#it was an arcane study all along

[sweetmapple]

study or no, I like my fictional men with shark eyes

[foolinafable]

squeeze you in

SYNOPSIS: Viktor barely has the time, but he makes it for you PAIRING: Viktor x reader WORDCOUNT: 5.2K TAGS: S1 Arcane, set around Act 1 and before Act 2, 5 year age gap, assuming arcane uses weekdays and seasons. Fem pronouns towards the end NOTES: spent all weekend writing this, hope you all enjoy. try not to mind any editing errors

This was decidedly a bad idea. Wandering the halls of the academy at night wasn’t dangerous, even with the recent attack from the undercity, that's if you could even really call it an attack. To you, it seems to be children getting involved in things they shouldn’t. You could remember them now, the swirls of brown, red and blue running along the roofs of Piltover after the explosion in the apartments of the academy. While many around you felt fear, all you saw were children. Sure, they looked only a few years your junior, but even Heimerdinger tells you that you are only on the cusp of adulthood, still shadowed by childish tendencies. You suppose that he is correct; twenty is only one year off nineteen, and that age is considered a teenager despite its adult allowances. 

You take a deep breath as your hand curls around the handle to Heimerdinger's office, unsure as to why you feel so nervous. It’s not as if you're stealing anything but rather retrieving it. You had foolishly left behind your notebook during your meeting with him when it had been interrupted by the council having an impromptu meeting, something you are sure had something to do with Talis. You needed it for a meeting the next morning with another professor about your dissertation, your last piece of work as a student at the academy, and you couldn't go to the meeting without it. Least you look unprepared, surely your job offer as a researcher for the academy could be rescinded if you didn’t appear completely committed.

So, despite your better judgement, your anxiety outweighed it as usual as you slowly opened the door to the dean, your mentor's room. You crept inside, even though nobody was around, afraid even the slightest noise could get you caught snooping after hours. Quickly, you found your notebook on the chair. You had left it opposite Heimerdinger's desk; he preferred it when you told him of your research and studies without the aid of your writings, so you had placed it next to your body on the chair. You picked it up, signing in relief that this was as easy as you hoped, when another notebook caught your attention, one that certainly wasn't on the desk when you left. Curiousity about getting the better of you as you reach for it, opening it to the first page, eyes widening at the text ‘If found, please return to Jayce Talis'. Your mind quickly remembered an interaction you had overheard in this very office earlier that day.

You were walking the path towards Heimerdinger's office, only this time it was daytime, the sun was out despite the slight winter chill warming anyone in its path. You slowed as you got towards your mentor's office, frowning at the sound of voices coming from inside. Did you get the time wrong? You wondered, looking down at your watch, showing that you were, in fact, on time. Your hands are sweaty now, anxiety crawling at the idea of interrupting, deciding to stay outside for a few moments to calm down.

“Why can’t I read it?” An exacerbated voice rang out, his accent making your face feel hot

“That Talis’ work was dangerous; the explosions in the city were proof of that; you don’t need to be involved, Viktor”, Heimerdinger's voice rang out, proud as always

“I hardly see how simply reading what he was working on is such a bad thing. I thought the greatest scientific ventures were the ones that bent the rules of the institution.” The man Viktor, you assume, tries to manoeuvre the conversation to his favour, but Heimerdinger is seemingly having none of it. Moving closer to where you are by the door as if to get the boy out of his office, you quickly knock on the door, worried that he would open the door and see you eavesdropping. Both voices stop at the sound of the knock, and Heimerdinger quickly opens the door. You awkwardly smile at the dean, eyes rising to meet the amber ones of the other body occupying the room.

“Can I come back later?” You twiddle your fingers, nervousness wracking your body at interrupting whatever this is

“No, no, come in”, Heimerdinger exclaims, pulling you by the hand into his office, yelping at the sudden contact as he continues to speak. “We were done here anyways”, his eyes solely on Viktor, who seemed to have mellowed out your presence, quickly giving his goodbyes before leaving the room, closing it behind him.

So this was what the man was interested in, what he was forbidden from reading. You tap your fingers on the book cover before quickly placing your notebook on top of it, drawing your bottom lip into your mouth with your teeth as you quickly depart from the office, might as well make all your worries worthwhile. 

—

It wasn’t until later the next day you saw the man you were looking for; it was early afternoon, and you were packing up after having lunch when a head of unruly brown hair caught your eye, sitting in the corner of the cafeteria, coffee in one hand sandwich in the other. Grabbing Jayces book, which you had procured the night before, you quickly made your way towards the man before you lost your cool. Unceremoniously dropping the book in front of the man whose eyes darted from you to the book, mouth opening and closing in clear shock. 

“I hope whatever is in there is worth it,” you muttered, adjusting your bag on your shoulder before turning to leave.

“I-how?” Viktor called out, but you only replied with a cheeky smile, finger covering your mouth in secrecy as you walked away, thinking that to be the only interaction you would have with your mentor's other protege when his voice called out to you, not so far behind

“Wait” 

You stood stock still as he approached quicker than you would’ve thought given his cane, but you suppose it was a silly thought that an ailment could stop a man on a mission. Once he catches up with you, he continues to walk, so you join him, slightly confused as to what he may now want.

“Have you read it?” he asks. 

“It would be a lie to say I don't know of its content,” you replied, noticing his smile at your remark, eyes sparkling with wonder.

“What did you think?”

“I think...” You trail off, trying to come up with the right words as you both round a corner. “What he wants to do is revolutionary...” Your words scamper off slightly as you notice his eyes on the side of your face.

“But” he reads your mind.

“But”, you echo “I am unsure if he completely knows what he is doing or how he plans to do it”, trying to be as vague as possible due to the students scattered all around “I wrote some notes”, you gesture to the book “Things I thought could be helpful, I assume that's why you wanted it, to learn” 

“And how did you get it?” he wonders aloud. “Last time I checked, Heimerdinger wasn't giving out illegal independent research to anyone”, he said with a smile on his face.

“Let's just say it certainly wasn't by asking nicely,” you tease, matching his grin with one of your own “Well, you should probably go read and hide that before Heimerdinger sends out a search party for it.”

“I probably should” Viktor smiles as he turns back the way the two of you came, the book held tightly in his unoccupied hand. 

Continuing to walk the way you had been, you couldn’t help but feel relief at the fact that the book was now out of hands and the man, Viktor, seemed just as keen to keep this a secret as you did, even if you did spend all night essentially peer reviewing Jayce Talis’ work, unfortunately, your need to stay out of trouble with your superiors greatly outweighed your want to indulge in what he and assumedly Viktor was planning, you could only hope that your words you had spent all night working on where a help instead of a hindrance. You especially wanted to know how Viktor would take the words you wrote specifically for him at the front of the book: 

‘The greatest scientific ventures are the ones that bend the rules of the institution’   

—     

One of the benefits of being the dean's newest protege was that the academy gave you your lab, a small space just for you, it even had your name on a metal plaque on the door, probably due to the academy's narcissism, thinking that they would keep you even after your graduation, not that they were wrong. A fact that slightly irritated you. 

You didn’t usually get many visitors, just Heimerdinger, to see what you were working on, but those meetings were usually scheduled so he could ensure you were tallying in your lab and not at one of your usual haunts like the library. So you couldn’t help but jump at the sound of a knock on your door, eyebrows furrowed as you called out to whoever stood outside your door.

“Come in!” 

Your confusion lingered as Viktor walked in. It had only been a few days since you’d given him Jayce’s book, and from what you had heard, the two were now employed to continue Jayce’s studies non-illegally this time, being funded by Councilwoman Medarda, which they have named ‘Hextech’

“You’re not an easy woman to get ahold of”, Viktor claims as he takes a seat at your desk “I have been stopping by your room for a few days, but you were never in”, he continues, eyes piercing as he takes in the view of you, stood by another desk filled with colanders and Bunsen burners

“You sound like Heimerdinger when you say that” You smiled slightly in truth, scoffing at the face he made, clearly not appreciative of your parallel “What?” you laugh “he has said similar things on various occasions”

“I understand why,” he remarked.

“I spend a lot of time in the library, researching. Especially at the moment with final deadlines coming in, as I’m sure you remember,” he hummed at your explanation “And it’s not as if I’m a professor with allocated office hours, I don't need to be here,” you tell him passively looking back at your work at the table, deciding to turn off the flame not going to get any worthwhile work done until he's gone.

“So what can I do for you?” you asked when the man still sat in silence, seemingly comfortable to just watch you work he blinked, taken away from wherever he went upon registering your words.

“Oh well, I just wanted to thank you, Jayce, as well, for getting his book and your notes, they were more than helpful with working through the kinks in his theory- instrumental really to the breakthrough”, he admitted somewhat bashfully, stumbling over his words a little not that you noticed nervousness crawling up your spine at his approval of your words.

“Oh, um, you're welcome. I mean, a fresh pair of eyes is always helpful..” you murmur, unsure of yourself now as he stares at you, not daring to make eye contact, knowing it will only make your nerves worse.

“We were wondering, Jayce and I, if you would read some of our other research in the future, help us out. We would give out any references in the future for any work you do after study” he speaks delicately, soft and slow and if worried, he would scare you off like a child being caught doing something they shouldn’t. Your heart seems to slow from its anxious thumping as you contemplate his offer.

“I don't see why not”, you ponder absentmindedly, but your mind is already made up.

“Really?” he asked, though he didn’t sound shocked, more like he was trying to egg more words out of you.

“If you can find me, that is” You smile, the nerves falling away from you as he laughs a little 

“I’ll go tell Jayce the good news; he's going to be over the moon. You didn’t hear it from me, but he has always wanted to work with you. He said something about loving your approach in an article about the arcane:” You looked at the man again, but he simply walked out of the room, not sparing you another word. You had honestly forgotten that your last article had been published, and the fact that academics that you knew had read it and enjoyed it made a smile appear on your face, maybe this was going to be better than you had thought. 

—

A routine had been established this past few months, as winter made way for spring, you had found yourself in a comfortable pattern with the boys.

Once a week, on a Wednesday, you would spend the entire day in your lab working, and at some point, Jayce or Viktor would drop by with some work for you to look through and maybe a comment or two on things you had written the week before. These meetings were usually brief as they quickly needed to get back to work, so you would spend hours going through papers, tweaking diagrams, and sometimes even trekking to the library for a book that might help them. It wouldn’t be until the sun had made way for the moon in the sky that you would be done, taking the work down several corridors and stairs to get to their workspace, where they would still be working to drop them off. The two would then call it time for a break, so the three of you would scamper your way to the cafeteria for a change of scenery while you all ate the food you packed for lunch but had yet to get to.  

Today, however, Viktor seemed hellbent on breaking the schedule the three of you had unknowingly created. He had appeared at your lab, maybe a little earlier than he or Jayce usually decided to grace you with their presences, but it was of no matter to you, honestly, the earlier, the better, as it meant you may finish earlier than the hour of the wolf. He did bring a stack of papers with him, but instead of dropping them at your desk, sharing a few complimentary words, and then leaving, he dropped the work at your desk and then sat himself in the new chair he and Jayce had procured that was placed on the other side of your desk so they would have somewhere to sit, not that either of them had used it up until now. 

“You alright?” you ask, grabbing the top paper from the pile, you could immediately tell this was Jayce’s as the handwriting is much neater and the use of a very inky pen you quickly grabbed your pink pen and started to read the words on the page only to look up and give the man a sarcastic glower at his lack of words to which he simply smiled, not even the slightest bit disheartened by your look. 

“Jayce is off for the day, something to do with his sponsorship with the Kirammans. Told me to take the day off” he shuffled in the chair, attempting to get comfy as his hand grabbed at your notebook, deciding that he would read through some of your work for once

“And you have decided to spend your time here? Doing more work?” you questioned, though not paying the man much attention, mumbling to yourself on the words on the page, completely unphased by Viktor’s lack of decorum, it’s not as if it’s the first time he got bored and decided to read it. “Would mixing it with metal only make it more unstable?” you mutter, not expecting an answer “As an alloy, maybe, or would that make it worse..” you tap the pen on your cheek in thought before scrambling to write your thoughts in the margins of Jayce’s research

“I don’t see reading through your essays and research papers as work”, he admits, a shameless smile gracing his face as he watched you mumble to yourself “More of a palate cleanser, really”

“I just thought that a rest day was supposed to be resting, like having time away from work?” you tried to put the idea of leaving and maybe getting some sleep into the man’s head, his eyebags were becoming a permanent feature on his face like a shadow he cannot be rid of. 

“Quite hypocritical, don’t you think?” a teasing look on his face at your words “Is today not also your day off?” he questioned even though he knew the answer. You simply rolled your eyes, trying to smile as he barked out a laugh.

While today was your break from lessons, it had quickly become anything but a rest day after you took the boys up on their offer, there was no way that you could complete your last year's work and help them if you didn’t give up your rest day- so undoubtedly you were a hypocrite, much to your chagrin. 

“Just because I give up my days off to help you doesn’t mean you need to do the same,” you tell him, not wanting the man to feel obligated to help you.

“Maybe I want to?”

Well, you can’t argue with that.

The two of them work on your rather small desk with an ease you wouldn’t expect, but you find yourself very comfortable working alongside him and somehow, the work seems to go by faster.

Maybe it was because you wouldn’t need to spend countless hours trying to figure out what chicken scratch either of them had written on your own. Instead, a second pair of eyes, Viktor’s eyes, made the process go by much faster, albeit with some laughter at what on earth either of them had written. You had even managed a trip to the library, something you rarely had time for, usually going to pick up books for the boys the day after, or Jayce would go the day after with a slip of paper. Not only did you and Viktor have the time to pick up some books, but you also went through and verified if they could have something useful inside. 

The sun was still shining bright in the sky when you and Viktor had dropped everything off at his lab, still a few hours left of the day. It was an uncharacteristically nice day outside, certainly warmer than you would’ve expected from the spring in Piltover, so the two of you decided to eat your packed lunches outside on a bench within the academy grounds, both too tired to bother going exploring the city for somewhere nicer. 

“Now you have helped me, do you think I could convince you to go home and get some sleep, the bags under your eyes are also large enough to be considered their entities” You smiled, laughing quietly at the man sitting next to you as he coughed back his food, clearly not expecting your smartmouth  

“As if you’re one to talk”, he quipped as you let out a shocked gasp, though quickly matching his smile

“How about I promise to go back to my apartments and take a breather if you go to yours?” you propositioned. Honestly, some time in bed sounded heavenly

“Only if I walk you back, I don’t want you to sneak back to your office, I hear you can often find yourself in places you aren’t supposed to”, he joked

“It’s a deal then” Both of you chose not to comment on the matching grins on your faces. 

—   

When Heimerdinger said your last year of study would be the hardest, you believed him. But never did you imagine you could be so swamped.

 This past week, you had corralled a table in the library to yourself, spending more time sitting in the uncomfortable seat than anywhere else. It was deadline season, and to say it was hitting you hard was an understatement. No matter how well prepared you thought you were, the workload was unimaginable, leaving you with barely enough time to sleep or eat. Jayce had joked that during his last year, he essentially became a book within the library, and while it was funny at the time now, you understood why, feeling more and more like an encyclopedia by the day. 

Luckily for you, your self-imprisonment was soon coming to an end; all you needed to do was read through your coursework one more time, and it would all be done, your last piece of work as a student of the academy. You would dwell on its bittersweetness another time as you read through another paragraph, completely absorbed in your work, completely missing the familiar sounds of footsteps and the tapping of a cane coming your way.

“I swear I need to get a tracker on you” Your head shot up at the sound of Viktor’s voice

“I’m not that hard to find”, you complain as he sits himself down in the chair closest to yours, cane leaning against the table 

“I don’t think you get much of a say on the matter, your not the one who has to aimlessly wander around the academy” 

“Whatever”, you glower, attempting to get back to your reading when his hand reaches out to grab yours. you jolt, looking up as he intertwines your fingers

“How are you doing be honest” he holds eye contact as his thumb rubs at your index fingers, stopping just after he knuckle before traveling back up 

You smile “I’m drowning” 

he hums “I can tell” You slump rather unceremoniously into your chair, eyes closed as he continues to rub affectionately at your knuckle, a half-hearted attempt to seep all the tension away from you “Have you got much more to do?” he questions voice soft 

“No, just need to read through it once more, then it should be good to submit” You let out a large breath of annoyance, wishing you were finished, wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep

“Then you’re done?” he probes 

“Completly done, well, until my contract starts as a researcher in the summer”, you clarify, eyes opening slightly, not missing the slight smile on his face, looking down when you heard a rustling of papers only to see Viktor’s non-occupied hand grabbing at your work.

