Work Text:
Lux woke to a start. Unpleasant buzzes stir her from her slumber. Holy cheesecake! Panic floods through Lux as she scrambles out of her pink fluffy pj’s and into her freshly pressed clean uniform. Lux hastily pulls her blazer on as she dashes out of her room. Perhaps she was moving too hastily. Because she felt like she hit a wall. The cold floor was an unpleasant feeling against her thighs.
“Ow…” Jinx said, rubbing her temple. “You okay flashlight?” She asks as she helps Lux up.
Oh… right… THAT WITCH. Lux narrows her eyes at her best friend. Lux would like to wring Jinx’s neck right now. Maybe even be so daring as to raise her voice at her. However, she was late. Late to being early. She was NEVER less than 10 minutes early to class. The pair rush downstairs as Janna’s pulling on her stockings.
“Here flashlight,” Jinx says tossing Lux a granola bar. “Hey.. are you okay? You look a little red?”
Lux straightens a bit. Her smile was a little too wide as she nods. “Uh-huh, yep, of course!” Her smile flashes perhaps a little too brightly. I'm Lux's defense, how could Jinx pretend that everyone was PERFECTION A-OKAY?! Her mind races back to that image of Jinx and Ekko entangled together. The way his arms help her so tightly. Like she would fly away in the blink of an eye. The way she fits herself under his chin. Arms holding on firmly as if he was her rock in her storm. It was so beautiful, but also uncomfortable. Just seeing her best friend… So close with him. A guy she didn’t know. One she didn’t get to approve of or interrogate, as Jinx did for her. Oh yeah, and also the whole, does he know she's a star guardian thing.
“Oh, did Ezy boy send you some text?” Jinx teases. Snapping Lux away from her inner world. Jinx rests one hand on the counter while the other chows down some weird leftover fish slop. Did Jinx even heat that? Was that safe to eat?! Lux takes a sharp breath. Both hands clasp together as she exhales.
“As much as I’d like to finish this conversation… and perhaps talk about something else… I am late-“
“To being early,” Jinx finishes. She grins. Lux blinks, grinning back.
“Yes,” She glares.
"Also why are you up so 'early'" Lux asks. She notices Jinx looks away.
"If I'm late one more time Principal miss stick up her-"
"Langue," Lux scolds.
"Stick up her spinal cord," Jinx grits her teeth, "Is going to be all up in my business about representing where I came from and this and that and blah blah blah."
Lux didn't know if she were to believe Jinx. On the one hand, it was probably true. But on the other, since when did Jinx care about other people's opinions.
"Okay," Lux says as she grabs her bag and closes the door behind her.
“Hey, flashlight!” Jinx calls. Lux turns around and slows slightly. Jinx's footsteps match Lux's. “What’s wrong?”
Lux allows a breath escape. She looks over at Jinx. Where would she even start?
“Who-“
“Lux!”
Jinx groans. For once, Lux agrees. Ezreal waves enthusiastically to her. Slinging his bag over his shoulder. Soraka trails behind him. Both greet the pair.
“I just got some sweet buns for breakfast. Want some?” Ezreal offers. Lux nods and accepts the gift. Ezreal then decides to regale Lux on the most interesting line-waiting drama he encountered in his fair travels this morning. How bravely be fought for the last two sticky buns. If Lux wasn’t so ill-humored that morning, she would have been all for his story. Out of the corner of her vision, Soraka, polite as ever, struck up a short conversation with Jinx. Lux's shoulders droop as understood she wasn’t going to get to her girl talk this morning.
