★ LOVE STORY ★
THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT US

lynette let out an exaggerated sigh »Don't move too much now!« His sister stood behind him and braided the left side of his hair. Lynette always did that for him. But today, today he couldn't sit still. He only had one thing on his mind, or rather only one person: Elaine. He had managed to persuade her to go out to dinner with him! And that was a greater success than her being intimate with him. Which of course had been great, but to be seen in public with him! That really made Lyney's heart beat faster.

»My dear brother, can I ask you something?« Lyney looked at his sister through the mirror. He nodded. »Are you going to tell her?«

Yes. Yes, he should tell her... sometime. But today? To be honest, Lyney was very panicked about it. He was afraid that she would withdraw again, that this time she might really want nothing more to do with him. He wasn't one of the eleven, but he did what father told him. He would do anything for father. And he didn't know if Elaine would ever understand that.

»Not today.«

Lynette nodded. »You're a good liar, she hasn't found out yet.«

»I'm not lying... I'm just keeping some information from her.« That sounded better to Lyney than lying to Elaine. Because he didn't want to lie to her.

»As you say, brother. Your hair is done.«

He turned to his sister. »Thank you.« Lyney smiled and went to get dressed.

He was nervous. He was really nervous. After all, she still couldn't show up. She could stand him up, even if Lyney didn't think Elaine would ever do something like that. No, she would come. She had agreed. But would she have fun? Oh, Lyney really hoped she would have fun. After all, he had specifically chosen the small restaurant on the edge of Fontaine. It was only lightly attended, had Elaine's favorite dish, boeuf bourguignon, and there was always nice music playing there.

Lyney sighed. The only person who could ruin this evening was actually himself. Well, or her grandfather. Lyney didn't know exactly what he had against him. He hardly knew Elaine's grandfather, but he had his suspicions. Maybe he knew that Lyney belonged to the House of the Heart, that it was a Fatui organization... maybe he didn't want his granddaughter to hang out with someone like that.

But well, he hadn't told Elaine that he was a Fatui, if he knew. But why? Why didn't he warn her then? There was something wrong with him and Lyney was really curious. After all, you need a reason to hate someone. Right?

Well, Lyney tried to push that thought aside. Maybe someday he would be able to ask Elaine. But tonight. Tonight they would have fun! They would laugh, eat and enjoy themselves.

»Don't you have to go?« Lynette interrupted his thoughts. She stood in the doorway, her arms crossed.

Lyney took a quick look at the clock. »Oh my! Yes!« He grabbed his hat and squeezed past his sister.

His sister rolled her eyes and snorted in amusement. »Idiot.«

It was really nice outside. The sun was about to set and turned the sky a delicate pink. And Elaine. Elaine looked simply stunning. In her pink purple dress, knee high boots. Lyney's heart stopped for a moment. She looked so beautiful. He would have liked to pick her up at home, but she wanted to meet him outside and Lyney accepted that.

She stopped in front of him with her usual sweet smile. "So here I am."

"You look stunning, my love." Lyney took a step toward her and placed a kiss on her cheek. He knew she didn't want anyone to see them together. He knew she didn't want anyone to know about them. But he would have liked to kiss her lips. So, so much.

Her cheeks were slightly red. "You do not look bad either."

Lyney smiled. He reached for her hand and to his surprise, she immediately intertwined her fingers with his. "Come on, the restaurant isn't far from here."

Lyney led Elaine through the cobbled streets of Fontaine, his fingers still intertwined with hers. The soft hues of the setting sun painted the city in shades of gold and pink, making it feel like they were walking in a dream. Elaine glanced at him, her cheeks still tinged with a faint blush. Lyney couldn't help but smile-this was perfect.

"Are you nervous about the food?" Lyney teased lightly, breaking the silence. "Or do you think I picked a terrible spot?"

Elaine chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver of delight down his spine. "Not at all. I trust your judgment. Besides, you already mentioned boeuf bourguignon. How could I possibly be nervous?"

