#ler!lynette

Lyney, who had just finished a meeting with Father, walked through the corridors of the House of Hearth with a pensive expression upon his face, mulling over their discussion. He learned more and more about the responsibilities of becoming Father’s successor with each meeting and it often weighed a little on his shoulders. That’s something he wouldn’t openly admit, of course.

He shook his head, deciding he didn’t want to think about it anymore. At least, not for today. He wanted to go find his siblings and distract his mind from future responsibilities.

Once he had reached the bedroom that he shared with his twin sister Lynette and younger brother Freminet, he mentally prepared himself to wear the mask of positivity before quietly entering.

There he found Freminet huddled against his bed, knees pulled tightly to his chest and his face obscured by his diving helmet, which was the concerning part. Judging by the comforting hand placed on his shoulder from Lynette, who kneeled beside him, it didn’t take long for Lyney to piece together what was going on here.

Lyney approached and met Lynette’s concerned gaze before offering a small smile to his brother. “Hey there, Freminet. Do you need someone to talk to?”

Freminet remained curled in on himself, only shaking his head indicating that he wasn’t up for talking at that moment. Lyney understood and silently knelt on Freminet’s other side, offering the comfort of his presence if anything. He knew Freminet appreciated having his siblings close by even when unable to voice his problems.   

“How did your meeting with Father go?” Lynette asked from the other side of their brother. Lyney chuckled, of course she would be invested in what went on during the meeting. But that conversation would only sour the already dampened mood of the room. Lyney couldn’t have that.

“We can discuss that later. Right now, we have more important matters at hand,” Lyney diverted, placing his hand upon Freminet’s shoulder. “This room seems so dark, won’t you light it up with your smile, dear brother?”

Freminet’s head tilted to Lyney’s way, silently baffled by the sudden attention.

Lyney flashed a mischievous yet playful smile and reached out a finger to poke Freminet’s ribs. The boy flinched and let out a muffled sound within the depths of the helmet.

Lyney gave a small laugh and shared a knowing look towards his twin, without a word, the same idea passed between them, and they knew exactly how to cheer up their little brother. Lynette then wiggled her fingers against the other side of Freminet’s ribs.

The cryo user squirmed and clamped his arms down, trying in vain to protect himself from their playful methods. Lyney and Lynette persisted further, their nimble fingers seeking out all the ticklish spots they knew would make Freminet dissolve into sweet giggles.

“Won’t you smile for us, Freminet?” Lyney asked again, delighted in the quiet and muffled laughter he could hear from within the helmet.

“I ahaham!” Freminet’s helmet even changed to a smiley face to prove his point.

“Ah-Ah!” Lyney wagged his finger and brought his hands down to Freminet’s tummy, where he began scribbling his fingers. “That one doesn’t count.”

“Yes, we want to see your smile, Freminet.” Lynette joined in, which Lyney couldn’t help the proud feeling bubbling in chest. He truly loved seeing his siblings smiling and having fun like this.

Freminet started kicking his legs with peals of bright and hysterical laughter once Lynette started skittering her fingers under his arm. Fortunately, Freminet lacked his diving boots, so Lyney grabbed onto his kicking ankle and started tickling the bottoms of Freminet’s barefoot, sending the boy into squeals.

“Stahahap! Stahahahp! I give!” Freminet pleaded, reaching up and removing the helmet that only fuelled their cruelty. Lyney and Lynette were greeted with a tomato shaded face, but Freminet’s smile was bright, just like they wanted.

“There we go. Look at how bright the room is now,” Lyney smiled in triumph, pleased that they managed to lift Freminet’s spirits. “Even if you’re not always willing to talk, Freminet. We’ll always be here to lift you up again.”

“T-Thank you, both. I- AH! Lynette!”

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Lyney x Lynette x Freminet (PLATONIC)

Lee: Lyney

Lers: Lynette, Freminet

Warnings: Tickles! Spoilers for Fontaine act 1!

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Anyone would assume this would be a good day for Lyney. Thanks to the traveller, his innocence was proven and he could now walk as a free man. So why was it that his heart still ached later that night..?

The face of shock and disappointment the traveller gave after learning of his ties with the Fatui has been clouding his mind. Was their relationship now... tarnished? Was there nothing he could do...?

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a soft pat on his shoulder, prompting him to turn around to face the younger slibing. "Oh, Freminet! Do what do I owe the pleasure?" it was like a switch had been activated and Lyney was back to acting like his usual cheerful self. But it was just that, an act... Just like he deceived people up on the stage, he can do the same with his true emotions. Although he underestimates how perceptive his family is.

