantly at Lumine especially.
Paimon instantly latched onto Lumine’s arm, looking up at her with a pleading expression.
“Free food! Lumine, we have to go! Paimon never turns down free food!”
Lumine hesitated a bit, looking down at Paimon with a shaky smile.
Not because she didn’t want to go—far from it. It was very nice of them to offer dinner.
Not because of the free food. Who said no to free food? She was sounding like Paimon now.
Was that a good thing?
It was because of that pang in her heart that only grew with every passing second.
All this reminded her of Aether—rather, every time she saw Lyney and Lynette together.
She used to have dinner with her brother every day back when. It was one of her favorite times of the day. They would sit together, eating and laughing about mundane things.
It was one of the things she missed dearly.
She just missed Aether in general—even more so now.
Lyney and Lynette were a constant reminder of what she had.
They hurt her without them even knowing.
And she planned on keeping it that way. It wasn’t their fault.
It was only hers.
“…we’d love to.” She found herself saying absentmindedly, seeing Paimon’s pleading face.
Lyney’s expression brightened up immensely at her acceptance.
He looked so happy.
Too bad she couldn’t be the same.
“Splendid! Tonight, at seven, come to our house! You remember where it is, right?” He asked them, and Paimon laughed him off.
“Of course we do! Paimon has a great memory!”
“Good. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you later.”
“I’ll go into cooking mode and make dessert for you. Be prepared.” Lynette told them with a serious expression, with Lyney nodding in agreement.
“Lynette makes pretty good desserts.” He started to say, but then frowned—raising a finger up in the air.
“Although…you better not eat them all Lynette! Save some for our guests! Last time, Freminet wasn’t able to have any!” He scolded, shaking his finger at her.
“Whatever you say.” Lynette rolled her eyes at his scolding. She’s probably heard this before way too many times—very classic sibling behavior.
“Whatever will I do with you, Lynette?” Lyney sighed, shaking his head.
“Quit it, Lyney.” Lynette snapped back, with said magician laughing nervously at her snapping.
“Come on now…”
Lumine’s heart fell. That shaky smile she had disappeared.
This banter…was like the one she used to have with Aether.
Lumine usually liked to eat all the dessert and Aether would always scold her for eating so much.
But she always saved him a bit, out of sight and when she would show him, he would ruffle her hair and forgive her.
She willed that image of them out of her head.
“Anyway, we’ll see you then Lumine. Paimon. Don’t be late~” Lyney sang, tipping his hat towards them.
“We won’t! See you then, Lyney!” Paimon waved them off, grabbing Lumine’s hand and forcing her to wave too.
She put on a smile.
Lyney’s eyes met hers for a split second, before the magical duo left their view.
Paimon turned to Lumine with the brightest, genuine smile, jumping up and down.
“Paimon’s so excited! I wonder what they’ll make for us?”
Lumine didn’t regret saying yes. How could she when Paimon looked so happy?
Yet she had to hide her sadness from Paimon. Paimon was in high spirits, and she didn’t want to dampen their mood with her own problems.
It already happened before back in Sumeru.
She wouldn’t do it again.
“Knowing you Paimon, you’d eat anything they make. Even if it was bad.” Lumine joked, with Paimon scoffing at the very true statement.
“You never say no to free food! Even if it was terrible!”
“That just makes you a glutton.”
“Paimon is proud of it!”
“You shouldn’t be.”
They burst into laughter, as they set off once again. They spent the rest of the day walking around Fontaine and taking in all the sights.
No one else interrupted them.
Paimon had to resist all the tasty food options. Lumine could see the struggle, but Paimon had an iron will apparently. Didn’t even buy a single meal.
Who would have known?
Seven comes around quicker than Lumine expected and before she knew it, the duo were standing in front of Lyney and Lynette’s door.
It was a deep turquoise green, with golden intricate designs and two large lamps on either side of the door frame. They were currently illuminating their faces in a warm yellow light.
Paimon knocked on the door with a few quick taps, bouncing around in excitement. Lumine couldn’t hide the frown that crept up over her face as it finally set in—the fact they were here.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t get rid of that pang in her heart in the meantime. It lingered throughout the day, and only now it was resurfacing—since she knew she would see Lyney and Lynette again.
Paimon’s bouncing faltered a bit when they glanced at her, and she froze.
Was her sadness that obvious?
“Are you okay Lumine? Are you not feeling well?” Paimon asked, clearly seeing Lumine’s troubled look.