“Take a break; I’ll give it the last read-through. Knowing you, it’s already perfect.” his soft yet stern voice didn’t leave much room for argument, so you closed your eyes again, only for a moment letting the constant feel of his thumb lull you into a calm you had never known. 

It was only, however, when you heard the unmistakable voice of Jayce that your eyes opened again, you sent a sheepish smile his way at the admittance that you had, in fact, fallen asleep, trying not to laugh too loudly at his remarks on how much Viktor must have been boring you, if only he knew.

—

Since you had officially handed in all your work and your classes had finished, you now found yourself with a lot of free time, a prospect Viktor and Jayce very much enjoyed. Coming every morning to your door to walk you to their lab for a day of work. Not that you minded, but before Hextech, your plans for the summer would’ve been reading or doing whatever Heimerdinger would see as befitting, so the work was beneficial to you, stopping you from going extensional on what it is you want to dedicate your academic life to, especially since you had no ideas, other than those to help the boys revolutionalise hextech, their current program with the hexgates you were sure was due a breakthrough any day. 

You found yourself sat at Jayces desk, him gone for the afternoon schmoozing with some counsellors to try and get as much funding off them as he could. You found yourself tapping along to the melody of the song Viktor had put on, the only time you could have music was when Jayce was out, as he claimed it was too stimulating for him. Working exactly where the man had left off, creating a small prototype of the hexgate, one of many that were to be used in tests planned for later in the week. You barely batted an eye as Viktor appeared next to you, used to him appearing closer than most would

“It’s looking good”, he gestured to the model in your hand you simply hummed in response, adding the final gear, shoulders slumping when you put it down. 

“How many do we need again?” you ask, hands rubbing at the tension in your neck from huddling to get a good look at what you were doing.

“Too many”, you groaned at his sheepish admittance. It was silent for a moment or so before he spoke again, an unknown quality to his voice that made you look up at him in confusion. 

“Jayce and I were thinking..” he trailed off slightly 

“Oh no”, you joked, smiling when you caught the amusement now on his face 

“I know, how scary”, he smirked “Anyway, as you’re coming back as a scientist for the academy, we thought, why not make your place with us permanent.”

“Really?” you questioned, do they honestly want you to help them all the time with the work that could improve lives and be the history pages? 

“I don’t think we’d be able to function without you now” he admitted 

“I’d love to,” you tell him smiling 

“Good”, the relief flooded the man “Because we already asked and got the go-ahead from Heimerdinger”, he confessed

“That confident?” you teased

“Obviously” 

—

You thought you had done a good job at pretending that today was just any other day, but clearly, as Viktor sat next to you with a cupcake with a candle in it - you had been wrong.

“How did you know today was my birthday? I didn’t tell anyone?” you asked, astonished. 

“Heimerdinger told me”, he revealed after you stared at him, clearly pleased with himself 

“How does that end up in conversation?” you wonder

“Don’t be so nosey”, he teases, hand coming to grab at your nose 

“Says the one who went to our mentor to ask about my personal life”, you accused, but the large smile on your face showed no malice in your words

“Touche”, he forfeited this round, lighting the candle on the cake before pushing it back into your face you simply sent him a look of victory before blowing out the candle, he quickly disposed of the candle before giving you the cake to eat  

“Got any big plans for twenty-one?” he wondered aloud 

“Work with you” You shrugged your shoulders, laughing lightly as you dug into your birthday cake

“A noble pursuit, I’m sure” It was silent for a short while as you finished your cake, but you didn’t make a move to speak, knowing the look on his face, he wasn’t done “Not going out celebrating? With a boyfriend, maybe?” 

“No, no boyfriend, never had the time for any of that. Heimerdinger told me that when a woman dedicates her life to academia, she does not bother dreaming of a family or a relationship, and I agree not many would be able to handle it. Why do you ask?” you admit

“Don’t want to be stepping on anyone’s toes is all”, he speaks nonachanlty despite his words being anything but  

“Well, your not”, you promise, lacing a hand with his

“Good” he brings your hand up his lips

—

You both had way too much stuff. The prospect of moving in together while still exciting the amount of work you had left made you gnaw at your bottom lip. You had a lot of help from Jayce and a rather reluctant Caitlyn to get the boxes into your and Viktor’s new home, and while she commented on its quaintness, it was certainly bigger than anywhere the two of you had ever dreamt of living in

“A family home”, Heimerdinger had teased the two of you when you told him, and you suppose he was right. You didn’t think much about the two spare rooms when you had purchased the house, thinking they would probably be offices, but Viktor absolute reluctance and disdain at your idea to turn one of the rooms into a library after looking at the sheer amount of books the two of you owned made you think differently, it wouldn’t take a smart man to know what he wanted to do with them. 

“Stop that” Viktor pulled your bottom lip away from your teeth, an annoyed glint in his eyes, clearly thinking about how many times he had told you those same words you simply kissed his thumb, making him smile at your affection

“There’s so much to do”, you inwardly groaned as you rested your head on his shoulder, making sure not to put too much of your weight on him

“We have the week; don’t need to do it all tonight”, he reminds you, giving a kiss on the top of your head

“Come on, I’ve already started in our room” You straighten up and follow him into your room looking at the picture frames he had already put around the room, one was placed on his bedside table, a photo Jayce had taken at your graduation with your cap and gown arms warped around Viktor a huge smile, all teeth as you look at the camera while Viktor is smiling proudly looking at you, smiling at the photo you move on to the frame he placed on the dresser, a piece of paper framed within it your hands grip the frame looking at the familiar words you had written:

‘The greatest scientific ventures are the ones that bend the rules of the institution’  

You turned to the man who was busying himself with a box filled with jumpers you had never seen him wear 

“You kept this?” you smile as he turns around, noticing his bashful expression at being caught. 

“You holding it, arent you?” he asked, trying to drive the conversation 

“Why,” you asked, not giving up so easily even as he caressed your face in an attempt to distract you groaning, he relented, he could not give you what you wanted, ever so spoiled by him you were

“At first, it was to remind me that it was all worth it” 

“At first?” you echo

“Then I kept it because it reminded me of you, of the future I want us to have, and that will only be possible if I kept working, even if it means going beyond the council and what they want.” 

“I was only shadowing your view, what you had said to Heimerdinger, something I wasn’t even supposed to hear”, you remind him.

“Well, I’m glad you did”, he admits “And I’m even more glad that you stole Jayces book because bending the rules is what brought us together”, his hand not on his cane gripped at your hip.  

“I’m glad I did, too”, you confirm your words with a kiss.

[poisoned-fruit-prose]

𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥.

synop: viktor is upset with you. the walls are closing in on your identity. you have nowhere to turn but away.

wc: 2.4k.

request from anon: Your Viktor X mage reader is so GOOD!!! It made me so happy considering that my oc is a mage and works with Viktor and Jayce! If you have time, could you maybe write something in the same scenario (reader being a mage, working with the boys on Hextech + dating Viktor) but where the reader had been hiding that they're a mage and now they have to confess it to the boys and explain why they understand the arcane so unusually well? So sorry if this is worded badly, and if you don't want to write it that's perfectly fine! Have a great day/night!! -🦖

includes: hurt/comfort. happy (?) ending.

author's note: i do apologize that i couldn't fit jayce into here, but i think we all know he'd just wag his tail and perk his ears up and love you all the same. (...puppy-coded jayce x reader fic, anyone?)

“It’s almost as if you already know how this all works.”

Viktor’s words made you freeze.

Hextech was beginning to reek with magic. There were jumps in logic that were far too great for science; it was you, mucking up information, crafting runes, testing things that made no sense to a non-magical mind, one that didn’t possess your internal compass. Viktor and Jayce were along for the ride at the beginning, but the explosive success of the Hexgates and the novelty of the technology’s potential was fading into careful study—a form of work that would expose your abilities and leave you vulnerable to accusations like Viktor’s.

But you didn’t already know how it all worked. Magic was an unknowable thing; it was a plane above you, surging through you in ways you’d never fully understand, not within your lifetime. You were working merely off these fleeting moments where magic, instead of your mind or even your heart, guided you. Magic told you where to step—it didn’t tell you why, it didn’t bother to explain, and it most certainly didn’t care how it appeared to the rest of the world.

It was only a matter of time before your “genius” was seen more as prescience. You no longer had a simple knack for the arcane. You were now a hostile guard of secrets that would otherwise better the world. It just broke your heart that it was Viktor who saw through it first. That he’d have to be the first to be bear your burden.

His words bit with little subtlety. It was late. Desk lamps glowed a harsh white, washing out his already pallor skin and exacerbating the bags hanging beneath his eyes. You didn’t know if he already suspected your abilities, but you now knew he most certainly noticed how you stumbled through every technicality yet were still, always, ten steps ahead of him.

Maybe it was jealousy, maybe it was sleep deprivation, maybe you were looking too far into it all. But you could only respond with nothing. Your mouth hung agape for a moment before snapping shut. You fled the lab. He didn’t follow.

You retreated to the university’s sprawling library; it was too cold for the garden and too late for anywhere else. You buried yourself in books and words when the world became unbearable but, tonight, fatigue and despair clouded your ability to focus. You found yourself crying in a study nook instead.

Somehow, in your attempt to protect the one you loved most, you found yourself driving a wedge between you instead. It sickened you.

“My, this isn’t what the library is for!”

You weren't sure how much time had passed before Heimerdinger’s cheerful voice chirped out beside your chair; a moment later, you heard him scuttle into the chaise beside you. You didn’t bother to look.

“Whatever is the matter, dear?”

You took a shaky breath as more tears escaped you. The Yordle clicked his tongue and reached into his coat pocket. After retrieving the handkerchief folded neatly inside, he reached out and passed it to you. You gave him a grateful look as you used it to dry your face.

You sniffled. He waited patiently.

“I… I fear I may not be able to work on Hextech anymore.”

“Oh, my—I understand your upset now. Why do you think that?”

“I just…” Your breath fluttered. “I think I’m causing an impasse. And I would rather Viktor and Jayce work on it alone instead of it being abandoned altogether.”

“You three are inseparable,” Heimerdinger insisted. “What in the world could you be doing that would call for such a drastic measure?”

You sobbed. “I… I can’t explain.”

“Surely it’s not your relationship with Viktor.”

“No, absolutely not,” you insisted firmly. “This… This would be a decision I’d make to save that. He and Hextech mean more to me than anything. Even my own participation.”

A quiet fell over you two—not uncomfortable, yet not devoid of thought either.

“...May I be honest with you, my dear?”

You nodded, finally looking over at him.

“I know you’re a mage.”

The blood drained from your body and the world shuddered upside down. You gaped at him in dread. The Yordle merely chuckled.

“Don’t be so worried—if I believed you were a threat, I would’ve turned you in long ago. But I have no reason to, nor any desire to.”

You allowed yourself to calm. A Council Member knowing was the worst possible scenario—but Heimerdinger had a soft spot for you in addition to thousands of years of experience. Fate graced you, of all people in all possible times, with magic. You were benevolent, incredibly sharp, and ambitious—and if there was anyone the Yordle believed should wield the arcane, it would be someone like you.

“...How did you find out?”

“Viktor and Jayce are not the only ones who have noticed the leaps you make in your studies.”

You nodded weakly. “...What’s going to happen to me?”

“Nothing at all, dear. I’ll admit, I was quite fearful when I put the pieces together. After all, magic is a very dangerous thing—even an inexperienced or feeble mage holds far more power than any non-user. Yet I cannot deny the work you have done for the world through Hextech. You have proven your worth, your passion, and your goodness. I don’t believe the public should know you’re a mage, for obvious reasons, but I do believe you have a duty to continue your research. Your abilities give you an invaluable advantage.”

You sniffled. “But Viktor… I fear he’s building up resentment because of that. I can’t… I can’t keep doing that to him, sir.”

“I have lived a very, very long life—trust me when I say a relationship such as yours is a true marvel. His resentment is understandable, but it is a drop of water in the ocean of adoration he has for you. Severing your ties to Hextech will only summon a storm. You must tell him the truth.”

“What if he hates me for it?”

“My dear, he leaves the lab when you merely ask him to. He’s going to marry you.”

You were exhausted, but you still ran back to the lab. The moon yawned from behind the windows over an empty chair and a desk in disarray. Viktor was upset with you, so you knew he wouldn’t be home—which left a single place he could possibly be.

Viktor sat on the ledge of the maintenance shaft. His eyes hung heavy but his mind whirred as he played the way you left the lab, defeated, over and over against his skull. He knew he shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You were the love of his life, his irreplaceable partner in Hextech, and his closest friend. He had frustrations, naturally, but he allowed them to escape their leash and lash out at you. Then, once they had finished with you, they turned and began to gnaw on him.

Your hand was warm on his shoulder. He knew it was you immediately. He turned to meet your gaze, expression somber, hand jumping to yours.

“Miláčku,” he breathed, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” you murmured as you settled beside him. You squeezed his hand, rested your head on his shoulder. A wave of relief washed over him. “I’m sorry too.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“No, I have. I’ve been keeping something important from you.”

You opened your free hand. A single rune nestled in your palm. Viktor gave you a confused look.

“A rune? I don’t understand—”

Without so much as the utterance of a word, the wave of a gesture, or any visible exertion of effort whatsoever, the stone began to glow a familiar blue as it lifted itself from your skin. It levitated, revolving slowly, as Viktor finally grasped what was happening.

“...You’re a mage,” he whispered. The truth shifted the air. You nodded as your hand began to shake. Your fear cleaved your connection with the arcane and the rune fell, lifeless, back into your hand.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” His words were clipped. Panic made you defensive. Disagreements were common in science, but you and Viktor rarely had them outside the lab doors. The irregularity of this, compounded with the danger of magic and fatigue, made you both a little more upset than you should’ve been.

“If it wasn’t obvious, my kind isn’t exactly skipping through meadows hand-in-hand with non-users, Viktor.”

“The three of us are trying to change the world’s view on magic. You should’ve told Jayce and I much sooner—think of what we could’ve done if we knew this!"

Your head ripped off his shoulder to glare at him. “Telling you would’ve done nothing but put you in danger!”

“We could’ve made progress ten times faster!”

"This isn't about morals or philosophy, Viktor—this is life and death! That progress would be meaningless if it meant I had even a chance of losing you!"

Viktor always feared if he did not charge forward with perfect efficiency he would wither away, his life unimportant and impactless. But your words rung out in the night, struck Viktor and resonated through his body. Instantaneously, his world shifted. He saw the way you regarded him, how you held him as the pinnacle of your life. Even above Hextech. Above progress. You were scared. You cared about Hextech just as greatly as him; but what terrified you enough to conceal a crucial face of your own identity, to endure his acerbic comments, to consider abandoning your greatest passion, was not the discovery of your abilities or the destruction of your work.

It was the potential loss of him that came with it.

He finally understood. He saw the world through your eyes. He had been picking evolution over you, chasing importance and impact when he already had it cradled in his hands. He had become spiteful of the person he loved most dearly because you were making more progress. In that moment, he chose the path of his life.

He chose you. For what was progress to an empty man?

“...You would be worth dying for.”

The softness of Viktor’s voice made the anger in your shoulders and face immediately fall away; the actual statement made your heart tear apart. He would keep your secret even if it meant death upon discovery. He would forever share your burden.

You both immediately reached for each other. Viktor's hands took your face, pulling you to him with urgency as he kissed you fiercely. Your hands immediately ran up his chest, the sides of his neck, into the short hair at the nape, then fully into his locks. He snaked an arm around your middle to pull you flush against him; the mention of death only served to burn this moment in his memory. Should the worst happen, should you get caught and he lost you, he’d always remember the way your skin felt against his, how you kissed him like he mattered, how you felt like a well-loved puzzle piece against his own. There was no knowing where he ended and you began, and it terrified him how much he loved it, how he squeezed you closer to exacerbate it.

You only parted when your lungs burned. Panting, you shared breaths and atoms. Viktor bumped his forehead against yours and looked up at you with that gorgeous amber gaze. You were tearing up.

"I meant it," he murmured. Hands still on your cheeks, he thumbed the corners of your eyes, wanting to take the pain before it even started. He held you with more care than his runes, his inventions, his life's work. He held you in the way a priest cradled his scripture.

“Please don’t go doing that,” you murmured.

“Only if you don’t either.”

"I promise."

A quiet tension still scintillated in the air. “...I’m sorry for raising my voice at you. And for the back-handed comments. And accusing you of slowing down our progress.”

You couldn't help but laugh softly. “With a rap sheet like that I should quit anyways.”

“...You were going to quit?”

