✦ ambessa picks you up after class ﾉ eighteen plus
you spotted her car instantly. sleek, black, and so out of place in your shitty school. everyone else’s rides were dented hand me downs or chipped scooters, but hers? hers looked like it belonged in a movie.
your classmates noticed too. they always did. whispers followed you like shadows when you walked towards it. some said she was your mom, others your aunt. a few braver ones murmured sugar mama and giggled behind their hands. you never corrected them.
the truth was worse, orr…better? depending on how you looked at it.
she leaned against the hood as if she owned the whole damn lot, sunglasses perched low on her nose, thick arms crossed over her chest. even dressed casually, she radiated power. kids who didn’t even know her gave her a wide berth. she was a storm contained in a woman, and she’d come here just for you.
“get in,” she said simply, her voice carrying over the chatter.
your pulse leapt. you obeyed without hesitation, slipping into the passenger seat. the interior smelled like leather and her perfume, that earthy spice that clung to your clothes long after she touched you.
the doors clicked shut. the air thickened.
“how was school?” she asked, but her hand was already on your thigh, big and heavy, sliding up the pleated fabric of your skirt.
“fine,” you whispered, though the word caught in your throat when her fingers pressed higher, brushing dangerously close.
her mouth curved into a smile, sharp and knowing. she didn’t take her eyes off the road as she started the engine. one hand on the wheel, the other teasing under your skirt.
the car purred out of the lot while you tried to keep your legs from trembling.
“ambessa,” you hissed softly, but it came out needy instead of scolding.
“quiet,” she murmured, slipping two thick fingers past your panties, right where you were already warm and wet for her. “you’ll let them wonder what i am to you. mommy. mistress. sugar mommy. i don’t care. but only we know the truth, don’t we?”
her words sank deep, curling heat low in your belly as her fingers sank deeper, curling just right. you bit your lip, trying to stifle the whimper that threatened to give you away.
you shifted in the seat, thighs twitching. “someone could see—”
“let them,” she cut in smoothly, her voice low, commanding. her thumb pressed against your clit, rolling lazy circles that made your hips jerk. “they’ll only see a good girl getting a ride home.”
your breath hitched. the leather stuck to the back of your thighs as you tried to squirm away, but she had you anchored. her hand was huge, unrelenting, fingers working inside you like they belonged there.
she finally glanced at you,“look at you. already dripping. this what you think about in class, hm? sit there all day with your panties wet, waiting for me to pick you up?”
you whined, turning your head toward the window, ashamed at how true it was.
ambessa laughed under her breath, the sound dark and satisfied. “don’t hide from me. spread your legs wider, darling.”
you obeyed before you even thought about it, thighs falling open to give her better access. she rewarded you by curling her fingers deeper, hitting that spot that made your vision blur.
the car turned down a quieter street, trees shading the road, but she didn’t slow down. didn’t pull back. if anything, she pressed harder, faster, until the wet sounds of her fingers pumping you filled the cabin.
“fuck! please —” you gasped, your nails digging into the seat.
“ah now let’s not say vulgarities. and please what? use your words, little one.”
“please…don’t stop.” it spilled out, desperate, humiliating.
her smirk widened. “good girl.”
her thumb rolled mercilessly against your clit as her fingers fucked you faster, filling the car with the smell of sex, with your muffled moans. your thighs quivered, body tightening like a bowstring about to snap.
“that’s it,” she coaxed, her voice velvet and steel, “cum for me right here. make a mess on my hand, on my seat. i’ll clean you up later.”
you broke with a cry, clamping down around her fingers, your body shaking as the orgasm tore through you. wetness flooded against her palm, dripping down, soaking the leather beneath you.
ambessa didn’t stop until you were whimpering, overstimulated, your head thrown back against the headrest. only then did she withdraw, fingers glistening as she licked them clean with a slow, deliberate swipe of her tongue.
“sweet,” she said simply, pulling up to a red light like nothing had happened. “now. sit pretty. we’re not even home yet.”
Maybe some Young! Silco fic? (Or anything that you wanna do) I already loved his older version but his Young self in The last episodes got my heart in a grip 😭💖💖 He looks so full of dreams and maybe a little silly. Maybe with a energetic/chaotic significant other!
young!silco also has me in a death grip don't worry. hope you enjoy this!!
warnings: fem!reader, violence, sexual innuendos, secondhand embarrassment for drunk rambling
“It’s doable!”
“Doable and survivable are two very different things.”
Vander knocked his head against the metal backing of his mining gloves repeatedly, aching for the two of you to come to a compromise. The light of the fungi matched the tink tink tink of his patience running thin.
Crunching footsteps had him pausing, one eye opening to find Felicia pushing her helmet up higher on her head as she stared at you and Silco just beyond, still very much squabbling. She leaned on her hip, one hand rising to rest on it as she smiled down at Vander’s hunched form.
“Are they still arguing about the gap?” she whispered.
He groaned quietly instead of answering. It was all she needed.
“I can make it!” you protested, arms gesturing to the other side of the ravine. “I’ve jumped buildings twice the distance.”
“When you’re jumping buildings you can see the ground,” Silco argued, pointing to the darkness below. “We don’t know how long a fall that is, you absolute lunatic.”
“You’ve gotta hand it to her,” Felicia chuckled, taking up camp next to Vander. “No one else would even think of jumping across.”
“She’s an adrenaline junkie,” Vander muttered. “Jumping off shit is all she thinks about.”
“Would you—just let me—damn it, Sil!”
The shuffle of boots and clothes had both of their heads turning, watching with equally amused expressions as Silco passed by with you being half carried half dragged away from the ravine. Silco didn’t pay them a glance as he went. You kept stretching back the way you came, struggling but not truly putting all your energy into it. Felicia could tell. You loved being his center of attention for as long as possible, even if it kept you away from your wild pastimes.
The sound of a horn echoed through the caves, sending the fungi white with the sound. The work day was finished.
“Back to the last drop, then?” Felicia hummed, standing and offering a hand to the big man. He accepted it with a soft grin, following her out. The two of them watched Silco far ahead, who was now fully carrying you in your grieved state. You kept muttering you could have made it.
