#let me see Vander's memories be a mess

[mollysunder]

If I've said it once I'll say it again. I'd love to see Vander's memories of Silco run contradictory to Jinx's memories of him. Both their respective last moments with Silco should filter their other memories of him with bias.

Maybe Jinx's memory Silco would be slightly more whole, the sequences of events make more structural and logical sense. Maybe her memories are literally rosier in hue thanks to the pinkish glint of shimmer coloring the scene.

Meanwhile, years of torture and isolation have at best turned Warwick's memory into Swiss cheese. He can remember names and faces okay...ish, but the more it makes him angry (or just in a way he can't process) the more the memory distorts. Warwick remembers Silco, but he can't remember Silco young. He can give Silco an unscathed face, but he still adds lines of age because his most vivid memory of Silco was his last.

I want Silco to tell Jinx one thing in her memory, while Warwick's memory plays out a whole other sequence of events. But it's only fun if Silco's story in Jinx's memory is the one that makes more sense. No one is reliable narratir, still some people are more reliable than others.

Bonus points if Warwick's deteriorating memory reflects how trauma could affect Vi's own memory down the line.

[unluckiestmember]

how abt headcanons for the arcane women on a beach date? :0 feel free to add/remove anyone ^^

Coming right up!

Arcane X Beach Date with Reader!

Characters: Powder/Jinx, Violet "Vi", Caitlyn Kiramman, Ekko, Viktor, Jayce Talis, Mel Medarda, Sevika, Ran and Vander

Warning: Some slight suggestive themes and mild cursing. But pretty much SFW.

A/N: Aww, summer is practically over! I hope you guys had fun this summer and stayed safe! Whatever is next in the future, I hope we all have a great time and look forward to the rest of 2024! We only got three more months until Season Two guys, I know we can do it even if it feels so far. So let's hang in there!

Powder/Jinx

“Hey, hurry up and look over here, toots! I’m about to pull off the biggest cannonball!... Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine- Now watch me!”

At the beach, Jinx is absolutely going to do everything under the sun, whether it be legal or illegal! She might not be the best swimmer, but she loves getting in the water, especially jumping in and getting her adrenaline going. And you better expect her to get you involved in a water fight! Just don’t expect her to play fair, girlie has a bunch of mechanisms she can make into weapons for your game and she’s not afraid to use them!

Sand castles are requested and being buried in sand is a must. A date at the beach with the Loose Cannon feels more like a hangout than a lovely day together in the sand, but don’t get it wrong. Jinx loves spending time with you at the beach and will sneak some kisses to your cheek or slam her lips on yours. She’s pretty sure your beach date is probably one of the best days of her life and it’s all thanks to you.

Violet “Vi”

“This is the perfect weather for a nice swim, babe. Hey- Race you to the other side. Last one there is buying ice cream!”

When you invited Violet to a date on the beach, she was more than ready, she was beyond excited! She is a perfect balance between playful and romantic, always flirting with you in regards to your swimsuit and even sneaking some seductive touches along your body. And right when she’s done or is about to kiss you, she’s quick to trick you by running away gleefully waiting for you to catch her or messing with you.

She’s not exactly the best of swimmers, but is willing to learn and get her feet wet just for you. If you both aren’t having fun talking to each other and exploring the beach side by side, then guests of the beach better expect to see a happy couple making out in the sand or getting affectionate. Peering eyes or none, a beach date with Violet is all you could ever ask for and more.

Caitlyn Kiramman

“Ahh, isn’t this absolute bliss, my love-... Did. Did you just splash me? Oh, you’re gonna pay royally for that.”

Caitlyn has been to the beach quite a lot in the summer with her family and always loved spending time on the coast. So when you asked her on a getaway there, she was immediately on board. During your date, she makes sure you are all okay, rubbing sunscreen on you and checking if all your equipment is accounted for. Caitlyn is more on the quieter side, having a picnic in the sand with you or laying in the shade and just catching the breeze.

But do not let this fool you; She can be playful and accept your requests to swim, especially since she’s a pro at it, or just play in general! She’ll always be open to exploring underwater with you or even making some sand castles together! When it’s time to go, Caitlyn almost doesn’t want to leave, but at least she has a sweet memory and new tradition to share with you.

Ekko

“You’re right, we all needed this vacation. Everyone’s happy and you’re happy, so I’m fine. Wanna take a swim with the others?”

Ekko has never been to the beach before. He’s only heard stories from Pilties that passed by the undercity and seen pictures of it, but has never set foot on one, and neither has the Firelights. Whenever he needed a swim or a getaway, he would just find a local lake or river to satisfy him and everyone else’s needs. So you can imagine his surprise when you set up a little vacation for him and his allies on the coast!

The leader of the firelights is beyond happy the entire time you’re by his side and showing off the beach to the firelights, engaging in small games of volleyball or tag with the young ones. Of course it’s still a date for you two, so he’s sure to give you all the love and care you could ask for when the kids or Scar aren’t taking up you two’s time. But even then, it is all in all a fun experience to share, whether alone or with the freedom fighters.

Viktor

“Aye! How is the water so cold? Maybe you should swim on without me… Don’t worry, I’ll keep watch-. H-Hey! Fine, I’ll join you, let’s just take it slow.”

