#ekko being there too was a nice surprise

[the-kr8tor]

I wanna be slightly evil today. Featuring Hobie and Ekko from my thim au🤭 *Throws blurb in your face and runs away giggling.* tw! panic attacks and mentions of death

Static. That's the only thing Hobie can hear, the only thing he can register as he drags his body through the window of his small flat, the strap of his battered guitar hanging loosely in his grip. Crimson drips onto the windowsill, ichor pouring from the large gash on his chest and the cut on his right thigh. Leather vest slipping off his shoulders, the fabric of his tattered suit snags on the corners of the window and he lets out a pained hiss, stumbling through the opening and falling onto the floor of the modest living room. Every breath he takes is slow, painful, his ribs creaking in protest as he tries to sit up. Bones screaming in protest, Hobie's arms give out from underneath him and he falls onto his back once more, pain racing up his spine from his numerous bruises and lacerations.

Exhaustion makes his eyelids heavy, russet brown eyes staring up blearily at the ceiling. Blinking slow, Hobie lifts a hand up to rest on his bruised chest, fingers rubbing just below his collarbone. God, he can still feel it. Feel the weight and stab of the woman's finger every time she harshly jabbed at his chest. The distant echoes of her voice cuts through the static in his mind, in his ears, worms its way into his skull, and makes him shiver. It's all your fault! 

Hobie closes his eyes then, praying that her voice fades into nothingness, that the events from today stray from his mind so he at least gets a few hours of peace. A pair of eyes shine behind his eyelids then, filled with sorrow and hate, as green as the ones that little girl had - 

“Stop…” He mumbles to himself, as if that could halt the onslaught of memories from haunting him, hand on his chest balling into a fist. She's dead because of you..! You killed her…! 

“I-I tried,” he whispers into the air, voice cracking as he responds to the voice inside his head, the voice of the grieving mother who'd looked at him with such contempt and hateful despair. And as his eyes flutter open once more, the face of the child he'd failed swims across his vision. Breathing in and out, he can see the green of her eyes in the planters that hang from the ceiling, is reminded of the way they were filled with frightened tears as she pleaded and wailed for help. For a savior. For him. Hobie's breath grows heavy with every second that passes, sweat beading at his temple as he rubs at his chest, trying to rub away the stab, stab, stabbing of the woman's finger. Bile and iron creep up his throat as he tugs off his ripped mask, and he's suddenly back at the terrible scene.

The numerous screams and smell of smoke and ash from bombs going off, the panicked cries of people trying to flee. Buildings and streets crumbling from the explosions, and cackling of a certain goblin zipping through the air on his board. Hobie's lungs ache as he gathers everyone he could from the rubble, all he had to do was help that little girl trapped underneath the wreckage. There's a ringing in his ears as he reaches out, hand desperately trying to grab hers as she begs and begs for his help. Spider-Man, please…! Just as his fingers brush hers, his senses go off a little too late. Goblin slams his board into him, ripping him away from the terrified child and forcing him up into the air. He'd heard when the rubble gave way, heard her last screams echo in his ears before the gruesome sound of flesh and bones getting crushed came next. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tries to pull himself out of the memory, to no avail.

Hobie's aching body curls in on itself as he places his hands over his ears, as if that would block out the haunting echoes of those screams, as if that would stop his mind from replaying the scene over and over and over. The voices in his head grow louder, the eyes of the many people of London all on him and his fatal mistake. The choked sob he lets out is too loud, too noticeable, and he slaps a hand over his mouth to silence his cries. Too many eyes, too many voices, too many fingers pointed at him. He should've been better, should've tried harder. That girl had had a future and now it's gone all because he'd been too slow, had been so fucking incompetent- 

It's all your fault…!

“...bie… Hob… Hobie!” The familiar voice cuts through the stifling dark that had its hands around his throat. Blinking up at the source, he's met with two pairs of familiar eyes looking down at him. Tearful concern and patient care shined in those eyes, those beautiful eyes that seemed to tether him to reality. To the here and now that didn't cut him deep.

“Bee…”, you call out to him softly as you kneel down towards his battered form. Your heart aches at how he's curled himself up into a ball, as if he wanted to appear smaller. Ekko is right beside you, frown on his face deepening the longer you both take note of the damage that was dealt to your shared love. You'd heard what had happened today while you were at work. Upon rushing home to check on him, Ekko had also arrived to do the same, someone from the community center relaying the devastating events that had taken place. Hobie's shaking as he takes his hand from his mouth, busted bottom lip trembling as the tears streak down his face. You and Ekko help sit him up, and you both just about shatter at the guilt ridden grief that befalls his expression. 

“I-I couldn't… I t-tried to…” He can't even finish his words, voice breaking as he fervently shakes his head. 

“It's okay, Hobes”, Ekko coos softly, knuckles tenderly rubbing up and down the shaking man's spine. “You don't have to say it right now.”

“Let us take care of you… Okay?” You mumble, fingers moving up to gently swipe at the tears on his bruised face. Weariness settles on his shoulders like a second skin then, face pressed against your shoulder while his body rests against Ekko's. The small nod of his head was Hobie's only response as you both cared for your drained love. And the haunting echoes of events prior finally seemed to fade away to nothingness, for a peaceful moment.

If you couldn't tell, I want some sad times rn😀

*PUNCHES THE WALL* 😭😭😭😭😭 I have no words you made me cry fr and I've been holding back tears while reading sunrise on the reaping mannnnn you and Suzanne Collins owe me therapy

[ang3lofdivinity]

𓏲๋࣭ 𝖲𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖥𝗈𝗋 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖸𝗈𝗎🫧˖°

Relationship(s) :: Jinx + Calypso(slightly yandere)!Fem!Reader (romantic)

Genre :: Fluff! And LOTS, LOTTTSSS of angst.

Format :: Oneshot / story

Warnings :: spoilers for season 2 of Arcane, even more trauma than last time!!, death mentions, READER IS NOT CALYPSO - takes her place essentially, Reader leans towards being more yandere (possessive and obsessive over Jinx), Jinx still has some remaining feelings for Ekko, but eventually gives up once again, heavily inspired by Jorge’s “Love In Paradise” + “Not Sorry For Loving You”, Reader is not toxic like Calypso in either of those songs! A bunch of time skips for a few, VERY LONG (I had to split this up into another part dude..), slight imitation to SH? Nothing explicitly stated

A/N :: AAA I actually am very surprised that “Stuck In Paradise” (be sure to read it first! None of this will really make any sense if you don’t read the first part of this!) kinda blew up! + all of the nice comments. TYSM GUYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT, GENUINELY. (I saw 1.9% of you say no btw 🤨). I hope this lives up to your expectations!! (W.C: 10.6k)

Ⅰ - Ⅱ - Ⅲ

The days and weeks slipped by in a surreal, dreamlike rhythm for Jinx and you, as if time itself had softened around the edges. Life had never felt this way before; unpredictable yet strangely comforting. You had long resigned yourself to solitude, believing you’d never see another human face again. The gods would probably be tired of seeing so many arrive on your island by pure coincidence and then immediately leaving once they had the chance to. They might as well have put another spell on your island so that nobody else would’ve been able to end up here.

Isolation had become your norm. Your reality.

And then Jinx arrived, shattering that reality you’d become so used to.

She was different. The others who had stumbled upon this forsaken island before her had always left the moment they had gotten the opportunity by the gods themselves, abandoning you to your endless exile. They were fleeting, shadows passing through your life and leaving you to rot.

With one of those sailors? You’d once gotten so attached. Too attached

And then they left you…

Everyone who ever appeared on this island - besides yourself - disappeared within a few weeks.

But Jinx?

She stayed.

For the first time in what felt like forever, you had someone who cared for you.

Even in the loneliness of this place, you weren’t truly alone anymore.

Over time, the two of you began to grow closer, spending hours together in quiet conversation or companionable silence. You were drawn to her sharp edges and fragile strength, and she—though unaccustomed to such things—found herself drawn to your unwavering care. Jinx wasn’t used to safety or protection. The idea of someone looking out for her was.. odd, almost unsettling.

But with you? She was beginning to understand what it felt like to be safe, to not have to look over her shoulder at every corner she turned due to the hostility of those living within the Undercity.

And for you, her presence was a revelation. You loved the sound of her voice, the unexpected humor that flickered through her words during such moments, and the way she slowly let down her guard. There was something healing in her company, something that made the world feel just a little less broken.

For now, the gods seemed to have turned their attention elsewhere, leaving you both in a rare state of peace. This was especially important to you, given the fact you would now be able to relax without their constant nagging or their interferences annoying you, you were free to simply be—to sit together by the fire, to explore the island, to share the small joys of this strange life you’d come to know.

You couldn’t say what the future held, but for now, you had each other.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

.

"Pixie, you're doing it wrong," you said, trying to stifle your giggles as Jinx dangled a net precariously over the water.. and herself.

As for what you both were doing? Well, trying to catch fish! You wanted to create a meal with them eventually, but realized you had begun to run out. So, you told Jinx you were going to be out for a while and collect some fish - to which she ecstatically mentioned she wanted to come with you and try to catch some fish herself.

And how could you say no?

So, you let her tag along.

"What do you mean wrong??" Jinx shot back, mock offense dripping from her tone. She wobbled slightly, balancing on the rocks near the ocean. It's painfully clear that she never has done anything like this before in her life.

“You throw the net in, you pull it out. Boom, fish!”

You rolled your eyes, folding your arms across your chest

"Except the part where the fish actually stay in the net? You know, the most important part?”

"That's an unimportant detail,” Jinx muttered, grinning.

“Hey, wanna see something cool I can do?!” With a sudden movement, she swung the net dramatically, trying to make some sort of cool entertainment for you (something that seemed like an attempt at a handstand)!- ...only for the net to snag on a rock behind her. The momentum of the action sent her sprawling backwards into the shallow water with a loud splash, causing some of the sand and most of the rocks to become wet.

You immediately gasped at the sight, filled with worry as your first thoughts were filled with those of ‘is she okay!?’ ‘Is she hurt!?’.

Then, she sat up from where she’d fallen, net surrounding her within the water as she spat out a bunch of water - almost like that of a waterfall.

This made your concern dissolve into laughter.

“Oh, gods! Jinx, are you okay?" You managed to speak between fits of laughter, rushing closer to where the bluette fell.

Sitting up in the water, Jinx blinked, hair plastered to her face as she turned to look up at you.

"I'm just testing the water quality, obviously." She muttered, clearly salty about her failed trick. And you giggled a bit more about the entire ordeal before finally regaining your composure and clearing your throat.

You extended a hand to help her up, but it seems like Jinx had some other plans in mind for you!

With a mischievous grin, she yanked you into the water beside her.

"AA!! JINXX!" You squealed as the cold water soaked your clothes as you were splashed from the impact. You sat up, moving some hair out of your face before you quickly splashed Jinx in retaliation with a giggle, to which she happily returned with a splash towards you of her own.

By the end of the "fishing trip," you had caught exactly zero fish but had tears of laughter streaming down both of your faces.

You really should take her with you more to catch fish. Though, maybe focus more on the task?..

Nevertheless, you both eventually got out of the water, completely drenched from head to toe. But neither of you minded, given the stupid smiles plastered on both of your faces.

“I’ll let you take a bath first. I’ll take care of your clothes.” You gently patted the damp hair atop Jinx’s head, to which she playfully scoffed at.

You didn’t even notice before - but her hair had grown a bit from the first time you’d met her, her electric blue hair now reaching the base of her neck.

“You want me to cut your hair soon?” You inquired on the walk back with her, dragging the net alongside you as she nodded, grinning ever so slightly. And for the rest of the walk back to the palace, you both let the comforting silence linger between the two of you.

The two of you should do this more often..

After returning from the fishing trip and ensuring Jinx was settled for her bath, you take her wet clothes along with your own upon changing into a robe to clean them so they are clean for the next morning while grabbing some of your own clean clothes: a pair for her and a pair for you.

Returning back to the parlor, you begin to fold up a clean set of your own clothes for her to wear, and as you do so - the memories of the evening bring a smile to your face. Jinx’s laughter, her grin, and the way she seemed so carefree during the trip.. it’s rare to see her like that.

You set the clothes you had grabbed for her on a small table outside the bathroom with a light knock on the door before retreating to the kitchen to give her privacy.

By the time Jinx emerges and finds you returning to the parlor, her damp hair towel-dried and her face flushed from the warm bath, you’re preparing your own turn to clean yourself off. She’s wearing your clothes that you prepped outside (which is similar to that of what you gave her when she first arrived here): an oversized shirt and some loose, comfortable shorts, looking surprisingly at ease despite the borrowed attire.

“These are comfy,” she says, tugging at the fabric with a grin.

“Though. I’m still the one with style.” She proudly proclaims, hands on her hips.

You laugh at her comment before turning on your heel to look at her.

“Right, because soaking wet and covered in sand is the pinnacle of fashion?”

Jinx sticks her tongue out at you in response before speaking up again.

“Says the one who’ll be looking like a prune after a bath!” She flops dramatically onto the couch, draping herself across it.

“You better hurry up, Trinket. The night’s still young, and I’m not done hanging out with you yet.”

You giggle at her words for a moment before you slip away for your own bath, the warmth of the water washing away the chill of the evening and the lingering bits of sand stuck to your skin.

As you take your time, massaging the shampoo into your scalp, rubbing the conditioner in your hair - you find your thoughts drifting to Jinx—her laugh, her little playful banter with you, the way she seems so at home with you despite how chaotic she usually acts around you. It’s oddly refreshing to see her in such a state.

Eventually, you finish cleaning yourself, draining the water from your bath and drying yourself upon getting out of the tub. You take your time to brush out your damp hair, change into the fresh clothes you had gotten for yourself, making sure you look at least decent before placing your robe on a small rack for later use.

Then, you return to the parlor, just to find Jinx sprawled across the couch, idly tinkering with some small gadget she must’ve grabbed from her stash.

The moment she sees you she perks up, fixing her position on the couch.

“Took you long enough!” she teased you, patting the spot next to her.

“C’mon, sit down. I’m not gonna bite!”