“Vik, I… The danger of being a mage—you were days from finding out. You were frustrated all the time and I was only dividing us further.”

“No, no more thinking like that.” He grabbed your arms, squeezed them. “You were not the reason for any of this. Hextech is our life’s work, and I can only hope that we continue on it until we die hunched over our papers; but I would give it all up to keep you at my side.”

“You don’t mean that, V.”

“What in the world makes you believe I don’t?” he asked incredulously, leaning in to catch your eyes again. His expression was earnest, adoring, nearly puppy-like from the sheer intensity of his concern.

“I—that’s just a very romantic statement.”

“You believe I’d die for you, but not that I’d give up Hextech for you? Surely you aren’t jealous of our creation.”

A beat. You both smiled. The tension broke with it, and the two of you devolved into laughter. The sound of it made Viktor’s heart just soar. The catharsis of an invention that finally worked, finishing a long book, understanding some complex idea—none of it compared to the way your voice rang out like bells when he made you laugh. Viktor nuzzled his nose beside yours. You reached up, thumbing his bottom lip.

“I'm not jealous. I just know neither of us could survive without Hextech in our lives.”

“Mm, I'm sure we’d find a way to pass the time.”

Viktor closed the gap between your lips again. You both smiled, kissing each other sleepily, unaware of just how prescient your words knelled.

dividers used: sparkles • star

[prettybouquets]

𝓚indling 𝓢parks⋆✴︎˚｡⋆

gn!reader x viktor (from arcane)

𝓻𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽; hiii i was wondering if you were interested in writing a viktor (arcane) x reader. perhaps the reader is short and is viktors assistant?? I would rlly appreciate if you wrote this for me cuz it’s been on my mind for agessss(so has viktor)🙏🩷

word count; 1,3k

cw; nothing (except use of y/n)

The lab hummed softly with the sounds of arcane machinery, the glow of strange devices casting shadows along the walls. You were perched on a stool, thankfully tall enough to reach the table before you, organizing rows of crystals and notes. Viktor stood nearby, hunched over a piece of intricate machinery, his brow furrowed in deep concentration.

“Could you pass me the calibration rod?” he asked, his voice even and focused.

“Already got it,” you replied, holding the tool up to him.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he glanced at you. “Always one step ahead, aren’t you?”

“Of course. It’s my job to keep up with you,” you quipped, your tone light.

Being Viktor’s assistant wasn’t easy. He was brilliant, driven, and had a knack for pushing boundaries. It was hard not to admire him, though. His determination to change the world through innovation was inspiring, and you felt a deep pride in being part of his work.

But today, you were finding it harder to focus. Whether it was the late hour or the way Viktor’s hair fell messily into his face as he worked, your attention kept drifting.

“y/n, are you listening?”

You jolted, realizing he was looking at you expectantly. “Sorry! What did you need?”

Viktor chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’ve been staring off a lot today. Am I keeping you too late again?”

“No! I mean, yes, but it’s fine,” you stammered, earning an amused raise of his brow. “I want to help.”

He leaned back slightly, his golden eyes studying you with a mix of curiosity and concern. “You work harder than anyone I know, yet you always insist on staying late. Why is that?”

You hesitated, feeling your cheeks warm under his gaze. “Maybe I just like the company,” you muttered.

His expression softened, and the faintest hint of a smile curved his lips. “The feeling is mutual.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence as the two of you worked side by side. Despite his occasional complaints about your height—like when you struggled to reach tools on the higher shelves—Viktor appreciated your meticulousness. You often caught him glancing your way with an almost imperceptible fondness.

After a while, you stood on tiptoe to place a crystal into its housing on the machine Viktor was assembling. The stool wobbled beneath you, and you yelped as your balance faltered.

“Careful!” Viktor exclaimed, his cane clattering to the floor as he steadied you with one arm.

You blinked up at him, clutching his sleeve for balance. “Thanks,” you murmured, your face burning with embarrassment.

He chuckled, his voice low and warm. “I thought I told you to let me handle the high shelves.”

“You tell me a lot of things,” you teased, trying to mask your flustered state. “Doesn’t mean I listen.”

Viktor’s laugh was soft, and he shook his head in mock exasperation. “You’re incorrigible.”

As he steadied you, his hand lingered just a moment longer than necessary before he stepped back to retrieve his cane. “You’re all right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” you replied, waving him off. “Just my pride that’s hurt.”

He smiled faintly, his eyes lingering on you. “You know, I could build you something to help with your… vertical disadvantage,” he offered, his tone teasing but affectionate.

“Very funny,” you said, sticking your tongue out at him. “But maybe I’ll take you up on that if you promise not to make it ridiculous.”

Viktor returned to his work, but the atmosphere between you felt lighter now, like the unspoken tension that had been building was beginning to ease.

“You’re not just here because of the work, are you?” he asked after a while, his voice unusually soft.

You froze, your hands pausing over a stack of notes. “What do you mean?”

He glanced at you, his expression thoughtful. “I mean… I see the way you look at me sometimes. And the way I…” He trailed off, clearing his throat as a faint blush crept into his pale cheeks. “I’ve grown rather fond of you, y/n.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you turned to face him fully. “You have?”

He nodded, his usual confidence tempered by a rare vulnerability. “You’ve been at my side through everything. You challenge me, support me, and make even the longest nights bearable.” He hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with a loose piece of wire. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to seeing you every day.”

You felt your chest tighten, warmth spreading from your heart to the tips of your fingers. “I...I feel the same way,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes met yours, a flicker of relief and something deeper crossing his face. “Then perhaps I’ve been a fool for waiting so long to tell you.”

Stepping closer, you smiled up at him. “You’re a genius, Viktor, but even geniuses need a nudge sometimes.”

He chuckled, the sound soft and full of affection. “Perhaps you’re right.”

The space between you seemed to shrink as he reached out, his hand brushing yours. For a moment, the lab and its glowing machinery faded into the background, leaving only the two of you standing together in the quiet.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

“For what?”

“𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭,” he replied, his eyes holding yours with an intensity that made your heart race.

You squeezed his hand, your smile widening. “Anytime, Viktor. Anytime.”

The night carried on, the hum of the lab filling the air as you returned to work—but now, the space between you felt warmer, closer. It was a quiet kind of affection, one built over long nights and shared dreams.

You and Viktor returned to work, the hum of the lab filling the space, but now the silence felt warmer—less like solitude and more like home.

© prettybouquets 2024. all rights reserved. please do not copy, modify, or repost any work as your own.

[kaminocasey]

Personal Space

A/N: I saw art of Jayce invading personal space and realized that Jayce would have no concept of personal space. (Did you see the way that man laid his head in Mel's lap? The way he comforts Viktor?) Also please be gentle with me, this is my first Arcane/Jayce fic lol.

Summary: You really love your personal space, unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how one looks at it, Jayce also really loves your personal space.

Warnings: Fluff, a little bit of angst. Jayce Talis has no sense of personal space. Kissing. Parties. Protective!Jayce.

Pairing: University!Jayce Talis x University!Reader

“It’s looking like it’s not going to be finished in time to show the professor…” Jayce grumbles to himself, looking up at the chalkboard full of equations and symbols that you don’t understand. 

You’re studying literature. Jayce is studying science. Opposites. Yet, you know what they say about opposites attracting. Like magnets. That’s you and Jayce. Though, you suppose Jayce probably wouldn’t understand that phrase unless it’s only referencing magnets. 

That’s the thing about the two of you. Before meeting Jayce, you couldn’t stand to let anyone in your personal space. You didn’t like people touching you but then this guy came along and it was obvious right from the start, he’s the touchy type. And suddenly, you found yourself not minding. 

“Look at this.” Jayce grabs you, pulling you in front of him so that his front is pressed up against your back. 

Gods, he’s so warm. You can’t help but lean against him as he rests one hand on your hip and then points to all the things on the chalkboard with the other, explaining every single point and fact to you. You have no idea what the hell he’s talking about, but it doesn’t matter. 

So much for personal space.

~*~

“Read to me.” Jayce walks into your dorm room late at night, finding you curled up in your bed, leaning against the wall, reading your book. 

Without an invite, he crawls into your bed and then rests his head in your lap, shutting his eyes. You can tell that he’s been in the lab all night by the way his body just slumps over your lap, his hand resting on your knee. 

“My roommate is sleeping.” You murmur, looking up at her across the room in her bed, her back turned to you as she faces the wall.

“She’s a heavy sleeper.” He shrugs.

You don’t say anything for a moment, earning a sigh from Jayce.

“Resa.” Jayce says your roommate’s name a little loudly.

Your head shoots up to your sleeping roommate’s form who hasn’t even so much as budged.

“See?” Jayce chuckles, glancing up at you slightly.

You let out a fake sigh, rolling your eyes and then start reading out loud. You get about a page in when Jayce pulls your free hand up into his hair, letting you know what he wants. Your fingers curl into his hair and start massaging his scalp. 

He lets out a soft groan and your hand pauses for a moment before he whispers. “Don’t stop… please.” 

You smile softly and start again, turning back to your book and starting to read out loud again. A few moments later, you hear soft snores. 

Later that night, as the two of you sleep, he has you pulled against him as he spoons you. You can’t help but think to yourself the next morning when you wake up before he does, who needs personal space?

~*~

Shelving books on the weekend at the library helps bring in a little bit of income for you to get by while at university. Sometimes, Jayce will come and keep you company while you do so. Which is how you find yourself in this situation.

“So, I was thinking we could leave from here and go straight to Claxle’s party once you’re off?” He gestures to the doors.

You give him a sour face.

“Don’t give me that face. Please.” He gives you a fake pout, making you roll your eyes.

“Don’t you give me that face.” You look down at the cart of books, trying to not give in.

At least not right away. 

Every time you pull books off the cart to put back onto the library shelves, he takes another step toward you, practically crowding you against the shelf.

Does he know he does this to you? Does he do it on purpose?

“I cannot think of anything I’d rather do less than go to Claxle Bogart’s party.” You whisper.

He chuckles. “Oh come on. The parties aren’t that bad.”

You raise your eyebrows in a “oh really?” Kind of way and he rolls his own eyes, leaning off the shelf and stepping closer toward you, forcing you to look up at him. It’s times like these when you’re reminded of how much bigger he is than you. 

“Jayce…” You sigh, your eyes looking up into warm amber eyes.

He sighs your name and it takes everything in you to not go weak in the knees. 

“I’m afraid I won’t be much fun. I just wanna go back to my room and read my book.” You murmur, pulling away to start shelving books again.

“That’s why we gotta loosen you up, sweetheart.” He teases you, grabbing your shoulders and forcing you to look into his eyes again. 

You can’t help but go warm at the nickname and at the begging eyes. Unfortunately, you know there’s no saying no to this man. You think he knows that, too.

~*~

There’s a band playing somewhere in the hall of this dorm that has the door open so the music can trail out throughout the party. This is definitely not your scene, but as Jayce guides you through a crowd of people, his hand on your lower back, you can’t help but lean into his side. When you look up at him, he’s just looking forward, unaware of the effect he has on you. 

“Do you want a drink?” He leans down, close to your ear.

The warmth of his breath sends goosebumps down your entire body. You nod, leaning against the wall, needing a moment to collect yourself. Watching as he disappears into one of the rooms, you look up at the ceiling, breathing deeply. The music still feels way too loud and you feel exposed.

The dress was Jayce’s idea. He had told you that you looked great and you thought maybe you could trace a hint of pink in his cheeks when he said it, but you’re not convinced that wasn’t just your brain hoping. 

You hear your name from an unfortunately familiar voice. 

“Claxle.” You sigh, rolling your head to look at the annoying host of the party.

He leans against the wall, invading your personal space in a way that feels absolutely wrong. This is way different than Jayce. Jayce’s presence is warm and sweet. This is cold and makes you feel like you’re being stared at by a predator. 

“You don’t normally come to my parties.” He takes a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving you.

Your head turns toward the door that Jayce went in and you debate whether or not you should go find him. 

“Jayce convinced me.” You tell him.

“Talis, huh?” He smirks. “I always thought there was a little something something with you two. Then I figured maybe he was just using you to help him with his homework or something.”

You glare at Claxle. “Jayce is a scientist. I think he can manage his own homework. You know, speaking of, I think you’re the one who needs a tutor since you’ve not turned in an assignment to Professor Ulsa.” 

You give a polite and fake smile to let him know you’re done with the conversation. Unfortunately, Claxle gets a look in his eye as he looks you up and down.

“You do realize you’re wasting your time with Talis, right? Saw him cozying up with some blonde girl the other day anyway.” He smirks. 

“Okay.” You reply, refusing to give him any sort of reaction. 

Before Claxle can say anything else, Jayce finally makes his way back over, handing you a drink with a gentle “hey”. You smile up at him, ignoring the other guy. Claxle walks away without even acknowledging him. 

“What did Bogart want?” He asks. 

You shrug with an amused look. “To let me know I’m not your type and that you’re only friends with me so I can help you with school.” 

“What?” He glares, looking away into the crowd for Claxle. 

“Hey, it doesn’t matter.” You try to pull his attention back to you. 

Jayce’s gaze softens when he looks back down at you, nodding reluctantly. He’s normally so level headed, you’ve never seen him that worked up over something some jerk says.

“Let's get out of here.” He mumbles, taking your drink and sitting it down with his on a table so that he can grab your hand and lead you up the steps to the roof of the dormitory. 

He’s quiet for a while as he looks out over Piltover. 

“Jayce?” You tilt your head, watching as he’s leaning against the edge of the building.

He turns his head toward you and then slides his hand down to your hip, looking down at his own hand as he does so. This feels different than usual. 

“Why don’t you like me?” He murmurs, resting his forehead against yours. 

“What?” You ask, confused. “Of course I like-”

“No… that’s not what I-” He groans softly, clearly frustrated. “Claxle was wrong… you are my type.”

Oh.

“I am?” You can’t help but whisper, terrified that if you talk too loudly, this moment could be ruined or taken away from you. Or maybe you’re just too used to working in a quiet library.

“Of course you are.” He smiles that charming smile that makes your chest tighten. “I’ve only been flirting with you for the past two years.”

“Two years?” You ask, incredulous. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

He shrugs. “I’m shy?”

You playfully slug him and he laughs, pulling you closer against him. 

“I’ve been trying… I cuddle with you, I touch you…” He murmurs. 

“Jayce…” You shake your head, amused. “I thought that was just you being touchy.” 

“You didn’t notice I’m only that way when I’m with you?” He grins.

You shrug. “I guess not.”

“Will this help?” He asks, leaning down and brushing his soft pink lips against yours.

Finally, you think to yourself. 

His lips are just as soft as you’d thought they’d be. It seems like he’s been wanting to do this for just as long as you have.  

When he pulls away, you shake your head. “Need a little more help.” 

He chuckles against your lips before deepening the kiss, his hands eagerly finding your hips to hold you right where you are, holding onto you like you’re this man’s anchor. 

Yeah, you think, there is no personal space when it comes to Jayce Talis. 

And you’re absolutely fine with that.

[lovehotelreservation]

Nectar

Summary: As your royal bodyguard, Laios was to ensure that not a hand was to fall onto you, the princess.

But what was he to do when exposure to some potent pollen has him desperate to have his hands all over you?

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: F!Reader/Laios

WHO'S READY TO GET EATEN (OUT) 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

This piece has been a long time coming ever since I hosted a special poll on my Tumblr where I had my readers vote on my next lewd piece--from character to kink to trope/AU, all were determined by my dear hotel guests !!! Thank you all so much for your patience and for joining the fun !!! 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ I've been meaning to dive into DunMeshi (and Laios's pantalones) so this was the perfect opportunity to finally do just that !!!

I appreciate you all as always and I hope you enjoy !!!

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

There was a fruit that Laios wanted to eat.

Not to be found atop a bushel on the streets of a bustling market, nor to be served as an appetizer at an upscale restaurant.

This particular fruit was one of a kind–locked away in a garden, access reserved exclusively to only a select and chosen few, hidden within the brush of a storied grove.

Given his notorious taste for the most bizarre ingredients literally cut fresh from a dungeon’s depths for the simplest of meals, such a specific and normal craving was rather astonishing.

But Laios didn’t want to simply partake in this specific fruit.

Rather, there was this cavernous base urge to hunt down this fruit, scaling whatever length of tree as needed to seize–to lunge if needed–the delectable treat with his very own hands, dragging his tongue along its surface for an indulgent lick before sinking his teeth in for a juicy mouthful.

He didn’t even care to wash or wipe the fruit down before feasting away. Any speck of grime and dirt would only add to the flavor–if anything, imperfections on the purity of this snack served to stir his appetite all the more, a deep-seeded hunger that had gnawed at him damn near endlessly at this point.

