I have a Lyney request for you, dear author! How about Lyney with a s/o (reader) who upon finding out that Lyney is a Fatuus, is relieved because they didn't know how to tell him that they work for the Fatui too.
Basically a little bit of angst if you squint, because both of them are terrified of what the other one will feel when they found out, but with a happy ending.
(Sorry if this was a bit too specific.)
Here it is!!! I'm so sorry if this took so long! Had fun writing this; thank you so much for requesting btw <3
“secrets under the fontaine sky” — a lyney fan fic
“What do you mean you can’t go on a date? You promised last week.”
Having a magician as your lover didn’t seem so hard, and Lyney was usually making time for you no matter what. But for the past few weeks, he’s been too busy to go on at least one date for a week.
Of course, you were fine with that… at first.
The first two times you asked, Lyney promised he’d go on that date. But he’d always cancel it last minute. And this was the 4th time–you couldn’t take it anymore.
Lyney was standing in front of you, apologetically holding his hat, “Look–I’m sorry, the show has been… time consuming.” His pleading eyes looked into yours, he even seemed genuinely sorry; your heart jumped, yet you still felt mad.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you. Really.” Lyney held your hand with his free hand, rubbing your palm as he lovingly looked at you. How could you stay mad at him when he’s like this?
Alas, you weren’t calming down, yet. “...I’m.. I’m still angry at you! How could you promise things when you’d cancel them at the last minute four times?!-” You sighed exasperatedly and pursed your lips.
Before you could start speaking, Lyney leaned closer, planting a small peck on your lips with his hat covering your kisses from others passing by. You were taken aback.
“...What?” You muttered.
Lyney put his hat on and sheepishly smiled. “Can you accept that as an apology and something I can give to make up for lost time? I promise I’ll go on a date with you next week.” Lyney smiled, holding your hand tight, “Really this time!”
You were silent, still shocked about his kiss despite having kissed him at least 100 times. Your cheeks heated up, and your hand felt embarrassingly sweaty. “Just…”
You paused, looking away, “Just make sure you’re keeping your promises,” you looked at him for a moment, noticing his slightly weary figure. He seemed overworked, yet that same old smile that made your heart jump stayed. So, you hugged him.
“Take care of yourself. I can tell you’ve been skipping a few meals so don’t even think about trying to hide it.” You tightened your embrace and let him go after.
Lyney’s cheeks flushed and he laughed nervously, “I will… oh?” He started to look at your ear, as if he saw something odd. You immediately touched your ears, noticing nothing was off. Was something on your face?
“What’s wrong?” You asked, raising your eyebrow in confusion.
Lyney hummed playfully, booping your nose, “Why don’t you guess?” He smiled. This was one of his magic tricks again.
You thought carefully, touching your face to see if there’s something, but there really wasn’t anything. “Why don’t you check your pockets?” Lyney suggested with a hint of mischievousness in his eyes.
Like Lyney suggested, you checked your coat’s pockets, but there was nothing.
“Lyney, just–” Before you finished your sentence, Lyney clicked his tongue and shook his head. He sighed and crossed his arms, looking at you with fake disappointment.
“Come on, you have to cooperate with the magician if you want magic!” Lyney said, smiling cheekily. “Now, give me your hand, palm down,” he requested.
You did what Lyney asked, letting your hand out. Gently, he took your hand and placed a gentle kiss on your knuckles, his other hand on his back. Your cheeks flushed at Lyney’s romantic gestures, flustered yet so amused with his silly antics–this was normal to you, anyway.
When you pulled your hand back, you noticed a Rainbow Rose stuck on your palm.
“You..” You laughed in amusement, sighing softly. “I didn’t even notice…” Lyney had a silly smile on his face—he knows he's enchanted your heart again.
“Well, I'll be going now!” Lyney smiled sheepishly. “I have to hurry—I'll see you for our date then!”
Lyney started walking away, and you started waving goodbye. “You better keep your promise!!” You exclaimed as he left. Lyney turned back and waved, doing one of his signature bows as he left. You rolled your eyes and started walking the opposite way.