“..much.” You roll your eyes at her comment but take the seat right next to her.

The quiet hum of the room settling over you both. The late-night air is cool, and the faint sounds of the trees slightly swaying from side to side to the gentle breeze is a comforting sound you’d long gotten accustomed to listening for.

And when you least expect it (given she’s never done anything like this before) — Jinx leans her head against your shoulder.

“So,” she says after a moment, her voice softer now.

“Today was fun. Stupid, messy, and fishless, but fun.”

You smile as a small giggle leaves your mouth, resting your head lightly against hers.

“Yeah, it was. We should do it again sometime.”

“Definitely,” she murmurs, her fingers idly tracing patterns on your arm. (You cannot deny the heat warming your cheeks, and the way your heart skips a beat).

“But next time, I’m catching something. I’m not letting those fish laugh at me again.” You chuckle softly at her little comment before closing your eyes as the two of you sit in comfortable silence.

The night stretches on, peaceful and easy, as if the world outside doesn’t exist for a little while.

Right now?

It’s just you and Jinx.

Though you’ll have to rest shortly, you can take some time to simply relax with the person you care most about.

Jinx was utterly spent.

The day had been physically demanding, given from the few inventions she had begun in the morning, to helping you clean around the palace, to the fishing trip outside.

But even with all of the exhaustion.. it was still strangely peaceful.

For a fleeting moment, she almost forgot about the chaos and pain of her past.

Almost.

When she returned to her room, she slumped onto the bed without much thought. Her eyelids felt heavy, but sleep was a complicated thing for her.

The echoes of past memories, the ones she’d never fully escaped, and even the simple fact that she barely ever even got sleep when she was working under Silco or him.

Those memories always lingered just on the edge of her consciousness. It was always hard to tell if they’d leave her be or drag her into nightmares.

Tonight, though, her body gave in quicker than her mind could protest. She drifted off in an awkward position: one arm dangling off the bed, legs tangled together, and her head tilted at an angle that would definitely give her a sore neck in the morning.

However.. you were there, no?

You slowly peeked into Jinx’s room.

You hesitated in the doorway, biting your bottom lip, debating with yourself whether you should go in. It’s invasive and incredibly weird— but.. you just need to make sure she’s safe. Your heart raced as it always did when you checked on Jinx, a habit you’ve grown.

You’ve gotten too attached to the bluette to allow anything horrible to happen to her, so you’ve made it a routine to check in on her every so often. Most times after she had fallen asleep. On those nights where she hadn’t rested still for whatever reason, you made your nighttime visits clear to her as you just worried about her well being.

Of course you never told her you did it every night, you simply told her it was because you could clearly hear her being restless - which thankfully convinced her.

You felt bad about lying to her.. but it felt weird enough that you were doing this.

Stepping inside, you made sure your footsteps were gentle and quiet so as to not alarm Jinx. The soft glow of moonlight spilling in from the window illuminating Jinx’s peaceful but slightly uncomfortable looking form.

Seeing the bluette sprawled out, you couldn’t help but let a soft chuckle escape past your lips.

How does she even manage to sleep like that?

Finally making your way over to the side of the bed, you knelt beside the bed, carefully lifting Jinx’s arm and tucking it back onto the mattress. You also adjusted Jinx’s legs so they were more relaxed and less twisted.

Of course—not in a violating or weird way, as uncouth as these actions might seem. You’re doing it to make her comfortable! Not to be a creep!

And finally, you slowly pulled the extra blanket over Jinx.

The entire time, your heart swelled with an overwhelming tenderness upon seeing the sight. Seeing the chaotic woman you’d grown so fond of finally relaxed and asleep.

Though once Jinx was tucked in, you couldn’t bring yourself to leave immediately.

So, you lingered at the edge of the bed, your eyes tracing the lines of Jinx’s face. The bluette looked so peaceful in sleep, so vulnerable and far removed from the sharp edges and guarded demeanor she carried when awake, especially when she’d first arrived here on Ogygia. She seemed so harsh, so on guard twenty-four seven!

But could you blame her? Of course not.

Nearly everyone who came before her was exactly the same.

Though just as you had begun thinking of a multitude of other things — there’s something that got you out of your thoughts: upon closer inspection, Jinx had a stray piece of hair covering her face in a rather.. odd way. It was almost going into her mouth.

…

You hesitated before leaning closer, your fingers trembling as you brushed the stray piece of hair behind her ear and away from Jinx’s face.

However, as you did so - the bluette shifted slightly.

Oh gods, was she going to wake up!? Was she going to see you here acting like some sort of stalker!?

Your breath hitched, adrenaline coursing through you until —

..she didn’t wake.

You let out a relieved sigh upon figuring out she was simply stirring within her sleep, your fingers lingering near Jinx’s cheek for just a moment longer than necessary.

Then before you finally decided to leave, you whispered softly, almost too quiet to be heard, even by yourself.

“I won’t let anything happen to you… I promise.”

Finally, you stood, your eyes lingering on Jinx one last time before you turned and slipped out of the room.

You closed the door silently behind you and pressed your back against it, exhaling deeply.

Your heart was pounding, but there was a strange, bittersweet comfort in this late night ritual of yours.

You knew you were becoming too attached to her. You knew this wasn’t entirely normal. But at the same time, you couldn’t stop yourself. Jinx had become her whole world—and you were terrified of losing that world of yours once again.

You wouldn’t let that happen.

..

"I’m telling you, this is gonna be the best sandcastle," Jinx declared, crouching down low to pat a misshapen lump of sand into shape once more, grinning with delight at her creation.

You, seated a few feet away and meticulously crafting spires and arches, glanced over at Jinx’s work. You had to bite your lip to keep yourself from laughing at the bluette. It’s not you being rude! It’s just… you cannot tell what she's even making anymore. She started off decent at the beginning of your little trip here - to which she suggested in the first place, and it now… kinda collapsed!

"Uh-huh. And what exactly is that supposed to be?" You inquired, raising an eyebrow before returning to look down at your sandcastle, fixing every little detail as meticulously as possible.

This is a lot more fun than you’d anticipated..

After all, you were once so focused on wallowing within your sorrow, never finding the time to genuinely appreciate any of the fun activities you could have here on the island. I mean, you were trapped here - why would you ever want to get comfortable with your surroundings if you were here unwillingly and hated every minute of it?

But with Jinx around?

It definitely makes it worth it..

"It’s a fortress, obviously!" Jinx replied indignantly at your inquiry as if it was some sort of offense, gesturing at the uneven walls.

“Gotta be ready for a sand invasion."

You shook your head before looking down at your own sandcastle, trying to hide your smile from the bluette.

"Well, I hope your fortress is sturdy, because my castle is going to outshine it in every way."

"Oh, it’s a competition now?" Jinx’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she grabbed a handful of wet sand and launched it in your direction. It splattered harmlessly against the ground near you!

"Jinx!" You gasped, pretending to be scandalized by the sudden bold action of the woman. You eventually retaliated with your own handful of sand, carefully aiming so it landed just shy of Jinx’s leg. Of course, just because you didn’t want to get her dirty once again, nor did you want to get dirty with sand. That stuff is horrible to get out! (Though, you probably won’t be able to avoid that)

The "sandcastle competition" quickly devolved into a full-blown sand fight, both of you laughing so hard you both could barely breathe as you launched sand ball after sand ball of each other, even getting up from where you were seated and rushing around the shore of the beach of your island.

When you both finally collapsed in the sand, covered in grit and panting from laughter, you glanced over at Jinx, your expression softening at the sight of her being so happy.

It filled your chest with a warm, fuzzy feeling that never seemed to truly go away. Hell, every time you saw her it would fill your chest with that odd feeling, one you could not figure out for the life of you.

But.. it wasn’t unwelcome.

"You’re trouble," you said, brushing a stray strand of hair from the bluette’s face.

"Yeah," Jinx replied, grinning up at the sky.

"But you like it."

You could stay like this forever..

Later on upon cleaning each other up from the small sand fight the both of you had - you found yourselves simply sitting together on the cliff near the palace, letting the rhythm of the waves surrounding the island and the chirping of the birds fluttering on fill the silence.

Jinx leaned against your shoulder as the two of you watched the sunset. The warm hues of orange and pink bathed the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach. Your heart definitely skipped a couple of beats, warmth spreading to your cheeks as you tried to remain calm in this situation.

For once? She seemed completely at peace.

You didn’t dare move of course, afraid that even the smallest shift might disturb the moment. So instead, you let your gaze drift over Jinx’s profile, your heart beating a little faster than usual.

"Do you ever think about what’s out there?" Jinx asked suddenly, her voice soft.

"Out where?" You replied, tilting your head slightly.

"Out there," Jinx repeated, gesturing vaguely toward the horizon of your island.

"The people, the places. Everything I left behind."

Your expression grew somber at the mention, turning your gaze to look back over the horizon.

You haven’t left this island for so long, you’ve forgotten what it’s like out there. So many things have changed, but this little island of yours stayed the same, unchanging until Jinx arrived.

“Do you regret it?"

Jinx was quiet for a long moment, seemingly thinking about your words.

“Sometimes. I think about my sister, Violet or— Vi. About how I left her to scream and cry.”

"And then other times, I think about Ekko. About what could’ve been."

She let out a small, bitter laugh.

“But then I think about how it’d all probably go wrong anyway."

You reached out, hesitating for just a moment before placing your hand gently over Jinx’s.

"You don’t have to run from it, you know." You turned your head once more, gazing down at Jinx as she rested upon your shoulder.

Then, Jinx turned to look at you, your faces closer than either of you realized.

“And what about you? You don’t run from anything?"

Your smile was faint but tinged with sadness.

"I’ve been running for a long time." You let out a small giggle, trying to make light out of the dark situation.

Your gazes lingered, unspoken words wishing to be said. But before either of you could say anything more, Jinx leaned back, breaking the moment.

“..I’m gonna go inside.”

And then she finally arose from the spot on the cliff before walking off, leaving to your lonesome once more.

As the days blended into weeks, and you found yourself tethered to Jinx in ways that… terrified you as much as they comforted you.

At first, it was innocent—a lingering glance here, a brush of your fingers there. But soon, it became something more consuming, an ache that twisted in your chest every time Jinx so much as wandered out of sight. (You don’t understand this. You hate it, but you love it because it makes you.. happy).

During the day, you were never far from Jinx’s side. Wherever Jinx went, you followed, often under the pretense of needing to “check on her.” Whether it was a quiet walk along the shoreline or a shared meal, your presence was a constant.

You insisted on carrying Jinx’s tools when she tinkered, your hands brushing against Jinx’s at every opportunity. You lingered in every hug that Jinx had finally submitted to, holding on just a little too long, your fingers tightening as if letting go might cause Jinx to vanish.

And at night? The same ritual would happen as you remembered. You tiptoed to Jinx’s room, your bare feet silent against the cool flooring of your palace. You’d push the door open just enough to peek inside, your gaze softening at the sight of Jinx sprawled out on the bed, her breathing deep and even.

You couldn’t help yourself.

You’d creep closer, your fingertips brushing a stray lock of blue hair from Jinx’s face, or even simply just fixing her position on the bed so she would be more comfortable and not have a horrible ache within her neck. Your heart would flutter at the faintest smile that graced the sleeping woman’s lips. Satisfied, you would then retreat to your own room, but sleep never came easily after.

The worry, the need to ensure Jinx was still there, always tugged at your mind.

So many have left you, hurt you, vanished before your very eyes due to the powers of the gods above as they cursed you for everything you’d done. Cursed you to this island.

But not this time.

Jinx will stay. You’re SURE of it!

Not only that: but hand-holding became as natural as breathing, your own fingers always lacing through Jinx’s whenever you both walked together. Jinx didn’t seem to mind—in fact, she seemed to enjoy the closeness!

The idea of Jinx leaving was unbearable. You couldn’t stop replaying the memory of Jinx’s arrival, the way your heart had soared for the first time in a century. You’d been so alone for so long, her only companions being the unchanging skies, the shining sun, and the whispering wind. Everyone left you, abandoned you to nothing because they HATED you. Hated you for what you’d done, for everything you had done.

Your fear of being alone forever became overwhelming after the last being had left your little island over a few years ago.

Now?

Jinx has become your entire world.

“You okay there, trinket?” Jinx’s voice broke through your thoughts.

“Hm?” You blinked, realizing you’d been staring at Jinx for far too long.

“You’ve been quiet today,” Jinx teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Usually, you’re fussing over me by now.”

“Hey! I’m not fussing,” you stammered, furrowing your brows.

“I’m just… making sure you’re okay. You have a horrible tendency to get hurt, you know!”

Jinx chuckled, reaching out to ruffle your hair.

“You worry too much, trinket. I’m not going anywhere.”

The words were meant to reassure, but they struck you like a dagger.

The promise of permanence felt fragile, like glass that could shatter at the slightest touch. And you would not let that happen. Not now, not ever.

“I know,” you murmured, your voice barely audible.

But the fear remained within you, gnawing at your mind non-stop.

As the days after passed, your behavior only intensified. You found yourself tracing Jinx’s movements, memorizing the way her hair caught the sunlight, the sound of her laugh, the curve of her smile. You cataloged every detail, desperate to hold onto the pieces of Jinx that made you feel alive.

Your need for Jinx’s presence grew insatiable, and while Jinx didn’t seem to notice—or perhaps didn’t mind, and you began to feel the weight of your own desperation. It wasn’t fair to Jinx, this suffocating need to keep her close, but you couldn’t stop yourself. After all, how could you, when Jinx was the only light in a world that had been so dark for so long? When everyone had chosen to leave you upon hearing the god’s messengers give them the opportunity.

Yet this woman didn’t.

She never left you!!

So, why wouldn’t you grow overprotective?

And as you sat together while watching the sunset, you couldn’t resist resting your head on Jinx’s shoulder, like she’d done a while ago. Your heart pounded as you felt Jinx relax into the gesture, her warmth seeping into your skin.

“Thanks for sticking with me, Pixie,” you whispered, your voice soft.

