Archive of Our Own ^beta

Luxanna Crownguard was born into one of the wealthiest and most prestigious families in Demacia, a name synonymous with power, tradition, and legacy. From the moment she could walk, expectations had been placed on her shoulders—expectations to be graceful, dutiful, and above all, a perfect Crownguard.

But Lux had never wanted the life her family planned for her. The high society gatherings, the endless discussions of noble alliances, and the suffocating weight of being the family’s only daughter—it all felt like a gilded cage. She wanted freedom. Independence. A life that was truly her own.

So, the moment she graduated, she left.

With nothing but her sharp mind and relentless drive, Lux moved to Piltover, the City of Progress, where innovation thrived, and names were built on ambition rather than lineage. She started small—working tirelessly to establish herself, making connections, learning the ins and outs of the business world. At first, people didn’t take her seriously, assuming she was just another privileged noble playing entrepreneur. But Lux had something they didn’t: sheer, unwavering determination.

It took years—years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and making tough choices—but eventually, she built her empire. By 44, she was one of the most successful businesswomen in Piltover. Powerful. Respected.

And utterly alone.

Lux had no dating life to speak of—not because she hadn’t been interested, but because she had never made time for it. Business always came first, and by the time she had the luxury to consider romance, it felt like the world had already moved past her. The idea of love seemed foreign, like something meant for other people.

She had no pets to greet her at the door, no children to leave a legacy behind. Her only real friend was Evelynn. Their relationship was built on sharp tongues and mutual amusement with a side of warmth and trust, but Evelynn was the only one who had ever understood Lux’s need for control over her own life. 

She told herself she didn’t mind the solitude. That she had chosen this life. That success was enough.

But then came the exhaustion. The dizziness. The chest pains. Lux ignored it for a while, thinking it wasn't anything serious but after almost fainting in front of her shareholders, Lux was forced to get her heart checked. 

And today, the diagnosis.

Arrhythmia . Such a simple term to describe that her heart is not beating in the proper rhythm that they should. 

As busy as her life is, Lux has always been taking care of her health. She eats healthy meals everyday. She goes to the gym regularly too. But unfortunately, none of that matters when genetics is involved. There was nothing really she could do about it, she could blame her parents but what good will it do? 

Lux had spent her entire life running forward, determined to carve out something meaningful for herself. But now, she's sitting on a park bench on a random Thursday afternoon next to a stranger with her heart quite literally faltering, she had to ask herself—

What had all of this been for? What a joke, she thought. She couldn't help but laugh. 

The unexpected laughter drew the attention of the stranger beside her. Lux hadn’t even looked at her properly, but now, as she turned slightly, she saw a young woman with long electric blue hair, slouched against the bench, arms stretched across the backrest like she had nowhere better to be with a motorcycle helmet resting on her thigh. A pair of round goggles rested on her forehead and Lux noticed the hint of tattoos peeking out from under her jacket sleeves. Clouds? There was a cigarette tucked behind her ear, a lollipop in her mouth, and a glint of mischief in her sharp, electric-blue eyes. The woman tilted her head, a smirk curling on her lips.

“Geez pretty lady, laughing on your own out of nowhere– you crazy?” She said with a raspy voice. 

“Oh,” Lux said, shaking her head. “I’m sorry.” She said as she stood to leave. Way to go Lux, now people think you're crazy.  

The stranger chuckled, twirling the lollipop stick between her fingers “Oh no don't leave. Share the joke with the class will ya? God knows I need a laugh today” 

Lux didn’t know why she stayed. Maybe it was the absurdity of it all—pouring her heart out to a stranger, a much younger woman, one who looked like she belonged in an underground punk band rather than in this quiet little park. Maybe it was the way the young woman laughed at life the same way Lux had just laughed at herself, as if they both knew the universe was one big joke, and they were just waiting for the punchline.

“You know what? That is pretty funny,” she said and Lux laughed along with her. “So what, you gonna start living now?” She asked, stretching her legs out in front of her.

Lux blinked. “What do you mean?”

The woman shot her a look, like it was the dumbest question she’d ever heard. “You just sat here and told me you regret spending all your years on work, never having fun, never doing stupid shit. So what now? You just gonna go back to your office, check your emails, and pretend today didn’t happen?”

Lux opened her mouth to argue, to say that wasn’t true, but—wasn’t it?

“I mean, don’t get me wrong,” She continued, tapping a ringed finger against her helmet, “maybe you’re too old to have fun now. Your heart might explode if you do anything too exciting.”

Lux scoffed, affronted. “I am not too old.”

The woman grinned, all teeth. “Prove it.”

It was ridiculous. Lux was a grown woman with a high-powered career, a reputation, and a heart condition to worry about. She was not about to let a stranger—some reckless, wild thing—goad her into making impulsive decisions.

But then she thought about it. Thought about the doctor’s words, the stark reality of her own mortality, and the years she’d spent doing nothing but working. And then she thought about the stranger next to her—her devil-may-care attitude, her ripped clothes, the way she seemed like she belonged to a world Lux had never even touched. 

One problem though. Lux sighed, “I don’t even know how to have fun anymore.”

The woman grinned, eyes twinkling with something dangerously mischievous. “Lucky for you, I do.” She extended a hand. “Name’s Jinx. Stands for jinx.”

Lux hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Lux.”

Jinx gave her a firm shake before jumping to her feet, stretching like a cat. “Alright, business lady, today’s your lucky day. I’m officially your bad influence .”

Lux arched a brow. “I didn’t agree to anything.”

Jinx smirked. “Yeah, but you didn’t say no either.”

And somehow, Lux found herself smiling. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to let a stranger pull her out of her routine, just for a little while. Maybe, just once, she could see what that world was like.

So Lux exhaled, shook her head, and said, “Fine. What do you have in mind?”

Jinx’s grin widened, and for the first time in her life, Lux had no idea what she was getting herself into. 

--

They walked side by side, an unlikely pair against the backdrop of Piltover’s bustling streets. Lux still felt the weight of her diagnosis pressing against her ribs, but somehow, the presence of the carefree, blue-haired stranger made it a little easier to breathe.

After a stretch of silence, Lux glanced at Jinx and asked, “So, what were you doing sitting at a park on a random Thursday at 2 p.m.? No offense, but you don’t exactly strike me as the type to take a stroll after lunch.”

Jinx let out a laugh, loud and unapologetic. “Damn, straight to profiling, huh? I thought we were bonding.”

Lux smirked. “Just an observation.”

Jinx grinned but didn’t answer right away. Instead, she twirled the lollipop stick between her fingers and shrugged. “I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

Lux raised an eyebrow. “Mysterious.”

“Adds to my charm,” Jinx said, winking before abruptly grabbing Lux’s wrist and dragging her toward a small stand on the corner of the street.

Lux barely had time to register what was happening before she found herself standing in front of an ice cream vendor, the scent of fresh waffle cones filling the air. Jinx, already scanning the options, looked entirely at home.

Lux folded her arms. “Is this your idea of ‘fun’ stuff?” she asked, amused. “To be honest, I was expecting something a little more… thrilling.”

Jinx gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “Excuse you, having ice cream is a fun activity.” She turned to the vendor. “Two cones. One bubblegum blast, one… I dunno, what’s the most boring flavor you’ve got?”

The vendor blinked before hesitantly saying, “Uh… vanilla?”

Jinx immediately turned to Lux. “Yeah, that one’s for you.”

Lux rolled her eyes. “Predictable.”

Jinx smirked. “Hey, gotta start slow. Pretty sure going full-throttle into fun isn’t ideal when your heart’s, y’know, failing.”

Lux shot her a look, but the corners of her lips twitched despite herself. “Wow. You really have a way with words.”

Jinx handed her the vanilla cone. “It’s a gift.”

Lux stared at the ice cream for a moment before sighing and taking a small bite. It was simple. Sweet. And surprisingly good. Jinx grinned, already halfway through her chocolate cone. “See? Fun.”

Lux huffed but didn’t argue. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t the worst way to start.

--

They finished their ice cream, tossing the empty cones into a nearby bin before continuing their walk. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the pavement, and for the first time in a long time, Lux felt like she wasn’t in a rush to be anywhere.

As they strolled, Lux glanced at Jinx. “Alright,” she said. “What now?”

Jinx came to a sudden stop, tilting her head as she gave Lux a slow, exaggerated once-over. Lux arched a brow, unimpressed.

Then Jinx grinned. “Okay, this might be extreme for your poor, fragile heart, but hear me out—let’s dye your hair.”