"Umm... you've been awfully quiet tonight, is everything okay?"

"Of course I'm okay! I'm better than okay! If it wasn't for the... traveller... I wouldn't be back here tonight" there was a hint of sadness in the magician's eyes at the mention of the traveller. "Anyways, it's been a long day for all of us, you should go to sleep" and with that, Lyney slithered out of there, leaving Freminet feeling even more concerned.

With no other choice, Freminet went to ask Lynette about what happened there. After all, she had been present through it all. He peaked his head through the open door, catching his sister's attention.

"Hmm, is something wrong, Freminet?" she motioned him to come in.

"It's about Lyney... did something happen back there? He's been avoidant all night...".

Lynette let out a sigh and proceeded to explain the fallout between him and the traveller.

Freminet listened intently, slowly nodding along "I see... Is there anything we can do to help?".

"I'm sure with time, he and the traveller will come to an understanding".

The younger brother nodded but let out a soft sigh of disappointment. It had been many times his sibling had helped him out of awkward situations, and now he wanted to return the favor.

"But..." Lynette started to trail off. "He has been awfully moody tonight, I say we do something about it" aside from her usual serious demeanor, there was a slight spark of mischief in her eyes. Freminet could only imagine what she had planned and bregudgingly followed her to Lyney's room.

"Lyney... you in there?" Lynette reached out, followed by a soft knock to his bedroom door.

It was hard to make out, but they heard a faint 'it's open' and the younger siblings made their way in. Upon entering, they saw Lyney laying on his stomach with his face pressed against his pillow, refusing to look at either of them.

After a moment of hesitation, Lynette gave Freminet a slight shove towards their older brother. The youngling let out a flustered squeak, the freckles across his cheeks slowly being drowned out by the pink color overtaking them. He gave Lynette a flustered glare, while she only prompted him to keep going.

With a deep breath, he spoke out "Lyney...?". He only got a slight humm in reply, signaling that the magician was listening to him, despite keeping his face hidden. Freminet let out another breath before continuing "Lynette told me about what happened... with the traveller...". He observed the way Lyney's body tensed up at the mention and couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for bringing it up. "I'm sorry, I just... you don't have to suffer in silence...".

Freminet's voice grew softer and he took a seat next to Lyney. Shortly after, Lynette made her way to sit on the opposite side of the bed.

"We both know you're hurting, whether you admit it or not" Lynette's voice was sharper, but she only wished to get through her stubborn brother.

"I already said I'm fine..." Lyney whined out like a toddler, burrying his face deeper into the pillow. The other two couldn't help but softly snicker in amusement.

"If you'll keep sulking like that, then I guess we have no other choice..." Lynette and Freminet exchanged some glances, as if communicating telepathycally. Then, Lyney felt the magical hand of his assistant slide down his side, causing his whole body to jolt in surprise. But he wouldn't let his image falter from a simple touch and held onto his pillow tightly. As if it would somehow save him from his demise.

"Noho tickles, Lynette..." the magician let out a whiny giggle, muffled by his pillow, but still audibly adorable.

"In that case, your turn, Freminet".

"Huh...?" Freminet's gaze shyed away.

"C'mon, he won't bite" Lynette teased him, causing the younger boy to pout slightly.

"Fine..." he hesitantly reached out and gently tweaked at his brother's ribcage, earning a high-pitched squeak.

"gyAH! Dohon't listen to her, Freminehet!".

Usually, Freminet was one to oblige to Lyney's request. But he noticed that the elder one didn't as much squirm away from his touch, did he like it, perhaps? With that in mind, Freminet's fingertips kept delicately exploring each and every ticklish bone. Causing a cascade of giggles to pour out of Lyney's mouth.

"Nahahaha! Ihihit tickles!!" the magician blurted out the obvious through his hysterics. His legs started kicking out from behind out of instinct, but that would soon end when he felt weight settle on top of his legs.

"That's the point, silly" Lynette spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. Now with her brother's legs pinned, she started to poke and scribble at the back of his knees.

"eHEEK! AHAHAHA! NAHAT THEHEHERE!" if it were anyone else, Lyney would try bucking them off, but he couldn't risk hurting his sister. So he did the only thing he could in this situation and took the tickling like a champ (not really).

Lyney's hysterical and goofy sounds filled up the room. High-pitched charming laughter mixed in with snorts rang through the siblings ears.

"Hey Freminet, you should target his armpits".