Jinx’s breath hitched. She wanted to say something, to confess the depths of her feelings, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she simply tightened her grip on your hand, praying that the moment wouldn’t end.

But deep down, she knew that she couldn’t keep living in fear. Something would have to give: whether it was her unspoken feelings or the fragile balance of your relationship.

This has become out of control.

You’ve become insane, haven’t you??

I mean- at first, Jinx didn’t even notice the depth of your little obsession. She’d connect the clinginess as an endearing gesture, even comforting. A gesture that you were fully trusting her now. Jinx had always been starved for affection herself, and your constant attention felt like it was healing her own wounds.

But as your behavior worsened, Jinx.. began to feel smothered.

The amount of you can recount that you’d stepped out of line made you feel sick the more you thought about it.

Like, even though this was unintentional, you had begun to subtly discourage Jinx from exploring the island on her own. Every time Jinx suggested going off by herself, you'd find excuses to tag along or subtly guilt-trip convince her into staying.

“I thought we could spend the day together. Aren’t I enough company?”

Your nightly checks had grown more intrusive. Instead of just brushing Jinx’s hair aside and leaving like you used to do, you’d linger, sitting by her bedside for hours, watching her sleep to ensure she was “safe.”

And as your behavior escalated, the thoughts of what you were doing became overwhelming, as you had become hyper aware of the fact that this was in fact becoming out of your control, how your clinginess worsened, everything.

You feel powerless. Too powerless to stop yourself.

Your loneliness and fear of abandonment—rooted in those centuries of isolation.. they only feed into your cycle.

You’d begun suppressing your emotions around the woman, sabotaging her independence, panicking at any separation.

And she finally picked up on all of it.

Though at first, Jinx didn’t not notice the depth of your obsession. Your constant attention felt like it was healing her own wounds.

But as your behavior worsened, Jinx had begun to feel smothered.

“You’ve been acting kinda weird lately, angel,” Jinx said, a playful lilt in her voice as you two sat together. She threw a pebble toward the water, watching it skip.

“Y’know, you don’t have to stick to me like glue. I’m not going anywhere, so you can chill.”

Your laugh came a little too quickly, a little too forced.

“I’m just looking out for you, Pixie.”

Jinx raised an eyebrow, side-eyeing you at your response.

“Yeah, but looking out and hovering are two different things.”

You brushed the concern away with a soft smile, changing the subject almost instantly. Jinx let it go that day, but the unease lingered. She was used to people being interested in her, fascinated even (I mean with the Jinxers and all).

But this? This was starting to feel different.

And as days turned into weeks once more, and your behavior didn’t just persist—it grew.

You were always there: waiting by the door when Jinx left her room, hovering close whenever Jinx tinkered with something, insisting on being around for every little thing.

It didn’t take long for Jinx’s patience to wear thin.

“Why do you always have to hover?” Jinx snapped one day, her voice sharp with irritation. She was sitting cross-legged on the ground, pieces of a broken gadget sprawled before her. You were kneeling far too close, watching her hands move.

You flinched at the sudden question.

“I just want to help you—”

“I don’t need help!” Jinx interrupted, throwing her arms up.

“You think I can’t handle myself? ‘Cause I can. Been doing it my whole life!”

The words were harsh, sharper than Jinx intended, but they hit their mark. Your expression faltered, guilt clouding your features as you took a hesitant step back.

Jinx, although frustrated, rubbed the back of her neck, trying to keep her temper in check. She shouldn’t lash out at you like that.. You’ll learn to back off.

“I get it, okay? You care. But, trinket… you’ve gotta let me breathe.”

The silence that followed felt heavy, as neither of you said anything after that.

But still, you were once again staring down at her hands while Jinx grumbled to herself and returned to her work.

And despite her frustration, Jinx wasn’t blind. She saw the way your expression tightened when she walked out of the room, the hollow look that sometimes flickered across your face when you thought no one was watching. And as much as Jinx hated feeling stifled, she couldn’t ignore the pain driving your actions.

One night, after another particularly tense day for the both of you, Jinx finally confronted you. You both were sitting by the fireplace within the parlor, embers crackling. And as she had begun to speak, her tone softened.

“Look, I’m not going anywhere, okay?” she said quietly, drawing your attention. The goddess, or you, had been staring into the flames, lost in thought.

“But you’ve gotta stop acting like I’m gonna vanish the second you blink. I’m not some dream you’re gonna wake up from, angel.”

Your lips parted as if to respond, but no words came. Your hands trembled slightly in your lap as you shifted a bit, averting your gaze.

“I get it,” Jinx continued, her voice steadier now.

“You’ve been alone for a long time… and you’re scared. But this? This isn’t how it works.” She looked at you, even if you couldn’t see it - she couldn’t help the way her expression was softening even further.

“You don’t gotta hold me so tight to keep me around. I’m not going anywhere without a reason.”

You nodded faintly as your eyes returned to look her in the eyes, even with how uncomfortable it was.

But the look in YOUR eyes told Jinx that the message hadn’t fully landed.

But the real breaking point of this entire thing?

God, how did that even start again..

It was a couple days later when Jinx decided to venture off alone, desperate for some time to herself. She’d left early, without telling you where she was going.

And by the time she returned hours later?

She found you in a state of panic, your eyes wide and frantic.

When you noticed her, you immediately rushed over to her and gripped her shoulders, checking her to see if she had any injuries or anything out of the ordinary.

“Where were you?!” You demanded, your voice quivering with equal parts anger and desperation.

Jinx blinked, caught off guard at your sudden harsh tone.

“What’s your deal? I just went for a walk.”

“You didn’t say anything! You were gone—I didn’t know if something happened to you!” Your voice cracked, your usual calm composure slipping entirely. It’s like you were entirely different..

You are different however, aren’t you?

“I told you, I can’t lose you!”

Jinx’s temper finally flared at those last words you spoke, scoffing in response.

“Lose me?! I’m not some possession you can just keep tabs on all day!” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife.

“I can’t breathe with you around all the time! You say you care about me, but this isn’t care—it’s control!”

The words hit you like a physical blow. Bleeding out right in the pouring cold rain as it had once before.

You took a step back, tears already streaming down your face as you stared at her, arms wrapping yourself as a failed attempt to make yourself feel comforted.

“I’m sorry!” you choked out, your voice broken.

“I just… I can’t lose you! You’re all I have, Jinx. You don’t understand, you’re everything to me! You changed everything for me!”

Jinx faltered, caught between anger and guilt. Your desperation was raw, real, and heartbreaking.

But Jinx couldn’t ignore how suffocating it had become.

“This isn’t healthy,” Jinx said, quieter now but firm.

“You can’t live like this. And you can’t make me the only thing you’ve got.”

You almost instantly crumpled under the weight of Jinx’s words, retreating into yourself as you sobbed quietly. Jinx watched you, torn between frustration and empathy, unsure of how to fix what had shattered between the two of you you.

“..I’m sorry.”

And with that, you immediately rushed out of the palace from the door that Jinx had walked in from, never stopping for a second as she called out for you. You ran for as long as you could, never stopping for a second until you had collapsed to the ground from how long you had ran.

For as small as this island may seem, you’re somewhat shocked at how big it seemed as you ran through the forest, feet aching.

Eventually, you settled on resting on the forest floor, refusing to return to the palace.

Who would want to be there with a monster such as yourself?

Maybe the gods should just keep you locked up in a cage, where you could never harm anyone ever again.

In the days that followed, your absence was palpable. You withdrew entirely from being a part of Jinx’s life, ashamed of your own behavior and terrified that you’d ruined everything. You refused to eat, refused to even sleep some nights. Even with how tempting the idea of returning back to the palace seemed, you restrained yourself - reminded of what had happened days prior.

And so you remained on the island, simply lingering around anywhere where Jinx couldn’t find you (for the most part).

She’d seen your hair a few times, but when she had called out for you once more? You vanished.

As if you were never there to begin with.

Jinx couldn’t shake the memory of your desperation. She knew what loneliness felt like: what it meant to cling to something, anything, to keep yourself from drowning.

It’s because of that you’d become like this..

You were so kind, so calm and caring before. But this corruption had already sunk its claws into you, forcing you to anxiety and insecurity.

And eventually, Jinx sought you out.

She found you sitting alone at the edge of the beach, staring out at the endless horizon with your knees close to your chest.

Jinx sat beside you, the silence stretching between you both.

“Come to berate me?” You muttered, voice tired and wavering.

“What?”

“You’re justified for doing so.. I just… I don’t even know anymore. I can’t even apologize normally anymore because of these stupid feelings.” You buried your face into your knees, tears threatening to form within the corners of your eyes.

“I’m so sorry. You never deserved that, and yet I did it anyway. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a normal being, haven’t I? Being banished here, no human interaction for so long..” Jinx stared at you for a long moment before sighing, averting her gaze.

And then, she spoke.

“Y’know, it doesn’t have to be like this.”

You didn’t respond, but Jinx pressed on.

“You’re more than just… whatever you think you are to me. You’ve got this place, this life as a goddess. You don’t need to hang everything on me.”

You raised your head and turned it head slightly, your eyes red and tired.

“But what if you leave?..”

Jinx let out a small, almost bitter laugh.

“Yeah, well… you ain’t gettin’ rid of me that easy.” She nudged tour shoulder gently, her tone softening.

“But you gotta trust me. And more than that, you gotta trust yourself. You’re stronger than you think, trinket. You don’t need to hold me so tight to know I’m here.”

You didn’t reply right away, but something in your core shifted. It wasn’t immediate, and it wouldn’t be easy, but it was a start.

That feeling of hope once more.

Hope that you’d felt with her alone once again.

For both of you.

The rain pattered lightly against the palace windows, the warm air inside a comforting contrast to the storm outside. You moved through the halls, a plate of Jinx's favorite meal in your hands. Your expression was bright, softened by the anticipation of Jinx's reaction. You both had gotten on better terms once more, figuring out what to do so it couldn’t get so bad.

Of course, you still had a few issues to work through still.. but you were willing to do so for her!

"Pixie!" You called out with a cheerful lilt, your voice echoing down the corridor as you finally made it to the bluette’s room.

No response.

Your smile faltered slightly, but you continued forward nonetheless, pushing open the door to her room. You could see that Jinx was hunched over her desk, her posture stiff as she fidgeted with some new contraption she was working on. You felt your smile return, feeling more calm by understanding that she was busy and not ignoring purposefully.

You know she has quite the tendency to get lost within her work, focusing entirely on it and NOTHING else!

Quickly, you cleared your throat and approached the woman.

"Pixie? Are you alright? I brought you some food—"

"Get out."

The words were sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. You almost immediately froze in place, blinking in disbelief at the sudden harsh tone.

"Pardon?.." You asked softly, your voice tinged with more confusion than anything.

Jinx turned to face you, her eyes wild, her voice louder now.

“I said, get OUT! Are you deaf?!"

Your hands trembled at how she spoke to you, confused and concerned of what was going on. Carefully, you set the plate down on a nearby table before immediately returning your attention to the woman, determined to figure out what was causing all of this.

"Pixie… What's going on? Why are you acting—“

Before you could even finish, Jinx’s hand lashed out. The slap was swift and cold, and the worse part? She slapped you with what you KNEW was the hand with that metal finger of hers. The stinging against your cheek felt like it was burning, and the sound echoed in the room, followed by a silence so deafening it felt like everything just stopped in time.

You just stood there, stunned, one hand slowly rising to touch the tender skin of your cheek. Your wide eyes locked onto Jinx, who looked equally horrified, as though she couldn’t believe what she’d just done to you.

Your lips parted to speak, but no words came. And so instead, you turned on your heel and walked out, the door closing behind you with a soft click.

The days that followed were heavy with unspoken words. Jinx and you had barely exchanged a GLANCE since the incident, hell - barely even being in the same room together!! Jinx claimed she didn’t remember saying those things, but as for you… you weren’t sure anymore. Perhaps it was all part of the gods’ plan; to drive a wedge between you two, to make you suffer, as they always had.

So when they came to you in the middle of the night as you were at the beach, coming to tell you the most devastating news of your life. You haven’t slept all night after hearing them either..

And so now you’re here at the beach once more, your back against a jagged rock, your feet brushing the cold stone path. In your hand, you twirled a blue flower, its delicate petals soft and fresh. You sighed, your chest tightening as you heard the faint clinking of metal tools nearby.

Peeking out from behind the rock, you saw Jinx tinkering with another bomb. The sight made your heart ache. Her hands moved deftly, but there was a tension in her posture, a stiffness that reminded you of that very day.

You stood, clutching the flower tightly to gather the courage before you made your way toward Jinx. The sound of your footsteps were nearly drowned out by the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

“Someone arrived today,” you said with a blank tone, standing a little to Jinx’s right.

Jinx froze, her hands pausing mid-motion. You quickly continued.

“They said they’re taking you away… ‘that you’re not mine to save’.” You stepped closer, your voice trembling ever so slightly as you spoke.

“And soon I won’t get to see your face.”

With a delicate carefulness, you placed the blue flower behind Jinx’s ear, your fingers brushing against her hair as though you were handling the most fragile piece of glass in the world.

“So I came by to say: You’re unlike anyone I have ever known.” Her hand lingered near Jinx’s shoulder for a moment longer than needed, before pulling away.

“Because you’re all I’ve ever known.”

Tears brimmed in your eyes as you took a step back, wrapping your arms around yourself.

“The ones before you refused to tell me anything, refused to trust me. I knew nothing but their faces.” You elaborated, taking a deep breath afterwards.

“And if I pushed you, or if I came on too strong at any time, or if I ambushed you… for that, I’ll say I was wrong.” Your voice cracked, though you continued.

“And if you hate me..” the words came out like poison, bitter and sharp as the taste lingered on your tongue, tears threatening to spill.

“..then I am sorry for that, I truly am. But I’m not sorry for loving you.”

“Trinket..” Jinx’s voice was quiet, almost just that of a whisper, but you cut her off with a raised hand.

“Let me speak!” You cried out, raising your voice.

