Chapter Text
Lyney was tense. Pretty unusually tense that is. Yes, he was usually nervous before a show, checking and rechecking several times if all the props were in order. Lyney knew that every prop was totally fine, that everything was in its place, carefully put there by Lynette. There seriously was nothing he needed to worry about. Lynette eyed him several times, noticing that something was amiss with her brother. “Lyney, the show will be a success.” Lynette tried to ease his nerves. “I know.” Lyney whispered, unsure if Lynette had even heard him or not. He was not worried about the show. There was something else he was nervous about. In all his shows he had no qualms acting a certain way. Now that he was in a relationship with Lumine, could he really just be like nothing had changed for him? It felt wrong to be using his charm like he used to. He didn’t want Lumine to think that he actually flirted with other women. It was conflicting. Would his confidence be enough if he didn’t use his charm? Or would it be wise to do everything like usual and deal with the potential aftermath with Lumine after the show? Lyney sighed. He couldn’t just let his girlfriend feel bad, could he? The opening of the show got closer and closer with Lyney unsure what he should be doing. Perhaps it was time to find a better balance – toning down his potential flirting but keeping his confidence and charm. Stepping up on his prepared stage with Lynette he addressed everyone with a smile. His eyes busy to roam above the crowd. He noticed the women squealing every time his eyes fell on them. Somewhere she had to be, right? Lyney was absolutely sure that Lumine was there. She wouldn’t miss his show for anything. Perhaps she was aware of the situation they were in? Maybe she tried to be considerate by staying in the back and supporting him from afar? Lyney noticed the other members of the House of the Hearth. He also noticed Neuvillette, Furina, Charlotte and Navia with Paimon. The stalls were filled with members of the House, who were giving out pastries and balloons. Young and old people were gathering and watching his show in awe. While he distracted the crowd in front of the stage with a few simple card tricks he continued his search for Lumine, knowing that she had to be there. Could their bond aid him? It was worth a shot. Lyney tried to imagine the bond as some sort of tether binding Lumine to him, trying to strum the bond, coaxing it to show him where his beloved was, he noticed the bond humming softly. He followed the direction with his eyes, landing on “Father”, who stood in the far back, before he saw a mob of ginger hair close by. He was astonished that Heloir had allowed Childe to leave the House. Just as he let his cards multiple in his hands did he find what he had been looking for. She was smiling and waved at him the moment his eyes were on his. Archons, she was breathtaking. Lyney was not sure if he just stood and stared at her or if he was functioning properly despite his mind being only on Lumine. He needed to pull his mind out of his stupor – if Charlotte noticed where his attention was lying on he would find himself exposed in an article of hers, in which she probably not only slandered Lumine further but also ruined his reputation. Even if he hated to take his eyes away from his girlfriend he forced his attention back to the show he was currently performing. It made him wonder if he would be able to someday show the world that Lumine was his and he was hers. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed a woman pulling up her shirt, revealing that she was not wearing a bra. Others were screaming his name in rapture. The worst were those that threw their bra or even panties onto the stage. It felt odd. Their behavior clearly not what he had experienced in his earlier shows. Lyney gulped lightly, his eyes trying to avoid those outrageous ‘fans’. The shutter of a camera told him that Charlotte was taking so many pictures that Lyney would need to be careful not to give away his relationship with Lumine. Not yet and certainly not like that! He wanted to present her as his girlfriend in his own way. “Now, now! I am honored for this wild cheer and enthusiasm. Let’s concentrate on the show now, shall we?” Lyney mused softly with a cheeky wink, hoping to reel the crowd back into reason.