Lux let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head immediately. “Absolutely not.”

Jinx pouted. “C’mon, it’ll be fun! We could do something subtle. Maybe some blue streaks? A little rebellion?”

“I’m a corporate woman, Jinx,” Lux said firmly. “I can’t just show up to meetings looking like I’m having a mid-life crisis.”

Jinx’s smirk widened. “Babe, you are having a mid-life crisis.”

Lux sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re insufferable.”

“Thank you,” Jinx said, all too pleased with herself.

They reached the edge of the park, and Jinx veered off toward the street where a sleek black and blue motorcycle was parked. Lux stopped short as Jinx casually picked up a helmet that she had been carrying and, without hesitation, plopped it onto Lux’s head.

“Alright, uptight business lady,” Jinx said, securing the strap under Lux’s chin. “Hop on.”

Lux blinked, surprised at the gesture. “What?”

Jinx patted the seat behind her. “Bike. You. Me. Let’s go.”

Lux hesitated, glancing at the vehicle with a fair amount of doubt. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

Jinx grinned, leaning against the bike. “Listen, blondie, if we’re gonna do this, you gotta trust and respect me as your fun guru .”

Lux snorted. “Fun guru?”

“Yup,” Jinx said, popping the ‘p’ and swinging one leg over the bike. “And rule number one? You do not question the fun guru.”

Lux hesitated. She had spent the last two decades making calculated decisions, minimizing risks, keeping herself in control. But today—today felt different. Maybe it was the diagnosis. Maybe it was the way Jinx made everything seem so damn easy.

Or maybe Lux was just tired of telling herself no.

Lux looked at Jinx, then at the bike, then back at Jinx, who was waiting with far too much amusement in her eyes.

This was a bad idea. A reckless, irresponsible, completely unnecessary bad idea. Lux sighed. Then, to her own surprise, she swung a leg over the bike and settled behind Jinx.

Jinx let out a victorious laugh, revving the engine. “Hell yeah! Look at you, already taking risks.”

Lux exhaled slowly, hands hovering awkwardly at her sides. “Just… don’t get us killed. And I’m still on the fence with dyeing my hair part.”

Jinx laughed again, then grabbed Lux’s wrists and pulled them forward, wrapping Lux’s arms around her waist. “We’ll discuss this more later. Now hold on tight, business lady.”

And then they took off.

--

The ride to Zaun was an experience in itself. Lux clung to Jinx’s waist, regretting every life choice that had led her to this moment, while Jinx weaved through the streets with reckless ease. It had been years since Lux had been in Zaun—Piltover’s grittier, unpolished sister city. She barely recognized it now, its neon glow and industrial hum a stark contrast to the structured elegance she was used to.

When Jinx finally parked outside a small, run-down salon with a flickering neon sign that read “Elise’s—Cuts, Ink, & Metal” , Lux immediately knew she had made a mistake.

She took one look at the dimly lit interior, the cracked tiles, and the walls decorated with what she could only assume were blood splatters, and shook her head. “Absolutely not. No way. This place looks like I’ll walk out with a new hair color and an infection.”

Jinx rolled her eyes. “Relax, Princess Corporate. Elise is a pro. Best in the business. She’s my go to girl for everything .”

“That’s not saying much when the business looks illegal. ”

Jinx didn’t wait for another argument—she grabbed Lux’s wrist and dragged her inside.

Now, Lux found herself seated in a suspiciously creaky chair, staring at her reflection in a mirror so dirty and cracked she could barely make out her own face. This was, without a doubt, the most questionable establishment she had ever set foot in.

Across from her, a tall, dangerously elegant woman with dark hair and piercing red eyes leaned against a counter, twirling a comb between her fingers. Jinx, perched on the counter like she owned the place, was deep in discussion with her.

“So, I was thinking pink,” Jinx said, grinning.

Elise, who had been eyeing Lux’s hair with something disturbingly close to hunger, hummed. “I was thinking of shaving her bald and selling the hair to some guy I know. This stuff looks like actual gold.”

Lux paled. “What?!”

Jinx barked out a laugh. “Tempting, but let’s not traumatize my new friend today.”

Elise sighed dramatically. “Boring, but fine. What do you want, my lady?”

Lux inhaled sharply, bracing herself. “Something modern. Professional. Nothing crazy.”

Elise tsked but got to work, her hands fast and precise. Lux was skeptical at first, but as the minutes passed, she found herself genuinely impressed. Elise’s technique was meticulous, her sharp eyes catching every detail.

By the time she was done, Lux barely recognized herself. Her long golden locks were gone, replaced by a sleek, shoulder-length cut that framed her face perfectly. It was effortlessly stylish—polished yet contemporary.

Lux ran a hand through it, a slow smile spreading across her lips. “…Okay. I actually love it.”

Jinx let out a low whistle, smirking. “Damn, look at you. Sexy business lady unlocked. ”

Lux rolled her eyes, but her reflection still held her gaze. It had been a long time since she had done something so… impulsive. And yet, she didn’t regret it.

Maybe this fun guru thing wasn’t so bad after all. 

--

Lux stood, running her fingers through her freshly cut hair one last time before turning to Elise. “Thanks,” she said, despite still feeling a little unsettled by the fact that Elise was now actually collecting the strands of her hair like a prized commodity.

Elise smirked, twirling a golden lock between her fingers. “No problem, golden lady. Come back if you ever want something more exciting.”

Jinx, leaning against the counter, laughed. “Classic Elise. Always running a side hustle.”

Lux shook her head with an exasperated sigh, but she wasn’t entirely annoyed. If anything, she felt… lighter.

Once they stepped outside, the night air was cooler, a refreshing contrast to the buzzing energy of Zaun. Lux exhaled, looking at Jinx. “So… what now?”

Jinx stretched, grinning lazily. “Now? Now you chill, my beautiful disciple. Too much fun in one day might not be good for that fragile heart of yours.”

Lux shot her a dry look. “You’re never going to stop making those jokes, are you?”

“Nope.” Jinx popped the p and smirked. “Now, gimme your address.”

Lux hesitated only for a second before rattling it off, and soon enough, she found herself on the back of Jinx’s bike again, weaving through the streets until they reached the towering skyline of Piltover. Jinx pulled up to the entrance of Lux’s high-rise penthouse, shutting off the engine as Lux removed the helmet.

She turned to Jinx, brushing a few stray hairs from her face. “Would you like to come in?” she asked, a bit more hesitant than she intended. “We could order takeout. I just realized the only food we’ve had today was ice cream.”

Jinx grinned but shook her head. “Tempting, but I got somewhere to be.”

Lux pursed her lips, nodding. She shouldn’t be disappointed—it wasn’t like she expected anything. But still… she found herself hesitating before asking, “Will I see my fun guru again?”

Jinx gave her a lopsided smile. “Duh. I already put my number in your phone.”

Lux blinked. “Wait—when?”

Jinx winked. “You really gotta start paying attention, babe.”

Lux scoffed but found herself smiling at that nickname. They only just met today and Jinx already called her with many things but her real name. 

Jinx then reached over, tapping the helmet in Lux’s hand. “Keep that. You’ll need it for our future fun plans.”

Before Lux could respond, Jinx revved her bike to life and laughed as she sped off, leaving behind the scent of smoke, engine oil, and a strange, lingering sense of excitement.

Lux stood there for a moment, looking down at the helmet in her hands.

She shook her head with a quiet chuckle before heading inside, already wondering when her phone would light up with Jinx’s next text. 

--

Lux sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her penthouse. The lights of Piltover glittered in the distance, but her mind was elsewhere.

She started her day expecting something simple. Maybe her chest pains were from stress, maybe her dizziness was from overworking. A small diagnosis, something that could be fixed with a few vacation days and a better sleep schedule.

Instead, she got this .

Arrhythmia. A heart that didn’t beat properly. A heart that, despite her healthy lifestyle, might just… fail her.

She had sat in Viktor’s office, listening as the doctor—one of Piltover’s best—explained her condition with his usual clinical precision. There would be treatments, medications. But there was also a chance the medications wouldn’t work. And if they didn’t…

“You will have to consider a heart transplant.”

She stopped listening after that.

The words had settled over her like a heavy weight, pressing against her ribs until she couldn’t breathe. She didn’t even remember leaving the hospital, didn’t recall how her legs had carried her to that park, to that bench.

To her .

Jinx.

Lux let out a quiet breath, rolling the name over in her mind. A stranger—wild, unpredictable, and so completely different from her in every way. And yet, somehow, she managed to make today… fun .