“Think they’ll ever get together?” she hummed, nudging Vander.
“Wish they would,” he sighed. “It was annoying years ago, now its just pitiful.”
She laughed, waving a hand at you when you pulled your head up from Silco’s shoulder to eye them. “Well, she’ll never do it. She’s convinced herself he’s too focused on our cause to ever settle down.”
“Some days I think the same thing,” Vander said, introspective when she glanced up at him, “others, I catch him looking at her. He doesn’t open up, barely does around us, but…”
“Disappears around her, yeah?” She smiled at him and he mirrored her, nodding.
Later that night, the Last Drop was bustling with the newest record added to the box. You’re dancing over chairs, running across the edge of the pool tables as people chant your name. Someone tossed a mug through the air and you caught it, swallowing the contents down and cheering with the rest before continuing on with dancing.
Silco watched from his bar seat. He had cruel timing, turning his eyes back to his notebook when you pulled yourself away from the crowd to glance at him. To you, he was lost in his own world, but really he fell into yours quite easily. You were distracting. He perked up at the sound of your voice without meaning to, knew the outline of your body in his periphery. Abrasive and chaotic. You’re too much, too loud.
Too perfect for someone as withdrawn and stiff as him.
“Oh, heaven help me,” Vander grumbled, both hands on the bar as he stared at the scene. Silco paused to raise an eyebrow at him. “She just downed three shots in one.”
“How many does that make it now?” he questioned.
“Eight.”
Both of their heads dropped, knowing how the night would be going.
“All right, I give!” Felcia slammed a hand on the bar as she walked up, panting. “I can’t keep up with her. Gods. Where does she get the energy?”
Vander passed her a drink as Silco shrugged, music blaring all around them. Felicia scowled when she noticed his journal.
“Oh, c’mon, Silco. Let loose for a bit!” she shouted over the din of the bar, clapping a hand on his shoulder.
“If I did that, nothing would ever get done around here,” he returned, smirking as she rolled her eyes.
The counter shook under them, the second bang of Vander’s fist sending both of them on high alert. Two meant trouble.
Felicia spun around, Silco turned in his seat. There by the record player you were backed against the wall by a man, one arm caging you in while his fingers pinched your chin. The cold look in your eyes had a shiver streaking down Silco's spine. You were a storm like this and he’d been lost to it for years.
The man said something that made you scoff, batting his hand away and sliding to get out from under him. As his hand grabbed your upper arm Silco realized he was no longer sitting. Even across the room he could read your lips.
“Last chance. Beat it,” you warned.
The man laughed and tugged you closer, it sent your knee right between his legs. When he bent over, Silco heard the crack as your fist met the man’s jaw. He hit the ground, dead weight.
Fuck, he thought, hands curling into fists at his side. You were perfect.
You stumbled back a few steps. It seemed those shots had soaked in. You were cradling your hand as yells broke out, slow to turn as a couple of goons stood from a table nearby.
“Great,” Felicia puffed, pushing off the bar, “he had lackeys.”
Vander shouted as they ran at you, Silco was halfway to you when you dodged the first swing, putting you straight into the path of another. Your back hit the record player, a scratch disrupting the music. The entire bar turned, regulars rushing forward without second thought and jumping the goons.
Silco went straight to you, mindful of the chair Felicia was brandishing overhead as she flew into the meat of the fight.
“Let me see,” he said, sliding a hand under your jaw and tilting your head back. You were hunching, still holding that hand of yours to your chest.
“Hey, Sil,” you slurred, grinning and wincing. Your lower lip was busted, the right side of your face already beginning to swell from the jaw up. “Can you believe that guy? Down in one hit, hah!”
“Still have all your teeth?” he asked, wiping the blood trailing from the corner of your mouth.
“What? You want me to open wide for you?”
He ticked a brow, scowling through the heat that flashed through his stomach.
“Come on, let’s get ice on that,” he muttered, wrapping an arm around you. You hummed happily, falling into his side. Even as drunk as you were, your feet barely stumbled as he led you to the basement door. He nodded to Vander who already had the same idea, coming around the back of the bar to pass him an ice pack and a clean rag. He thanked him.
“Take care of her,” Vander said, rubbing a hand over your back. You tossed the big man a smile before he returned to his station.
“Keep that on there,” Silco said to you, heart aching as you hissed at the touch of it.
“I’ve got it,” you muttered, hand brushing his. He made sure you kept it pressed to your cheek before opening the door and helping you in first, careful of the stairs as he closed it behind him. The sounds of fighting and the skipping music was muffled as he led you into the bowels of the Last Drop, setting you down gently on the couch.
He reached for your hand, frowning when you turned away from him.
“Let me see,” he said.
“It’s fine,” you grumbled, curling into the couch.
“I’d like to see that for myself,” he pushed, fingers gentle as they smoothed over your wrist. Your furrowed brow relaxed a bit, watery eyes trailing to him. “Let me see,” he asked again, softer.
You sighed, the weight of your arm settling into his palm as he moved to sit next to you. You hand shook in both of his, the skin of your knuckles ripped open and gushing red. When he attempted to move your pointer and middle fingers you whimpered, head falling into his shoulder.
He apologized, pulling one hand away to reach into his jacket. “It’s sprained. I’ll need to wrap it.”
“Sweet Sil,” you sighed, your good cheek rubbing against his shoulder as you brought your knees up, “always prepared for the worst.”
“I wouldn’t have to be if you weren’t constantly getting into trouble,” he hummed, pulling out a roll of bandages and beginning his work. You curled into him as he cleaned you up, tensing when he secured your bruised digits. As he tied the bandages off around your wrist, he sighed, holding your hand in his, thumb running over your skin.
“M’sorry,” you sniffed.
He turned his head, a breath punched from his lungs as he saw tears slipping down your cheeks. The ice pack laid abandoned in your lap.
“What are you apologizing for?” he murmured, brushing your hair out of your face.
