--Gangs--

[felyney]

[Lyney, as a rule, does not like going to people outside of the Family for help. He just doesn't know that he can trust them, and trust is tantamount for him.

But Shio was Family, once, before he managed to leave and maybe that's what Lyney needs right now. At least, he knows Shio won't report him to the Family for coming back injured.

He knocks on the employee entrance of Gen's, pressing his jacket to the wound on his arm.]

Comments

[felyney]

[Lynette promptly tugs Lyney down as her brother tries to get up, followed by whacking him with her tail. Absolutely not, sir.]

Are we staying here, or is there another safehouse that might be better for us?

[reignitions]

You're staying here. This is probably the safest place for you currently--nobody else knows about the place still, and some of Nagisa's friends have been drawing attention to themselves elsewhere.

[felyney]

If you're sure. And leaving here so we don't go stir crazy? Yes, or no?

[reignitions]

Sparingly. I've called in a favor with a customer who does illusions, but you're going to be subject to her schedule.

[felyney]

It's better than nothing. I can share space with Lynette for weeks, but she needs more space than I do and of course there's Fremi.

[reignitions]

There's only so much that can be done when safety is the primary concern.

[felyney]

Of course.

[The Sognare boys do in fact have a lead on Father, but unfortunately she's not in a very good position so the first thing to do is get her out of that situation. That alone will take some time, so Lyney and his siblings are going to be guests of Jiaoqiu and Moze for at least a few months.

Lyney does love his siblings but he needs some space, so one day, a couple of weeks after hearing back on Arlecchino's situation, Lyney heads to Gen's. His illusion of a typical, boring human fades as he steps over the threshold, and he flops on the nearest empty table, tail lashing.]

[reignitions]

[It doesn't take long until there's plates being sat down at his table--seafood yakisoba and salmon-filled onigiri.

(Accompanied by tea this time instead of sake.)

Shio's taking a seat next to him with food of his own.]

[felyney]

[He sits up a little, eying the food before taking an onigiri.]

I do eat things not fish, you know~

[reignitions]

I know, but I also know it's your favorite.

[A playful nudge.]

[felyney]

[He smiles and nudges back.]

Only if you or Freminet make it. No one else does it right~

[reignitions]

[He chuckles, picking up his tea and taking a sip.]

Fair enough.

[felyney]

[For a moment, Lyney seems about to say something before moving on.]

I'm serious! Fremi learned how to make it like I like it because it's Fremi, but not even Lynette does it like you~

[reignitions]

[...?

Well, if Lyney's moved on, there's no need to dwell on it.]

Wait, really?

[felyney]

Really! Granted, Lynette only cooks what she likes, unless I'm sick, but she just makes it all too salty.

[reignitions]

Mm, it's a shame I don't get to cook for you more often, then.

[felyney]

[Shio. You can't just say those things! Lyney smiles, a little sappy.]

Well, I promise after all of this is over I will be coming here regularly.

[reignitions]

Good. I missed you, you know.

[felyney]

...really?

[reignitions]

Yeah, really. Leaving the Family was... pretty rough, you know. And despite all that... I'd still say not being able to see you regularly was the worst part.

[felyney]

[Lyney turns a little pink, tail flicking.]

Likewise, honestly. It was nice, seeing you all the time.

[reignitions]

[... Lyney turning pink like that is cute...]

It really was nice. So I'm holding you to that promise that you'll come here regularly after this is over.

[felyney]

I can't wait.

[It takes a couple more months, but soon they do it. They find Father, kill Uncle and Dottore, and restore the Family. Lyney still asks permission to leave, though, tired of lifestyle after all that. It's granted, and Lyney does promise to still help the Family as necessary. He just needs time away.

And time for a party. The Sognare boys float the idea and soon there's a whole party at Giorno's manor. All sorts of good food, good drinks, good music, and plenty of space to hide if you're one of the many introverts.

Which Lyney is not. He's thriving, on his second glass of wine and third plate of dessert.]

[reignitions]

[And while Shio prefers quiet, he's not actually in one of the manor's various hideyholes, instead sitting nearby so he can keep an eye on Lyney.

(And slide glasses of water his way as necessary.)]

[felyney]

[Much appreciated, no one wants to be wine-drunk.

He spots Shio, though, and goes over with a giggle and just. Sits in his lap.]

Shio~!