You walked through the familiar streets of Fontaine. But something was amiss, you swore you could hear footsteps behind you–following you at each turn you go.
Normally, a person would be tense and afraid for their lives—a person wouldn't even notice they were being stalked at all. But you were a trained soldier—a soldier hailing from Snezhnaya, in the Fatui.
So, you walked to a quieter place, just outside of the Court of Fontaine, expecting to have a conversation with this person following you.
“Look, if you're going to assign me tasks, you shouldn't be following me like some stalker in the streets—you'll blow your cover,” you said, turning to your "stalker".
It was a Fatui agent, her arms crossed, and as expected, her mask was on. She seemed like she was at the age no more than 20—a new recruit, you assume.
“I apologize for my… incompetence. I was told to make haste, so I didn't think properly.” She said, bowing her head.
“It's alright, just hurry and spit it out.” You said nicely—although, your words weren't exactly kind enough. Perhaps you got too used to your superiors talking to you with no respect. It's a horrible habit that you took note of.
The Fatui agent lifted her head up and handed you a plain looking parcel, tied up neatly. “Your next mission is here in the city, tomorrow evening, at a party in Hotel Debord.”
The agent continued, “Your mission is to find a woman named Marfa Ivanovna, an illegal immigrant from Snezhnaya. She's made a loan in Northland Bank and hasn't paid for the loan that was due 6 months ago.”
“6 months ago?” Your eyebrows furrowed. No one has ever had an unpaid debt for that long, considering that Northland Bank wasn’t so friendly with unpaid debts. This would be no simple mission, and you’d most likely have a partner. Still, to be sure, you listened to the agent.
“Yes, 6 months ago–Miss Ivanovna has been running away, you see. She always successfully ran away from agents in Snezhnaya and in Liyue.” She continued, “so you’ll be working with another agent we assigned to this mission. He will meet you at Hotel Debord.”
“And the identification code is?” You inquired.
“‘Rainbow Roses are quite the sight; and a ballroom dance should be with romance.’” The agent stated.
Hearing that very sentence reminded you of Lyney—but you were in work mode, so you put your thoughts about him aside for a moment.
You nodded, “Understood.” You paused for a moment, mentally recounting the mission details.
“What's this parcel for?” You nearly forgot about the parcel you've been holding for the past few minutes.
“The Hotel Debord has tight security, but, if you are disguised as a noble, you are most likely to be left unquestioned by Gardes.”
“I see, thank you for the disguise.” You bowed your head in respect and in thanks. The Fatui agent bowed her head.
“I wish you success in your mission, agent.” The Fatui agent told you, soon disappearing in the night.
It seems that your other life is calling you once more… And this wasn't something you were keen on.
**
Being a Fatui soldier wasn't exactly ideal to you, considering that your line of work wasn't for the softhearted, and if anyone knew, you'd probably go run and start a new identity.
With your fear, you kept your Fatui life completely in the shadows. It was only a life only you knew. And you would only know it; you never even told Lyney.
You always wondered how Lyney would react to your association with the Fatui. Knowing how kind, gentle, and playful he is, you knew he wouldn’t like you being a Fatui member, and you were sometimes walking on eggshells with him.
It was the only thing that you never wanted to live through. You love Lyney, and you swore you couldn't live without his magical charms, not after you met him. You were bewitched by him, ever since the first time you kissed him–perhaps even before that. Either way, you knew you’d love him forever.
As you kept thinking quietly, you sighed, walking inside a building in the City of Fontaine. It was that familiar staircase again, and that flower vase with Rainbow Roses on the console table, which were close to dying out. You should probably throw it out for your landlady soon.
The room was candlelit, and you could hear footsteps. And then, someone called your name out, “Is that you?” It was your landlady, the floor creaking. Your landlady entered the room, holding her cane as she walked weakly.
“Madame Camille!-” You took her other arm and led her back to her bed, “Didn’t the doctor say that you should just stay in bed? She said your bones must rest so they stop aching…”
“Oh please,” Madame Camille rolled her eyes as she sat back down on her soft bed, “I’ll rest my bones when I’m dead.” Her tone was a bit sarcastic, yet so serious. Despite being old, Madame Camille was stubborn and always putting herself to work, despite the fact you were always open to helping out.
