Chapter Text
Silco didn't really see himself as a good father figure. He'd adopted Jinx when she was 11 because he'd seen himself in her. Her sister had, from what he understood, left her behind.
Like Vander had left him.
Be that as it may, it had taken less than a month for him to see the girl as his daughter, and only another for Jinx to fully open up to him.
Ever since she was always with him. He brought her to the warehouse for work and she'd usually sit on the couch in his office drawing or creating little trinkets while he worked with clients. Along with that, she'd taken a particular interest in Singeds runt Viktor. Quite tragic if you asked Silco.
The child couldn't do as much as Jinx and thankfully the girl was able to notice such just at 11 when they'd first met, a few months after her adoption. The 14 year old had been curled up in Singeds lab, playing with an odd looking ferret while his crutch laid on the floor next to him.
Jinx gripped his hand tight as she eyed the teen, looking up at Silco for what to do. It's something he'd notice her doing recently, so he didn't really bat an eye at the behavior before nodding and realising her hand.
Jinx paused for a moment before walking over to the older child and Silco turned away from them and walked over to discuss with Singed. "How is the poison coming along?" Silco asked, leaning down a little to look at the vial. Singed had been working on the new toxin for weeks, something strong enough to take someone out in mere seconds. It would be faster than anything they'd made before, and, with the more acidic components, would ensure that those affected wouldn't be getting back up.
Singed sighed, leaning back for a moment. "There is a small problem with the potency but I'm fairly certain we can get that fixed later. So fairly well if I'd say so," the older man finished eyes flickering up at the sound of talking, Silco turned when he heard the tinkering. That was never good when it came to Jinx.
But instead, Jinx was sitting quietly, eyes wide and a smile on her face while she wrote down… notes? Viktor was explaining something while tuning and pointing at gears in one of Jinx's bombs.
Ever since then the two have been tied at the hip, often exchanging each other's ideas. But, just a year later, when Viktor turned 15 he'd been accepted as a Piltover aristocrat's apprentice.
Truly a tragedy. No he's not being sarcastic Jinx.
Because of this the teen had been spending less time at home and more time in the North side of the city, nicknamed Piltover. It was a little concerning. Viktor was supposed to be working with Singed to become the next for his father's place in the Zuan Mafia. But the boy brought good arguments. Though, they lessened as time went on.
Jinx had not taken her cousin's absences well, but thankfully Viktor had told her that "with your brain little hex, you'll get an apprenticeship or, maybe even a place in the Piltover academy. I'm positive you'll get to be up there with me eventually." And all was well again. Summer came and Viktor spent most of his time with Jinx or in the lab with Singed.
Then the blockades and riots started sooner than Silco had anticipated.
And then, Viktor wasn't allowed to cross back over.
"What are you talking about? He's my son?!" Singeds voice carried throughout the many standing at the blockades, shouting at the blasphemy. Silco kept a tight grip on Jinx, knowing if he let her go she'd probably run up and kick the little man standing in front of her cousin.
Heimerdinger.
The man was short, with bright blond ginger hair and a beard that made him look just a little funny.
"I am truly sorry sir, but with all the attacks it is for the safety of the people! Once the attacks calm down your son will be permitted back, but until then I can assure you he will be taken care of, he's practically a son to me!"
That was the wrong thing to say, Silco could see it in the way both Jinx and Viktor cringed. But before Singed could punt this little man he grabbed him and whispered in his ear, "you will get your kid back later. This will help us greatly later on, now, channel this anger into helping the cause!" He hissed, making sure to keep his words low enough for only Singed to hear.
The other man stopped, arms tensing before he sighed. "Fine. Viktor, do you have your meds?" A nod. "Alright. Stay safe for me, okay?" Another nod.
With a tired, tired sigh, Singed nodded before turning and walking away. As Silco went to follow, Jinx wouldn't budge. "Come now Jinx, it's time to go," He said, pulling her back a little. But she simply looked at Viktor, eyes flickering between her cousin and Heimerdinger.
With a little sniffle she let go of Silcos hand and walked forward, as close as she could before speaking to Heimerdinger in hushed voice, "can… can I hug my cousin? Please?" Her voice wavered enough for the man's eyes to soften. Slowly,the short man raised a hand and in a flash Jinx flew forward, almost knocking her cousin over.
"You promised. You said I'd get to be up here, with you," the girl's voice shook a little and Silco had to take a step back. Jinx was very closed up when it came to people in general, she had a select few she'd be open with. But here? In public? She was putting on a show.
Viktor seemed to catch on, as he learned forward and whispered something in her ear, but it was enough to make the younger child tear up before they both pulled back and Jinx walked back across the line, back to Silco.
Then, like nothing happened, she grabbed his hand and walked back to the warehouse.