It had been years since Viktor had stepped on a beach before you asked him on a date there. The once feeling of sand in his feet made him raise an eyebrow and the wind touching his skin had him a bit nervous with his body out. From the looks of it, you were sure at first that this would be a hard time to enjoy together…

But after a while and a bit of convincing to let loose with some encouragement, the scientist finally let loose a little and enjoyed all of the beach with you. He may not be able to swim, but walking in the water, holding your hand and feeling the small waves crash into his ankles? Now that was a piece of absolute heaven. And exploring uncharted territories with you to find the most beautiful of caves was beyond delightful. He would have to remind himself to come to the beach with you more often.

Jayce Talis

“What’s up? Are you admiring my muscles?... If you’re looking at them dry, I can’t wait to see how you’ll look at them wet. Now come on in!”

All it took was one date to find out that Jayce practically belonged on the beach with you! There he acted like such an excited child in his trunks running immediately into the water with your hand in his to feel the waves wash over you two. Don’t expect to do much outside of swimming unless you need something from your personal belongings, and even then Jayce will go grab it for you and head straight back in!

He isn’t much of a goofball swimming with you outside of small moments of teasing, but he does get quite handsy and flirtatious, holding your waist and pulling you close to kiss you. Everyone can practically put together that you are his with how affectionate he is around you. And he doesn’t care either because he doesn’t mind putting you on the pedestal where you belong. It’s a chill date, but a nice date regardless.

Mel Medarda

“Mmm, we needed this, sweetheart. A day away from the nagging, pointless fighting and having to meet expectations? It’s absolutely worth it.”

A beach date with Mel has got to be one of the calmest dates you’ll ever have in your life. Mel isn’t much of a swimmer, preferring to just walk down the coast with you. But even then, she spends most of her time sunbathing and simply taking in the ambiance around the both of you in relaxation. For some it may be boring, but for her just being near you and practically doing nothing is heavenly.

Of course she won’t be a prude though. Sometimes she’ll take a minute and collect seashells to take home with her as souvenirs. And if you do want to swim around or really utilize the beach, she will let you and simply watch you having fun lovingly from the sidelines. That is unless you want her to join you, then just ask and she’ll be right by your side enjoying every second with you.

Sevika

“Ran is challenging me to volleyball and I was wondering if you’d want to be my partner?... Thanks babydoll- Hey, Ran! Get ready to get your ass kicked!”

Sevika doesn’t go to the beach unless it’s with a group of friends. Only then with them and you as company is she gonna have the time of her life! Outside of work and in the sand, the muscular woman is a lot more relaxed and a bit playful with everyone, including yourself. She’ll do whatever you’d like as long as it means you both are enjoying yourself.

Want to play a few games? She’s all for it. Want to just kick back and take in the sun and the waves? She’s cool with that too! Nothing is off limits for the Right Hand of Zaun, and I mean nothing. Because if you feel it’s not exactly a date, then Sevika has no problem taking you somewhere a bit more secluded and showing you a great time~. At the end of the day, you’re sure to look back on your time with your girlfriend at the beach fondly and can’t wait for the next one!

Vander

“We should try and make this a tradition. You, me and the kids, come down to the beach every summer. They’d look forward to it every year. And so will I…”

Everytime you and Vander go to the beach, it is usually with the kids as an annual family outing. Yeah, the both of you have to babysit a bit and deal with the mindless teasing of the sumprats when you both get intimate, but you enjoy yourselves regardless. You love when the Hound of the Undercity plays tag with his adopted children, even dragging you in for the ride and getting a good adrenaline kick from it all.

You two always leave the beach excited for the next time around the following year with tired kids needing to be laid down. He makes sure to let you know how grateful he was to spend time with you and everyone else, nuzzling into you and whispering how much he loves you. Though you miss those days, you never broke that tradition, even when the world fell apart. No matter what, you always come back every summer to the beach to keep the memory alive…

If you got any requests for Arcane or X-Men '97, send them my way!

Likes and retweets are always appreciated! I love you all, stay hydrated and have a good day! <3

[theoutcastrogue]

So what's going on with the backstory of Vander/Silco/the girls and their parents, and what's the timeline? Let's consider haircuts and facial hair.

Our first glimpse: young long-haired Silco & young beardless Vander are buddies, revolutionaries (let's call it that, ok?), and besties with Felicia when she announces she's having her first kid.

In Warwick's hazy memories, young Silco is throwing a molotov cocktail at an enforcer at the bridge. He then has a look of utter dismay on his face, so something went very wrong. This has to be before the fight in the river, because both his eyes are still good. (It then cuts to Felicia's dead body on the bridge, but that must be from another time: Warwick's memories are jumbled.)

Some time later, a young long-haired Silco & a young beardless Vander fight in the river; Vander chokes Silco, who almost drowns and ends up with a fucked up eye.

Felicia has kids. In Vander's watercolour memories, he's playing with little Vi while the girls' parents are still alive and a happy family. Silco is not pictured here.

8-10 years after our first glimpse (judging from how old Vi looks, I dunno), the Battle of the Bridge happens, and an older, bearded Vander comes across the girls, and points them towards the dead bodies of Felicia and whatshisname. He adopts them and drops his gauntlets, presumably giving up the fight there and then.