“I hope that isn’t soon…” You sighed, putting your hand on your hip.
Madame Camille hummed softly, laying down, “Any gossip today?” She asked, looking at you. You chuckled and smiled–this was usually what she’d ask every time you come to your flat.
“Idette–that black haired girl who always wears that pigeon pin on her collar–is dating one of your tenants here,” I muttered, “I think it’s the tenant on the 3rd floor?” Madame Camille raised her eyebrow in response to your words.
Madame Camille scoffed, “Bah! You don’t possibly mean Chandler! That boy is always cooped up in his home, I feel like I only see him when I ask for his rent!”
“So, what else?” She asked.
“Nothing else, really.” You shrugged, “Oh, but I did hear about–”
Madame Camille shook her head, “No, I meant how are things with that magician.” She cleared her throat, putting covers over her body. “What’s his name again? Lieny? Ah, whatever his name is, he hasn’t been sending flowers like he usually does! Has he been busy?”
You recalled that Lyney sent flowers every two weeks to your landlady, since you once told him that she was fond of Rainbow Roses. And his work was the most logical reason for not sending roses like usual.
“Yes, Lyney has been busy with work.” I nodded, looking at Madame Camille. She sighed, tutting.
“Well. Make sure he remembers about them when he gets his work done!” Madame Camille stated, seemingly displeased.
But then, Madame Camille's expression turned a bit softer, “...No man has ever given me flowers, not in my youth, nor in my old age. So I appreciate that boy's kindness.”
You were shocked that Madame Camille suddenly opened up to you—still, you smiled at her. “I'll be sure to remind him,” you assured.
Madame Camille sternly nodded, smiling at you. But this smile was different, and it could only mean one thing…
“Good, now, about your rent…”
**
The Hotel Debord was full of guests dressed in flamboyant clothing—such is expected in Fontaine, and especially expected in a party like this. With the eye-catching decorations and the glass roof, showing the beautiful stars under Fontaine skies, it would simply be rude to dress in dull clothing in such a beautiful hotel.
You were wearing a long purple dress, designed by a famous designer in Fontaine, it said so on the tag. The dress was designed with a bit of gold, and the sleeves were long. And since this party was a masquerade party, you were wearing a mask, designed with a beautiful lace design, and delicately fitting your clothes.
You were looking around for your supposed "partner", but you haven't really noticed them, so you looked for your target instead.
Your target, Marfa Ivanovna, was a ginger haired lady with grey eyes. She was a lady in her mid-30s, and was quite tall.
Holding a bottle of Fonta—you didn't drink alcohol since you were on a mission, you walked through a slightly crowded room full of people.
And there you saw your target.
Miss Ivanovna was holding a glass of wine, conversing with other guests with a smile. Though she was wearing a sky blue mask, you could tell that this was your target. After all, you've been doing this job for years.
You started approaching Miss Ivanovna, prepared to strike up a little chat, then lead her somewhere private, then confront her about her debts with the Fatui; your go-to plan when you collect debt.
But your plan was broken.
A familiar person with a top hat approached Miss Ivanovna. Those purple eyes, that little tear-shaped mark, and that oh-so charming grin–though he was masked, you immediately knew who this man was.
And your heart stopped when you realized it.
You immediately walked backwards, going to a nearby corner with less people around. Your body trembled, your stomach churned, and you felt a lump in your throat. This was what you most feared, happening at the very moment.
Despite the horrors of the situation, you couldn't abandon your mission. Yet, you cannot face Lyney amidst your mission.
You took a quick drink of your Fonta and took a deep breath, trying to think of a plan. You could wait until your partner arrives, or perhaps you could wait until Lyney leaves Miss Ivanovna alone. You sighed shakily, putting your hand on the wall as you looked down.
“Rainbow Roses are quite the sight…” Someone said behind you. Your ears perked up–your partner had found you first.
Without turning back, you spoke, “And a ballroom dance should be with romance.” You fixed yourself up and turned back, facing your partner.