—
All-day, Lux could only answer a few questions during her studies. By the first star, she swore time was in slow motion today. She would catch Jinx walking from classroom to classroom. Skipping one class and re-appearing for another. Lux had almost caught Jinx at her locker during one period. But Ezreal swiftly and ever so charmingly slid in front of her, cutting their conversation off for the second time today, much to Lux’s dismay. Guilt racked at her for becoming annoyed at him. She knew Janna would hush her and tell her her emotions were valid. She’ll make it up to him somehow. The last period ends and she was determined to confront Jinx now. Looking around the bustling hallways, She caught a glimpse of twin blue braids waving as they disappeared around the corner. Lux threads through a few students. The golden sunlight streams through the tall windows. If Lux wasn't in such a hurry, she'd stand and admire the beams waving their last goodbye for the day. She hears a door close as she turns the corner. As she snaps out of her thoughts, she advances only to be met with an empty hallway. Did Jinx enter one of the empty rooms? Why? Oh gosh. Was she going to prank some poor professor again? She huffs as eight doors greet her. "This will take a moment."
Lux was on her eighth door now. Empty chairs were all she was greeted with. Where was Jinx? She thought about calling Jinx’s actual name, Powder, as that usually got her attention, but then she hears the doorknob turn.
“Ah! Ms. Crownguard!” Headmistress Fiora exclaims. “What a surprise,”
“Oh! Hello Headmistress Laurent!” Lux smiles. She starts to inch her way to the exit. Not Headmistress Fiora... Inwardly Lux groans.
“I have been meaning to talk to you,” Fiora speaks in her thick accent. “Your recent paper was exceptional. You have incorporated more Demacian history than any other student. Of course, I know that is the place of your birth, as is my own, but the understanding and level of detail about our culture. Reading it is truly refreshing-“
Lux grins. Noddings as her superior continues. Any other time would have been lovely. Lux would have been able to have a deep conversation on the inner troubles that plagued her homeland. Discuss the in-depth roots of why this is happening. But this simply was not the time. Lux starts to rock back and forth, knowing as the minutes tick away, her chances of finding Jinx were even slimmer. It was Friday. Usually, Jinx went to go see her sister. Often spending the weekend at her sister and girlfriend's apartment. The minutes slipped away. Each second made Lux's chances futile to try and catch her. Lux sighs in defeat. She sits in one of the empty seats, Fiora follows suit. It’s going to be a long conversation.
—
Jinx wouldn’t have left class in such a hurry... Oh, who was she kidding, this was her inner thoughts. She could say whatever the fuck she wants. And fuck she couldn’t wait to get away from this building. But Ekko texted. Saying to meet him on the third-floor room C8. She wondered if theirs something wrong. Ekko only wants to talk in person if it’s important and shouldn’t be discussed over text. Her chest tightens. The possibility of her saying something wrong that scares him off, or being too much to handle floods her mind. He just saw her yesterday. Did he forget something? What did he want? Her pace quickens to the beating of her heart. Her thoughts distracted her, as she doesn't notice the footsteps behind her. It was only when the crowd thins she can hear them. To consistent to be a passerby. She didn't have time for someone to make trouble for her. Quietly she slips from one hallway to another, losing those footsteps. She pauses, pressing herself against the cold wall. The footsteps seem to have ceased. Quickly, she makes her way up the stairs and through another hallway. She arrives to room c8. She peers through the glass window, seeing Ekko sitting in one of the empty seats. She opens the shuts the door quickly. Internally wondering how her boyfriend even got up to the third floor.
“What’s up?” Jinx whispers. Ekko glances up from his phone. He grins as he wraps his arms around her, pulling her close so she could rest on his lap.
“Well… first. Vi wants to visit Zaun with you for a bit. She heard I brought you a treat from a Piltover fish stall and was mortally offended I cheated you out of true Zaun cuisine,” Ekko laughs. Jinx also giggles, pressing her forehead to his. The light made his deep brown eyes glow a rich chocolate brown. She curls further into his lap. She can feel the way he exhales something wrong.
“Did I... Did I do something wrong? Did I say something last night?” She whispers. One hand came to pull away from one of his locks from his handsome face. Pink and blue fingernails graze his ear and continue down his neck.
"What? No no!" He jumps. His arms wrapped tighter around her. The weight on her chest disappears. Only for a second though.