Lux thought back to the ice cream, the reckless ride through Zaun, the absurdity of sitting in that dingy salon while Elise joked about shaving her bald or at least Lux hoped she was joking. She had laughed more today than she had in years.

On the worst day of my life, she thought, Jinx made me forget, even just for a little while.

She didn’t know much about the young woman. Didn’t know where she came from, what she did, or why she was even sitting on that park bench in the first place. But Jinx had taken time—her time—to cheer Lux up.

And Lux, for the first time in a long time, wanted to repay that kindness. She picked up the helmet Jinx had left her, running a thumb over the scratched surface.

“You’ll need it for our future fun plans.”

Lux smiled to herself.

Next time they met, she would make sure Jinx had as much fun as she did today.

--

Lux tapped her fingers against her phone, staring at the contact name that had been sitting in her call log for days now.

Fun Sugar Baby.

She rolled her eyes, chuckling to herself. That girl was impossible. People will get the wrong picture if they see that name in her phone, and by people she means Evelynn . 

And yet… no texts. No calls.

Lux wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she was a little disappointed. Maybe more than a little.

But Jinx left her helmet with me, she reminded herself. That had to mean something, right?

Still, she wasn’t the type to chase after people. Jinx could be busy. Lux didn’t know anything about her—what she did, where she lived, what kind of life she had beyond that brief, reckless Thursday.

So instead of texting, she threw herself back into her usual routine.

On Friday, she went straight back to work. The moment she stepped into her office, people took notice of her haircut. Compliments came from all directions. Some were genuinely flattering, others had that corporate politeness laced into them, but either way, it was a welcome distraction. Lux buried herself in meetings, reports, and business deals, trying to push aside the nagging thought that she was waiting for something.

On Saturday, she deep-cleaned her penthouse. Did laundry. Organized her closet. Scrubbed the already spotless kitchen counters. It wasn’t fun, but it kept her busy. She told herself she wasn’t checking her phone every hour.

By Sunday, she decided to do something she actually enjoyed—true crime documentaries. She curled up on the couch with a glass of wine, letting herself get lost in the details of an old Piltover murder case. A part of her enjoyed the predictability of it—the way evidence led to conclusions, the way motives unraveled like a perfectly constructed narrative.

Everything had an answer.

Unlike Jinx.

Lux sighed, pausing the documentary as she glanced toward the helmet sitting by her front door.

She told herself she wasn’t waiting. But maybe she was.

--

Lux was hunched over her desk, reviewing the latest round of reports, when the sudden burst of noise outside her office caught her attention. She barely had time to register the sound of hurried footsteps before the door swung open with a force that made her blink in surprise.

There, standing in the doorway with a mischievous grin plastered across her face, was none other than Jinx in jeans shorts and a big oversized bomber jacket filled with doodles and drawings over a crop top allowing Lux to have more peak of Jinx’s tattoo. More clouds. Two long braids trailing behind her as she walked and again, a cigarette tucked behind her ear. 

Behind her, two security guards stood out of breath, looking flustered and defeated as they stood in the threshold. No doubt from chasing this loose cannon up to Lux’s office. 

Without missing a beat, Lux raised her hand, signaling for her security team to stop. “It’s alright,” she said smoothly, her voice calm despite the chaos that had just erupted in her office. “From now on, Miss Jinx can come and go as she pleases.”

Jinx made a face at the formality of the title, sticking out her tongue in mock disgust. “ Miss Jinx? Sounds so fancy” she teased, but didn’t push further.

The guards, looking unsure of whether they should still be standing there, exchanged glances before retreating, still visibly flustered from the chase. 

As soon as the door shut behind them, Jinx wasted no time in settling into Lux’s office chair, spinning it a couple of times before looking over at Lux. “Miss me sunshine?” she asked, her voice dripping with playful challenge.

Lux raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she asked, “Where were you this whole weekend? I didn’t hear from you.”

Jinx waved her hand dismissively, as if the answer were trivial. “Personal stuff. Nothing big.” She leaned back in the chair, looking entirely too comfortable in the space that Lux had carefully curated.

“But why didn’t you text me?” Lux pressed, the nagging question finally escaping her lips. “You could’ve asked to meet up, but instead, you come barging in here. And how do you even know where my office is?”

Jinx let out a breathy laugh, as if Lux had asked the most obvious question in the world. “Where’s the fun in texting?” she said with a grin. “And come on, it’s not that hard to figure out where the most shiny businesswoman in Piltover works, is it?” She leaned forward slightly, eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m resourceful, babe. I get things done.”

Lux’s lips curved into a reluctant smile at the sheer audacity of the woman sitting in her chair.

Jinx seemed unfazed, clearly enjoying the chaos she had caused. “So, what’s for lunch, Boss Lady? Hope you’re not planning some boring salad, ‘cause I got better plans.”

Lux glanced at the clock. It was almost noon. She hadn’t realized how much time had passed while Jinx had been in her office. The temptation to give in to her curiosity about this whirlwind of a woman was too strong to resist.

With a sigh, Lux stood up. “Fine,” she said, her voice soft with an unspoken understanding. “Let’s go grab lunch my wise fun guru.”

Jinx’s grin widened. “Now that’s more like it!”

As Lux walked out of her office, Jinx casually by her side, the murmurs and whispers started almost immediately. The employees who had been busy at their desks just moments before now lowered their voices, exchanging knowing glances and sly smiles.

Lux could hear snippets of conversation—

“Is that her sugar baby?” 

“She’s really letting her hair down, huh?”

Normally, this kind of gossip would bother Lux. She was the consummate professional, the serious businesswoman who had worked tirelessly to carve out her reputation in Piltover. The last thing she needed was whispers about her private life. But as she walked alongside Jinx, a strange sense of calm settled over her.

Jinx was unbothered, clearly enjoying the attention and theatrics of it all. She didn’t care if they thought she was a “sugar baby” or anything else—they’d never know the truth, and neither would Lux.

Lux chuckled inwardly. She didn’t need to prove anything to these people anyway.

Her focus shifted as they reached the front of the building, where Jinx’s bike sat parked just in front of the entrance.

Jinx gave Lux a sidelong glance, a smirk tugging at her lips. “So, did you bring the helmet?” she asked innocently, though Lux could already tell this was going to be one of those moments.

Lux raised an eyebrow. “No. Why would I bring a helmet to work?”

Jinx’s eyes rolled theatrically. “Well, from now on, you’ll have to carry it everywhere with you,” she said, her voice teasing but somehow serious, like it was a new rule in Lux’s life.

Lux sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine, but for now, we’re riding without them?”

Jinx grinned. “Exactly. The fun comes first.”

Lux could only shake her head, amused and resigned to whatever chaos this girl would bring into her life. She wasn’t used to surrendering control, but she was already realizing that trying to control Jinx was futile.

They got on the bike, and Lux clung to Jinx’s back, the familiar feeling of the engine revving to life beneath them filling her ears.

As they sped off, the wind in her hair and the hum of the bike beneath her, Lux couldn’t help but feel the spark of something new, something thrilling. She had no idea where they were headed, but for once in her life, she didn’t feel the need to know. All she had to do was trust Jinx and let the ride unfold.

And in that moment, maybe that was all she needed.

--

Almost three months had passed since Lux’s world had been shaken up by Jinx. In that time, the young woman had become a whirlwind in Lux’s otherwise structured and predictable life.

Jinx had taught Lux how to live in the moment—how to let go of control, to embrace the chaos and fun. She’d dragged Lux to concerts, bike rides, spontaneous trips to the coast, even late-night ice cream binges. Lux found herself doing things she’d never imagined herself doing, from dancing in the rain to sneaking into an underground show in Zaun.

With each adventure, Lux found herself letting go more, laughing louder, and discovering parts of herself she’d buried under years of strict professionalism.

Through it all, Jinx remained as enigmatic as ever. Lux learned that Jinx had grown up in Zaun, working in a factory before finding a new life at a record store. She was in a band, though Lux hadn’t yet seen a performance. Every time Jinx mentioned her sister, it was in passing, and Lux had learned not to push. Asking too much of Jinx had once led to a quiet retreat—a three-day absence that had worried Lux until Jinx suddenly appeared again, carefree and unbothered.

Jinx was a mystery, and Lux was learning to appreciate that. The young woman had a way of disappearing without explanation, only to reappear when she chose. But Lux had learned to give her space, respecting her boundaries even though it left her wondering what Jinx was up to when she was away. Sometimes she would show up looking exhausted or with dark circles under her eyes. But whenever Lux asked if she’s doing okay, Jinx would just shrug it off and say it’s not a big deal. 

