#what vander told them all *not* to be

[revelisms]

Excerpt: You Can't Replace Her

Vi's return has Jinx floundering. Sevika sifts through the layers.

From 'heron blue,' an AU where Vi and Jinx reconnect under different terms. Slow, rocky relationship rebuilding, found family messiness, and political schemings. Full story on AO3

Sat at the table across from the kitchenette's thin galley, Jinx twists her plait about one finger—a single one, today, the weave of it adorned with scraps of bullet casings and clips—and doesn't say a word. She squeezes the cool metal of one of the casings, hard enough to sting.

"I'm not mad at you, you brat," Sevika grumbles, without sparing her a glance. "Not your fault the little shit's back from the dead. But, of the seven hells—" 

Her thick fingers spear into the creases beneath her eyes: a slow kneading. She says nothing, for a beat. Just smokes, and smokes. 

"He loves you too damned much," she growls quietly, then. She flicks the ash of her cigarette over a tray on the balcony's railing. "Your sister worth all this, to you?"

The casing between Jinx's fingers aches. 

Ever since he'd placed a meal and a plan before her—laid a quiet, terrifying choice in her hands—she'd turned the thought over, for hours, and hours. 

Do you want her near you?

She wanted her sister's presence, less than craved it—like a girl yearned for her favorite toy; like an infant wailed for their mother; like a child found comfort in the lonely walls of their room, closed off from the rest of the world.

She missed her. She was terrified of her. She longed for her. She hated her.

She hadn't been able to answer him, then. She couldn't.

The same denial sits on her tongue, now.

"I don't...I don't know," she mumbles.

"'Course you don't," Sevika snarks.

"I don't know, okay?" Jinx wrenches her head away, glaring into the yellowing paper of the wall. "She—she left me." Her nail picks and picks at her knee. "She left me, because I—I wasn't good enough, I wasn't strong enough, I was—I was weak." A crack in her voice, thin and sharp. "I was weak, and I ruined everything."

The shadow across from her chuffs, quietly. "Boss doesn't see you as weak."

Jinx curls her shoulders to her ears, pressing her cheek into one of them. "Doesn't matter."

"Like you couldn't knock me off my feet, if you tried." A steel-gray stare flicks over at her, cold points in the greenish haze that stretches beyond this small room, seeping through the open door like a sweet-soured fog. "When we took you in, you couldn't throw a punch for shit. You took to a gun like it was welded through you, though." Sevika lifts one brow, with a shrug of her shoulder. "Still need to work on your punches," she notes, dryly. "But they're better."

Mylo's voice scratches and claws through Jinx's ears.

"So what?" she spits. "I'm not—not like her. I'll never be like her."

"Why do you need to be?" Those eyes again, staring hard at her. "You can't replace her." Sevika huffs, turning back to the smog-tainted view that spills down from the balcony's edge. "If you had that in your head, with her gone—sure as hell doesn't matter, now."

The words tear at something in Jinx's bones, buried so deep into the marrow that it uproots her. She blinks. Breathes. Shakes.

"Something you Fissure brats should've learned, years ago," Sevika rumbles on, a low, muted thing. "Someone dies, you leave them dead. You don't carry around their corpse, making yourself into their image; you don't become them, to you, or to anybody else." She ticks the ash from her cigarette. "You can't."

Jinx's fingers tremble over her knee. The swallow she forces down clings like ash to her throat. "Then," she whispers, "then what do I—what do I do?"

Sevika's mouth curls at a snarl.

"You be." A final drag: the cigarette crushed into the tray, among a litter of countless others. "Whatever you need for yourself, first. Damn the rest."

Silco, in his own ways, had told her the same. Cradled her head beneath the cold drape of the Pilt's waves, with the gentlest sweep of his thumb: as though she were still only a scrappy street-cat of a girl, eleven years old and raging at the world. As though he were lowering himself back down into the place of his rebirth, where he had reforged himself, rebuilt himself. Where he'd found what he needed, to survive again.

She hadn't quite understood it all, then. 

She'd been too lost in the silence of the waves, in the strange peace she'd found floating in the blackwater, in the warmth of his hand lifting her back to the surface. Lost in her own fears of going back to the terrors gnashing on the shores. Too exhausted to move, to come back to herself. 

He'd carried her from the shallows, like he'd carried her back from the wreckage that day. They'd sat at the water's edge for hours, his coat draped over her shoulders, his eyes so faraway, and said nothing.

She thinks she might understand, now.

[angelltheninth]

Could you please do a gn! Reader x arcane characters where reader gets drunk at a bar/party and arcane characters take care of them? (Silco, Viktor, jinx, Vander, Caitlin,) :)

Sure, love getting Arcane requests again.

Pairing: Jinx, Caitlyn, Vander, Silco, Viktor x Reader

Tags: fluff, comfort, parties, drinking, cuddles, sweet kisses, headache, teasing, needy!Reader

A/N: I get sleepy so fast after drinking alcohol, maybe I need more tolerance.

Jinx loves a good party, or any excuse to have one. Given her nearly endless energy she can party until morning and she never gets drunk or sick. Well lucky her because you're only human. No Shimmer in your blood.

Good thing that Shimmer also gives her a lot of strength because she had to drag your pretty ass all the way home. Your drunken thank yous are very cute and she will tease you about them in the morning, but for now she will let you sleep this off. She can take a nap next to you but if you get handsy you'll wake up without that hand.

"Down you go sugar. Not that way down, not when you can barely look up at me. How much did you drink anyway? You wanted to match me? You... do realize that amount can kill a normal human right? I love you want to keep up but don't put yourself in danger for my amusement. Seeing you like this is... not fun."

Caitlyn doesn't actually have that much of a tolerance for alcohol, not the hard stuff anyway. Besides she needs to always keep her with about her, even when there's a party going on. It's a habit that she can never let go off, always on alert, never letting her guard down.

This allows her to keep an eye on you, someone who she knows will party pretty hard. You want her to have a good time too so you always try to include her, but as soon as she notices you're going overboard she will pull you aside and up to her bedroom. You stay here for the night, she'll help you sneak out in the morning. In the mean time, maybe some water and something salty would help.

"I can't take my eyes off you can I darling? I never do but especially now. How can I when you're irresistible to me? Yes, even dead drunk, I still find you very cute. Wipe that silly grin of your face will you, before I do it for you. I'm not kissing you while you taste like alcohol!"

Vander has seen many, many people get absolutely wasted in his bar so he knows how to see the signs early. There's no way he's scooping you off the table or the floor while you throw up everywhere, how would that look for him as the owner? It'd get him teased for sure, plus a few laughs ain't worth you getting hurt.

He picks you up in his arms, deciding to pack up for the night, at least for the two of you. Even as you're lowered to the bed you don't let go of his shirt, pulling it off his body until it's on you instead. Now you can sleep, when you have his scent all over you. But in the morning when you wake up you have to fight against a drumming headache as you hear the kids running and laughing through the hallways.

"That's what you get for drinking so much darlin'. I told them to keep it down but you know I can't fully control them. You can sit today out, I'll take care of everything else. Now uh... my shirt please? Why not? I ain't going out there without it. Well maybe we can make a deal hm? A few big kisses for my shirt?"

Silco already has his lackies and his kid to watch out for. So you need to be an adult here, along with... and just a few hours in and you're drunk. Well now he knows where Jinx gets her party encouragement from.

He has to carry you up on his back, all the way to the bed and... you should really let go of him now. There's still people downstairs and he is not letting Sevika be with a drunk Jinx because the last time that happened there was a fire in the bar. But he also doesn't want to leave you... what a dilemma. Will you stay in bed if he gives you a kiss? More then a kiss? Fine, but make it really quick.

"You really need to learn some self-restraint darling. How do you expect to please me when you can't even stand up? Oh I can see you can still use your mouth, but I'm worried you might hurt yourself. How about you lay back and I please you? That should be enough to make you pass out no?"

Viktor doesn't drink a lot, not because he doesn't like it because he doesn't handle it very well most of the time. He needs to be in a really good mood to drink. Most of the time he drinks when he's with you, to loosen up a little and have fun with you.

However he's also the one who ends up patting you on the back when you throw up in the toilet later that night. He told you to slow down, but nope, you had to prove you can drink more then him, which isn't really that hard. You end up cuddling with him all night and mumbling how much you love him and end up telling him he'll make a great husband one day.

"Husband? You're thinking that far into the future my darling? Interesting. I'm guessing you didn't mean to say that right now so I'll be sure to act surprised when you actually ask me to marry you. You want kids too? Any other big secrets? You loving me is no secret."

[ace-of-zaun]

Don't Go (One-shot):

young!silco x gn!reader - 3.6k words - SFW 

cw: angst, fluff, breakup conversations, happy ending, reconciliation, arguments, silco struggling with his emotions, little bit possessive, soft silco, suggestive ending (this one is pretty angsty but don’t worry, it all works out in the end!)

summary: Silco, your long time boyfriend, does something you’d begged him not to, so you regretfully decide that you need a break from him. Silco has other plans. 

You didn't want to go. Not really. 

But after Vander’s revelation, you felt like you had no choice. 

Silco had been all fired up the night before, ranting and raving about his latest (and quite frankly terrible) plan of breaking into the Sheriff’s office Topside to gain information about any upcoming raids in your neighbourhood. 

The surprise Enforcer raids had been hitting businesses across Zaun at random, an M.O of storming in and ransacking each place with no clear means or motive, and definitely without any warning. 

Understandably then, Vander, Silco, and you had been particularly concerned that a raid would hit The Last Drop any day now, and despite every effort to hide anything that could give you away, there was a real fear that your revolutionary group would be discovered and brutally dismantled. 

But the idea of breaking into the Sheriff’s office of all places was beyond dangerous and to your frustration, you just couldn’t get Silco to listen to reason.

You’d pleaded with him not to do something so risky. You’d tried to calm down, told him to just wait until you could all discuss it together as a group and come up with a plan that wasn’t so grandiose, and in your view, completely and utterly stupid. 

Eventually, Silco had gotten frustrated and rolled his eyes, grumbling that he wouldn’t go as he’d slunk off downstairs to no doubt drink the night away in the bar. 

This morning you’d woken with him fast asleep by the side of you in bed and, assuming he’d wasted the evening drinking himself dry, you thought nothing of it until later this afternoon when you’d found out the truth from Vander. 

Silco had gone Topside to scout out the building that housed the Sheriff’s office. 

Vander had desperately tried to reassure you that Silco wouldn’t have done anything stupid but it had done absolutely nothing to douse the flames of anger and hurt spreading through you. 

The damage was done. 

Now, salty tears finally drying on your cheeks, you stand in your shared bedroom packing your belongings into the rucksack laid out on your bed. 

Silco is still out running errands so there's a note placed carefully on the desk in your bedroom. It's not ideal, but it's for the best. 

However cowardly it makes you feel to reduce your breakup to a measly note, you're too emotionally drained to even think about having another argument with him.

You just can’t deal with it right now. 

Planning to stay with a friend until you found somewhere you could afford by yourself, you convince yourself that if he truly wants you back, if he truly wants to fix things, he’ll come and find you.

You’ve already packed the easy things, like most of your clothes and your toiletries from the bathroom. The real challenge now it would seem is the more sentimental items, like the pile of gifts currently lined up on the bed that you’d received from Silco over the years. 

The little toy poro he'd scrimped and saved to buy you for your birthday that one year. Or the matching sunglasses he'd stolen as a little souvenir from your third date. 

As you stare down at the gifts on the bed wondering if you’ll have enough room to bring them all, the door opens behind you.

You freeze, knowing exactly who it is before he’s even spoken. 

"There you are," Silco announces, his voice clearly tired but still laced with a hint of relief. "Vander said you were-" 

He cuts himself off as he undoubtedly takes in the state of the bedroom before speaking again in a tone of pure shock. 

"What are you doing?" 

You can’t bring yourself to answer so instead busy yourself with shoving all of the gifts into your bag before he can see them. 

"No," he breathes out from the doorway as it dawns on him. 

It sends a horrible pang of hurt ringing in your chest, only made worse when he pleadingly says your name.

"Please don't do this." 

"I have to, Silco," you sigh, trying to keep your heart as closed off as you can. It hurts enough as it is without you letting your emotions run wild. 

"You don't,” he says. “You don't have to." 

You stop answering because you can tell this particular line of conversation will just go in circles. 

Behind you, he shuts the door with a click and it irritates you into shoving more into the bag, no longer caring about being neat or if you should leave anything behind. 

"Is this because of what happened last week? I already told you that wasn't my fault," Silco continues when you don’t respond or turn to face him. 

He's referring to the incident where he almost got shot after taunting some enforcers for no good reason.

Truth be told, that incident had absolutely terrified you, but it was just one of the many reasons why you couldn’t keep doing this. 

"No, it isn't because of that," you say flatly. 

"Then why?" 

You finally turn to look at him, the first time since he’d left the bar this morning. (He looks gorgeous and like he's on the verge of heartbreak and you hate that you still love him despite it all.) 

"Where did you go last night?" you ask flatly, looking him square in the eyes.

As expected his expression instantly turns stony, but after years of learning and reading his tells, you can see the twitches of regret in his eyes. 

A few beats of silence pass and you know he’s too stubborn to admit it out loud. 

Your response is quiet. Resigned. 

"That's why."

Turning back round to face the bed, you begin to shove down all your belongings as far down into the bag as they can go, making sure you have enough room for the last bits that you know are in the wardrobe. 

"Look, I'm sorry for doing it behind your back, but I had to go," he starts, and it feels like the beginning of the heated argument that you were so desperately hoping to avoid.

Your cool facade broken, you whirl round to face him straight on, built-up ire finally pouring out of you in reams. 

"No, you didn't have to go! You went because you wanted to and you went even though I asked you- no, begged you not to," you yell at him.

He flinches minutely at the sudden raise in volume, but keeps his own voice calm and steady when he crafts his response. 

"You don't understand, this is important," he emphasises. "They cannot find out what we’re doing to fight against them, not when we’re this close to finally having the lives we deserve, that all of us deserve.”

It takes all your strength not to give in to his words and continue the argument with an incredulous scoff.

As if you don’t know all that. As if you didn’t spend your days fighting for Zaun as well. 

As if you didn’t fight every second for him. 

You shut it down immediately, twisting back round to face the bed. 

"I'm not doing this," you say blankly. 

"What?" he replies, clearly stunned. 

"I'm not arguing with you, Silco. I'm leaving." 

It breaks your heart to say it, but in this moment, you see no other way forward. Not if he’s going to keep on like this. 

Silco says nothing as you pack away the rest of your belongings into your bag, briefly recalling that you still have a few last bits in the wardrobe. You're almost certain that his anger is charging up in the silence, readying himself to launch into a whole speech about how wrong you are.

But when he does speak again, the sound of his choked-up voice feels like a shot directly to your heart.  

"You can't leave." 

Your heart sinks into your stomach and everything within you practically screams to cross the room and hug him, but you know that if you even look at him you’ll end up changing your mind. So, you move over to the wardrobe instead and pull open the doors to ensure he’s not in your line of sight. 

Silco says your name in that horribly soft timbre he only uses when he’s desperate and even though it pretty much tears you apart to ignore him, you focus on pulling the rest of your clothes from the closet.

He speaks your name again, this time even more desperately and you suddenly find yourself biting back tears. 

Fuck, why did he have to come home early? Why couldn't you just have some time to grieve by yourself? 

"Silco, it's over," you bite out, just wanting this horrible situation to be done with so you can work on healing. 

Finally moving into the room, you hear his footsteps creak on the old wooden floorboards behind you. 

You brace yourself for him to take your hand or wrap his arms around you but to your confusion, his footsteps halt in the centre of the room and you hear an unexpected rustling sound instead. 

Spinning around, you find Silco holding your backpack upside down in the air, emptying the contents back onto the bed with vigorous shakes. Your belongings drop onto the sheets in a crumpled mess, undoing all your work to get them all into the rucksack. 

Silco glares at the bag with tight-lipped hatred, as if it’s the reason you’re leaving, the longer strands of his hair falling down and bouncing with each rough movement of his arms. 

You stare at him in disbelief, your jaw slack until you find the words to confront him.  

"What the fuck, Silco? Put them back!"

He grips the bag even tighter. 

"No." 

And just like that, your astonishment slides into anger. 

"Silco," you warn, eyes narrowing dangerously. "Put. Them. Back." 

"Not if it means you'll stay," he replies obstinately. 

He continues to shake the bag but, ever the impatient boy, gets too frustrated and decides to drop the bag onto the bed. Rapidly taking out handfuls of your belongings until the backpack is empty, he then throws it at the wall furthest from you with a grunt. 

Silco’s gaze slides to look at you from across the room and you both stare at each other breathlessly, chests borderline heaving. 

A clear challenge. 

Unfortunately for Silco, you can be stubborn too. 

Without another word, you reach into the wardrobe and pull out his backpack, moving over to the other side of the bed to restart your packing. 

This time, Silco rushes around the bed to you and tries to grab your hand, but you pull it away, taking a step back. 

"Just stop-" 

"Please don't leave me," he pleads in the most heartbreaking, riven timbre you’ve ever heard him speak in and your heart wrenches. 

He sounds like the little boy you’d met all that time ago in those dark mines, the one who was so desperate to no longer be alone. 

"I'll do anything, I can't do this without you," he begs. 

"Do what without me?" 

"Any of it," he blurts out, running a distressed hand through his hair. "Some days, the only thing that gets me through the day is knowing that you'll be here when I get home."

Your insides jolt at such a vulnerable confession from such a headstrong man, but it’s nothing compared to the feeling you get when he suddenly drops to one knee in front of you, taking one of your hands in both of his. 

Heart racing ten to the dozen, you watch in horror as he glances up at you. 

He’d better not be doing what you think he’s doing…

"Silco-" 

"I love you," he says. "I love you more than anything in the world." 

You watch as tears line his lashes and soon find yourself matching. 

Fuck, you were expecting yelling and anger, not this. 

You’ve never seen him like this before. 

"Please," he repeats and it cracks your mask in two.

Your knees give out and you let yourself sink down onto the floor with him. 

Silco immediately throws his arms around you, only just stopping you from falling back with how quickly he presses his body against yours, burying his head in the crook of your neck. 

On instinct, you wrap your arms around his frame, one hand rubbing his back whilst the other cards through his inky strands as he rocks you gently from side to side. 

Little whispers of “Don't go,” and “I need you,” are mumbled into your hair, and you’re almost certain the wetness on your neck is from those tears that had been threatening to break free. You kindly decide not to mention it. 

Eventually, you sigh and rest your forehead on his shoulder, squeezing your eyes shut in a pitiful attempt to ease the difficult conversation up ahead. 

"Sil, I can't keep doing this."

He sniffles a little and pulls back to look at you but doesn’t let go. (He never lets go.)

"Doing what?" he asks, brows furrowing in that cute little way he does when he’s confused about something. 

"Watching you destroy yourself." 

"I'm not-" 

"You are, Silco, and it's hurting me," you enunciate, holding his cheeks to force his gaze on you. He needs to understand how serious you are about this. 

The horrified expression on his face instinctively causes you to brush some of his hair back tenderly while he processes your words. 

"I want a better Zaun too, but not at the cost of you sacrificing yourself," you continue, keeping your voice quiet but firm. 

He’s clearly overwhelmed, seafoam eyes so wide and trenched in deep-rooted panic. But with a lack of response to distract you, you’re forced to take notice of the pain spreading through your back and legs at the awkward sitting position you’re in. 

You shift your body, pulling away from him to situate yourself in a comfier position, but the second you loosen your arms from his thin frame, his hand desperately grip you even tighter, clutching onto you like a child to their mother’s leg. 

"No, I-"

"I'm not going anywhere, I just need to move before my legs go numb," you’re quick to reassure him. 

At this, Silco relaxes slightly, allowing you to move so your back is resting against the side of the bed. His fingers clasp onto your shirt the entire time and the very second you’re planted in a spot that doesn’t completely ruin your spine, he pulls you against him once more. 

"What- What can I do to make you stay?" he says between a harsh swallow. 

 You sigh, swiping a hand across your face tiredly. 

"I need you to stop this ridiculous crusade you're on. Or," you add when he goes to protest, "at the very least, include the rest of us in it." 

He bites the inside of his lip and entwines his fingers with yours. 

"You can't keep making reckless decisions by yourself, Sil. It affects all of us. Especially me." 

Silco keeps quiet for a few moments, so you give him time to think while his thumb rhythmically traces your knuckles back and forth. 

This can’t be easy for him. He’s pretty independent by nature (most Undercity kids are), but Silco is especially so when it comes to the fight for Zaun’s freedom. 

But if he wants you to stay, you’re going to need some compromise. 

"Okay," he eventually says, breaking the silence to gaze at you with muted hope. 

You’re not letting him off that easily. 

"Okay what?" you say expectantly. 

He sighs and suddenly he’s transformed into that petulant little boy again. 

"Okay, I'll run things by you and Vander before making any big decisions," Silco heaves, like it physically pains him to say. 

"And?" you prompt with a raised eyebrow. 

Silco stares at you with a look of disbelief, but his lip is curled in clear disgust. 

"There's no way I'm running anything by Benzo," he scoffs. "It'd be more useful talking to a brick wall." 

You slap his arm half heartedly and bite back a laugh. 

"No! I meant, are you going to stop throwing yourself into stupid situations for no reason?" 

"I knew you were still upset about last week," Silco replies, a knowing expression melting across his features. 

"Of course I'm upset about it! They almost shot you!" you fire back with indignation. 

As if you wouldn’t be horrified at the idea of your boyfriend getting seriously hurt and potentially arrested just for being an idiot. 

Silco gently combs his fingers through your hair, eyes tracing your features as that smug little smirk you secretly adore colours his lips. 

"The key word in that sentence is almost, my lovely." 

The glare you level him with is met by a crooked grin, but it’s soon wiped off his face when you jab his stomach with your elbow, ignoring the “Oof,” in favour of cuddling up to him even closer.

Silco lets out a sigh of relief and rests his head against yours whilst one hand sneaks up behind you to surreptitiously wipe his eyes dry with his sleeve. 

You allow yourself to relax for a few quiet moments, slowly calming each other down with soft touches until your breathing syncs up with the boy holding you close to his chest. 

Silco soon murmurs into your hair, hand smoothing along your waist. 

"So you'll stay?" 

"Yes, I'll stay," you reply softly, nestling into the crook of his neck. 

It’s seemingly not enough to soothe his nerves because he leans back and tilts your chin up with one finger until you meet his anxious gaze. 

"You promise?" 

"I promise, Silco." 

Relief melts through his whole body, but with it brings a cool wash of physical and emotional exhaustion that you wish you could wipe clean. 

"You know you can always talk to me, right?” you tell him gently, pinky finger delicately tracing along one eyebrow until the lines of his face relax. “I know you're always so busy trying to keep us afloat but you don't have to do it all alone. You can tell me when things are bothering you, it doesn’t make you weak or ‘less of a man’." 

He gazes at you in profound wonder before lightly cupping one side of your face with his hand. 

"I really do love you," he whispers, tenderly tracing one thumb down your cheek.

It feels like the weight of your near-breakup is lifted off your shoulders when you finally say it back. 

"I love you too, Sil." 

He leans down to kiss your head and you find yourself desperately hoping that he keeps his promise. You never want to have to go through this again. 

But for now, graced with another chance to stay with the only person you’ve ever loved, you focus on the present, needing to change the heavy atmosphere stifling the room. Your tone shifts into a light, coy thing that immediately grabs his attention. 

"You know, if you hadn't rushed in all guns blazing last night you'd have had the chance to listen to my plan for getting the info we need," you tell him. "Y'know, one that wouldn't get you thrown in Stillwater." 

Silco stares at you with a frown and you struggle to keep in the smile that threatens to break. 

"What plan?" 