And at some unspecified point, Vander leaves a note for Silco:

Silco, I've looked everywhere, but it's clear you don't wanna be found. God, I'm shit at this. I'm sorry. When she died, I lost my head. I told myself what I did to you was for the greater good, that you deserved it. But the dirt was on both our hands. Anyway, you know where to find me. Blisters and bedrock. V.

So what is happening? WHEN was that? And WHO died? At first I thought it was Felicia, but that doesn't check out. A young beardless Vander almost drowned Silco, which is presumably what the apology is for, and an older bearded Vander saw Felicia dead on the bridge. Therefore, the woman who died is unknown. Unless he's apologising for something else, that he did after Felicia died? Highly unlikely.

So here's my working theory: there were TWO battles on the bridge.

About 9 years before the Battle of the Bridge that we see in the prologue, Vander and Silco instigated another protest there. Silco unilaterally turned it violent by throwing a molotov cocktail or two, and that led to the death of Vander's girlfriend or sister (someone he loved, whom we haven't seen). Probably because the Enforcers got spooked and used it as a poor excuse to open fire. [Not proportional force! It may technically be an incendiary device, but when you treat protesting civilians as people, you don't respond to molotovs with bullets! That's only acceptable when it's war and you're inside a tank, the OG target.]

Vander saw red and almost killed Silco, who disappeared and never got to know Felicia's children – as far as he knew. Vander wrote an apology, but Silco never found it. He wrote "When she died, I lost my head", because it's crazy to lose a loved one like that. "I told myself what I did to you was for the greater good", because Silco didn't follow the plan and did his own thing, which can mess up a protest and a whole movement. "That you deserved it", because look how that turned out. "But the dirt was on both our hands", because they both instigated the protest, and that's never a safe, precise, predictable thing, shit can always happen and risk is always there. And "Blisters and bedrock" – their revolutionary slogan – because that horrifying event did NOT make Vander give up the fight. That's why Silco later says "Oh, I hated you for what you'd done. … But you kept my respect. Until you made peace with them."

Years later the Battle of the Bridge happened, death and destruction everywhere, and this time Vander did give up the fight, to become a parent. And that's what Silco was unable to forgive.

fun crackpot variant: Silco and Vander are literally brothers, Silco inadvertently got their sister killed, and enforcers had nothing to do with it, he just biffed it, threw the bottle and hit her instead, full slapstick

[wordyneonlights]

AHEM

Here are my unsolicited arcane thoughts

Ep 4

The PARALLELS between Jinx mourning Silco and Cait mourning her mom

And the PARALLELS between Isha leaving without telling Jinx because she wanted to help and Powder doing the exact same thingggg as a kid

Flipping Cait sleeping with ginger enforcer lady (girl, why can't you be professionally entangled with Vi??????)

The enforcer not knowing Jinx, please that was too funny.

And the Jinx/Sevika dynamic????? It's giving older sis and bratty younger sis. I love it

And can we just acknowledge how GOOD Sevika looks???? Like, oh my gosh, I'm salivating that undercut mmmffggggg.gg

That scene with everyone appreciating Jinx, touching her shoulders and hands in that sort of 'well done' gesture. Goshhhh I'm sure she's never had that many people count on her and then actually succeeded in that way before.

Jinx found Isha... ugh I'm in tears

That Victor frankenstein dupe is one messed up mf holy crap????

Ep 5.

Vi... Holy shit. Please, writers, give her more than twenty seconds of happiness.

On the other hand I do love the new look... minus the alcoholism of course.

ALSO, what the FLIP happened to my boy Ekko???? He's my emotional support character he can't be dead !!!!!

Caitlyn and Ambessa proof of why we probably shouldn't support woman's wrongs.

Ayeeee Mel's back !! And hallucinating vividly, love that for her. The braids do be screaming for moisture, though.

Ohhhh step into the light is giving beauty and the beast. And we've got a sibling reunion !!!! And Kino's fine as hell damn.

Gosh Vi all I need is five minutes and a red bull please just give me one chanceeee. The black and red is so working for her.

Vi, vi, vi seeing the way Jinx cares for isha the way she cared/cares for powder.

Ah, so Victor Frankenrevek is trying to pull a Mr Freeze

And Mel, gosh, poor Mel... who has explodey captain marvel powers ??? Is that what protected her during the explosion???

Vanders note and what might have been and that beautiful shot of Vi and Jinx (aslo alluding to what might have been) chat I can't take this anymore.

Silco???? Holy crap he looks so... normal??? Content??? Free of anguish??? And Vander seems so light and at peace.

Oh, Silco's eyes??? HELLO!!! Beautiful and gorgeous holy crap

THAT WAS VI'S MOM !!!!! VANDER NAMED VI !!!!!!! NO ONE TALK TO ME NO ONE LOOK AT ME !!!!

I'm in tears.

What have they done to us

Holy shit JAYCE???? Um, ok ya'll you've convinced me. While I love the reunion and all WHERE IS EKKO ! ! !

And heimerdinger of course.