“I spent my whole life here! I was cast away when I was young. Alone for a hundred years! I had no friends but the sky and sun!” Your voice cracked as memories of your past flooded her mind. The years you spent alone, your freedom being taken away from you, watching all of your kind being murdered - your own father killed before you. Being forced to even participate in a war you never wished to..

“So when you washed ashore… I thought for sure that you were my dream come true. I thought I knew…” You paused, thinking about your next words.

“I don’t even know anymore.. that you’d like me? But I guess I didn’t, did I? That I was too foolish to think that? Huh?”

You turned sharply, your tone cold.

“So I guess this is goodbye, Jinx. I hope you’re happy… after all, you’ll never see me again.”

You began to walk away, tears streaming down your cheeks. You can’t watch her being taken away. As much as she hurt you, you just can’t.

“Trinket, wait!” Jinx’s voice was doused with desperation — but just as Jinx reaches where you had been moments ago, you were gone. Fading into some sort of mist like an unreachable dream.

The ocean wind whips around her, carrying the faint echoes of your words, reminiscing around as if to taunt her further about the crushing reality that is her future.

And she stands there, not knowing what to do.

Calypso!Reader and Jinx masterlist

[honeydazai]

୨୧·࣭࣪̇˖ 𝆬  having a secret enemies to lovers relationship with them 𝆬 𓏸

feat.: Jayce Talis, Vi, Ambessa Medarda, Mel Medarda, Ekko

content: f!reader, nsfw content, mild violence mentions

notes: this was commissioned by the most lovely @angelltheninth !! thank you so much again!! 💜

Honestly, JAYCE refuses to admit just how much he finds himself drawn to you. You're everything he's not, working in the shadows for Silco while he's Piltover's golden boy, the Man of the Future, and yet there's some odd tension between the two of you that he can't deny. He aches to label it as natural hate, though that couldn't be further from the truth. The catalyst for your eventual growing fondness of each other is when he's got you pinned down, imposing hammer so close to obliterating you and, God, he can't do it. You're his enemy, certainly, and yet he finds himself absentmindedly brushing some dirt off your cheek, touch gentle despite those huge hands.

After that, things go all too fast. One moment you're kissing, you softly moaning into his mouth, the next you try and sneak into the Academy, trying your hardest not to appear suspicious and, well — if you end up making out on one of the tables he usually does science stuff on, who can blame you? It feels all too nice to wrap your legs around his wide waist, pulling him closer while his dick pushes into you, calloused fingers roaming over your skin as if he's desperate to feel as much of you at the same time as somehow possible. It's all too good, until the sound of approaching footsteps, accompanied by the rhythmic thumping noise of a cane, makes both of you flinch, and you're forced to hide in an empty storage room, still dripping with need.

“Fuck, talk about horrible timing—, quick, in here, in here. God. Hopefully he'll leave real quick again, I'm stil hard; don't you worry, we'll continue just where we left off in but a moment. We just can't get caught.”

There is no word for what VI feels for you other than 'hate'. How could she not? As an Enforcer, you're her complete opposite, you're used to the riches and comfortable life of Piltover and, well, she would've never thought she could ever grow fond of you, but it turns out you look awfully pretty underneath her, pinned to the ground of Zaun. There's mud caked to the side of your face and a stray trail of blood runs down your forehead and, oh — for some reason, you don't do anything but moan softly when she leans down to meet your lips in a bruising kiss, her thick thigh spreading your own apart.

It's adorable how your cheeks flush when she calls you a teasing nickname; it's downright sweet when you whimper and press your body against her own. Your very reactions make you so very human, so very much like her. You're not that different from her at all, it appears, and that realisation itself makes things complicated. Vi swears she despises you, hates you with all her heart, but when she sneaks away to your usual meeting place, the sixth time this week, rough touches having turned into loving embraces along the way, she can't say she's being entirely truthful.

“Hey, sugar! You made it. Fuck, I'm always so happy to see ya, it's ridiculous. My heart's beatin' all fast. Oh—, hey, you're eager today, hm? Wanna continue that badly where we were interrupted last time? Fine by me. You gotta spread those cute legs of yours then, darl.”

It comes as no surprise that a powerful woman such as AMBESSA has quite a lot of enemies. There's all too many people who wish her death or worse for the countries she's conquered or the people she's slayed — and yet you're the only one who has ever caught her eye. It's all too easy to have you brought to her luxurious chambers, and even when you're glaring at her, eyes narrowed with nothing short of hatred, she doesn't care, really. Her fingers come up to grab your chin, keeping your head in place as her gaze rakes over your face, taking every feature of your face in.

You're not sure whether to be enraged or relieved that, apparently, she's satisfied with what she sees, though it's a lot preferable when, minutes later, she seats you on one thick thigh of hers rather than having you beheaded. Really, you couldn't stifle your mewls and moans even if you tried when she grinds said leg up against your already dripping folds. Over time, you grow fond of her — something you hadn't thought possible —; your relationship stays a secret, but your smile at her praise is honest, your laughter joining her boisterous one is not an act at all. She's surprisingly sweet for such a bold woman and, well; the fact that she leaves you unable to walk for a day or two whenever she's between your legs is a pretty convincing factor to stay with her, too.

“Aren't you just the sweetest little one? C'mon, now, no need to be shy. You've been grinding against my thigh like a bitch in heat before, haven't you? Surely you can do it again. Though, if my leg isn't good enough for you, maybe you're just not as desperate to cum as I thought.”

There's always been tension between you and MEL; how could there not be when you were anything she didn't stand for, being her political enemy and everything? Really, the amount of bickering you two did was close to ridiculous, and yet neither of you seemed to mind it all too much. Even though you don't make a pretty picture up on a stage or behind the council roundtable, you look all too ethereal on her bed, legs spread wide and arching your back while slender fingers alternate between gently rubbing and meanly pinching your throbbing clit.

Really, you'd worry about it being all too obvious how often you search up her quarters, though she's quick to distract you with soft kisses and the occasional cruel graze of teeth against your neck. There's no need to worry about anything, truly; when Mel wants your relationship to stay between the two of us, it will remain a secret at all costs.

“My, my. You're quite adorable today, hm? So very needy for my touch, and yet I remember quite clearly how you've challenged me in front of the rest of the Council. Love, it almost looks like you were aching to be punished by me. Is that not the case? I might go easier on you if you at least admit it.”

EKKO despises you. There's no way around it. Ekko despises you and, if needed, fights you with all his might, and yet his expression, Firelight mask long knocked off his face, softens oh so visibly when he, one day, meets you at random, your injuries awfully bad. He's not sure what he's thinking when he takes you in and cares for your wounds, nursing you back to health; you're his enemy, damn it, and he should act like it, but the only explanation he has for how he's acting is that empathy is an all too human trait he can't seem to get rid of, no matter how hard he tries. He can't just leave you in the Undercity to rot.

By the time you're back to full health, you can't deny that, even though you're supposed to be enemies, you've bonded quite a bit. He's funny and loving, protective of you, even; and even though your relationship has to stay secret at all costs, given how he'd otherwise lose credibility with the Firelights and you'd be called a traitor, you both can't help but sneak away at night to see each other, you embracing him in a loving hug and his lips pressing against yours all too eagerly. With Ekko, it takes a while until it gets to making out and getting even more intimate, but that's quite alright. There's no need to rush it; you're both more than happy to lose track of time while cuddling and kissing.

“Would've never thought that, one day, I'd be kissin' someone like you like this. Hey—, in a positive way. Don't get me wrong on purpose. Y'know I love everything about you. Yeah? Good. It's almost sunrise, though. 'm afraid you'll have to go back soon.”

tags: @vislovelywife @Mamanaga @vaemadz @cicada-teeth @jinxsslut @silcosnumber1 @coochie-intervention @inertiacreams @shinwifexx @rhaeena @bumbookitten @greeniegreengreen @my-awakened-ghost @afidiofobia @helloyellowsheeps @yuuotosaka3 @sccarymonster @satoruislove @pastelsbaby @artsyxabbyx @ cyan-skulls @arboranimus @marina-and-the-memes @holysmokesblog @twilightdollie @kaaylvst @definitely-not-v @innerstrawberrypolice @misty-q @perylinsus @pleasemakeitgayer @imaginesbymk @meimayooo @doxmino @smolbeandrabbles @darknessbyme @darthkenobii @mars738 @cupcakkesinflatedwetbussy @illicittete @lemzhargreeves @festivalthrash

@savagemickey03 @rosepxtlz @user4837 @Nervousartisanheart @mikariell95 @mechmoucha

@silcobrainrot @Medeaa5 @nocturnal-onlooker @modernamilf @catsaiem @t0r @beyondblissxoxo @zillahvathek @brainrottingrn @klaudia7 @okura-s

@666abby6666 @ironnieincarn8 @watercolourdreams @scturne19 @ladykatakuri @lunerenzo @cowboykiri @soullessbody @thottywizard @celebrity-crushes27 @ygrworld @sevikasslvtt @chaoticevilbakugo @trashbod @MiloMalaise @berywritesstuff @alice0blog @gooseberries88 @s1t1n0ny0url4p @black-rose-29

[yumeaoka-chan]

Locked In❣️

Valentine's Day fic early because I usually just forget it, lol. Credit to @cafekitsune for the lovely banners! Lovingly made and ready for you @the-kr8tor & @pleaktale 💕

Pairing: Ekko x fem! Reader x Hobie Brown/ Ekko x Reader x Spider-Punk! Hobie Brown

Word Count: 1.8k

Tags: fluff, cursing, crying(not what you think, lol), no physical description of reader, no use of y/n, modern au (they're all in Hobie's universe, really), everyone here is absolutely lovestruck/lovesick

Summary: You spend Valentine's Day with your two favorite people in the whole world.

“Well… they don't look too bad”, you mumble as you add the finishing touches to the two small boxes of homemade chocolate, piping little white hearts made out of white chocolate onto the truffles. You tilt your head at the slightly misshapen pieces, narrowing your eyes and pursing your lips as you juggle between taking them out or not. The sight of fingers slowly reaching for a truffle takes you out of your musings, your hand quick to slap at them in retaliation. “I already let you try a piece, Ned!”

“But they're temptin’ me”, the man whines before huffing and moving to lean up against the fridge. He gives you a playful glare and groans, letting out his woes as he watches you place the tops onto the boxes and carefully wrap around them a red ribbon. “I let you use my flat to make your treats and I can't get any more? Bonkers.”

Rolling your eyes, you smile and clean up your workstation, wiping down the counters and washing dishes. Days before while sitting in at one of Hobie's band practices, you had shared your concerns with his friend about your chocolate dilemma. Ned had offered for you to use his kitchen so that you could work without the risk of being caught mid gift making, caramel filled truffles for Ekko and coconut cream filled truffles for Hobie. And if the man's constant sneaking for more treats was anything to go by, they must taste pretty good.

“You'll get your orange cream filled ones next week like I promised”, you remind him while gathering the supplies you brought. Carefully picking up the small heart shaped boxes, you place them inside of your tote bag, glancing over at the time shining on the microwave on the countertop. It was almost six, around the time that they both returned home. Ned walks you towards the door, pointing at you with a wide grin on his face as you step outside.

“Don't forget, ‘kay? Hope you guys have a nice evenin’, mate.” With a wave goodbye, you make your way back to your shared flat, pulling your jacket a bit tighter around your shoulders as the chilly London air hits your face. Steps quick and purposeful, you hurry back home, wanting to get there before they do in an attempt to appear as though you'd been there waiting for them the whole day. The thought of their surprised faces when you hand them their presents before kissing them sweetly has a smile flitting across your face, heart growing warm at the image. It makes you eager to complete your journey home, feet moving even faster towards your destination.

Just as you reach the building with your flat, however, you don't notice the person rushing to the door at the same time as you, the two of you colliding into each other. You let out a small gasp as you brace for the incoming impact of falling onto the ground, only for steady hands to slip around your back and hold you upright. Blinking up at your savior, your heart thuds in your chest at the familiar sight of hazel brown eyes greeting you warmly. Beaded white twists frame Ekko's face as he peers down at you, shock coloring his gaze.

“You alright, mama? I didn't hurt you, did I”, he asks worriedly as his eyes scan your frame, hands moving to rub gently at your arms. The nickname has you all but swooning, just the very sight of him enough to make you giddy. Smiling up at him, you shake your head and take his hands in yours.

“Nope. I'm okay, 'Ko”, you say softly as you both head into the building hand in hand, heading towards your shared flat. A quick glance inside of your bag on your shoulder, you let out a sigh of relief at seeing the boxes of chocolates still pristine and unaffected by the small collision just now. “Did everything go well at the community center today?”

“Yeah, just a minor mix-up about a delivery of sugar. Nothing major.” He gazes at you with an eyebrow quirked, curiosity shining in his eyes and a small knowing smile playing on his lips. His gaze drifts over to your tote bag and you pull it closer to your body, not wanting him to see the gifts yet. “What about you, huh? Thought you would've been home this whole time, bug.”

“I was but I went to the store up the street for some snacks.” You lie straight through your teeth, batting your eyelashes up at him innocently. Ekko rolls his eyes and scoffs, smile widening.

“Sure you were. Let's get on home and wait for Hobie. I've actually got something for you both.” His words make you light up with interest, curious about this gift that Ekko has prepared for you and Hobie. Standing before the door of your shared flat, a pleasant, mouth watering scent hits your nose, wafting from behind the door. Which was odd because none of you had cooked a thing before you left. Sharing a confused look with Ekko, you stand close behind as he slowly unlocks the door. The sight that greets you once you stand inside takes your breath away.

Lights off and the furniture in your tiny living room rearranged. Fairy lights decorate the sheets and blankets draped over chairs, pillows and extra blankets strewn about on the floor, a makeshift pillow fort. On a small table near the fort lies full glasses and plates of warm food begging to be eaten, enticing aroma beckoning you forward.

“Damn… He didn't have to do all this”, Ekko mumbles softly beside you as he lovingly looks at the work done by the punk that was now rounding the corner, sauntering into the living room with an excited grin on his face. Hobie goes up to you both and grabs your hands, leading you both down towards the pillow fort.

