Chapter Text
“If... if you're absolutely certain, Young Master, then I will be there to support you!” Tino bowed his head towards his master.
Lynt gave him a happy smile. “Good, let's gather with the others, then."
Tino followed nervously as Lynt swept out of the room, alarmingly energetic for him, but Lynt had been fixated on this idea for weeks, only growing more and more certain he wanted to go through with it. Tino wasn't convinced, but if it would make Lynt happy... well, who was he to say no to some harmless fun? At least, it should be harmless. There would be ways to keep Lynt safe throughout.
Tino had arranged for the princes and their valets to have lunch in a private dining room so that Lynt could address everyone at once. They were nearly at the time for the luncheon to be served. “Oh dear, perhaps we should have left earlier..."
“Don't worry, they won't expect us to be early,” Lynt said cheerfully.
Tino sighed. “That's not... particularly a good thing, Master Lynt...”
The door opened, and multiple heads turned to look at the new arrivals. Lynt smiled warmly. “Hello, everyone.”
There were cheery waves and greetings raised, alongside raised eyebrows and curt comments. Lynt settled into the seat at the head of the table, folding his hands in his lap. He was so eager about his pitch that he could hardly sit still.
Toa's eyebrow had been raised for so long it might cramp. “Is something amiss? You look as though you've consumed a whole pot of coffee by yourself.”
“I agree, he's all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!” Rio added, picking up a leg of meat as soon as the plate was delivered to the table. “Very strange for Lynt, I say.”
“I have an idea to bring to all of you,” Lynt said, raising his voice to be heard across the room, “but I'd like to discuss it once we've all eaten.”
“Yes, please help yourselves,” Tino added, setting a tray of his freshly made bread rolls at the table.
A few of the other princes and valets exchanged curious glances, but the delicious dishes on the table beckoned to them, and everyone tucked in.
After a few moments, Guy paused, fork still in his mouth. There was something so odd before him that his brain had hit the equivalent of a brick wall.
Lynt was eating vegetables. Voluntarily.
“Hm?” Lynt glanced up and noticed the awkward stare. “Have I something on my face?”
“No,” Guy said abruptly, returning to his lunch. “There's nothing.”
Conversations echoed in the small dining room, but everyone's attention was still on what kind of surprise Lynt had in store. He had been behaving oddly, not only seeming bright and alert for once, but moving quickly, eating something other than bread, and Tino had organized this little luncheon on his behalf. What on earth could it possibly be?
After dishes were cleared and desserts and drinks brought out, Lynt shifted eagerly in his chair. He couldn't wait any longer. “Has everyone got what they desired?”
Nods went around the table.
“Are you actually going to tell us, then?” Dia piped up, munching on a mushroom-shaped cookie that Tino had made specifically since Dia said he'd attend. “I've been dying to find out what's making you act all weird," he added with a smile.
It was nice to see Dia smiling, though, so Lynt brushed off the little insult. He took a deep breath and folded his hands on the table. “Now I just want to be clear that there is no obligation in this,” he said firmly. “Only those who want to participate need bother. If it is unappealing, just pretend I never said anything.”
Rio and Thoma looked at each other in confusion. Grayson's brow furrowed in thought.
“Some of my napping spots are very secluded and private, and very nice to take a break in." Everyone's eyes on him was now a weight he could feel, and Lynt cleared his throat to steady himself. “And I was thinking, if someone were to happen upon me in such a place, asleep, and wanted to use me for their own satisfaction, I would like that very much. So I wanted to extend the offer. To all of you here.” He swallowed awkwardly. The stares had increased in intensity. “Just princes and their valets. I trust you all enough with this.”
“Just so everyone is on the same page,” Jasper began, pushing his glasses up, “you are referring to sexual satisfaction, are you not?”
“Yes, I am.”
Just like that, everyone exploded into sound.
“Are you serious, mate?”
“You don't want to be awake for that??”
“This is preposterous.”
“This is the kindest thing anyone's ever said to me,” Fenn warbled, wiping away an invisible tear.
“But of course, if this is going to happen, we mustn't leave him in a state of filth or dishonor.”
“No, of course not!”
“We'd take good care of him, of course.”
Lynt smiled happily. It sounded like at least a few people would take him up on the offer.
“Lynt, you would do well to ensure that you're eating well and hydrating, should you undertake this," Toa said seriously, turning to address him directly.
“Yes, I've agreed with Tino that I'll eat other things than bread.” Lynt nodded solemnly.
“He'll carry a flask of water on his person as well,” Tino interjected, wringing his hands.
As the murmuring died down, Lynt bit his lip and said, “And let's just keep this between ourselves, of course. I shouldn't like any strangers to learn of this arrangement and attempt to take advantage of it.”