However, attaining this singular delicacy was not going to be easy in the slightest.

While his monthly pay of coin for his services as an appointed guard to the care of the kingdom’s princess was nothing to scoff at, he wouldn’t be able to even attempt offering to buy this rare fruit.

For it was less about accumulating enough wealth and more about how he was forever shackled to the circumstances of his poor, humble upbringing.

Fated to be barred from this fruit’s taste, he was instead made to linger around the perimeter of the garden that housed this delectable treasure, to always be within reach but bound to have his hand chopped right off if he ever thought of plucking this sweet for his own famished desires.

It was a conundrum surely, one that he–reluctantly–had made his peace with for some time.

Up until a sudden shriek from afar suddenly shook Laios free from the serenity of his continued contemplating.

On a day like any other, he was to escort the princess to the outskirts of the kingdom to oversee the crops of the imminent harvest. His upbringing as the son to proud farmhands made this visit feel akin to a homecoming. He was always happy for the chance to see his parents along with–if lucky–his sister Falin should she be home from her continued studies of the arcane arts. Though, he was most thrilled at the prospect of offering facts of the natural bestiary and the gaminess of their meat to the intrigued ear of the princess.

Your ear.

And while you, the queen to be, were usually so happy to take in well of knowledge that Laios had to offer, he couldn’t help but notice on this particular day that there was this anxious energy that seemed to shadow over you like that of a bride veil, one that simmered beneath your usual graceful demeanor.

Having been under his guard and protection as his charge for years at this point, you trusted him deeply. He knew this to be undoubtedly true.

Yet there was something about your behavior throughout the day that demanded solitude–any opportunity to be alone, you were quick to take. And while unlike the stuffy and pushy advisors that often fussed over every breath you took within the castle, he respected your independence as an individual, seeing you for who you were rather than the shine of the crown on top of your head.

Still, as your bodyguard, he couldn’t allow you to stray too far away from him.

And yet for every step he took to close the gap, you only seemed intent on maintaining distance.

It was puzzling certainly, and while he wanted nothing more than to gain further insight as to what brought about this odd change in your attitude, he was far more worried with your current wellbeing.

His feet carried him as far as he could, past the vast fields of crops all the way further out past the farmlands. He cursed at himself for letting you out of his sight, all while wondering how you managed to give him the slip in the first place.

However, he would address that matter later. For now, he was set on finding you.

While his familiarity with the immediate area served as a reassuring foundation for his search, there was now the facet of determining just where you would have wandered off towards. While he took into account where you–adorned in frills and jewels–realistically could have made it out to within the time span since he last saw you, he thought back to any places of interest where you most likely would have gone.

His amber eyes quickly scanned across the horizon–either a pond that wasn’t too far out into the distance, a road that one could follow to a neighboring farm, or a somewhat maintained path that led to a field of white flowers.

The faint, distant sight of ivory petals immediately caught his attention and reignited his memory.

“–and besides supplying various cheeses for the wintertime fondue, this region’s other key offering is none other than the lovelily!”

Laios was all broad smiles and pride as he concluded his explanation.

You were all twinkling eyes and curious as you repeated his last word.

“‘Lovelily’?”

Happy for the chance to elaborate further, he proceeded to mime out the shape of the flower (horribly) with his hands. “Yes! The very same flower once used in ancient rituals for fertility–now it’s more commonly used for love potions! Potent ones at that! You know, as I think about it, I think the stems tend to not grow that tall…”

As his focus shifted more to the accuracy of the height of the flower that his hands were representing, he didn’t notice the way that the curiosity in your eyes soon changed to something far more calculating.

But of course!

His destination determined, Laios jetted himself forward towards the field of lovelilies–a sea of white blossoms that stretched far and beyond. Gaze darting around for any sight of you, he continued to shout out your name as he rushed through the vast spread of flowers.

Lovelilies were used for love potions for a reason. Their signature pink pollen is potent with aphrodisiac effects, making them the ideal candidates for their prior use with fertility rituals in times long since past.

By this point in the season, the flowers were harvested of their pollen by local apothecaries, so he at least had one less thing to worry about.

Still, just an immediate scan around the field yielded no sight of you, which only deepened his already heightened anxiousness.

Up until, at long last, he heard the muffled response of his name as he approached the center of the field.

Immediately he gazed down, and like an apple that had fallen from the tree, his eyes came across a rather deep ditch in the ground.

Deep enough to house you right within its depths.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Laios immediately dove in for your rescue. As he landed on his feet, he looked forward. Given the time of day, he still had a decent amount of light shining down within the darkness of the ditch, blessing him with the sight of you sprawled upon a bed of lovelilies. Joyed relief quickly across his features as he called out your name once again while he knelt before you.

“Are you alright–?!”

“Sir Laios!” You gasped in relief, even as your voice quivered so. “Please forgive me for leaving your sight and causing worry! I–!”

Laughing jovially, he held up his hand and waved it from side to side. “Worry not, princess. A little curiosity never hurt–”

It was at the second push in the air by his hand that he caught sight of a familiar shade of pink that floated by his face.

He immediately froze, soon realizing just where you had landed in: a ditch of unharvested, fully pollinated lovelilies. 

Tension gripped him as fiercely as he held onto you upon scooping your body into his arms.

“Princess! Hang onto me and hold your breath!”

You did as told, scrambling to wrap your arms around his neck while he worked to haul the both of you out of the ditch, all while doing his best to avoid inhaling the pollinated air as well. While it took a bit of maneuvering, a few slips while clawing at loosened soil, he was able to securely bring the two of you back onto solid ground.

However, with one issue handled, he was immediately checking over you in a flurried panic, his hands cradling your face while his mind raced back to what usually consisted of typical symptoms of lovelily exposure.

“How do you feel? Any pain? Discomfort?”

His palm pressed against your flushed cheek, a notable warmth permeating off of your skin. Before he could examine further, you meekly spoke up in response,

“I think…I may have hurt myself when I fell…”

You shifted your leg forward, wincing as your voice trailed off, your breathing becoming shallow.

And it was that expression of pain that had him quickly springing to action once again.

Formality, order, manners–all were immediately consumed by ferocious protective instinct as Laios seized the hem of your dress skirt and yanked it high up and over his head. 

He sought out for any sliver of blood or purpling bruise, his gaze darting along your leg for possible injuries sustained.

Higher and higher, his eyes continued to trail upwards.

All the way until his focus shifted towards right between your thighs.

Hues of soft pink caught his gaze, a notably sweet scent drifting by his nose.

There, spread all across the fabric of your panties with a few dustings along your inner thighs was a thick layer of lovelily pollen.

Though he was relieved to see that overall you didn’t seem to be significantly injured by your descent into the ditch, he once again found himself stuck in place.

With your dress skirt still enveloped over him, he was entrapped within close proximity to the infamous aphrodisiac ingredient. Instinct and knowledge of the flower’s effects roared at him to move, to at the very least hold his breath, yet he could not.

He refused to.

He was much too captivated, too entranced to do so.

The sight and scent of the pollen was one matter.

However, what truly beckoned for him to push his head closer up in-between your thighs was one particular scent.

Not that of the sweet lovelily pollen. 

It was something headier, a unique musk that enticed his senses, drawing his mouth to water.

And the source of that delectable scent was currently being obscured by flimsy fabric.

He just had to get a better smell of it.

His hands reached for your legs, large and calloused hands gripping them by the sides all while he immediately planted his face right in-between your thighs, his nose pressed right against your clothed core. He inhaled deeply, groaning out in delight upon exhaling at your natural scent.

He suddenly felt hungry–no, famished was much more appropriate.

His thoughts were becoming muddled, his initial intention of remembering the exact effects of lovelily pollen exposure quickly becoming lost amidst the dire need to satisfy his own cravings. Before he could act further however, it was the sound of your voice that suddenly had him snap out of his reverie.

“S-Sir Laios…”

The shudder in your voice quickly had him shoving himself out from under your dress. Immediately, his darkened eyes sought out yours, his face hot and red, his breath ragged.

What he saw was a near identical expression from your end: cheeks burning with scarlet, breath also struggling to steady itself.

With his attention captured by you, he watched as you brought your hand to the front of your gown, seizing at the material while you gasped out, also seemingly at odds between coherent thought and bodily desire, “It would seem both of us are sweltering in our respective attire.” With your other hand, you reached down to cup his chin, smiling sweetly at him, flustered and all. 

“Shall we do something about this heat together?”

Laios grabbed at your hand, bringing your palm to his lips before pressing another kiss to your wrist as he breathlessly affirmed,

“As you wish, princess.”

It was one last expression of proper decorum between the two of you–him, your trusted bodyguard, and you, his precious charge–before you both descended into an animalistic frenzy right amidst the sea of lovelilies.

A mess of frills and jewels laid to the side while Laios was far from fully stripped of his armor, his chest piece and undershirt tossed some ways away. Though his erect cock throbbed painfully within the confines of his breeches, he had undoing the strings to his trousers last in his mind, his priority first and foremost being to run his tongue all along the sopping stickiness of your core.

He couldn’t get enough. Every slurp, every suckle, every wet smack of his lips–even nudging his nose along the wet length of your slit for a better indulging of your scent, his insatiable greed knew no limits, encouraged further by the quiver of your thighs and the whines of his name from your lips.

It was hard to pry himself away from your inner thighs, especially with each orgasm he drew you towards. Even when he finally yielded to your pleas for him to finally strip off his pants, he still was adamant with feasting away at your core, fondling your ass as he kept you close to his face, all while you were positioned right on top of him, your mouth and hands clumsily handling the thick girth of his cock with earnest kisses and strokes.

How could he possibly think about stopping when the fruit he craved to eat was finally presented to him?

Or so he thought.

The taste of your core was most certainly going to impose an insatiable addiction moving forward.

However.

It was as the two of you were tangled together, his large stocky build weighing down onto yours while his big cock pumped in and out of your core’s velvety depths that he finally had a sample of what he truly sought out most.

“Sir Laios…!”

The euphoric call of his name had his focus shifting right to your face.

Right as your hands rested on his cheeks, guiding his head downwards so–for the first time–your lips could press against his for a kiss.

A simple sweet display of affection.

Yet one that scorched through him so much more significantly than any other touch exchanged between you both.

The taste of your lips had him shudder and gasp out your name, all while he was all the more compelled to slam his cock into you with furthered exuberance, the desire to flood your core with the hot and heavy load of his seed all consuming.

It would be some time until the two of you would finally work your way through the effects of the pollen.

It would be a far, far later problem for you both to explain just where exactly the two of you had disappeared to all day and why your clothes were in such disarray.

But for now, and what would remain to be true well after–pollen’s influence aside–was one blessed reassurance: You were just as hungry for him as he was for you.

[powdermelonkeg]

Archwizard Gale lore???

Okay, SO! My personal headcanons for Gale's powers, both as archwizard and Chosen of Mystra, are based upon the following:

D&D makes a distinction between "archmage" and "archwizard," with the former being a spellcaster dedicated to the arcane arts and either: the counsel of royalty, a lich tyrant, or a reclusive hermit, all with multiple apprentices, and the latter being "an arcane spellcaster of extremely high power who successfully claimed a floating enclave," that specification coming from the time of Netheril.

Gale is NOT royal counsel, NOT pursuing lichdom, NOT a hermit (willingly), does NOT have apprentices when he first makes the claim, and does NOT have a floating enclave.

Despite these, he still claims "archwizard" as a title. This is significant, especially from Waterdeep, where the most powerful wizards in the world gather, including Laeral Silverhand (another of Mystra's Chosen, immortal to a degree, and Open Lord of Waterdeep) and Vajra Safahr (current Blackstaff and Archmage of Waterdeep).

Bonus points for his significance, he is Gale of Waterdeep. His personally chosen moniker marks him as outstanding among Waterdhavians. There might be a handful of people named Gale in Waterdeep, but there is only one Gale of Waterdeep. This is further backed up by Lorroakan recognizing him, with his only reason for Gale being lesser than someone who supposedly figured out immortality being that Gale was Mystra's discarded lapdog.

Gale is skilled in all manner of magic. This is confirmed directly in his epilogue, where you can question him about his choice teaching the School of Illusion, and he says that he wanted to teach ALL the classes there, but the staff told him no. That includes schools you wouldn't normally associate with him, like Divination and Necromancy.

Based on all of that, I've decided that "archwizard," as Gale means it, is a term referring to a wizard who's multiclassed into all their subclasses.

Does this make him overpowered? Yes. But he's an archwizard, prodigy, and Chosen, he's MEANT to be within the bounds of his own lore.

In addition, I also believe him to be an untrained Storm Sorcerer, based upon the following:

Sorcerers and wizards differ in that sorcerers know magic intrinsically, while wizards study it to use it.

When talking to Halsin as Origin Gale, you can tell him that as a baby, you summoned a whole pack of rabbits. Presumably, baby Gale was NOT reading and comprehending arcane textbooks.

Gale has an intrinsic understanding of the Weave, by his own admission, saying he could compose it rather than just control it. He was also casting third level spells like Fireball at eight years old.

Gale's theme is all about storms: his name is Gale, he occasionally says "A rough tempest I will raise" in combat, almost all his official art has him controlling lightning, and his robe is thunder purple. This continues into God!Gale's design, where he has literal glowing lightning bolts framing his eyes, and his outfit is lightning blue.

K'ha'ssji'trach'ash: On his own, the mephit is pretty self-contained; it's a magma mephit capable of revealing the true form of a True Ressurection scroll. However, the key to getting him to do this is to respond to the question "what is my name" in Ignan with the correct answer. After which, K'ha'ssji'trach'ash says "T'i n'uthrantha m'ahthra Gale." We don't know what this means, but it's clear that he's talking to us, about Gale, possibly thanking us or asking us to pass a message along. This implies that he doesn't speak Common, or else he would, because we answered correctly. Why do I bring this up? Storm Sorcerers have an innate ability called Wind Speaker, which allows them to speak Primordial (including Aquan, Auran, Ignan, and Terran). Thus, Gale can speak to/understand K'ha'ssji'trach'ash, despite his known/studied languages being Common, Celestial, Giant, and Draconic.

Because he's untrained, and rather than Storm Sorcery being just a Lv1 flavor bit that does little, I've decided that Gale has access to the class features of Storm Sorcery without access to its spell slots or Metamagic, that way it's reflective of his power without training.

With both of these conclusions, both archwizard and sorcerer, I've decided to pick and choose which class features are from which iteration of both classes, because BG3 and official D&D have a few key differences that were mostly changed for gameplay reasons. I've then taken those and added more flavor to them, based on the already-given flavor of D&D and effects of BG3, doing away with the mechanical side of things for storytelling reasons.

On top of this, because the maximum level you can reach in BG3 is Lv12, and we know that the Orb consumes "the greatest of [his] talents," I've decided that the Orb consumes any ability beyond Lv12 until its removal.