“Surprise! Been ‘ere this whole time. You lot like it”, he asks as brings both your hand and Ekko's up to his lips, placing gentle kisses on your knuckles and gazing at the two of you sweetly. Russet brown eyes shining with adoration and looking at you and the man beside you like you both are the stars and the moon above. It's a wonder how Hobie doesn't practically topple over when you both crowd him, Ekko placing gentle kisses on his cheek and temple while you brush your lips along his chin and jaw. His chuckles are warm and sweet in your ear as you both adorn him with affection. Once he's properly smooched, you hand them both their assigned boxes of chocolates. They both instantly bite into one and you feel yourself swell with pride at the way their eyes light up at the taste.

“You made these yourself, love? You're a fuckin’ professional.” Hobie muses as he eats another piece, seemingly enjoying the coconut cream immensely. Ekko nods in agreement and you feel heat rush to your cheeks as they both pepper your face with kisses. After a while, you all sit back and enjoy the food Hobie's prepared for you.

“This isn't just normal pasta, innit.”

“What is it then,” Ekko questions between a mouthful of pasta, looking over at the punk expectantly. The smirk that graces Hobie's lips is all the warning you get.

“‘S Marry Me pasta”, he hums softly, amusement shining in his eyes. You let out a loud sigh, shaking your head at the cheesy name. Ekko scrunches his nose up and shakes his head.

“If we all were married, I'd have divorced you just now”, he says jokingly, Hobie letting out a loud gasp of feigned offense at his words. You giggle as you watch the exchange between the two.

“And ‘ere I thought you loved me, ‘Ko. ‘S alright, I still have you, lovie.” The punk lets out a sigh as he wraps his arms around you, holding you close to him while he sticks out his tongue at Ekko who lets out a feigned grimace of indignation, making you laugh and causing both men to gaze at you with hearts in their eyes. Hours pass as you all finish your meal and talk for hours, time spent together engulfed with tenderness as you all lie within the pillow fort, your head resting on Ekko's chest while his rests on Hobie's with the punk's arms wrapped around you both.

It's then that Ekko shifts, moving his head and gently tapping your waist, signaling you to move from your spot on top of him. As he sits up completely, so do you and Hobie, eyebrows twisted in confusion at his sudden absence. Taking a deep breath and eyes glancing down at the pillows beneath you all, Ekko's hands rummage in the pockets of his jacket that he'd discarded near the opening of the fort, pulling out a single small emerald colored velvet box.

“I just figured… I-I made these and it was time I gave you both my gift since you gave yours," he mumbles quietly, almost hesitantly as if he was worried you'd hate it. Fingers pulling open the box, you can feel your very breath being stolen at the silver glinting at you from the plush cushion of the box. Three silver rings with carvings of green leaves etched into the metal sparkle up at you and as Ekko lifts two of them from out of the box, you feel your eyes start to sting with unshed tears because-

“You engraved our fuckin’ initials, ‘Ko…?” Hobie whispers, voice cracking ever so slightly as the man holding the rings slips one onto your index finger before doing the same to Hobie. There, on the inside of the metal, were the initials of your first names, written so beautifully that you can't help the tears falling now. Sniffles leave your lips as you take the last ring out of the box, Hobie tenderly holding Ekko's hand steady as you slip the silver jewelry onto his finger.

“I can't believe you really made these”, you choke out, wiping at the tears that blur your vision as you peer up at him with such love that he practically melts. “These are so beautiful, Ekko. So, so beautiful.”

“I figured it was about time we had something matching. I-”, Ekko's words are cut off as both you and Hobie, with tears streaming down your faces, practically tackle him down onto the pillows. He lets out a surprised yelp before laughing as he's bombarded with kisses all over his face, tears of his own pricking in the corners of his eyes. Which are quickly swept away by your lips as Hobie rains affection all along his neck and jawline. He squirms and scrunches his face as lips trail over the light patches on his dark skin, face warm under the flood of adoration.

“Wait, wait… Guys…! Let me up…!” Ekko huffs as you cradle his face lovingly in your hands, Hobie's slipping to wrap around his waist. And as he glances at the hearts in both you and Hobie's eyes, he lets out a sigh, smile widening as he resigns himself to his fate and allows you both to sweep him up in your love.

[arcane-ish]

"but what was his tax policy" and way too lenghty ramblings about Vander's statue and reputation

Which always makes me wonder who built the statue of Vander that we see Silco talk to. Because who else in Zaun actually has the funds to build something that size? Did Silco keep up the lie that Vander started the Lanes and led rebellions and was a hero? (It wouldn't surprise me if Silco did it to keep the crowd on his side as he took over the Last Drop. That man has so many unaddressed issues, I love him.)

@out-there-tmblr

I have to admit I never considered that people don't know that Silco killed Vander and that he could have built the statue. It's a very interesting thought.

I just kind of assumed that it would have been in Silco's interest to be open about having killed Vander to appear fearsome and impressive? And the statue just looks very different to the more harsh/jagged "big brother is watching you" style that to me always suggested that Silco doesn't really try to make nice with people.

The statue looks kind of jagged, like it is made up out of spare parts that suggests more that it could have been built from scraps by amateurs rather than it was commissioned.

And would Ekko really sign a statue made by Silco to cover up the fact that he killed Vander?

So I just always assumed it must have been Ekko or people who feel like Ekko who built it. To me it always made some sense to me that it exists. That this and this would exist.

Like maybe the mural and the statue were created relatively soon after Vander's death. The mural in the Firelight base makes sense because that is just all Ekko.

I could picture somebody making the statue shortly after Vander's death, maybe even as a bit of a fuck you to Silco a "we remember that you killed the guy to get where you are and we the people were never asked if we were okay with it". There are signs that people came and tagged the statue, maybe that even maybe somebody comes and has to "keep the flame burning"?

And similarly even if the statue was meant as a fuck you, I can picture Silco not giving a shit (because he doesn't care as much what people think of him), or even find it funny. Whether despite his disagreement with Vander personally he doesn't mind if people hold up the image of a fellow revolutionary (ie I could easily picture not bothering to spread the news that Vander had a deal with Grayson and just portraying it as a normal power struggle and Grayson's death as an accident by werewolf the way the Pilties think it happened).

Or that he even thinks it's a cute that the people are rebellious (not to the extent to go and work with the Firelights, but you know, just appreciating that Zaun is kind of punky and wild).

It makes sense to me that the people of The Lanes might see Vander as a symbol of comfort and peace. ie maybe not everybody benefits from Silco's new reign. Also when somebody gets murdered it's not rare that people overemphasize their positive qualities. For that to work there really isn't much necessary than Vander being an okay, non-offensive leader. Doesn't tax people too bad, asks for their opinion, doesn't murder too many people (to their knowledge).

So that part doesn't seem too weird to me.

Firelight mural = that's just Ekko. Especially since season 2 establish that he can pull off a mural like that (okay maybe even in the AU he knew what people to ask help him or maybe he painted it 100% himself, doesn't matter, he is certainly the driving force behind it)

Statue = could have been built somewhat shortly after Vander's death. People have vague recollections of "things were better under Vander". Even that people still meet there for important political debates in a "townhall" kind of way doesn't bother me. You an still to agree to meet at Trafalgar square without having any opinion on Trafalgar.

No, what bugs me is this one.

How the fuck is Vander still a symbol of rebellion like what, 6-8 years after his death and 10+ years after presumably the last time he did anything revolutionary?

Especially since in this case we KNOW that Ekko (one of the people we know has an emotional connection to Vander) didn't paint it because he was sucked away by the hexcore and likely wouldn't just that casually made a mural celebrating Jinx at this point.

So somebody who is NOT Ekko had a high enough opinion on Vander to put him in a mural and a mural that represents revolution.

To me it has just always made more sense that within Zaun Vander would represent peace. Because the statue has always looked kind of peaceful to me with the soft glowing light. And it was Vander spent his last few years working on/building up. [maybe even longer since he seems to already be flirting with peacefulness in the Silco and Felicia flashback] And simply because to me it just seems like a very relatable thing that imo the vast majority of radicals/revolutionaries have to deal with: that they find out that in most situations the vast majority of people don't like revolutions and prefer peace/protection (see the long list of revolutions that were totally counting on "the population will rise up and support us!!" and completely whiffed on that)

As the mural venerates Jinx, there's a decent chance that one of the Jinxers made it. So why would they have a reason to have a deep opinion on a guy who those last claim to fame that we know off was to lead some sort of uprising on the bridge that got slapped down? Most of them seem young, so why would they care? There's a huge difference between somebody building a statue rather shortly after Vander's death when he might still be vivid in people's memory and years later*.

I guess a Firelight could have made it and maybe Ekko has been spinning on the tale of how awesome Vander was. But again, considering his age, shouldn't Ekko's experience be more about peaceful community leader Vander?

Admittedly, the underlying context of the mural is it being about at least one person who doesn't want it and who is in a very different frame of mind than what the mural depicts at least at that point in time. So it also misrepresenting Vander/it being there because somebody didn't properly know or understand his story is certainly feasible.

Anyway, really got me thinking that we don't really know what exactly Silco, Vander and friends really did.

The only thing we know for sure:

Built up/ran a bar

Organized something the bridge that escalated and went badly

Both Vander&Benzo and later Silco&Sevika collect "taxes" in the form of protection money

Vander seems to maybe be slightly more open to hearing from the people and responding to their wishes

We also know from writer hints that smuggling was big part of what Silco and Vander did.

Fixing the Mines

So in season one my working theory was that the mines were a shit place to work and maybe Vander & Silco "freed" people from having to work in the mines and instead shifted the economy towards more smuggling/trade which isn't as physically grueling. But that was kind of dashed by season 2 because it suggests that Connel and Felicia still worked in the mine even though Vander and Silco already own the Last Drop. So why would she still work in the mines if she could just work with them at the Drop?

Maybe they just vastly improved working conditions/worker safety? Or maybe they led a rebellion against the mine owners and actually succeeded in setting up a worker run mine?

That's the kind of thing that I could picture inspiring people years later even if it went badly (because looking around in history even short periods that feel like a lot of freedom and self actualization can inspire people for a long time even if historically speaking it wasn't around long).

Daring acts of crime

Then there's Vi's statement about the kind of stunts Vander would have pulled in his youth. So maybe Silco and Vander's early revolutionary activity contained a lot of daring and showy attacks on Piltover rich people that get them celebrated in the Undercity. Robbing big fancy townhouses and spreading the loot around generously (even if it's just by generously buying rounds or food). Or leaving showy calling cards.

Vander could be living off just that old reputation. And if he had a reputation for showy stunts against Piltover then maybe that would fit slightly better with why people might associate him with Jinx in a moral that specifically celebrates her color attack on Piltover.

Cleaning Up The Lanes I (fighting the old system)

I don't think that there's actually much trace of it. But it's a trope in a lot of fiction and I think it's worth thinking about what exactly where "the Lanes" before? Is it just one of those situation where there's always a long line of cruel crime bosses and Vander was one of the softest. And Vander and the gang got into power by picking fights with other criminal gangs and winning or by kicking out whoever was the previous boss?

And people have positive associations with that time period because they helped git rid of . Maybe that could be a good way to explain where the Hound of the Underground nickname could have come from, if they spent some time fighting or pacifying other gangs. (again personally I think it could also just be a pitfighting nick name)

Cleaning Up The Lanes II (establishing order)

Or were the Lanes lawless and Vander (with or without Silco) brought structure to it? Is this the first time the Lanes have a boss at all? If yes, what does that mean? Does it mean a pseudo government system, where taxes are collected from the ones who can afford it?

Was there maybe some sort of social system under Vander where maybe he collects the taxes and then has like a fund to like help people in need, like if they lost their house or had an injury? If Vander and Benzo collect taxes, what does Vander spend it on (presuming he might also have income from the bar?). Is that all going straight to feeding his kids

Silco when he rules doesn't live super ostentatiously either, but at least you can picture that the taxes he collects go to buying research materials for Singed or buying weapons or buying machines for Remi's factories.

(if Vander really had like the tiniest traces of a homemade social welfare system then maybe that would explain why people hold him in high regard years later, but again, how realistic is that?)

Or does running the Lanes mean for Vander that he like helped people negotiate their quarrels, like the barest hint of a court/justice system? If somebody acts out on the Lanes, what happens? Do people come to Vander and ask him to take care of it? Does he just keep his ear on the ground and go out and take out people who he perceives to act out? Do people show up at his place and ask him to decide in one of their quarrels? (I was thinking how in a bunch of RPG video games in the recent years they have introduced sequences where people ask you to decide a conflict, but even if it's not a "petitioning the duke" kind of situation, if Vander has a rule he's giving out, how is it handled when people go against that rule?)

Again going here with the idea that people might remember Vander positively if they perceived him as a guy they could go to for help and Silco later is more a hand off lawless "fix your stuff yourself" kind of guy where the normal people are concerned.

Like I said, I think Vander doesn't have to be a super duper special guy beyond "he was a nice charismatic guy with a bar people like to go to and who got killed surprisingly in way people don't really understand" for the statue to exist. But that he still gets remembered years later by people other than Ekko is more weird to me. And even if one assigns less value to the acts of season 2, there's still he whole "why does he have a nickname and reputation that even foreigners know" and what Vi is referring to with the stunts of Vander's youth that she presumably heard from other people about.

(and yes: I just wrote a whole "okay, but what would be his tax policy?" post)

[*and yes the mural that bugs me so much could be a "two part" one, ie the Vander part could be older and then somebody else added Jinx to the existing Vander mural, ta least getting around my "Ekko definitely didn't paint the Jinx mural" issues with it]

[smilingangel582]

Spoilers for Arcane S2 episode 7!

I'm more of a Powder x Ekko fan so imma write one that's in the Alternate universe. Sadly I kinda wish Caitlyn and Vi were alive too. Waaaa so sad. So I'm going to write my own thing hehe.

Like it or hate it, I don't care! I need my girls with Powder.

Warning: tickles, fluff, sweet sibling platonic love between Vi and Powder, Lesbians being lesbians, romantic cait x vi, AU! Vi and cait are alive, canon Powder x Ekko

Admit it!