Uh.... Jayce, I'm not sure cold blooded murder is going to solve your hextech problem

Ep 6

What do you mean after this there's only three more then it's finished?????

Viktor seems ... slightly unhinged but good for him I think ???

I want to ride Ambessa's abs

Did Viktor make a commune???

Love is actually so beautiful and powerful omigosh.

Vi and Jinx and their parents and their memories I am this close to losing my mind. Please, writers, let Vi have happiness and peace, please, pretty please, pretty pretty please with cherries on top.

Arcane is actually just about the lengths we go for love, i will be taking no counterarguments.

Vi PLEASE give me your eyeshadow tutorial, I'll give you the best head of your life if you show me how to-

HOLY SHIT VI/CAIT REUNION IM NOT OK

Ugh why do hot women have to have bad morals.

And here comes Jayce, ya'll this episode is TENSE.

Writers give Vi happiness that lasts for more than 20 seconds challenge.

I wanna eat those blue red fruit things.

Jinx experiencing big sisterhood, good for her !!!

Honest + Patient + Shut the fuck up= trust. Got it!

Oh Caitlyn, i knew I could trust you (no, I didn't, but I love to be proven wrong).

Jayce, my brother, please calm it down, you're disturbing the commune.

Oh HELL yeah, Jinx v Ambessa's dickrider I love itttt

OHHHHH YEAH VANDER IS BACK BITCHESSSSS

JAYCE !!!! BRO!!!!! What the FLIP?!?!??!!

Oh my shit I think bro just committed mass murder.

CAN YOU PLEASE JUST LET THESE GIRLS WIN????? PLEASE!!!!!! PLEASE?!?!!??!?!

Rage, compassion, hate

Oh Viktor...

Fuck I hate this show, what the fuck.

[messy-gemini1]

You died in place of milo and Clagger and Vander

Arcane x motherly! reader

You struggle from the rest of the bonds the chair has you in, Vander sat beside you; face beaten as blood runs down his chin. By his feet is Milo struggling to unlock his foot.

You finally release yourself from the bonds and rush over just in time to pull Vi's form into the room and slamming the door shut on the beast.

"Milo" you speak "take your time, breath my boy" you say, patting his head despite your racing heart. You join Claggor in the effort to dig a way out of the room as the beast pounds on the door.

Your heart beats like a freight train in your ears, the only thoughts you can understand is to get your family out of here and make sure powder is ok.

'Squeak squeak clap'

'Squeak squeak clap'

its faint but you know the sound all too well. Your head shoots up, eyes glancing at the door just as the ground rumbles. Your instincts kick into high gear before your thinking and your arm wraps around Clagger throwing him out of the way.

Another shock wave erupts, and the building begins to crumble. Your eyes lock with Vanders just as debris falls around you all. Your eyes glance at all your kids, their eyes screaming fear but their bodies reading ready to fight.

Milo hurries and pulls Vander out of the chair, the older man leaning most of his weight on the boy. You gather your kids in your arms and look around yourself, the ground shakes again.

You can't stop yourself, smiling at your kids.

"i love you kids, you did amazing" you said, shoving them towards a new opening, letting the rock divide your all.

You hear Vi scream your name mixed with the others. Tears fall from your eyes just as another blast sends your form toppling from the building and into the foggy rain.

~~~~~~

"Mom!"

"Y/N!?"

"MOM!!"

"Mo.."

Your eyes fade in and out from darkness. You can't feel the pain. you know you're dying. the blood pooling around your head is enough proof. You can't tell whether its tears or rain falling from your eyes, but you hope the others don't see you in your condition.

~~~~~

"we have some good kids huh?" Vander speaks, watching the others mess around. Powders voice ringing in laughter. You nod with a smile, leaning a head against Vanders shoulder. "i..I wish Silco was with us sometimes" you admit.

Vanders grip on your hip tightens. "As do I" he mumbles.

Another memory skips.

"Mom look at this new gadget! when the enforcers come, they won't know what hit em!" powder says, grinning wide. You smile and ruffle her hair. "Your gonna do some great things pow wow" you said.

You see Milos yourself cleaning Milos black eyes, Vi's bloodied Knuckles. Sleepy Sundays with the kids and Vander.

More tears fall from your eyes just as you hear running footsteps close in.

"n-no... I'm sorry I'm sorry!" your worst fear is coming true. You hear powder hiccup before she drops to her knees beside you. You turn your head slowly, watching as snot and tears roll down her face.

Despite your body dying, you lift a hand and wipe her eyes, Powder clinging to your hand. You smile softly at her "you did your best kiddo." you cough.

You can hear Vanders loud footsteps as the others run to your form. "no honey stay with me ok your gonna be ok" Vander speaks, raking your form with his eyes, hands hovering having no idea what to do.

You cough out a laugh. "I know I'm gonna die here sweetheart" you say, your eyes blink slowly. "i'm getting cold" your voice get lower. "no no! mom!" Milo screams, you feel their arms wrap around you all.

"don't ever stop my lovley bunnies. fuck them Enforcers up.." you can hear a sob of laughter as your tries to fight.

"vander...Tell silco" you breathing slows. Vander watches your face as you meet his eyes.