That being said, beyond whatever spells and slots you care to give him, the powers I think Gale has pre-tadpole are:

Abjuration

Arcane Ward: When Gale casts Abjuration spells, residual magic shields him from the worst of incoming hits

Projected Ward: Gale can extend Arcane Ward to someone nearby instead of himself

Improved Abjuration: On short rest, Gale can strengthen Arcane Ward to sustain itself beyond a single hit

Evocation

Sculpt Spells: Gale can control his Evocation spells and keep them from harming allies

Potent Cantrip: Gale can force enemies that resist his cantrips to take half damage from them anyways

Empowered Evocation: Gale's Evocation spells are particularly deadly (based on +INT modifier to damage rolls)

Necromancy

Grim Harvest: Gale can harness the power released when a spell kills a creature to heal himself, UNLESS it's undead or a construct

Undead Thralls: Animate Dead: Gale can reanimate a corpse

UT: Additional Undead: Gale can efficiently harness the power it would take to reanimate one corpse to reanimate two corpses with Animate Dead

UT: Better Summons: Gale's reanimated dead can take more of a beating than others' dead

Inured to Undeath: Gale's been exposed to necromancy enough that he's resistant to necrotic damage, and his life force capacity can't be reduced (this one in particular helps with the "Netherese bile" flowing through his veins)

Conjuration

Create Water: Gale can call forth rain at will (BG3's feature over D&D's to align more with storm sorcery)

Benign Transposition: Teleport: Gale can teleport up to 30ft, and can use that to swap places with an ally

Focused Conjuration: Gale's concentration on conjuration spells can't break due to pain

Enchantment

Hypnotic Gaze: So long as Gale holds eye contact with someone, he can charm them into stopping everything they're doing and staring at him in a daze

Instinctive Charm: Reflexively, Gale can make a split-second charm attempt to redirect an attack at someone directly nearby

Split Enchantment: Gale can efficiently harness the power it would take to enchant one person and instead enchant two targets at once

Divination

Portent: Gale can focus and gain split-second glimpses into the immediate future (such as the next blow about to be thrown in a fight)

Expert Divination: Casting divination comes naturally enough to Gale that he can cast divination spells using a lower spell slot

Third Eye: Gale can increase his powers of perception and gain a very limited Darkvision/Ethereal vision at will, as well as read any language

Illusion

Improved Minor Illusion: Gale can cast illusory effects with incredible ease

See Invisibility: Gale's experience with illusions lets him detect invisibility spells at work, focus on them, and see through them

Illusory Self: Gale can create an identical double of himself reflexively to confuse opponents

Transmutation

Experimental Alchemy: Using transmutation magic, Gale can more efficiently refine potion ingredients, occasionally enough to create a second potion

Transmuter's Stone: Gale can lock some of his transmutation magic into a stone, granting whoever holds it an effect of his choice from the following: Constitution proficiency, Darkvision, extra speed, resistance to acid/cold/fire/lightning/thunder damage

Shapechanger: Gale can polymorph himself once a day without consuming a spell slot (only into beasts with a CR of 1 or less)

Storm Sorcery

Wind Speaker: Gale can speak, read, and write Primordial (Aquan, Auran, Ignan, and Terran)

Tempestuous Magic: Gale can summon gusts of wind around him immediately after casting a spell greater than a cantrip. These winds are strong enough to propel him in flight for ten feet

Heart of the Storm: Gale has resistance to lightning and thunder damage. In addition, whenever he casts a spell that deals lightning or thunder damage, the magic that erupts is stormy and more powerful than other kinds of magic at equal level

Storm Guide: Gale can subtly control the weather around him, causing rain to stop falling in a 20 foot sphere centered on him, or wind to blow in a different direction in a 100 foot sphere centered on him

Feats

These are based on what I, personally, think make the most sense for him pre-tadpole:

Ability Increase: +2 to INT score

Elemental Adept: Thunder: Spells/attacks ignore resistance to thunder, and when a spell he casts causes thunder damage, it can't critically fail

Elemental Adept: Lightning: Spells/attacks ignore resistance to lightning, and when a spell he casts causes lightning damage, it can't critically fail

Okay, so Gale's crazy powerful, right? What could he have possibly lost that's greater than all this?

Well...

Abjuration: Spell Resistance: Gale was in tune enough with the Weave that he could resist spells (as well as gaining advantage on saving throws against them)

Evocation: Overchannel: Gale could deal maximum damage on a 1-5 level spell without ill effect on first cast, but suffered unresisted necrotic damage when using it again

Necromancy: Command Undead: Gale could bring undead made by other wizards under his control

Conjuration: Durable Summons: Gale could give anything he summoned a temporary shield against damage (30 temp HP)

Enchantment: Alter Memories: Gale could make someone unaware they were charmed by him, as well as make them forget something that happened during that charmed period

Divination: Greater Portent: Gale used to be able to predict more split second decisions ahead with ease

Illusion: Illusory Reality: Gale used to be able to pull shadow magic together into illusions and make them, temporarily, real. He can still do a limited version of this, but only via concentration to keep the threads together (hence the "anatomically correct" illusory wizard in the Drow twins scene; shadow magic is NOT the same as the Shadow Weave)

Transmutation: Master Transmuter: Gale could consume magic stored in his transmuter's stone in one go, using it to transmute one object into another, remove curses, diseases, and poisons, raise the dead, or reduce a creature's apparent age by up to 30 years

Storm Sorcery: Storm's Fury: Gale could react with lightning damage when struck physically Wind Soul: Gale was immune to lightning and thunder damage, could fly at a speed of 60 feet, and could reduce his flying speed to 30 feet for 1 hour to make four additional people fly

Yeah. Ouch. And that's not even including his former Chosen abilities.

Gale's Chosen abilities

Silver Fire: Gale could command pure energy of the Weave in the form of silver-white flame, which, at his command, could destroy anything in its path, banish dead magic areas, restore torn Weave, purge external magic and psionic effects from his own body, teleport without error to the last location he used the ability at, or cast spells without verbal, somatic, or material components

Mantle: Gale could cast the dangerous Mantle spell without suffering any ill effects, while other wizards casting the spell would suffer a drain of life force as long as it persisted

Weave Detection: Gale could detect magic's presence without the use of a spell

Weave Tapping: Gale could cast high level spells repeatedly without losing a spell slot, although this was discouraged by Mystra

On the page for Mystra's Chosen abilities, it says that sometimes her Chosen gained an immunity to magic, as well as disease and poison. I don't think Gale was so lucky, however; in the House of Healing, he mentions that he once turned himself in to a hospice in Waterdeep for a "bout of ruddy pox." Him having turned himself in implies he was an adult at the time, and should, therefore, already be Mystra's Chosen.

All that to say: behold, Gale of Waterdeep, in his original splendor. How the mighty have fallen.

[gay-dorito-dust]

Masterlist 3

Masterlist 2

Masterlist 4

more, more and more Gravity Falls (cuz I reached the limit…) (closed cuz I lost interest)

Ford unknowingly gets asked out on a date by reader

Ford finds out that reader has kept his room clean and well kept for his wellbeing

Ford gets a new tattoo

Possession series continued from masterlist 2

Reader claps back at Ford

Reader sits on Ford’s (or Stan’s) lap

Part two of Ford and Stan’s childhood friend whom they fall for

Ford and reader have crushes on one another, things happen and reader kisses his cheek.

Monster falls au- reader preens Ford and Stan’s wings for them

Ford has a flashback about bill and reader tries to comfort him

Stan and Ford w/ a s/o who had/has a stalker

Ford helps reader study

Things that make Ford feel appreciated

Agatha all along (closed just cuz)

Agatha and Rio both fighting over reader

Agatha convincing reader -who had a crush on her- to join her on the Witches road

Rio Drabble

More Dc/batfam stuff

Batboys with a s/o with abnormal strength

Jason and dick when their s/o shoved their face into their tiddies

Spooky time

Crawling under the batboys hoodies and cuddling their chests

Sleeping under their hoodies during patrol

Batboys reaction to their small partner hiding in a cupboard or a box like a cat.

Reader wearing their clothes and hugging them

Reacting to reader who tells them their partner forgot an important event

Batfam meet the ghost reader

Jason drab

Jason hdc

Werewolf!Jason things

Dick w/ a touch starved and shy s/o

Vampire dick Grayson drab

Jason with a shy/ touch starved s/o

Reader loves Viktor an unhealthy amount

Reader gives them a crochet item

Reader brother zones them

Batfam fluff

Batfam gets caught watching edits of their celebrity partner

Batfam and their partner who has nipple piercings

Damian Wayne fluff

Bat boys realise that they’re in love with their friend

Arcane

Viktor

Hurt/comfort fic

Fluff to deal with act two ending

The hexcore likes reader

Viktor fluff

Viktor relationship hdc

Isn’t it tiresome

It’s you, despite everything it’s still you

Dragging him away from work to prevent him from overworking himself to death.

Homicipher

Mr crawling

I will kill for you fluff

More mr crawling fluff

Bundles of blankets aplenty

Mr crawling things

Mr crawling letting reader cling onto him after the whole Mr Stitch incident.

Love and deepspace

Sylus

Reader hugging him and pulling away cuz they felt his muscles

Late night studies

Sitting on his lap

Love letter dash

Confession

Being told I love you

Wanting nothing but to sit in his lap

Asking permission for affection

Clingy koala bear in sleep

The type of man he is

Kissing his forehead

More sylus stuff

Zayne

Reader hugging him and pulling away cuz they felt his muscles

Late night studies

Sitting on his lap

Kissing his scars

Love letter dash

Zayne having a thing for you on top and more

Being told I love you

Asking permission for affection

Rafayel

Beef with a fish

All the boys

Cat boy shit pt 1

Do they bite back (yes, they do)

[nobodyknowsimalesbian777]

Connected - Ambessa x Sevika (Arcane)

NSFW tags - fingering (s!receiving), hate sex, dom!ambessa, sub!sevika, not proofread, 18+

authors note - guys. im so sorry this was supposed to be done a week ago along with a couple other works. i promise theyre coming, its been a crazy week. i'll make it up to you all 🙏🙏 ----------------------------------------------------------

ambessa and sevika had been seeing each other privately for months

they worked under the ruse that they both happened to go to the brothel at the same time every week

unfortunately for them, they both drew adequate attention by themselves, let alone together

sevika was known as the ex-second in command for silco, not a very respected title after the near downfall of the undercity

while ambessa was known for her warmongering across noxus and piltover, among other, more prideful, pieces of her reputation

all that being said, they knew people watched them, for a wide variety of reasons.

just like any other week, the two women walked down opposing roads, ambessa stalking through the front door, hood pulled up,

and sevika slipping in the back, making gruff small talk with a few of the workers she recognized

the women, just trying to do their job, traced manicured nails up sevikas arm,

their mask-covered faces whispering sweet praise to the tall woman, encouraging her to "try us for a night"

a scarred hand landed on sevikas arm, pulling her down the hallway into their normal room

ambessa pressed sevika into the wall as soon as they walked in, heavy hands working to unzip various pieces of clothing

sevika knew exactly what the older woman wanted, and she was more then ready to give it to her

her flesh hand moved to cup ambessas jaw, showing small amounts of tenderness during their usually agressive visits

ambessas commanding voice filled the room "i don't ever want to see you talking to those sluts again"

sevika scoffed up at her defiantly "don't tell me what to do."

the taller woman's hand bruisingly gripped her jaw, pulling her face up

she studied sevikas face, looking at her lips, her strong jaw, her grey eyes, framed by blue scars

ambessa knew sevika was built to fight. she had seen it, everyone had.

what everyone didn't see was how pliable she really was under ambessas guidance.

the moment ambessa grabbed her jaw she became a blubbering mess, averting her eyes as a deep blush danced across her face

sevikas flesh hand found ambessas hair, weaving her fingers through her braids as ambessa bit her way down the smaller woman's neck

soft whines echoed across the room, amplifying when ambessa traced her finger down sevikas stomach

she traced the happy trail sitting above sevikas dark bush, her fingers dipping below to draw small circles on her clit

sevikas whines turned into moans, her muscular back arching off the wall as ambessa moved her fingers down to pump them into her cunt,

both women reveled in each other's undoing, ambessa getting pussy drunk without even getting a taste,

and sevika so fucked out she could barely think

amber and grey eyes met as sevika approached her orgasm, her body shaking more with every cruel pump of the taller womans fingers

sevikas moans filled the room, blunt nails of her flesh hand scratching claw marks into ambessas back

teeth met the side of sevikas neck harshly, eliciting a near scream as she came undone on ambessas fingers

her moans were only interrupted by drawn out whines, dark hair brushing against her cheekbones with every tip of her head

sevikas orgasm was strong, ambessa always made sure of it. the two women's eyes met while sevika came down from her high

clothes were thrown on and the smell of sex lingered in the room long after both women left, both of them knowing they'd be back next week.

[arc-misadventures]

The High Elf’s Tale

Lady Willow Schnee…

She was a high elf that had lived to be nigh on a thousand year. She was a mother of three wonderful children, two girls, and a boy. And, she was unfortunate married to a repulsive, slime ball of a high elf.

It was a forced marriage her parents put her through; something about keeping the bloodline pure. They said this as if it was something sacred, and special to uphold in high regard. Yet keeping the bloodline pure often lead to a unsanitary deal of inbreeding, and the various noble bloodlines of the human nations had taught anyone who had eyes to see the vile, and various consequences of inbreeding.

Luckily for, Willow this animated corpse was only her second cousin. Though the thought of having married that decrepit spawn of goblin dung never sat well with her.

To escape her ‘loving’ husband, Willow eventually fell into drinking: Elvin Wine, Dwarf Ale, Faunkin Brandy, even the feeble excuse of alcohol that was, Human Beer. For nearly a hundred years she drunk herself into a stupor. If it wasn’t for her daughter’s, she dare say she’d still be a drunkard.

After recovering from her addiction of the bottle, she escape that sentient trash heap of a living being, and became a scholar at the kingdom’s national library, one of the largest repository of knowledge in the know world.

Willow spent her time there delving into ancient knowledge, magic, and history of the world. Nearly two hundred years had passed since she had arrived there, and she had swiftly became a premier scholar, having read the majority of the library’s vast collection of tomes, history books, fine literature, and grimoires. And, thus becoming a wizard of great renown throughout the kingdom.

Willow had thought she would live a peaceful life studying her books for the rest of her life. But, all of that changed on the day that during her studies she stumbled upon the most curious sight: A human knight scoping about the library.

A curious sight to behold; human scholars were a rare, but not uncommon sight to be seen perusing about the vast elven libraries. But, a human knight in their library was something else entirely. So, she grew curious, Willow said she had developed an inquisitive side to her, no doubt due to all the books she read. So, with her curiosity peaked she decided to say hello to this human knight, and ask him why he was here.

Little did, Willow know that simply saying hello to this human lead her down a rabbit hole that seemingly had no end.

Who would believe that just by saying hello to a human knight named, Jaune Arc would result in her assisting him in his quest to slay a dragon, and to battling hordes of bandits, slavers, and all other of vile barbarians just to back a dragon-stone to her kingdom.

Nor, would it have lead them to discovering a vile, and treacherous secret plot being made by her, bastard son of a whore husband’s to overthrow the reigning monarchy in an attempt to take over the kingdom.

Who could have foreseen her shit flinger of a husband was merely being used by a cult that has used the dragon-stone they had acquired for an vile arcane ritual that was being used to summon a, Demon-Lord in an attempt to destroy the kingdom.

Willow, would never had thought she would wind up in a book in the very same library she stood over of as a member in a tale of hero’s who would fight along side, the Knight of the Rusted Order, Jaune Arc, and his companions to slay a, Demon-Lord, and save the entire kingdom.

Willow would have never had expected that after all the travels, and adventures that she would wake up in the arms of this young knight after the victory celebrations. And, considering how loveless her marriage was, and dull, and repulsive the times they spent in bed together, she could have never foreseen how enjoyable, and overwhelming pleasurable it was to sleep with a man she genuinely loved.

In all of, Willow’s life she had never expected to fall in love with a man, a human no less. Let alone marry a human knight that was a thousandth her age, and least of all bear several wonderful, beautiful children with him.

But, that just how life goes; unpredictable, but unforgettable, and wonderful nonetheless.

[jonsrightrib]

I just like to think about Caleb, in the future, living in a little townhouse in Rexentrum. Full of arcane trinkets, and spell components and the jacket Beau forgot when she came round for dinner. Walls plastered with Jester and Luc’s drawings, cat beds everywhere, traditional heavy Zemnian blankets from Astrid and spiralling crochet throws clearly from Xhorhas and cushions Kingsley found amusing in various markets on a squidgy leather sofa and mismatched armchairs. An extension into the garden with a little classroom in it, papers never quite contained to a study full of books and a coat rack in the hallway that’s constantly in use. A hundred different teas in the cupboard and recipes scribbled in different hands on the backs of all different stained pages. The little garden with planters of veg and pots of herbs and a sun-bleached wooden bench and forget-me-nots growing along the fence. A spare room that’s never vacant long enough to gather dust. Marks in the floor from Fjord repeatedly forgetting he wasn’t on a ship and the vase Yasha is always refilling. Thank you cards and gifts from students - carved cat figurines and mugs and silly little jokes. A feather of Kiri’s on a beaded chain she made. Books and books and books, bought by himself and others on every topic under the sun.

A house where he can finally be surrounded by and reminded of all the lives Caleb touched.

[therabbitthatpostthings]

I'm coping. No beta, we will unpack the emotions Arcane put me through over the last 24 hours. TW: brief sui ideation/attempt. I imagine the Reader (along with Sky) came to Piltover and thus is closer to Sky than Viktor and Jayce but still grew up with Viktor and Sky. (Masterlist)

When the council building was struck, you were at home, unaware Viktor was among the wreckage.

When Jayce's body gave out from exhaustion, you stayed by Viktor's side and studied the Hextech.

When Viktor left, you ran after him, promising Jayce you would watch over him. Viktor protested but you followed anyway.

You helped the Undercity people, your people.

When Jayce attacked Viktor, deep in your heart you already knew he was gone but that didn't stop the heartbreak as you and Jayce fled from Ambessa and her army.

When Jayce asked you to flee, you stood your ground to help the fight against Ambessa.

