PRETEND ━━ lyney ( ✓ )

𝟮𝟳

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

a father's advice

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𝐋𝐘𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 brother in a comforting embrace, her gentle fingers threading through his hair as he trembled and wept into her arms.

"It's okay, brother..." She whispered to him, allowing for him to be completely and utterly vulnerable. She never wanted for Lyney to feel judged for displaying his emotions in any way.

"It's not okay, Lynette... I made them feel terrible." His voice shook, muffled against Lynette. The female exhaled deeply in response.

"You are quite well known for choosing the wrong words depending on the situation, I'll give you that." She teased him lightly, nudging his side in a playful manner in an attempt to somewhat lighten his mood.

"I also happen to know that you said what you did in order to protect them, Lyney. I know just how much Y/N means to you, even if you don't see it yourself."

Lyney's laboured breathing eventually calmed as he listened to his sister's soothing words. His quivering hand reached over to grab hers.

"I wish there was some other way, Lynette..." He mumbled in defeat. "But the only thing I know how to do is to make people despise me to the point they no longer want to be anywhere near me."

"And..." The male inhaled sharply. "There will eventually come a time where I will have to become Father's Successor... I can't expose Y/N to that. I think I might go insane if anything were to happen to them."

"So, in your mind, you feel as if pushing the one person who you can truly be yourself around is the only way to protect them?" Summarised Lynette with a subtle shake of her head. "I love you, brother, and you know I do, but..."

"You must think that I'm mad." Chuckled Lyney upon hearing Lynette trail off in uncertainty. "I understand that we may have different views about this situation, yet I just can't bare the thought of seeing Y/N hurt in any way due to our lifestyle."

"Lyney... You need to understand that Y/N has already lived this lifestyle. They're part of the Fatui, just like us. They know first and foremost the dangers that lie ahead. They're not some child in desperate need of constant protection." Explained Lynette.

Lynette continued, having heard no objections from her brother.

"If Y/N truly does care for you like they say they do, then you becoming Father's Successor some day in the near future shouldn't bother them in the slightest, brother."

Lyney remained silent for a few moments, his sister's reassuring words caressing his ears.

He sighed softly, holding onto her tighter as he felt his eyes beginning to grow heavier.

"You always know just the right words to say to me, don't you Lynette...?"

[ ☆ ]

The next day was quick to arrive, the Knave having ordered her children and Y/N to meet with her in order to discuss the next plan of action whilst she was away on business. She could instantly detect a strange overbearing atmosphere within the air, yet didn't feel like commenting on it. Just yet.