"tell him I'm sorry for not saving him that day, and that I forgive him and I love you both so so much" you whimper as your body gives one last breath before submitting to the darkness.

~~~~

The last drop is loud as ever, a picture frame surrounded by flowers sits upon the wall, taking up most of said wall,

Vander and Silco stand next to each other, watching the patrons. "she..she said she forgives you" Vander finally admits. "and that she loves us both" he speaks. Silco doesn't speak, he only tightens his grip on the rag in his hand.

"I-I know...She always had too must trust in others" he spoke. The two don't speak anymore, only turning when they hear the kids coming in. Vi with her Girlfriend and powder with her mini army of robots.

It's different, its carefree. Each of the kid pats your portrait on the wall before going their separate way. You face keeps the patrons from going too far almost like you did when you were alive. The peace stays even in your absents.

Vander promises to do right by the second chance in life you've given him and the kids.

[arcane-temp-fandomblog]

Arcane details / Two versions of "Goodbye" song lyrics

There are two songs in Arcane that have subtitles, and both of them have different actual lyrics and subtitle lyrics. Goodbye has two sets of lyrics or someone messed up really badly when transcribing them. I assume the former.

I'll put under the actual song lyrics that are sung (from official riot music account)

(Actual song lyrics) I can hear the sound of a heartbeat

before it goes out

Won’t ever leave my memory of bloodshed all around

I can see a tear on my father’s face before it falls out (this is one line in the lyrics)

before it falls out Oh my enemy, (this is one line in the lyrics with the next one)

how could I have ever let you down, oh

When all these trees saw us grow, cut our teeth, and make our bones right here We’d play with shields made of stone, share our dreams and sit our thrones

Be still, ’cause I see smoke up ahead and I got steel in my hands We will return like warriors I swear that we’ll find glory up ahead Tell me, ->

-> where is my home? I don’t recognize the faces anymore, no Where is my friend? The one I’ve known since I was only just a kid (same onward from lyrics and subtitles) I think it's time to say goodbye Goodbye, Goodbye

So, did someone messed up transcription, or is this song coming back next season? Or is this alternative POV for Powder of the same song - I assume we only hear Vi's version of the song vocally. Because sung lyrics are definitely Vi's journey in act 2/3.

Or are the lyrics from Silco? About Vander?

Or Powder / Vi after the scene is flipped? Or someone else?

Btw. the "We'll show them all" in both episodes lands within 20 seconds of each other from the end of the episode full length. I checked. The story has come full circle. The only other song with double (well if we only count abridged in show version - otherwise triple) version of lyrics is the one in the episode before. Other songs don't have transcribed lyrics. But most of them are either about Zaun's reality, what change is to come from Jinx's action it plays over or POV fight songs. Like most of end of arc songs have spoilers for next one for characters - and mostly Piltover as a whole: ie. Guns for Hire imo has references for at least 3 characters & Piltover, and plays over alongside other parts Marcus setting up the barricade

Woodkid - Guns for Hire (Jayce's part) Kiss your perfect day goodbye Because the world is on fire (Caitlyn's &/or Jayce's part) Tuck your innocence goodnight You sold your friends like guns for hire

But the most importantly, it already foreshadows in lyrics what is to come in act 3 about Piltover's situation:

Not a good time to lose control Right as your marionettes cut their strings and run away You’re out time, make your move Live or die while the fuse is lit and there’s no turning back

Can't wait for Season 2 to know what exactly "What could have been" alluded to. Other posts by me - Arcane meta analysis posts - mostly politics, tech and character parallels

[darkicedragon]

Fanfic: Braid

Fandom: Arcane: League of Legends Summary: Jinx wanted help with her hair; Silco wasn't quite sure what to do about it. Notes: Set between act 1 and act 2. 'I have all these xeno ideas I have bouncing around in my brain! ....Let's write family feels instead!' Brain, why. (Okay, it's a very short fic I can pretty much get done in one sitting, that's why). Except this did not turn out to be as short as I thought it would. orz I might just use this as a collection post of Jinx and Silco getting to know each other, but we'll see what plotbunnies pop out. 'This will only be two scenes! Barely even 400 words!' Nine scenes later... Rating: G Genre: General Word count: 2,304 Status: Complete "Hey, Silco...?" Silco glanced over from the report he was reading over, Jinx hovering at the doorway, the stuffed rabbit clutched in her hand. He'd asked her if she wanted rid of it, so she could cast off and forget the memories tied to it, but her eyes had welled up with tears and he didn't bring it up again.