Lumine shook her head in return—donning a fake smile once again in the hopes of appeasing Paimon.
“I’m fine.”
The door opened before Paimon could continue their questioning—much to Lumine’s relief.
A strange Lyney appeared at the door.
Gone was the cape that adorned his shoulder and the tailcoat that extended from behind him. Gone was the hat that covered his head—along with the braid in his hair.
Gone was the tear mark on his cheek.
He looked like a simple, innocent kid smiling at them both—a far cry from his usual appearance.
Lumine only stared, her golden eyes scanning his form which was meant to be discreet but it probably wasn’t. It felt intimate, the fact that he was comfortable enough to be so casual in front of them.
Lyney looked at the two of them with a bright smile.
“You’re here! Welcome, welcome! Please do come in.” Lyney moved to the side to let them in, bowing. Despite looking so innocent, he still was that charming magician she knew.
“Thank you for having us, Lyney!”
Paimon floated in, until they stopped and looked back at Lumine—who was still standing out there, gaping like a fish and her golden eyes still checking out Lyney—quite blatantly.
“Come on Lumine!”
Lumine suddenly snapped out of her trance, looking at Paimon with a bewildered expression. Paimon only put their hands on their hips with a pout.
“Don’t just stand there! Does Paimon need to drag you in?”
There was no dragging needed. Lumine could walk.
Not at this moment though.
Lyney, who was watching them passively, suddenly walked up to her. He came closer and closer, until he landed right in front of her.
He extended his hand out, and her gaze fell to it. Yet she made no move. She only stared at it, as if she never saw a hand before.
It was a hand. A hand that was extended to her. A hand she should probably take.
Her brain was refusing to comprehend that fact right now.
Seeing that she wasn’t going to take it, he literally grabbed her hand himself and held it tightly.
Her eyes shoot to their now intertwined hands, then back at Lyney in surprise.
He winked at her, before turning his head to Paimon.
“I got her, Paimon. You head in.”
“Trusting you Lyney! Better not play any tricks!” Paimon huffed, pointing at Lyney intently. Paimon had a scary glare on—which wasn’t that scary in all honesty.
“I won’t. Magician’s honor.” Lyney promised, putting his free hand to his heart.
Paimon seemed to be satisfied with that—dropping the glare almost instantly.
“Come quickly okay? Paimon’s really hungry. See you inside Lumine!”
With a wave, Paimon was out of view.
And now it was just them in front of the door, hands still intertwined.
She didn’t know what to say or do at this point. Her brain was absolutely failing her right now. Her heart started beating faster though—all her focus was on that warm hand encasing her own.
But Lyney did. He seemed to still have a brain.
“Like what you see?” He teased, a smirk playing along his lips.
Busted.
Her cheeks are now dusted with a red tint, opting to look at the door frame. It looked real interesting right about now.
“I don’t mind, not from a pretty lady like you.”
Why did Lyney sound happy? Hold on. Brain was reactivating now.
“T..that’s not…” She tried to explain, her eyes shooting back to him.
Lyney only tugged at her hand.
“Everyone is waiting for you. Let’s head in.”
She only nodded—before she displayed any more idiotic behavior and embarrassed herself any further.
Lumine was pulled across the threshold, now in a new domain. He looked back at her, using his free hand to motion around the area.
“Welcome, Lumine.”
Their house was simple. But homely.
Lyney continued to tug her forward, directing her towards what she assumed was their kitchen area. She noted pictures of various children on the walls, but she didn’t have the time to properly look at them.
A table filled to the brim with food appeared in front of her, literally obscuring her vision. Dishes of various sizes and shapes and drinks of any kind were present—it was like heaven.
Particularly for Paimon.
Speaking of Paimon.
How hasn’t Paimon eaten everything? They had more restraint than Lumine thought–very impressive.
Lynette, Freminet and Paimon are already seated at the table, their heads turning to look at the newcomers.
Unlike Lyney, they were still adorned in their usual outfits.
She noted this playful sparkle in Lynette’s eyes that betrayed her indifferent face—her gaze directed at their still intertwined hands.
“There you two are! We’ve been waiting! Sit down already! Paimon is hungry!” Paimon complained, holding a fork and knife. Paimon didn’t really sit so they were just floating above the chair while gripping the utensils.
“Quit bothering our guest, Lyney.” The frown on Lynette’s face was very apparent.