"The one where I seduce a poor, unsuspecting enforcer and use a bit of good old-fashioned lip service to get what we need," you say coquettishly, batting your eyelashes at him innocently despite the clear innuendo lacing your words. 

Instantly, (brilliantly), his seafoam eyes darken with a delicious combination of jealousy and lust, sending a spark of hot desire through your body. 

"Not in a million years," he says gruffly, pulling you even closer to him. 

You twirl a playful finger through your hair. 

"I don't know, I think it's a great plan if you ask me," you reply with an air of teasing nonchalance. 

"I wouldn't let you anywhere near them,” his grip tightens on the fabric by your waist. “You're mine.”

Leaning forward, you whisper in his ear, knowing exactly what it does to him. 

"Prove it." 

There’s a beat of electrified silence before Silco abruptly stands, pulling you up with him until you’re both on your feet.

He smoothly coils one arm around your waist, the other snaking around the nape of your neck until his lips hover tantalisingly above yours. And just when you think he’s about to finally close the gap, he pauses.

You frown, chest flooding with anxiety that you’ve done something wrong, or he’s changed his mind, or-

Silco removes the hand resting behind your head and before you can voice your concerns, he suddenly grabs the bed sheet, ripping it off the bed in a move that sends the mess of your once-packed belongings tumbling to the floor in a cacophony. 

"Silco!" you admonish him, already envisioning the amount of time and effort it would take to pick everything up and put it back in its rightful place. 

"What?” he says, like butter wouldn’t melt. “We can put it back in the morning." 

Then, he swiftly picks you up and tosses you onto the mattress, making you squeal in surprise. 

Silco kneels onto the bed and climbs until his body is hovering over yours, arms caging you in as you heat up, warmth flooding downwards in anticipation. 

"Now, I think it's time I make it up to you, sweetheart," he purrs, leaning down to hotly trace your ear with his lips. “I’m going to make sure you never want to leave this bed again.”

- A/N: don’t mind me, just casually obsessed with the idea of silco emptying out your bag to desperately stop you from leaving and then frenziedly trying to propose to you when he doesn’t know to deal with his emotions 💁‍♀️

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hello, if it's okay, can I request Shirahoshi Reader? Yandere or not…

Shirahoshi, as a reader, is a giant-like mermaid princess of the ryugu kingdom, with her personality and abilities…

You can include these scenarios;

Ever since the reader has been summoned (before or after meeting the straw hats, your choice), she made friends with the gods and humans, then She and (character) became friends and probably develop romantic feelings for each other…

one day, They found out that the reader has an admirer/stalker, Vander Decken. They are willing to protect her. Until Vander Decken Found Reader…

as Vander gets close, he proposing her again to marry him, reader replied she can't and says "You're not my type!", cue the silence, echoing, Vander's heartbreak, and he and everyone screams/yells, "That's the reason!!!". Or something similar to this: https://youtu.be/PIeW0x4Ld8s

She also says that she already has romantic feelings for someone (she didn't reveal who is yet), Vander snap and did the 'if I can't have you, no one can' and he stops by the (character) and asks the reader if she's alright, she answered him with a blush…

As others dealing with Vander, (character) asks the reader about her type and who they have feelings for, which she replied is them, the (character), and about to confess…

So What would be their reaction and what will they do?

With: Poseidon, Hades, Thor, Loki, Buddha, Hercules, Qin Shi Huang, Nikolai Tesla, Kojiro, Jack

-The Mermaid Princess was considered to be one of the most beautiful creatures in the universe, and those words did you no justice, you were stunning, from your sparkling scales of your tail, your long hair and bright eyes, you were the pinnacle of perfection!

-You were a little naïve and definitely a crybaby, due to being so sheltered by your father and big brothers following the murder of your mother, but you were so sweet and gentle to everyone you met.

-When your family was called upon by Lord Poseidon for a meeting, you got to go with them, and you stunned gods and humans alike with your massive size, but you were so gentle and sweet that many were instantly taken by you.

-Your brothers warned you to be cautious around others and kept a close eye on you while you held various people in the palms of your hands, lifting them to speak with you so you didn’t have to hunch over, and they didn’t have to lift their necks too much to speak with you.

-This is how you first met (Love), who came over and you were happy to lift him up so you could speak with him, and he found himself drawn to you, there was something about you that made him want to talk to you more and more.

-This was the start of your friendship with (Love), who would always seek you out when you accompanied your big brothers and father to see them all at the seaside and the two of you could talk for hours.

-After over a year, he wanted to confess to you, even though he was nowhere close to your size and couldn’t do anything romantically with you, at least easily, he adored you.

-However, when you came to the surface, guards surrounding you, your father told Lord Poseidon as well as everyone else in attendance that you were being stalked by a vile man who wanted you for his own and had threatened many around you to get to you.

-(Love) grew angry, hearing that you had been threatened, seeing tears in your eyes, as your father had almost left you at home locked in the palace so you could be safe, but allowed you to come with him, along with an army of guards to watch below the waves.

-You had calmed down, talking to the man you liked, as you wanted to confess to him, but you felt so shy and hesitant, worrying that others might not approve of the relationship.

-A loud voice then shouted from behind you, “I finally found you Princess Y/N!! Marry me!!” all attention turned to the stalker in question Vander Decken, steering a massive ship he had managed to steal, planning on driving the ship right into you if you refused.

-Your father shouted out to the guards to stop him while you were terrified, your hands up by your mouth as he laughed obnoxiously, “If you marry me I’ll spare everyone here!!” He was talking like he was able to handle the warriors and gods.

-You opened your mouth to answer him, and he froze, eyes wide in delight, hoping to hear ‘yes’ come from your beautiful lips.

-You then shouted out your answer, “You’re not my type!!” everyone except for you turned white, in complete shock from your answer before all shouting out in unison, “THAT’S YOUR REASON?!?!”

-Vander Decken was beside himself with grief which quickly grew to fury, “If I can’t have you- nobody can!!” and he steered the ship to run straight into you!

-Luckily, with your shocking answer, it gave (Love) the opportunity to leap onto the ship and easily handle Vander Decken and the ship was stopped.

-Once back on shore you were crying loudly, holding him in your hands, showing your crybaby side once again which many thought was rather adorable.

-Once everything was calmed down, (Love) and you had some alone time, going to the pier so you and he could talk face to face, he gave you a small smile, “I have a question of my own, Y/N, you mentioned that the stalker wasn’t your type. Who is your type?”

-Your face immediately turned bright red, pulling back to hold your cheeks, looking away from him, he was annoyed, thinking someone else had gotten to you first.

-You smiled softly as you turned back to him, “He’s really strong and is a good leader, just like my father, and he’s always been nice to me and I love talking to him!” he grew a bit angrier, wanting to know who before you looked like you were hyping yourself up before you spoke, “The person I like is you, (Love).” He froze, completely stunned as you froze as well, pulling back, talking to yourself, “I did it! I said it!” you really were too cute! He chuckled warmly and asked for your hand, and you picked him up and he surprised you by having you lift him towards your face, and he pecked your cheek gently. You barely felt it, due to your size, but you felt it and instantly your face was bright red, turning away while holding him in your other hand, which made him chuckle, seeing that you were so shy.

            -Poseidon, Thor, Hades, and Qin Shi Huang

-You instantly smiled, speaking fondly of the make you loved, “He’s so sweet and kind to me, he always tells me the funniest stories. He’s also gentle and doesn’t seem to care that I’m a giant while he’s normal sized.” Hearing you gush about another man was heartbreaking, but he tried to keep the smile on his face, happy that you had found someone special like that. (Love) doesn’t know what came over him when he looked up at you, “May I know the name of the man who captured your heart?” your face instantly flushed red before you ducked down to be peeking over the pier, looking a bit shy before you spoke, your voice a whisper, “I’m looking at him.” Your answer stunned him and instantly he grinned, elation swelling inside of him before he came to the edge of the pier and leaned over, reaching his hands out to you and when you came closer he pecked your cheek gently, “I’m glad I don’t have to fight someone for you heart.” Your smile of elation was so heartwarming, it made him beam right back at you as you basked in the glow of your confessions.

            -Buddha, Hercules, Kojiro, and Nikola

-You instantly smiled, bending slightly to talk to him face to face, holding onto the edge of the pier, gushing about the man you loved, and while he was happy to see you so happy, he was in anguish. The thought of losing you to another made his blood boil, he didn’t want to lose you to another, he didn’t want to share you! For a moment, the thought of killing whoever had your heart, then taking care of you while you were mourning and take advantage of your grief. He shook his head lightly, he wasn’t going to do that to you, he couldn’t do anything to hurt you. Your hand came down to him, a finger brushing against his cheek gently, “(Love), are you okay?” your concern made his heart warm, and he smiled up at you, trying to pretend nothing was wrong before he spoke, “Nothing’s wrong, Y/N. Just… I love you- Y/N. I wanted to tell you before someone else got to you first, but it seems-” he was cut off by a wave of seawater after you suddenly dove down, embarrassed. You surfaced moments later, holding your cheeks as you confessed to him, shocking him that he was the one you loved, before he started laughing warmly, amused at the misunderstanding before you shared a small smile between you two.

-Loki and Jack

[arcanemoxhi]

Special Gifts ✨🎁

//Young Vi x Fem Reader// Short Story ✨//

Warnings: young love, fluff, first shy kiss, confessing (awkward), claggor & mylo making fun of vi for her shyness, gifts

Not proofread!!

You kick your feet as you wait patiently for Vi to return to the Last Drop. She was out with Claggor, Mylo, and Powder for a quick job from Vander. As you wait at the bar table, Vander hands you your favorite drink. "Why are you waiting here, (Y/N)?" Vander cleans off the counter from the busy evening. "I have a gift for Vi!" You grin at Vander as you begin to sip your drink. You know she'll like it, but your so nervous you can't contain yourself. Vander chuckles as he spots the squad walking over. Vi was talking to the rowdy boys, but when she saw you, she froze and immediately told them to shut up. The boys shrugged at her sudden change in mood as they walked away. They sat at the bar table and got drinks from Vander. Powder got the hint, smirking at Vi evilly as she strolls away. You notice Powder's action, causing Vi to shoo her away. You jumped down as you went over to the suddenly shy pink hair fighter. "hey, Vi!" You hug her tight with a smile. Vi's heart pounds as she hugs u back. She glances up from your shoulder as the boys, including Vander, cheer her on and throws up a thumbs up. Vi swats their actions away as her cheeks warms up in a pink shade almost matching her hair. "Hey, (Y/N), what are you doing here?" She says, coming back to the hug. You release from the hug as you hold a medium sized box to you.

"I wanna give you something! Can we go to our usual spot?" You smiled excited. "Actually, we can go down to the room where no one will bother us." She glares towards Mylo and Claggor. The last time they busted in the room, Vi was staring in your gentle eyes, smiling. She was leaning your head against yours, hoping for that kiss. Those two made fun of her for weeks, especially Powder. The boys twist away guilty, but they snicker at her. "Sure, lead the way!" You watch Vi scurry to the bottom floor and you follow as Mylo and Claggor whistle and cheer for Vi. Vander shuts them down, de-escalating them from Vi doing something embarrassed.

Vi took a seat on the couch and watched you follow in after. "What's in the box?" Vi pats the seat next to you. "Your gift. This was a difficult gift, but I think you enjoyed it." You smile coyly as Vi frowns at you. "It better not be expensive-"

"just open it, Vi." You twist side to side after she takes the box from your delicate hands. Vi quickly opens the box to reveal her favorite toy, her bunny. Vi stares at it, speechless with wide eyes. You giggle and sit next to Vi, "Do you like it? I got it cleaned and--" she cuts you off immediately, hugging you tightly. You hear her sigh, relieving weight off her shoulders. "thank you." Vi muffles into your neck. "Vi, it's no problem. You've been so kind to me, I thought it was only right." You rub her back. You often relax Vi with your kind gestures.

Vi sits up with a big grin. "Vi!" You exclaim. "what??"

"you got hurt!" You cup her face as you stare into her eyebrow that's been bruised. "oh don't worry, I'm okay." Vi shrugs it off to be tough, but you don't fall for the act. You lean over with a kiss softly over her eyebrow. She sighs and hisses a bit, yet she appreciates it. You are holding Vi's face as you stare into Vi's eyes all over again. Vi wants to build the courage again, but is terrified. "I liked you for a while, Vi." Vi thoughts are broken, she didn't even realize you were speaking until your final sentence. She sits up shocked with rosy cheeks. "Y-You liked me?? D-Damn, I-I thought I-I was the only one." Vi's cheeks warms up more, scattering her eyes all over the place. You laugh as you move in closer to her. Her worried face becomes calm as she stares into your eyes. She doesn't know how to have a first kiss and neither did you for that matter. But hell, you two leaned in and gave it a try. This kiss is making your hearts pound.

it's happening! It's actually happening! , You two thought as the kiss ends and now your face is rosy. "We don't know anything about a kiss, huh?" Vi breaks the silence, causing you two to share laughter. You remove your hands and just sit next to her a bit shy. Vi is smiling at your shyness, "look at you being bold for once." Vi nudged you a bit. You giggle as you lay your head in her shoulder. "Thank you so much for the gift."

"thank you for sharing your first kiss with me. Now your stuck with me forever," you kid as you nudge her back. At least, you thought you were joking. Vi didn't take it that way. "I'll be with you wherever you go. I'll be your guardian angel, I just wanna spend my time with you." Vi words hit to your heart. Each word makes you heart beat faster. You smile as you place a gentle kiss on her cheek. "My pink haired warrior," you giggled. "My cupcake. You're so damn sweet, I could actually get a cavity." Vi's cheesiness ends with a kiss to your cheek as you curl up to her arms. You giggle a little.

"YES, IT HAPPENED!! YOU OWE ME MONEY, MYLO!"

"I KNEW IT!!"

Mylo, Claggor, and Powder have the door cracked as cheering for the pink haired girl. You quickly shy your face into your hands. Vi noticed how shy they made you, got up and immediately started chasing them around the lanes. Vi eventually catches up to them and begins to whoop their ass. After she drags their ass back to the Last Drop, giving the patrons a laugh, she walked back down to you. You laughed at the embarrassed Vi. it was okay if you laughed, you were embarrassed too. Vi came down and lays her head on your lap. At least, she has you ❤️

A/N: Good night, love you, muah muah muah, sorry for the lack of posts ❤️

[yanderes-galore]

Arcane request

platonic!yandere Vander and his kids kinda thing basically all of them being platonic yanderes for reader and what they’d be like

I have a max of one character per request now unless it's a rivalry/sharing thing. But I did what I could!

I apologize as I am going primarily off memory for this!

Yandere! Platonic! Vander + "The Kids" Concept

(Mentions Vander, Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor)

Pairing: Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Overprotective family dynamic, (Emotional) Manipulation, Paranoia, Clingy behavior (the kids), Isolation, Punishment, Dubious/Forced family dynamic.

You are most likely the oldest of Vander's adopted children, being 18 years old.

As a result Vander may trust you with riskier jobs to get by in Zaun.

You are seen as an older sibling to Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor.

Yet even though you're the oldest that does not mean Vander doesn't worry about you.

Vander appears to be a decent father to all of his children.

You end up helping a lot when it comes to wounds or watching after them.

If anything sometimes you take on a secondary parenting role while Vander is busy.

This is your family, ever since the Civil War you have considered Zaun your home.

It's your job to mend wounds, settle arguments, and keep your family safe.

In a way you do love Vander.

So he isn't entirely forcing you to be his child for the most part.

He's your father, has been since he found you.

In return you do what jobs you can in order to have money to spend.

In this concept I'm going to primarily explain how this family would be as yanderes.

Vander is the typical overprotective father of the group.

He'd rather you stayed in sight yet sometimes relies on you to do bigger jobs the kids can't do.

He gives you some freedoms, but they can easily be taken if you get yourself hurt or have a falling out.

The kids are primarily emotionally manipulative and clingy siblings.

Vi is protective of her family, including you

Powder is always asking to help you on jobs but you decline.

Mylo often complains that Vander gives you better jobs yet really is just worried.

Claggor is also one to be protective of you and the others, yet you reassure him you're fine.

Honestly, there's no real yandere signs until something happens.

The kids ultimately listen to Vander.

If Vander enforces a rule, they'll probably go along with it.

Especially if we assume they're just as bad as Vander.

Things would turn sour if there was conflict between you and Vander.

Maybe you got hurt and never told him, maybe you just disobeyed orders.

When Vander realizes his eldest kid is being too reckless he knows he has to do something.

Vander would be the platonic yandere father to ground you to one spot so he can keep an eye on you.

He doesn't want to lose you to death or you leaving on your own.

Even if you're an adult... he doesn't want you to leave his family.

Plus... the kids don't want that either, yeah?

If you're "grounded" by Vander, the kids often visit you.

They continue to do jobs even if you're forced to stay at Vander's bar.

Even though you now see this place as a prison... the kids do make you smile a bit.

They love you but don't want to go against Vander's orders.

Plus... they don't want you to leave them either.

Even if you thought of escaping, you may be guilt-tripped into staying.

Especially by Powder... you really don't want to leave any of them.

Yet Vander keeping you locked away makes you antsy.

Even when he pulls you aside to hold you or speak with you, you are distant.

Your love towards your family wanes the moment your freedoms are restricted.

Being stuck in Zaun is a cage enough... now you're stuck in a bar by your family.

You try to distract yourself from your isolation by interacting with family.

You hug the kids and Vander... you tinker to occupy yourself...

But it's all only temporary relief.

At some point, you'll find time to run off.

Yet Vander will know and track you down himself if he has to.

Who knows, maybe he'll even ask Vi to help him.

He keeps you hidden away for a reason.

If he has to drag you back and chain your ankle to your bed... then maybe that will get the point across!

Mylo is certainly the one to throw a fit at you for leaving while Claggor just appears hurt.

Vi feels bad as she understands you want freedom.

Yet Powder simply clings onto you and doesn't let go once you're brought back.

Vander can't have you being reckless... he plans on keeping his family safe....

He'll sacrifice everything if it means keeping you and the kids out of harm... even your freedom.

Plus... you being around more often makes the kids happier, right?

[kittyt-hexxed]

My headcannon is Sevika is the first kid Vander adopted. Cause she’s at least ten years younger than him. I can imagine an up-and-coming Vander catching wind of this scary teenager that even adults avoid. She gets shit done. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty.

He randomly walks up to her one day and just… sits there. Sevika is thrown off and is hostile with him. She tells him to get lost or she’ll have him tossed out. He just nods his head and lights his pipe, smoking it next to her. Everyone is wide-eyed and scared shitless. Cause what is he doing? She’s going to gut him like a fish.

Sevika narrows her eyes as he holds out the cigar to her. Wondering what his play is.

“What if I told you… you could help make this place better?” Vander says, looking at Sevika’s crew as they watch him wearily. She motions them away and they slink into the shadows.

“I’d think you’re full of shit.” Sevika scoffs, but she’s eyeing the pipe from the corner of her eye. Why does he want to make a deal with her?

“You help me. I help you. And we make the Undercity better for everyone else. If I can’t make good on that, then you’re free to go. All you’ve got to do is pull your weight.”

“I don’t make deals.”

“You’ll get a warm meal and a proper bed to sleep in.” Vander adds offhandedly.

Fuck. That sounded better than what she had now. She’d be stupid to turn that down. Of course she knew who he was. He would be able to make good on that deal.

Sevika reaches for the pipe and take it from his hand, “I get to drink all the liquor I want, too.”

“Top shelf.”

She takes a puff.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

Can I please request Ivy, Goldmary, and Alear(because I always have to include Pepsi chan in my requests, you write her too well) with a faceless changeling S/O who's love language is turning into the character?

Like they love them so much, they feel the most comfortable as them. I think that'd be neat

(FE: Engage) Ivy, Goldmary, and Alear with a shapeshifting S/O

NGL I'd be freaked tf OUT if I saw that. And thank you for the kind words about Alear! When it comes to Fire Emblem characters, I feel obligated to make sure they're in-character as possible. It'd be an insult to my love for the series to do any less.

Ivy was startled when S/O first changed shapes right in front of her.

Truth be told, she felt she should be a little less surprised, considering what was in this world already. Gods, heroes from another world, magic.

Yet here she was, shocked by the fact there was a shapeshifter.

Ivy didn't mind S/O being a changeling, though she was curious as to what they looked like naturally.

What she did mind was the fact another Ivy was next to her as they were cuddling.

(Ivy) "...S/O."

(Ivy?) "Yes?"

(Ivy) "I...I understand that you're comfortable with me, to the point you are me...Um...How do I put this?"

The fact the other Ivy was tilting their head so curiously, something she would never do was throwing her completely off.

(Ivy) "It's strange. As if I'm staring into a mirror that is not mimicking my own actions."

(Ivy?) "Sorry, I can change if you wa-"

(Ivy) "No, please. I am quite flattered that you even want to turn into me it's...please keep this between us. I do not need Somniel screaming in terror from a second me."

(Ivy?) "Ha, alright."

She didn't mention it, but she also felt quite self conscious.

Was her chest that big...?

(Goldmary) "Why, it's no shock that you decided to transform into perfection!"

The other Goldmary began pouting.

(Goldmary?) "That is not why I changed into you, Goldmary..."

It was honestly a bit jarring for her doppleganger to sound exactly like her, but have their manner of speech to be completely off.

(Goldmary) "Who can blame you? I am quite beautiful!"

Goldmary becomes extremely happy whenever S/O transforms into her. Imitation is the greatest sign of flattery, after all!

And she had no idea she was so comfortable to snuggle into!

And so beautiful when she was smiling too!

Author's note: I can only write Goldmary admiring herself before an ego singularity forms and swallows this post whole, this whole bit goes on for a while, you get the idea.

(Alear) "Huh...that's what I look like?"

(Alear?) "Beautiful? Yes, yes you do look like that!"

Alear giggled sheepishly, her hand covering her mouth.

(Alear) "It's a little weird, hearing my own voice say that. But...thank you. Are you sure you're alright with this though?"

(Alear?) "Of course! I choose who I transform into, and I chose you for a reason!"

The other Alear gave her a peck on the cheek. While the gesture was quite affectionate and made her heart flutter, it was still really weird.

(Alear) "Thanks, it means a lot to me, and to you I'm sure. Someday, I want to see your true form, you know. That's who I love the most, after all."

The other Alear now shared her same blushing smile.

(Alear?) "Hah, you're such a smoothtalker...!"

Marth materialized next to the real Alear, eyeing the situation currently unfolding.

(Marth) "Wow, this is a confusing sight."

(Alear?) "You know who the real one is, right Marth?"

(Marth) "Yes, but it's like I'm seeing Alear speak into the mirror. Thank goodness she isn't actually like this by herself..."

(Alear) "Hah, I couldn't imagine...I am quite dashing though, don't you think me?"

(Alear?) "Why yes, yes you are!"

Marth playfully rolled his eyes as he disappeared, both Alear's laughing at their antics.

(Alear) "Oh! This should go without saying, but don't let Vander, Framme, or Clanne see us like this. I think they'd begin frothing at the mouth if they saw two of me."

(Alear?) "...Oh gods, I didn't even think of that. Where do we even go? People would be confused if they saw two Divine Dragons!"

(Alear) "...Maybe this isn't such a good idea."

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

Intercity Relations (An Arcane one-shot)

Description: Spending years studying Interstate relations at Piltover's academy, you made both allies and rivals during your studies. Unlucky for you, Cassandra Kiramman hated your guts ever since you first met. The woman ensured you'd never see Ixtal or Shumira but rather serve as an intercity negotiator between Zaun and Piltover.