"W-wait, Freminet dohoHON'T!!" Lyney's whole body jumped, errupting into another fit of contagious laughter. Poor Lynette got flung off of him, but landed flat across the bed. When she got up to see the commotion, there was Freminet, his small fingers carefully poking and scribbling at the ticklish hollows.

"Am I doing this right...?" he asked feeling unsure of himself, even though Lyney was currently crumbling from those simple touches.

"WAHAHA! P-PLEASE! I CAHAHAN'T!" Lyney rolled over onto his back and grabbed at Freminet's wrists, causing him to stop. The younger siblings observed the magician take in deep breaths. His chest heaving, hair all messy, eyes a bit watery, and a bright smile on his face. It looked like their plan worked after all.

"She put me up to it...!" Freminet blurted out, feeling a bit afraid that he took things too far, earning an eye roll from his sister. But before his thoughts could run wild, he felt a playful hand ruffle his hair. "H-hey!...".

When he looked down, he saw Lyney still smiling brightly at him. A genuine smile, Freminet thought. He couldn't help but smile back at his brother.

"Thank you for that, you two" Lyney smiled a bit sheepishly with flushed cheeks. But right now this moment was more important than whatever embarrassment he felt. He wrapped each of them into his arms, pulling them close into a snuggle pile.

"Looks like he's back to normal" Lynette said, both she and Freminet snuggling into each side of Lyney.

"Next time, please don't keep your feelings to yourself..." Freminet whispered out softly, not daring to make eye contact.

"Alright, alright, lessoned learned. I'm so glad to have such a reliable support system~" he gave each of them a squeeze. The three of them enjoying their silent company for a while, until... "But that doesn't mean I'll let you both go scott free...~" he spoke in a teasing tone, causing both siblings to tense up in his embrace.

The rest of the night was spent with cuddles and laughter. Whatever happened in the future, he was sure he could pull through with his family...

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From Fontaine almost all of Aether's friends were here, which was quite surprising. Even Neuvillette, and Wriothesley - but then again, even the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide wouldn't miss a chance to enter the Traveler's infamous Teapot realm and enjoy a cup of the finest tea.

From other nations there were people like the very loud Harbinger Childe, Venti the Bard from Mondstadt, Arataki Itto from Inazuma, Hu Tao from Liyue, just all those personalities combined made it quite lively, loud, chaotic and energetic, so he understood why Freminet and Lynette were a little overwhelmed by it all.

"Maybe we can join them?" Lyney suggested, pointing at the Sumeru table where a few people were playing cards, but Lynette shook her head.

"I'm fine. I drink tea," she said stiffly. Wriothesley, at the same quiet tea-table, nodded proudly.

"It's good tea," he said. Neuvillette merely nodded. Lyney shrugged. He would feel bad to leave them alone so awkwardly, even though he felt a little more tempted to engage with the others, to learn more about their nations, their friendship with Aether, maybe to show them more of his magic tricks and- oh.

A trick. Maybe he could get Freminet and Lynette to open up if they helped him with a trick! Not just a trick. The secret magic trick.

"Guys, do you remember my secret magic trick?" he asked Lynette and Freminet. Freminet shook his head.

"What secret trick?" Lynette asked.

"The one that makes people laugh. Even you, it made you laugh," Lyney said, and he winked. Lynette blushed.

"Oh. That one." She clearly remembered, and Freminet did too since he made a little squeak noise.

"You wouldn't," he said.

"You've got my attention. I am curious now, right Neuvillette?" Wriothesley said. Neuvillette nodded again.

Lyney hummed and gazed around the crowded space. "Well, the secret trick needs a person to try it on. It's a magical trick to make someone laugh, so..." he explained, while he considered the perfect victim. Not anyone from the Fontaine group, the chance was they had seen the trick, heard of it, or witnessed him playing it on people in Fontaine. It was quite popular and effective after all.

So...

His eyes fell on Gaming who was still gathering compliments after his show. He seemed like an easy target, a sweet bubbly and curious person who would definitely want to try it out.

Lyney then stared at Childe, the Eleventh of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers. Very tempting, but being a member of the Fatui as well, he would meet him a little more than others perhaps, and besides, Childe was clever. This scheme could backfire, but at the same time, if he would succeed... Lyney would feel more triumphant than ever.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Lyney almost fell over when a deafening yell could be heard from the Oni, Arataki Itto, who had just lost an Onikabuto battle against the Yashiro Commissioner, Kamisato Ayato. Itto looked like someone who would enjoy a trick like that, and he would most definitely fall for it.

