PRETEND ━━ lyney ( ✓ )

𝟮𝟲

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐈𝐗

a change of heart

───── ☆ ─────

"𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 you've all returned."

"Yes, Father."

The Knave hummed lowly, her slanted eyes flittering between each of her children in slow movements, almost as if she were inspecting them. She had an unamused expression twisted onto her features.

"I haven't any idea how all of you managed to get arrested. I am truly disappointed."

"We apologise for our carelessness, Father..." Lyney begun firmly. "Yet, we were unable to predict Miss Furina's actions. We hadn't a clue that she would resort to such measures."

"I suppose you would be correct... Still, though, that is absolutely no excuse. I have taught each of you better than that."

A heavy sigh escaped Arlecchino's lips upon noticing her children's uneasy expressions.

"... What's done is done. Sort through your belongings and I shall meet with you all after to discuss our next plan of action. I expect us to succeed this time round, is that understood?"

Upon receiving nods in response, The Knave hummed in satisfaction. However, she eventually rose a brow.

"Y/N... It appears they have yet to return. Just where are they? You informed me in your most recent letter that they had regained consciousness and were recovering swiftly."

"They are bidding farewell to their brother at the Fortress, Father," Explained Lyney, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips, "They told me that they shouldn't be too long."

Arlecchino's eyes grew wide for a brief moment, a slight look of surprise morphing onto her features.

"Their... Brother, you say? He lives?"

Lyney nodded, a gentle smile now lighting up his face. "I was surprised, too. We had only briefly met in the midst of the conflict with The Doctor, yet I could tell at first glance that Y/N was his everything."

"He just so happens to be a Gard within the Fortress." Lynette finished off.

"How ironic..." The Knave muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "I shall await for Y/N's return so that they can inform me further. Speaking of, I'd like to talk with them in private. When they return, please do not disturb us. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Father."

[ ☆ ]

"... I've missed this, you know? Just the two of us."

Y/N chuckled in response, leaning their head against their brother's shoulder as they sat beside him.

"I have too... More than you could ever imagine. This was merely a distant dream to me - one that was always just out of reach."

Rúwen smiled warmly, bringing his hand up to carefully pat Y/N's head soothingly.

"Please take is easy from now on, okay? No dangerous missions or whatever it is that you do in the Fatui. It pains me to see you so injured. Archons, I thought that... You'd never open your eyes again."