Say You'll Always Wonder
Act I, Chapter 5.
Silco x Fem!OC | Piltovan x Zaunite | Prequel to the Arcane events | Slow burn? Just annoyances to "lovers" | Additional tags to be added.
Act I, Chapter 4 on Tumblr.
Say You'll Always Wonder on AO3.
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The secrecy, the adrenaline, the riskโฆ All the possible factors added enthusiasm to the youngest Nightingaleโs life, one she devoted once a week for the past month, discovering that an excess of good luck was an advantage impossible to ignore; however, it felt like gambling.
Will she be caught that night? Will her mother go mad and jail her in the majesty of their home for eternity? Oh, Janna, she preferred not to know.
All of her apprehensions went away as soon as she was in The Last Drop, Graceโs sanctuary, a place where she could speak her mind, showing a level of negligence to Piltoverโs etiquetteโaction reinforced by Vander.
Even though her visits had the sole purpose of knowledge and her attention was mostly dedicated to Silco, she also found an acquaintance in Vander. He was a cordial man, one of the few people she felt comfortable being herself with; he saw her as an equal, not an enemy, and for that, a sense of gratefulness was placed in her heart.
Typical of a Wednesday night, the bar was almost deserted as people would pass by for one or two drinks, throwing a couple of Hexes on the counter bar in exchange for the quick escapade that alcohol could provide for several hours.
The clientele movement did not interrupt Grace and Silco's conversation about the thick air of the Undercity.
โIn these deep canyons, the fumes are released from the corroded pipework as a result of the toxic gases and heavy metals from the mines,โ the dark-haired man explained, his voice caressing the brunette's ears in such a unique form, but that did not distract her from the main topic.
โIs that why the density of the air is drastically different from up there?โ Grace asked him, receiving a nod as confirmation. She was aware of the air's thickness in the Undercity; it was mandatory for enforcers to wear masks to avoid the pungent fumesโif they weren't able to handle the toxic air in The Lanes, how could the citizens of the Undercity live in such conditions?
โVander and youโฆ You both work at the mining facility,โ she picked up in the severity of his words, concern revealed in her tone. โThe excessive inhalation of these toxic gases and heavy metals could be lethal for you-โ
โThat is a risk we must take in order to persist,โ he interrupted her quickly, feeling those gray eyes watching over him with displeasure.
โHow is that even legal?โ Grace asked, indignant, โHow is it that the Council has not done anything to repair the consequences of unfettered development? Terrible diseases and birth defects are not only part of the collateral damage, but the life of a whole civilization is!โ Her words came out with outrage. She could not only feel disappointment, but a terrible shame in her bones.
It was no wonder the people of the Undercity hated themโno, loathed them with their whole beings! Everything Piltover had done to stay afloat put the Undercity in dangerous conditions.
โEasy there,โ Silco spoke softly, amusement showing in his demeanor as he stopped her train of thought. โIf I didn't know better, I would think you are one of us.โ
A soft smile appeared on her lips, eyes darting somewhere else as the words 'one of them' kept repeating in her head. If Grace were a citizen of the Undercity, would Silco treat her as his equal?
โA Zaunite?โ She ended up asking, curiosity creeping out.
โPerhaps,โ he hummed in response.
His teal eyes glanced at the bar, and his mind wandered; his jaw tensed at a certain thought, but in a matter of seconds, he looked back to her and said, โYou have a good heart, Grace.โ The compliment flew in the air, โJust like my brother's. A rare trait if we take into consideration how mankind normally isโฆโ Silence ended up taking over as he did not continue, his sight locked onto hers.
Interest traveled around her body as she took into consideration his words once again. Silco was not the kind to adulate anyoneโnot even those close to him; he had a marvelous silver tongue and could influence whoever he wanted, but he ultimately chose not to. So, Grace knew deep down, he meant well.
โThank you,โ she murmured, wearing that sweet smile of hers.
They could hear the soft beat playing from the jukebox, a decently quiet sound compared to the abrupt stomping down the stairs. Grace looked behind her, finding that purple-haired woman from that particular night, exchanging amused smiles with another man who followed her rather quietly. Then, it was a matter of seconds for their attention to land on her, as the woman's smile transformed into a self-satisfied grin.
โOh, look what we have here.โ Lively tints of emotion could be found in that smooth voice of hers. โYou must be Grace, right? I'm Felicia, and this 's Connol.โ
Face to face, the Piltovan could detail her features, and the woman, Felicia, was gorgeous. Sharp features that combined so well with a pair of silver eyes that demonstrated good humor, and the dark purple braid falling over her shoulder with ease. On the other hand, Connol had a regular aspectโjust a skinny white man with a haircut that did not suit him at all. He was calm as he nodded towards them.