"What is it?" "Could you tie up my hair?" Tie up...? "You...don't know how to do it yourself?" Surely she was old enough to? When he'd met her, her hair had been braided back - right now, her hair was loose around her shoulders, though it was messy, as if an attempt to tie it back had been made. Her gaze slid away, her hold on the bunny tightening. "Vi or V-Vander used to do it for me..." Ah. If Vander could do it, then he should be able to. "Come here then," he said, setting the report down on his desk. She brightened immediately, and she dashed over, sitting on his lap. "I found the juggling balls underneath my bed this morning," Jinx told him. She continued on, but Silco only half listened to her, staring at her head. What exactly was he meant to do now? "Have you done this before...?" Jinx asked, looking at him over her shoulder. He glanced towards the door, where it had been left ajar, but he hadn't heard any approaching footsteps since Jinx had arrived. It had been out of habit, and he pursed his lips, exhaling. "No," he said, focusing on her hair again. The others wouldn't expect him to know how to tie up hair, and a child wouldn't care, but... He wasn't one to admit any weaknesses. It grated, but he needed to gain the girl's trust so she would be easier to control or wouldn't consider running away. Just long enough until he had her sister, at least. "Okay!" She moved so she was sitting sideways on his leg instead. "You separate them into three parts, and then you do this!" Her hands were a flurry of movement, tumbling over each other and Silco tried to follow them, trying to make sense of what she was doing. At least she didn't seem put out by his lack of knowledge. "I thought you said didn't know how to do it?" "Well..." Jinx's hands slowed. "That's what it looked like they were doing?" "...I see." No help there then. But if she was sure it was in three sections, then it was a starting point. He did what he could, until each parting seemed equal thick. Now for the actual braid. He made a reasonable guess about what he should do next. There were only three sections so that limited the way they could be twisted over each other. His fingers were clumsy as he moved them, and a few times, Jinx exclaimed in pain when he'd pulled too hard. Silco was used to hearing such a noise, but he was usually doing it intentionally, so that he could get what he wanted. This wasn't the same. When he finished, he frowned at the mess in front of him. Hair was everywhere, already working themselves free of the braid. It more looked like a scruffy ponytail than a braid. "Thanks, Silco!" Jinx said as she hopped off, dashing for the door. She seemed happy enough with it. But he could do better. * * * Silco watched as the woman was escorted into his office, her eyes darting around, never settling anywhere. Though they returned to his eye when she did look at him. She was sat on the chair opposite his desk and she fidgeted with her cuff as he let the silence drag out second by second. "Tell me," he said, leaning his elbows on the table, intertwining his fingers. "Yes?" she squeaked, her eyes wide, every muscle taut as she paid every ounce of attention onto him now. "Do you know how to braid hair?" "A br-? Ah, I mean, of course I do!" "Good," he said, seeing confusion flitting across her features in how her brows drew in together, her mouth open as if to ask a question. She knew better than to talk unprompted, which was better than others. "Teach me." Her eyes went wide, but she nodded. * * * Silco toyed with the thread-braid he'd created under Dyna's guidance as she left, escorted the way she came in. The braid was much neater than his first attempt, though that could really be because it was made of three threads rather than hair. He heard a sigh, but he continued studying the braid, committing it to memory. "What is it?" Sevika didn't answer straight away, walking towards his desk instead. "Really? All this, for her?" He leaned back, seeing her narrowed  eyes, the hint of a curled lip. She was still leaning to the side, adjusting to the weight of her new arm, even though she tried to hide it under her cloak. "You don't think she's going to talk?" she continued, jerking her head towards the door. "Oh, I expect her to," Silco said, collecting the braids and setting them inside his drawer. "That was my intention, after all." Sevika's gaze flicked to the drawer before going back to him. "You want word to spread you've a sudden interest in braids." "For 'Powder'," he added. The name felt strange on his tongue. It wasn't her name; it wasn't the name she responded to. "Once word gets out that I have her-" And he had made sure to mention her a few times by name, about the length of her hair, how she seemed sensitive to pulling, to make sure the information would stick. "-what do you think will happen?" Sevika was quiet for a few seconds, then she made a soft sound. "The sister will come to you." "Exactly," he said, closing the drawer. "I just have to wait." He wouldn't have to for long. * * * "Hey, Silco?" Jinx was light on her feet, Silco sometimes only noticing her when she spoke. He had been busy with deciding what to do with The Last Drop though - there were numerous venues he could pursue through it. He just had to decide on what. "Yes?" Jinx seemed to need a lot of things when she came to him. She was hungry. She couldn't sleep. She wanted to hear a story. She wanted her hair braided. It was using up a lot of his time that he could have used for something else that needed done, but she was also coming often enough that he was beginning to figure out some of the patterns. Sometimes he was wrong though, so it was better he waited for her to say, lest she become tearful again. He had no idea how to deal with that. Her loose hair made it relatively clear what she would want. "Are you busy?" she asked, eyes darting around the room. He glanced at the list in his hand, the papers piled up over his desk. "Not too much." He could spare a few minutes. "Okay! Could you tie up my hair?" she asked, holding up a few hair ties. "Yes," he said, pushing himself away from his desk. He was getting faster at braiding her hair now, his fingers learning the movements. She seemed to be...happier as well, since he wasn't pulling on her hair, and she appeared she liked the braid better now. She had also started humming under her breath as he continued, a song he had never heard before. "There," he said once he had finished, leaning back to inspect his work. "Thanks, Silco!" She barely checked, a hand merely swiping over it before she threw herself at him. He stilled, like the first time she had done this, her arms reaching around him. It...was something he was unused to, everyone else keeping a safe distance from him until