“Indeed not,” Roy agreed in a murmur.
Guy nodded at Jasper. Jasper nodded back. “There is something of an alarm we could attune to our group here, and as such when you activate it, it will only go off if you are approached by someone else.”
“Oh! That would be very helpful,” Tino said immediately. “I would worry so much less if Master Lynt carried such a thing.”
“Then we shall arrange it,” Guy said firmly. “Regroup here for dinner as well and we can ensure it is primed and working as intended.”
A delighted smile grew on Lynt's face. “So that means you're interested?”
“Perhaps.”
“It does sound like a lark,” Violet laughed. “I believe I've some techniques you may enjoy as well.”
“Yes, well, let us leave the specifics to you. If that is all, we can adjourn," Toa grumbled, face red as Avarian eyes, refusing to meet anyone's gaze.
“Any questions before we finish?”
Fenn raised a hand, and Tino rushed to address him. “Uh, Master Fenn, perhaps you can speak with Master Lynt after everyone has gone?”
“Fantastic idea, mate!” Rio stood awkwardly and nodded to Thoma, who still looked vaguely shell-shocked. “We'll uh, think it over.”
“Thank you for hearing me out,” Lynt said, smiling at them as they headed to the door. “I know it isn't a... normal request.”
Rio reached out and ruffled Lynt's hair fondly. “Don't worry yourself!”
“See you all at dinner, then,” Roy said, escaping quickly with Grayson.
“We should be able to have the alarm ready by dinner,” Jasper said, patting Tino reassuringly on the shoulder. Guy brushed past them and left without comment.
“Thank you so much, Jasper!”
“Worry not, Valentino. We shan't let any harm come to Lynt,” Toa said. He motioned to Knight, who followed him looking a bit dazed and bewildered.
Jay made a delicate cough into his gloved fist. “I do believe I shall abstain from the activity. My old bones aren't what they used to be, after all.”
Dia snorted and leaned over to kiss Lynt's cheek. “Better be ready for me if you nap in the forest, Lynt.”
Lynt giggled. “I'll look forward to it.”
“This is the weirdest lunch I've ever had," Lance grumbled, shaking his head. “I don't think I'll take you up on it, but...” He frowned. “Be safe.”
“I will.” Lynt beamed at his grumpy face. “And Jasper even suggested something that will make it even safer.”
“Right.” Lance hesitated, then shook his head again. “See you.”
“Mm.”
Fenn and Violet had been whispering to each other as everyone else had left, and now stood and approached Lynt and Tino with eager smiles.
“Now, pumpkin, let's talk specifics,” Violet said, sitting down next to Lynt and leaning forward.
“Indeed,” Fenn added, sitting on the other side of Lynt, and winking at Valentino's anxious expression. “If one is to be ready for any kind of sexual adventure, one would need to be prepared, no?”
“I suspect you'll have yourself oiled, perhaps with a plug?”
Tino felt mildly faint listening to the two of them quiz Lynt on his bodily preparations.
Lynt nodded, imparting that he'd acquired a few for use, and intended to carry extra lubrication with him if needed.
Violet laughed delightedly. “Well you certainly wouldn't need that with us, sweetheart, but it's a good idea for the other bores.”
Fenn grinned at her. “Do you think even our Icy Prince Toa would partake of this angelic treasure?”
Violet tucked a lock of hair behind Lynt's ear and smiled at him. “Ten crowns and a day off in town says he'll even crack Lance's rocky exterior.”
“Deal.”
Lynt smiled and blushed faintly at the attention. Tino bristled in sheer anxiety and unease.
“Have we gotten everything ironed out?”
“Valentino, darling, be at ease,” Fenn cooed. “Everyone wants to take excellent care of Lynt. There won't be any problems, I assure you.” Fenn patted his hand gently.
“Though we should get going,” Violet said, sighing and neatening her dress as she stood. “Fenn's got a class to teach in fifteen minutes.”
“You know, maybe we could go for a stroll inst—augh!” Fenn yelped as Violet grabbed him by the ear, dragging him to the door.
“Pleasant afternoon, fellows! See you at dinner!”
“Please gentle your grip, my dear, or I shall have to change my outfit,” Fenn whimpered as Violet dragged him out the door.
Tino breathed a sigh as the door shut.
“That went well, I think,” Lynt said, glancing up at Tino. Tino gave him a reluctant smile.
“Indeed, my lord. It does seem that everyone wants to support your wishes and see to your safety as well.”
“Hmm, yes.” Lynt smiled and rested his head on his folded arms. It had been a very long lunch. “I'm very glad...very...glad......”
“Master Lynt?” Tino slumped in exasperation. “Young Master, please awaken!! You also have a class to teach next!!... Oh dear..."