His heart was beating rapidly in his chest as he noticed how Lumine’s expression fell. She was bothered by the wild behavior of the crowd, clearly. And even though Lyney had intended his musings to calm those fans down, he had done the exact opposite, leaving a few women to faint the moment he laid eyes on them. It was a disaster happening. The worst of it was Lumine’s expression. Even though Lyney knew that Lumine had chosen him, it still stung to see Childe approach her with a grin and entangling in a conversation with her. Lyney had no clue when he had gotten so possessive of Lumine, hating the very idea of someone like Childe daring to talk to her. Maybe it stung so bad because it was Childe. Someone Lumine had a past with. Besides Childe had never said that he would stay away from Lumine. So was he trying to coax Lumine into a relationship with him? His eyes fell on Lumine again, noticing her enraged expression as she squinted at Childe. Something was happening between them. It was certain that Childe was in trouble by the look of Lumine. Taking his hat from his head, he showed it around to show that it was empty. Once he had shown it around he flipped it through the air before twirling it on his finger for a moment. “Find my little dove.” Lyney whispered as he released a single dove from its confinement in his hat. It took flight with ease. Lyney laughed softly while he planted his hat back on his head. The crowd was watching him, while the dove he had released did what he had told her, flapping its wings she made it to Lumine, where she perched on his girlfriends shoulder as if they had trained it. The blush and that surprised expression on Lumine made Lyney stop in his tracks. Lumine found him immediately, the most adorning smile playing on her lips and even though she was so far from him he still could imagine the adoration in her eyes. The dove he had chosen for this performance was one of his best trained ones and while she hated to be touched, Lumine could pet the dove without problem. The smile that was playing on Lyney’s lips as he watched his girlfriend so happy about such a little thing was making him feel so much more adoration. Only the shutter of the camera pulled Lyney out of his stupor, yet again. He did notice that Childe was saying something to Lumine, which made her glare at him angrily. Lyney wanted to draw the show to an end to figure out what was going on between Lumine and Childe. While he had allowed himself the liberty to extend the show at will, he opted for jumping to the main act, like his initial plan. Drawing the attention to the fountain behind Lyney he made sure that everyone’s attention was where he needed it. With a flourish of his hat he unleashed confetti and fireworks, grasping the attention of the crowd with ease, while also obscuring the view on the fountain. In the middle of it a statue in honor of Focalors had appeared out of thin air, making her statue the centerpiece of it. The crowd was ohhing and ahhing, while Lyney held his speech in honor of Focalors and everyone that wasn’t among them anymore. “Shortly we will have some show fights for you to enjoy. Maillardet has arranged for his automatons to be challenged. We also have Clorinde, who accepts challengers. So I would like to invite you to further enjoy the show!” Lyney announced before he got down from the stage. He couldn’t just run up to Lumine so he made his way to the stalls instead, inching closer and closer to Lumine, until he noticed that she was heading with Childe to the spot where the show fights would take place. Something had transpired between those two and Lyney wanted to know what. Lyney didn’t care any longer about putting up appearances, he followed the two hurriedly, wondering what they would be up to. He certainly didn’t expect them to draw their weapons.
Lumine was watching closely while Lyney began the show. How much she would have loved to be up front there watching him perform, but she knew that Charlotte was roaming around, who would love to find something new for her article. Surely Lyney had refused any kind of interview for some time, which would make her latch onto anything regarding Lyney within seconds. If she also figured out that Lumine and Lyney were in a relationship, she would be willed to slander Lumine further. No, she couldn’t allow Lyney’s reputation to dwindle because of her. So even if she wanted to go closer to him, she couldn’t. The only thing she was allowed to do was to stand there and watch Lyney in awe. Her boyfriend. The ring of this word made her heart race. He was her boyfriend. The softest blush made her cheeks grow warm. Lumine had no clue what being in a relationship really meant, but the term boyfriend really made her feel warm. Lyney’s eyes roamed all over the crowd, the girls squealing and cheering the moment his violet eyes fell on them. A strange feeling took residence in her heart. And even though Lumine knew better than to indulge in this strange feeling she couldn’t help but wonder. What was that feeling? Lumine knew without a shadow of a doubt that Lyney was loyal to her. She knew that he simply had to play his part as magician. But did he really need to rattle those women like this? Before she could explore this new feeling she noticed a soft tug on the bond, guiding her gaze to Lyney, who instantly had a warm smile on his lips. One that Lumine knew was only for her. She couldn’t help the smile that made its way on her lips as she waved at him shyly. Lyney loved her. There really was no reason for her to feel anything but loved by him. Whatever the dark feeling had been from earlier, she shouldn’t allow it to take refugee in her heart. More squeals and calls erupted as Lyney concentrated on his show again. Surely it was because of Charlotte, who was already clutching her camera, ready to snoop around uninvited. It was in that moment that Lumine felt her heart sink – women were throwing underwear onto the stage or exposing their chest to Lyney, while chanting his name. Was Lyney enjoying this kind of attention? He seemed unfazed by it, even going as far as to wink at the crowd with a soft chuckle. Why was her heart clenching like this? What was this stab she felt in her heart?