(Ps. They are grown up ok? I got no older Powder older Vi AU pics)

The night began to draw in Piltover, Powder—humming softly while tinkering with one of her gadgets. Vi leaned against the wall, watching her sister work with a smirk that promised trouble. She recognized that device that Ekko once showed to Vi when it was still in progress and now Powder is finishing it.

Vi's older sister sense was tingling.

“So,” Vi started, arms crossed, “when are you gonna admit it?”

Powder glanced up, blinking in confusion seeing her sister across the room. “Admit what?”

“That you’ve got a thing for Ekko.”

The wrench in Powder’s hand clattered to the floor as her face turned bright red. “W-what?! No, I don’t!” she stammered, immediately reaching for another tool to busy herself.

Vi’s grin widened. Now casually resting her arms over the couch leaning back, “Oh, come on. You can’t fool me. I’m your big sister, remember? I know these things.”

Powder’s ears burned as she shot Vi a glare. She always knows.

“I don’t have feelings for Ekko, okay?! Now leave me alone!”

Vi stepped closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, you don’t, huh?”

Before Powder could protest, Vi lunged, her fingers attacking her sister’s sides. Powder let out a shriek, her laughter spilling out uncontrollably. “V-Vi! S-stop! Thahat’s not fahahair!”

“All’s fair in love and sibling wars!” Vi teased, her hands mercilessly finding all of Powder’s weak spots. Just like when they were kids. Vi always got powder.

Powder tried to squirm away, but Vi knew her too well. Her sides, ribs, and even the backs of her knees were no match for Vi’s relentless playful assault. Powder’s laughter echoed through the room.

“Oohohokay! OkaHAHAy! FIHIHINe! Mayehebe I likehe hihim a l-little!” Powder finally gasped between giggles. Now holding Vi's wrists weakly.

“Ha! Knew it!” Vi declared triumphantly, grinning down at her younger sister who was teary eyed in blissful mirth.

"Ack! Vihihi pleahahahase!" It doesn't stop her playful attack, making Powder whine through her titters and laughs.

However, before Vi could bask in her victory, a pair of hands shot out from behind her, tickling her ribs. Vi let out a surprised yelp, twisting around to see Caitlyn standing there, an amused smirk on her face.

Of course, Powder smirked, Vi is submissive to one person, and that is Caitlyn.

“Thought you could use a taste of your own medicine,” Caitlyn said with a teasing glint in her eyes, looming closer to her girlfriend.

“C-Cait?! Ihihi can ehehexplain!” Vi managed to choke out, her composure breaking as Caitlyn expertly tickled her sides.

"My sister-in-law should be avenged you know" Caitlyn smirked now using her swift agility to wrestle a giggly Vi beneath her.

Powder, seizing the opportunity, joined in, her laughter turning devilish. “Get her, Cait! She deserves it!”

"Ahahaha cohohohome ohohon! I was juhust-!"

Vi was helpless now as she shrieked, trapped between Caitlyn and Powder’s combined efforts. She fell to the floor, laughing uncontrollably, her usual tough demeanor completely shattered.

“Okahahahay! Mercy! I surrehehehender!” Vi wheezed, trying to push off four hands away but failing miserably.

Caitlyn finally relented, chuckling as she helped Vi sit up. Powder, still giggling, now giving a high-five to Caitlyn.

"Nice!"

Caitlyn winks, "When she gets full of herself, I'm here to tame her"

Vi groaned, folding her arms as she huffed from her position, "You guys are supposed to be on my side, you know?"

“That’s what you get for teasing me,” Powder said smugly.

Vi gave her sister a mock glare before breaking into a grin. “Fine, fine. But you’re still gonna tell Ekko how you feel, right?”

Caitlyn shakes her head with an eye roll, "Oh Violet..."

Powder groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Why are you like this?”

Vi shrugs, now gesturing to Caitlyn, "My cupcakes fault"

Caitlyn patted Vi’s shoulder, smiling warmly. “Your big sister isn't wrong.”

"Aww, you love me Cupcake -Gahaaa!" Vi let out a squeak when Caitlyn tackles her down, her tone strict but playful, "Oh Violet, guess it's round two for you"

Vi laughed, now unlikely of how she weakly tried to bat off Cait, "Cuhuhupcahake! Ihihi dihidnt mehehean to -Gya! Not there!"

"Uh oh, here too? Such a bad spot enforcer Vi"

"Aha! Nohohow, you're being mehEHEHEEANn, DEHEHEHAR SHEHERIFF EEHEHE!"

Amidst their laughter and wrestling, Powder smiled proudly, her mind consumed with their love, but also her thoughts flooded to Ekko. Maybe she would confess to him.

She could be like her big sisters, perhaps. Someone who can love another.

[jinxsleftmiddlefinger]

timebomb highschool au

(part 13) (last chapter!!!!!)

(masterlist) (read on ao3)

note: me, ending it with a shitty, short chapter that’s all fluff!????? it’s more likely than you think! SO sorry for the stupid unsatisfactory ending I don’t know how to explain myself except going through stuff and i just cannot conceivably add more to this 😔😔 anyway I LOVE YOUUU thank you if you read all the way to the end and THANKS to my biggest fans and supporters of this mini fic y’all know who u are loll ^_^

Ekko looks nice, with the fading sun behind him and the smile on his face. Jinx thinks she might look nice too, by the way he’s staring at her.

They’ve been on the rooftop no longer than 30 minutes now, but Jinx feels like she could stay up here for a lifetime.

She kicks her feet back and forth, shifting her vision between the boy beside her and the skyline in front of her. Today is a nice day. A good day. The voices aren’t so loud; they usually aren’t when Ekko’s around.

“I’m glad.” Jinx starts, the first time she’s spoken in quite a few minutes. “I’m glad that you dropped into my life.”

Ekko turns his shoulders to face her, his expression alighting a feeling in her chest that’s started to become a little too familiar. “I’m glad I dropped into your life too.”

“Yeah?” She tilts her head, continuing to swing her legs off the ledge. “Even with all the…craziness?”

“Especially with it.” He laughs.

If she gave into her urges, she might knock them clean off this damn roof with how hard she would kiss him.

Instead, she just reaches her hand towards his, and he intertwines their fingers like that’s just the most natural way for them to be.

Jinx takes a deep breath, mulling over a question that she’s been meaning to ask, a question she probably should’ve asked before this. If she’s honest, she was too scared to.

“Are you my boyfriend?” She says, quickly and quietly.

She can see the surprise behind Ekko’s expression.

“Well,” He shifts closer. “Are you my girlfriend?”

“Idonknow.” Jinx mumbles, narrowing her eyes. “I asked you first, you answer.”

He just smiles. It’s almost infuriating.

“Okay, okay fine. Let’s try this.” His fingers grip hers a little tighter. “Jinx, will you be my girlfriend?”

Her breath catches. It’s a little stupid, or get worked up over stupid technicalities, but this feels important. She wants it to be important, to both of them.

“Yeah.” She says, as nonchalantly as she can. “I guess I’ll be your girlfriend.” 

He smiles. She smiles back.

“Will Vi hate me for dating you?” Ekko asks.

Jinx looks down at the ground, at her legs going back and forth and back and forth  and back-

“Maybe. But, eh, guess it’s only fair, right? I hated her girlfriend.” 

“Hate-d? Past tense?” He questions.

“Well…maybe not past, past tense, if y’know what I mean. I guess being with you made me realize that…love or whatever it is doesn’t really have a pattern or a vendetta. So, if my sister wants to be with some prissy rich girl then it’s her choice. And it doesn’t have to be an attack on me.” 

“Wow.” Ekko laughs beside her, and she can feel her cheeks starting to redden. “Who knew you were so wise?”

She tries to hide her smile. “I can be pretty genius sometimes. But don’t think I’m just all sappy like that, boy saviour. I think I still got some tricks I can play on Caitlyn.”

“So you’re not gonna lay down on the pranks?” 

“I thought you said it was part of my charm.” She huffs.

“It is,” He laughs again, warm like the sun.

“For the record, I’d love to be your partner in crime.” 

“Normal couple activities.” Jinx winks at him. “We can go to jail together. And then you can watch as Silco yells at me for two hours about it.” 

“Only if you watch Benzo yell at me.” 

Her nose wrinkles. “When are you taking me to meet him anyway?”

“I will, if you want to.” 

“Dunno, boy saviour, don’t want to stress you out. Must be pretty scary to take a girl home for the first time.”

“Oh, shut up.”

She giggles.

“You should come with me to see Vi again. Normally, this time. No breakdowns, I promise.” Jinx says.

“I think I’d like that.” Ekko smiles.

Her fingers grip his and pull his hand up, off the concrete of the roof and fully into her palm. She lets their intertwined hands rest out in the open air above the city, watching house lights being turned on and off through windows and the sun disappearing for the night. The warmth of it will be replaced with Ekko’s hand in hers.

Jinx grins to herself softly. She doesn’t have to look at Ekko to know he’s grinning ear to ear too.

[sapphiresaphics]

———

^^^ so… my problem with this is that we DO see all of these things. You can WANT more… but I would argue what would more really do for the overall story?

Let’s take the Vi as a pit fighter thing. Realistically what would we see? Vi getting into fights and drinking herself stupid. How many scenes do you need to be extended to get the same message we got out of the music video montage? How would extending that stuff longer and longer actually improve the story and not just slow it to a crawl?

We don’t NEED to see her going on benders or fighting multiple fights that will all end roughly the same way. It’s essentially repetitive storytelling. I really don’t think it’s necessary to extend that sequence out into a full episode. By like the 3rd or 4th fight, that would just be getting boring.

Ekko and Jinx? Yeah I wish we could’ve seen them bonding more.. but we didn’t NEED to see them rebuilding the balloon. All that does it take away from surprise of her chaotic entrance onto the battlefield.

Maddie? We have hints. Her suspicious knowledge of who Vi is when Vi has her hand over her cheek. Her lingering at the door listening in on Vi and Caitlyn. Ambessa’s cheeky “professional entanglement” line. There are clues and they’re not just in micro expressions. I agree more clarification would be nice, but it’s not NEEDED.

The one about Caitlyn distrusting Ambessa is the strangest one of all because Caitlyn says TO HER FACE that she does not trust her. She repeatedly challenges Ambessa’s orders, she refuses to take action on the people unless there’s probable cause, she chastises Ambessa’s guard for causing issues. She’s sneaking around (just like Vi is) to spy on what Ambessa is doing with Singe. When Vi confronts her she admits she knew all along what she was doing was wrong. She lets Jinx escape and chooses to side with Vi instead of going after her. She even sacrifices an eye to take out Ambessa!!

Like… these aren’t micro expressions or something hidden you have to read between the lines on… this is just the PLOT OF THE SHOW. How did you MISS any of that?

There’s lots of things you can criticize this series on, but I find it hilarious that you focus so much on the “micro expressions” and being righteously indignant that Arcane doesn’t “spoon feed you” the plot. You should absolutely be paying attention to the micro expressions because the animation is gorgeous and amazing to look at, but even if you don’t there’s so much here that explains all of the issues you have if you just paid attention even by a little bit.

You can WANT more, that’s fine. It’s a good show and I want more too. But technically you don’t NEED more. Arcane is the epitome of trimming the fat.

When people whine about stuff like this, it just reinforces to me that they prefer to remain ignorant and don’t want to have their beliefs challenged in any way.

[runeterrasfreetherapist]

Distractions & Discoveries

Okay, so - This is my first time copy and pasting the messages for this. This started off as an unprompted gag-thing and ended up being something important for Partner's lore. It's kinda confusing to follow, I get that. I tried to make it easier to follow along with, though.

Indented texts like this is what the character is replying in response to.

Normal texts like this are what characters are actually saying.

If there are a stream of dialogue between two characters, then they'll just be normal like,

A: "sbhfujhsfjhsf iojf efj aeifjioeafjfae."

B: "efheuhweuf iowhefhehwfo ewijfiojef."

A: "wgb woiegjioewjh wiejfijwef iweujfie."

And will only be cut off when "C" comes in.

For this post in particular, character colours are as followed.

@random-zaunite-postlady - Purple(?)

@jinx-askme - Blue

@vi-askme - Red

Partner - Green

Postlady (Gertrude): But partner is such a great therapist

Partner: <3 :)

Vi:

Postlady (Gertrude): But partner is such a great therapist

"No the fuck they aren't."

Postlady (Gertrude): "Well I think they're very nice! You should give it a chance, it might help!"

Vi: "You clearly don't understand the word 'nice'."

Postlady (Gertrude): ":("

Partner:

Vi: "You clearly don't understand the word 'nice'."

"Well that’s just impolite, don’t you think? :)"

Vi: Don't even start.

Postlady: "I… I don't like this confrontation. I only meant that from my experience partner is really lovley! They might be able to help out 😄"

Vi: "Have you not heard what they've done?"

Postlady: "Huh?"

Vi: "You're in for one long story..."

Partner:

Postlady (Gertrude): "I… I don't like this confrontation. I only meant that from my experience partner is really lovely! They might be able to help out 😄"

It’s alright, dear. :) People will this what they want. Why don’t you stay out of this? :)

Jinx:

Partner: It’s alright, dear. :) People will this what they want. Why don’t you stay out of this? :)

"fuck you you shady son of a bitch."

Partner:

Postlady (Gertrude): "Huh?"

"Don’t worry about it, dear! :) Why don’t you go get yourself lunch? My treat! :)"

Postlady (Gertrude):

Jinx: "fuck you you shady son of a bitch."

"Woah that not very nice, miss Jinx!"

Postlady (Gertrude)

Partner: "Don’t worry about it, dear! :) Why don’t you go get yourself lunch? My treat! :)"

"Oh! Your so lovley 🥰"

Partner: "Aren’t I? :) You better go enjoy yourself now. :) I wish you well, dear. :)"

Postlady (Gertrude): "Ok! Well bye Partner! : )"

Vi: "Trying to get them to leave before they find out the truth, huh? What a surprise."

Partner: "Don’t. Just.

Don’t. :)"

Jinx:

Postlady (Gertrude): "Woah that not very nice, miss Jinx!"