Pairing: Vander x afab!reader, NSFW, the reader being born and raised in Piltover™ (so expect some cultural differences, mostly Vander teasing the reader very lovingly). Warnings: I did my best to go over all the typos, but some certainly made it through. The entire 'plot' just for the sake of convenience, age difference (reader being around 25, Vander should be pushing 40 - the math doesn't add up, fuck it), should be set one year after Vander became a dad™, so we aren't in any rush, vile language, mentions of violence and substance abuse. Also, unprotected sex - don't be silly, wrap your willy! The smut is very gentle tho, very loving and fluffy. Jayce and Ezreal being supportive golden retriever besties™. Subtle Jayce and Viktor shenanigans (will miss if you squint your eyes). A/N: I wanted to write something for Vander for so so so long, but never got the inspiration. Three years after the release of Arcane, I finally made my long-lasting dream come true. It's also my first smut after a long time, so I hope you won't find it clunky and lame. Enjoy reading! Music inspo: Mainly by Seven (Jung Kook), Love Again (stolen from Ezreal's playlist, performed by Baekhyun), Moonlight by Kali Uchis & The Weekend by BIBI & 88rising. Word count: 21K (and I fucking ooop-) Music playlist: ezreal's bedroom bangers

The politics and schemes of Piltover's creme of society never ceased to surprise you. That position should've been yours. Heimerdinger more or less confirmed it a week ago - you should've been the negotiator between Shurima and Piltover regarding business and foreseeable Noxian invasion. The Yordle quite literally said you were the 'best suited' for such negotiations, that he'd realized it soon after you started your studies. From the get-go, it was supposed to be you who'd end up with this position. Truth be told, however, the council members despised you for all they got. You weren't some high-class Nancy who'd flatter them with expensive gifts and false compliments - but you were fucking good at negotiating. You were the best of your class. It wasn't Kacey who could barely tie her own shoelaces or God forbid Damien, who had trouble remembering even the most basic negotiation principles. It was you.

Studying at the Academy was an honor, you were aware of that. Your family poured everything into securing your spot there, which you were endlessly grateful for. The Academy gave you a better chance at life than you'd otherwise get. Being a middle-class Piltoverian wasn't as bad, per se, but it wasn't a win either. Anyone in your family knew what poverty or starvation was, had money for medicine and nice clothes, quality food, and your flat just outside downtown wasn't bad either, but you didn't plan on taking after your mother's hat shop. Making hats wasn't a bad hobby, both you and your brother enjoyed creating new designs and spending time with momma, but it didn't fulfill you.

It could be around your 10th birthday when you announced you'd like to be a diplomat one day. Your mom and older brother scoffed at it - no way a small child would aim to be a diplomat, right? Most kids wanted to be princesses or singers, they didn't want to deal with interstate relations. But... The phase never went away. It was clear as day that you weren't aiming for anything else as your fifteenth birthday rolled around - you kept up good grades, went to debate classes, and traveled to Holdrum and Kumangra to take part in various debate competitions; you didn't win all of them, but your arguments always left the jurors in awe. When you were leaving high school, it was recommended for you to apply for the Academy's scholarship.

At that moment your mom finally cracked and said 'Fine, let's give it a shot'. The tender was as enjoyable as could be, there were other excellent kids after your spot at the Academy, after all. It took numerous tryouts and evaluations - the Academy first accounted for your past academic achievements, then came assessment interviews, then various intelligence tests, ending it all with a few rounds of debates. Some of those were nearly nerve-crushing. When you were informed of getting the scholarship, you were also informed about all the strict rules you'd have to obey - starting with a strict dress code, frequent one-on-one evaluations with the dean of your faculty, and ending with oddly specific dorm and library rules.

During the matriculation, you'd meet your best friend for the few following years - he came fashionably late (presumably sleeping in), barging into the dead-silent hall with his clothes hastily put on, his hair a fucking mess. As the boy stood on the stairway (looking like a deer in the headlights), the rector stuttered, watching the latecomer with matching intensity. Leaning over to the boy, you'd grab his sleeve and force him to sit next to you. Honestly, you liked Jayce ever since you first laid your eyes on him. If there was a definition of conventionally attractive, Jayce was it - hazel colored eyes, a bright smile full of straight teeth, clean-shaven face, a perfect haircut that was taken care of (gell and everything), and built like a fucking mountain with his 6'7 in height, as you'd learn later. His facial features were very pleasurable to look at. As you said - Jayce was the 'it'.

"I really thought this ceremony starts at 10 a.m... Two weeks from now." - The man mumbled to you, putting his bag down next to his seat. As he leaned closer to you over, the smell of some nice and surely very expensive cologne tingled in your nose. "They changed it last week on a whim, probably to avoid the matriculation overlapping with Progress Day. Wouldn't know about it if I wasn't moved into dorm already." "Makes enough sense. Did I miss something important?" "Something something, the great future, Piltover, something something, you are our new hope. Something along these lines." - You repeated, chuckling at yourself. Your brother always told you you were fucking horrendous at making friends, but the latecomer seemed to appreciate your sense of humor. Smirking at you, he licked his lips and offered you his palm under the table.

"Name's Jayce Talis." - The guy whispered, feeling as your palm slipped into his. His skin was nicely warm and so soft. A rich Piltie, you assumed. - "What's yours?" "Y/N Y/L/N." - Whispering back, you shook hands, still grinning at one another. - "Hi." "Oh, doesn't your family run a hat shop or something? Mrs. Kiramman loves that place to death, had to endure a fashion show of her and her daughter's hats tailored according to the latest fashion trends in Ixtal." - Jayce wondered, clearly memorizing the lane by heart.

"Yeah, I helped make these. My mom runs it. I was supposed to take over the shop when she'd feel like she couldn't do it anymore." - You explained swiftly, completely forgetting why you two were sitting in the hall. - "You know councilor Kiramman? The Cassandra Kiramman?" "Mhm." - The Jayce guy nodded, showing you dimples in his cheeks. He was getting hotter by the second. - "Also know the dean." "The dean?" - You squirmed, shooting him an amazed look. - "Are you like a child of some super-important politician?" "No. I just know how to make good childhood friends." "Geez. I had to fight for a way in." "My mom had been dead set on my future since day one. Surely, if Cait was a few years older, they'd even arrange our marriage." - Jayce scoffed, turning his eyes to the dean, a Yordle named Heimerdinger. - "How did you fight your way in? Gladiator style, cage match, blood, sand, and everything?" - He muttered, making you snicker as you pretended to listen to the speech. The matriculation had almost two hours of runtime, so you still had an hour and a half ahead of you.

"More of a streetfight style - who'd beat up the most kids to pulp won the scholarship." "Sounds way more exciting than just getting in because you have a rich friend." "I don't think that's the case." - With a smile, you bumped his rib with your elbow. - "Councilor Heimerdinger doesn't seem to be the type to just let anyone study here. We're Piltover's future, aren't you listening to his words? There's gotta something in that noggin' of yours." "I don't think you'd be the type to beat kids into pulps either. Actually, you look like someone I'd love to be friends with. Truthfully, I don't know anyone else inside the Academy, which terrifies me. I'm not a rich kid and I'm not good at talking to these rich assholes." "Didn't you say you're tight with the Kirammans?" "Caitlyn is anything but a rich asshole. She runs her mouth faster than her brain, bless her soul. Sometimes, she blows Mrs. Kiramman out of the water, leaving me speechless. If I were to talk to her mother like this, my mom would lock me up in a cellar until I'd apologize." "Your mom isn't like..." "No." - Jayce ended the discussion categorically. Since he didn't seem to like the topic, you hummed and nodded. "For your information, I think I'd be able to beat up that kid." - Pointing at a veiny, super-skinny ginger with glasses sitting two rows in front of you. - "... But I'm keener on logic and words, you got me there. Nonetheless, I'll take your words as a compliment, Talis. I'd like to... Be friends, I mean." "Lunch after?" - Jayce asked simply, pulling out a paper and a pen on his desk. First, you were concerned; was he about to take notes? Surely not, right? Then, he looked over at you with one of the most devilish grins you'd seen until that day. - "And tick-tack-toe now?" "God, you're already my best friend, Talis." - Without hesitation, you started to draw the playing board, sticking your tongue out of your mouth due to sheer concentration.

As promised, the two of you would set out to have lunch after the assembly, talking about everything and nothing. Talis was a great company - charming, funny, witty, and handsome. What he saw in you? No idea, but the two of you clicked right away. Even after years, you couldn't decipher what Jayce saw in you. The field of your research and studies were as different as could be, so you usually didn't dwell too much on such topics. Of course, you asked 'How are the studies going?' but it was never the centerpiece of your conversation. While you dealt with human relations, Jayce was a scientist, working with some miraculous blue stone (no idea what that was about). It only took a week to realize you'd found the best friend for the few following years. On the very second day, Talis showed you around his workshop, designating it as your hangout spot outside the faculty - it was a small maisonette with an enormous balcony and a very tiny bathroom. The upper floor was holding a bed and a couch. Since it also had a small fridge, you could just buy some beers and snacks for late-night study sessions and screw the dorm.

This friendship seemed fishy. People like Jayce Talis (attractive, genius, and charming) usually didn't seek company with the likes of you. Piltover was just a rat race, people climbing on the social ladders, striving for a better life. Jayce, on the other hand, didn't seem to be that guy. It seemed like he genuinely doesn't give a fuck. Also, Caitlyn Kiramman liked you, ensuring she'd like you even if you'd crawl out of the deepest part of the Undercity. Just as Jayce informed you, Cait's mouth ran much faster than her brain. You found this part of Kiramman endearing. Even though Talis sent you nothing but good vibes to you, it was hard to just accept this pure form of friendship. It took him around a week and a half to truly convince you he isn't hanging out with you for some insane, out-of-this-world reason. The guy simply liked being around you. That was also the first time Jayce sang and danced around you while studying in his condo - he was an awful singer.

Keeping the promise, you'd gather early the following Monday, ready to celebrate Progress Day. The festival was kicked off with yet another of Heimer's speeches (of which you and Talis appropriately made fun; nothing mean, just stupid jokes here and there). The rest of the day was in your hands - and dear God, you had a lot to wander through. Various attractions from all around the world, newest inventions, doubtful souvenirs, and snack stands... You simply loved the Progress Day. As you absentmindedly licked on your ice-creams, a boy stopped you. Neither of you could know that this particular man will soon be the last member of your party.

While also being very good-looking, the boy couldn't be more different from Jayce. He was around your age and based on his uniform, he was too a student at the Academy. His blonde hair was stylized perfectly, his blue eyes were piercing, you'd swear you hadn't seen clearer skin before and his facial features resembled those of a sculpture or a painting. He'd been considerably shorter than Jayce, but equally as handsome... Also, he was visibly distressed.

"Uh, hi you two. Hi. How you doin'?." - The boy greeted you, shaking your hand loosely as he fidgeted around, looking over his shoulders. You were pretty positive the stranger didn't even look you in the face before gripping your hand. "Hi?" - You asked, furrowing at him. He'd been shaking your hand for over a minute, still searching for something in the crowd... Or someone. - "Do you need something?" "I'm in a bit of trouble. Hi." - The boy jumped over to shake Jayce's hand frantically. - "Could you help me? It won't take long." "What can we do for you?" - Jayce asked. You've been both grinning by that point. The boy's behavior was funny. "I'm trying to run away from my blind date. She's been going on a tangent about how we 'belong together even in the heavens' and that I must be the guy her 'oracle saw in the tarot cards'."

"That sounds scary." - Jayce admitted, carefully twisting his palm from the stranger's grasp. The blonde boy, however, didn't seem to notice as he still looked around for his blind date. - "What do you say, Y/N? I'd be pretty scared if you pulled out a stunt like that." "I was just about to get to what my oracle said about you, Talis, but I mean... It sounds like the start of a horror story. I'm down to whatever." "Geez, you guys are the best and I mean that. My name's Ezreal, by the way."

When Ez piped down a bit and wasn't searching for the mysterious oracle girl, he was good company. As you walked through the main square and adjacent streets, he explained that he was studying history at the Academy and that you were in the same year. His parents were archeologists who traveled all over Runeterra so he was often left in Piltover under the care of his uncle, famous professor Lymere. That's how Ezreal got into the Academy anyway - quoting Ezreal, 'it definitely wasn't his intellectual prowess'. The guy was in awe when Jayce also invited Ezreal to his convo to share some beers while waiting for the fireworks to go off. Even though he seemed to be a social butterfly, Ezreal admitted people didn't stick around for long, often calling him 'annoying' or 'difficult to be around'; Jayce's invitation genuinely moved him. That's how you met your two best friends in the whole wide world.

The three of you were so different that you completed each other. You've been the most grounded in reality - studying political situations and people gave you a good insight into the world around you. If the two boys felt like arguing with someone, you were their person - you could go on for hours, debating like your life depended on it, beating them with facts grounded in reality.

Ezreal, on the other hand, was the dreamer and romantic. Boy, oh boy, his romantic endeavors were something - each week, you'd have to commiserate and listen to him obsessing over a different girl. You and Jayce would be the first to know all the details about his latest miserable breakup and future plans. He'd been prone to dramatize and exaggerate. Also, while being street-smart and intelligent (to a degree), Ezreal could come across as very naive and innocent. It was fun watching him not having a clue about his romantic interest's innuendos or hints, ignoring it all like the sweet summer child he was. You'd seen a lot of his romantic failures, if you had to be honest - the boy often invited you and Jayce for hangouts with his newest discovery (secretly hoping to set you up), and at times, you had to do your best not to start hysterically laughing right into his face. You loved Ezreal.

Jayce was the scientist of your group - he'd constantly lived in the world of wonder, progress, and inventions, constantly building towards a better future. His grind never stopped for anything. You and Ezreal would listen to his drunken rambles about how he'll change the world one day - you liked to believe Jayce. His dreams sounded nice. Despite Ezreal's best hopes, the two of you never hit it off - there was never a spark of romantic interest between you. Jayce often joked he didn't have time for romance, but if he would, he'd definitely ask you out - at that, you'd laugh and say 'Stop keeping your damn hopes up, this ain't happening, Talis'. Anytime you'd bump into something you didn't understand or felt emotionally vulnerable and wanted to share with someone, Jayce became your go-to person. His condo became the party's designed hangout spot, so you'd spend most of your Academy days there, watching over Piltover with dumb smiles.

All and all, you couldn't ask for better friends.

It was also this duo that expected your acceptance letter with batted breath alongside you. As usual, you'd barge into his condo. The two were talking before Ezreal raised his eyes to you frantically waving the letter around. Before you barged in, Ezreal was leaning over Jayce's shoulder (talking about Rachel... Again) and watched as the scientist connected wires in his latest contraption.

You and Jayce graduated earlier this summer, actually. Jayce, as you expected, finished his studies with a red diploma. You'd expect him to move out of Piltover, and work on his tech in collaboration with scientists from the other states - to your surprise, the man chose to work under the science faculty of the Academy. Ezreal, on the other hand, had to retake two classes - maths and geography of Runeterra... Despite all odds, this was a major success in your books. He'd been expecting to retake at least four. "It's here, bozos." - You announced, demanding their full attention. Ezreal straightened up, walking closer to you - Jayce just turned around in his chair and waited for you to start reading. "I'm sure it's Shurima. Like, 100% positive. Heimer talked about you enthusiastically last week, Y/N. I've heard it all." - Coach Ezreal mumbled supportively while walking behind you to massage your shoulders. As he patted your shoulder, you nodded at his words and let out a huge sigh before tearing the envelope outside. You had to be the next Piltoverian diplomat. It had to be you. It was always supposed to be you.

"Dear Ms. Y/N Y/L/N." - The letter started. - "It is a pleasure to welcome you on board our organization as the newest foreign service specialist. That's a good sign, no?" - You took a breath in, looking at both the boys; your fingers were trembling, breath shallow. "Jesus, don't stop in the middle of the letter!" - Ez exclaimed with a furrow. "Just go on." - Jayce mumbled, hanging on your lips. "Due to exceeding the number of current foreign specialists in the field, we are pleased to announce your new position as the official negotiator between the two states of Piltover and Zaun... Your accommodation in the state of Zaun will be... In case of unclarities, please contact..." - The blood in your veins froze as you read more and more. - "... Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Oh no..." - Ezreal sighed softly, his expression sagging as he watched tears forming in your eyes. You could barely breathe, your fingers shaking, your heart beating rapidly. You've never felt more betrayed in your life - this should've been your fucking moment to spread your wings and leave Piltover. You were supposed to explore the world just like you and Ezreal dreamed. You've been supposed to take part in negotiations between nations and... - "It's okay." "It's not okay!" - Both the boys' hearts broke upon seeing you break down, squealing at the top of your lungs. - "I've worked so fucking hard and everything..." - Jayce offered you an empty bottle so you could break it by throwing it on the ground, letting the anger out. It was better to clean up some mess than see you in ruins. - "... And that bitch, that old foul hag, that fucking snake!" - (Another bottle) - "I've always known she wouldn't fucking let me go. The moment I met her during my evaluations, I knew she hated me." - (Another bottle) - "To her bad fucking luck, Heimerdinger liked me, so she couldn't just get rid of me." - Your hand stretched out for another bottle, but Jayce stopped you. "I don't think she dislikes you..." - Talis approached you from behind, carefully massaging your shoulder. - "I just think something's going on in Zaun. The council would have someone who lived here their whole life and can trust as their diplomat, rather than someone who's not oriented in the problems and dynamics."

"Hey, I gotta repeat that geography class just because I looked at the professor funny. No one even wants to employ me." - Ezreal spoke slowly and softly, smiling at you. Grinning at his statement, you started to dry out your tears. "You gotta repeat it because the professor found out you're fooling around with his daughter." "Ehh... Maybe, but that's not the point." - Ezreal giggled, smoothing your shoulder. - "Listen, Y/N, you're the smartest and prettiest girl I know. You're able to inspire people, talk them through everything, and argue for hours when it comes down to it. And... The Undercity's not that bad, really. I know a few dudes selling fun stuff. I can introduce you to some of them to get you started?" "Ezreal..." - It was a high-pitched whine as you hugged him, letting out a long breath. His words made you emotional, moving you until you felt a fuzzy warmth spreading inside your chest.

"But... If I'm the prettiest girl you know, why didn't you ask me out yet?" - You joked, giggling. Being transferred to the Undercity wasn't all bad. It had its advantages - you'd stay close to your family and best friends. You didn't have to hope you'd bump into each other once a year, you could see them anytime you wanted. You'd be on hand in case your ma or bro needed help with the hat shop. You didn't have to leave your old life behind. "Because I respect you too much to let you fool around with someone like me." - The blonde sighed, hugging you back. Jayce was already on cleaning duty, brewing you all a cup of hot cocoa. It was exactly what you needed, in his expert opinion. As usual, Jayce was right. "... It's because you know I'd see right through your bullshit, right?" "... Yeah, you got me there, girl."

Two weeks later:

The Undercity was definitely not what you'd expect. First things first, it smelled horrible - when you talked to the lady who was introducing you to the issues at hand, she warned you about the possibility of wearing a mask. The Grey (fumes from factories located in the Underbelly) was making the air heavy. So far, so good; while the place reeked, it never got too bad. Secondly, the people didn't cut your head off when meeting you. The Trenchers were indifferent when it came to you; it was clear as day you weren't native to Zaun, but they didn't care much. The number of Enforcers traveling to Zaun was actually quite impressive. You've been worried you'd have to fight for your life, but just like Ezreal promised, Zaun wasn't that bad. Thirdly, your newly assigned condo and monthly payment were good. It gave you enough financial freedom to be fully self-sufficient, which felt simply wonderful. People from the agency acted respectfully towards you, putting weight on Jayce's words; maybe it was a last-minute decision to assign you to Zaun. Maybe, something was brewing on the horizon.

Your assigned informant from the agency told you to ask for Sheriff Grayson of the Piltover's Enforcers. If she knows who's the authority in Lanes, she could introduce you to them and get you accustomed. The problem with Zaun was simple - the city wanted independence from Piltover. If you wanted proof, all you had to do was to take the last riot into account. Your job was to secure a fool-proof plan that would benefit both parties while not degrading either. Well, with Piltover's attitude towards Zaun, that ask turned into a whole another pain in the ass, you realized fairly soon-ish.

Sheriff Grayson turned out to be a reasonable, charming woman with a lot of wisdom regarding both sides of the conflict; she referred to someone named 'Vander', the man who had a reputation and respect among the Zaunites. Ezreal wasn't aware of anyone named Vander, but he knew a black-market trader named Benzo. The blonde swore that if anyone knew Vander, it would be his dealer. "You look like you're acclimatizing fairly well." - The boy brought up as you locked the door to your condo, leaving to see Benzo. - "How is Zaun treating you?" "Hm... It's not as bad as I'd assume, no one tried stabbing me so far." - It was a bad joke, but Ez chuckled nonetheless. Walking down the stairs, your elbow mindlessly entwined with his as usual. You were happy Ezreal came to visit you in the Lanes. Throughout the last week, you've only talked to Sheriff Grayson and your sweet land lady who also had dementia.- "I'm just... Lonely. The two of you are living on the other side of Sun Canal. Getting over that damn bridge is hard, even for a diplomat. That said, the folk are more or less nice around here. They don't welcome me with arms wide open, but they're polite so far."

"Sounds like you'll get used to living here before you know it. You'd get along even with someone as demonic as old prof Lymere, on my honor." "Your uncle sounds like a tough nut. I appreciate the trust, though, young Mr. Lymere. Big preach." "After you, m'lady Y/L/N." - Ezreal exclaimed dramatically, holding the front door open for you; he even bowed, having you giggle under your breath.

Seeing Zaun through Ezreal's eyes was fascinating. The blonde definitely spent a lot of time here, knowing most of the small shops and dark alleys you wouldn't dare to go to alone. As you walked through the Lanes, he told you the history of it all; how Zaun came to be, what were its most historically significant locations, and a bit about their culture (Ezreal described it as 'pretty grim' and moved on). Benzo's pawn shop was located just off the main street - it wasn't in any grim alley where you wouldn't go in a million years or anything like that - it was a pretty nice place if you'd have to be honest. Sure, most of the goods were giving 'not acquired legally' vibes, but that wasn't your jurisdiction, so you didn't bother commenting on it. Benzo himself wasn't a bad person either, you liked him. After Ezreal introduced you, the atmosphere even shifted to a lighthearted meeting of two acquaintances. A small boy was slacking around the pawn shop, goggling his enormous brown eyes at you, but Benzo soon sent him away.

"At least, he'll have something to tell the other nuisances about." - Benzo sighed, clearly referring to other children growing up in the Lanes. - "Young Mr. Lymere. What do I owe the pleasure?" "I'm not here for business today, Benzo. My friend needs a bit of help." "Ah, really? And what can I do for the young lady? Anything particular she's looking for?" "Not something, but someone. She's not... Interested in buying, if you will." - Ezreal explained as he played with various trinkets lying around the shop. You didn't want to talk until you'd be introduced, so you simply stood around and watched the exchange. - "Y/N was sent here by the council." - In that instant, Benzo's demeanor switched to hostile for a bit. "Ah, wonderful." - The man gritted with a forced smile. - "What do these jerks need?" "I'm here to handle diplomatic communications between Piltover and Zaun. Seems like the council finally considered Zaun's declaration of independence, the one that happened a year ago. I'm here to ensure things go as smoothly as they can. I mean no harm."

Benzo watched you with a furrow, thinking about his answer. Ezreal leaned into the counter with a mischievous smile on his lips. - "Y/N is one of the best people I've met, Benzo, I can vouch for her if my word means anything to you." "Sorry if I came across as an old bastard, the folk often call me one." - The pawnshop laughed, offering you his palm. - "Name's Benzo, young lady. I'm the owner of this pawnshop, as Mr. Lymere surely informed you. Nice to know someone cares."

Yeah, only if you cared voluntarily, huh? You accepted the handshake nonetheless, offering him the sweetest smile you mustered. - "Y/N Y/L/N, call me Y/N. Nice to meet you, Benzo." "See, I told you, you'll be fine anywhere." - Ezreal smiled, nudging your side. "Who's the poor soul you're looking for?" "Sheriff Grayson referred me to someone going by 'Vander'. Said he's a geezer with one hell of a reputation around here. If there would be anyone these folk listen to, she said, it's Vander. Ever heard of him? I'd like to go over what the people could want so I could relay it to the council and start with the negotiations."