“What–”
You stepped back; your heart was beating fast, and you were visibly startled. Your partner was– “Lyney?” You said, a tone of nervousness in your voice. Lyney couldn’t have possibly known what the starting phrase of the code was, unless–
His purple eyes widened, looking at you in shock. “W-wait-” Lyney was frozen in place, staring at you. He was completely stunned at the sight of you here, and especially the fact that you were both members of the Fatui. And neither of you told each other.
Lyney sighed, shaking his head. “Er… Let’s talk later. Lynette is currently keeping watch of Miss Ivanovna.” He said, taking your hand and pulling you into the crowded area.
You felt Lyney's hand still trembling from shock (or was it you that was shaking?), taking you to the stairs in the Hotel Debord. Lyney stopped walking, holding you back. There were voices nearby. The stairs in Hotel Debord was an imperial staircase, and you would be hidden by walls if you were walking up.
“Yes, indeed! Art is such an exquisite form of life—I'm delighted to see a young girl like you chatting about it with such deep knowledge!” Miss Ivanovna said happily, fanning her face as she gazed at the painting in front of them.
Lynette smiled, “I'm glad you feel that way, Miss Fedorova.”
You were not surprised by the different name—she was using a fake name to hide her identity.
Lyney turned to you, holding your hand tight. “Lynette doesn't know you're our partner in this mission, but she's aware that someone will be helping us,” Lyney said, “do you understand?”
You gave him a quick nod, shrugging after “It's not like I knew you were my partner in this mission either,” you smiled.
“Hehe…” Lyney scratched his nape and focused on the task at hand soon after. Unbeknownst to Lynette’s true intentions, Miss Ivanovna was still talking happily with Lynette, her smile wide and her eyes almost glimmering. It seems Lynette has done a great job to earn Miss Ivanovna’s trust.
Lyney turned to you, signaling you to go to the other side of the imperial staircase, so if Miss Ivanovna tried to run away, she would be blocked. Besides, if she tried to escape, you had already placed traps in places she’d try to escape through, excluding the main entrance.
“I’m surprised about your knowledge about ‘Lady with an Umbrella, facing right’, Miss Fedorova,” Lynette smiled, “You even know the exact price for the painting.”
Lynette turned to Miss Ivanovna, her hands neatly placed in front of her, “Miss Fedorova, I must confess that I have other intentions with you.” Lynette said, putting her sword up.
“Or should I say, Miss Marfa Ivanovna?”
Miss Ivanovna flinched, her eyes bulged at the sight of a sword being pointed at her. She was probably shocked at the mention of her true name. “W-what–I’ve done nothing wrong! Why are you threatening me?”
“I suggest you stop pretending, Miss Ivanovna. I am well aware of who you truly are, and what debts you have with the Fatui,” Lynette said.
Miss Ivanovna stepped back—Lynette then spoke once more, “And don't even try escaping. My partners have already taken precautions to make sure you won't be exiting the hotel.”
Miss Ivanovna furrowed her eyebrows, clenching her fists.
Lynette put her sword down, “We only want to peacefully talk about your debt in Northland Bank, Miss Ivanovna. If you settle your debt, everything wouldn't be a hassle for yourself and the bank.”
It took a few moments until Miss Ivanovna’s expression softened. She still looked mad, but it seemed like she was more reasonable than you anticipated for a woman running from the Fatui for 6 months.
“Fine…” Miss Ivanovna said.
Immediately, you knew this was a trap. And you were right. Miss Ivanovna threw her fan at Lynette’s face harshly, causing her to get distracted as Miss Ivanovna ran away to the staircase where you were. You were sure that Lyney would be helping Lynette at the moment, so you were practically on your own in capturing Miss Ivanovna.
You heard frantic footsteps down the stairs, and then a figure passed you by. Immediately, you grabbed hold of that figure and pushed them against the wall. It was, indeed, the notorious Miss Marfa Ivanovna.
“Listen to me, Miss Ivanovna–the Fatui can get you into more trouble than we’re already giving you,” you whispered, pushing her harder against the wall as she tried squirming. “Don’t you know that the Fatui can take you to the Fortress of Meropide for illegally migrating into Fontaine–and just where justice is held up high in honor…”
You smiled and gripped Miss Ivanovna’s wrists, “Additionally, I could personally take measures into making things worse for you for hurting my boyfriend’s sister. So why don’t you settle all of your debts in the Fatui, and we’ll let you go?”