Lyney looked at Lynette with a shocked expression, raising their intertwined hands. He used his free hand to point at said raised hands.
“I’m not bothering anyone! I’m helping! See?”
“All I see is you bothering Lumine.”
“It’s nice to see you again…” Freminet said meekly, and Lumine gave a small smile and nod in response. She didn’t have much of a chance to interact with Freminet, but he seemed very kind.
“Lynette didn’t eat all of the desserts, did she Freminet?” Lyney asked his brother, ignoring Lynette’s remark and Lynette’s frown deepened.
“Quit bringing that up.”
“She didn’t…” Freminet responded quietly–he must have felt compelled to answer. Poor guy.
Lynette’s eyes snapped to Freminet—who shrunk in his seat a bit.
Lyney turned his gaze to Lumine, ignoring what was happening between his siblings quite blatantly.
“Good! That means there’s some for you Lumine!”
“And me too!” Paimon cried out, putting the knife and fork down with a clang. “Don’t forget me!”
“And you too, Paimon.”
“What about your only siblings?” Lynette asked him curtly, her eyes narrowing. “We’re here too.”
Lyney rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand—averting his eyes at her sister’s glare. “Of course there’s some for you two as well! I didn’t forget you.”
Lumine’s heart panged even more—almost unbearable as she watched the scene unfold.
This…seeing such friendly siblings…
Aether…
A memory surfaced.
Their voices faded away.
“Will we always be together?” Lumine asked while taking a bite of cake. Aether was sitting next to her, holding his fork.
“I promise. You’ll never leave my sight.”
She stole a piece of cake from Aether’s plate—and a glare was shot at her.
“Hey!”
“Just making sure.” She responded nonchalantly, as if she didn’t just do the heinous crime of stealing her brother’s cake.
“Of what?!” Aether shot back, exasperated at what she said, and Lumine only grinned.
“Who knows?”
“Lumine…you see why I can’t leave you?” Aether sighed, a weak smile replacing the glare.
“Then you better not leave me.”
Lumine ate the piece of cake she stole, making sure to chew intently–just to piss off Aether.
“I won’t.” His golden eyes stared into her own, showing how serious he was.
Liar.
She felt something wet fall on her cheeks. Her free hand touched a cheek, and the realization hit.
Tears.
She was crying.
The voices died down to complete silence.
“What did you do Lyney?!” Paimon screeched, jumping out of their seat. They grabbed the nearest spoon and lifted it towards Lyney–as if it was a scary weapon and not a small spoon they just took.
“If you hurt Lumine, Paimon swears! You promised!”
“Nothing! I didn’t do anything!”
“Then why is she crying?! Lumine!” Paimon floated over to her—staring in worry.
Stares. All she could feel were their stares.
Lyney’s concerned stare, Paimon’s worried stare and Lynette and Freminet’s concerned stares. She could see the siblings looking at each other, not knowing what to do.
Too many stares.
She had to go.
Escape.
Run.
Leave before it’s too late.
That’s all her brain told her.
And she did what her brain said.
She broke out of Lyney’s hold with a tug and started running towards the nearest exit—ignoring the cries of Paimon.
Tears obscured her vision as she ran, the night sky illuminating her fleeting form.
She felt like an absolute moron right about now.
Did they blame themselves for this?
No one did anything to her. She only did this to herself, yet poor Lyney was being threatened by a spoon. A spoon out of all things!
Aether would be ashamed. Or laughing his head off. One or the other.
There she was, running away from her problems and crying like some child.
What would they all think of her now?
What would Lyney think? She saw his expression in the split second she let go of his hand–it looked hurt.
And that hurt her more than anything.
She ruined everything.
It was meant to be a lovely dinner. They worked so hard making everything for them. Lynette worked so hard making desserts.
They were all so happy.
And she had to go and ruin it all.
She wiped at her tears with her hands, but they wouldn’t stop.
Why won’t they stop?
Please stop.
There was no way Lumine could go back now. She could hide out somewhere. Never show her face again. Forget this ever happened.
But that wouldn’t be right either. She couldn’t do that to them—she might as well go die in a ditch then.
Dying would mean she wouldn’t meet with Aether.
A stalemate as she concluded–her only solution was to keep running until she couldn’t. Then deal with the consequences after.
Where was she even? Everything looked the same to her with her blurry vision.
It didn’t matter.
As long as she could keep running.
A hand clasped her arm, pulling hard. She instinctively pulled back against the hand, trying to run on.