"If I know that old rascal? Ha!" - Benzo started laughing again. You liked him more and more by the minute. - "Everyone around here does. He runs a pub, you had to cross it on your way here. The Last Drop, does that ring any bells?" "Oh, yeah!" - Both you and Ezreal nodded in unison. The main pub in the largest square of the Lanes, a local district filled to the brim with former black market operations as Ezreal informed you just half an hour prior. - "Looked welcoming." "You bet, two lovebirds like you won't find a better place to make out anywhere around here." "Oh! That's not... You got it wrong!" - You exclaimed, falling into a fit of wholehearted laughter. This was the first time you laughed during your stay in Zaun - you laughed so hard your belly hurt, tears streaming down your face. "I know we've been over this, but this genuinely hurts my feelings, Y/N." - Ezreal muttered, fighting laughter himself. - "Anyway, thanks for the help, Benzo."

"You ever go there to have a cold one by any chance?" - You wondered, wiping the tears, calming down. Each time people assumed you and Ezreal were a thing, this was your reaction - breaking down, laughing so hard you cried. - "I've got the feeling I'll be spending a lot of time there." "I'll see you around, Y/N." "Can't wait!" - As the door closed behind you, Ezreal nudged your side again before letting you entwine your elbow with his. It helped you feel safe, especially in places such as this.

The Last Drop. Entering the pub, you got a feeling this is precisely the place where everything goes down. This was your first time being in a place such as this, so you looked around with batted breath while Ezreal led you to a table, nodding at a few people here and there. It genuinely felt like the lair of all the sin and alcohol. People played pool, some sulked around drinking, dancing in front of a small jukebox, playing cards or arm wrestling, laughing, and joking around. Each game was played for a bid, this pub was gamble-core galore. While you never even tried playing poker for money, Ezreal genuinely seemed to be acquainted with some of the Last Drop's patrons, nodding their way. These people felt different than those who you met until that moment... More alive, more fun, nicer. Well, until a skirmish broke out in front of the bar; a 6'8 man with chemtech augmentations punched another dude square in the face, resulting in both of them being dragged out by other patrons.

And that was when you first saw him.

He'd been talking with a woman sitting at the bar, snickering at her remark while absentmindedly polishing pints. The man, whoever he fucking was, looked like a sculpture. First, there was the smile - the mischievous spark in it, something vaguely boyish in his eyes as he looked at the woman, his watery-colored eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Secondly, you admired his facial structure. There was something so... Good-looking about his jaw and small, nicely shaped lips. You liked it when he smiled and immediately started imagining if you could make him laugh. Your heart skipped a beat upon that imagination. Thirdly, his hair and beard were visibly kept in good shape, but overgrown; it looked good on him, though, which was a look not a lot of men could pull off. And fucking lord, he was so well built. Broad shoulders, strong forearms, nicely shaped waist that begged to be hugged by your arms. Piltover didn't have men like similar to this kind, you were sure of that - he appeared to be gruff, but the mischievous smile told you otherwise. His posture and body screamed dominance, but his eyes whispered safety.

There was no doubt in your mind that the mysterious bartender was probably twice your age and that you definitely shouldn't be thirsting over him. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn't look away from him - the longer you watched him, the more deranged scenarios devoured your mind. Witch each piece of clothing disappearing, your mouth felt drier, the boiling hot blood traveling right between your thighs. It was impossible to look away from him. His presence ensured you wouldn't pay attention to anything else as you sat there, gravitating towards him like a moth to a lamp.

Each move he made was like cinema to you and each time his lips moved as he talked to the lady, butterflies started tingling in your belly. You wanted him to talk to you this way, was it a far cry to imagine you'd catch his attention? What were you thinking? He was a Trencher, you were a Piltie; two utterly different worlds. This guy probably wouldn't be interested in you, would he? Well, a girl can dream...

"Ezreal to Y/N. Are you okay?" - Ezreal bumped into your shoulder, making you finally look away from the bartender. Clearing your throat, trying not to appear as a flustered deer in the headlights, you looked at the spunky kid standing next to your table, seemingly getting your order. Her expression was unreadable and judging by her age and the bruise under her eye, she wasn't working here voluntarily. Who was she? "Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts. What's the best drink you have?" - You tried sounding at least a bit excited, but the kid just pointed to the menu and walked away. - "She seems friendly." "Probably got herself into some sort of trouble and got punished by helping that Vander guy, don't take it too personally." - Ezreal muttered, watching as you got up. - "Where are you going?" "I'll the bartender about the best drink… And about Vander." "And will you at least get a beer for me?" - Ez cried out as you disappeared into the crowd showing him thumbs, too busy staring at the mysterious man to look back at Ez.

If you weren’t mesmerized by the bartender, your shoulder wouldn’t bump into a very imposing woman who, at the time, played pool with her buddies. If you hadn’t bumped into her, she wouldn’t spill and break her pint on the ground. If her beer hadn’t been spilled, she wouldn’t turn around to take a good look at you. Upon the sound of shattering glass, the pub fell silent for a second, everyone turning their attention to the two of you. Before Ezreal got the time to get off his ass to get you outta there, the woman shoved you to the ground; so harshly that your head hit the wooden flooring. The bartender was forgotten as you grunted in pain, picking yourself off the ground; you didn’t have to bother, though. The woman gripped the hem of your jacket, making you tiptoe as she forcibly invaded your space - even though you didn’t consider yourself to be the smallest bean in the room, her physical build definitely overshone yours. She watched you like fucking prey, ready to kick or punch your teeth in.

“The fuck do you think you doin’, huh?” - The woman gritted through her teeth, biting down on a toothpick. - “You're not local, are you? Fucking Pilties, thinking you own everything 'round here, actin' like nothin' can happen to you. Guess what, princess.” “It was an accident. Put her down so we can talk this through. Sevika, c'mon.” - The friend she played against was trying to get you outta there. Even though it was a nice sentiment from the stranger, Sevika scoffed as her palms pulled you even closer.

Holy shit. Were you about to get your soul kicked out of you just two weeks after moving into Zaun? Had to be some sort of speed run record, you were positive.

“As if. Pilties gotta learn their lesson, just like we learned ours back on the bridge. Better if this pretty little thing learns it soon on.” “I’ll buy you another round, how 'bout that?” - You choked out with trouble, catching her palms in yours as you did your best to defuse the situation. Ezreal was standing just next to you now, ready to get into a fight if it would get to it. The boy, bless him, being a sweet summer child was still willing to fight for your dignity and honor. - “I’m sure we can talk about it.” “That’s all you, fucking Pilties - all talk and no walk. Zaun isn’t for people like you. You don’t belong here, sweetcheeks, you ruined our lives and now,…” - With each word, Sevika brought you closer, tightening the grip on your t-shirt. Just as you started to feel her breath on your cheeks, someone else stepped into the spectacle - someone's palm circled around her forearm, forcing her to put you back down.

It was him, the man you were mesmerized with. The bartender. The tender expression and feelings in his eyes were replaced with an unpleasant furrow directed towards Sevika. Now that he was closer, you realized he was even more handsome than you assumed. His head was cocked towards his shoulder, his brows knitted together, veins on his palm and forearm prominent due to the force he applied on Sevika's grip.

“'t’s enough.” - The man said quietly and slowly, the tension immediately defusing into thin air as your feet touched the ground. - “‘t was an accident, nothin’ more. Lass said she’ll buy you a new round, so I don’t see any problem 'ere. This is not how we welcome people 'round here.” "Old man, did you already forget..." - Sevika gasped for air, the muscles on her arm tensing as she got ready to pack a hefty punch to the man. The bartender, however, remained cool as a cucumber - simply stared at her, not flinching out of the way. "Of all the folk 'round, I'm the one who remembers everythin'. Also, you should remember it's unwise to threaten the guy who pours the drinks 'round here." "Let's get you some air, you." - Sevika's companion mutters, tugging her towards the door. - "Let's go for a walk, c'mon."

"Hey." - When Sevika was out of the door, the life in the pub started moving again - people got back to their gambling, arm wrestling, and talking, seemingly forgetting about anything even happening. The bartender was now turned to you, patting your shoulder gently while leading you towards the bar. - "You alrite?" "I'm whole, which is better than I anticipated. Sorry for causing trouble during your shift, though. Must be a lot as it is." "Huh?" - That smirk... His damned smirk made you forget about who you've been and what you were supposed to be doing in the Last Drop. - "Trouble? Sevika? Don't take it personally. I know that can be hard to do, but still. Local folk are usually much nicer."

"I've noticed." - You nodded, flushing simply because he was talking to you. Christ, you were down bad, almost starting to feel like Ezreal. - "Been living here for the past two weeks. You people are... Indifferent. But better than you being hostile." "Indifferent?" - The guy repeated after you, sending you a small, warm smile. - "That's a first. Never been called indifferent before. That a compliment?" "Depends on if you'd like to take it as such, I suppose." - His expression made you smile back at him, heart pounding in your chest. "Y'know what? I'll take it as one." - His chuckle almost sent you spiraling, making you smile at him dumbfoundedly. - "So, what can I do you for?"

"I would want a beer for that gentleman over there." - Pointing over at Ezreal, the boy just waved in your direction. - "And a drink for me." "Ordering 'a drink' doesn't narrow it enough I'm afraid, sweetheart." "What's your best drink, then?" - You wondered, enjoying the atmosphere and banter you had going on. "Do you like surprises?" "I can do without them." - You sighed in defeat. - "I can make an exception, though. One-time ocassoon, tho, don't take your chances." "Wouldn't dream of it."

While he mixed the drinks, you were keeping him company. Letting the banter flow, he started asking you why you moved to Zaun, whether you're suffering or enjoying yourself, and how you like the pub... Small talk every bartender makes to appease their customers, more or less. Even though it was this basic, you couldn't look away from him - where he moved, your eyes followed. When he smiled, you mimicked. Whenever he was closer than a foot, your heart skipped a beat. He smelled so nice, so earthy, like wood, jasmine and oranges.

"Oh, by the way." - You reminded yourself as he finished the drink, facing away from you to keep it as 'a surprise'. Uh-hm was all you got in response. - "I'm here to meet someone named Vander? Rings a bell?" "I'd assume so. What do ya need of that old bastard, sweetheart?" "I'm here to talk about possible future negotiations between Piltover and Zaun. The council wants to grant this region greater rights in exchange for peace." "You're a diplomat?" - The man stopped, bright pink cocktail umbrella hanging between his fingers. The atmosphere seemed to fade away while he processed the information, his smile disappearing.

"Listen, you have nothing to worry about. I'm here to make sure everything goes smoothly and help as much as I can. Vander isn't in any sort of danger. Sheriff Grayson referred to him as someone who'd be in a position to make demands for the Zaunites." "You're pretty young for a diplomat's what I meant to say, sweetheart. Don't take it the wrong way. One'd assume such a young thing would have other things on her mind." "You know him or not?" - You asked, amused by his explanation. "'s me. Vander, pleasure's on my side."

Oh shit. Oh fuck. So this was Vander. The former 'Hound of the Underground', as Grayson informed you. This beautiful man, this absolute spectacle... Was the guy you'd spend hours and hours with talking about political nonsense? This both excited and worried you. It was a curse in disguise. How were you supposed to even start talking to him? The moment you'd be alone, your mind would fill with very inappropriate fucking thoughts. "Oh, snap." "Haven't heard anything more Piltoverian in a long time. Well... How 'bout you?" "What about me?" "What's your name, sweetheart? Wouldn't mind calling you names, but when we get to business, I wouldn't wanna come across as immature... God forbid rude." - The way his tongue deliberately stretched 'business' between his lips made you swoon, gasping for air in hopes Vander wouldn't notice (he definitely noticed).

"Y/N, my name's Y/N Y/L/N. Pleasure's on my side." "Hey now, that's my line." - With a chuckle, Vander put down a cocktail in front of you. It was dark blue, frothy with crushed ice, decorated by a piece of orange and that pink cocktail umbrella you'd seen earlier. - "Look at the beauty." - Vander smiled, pushing it a bit closer. No idea what he was talking about (whether you or the cocktail), but your heart skipped a beat. Again. - "The best drink I can make. Hope it'll taste good. "How much?" "Hm?" - Vander asked, watching as you pulled out your wallet. "For the drinks. How much?" "Leave it, 's on the house." "No way, cowboy. How - much?" "Take it as compensation for Sevika's tantrum earlier, doll." - Fucking hell, this nickname almost gave you a heart attack. - "If you keep on flatterin' me, ya not payin' a single dime." "Unprofessional. Immature. Rude." - You gritted and passed a few Valors on the bar. - "Take the tip, at least." "'Aight. Can say no to that. If you'd want another drink or anythin' else, just wave at me. I'll be there in no time. Deal, sweetheart?" "What a smooth criminal you are, Vander. Thank you kindly." - As you took both drinks and walked back to your table, you couldn't see the smile freeze on Vander's face as you called him a 'smooth criminal'. Did you know? Had Greyson mentioned his impressive portfolio that still haunted him to that day? The Hound of the Underground. That's how people knew him, why they respected him.

"So, did we find the guy, or..." "Right there. The bartender. That's our guy." "Oh... Wow." - Ezreal leaned his elbow into the chair, eyeing Vander properly. - "Seems decent enough of a man. Expected someone older, though." "He's very nice and very polite." "Heh. Sure. Nice and polite." - Ezreal snickered, looking at you. You really had no fucking clue, did you? About how assertive you were, about how lovely the features of your face were. On the occasions, he and Jayce got you into a tight corner and you got flustered (which happened rarely) and you became a stuttering, annoyed mess, you were one of the most beautiful girls Ezreal had laid eyes on. And no, he wasn't saying it out of chivalry or because you two were best friends - it was because you were best that he pulled his head out of his ass for once and behaved the best he could. Back when you got the letter? Ezreal meant each word.

Collaborating with Vander actually wasn't as bad as you worried it'd be. With each meeting, you'd swoon harder and harder but managed to pull your head out of your ass to focus on the responsibilities at hand. In the beginning, Vander did his best to inform you about how things are and go in Zaun so you'd be accommodated better. Usually, he'd either invite you before he'd open the pub or reserve you a spot at the bar, where you'd talk about points that started coming up over time - like Enforcer oppression, increasing drug usage, and inadequate means for children to reach at least basic education. His points and observations were reasonable and understandable.

When he wouldn't be talking about business with you, as he settled on calling it, your mind would be consumed with him as he rambled about everything and nothing. Sometimes, you wouldn't even listen to him, you'd simply sip on your drink and let his deep voice intoxicate your brain. His smell, God almighty, his fucking smell. Over time, you've become mesmerized with the details. Vander throwing the tea towel over his broad shoulder, polishing the bar, the muscles on his back dancing in unison. How his fingers ruffled his hair. His smile when he greeted patrons and regulars. How he bit on his lower lip when he thought of a response. How he smoothed his beard when you said something out of pocket... So many details. You loved watching him like a stage play, especially when he served other guests. Did he know? He must've known - he'd send you a knowing grin each time your fingers brushed over the document you've been working on. Vander even went as far as figuring out which nickname you liked the most. Seeing as you shrugged and stuttered each time he'd call you a doll, it became his most used word.

Was he this attentive to all the other female guests? You couldn't tell. You liked watching him work, yes, but you weren't listening in on their conversation. Was it a formality, due to occupation, a game or did he mean it when he occasionally flirted with you? Some compliments Vander came up with left you speechless. He was the man to notice subtle wardrobe changes and make-up experimentations, mainly because you dressed differently than 90% of the local population. He'd be the first to comment on phrases 'so Piltoverian it hurt'. When it got late enough at the Last Drop and you'd be tipsy enough, Vander got daring enough to compliment your smile, saying it always 'lit up his entire day'. This man knew how to run his fucking mouth, sending you into spirals each time he'd whip out a compliment.

What he was hesitant about, however, was touching you - in moments when he stopped paying attention, his hand would slip on your shoulder blades as he watched you writing into the document. You never commented on it, you loved it when he touched you - it sent a heat wave through your entire body, making your breath hitch in your throat and push your thighs close together. As soon as he saw you looking at his palm, it would be gone from your back, leaving you craving more.

Benzo became one of your best friends in the Undercity, you had to admit. He had his oddities, but he'd welcome you inside his shop whenever you dropped for a visit. Ekko, the young boy you've met earlier, was introduced to you as his ward. The boy grew to adore you - you'd bring him sweets when you visited Piltover and tell him about how it looks and works up there. Benzo explained that his ward is very good with inventions, a scientist by heart - you'd promised Ekko you'd show him Jayce's workshop sometime in the future. Each time he'd be in Last Drop, whenever you came to have something to eat, a drink, or work with Vander, Benzo'd wave at you over the entire pub and save you a spot on the bar. Even though his business surely had little to nothing to do with legality, you grew fond of him.

That night, you've waited until Vander would close the pub. The place slowly depopulated while Vander flickered most of the lighting, drowning it in darkness. The only remaining light was above your head, shining right into the Blue Lagoon you'd ordered earlier. "And who'd busted your bubble?" - Vander asked quietly, watching as you played around with the cocktail umbrella. No matter what drink you ordered, he ensured you'd always have a cocktail umbrella stuck in. - "Even put some oranges in it, you've seemed to enjoy it the last time." "Just tired, I think, been finishing the document so I can turn it in. Grammar and formatting are a pain in the ass." "Sorry to hear that, doll." - The big guy huffed, sitting on the neighboring stool while patting your shoulder. Joining in, he poured himself a beer. Again, your breath hitched as you enjoyed every second of his body touching yours. - "What was wrong with the last draft? Thought it looked decent 'nough?" "Overlooked some paragraphs and spacing. Council would return it to me the moment they'd notice." "Well, 't least you tried." "Hm." - You sighed, putting your head on the bar.

"Hey, you." - Vander chuckled, his head cocked to the side as he tried keeping eye contact with you. - "Can you smile?" "Why would I do that? I'm suffering." "C'mon, pretty girl. Smile." - He'd whisper, gently caressing your back. The caress made you breathe in shakily, smiling as he asked. - "See? The nite is suddenly much better." "You're such a comedian. Why do I take the bait each time?" "Maybe you like smilin' at someone handsome as me?" - Vander opposed, making you giggle. He was the handsome man you'd met, that much was true.

It wasn't just about being attracted to him at this point, though. There was more than level-surface attraction and crackling chemistry - you liked him. Seriously liked him. As you lay away in your flat, you'd play with your blanket and think about how things could be in a perfect world - Vander would close the inn and come home shortly after midnight, kissing you on the forehead after he'd take off his jacket. That would most certainly wake you up, so you'd join him in the kitchen for a bit before leading him to bed. You usually had to stop yourself, forcefully, from letting the daydream carry on - you'd only imagine stripping him of his clothes when you got desperate enough, jerking off before sleep. It needed to be let out. Vander had to know how you felt about him. To either decline your offer or agree to try pushing the boundaries a bit. You've been tipsy enough to conclude that confrontation was a great fucking idea - you've had enough of watching other women goggling their eyes at him, pushing their breasts together as they'd order. It was bothering to look at his well-trained smile (the smile you've learned to love) as he answered them, winking their way. You liked the guy, you loved spending time with him... And he seemed to be interested as well. To what degree, you had no idea about it, but he surely liked having you around.

"Or maybe..." - It took all of your courage to turn at him, putting your palm on his upper thigh. Vander's fingers stopped caressing the glass, squinted his eyes, and tried deciphering what you've been up to. Your touch felt wonderful and, for the love of God, you smelled so good. "What has gotten into you, doll, hm?" - The man whispered, gently moving strands of your hair out of your face, smiling warmly. Your eyes were open wide, filled with little sparkles as you stared at his face. "I want to kiss you, Vander." - With those words, his motions stopped altogether.

Of course, he thought about kissing you. Multiple times - each time you were sitting at the bar and sent him a smile, to be precise. It would be easy to simply lean over, smooth your cheek, and steal all your thunder. In fact, you couldn't have an idea what you were doing to him, intoxicating his brain with the sweetest scenarios and possibilities. It would be the easiest way of shutting you up whenever Vander got you flustered; he enjoyed when you turned into a stuttering, annoyed cute little mess, though. It was endearing watching you try to get yourself off the sinking boat while digging yourself a deep grave. Vander also thought about much more than just kissing you - he'd seen you naked so many times (inside his head), he'd swear he'd recognize your body amongst other women, even with the lights off. Your strange turns of phrases often made his tummy tingle with butterflies as he laughed, explaining to you that you sounded too Piltoverian. Your expression and widened eyes goggling at him made him feel warm and fuzzy on the inside... You've managed to make the Hound of the Underground soften. Fucking God almighty, your outfits made Vander's heart flutter - it was a mix of everything; sometimes you'd be wearing a fluffy white blouse paired with a brown tar-tar vest and derby trousers, other times you'd appear in a bright-colored dress and paired with, again, a tight vest. Even though you always looked out of place, Vander loved that about you. His eyes never searched for you too long, not to mention you looked like an absolute goddess. The derby trousers did nothing for your buttcheeks. When serving, he'd have to keep himself away from you so he wouldn't slap them. How would you sound if he'd made you squeak? Or if you'd be a whining, meowling mess as he'd hover over you, losing his senses to you? How would his name sound when screamed at the top of your lungs?

No matter how hard Vander had it for you (literally and figuratively), there wasn't a world when it would work for both of you. He'd been a Zaunite gangster back in the day, recently reformed into a full-time father and pub owner. Ah, when talking about fatherhood - you didn't even know he's looking after four fucking kids. You didn't have a clue about Vi, Powder, Mylo and Claggor. How could you? Such a pretty young thing didn't deserve a life like this - bound to one place without the alternative to leave. Vander couldn't leave Zaun. But you could. Each time Vander realized how intelligent you truly were, it would knock the air outta his lungs - if there was anyone with a bright future, it got to be you. You had the entire Runeterra laying at your feed, ready for you to explore every nook and cranny. You had places to be, people to meet, work to do... No way he'd let you throw that away for someone like himself. Compared to you, he'd been significantly older, slower and already set in his tracks - you had a whole life ahead of you.

One kiss couldn't ruin anything, could it? You've been tipsy, ogling each other for the entire night, saying shit you shouldn't really say. He wasn't afraid of rejection - Vander was perceptive enough to recognize bedroom eyes on a woman from a mile away. He was afraid of rejecting you. Now that he knew you, it was impossible to imagine Last Drop without having you around. Benzo was fond of you, Ekko loved you (Benzo admitted that the little boy might be crushing on you a teeny-tiny bit) and most of the locals started treating you as an equal. You... You couldn't disappear out of his life.

He'd hesitated for too long. The grip on his thigh started to weaken as you pulled away, flustered beyond any reason - you were turning away, awkwardly coughing into your sleeve. Everything inside his body froze before he could stop it, pushing your palm back where it was - on his thigh, squeezing it gently. As you turned to face him, he leaped forward, kissing you. It made your head spin, that's how good of a kiss it was. Things you hadn't enough courage to admit out loud, all the desire and tension resulted in teeth clattering, tongues dancing, and lips crashing again... And again... And again. You've kissed like nothing else mattered, slipping off the stools - his knee parted your legs while his palms roamed his sides and lower back, spreading them further apart as he pressed you onto the bar, palms sliding along your curved back. If Vander hadn't the willpower to snap out, you'd likely end up bent over the pool table or the tappers. Thankfully, when he felt your fingers tugging his shirt out of his pants, he stepped away, catching your palm in his.