“Then. Why are you here?”
He gulps. Resting his head snug in her chest. The stiff fabric against her smooth skin made him nuzzle against her neck area. Soothing hands rub down his neck. Ekko looks up at her.
“I’m going to go away for a while.”
“What?!” Jinx exclaims. Almost falling off him.
“Hey. Pow-Pow,” He hushes. Jinx relaxes as his hands hold onto hers. Fingers interlacing. Only her actual name could be used by her family and close friends. And only Pow-Pow belonged to Vi and Ekko.
"How long?"
“It’s only for a few months, but I didn’t want to tell you over text-“
Both fall silent. The sound of footsteps approaches. Jinx points to one of the lockers, big enough for them to step in. Jinx opens it to find some cleaning supplies and a broom way past its prime. She pushes them aside, stepping in as he trails behind her. They close the door. Jinx peers out of the slits on the locker. The classroom door opens and a short framed girl with blond-haired enters the room. Jinx almost sighs in relief. It’s just Lux. She wonders what Lux is doing here. Jinx almost feels okay with opening the door. Unfortunately, someone opens the door after Lux. Great. A heavy accented lady greets Lux. Oh my gosh. Jinx groans inwardly. Headmistress Fiora. That lady rambles forever with her quick and precise words.
Both can hear some conversation outside. Jinx was uninterested in political non-sense. Ekko on the other hand was too focused on making sure his lover was okay to be entertained by nobleman talk. He squeezes her hand, but she doesn't reciprocate. Jinx silently presses her back against the locker, refusing to meet his watchful gaze. Even though they were basically on top of one another, legs in-tangled, she didn’t want to look at him. She wasn’t mad at him for leaving. She just… hated the feeling of not being able to hold him. Or for him to be only a flight away. Sure he's gone away before. But never for months. This was new. Call it childish or lust or just plain insecurity. All those silly girls watching him, screaming and cheering for him, far prettier, bustier, smaller, taller, kinder, cuter, they all crowded around him like moths to a flame. A very hot flame. She wished that they would just stop. She knows he can’t avoid them. He tells her over and over he only has eyes for her. Usually accompanied by a lot of kisses and cuddles. But even his stage mates, sometimes they get a little too close for her liking. His hand brushes against hers, but her eyes refuse to meet his. Ekko gives a small peck to her lips. He catches her eyeing him. Good. She wasn’t mad. He gives her another peck. Then another. Then another. His hot breath and one of his locks tickle against her face. He quietly presses his body to hers. Moving his head to meet hers. She now looks at him. Her eyes narrow, knowing what he’s about to pull.
Don’t. You. Dare.
Ekko smirks. He stares at that stupid tie they make all the students wear. His fingers gently pull at it.
“And how you included the acts of Kayle and Morgan,” Fiora drones on in the distance. Those snippets were drowned by the beating of her heart. He begins to place kisses on her jawline, creating pleasant tingles as he trails downward. Jinx bites her lip. Trying her best not to whimper. Ekko’s hands undo the collar of her shirt. Jinx covers her mouth with her hand. Her breathing becomes heavier and the struggle to remain silent becomes harder. She glares down at him. The air in her lungs start to burn as she stifled a moan. She presses both her hands to her mouth. She tries in vain to control her breathing as he beings to suck. Creating pretty bruises that would a while to heal. She's burning. And she's pissed at him she has to be fucking quiet about it. He peeks at her. Playful eyes meet hazy ones. She leans a bit so Ekko could have full reign of her neck.
What the fuck. Jinx's expression says. What do you mean? Ekko’s smirk is plastered all over his face. They’re right there. Her eyes gesture towards the mundane conversation droning on right outside their humble abode. Whatever. Ekko rolls his eyes. He begins to travel back up his original path. Placing kisses on the other side of her neck. It’ll be a bitch to hide later, but right now she was starting to feel hot and her struggles to stay silent were becoming progressively worse. That's when they heard the tapping of heals.