he invaded theirs. The very few who tried to approach him this closely always wanted something from him. But then. Jinx also wanted something from him. He patted her head with one hand, wrapping his other arm around her shoulders. She was so small, but had so much trust that he wouldn't hurt her. His gaze drifted over to the papers spread over his desk before being drawn back to Jinx again. The hug shouldn't take too much longer. * * * "What do you mean, she's dead?" Silco hissed. Marcus didn't flinch. Much. He was already settling into his new position, but it also meant he was less able to leave Piltover whenever Silco summoned him. "We...found her body in the river." Hmph, maybe the fight had taken a bigger toll on the sister than he'd thought. "Fine. You can leave." He pulling out the bag of money from one of his drawers, tossing it towards Marcus. Marcus caught it, sliding it into one of his pockets without checking the contents, his lips pursed. Either trusting Silco, or trusting him too much - Silco would find out eventually. Marcus left after without a word, the muffled jingle of coin following him. Silco sighed, tapping a finger on his desk. It would explain why he hadn't heard anything about the sister through his information network. With the sister no longer alive, there was no reason to keep Jinx around any longer. But... "Silco?" Jinx poked her head in, eyes darting in the direction Marcus had gone. Had she heard? Did she care? She had said herself that she had no sister. To her, her sister and the relationship with her was already dead. It wouldn't make any difference if he told her or not. "I'm free," he said, sweeping his gaze around his desk, making sure there was nothing there about Jinx's sister within sight. She smiled, ducking into the room. He didn't need Jinx now. But she didn't have to leave immediately yet either. * * * "Your hair is getting rather long now," Silco murmured as he brushed out Jinx's hair. It was getting close to waist length. He was faster at braiding her hair, but because of the length, it still took him as long as the first time he had attempted. How long ago was that now...? "Yeah," Jinx said, "but I like it." Hm. "Well, do you think it's time you learn how to do it yourself?" She span around to stare at him, her eyes wide? "You'll teach me?" "Your hair is long enough that we can do it at the same time." It would make it easier to show her on her own hair, how it would feel, rather than on much smaller pieces of thread. Silco split her hair into halves and started to show her what to do. * * * Jinx's braid was messy and uneven, though it was neater than his own first attempt. The lower section tidied up as she started getting used to the movements needed. She was a fast learner. He already knew that, watching how her machines changed with each iteration, but she had already known the basics when they met. This was something new. "I think you can do it yourself now," he said. "You...did well." Praise was foreign on his lips. Praise that he meant, not twisted into an attack, or freely given because the outcome had already been expected. Jinx beamed at him. The effort was worth it, seeing her reaction. Her smile slipped away though, Jinx bowing her head as she played with her braid, holding it next to Silco's. "Buuut I still need more practice, right?" she said, looking at him from the corner of her eyes. "So you still need to braid my hair until then." Sneaky girl. She didn't want their little sessions to end. "All right," he said, nodding. "Until then." He was willing to play along. For her sake. This time, he was ready for her lunge, his arms already open for her, and closing around her at the same time her arms wrapped around him. * * * Silco paused the next time he saw Jinx, furrowing his brow in confusion. "What do you think?" she said, twirling in a circle. "I...thought you would just do the one braid?" Silco said. It was how her hair had always been and she hadn't seemed like she'd wanted to change it. "Yeah, but I like my hair like this now." She flipped one braid so that it swung around. "I can practice more with too, and. I dunno. It reminds me when you taught me how to too." ...Oh. That was why...? * * * Silco heard the soft creak of his office door open, and it was clear who it was when they didn't announce their presence. Though it was a surprise when Jinx didn't enter, clambering up to the rafts. When he lifted his gaze, Jinx wasn't looking at him, playing with her braids, twisting them around her bruised knuckles. Hm. Over the years, it had become easier to read her, and it was clear when she wanted as she plucked at her hair tie. He set his pen down, pulling out the brush he kept in his drawer. She brightened softly, walking over as he pushed his chair back. His arms were already open when she leaned in for the hug. She was trembling slightly, hugging him tighter, and he patted her back, letting her decide when to let go. She held on longer than usual before leaning away, turning so her back was to him. "How did it go?" he asked, tugging one of the hair ties free and starting to brush. "Well..." Jinx began. He listened as the words poured out, brushing out her hair and began to braid.

___ I write this, and it turns out the scene that inspired all this ended up not making the cut, whoops.

[zombie-brains]

Jinx Memories:

Key for dialogue:

V: Vi

S: Silco

M*: Mylo (in my head)

Sv: Sevika

G: My girlfriend, Gem (an unnamed background character)

Anything unmarked is what I said

-We used to do shadow puppet shows as kids

-Vi brought me scraps for my bombs whenever she went out

-Vi used to help me braid my hair

V: “If you’re gonna let it get long you have to keep it braided.”

-Vander would give us all haircuts

-One time we stole food from one of the street vendors and ran when we got caught. He of course came and talked to Vander and we got a stern talking to about not stealing from our own.