When all hope was lost, you truly believed Viktor wad still in there and you would all be together again.

What a lie that was.

The cold ocean breeze brushes against you as you stand on the Bridge of Progress. You felt awful for resigning the way you did, especially with a Zaunite like you on the council now. From the rumours you heard Sevika seemed like a capable leader. You don't remember much from your time in the Undercity, you left before Silco took over. You finished your work and left behind that grand hall.

Where Hextech was born.

Where the dreams of poor little kids like you, Viktor and Sky seemed to be feasible.

That was a long time ago.

So now here You are. On this awful bridge deciding if you should go back to your apartment and hope your familial home is accessible. Both were filled with memories you couldn't shake off. Of simpler times, running up and down the halls with new ideas buzzing around faster than any of you could keep up with. Of late night studying and innovations. Of those late summers of your childhood, playing in the streets. Watching the boats disappear from the harbour. Traversing the metal jungle of the Undercity.

There was always another option. You stared into the deep dark abyss of the water below you. The thought crossed your mind more and more these days. You knew deep down, Viktor and Sky were suited for this city. Once Jayce came along, you faded into the story, another nameless face, a background character in the tale of Hextech. But Hextech is gone. Jayce and Viktor and Sky are gone. What is the point of staying around? Not even important enough to be an afterthought. The only people around to miss you were gone.

Your hand gripped the metal bars. In one one motion you swung your leg over. You bag swung heavily with you and banged against your side as it slipped off your shoulder and into the water below. You cursed at yourself. Of course you would manage to lose your bag in an emotional fit.

Defeated and embarrassed you climbed back over the railing. About to walk away you hear a ticking noise. There in the water, leaving a trail of wet newspaper and tape was a little metal boat.

Viktor's metal boat.

It ticked for another second and then it started to move. With a newfound urgency you rushed to the edge of the bridge! You leaped over the fence and down the slippery beams to reached the harbour underneath. Feet pounding against the concrete to reach the unstoppable little boat. It can't leave! Not Viktor's boat! Not the thing that inspired you all those years ago. Viktor's boat can't leave, you can't lose anymore!

Cruelly, the boat continued on the water. Moving farther and farther from the harbour. You legs felt heavy. Kneed battered against the concrete as you couldn't push yourself to go any further. That little boat, unshaken sailed out farther form your view.

"N-No... please... come back..."

Why? Why did it leave? How did even start up?! You never turned the key! How could it start up?! How could it leave?! How did the boat leave?! Was there even anything you could have done to save them?!

Them...

And you couldn't hold it back anymore. You screamed and sobbed into the night, uncaring of who would hear you. Fist pounding on the concrete. The anger and pain had all boiled up to the surface. How could they leave you? How could they be consumed by the Arcane? Why are you the one who remains. The afterthought, the helper, the one who gets the coffee, the one who no one even remembers. Why must you remain when the you people you held dear have all died?! How is this fair? How is this right?

Why, when everyone has found the strength to move forward, You stay behind.

Your painful wails slowly hushed as another frigid breeze blew off the water. Something small, crawling and alive land by your enclosed fist. You jerked back in shock only to see, unbothered and unafraid was a butterfly. It's white wings gleamed with a perlerscent shimmer. The butterfly fluttered from your fist and to the guard rail ahead of you. Shakily you made your way to it.

Just past it was the boat, still wading in the water, as the sunset poked from behind the clouds. The beams danced across the water, as if inviting the little boat closer to it. And it did. It rode the sunlight off into the horizon and was gone.

As if on cue, the butterfly once again flew onto your tightened fist. You felt like you understood the little creature. "Is this what you wanted me to see?"

It flittered its wings, fully opening for you look at the looping patterns, spirals swirling inside themselves. "Right, I think I understand now. Thank you, Viktor."

The butterfly fluttered away, taking that sense of unease and dread away with it.

You'll grieve for tonight. Tomorrow is a new day.

I meant for this to be a ViktorxReader but it turned into "Reader has spent the last couple years along side Viktor and Jayce and considers them both great friends and is close friends and colleagues with Sky, considering them all to be very precious to them", in case your wondering why the Viktor part seems a little light in this. Lowkey kinda hate the borders they’ll do for now.

[playboysaleen]

Through Ash and Iron (7)

Jinx x Reader x Caitlyn

Summary: Through Ash and Iron plunges you into the heart of Piltover’s gritty streets, where you’ve always felt the weight of your family’s failures. Rejected from the Junior Enforcer Program, your anger burns brighter than ever—until one fateful punch changes everything. The eyes of Piltover’s elite may look down on you, but it’s the wild eyes of Jinx that truly see you. She’s chaos personified, and you’re drawn to the destruction she promises. But that’s not all. Caitlyn Kiramman, a poised enforcer with a soft spot for rebels like you, offers you a chance to rewrite your future—if you can control the rage you can’t seem to escape.Torn between the order Caitlyn represents and the dangerous freedom Jinx offers, you stand at the crossroads of two worlds. As your power grows, so does the tension between these two women. One promises a chance at belonging, while the other ignites a fire you didn’t know you had. But the choices you make will change everything—not just for you, but for both cities teetering on the edge of war. Who will you choose? And how much of yourself will you lose along the way?

Warnings: Violence duh, gay panic(lol), cursing, all that jazz (whatever you seen in Arcane is what you gon see here)This is also a slight AU.(She/her)

Word Count: 4k

The group moved through the undercity’s darkened alleys, shadows swallowing their movements. Jinx darted ahead with her usual restless energy, her gaze flicking over every corner for threats. Sevika moved steadily, your weight barely affecting her, while Caitlyn trailed behind, struggling to keep up in the unfamiliar terrain.

“You’re slowing us down, pilitie,” Sevika muttered over her shoulder, earning a sharp glare from Caitlyn.

“Not all of us were raised in the shadows,” Caitlyn shot back, panting slightly but refusing to falter.

“Clearly,” Sevika muttered, adjusting her hold on you.

Jinx led them to a hidden refuge in the undercity, a crumbling old warehouse that seemed abandoned from the outside but held a vibrant, chaotic energy within.

“Ekko?” Jinx called, her voice echoing through the space.

From the rafters, a figure descended, his staff clanking softly against the ground. Ekko’s eyes narrowed as he took in the group, especially Caitlyn. “What’s the Commander of Piltover doing here? Thought this was Undercity business.”

Caitlyn stepped forward. “We’re trying to save her.”

Ekko raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, his gaze shifting to Sevika. “And you’re just letting her help? That’s new.”

Sevika scoffed. “Don’t get used to it.” She set you down gently on a makeshift cot. “She’s barely keeping it together. And these two? They’re a damn circus act. We need someone who actually knows what they’re doing.”

Ekko crossed his arms, studying you. “She doesn’t look so dangerous now.”

“That’s because she’s unconscious,” Sevika muttered darkly.

Jinx shot Ekko a look. “We’re not leaving until you help. I know you’ve got connections. Heimerdinger. We need him.”

Ekko frowned, glancing at Caitlyn again. “And you trust her?”

“No,” Jinx said bluntly, before looking at you. “But I trust Spark needs this.”

Ekko sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But if this goes sideways…”

Sevika smirked. “Trust me, kid. I’ll handle it.”

Ekko nodded, signaling one of his people to fetch Heimerdinger. As they moved to make preparations, Jinx and Caitlyn stood on opposite sides of the cot, their eyes meeting briefly before both turned their attention back to you.

Neither spoke, but the silent agreement was clear: no matter their differences, they wouldn’t let you fall.

The air in the room was heavy, charged with tension as you strained against the enhanced cuffs and binds holding you down. Your once gentle gray eyes now burned an electric purple, their light almost pulsating with raw anger. The thick straps around your wrists creaked under the pressure of your struggle, the metal glowing faintly as your energy licked against it.  

In the shadows of the room, Caitlyn and Jinx stood side by side, their usual antagonism momentarily subdued by shared apprehension. Caitlyn’s knuckles were white as she gripped the back of a chair, her usually composed face betraying a flicker of fear. Jinx, for once, was silent, her mismatched eyes darting between you and the bindings as if calculating whether she could get to you in time if things went wrong.  

Then came your voice—a guttural, unrecognizable roar that reverberated through the room.  

“LET ME OUT!” Your words were raw, primal, sending a shiver through even the bravest hearts.  

Heimerdinger stood a safe distance away, his small frame partially hidden behind a console of glowing monitors. His bushy eyebrows furrowed in deep concern as he examined readouts on your vitals and energy levels. “Fascinating… but deeply troubling,” he muttered to himself, his soft voice a stark contrast to the chaos in the room. “This level of energy output… it’s beyond shimmer. It’s something far older. Something… wrong.”  

Ekko stepped closer, his staff in hand as he tried to catch your attention. “Hey, it’s me. Look at me!” he called out, his tone firm yet familiar. “You’re stronger than this. Whatever’s going on in your head, fight it!”  

Your head snapped toward him, your glowing eyes narrowing like a predator sizing up its prey. “Fight it?” you spat, your voice low and menacing. “You think I haven’t been fighting, boy?” The last word dripped with venom, as if you didn’t recognize him at all.  

Ekko flinched but stood his ground. “This isn’t you!” he said, stepping closer despite the warning looks from Caitlyn and Jinx. “Whatever they did to you, we’ll fix it. But you have to trust us!”  

“Trust you?” You let out a bitter laugh that dissolved into a snarl. “You don’t understand a damn thing. You can’t fix what’s broken beyond repair.”  

The bindings groaned ominously as you pulled against them, your muscles trembling with the effort. Sparks of purple energy danced along your skin, sending a pulse through the room that made the hairs on everyone’s arms stand on end.  

“Spark, stop!” Ekko shouted, his voice breaking slightly.  

“Stop?” Your voice cracked with fury, tears of frustration mingling with your rage. “Why don’t you try stopping, Ekko? Why don’t you take the weight of every scream, every scar, every betrayal and carry it until it breaks you?”  

Ekko’s jaw clenched, his grip tightening on his staff. “You’re not broken,” he said, his voice softer but still resolute. “You’re just lost. But we’re here to help you find your way back.”  

Your laugh was hollow, devoid of warmth. “You think words can fix this? You think—”  

Before you could finish, a sharp cry escaped your lips, your body arching against the restraints as another surge of energy rippled through you. The purple in your eyes flickered erratically, as if something inside you was fighting to claw its way out.  

Heimerdinger approached cautiously, his voice calm but urgent. “Her condition is deteriorating. We must stabilize her before she… changes further.”  

Caitlyn and Jinx exchanged a glance, the unease in their expressions mirrored in their stiff postures.  

“We can’t just stand here,” Caitlyn said, her voice firm despite the fear lacing it.  

Jinx nodded, her usual manic energy replaced with determination. “Do what you gotta do, Furball,” she muttered, glancing at Heimerdinger. “Just don’t let her… don’t let her go.”  

Heimerdinger sighed, adjusting his goggles. “This will not be easy. Nor painless. But if we don’t act now…” He trailed off, his gaze lingering on you as you writhed in agony.  

The room fell silent except for the sound of your ragged breaths and the occasional crackle of energy. Ekko stepped back, his face set in grim determination as he prepared for whatever was to come.  

The battle wasn’t over, but the storm in your mind raged on, threatening to consume everything in its path. 

The tension in the air was palpable as Heimerdinger worked meticulously, his small hands deftly adjusting instruments and checking readouts on a glowing console. You sat restrained, your electric purple eyes glaring at him with a ferocity that made even the bravest flinch. Every attempt he made to approach you—scalpel, syringe, or scanner in hand—was met with resistance. Your muscles flexed against the enhanced binds, causing sparks to flicker in the air as your energy pulsed unpredictably.

“Hold still, my dear,” Heimerdinger said gently, his voice soothing but strained. “This is for your benefit, I assure you.”

You bared your teeth in response, a guttural growl rumbling from deep within your chest. “Get away from me.”

Ekko, standing nearby, sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s not gonna make this easy, is she?” He turned to the doorway and motioned for reinforcements. Moments later, several of his Firelight companions entered the room, their expressions wary but determined. They fanned out, creating a calculated distraction, moving and speaking to pull your attention away from Heimerdinger.

It almost worked. Almost. 

The moment Heimerdinger’s needle grazed your arm, you let out a roar and pulled against the restraints with alarming strength. The chair bolted to the floor screeched as it tilted, and the binds groaned dangerously. “I said GET AWAY!” you yelled, your voice shaking the room.

Jinx and Caitlyn, both on edge from the start, looked at each other in panic. Caitlyn’s hand hovered near her rifle, while Jinx clenched her fists, her mismatched eyes wide with uncertainty.

But Jinx made her move first. Without hesitation, she darted forward and grabbed your face, her fingers cradling your jaw firmly yet gently. Her bright purple eyes locked onto yours. “Hey, hey! Look at me, Spark!” she said, her voice urgent but soothing. “It’s me. It’s Jinx. You know me.”

Your breathing hitched, the tension in your body wavering. The glow in your eyes flickered like a dying flame as you stared at her, recognition creeping through the haze of anger and confusion.

Caitlyn watched the interaction, her heart tightening painfully at the sight. She hated how easily Jinx seemed to reach you, to pull you back from the brink. But instead of giving in to her feelings, she stepped forward and took your hand in hers. “We’re here,” Caitlyn said softly, her voice steady. “Both of us. You’re not alone.”

For a moment, the energy surging around you dissipated. Your eyes softened, the electric purple dimming as you looked down at Caitlyn’s hand in yours. You felt her warmth, her presence, grounding you as much as Jinx’s touch. Slowly, your thumb brushed over Caitlyn’s knuckles, a small but deliberate gesture that spoke volumes.

Behind his console, Heimerdinger’s ears perked up as he observed the change in your vitals. “Fascinating,” he murmured before stepping forward. “Absolutely fascinating.”

He addressed the room, his voice brimming with both curiosity and sincerity. “Do you see what’s happening here? Her vitals—heart rate, energy output, neural activity—all stabilized the moment the two of you connected with her. I’ve studied countless cases of emotional grounding, but this… this is unprecedented.”

Both Jinx and Caitlyn looked at him, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.

Heimerdinger smiled gently, his bushy eyebrows lifting. “It seems our dear Y/n has not one, but two grounding anchors. Two individuals who can pull her back from the edge. It is rare, yes, but it speaks to the depth of her connections with you both. Love, in all its forms, is a medicine more potent than any science can replicate.”

Caitlyn frowned slightly. “But how… How can she feel this way for both of us? Is that even possible?”

Heimerdinger nodded. “Oh, absolutely. The heart is not limited to singular attachments. It is vast, complex, and capable of loving in many ways. What matters is that you are both here, willing to fight for her, and that she feels the same for you.”

Jinx smirked a little, her fingers still resting on your face. “So, what? We’re her secret weapons or something?”

Heimerdinger chuckled softly. “Something like that.”

With the room calmed, Heimerdinger finally approached again, his movements careful and deliberate. This time, you didn’t resist as he drew blood, his small hands steady as he performed the procedure. Your focus was elsewhere.

Jinx began absentmindedly playing with your ear, her touch light and almost childlike in its curiosity. Your ear twitched slightly in response, and she grinned. “Still in there, huh?” she whispered.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn’s grip on your hand remained firm, her thumb tracing gentle circles over your skin. She glanced at Jinx, then back at you, her expression softening. “We’re not going anywhere,” Caitlyn said quietly, her voice meant only for you. 

And in that moment, despite everything, you felt a small flicker of peace amid the chaos. 

The laboratory buzzed faintly with the hum of machinery, the sterile lights overhead casting a pale glow across the expansive room. You sat in the center, still restrained for everyone’s safety. Heimerdinger busied himself with his instruments, carefully analyzing samples and running tests. Your breathing was more even now, though every so often, your purple-tinged eyes flickered with residual energy.

As Heimerdinger spoke to himself in scientific jargon, Jinx and Caitlyn sat together on the far side of the room. While their bodies were angled away from each other, their voices carried enough venom to cut glass.

“I’m just saying,” Jinx began with a smirk, her tone saccharine and laced with mockery, “if you really cared about her, you wouldn’t have shoved her in that tower like some kind of prize.”

Caitlyn, sitting primly but clearly seething, shot back, “And if you cared, you wouldn’t have dragged her into the undercity chaos, where she’s been poisoned and manipulated by people like Silco and Singed.”

Jinx leaned forward, her mismatched eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, you mean the chaos that she saved you from how many times? Oh right—every time. Face it, Cupcake, you wouldn’t last a day down there without her.”

Caitlyn’s composure cracked just slightly, her cheeks coloring as she snapped, “And you wouldn’t last a moment up here without her being the only reason anyone tolerates you.”