Today Lux woke up to a text from Jinx first thing in the morning: “Skip work. Be ready. I’m arriving in 20.”

Lux smiled at the message, not even bothering to question what adventure Jinx had planned for her today. She immediately called her assistant, canceling all meetings and appointments. No work today.

She could already feel the familiar excitement stirring in her chest as she prepared for whatever wild idea Jinx had in store. It didn’t matter what it was. As long as she was with Jinx, Lux had learned that life didn’t need to follow the strict rules she’d lived by for so long.

Twenty minutes later, Lux stood outside her penthouse, helmet in hand, ready for whatever fun Jinx had planned for the day. She had learned the hard way that bringing the helmet everywhere was now part of her new life with Jinx. The wild adventures, the unpredictable spontaneity, it had all become part of her routine, in the best way possible.

But today, as Jinx revved the engine of her beloved motorcycle, Fishbones , she smiled at Lux with that mischievous glint in her eyes. Lux had long since learned the bike’s name, and it had become a little piece of Jinx’s personality—quirky, fun, and a bit unpredictable.

“We’re not taking Fishbones today,” Jinx said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Lux blinked, surprised. “What? But—” She’d grown used to the bike’s roar, the rush of wind, and the feeling of freedom that came with riding through the city with Jinx. But Jinx just shrugged, her grin widening.

“Today’s a car day,” Jinx said, her tone light but full of excitement.

Lux raised an eyebrow, trying to catch up with her. “A car day? What’s this about?”

“Don’t you have a car or two lying around?” Jinx asked casually, as though it was the most normal thing in the world to ask a businesswoman about her car collection.

Lux couldn’t help but smirk at the question. Of course, she had cars—sleek, elegant, professional vehicles, the kind that matched her image. “Yes, I do.” She wasn’t quite sure where this was going, but she followed Jinx’s lead, always curious about her next move.

Jinx’s eyes gleamed. “Great! Let’s use one of them today. What's the biggest car you got? I’ve got a lot of stuff planned, and we’ll need the space.”

Lux narrowed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. “What exactly are you planning?”

Jinx looked at her with a smirk, leaning in just enough that Lux could tell she was on the verge of revealing something major. “Oh, you’ll see. We’re going to an animal adoption center.”

Lux blinked. “An adoption center? For what?”

Jinx bounced on the balls of her feet, clearly excited. “We’re getting a pet!” she declared, as though the decision had been made for both of them. “You, me, and your car, Blondie. I’m thinking we should get a dog, maybe a cat! Or—how about a rabbit? Ooh, or a guinea pig! Or maybe something more exotic, like a ferret!”

Lux just stared at her for a second, trying to comprehend what was happening. They were getting a pet? Since when did she sign up for this? She opened her mouth to protest, but the enthusiasm on Jinx’s face made it impossible to refuse. 

“Wait,” Lux said, shaking her head. “I didn’t agree to this! Why we ?”

But Jinx was already grabbing her arm and dragging her towards the garage. “You are agreeing to it. Trust me, it’ll be great. You’ll love it. Plus, you need someone to keep you company when I’m off doing whatever it is I do,” she teased, shooting Lux a knowing glance.

Lux was still trying to wrap her head around the idea. But before she could object any further, Jinx threw her arms up in the air. “Just trust me, Blondie. I’ve been thinking about this for weeks. We need a pet! They’re fun, they’re cute, and they don’t care about anything other than cuddles and food. It’s perfect for both of us!” 

Lux sighed, realizing that there was no stopping Jinx when she got this excited about something. Maybe she was right—Lux hadn’t had a pet since she was a little girl. Maybe it was time to change things up. She glanced at Jinx, the girl who had already turned her life upside down in the most chaotic, unpredictable, yet oddly refreshing way.

“Alright, alright,” Lux said, laughing despite herself. “But you’re helping with the responsibility. I’m not doing this alone.”

Jinx’s grin grew even wider, and she practically skipped to the car, giving Lux no time to rethink her decision. “Yes! Let’s get our new friend! It’s going to be amazing! I already have the perfect names in mind! I’m thinking we could name it something cool, like ‘Spooky’ or ‘Bubbles’ or—no, wait, maybe ‘Punk’ or ‘Jinx Jr.’!”

Lux, feeling a bit uncertain but also strangely excited, grabbed her car keys and followed Jinx. It seemed like another day in Lux’s new life, where every moment was a surprise—and she had no idea what to expect next. But one thing was certain: whatever it was, it would be anything but boring.

And so, Lux found herself driving toward the animal adoption center, her mind racing with questions about what this day had in store. All she knew was that she was stepping into a world she never expected to be a part of—one filled with laughter, spontaneity, and maybe even a little bit of chaos. And for once, she didn’t mind one bit.

--

Lux couldn’t help but laugh as she watched Jinx run around the adoption center, buzzing with excitement as she interacted with every animal she could get her hands on. The girl was in her element, playing with puppies, letting rabbits hop onto her lap, and even cooing at the reptiles. But it all changed the moment a tiny black kitten with big, curious blue eyes latched onto Jinx’s sleeve.

Jinx froze, looking down at the kitten clinging to her like a lifeline. The kitten meowed, soft and insistent, and Jinx’s expression shifted from playful excitement to something softer—something Lux wasn’t sure she’d ever seen before.

“Well, shit,” Jinx muttered, staring at the tiny creature now nestled against her chest. She looked up at Lux with wide eyes. “I think I’ve been chosen.” 

Lux crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure you didn’t just get attacked?"

Jinx scoffed. "Have you not heard of the cat distribution system? " She gently cradled the kitten in her arms, rubbing her cheek against its soft fur. "We have to adopt this one. No negotiations."

Lux sighed but smiled. "I figured as much."

The adoption process was surprisingly smooth, mostly because Jinx refused to put the kitten down for even a second. They filled out the necessary paperwork, and just like that, they were officially pet parents.

The next stop was the pet store, where Jinx went wild . 

Lux expected to buy the essentials—a litter box, food, maybe a small scratching post. What she didn’t expect was to be forced into buying three different cat beds because, according to Jinx, “The kitten needs options.”

Nor did she expect to leave with five different cat toys, a giant sack of premium kitten food, and—at Jinx’s demand—the biggest cat tower in the entire store.

“We gotta get the biggest one, Lux!” Jinx insisted, hugging the box that was nearly half her size. “Our baby deserves the best life!”

Lux shook her head, chuckling. "I think you just want to see if you can climb it too."

Jinx gasped, feigning offense. “How dare you suggest such a thing.” Then she leaned closer and whispered, “But also, yes.”

Lux sighed and paid for everything.

By the time they got to Lux’s place, it finally hit Lux that this was Jinx’s first time stepping into her home. For Lux, it felt like she had just brought home two hyperactive cats—Jinx and the kitten. Jinx immediately set the kitten down, letting her explore, while Lux oversaw the doorman bringing in all their pet supplies. By the time she turned around, Jinx had already started her own exploration of the penthouse, bouncing from room to room with the same curiosity as their new kitten.

“You live like a queen in here,” Jinx whistled, plopping onto Lux’s couch and making herself at home. Meanwhile, the kitten had already claimed a corner of the living room, batting at the edge of one of Lux’s expensive rugs.

Lux sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Glad you approve.”

Jinx grinned. “Now, let’s get building this cat tower, sweetheart.”

Lux stood back, watching in amusement as Jinx effortlessly put the thing together. She’s good with tools, Lux realized. Really good. It was strange seeing her like this—focused, capable. Lux was used to Jinx being chaotic, bouncing from one thing to the next like a whirlwind. But here, she was… skilled.

“Like what you’re seeing?” Jinx teased without looking up.

“You’re good at this,” Lux commented as she handed Jinx the next piece.

Jinx smirked. “Worked in a factory for years. Built a lot of shit. This is nothing.”

Lux noted how Jinx’s voice turned a little distant at the mention of her past. She didn’t push. Instead, she just helped where she could, enjoying the process.

Jinx grinned, tightening the last screw with ease. “Boom! Sturdy as hell. Kitty Playground is complete!”

As if on cue, the kitten immediately climbed onto the lowest platform, sniffing around before jumping to the next level.

Jinx practically melted. "Look at her! She's so smart, Lux. She’s gonna grow up and do great things . "

Lux shook her head fondly. "You're ridiculous." But deep down, she found herself smiling more than usual.

--

After a long day of unexpected pet parenting, Lux found herself suggesting something she never thought she would:

“You can stay over. If you want. The guest room’s available.”