A snicker drew her attention away from her feelings. Childe approached her, a smirk playing on his lips. “I had no clue you would be allowed to be here.” Lumine mused softly, trying to lighten the mood as Childe got closer to her, that smirk still playing on his lips. Childe leaned close, his finger tipping her chin up playfully, it made Lumine flinch away from him. “I didn’t expect that the mighty Traveler would become jealous like this.” Childe said with that irritating chuckle. Jealous? “I am not jealous.” Lumine crossed her arms in front of her chest and turned her gaze away from Childe. “You can say that but just watching you for a few minutes made it pretty clear that you are jealous.” Childe said without being bothered by her reaction. “Nonsense. Why would I be jealous? What even is jealousy to begin with?” Lumine asked softly, wondering if those feelings could really be jealousy. “You don’t know? You are the perfect example of the word jealousy.” Lumine looked at Childe for a moment while her hands found their way to her heart, where she had felt that odd pain. “Is that jealousy I felt?” She whispered quietly, not intending for Childe to hear. “You really are an outlander without any understanding of human feelings.” Childe noted dryly. “And you are suddenly the expert here?!” Lumine huffed in annoyance, her fingers digging into her arms as she clenched them tightly. “As it seems I know at least when a woman is overtaking by jealousy like this. You are jealous, Girlie. You want to stomp up there and tell every single of those outrageous fans to keep their underwear and tits to themselves because you are Lyney’s girlfriend. But you can’t, because that is his job. He has to act all charming and flirty. He has to keep you his dirty little secret.” Childe said, hammering home what Lumine had felt earlier. The flapping of wings pulled her from her thoughts as a dove perched on her shoulder, cooing softly. Lumine’s eyes went immediately to Lyney, the sheer love and adoration she felt for him coming back in full swing. The way he looked at her told her everything. She was not his dirty little secret. Surely Lyney was thinking about their relationship as well. Besides they could have talked about it what to expect, what to do going forward. They still had not had this talk. Feeling those stunning violet eyes on her made Lumine feel like she was the only one Lyney saw. Being jealous was stupid. She was reminded that those smoldering glances were only for her. Lyney’s eyes remained on Lumine for a little longer, a little smile tugging on his lips before he got back to his magic show. “It really is a shame that he can only do these little gestures in public, fearing that anything more would expose your relationship.” Childe looked at her with this strange look in his eyes, while Lumine felt the fluffy feathers against her fingertips from the dove that had laid its head to the side to allow Lumine to pet her. “What is it you want to say? That I would be better off with you?” Lumine quipped. “Well with me you wouldn’t be a dirty little secret. I could easily show you in public how I feel. I wouldn’t need to act flirty and charming to other women.” Childe said it in a calm manner but for Lumine it was like he had just punched her.
The dove flapped its wings as Lumine whirled around, glaring at Childe. “I choose Lyney and would choose him again. Something petty like this would never make him turn.” She seethed, while the dove kept flapping her wings slowly. “Hm, so you really think you can stay loyal to him? While he has to flirt his way through all those women?” Lumine had not noticed that she had drawn her sword. But sure enough the comfortable weight of her sword was resting in her hand. “Don’t you dare question Lyney’s loyalty to me or my loyalty to him. Draw your weapon.” Lumine growled, which made Childe grin in excitement. Had this been his plan from the beginning? “Not here. I have the perfect spot for this. Follow me.” Childe left, walking towards the little area, where the automatons would reside, finding the small arena empty. Childe didn’t even need to look if Lumine had followed him, seeing as he would need a lesson to be taught. Childe made his way into the middle of the ring, his arms wide, inviting her in. “Welcome to our little arena, Girlie.” Childe hollered while Lumine approached the middle where Childe was standing. The dove was still perched on her shoulder as she clasped her sword tightly. Childe snickered while he gazed at her. “Now then Girlie, come at me and defend the honor of your beloved, who can’t publicly show his affection.” Childe taunted, a whirl of Electro surrounding him as he materialized his polearm. Lumine didn’t wait long to lunge for him. She wouldn’t go easy on Childe and sure enough he wouldn’t go easy on her either. He dodged her attack easily, his polearm coming close to her cheek. The dove that had been perching on her shoulder flapped upwards with a loud protest. For a moment Lumine was willing to watch where the dove was flying to but she instead opted for another attack at Childe, the clash of metal echoing around them. Electro sizzled between them. “You won’t get far if you don’t use your elemental powers, Girlie. Are you afraid?” Childe quipped as he slashed at her feet, making Lumine stumble backwards. He was right for once. Lumine jumped into the air before she summoned a Dendro Lotus Lamp. Stepping back she shot her Lightning Blade at it, causing several Dendro charged lightning bolts to rain down on Childe, who was still standing too close by. “Nice trick, Girlie, but this won’t stop me.” Childe called before he rounded the area, he slashed at the air, lightning strikes cracking awfully close to Lumine’s feet. Just because of her fast thinking did Lumine notice that Childe was using it as distraction to dash towards her. “Stop boring me, Girlie. I thought you gained some new powers thanks to your beloved? Why don’t you show me those? Or are you afraid?” Childe goaded as Lumine dodged his dashes, parrying his strike with her sword. Was that what it was? Childe wanting to test out her new powers? She had felt a warm gentle power in her veins ever since she had spent the night with Lyney, but she had never stopped to find out if she could use this power. Childe was pushing harder against her and Lumine felt herself lose her footing. She needed to do something. Willing that warm power to come to the surface she pushed her hand out, making Childe skid backwards before she noticed a Pyro explosion erupt between them. Someone who had never seen Lyney’s attacks wouldn’t know that Lumine had borrowed Lyney’s power. But if someone was looking more closely they would make out the wisps of confetti that had been erupting around Lumine.