“I always make a mess,” you whispered, little gasps slipping. Each one was a bullet to his chest. He couldn’t stand seeing you cry. “I always annoy you.”
“No,” he murmured, arms stretching over you to pull you into his lap, “no, you don’t annoy me, pet.”
“Yes, I do,” you sobbed. “I get into t-trouble when I-when I just want you to look at me.”
Oh, Gods help him. He knew this was the alcohol talking but the hopeful flame in his heart was burning into a torch. He needed to calm you down and get you to bed.
“I’m looking,” he said, lips grazing your forehead as he rubbed your back. “You don’t have to try so hard. I’m always looking.”
You sniffed and he grabbed the bloody rag, nudging the cleanest corner towards you to blow your nose. He chuckled when you groaned, curling deeper into his chest.
“Too drunk for this,” you mumbled. “Stupid shots.”
“Stupid shots, indeed,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Let's get you some water and go to bed.”
You whined, hiding your face in his neck. “Wanna stay here. M’warm.”
He sighed, settling into the couch. Eventually you would nod off. He’d carry you into bed, then.
“Hair’s nice.”
“What?” he chuckled, trying to look down at you, but it was impossible with you smushed up against him.
“Your hair,” you said, lips moving against his neck. “I like it when it’s bun. Hair frames your face nice. S’handsome.”
You’re going to hate yourself in the morning, he thought, holding back his laughter. You were never going to live this down and he wasn’t nearly nice enough to not tease you about this for the rest of your life.
“Face hurts,” you sighed. He rubbed your calf, shushing you.
contains: y/n usage. n/n usage (= nickname). reader’s pov. canon universe, following the events of s1’s first act (ep 1 precisely). both reader and vi being -18. comfort. sweet kisses. kind of angsty ending.
summary: y/n and vi share the same past, two orphans who lost their parents in the revolt organized by vander and silco. when they found themselves living under vander’s wing, vi picked an interest on you, a very mutual one turns out.
wc: 3698.
reminders: english isn’t my first language! this story portrays teens, no inappropriate comments allowed.
𝓗 : rewatching arcane on the second season’s anniversary (even though i’m late lol) has me in tears. i know i’m not the only one who imagines how the menace vi was would be with her first love and i’d like to give my first contribute to the arcane fandom with this little fluff oneshot. alright, i’ll stop re reading it before i end up hating it and hand it to you girls instead!
Zaun was called many names. The “Undercity” and the “Lanes” were the most common by the locals, still the Piltovians had less manners with the attributes.
One time, a fisherman called it the “darkest slum”.
He had just filled the boat with the daily catch and was chatting with one of his colleagues at the edge of the bridge at the entrance before Zaun, unaware that a little girl, bare feet and torn clothes, had just stolen a couple crabs from one of the baskets inches from him.
“Because the sun doesn’t reach down there. It refuses to.” was the reason of the chosen title. It was so unexpected, so cruel, it astounded the girl terribly.
She wondered if it was true.
She never cared to take much of a look at the sky, but that afternoon, on her way back home, her chin kept high, holding close to her chest the goods that would be her meal.
And... It was correct. The man was right, the sky shifted colors. From a clear azure, it became navy the deeper she descended in the city.
It was the first time she heard such disdain toward the place she was child of. Little did she know it was only the beginning.
“Eh, are you sleeping over there?”
Vander’s hand goes resting on your shoulder, shaking you out of your memory and back into the livings world.
“Huh?” with a jolt, you almost drop the glass held in your left hand.
A small laugh leaves the man’s lips, squeezing your shoulder just a bit. “I was asking if you could pass me that glass. Though you seemed immersed in your thoughts.” with that, his smile gets a little wider at your shocked face.
“I wonder what is it that you were thinking about so intently. Or who.” he softly takes the object from your hold and goes to pour in it a golden-ish colored liquor.
You know what he’s trying to tease you about. For once he’s mistaken.
Though you choose to play along anyhow.
“Ha-ha.” the corners of your mouth copy his. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” you give a hint of playfulness, pushing the unpleasant recollection back in the peripheries of your mind.
The man threw a knowing glance your way.
“Oh, well.” he said, going to a bring the early poured glass to a table among the crowd, where a regular, who you faintly remembered the name of, Huck, and two other individuals you’ve never seen before were dealing apparent business. It didn’t seem to be going too well, you thought, watching curiously the scene.
That little girl had grown a lot since the day she noticed Zaun’s constant nightly state. Many events succeeded that realization.
Like the one that brought her to where she was today, the loss of her mother during the uprising organized several years ago.
Hah. Uprising. More like bloodshed.
Perhaps that’s the reason why Vander decided to took you in.
Did he feel guilty, like he did for Felicia and Connol? A question never dared to be asked.
At least, the disdain felt by the topsiders she now possessed it too. Was only a matter of time for it to become mutual, after all.
Now Y/N was almost 15. She had decent clothes, a pair of shoes, friends.
... Friends.
The girl silently spaces out, lowering her gaze to the counter her hands are laying on.
Vi, Mylo, Claggor and Pow had been gone since early in the morning. You were conscious the job was big, they spent a week setting it up, getting ready, after Little Man told them about the rich weirdo who came at Benzo’s shop.
And you know they’re not stupid, yet you can’t help but worry. About Powder, specially. It was unusual of her to take part in these operations, even less when important.
It was already 6 o’clock. Sun was getting down and a couple voices began spreading around like a spider web.
An explosion of an important House’ building, four young thieves clearly from the Undercity. Lots of enforcers.
It wasn’t sounding good at all.
Vander questioned you a couple times, though you met him with silence, a culpable face that spoke volumes on your knowledge of the matter.
“If they’re not gonna be back by 7, I...” your thoughts rushed, until the sound of the entrance being swung open abruptly interrupted them.
Your eyes whipped upwards. It’s them...!
… All with their heads down, shame weighting painfully obviously on their shoulders. Despite distant, you could swear you saw a shiner on Claggor. Moreover the bag appeared empty.
You sought for one to return your stare, however none lifted their face. Instead, they quietly descended into the lower room without a word or wave.