Jinx perked up immediately, tossing the kitten in the air (gently) before catching her. "For real?"

Lux nodded. "I mean, we just brought in the kitten and you’re clearly obsessed with her. Might as well stay and play with her."

Jinx thought for a second before grinning. "Just so you know—I call dibs on being her favorite parent."

Lux scoffed. "Excuse you, I paid for everything."

"Doesn’t matter," Jinx said smugly, booping the kitten’s nose. "Love isn’t bought, babe. It’s earned. " Jinx picked up the kitten, cradling her in her arms. “She needs a name,” she murmured, thoughtful for a moment before smirking. “Powder.”

Lux raised an eyebrow. “Powder?”

Jinx nodded. “Yeah. It fits. She reminds me of someone. She’s small, cute, but I bet she’s gonna be a troublemaker.” She grinned, nuzzling the kitten’s tiny head. “Powder it is.”

Lux smiled, watching Jinx with the kitten, seeing how gentle she was with the tiny creature. Something about the way Jinx held Powder made Lux’s chest feel warm. And as she watched Jinx curl up on the floor, playing with Powder like a little kid, Lux had to admit… maybe getting a pet together wasn't such a bad idea after all. 

--

Lux had never had such a domestic morning in her life.

She woke up to the sound of soft swearing and the distinct smell of something burning. Her first instinct was alarm, but when she stumbled out of her bedroom, still groggy, she was met with a sight she wasn’t quite prepared for.

Jinx was in her kitchen. She was standing by the stove, wielding a spatula like a weapon, dressed in Lux’s silk bathrobe—the expensive one she had bought on a whim but barely wore. The robe drowned Jinx’s smaller frame, slipping off one shoulder, and for the first time, her wild blue hair was unbraided, cascading in messy waves down her back.

The scene was complete with Powder perched on the kitchen counter, watching with intense focus as Jinx attempted to flip a pancake.

Lux blinked. “What… are you doing?”

Jinx grinned, eyes still on the pan. “Making breakfast, obviously.”

“Jinx,” she said, voice still hoarse from sleep, “you’re burning the pancakes.”

Jinx waved a hand dismissively. “Nah, it’s just—” At that exact moment, she attempted the flip.

The pancake flew up. It did not land back in the pan. Instead, it slapped against the counter, narrowly missing Powder, who swiped at it with a tiny paw.

Lux sighed, already moving toward the stove. “Move before you set my kitchen on fire.”

Jinx pouted but obediently handed over the spatula. “Fine, but I love this robe, by the way. So soft. I might keep it.” She ran her hands over the fabric dramatically. “I think I deserve it.”

Lux shook her head, suppressing a smile as she took over cooking. Jinx made herself at home on the counter next to Powder, watching Lux with an amused expression.

“I like this,” Jinx said suddenly.

Lux glanced at her. “Like what?”

“This,” Jinx gestured vaguely. “Waking up and just… y’know. Being here. ”

Lux stilled for a moment, the words settling deep in her chest, warm and good . She glanced at Jinx, at the way she looked so at ease in Lux’s home, in Lux’s bathrobe, and she smiled. “If that’s the case,” she said, turning back to the stove, “you can stay here as long as you want.”

Jinx perked up. “Yeah?”

Lux nodded. “You can come whenever you please. I’ll give you a key.”

Jinx’s grin stretched wide. “Damn, committed already?”

Lux rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. “We did adopt a kitten together, so why not be here more often?”

Jinx reached over, stealing a piece of fruit from Lux’s cutting board and popping it into her mouth. “Careful, princess. I might take you up on that.”

Lux just hummed, already knowing Jinx would and Lux honestly didn't mind that at all. Having Jinx in her space feels right. 

By the time breakfast was ready—fluffy pancakes, coffee, and fresh fruit—Jinx was still lounging lazily in Lux’s bathrobe, Powder curled up on her lap.

They were just about to dig in when Lux’s front door swung open. 

All three of them—Lux, Jinx, and Powder—turned their heads at the same time.

Standing in the doorway was Evelynn . Lux had forgotten she even had a key. The glamorous woman stepped inside, sunglasses perched atop her head, dressed in a sleek black outfit that screamed I own the world . She took one look at the scene before her—Lux in her sleep clothes, Jinx in a bathrobe , and a kitten staring at her like she was an intruder—and froze . Mouth slightly open, eyes scanning the scene in disbelief, Evelynn just stared .

Lux, still holding her fork, froze. Jinx, mid-bite, also froze. Powder, sitting in the middle of the table, blinked up at Evelynn innocently.

For a few long seconds, no one spoke.

Then Evelynn’s lips curled into a smirk. " Oh ," she drawled, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. “Now this is interesting.”

Lux groaned internally.

“You,” Evelynn continued, gesturing at Lux with a perfectly manicured finger, “have been ignoring my calls, refusing to go out for weeks , and it turns out you were busy… adopting a sugar baby? And a kitten?”

Lux nearly choked on her coffee. “Jinx is not my sugar baby.”

Before she could continue, Jinx leaned back in her chair, resting an arm over the back of it, a smirk playing on her lips. “I’m not ?” Jinx teased, raising an eyebrow.

Lux shot her a glare. “Don’t start.”

Evelynn let out a low, amused laugh, crossing her arms as she eyed Jinx up and down. “Well, well. She’s got a sense of humor. I like her.”

Jinx winked. “I like me too.”

Lux pinched the bridge of her nose. “Eve, why are you here?”

Evelynn ignored the question, sliding into a chair as if she owned the place. “More importantly, when were you going to tell me about this ?” She gestured vaguely at the scene before her—the pancakes, the kitten, the bathrobe-clad Jinx looking far too comfortable in Lux’s home.

Lux sighed, knowing this conversation wasn’t going to end anytime soon. Jinx, on the other hand, just grinned, already entertained. 

--

Lux let out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “For the last time, Jinx is not my sugar baby, Eve.”

Evelynn, ever the picture of poise and amusement, arched a perfectly sculpted brow. “Oh? Let’s see.” She held up a manicured finger and started ticking off points. “You adopted a kitten together . You pay for things I assume. And right now, your supposed non-sugar baby is wearing your bathrobe while lounging on your balcony with your kitten that you both adopted together .”

Lux turned her head just enough to peek outside. Jinx was sprawled out lazily in one of the lounge chairs, bathrobe still draped over her like she owned the place. Powder was curled up on her chest, purring happily. The picture of comfort. 

Lux felt a rush of warmth creep up her neck. “That doesn’t mean—”

Evelynn smirked. “Face it, darling. In a way, she is your sugar baby.”

Lux sputtered, face burning. “Eve, I swear to—”

Evelynn waved a dismissive hand. “Relax, I’m just messing with you.” Then her smirk faded slightly, and her gaze softened, turning sharper in that way only Evelynn could manage. “But seriously. Is the Arrhythmia thing that bad?”

Lux blinked. “What do you mean?”

Evelynn tilted her head, scrutinizing her. “This. All of this.” She gestured vaguely at the entire scene. “The kitten, the girl , skipping work for fun of all things. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were dying soon and trying to check off some life bucket list before your time’s up.”

Lux rolled her eyes. “I’m not dying, Eve.”

“Mm-hmm. Then why do you look guilty?”

Lux huffed. “I have a follow-up appointment today, okay? To see if my medication is working.”

Evelynn narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t tell me about this.”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Lux said, softer this time. “It’s nothing serious.”

Before Evelynn could press further, Jinx’s voice rang from the balcony. “I can take you on my bike if you want.”

Lux turned to see Jinx leaning against the doorframe, arms lazily crossed, Powder still perched on her shoulder like a tiny, fluffy parrot. Her eyes were sharp, but there was something casual about the way she said it—like it wasn’t a big deal.

Lux smiled. “Sure. I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

Jinx grinned. “Cool. And we can eat ice cream after that.”

“Oh, lucky me,” Lux teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

Evelynn watched the interaction unfold, her lips curving in amusement. This wasn’t the Lux she used to know. The Lux she knew would never let someone crash into her life so spontaneously , let alone ride on the back of their bike . The Lux she knew never skipped work. And yet here she was—smiling, teasing, letting herself be in a way Evelynn hadn’t seen in years . She liked what she was seeing. 

--

The park was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of children playing. Lux sat on the same bench where she and Jinx first met, her gaze unfocused, staring at nothing. Her mind replayed the conversation with Doctor Viktor over and over again.

Jinx had asked if she could be in the consultation room with her, and Lux didn’t see any reason to say no.