Lumine didn’t allow herself to dwell on it, lunging forward with this gentle warmth enveloping her. It grew in intensity but never burning her. Childe managed to parry her sword strike with his polearm, making Lumine aware that she had imbued her sword with the Pyro element. And just like before it was noticeable that it was still Lyney’s power she used – confetti and cat heads were swirling as flames around her sword. Childe tsked as the flames lapped on his polearm, making him take a few steps back before he extinguished the flames by summoning his Hydro Blades. “Seems like your boyfriend has given you quite some interesting powers. But those tricks won’t make you win!” Childe bellowed, unaware that a crowd had gathered. Childe rushed forward, hitting Lumine in this small moment of distraction. Getting back to her feet, she wiped the blood from her cheek. She wouldn’t yield. “Why isn’t your boyfriend fighting for you, Girlie?” Lumine’s grip on her sword became firmer, her knuckles turning white. Within her was a different power taking control. It was nothing elemental – no warm Pyro, no cool Hydro. No, this was something entirely different. There had only been one time she had felt this kind of power. Lumine scorched forward with inhuman speed, catching Childe off guard. He could barely lift his blades to push against Lumine, his knee buckling while he grit his teeth. “So that is your true power, Girlie.” Childe grunted, leaning towards Lumine to block her sword from slicing him up. If she didn’t suspect that Childe was a god damn lunatic, she was sure now, because that idiot was laughing. He was laughing even though his entire body was straining to keep Lumine’s sword away from his body. “It just shows that your boyfriend is weak, Girlie. You can’t win with his powers, so you have to opt for your celestial powers instead.” His voice was shaky, the strength it took him to fend Lumine off evident. And even though he was losing ground he still dared to taunt her like this. Lumine pushed her foot out towards Childe, using his polearm to somersault before she cajoled the tepid Pyro powers back to her. Before Childe could react something hit him, knocking him down to his knees. “Cards?” True enough Lumine had somehow managed to shoot a set of cards at Childe. Raising her sword at him, the tip laying flat underneath his chin she gazed at him. Beads of sweat were trailing along his temple, his ginger mob of hair was damp, his breathing going rapid. “I still think I would be the better fit for, Lumine. He is not keeping you on your toes with this kind of excitement. He doesn’t even show his affection openly. Are you really happy to be someones secret?” Childe asked, his Hydro Blades evaporating in a gesture of surrender. Lumine leaned forward, her sword still poised under his chin, ready to strike if she needed to. “I am more than happy with him. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Lumine couldn’t stop the smirk from playing on her lips. Yes, sparring with Childe was fun. But what she felt for Lyney was so much more. Cheers erupted around them, startling Lumine. Her eyes roamed above the stands that were filled with so many people, who had thought that the two of them had just engaged in a friendly show fight. Charlotte was taking pictures before she looked rather quizzical around. Did she notice something? Perhaps the obvious Pyro powers she had borrowed from Lyney? Speaking of Lyney he was also among the crowd, a grin playing on his lips, while the dove was roosting on his shoulder. With a sigh Childe pushed her sword aside before he got up. “Thank you for this little show fight, Girlie. See you around!” Dusting his clothes off Childe simply walked off, leaving her standing in the middle of the arena.