Who was touching her? Some enemy? Some stranger?
Wasn’t it obvious she was running? Crying? Why were they bothering her?
“Stop.”
That familiar voice. It was wheezed, a desperate tone that she’s heard before.
She halted to a stop, refusing to look back at him.
Lumine knew it was Lyney. He was breathing heavily as he kept his grip on her.
He ran all this way for her?
Why?
Why would you do that for me, Lyney?
I ruined everything.
“I’m sorry.”
Lyney’s grip on her arm was strong, not letting her move an inch. Even if she was planning on escaping, there was no way she could outwit a magician.
He managed to follow her all this way after all.
“…you didn’t do anything.” She told him quietly, her voice scarily calm.
“I’m sorry.” He repeated, louder than before.
Lumine finally turned to look at him, letting out a choked sob.
Why was he apologizing for something he didn’t even do?
Why was he being so kind to her when she was so terrible to him?
After destroying the dinner he suggested?
Lyney’s violet eyes only showed regret as they observed her.
“I don’t have much on me but…”
Lyney’s hand reached out behind her ear, and he pulled out…this random object?
Upon closer glance, once her eyes focused amidst all the tears…it was a spoon?
Like the spoon Paimon was holding when they were threatening Lyney.
“Ta-da!”
She stifled a laugh—rather a small sob. Where the heck did he get a spoon?
Did he just grab Paimon’s spoon? She could imagine it, Lyney snatching the spoon as he ran off. What compelled him to do that—she would never know.
She couldn’t help but smile at the mental image, although she still had tears falling.
Lyney sighed in relief, making the spoon disappear with a simple flick of his wrist. Even when not dressed like a magician, he still was one.
And he could still do tricks even with a spoon.
“There we go! A smile suits you the best.”
He pulled her a bit closer, forcing her to face him fully.
“Let’s sit shall we?”
He directed her to an empty bench nearby, gently pulling her along. She followed like a lost puppy, trying to stall her tears. He carefully helped her sit down, and then stood nearby—his back to her.
Lyney was politely giving her the time to compose herself.
A true gentleman.
There was a singular lamp next to the bench that illuminated them. She stared at Lyney’s shadow, hands in her lap as she willed her tears to stop.
After a short while, she finally managed to calm herself enough. The tears lessened their flow, and he took a seat next to her.
There was silence. Lumine wouldn’t be the one to start the conversation.
What could she even say? I’m sorry I ruined your dinner because I miss my brother?
“You said I didn’t do anything. Care to elaborate?” Lyney asked her, cutting through the silence.
She glanced at him.
“I’m sorry. I just…remembered something.”
Lumine didn’t want to elaborate any further. She was already burdening him enough with her behavior. Her gaze returned to the ground in front of her.
Did he even want to know?
“…you have a sibling right? A brother.” Lyney told her as if it was a matter of fact, rather than asking. She glanced at him once again.
“How did you know? I never told you.” Her voice sounded pitiful and sad–even to herself.
“I can read minds, remember?” Lyney put a finger up as if it was common knowledge.
“You disproved that.”
His finger drops.
“Ah, that’s right. Does it matter how I know?”
“I might think you’re stalking me.”
“Am I that low for you to think I’d stalk you?” Lyney sounded offended, looking at her with a frown—it was fake but she still played along.
She sniffed, looking at him from the side of her eye.
“Perhaps.”
“My dear Lumine, you wound me. And I thought we had something.” He sighed, shaking his head—but his smile betrayed his sigh.
“We do. Still your assistant aren’t I? Unless I was replaced already.”
“No one could replace you. Or Paimon for that matter.” He insisted, and she looked down.
It only made her frown at the mention of Paimon– it only reminded her of what transpired.
Of what she did.
“I ruined the dinner.” Lumine whispered, her tone remorseful.
“Nonsense. You didn’t ruin anything.” Lyney immediately refuted her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
She flinched at it, looking back up at him.
“They won’t be mad. Trust me.”
She couldn’t believe that right now. But she could believe the warmth emanating from his hand.
“Paimon’s already probably eaten everything.” Lumine attempted to joke, although it fell flat.
Lyney didn’t laugh at her, nor make any reaction—he spared her the embarrassment.
“I think they’re waiting for you.” Lyney said in a soft voice, letting go of her shoulder—she found herself missing it immediately.
Despite who Lyney was, despite her initial misgivings about him…she felt like she could now truly trust him enough.