The insults grew sharper, cutting deeper with each exchange, each laced with truths neither was willing to admit. Yet, beneath the barbs, it was clear—they both cared for you deeply, in ways they couldn’t bear to articulate without the armor of sarcasm or anger.

In the middle of their back-and-forth, your low, raspy voice broke the tension. “Water.”

Both women froze, their gazes snapping to you. For a moment, there was silence as they processed the sound of your voice, the first sign of normalcy since your collapse.

Ekko, standing nearby and visibly relieved by your request, stepped forward with a cup of water. “Here,” he said gently, carefully bringing it to your lips.

You drank slowly, the cool liquid soothing your parched throat. Once finished, you met Ekko’s eyes and sighed, your voice quieter now but laced with sincerity. “I’m… sorry. About earlier.”

Ekko shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, well… I’ve heard worse. We’re good.” He hesitated, then added, “I’m just glad you’re coming back to yourself.”

You nodded, the weight of everything pressing heavily on your restrained body. “Me too.”

As the room settled into a quieter rhythm, Heimerdinger approached with a datapad, his small face drawn with a mix of concern and fascination. “My dear,” he began, looking at you over the rim of his glasses, “I’ve uncovered something extraordinary—and troubling.”

Everyone leaned in, their attention shifting to the Yordle. “You were subjected to an early prototype of what would eventually become Shimmer,” Heimerdinger explained, his voice grave. “Long before it was weaponized and mass-produced, it seems Singed was experimenting with enhancing human biology at a fundamental level. You were one of his earliest subjects.”

Jinx stiffened at the mention of Singed, her fingers curling into fists. Caitlyn’s face darkened as she absorbed the implications.

“You mean… she’s been like this since she was a baby?” Jinx asked, her voice uncharacteristically quiet.

Heimerdinger nodded solemnly. “Yes. Her physiology has been altered at a cellular level. The energy surges, the heightened aggression, even the physical changes—it all stems from this early experimentation. It’s remarkable that she’s maintained her humanity as much as she has.”

Caitlyn frowned deeply, her hand curling into a fist. “Is there a way to reverse it?”

“That,” Heimerdinger said, his voice laced with regret, “is something I cannot yet answer. But I will do everything in my power to find a solution.”

As Heimerdinger continued his analysis, you caught sight of Jinx and Caitlyn throwing wary glances at each other. Their earlier insults lingered in the air, but there was a strange, reluctant truce forming. Despite their differences—and their undeniable rivalry—they both wanted to help you.

Ekko lingered nearby, watching silently, as you leaned back into the chair, the weight of their care and the revelations sinking into your already taxed mind.

The lab was tense, the air thick with unease as Heimerdinger’s instruments blared an urgent warning. Everyone’s attention snapped to the flashing screen as the old yordle worked furiously at his station. “Her neural activity is spiking! Someone is attempting to manipulate her memories—no, her entire sense of self.”

The room dimmed further as the screen lit up, showing fragmented images—your memories, flickering and disjointed, projected for all to see.

Singed’s voice slithered through the speakers, low and taunting. “Spark… always so resistant. But you were made for this. You were mine before you even knew yourself.”

The name sent a bolt of panic through you. Restrained as you were, your body jolted, muscles straining against the cuffs. The memories began to play in vivid detail.

The first scene was the bridge. A younger version of you, no older than eight, clung to a man with dark eyes and a soft, protective voice. “Run, Spark!” he shouted over the chaos, his hands gripping your shoulders tightly. His face was lined with desperation and love.

“I’ll find you,” he promised, his voice cracking as an explosion rocked the bridge. “I’ll always find you.”

Tears blurred your vision in the memory as you turned and ran. Another explosion threw you off your feet, the shockwave sending you hurtling off the edge of the bridge into the abyss below. The memory twisted with your present scream, a feral, guttural sound that echoed through the lab.

“Who is that?” Caitlyn asked, her voice tight, as she watched the memory unfold. “That man…”

Heimerdinger didn’t answer, his focus on stabilizing the feed.

The scene shifted, colors swirling into a hazy glow before sharpening into a dimly lit workshop in the Undercity. Silco’s face appeared, calm and calculating as he introduced a small, nervous girl with big, expressive eyes—Powder.

“You’ll work together,” Silco said, his tone like a command disguised as a suggestion. “Spark, meet Powder. Powder, meet Spark. Together, you’ll survive this world.”

The memory’s viewpoint shifted as you timidly held out your hand, your young voice trembling. “Hi.”

Powder’s eyes brightened, her hand reaching out to grasp yours. The contact was electric, a sudden flash of warmth and connection filling your chest. The memory lingered on the way her small smile grew, and even through the manipulation, you felt the same ache of love that you’d always carried for her.

Jinx’s breath hitched as she watched, her face unreadable. Ekko murmured softly, “So that’s when it started…”

The memory flickered violently, then reassembled into a much later scene. Piltover. A pristine, sunlit street. You were older now, more guarded, but your eyes softened as they landed on someone.

Caitlyn.

The memory showed her standing confidently, issuing orders to her fellow officers. Your heart raced even in recollection, and the memory zoomed in on the way her lips moved, the way she carried herself. You didn’t even realize you’d been staring until she turned and caught your gaze.

“Can I help you?” her voice rang out in the memory, tinged with polite suspicion.

You fumbled with a response, but her directness had stunned you. She arched a brow, her lips twitching in a faint smile, as if amused by your hesitation.

The colors surrounding the memory brightened, flickering in the same vivid hues that had appeared in your interactions with Jinx. This time, the connection was undeniable. Even in the memory, your heart clenched, the depth of your feelings surging to the surface.

Caitlyn’s hand flew to her mouth as she watched. “That was the first time we met…” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You—” Her words caught, the realization dawning in her eyes.

The memories continued, bouncing between moments with Jinx and Caitlyn. The nights spent with Jinx, laughing as she rambled about her creations. The quiet conversations with Caitlyn in the aftermath of missions, where her steady presence had grounded you. The vivid emotions in each memory were palpable, displayed for everyone to see—the warmth, the longing, the unspoken love you had for both of them.

Jinx shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting to Caitlyn. “So… what, we’re both your favorites?” she muttered, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the hurt and confusion in her voice.

Heimerdinger’s voice broke through. “Fascinating. Remarkable, even. It’s exceedingly rare for one individual to find such grounding in another. But two? Your connections to both of them are what’s anchoring you now, keeping you from succumbing to this manipulation entirely.”

He turned to Jinx and Caitlyn, his expression solemn. “You may not like it, but both of you are vital to her recovery. Without your support, the bond she has with you, she may lose this battle.”

Another violent shift occurred as the screen showed a fragmented image of Singed’s lab. His voice echoed again, chilling and familiar. “You cannot fight what you are, Spark. You belong to this.”

The screen flickered with more chaotic flashes of childhood memories, the Undercity, and the bridge. Heimerdinger’s face grew graver as he worked to sever the link. “We’re running out of time,” he said urgently. “Her mind is fracturing. The Arcane is the only chance we have left to stabilize her.”

The argument resumed immediately.

Caitlyn was the first to speak. “It’s too dangerous! You’re talking about tampering with something we barely understand. She could die!”

Jinx crossed her arms, glaring at the yordle. “Yeah, no thanks. We’re not turning her into some science experiment. She’s been through enough.”

Heimerdinger attempted to placate them. “If we don’t act now, the manipulation will consume her entirely. The Arcane isn’t just dangerous—it’s necessary.”

The shouting rose, but you barely heard it. Singed’s voice still echoed in your head, growing louder. The name Spark reverberated like a drumbeat. Finally, through gritted teeth, you forced out, “I’ll do it.”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to you.

“I’ll do it,” you repeated, more firmly this time. “If it’s the only way to stop this… I’ll take the risk.”

Before anyone could protest further, Heimerdinger’s instruments began to flash with new urgency. He turned back to his monitor, his ears flattening in alarm. “We’re too late. The link is strengthening—he’s trying to take full control.”

The screen crackled, showing a warped and twisted view of your memories. Singed’s face loomed large, a sinister smile stretching across his face as the connection deepened. The colors around you swirled chaotically, bright and disorienting.

Your screams pierced through the walls, reverberating in the hollow space. Memories, real and fabricated, crashed through your mind like violent waves. The final blow came in the form of a vision so visceral, so cruel, it shattered you completely. You saw them—Caitlyn and Jinx—on their knees, blood pooling beneath their bodies as Singed’s voice whispered in your mind, “You couldn’t save them… You were never meant to.” 

The vision played in slow, agonizing detail. Caitlyn, her azure eyes wide with pain and terror, mouthing words you couldn’t hear. Jinx, defiant even in her last moments, reaching for you with a trembling hand before collapsing. And you? You were frozen, powerless, a specter unable to act.

The room fell into chaos.

You let out a guttural roar, feral and heart-wrenching, as your body surged against the restraints. The cuffs groaned under your strength, the binds barely holding. Heimerdinger shouted over the chaos, “Her vitals are critical! We’re losing her!” Sparks erupted from the equipment as your erratic energy surged into the room.

Jinx was frozen in place, her wide eyes reflecting your torment. Caitlyn staggered back, slapping her hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her face. “No… No, this isn’t happening,” she whispered.

Ekko, wide-eyed and pale, looked between you and the others. “We have to do something!”

“No!” Jinx finally screamed, snapping out of her stupor. “She’s not gone yet! I—”

Ekko didn’t wait. Amid the panic, he sprinted toward the Arcane prototype stimulant. Ignoring Heimerdinger’s frantic protests, he grabbed the glowing syringe. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, mostly to himself, as he moved to your side.

“No!” Caitlyn shouted, stepping forward to stop him, but Ekko was faster. He drove the stimulant deep into your chest, his hands trembling as he pushed the plunger down.

The room fell silent.

Your body arched violently as the Arcane energy surged through you, lighting up your veins like molten fire. Jinx froze, her lips parted in shock. Caitlyn stumbled back again, her hands shaking as she reached for the wall to steady herself. Heimerdinger gasped, his ears twitching, as the monitors blared a high-pitched warning.

Ekko stood in front of you, his face pale but resolute. “Come on… come on…” he whispered. But as your body fell limp against the restraints, the glow in your eyes didn’t fade to their soft gray—it extinguished entirely.

Your head slumped forward, the hollow vacancy in your eyes making it seem like you were… gone.

_______________

mmmmmhm, yup.

[delightedchips]

the firelight family au (or how do i get isha, sevika and jinx meet ekko, heimerdinger and the firelights brain rot)

au where the firelights managed to escape the rally ambush and rescue isha along w it to the sanctuary after learning she was quite literally just a kid ... ekko meeting isha (hypothetically if he didn't get warped up in the arcane plotline yet) .. learning how to sign for her .. letting her meet the other kids .. jinx going on a search for her and instead getting an unexpected reunion w ekko .. the untapped enemies to friends opportunity scenario .. ?? ekko being hellbent on protecting isha when they meet only to get jumpscared his enemy and her were both family ?? them fighting over her ?? isha not wanting to leave so jinx stays as well ??? the rivalry ??? the bitter insults ??? eventual banter ???? reconnection ????? found family ?????? on GOD ((RATTLES CAGE

ekko witnessing the powder he thought he had lost firsthand .. slowly learning jinx was always just a product of an overwhelming absence of [healthy] love and connection during their painful years and not one born of some arbitrary hate and innate desire for destruction ... learning of the love ekko could have given her in the past ... learning not all of powder was gone after all ... in fact that jinx is powder and it has always has been that way .. and he sees it w the way she bickers w isha, how she jokes w the zaunite kids, how she quietly studies the abandoned tech ekko leaves around the treehouse base .. ekko slowly opening up to her , allowing himself to be vulnerable around her , letting her into his workshop office , unseen stories finally coming to view , :(

jinx seeing the beauty of zaun and its people ... slowly falling in love with ekko's pursuit for their peace .. hell why not have her parallel to vi's desire of wanting powder to grow up in a better world by wanting the same for isha after getting a glimpse of what zaun could be like w the home ekko had created ... . joining in on that fight ... reinventing stuff w the firelights .... improving their tech ... jinx having an outlet to use her craftsmanship not for weaponry but for innovation . for people . for living ... a chance for a new resolve ... a redemption opportunity ?? :[

hell why not throw sevika in the mix 🧎🏻 sevika would be with ekko's cause even if she'll be a lil impatient about it at first . sevika befriending the firelights . sevika helping w scar's family .. heimerdinger being a mentor now to ekko and jinx and getting to see them reconnect as they tinker together like in the past ... the dynamics would go crazy I'm On The Verge Of Insanity

this all very surface level i like a lil self-indulgent brain rotting without any regard of logic sometimes 🙏🏻 ... wouldveeeeee been cool if the stillwater rescue mission was held by ekko, jinx and sevika to save the other firelights thooooooooooo . ,,

ekko seeing vander too ,, ,, orrrrr the last drop surviving childhood gang reunion w vi, ekko, and jinx during the mines arc ,, , , ekko confronting vi's enforcer bs , , , ekko seeing the letter from vander ,, , , hell the warwick hug with ekko too ??? throw in some timebomb divorce where ekko and jinx are split between returning to the firelights or staying in viktor's paradise town ??? jinx's strong desire to give isha a better life so she would take this celestial protected village for her sake most definitely ??? after witnessing the dangers that the firelights must undergo she begins to sincerely consider staying instead ??? losing her initial resolve out of fear ??? then ekko's PISSED ? jinx is all pissy and stubborn about it too but refuses to get into detail as to why she feels the way she does ??? scarred by having everyone she has loved be hurt and even killed ??? their argument sounds so childish but it's really from a place of deeper feelings ??? desperately wanting for her relationship w isha to be different ??? but then ekko really does dip and leave them after an argument ??? (editor's note: i actually now dont think ekko would leave come to think of it I think after seeing that powder is still very much jinx w isha then i. dont think bro would let that go ?? LOL or that if jinx did get attached w the firelights wouldnt she choose to leave too . I FEELL LIKEEEE there would be a diff reason to all that. maybe ekko feels betrayed , maybe jinx also is still struggling to come to terms w her feelings HEHAHFKEA

and with great erasure of any sense for a moment . like hear me ouuuut . (rattles cage) but like imagine the alternate universe shenanigans following after ??? idk how that would work maybe like heimerdinger went alone and ekko was like hey where the hell did he go. then he jus somehow figures out he had gone to jayce's lab. idk. whatever. lets move on. AJSHFJAH

BUT LIKE FR .... ekko in the au understanding jinx's overprotectiveness and desperation better ??? how she wants to cling what has always made her life good at all costs after growing familiar w loss she has always believed her mere presence will always inflict ??? (e.g. au powder w vi's death and jinx w silco) relearning again jinx chose not to go back because she has yet to fully escape the mindset her narrative will always be that she deserves punishment, that isha should be protected at all costs or else she will be fall victim to it (like the sudden spike of anxiety one realizes stuff has been going good. too good. i might jinx it again. i have to stop it at all costs) an unspoken plea for reassurance to prove to her this was not the case, and it never was the case, and that he should've realized that and assured her that that unpredictable danger that will haunt them is not caused by her and that he's willing to prove it . that he'll stay w her to show it . and that whatever danger gets thrown their way he'd be there to feign it off and even prove one can heal from it . ekko realizing he shouldn't have left them in the first place and rushing to head back for them AOUGUGHoAUOG

and his sudden disappearance from the firelights during all that ??? then when jinx learns from the sanctuary that ekko had supposedly died after isha's sacrifice ??? affirming the thought everyone who gets close to her is bound for gruesome death ???

the absolute heartbreak ????? she gets so DISTRAUGHT and just Shuts down . so when ekko comes back during her attempt ???? A BREAKDOWN IMMEDIATELY dear GOD A REUNION HUG ? JINX MELTING INTO HIS ARMS ...... ???? the reconciliation .. the shared sorrow .. the desperate apologies we r fine chat we r FINE

bonus point to add but ekko learning his presence could have prevented isha's death hurts even more knowing ekko most definitely grew up with a semblance of survivor's guilt, having carried with him the regret and shame that maybe it was his fault that everything happened in the first place . and now he has to carry that grief w him again too Like. Lord

then we get the war shenanigans . the reconnecting again . the healing . reconciling . rebuilding . re re re a lot of restarting for these two yes... ough. mourning isha ... painting isha on the mural ... locking in for the incoming war ... and somewhere along the way timebomb canon we finally get a kiss (like YEAHAHHSHSSSYHEAAASSS. yHEAYYEAAAAHs) then the painting on each other, customizing their airship w semblances of isha ... :') auauau

ENDING CAN GO A LOT OF WAYS ... FOR SURE THEY MUSTTTT LIVE . ekko and jinx honored as heroes of zaun fr fr . i imagine after jinx's disappearance ekko finds her wounded and helps her recover before reuniting w vi and the gang :') jinx staying in zaun :-) both her and ekko being advisors of some kind to councilor sevika (HELL imagine theyre like her lil bodyguard CRIESSS they follow her around to annoy her on purpose. they genuinely check in on her if the counsel has been treating her right and threaten to beat them up lol) .. making an isha shrine in jinx's hideout like in the au ... painting more murals ... caitvi and timebomb double dates ... AOUGAOUGAO jinx and ekko staying on zaun's side till final breath together w the firelights :-(

ANYWAYYUAHUHA . ok. thats all. im done rattling my cage . moving my head like an empty christmas ball . JHSKAJH .. all i could think of for now at least. will a blast of loopholes hit me later. yeah but like. thats the point of aus .!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the delight of it . i mean that is tumblr status quo so. whatevehrvhr. whatveherhrv. let's be delusional together. let's take ibuprofen together <3 ok fr tho i jus kept thinking what possible scenario in the canon can we have that healing version of jinx and isha meet that angry ekko ... EUGH i wanna write about this soon . when it's winter break im going rabidddd . but for now . have a beautiful week :-] drink water and live laugh love timebomb

[yeet-me-dad-dy]

The Arcane Ch 1 - Amber Eyes

Summary: You, an ancient vampire, doctor, and expert in blood, move to Piltover to continue your research, where you are introduced to Viktor, a young inventor with a mysterious blood disease and the spark of life. If anyone can cure Viktor of his mystery illness, it's you. And who would say no to a little bit of romance along the way?