While the Yashiro Commissioner and his sister looked quite elegant in a way that didn't really invite Lyney to trick them, at the same table sat a kind looking guy. Lyney knew he was called Thoma. He looked like he would accept and fall for it... perhaps?

The Mondstadt people were all too busy admiring Furina on stage, and the Sumeru group seemed very invested in their card game, however... Lyney noted the blond guy who seemed a little distracted.

"Kaveh? It's your turn," the fox guy said to him. Kaveh. Hm... Maybe him, but it was a question whether he would accept.

Lastly, Lyney glanced at Aether who was also staring at Furina's show at this moment. He had cute sparkles in his eyes. He was the perfect victim, but honestly, he was also the most dangerous. Lyney would definitely get his ass handed right back to him afterwards, but it could be worth it.

"Well? Who will it be?" Lynette asked, and Lyney smiled when he noticed she actually looked forward to this. Freminet seemed eager too.

With so many people together he was sure they would attract some attention soon, so he had only one chance to perform the prank- er, trick successfully.

After winning the trial thanks to Paimon and Traveler's help, Lyney and Lynette had headed home. As they made it towards home, they couldn't help but feel slightly worried for Ferminet, after all, the poor guy had rather bad anxiety.

After a long trip, and the amount of people riding the aquabus, having to rudely barge through them like a stampede, and the rain from the previous trial almost making them slip in each turn, the two eventually made it back home. Lynette had opened the door using their spare key's, and the two finally set foot inside.

They were met with silence, as Ferminet was, as usual, in his room, looking out the window as he snuggled up against his penguin toy. The two had to hold back an awe before being met with a pout.

"What took you two so long?" He asked, not budging from his position on the bed at all, as Lyney searched for word's.

"Ferminet, we know you're upset, but it really is a misunderstanding." Lyney said, Lynette nodding beside him. They both walked closer to him. "May we?"

Ferminet gave them each a glance before nodding, as the two climbed atop his bed on each side of him, wrapping warm, yet soaking appendages, around him. Ferminet shivered from the wet touch, yet leaned into them anyways, having missed them for what felt like an eternity.

"The Traveler and Paimon told me everything, so don't worry, I'm not that mad." He mumbled, making Lyney sigh aloud, resting his head ontop on Ferminet's, making him look at the two.

"Oh? But you're still mad?" Lyney asked, and as soon as Ferminet nodded, Lyney exchanged a mischievous glance towards his twin sister, who immediately got the message, and coiled their arm's around him slightly tighter, making sure he was still cozy.

"Oh Ferminet, you know we can't accept that! Now, give your big brother a big, wide smile!" He asked, smiling widely himself, however, when Ferminet ever so rudely ignored him, Lyney took action. "Fine, the hard way it is."

And with that, the elder nrother started, his finger trailing up and down the younger's back, dancing underneath his shoulder blades and trailing down his spine. "I have a new magic trick, and it'll make that frown - disappear into thin air!"

At Lyney's teasing, Ferminet's cheeks flushed a rosy red, yet he refused to give in so easily, which both Lyney and Lynette knew would happen, causing Lyney to use two daring finger's. What became two quickly became three, and what became three became four, until five finger's were gently fluttering the younger's back, making their way towards his ribs.

"My dear assistant, would you be ever so kind to keep count with me? After all, our dear Ferminet's ribs must be all over the place from how hard he's trying to keep that adorable pout in line!" Lyney keot up his teasing, his both sets of hands rested at his lower ribs. Ferminet's eyes opened up even wider, as his hands went to grab Lyney's, only to be stopped at Lynette caught hold of his wrists, holding his wrists slightly over his head.

"Sure." Lynette said plainly, yet her tone showed amusement. Lyney went right back into character as his thumbs wiggled over each rib.

"1.. 2.. 3.. 4.." The two counted, and at each wiggle against his ribcage, Ferminet ended up wriggling himself, that pout being replaced with that awfully adorable yet wobbly grin. His rosy cheeks popping out his sprinkled over freckles, as he shook his head slightly.

"9.. Uh oh, I seem to not recall my last number, what about you, dear sister?"

"No, I cannot remember either, do you, Ferminet?"

Ferminet could only whine as they teased him, after all, they all know how bad it was for him whenever they started heading towards the peak, his upper most ribs being more sensitive then his lower one's. "It's five! Count from five!" He spoke out.

Lyney smiled, "Aww, so you were counting with us? I didn't think you'd be the type to play along, even when you're already so sensitive! Kitchi-kitchi-koo!~" The magician chippered at his teases, giggling mischievously as he darted towards his highest set of ribs, thumbs gently massaging at the bundle of nerves.