If Viktor was at all surprised or bothered by the presence of a wild-looking, leather-clad young woman with a cigarette tucked behind her ear, he didn’t show it. He only glanced at the cigarette and said, “No smoking in here.”

It’s something Lux had noticed before—Jinx never actually lit the cigarette. She just kept it there, like an accessory. Lux asked her once about it and Jinx shrugged it off saying it made her look cool but she’s not gonna let a cigarette kill her when life is good. 

Jinx had just laughed, saying, “You’re funny, Doc.”

Viktor did not look amused. 

Then came the news. The real reason Lux had been quiet ever since.

Your medication isn’t working, Miss Crownguard. 

The words rang in her head, dull and heavy.

She had known, deep down, that something still wasn’t right. The fatigue, the moments where her chest felt tighter than it should, the way she sometimes woke up in the middle of the night gasping for breath—it wasn’t just in her head. 

She wanted to believe the treatment were helping.

But Viktor had made it clear: they weren’t.

He had already prescribed the highest dosage, and still, no improvement. Now, there was a new drug, another attempt. And a heart tracker. 

Lux’s heart had plummeted. More tests. More uncertainty. No progress. Lux sighed, slumping forward slightly, resting her forearms on her thighs. 

She had zoned out then, her mind slipping into a haze of disappointment, barely processing the rest of the conversation.

She wasn’t even sure when Jinx had taken over speaking for her, asking Viktor what came next. She had leaned forward, elbows on her knees, sharp blue eyes locked onto Viktor’s.

“What’s next Doc? What can we do?” 

She hadn’t heard Viktor’s response. She had only felt the slow sinking of her own thoughts, drowning out everything else. 

She hadn’t realized Jinx had already led her out of the hospital, onto Fishbones, and brought her back here—to the same park bench where they had first met.

It wasn’t until now, as the wind rustled through the leaves, that she became aware of the present moment again.

Jinx hadn’t said a word the entire time. She was just there. Her hand, warm and steady, was wrapped around Lux’s, thumb tracing slow, absentminded patterns against her skin like it was the easiest, most natural thing in the world.

She hadn’t let go. Not once.

Lux swallowed the lump in her throat. She turned slightly, her fingers tightening around Jinx’s.

She let out a breath.

“I really thought it was working,” she murmured. “I felt like it was.”

Jinx didn’t respond right away, just leaned back a little, stretching her legs out. “Yeah?”

Lux nodded. “I mean, I’ve been… I don’t know. Living . Having fun. Doing things I normally wouldn’t.” She turned to look at Jinx, offering a small, almost bitter smile. “I guess I thought that feeling better meant I actually was better.”

Jinx’s expression didn’t change, but there was something unreadable in her eyes.

“What did Viktor tell you?” Lux asked after a moment.

Jinx exhaled through her nose, running her free hand through her unbraided hair. “Told me they’re gotta collect more data with the pacemaker. Said the new meds might work, might not. No way to tell yet.”

Lux swallowed. “And if they don’t?”

Jinx tilted her head back, staring at the sky for a second. Then she said, voice even, “We’ll figure it out.”

We.

Not you.

Not Lux will figure it out.

We.

Lux’s heart clenched—not painfully, not like before, but in a way that made her chest feel full. Jinx wasn’t going anywhere.  Lux swallowed, her throat tight. “…Thanks,” she murmured.

Jinx turned her head slightly. “For what?”

Lux didn’t have the words to explain. For bringing her here? For being here? For holding her hand and not letting go?

All of it.

“Just… for today,” Lux said instead, voice quieter than usual.

Jinx hummed. “Anytime, Princess.” 

Jinx gave her hand a light squeeze. “Besides, what kinda sugar baby would I be if I didn’t take care of my sugar mommy?”

Lux groaned, shoving at her playfully with their joined hands. “Jinx—”

Jinx cackled but didn’t let go.

She never did. 

--

The penthouse was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The lights inside were dim, casting a soft glow over the living room.

Lux leaned into the couch, legs curled beneath her, half-eaten pizza on the coffee table. Jinx sat across from her, one leg propped up on the couch, fingers absentmindedly scratching behind Powder’s ears. The kitten lay between them, purring softly, tiny paws twitching in sleep.

It had been a slow evening. After spending time in the park, Lux had finally gotten them ice cream—something she had promised Jinx earlier. Then they had come back here, ordered pizza, and let the night unfold in quiet comfort.

Lux let the peacefulness settle for a moment before breaking the silence. “Jinx?”

Jinx hummed in acknowledgment, not looking away from Powder.

“…Can you tell me more about yourself?”

Jinx made a face, feigning annoyance. “Ugh, why? You writing a book on me, blondie?”

Lux rolled her eyes but smiled. “No. I just…” Her voice softened. “I want to know you better.”

Jinx sighed, tilting her head back against the couch dramatically. “Fine,” she muttered. “But only ‘cause you had a shitty day.”

Lux chuckled, waiting patiently as Jinx gathered her thoughts.

“My real parents died when I was really little,” Jinx finally said, her voice light, almost detached. “Don’t remember much of ‘em. Me and my sister got taken in by their friend—real nice guy. He took in two boys as well, so we were kinda like a little family. ‘Til we weren’t. ”

Jinx shifted, gaze distant now.

“Shit happened. Lost everyone. Sister got taken by the enforcers, and I got taken by someone else.”

Lux frowned. “Taken?”

Jinx gave a small, wry smile. “Eh. Not like, kidnapped taken. More like… he found me. Took care of me.” Her fingers twitched slightly, tapping against Powder’s fur. “He wasn’t a good guy, but he was all I had. He was broken too, just like me. I loved him. He loved me. And then… well. You can probably guess what happened.”

Lux felt a lump form in her throat.

Jinx glanced at her, smirking. “Another tragedy, obviously .”

Lux didn’t laugh.

Jinx exhaled through her nose, gaze dropping to the kitten. “Got reunited with my sister eventually, but by then, we were… different people. Separation kinda does that to ya.” She shrugged. “We talk sometimes. Just… not much.”

Silence stretched between them.

Then Jinx grinned, as if she hadn’t just dropped a lifetime of heartbreak into Lux’s lap. “Other than that? Life’s pretty sweet. Y’know, aside from constantly getting evicted.”

Lux’s heart clenched at the way she said it so casually. Constantly. Getting evicted. Jinx spoke like it was just a minor inconvenience. Like it was something normal.

Lux watched her for a long moment, feeling an unfamiliar weight settle in her chest. “…That’s not okay, Jinx.”

Jinx snorted. “Well, no shit, but it is what it is.”

Lux frowned. “Where are you staying now?”

Jinx stretched lazily, dodging the question. “Eh, Elise got me a place. For now.”

Lux didn’t press. But she made a quiet decision right then and there. Lux leaned back against the couch, gathering her thoughts before finally saying, “You should stay here.”

Jinx blinked at her. “Huh?”

Lux shrugged, trying to sound casual even though her heart was pounding a little. “You should move in. I’ve got the space, an empty guest room… and this way, you can be closer to Powder all the time.” And me , but she didn't say that out loud. 

Jinx’s expression faltered for a split second before she smirked. “Blondie, c’mon. I don’t need charity.”

Lux frowned. “It’s not charity.” She turned to face Jinx fully, her voice quieter but firm. “You take care of me a lot, you know. Dragging me out to have fun, making sure I don’t get lost in work, taking me to my doctor’s appointments…”

Jinx didn’t say anything, just watched her, eyes unreadable.

“I care about you, Jinx, a lot .” Lux admitted. “And I want you to stay.”

Jinx exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck. She seemed to be thinking hard about it, her knee bouncing slightly. After a long pause, she finally said, “I disappear sometimes. You know that. Just… gone for a couple days. Is that okay? Having someone who comes and goes like that?”

Lux smiled, reaching out to gently push against Jinx’s arm. “It would actually be better for my heart condition if I didn’t have to worry about where you’re sleeping all the time.”

Jinx huffed a small laugh, but Lux wasn’t done. “And you were the one who said earlier that you liked it here, right?” She raised an eyebrow. “So why not stay?”

Jinx rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was no real fight left in her. “You’re really gonna use my own words against me?” 

Lux grinned. “Absolutely, I learned that from the best”

Jinx stared at her for a long moment, then exhaled, shaking her head. “Fine, fine. I’ll crash here.” 

Lux’s smile widened, and before she could stop herself, she teased, “What kind of sugar mommy would I be if I couldn’t spoil my sugar baby?”