Preoccupation colored your traits, suddenly switching attention to the table Vander headed a couple minutes ago, finding the man gazing at the direction the group walked to just like you. Evidently sensing you watching, his eyes diverted to you.
Both of you shared the same concerned expression.
He gave a small nod and mouthed a go, I’ll be there in a sec., which was all you needed to leave the space and run downstairs.
،،̲ Time skip.
What followed was to be expected.
Even if you rushed in the room, trying to have them explain to you first whatever happened, Vander wasted no time joining the conversation.
The tension was palpable, exactly as Vi’s humiliation; portrayed on facial lines and a nervously shaking leg.
The dried blood on her knuckles, brow, nostrils told a new story also. Those familiar signs of a fight were drawn on several of her body parts, though the questions for that needed to be delayed, priority given to the old man’s incoming lecture.
Your eyes couldn’t control gluing inevitably on the pink haired girl as he began his monologue.
Her posture, stiff and unnatural, sat uncomfortably on the armchair. Hair messily pulled back. A tight lour.
Just as you observed her, the realization that she hadn’t looked at you once creeped its way within the back of your mind.
Slow at first, deepening as time passed.
Powder timidly smiled at you. Claggor too. Mylo used his usual cheeky “Hey sweets.” to greet you.
Vi… Nothing. She avoided any eye contact, didn’t even deign to say a mere hi. Even now she looked at anywhere but you.
It’s not what she got you used to.
After what happened, the loss of her mother and the choice of Vander to take under his wing another “stray” – as some have called Y/N, and Vi, and Pow, and any orphan inhabiting the neon streets nearby the Last Drop – the girl managed to make more than friends actually.
Vi couldn’t be categorized as friend. Not by Y/N’s heart.
There was never an I love you, or an official request. In the Lanes you can’t just throw such words around.
Love in the Lanes is shown differently.
Fights, attempting to show self worth, a scream to become noticeable. To tell you “I bleed for you”.
Endless jokes, louder when you’re around, because they need to hear that ugly laughter coming straight from your lungs and be the cause of it.
To be lovable in the Lanes you got to be tough. Courageous. Loyal. Strong.
Vi was a character, one who quickly became interested in you. You questioned yourself the reason hundreds of times.
Was it your hair? Your same age? The way you dressed?
She’d never tell you in a million years.
She simply roamed around you night and day, watching you work behind the counter, always finding a way to bait your attention.
Constant teasing. Helping you out with whatever.
With time, viewing her shy-at-first tactics had the desired effect, she grew in confidence and levelled the game up a little bit further.
Touching your hair. Pinching your hips.
Stealing a kiss at the back of the bar outside.
Then two.
Last week, it became three.
Scarlet spread on your cheeks at the recollection.
،،̲ Flashback.
You were taking out the trash, Vi shadowing behind you with the bigger bag in her hand – because she was able to use just one, unlike you – babbling nonstop about your smell.
“So what is it?” she leaned closer, after throwing the garbage into the bin. “It’s like cherry, or strawberry. A sweet fruit.”
You exasperatedly sighed at her guesses. “It’s just a perfume, Vi. Why are you so obsessed with it?”
“You never wear any. I didn’t even know you had…” her voice suddenly trailed off.
You tilted your head in her direction with an inquisitive eyebrow, finding the girl’s expression curved into a frown.
“Did someone gift it to you?”
Hearing that, your brain clicked.
“Are you jealous?”
The grin on your face was so big it hurt your cheeks.
“No. Nobody gifted it to me. Or maybe yes,” a laugh succeeded. “What if someone did? What’d you do about it?”
“Huh.” Vi scoffed, staring wide eyed at your reaction.
It happened in an instant. You were already close the wall.
When she pushed your back completely against it, bringing her face an inch from you, you felt her breath on your upper lip.
“Don’t make fun of me, N/N.”
Her voice lowered, her palms wrapping around your wrists in a hesitant squeeze. You felt it. You felt it all, her chest rising and lowering steadily, her blushed pout. Her shyness coming back, hidden by that false insolence that didn’t suit her at all.
It only made your grin bigger. Your cheeks colored of the same red as hers as you went to shorten the distance entirely by grazing the tip of her nose with your own.
“You’re so pretty when you’re flustered.” your eyes ajar.
The redness reached her ears. Her lips twitched in anticipation.
And when you tilted your head, her eyelids shut, letting you free yourself of her grasp to hug her tightly, welcoming your kiss with goosebumps all over skin. Heart to heart.
A Saturday evening never to be forgotten.
،،̲ End of flashback.
“Everyone out.” Vander’s voice thundered through the room, shaking you out of your memories once more.
You had completely lost in yourself, not paying any attention to the conversation, if so could be called, between Vander and Vi, barely making out the last sentences.
Absentmindedly, your legs moved by themselves, following the three in the corridor and closing the door. Mylo instantly took one of his tools out of nowhere and pressed it on the wooden surface of the door, almost sticking his ear inside of it in order to catch the continuation of what was left hanging.
Claggor, on the other side, must’ve noticed your confusion, hence his approach. “You alright?”
“Yeah.” You dryly replied. The question lingered in your head, not the one Claggor just made you, but the looping why that had you fall into last Saturday’s flashback.
There were a couple things to be cleared. Well, one. A pink one.
،،̲ Time skip.
Powder disappeared.
You noticed immediately, seeing her walk off outside the bar the moment Vander ordered to free the space.
The attention you’ve given Vi this whole time veers to the blue haired girl, the muffled voice of Mylo exclaiming a take a punch or two! when you were about to enter the place prior reverberated in your head.
Has Mylo picked on her again? Claggor didn’t mention anything of the sort, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise, knowing his personality and history.
When Vander finished his pep talk with Violet, there were only Mylo and Claggor left on the corridor.
Y/N was already gone, in search of wherever the little girl could have decided to isolate this time.
Perhaps her room?
Quietly, your hand goes to push the door slightly open. You peek inside, the faint sound of rock music assuring you the presence you’re looking for is, indeed, present.