โIt's nice to meet youโฆโ As she stood up from her seat, Grace went to shake hands with the pair but stopped herself.
The people from the Undercity did not shake hands as a common greeting. Their interactions were mostly unpolished and practical; they were cautious around others and could not say it was completely different from Piltovans, as they were more diplomatic in their formalities.
โAh, we've heard good things 'bout you. Si-โ
โVander,โ Silco interrupted Felicia quickly, his reserved demeanor making a new appearance. The three of them watched him, but the one who caught his attention was Grace, glancing at him and waiting for his elaboration. โYou know himโฆ he enjoys talking about what's going on around the bar.โ
โYeah, Vanderโฆโ The purple-haired woman slowly started, provoking eyes that darted at him. โHe's told us so much 'bout you. Your interest in our people. I gotta be honest with youโthought you were just some Piltie foolin' around, feelin' pity until it'd go away and move on, but you're still hereโฆ can't say others wouldn't stay with what's going on down here.โ
A sense of gloom appeared in Grace's heart, brushed off by keeping a good faรงade. Maybe the words she wanted to say would have a sense of emptiness to them, but she ultimately meant it. โThe Undercity deserves better,โ Grace said to the couple, eventually looking at Silco, โAll of you do.โ
His smirkโa genuine reflection of some sort of assurance, one that would stain in the back of her mind as the seconds went by, and she felt ridiculously aware of it.
โGlad to hear that,โ Felicia placed a hand on Grace's shoulder, squeezing it in a friendly manner. โWe rarely get a topsider by this side of town, so tell us, how's the City of Progress?โ Her smile widened, curiosity piqued.
Oh, there were plenty of things Grace could talk about.
The significant power and influence the city exhibited in architecture and advances were only the surface of a thriving community where the traits of Valoran's culture caught the attention. The art, craftsmanship, trade, and innovation were the pride of the city, continually evolving. The academy did an excellent job of polishing students into becoming the next face of a scientific or technological improvement, sponsored by families who held the cycle to their benefit.
And those benefits became an invisible privilege to the eye.
The silly tea parties with several daughters of reputable houses, the endless gossip at the marvelous parks of the city, the eccentric social gatherings where business was the protagonist, and the proposal of education in exchange for a greater mind. What seemed to be a responsibilityโalmost an annoyanceโto her, it was an unattainable dream to those from the Undercity.
Huh, a dream? They could not dream of something they had never seen. They dreamed of things they barely grasp the definition of. How could she describe a land of splendor to someone who had only seen a crumbling ruin?
โHave you ever crossed the bridge?โ
โNever.โ
โSoon you will be able to,โ a gentle smile appeared, โAcross the bridge, there's this market. They sell a great variety of food and goods, and if you go north, there is a small bakeryโฆ tourists will stop by after the traveling ships finish their course at the northern docks. Twenty minutes walking will take you to Midtown, that's where the middle class lives, but the wonders of Piltover land on Academy Squareโknown as the cityโs heart, that's where they set up the fair every year. Following the northeast path will lead you to the Gold Wayโฆโ Her words came to a stop, unsure of how to continue. โThe upper-class and nobility reside there.โ
Felicia's smile never faltered, her interest in learning becoming more visible. โHow's it?โ
โOh, I have never been there. Sadly,โ the lie came fast, sealing her status in front of them, โBut the extravagant buildings can be seen even from the airship dock. I indulge in the view from time to time when I have to deliver mail at the office.โ
She should not worry; it was just a little white lie that would not hurt anyone.
โThe airshipsโฆ Remember when we used to sneak out and watch them for hours?โ Connol commented, his eyes lingering in the memory, โYou used to say, 'one day, I'm gonna ride in one of those things.'โ
โThat was so long ago!โ The purple-haired woman responded, her body closer to her lover's, โMaybe we'll be able toโฆ Can you imagine Vi's face when it takes off? Oh! And Powder's? It'd be the sweetest thin' ever,โ that kind of felicity that lights up everyone's face was Felicia's ability and as she brought that to the group, a question popped up in the brunette's head.
Who is Vi and Powder?
โAye, what's goin' on here?โ The barman intruded on the conversation, still on duty. He glanced at each member, eyes falling on a very affectionate Felicia planting kisses on a shy Connol.