"True," Lyney said with a grin. "But the real question is: will it live up to your standards, my culinary connoisseur?"

Elaine laughed again, shaking her head. "I doubt anyone's standards are higher than yours, Lyney. But you've never disappointed me so far."

His heart skipped a beat at her words, and he squeezed her hand slightly. "Well, I intend to keep that streak alive. For tonight, and... for as long as you'll let me."

She looked at him, her eyes soft but searching, as if she were trying to decode his words. He hoped she wouldn't press him further-not tonight. He didn't want anything to taint this moment.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the warm glow of the lanterns hanging outside welcomed them. It was a cozy little place, with small round tables adorned with delicate white tablecloths and vases holding single fresh roses. Soft, soothing music played from a corner where a violinist strummed an elegant tune.

"This is lovely," Elaine said, her voice touched with awe as they stepped inside.

Lyney pulled out a chair for her and gave her a slight bow. "Only the best for my lady," he said with a wink. Elaine rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

As they sat down and the waiter approached, Lyney ordered the boeuf bourguignon for Elaine, just as planned, while he opted for a simpler dish-a creamy soup with fresh bread. They shared a glass of Fontaine's signature sparkling water, which Elaine seemed to enjoy immensely.

"So," Elaine began, swirling her glass thoughtfully. "What's it like to perform? To be on stage, with everyone watching you?"

Lyney tilted his head, a little surprised by the question. "Hmm... it's thrilling, I suppose. There's this energy-this connection between you and the audience. It's like... a dance. You give them something magical, and they give you their wonder in return. It's hard to explain, but it feels right, you know?"

Elaine rested her chin on her hand, watching him intently. "You light up when you talk about it. It's clear you love it."

"I do," Lyney admitted. "But it's also a mask, in a way. On stage, I'm the performer they want to see. Off stage..." He trailed off, hesitating. "Off stage, I'm just me."

"Isn't that enough?" Elaine asked softly.

Her question caught him off guard, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. Her gaze, steady and warm, made his chest tighten. Maybe one day, he thought. Maybe one day, he could be just himself-with her.

Before he could speak, Elaine's expression suddenly changed. Her eyes widened, and her hand froze mid-reach for her glass.

"Elaine? What is it?" Lyney asked, alarmed.

She leaned slightly forward, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Over there. At the corner table."

Lyney turned his head subtly and saw them. Her grandfather, sitting stiffly with his usual stern demeanor, his sharp eyes scanning the restaurant. Across from him sat her. Father. The Knave of the Fatui. She was dressed impeccably as always, her presence commanding and cold. The two seemed locked in a serious conversation.

Elaine's grip on her fork tightened. "Why is my grandfather meeting with... her?"

Lyney felt his stomach drop. This was not the kind of surprise he'd hoped for tonight. His mind raced as he tried to come up with an explanation-or worse, a strategy. Because if either of them noticed Elaine here, it could unravel everything.

Lyney felt as if someone had planted a block of ice in his chest. Arlecchino and Elaine's grandfather? What in the world could those two possibly have to discuss? It was no ordinary meeting-that much was clear. The cold, calculating expression in Arlecchino's eyes made it evident that this was something serious.

Elaine seemed to feel it too. Her face had gone pale, and her hand trembled slightly as she set down her utensils. "That... that's not normal, is it?" she whispered, more to herself than to Lyney.

"I... I don't know," Lyney replied honestly, though deep inside, he burned to find out. Why Arlecchino was meeting with Elaine's grandfather was a question he needed answers to-but not right now. Right now, Elaine was his priority.

"Elaine, it's going to be okay," he said, trying to soothe her, even as his own heart raced. "Let's slip out of here before they notice us."

Elaine nodded quickly, and Lyney stood, gently placing a hand on her back to guide her toward the door. They moved discreetly, avoiding drawing any attention. Thankfully, the staff seemed too preoccupied to question their departure. Once they were outside, Elaine leaned against a streetlamp, taking deep, shaky breaths.