“Hey…”
Powder’s face shifts from the small metallic object she’s holding to you.
Her body is upside down in the tiny bed, a couple crayons scattered here and there. She greets you with a head move, sad eyes going back to draw on the metal piece right after.
“How are you?”
The foolish question had the answer written all over her freckled face. You moved closer, resting your shoulder on the bunk bed frame.
But as usual, her reply was kinder than truthful. “Just a bit tired.”
“I bet you are. It’s been a long day.” your expression softens, going to sit next to her. She did have dark circles under her eyes.
Your hand found her cheek, thumb grazing gently back and forth.
Maybe asking her about Mylo was a bad idea. Vi did a better job with the comfort than you. You were best at distracting.
So you did.
The upcoming 10 minutes were filled telling her about your day. Any funny event you could remember, or upgrade about a gossip ongoing with the bar’s regulars.
After awhile, you were finally able to get a cackle from her, soon joining her with more stories.
An adorable scene to Vi, standing on the doorjamb with her arms crossed and a smile that reached her icy eyes.
The girl had come to check up on her little sister, after a brief moment of clarity, per say, with Mylo… However her presence wasn’t needed at all, turns out.
Her pupils dilated in hearing your laughs. No best cure for a bad day, she thought, enjoying the moment from a distance a little longer, when an idea crossed her mind.
She clicked her tongue, proudly nodding to herself, before leaving the place to head who knows where.
Because when Vi has an idea she’ll be hell-bent to accomplish it.
،،̲ Time skip.
Later that night everything returned to normal. More or less.
Vander went out with Claggor at Benzo’s, and you went back to work at the bar, serving beers and cleaning tables.
Powder kept you company most of the time, sat on the other side of the counter, coloring some papers while sipping orange juice, legs dangling from the tall stool.
The hours passed. Slow. Dull.
The clients left one by one around 1 AM.
Y/N mopped the floor, sat the stools atop the tables, turned off the big lights and machines– however nothing could really turn off her rumination about the occurred events. It only got worse when Vi came into the bar to take Powder around an hour ago.
She “needed her little sister for something”, promising to come back to help you with the cleaning after she was done. Weird how she pretended like she hadn’t basically avoided you all day.
A grimace begun spreading on your face.
It’s been two hours.
You often had no idea what was going on inside her head, but… Ditching you like that, too?
You told yourself not to read too much into it, finding possible excuses for her behavior: she was having fun with Powder probably.
… Forgetting about you in the process.
The corners of your mouth contorted. You swallowed, the anguish feeling you’ve discarded all night beginning to creep under your skin.
It hurt way more than you were willing to admit.
A knot formed in your throat, burning your cheeks and giving you glassy eyes. You won’t let yourself go though.
Quietly, you blink the tears away.
Just as you’re about to go grab the garbage to bring outside, deciding to push it all away, the entrance creaks open.
With your wrist you swiftly go to dry your E/C peepers, hoping it would be enough to hide your state at whoever the visitor was.
To your surprise, you see her pink head pop out.
Her face lightens up when she sees you, her body fully enters the place, closing the door behind her shoulders with a thud.
“Ah,” she strolls the place with her gaze. “I’m late, aren’t I?”
“Don’t worry, I got it done anyway.” you tried your best to sound unbothered, to hide the disappointment… Failing miserably.
Violet had grown to know you, to intercept your micro expressions and slight tone changes.
“I’m sorry.”
Desolation colored her face, arching her brows upward.
“I was busy.” taking steps towards your standing self, she shortens the distance between you two, posing her hands on the counter that divided your figures.
Her body bends on it to reach you. You had your visage covered by strands of hair, avoiding her irises to focus on the tip of your shoes.
She’s in front of you, you sense the air shifting as her arm moves in your direction. You understand right away what she’s about to do, keeping still on the spot to allow her that gesture.
“Don’t be mad at me.”
Her fingers slide the hair behind your ear, revealing your rosy cheek. Then, her touch lingers, warm, morbid palm laying on it.
Oh, how you love it when she does that.
A sheepish smile splits your face, leaning, no melting, on her palm bashfully. “I’m not.”
Not anymore, at least.
A chuckle follows, coming from her. “Aren’t you gonna ask me what I was busy doing?” her hand slides down your neck, your shoulder, stopping on your forearm. You miss it already.
Her thumb draws circles on you and you can’t help looking, the butterflies in your stomach dancing wildly. “It’s strange you haven’t already.” another chuckle.
You weren’t sure whether it was for her statement or because of the blatant effect she had on you.
“I was about to.” you mirror her chuckle.
Your response makes her grin proudly. “Come with me, I’ll show you.”
Your eyebrow raises. “Show me?” you question.
“Yeah! Come on.”
،،̲ Time skip.
The roof wasn’t any different than the streets below the building. Debris piled up in the corners, split mesh wires that used to be the only protection from the edges.
The only difference was the view.
From up there, majority of Zaun, the bridge and Piltover were visible.
That night the full moon illuminated each little house inhabiting the Undercity. It colored the river’s surface pearl and reflected on the windows.
At the center of the small space, a round table with two stools caught your sight.
The table was tiny, atop of it two covered plates with glasses, a bottle of a drink you weren’t able to recognize – but that looked a lot like your favorite juice – and a box wrapped in a pink bow.
Violet let go of your arm, walking to the left to grab something from behind an old furniture piece.
When her back turned, she had a bouquet of various colorful flowers in her hands. “I’m sorry about today, we barely talked.”
Her voice softened to a whisper.
“I thought it’d be nice if we ate together alone for once. I’m not the best cook, but you’ll be the judge.” she hands you the flowers, going to the table to reveal the content of the plates: which was none other than your favorite dish.
You silently accept the flowers being offered to you, burying your nose into the petals. Your heart pounded with emotion, beaming stupidly at her like a child during Christmas’ night.
“And I…” she laughs awkwardly reaching, then, for the box. “I asked Pow to make a pretty bow, I wasn’t really able to do it myself— to thank you.” she hurriedly added the last part.