The next fighters were already on their way to the center, ushering Lumine to leave the area. She could feel Charlotte’s eyes on her, watching her every move. So instead of finding Lyney she returned to the stalls. Only a handful of people were still in this area, allowing Lumine to take a good look at the statue that was towering on the fontain, overlooking the area. Lumine was sure had Focalors seen this statue of herself she would have liked it. It was beautiful, showing her in a flowing dress, holding a sword close to her body. It was resembling the Statue of the Seven of Fontaine, but unlike the Statue of the Seven depicting Focalors with a hood above her head, this one showed her without it. Her hair falling in rivulets onto her back. She was bearing a resemblance to Furina, but still clearly distinguishable as not being Furina. They even made her hair and eyes out of blue stones. The water spray was dancing around the statue like she was casting it around her for protection. It was awe aspiring to watch. “Come and get your Fontaine Flowers here!” A vendor called, letting Lumine turn around to see for herself. The very first stall was filled with several potted plants and other things. Upon closer inspection Lumine found several Rainbow Roses, as well as Lumidouce Bells being offered for sell. “Ah, young lady, why don’t you buy a Rainbow Rose for someone dear to you?” The vendor said with a smile, pointing towards the potted Rainbow Roses. But Lumine’s eyes were trained on something else. Sitting beside the Rainbow Roses and Lumidouce Bells were small cubes, filled with water and a plant Lumine identified as Romaritime Flower. Picking one of the cubes up she turned to the vendor. “Ah, you certainly have a good eye, young Lady. This is a Romaritime Flower. It is only growing here in Fontaine. On land the petals are closed, that is why you can buy this flower in this Hydro cube. This way it will stay open and beautiful.” Reaching the Mora over to the vendor Lumine stored the cube in her Sub Space inventory. It was the perfect gift for Lyney. She was about to continue her little stroll as her eyes fell on a dove that was sitting on top of the stall, watching her closely. Lumine noticed the ring around the foot of the dove, a cat emblem engraved in it. So that really was Lyney’s dove. The dove cooed softly before it flapped its wings, diving low to be on eye-level with Lumine. Was this little dove trying to guide her somewhere? Leaving the cobblestones of the Opera Epiclese behind her, Lumine found herself on a small grassy plateau that kept the Opera Epiclese in a gentle embrace. The dove fluttered up, before landing gently on Lyney’s shoulder. He caressed the neck of the dove before he turned to Lumine.
Lumine glanced around if someone had followed her, finding no one she hurried to Lyney’s side. “Your show really was amazing, Lyney.” Lumine mused softly, before she glanced at Lyney. “Thank you. Even though I didn’t expect the women going crazy like this. Sorry, did it bother you much, Lumine?” Lyney asked, while taking her hands in his. “At first I was bothered by it, but I know that you love me, Lyney.” So Lyney had noticed that Lumine had been bothered by the women and the way Lyney had to react to it. “What was the matter with Childe?” Lumine could see it in his eyes – he had been bothered by the situation. “He was taunting me the whole time. Saying that he would be a better fit for me. But I whooped his ass good.” Lumine murmured with a little giggle, before she was drawn close, her hands resting against Lyney’s chest as he dipped low to capture her lips. This kiss held so much emotion. Sliding her hands up his warm chest she laid her arms around his neck, losing herself in the kiss. She hoped that she could convey her feelings to him in this kiss. Telling him how much she loved him, trusted him and wanted him. For Lumine there simply was no one else. She didn’t care about Lyney not being that open with his affection for her in public. She didn’t care that it had been her to fight against Childe. Being here in Lyney’s arms, feeling his lips against hers made her realize that she was exactly where she wanted to be. Lyney was the first to break the kiss, allowing them to draw a shallow breath. “Oh, I have a gift for you, Lyney.” Lumine whispered before she pulled the Romaritime Flower out of her Sub Space Inventory. “A Romaritime Flower? I had no clue they sell those.” Lyney mused as he took the cube from Lumine. She leaned close to him, her lips trailing along his jaw, drawing a gentle groan from his lips. “You should look up what the flower meaning is for it.” Lumine breathed tenderly into his ear. “Thank you, Lumine. I will cherish it.” Lyney promised, his fingers caressing her cheek before he pulled her close for another kiss. “Je suis l’homme le plus chanceux du monde d’avoir une petite amie aussi belle et forte.“ Lyney’s words were a mere breath against her lips, a shower of goosebumps running all over her body. And even though she didn’t understand much, his kiss conveyed his feelings just as perfectly. Distant laughter pulled them apart. “I think we need to talk about our relationship sooner rather than later, don’t you think?” Lumine said while she took a tentative step back, putting a little distance between them. “Yeah, I am sorry, Lumine. Let’s talk about this. But not here. Let’s head back to the festivities for the time being and then tonight we can talk about everything.” Lyney let his gaze wander around before he pulled her close for another knee weakening kiss. “Even though I would love to continue to kiss you instead of going back, my little dove.” Lyney purred but turned to leave eventually, knowing that they had to stay longer to enjoy the festivities everyone worked hard for to make them a success. They still had the whole evening and night to enjoy each other.