-I kept a lot of the records we used to listen to as kids

-I would routinely “borrow” records from the bar until Silco would recognize where I got them from and make me bring them back

-“I see Powder and Jinx as two different people. There was a before and an after. Powder is the before Jinx is the after. Powder died when you left. You killed Powder”

-V: “Silco kidnapped you, filled your head with all these crazy ideas!”

“He didn’t kidnap me, he took me in when you left me; when I had nobody”

V: “yeah And who’s fault was that!”

M*: “Yeah, who’s fault was that, Jinx!”

“I didn’t mean to, I was only trying to help.”

V: “We didn’t need your help Powder.”

“Stop calling me that. Powder is gone.”

-“Do you know what killing your entire family does to you, especially when you’re so young? A lot. And it’s not pretty.”

-“You think I asked for this; cus I didn’t. But you gotta make the best of what you’ve got.”

-Trying to train with Vi but she would always go easy on me

-“Do you know what dying is like? I do. It’s dark and cold. No fun.”

-Pretending to play the instruments along with my music (drums and guitar)

-I used to have a hard time sleeping because Mylo and Claggor would torment me in my sleep

-“Shut up, you never thought I could do anything!”

M*: “And look how that’s gone. You just mess everything up Jinx!”

-Whenever I was upset or wanted to be alone I used to go to the places we used to hang out at as kids. I never knew why but they just felt comforting to me.

-I taught Silco how to braid my hair so he could help me after Vi left

-S: “Why have you put metal in your hair?”

“Because it looks cool!”

-Silco wasn’t the most affectionate person but he loved me in his own way

-Silco would usually brush the hair out of my face or give me a soft kiss on the forehead when I was sleeping, or he at least thought I was.

-After I almost died I didn’t want to go to sleep because I was afraid I’d be back in the void: it was dark, cold, and empty and I was standing in an inch or two of dark hazy water.

-Sv: “Jinx!”

“Oooh, was that supposed to be a dig? Because I’ve had my brother saying that to me in the exact same tone, you know, ever since I killed him and all. It doesn’t hurt anymore, it’s just my name.”

-Gem was one of the street kids that we hung out with when we were younger

-I first saw Gem again in The Lanes when she was pickpocketing someone

“Hey there stranger!”

G: “Powder?”

“Nope, it’s Jinx now.”

G: “What the hell happened to you? I thought you were dead!”

“No, but everyone else is.”

G: “What? What happened?”

“Eh water under the bridge. Well, more like bodies under a building actually.”

-“You lookin for a job?”

G: “Always. Why, you got something?”

-Annoying Gem while she worked

-Gem playing with my necklace and running her fingers across my neck

-G: “You have such a pretty voice.”

“Awe, you have a pretty voice too.”

G: “I can’t sing like you can.”

“Singing isn’t everything. I love your voice, it’s unique!”

-Gem was usually pretty quiet; her voice was raspy due to the fumes being particularly bad where she grew up and she could be very self conscious about it

-Gem would call me JJ

-Gem would pickpocket small things for me, mostly rings; it was a toss up of whether they’d fit me or not. If I really like ones that didn’t fit me I’d wear them on a chain as a necklace

-I made Gem a necklace out of scrap metal

-“She wants Powder. But I’m not Powder, not anymore.”

-V: “What have you done! You’ve just put the entire undercity in the crosshairs of Piltover!”

-V: “You saw what they were like over a building exploding, over dead enforcers. After everything you’ve done do you really think they’re just going to let this go? You attacked the council, Powder!”

“Stop it! Stop calling me that!”

-Sv: “I didn’t sign up to be a babysitter!”

S: “What do you want me to do? I can’t take her with me, it’s too dangerous.”

Sv: “Why did you keep a kid? What use is she to us?”

S: “Just stay here with her, you need the rest anyways.”

-Getting frustrated and crying trying to do my hair by myself after Silco was gone

-I eventually cut my hair in a fit of anger and frustration when I was trying to do it myself; it was a bit past my shoulders and I still wore it in two braids

-After I cut my hair I just sat there on the floor. Gem came in, saw me surrounded by hair; she didn’t say anything, she came in, cleaned everything up, and fixed my hair since I had cut haphazardly

-“The only other person who still loved me and I killed him.”

-“They were right, I really am a jinx.”

G: “Don’t listen to them JJ, you are not a jinx!”

-“Ugggg I’m so bored. Can I go blow something up?”

S: “No, I need you here.”

-G: “Come on, let me come with you. I can be like your personal body guard.”

“I can handle myself.”

G: “I know, but I worry about you going there alone. It’s dangerous.”

-Gem taught me how to pickpocket but I was never as good as her

-Silco rebuilt his underwater lab after the explosion and I would just sit at the window and stare out for hours; that’s were my love of sharks came from

-At first I hated coming to the lab even though the epicenter area was never rebuild because I hated remembering what happened. Over time I just blocked it out and eventually forgot

-Laying on the rooftops of buildings close to the surface with Gem to try and see the stars

-“Why is he so mean to me?”

C: “I don’t think he means to be mean, he’s just trying to help you get better.”

-“I’m not good at fighting but I’m a really good shot!”

V: “Yeah well what are you gonna shoot with? It’s not like we can get a real gun. Even if we could, we can’t kill people Powder.”

“*why not, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill us*”

-V: “We all have bad days.”

“Apparently I have more than most.”

-I made a chomper to get Vi’s bunny unstuck

-I would sneak out to the arcade to practice shooting and boxing by myself

-V: “I’ll always be there to catch you, Powder.”

Bonus:

Playlist