Your eyes keep switching from the box to her face, unable to make a sound, realization tiptoeing its way to you.
“I saw what you did with Pow. It did her really good… Thank you.”
She gulps loudly, playing with the box in her hands, as if too ashamed to hand it to you.
“It’s not much. Don’t think—”
“Vi, give me that box right now.” you’re so delighted you wonder if you’ll start floating around with a red hearted aura around you like in cartoons.
She blushes heavily, pressing her mouth into a thin line. A few more seconds pass, before she finally manages to stretch out her arms.
You don’t take it. You let her hold it, unwrapping the bow with medical cure and removing the lid anxiously.
What you find, is a diamond shaped perfume glass with a cherry charm attached to the button.
“No way.” your grin went from ear to ear. You lift your eyes at her.
“I’m not gonna ask you where you got this.” you add, gaining an amused “Good.” from her.
The time slowed down. Although being late, neither of you cared. You sprayed some of the fragrance on your neck and wrists, before wrapping your arms around her neck merrily, pressing a kiss on her lips.
With that, it was now four. Four kisses shared with her, with the girl Y/N has fallen for long ago.
The fourth of what you hoped would be a billion.
You then proceed to sit down and consume the meals, after a prolonged hug. Another surprise to add to the list was Violet being a great cook— the food, even if slightly colder now, tasted delightful.
The atmosphere around you was light, serene. Chatters filled the air, for once no hard topic was brought up. Instead all you could do was tell each other about yourselves.
It was usually you who had the role of the listener, but not tonight.
Tonight Vi watched you adoringly as you spoke about your interests, your opinions on whatever subject popped out. Her cheek rested on her palm, occasionally brushing your fingers with hers. Laughing at your takes. Spitting compliments, all smiley and so unapologetically, obviously, in love with you.
“I wish Vander would allow us to have a pet. I’d love to have a kitty, or a dog... Or a bunny! They’re so cute.” was one of your sentences that stuck in her head.
She jumped back and forth with it, already giving herself ideas for future gifts to make.
Completely unaware of the storm that awaited her, and the people she loved most, the following day.
But you’re here now, with her. And that’s all that matters.
summary: Jayce convinced you to go to a Councilor Party as his plus one. You were terrified.
content: sweet jayce, shy/nervous reader, fluff, meeting some of the other councilors, fem! reader, little backstory part before the request! probably ooc jayce but im trying to get the hang of it!! <3
wordcount: 2.016
a/n: this one got requested! thank you so much, the request changed a bit i think, but hope you enjoy it nonetheless! not as long/exactly as i wanted but :)
⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
Piltover's Golden Boy. The man of Progress. Co-inventor of Hextech.
Your friend. Your partner. Jayce Talis.
The first time you met him, you nearly fainted out of nervousness. You had known about Jayce for a long time already. Sky, your friend and former roommate, had applied for an internship at Hextech. You were so excited for her to follow her dreams, to show the world what she could do. One day, she asked if you could come with her, something about needing help with research. Even though you knew close to nothing about all the difficult work she did, you agreed. Never would you have guessed for that day to turn your life upside down.
"They said that I could use their lab! With everything in it! Well, I can't use any of the Hextech without supervision, but that's no problem!"
Sky and you had a great bond. Friends - sisters, almost. Though both rather introverted, the two of you would always open up around one another. She already held a clipboard in her hands, crossing off random squares before turning the corner, you walking behind her.
"I still can not believe you did it! I mean, of course I believe in you, but wow! An internship at Hextech with Jayce Talis and Vik-"
The tall doors opened to reveal the huge lab behind it. Never had you seen something so grand, so bright. Your eyes were not even sure where to look. There were big chalkboards along the entire length of the wall, desks with tools, even a table filled with what seemed like new Hextech inventions. But something that might have shocked you most was the two men in the corner of the room.
Had you misunderstood? You thought it would just be Sky and you.
"Oh, Viktor!" she smiled, "Jayce! Could I still use the lab?"
"Ah, Sky!" Jayce looked away from his desk, smiling as he stood up and walked toward the two of you, "And your guest!"
"The unfortunate subject for my research," laughed your friend, quickly introducing you to Jayce as you stood there in silence.
"I tried to clean up as well as I could, but," Jayce chuckled, rubbing his neck. He could have swept one more time, "Anyway. Would either of you like something... to drink?"
Viktor looked back from over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised before he turned to his work again. Jayce, oh Jayce.
Ever since that day, both you and the golden boy kept finding one another. At the market you ran into him - quite literally. You did not pay attention to where you were walking, which ended in you on the ground and Jayce profusely apologizing. Then that time where you tried to enter the Academy without your special school card. The enforcers only looked at you with a raised eyebrow, not letting you through to retrieve the very card that you had left inside. Luck seemed to be on your side as Jayce just walked by at that moment, smiling at the enforcers before mumbling a 'she's with me'. Not to forget all the times that Sky invited you for more research, only to say that she needed to retrieve something from her new dorm, leaving you and Jayce all alone in the big lab.
All that felt so long ago.
Never had you expected that you would be standing in front of the tall mirror, nerves running through your body as you glanced at the floor-length dress again. 'It's just a small party with the council. We will meet some others, enjoy some drinks, and then I will do my speech!' Jayce had said, holding your hand as you walked through Piltover. Reluctantly, you had said yes, and the excitement in Jayce's face made you feel warm. But inside, you were terrified. The Council. Those weren't just any type of party guests.
"Hey," you heard a knock on the door behind you, "Are you dressed?"
"Yes," a shaky sigh left your lips as you furrowed your eyebrows, running your hand over your dress again.
The door slowly opened, revealing your one and only behind it. Dressed in a suit that was ironed to perfection, the red and gold colours of House Talis decorating it all over. No wonder that Piltover loved the man so much - so nice, so motivated, so gorgeous.
"My god," he smiled, walking closer to you to press a kiss to your cheek, "You look beautiful."
Your dress, too, was coloured red and gold. When standing next to Jayce, it was undeniable that the two of you matched. Belonged. Yet, you didn't feel like you did.