Jinx let out a loud, genuine laugh, throwing her head back. “Oh my god, Blondie.” Lux just grinned, watching as Jinx doubled over, still laughing.

Powder stirred at the noise, letting out a sleepy little meow, and Jinx grinned, scooping her up.

“Guess I’m moving in, Powder,” she said, scratching under the kitten’s chin.

Lux leaned her head against the back of the couch, watching Jinx hold the tiny ball of fluff, a small warmth spreading through her chest.

Maybe this arrangement wasn’t traditional. Maybe Jinx would still disappear from time to time. But for now—for tonight—she was here.

Feeling brave, Lux reached over, running her fingers through Jinx’s unbraided hair as the laughter slowly died down. 

Jinx didn’t pull away. 

Lux’s heart is beating at an irregular pace, and she knows that it's not because of her condition but more because of the blue haired woman sitting in front of her. 

--

Two months passed in a blur.

Lux never thought she’d get used to sharing her space with someone like Jinx, but now she couldn’t imagine life without her. Their home was louder, messier, fuller —and somehow, that made everything better . Powder was growing fast, turning into a playful little menace who had both of them wrapped around her tiny paws.

Before Jinx, Lux’s days had been predictable: wake up early, head to the office, stay late, and, if she had time, squeeze in a workout or clean the already spotless penthouse before working some more. That was just how things were.

But not anymore.

Now, Lux dreaded going to the office. She was the boss anyway—why should she be there all the time? She found herself leaving earlier, rushing home the moment her meetings ended, knowing that Jinx was waiting for her. And Jinx made sure she didn’t waste a single second of life.

Jinx took her to see her band performing at the seediest, grungiest bar in Zaun, called The Last Drop. Jinx introduced her to the band members and they teased Jinx for having a sugar mommy, but there was no bite in that joke. Lux laughed along with them. 

They went to the carnival once, where Jinx dominated the shooting games and won Lux a giant poro plushie—one she now shamelessly cuddled every night. Jinx took her thrifting in Zaun, convincing her to buy outfits she never would have dared to wear before. And Lux kept them, because every time she put one on, Jinx would grin and say, Damn, princess, you look hot.

There has been a lot of that lately. Jinx and Lux would drop some flirty comments here and there but oftentimes it made Lux anxious. 

What can she, a 44 year old woman with a heart disease, offer the most amazing young woman like Jinx?  

So she’d convinced herself that she cares for Jinx as a friend. But she knows it’s a lie. 

Jinx, surprisingly, was a great housemate too. She cleaned when Lux was busy, tried to cook (keyword: tried), and even bought plants to brighten up their place. She mentioned once that she’d always wanted to do gardening, but Zaun’s conditions had never allowed it. So Lux—without hesitation—had taken her to a plant nursery and let Jinx go wild. 

When Evelynn visited, she took one look at Lux, now happily domesticated, and laughed. “ You used to be a corporate drone, babe. What happened? ”

Jinx disappeared sometimes, gone for a day or two, sometimes longer. At first, it unsettled Lux—she hated waking up to an empty space where Jinx was supposed to be. But they had made a deal.

"Don’t worry Princess,," Jinx had told her. "You’ll know when the time comes."

So Lux didn’t push it. She trusted Jinx. But every time Jinx left, Lux found herself staring at the door longer than she’d like. Waiting. 

--

Lux had never seriously considered getting a tattoo before. She admired them on other people—especially on Jinx, whose body was practically a living, breathing art piece—but for herself? It never seemed like something she would do.

But Jinx had decided.

"It’s time you get one, princess."

Lux didn’t even get a chance to argue before Jinx dragged her through the narrow, neon-lit alleys of Zaun. The air was thick with the scent of oil and metal, the city pulsing with life. They stopped at a tucked-away parlor with a familiar flickering red sign that read “ Elise’s—Cuts, Ink, & Metal” , and Lux was barely through the door before she heard an amused voice greet them.

"Ah, the golden girl returns, " Elise said, crossing her arms. "What can I do for you this time? More layers? A fun undercut? Oh, I cannot wait to sell your hair again. Last time, I made a damn good profit off it."

Lux froze. She was serious about it?

Jinx burst out laughing. "Classic Elise."

Elise gave a lazy shrug. “Hey, golden hair is in demand.” Then, with an approving nod, she gestured to the chair. “But I hear we’re here for ink today?”

Jinx grinned and slung an arm around Lux’s shoulders. “Yeah, Blondie’s getting her first tattoo.”

Lux opened her mouth—because was she?—but Jinx just plopped onto the tattoo chair like they’d already signed a contract. “Tattoos should be personal, Sunshine,” Jinx mused, rolling up her sleeve. “So you gotta pick your own, princess. No chickening out.” 

Lux barely had time to think before Elise started on Jinx first.

Lux had seen Jinx’s tattoos before, but never this up close. Her entire right arm was already a swirling sea of blue clouds, rolling down the dip of her ribs, trailing lower toward a toned stomach. (Yes, Lux noticed. She wasn’t blind.)

"What are you getting?" Lux asked, mostly to distract herself. 

"Powder." Jinx grinned, nodding toward a picture she pulled up on her phone, their little menace of a cat. "Sleeping right here." She tapped a spot near her ribs. "And I want a sun rising behind the clouds too." 

That caught Lux’s attention. A sun? That’s interesting. 

Lux watched, trying to ignore the way Jinx barely flinched at the needle. It didn’t take Elise long— truly a professional. When she was done, Jinx looked down at her new tattoo with a satisfied smirk.

"Your turn, princess."

Lux had made up her mind by then. "A sword," she said. "Along my spine."

Jinx raised a brow, intrigued. "A sword? Didn’t know you were into stabbing people?”

Lux smirked. "I used to love fencing growing up."

"That’s hot," Jinx declared, clearly impressed.

Elise just hummed approvingly as she prepped the stencil. "Badass choice. You sure you don’t want a haircut while you’re here? Could give you something edgy to match your new ink."

Lux rolled her eyes. "One thing at a time, Elise."

Jinx, however, was already laughing. "C’mon, princess, let a woman do some business will ya?"

--

Lux stared at the screen for a long moment, rereading the message over and over again.

Jinx: How about a weekend trip just the two of us, Sunshine ☀️ 

Three days. Jinx had been gone for three days without a word, and now she was texting her like she hadn’t just disappeared. Lux had learned to live with it—to not ask, not pry. That was their deal, after all. But that didn’t mean she didn’t wonder. Where did Jinx go when she disappeared? What did she do? Who did she see? Lux had no answers. All she knew was that Jinx would eventually come back, usually with a cocky grin and some ridiculous gift as an apology, like she knew Lux missed her.

And of course, Lux did. 

Jinx had been clear from the start. She’d come and go, no questions asked. And Lux had agreed to that, even if she didn’t like it.

Besides, she had bigger things to worry about. She exhaled, staring out the hospital window, Viktor’s words still ringing in her ears. 

“Your results aren’t good, Luxanna.”

“We can keep adjusting your medication, but you should start considering a transplant.”

“Seriously considering it.”

Lux wasn’t surprised by the test results. She knew her body was failing her. She could feel it every time her breath came up shorter than it should, every time her limbs felt heavier than they used to. She had just been pretending. Pretending that she wasn’t getting worse, pretending that every new medication was doing something, pretending that she wasn’t running out of time.

But now, the truth sat in front of her like a ticking clock. Maybe it was better to just accept it, to let fate run its course. She’d lived a good life—longer than she thought she would, anyway. 

But then there was Jinx.

Lux rubbed at her temple, feeling the familiar warmth that always came when she thought about her. She had long stopped lying to herself about her feelings. Jinx wasn’t just some chaotic friend who crashed into her life and made everything a little more vibrant. Lux cared about her—more than a friend, more than she probably should.

But she wouldn’t act on it.

Jinx was young—wild, free, untethered. She wasn’t meant to be caged by someone like Lux. And if Lux was running out of time, then the last thing she wanted was for Jinx to feel like she was losing someone again. 

The thought of leaving her behind made Lux’s chest tighten in a way that had nothing to do with her failing heart.

It was selfish, wasn’t it? Wanting more time. Wanting to stay. She wanted slow mornings with Jinx curled up on the couch, Powder draped over her lap. She wanted spontaneous adventures and late-night talks. She wanted to keep seeing Jinx smile, to keep hearing her ridiculous laughter echoing through the penthouse.

God, I’m selfish. Lux sighed, finally typing a response.

Lux: Where are we going?

The reply came almost instantly.