"they deserve it. I don’t lie. They do."

Vi:

Partner: "Don’t. Just. Don’t. :)"

"You act like you only tell the truth, but won't even tell people what you've done."

Partner: "I’m not not telling the truth, though. Am I? :) I’ve done nothing wrong! I’m a good person. :)"

Vi: "You ain't worth the air you breath."

Partner: "Ah, alright. I see. You dislike me, is that what this is about? :)

You aren’t the first. I assure you :). Your opinion doesn’t matter to me, though. :)"

Vi: "I don't just dislike you, I loathe you. For someone who doesn't care about my opinion, you sure do reply to me a lot."

Partner: "Did Ekko tell you that then? Did he tell you what happened to Scar where I’m from? :)

Did he tell you that I’m trying to save him? :)"

Vi: "Don't try to trick me. I know you aren't here to save Scar. I won't believe anything you say."

Jinx:

"Did Ekko tell you that then? Did he tell you what happened to Scar where I’m from? :) Did he tell you that I’m trying to save him? :)"

"Save or manipulate?"

Partner (replying to Jinx and Vi): "Save! :) I don’t know what Ekko has told you, but I assure you, I have his best interest in mind! I’m willing to make deals if it would get all of you to comply with me. :) I’m not as bad of a person people make me out to be. All I want is my husband, is that too much to ask? :)"

Vi: "No, manipulate. We don't want any deals with you and you're not getting Scar, ever."

Partner: "Sigh. You drive hard bargains here, don’t you? :) I suppose that’s what I like about Zaun, though. :) Fine. Stay stubborn, both of you. :) I’m not letting you get in the way when I’ve gone this far to get back whats mine. :)"

Jinx: "you ain’t gettin’ shit"

Vi:

Partner: "Sigh. You drive hard bargains here, don’t you? :) I suppose that’s what I like about Zaun, though. :) Fine. Stay stubborn, both of you. :) I’m not letting you get in the way when I’ve gone this far to get back whats mine. :)"

"Oh, we're gonna get in your way."

Partner: "Always so difficult… :) I can’t say I’m not impressed. :) I wish you all well. Oh, but… word of advice? Ensure that you’re aware of what side you’re fighting for. Literally or metaphorically :). In my world, things went differently. Very differently. :) I’d hate to see you meet the same fate, dear. :)"

Vi: "Ha, you think those words are going to scare me? You're all alone here and we aren't. Things won't turn out well for you. You wil just end up like yourself from this world."

Partner: "Oh, I’ve heard what’s happened to this version of myself. :) Brutally murdered by enforcers? Honestly, I’m sad that things had to turn so sour between us… I think we could’ve gotten along! :)"

Vi: "How the hell would we ever get along? You're nothing like me."

Partner: "Group leader? :) Having to look out for the kiddies? :) Make sure that everyone was okay? :) Plan the missions, make sure everyone was fed, make sure everyone could survive until tomorrow? :)

Sound familiar? I’m not sure what Ekko has told you about me… or the other me :), but I’m sure you know that not everything is black and white :). There’s always some good in evil and evil in good. :)"

Vi: "How exactly do you know so much about me? Just cause you 'may' of acted like I have before, doesn't mean we're the same."

Partner: "I thought you wouldn’t have cared about what I had to say? :)

… Kidding. I’m not here to judge. If anything, I commend you for your acts! :) Truly, what would others do without us? :) What you’ve done is truly admirable. :)"

Vi: "Stop comparing me to you! I'm done talking, this is getting no where."

Partner: "Until next time, dear. :) until next time. :)"

[threecheersforinking]

Some thoughts about Arcane s2

(spoilers obviously)

To start off, I have a lot of mixed feelings. I don't think it was AS bad as some people are saying, and I definitely don't believe that everyone's characters were ruined/OOC. In my opinion, the overall plot was more of an issue than any individual character's choices (barring a few exceptions). I'm not even going to go into the individual characters, actually.

Because to me, the biggest issues were this:

Lack of a focus on politics

Lack of a focus on Jinx/Vi's relationship

Classism is one of the central themes to this story, and an unavoidable aspect of season 1. It's almost too obvious to talk about. The overarching conflict of Arcane has always been about the tension between Piltover and "Zaun". So why was Viktor and his little army of mannequin clones the big bad of season 2? I do not buy even for a second that Zaunites would suddenly start banding together for Piltover just because they were both at risk of being murdered by some freaky aliens. Why would people in the undercity care? They're already dying and being mistreated. It was lazy, overdone, and not consistent with the thesis of the story. Yeah, having Sevika on the council representing Zaun in the last 10 seconds of the show was great, but how did we get there? Why was that not the focus?

As for #2, Vi and Powder are the main characters and their relationship is at the core of this story. It is the most important relationship in this story. Objectively. And their relationship was not resolved in a satisfying way whatsoever. It didn't have to be perfect, it didn't even have to be happy, but it had to be satisfying and make sense. And it did not.

I truly believe that if those two aspects remained the focus of the story, every other issue that people had with the show or any individual character's choices would no longer be a problem.

I keep seeing people mad that some characters died or their ship wasn't canon but the thing is, this has always been a tragic story. I am not mad that all traces of Vander are gone from Warwick. I am not mad that Jinx and Ekko didn't end up together (even though I literally actively ship them). I don't think everything has to be wrapped up in a nice happy bow for a show to be good. It just has to make narrative sense and be consistent with the thesis of the story, which it was not.

Here's my take: I think many of this season's issues could have been resolved had episodes 1-6 been spread out over 9 episodes with the events of episode 6 being the season finale.

Episodes 1-6 had elements of the central theses that I mentioned earlier. Jinx's attack reignited the suspicion/dislike of undercity folk, therefore upholding the classism aspect; Salo even says "I can't believe we were almost about to give those people rights" (not a direct quote but you get the idea). Vi had lost all hope that her sister was still 'in there', was thinking about Jinx and mourning Powder. The physical fight between them and the role Caitlyn played in it was narratively consistent. These episodes weren't perfect, nor were they as cleanly written as s1, but they had the heart of the story in mind. The real issue is what happened afterwards. They lost the plot, quite literally.

When I heard this second season would also be the final one, I was surprised, but considering there's nothing I hate more than when a story gets drawn out just for the sake of it/because it's popular, I felt like I couldn't complain. However, considering how much convoluted bs they tried to shove into this one 9 episode season, I am confused as to why it wasn't drawn out more. Was it a budgetary reason? An issue with Netflix? I can't figure out what the problem was.

In conclusion, I don't think this season was horrible. Definitely not the worst Season 2 of a beloved Season 1 I've ever seen, at least. But it's still disappointing that the impeccable writing of Season 1 was unable to be matched.

[ashclittie]

MAJOR ARCANE SEASON 2 SPOILERS

Since I finished watching it earlier, I haven't been able to stop thinking about some things. Especially after seeing what others have said on here and on TikTok...especially on TikTok.

I fear that this may be an unpopular opinion amongst the fandom right now, but I for one absolutely adored the ending for Arcane. Starting with Jinx’s death.

Pretty much since the beginning of season 2 that girl has been trying to die, but no matter what haven’t been able to. Especially after Isha’s death, she didn’t have a reason to go on. She, and everyone else of course, have experienced so much trauma. I might go on another deepdive about the others and their traumas another time. 

She’s had it ingrained into her that she's a jinx, a mess up, that her only good is causing destruction. Everyone else was able to have their happy moments, which didn’t always last long but at least they had their happy moments to keep them going, to give them a reason to fight.

After Isha’s death, what did Jinx have? Nothing.

Things weren’t good with Vi, Vander is gone, Silco is gone, Ekko is her enemy (I know they worked together in the final ep, but at that point it was too late, Jinx knew she wasn’t going to make it out of that war one way or another), she had no one to go back home to, no happy moments to look forward to. All her happy moments were with Isha and she’s gone forever. There’s no getting that back. Things with Sevika would most likely never be the same after Isha’s death as they both loved and cared for that child deeply. 

She had no fight left. 

If you asked me about this on a deeper level, I’d say she lost her fight back in season 1, on that bridge back when she fought Ekko. She was ready to let go then, but was forced back by Silco. She was ready to go at the end of episode 3, but Isha protected her and, to me, gave her the fight back for living. 

So, Jinx dying at the end seems fitting and wasn’t all that surprising to me. Especially with how she went out with Vander/Warwick. The series started with her accidentally killing him to her peacefully dying with him. All whilst saving Vi too. 

I think Jinx should stay dead, which sounds really bad, but I feel her story has been completed. I don’t see how else they could expand with her. I’d be interested to see how they do it IF they do bring her back in the spinoffs, but I think she deserves to rest. After everything, she’s finally free from this hell after being brought back twice and now people want her brought back for a third time. I think we ought to let her rest. 

Another thing, I keep seeing people talk about the possibility of Jinx coming back. I love the theories, I’m not saying here my opinion is fact, but one thing is people talking about Cait’s smile when she’s looking at the vents where Jinx and Vander/Warwick exploded. If you turn the volume up and/or have the subtitles on, you’ll see that Vi is faintly humming from the other room. That’s what Cait is smiling at before standing up to go join her.

Everything else I’ve seen about Jinx’s potential survival is interesting. 

I really like how everything has been left open for either interpretation or for the spinoffs. I could see where some parts of the season have been a little rushed, but overall I don’t think it was that bad. It was still a beautiful story with amazing characters. I don’t think the ending was too rushed, despite what some others have been saying. Could maybe another episode or two be good and help with this season? Absolutely. It would’ve been nice to give some characters more screen time, see more backstories (Ekko and Sevika especially), but I think they did well with what they had.

Maybe it's just me. I'm a big sucker for bittersweet endings. After growing up with always seeing happy endings that got extremely cliche after a while, the sad or bittersweet endings are my favourite.

[endlessly-light]

Bunch of thoughts i had while watching arc 3

A lot of spoilers, of course

I got. So excited the second i understood what they were doing with ekko

Obviously seeing zaun doing so well was wonderful on so many levels but i feel like the most poignant one was seeing how much of a genius ekko is and how much he's recognized as such

Powder oh powder oh my baby

Showing a different reality where everything is fine except for vi dying was. A choice. One that i will not think about too much for my sake

Lmaooo why do silco and vander look like a gay co-GAY MYLO AND CLAGGOR WITH A STEEL CHAIR?

Absolutely enamoured by the choice of showing us what ekko and powder could've been. Love them truly

I'll be back to this point but like sorry to jayce for going through all that but today has been a great day for jayce defenders so it's okay

I'll repeat myself a lot while talking about ep7 but EKKOOOOO EKKKOOOO god he's so. The dedication he has to helping his own world, his caring and his artistry and his ability to casually MAKE A TIME MANIPULATING MACHINE BY ONLY HAVING THE MEMORY OF JAYCE'S NOTES?, him making his kiss with powder so precious. God

I cannot overstate the impact of seeing a version of powder who's thriving and who's content with her life followed right by jinx who is at an previously undiscovered rock bottom and talking about how "there's no her who's happy". God.

MEL oh mel. I love what they did with her this season. Seeing the burden of the legacy that she built her life trying to carry but that was also hurting her so badly being shattered was so cool. And her really coming into her power was so dramatic and satisfying to see. Also she's even more gorgeous that she always was props to her for managing that

Good god vi has suffered more than jesus fuck can we let her have One single br oh okay. Yeah i guess the lesbian sex works thank you so much

Ekko...... Stopping jinx from attempting........

(........the same song playing again at the end of the episode......)

Jinx and the firelights entering the battle was such a cool scene. a level of swag no other characters could ever reach

AND FUCK MADDY NOLAN!

The whole segment with jayce and viktor was kind of life changing i'm not gonna lie. I truly did not see the show putting this much emphasis on their relationship but it was so good

Speaking of life changing. Cait and mel fighting ambessa together. And especially mel using her black rose powers to trap her and kill her. Oh my god. That being the moment where ambessa realizes how much mel has accomplished herself. Crazy

Sevika being on the council was such a nice surprise

I'm not gonna address what happened with vi jinx and vander for the time being. Nope

[misfits-of-zaun]

"Nice watch." ((@just–a–jinx))

Naturally, the change to his routine did not go unnoticed. The simple act of him leaving The Last Drop, alone and unprompted, became a spectacle that everyone seemed compelled to comment on. And for every comment, Ekko was equally compelled to snap back an acerbic retort.

"Where are you going?"

Out.

"You never go out anywhere."

How observant. Being my stalker still won't get you that pay rise.

"Project going that badly, huh?"

Mind your own fucking business.

With every exchange, he felt his teeth grinding harder, his shoulders inching higher with acutely self-conscious defensiveness. Why was this being made into such a big deal, anyway? There was no rule against it. He could go out, if he damn well wanted.

He just... didn't usually want to.

Now he was remembering why.

The streets were an assault on his senses - bright neon lights, loud bustling crowds, sickly incense mixed with stale sweat and a clashing cocktail of different food smells from competing stalls. Working girls waving and cooing and trying to catch any wandering eye, merchants hollering for attention and coralling any prospective prey to launch into their sales pitch. Hungry shadows flitting through the throng of people like sharks, seeking unwary pockets to pick. A veneer of vibrant colour and novelty and hedonistic temptation over a dark, dangerous cesspit.

Ekko flinched away from the cacophony of it all, and took to the rooftops. Followed the old routes he'd once known like the back of his hand. The muscle memory was still there, even if the company he'd used to climb with was not.

By the time he'd reached the looming skeleton that remained of Old Hungry - a decrepit shell of a clocktower, long past any serviceable use - a strange, seething feeling had started up under Ekko's skin. He felt twitchy, oddly on edge, as he began to climb on autopilot. Higher. Higher. Past his old perch, which had once been a boasting point. Past the foothold where Mylo had slipped and nearly broken his neck. Past the broken window where Claggor had settled, challenging Vi to try to do better. Past the spire where Vi had done better. Leaving all the ghosts behind.

Static gnawed at the edges of his thoughts, as he took a seat with his back against the clock face, surveying the world below. It was quiet at the top of Old Hungry. Too quiet.