"I... 'm sorry, doll, I shouldn't have done that, I dunno what's gotten into me." - Vander whispered apologetically, awkwardly picking up the stool you'd knocked to the ground during the kiss. "There's nothing to be sorry about, I asked for it." "Doll, there's everythin' to be sorry 'bout." "What do you mean?" - As he registered the vulnerability in your voice, his eyes snapped to you, still leaning your back into the bar. God, you looked amazing with your lips swollen from the kiss. There wasn't time to admire, you, however -this was a fine line Vander found himself on. One wrong word and you could slip past his fingers, never to be seen again.

"You... You shouldn't even be here this late, sweetheart." "Are you trying to say you don't want me here? That none of this is... Real? Was it a game for you?" - The moment you started doubting this, Vander's finger snapped at you as he shook his head. "That's not what I'm sayin'. You should be in your bed, fallin' asleep next to someone your age, maybe that blonde boy'f yours. Seems to have the hots for you, poor kid. Instead, you're here, spendin' your time with someone like me." "Someone like you?" "I could be your father, Y/N." - Vander hissed. Wow. You couldn't recall the last time he'd use your first name - he had to be worked up real bad. "You'd have to start really early, then." - You chuckled, continuing before he caught another wind. - "You're getting yourself too worked up over nothing. It's... Just a kiss, nothing more - I'll still be your regular. I loved it." - Even though the last sentence was a mere whisper, it made Vander straighten up. The explosion of a guttural warmth inside his chest was insane, almost setting him on fire. Even though it wasn't any concrete confession, one step would lead to another...

"'t felt good tonite, will feel like shit tomorrow morning, doll, you'll see." - Sighing, Vander stepped closer to you, leaning into the bar while taking one of your palms to his, playing with your fingers. - "Whatcha thinkin', doll? A Piltie like you with a Tencher like me? C'mon now, what good would that bring?" - Taking a breath, Vander pushed a stand of your hand behind your ear. "How about you let me decide what I'd like to do and how I feel about kissing you? That okay?" - Sighing, you leaned your forehead into his shoulder and gently hugged his waist with your palms. - "I'll let you know the next time I drop by."

"Okay, lemme say it differently - what would such a pretty little pet like you even do with an old geezer like me? You're not just someone, you've even studied at the Academy - the Undercity ain't somethin' you should be aimin' for, Y/N. When I look at you, I see the future. And a damn bright one at that." - His fingers were ghosting along your jaw, his heart thumping steadily. You knew the tone and look in his eyes - like a kid staring at a toy they wouldn't be able to get in a million years. - "And when you change the world, me and Benzo'll tell everyone about ya - 'Y/N? That's our girl, one of the Zaunites; the one who'd been kind enough to kiss an old fool like me'." "To which I'd say I wished you'd kiss me ever since I've met. You're just... Like a fire and I'm a moth, constantly gravitating towards you. When you're not around, it's like my breathing gets heavier, I'm worrying about where you are, what you're doing, and if you're okay... And when I see you, this warmth spreads through my chest. There's not a day when I wouldn't wanna see you and let you poke at my accent or turns of phrases. Vander, I... I... I should go." - With that, you pushed Vander off and picked up your belongings, putting a few Valors on the bars as you usually did. If you continue running your mouth, you'll start unveiling things you did your best to keep hidden away from Vander. For example, that you loved him.

If you weren't so nervous, you wouldn't miss the mesmerized look Vander gave you, breathlessly staring at you. He knew what you've been trying to say - he was on the same boat. He was just a man in his best years trying to get by, helping his community and people. It was so fucking hard to believe a girl like you liked him for what he was. If you'd say it out loud, he'd believe you. He'd even say it back. Three words - such a short phrase would become his favorite. If you had enough courage to say it, he'd repeat it over and over. Instead, he watched as you packed your things, holding everything together with a last-ditch effort. - "If I keep on going, Vander, I'd probably say things neither of us want to hear. If a kiss made the situation this messy, we wouldn't withstand what's on my mind. I... I'll see you around, I promise."

God. You were wrong. So fucking wrong. You're almost out of the door when you hear Vander calling out your name, making you turn around. He'd been mustering up the strength to say it, but before he could... The courage dissipated as you smiled at him. - "Hm?" The way he stared at you dried your mouth and your knees weakened. If you've ever seen bedroom eyes on anyone, this was it. His eyes darkened, his breath short as he tried to come up with something... Anything. Lust was a double-edged sword, that much you realized. Vander would get on his knees to hear whatever stupid shit you had on your mind if there was a slight possibility you felt the same - if that'd be the case, you'd end up bent over the bar. Drunk fucking, that would be the worst thing you could do. If you'd get down to it, you wanted Vander to be sober. You wanted to be sure it was just him touching you, whispering sweet nothings, moaning at appropriate times; not alcohol. You didn't want it to be remorse either. The moment would be right if Vander hadn't started overthinking and overcomplicating shit. "I'll go now, Vander. Remember... I won't even regret kissing you."

You didn't have the balls to go for a beer for the two following weeks. You avoided The Last Drop as if it were a plague epicenter, not even looking its way when you walked through the Lanes. Benzo caught up on the shift, asking if everything was alright. Since Vander seemingly didn't bother with informing Benzo about what happened, you hadn't either; when you popped by his pawn ship to drop off some sweets for Ekko, Benzo even got the audacity to tell you that: 'Vander misses you, asks for you every nite, girl. Whatever the old bastard had done can't be that bad, can it?' Did Vander even do anything wrong? He hadn't outright rejected you, had he? It almost seemed he'd admit there's more to it than just a kiss. Emotions, perhaps? Well, you've been on a streak of childish behavior and you planned to continue.

No matter how long you worked during the night, Vander plagued your mind. You've missed him, the way he smiled at you, gently caressed you with his looks, and how delicate his tone was when he spoke with you. It was strange to work in silence since you've gotten used to the vivacity of the Last Drop. Your flat suddenly felt like a prison - too small, too dark, and too quiet. Even when Ezreal came over to visit you and sleepover, it didn't brighten up the mood. The boy wasn't stupid when it came to crushes and lovesickness - as soon as he heard you sigh, he'd been onto your ass, trying to lure details outta you. It wasn't a bad idea, actually - you needed your friends to help you solve the conundrum of 'Vander'.

"And... You left after that?" - Ezreal asked, genuinely shocked. You've called for an emergency meeting at Jayce's - all three of you were splattered all over Jayce's sofa, sipping on a beer, eating take-out. "What else was I supposed to do?" "So, you've fallen in love with this amazing Trencher..." - Jayce mumbled through the noodles in his mouth, sitting up. - "And he kissed you like anyone before?" "Yeah, it was... Wow. We've knocked over a few stools, even, but we were both drunk." - You reminded, sighing. "Have you seen how he looks at you?" - Ezreal asked you, having you cock your head towards him dumbfoundedly. - "Every time we're there for a drink, the guy doesn't look at anyone but you. Like there's no other person in the pub, just you."

"Have you heard a word from what I've told you?" "You ran away after he pointed out a few excellent points instead of telling him what's on your mind... And then left him conscience-stricken for two weeks. Without dropping by to tell him you're just confused." - Jayce reiterated. It wasn't like that, was it? You didn't run away without telling - Vander surely knew. Why didn't he comment or answer it in any way? It wasn't just your fault - there were two to blame. "I'm... I wasn't confused." "Don't take this personally, but we've never seen you fall in love with anyone. You fooled around at the Academy - who didn't? But it looks like when it comes to real feelings... You're not too good at conveying them. Lemme guess - you started talking, said something incredibly cheesy, and then rambled, didn't you?" - Ezreal asked, smoothing your shoulder. How did he know? God, these guys knew you better than you could ever know yourself. - "In response, Vander started rambling about the future - about how it couldn't be good for you and stuff. Even though it might've come across as dismissive, Y/N, that man thought about a future by your side. Also, we can't see every thought that goes inside that brain of yours, so it can be confusing to navigate at times. You love him, then? And want to fu..." - Ezreal nibbled on, making you unnerved and flustered. Was he just about to ask you if you wanted to fuck Vander? That casually, like it's nothing? "Yes, Ezreal, yes! I can't think of anything but him, I can't eat, can't sleep..." - You exclaimed, standing up to take a long breath. The duo gave you a run for your money, you had to admit. - "All I want is him. But I don't know how to do it or what to say. That's why we're here."

"Then I don't see a problem here. Do you, Ezreal?" "None, Jayce." "We're on the same page, then." - Jayce smiled, clinking his bottle to Ezreal's before taking a good swing. - "God, these noodles are so good." "If you two don't talk, I swear on Heimerdinger's inventions..." "Vander, from what I've gathered, is an upfront, honest guy..." - Jayce started, having Ezreal nod in confirmation. "... Then it's obvious what you have to do. Just tell him. Which part? I don't know. Just go for it." "That's the best piece of advice you got for me - 'just tell him'? Isn't that what I attempted last time?" "Oh, Y/N, girl." - Ezreal howled, pushing you back to the sofa between Jayce and him, and handing you back your beer. - "This time, you're gonna go straight to the point. No cheesiness, no romance - it'll be a love confession, but you see what I mean, right? Let me phrase it delicately... You'll tell him all about those dirty scenarios inside your head. We guys love hearing stuff like that, it boosts our confidence." "For once, I second everything Ezreal said. You got this, Y/N, look at yourself. Ezreal is mostly right when sensing crushes - if he says Vander's got it bad for you, I'd trust him."

Ezreal didn't leave you on your own, God bless this sweet summer child - he'd made sure you'd really go talking to Vander, even helped you with picking out the outfit. He'd put together something insanely simple, yet elegant - a white lacey dress, a suiting black vest with golden detailing to match your Wellington boots. When enriched with adequate, very subtle golden accessories, and the right hairstyle... "God, Ezreal. When did you plan on letting me know you're a fashionista?" - You wondered, turning around to see every inch of you. You had these pieces for years and never thought enough to piece them together. Your fashion sense wasn't bad, per se, but faded in comparison to Ezreal's. "I've been making fashion statements for some time now, one'd assume you noticed since we hang out all the time." - The boy muttered, sitting on your bed. "I look so good." - Still checking yourself out, you leaned towards the mirror to look at how the golden necklace sits on your neck. "You always did. I just pushed it a step further, that's all." - Making you stand up, Ezreal caught your shoulders and looked you in the eyes. - "What's the plan? Run it by me one last time."

"I'll walk in the Last Drop, looking like a million Valors." "Duh." "Tell Vander I'd like to talk to him... Alone." "Yeah?" "And when we're alone, I'll tell him what I wanna do to him... Which will be so incredibly disgraceful and awkward..." "It'll be disgraceful and awkward if you don't pull yourself together. Be confident, smirk, touch him, smooth his shoulder, bite your lip, wiggle your eyebrows - just don't turn into a flustered mess. Imagine you're in a debating competition if that helps. Show him how serious you are, don't leave a single question unanswered." - Coach Ezreal instructed you, having you nod with fiery passion. While not known for his intelligence prowess, Ezreal was a great leader and an amazing empath. He'd known you much better than you knew yourself, helping you cross bridges you'd deemed impossible. Now, he was doing it again.

"Alright, seems to me you're in the right zone and everything. My job here is done." - The boy grinned, fixing a few strands of hair behind your ear. - "I gotta catch a date for myself." "Who's the poor soul? Do I know 'em?" - You wondered, the Undercity accent rubbing its way in. No wonder, you've been living in Zaun for at least three months by that point. Ezreal didn't point it out, just grinned while picking up his stuff lying around. "Linda from the study department." "Wow!" - You exclaimed, locking your flat. You'd walk Ez out on your way to the Last Drop. - "Why do you sound so down, then? Weren't you pinning against Linda for months?" "Eh... I mean, yeah... The problem is I asked her out at a party, super-drunk, and everything. Don't even remember what I fooled her into believing. Remember that faculty party you didn't come with me because you were too busy ogling at Vander?" "Hey, I'm not taking accountability for that. Jayce was your babysitter for the night." "He, for one, was busy ogling some guy from Heimer's office and didn't make it in time to inform Linda it's not a great idea." - Ezreal grinned, watching as you gasped for air. Ogling a guy from Heimer's office? Damn.

"How come I hadn't heard about this 'till now?" "You were too busy putting that draft together. Even sobbed about it when I slept over last week. Didn't think telling you about Jayce's romantic endeavors would help much." "And... Who's the guy? Do we know him? What's Jayce's type?" - Eyebrows wiggling, you pressed on, making Ezreal chuckle. "No, don't know him, I saw him at the party for the first time. How'd I describe him... Frail and foreign for sure. Don't take it wrong, he's... Strangely handsome, that one. Think it's the accent doing it for our poor old Jayce." "Fuck me." - You snorted, opening the front door. - "Our science bro has it down bad for other scientists. Twist of the century." "I liked Viktor." - Ez mumbled while leading you towards the main parade. - "He's snarky and most likely a genius. Zaunite by heart, strangely perceptive, weirdly confident in the best way... You'd love him." "You think Jayce would ask him on his own?" "Eh, no, not really. I'll start working on setting them up soon." "What would we do without our romance and fashion guru, Mr. Lymere?" - Looking him in the eyes, you smiled while Ezreal caught your hands in his, nodding at you.

"Now, forget all about Talis and his non-existent game... I mean, the guy can flirt, that's for sure, but..." "Not the point, Ez." "Right." - Ezreal nodded some more, clearing his throat. - "When you come tomorrow evening for the play, all I'm going to hear about is how this hunky, handsome guy blew your back out, 'kay?" "Ez!" - It was a squeal as you started to laugh, stepping aside, breaking the moment. - "You gotta stop saying that. I'm not good with... Saying this stuff out loud, you know that." "Good luck, lovely." - The boy leaned in, kissed your cheek, and sent you one of his typical smiles before turning on his heels and leaving. God, you loved Ezreal.

As Coach Ezreal coaxed you into doing, you did your best to walk into the Last Drop like a million Valors (not to mention the intense break you took leaned into the pub's wall, trying to get your shit together). As per usual, the place was lively - people haggling around, playing cards, jukebox playing a nice tune while they drank. Since it was the weekend, Vander wasn't behind the bar alone; Vera and Jakob were his backup for the night. You'd admired how Vander and his part-timers work in unison. Their responsibilities were strictly given, so each of them had their own little universe to keep in check - Vander dealt with the orders, Vera mixed cocktails and prepared snacks and Jakob ensured there were always enough dishes. "Look who we got here! Hey, Y/N!" - Benzo's voice exclaimed so loudly it was heard all over the pub - some locals acknowledged you with a nod or wave, not staring for too long. Benzo, however, was seemingly happy to have his drinking buddy back in business. As you made your way towards the bar, you'd let the guy hug you clumsily before stepping aside.

The bartender hadn't said a word to acknowledge your presence. Hadn't even looked your way, it seemed. Was he hurt, just like Ezreal expected? Was he pissed to see you walk in so casually? Why didn't he reach out, then? You'd bet your money that he knew where you lived - one could never keep a secret while living in the Lanes. It took all your willpower to snap your eyes into Vander's face, waiting for him to do anything, say something so you'd know what you're on. Funnily enough, Vander didn't plan on making it easier for you. At first, you were worried that he'd truly become indifferent. Devil's always in the detail, you reminded yourself, searching for signs of what's going on inside his head. When you started noticing, your heart fluttered in your chest, hot blood rushed into your cheeks. His eyes lingered on your lips, the gulp he'd desperately tried to suppress, the grip tightening around the glasses he polished. He'd held onto them to forcefully his knuckles turned white.

"It's so good to see you, both of you." - With a smile, you turned towards the bar. Vander automatically pulled out your favorite coater (he'd hide it away from other guests, this one was yours specifically), leaning his hands into the desk like a let-down parent. "What can I get you?" - His mumble was quiet, devoid of any emotion. No nicknames, no jokes, no flirting, huh? He'd really have to be pissed off, then. "I'm here on business, actually." - Sending him a sweet smile didn't help either? Damn. - "Could I steal you for a minute or two? Won't be keeping you long and then I'm out of your hair, promise." "Somethin' goin' down up there?" - Benzo asked with worries in his tone. "Nothing I can't take off, Benzo. Just need Vander's expert opinion, that's all. He'll be back before you know it. Shall we?" - With a clap of hands, you sent Vander yet another warm smile. The bartender raised his eyebrows, sighed, and put his tea towel on the bar. Picking up his sandwich, he'd informed Vera about being gone for fifteen minutes (for his break) at tops before vaguely gesturing for you to follow him. Fifteen minutes was all you got, huh? Fuck.

You'd expect him to lead you to his office on the upper floor - Vander didn't deem you worthy enough to sit on his plushy chairs, because he'd open the back pantry for you, opting you to sit on one of the barrels. "Well, start talkin'. We ain't have the whole evenin' - is it about the readin' or somethin'?" - Without an ounce of care, he'd peeled the napkin off his sandwich, chewing on it. "How... Have you been?" "How have I... Thought you wanna talk business, young lady." - Vander reiterated mockingly, looking away from you; his eyes had been stuck on your lacy dress, drowning in the sight of your breasts pushed together to form a delightful cleavage - it wasn't showing too much, but it definitely showed more than usual. Your breasts looked so... He'd been this close to reaching towards you, undoing the vest so he could squeeze them and nuzzle his head to your chest. Fuck, you looked so absurdly alluring and tantalizing Vander couldn't stand to look at you. He was mad at you just an hour ago - he couldn't give in that easily. He'd spent the last two weeks being absolutely miserable - your seat remained empty night after night, your coater hidden behind the tappers. Even though he'd known you weren't coming, he'd always ushered customers from sitting on your stool - his mind often going back to your carefree smile, your elbow supporting your head as you watched every move Vander made, reminding him of the cute expression on your face. Even the kids caught onto his mood swings - Vi laid into him regarding what, to quote her, 'Fucking busted his bubble?'

It took you a lot of courage to pick yourself off the barrel, stepping closer to him. Did you look seductive? You didn't feel like it at fucking all. Vander freezing like a deer in the headlights hinted that you were on the right track.

"I'm here to finish the conversation we started last week." "Not this again..." - Vander countered and started picking himself up to leave - it was a surprise when you pushed him back on his ass, keeping one hand on his shoulder, soothing his jaw with your other one. "I don't think I made myself clear enough." "Oh, trust me, darlin', you've said plenty..." "Yeah? Then you're gonna listen to it all again, I guess. Poor you." - The sandwich was long forgotten, lying on one of the shelves as you cocked your head to the side, sending Vander the calmest, sweetest smile you could muster. Holy shit, you realized, Ezreal's advice worked. Vander couldn't look away from you as you leaned your knee between his, planting your thumb on his lower lip to enthuse you'd love to kiss him again. Feeling the softness of his mouth made you lick your lips.

"I hoped you'd be smarter than this, sweetheart." - Vander whispered, finally giving in to your touch - you could feel his fingers creeping up your calves, gently lifting your skirt up, traveling up to your thighs. - "I ain't good news for a young thing like you. You'll get bored soon 'nough, leavin' me behind. Won't even remember me a few years from now... Thought you not showin' up was a good sign." "Good sign?" "That you'd understood what I tried to say and decided it would be best not to fool around with someone like me." "I thought about this a lot over the last week - about you, me, and what I tried to do. I was drunk, we both were, and words didn't come across as I'd like 'em to." - Lifting his chin up, you started playing with his hair. - "No matter how much you hate hearing this, I'm really into you. I think I'm in love with you."

Everything stopped for a second - his grip on your thighs tightened as he brought you closer, staring at you with pure adoration. His expression didn't reflect all the love and happiness behind his eyes, but the fireworks going off told you more than you needed to know. He'd felt the same, to one degree or another. There wasn't any rush to say it back - when he opened his mouth to talk, your finger stopped him as you pressed it there. Cheekily, Vander planted a kiss on it, waiting for what you wanted to say. Rest assured, your words almost gave him a heart attack.

"Now - stop fucking telling me how I'll feel or what I'll do in a few years. I want to be in the now with you and you're making it pretty fucking difficult. How about you just forget about everything for one night and show me how you feel about me? I don't care if this isn't a good long-term decision or whatever you're about to say - you're what I want most now. And even if I'd become a real diplomat one day... Vander, we're smart. We can figure it out. Stay in the moment, here with me." - Stepping in, you could feel your thighs bump into his abdomen - still holding his head in your palm, you were standing directly above him. Fucking hell, he was even more handsome up close. You loved every small wrinkle and crevice of his skin, an almost invisible scar on his lower lip, prominent cheekbones, and hair so soft you wanted to simply tug on it. His fingers on your thighs started to move up and down, caressing your smooth skin - even that alone was enough to make you meowl softly.

"So, therefore, I propose we drop the act and focus on letting whatever this is blossom. Fuck, you have no idea about how many times I'd imagined kissing you, Vander, how I melt each time you smile or give me a cheesy compliment. No other man in my life makes my hands shake just by standing beside me. You have no idea how many times I've dreamt you'd be in my bed, taking my clothes off and eating me out... And all the things I'd like to do to you, shit." - You continued mumbling erratically, not really paying attention to what was leaving your mouth - Vander seemed mesmerized either way as he bent your knees carefully, lifting you up to sit his lap (given he was sitting on a barrel, that shit must've been uncomfortable as fuck). Hearing you curse for the first time was an out-of-world experience for him, especially when accompanied by quiet hisses and subtle moans. Every word leaving your lips was dipped in honey, making him gasp for air helplessly - if he'd like to, he was sure you'd be willing to undress right there and then. Your knees fit around his waist as if he was made for you, his hardening dick pressing onto your thigh the moment you wiggled a bit. Feeling him made you gulp and lick your lips as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders, playing with his hair.

"I don't know what you're so scared of? I'm here, you're here... Let's just... See what happens." "Ain't this an abuse of power, miss diplomat?" - He whispered, making you giggle. "Would be if you didn't want to fuck me as desperately as I wanna fuck you." - You whispered, stealing a quick peck off his lips. This broke the dam, causing all the feelings and emotions to flood out. "You - have - no - idea - what - ya - doin' - to - me - doll." - After each word, Vander stole a kiss from your lips, his palms lifting your ass, making you rock on his waist, grinding on his dick with a raisin intensity. Each movement made you moan breathily, sending chills down your spine. and started grinding your groin against his, earning a breathy moan from you. - "Seein' you talk to men makes my blood boil 'cause I want to be the only one you give that pretty smile to. I wanna be the one wakin' up next to you, caressin' your skin, help you with showerin' your back, and see all the newest clothes and underwear you bring home... Mainly the latter, 'f course. I just... I just wanna be your man." "Then show me, baby." - You whispered quietly, pulling him for a proper kiss, grinding against his lap in a steady rhythm. Warmth was spreading through your tummy, making it tighten each time your clit grazed the fabric of his trousers.

"I'd love nothin' else, doll..." - The man hummed, holding your chin between his fingers. Dear lord almighty, you looked more sensual than any woman he'd met before you - you seemed to be intoxicated from his kisses and words, your face burning up as he dragged his finger along your cheek. Each time you rocked your hips over his cock, your entire body shivered, eyelids fluttering. Realizing it was him making you meowl, that he kissed you so passionately that your lips were swollen was the hottest turn-on he'd ever felt. - "But my break is almost over. No way I'd undress you in this damn pantry for our first time, you deserve somethin' much better. You free tonight?" "Hmhm? What do you have on mind?" "Come pick me up after I close down. I'll make us dinner. We'll see where the things go from there, yeah?" "Can't wait, handsome."

After Vander watched you leave the Last Drop with a shy smile, his eyes glued to your ass, he couldn't stop grinning. Five hours remaining until your randez-vouz... A whole fucking eternity. The tent in his pants was unquenchable, no matter how many hairy men Vander attempted to imagine. This tween behavior made Benzo grin - he didn't need to ask what you've been up to, he already knew. Watching Vander's blush and his constant throat clearing was enough of a show in itself. Business his ass; Benzo and Vera actually bet if you'd have sex right then and there or if you'd wait for a better moment. Vera was now 20 Valors richer.