Ferminet's eyes shut tightly, as his face contorted into an extra wide grin, laughter spilling out for the first time during this entire session, Lyney, and even Lynette, giggled alongside him, as the younger squirmed under their touch.

"L-Lynehehehey! Plehease, nohot thehehere! Mohove spohohots, plehease!" The diver helplessly curled up, legs kicking slightly, he almost hit Lyney, but he swiftly avoided the unintentional attack.

"Opting to hurt me now, are we? Fine, I'll move spots, I'll almost change my positioning!" The magician smiled, before moving himself so he was sitting on Ferminet's waist, he made sure both himself and Ferminet was comfortable, and as the diver showed no discomfort, he gently petted his head, assuring him he was okay.

"If it's too much, just shout 'stop' alright?" Lynette reminded, Ferminet nodding slightly. Lyney looked at the younger brother and thought, wondering if he should get this over with, after a bit of contemplation, he opted for his first toughts, as his hands hovered over the younger. His hands hovered between his hips and sides, being Ferminet's weakspot, as he finally descended down.

Ferminet's breath hitched, yet his smile widdened, despite Lyney's hand just resting on the spot, a large smirk enlaced his features. "My final trick is quite the tricky, I like to call it.. hm, I don't quite know, lets say a magician's trick, hm?" He winked, before taking his gloves off, and finally ending it all.

His fingers wriggled up and down, darting from his hips to his sides, making the younger buck and scream, his face hiding into the sleeves of his arm to not make so much noise. Lyney was skilled, persistent, as his gentle fingertips danced across these two spots rhythmically. While he wasn't paying attention, his arms were finally released, as Lynette joined in on the fun, her manicured nails gently teasing the side's of his neck and even scribbling under his chin. The younger kept his arms in place, this time over his chest, as his troso wriggled and his legs kicked behind Lyney.

"WahaAHAIT! NOHOT THAT! Lynehehette! NohoHo! AhahAHAHA! LYHEHENY!" He yelled at the two, as they both traded smiles.

"Oh? You're keeping your hands to yourself? How cute! Our little diver has some restraint~" Lyney smiled, giggling as Ferminet shoved at him weakly, only to shriek as Lyney kneaded between his hips and sides permanently, making the younger cackle his hardest yet.

"EHEK! WAHAHAIT! NOHOHO MOHORE! STOHOP!"

And with that word, both stopped immediately, arm's wrapping around him with a warm embrace, the magician chuckling.

"Awe, did you enjoy that?" Lyney smiled, only to hold his own chest as Ferminet nodded, giggles still spilling.

"So, you forgive us yet?" Lynette asked, her hand rubbing against his back, as Lyney just hugged him close, looking up at Ferminet with puppy dog eye's.

"Ugh.. fine." He smiled, giggling as Lyney cheered. "Now.. please take a shower, you'll both get sick."

——

“brother, let’s get him,” lynette said, after hearing freminet spout nonsense belittling himself for the hundredth time that night. despite lyney and lynette’s reassurances, they coukd tell he didn’t believe them as much as they would like him to so lynette decided that perhaps he could use a bit more convincing.

“you’re right, lynette. our freminet seems to be doubting himself too much,” lyney nodded to himself and then to lynette. “its up to us to cheer him up!”

“huh?!” freminet stuttered, knowing exactly where this was going, having been on the receiving end of their tickle attacks one too many times. before he could say anything else, the twins jumped on him. lynette appeared from behind, scribbling his fingers across his ears and neck, while lyney took a more basic approach, pinching and squeezing his sides and ribs. “nohohoho, guhuhuhuys!”

freminet burst into giggles immediately. his giggles were soft and light and just so adorable. the twins shared a subtle look of fondness that freminet likely would have noticed if he was paying attention.

“and tada~ with just a simple movement of my hand, laughter appeared!” lyney joked, snapping his finger for dramatic effect.

“mphm..! l-lynehehehey!” freminet giggled, holding a palm to his mouth in attempt to conceal his laughter. when lynette used that as an opportunity to tickle his armpits, his hands shot down immediately. “lynehehehette!”

“yes?” lynette asked, all nonchalant as if she weren’t tickling freminet with absolutely no mercy.

“stahahap tihihickling me, y-youhuhu two!” freminet gasped, squirming and unable to stay still.

“you’ve been way too harsh on yourself, freminet. you’re amazing and neither of us know what we would do without you,” lyney looked at lynette, who nodded in agreement. “so, if you need some extra convincing, we are prepared to do what it takes!”