"What... what could this mean?" she asked, her voice still tinged with panic. "My grandfather knows her? And she-she's with the Fatui, isn't she?"

Lyney swallowed hard. "Maybe... maybe it's not what it looks like," he said carefully, doing his best to sound neutral. "Maybe it's just a business meeting. Or something completely harmless."

Elaine shot him a doubtful look. "Business? My grandfather has nothing to do with people like that. I don't understand..."

"Elaine," Lyney interrupted softly, "sometimes things are more complicated than they seem. Maybe it's best if you ask him directly next time you see him."

She sighed heavily, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't even know if I want to. It's... it's scary, Lyney."

The vulnerability in her voice made Lyney's chest ache. He wanted to tell her everything-to reassure her, to take away her fear. But the truth was a heavy burden, and tonight wasn't the time to share it. He couldn't risk losing her, not yet.

"Come on," he said gently. "Let me take you home. It's been a long night."

Elaine hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I think I need some time to process this."

Lyney smiled softly, offering her his arm. She took it, and they walked back through the quiet streets of Fontaine. The vibrant colors of the sunset had faded into the deep blue of evening, and the cool air wrapped around them like a fragile cocoon.

As they reached Elaine's home, Lyney hesitated on the steps, unsure whether to bid her goodnight or linger just a little longer. His thoughts were interrupted when Elaine turned to him, a small, almost shy smile tugging at her lips.

"Would you like to come in?" she asked, her voice soft. "We didn't get to have dessert, and I still have some little cakes at home. Besides... I don't really feel like being alone right now."

Lyney's heart fluttered at her words. "Of course," he said with a gentle smile. "I'd be honored to taste your famous cakes again."

Elaine blushed lightly at his compliment, opening the door and leading him inside. Her home was as cozy and inviting as he remembered, with warm lighting and the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air. She guided him to the small kitchen, where she pulled out a plate of delicately frosted pastries.

"They're nothing fancy," she said as she placed them on the table, "but I hope you'll like them."

Lyney took a bite of the first cake and immediately exaggerated a look of pure bliss. "Elaine, you've done it again. I swear, I could eat your pastries every day."

She laughed, a sound so light and musical that it made him want to say a dozen more silly things just to hear it again. "You always know how to flatter, Lyney."

"It's not flattery if it's true," he said, giving her a wink.

The conversation flowed easily as they ate, the tension from earlier slowly melting away. They joked about little things, shared stories from their childhoods, and laughed until their sides hurt. Elaine's cheeks were pink from laughter, and Lyney couldn't take his eyes off her. In moments like these, she seemed so carefree, so radiant-it made his heart ache with longing.

"I have something to show you," Lyney said suddenly, pulling his hat from his lap.

Elaine tilted her head curiously. "A magic trick?"

"A little something," he said with a grin. He reached into the hat and, with a dramatic flourish, pulled out a small, delicate flower-a bloom in her favorite color. He presented it to her with a bow. "For the loveliest lady in all of Fontaine."

Elaine's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she accepted the flower. "How do you always manage to surprise me?" she asked, smiling shyly.

"A magician never reveals his secrets," Lyney teased, his voice low and playful. "But I will say this-it's easy to find inspiration when you're around."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside her cozy kitchen seemed to fade away entirely. Elaine's smile softened, her cheeks still flushed from laughter. Lyney felt the gap between them shrinking, as if an invisible thread had been pulling them closer all night, and now it was impossible to resist. His heart pounded in his chest, a wild drumbeat urging him forward.

He couldn't hold back any longer. He couldn't spend another moment pretending he didn't feel this way. He couldn't stop himself-not when he had been aching to kiss her all day. To show her, without words, how much she meant to him.

"I can't help it," Lyney whispered, more to himself than to her. And then, before his hesitation could creep in, he leaned forward and kissed her.

It was soft at first, gentle and careful, as if testing the waters. But the moment her lips moved against his, his heart nearly stopped. She was kissing him back. The warmth of her response ignited something inside him, and he deepened the kiss, pouring all the love and longing he had into that single, perfect moment.