"Could you take over the tappers for a minute?" - Vander asked, looking at the drink she was just finishing - you'd like it. Filled with pieces of chopped fruit, a very refreshing mix of spirits and lemonade. - "Gotta arrange somethin' real quick." "You got it, V." - Vera called over her shoulder, showing Vander a thumbs-up. Leaving his tea towel on the bar, Vander turned on his heels to walk into the basement - this was his kids' designed hangout spot when they didn't feel like exploring Lanes. And since Vi was under house arrest, they've been lounging around it all weekend.

"Oh, hey." - Claggor was first to acknowledge him - he and small Powder were playing tick-tack-toe while Mylo read in the corner, only sending him a nod. Vi was sitting on the couch with her palms under her head, staring at the ceiling. "What's up, old man?" - Vi muttered, sitting up. She had the most authority over the group, so she needed to be pressured the most - getting along with her meant getting along with the rest of the kids. At this point, Vi wasn't even mad, unlike a month back - now, she spent most of the time thinking about how to avoid Vander's attention next time, ticking off the few remaining days on her hands.

"I wanna make a deal with ya, kids." - Vander started, leaning his ass into the counter below him. Everyone was paying attention now, their head turned directly at him. The truth was - he needed the flat empty if he wanted to host a dinner for you and fuck senseless after... Which would be difficult with four fucking kids around. - "I'll let Vi off the hook sooner if you'd sleep here, need ya outta my hair. Just for tonight." "Why?" - Powder wondered, her enormous blue eyes ogling at Vander. It was time to blush, sweat, and truly clear his throat. All the kids stared at him before Mylo exclaimed 'Aaaaah', laughing at Vander's busted ass. "... Our old man got himself a date." - The boy explained - before he managed to utter another word, Vi gripped her palm around his shoulder. "That's all she needs to know." - The girl ended topically, grinning at Vander. - "That's it? No buts or ifs if we stay the night here? That's all you askin'? You'll just... Let me off the hook?" "Depends, have you learned your lesson?" "Of course I did." - The girl answered, emphasis on the word 'did'. Yeah, right, and Vander was the newest fucking councilor. The kids started nodding frantically, making the old man chuckle. - "We all did. Last month had been very educational for all four of us." "Then you're off the hook. Of course, in case of an emergency, just come ask for help - I'll be here for you..." - Vander informed swiftly, watching as Vi sat next to him with an angelic smile - from his experience, she was about to ask the stupidest fucking question he'd heard all day. "Is it the pretty one? That one sitting on the bar all the time and staring at you as if she'd never seen a man? She has it bad for you." "You're begging for another month of house arrest." "Hadn't even said anything!" - The girl laughed, taking Vander's answer as a yes.

Striking a deal with the kids was a double-edged sword - they might be grateful for now, but jokes and innuendos were coming Vander's way, for sure. He needed to embrace all parts of fatherhood - the good parts, like Powder's drawings on the fridge or Vi's occasional hugs as well as the bad parts, consisting, for example, of the kids consistently finding sex and relationships cringe and disgusting. "Can I ask a favor from ya?" - Vander stopped in the doorframe, looking at the kids. - "Would you clean up the mess you've made yesterday?" "Oh, yeah... The pancakes..." - Powder sighed, remembering all the dirty dishes and ingredients plastered all over the kitchen sink. That might've been her job. Vander (while being very grateful for the breakfast) asked the kids if a bomb had gone off in the kitchen. "No problem, big guy, you got it!" - Vi exclaimed, her eyes shining as she just found another angle for a stupid statement. - "Everything will be good as new for your big night, on my honor." "You're on some mighty thin ice here." - The old man mumbled, but couldn't hide the grin appearing on his face.

Waiting for the Last Drop to close was endless, you'd swear - you'd change into outfit after outfit, trying out different underwear sets and even switching your hairstyle three times. You'd decided on something more decadent and less showy - while the afternoon visit was to seduce Vander, now you wanted to be more you - while being less fashionista, your outfits were still cute. Even walking into the establishment was nerve-wracking - just as you slipped through the door, Vera was leaving for the night after cleaning the whole place up. Jakob was long gone after that point - his mom was sick, so he'd leave around ten, leaving the two to deal with the locals and patrons.

"Hey." - You waved, smiling at the guy shyly. Vander was just polishing the tappers - you loved how his hand moved steadily, showing all the veins on his forearm. "Hey, you. Lookin' cute." - The man didn't waste any time making you fluster as you put your bag on your stool - you'd packed a few spare things to change into. "How was the night?" - Without hesitation, you'd walk behind the bar and roll up your sleeves to sort the different glass types Vander had lying around. "C'mhere. Forgotten somethin', silly." - Without notifying you, the man hugged your hips and pulled you in for a kiss - no matter your wet hands. Giggling, you didn't hesitate to kiss him back, gently smoothing his chin.

"Missed ya here, sweetheart." "I'm here now... And I'm starving." "Let me finish up so I can cook you somethin' delicious, doll." - Gently slapping your ass (melting at your surprised squeal), the man started finishing the very last chores feverishly. "I'm here to help - after I finish the glasses, what's on the agenda?" "Nothin' for you. I'd like some help in the kitchen, though." "Got it. Well..." - Smiling at him, you'd slap his ass back. It was a homely gesture you enjoyed, honestly. Something about slapping ass and watching his eyes shine as he glared at you made your heart flutter - getting another kiss helped too.

Vander's flat was on the top floor of the Last Drop - it was spacious, but felt crowded at the same time, for an inexplicable reason. There was a lot of stuff. Even though it was tidy, you got a chaotic vibe from the place... That meant you wouldn't like it, however. The design was incongruous, as you'd expected from a bachelor's fault - the pieces of furniture didn't match at all (in case they did, it was only vague), and the decoration was lacking, but he'd everything he needed. The flat smelled nice, unlike the rest of Zaun - like wood, oranges, jasmine, and his musk... It smelled like him.

"Welcome to my little kingdom." "Mhm, I like it here... A lot. Feels quite like home." - Your words made him smile even more widely than before - walking to you, he gently held your head in his palms before lowering his, kissing you with a happy hum. It was a sweet, delicate romantic kiss; his lips gently brushed yours, his palms slowly traveling onto your shoulders, copying the curve of your back and settling on your ass, bringing you impossibly close. "Let's get cookin' before you make me lose my damn mind, doll." - With a last caress of your jaw, he'd walk into a spacious kitchen/dining room. The table was impressively large - enough to host at least seven people. That was where you noticed it for sure - a lonely crayon forgotten under the table and children's drawings on the pantry door. Observing them, you nodded to yourself, putting your bag onto one of the chairs.

"There are... Nice." - You muttered, pointing at them. His expression froze for a second before he joined you in observing the masterpieces. "Mhm. I like 'em a lot. Always make my day." "Who gave them to you?" - With the most innocent expression you could muster, you pressed on with the interrogation. Vander... Wasn't taken, was he? He'd tell you if he was, right? Where would be his wife and presumed children - would he just tell them to leave the flat until he deals with his booty call? Surely not.

"Well, yannow, I help around the community. A lot of kids out here, a lot of excited painters." "Uh-huh." - The confusion and suspicion in your voice was almost tangible. There was one theory you could test out. - "Could I use the bathroom real quick?" "Suit yourself, doll. The first door on the left. Call out if you need anythin'." "I'll be right back." - Kissing his shoulder to divert his attention a bit, you walked inside the small bathroom - it wasn't anything regal, but it fulfilled its purpose. Turning on the basin to cause distraction, you started searching for proof of feminine presence - make-up, perfume, comb... Anything. The only thing you found, however, was a pink hairband forgotten next to the shower. A girl's hairband, you realized - could he be a widower? That would be fine too, you'd even understand why he hadn't mentioned it until then. Well, in that case, it would be better not to pressure him - he'll tell you on his own.

"Everythin' alright?" - He'd ask as soon as he noticed you lurking around the kitchen. Letting your eyes drown in the sight of a homey, domestic Vander was a heavenly sight. He'd taken off his jacket and worked on cutting some vegetables. "Everything alright. What can I help with?" "The meat." Cooking together was fun. You'd open a bottle of wine, chatting as you prepared the meal - Vander asked about details he hadn't learned yet, and you asked about his past, favorite pastime, and hobbies. As per usual, he'd been an open book, answering everything right away and with honesty - this guy could be married, no way in a million years. When a comfortable silence settled between you, you just wait for the meal to be ready - you've decided to settle on a small, very old kitchen island while waiting for Vander to finish peeling and roasting the potatoes.

"Whatcha grinnin' at, you pretty little thing?" "Just watching the most beautiful man I've met, 's all." "Look at her." - Approaching you, the man was purring with happiness. As he approached the edge of the island, your legs opened themselves to hook around his waist, bringing him closer. - "The accent's catchin' 'n everythin'." "Did to impress the guy I like." "Hope he's handsome and treats you right." "You have no idea." - Holding him in place with your palm, you put the glass down and closed off the distance, kissing him slowly. Passion built up with each little movement - he'd hold you impossibly close, his hands roaming your body freely, even taking the vest you've been wearing. Hip lips traveled from your lips to your neck, kissing a small trail below the collar of your blouse as he worked on the buttons. If you weren't starving, you'd let him undress you right there, on the fucking kitchen island... Ruining the atmosphere, your stomach started growling. The moment was gone in an instant, having you both laugh quietly.

"I'm sorry." - You laughed as he hugged you. This time, you let your hands roam around his broad back and shoulders, scratching it with your fingers. "Nothin' to be sorry 'bout. I promised you dinner and I intend to keep the promise." "You bet. Couldn't wait for what you have in store." "... If you provide the desert, that is." - The tone of his voice mesmerized you, having you ogling at him. Fucking hell, he looked so hot - looking at you with his eyes darkened with lust, his thumb playing with your lower lip. Wiggling your hips around, you could feel what was the reason for this sudden change of mood. His dick was deliciously outlined, almost begging to be pulled out and sucked, hitting the back of your throat. "I can give you a little taste." - With an innocent smile, your palm slowly caressed his lower abdomen, slipping down between his legs. Even the thought of having his dick on your palm made you hot and bothered, let alone imagine him finally fucking you after all this time. Sure, you've had sex before, but you've been this down bad and horny for anyone. Imagining him naked made you shuttered, his warmth made goosebumps rise on your skin - as if he knew what pressure to apply, how to apply it, and for how long... Vander was perfect. Fucking perfect. Just when you brushed the tip, Vander's palm tugged on yours.

"Dinner first, doll." - Pushing himself between your legs, he couldn't resist pulling you for one last kiss. - "You'll have all night for showin' me what a good fuckin' girl you are." "Okay, baby." "Good. I ain't plannin' on lettin' you leave until the mornin'." - With a last kiss on your temple, Vander walked back to the stove to check on the food. It smelled delicious. So much so that your stomach grumbled again.

The dinner was delicious, you had to admit. The man knew his cooking and he wasn't shying away from showing you heaven by overstimulating the everliving shit out of your taste buds. Vander even brought a bottle of wine from Last Drop's exclusive displays to amp it up. Having a man working in gastronomy spoiling you rotten had its benefits, you must admit. The conversation was... Mundane. You'd suspect the rising tension would've made it harder to make small talk. Still, it didn't change much except the hunger behind Vander's eyes - he hadn't seen you or talked to you properly in the last two weeks, of course, he wanted to hear what you've been up to, how locals treated you and if there's anything he can do to help.

You've been the one to do the dishes, despite Vander's protests - he was ordered to sit down and relax for a bit; he'd been on a long shift and cooked for you, no way you wouldn't return the hospitality. Other than fucking him senseless, that was. "Lord almighty." - It was a mere whisper, almost too quiet for you to notice. While drying your hands, you'd turned your head to Vander to send him a smile - his expression made you freeze in one place. His voice was husky as he stared at you, looking you up and down as if he hadn't seen a prettier woman before. His elbow leaned to the back of his chair, his tongue slowly traveling on his lips as he enjoyed the view - your hair let down, blouse half unbuttoned, tar trousers perfectly hugging your curves. Domestic behavior was one of his weaknesses.

The stare sucked the air out of your lungs, the smile disappearing. He'd been staring at you as if he was preparing to devour you alive, like a wolf preparing for the last blow. You've never felt like prey... Not in a good way. Daring to take it a step further, you unbuttoned the vest, letting it slip off your shoulders. The man didn't tear his eyes off you - it was hard to even blink, let alone move. Carefully, your fingers push under the blouse, showing off more and more of your skin. As you teased to show him your breasts, his response was a playful scoff. Turning away from him, you slipped the piece of clothing over your head; the see-through fabric left little to the imagination anyway, but finally looking at the laces of your bra left Vander biting his lip.

"Enjoying the show, big guy?" "You have no idea, doll." "How about you show me, then?" "Seems you're havin' fun on your own, don't lemme slow you down." "Could use a spare pair of hands." "Keep goin' and I'll think 'bout it."

Stripping for someone's enjoyment was new for you, but it was... Fun. You'd suspect you'd feel dumb, maybe silly; seeing how he palmed his hardening dick over his pants while watching each move you made gave you confidence. So much of it, in fact, that you slowly slipped the pants off your hips, your boots following soon after. Vander's eyes were glued to how you palmed your breast, playing with the hems of your panties. "Still want to only watch?" "Do you realize how mesmerizing you look, darlin'?" - With that, your fingers finally slipped under the fabric - your other palm grabbed on the kitchen unit so you could ache your back, letting out a lewd moan. - "Keep goin', doll, show me how you like it."

Fulfilling the wish, your fingers drew delicate circles around you, gathering all the wetness leaking out of you. You hadn't been this wet for anyone before Vander. Soon, you stopped caring if he was even watching you - you started to slip your fingers in and out, playing with yourself just as you enjoyed it. It was when your breathing got heavier and your knees started giving out when he finally walked over to you. Immediately, your forehead found its way to his shoulder, your fingers grabbing his forearm forcefully enough to leave dents. Helping you with getting off, he carefully pushed the tiny lacy panties aside (Vander wanted to keep them intact mainly because he suspected this piece of clothing would bring him on his knees anytime you'd show it to him). His fingers were much thicker than yours, making you moan in sensation as he carefully pushed them inside you, curling them up ever so slightly.

"Keep goin' for me, pretty girl, I wanna hear you moan." "F-fuck, Vander." - As he requested, so you provided, panting heavily between meowls and lewd moans leaving your mouth. - "You can add one more and go faster, please." While doing as you asked, he also slipped one of the straps off your shoulder, letting your breast bounce out of the bra. Carefully nibbling on your nipple, he'd pushed his knee between your legs to support you. With each second, your moves started becoming erratic as you ground against his hand, trying to match his palm's thrusts. "Shit, I think... I'm about to..." - Throwing your head backward, his lips found yours in a rough, passionate kiss. "Let go for me, c'mon, good girl." - His husky voice in your ears defused the bomb building inside your abdomen, letting you sink into his fingers in one last stretch. The orgasm felt surreal - his smell intoxicated your brain, your ears started ringing from the blood rushing inside your veins and your mouth produced the most erotic sounds it ever has.

"Holy shit, that was nice." - You admitted, gripping his shirt to lower him down for a proper kiss. "I want to hear this more often, sweetheart." - Vander chuckled, licking his fingers clean while staring you in the eyes. This view had you biting on your lip, kissing him once more just to feel his and your tastes mixed. This alone made you smirk. - "Can't believe how lucky I am to have you here. I imagined this so many times..." "Let me take care of you, big guy." - Leaving all the clothes in a discarded mess on the kitchen floor, your palm tugged on his palm to lead him inside the bedroom.

It was a bit messy, surely seen better days, but it felt very homey - his bed was unmade, clothes that he discarded in a rush were thrown over the chair and a collection of various books and papers gathered on the table. You could notice various framed pictures hanging on the wall but didn't go as far as to check them out. The bed seemed sturdy, excessive wooden frame resting at the mint green wall. You liked it. Even before you asked the first question, his lips crushed to yours, forcing you to back until your knees hit the edge of the mattress. While his hands started pulling his t-shirt off his body, you didn't waste any time unbuckling his belt, your lips kissing a wet trail on the skin he uncovered for you.

He'd been in better shape than you imagined - Vander wasn't the type to have his muscles flexing or rocking a six-pack, but he was slender with just the right amount of chubbiness sprinkled on top of it. Dad bod in its finest form, that's how Ezreal described it to you. You loved the curly hair on his chest; it wasn't too dense, just enough to look ridiculously hot. His happy trail below the belly button was very tasteful, making you moan breathily. Your fingers started to shake as you finally pushed his trousers down, putting your palms on his hips and taking a moment to simply adore him.

Vander was the most beautiful man you came across, there was doubt in your mind - you loved his fucking body. His palms were much larger in comparison to yours, also filled with small calluses due to his occupation, but the rest of his skin was smooth and warm. His stature was a sight to behold - broad shoulders, wide chest, and waist that simply begged to be puzzled between your thighs. Just by looking at the outline of his dick, you knew it was going to be a nice ride - its length was perfect for you, the only thing you were worrying about was how thick it appeared to be. "What's the frown for, doll?" - His voice broke you out of your thoughts, his thumb playing with your lower lip. "Never had someone so wide." - Your words made your pussy contract delightfully, already aching to feel him filling you to the brim. "I'm a handy guy, doll, I'm sure you can take it if I help you. But you gave me a promise, remember?" "Desert?" "Lay down for me, sweetheart, c'mon." - With a quick, skillful move, the bra slid off your shoulders, leaving you fully naked. And yet, you've never felt sexier as you laid down, letting him prop your back up with a pillow while getting on his knees. - "Look at the view, doll." -Vander murmured, pecking both your inner thighs. His smirk was screaming danger, but so fucking good-looking. You've been so aroused that the surrounding air felt cold on your core. - "Must be nicest I had in years. You're even wetter than before doll, God." - With a murmur, he'd kiss the sweet spot right above your clit, sliding his nose through your folds tantalizingly slow. - "You smell and taste so fucking good."

Then, he dived right in, taking you in his mouth with careful, slow, and precise movements - his tongue copied lazy circles around your throbbing bundle of nerves, and his palms and shoulders kept your legs spread wide open, no matter how many times you tried pushing them together. It could be felt he's skilled in eating out - even though he couldn't know what you liked, he started slow and looked at how you reacted, being perceptive enough to repeat the movements you seemed to enjoy and avoid those that made you frown. It didn't take him long to make you a whimpering, whiney mess - especially after his mouth dipped down to catch every bit of your arousal, licking you clean - his watery eyes were piercing through yours, watching as your breasts moved with each breath you took. When he pushed two fingers in once more, a long and needy moan filled his bedroom. That was when you broke off the eye contact and draped the sheets, concentrating on the heat slowly building in your abdomen, your toes curling against your will. His tempo was slow, playful... Vander was definitely taking his time with you.

"'s this what you imagined, doll? Havin' me on my knees, goin' insane over how you taste and sound?" - The man murmured into the skin on your thigh, sending light vibrations through your pussy as he chuckled upon listening to how you desperately tried putting a sensical sentence together. You failed miserably. As you stumbled on your words, his fingers sped up until you squirmed with pleasure, tightening the grip around his shoulders. - "With I could stay here forever, eatin' this pretty little cunt 'til my name's the only thing you remember. Such a pretty fuckin' little girl." "Vander, please, I need you." - With all the will remaining inside you, you managed to pick yourself up on your elbows, tugging on his hair. - "Please, baby, I need you so fucking much. Your tongue on me, your dick balls deep inside me, whatever you'd like... Just don't fucking stop." "Never, doll." - His mouth assaulted your sex with precision, devouring you like there was no tomorrow, even pushing his face further into you while his fingers worked wonders inside you. Your fingers tangled inside his hair, ensuring he wouldn't move an inch. The movements of his tongue became brutal the more your pelvis rode his face as you started chasing your release. He mumbled something, but you never got to know what it was - the vibrations were enough to send you over the edge, making your body tense up and thighs squeeze his head impossibly close to your clit as he continued sucking on it, riding you out of your high.

When your legs spread again, he gasped for air with a large smile, his beard glistening with your arousal. Fuck. Having him marked like that was turning you on. His fingers inside you didn't stop moving yet, enjoying the way your walls squeezed them. He enjoyed how you squirmed each time his thumb gently caressed your oversensitive bundle of nerves. "All good, doll?" "No one had... Jesus, hmpf... How... How are you so good at this?" "Just wanna see my girl happy, 's all. Love seein' your face like this." - Still working wonders between your legs, Vander picked himself off the floor to kiss you. Gently, he pressed in another finger, stretching you even more. But by Gods, it felt so good. - "We're there, baby girl."

Not breaking the kiss, his fingers slipped out of your slit, helping you to climb higher on the bed. Once again, you propped your pelvis up with a pillow, sinking your head into another. Vander caressed your cheek and kissed you before teasingly running his dick through your folds - you were still slippery enough thanks to the mix of his saliva and your arousal, so there wasn't a need for lubricating. His precum leaking out of the tip of his cock made it simpler. Still kissing you, he started teasing you cradling his pelvis back and forth with his dick aligned with your entrance, as if it was to slip any moment now; his other arm propped on the bedframe. "Ready, doll?" "Whenever you are." "Attagirl."

As soon as the tip of his cock slipped inside you, a hurtful hiss crossed your lips - his mouth was instantaneously back on yours, kissing you gently, the palm which was guiding his cock minutes later entangled with yours. Even though Vander did his best to loosen you up, he was still wide. The width made you gasp for air between kisses, each inch filling you like anything before. It didn't hurt, it was just a bit uncomfortable until you got used to the sensation. Your eyes sliding across his face and mouth wide open, you started enjoying the feeling of fullness, especially seeing the ecstatic, awed expression on his face. "Almost there, doll, almost there. You're takin' it so good." "It feels so good, baby. I love feelin' your dick inside me." - As you traced your fingers on his face, you could feel him throbbing upon your words. The sensation made you move against his body, letting the rest of the dick slip inside in one swift motion. - "Holy shit, fuck, fuck, fuck." "You look so fuckin' mesmerizing, takin' my dick like that." - His pelvis started moving carefully, sloppily slipping in and out of you. The sounds were so erotic, so perfect, turning you on even more.

When you felt like you could take it, you started to meet his thrusts halfway, making you both groan in pleasure. Your knees circle around his waist, pulling him deeper inside you - as he did his best to make love to you, his thrusts were playful, slow, and careful, making sure you're getting the most out of it. Vander was also making sure you'll be ready for when he'll start mercilessly fucking you like there's no tomorrow. "Mhmh, you feel so fucking good, Vander." "Love it when you say my name like this." "Vander..." - You moaned, feeling as his pace started picking up, his thrusts becoming more precise. - "God, Vander, Vander, Vander." "You'll be the death of me, fuck."

Before you grasped it, the headboard started banging into the wall as the bed creaked under the brutal tempo Vander had set - you didn't attempt to shush your screams and moans as you dragged your nails down his back, aching your back until your breasts met his chest. Both of you were sweaty and aching in the best way possible, sloppily kissing anytime you could. "I won't last for much longer, doll." - His voice was hoarse as he stared at your tits bouncing around, every semblance of sense erased from his mind. All Vander knew was how perfect you felt tightening around him, that this pussy must've been hand-made for him and him only, and that your moans were the most musical sounds he'd heard until that day. "Cum for me, big guy." "Where... Shit." - Vander sat up, putting his forearm under your back to keep you in position. This new sensation made you squirm, digging your nails deep into his forearm. He'd been even wider from this angle, filling you up better than before. - "Where do you want me, doll?" "Anywhere you want, Vander."

This was Vander's last stretch. His name falling off your lips in such a lewd manner fried his circuits, having him bury his dick deep inside you with one last thrust. Out of breath, Vander collapsed on your chest, listening to your fast heartbeat. Your fingers started playing with his hair and caressing his sweaty back, feeling the warmth spreading deep within you. Everything felt perfect. "You know how you said... You loved me?" "... Also said you don't have to say it back, Vander." "What if I'd like to, doll?" "... Then I'd be the happiest girl in the Lanes." "I love you." - The man murmured, picking his head up to look you in your eyes. The words made you smile widely as you held his pace in your arms, giggling. His softening member was still inside you, but neither of you seemed to be in the rush to pull it out.