โWe were talking about Piltover,โ Silco responded as he avoided watching the physical display between his two friends, wearing that calm faรงade.
โNow theyโre all sweet on each other, just like that? Hmphโฆโ Vander's confusion was a commonality with Grace's; however, she turned to face him.
โIn a different matter, they have told me you have been talking about me,โ Grace commented with light humor as Vander kept a confused face.
โTalkin' 'bout ya?โ His raspy voice sounded genuinely oblivious. A mute interaction developed in the air, an idea to bother someone she did not expect, or what was coming next, โOh, yeah, well, you know me, canโt keep my damn mouth shutโbeauty like yours tends to slip into conversation.โ
Ohโฆ oh.
Is this how Edith felt that time!? How could she feel so embarrassed at a simple compliment? For Janna's sake, she was a grown adult! But her face was burning up as if the bar caught on fire! And the wink? The damned wink!
โYou rogueโyou canโt just say things like that!โ Grace called him out, watching that grin full of mischief.
Suddenly, the gentle touch of Silco's fingers caught her forearm, pulling her away from the bar table, terminating any dialogue between her and the barman; a couple of chuckles were present even in the distance Silco had established, and Grace did not pay attention to them as she realized the fool she had made of herself.
Over an absurd comment.
โYou're red,โ he spoke with such velvety manner, and an electrifying sensation traveled through her spine. She did not have to look at him to know he was observing the scarlet on her face.
โI know,โ she finally responded, quietly.
โStrange...โ Teal eyes avoided her gaze, a quick flick of hesitation replaced by firmness. โIโd have thought someone like you would be used to hearing things like that.โ
And he wasn't wrong, but paying a compliment in Piltover was mostly a tactic used to one's benefit. Sycophancy was the name of that practice, Grace remembered from her mother's lectures, and so, she disregarded those who tried to flatter her as she attempted to possess a life freed from favorsโeven though it was inescapable at some points. However, Vander was no Piltovan, and she deeply knew his words meant authenticity.
โI didn't expect it,โ she spoke her truth.
There was no continuation to that conversation.
So, they went silent; backs lying against the wall, resting as they watched Felicia grab her lover's hands, almost racing to the middle of the floor for some reason. There, the couple slowly danced to a song from the jukebox, enjoying themselves in their own little world.
โI get the feeling your knowledge of the Gold Way goes deeper than you let on, doesnโt it?โ Her attention switched to him, now thumbs playing with the cloak's fabric. โIโd like to know, if you donโt mind.โ
โOf course,โ Grace answered quickly to his keen interest, โIt isโฆ impressive. The virtues of the Uppercity do not reside only in its culture; no, you can also find them in its nature. How delightful it is when the sunlight reflects against the River Pilt, creating a beautiful scenery to the naked eye, and most would recommend to visit Innovation Park if you are looking for a moment of peaceโฆ when the wind becomes present during the day, lilac petals will fall around and you'll find yourself enjoying the pleasing melodies of the wind chimes, if the birds are not singing as well.โ
โBut you've never been there. Sadly,โ a small curve in her lips appeared due to his silly comment, โIndulge me about the birds, Grace.โ
โThe birds?โ
โYes,โ Silco nodded, โWe have crows, and their singing isn't exactly enjoyable, but an irritating screech,โ he quickly explained.
โThen I'll enlighten you,โ Grace agreed as there was no need to deny such request, โAround the lily pond, the singing of the Willow flycatchers can be heard even though is extremely short; it's easily recognizable since they will repeat after each other, it sounds exactly like a burry zip while the Alder flycatcher is half chirped, half-whistled singingโvery sharp, but still pleasant.โ The explanation flowed easily, while she did not go into extreme details.
The birds' singing was not her forte, but the significance that other human beings gave to these.
โTell me more about it,โ he requested once again.
โI did not think you were so interested in such creatures,โ she jokingly said, looking at the smirk forming on his lips.
โThe birds are not the only thing I'm interested in,โ Silcoโs hands went deep into his pockets. โYou speak passionately. It's indeed contagious.โ
A laugh escaped from Graceโs mouth, which she instinctively covered. Such action was a response to years of following etiquette norms, to be more ladylike, but reality was that her heart yearned for more.
Just like kids craving for more sweets.
โContagious, you sayโฆ very unique way to confess you enjoy listening to my chatter.โ Heartbeat followed the rhythm of her words. Should distraction be the way to calm down her nerves? Then, let it be.