Characters: Viktor x Male Reader (Doctor Raven)

Words: 2,357

Piltover, the City of Innovation. Shining towers, bustling, colorful streets, magnificent airships… The city was magnificent – a shining beacon to all who see it, a proud example of what people can do if they set aside their differences and work together toward one grand goal. The idyllic scene was tarnished only by the smog rising from the streets across the river. The Undercity, where Piltover’s outcasts were discarded and forgotten. A neon cesspool of poverty and disease, overlooked by Piltover’s benevolent governing body. You shook your head and stepped away from the cliff’s edge, back toward the road that would take you into the city proper. You didn’t want to be here, but your research demanded travel, and so here you found yourself, despite your own wishes.

The air here was crisp and clean, and you took in the sights, sounds, and smells as you traversed the busy streets. Freshly baked goods, citrus, flowers. People laughing, chatting, working, and, somewhere in the distance, the sound of music, drifting gently on the wind. You nabbed a nearby enforcer to help you with your map, and he kindly pointed you down a nearby alley. Your new residence was around here somewhere in this labyrinth of rainbow light, you just had to find it.

Professor Heimerdinger, who had been following your research for quite some time, had been the one to invite you to Piltover, and made sure you had proper lodgings. He also offered you a lab in the academy proper in which to conduct your research, which you had graciously accepted.

The offer did have a condition, though, as they always did. Heimerdinger had an assistant, a brilliant young inventor named Viktor, who was rather ill with a mysterious disease of the blood. He wanted you, the leading blood expert in quite literally the entire world, to become Viktor’s primary doctor. He assured you that it wouldn’t get in the way of your research and might, in fact, even help to further it. You certainly weren’t going to say no to studying someone with a mysterious blood disease, so you had accepted that task as well, with an appropriate amount bellyaching.

You finally found your apartment, which was relatively nearby the academy, and dropped your only two suitcases inside beside the door. It was easier to move around when you had fewer things to take with you, so you kept your wardrobe small and never bought anything you didn’t absolutely need to survive. You had a few pieces of equipment, as well. A microscope, some vials and slides, needles and syringes. You were a master of your craft, and could make do with very little. Besides, Heimerdinger had assured you that the lab was already outfitted with all the furniture and equipment you would need.

And indeed it was. A large octagonal room with dark blue and grey walls awaited you at the top of one of the academy’s towers. A long metal workbench spanned three of the walls, there was plenty of storage – both shelving and drawers – and a huge chalkboard took up the entire left wall. A ladder sat propped up against it, set on rollers and reaching all the way to the ceiling. You would need it to reach the highest parts of the board, and you were certain that each and every inch of it would end up covered in your scribblings eventually.

You drew closed the curtains, covering the large windows on each wall behind the workbench and blocking out the sun. Then, you got to work sorting through the equipment that had been provided to you. Someone must have seen you enter the building and alerted the professor, because after only a few minutes in your new workspace, there came a knock at the door.

“Come in,” you called.

You turned as the door opened with a hiss and Heimerdinger trundled into your lab, followed closely by a skinny young man with a cane. He caught your attention immediately, and it was him you were focused on as you greeted Heimerdinger. You noticed his eyes first, bright gold and shimmering with life. He noticed you in return, his gaze raking up and down your body as you knelt down to shake the professor’s hand. You and he shook as well, when the professor finally remembered to introduce you.

“Doctor Raven is a brilliant scientist, Viktor. If anyone can help you, I know he can!”

High praise from Heimerdinger, but it wasn’t flattery. He was right. If anyone could solve the mystery of Viktor’s blood, it was you.

“Now, if you two will excuse me, I have to prepare for a council meeting.”

He made his way out with a skip in his step, leaving you alone rather abruptly with your newest patient.

“Interesting fellow, the professor…” you smiled at Viktor.

He smirked and hobbled over to the nearest chair, where he plopped down to take the weight off of his bad leg.

“I’m not sure ‘interesting’ really covers it,” he chuckled.

You watched him prop his cane up beside him and rest forward with his elbows on his thighs.

“I’m sure he wanted us to get started immediately, but I haven’t even sorted through this equipment yet,” you told Viktor.

“I can help,” he offered brightly.

You regarded him curiously.

“If you want to, I certainly won’t say no to an extra hand. I need to find the needles and syringes, the centrifuge, and the microscope first.” You glanced around at all of the gear laid out on the workbench. “There are machines here that I’ve never seen before, let alone know to use...”

Viktor pushed himself to his feet and moved to stand next to you. He picked up a small, cylindrical device and turned it over in his hand leaning his hip heavily against the edge of the table.

“I doubt you’ll use most of this,” he said.

“Then I’ll need a place to store it so it’s not in the way… Those drawers there will do for now.” You gestured with your head to a set of deep drawers beneath the rightmost workbench. “I imagine you know what most of this stuff does. If you find something that you don’t think I’ll need, just chuck it in a drawer.”

You turned your back to him, working your way across the room to a glass case encrusted with frost that you assumed was a miniature refrigerator of some kind. It was his turn to regard you, and he did so with just as much curiosity as you’d given him.

“What exactly is your research, Doctor, if you don’t mind me asking?”

You flipped through one of the newest issues of a medical journal that had been left for you.

“I’m trying to dilute my own blood while still maintaining its restorative properties in order to create medications for a range of different ills without the patient perishing.”

The answer came out sounding more rehearsed than you meant for it to. Probably because it was rehearsed.

“Dilute your own blood?” Viktor asked. “Restorative properties? I’m not sure I understand. Your blood is special somehow?”

You turned your attention away from the rectangular machine with pointy arms that you had been studying and toward Viktor.

“Heimerdinger didn’t tell you?” you asked.

A crease appeared between Viktor brows.

“Tell me what?”

You sighed. You found it was more trouble to hide your true nature than to be open about what you were, but you were at least hoping that Heimerdinger would warn Viktor ahead of time.

“I’m a vampire, Viktor,” you said plainly. “I understand if you’re not comfortable with a vampire being your doctor, I can talk to the professor-”

“It’s not a problem,” he interrupted you.

“No?”

You were surprised. Most people who found out abhorred you.

“No,” he reassured you. “It doesn’t bother me. Though, I am surprised. I thought your kind went extinct four-hundred years ago.”

You frowned and cast your gaze downward.

“I’m the last,” you said with a sad smile.

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

You composed yourself and offered him another, much brighter smile.

“The Blood War was a long time ago,” you said. “I grieved for many years, but finally accepted that I’m all that’s left and moved on. That’s when I started my research. After it had caused so much pain, I wanted to find a way to use vampire blood for something good. To help people.”

“A noble cause,” he said softly.

“I like to think so,” you chuckled.

You asked Viktor about his medical history while the two of you got your lab in order. He explained that he’d been to many doctors over the years, and they’d all come to the same conclusion. Something was wrong with his blood, but they couldn’t tell him what. No one could. It was the Great Mystery.

“Did they even give you a hint?” you asked.

“Something about toxins or a mutation of the red blood cells.”

“Those are two very different things.”

He shrugged.

“And when they realized they didn’t know how to help you, they just… gave up?”

“Mmhmm. I was told I should find a specialist.”

You nodded, dumbfounded.

“Well… It may have taken a while, but I suppose you did find a specialist.

“And a good thing, too,” Viktor chuckled and slumped back in his chair.

It was then that you realized just how tired he looked. How pale. How sick.

“And your leg?” you asked him.

He sighed.

“I was born with bones twisted and bent. This is one problem that you won’t be able to solve, Doctor. You just focus on the blood.”

He didn’t believe that you would be able to cure his blood disease either, but he didn’t say it aloud. He was interested in your research, and, by being your patient, he was in the perfect position to learn everything that you were willing to teach him.

He stayed in your lab with you for hours, helping you get everything set up just how you wanted and teaching you about any machines you didn’t recognize that you may be able to benefit from. When you finally checked the time, it was late in the evening.

You sighed and swore under your breath.

“Everything alright?” he asked as he slid the last of the medical textbooks onto a shelf.

“It’s late,” you said. “And you haven’t eaten. You must be starving.”

He shrugged.

“I don’t have much of an appetite.”

You frowned.

“As your doctor, I must insist that you have something to eat tonight.”

“Already pulling the ‘doctor’ card, huh?” he smirked.

“If I must,” you smiled.

He studied your face for a moment, then sized you up thoughtfully.

“Fine. There is a restaurant not far from here. I will show you around a bit, but you’re paying.”

“I don’t have a carriage, Viktor,” you reminded him.

He was already on his way out the door.

“I could use a walk,” he said. “It’s close, and it’s good to stretch my legs.”

He knew his body better than you, so you didn’t argue. You followed him out of the academy, back toward your apartment, and he told you all about the shops and buildings that you passed on your way there. The restaurant, when you finally came to it, was more of a cafe, built halfway between home and work, placed for the convenience of academy students. It was cozy, decorated with vibrant colors and soft lighting, like much of Piltover. The waitress greeted Viktor like an old friend, beaming when she saw him come in. He didn’t give her much attention in return. He also didn’t eat much, preferring to pick at his food rather than actually put it in his mouth. You did get him to drink some water, though he did so begrudgingly.

“What do you eat, Doctor?” he asked when you didn’t order.

“Do I really need to answer that?” you asked, brow raised.

He chuckled and nibbled a french fry.

“I’m curious. Most information on vampires was destroyed after the war, and what remains is up for debate. Am I wrong for wanting information directly from a reliable source?”

What a cheeky little fucker, you thought.

“I drink blood,” you confirmed, watching him through red eyes while he gazed back through gold.

“Human?”

“Anything I can get my hands on. But, yes, human is preferable.”

He considered that for a moment.

“Would you eat someone like Heimerdinger?”

“What, an eccentric?” you chuckled.

“That’s not what I meant,” he smiled.

“A yordle, you mean.”

He nodded.

“Yes, I can drink the blood of yordles. The fur does get in the way, though.”

“Would you drink from me?”

You smirked.

“Why? Are you offering?”

He shrugged and offered his own sly smile.

“Just wondering.”

He was very curious to know how exactly that worked. Would you take a sample with needle and vial, or drink directly from the vein?

When it was clear he wasn’t going to eat anymore, you offered to escort him home. He politely declined, saying that there was more to do at the academy.

“Heimerdinger always paperwork that needs sorting,” he said.

“Then we’ll walk back together. I’d like to get my notes organized and ready for tomorrow.”

“Will we start tomorrow?”

“I’ll draw some blood and give you a once-over, at the very least,” you replied.

You said your goodnights in the elevator, where he stopped on the floor that held the professor’s office, and you continued up to the very top. You pulled open the curtains and gazed out over the city with a sigh. New life. Same research. But this time, perhaps, with the help of your new patient, you would arrive at conclusions that you hadn’t even considered before. This time, perhaps, you would stumble upon a breakthrough. You pulled your notebook from your bag, settled back in one of the rolling chairs with it, propped your feet propped up on the worktable, and settled in for a long night.

This was Piltover, the City of Innovation, and you had work to do.

[galedekarios]

elminster & gale

more datamined dialogue, this time idle banter between elminster and gale. as the dev notes indicate, these were supposed to take place at the beginning of act ii when elminster reveals the charge given to him by mystra for gale:

elminster: it took some doing, finding you. gale: well now you've found me, perhaps you can share your purpose. (node context: some impatience) elminster: have mercy on these old bones, m'boy. a short respite will not harm us.

elminster: i am glad to talk to you again, m'boy. even under such circumstances. (node context: sincere) gale: as am i. (node context: sincere) elminster: it is important to cherish everyone conversation as if it were the last - for it could very well be the last. (node context: considering that this may be the last time he ever sees gale)

elminster: it comes with age. along with some less-desirable traits... gale: please. i do not need to hear of your joint aches and privy sorties again. (node context: 'not this again') elminster: very well. not everyone finds such matters as fascinating as i do... (node context: slightly displeased grumble)

gale: you may be proven incorrect - time is not on my side, i fear. (node context: a little grim) elminster: i know what you mean. trust me - for the moment, all is well. or at least acceptable. (node context: reassuring) gale: oh to have but a thimbleful of your confidence at my disposal. (node context: wry)

once again, i find this (very, very sadly) seemingly cut content fascinating. it's very sad it wasn't included in the release version of the game because it shows the deeper bond that elminster and gale share despite gale's impatience and, as it's phrased here, not-this-again attitude. it speaks of knowing each other well, and of the affection between them from both sides.

we get to see this, too, in the gale origin. elminster's visit remains much the same as it is an origin tav playthrough, yet there are slight variation in how elminster treats gale (a softer voice, calling him 'dear boy', etc.).

and that affection he has for gale, gale holds for him, too:

"his disappointment cuts deeper even than mystra's." is so significant considering just who mystra is for gale. gale is hurt by having had elminster witness him as he is now. a shadow of who he used to be. he has disappointed him. he once more wasn't good enough.

elminster, who not only saw potential within him, but "plucked" him from obscurity and offered his guidance, who had become a mentor to him, and a figure to look to for guidance.

as a side note, i can't help but wonder if elminster was perhaps responsible-or at least helped-to have gale attend blackstaff academy:

Blackstaff Academy was a loosely organized group of elite apprentices and students who studied under the Blackstaff at Blackstaff Tower in the 14th and 15th centuries DR. The school was made up of an everchanging roster of about fifty apprentices and students to the Blackstaff, with new arrivals always ready to replenish the ranks as graduates moved on.[2] Acceptance to the Academy was predicated on either demonstrating extraordinary magical aptitude (those who could not cast arcane spells were very rarely admitted) or having a particularly compelling personal history. Joining the Academy was free, however monthly dues were required to continue attendance. These fees started at 10 gp per month and increased as a student gained seniority and required more advanced tutelage. In addition, it was a requirement that any new spell that was discovered or researched by an apprentice had to be added to Blackstaff Tower's library. [source]

anyhow. this bond between the two is also reflected in the aftermath of the visit. elminster sneakily breaks mystra's order, by having tara deliver a letter written by him to gale, trying to reassure gale and make him see that there is another way out of his predicament than the one mystra commands him to follow:

i cannot stress enough that elminster is ready to defy direct orders from mystra for gale. he obviously cares about him and his regreat at having not said more when he was there is palpable in his letter. gale acknowledges this as well:

to a lesser extent, the same is shown in a custom protag playthrough:

gale knows this isn't something elminster wanted to do and elminster himself admits as much, too. yet he is forced to, obligated to, by his status as chosen and the mission he was given by his goddess.

we can later ask gale about this once more:

and here we can also infer just why mystra sent elminster and not anyone else: "for mystra to have sent him... the severity of her bidding could not be clearer. or weigh more heavily on me."

it shows that this was a very much calculated choice-mystra must have been aware of the bond two of her chosen shared-and so it helps to achieve exactly what she intended it to: gale accepts the charge that he is given.

i think all in all, even though the situation is bad enough already as it is, this makes what was asked of elminster by mystra even worse.