“It is always a pleasure to read your work, miss Crowngaurd. Give my regards to your family. I shall leave you to your studies,” Lux nods and watches as the headmistress departs. They can hear the door open as the nobles shuffle out. Just as the door clicks Ekko bites down on her neck, causing Jinx to finally cave, moaning as her heavy breaths become louder. Satisfied with his little shenanigan, Ekko stops his ministration. She lets out a shaky breath. Whether that’s in disappointment or relief, it's a mystery even to her. Then she scowls at him. Though the creeping red on her face betrays her angry gaze. She leans into his chest. She Muffles some weak curses. She can tell by his chuckle he’s wearing that stupid-ass grin. A small fist pounds on his chest as “shut up” can be heard. Deep rich laughter rumble from his chest. Ekko plants small kisses on her head.
“Why do you have to go…” Jinx murmurs. Her glassy eyes meet his.
“If you don’t want me to… I don’t have-“
If Jinx was younger. She might have guilted him into staying. But... He let her go. She came back to him. He would come back... right? “No… It wouldn’t be fair to you. I just… I’m going to miss you."
Ekko arms hold Jinx’s small frame to his.
“It’s only for a little bit,” Ekko reassures. Whether that be to himself or her, he didn’t know. All he knows is he’ll miss her just as much as she’ll miss him. He understood what she was feeling. It was hard for him to watch her leave for Piltover all those years ago. Though she tried to visit as much as she could. Sometimes, call it selfish, he cursed his fame. He made music so his people could be heard. He would have never guessed it would have turned into this. A crew, an audience, fans. It was unreal- a boy from nothing given a chance to change things. Through music at that. Sometimes, he wished he could go back to the times in the lanes. Not worrying about public appearance and all these rules and schedules. The days when it was just Powder, Vi, Claggor, and Mylo. Ekko feels a vibration.
“Vi texted,” Jinx said. Fingernails tap against the screen as she replies. “She wants to know when I’ll come by… or if I’m in trouble, again.”
Ekko laughs. Sometimes Vi could be a mother hen much more than a big sister.
“I don't wanna go,” Jinx wines. Ekko pushes the locker door open.
“Hey, it’ll only be for a little while,” he soothes. Jinx sticks her tung out. Then a smile spreads across her face.
“It better,” she laughs. Although he laughs as well, he could tell the laugh was in somewhat pain.
"Hey! Why don't you come and visit me on set? I'm sure it'll be fine."
Her eyes brighten. "Okay." That true pure smile surfaces. He pulls her into one last hug.
"I'll see you there."
As Jinx leaves, she turns back to watch as Ekko jumps out the window. So that’s how he got in. She grins as she makes her way out of school.
Some texts from Lux on her way to Vi’s apartment appear. Asking if they could “talk” later. Goody. Jinx must have blown something up she didn't realize because Lux was very adamant about this "talk". Which is strange, because she had an excellent memory when it came to her craft.
She makes her way up to Vi’s apartment. Her big sister. Proud police in training. Changing the world or whatever. More like keeping Jinx from going to jail on more than one occasion. It was okay, she was glad to do it. Jinx convinces herself. Caitlyn was not so much.
Jinx knocks on the door. The smell of cupcakes baking made Jinx hungry. Jinx is met with pink hair and a wide grin.
“Hey Powder!” Vi hugs her sister. Jinx jumps into her sister's arms. Squeezing the daylights out of her.
“Viiiii!” Jinx claims. She waves to Caitlyn who’s baking in the kitchen. She notices a funny look from Caitlyn. Then she notices a funny look on Vi’s face.
"What?"
Vi grabs Powder's head. Tilting her head to see the full range of her neck.
FUCK. Jinx thought.
—Bonus—
"I'm going to kill Ekko!" Vi growls. Jinx sinks to the floor trying to hide from her sister's wrath.
"You better not!" Caitlyn yells from the kitchen. "I'm not busting you out of prison. Again!"