"That's the fucking talking, big guy." "It ain't, on my honor. You're the best girl I've ever met. If you won't mind, I'd love to make you mine." "Then repeat it..." "I love you, doll." "Again." "I love you." "... One more time." "I love you, Y/N." "I love you too, Vander." - Cracking a smile, you let the man kiss you, losing yourself in his warm bear hug and embrace. Moments after, he finally picked himself up, walking to the bathroom to bring you a warm towel. Letting you clean yourself up, he disappeared into the kitchen to make you tea and pick up all your clothes scattered over the floor.

The night, just as he promised, was endless - he'd taken you from more positions, caressing your body with the utmost care, as if you were a goddess he wished to worship. You did your best to project his behavior, but you've been too lost in it all - his lips, warm skin, arms wrapped around each time part of your body, his groans in your ear, his beard scratching your lips anytime you kissed... It was around seven in the morning when you finally picked yourself up, pushing his shirt over your head. "Want something from the kitchen, big guy?" "All I want is you back as soon as you can." "Bet your ass..." - Before you could finish the joke, someone barged into the room, making you scream in surprise. You were moaning Vander's name just a few minutes back - who the fuck was this?

Looking at the incoming person, you've known the girl. You've already seen her serving in Vander's - the same violet hair, deadpan on her face as she looked at Vander covering himself with his sheets. "What the..." - You asked, looking at her. The girl, seemingly, ignored you. "... She did it again. I need your help, old man." "What? Who did what? Who are you? Vander?" - You asked with confusion, looking from Vander to the girl and back. "Oh, hi." - Suddenly, the trouble was forgotten as she leaned her shoulder into the doorframe, smiling at you cockily. - "Fancy seeing you here. Looking good." "Hi?" "What did Powder do this time?" - Vander sighed, bringing Vi's attention back to him. To hide the embarrassment, Vander massaged his face with a long sigh.

"We wanted to prepare some breakfast for you guys, so naturally, the stove's on fire." - The girl explained, but didn't seem to be in a rush to stop the ongoing apocalypse in the kitchen - now that you concentrated on it, you could hear distressed squeals and multiple people arguing, pans clinking on the metal - you could also see the smoke rolling out of the kitchen. The flat smelled hellish, making your eyes swell in tears from the subtle itching. "Cover the pan with a pot lid - it'll put out the flames. I'll be right over." "Hope you'll swing by too. Powder can't wait to meet you." - The girl picked herself off the doorframe, winking at you before closing the door.

"What the fuck was that?" - You asked, looking at Vander with disbelief. Who was she? Was she his daughter? Who are the other kids? You had your suspicions, yes, but this freaked you out more than you expected. You expected one, two kids at best - according to the ruckus, there were more people than that, though. "Listen, if you want to leave now, doll, I understand... I..." "Are these your kids?" "Sorta?" "Sort of? How can you 'sort of' have kids? "Adopted 'em little nuisances after the riots last year. None of 'em had a home to go back to - felt responsible for 'em. Listen, as I said, no one's holdin' you here. You must be furious..." "Fucking confused is what I am. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" "Wasn't confident 'nough if I'll even be what ya want without knowing I have four kids on my back." The vulnerable expression on his face made you soften up. Four kids was a lot, yes - his actions, however, were honorable. Where would they end up if Vander didn't step up, giving them a home and a loving fatherly embrace? The longer you stared at Vander, the more motivated you were to step out of the door confidently, sharing this awkward morning with all five of them, and taking everything it could give you. You... Wanted to meet them. You wished to know every possible side of Vander and share all the good and the bad with him. You wanted everything he was offering - whether it was holding your hand, kissing you during his shifts in the pub, all the mindblowing sex, warmth in his eyes as he whispered 'I love you', his fingers tracing your skin as you laid opposite each other and talked between fucking, his warmth, his love... You wanted it all. And if he had kids, that was a part of this little everything you wanted so bad, no matter how worried it made you.

"Was this the reason why you freaked out so bad?" "Ain't it obvious, Y/N? I'm almost forty, with a pub and four kids on my neck. Someone as young shouldn't worry about whether they have 'nough to eat, clothes to wear, 'bout what trouble they got themselves into this time... This ain't a life for such a young little thing." "But it's your life. And I want you..." "That's precisely why you shouldn't be wantin' me, doll. C'mon." "Stop making my decisions for me, Vander. Did you plan on telling me about the kids?" "Not for a bit... I was worried it would drive you away. I'm a selfish bastard, haven't you noticed?" "Fucking far from it. The least you could do was to tell me about them. It would make things less embarrassing." "What do you mean?"

"I mean, if you told me ahead of time, we could have our little rendezvous at my place - do you realize how awkward this is for me? For them also, I'm sure." "I'm sorry, Y/N... I didn't know how to bring it up..." "We better get going before Powder blows the kitchen up." "... You ain't gonna leave?" "Of course not. These kids are a part of your life, so I want to get to know them. Step by step. If let me stick around, I can be a good step-mum to them one day, maybe." "Are you serious?" - Vander asked, staring at you with his lips parted. "Dead serious." "I... Fucking love you, Y/N." "Right back at you, handsome. Move your ass before someone barges in to drag us into the kitchen."

___ Author's note: So, regarding Ezreal... I didn't want him to come across as a sappy romantic who's in love with the reader - he's more of a naïve playboy in my mind, constantly falling in love with whoever's in front of him, seeing different people every week. Ez definitely got the charm and rizz to pull something like that off. On the other hand, I think it could be a platonic love situation - they're both into each other (to one degree or another) - the reader doesn't date him, however, because she has standards, and Ezreal, as he admitted, would rather die than seeing someone like himself fooling around with her.

[lullabyes22-blog]

Snippet - Grenade - Forward but Never Forget/XOXO

Silco makes an unlikely ally a promise...

tw: mentions of war, rape and suicide.

Forward but Never Forget/XOXO

By nightfall, they began readying to move. There was a lot to prepare. Weapons had to be divided, ammunition weighed, the routes traced. Then, came the goodbyes. The last-minute hugs and kisses and slaps on the shoulder. Couples split to cover different sectors. Families bid farewells to their children.

Lika, squeezing past Silco to the cellar, left to bid her girls goodnight. From the doorway, hazed in brightleaf smoke, Silco watched her perch on the stairs to soothe them in hushed tones. Their small faces were upturned and trusting. Lika's, lined by hardship, was tender and brave.  She embraced them, and kissed them thrice.

Then she rose, and turned, and climbed up the stairs.

Silco’s eyes caught little Vi's in the gloom. He remembered the days when they'd play together in the cellar: her laughter filling the darkened space like sunshine. Those were good days. Simple days. When her biggest problems were hunger and boredom. When her biggest threats were rats, and tarred hair, and the monsters in the cupboard.

She was just a kid, still. But her eyes held a quiet flintiness. Her spirit was already the size of a mountain.

Just like Vander.

Silco gave her a nod. "Look out for yourself, Pet."

He thought she'd wave. She didn't. Instead, she stared him straight in the eye, as if to say: Look out for us.

Then the door shut fell shut. Lika leaned against the frame, and closed her eyes. For the first time, he saw the glistening streaks of tears down her cheeks. When she noticed his stare, she shook her head and laughed. But the laughter was wet, and the lightness wobbled before collapsing into silence.

"This will work," she whispered. "Won't it?"

"Yes," he said, and he’d meant it. Gods, he’d meant it. "It will."

"All right." She drew in a deep breath, and wiped her cheeks with a brisk gesture. "Silco?"

 "Hm."

"Promise me something." Her eyes were dry now. Unflinching. "You and Vander. You'll keep the kids safe. If I don't... if we don't make it back."

"Lika, that's—"

"Please." She took his arm and squeezed. "Promise me."

He remembers how cold her fingers felt. Like the touch of death, and him the harbinger. But he wasn't her death. He was her comrade. The one she'd once vied against for Vander's heart. But who'd now become her brother-in-arms. She'd given the cause so much. Her work. Her faith. Her loyalty.

The least he could give was a promise. "I will."

"Good." Her hand dropped, then lifted again. Something small, black and metallic was pressed into his palm. "Take this."

He glanced down. A flash grenade. He recognized the make. Topside quality. "Where'd you get this?"

"Janna's Temple. They found it in the rubble, after Bloody Sunday. I filched it from their pile. Told them it was a dud, but I could use it for scrap." Her lips trembled, then firmed. "Now it's a last resort."

"For what?"

"Whatever it takes." She curled his fingers over the metal sphere. "You say the plan will work. I believe you. But nothing's foolproof. I'll be damned if I'm losing my girls to Enforcer's bullets. I'll be damned if I'm dying under an Enforcer's boot—or—or any other part of him." Her features, always pale, went positively colorless. "I'd rather die on my own terms."

Silco opened his mouth. Nothing came out. There was nothing to say.

He understood what she was asking. To be spared, not death, but the worst way of dying. The way Nandi, and so many others had. He thought of the jigsaw of meat and bones in the morgue, and the story it told. He thought of Sevika, and the way her face twisted at the mere mention of Enforcers. He thought of the way the scrappers stared at him. Hungry, like wolves.

And the way he'd stared back. Hungry, like a monster. 

Their monster.

"I can't ask Sergei," Lika said. "He loves me. He'd never agree. And Vander—" Her shoulders quaked. "He loves me, too. Loves me still. He'd choke on the thought. But you. You'll do it, won't you?" When Silco hesitated, her voice roughened. "Please."

"If the worst comes."

"The worst." She smiled, the wrong smile, the one that said a part of her had died already. "When does the worst ever not come? My daughters hiding in the basement. My friends out on the streets with rifles. Piltover grinding our bones. When does the worst ever not come?" She shook her head. "I'm tired of the worst, Silco. And if it comes again—for us, for me—I want to end it. For good."

Their eyes locked. There was no way to say what Silco wanted to say: how sorry he was that their choices were pared down to this, and how they might die for those choices, and how they might still die without any choices left at all.

So he said, "I'll do what's necessary." It wasn't a reassurance between friends. It was a bond between survivors. "I swear."

"I know." She squeezed his fingers, and her smile faded. "You always do."

Then, she was gone.

[sevikasangel]

𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 ๑⁠˙⁠❥⁠˙- what would it be like to be asked to be their valentine?

including: vi, caitlyn, jinx, sevika.

— 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬: fluff, f!reader, legal age gap, lowercase intended.

— 𝐚/𝐧: gotta love sweetheart aesthetic!

𝐯𝐢 ♡

you were a very close friend of vi's. you'd stuck around when she needed somebody the most. you were the only person she knew she could rely on ever since vander passed. no matter how many fights you had, how life treated you both, how many opposites against your friendship there seemed to be in the way. vi's feelings turned into something deeper a while ago. she realised she loved you after she had an awful day at work, and the only person she needed to see was you.

despite a recent fight you had over vi letting her stress get the best of her, she bought you your favorite fast food and a heart pin for your bag, you loved those accessories, she noted. you were surprised to see her sitting at your doorstep with some paperbags after you came back from work.

"cupcake, you're finally here...happy to see me? i...got you those fries and sandwich you like...with a cupcake! just like you... listen, i know i was bad to you and i said mean things. you can punch me in the face! go on! what you mean no? ok...then, forget the punching. (y/n)...(y/n). i don't know how to be lovey dovey and stuff but i am trying here. i like you. i really do. can i come in? we can eat this...and maybe i talk you into being my valentine."

𝐜𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐲𝐧 ♡

caitlyn slipped a lock of her long hair behind her ear as she anxiously tapped her foot against the wooden tiles of the hallway of your building. the enforcer sucked in a breath, glancing between the bouquet of white and red roses she'd ordered at the local flower shop. you both met at a local piltover festival while caitlyn was on duty. she helped you retrieve your stolen wallet and she'd been awestruck with you ever since. she knew you worked at a local cafe and she would always order her morning breakfast with you, sharing small conversations that meant a lot to her.

Caitlyn gathered enough courage to knock gently on your door. There is no turning back now, she thought to herself, as the monotonous sound of your footsteps began getting closer and closer until the knob turned, followed by the low creak of the door. And then your face emerged, your full body following. She couldn't help but smile. You were the most beautiful girl she'd ever seen.

"hello, (y/n). good afternoon! how are you? i am quite fine, too. better now, actually, after seeing you. oh, this bouquet? no, no, no, it isn't for me. i ordered it for you. i remember you told me you are fond of roses. they did remind me of you. so...would you like to go to the movies with me? amazing! and lastly...be my valentine, please."

𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐱 ♡

jinx spent the whole morning and afternoon preparing a surprise for you. she was your best friend, but the blue haired girl wanted to be so much more than that. she'd loved you for such a long time, but never felt courageous enough to ask you out. the voices would convince her that you would never feel the same for such a loser like her. but this time, after two years, she wouldn't waste another valentine away from the girl she loved.

she broke into your house while you were visiting your family and went straight into your bedroom to give you her gift and proposal: with her colour sprays and inventions, she painted your walls and drew on them with little doodles of hearts, adorable animals, you both in a beautiful garden...she also spread handmade gifts all over your room. your bed was covered in red dye with hearts and a monkey robot on top of it held a banner: "(y/n), i love you! be my valentine!"

"toots, ya finally came home! ya like your surprise!? don't look so dumbfounded, it's amazin'! it took me hoooours to finish. look at that lil spinning ballerina i made for ya! and the bed, so soft! aaaand...will you be my valentine!? i love ya, toots! i want you to be my girl and we will kaboom boom blah togetha'! wait...ya love me back! aaaaah, i told y'all, she is mine! now come lay on ya nice bed and we will cuddle, valentine!"

𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐤𝐚 ♡

you were one of the girls who worked at babette's. though not as a stripper or a prostitute, you were a waitress, trying to make some money in order to survive in zaun. if you were lucky enough, you'd get some tips here and there from drunks who were hopeful to get under your pants. however, sevika was different. you felt no malice coming from her. silco's right hand woman was different from the men who could only see you as a piece of meat. she actually treated you with respect. the bare minimum, yes. but in zaun, the minimum was a lot.

sevika was fond of you. you were a woman who she felt something she couldn't quite get a grasp on towards. it was a weird sensation on her chest, seeing you. her heart would pump faster and she'd feel thrilled whenever you demonstrated to be impressed by a story she told. it wasn't that she didn't feel physically attracted to you. she did. oh, how she did...though it was more than that. and that persistent, unknown feeling annoyed her.

you were dead concerned when sevika showed up bruised and bloodied from a street fight with vi. she definitely didn't expect to have you on your stupid cupid costume at valentine's day to be patching her up and gently cleaning her wounds, inside a small spare room of the bar. the sounds of the muffled loud music and you humming to yourself were swirling around her head as she glanced at you, releasing a strained breath.

"listen, (y/n). i don't know how to do this shit and i think it's stupid, but be my valentine. that cupid costume would give me second hand embarrassment had it been in anyone else, but you look like an actual angel in that. what you laughing at? that isn't corny! i wanna take you on a date, but i am fucked up right now, doll. tomorrow i will pick you up at your place by seven o'clock, be ready. gonna take you somewhere nice, not this dump of drunks. you're special to me, really...i mean it. thanks for being here. you can always count on me too, sweetheart."

[angelltheninth]

Arcane men with fem!s/o + praise kink during sex?

Anon I'm sorry it took me so long to write this. Been pretty busy lately.

Pairing: Viktor, Jayce, Silco, Vander, Ekko, Marcus, Finn x Fem!Reader

Tags: nsfw, smut, established relationship, praise kink, blowjob, cunnilingus, fingering, clit stimulation

A/N: Ok, finally doing this one for Arcane, took me long enough lmao.

Viktor likes being praises as well as doing the praising. It's not uncommon for him to compliment you when you're working together but when you're in bed with him it's really ramped up.

He always gets a little bit lightheaded when he hears you praising him during sex. He loves knowing he's making you feel good, especially since can get a little insecure about his abilities at times. When he praises you, be it his cock or fingers he wants you feel you clamping down around him just from his words.

"Do I make you feel good darling? Hmm, I don't know, I'm not convinced. Perhaps if you work a little bit harder, let me hear those lewd noises while you ride my dick. That's better. You can go faster, I know how much you're craving it right now."

Jayce will praise you endlessly but he's also really big on being praised himself.

Whenever you praise him he goes really hard on you, his eyes sometimes rolling to the back of his head as he gets lost in the feeling of your pussy around his cock, your lips against his ear, both of you only feeding each other's drives. As long as you're praising him he won't stop fucking you.

"Babe, you can't just say that too me while you're clamping down on me. You know it's just gonna get me rock hard again. Oh yeah? Well maybe I should fuck you into the bed. It's what you want after all. And you were really good for me before. Made my mind blank with that talented mouth. Mmmhn, fuck there you go again. Let me just lift your legs on your shoulders and we can go again."

Silco is more likely to be the one praising you than the other way around. He likes it sure, but he likes praising you a lot more.

He loves the way your mouth vibrates around his cock whenever he tells you how pretty you look with your mouth sucking him off like that. Will encourage you to finger yourself a lot, he loves seeing you when you're a little bit needy for his dick. Won't keep you waiting for too long though, he can't wait to be inside you either.

"Is that all darling? I know you can suck better than that. I know very well what a talented mouth you have. Fuck, that's it, a little faster now. That's my good girl. Have I ever told you how good you are at taking orders from me? It's one of the things I like most about you. And you know that when you follow them you're gonna get a reward in return right? Perhaps I spoil you but, you're very hard to resist."

Vander loves to praise you while he's eating you out. Feeling you pushing his head closer while your legs are locked tight around his head, hearing your moans and pleads for more will get him rock hard in a matter of moments.

When he's inside of you he will praise you to heaven and back just to feel you tighten around him as he rocks his hips into you, slow, rough, however you want him to, as long as you're mewling and moaning, meeting his thrusts, taking his cum he's content.

"Damn ya taste good darlin. Raise your hips a bit more, yeah, like that. Do ya want a little taste? Here. I think you're ready for me now, go on, let me see those lovely legs wide open for me. Look at ya, wet, ready and waiting for my cock."

Ekko is really big on praise. He loves dishing it out and being on the receiving end of it.

Likes it with non-sexual stuff as well. He thrives in it actually, be it sexual or not. He likes knowing he's fucking you good, that you're enjoying everything he does. Sure he can tell by the way you call out his name, by the noises you make, by the way your body shakes and shivers when you cum, but by god does he like hearing it. Sometimes when he's on the edge of an orgasm he will just rapid fire every single praise he can, his mind set on making you come as well, on milking him fucking dry.

"You're enjoying this aren't you Firefly? What do you like knowing I go fucking nuts when you say that to me? You know I'm gonna give it to you good now huh? Is that what you want? Of course you do. And you know what? I fucking love that about you."

Now Marcus, he likes to make it seem like being praised doesn't do much for him but you know damn well that it's the farthest thing from the truth.

This man will go damn near feral when you praise him. He will give you every moan, every kiss, every thrust, every inch of his dick, every drop of his cum while he hammers his dick into you. He likes to play it off as just him liking it rough but he can't fool you.

"Fucking hell sweetheart, what were you thinking huh? Barging into my office, getting my pants down, giving me a handjob while looking at me like that and climbing onto my desk? You wanted to get fucked that bad? Couldn't wait for me to get home could you. Fuck, well as long as you're here, might as well fuck that wet little hole of yours."

Finn, while knowing how much you like his praise, he won't give it to you easily. He always makes you work for it, but always makes sure you're satisfied by the end, it's kind of an accomplishment for him.

Feeling desperately roll your hips into his while he stays completely still is such a turn on for him. He will praise you then, making you fuck him faster, getting more wild, unhinged and needy for more praise, more of his touch, more of him, until you feel like you can't ever get enough.

"Hey now kitten you know how this game works. You want my praise you gotta earn it. Let me see that pretty cunt at work. No, you know how I like it. Fast and deep, I want to feel you clenching around me. That's better, you're doing well sweetheart. Keep it up and you your cunt full of my cum soon enough."

[lady-griffin]

A Few Seconds After Jinx and Silco’s First Hug

Silco: I’ve ascended to my true form... a single father.

~*~

A Week After Their First Hug

Sevika: You do know she’s not your real, actual daughter, right?

Silco: What?! Of course, she is. We hugged!

Sevika: I’m sorry, what?

Silco: Do you think I would hug a child that wasn’t my own?

Sevika: I mean, obviously no... But-

Silco: Do you think that I just go around hugging random children that I don’t know in alleyways and then adopt them because of said hug? Is that what you think, Sevika?!

Sevika: Okay, obviously you don’t do that. But to be clear - THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID WITH JINX!

~*~

A Few Weeks After Their First Hug

Sevika: I still don’t think you understand how becoming a parent actually works.

Silco: Seriously Sevika, it’s like you weren’t even there to see our life-changing hug.

Sevika: I didn’t see it. I was knocked unconscious from her stupid bomb in my attempt to save your stupid life, you fucking asshole.

Silco: ... Are you still mad that your new arm hasn’t come in yet? I told you it’s on its way.

~*~

Jinx and Silco Hug For the First Time

Silco: I’ve become a father.

Vander’s Ghost: You haven’t become shit.

Silco: No, we hugged; pretty sure that means she’s my daughter and I’m her father now.

Vander’s Ghost: IT TAKES MORE THAN A HUG TO BECOME A FATHER!!!

Several Years Later - 

Silco is killed by Jinx, but he doesn’t hate nor blame her; instead, he uses his last words to try and comfort her in the best way he can think of due to the impossible and awful situation that they’re in.

Vander’s Ghost: Fine... you were her father... whatever.

Silco’s Ghost: VINNNNNDICATION!!!

Vander’s Ghost: You’re still a fucking bastard.

I do think it actually took Silco some time to start seeing Jinx as his daughter, but also...

It’s genuinely so much funnier to think that because Silco is someone who would never hug a child, let alone care about someone like he does for Jinx, unless they were in fact his child, that means the second he hugged her - she 100% became his child and he does not understand why everyone is not understanding this.

Seriously they hugged!!! Clearly that means he and Jinx have always been father and daughter; just because they didn’t know each other beforehand and aren’t biologically related, doesn’t mean they weren’t always father and daughter.

No, but in all (some) seriousness - I feel like for anyone else it’s just a hug – it doesn’t have to mean anything at all. But for Silco, for this disaster of a man, who is so damaged, it’s a HUG.

It’s a physical act of affection and it means everything to him, because he doesn’t do that shit lightly.

Once he returned her hug, he was never going to break his promise to her; once he returned that hug, she was his child.

Bonus:

Vander: I don’t think you understand how adoption or becoming a parent works.

Silco: I don’t think you understand how it fucking works; half of your children are dead!

[fe-fictions]

I am just OBSESSED WITH DIAMANT, KAGETSU AND ALFRED !!! Would you mind writing your morning after stories for them pls ? Or at least one of them, the one you prefer ! Have a nice evening ! :)

(WE ARE STARTING OUR FE ENGAGE STORIES WITH A BIG THREE PARTER!! ENJOY!!)

Alfred: For the golden retriever prince, waking up beside you is something that is jarring and enthralling. He’s practically over the moon, recounting the previous night’s events.

The whirlwind wedding, the joy on all your friends’ faces, and most importantly, the adoration that mirrored in your eyes just as poignantly as it did in his.

It was a magical day from start to finish, but the prince was far happier when he woke up and found you sound asleep beside him. He was practically shocked by it.

To think that he had actually married you. He confessed to you, you told him you loved him too, and…and how here you were…it made him start to freak out.

But it was a freak out in a good way. At least, that’s what he thought. Alfred smiled to himself, giddy and completely unsure of what he was going to do next. He reached out, brushing his fingers along your cheek, unable to fight the joy that swelled in his chest.