Just enough to tell him the truth.
Just like he trusted Lumine enough with his truth about his past.
An eye for an eye, as they say.
She took a deep breath and started to talk before she changed her mind.
“…my brother…his name is Aether. My goal is to find him again.”
Lumine could feel his curious stare, but he kept quiet. He only nodded, his violet eyes urging her to continue.
She was thankful for that. She took another breath and made herself talk.
“Reunite with him.”
Lunine looked down at her lap, gripping her dress with both hands. It was hard to talk about her feelings. She usually kept them to herself since she didn’t want to bother anyone.
Everyone already had enough problems, and she was the one who solved them most of the time.
But who solved her problems?
No one did.
She pressed on.
“You two…no rather you three...remind me so much of us.”
Here she goes.
“And seeing it broke me.”
Tears fell down her cheeks more rapidly, but she only turned her head to look at Lyney—the sadness in her eyes was unparalleled.
His own eyes widened.
“I miss him. A lot.”
“I wish I could find him already.”
Lumine shook her head slowly.
“But I’m not that lucky.”
“I’ve been to so many places. I’ve met so many people. And I still…haven’t been able to properly reunite with him.”
“Why? Why am I so unlucky?” She closed her eyes, her face scrunching up.
She tried to keep herself from breaking down. She had to finish what she wanted to say.
After a moment of silence, she opened her eyes again, looking up.
The sky welcomed her, the stars shining brightly. It reminded her of the times Aether and her traveled across the stars.
She could see them flying across it now.
“I just want to see Aether again.”
Lumine looked at Lyney, and she probably had such a pitiful face on her based on the way he froze.
“Is that…too much to ask?”
Her voice trailed off at the end. It was a rhetorical question, but she got her answer anyway.
Lyney’s arms wrapped around her, squeezing her tightly. She felt her body dip into the bench more, his own body engulfing hers.
She made no move to resist him. She didn’t have the strength to.
Lumine didn’t know how long they stayed like that—under the moonlight.
He kept her close, his warmth infusing into her own body.
As if they were one at this moment.
When was the last time she was hugged so tenderly?
“Thank you for trusting me.” He whispered in her ear suddenly, eliciting a shiver from her body. “I know it’s not my place but…”
“I don’t think you’re unlucky. Far from it.”
“You’re one of the luckiest people I know. You managed to save me from condemnation after all.”
“So, you’ll meet your brother again.”
“How do you know?” She whispered, the skepticism very apparent in her tone.
She didn’t believe him.
She wanted to believe him.
He moved back to look Lumine in the eyes.
Those violet eyes spoke more than words ever could. He too had his own struggles, and it looked like he understood her.
Could she believe him?
“Because I’m living proof. I lost Lynette. But we still managed to reunite.”
“If we can, you two will.”
“So don’t cry. The day will come. If I could, I’d make it happen.”
His hand reached out to her cheek, wiping away some of the tears that slipped from her eyes. She only stared at him with the blankest face, and he gave her the warmest smile.
It was even warmer than the smile he gave to his own sister.
“Trust this magician once more. Can you do that for me, Lumine?”
All she saw was those deep violet eyes. The night sky disappeared, the glow from the nearby lamp became only a blur as she kept falling and falling into his eyes.
Would it be okay if she did believe him?
For the first time, she decided to believe in what he said.
Even if it never came true.
“I trust you.” She said in the softest whisper, fully captivated.
“Good.” It was a tender whisper.
He was close. So close to her.
She closed her eyes in anticipation—for what though?
It was silly to think, just like the silly trick from earlier but….was this the prelude to a kiss?
If the Rainbow Rose meant anything….then she wouldn’t mind.
Not at this moment.
To believe is to trust.
She believed, and so, she trusted him.
Instead, she felt something nestle inside her hair—his hands were gently combing through her golden locks in an attempt to place the object—whatever it was.
“There we go. It fits perfectly.”
Her eyes opened with a flutter. Her hands move up to the object placed in her hair.
It felt soft, almost familiar to the touch.
She didn’t want to accidentally break it or move it out of place.
She lowered her hands.
Lunine wasn’t disappointed.
But she didn’t know how to feel.
What did this mean? What was this?
“Were you expecting something else?” Lyney asked her with a knowing smile, and Lumine shook her head too quickly.
Busted again.
“N…no!” Lumine managed to squeak out, cheeks bright red.