Miss Ivanovna groaned in annoyance, accepting her defeat at last, “Fine! Fine.”
“I'm a woman of elegance, so let's negotiate...”
**
Lynette had taken care of Miss Ivanovna, leaving you and Lyney alone together. Though Lyney insisted that Lynette should have taken a break, Lynette declined and dealt with Miss Ivanovna on her own. You figured that Lynette’s intention was for you to talk with Lyney about your identities as Fatui members.
You couldn’t wait until you could finally talk with Lyney privately–but you were also afraid of talking to him. You felt relieved that he wasn’t mad, but you kept overthinking that this would change things between the two of you. Well, it has but, you were worried about this changing your relationship negatively.
You and Lyney were seated on a bench somewhere on the sidewalk, listening to the evening sounds of Fontaine streets. You were too far from Lyney, sitting at the edge of the bench in awkwardness.
“Hey,” Lyney whispered, “sit closer… It's not like we're strangers…” His tone was similar to his usual playful tone, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice.
You turned to Lyney, who wasn't even looking at you; his head was down, fiddling his hat with his hands, while his body was slumped over. You've never seen him this quiet—it was unusual to you.
It made you nervous that he was acting like this. Was he sad about you not telling him? Was he embarrassed that you were a Fatui like him? What did he even feel about this? You felt as if your relationship was inching closer to a cliff.
You scooted closer, making your shoulder touch his, which made him look at you. You took his top hat and placed it on his head, his eyes staring into yours with bitterness.
“I'm sorry,” Lyney told you, taking your hand, “I'm sorry.”
You were confused, “Why?”
“I'm sorry for not telling you,” Lyney muttered, holding your hand tight, “I was afraid that… you would hate me for being a Fatuus.”
“But I never thought of the possibility of you hating me for not telling you.”
Lyney sighed shakily, tightening his grasp on your hands, “I'm sorry that I was afraid. I’m sorry I was a coward.”
“Lyney…” You muttered. The Lyney you once knew as confident and charming showed his vulnerable side–you felt honored to see this side of him, and to know more about how he truly is. You pulled him closer and hugged him, kissing his forehead gently, “I’m not mad at you for not telling me.”
You moved away and cupped his cheek, rubbing it, “It's okay,” you whispered, smiling at the sad magician. Lyney was still frowning in front of you, sighing softly.
“How are you forgiving me like this? Aren't you supposed to be a bit mad…?’
“How can I be mad when I've kept the same secret from you too?”
“...”
You laughed softly and hugged Lyney again, “Besides, I couldn't get mad at your charms,” you paused for a moment, kissing his cheek.
“I'm being serious!” Lyney sighed exasperatedly and moved away.
“I'm being serious too..!”
“...You're really not mad?”
“Yes, I'm not mad—I love you too much for that.”
Lyney froze and got flustered, a pink tint coloring his cheeks as his eyes strayed away. You've barely seen him flustered.
“...I love you too,” Lyney whispers, holding your hands again, kissing your knuckles before entwining his fingers with yours.
You laughed softly, putting your head on his shoulder, holding Lyney's hand while watching the time pass by in the evening light of Fontaine.
“Hey, Madame Camille wants you to bring more flowers to her,” you whispered, kissing Lyney's cheek.
“Ah… of course. I'm finished with all my missions anyway, I should have more time to perform and to visit your landlady,” Lyney stated.
“Wait, you haven't been performing?”
Lyney's eyes glanced somewhere else, and he scratched his neck nervously, “Oh… um.. yes.”
You furrowed your eyebrows, gently nudging his elbow, “So all this time, you weren't actually having shows?!”
You huffed, “You owe me 4 dates! I can't believe you lied to me like that…”
“I didn't mean to…” Lyney sighed, “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
You put out your pinky, “Promise?”
Lyney intertwined his pinky with yours, kissing your lips gently.
“Promise.”
End.
**
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