"Says you," it was impossible not to smile around him, "You look good in these colours."
"I have something for you," he hummed, revealing a small box that he had hidden in his pocket, "A little Progress Day gift."
"For me?"
He nodded, handing you the item with a big smile on his face. How could you say no? You opened the white box with a giggle, placing the red ribbon that was tied around it on the vanity next to you. The item inside the box made you let out a gasp.
"Do you like it?" Jayce excitedly asked, a big grin on his face.
"Like it?" you looked up at him, eyes big and mouth wide open, "Jayce, I love it! This - This is amazing!"
"Made it all myself," he proudly said, "Though I'm not used to making hammers on this scale."
Inside the box sat a necklace with the most beautiful pendant you had ever seen. A little hammer, silver with red details, resting on top of silky fabric.
"Here," he reached for the necklace, unclasping the necklace to put it around your neck, his warm fingers tracing along your back as he kissed your shoulder, "Perfect,"
It made your face heat up as you only smiled, turning around to press a kiss to his nose.
"Ready?"
"As ready as I can be," you breathed in deeply.
It made his eyebrows crease - not because you didn't radiate the same excitement as he did, but because you almost seemed... worried. Maybe even scared.
"Would you maybe rather stay here?" he offered, softly taking hold of your hand, "I can pick you up after the party."
"No, no! It's just..." you sighed, shaking your head, "Just silly. I can't help but feel nervous. It's the Council, and I am not a smart inventor like you, or..."
He nodded understandingly - he himself was still not even sure why he was dubbed as the Man of Progress. As if he was the only person who had worked on Hextech.
"If you want to leave at any moment, you can tell me. Promise?"
"Promise."
So, hand in hand, the two of you made your way to where the party was held. The doors you stood in front of were huge and the hallways were decorated with gold and many more expensive materials. Yet, with Jayce's hand in yours, you felt less afraid.
The doors seemed to open automatically when the two of you arrived, revealing the bustling party that laid behind. People greeted him almost immediately, shaking his (free) hand and babbling on about everything.
"Ah, if you'll excuse me," he apologized, rubbing your hand with his thumb as he softly tugged you along, "Miss Medarda is right over there."
Miss Medarda as in Councilor Mel Medarda? The woman stood in front of the balcony, looking out over Piltover. She turned around as she heard footsteps approaching, and you felt even more nervous than before.
"Ah, Jayce! And your partner, from what I have heard?"
Jayce introduced you to the councilor as you shook her hand, shyly smiling and nodding.
"She is," he proudly smiled, "I thought to introduce the two of you - I think you will get along well. Plus, I can assure you, Miss Medarda is much more fun to speak to than... Them."
Mel let out a laugh, raising the cup to her lips.
"It is not hard to be more interesting than them. We can stick together," she looked at you with a smile, "That is, if you don't mind."
"I do not," you softly responded, looking at Jayce one last time as he pressed a kiss to your temple, breathing out deeply before letting out a chuckle, going back to his duty as the Golden Boy.
Mel plucked another glass off a tray, handing it to you.
"Now, I have heard so much about you from Jayce, but I would love to get to know you myself."
Time seemed to fly by as you stuck with Mel, holding onto your empty glass as you listened to one of her stories. Elora had also come to join into conversation, and you appreciated that they stayed with you.
None of you even realized that it was time to head to the Speech until you felt big hands on your shoulders.
"Ready to go? I promised Viktor that we would meet him there."
"Already?"
He hummed and nodded.
"Why don't you sit with us at the speech?" Mel offered, smiling as she looked at you, "Mrs. Talis will sit in the front row as well. I would be happy for you to join us."
"I would love to," you nodded quickly, giving both women a big smile, "Thank you Mel, Elora."
With your hand in his, Jayce guided you back out into the hallway and toward where Viktor would be waiting.
"Mel, huh? No more 'scary' Miss Medarda?"
You let out a laugh, covering your face with your hand as you shook your head.
"Looking back, I can't believe why I was so nervous. Both she and Elora were incredibly friendly and warm."
It didn't take long for the two of you to meet Viktor, greeting him before you split up from the duo to go and find a seat. It made your nerves heighten again - being completely separated from Jayce was something that made socializing harder than it could be. As you went through the security, you followed the groups of chattering people. Did it look silly, walking in by yourself?
The room was grand, and Councilor Kiramman was already standing at the side of the stage, talking to one of the Enforcers. You averted your gaze to the first row of the seats, most already taken. Was this where you were going to sit?
Mel saw you before you could spot her, walking over to the enforcer who guarded the entrance.
"She's with me," the woman said, holding out her arm for you to take before guiding you to your seat, "Don't want you to get lost."
You giggled, thanking her as you sat down on one of the plush chairs, right inbetween Mel and Mrs. Talis.
"Ah," Ximena excitedly exclaimed, smiling at you, "I was hoping you would be here. When Miss Medarda told me that she reserved a seat for you, I could not help but be happy! Oh, isn't today an amazing Progress Day? And the speech hasn't even begun!"
Jayce's mother was one of the sweetest people you had ever met - it wasn't hard to see that she passed all that love on to Jayce.
"He will do amazing, I'm sure."
And amazing he did. With the fireworks lighting up the sky and Jayce's bright smile, you could not help but feel your heart bursting. You had held Ximena's hand as she looked up at her son, her eyes shining with tears and a proud smile on her face. Illuminated with the colourful and bright lights, Jayce looked like an angel.
After shaking many hands and receiving many congratulations, you and your partner were finally back home. He let out a tired sigh, flopping down on the couch as you let out a chuckle, taking off your heels and pulling pins out your hair.
"You did amazing, Jayce."
"You think so?"
You hummed, nodding before also sitting down on the couch, snuggling against him as you let out a content sigh.
PAIRING: jinx x fem!reader
WARNINGS: no use of y/n, intentional lowercase
GENRE: fluff
PLAYLIST: here
WORD COUNT: 1.1k
NOTE: been thinking about this since i first finished watching arcane last week
navigation | request | jinx masterlist
the first thing you hear was the door slam open. so violent that it jolted you out of your page. the sound was followed by a low, strained grunt, one you’d know anywhere.
