(Bottled Flames AU – If you're confused, check the description)

A quiet sob escaped Freminet’s throat as he looked up at his two siblings. Tears welled in Lynette’s eyes, while Lyney forced himself to stay strong—for all their sakes.

His grip tightened around the small bottle in his hand. The bottled Flame. It trembled slightly as he held it. A part of him wanted this. Needed this. But another part of him hesitated. If he did this… he would forget them.

"I'm sorry… but I want this."

Silence settled between them. Freminet lowered his gaze, trying to steady himself, his breath uneven.

Then, suddenly, warmth surrounded him—Lyney and Lynette wrapped their arms around him. He wasn’t sure if they were comforting him or seeking comfort themselves. Maybe both.

"We aren’t angry at you, Fremi," Lyney murmured, gently patting the back of his head.

Freminet swallowed hard. Then, with a deep breath, he popped the bottle open. His eyes fluttered shut as he drank.

---

Freminet wandered through Fontaine, accompanied by Wriothesley—his boss, his friend. They were searching for parts for his latest project, a new clockwork mecha, and a new fantasy book for him to read.

At Hotel Debout, Lyney and Lynette caught sight of him passing by. Their hearts ached.

Freminet didn’t remember them anymore.

Yet Lyney couldn’t stop himself. He had to speak to him. Grabbing Lynette’s hand, he strode forward, his heart pounding. As he reached Freminet, he hesitated, just for a second. He looked at him—the same shy, quiet little brother he had always known. The same, yet different.

Steeling himself, Lyney placed a hand on Freminet’s shoulder.

"Excuse me, good sir," he said smoothly and confidently forcing a smile. "You seem to have an eye for fantasy. I think you’d enjoy our magic show."

Before Freminet could respond, Lyney slipped a ticket into his hand.

He barely had time to look up and thank him. By the time he did, the two were gone.