--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

[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~!

[reignitions]

[He lets out a surprised noise, but doesn't actually stop Lyney from sitting in his lap.]

Hello to you, too, Lyney.

[felyney]

Shio!

[He smiles, tail waving behind him as he rests his head on Shio's shoulder.

(Somewhere, a pair of raccoons are giving each other a high-five.)]

You're here~

[reignitions]

[He wraps his arms around Lyney to keep him in place.]

I've been here the entire time, you know.

[felyney]

Yes, but did anyone say that? Acknowledge you~? You should be acknowledged!

[reignitions]

You've said it, and I think I'm fine with that being the extent of it.

[felyney]

Hehe~

[He almost nuzzles Shio's shoulder.]

Do you like me that much?

[reignitions]

I do, yes.

[He adjusts his grip to make sure Lyney can be comfortable.]

[felyney]

[Another giggle.]

Good. I like you that much. Maybe more~

[reignitions]

More, huh? How much more are we talking?