It was real…you were wearing his ring, he had the Pact Ring glittering on his finger, and you looked so, so cute when you were sleeping! He just wasn’t sure what he was going to do with himself.

He worries about waking you up, but then he remembers that it’s the Somniel; it’s rare you’d wake up on your own unless someone came in to rouse you with a loud but tasteful announcement.

Then he remembered that someone wakes you up every day. 

Alfred, being the dutiful (new) husband that he is, quickly slips from the bed, wraps a sheet around his waist, and hurries to the doors to make sure they’re locked. 

After all, it would be awfully inappropriate for the Divine Dragon to be seen so very, very exposed….and he wasn’t sure h ewanted any of his comrades to see him in such a state, either.

Satisfied that the door was firmly locked, Alfred nods to himself and turns on his heel to return to you.

At least, until he looks back at his new wife and discovers that you are awake and rubbing at your eyes.

“Oh, no!” Alfred eeks out, “You’re supposed to be sleeping!”

“You got out of bed.” You yawned, propped up on your elbow. Alfred’s shoulders drop and he returns to bed, falling face first onto the mattress by your legs.

“I was trying to make sure that nobody would come to wake you up, like usual!”

“Well, considering what day it was yesterday…I don’t think any of them would be silly enough to try.” You smiled softly, petting your sweet husband’s soft, blonde hair. “Maybe Clanne and Framme…Vander, even…but they’d figure it out pretty quick.”

“I-I know.” He blushed, peeking up at you, “I just…wanted to make sure! I’d be beside myself if somebody came in and saw you like this.”

“But you wouldn’t mind if they saw you?” You quirked an eyebrow, teasing. Quickly he pulled himself up on the bed, scrambling to correct himself.

“No, no, not at all!! I just meant that…I mean, you’re the Divine Dragon!! I’m a prince, sure, but you’re the Divine Dragon!”

“When it’s just the two of us, though…I’m just Alear.” You reminded him softly, “You’re not going to refer to me by that title all the time, are you? Even when we’re alone?”

Alfred buried his face in his hands. “This is not how I saw our first morning together going.”

You laughed, pulling him into your arms. As if he wasn’t already blushing enough; it was a different situation entirely when wrapped in the open (naked) embrace of his loving wife.

“No? It’s precisely how I saw it going.”

“That’s because you take great joy in messing with me.” He said with a sharp sigh, though there was no malice detectable. He instead relaxed in your embrace, resting his head against your chest.

“I guess I do tease you a little too much, huh?” You mused softly, “Should I go easy on you, today?”

“Maybe not the whole day. I doubt you could hold back that long!” He joked, relaxing in your arms as you laced your fingers into his hair, playing with the soft strands. 

“You’re awfully gracious, Alfred. But I’ll behave myself. If only for today.” You promised to him, and your morning continued in the hazy beams of morning light, the beginning of your new life together starting off just as you both hoped (though with a little more messing around than expected).

------------------------------

Diamant: He is staring at you with a reverent fondness, drinking in every single detail. You, in kind, were privy to this when you first woke, though your eyes had remained closed for a long while.

It was strange to find him so conemplative, but it was clear that the adoration he held in his heart for you was unmatched.

The Pact Ring glimmered on his finger, adorned upon the hand that now held yours, linked together tightly in the soft light of dawn. 

He is practically beaming at you; he is known for having the loudest laugh in the army, but among his closest family and loved ones, he is known for having the most precious of smiles.

The high prince of Brodia is a sight to behold, and one you haven’t been able to tear your eyes off of since the day you met. But ever since your wedding day nearly 24 hours earlier…well, let’s just say there’s nowhere you’d rather be looking.

“What are you thinking, Alear?”

“Me?” Your gaze flickers away from his, just for a moment. But quickly you return, albeit a little more shyly. “I just…nothing.”

“It must be something.” His finger hooks your chin, gently turning your attention fully back to his. “What’s going on in the great dragon’s mind?”

“Really, it’s…it’s nothing. I’m just…I was just thinking about how lucky I really am.”

At this, his eyebrows rose with great interest. “You’re the lucky one?”

“Of course I am…I mean, you’re the one who agreed to marry me.” You remind him, running a finger over the ring that glittered so handsomely on him. 

Diamant shook his head, “If I recall correctly, I believe we proposed to each other. I’m not the only one with a ring on my finger.” 

“Well, yes, but…you’re my husband now. I don’t think anyone else could ever be so lucky to call you their spouse.”

“And I could say the very same about you.” He countered, bringing your hand to his lips. You blushed at his sweet gesture, but it is no more intimate than the two of you lying there, quite bare beneath the thin sheets of the Divine Dragon’s bed. 

“To think we have the rest of our lives together.” You sighed softly, snuggling into his side. Your hand fell to his chest, listening to the comforting thump of his heartbeat. “What are we going to do with ourselves?”

“I’m sure we’ll find plenty of ways to fill our time. Spending mornings like this is certainly an excellent start.”

You smiled up at him, earning a kiss on your forehead.

The morning was a sweet, joyous preview of what was to come. Only happiness awaited you, for the rest of your days.

------------------------------

Kagetsu: He was practically beside himself with glee, the morning after your first night together. He had always deeply valued your friendship, but when it blossomed into something more…oh, it was exquisite. And the fact that you reciprocated his feelings made him feel like the luckiest, happiest man alive.

Kagetsu’s family could not attend your wedding, but you did endeavor to spend your honeymoon with them. The wedding ceremony was lavish and festive, a more than welcome celebration after the hells you’d all gone through during the war against your father.

But now…all was at peace, and you were bonded with your lover for a life of eternal happiness.

The wedding ended late that night, and Kagetsu was glad to escort you from the Somniel to his hometown. Prince Fogado graciously offered the swiftest of Solm’s pegasi, and before long, you and your new husband were arriving at his secluded home.

His family did not know you were both there yet, though. That was by design; you wanted to spend your precious first moments with Kagetsu alone. Just the two of you, for a little while.

The rest of the world would be able to greet you on your debut later. But for that night, and the morning that had followed, it was just yours and Kagetsu’s little world.

A beautiful world that had the handsome swordmaster with his hair down and tousled, spilling all about his face whil he snuggled up to you.

“So…are we going to take the morning off only? Or are we going to take the whole day before we tell anyone we’re here?” You asked your husband, breaking the dreamy silence of the inn.

Kagetsu hummed, feigning deep thought, all while he nuzzled into your chest, wrapping his arms around you. To think your new husband was so clingy; it was utterly adorable.

“Well, at first, I thought it would be best to greet them right away. But now that the morning has come…is it wrong that I wish to spend the day with you all to myself? Just the two of us. Perhaps with the hot spring bath attached to the room…and in the dining room. They have excellent onigiri that you simply must try, here!”

You laughed softly, petting Kagetsu’s fluffy hair as he blurted out his plans as they came. “So I’ll take that as a yes, we are taking the day for ourselves?”

“I think so, yes.” He lifted his head to grin at you, giving you a soft squeeze. “I do not wish to spend my time with anyone else, today. Just the two of us…husband and wife!”

“And hot spring…and onigiri.” You added, making him chuckle. Kagetsu rolled over so that you were lifted on top of him, holding you gently at your rather exposed waist.

“I wish for you to experience my home, while we have this time to ourselves. It is a very special thing, getting to welcome you into my traditions. I hope that you will enjoy them; and if you do, I am excited to see such special moments between the two of us.” 

“My, what a sweet talker.” You shook your head, tapping your fingertips along his chest. You could feel his little heartbeat pick up when he met your sparkling eyes. “Then, shall we get up and start our day? There’s much to be done, it sounds like.”

His grip tightened, pausing the dancing of your fingers. 

“Perhaps…we can wait a little longer. I would like to enjoy the closeness with my sweet wife a little longer.”

“Only a little?”

Kagetsu swallowed thickly, the blush quickly blossoming across his face when your mischievous grin reappeared from the night before. 

“If the lady wishes, I suppose we could take longer than ‘a little’.”

“I do wish it,” You kiss him sweetly, which was all he needed. “I want to thoroughly enjoy you, Kagetsu.”

The romantic morning was the perfect start to the rest of your precious marriage to Kagetsu. Eventually you were able to drag him out of bed, where he could show you the luxurious wonder of the hot spring bath, and the delight that came with the delicious riceballs he was so obsessed with.

His family was thrilled to meet you once you were able to peel Kage away from the inn. His nervousness at introducing you to the family was quickly replaced by how proud he was of his dear, dragon wife.

They were quick to welcome you, and you were even quicker to enjoyhis family and all the new world they had to offer you.

Truly, the two of you could not possibly be happier.

[ladey]

When I Brush Your Hair | Chapter 5

Jinx x Fem!Reader 🌙🦋🎀

Word count: 2k

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Enforcers had eventually left the Undercity allowing things to simmer down a bit. However the civilians were still upset, and understandably so. In fact, a whole bunch of them gathered into The Last Drop to come up with a plan of action.

"We should hit them back. We've got the numbers to beat 'em!" Sevika argues, slamming her fist onto a table in booming anger.

"Yeah. Let's teach them what it means to mess with us!" A man says, making the whole room shout in agreement. Vander is leaning back against the bar counter, lighting his cigar.

"You sure that's what you want?" He asks blowing smoke out of his mouth before continuing. "We crossed that bridge before, and we all know how that ended."

"You're just protecting you're kids." Another guy pops out and accuses. Pointing at the six of them including Ekko. Y/n stands awkwardly in between him and Powder, absentmindedly scratching her arm in discomfort.

"I'm protecting our people. I'd do the same for any one of you. We look out for each other, it's the way it's always been. This will blow over. We just need to stand together."

"The Vander I knew, the one who built the underground, wouldn't be afraid to fight." Sevika speaks out. Vander takes a few steps towards her.

"Do I look afraid?" His aura radiates intimidation. But Sevika gets up close to his face, staring daggers at him.

"No. You look weak." She growls. Then she whistles a signal to her group and they walk out of the bar.

"Why isn't he doing anything?" Claggor is the first to speak up sounding sad. Powder turns to the group.

"We licked the Enforcer's butts with just the five of us. Imagine what the whole of the lanes could do!" She exclaims.

"Jeez, even Powder wants to fight." Mylo tsks throwing his arms, and starts walking away to the basement. The others slowly start to follow.

"So, why aren't we?" Vi scoffs, visibly angry and scowling. She just passes the doorframe before noticing Ekko's odd behaviour.

"Spill it, Ekko." She squints at him. Y/n and Powder peek around the corner like two gophers.

"Um.. O-okay well, um.. Vander's got a deal with the Enforcers." The boy grimaces.

"What deal?!"

-

Y/n and Ekko are sitting on Powder's bed with her while she shows them a couple of her bombs that she made and decorated. She was always so impressive. Y/n had asked her to teach her how she assembles them a couple times in the past, but she always told her that she'd be no help. Thankfully in the end, Powder gave into the girl's incessant pleading.

All is fine and dandy for the most part. Claggor reads while Vi sits in her chair; probably just thinking like she usually does; and Mylo tries getting a stain out of one of his shirts.

But earlier that day them and Vander decided it would be best if they set up some sort of warning or alarm that would signal to them that Enforcers are coming for inspection. And it was a good thing they did.

At the same time Y/n mimics the way she knocked out that guy from the previous day, the monkey toy they used as the alarm goes off and falls onto the floor.

Very quietly and quickly, all lights are turned off and all that anyone is doing is discarded. They climb up onto the pipes and ceiling joists just above the room, juking an Enforcer who opens the door and now looks around holding a flashlight.

It's dead silent in the room, all Y/n can hear is the heavy breathing through the crude mask all of the Enforcers wear. She looks up and sees Powder in front of her shaking.

Powder was holding herself up by just barely squeezing between two pipes, one of which she was holding on to; the other she had her feet planted firmly against. Y/n thinks "just barely", because the girl was slowly slipping down towards the floor.

What was she thinking putting herself there? Y/n doesn't even remember how she did it.

She instinctively looks over at Vi wanting to know what to do, but the redhead only looks just as panicked as she does if not more.

Now the room feels suffocatingly tense. It doesn't help that the Enforcer takes it's sweet ass time taking one last scan around the room, but it doesn't slow down the act of Powder's hands slipping farther. The others exchange panicked looks while still keeping an eye on the Enforcer below them. All hoping to whatever or whoever that he doesn't shine his light up to the ceiling.

He stands at the door for a moment, his hand resting firmly on the door knob. Y/n's hopes drop. She almost accepts the fact that they might get caught.

But then the door shuts. And Powder falls onto the ground, scrambling to hide behind the table.

Y/N hadn't realize how sweaty she is until now. Her and everyone else stays up in the ceiling until they know they're in the clear. Now all they can hear is their breaths and yelling from a man in the bar above them; from the sounds of it an Enforcer.

It's only a couple of minutes before Vander opens the door. "Are you all okay?" He looks up at the same time Vi jumps down. She's visibly upset.

"No, we're not okay. They almost saw Powder, what if they took her?!" Her voice cracks and Y/n swears she can see the poor girl's hands shaking.

"No one is taking any of you. I'd never let that happen." Vander assures, taking a cautious step toward her.

"It's already happening! You heard him, they won't stop. We need to fight back." Vi punches her hand against the wall to her right, struggling to contain her jumbling emotions.

"And if you won't, I will." She finals. The room is silent.

"I've heard this kind of talk before." Vander sighs.

"Come with me, I want to show you something." He says softly. Vi is reluctant at first, but she leaves the room with him. The door clicks shut, casting the room in a slightly awkward and heavy mood.

"Uh.. It's getting late, I should probably head home." Ekko says to the two girls. He leaves, and Mylo and Claggor decide to head up too. Now it's just Y/n and Powder.

Powder sits down on her bed. Y/n stands there awkwardly for a moment, hand's fidgeting. She isn't sure if she should leave or not. If she's being honest, she doesn't want to. After everything that's been happening the past few days she's been finding herself spending them with Powder and the others . She hates to intrude but she feels a lot better knowing she has someone with her. Other than her dad of course, who she saw earlier in the bar, but that's different.

The smaller girl takes slow steps towards her friend, showing embarrassment.

"I hope I haven't been too annoying being at you're place a lot recently. I just thought it would make you feel better since, y'know..." Y/N trails off, eyeing Powder's face. Powder looks up at her and smiles. She's about to respond but Y/N beats her to it.

"It makes me feel better, and I really like your company. I can always leave if you want me to—"

"No! Don't.. leave." Powder grabs Y/N's arm, who stands in front of her. She pulls her down to sit her beside her. Y/N is slightly taken aback but she listens and watches the bluenette who is looking down at the floor. Then her eyes meet her's.

"Stay the night?" Powder asks. Y/N smiles.

They spend the rest of the duration working on bombs, Powder showing Y/N how they work and her smiling and nodding the whole time. The two older boys had came back with news about the lanes possibly fighting against topside. That had Powder excited.

The two girls had been so caught up in their own little world that they hardly noticed Vi approach them. Y/n looks up when she catches sight of her sitting down on the bed across from them. When did she come back?

Powder's eyes light up when they land on her older sister's hunched frame, quick to reach around her and show off her latest contraptions. "Look, we made them for the Enforcers. These two are smokes bombs, n' are those two are full of nails." She giggles, radiating confidence and contentment.

"They're gonna work this time, I know it." The two young girls share happy smiles. Y/n bends down over the edge of the bed to grab something out of her bag when Vi starts speaking to Powder.

"Me too... You know, Powder, what makes you different makes you strong. Always remember that, okay?" Her voice is soft. Not more soft than usual, but the tenderness behind it gives Y/n the sense that there's more to be said. As though she's concealing something.

She slowly lifts herself up, watching them out of the corner of her eye. She would hate to intrude... However what she doesn't expect is the older girl to begin talking to her.

"How are you holding up, Y/n?"

"Oh— good..."

Vi is hoping to know how she feels after her incident while running from the enforcers earlier that day. Nobody had brought it up surprisingly, seemingly completely forgotten. Y/n thinks she feels okay about it...

"Don't let your fears hold you back. What others say about you shouldn't make you shy away."

Y/n lifts her eyes from her lap and meets Vi's blue ones. They look sad. But she smiles nonetheless, and she can't fight the smile that breaks onto her own face.

Vi gives the two one last smile and gets up, leaving them alone once more. Y/n's eyes follow her movements as she travels across the room, going to sit with the two boys.

"What was that about?" Y/n mumbles. Powder's shoulders slump making her friend focus on her. The frown is clear as day on her face. Y/n places her small hand on hers, which happens to hold a very old stuffed bunny.

"What she said is true." She speaks quietly. She hopes only her and Powder can hear their conversation.

"Your... your differences are so much better than mine." Powder whispers. "You can defend yourself, help others.." She continues as she plays with the bunny's ears, hand pulling away from her friend's gentle hold.

Y/n looks down between them and sighs. It's kind of funny; she had always thought the opposite. Powder may not have been able to create fatal bombs yet, but the girl was a literal mechanical genius, especially for her age.

"It's not easy. My emotions sometimes get the best of me and then everything goes wrong. Yeah, it used to be worse, but it doesn't prevent the fact that I'm still told to hide it."

Powder had looked up at her as she spilled her truth. And it was true; Powder never got to see Y/n use her abilities that often, even during times where they would've been useful. Today was just one of those times that showed how much she still lacks control over them. She was lucky it managed to save her.

"Forget me, though! Let's talk about those shooting skills of yours!" Y/n giggles as she leans into the bluenette, making her blush and laugh when she pokes her cheek.

"No really. I wish you were allowed to use a real gun." She lowers her voice down as they fall back into a comfortable conversation as the late night dawns on them.

-

Vi had migrated to her bed in the bunk above them, and the two boys had fallen asleep as well; Clagger with his old book resting open on his face.

Lastly, the two young girls fell asleep in Powder's bed. The bluenette clutching the stuffed bunny in her arm while her friend nestles her face against her shoulder.

The light of the lamp had long been shut off, the lights from outside somehow not being a disturbance as they cascade a soft green tint into the room through a window. It's quiet.

The definition of, "calm before the storm."

[cauldron-of-oddities]

Sooo, the shapshifter au has taken up residency in my head for a a while, it seems.

@youmaycallmeyourhighness comments gave some inspiration.

Ghost stories.

Mylo swore the Last Drop was haunted. Not always, but often enough when alone at the bar cleaning up. It started with scratching in the vents and from the rafters, and when he went up to look, there was always nothing.

Next was the laughter, first a laugh that echoed in the vents. Then it went to a creeping sort of giggle. It was creepy as fuck. And then the broom would slip down with a thunk, the glasses would rattle, and there'd be whisper of a snicker.

It was keeping him from sleep. He swore up and down it was aimed at him. “Claggor, you hear that?” Mylo whispers. A snore is his only answer. It really didn't help Claggor slept like a rock. The ghost was real, and he needed the others to know.

“Mylo, there is no ghost. It's probably just the rats.” Vi told him. “Rats don't laugh!” was his protest.

“You have to admit it does seem strange when we've never heard anything.” Was Claggor's ever reasonable reply. Mylo wanted to bang his head on the table.

“Why would a ghost even want to bug your scrawny ass!” Powder screeched at him when he snatched a tool from her hand when she wouldn't listen.

He made them do a ghost stake out that night. He built a blanket fort in one of the table cubbies. ‘Borrowed’ Powders colander and made everyone stay awake with him. Nothing happened, and everyone was crabby the next day. Vander was confused when he came down that morning.

When he told Vander, he was met with a tired sigh, and him pinching the bridge of his nose. “Mylo, you're not getting out of chores tonight."

...

For Powder, it hadn't taken her long to start appreciating the capabilities of her bird form. The implications of the dark bird would still make her feel uneasy, but with each new thing she learned the more her mischievous, dare she say wicked side started to show, and she sort of (really) liked it.

Where the others only had their bird calls, she found she could mimic human speech. The discovery had happened when Ekko was too preoccupied with a project.

You see, Ekko’s fingers were magic, the way he fixed things, the way he braided her hair, and the way he knew just how to trail them over her feathers just right. And here she was sitting ignored on the side of his desk, and in her head, she'd grumbled ‘pet me’ Only for him to look up confused. “Did you just talk?"

And what a discovery it was! Look, was she to blame that ‘pet’ became the first word she mastered as a bird? Ekko would look up with a fond huff and run his wonderful fingers over her feathers just so.

The next thing she learned was laughter when she giggled at the thought. “I don't know if that's creepy or cute.” was all Ekko said to that.

...

The night of Mylo's turn for cleaning The Last Drop came, and he dreaded it. Vi was out with Vander getting some training done. Claggor had been helping Ekko and Benzo lug about new material and had crashed there. And Powder, she should be asleep, she'd dutifully done the whole go to bed spiel and then shifted and headed to the rafters in the bar.

And there was her victim, scrubbing a particularly nasty stain from a table. She started her ghostly game.

She has to hold in a too loud laugh when she sees him freeze in his task and shiver.

“Nice ghosty, just ignore me ghosty…” she hears him mutter as he looks around.

As she plotted her next haunting tactic, there was a crash and a rattle as two rough looking thugs break in and take all of a second to notice Mylo and threaten him to open the cash drawer.

She hears the bang of a bat smash something and break. No, such misfortune she would not ever wish on her brother. But to show herself would mean the game would be up and what good could she do as Powder?! But, as the ghost... First, the scuttle, then the laugh, just a little lower than usual.

“What the fuck was that brat?” One of the thugs turns to Mylo.

“It's haunted!” he blurts out and then laughs, “See, I'm not imagining things!” Validation and panic was a strange emotional concoction.

The two strangers look at him like he's mad.

“There's a ghost!”

"A ghost?"

And then Powder sees from her perch Mylo get an idea.

“Yeah! And it'll curse you bad if you take anything!”

The two thieves share a glance and push Mylo further to the bar, clearly not impressed. Well, that plan failed or had it?

Powder watches for a moment from the rafters. How very convenient they stopped right below her favourite beam, right below a brightly painted glitter chomper kept on the highest shelf for emergencies (no one thought such a cute thing was anything other than decoration) A silent glide over, the smallest push and a quick flap away, has it falling on the thugs' heads with a heavy puff. Coughing and desperately wiping their eyes. When they see no assailant and another giggle from the rafters sounds, something like fright enters their eyes, and they run. Thank goodness they hadn't been the brightest bulbs in the box.

Mylo's standing there completely stumped, good, he hadn't seen her.

“Thanks ghost, could you maybe not haunt me anymore?” Mylo asks. She stays silent.

Mylo takes a deep breath and looks around forlornly at the mess “Fuck! Now I need to clean this too!”

Yeah, ok, at least for tonight, she'd not spook him anymore, maybe the next month or so.

Mylo tells his tale with great theatre the next day when everyone's back. “Still don't get why it helped me though.” He finished.

“Maybe the ghost doesn't like bullies?” Ekko suggested. Sitting beside Powder, he nudged her knee under the table.

“Wierd that it just stopped.” Vi raised an eyebrow in Powder's direction. Powder just took another sip from her favourite cup.

Later, when it was the sisters' turn to clean, Vi turned to her sister. “Really Pow you gotta stop. I don't think i'll survive another midnight blanket fort ghost stake out.”

“I'm not doing anything, and even if he is haunted, he probably deserves it” Powder grumbled at her sister.

“Seriously Powpow.” Holding up a sleek blue black feather from the spot of the chomper.

“You've proved to yourself you're quite capable. Talk to Mylo next time he’s an ass. Hell, tell him off. But stop the haunting.”

Powder pouted.

“Yeah I know it's fun, but spare us our sanity. Do it or I'll tell.” Vi's tone is final.

“... fine”

Vi, let out a relieved sigh. “On that note, there's this really fancy old, old pilty house, I think it might be due a ghost story of its own.” Vi almost instantly rethought the sugestion, the wicked grin on her baby sister's face was absolutely terrifying.