There was no sign of Powder.

With a restless flick of his wrist, Ekko checked the time - nine bells, over an hour after the night markets had opened. Swung his watch down by the chain, then rolled it back into his hand. Release, catch, release. He shouldn't have come out here. This had been a stupid idea. Was that the thrum of a hoverboard?

"Nice watch."

He didn't flinch at the sound of Powder's voice, sudden and close. He didn't react at all, except to slowly turn his head in her direction. His expression was reticent, almost somber, with a tentative little quirk at the corner of his mouth as he drank in the sight of her.

"...You showed up." His voice was mildly surprised, and cautiously pleased.

"Y'know, I'd forgotten about this place. Kind of a shithole, isn't it?"

@just--a--jinx

[noodlenibblescribble]

To Fix A Broken Heart (Viktor x Orianna)

A collection of ideas for VictOri based on a Beauty and the Beast AU. Viktor has Orianna staying in his compound in return for her father’s safety. He wants to get the secrets of how she came to be… she just wants to get out. Slowly, their talks become less about science, and more about… emotions.

~

(The Soup scene) Their first genuine conversation, where both parties are actually listening to the other, is about food. Oreanna missing it. Viktor badmouthing the experience, inconsequential, a waste of time and resources, and Oreanna just sadly looks at something she used to love and shares her melancholy at the memories of biting into it. Or slurping. It could be soup. The warmth and comfort it gave her as a kid. Her sad tone is enough to make Viktor stop his points and really reflect about his own history with food. After a while, he breaks the silence and shares a memory. His mother would feed him soup too, when he was sickly. He… loved her recipe. Orianna smiles and touches his arm. He huffs and moves away.

~

(Echoing the Snowball Fight) There is a scene where Viktor tries showing off something he can do with his augmentations, shooting something maybe, and he looks so smug about it. Goes on a speech about his impeccable calibrations, as Oreanna shushes him and tells him, 'Watch me.’ She does it much better.

… Now it becomes a competition neither wants to let the other win. The shooting grounds is now in disarray, and it ends with both looking disheveled. Orianna laughs first at Viktor's appearance, and though he'd usually take offense to something like that, he finds himself laughing too. A nice childish moment.

This is the first time Orianna has been able to laugh. Genuinely, from emotion, not as a response she forces for someone in a conversation. She’s surprised and shares this with Viktor, and Viktor can’t help feel special and begin to overheat.

~

Jayce catches wind about Orianna being in Viktor’s possession. This can’t be good. The thought of her helping Viktor's research makes him feel like there’s a timer on stopping him once and for all, before he becomes too much. He visits Ekko, and informs him about the possible danger. Tells him that Viktor has a weapon now that can ensure his work progresses quicker. And to drive it home, he can say that Ekko should care because his people would, naturally, be the first to go. It puts Ekko in a difficult position… where he has to agree to keep an eye out on Viktor’s compound. He helps Jayce with spying.

~

Maybe Ekko later on runs into Orianna while she was alone in Viktor's area. She’s friendly and open with him, so Ekko tries to figure out what was really going on. As he hears her situation, he then tries convincing her to leave Viktor with him. She says she can't, but doesn’t explain why. She thinks she’s making a connection with Viktor. She… wants to see what it’s leading to. Ekko takes it as more confirmation of her being in a hostage situation. When he reports this to Jayce, he feels the same. If Orianna can’t leave, they’ll force her out of there. They have a plan that will temporarily cut Viktor’s power supply enough to have his troops come in and ‘clean’ the place.

~

The power in Viktor’s compound has been nullified with a disruptive pulse. It’s one thing that his machines are now useless, but with how strong it was, Orianna is in jeopardy. Her power source now off, her consciousness turns off and she 'faints.’ Viktor was far from her, dealing with what he thought was all the intruders. Trying to keep them from reaching her room. But there was Ekko’s group coming from the back, ready to pick her up as he’s distracted. She is kidnapped.

She’s  brought to Jayce's lab for questioning and for his own exploration of how she works. He’s crueler with her, truly seeing her as nothing but a machine. Orianna fights back at every opportunity, recognizing him as dangerous, if not more so, than Viktor. It’s enough to buy Viktor time to realize what’s occurred and go to save her, guns blazing, self sacrificial. No time for plans, no time for calculations, his ideal logical mind is gone and he is full of rage.

He makes it to her room, but he’s extremely weakened.

It’s a stalemate, where Jayce has Orianna in his hands and Viktor has him in his sights. Jayce tells Viktor he still has forces on Viktor's property. A second wave that swarmed as soon as he left. Without him there, they can easily destroy everything. His life's work once and for all. He tells him to go, they can call it off as a truce since Jayce doesn’t want to die.

But Viktor isn’t going without her. He tells him so, and that- is too scary for Jayce to agree to. He’s now seen what Orianna is for himself. A true marvel of science. She can’t fall to his hands. Jayce insists on Viktor learning his place, renewed anger and fear making him hold Orianna closer, to press his gun right to Orianna’s heart.

Viktor is shaking with anger. He really wants to shoot him. To end it. But Orianna is wide eyed, looking at him, anticipating his next moves and he doesn’t want to do this in front of her. To show her the extent of his inhumanity. To give her more to hate about him. So, he lets down his weapons and begs for Orianna to be let go. They can take his inventions. They can take him. Let. Her. Go.

Orianna quakes. She’s filled with love for the man Viktor has become. He’s changed, he cares. They lock eyes. They know.

He loves her.

But cocky, stupid Jayce’s laugh stops the lover’s thoughts. And he shoots Viktor instead.

An earlier version of Viktor could have dodged. Deflected. But he was weak. Distracted. His systems only caught on to the bullet’s trajectory when it was too close. It hit him in his exposed chest. He crumples to the floor.

He has a human heart.

The thought makes Orianna’s mind whir faster.

He has a human human heart. The bullet hit him in his heart. His heart!

Orianna’s body gains new strength. She moves like finely-tuned machinery as she crunches Jayce’s arm like it was nothing. Jayce screams and lets her go.

She smoothly moves to Viktor’s body, kneeling and holding him. She can’t feel anything. Her mind is analytical, taking in his wound, searching for solutions. Jayce has recuperated. He fires at her, but she easily shields herself. She picks up Viktor and moves to the exit. Jayce attempts to block her, but again, he is quickly dealt with by a swing of her arm. She has no room for emotions or for morals as she deals with the people in her way. They only distract her from her goal.

To fix Viktor.

[daveth-isnt-dead]

Coalescence was so good!!!! I absolutely loved the story and how you wrote the relationship between Viktor and the MC. Since it was made obvious that she'll follow him to hell and back, how do you think she'd fit into the events of season 2? Would love to know your thoughts!

So sorry for the late reply! I wanted to get my thoughts together and give you something substantial. First of all, I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed Coalescence, i had such a great time writing it, i honestly havent written anything that quickly in a very very long time. It means a lot that so many people have liked it. So thank you. NOW! the question. part of the reason i didn't intend to write a sequel is actually because i was having such trouble trying to work out a satisfactory ending for the two of them with the direction season two goes in. im a sucker for a happy ending and it was almost impossible for me to find one, unfortunately, but here are a few ways i see it going. Under the cut because i talk a lot.

1. plot continues as normal, sky dies, attack on the council and MC, furious at Jayce's decision to use the hexcore despite viktor asking him not to, follows him to the commune. their relationship would be strange, she is still very much in love with him, but he's distant and unable to reciprocate the way he used to. given her disposition, i imagine that this actually makes her a little bit obsessive. she never gets the 'healing' treatment, because she knows it takes a lot of energy from him and she doesnt need it (shes lying, it's because she's afraid she wont love him the same way anymore lol). I like to think that she develops a weird sort of friendship with Jinx when they show up, i have some dialog for her and MC in my head that makes me laugh. Ultimately, Jayce shows up and kills viktor as normal (he definitely makes some sort of jab about her being viktor's pet because he is not himself rn) but cannot make himself kill her even though she begs him to. Likely because he knows she cant hurt anyone. Then when Ambessa shows up, she refuses to give up viktor's body and gets killed there because she just isnt a fighter. RIP MC. 2. If she's in the council room when the attack happens she pushes viktor out of the way, it's that simple. this idea probably has the least meat on it. i think viktor still gets very injured, but she would either die immediately or if i wanted to get very spicy, she gets to become the machine herald, how fun! i don't think i would go in this direction though, it's a bit too much of an AU for me, even though it is very fun to imagine. 3. unfortunately the true and canon ending for her most likely is that she gets eaten by the hexcore. i think having someone else who already knows about his augmentation would be enough to stop viktor from trying again without getting more shimmer. so sky gets to live (a victory, honestly, i love her) and then, when the attack on the council happens, the hexcore doesnt have enough power to heal viktor and MC realises this, at first feeding it some blood, some hair (maybe a tooth cause i think that would be yucky in a way i enjoy) but ultimately she realises that it isnt enough. asks jayce to tell viktor she loves him, and then lets the hexcore devour her. by this metric she would still be present for season 2, but only in the same way sky is. because im a sucker for a good ending, i keep toying with this idea that she somehow manages to get herself tangled in the anomaly and because she doesnt have a body anymore she ends up spread across all universes at once. mage viktor would be very surprised to see her, because i think this is the only universe that this has happened in lol. dunno how i would resolve this, but i would like her to find a way to help teleport jayce and viktor somewhere safe after the end of the series and then they can stay together! im possibly considering the nice AU that Ekko visits but logistics on that are confusing. this is all just rambling at this point, but im always cooking. gah, i talked a lot. i hope this made at least some sense, there's a reason im not actively writing a followup and it's that this is all still such a tangled mess in my head. if i figure it out im sure i'll write something. feedback on my mess of ideas is very welcome and thanks again for letting me know that you enjoyed Coalescence, i do have an unrelated viktor fic coming soonish, so keep an eye out!

[icytatribe]

The Festival of the Red Crane

The Festival of the Red Crane comes every year to the youth of Zaun and Piltover as a passing of time and ease of tension from their incessant feuds between each other. The Piltover Council handled an elevated, festive version while Ekko leads the simplified version which the Timeless Star tends to gravitate his visits to. But the thematic still remains the same concept as they witness the infamous Timeless Star glimmer in the night skies. But it's only a matter of time itself that grants the Timeless Star himself to visit again. All the excitement from the youth carry to make themselves a paper red crane and hang it above their favorite tree, making a wish in the process, while it dangles with the winds of Janna, hoping the goddess herself could deliver such wishes to the man that dazzles in starlight and hope. There were rumored stories from witnesses seeing Janna and the Timeless Star dancing amongst the tapestry of stars. But that's a story for a different time.

Once upon a year or so, this time around in this alignment, one of the Timeless Star's companions, well, his absolute favorite, decided to visit the Festival of the Red Crane and looked for a tree that suited her to signal how much she misses her best friend from the starlight express but mostly to ask for an impossible wish to come true.

The Timeless Star always chuckled at the idea of the festival and having the responsibility to grant wishes because he doesn't think he has that kind of "genie-esque power", he once said. If he did, he probably have to lose something in return, and that wasn't a deal he's willing to strike. But for his favorite companion, Sayuri Eruki, he could probably make an exception, even if it might shatter the whole universe into shambles.

Ekko noticed a lone cloaked figure standing in front of a singular tree and decided to make an acquaintance, "You don't have to make your wish alone. I heard the Timeless Star likes to see such power in numbers."

She looked at Ekko and smiled, "The Timeless Star knows best. I just wish pairs could last forever, but he and I know there are others that hate seeing it. I could wish for it, but such a meeting could fracture every world imaginable."

Ekko, being surprised, said, "You know the Timeless Star? What's he like?

Sayuri Eruki: Protective. The perfect best friend if you desire for an adventure from your daily life. I could see some of that in you.

Ekko: [chuckles in embarrassment] That's honorable of you to say that! I could never compare myself to such a figure. Do you have a name?

She responded, "Sayuri. Sayuri Eruki."

And Ekko gave his in return, "Wow, that name rings like a fairytale."

Sayuri Eruki opened her eyes slightly the moment she heard that word again because the first time she met the Timeless Star before all the adventures to come, it stuck to her positively and was a favorite phrase her best friend always said about her. It almost made her want to cry but resisted so.

Sayuri Eruki started to craft up a red crane for herself alongside Ekko, holding it in both of her hands, admiringly staring. She did have a wish in mind to write on the wings of the crane. But it might be too huge of a wish and risk to ask for it to come true.

Because as much as Sayuri Eruki wanted her former lover back or even her a chance meeting with her best friend, it could alter and fracture the balance of the universe.

So an alternative wish and favor she asked the most was all about her Dream Seed and finding a way to see the seedling all grown up, the last thing she and Rylai wanted to do together.

And Sayuri Eruki hung in on the tree, letting it dangle underneath the leaves. She wished Ekko a nice goodbye and went off to disappear in the crowds of the festival. The moment she turned her back, her red crane glowed for a moment, flourish in the winds of Janna, and perhaps appear wet as if someone's making it rain to look like they were crying.

Ekko noticed, "How strange. Never seen a red crane do that."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Sayuri Eruki explored the festivities, she noticed with the corner of her eye a figurine store with one of them looking like the very image of her best friend and Timeless Star.

She picked it up to ponder and got the attention of a cloaked old woman who didn't appear to have bad intentions yet.

"So I see that figurine got your attention?"

Sayuri Eruki inquired, "I thought only a select few knows what he looks like, apart from me. Have you met him before?"

The woman chuckled, "Of course, how else would I make such a beautiful man? I'll let you in on a secret. He didn't appreciate me spying on him though."

Sayuri Eruki: What..?

The woman took a hold of Sayuri Eruki's wrist tightly as a rose as black as a king cobra crawled up, "Sweet Demeter. How far from home you strayed and now have found a way back. Your skin still shimmer like starlight, must be an effect from him."

Sayuri Eruki: Hey, let go of me.

The woman's eyes slowly revealed a golden glow, "No wonder the Snake keeps following you and has led you to me. Everything is falling into place, it seems. I believe I'll take you, too."