Lyney only shook his head, his gaze serious suddenly. It made her wonder, what was going on inside his head?
To change from his usual charming self to this serious person…how complex was Lyney?
Perhaps she would find out one day.
“I want you to trust me. I’d never take advantage of a situation like this.”
He takes a hand and pulls it up to his lips, kissing it lightly—lifting up just slightly to look at her.
“This is all I’ll do for now.”
Her free hand moved to her mouth—face growing even more redder than before.
He chuckled—pulling away and gently releasing her hand.
“Perhaps one day, I’ll show you what I really want to do.”
He leaned in extremely close, his finger touching the object he put in her hair. He looked down at her, and her breath hitched.
“If you’ll give me the chance to, that is.”
Lumine found herself nodding immediately—very quickly in fact.
If he wanted that chance, she would give it. It was a part of trusting him. Of believing him.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
He leaned back, letting her go and standing up from the bench. Lyney did a dramatic stretch, before extending his hand out to her.
“For now though, I think we should head back.”
Lumine wiped her tears away, finding that there were no more to cry out.
She felt calm. Consoled. Perhaps a bit embarrassed.
And it was all thanks to Lyney.
This time, she took his hand herself.
They headed back, hands intertwined as before. They didn’t talk at all, but there was no need to.
They were enjoying each other’s presence.
Lyney moved from being what Childe was to her to something else entirely.
She wouldn’t voice it just yet though.
It’ll be her little secret.
They stop in front of the familiar door and Lumine takes a deep breath, her exhale a bit shaky.
It was time to face the music.
“Ready?” Lyney asked her, putting his hand on the handle. His eyes looked her up and down, and she only nodded.
Whatever happens, she would handle it.
“I am.”
Lyney opened the door and a white blur slammed into Lumine immediately, gripping onto Lumine’s dress tightly. She stumbled back a bit at the sudden force—his hand breaking from hers in the process.
She already missed it. But she knew they would hold hands again.
Lumine believed Lyney would make sure of it.
“Lumine!! You’re okay! Paimon was so worried! I can’t eat without you, you know?!”
Paimon nuzzled into Lumine’s chest, tears falling.
Lumine gently wrapped her arms around them.
She really made Paimon worried sick.
I’m so sorry Paimon.
“Sorry to worry you. I’m okay now.” She whispered, and Paimon only sobbed into her chest.
“Paimon is so happy. Waaah.”
As Paimon cried, she saw two familiar faces appear.
How would they react? Would it be anger like she anticipated? Or would it be as Lyney said?
Lumine was worried for nothing.
There was no anger in either Lynette’s or Freminet’s faces.
“Welcome back. We’ve been waiting for you two.” Lynette greeted, with a rare smile.
“…I’ve been keeping everything warm.” Freminet told them, looking at Lumine with a nervous smile.
“And no, I didn’t eat any of the desserts, brother. I can tell you’re going to ask me. Don’t you dare.” Lynette instantly glared at Lyney—that smile gone.
Lyney put his hands up in surrender.
“I wasn’t going to!”
“That’s what they all say.” Lynette shot back, shaking her head.
Lyney then leaned in towards Lumine, right next to her ear.
“Told you they wouldn’t be mad.”
He was right.
Her trust was rightfully placed in him.
Lumine should trust Lyney more often. He was right about everything so far.
He then patted Paimon on the head, looking at them with a smile.
“Alright Paimon, you can eat now. I brought her back, as promised.”
Paimon’s teary face looked up at Lumine.
“You won’t leave?” Paimon asked her, with the saddest face she’s ever seen on them.
At that moment, she made a silent promise to not worry Paimon this much again.
“I won’t.” She murmured, patting Paimon’s head gently. “I won’t leave you.”
Paimon let go of Lumine’s dress instantly at her admission and started pulling on her arm—as if nothing ever happened.
Paimon sure got over it quickly.
“Let’s go, let’s go! Paimon saved you a seat right next to mine!”
She felt herself flying forward, fighting to keep herself upright. Paimon was stronger than they looked.
“Alright, alright Paimon! You don’t have to pull so hard!” Lumine cried out—still being dragged along.
She could hear Lyney laughing at them as they all headed back to the table together.
She looked to the side, and finally was able to see the picture frames in more detail.
There were so many children—and then she saw a small Lyney and a small Lynette. They were both smiling, holding each other tightly.
There was a man behind them, and she realised it had to be Cesar. He looked like a magician.