“jinx?” you called, already pushing yourself off the beanbag.
when you looked up, your breath caught in your throat. she was standing in the doorway, slumped against the frame, one hand clutched tight against her side. her face was smeared with dirt and blood.
“holy shit, baby!” you were at her side before she could say anything else, steadying her as she half collapsed against you. “what the hell happened to you?”
she gave a breathy laugh, the sound cracked and uneven. “it’s not as bad as it looks,” she muttered, trying to wave you off. but when she hissed through her teeth, you could tell it was worse.
“just… kinda got jumped. nothin’ i couldn’t handle.”
“jumped?” you echoed, horrified, guiding her toward the couch. “by who?”
“you’re bleeding!” you scolded softly.
she flopped down with a groan, muttering something under her breath. before you could press further, there was a small shuffle of movement behind you, then a tiny face peeked out..
you blinked.
it was a little girl. maybe six or seven, tops. messy curls framed her round face, and her big brown eyes locked onto yours. cautious, curious, but not quite scared.
“uh…” you pointed, your brain still catching up. “and who’s this little one?”
jinx winced as she adjusted her arm, glancing down at the girl. “that,” she started, exhaling slowly, “is isha.”
you looked between them, confusion creasing your brows. “okay… and where exactly did isha come from?”
jinx leaned back, grimacing when her hand brushed her ribs. “meech and his goons,” she said flatly. “they jumped me. thought i was an easy target.”
your stomach dropped. “those assholes–”
“relax, sugar,” she interrupted, flashing that crooked grin despite the blood on her lip. “they’re not a problem anymore. trust me.”
you stared at her for a long second, recognising that tone. the one she used when she’d gone and handled things her way. but before you could scold her for getting hurt again, she tilted her chin toward the little girl.
“she was there. following me after the fight. wouldn’t leave.”
you softened immediately. “she followed you?”
“yeah,” jinx said, shrugging one shoulder. “kid’s been alone out there. didn’t have the heart to just…” she stopped, glancing at isha again. “didn’t have the heart to leave her.”
you crouched down until you were somewhat eye level with the girl. isha blinked up at you, her eyes impossibly big and shining under the low light. there was smudges of dirt all over her face.
“hey, sweetheart,” you said gently. “you’re safe here, okay? no one’s gonna hurt you here.”
she didn’t say anything, but her lips twitched. what looked like the beginnings of a shy smile.
you smiled back, reassuring her. “that’s better.”
jinx watched the exchange, head tipped back against the couch, eyes gentle despite the pain. you went to the sink grabbing a cloth dampening it before getting the first aid kit, crouching beside the sofa, glancing between her and the girl.
“alright,” you said, setting the supplies down beside her. “i’ll clean you up, and then we’ll figure out what to do from there.”
jinx smirked faintly, though her voice was quieter now. “you’re bossy when you’re worried.”
you gave her a look, one eyebrow raised. “and you’re impossible when you’re hurt.”
that earned a small laugh, one that eased some of the tension from the air.
as you began dabbing at the cut on her cheek, isha climbed up onto the other end of the couch, near jinx’s feet. curling into the corner. every few seconds, her eyes flicked from you to jinx, as if trying to make sense of what she’d stumbled into.
jinx noticed, smiling tiredly. “told you, kid. this one’ll take care of us.”
you felt her words settle deep in your chest. “yeah,” you murmured, looking between them both. “that’s kind of what i do.”
jinx reached out, her fingers brushing yours briefly in thanks.
by the time you finished making dinner and cleaning up, the place had gone quiet, isha was half asleep on the couch, wrapped up in a pile of mismatched blankets that you’d hastily turned into a makeshift bed. an old stuffed bunny of yours was tucked beneath her chin, her tiny fingers still gripping one floppy ear.
you lingered there for a moment, watching her breathing even out, before you felt jinx’s presence behind you.
when you turned, she was leaning against the counter, arms folded, eyes fixed somewhere far away. you could tell what she was thinking before she even opened her mouth.
“don’t start,” she muttered quietly, almost defensive.
you sighed, walking closer but keeping your voice soft. “i’m not starting anything. i’m just… babe, she’s a kid. all alone. out there.”
her jaw tightened. “you think i don’t know that? you think i didn’t see that?”
“then don’t send her back out,” you said, your words coming out faster, more desperate. you took her wrist, tugging gently toward you until she looked at you. “please, she doesn’t have anyone.”
she shook her head, biting her lip. “you don’t get it. i’m not built for this. for– whatever this is. i can barely keep myself in one piece, and you, you already do too much around here. you don’t need another broken thing to fix.”
you took a shaky breath and glanced toward the couch again. isha had rolled over, her hand flopping out from under the blanket, still clutching that poor bunny. something in you twisted.
“she’s not broken,” you whispered. “she’s just… scared. she obviously followed you for a reason! maybe she already knows you’d keep her safe.”
jinx’s lips parted, but nothing came out. her eyes flicked toward the couch, and for the briefest second, you saw something flicker there. fear, maybe or tenderness she didn’t want to admit.
you stepped closer, lowering your voice. “please. just let her stay. plus she’s got me wrapped around her finger already. i can’t send her back out there!.”
you laughed a little. “god, jinx, you didn’t even see it, the way she smiled at me when i gave her that bunny.”
jinx’s gaze lingered on you, the fight in her eyes slowly fading. she sighed, running a hand down her face, muttering something that sounded like you’re too good for this world.
finally, she stepped forward and rested her forehead against your shoulder. “fine,” she murmured. “she stays, but i’m not the one tucking her in.”
you smiled against her, your heart easing at the edges. “that’s fine. i already did.”
jinx exhaled a quiet laugh, her fingers brushing your cheek. “knew you would.”
you both turned to look at isha again, the little bundle of warmth and quiet breathing on your couch.
you reached out, pulling her into your arms, “she’s safe now,” you whispered.