โOver the years, we have found ways to determine what is essential and what is not. Birds are in the second category, but that did not stop others from learning more about these creaturesโif there is knowledge, there is creativity. Similar to flowers, we have given birds a symbolism that determines the meaning of their presence. Flycatchers are well known by Piltovans for their dexterity and nimbility, representing fearlessness and resilience. Crows, on the other hand, are believed to be a sign of bad omen and death.โ
โAnd we have plenty of those in the Undercity. Fits like a glove.โ
โNot quite,โ Grace interrupted, โThey actually symbolize change and uncertainty, flying reminders of what we cannot understand yet.โ
Silco hummed in agreement, the explanation weighing on him as something completely new.
The people of the Undercity had their own beliefs, but learning about the Piltovan's brought a different light to his perspective. How can a bird mean so much? He asked himself at first. To Silco, there was nothing special about those animals, but listening to her felt differentโand if Grace could speak so passionately about those birds, did she favor one?
As if she were reading his mind, Grace continued, โThere is a bird, so timid no one can see. You will only be able to listen to its singing when the night has fallen, and when you do, you will recognize the deep tints of joy combined with terrible sorrow in its songโฆ Because of that, they're associated with duality: love and loss.โ
A soft smile appeared on Grace's face, her fingers left the cloak's fabric alone as the thought came to her mind. Lifting a hand, she poked Silco's side-shoulder; her action caused confusion in the man.
โThese night singers are commonly known as Nightingales.โ
โNightingalesโฆโ Silco savored the name, an intimate idea going through his head with no plans of leaving him alone. He caught Grace's hand, his calloused thumb rubbing the pale skin he deemed very soft.
Once again, silence reigns between them.
As Grace felt him caressing her hand, she watched the man become distracted. First of his thoughts, then to the couple on the dancing floor. The amber light carefully touched his face; at the correct angle, it created a wonderful contrast with the teal of his eyes, those that eventually flickered with significance as if something had finally clicked in his mind. Something so singular she couldn't tell what it exactly was.
So, her attention was placed on the tune playing for the dancers at the bar.
The chorus had just started. A set of drums indicated the rhythm as the trumpets took the protagonist, setting catchy but complex chords that most would dance to, and the applause followed the beat of her heart. She tried to ignore it, her eyes met Felicia and Connol.
Those two were moving with such distinction. Strong steps as they listen to the melody, messy steps as they laugh it off, letting pleasure become the main lead in their hearts.
I love you, baby. A man sang through the static, exaltation combined with impulsion. And if it's quite alright, I need you, baby.
To warm a lonely night, I love you, baby. Connol's lips moved, reciting the lyrics to his lover, deaf to those who could only watch. Trust in me when I say, oh, pretty baby!
Grace saw a reflection of familiarity in them. Don't bring me down, I pray. The love they demonstrate. Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay. Effortlessly, so candidly.
And let me love you, baby. What Felicia had, Edith did too. Let me love you.
Leading with a decrescendo, the violins guided the melody to a melancholic tone.
You're just too good to be true.
Unconsciously, Grace's sight traveled to Silco, the man she expected to be kept as prisoner of his dreaminess.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
But she only found tenderness staring back at her.
You'd be like Heaven to touch.
And his hand never left hers.
I wanna hold you so much.
โMay I have a dance withyou?โ He spoke with gentleness. That sweet velvety tone, louder than the jukebox itself.
His enthralling smile provoked a sense of fascination in her. Oh, how could she deny him? But a tense thought, bigger than courage, rejected his request.
โSilco,โ Grace murmured, hints of shyness she wished she could get rid of, โI must confess I'm a terrible dancer, you really don't want to subject yourself to such punishment.โ
Her hand was slowly leaving his.
Silco's lips parted in order to protest, but Grace didn't allow him. โIt's already late for me, I should leave,โ she stated with letdown, glancing at the darkness that awaited her outside the bar. In response, he nodded, letting it go.
โAt least, let me accompany you,โ he commented with that smile of his transformed into one full of comfort, one she genuinely reciprocated.
Eyes locked onto each other, Grace said:
โYou always do.โ
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I'M SORRY.
Yes, it's been 4 months since I last updated this fic, BUT I can explain why.
...
I was in a car accident.
And believe me, it wasn't fun.
HOWEVER, I'm back and ready to keep updating this fanfic this year.
To be honest, this is one of my favorite chapters so far! I had the idea cooking in my head for the longest time, and writing it was such an amazing experience so, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy New Year to all of you!!!