How adorable.
They entered the kitchen area again, and she found nothing had changed since she left. All the food was still there on the table.
They truly did wait for her, as Lyney said.
She sat down at the spot Paimon pushed her to. It was right next to Paimon’s, but also right next to Lyney’s too.
Was this on purpose?
Lumine looked at Paimon with a questioning glance and Paimon looked away.
It was so on purpose.
What happened when she ran off? Did Paimon make Lyney accept some weird promise?
Or did Paimon have some weird ideas about Lyney and her?
Who knew with Paimon actually?
She felt the rumbling of her stomach. All that running and crying left her pretty famished—which would be remedied quite soon.
But first….she had to apologize to them all. They deserved an apology for her actions.
“Hey…”
All those stares came back. But she wouldn’t run this time.
“I want to apologize to you all. I’m sorry.”
She looked around the table, making sure to address them all.
“You didn’t do anything to upset me.”
There was a beat of silence after her apology, and she looked to the table. Her hands subconsciously gripped her dress.
“It’s okay. We’re not upset.” Lynette finally broke the silence. “We’re glad you’re okay.”
Lumine’s head slowly rose in relief.
“….I’ve run away many times before. I understand.” Freminet murmured.
“Don’t worry about it, Lumine.” Lyney told her, making the spoon he had from earlier appear. “As long as you’re here, everything is alright.”
He pointed the spoon at her with a wink.
“Let’s just eat! Paimon’s eyes will fall out at this rate.”
“I wasn’t staring that hard Lyney! Hmph!” Paimon crossed their arms.
A smile crossed Lumine’s face. Nothing was ruined.
“Thank you for making all this for us.” She thanked them all, and found that she could only see smiles from all those stares.
“Anything for you, dear Lumine.”
The dinner finally began. Forks were stuck into various dishes and knives cut through even the hardest of foods.
“Bon Appétit!”
The food was delicious and warm—despite how long it was sitting out. Freminet did manage to keep everything warm somehow.
There was simply so much to choose from that Lumine didn’t even manage to sample everything.
Paimon was like a vacuum though. The sheer bliss on their face made Lumine chuckle.
Once they couldn’t eat anymore, they took to the drinks. Lumine took this lovely Grey Valley Sunset—it refreshed her parched throat.
Paimon had multiple drinks around them.
Lynette had a cup of tea.
Freminet had a glass of water.
And Lyney didn’t have anything—he only watched them all with a smile.
“That’s a lovely Rainbow Rose in your hair, Lumine.” Lynette said, as she sipped her tea.
Paimon looked closely at Lumine and gasped loudly.
“Oh yeah! Paimon sees it!”
So that’s what Lyney put in her hair.
No wonder it felt so familiar. A second Rainbow Rose…..she’ll have a whole collection at this rate.
“I assume my brother gave it to you? This is the second one now. It suits you.” Lynette’s violet eyes drifted to Lyney’s.
She watched the two of them stare at each other as she took a sip.
Were they communicating with one another through their eyes?
Aether and her used to do that actually, she used to call it their twin sense.
One time, she was practically begging her brother for one more slice of cake through her eyes, and his eyes would clearly tell her to give up trying to ask.
Lumine found herself not sad this time around. She already cried out all her sadness. Lynette’s eyes returned to hers after a while, seemingly done with the staring.
“Try not to lose this one either.”
“I won’t.” Lumine promised, “I still have the first one.”
Lumine touched the Rainbow Rose in her hair gently, finally knowing what it was.
This only proved her initial theory, right?
Lyney really did think of her in that way. He had passion for her then—of the romantic kind.
Her heart beated faster at that realization, cheeks going red—she sipped at her drink in an attempt to cool down.
“…you’re always welcome to come back.” Freminet looked at Lumine and Paimon, holding his glass of water.
“That’s right! We’d love to have you again.” Lyney added on, clapping his hands together.
“I think we’d like that. Right, Paimon?” Lumine nudged them, and Paimon nodded immensely.
“Paimon will always come back for free food!”
“As you can see, Paimon is in it for the food. I want to see you all again.” Lumine chuckled, looking around the table.
“Especially me.” Lyney’s smug tone rang out, and all eyes turned to her.
Her heartbeat only increased—that red glow in her cheeks had to be more obvious now.
This guy…
“After all, I still need that chance after all. So I’ll be seeing you more often, Lumine.”
It seems like she will indeed.