Jinx: Surprise. Pack light, Sunshine. I’ll be home soon ❤️‍🔥

Home. Lux’s definition of home changed now. It used to be just a place for her to retire after a long day of work. But now, home is Jinx and their little Powder. 

--

Lux paced around her penthouse, phone pressed to her ear as she glanced at the ever-growing jungle of plants Jinx had been accumulating. “And don’t forget to water the jade plant in the kitchen. Jinx loves it the most so it needs to be kept alive at all costs.”

Evelynn sighed dramatically on the other end. “Luxanna Crownguard, this is the third time you’ve reminded me. Do you think I’m trying to kill your plants? And your cat? Honestly, what kind of monster do you take me for?”

Lux rolled her eyes. “I just—”

“You just need to chill,” Evelynn cut in, her tone smug. “Focus on your blue-haired sugar baby girlfriend instead of hovering over me about Powder’s food schedule.”

Lux groaned. “For the last time, Eve, she’s not—.”

“Luxie babe, you’ve been living together for months, she wears your clothes and you wear hers, she steals your food, and now you’re going on a romantic secret weekend getaway and you’re worried about plants? Priorities, honey.”

Lux felt her face heat up instantly. “Oh my god, Eve.”

“I want all the details when you get back,” Evelynn said smugly. “And I do mean all the details.”

Lux cursed at her friend, which only made Evelynn cackle before hanging up.

Lux sighed and tossed her phone onto the couch, rubbing her temples.

It’s just a trip. Just a normal trip.

She didn’t have time to dwell on Evelynn’s teasing for long because the front door swung open with a familiar creak. Jinx strolled in like she hadn’t been missing for three days, her duffel bag slung over one shoulder and her signature grin in place.

“Alright, Sunshine, hope you done packin’—we’re goin’ to Ionia.”

Lux blinked. “Wait, what?”

“Elise pulled some strings,” Jinx said, tossing her bag onto the couch. “We got a free airship ride there. Cool, huh?”

Lux had long since learned not to question Jinx—or Elise, for that matter. “As long as it’s legal…”

Jinx waved a hand. “Relax, princess, it’s all above board. Mostly .”

That mostly didn’t ease Lux’s nerves, but she let it go. Lux learned not to question how Elise managed to secure things like free airship rides. She figured as long as it was legal (mostly), she wouldn’t complain. 

“And accommodations?” Lux asked, arms crossed.

Jinx grinned, propping her boots up on the coffee table. “Got it covered. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”

Lux sat down next to Jinx. “Are you going to tell me anything about this trip, or do I just have to trust that you’re not secretly planning to drop me in the middle of a forest and make me survive on my own?”

“Pfft, as if you’d last a day.” Jinx laughed, standing up and stretching. “Nah, this is gonna be something to remember. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

Lux wasn’t sure what made her more anxious—the mystery of what Jinx had planned or the thought of spending so much time alone with her. Just the two of them, no distractions.

Maybe Evelynn had been onto something. 

And now, here they were, on an airship heading toward Ionia.

Lux sat by the window, watching the clouds roll by as the ship hummed beneath them. Jinx was next to her, stretched out with her boots kicked up on the seat in front of her, arms folded behind her head. She was relaxed, casual, like this was just another day.

But for Lux, it wasn’t.

Because she could feel it—that little nervous excitement curling in her stomach, that warmth that spread through her chest every time she glanced at Jinx.

And maybe Jinx noticed Lux stealing glances, maybe she saw the way Lux’s gaze lingered just a little too long—but if she did, she didn’t say anything. 

She just smirked up at the ceiling and said, “Better get ready, Sunshine. Ionia’s real pretty this time of year.” 

--

The airship landed smoothly, and as soon as they stepped onto Ionia’s soil, the world around them burst into color. Vibrant blossoms lined the pathways, their petals shifting hues with the breeze. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, weaving seamlessly into the architecture, where nature and civilization existed in perfect harmony. Waterfalls cascaded in the distance, feeding into crystal-clear lakes that reflected the warm afternoon sun. The air smelled fresh, tinged with the delicate scent of cherry blossoms.

If Jinx had been excited before, she was practically vibrating now. “Holy shit, Blondie, do you see this?!” Jinx whirled around, her eyes wide with wonder. “This place is insane! Look at those trees—no, those buildings! I gotta—”

Lux barely managed to grab the back of Jinx’s jacket before she could sprint off. “Jinx, wait! We haven’t even checked in yet!”

Jinx groaned, dramatically dragging her feet as Lux tugged her along. “Fiiine, but you’re killin’ my explorer vibe, Sunshine.”

Lux rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You can run wild after we settle in.” 

Jinx huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, she led them toward their destination with a confident swagger. Lux had no idea what to expect from Jinx’s “arrangement,” but whatever it was, it had to be—

Oh.

Oh.

They arrived at what was easily one of the most breathtaking places Lux had ever seen—and that was saying something, considering she had traveled to almost every corner of Runeterra for work.

Nestled at the edge of a tranquil lake was a secluded retreat, its architecture blending traditional Ionian design with modern luxury. Soft lanterns hung from the eaves, casting a golden glow against the deep wood and intricate carvings. A private garden wrapped around the estate, complete with a koi pond and a wooden hot spring deck that overlooked the water. It was serene. Breathtaking. Perfect.

Lux turned to Jinx, stunned. “Jinx, how—” She hesitated. “How did you afford this? Do you need—?”

Jinx waved her off before she could even finish. “It’s all been taken care of, by yours truly,” she said proudly.

Lux frowned. “Jinx—”

“Nope.” Jinx cut her off, stepping closer. “You don’t have to worry about anything, Sunshine.”

And before Lux could respond, Jinx leaned in—so fast, so effortlessly—and pressed a quick kiss to Lux’s cheek.

Lux’s brain short-circuited. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t slow. It wasn’t even lingering. But it was real. 

Jinx just kissed her cheek.

Jinx—who was still standing close, looking far too smug—just kissed her.

Jinx stepped back with an easy smirk—but Lux wasn’t blind, she saw the way Jinx’s cheeks were just a little pink too.

Then, as if nothing happened, Jinx abruptly turned and strolled toward the check-in desk.

Lux swallowed. Her face was on fire. She forced herself to move, to breathe, to act like she was totally fine and not internally screaming.

Jinx got the key, tossed it to Lux, and led the way inside.

And when they stepped into their luxurious room, Lux barely had a second to take in the handcrafted wooden decor, the lantern-lit balcony, and the sheer perfection of it all before—

Oh.

Oh no.

“Oh my god,” Lux whispered.

There was only one bed. A big, luxurious, ridiculously inviting bed.

Jinx whistled, dropping her bag onto the floor. “Huh. Didn’t see that coming.”

Lux knew she was lying. 

Then Jinx dropped her bag onto the floor, threw herself onto the mattress with a pleased hum, then turned to Lux with a shit-eating grin.

“Don’t worry, Sunshine,” she teased, patting the empty spot beside her. “I don’t bite. Much.”

Lux was so going to die on this trip. 

--

Lux sat on the bed, fingers absently tracing the soft sheets beneath her. Her heart was still racing from earlier, from the cheek kiss, from the one-bed revelation, from everything. She didn’t want to assume things—didn’t want to get ahead of herself—but at the same time, she had to ask.

“Jinx,” she started carefully, lifting her gaze to the woman standing across from her. “Why are you doing all of this?”

Jinx blinked, tilting her head. “Doing what?”

Lux let out a breathy laugh, gesturing around them. “ This. Taking me on a spontaneous vacation, booking a luxury accommodation, the—” she hesitated, eyes darting to the bed before looking back at Jinx, “—one bed situation.”

She didn’t bring up the cheek kiss. But she didn’t need to. Jinx got the picture.

Lux understood that Jinx wanted her to have fun. She was her self-proclaimed fun guru, after all. But this… this felt like more. And the thing was—Lux knew how she felt about Jinx. She’d stopped lying to herself a long time ago.

But was Jinx just playing with her feelings?

She needed to understand. She hesitated, suddenly afraid of the answer. “Are you… playing with me?”

Jinx blinked. “Playing with you?”

Lux clenched her hands into the fabric of her skirt. “I like you.” She admitted it softly, like a confession to herself as much as to Jinx. “And I don’t know if you’re just messing around or if—”

Jinx scratched the back of her neck, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. She glanced away for a second, as if debating something, then sighed before crouching in front of Lux. Gently, she reached up and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind Lux’s ear.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Jinx murmured, voice softer than usual. “I’m doing all of this because I like you. Did you not notice how much I’ve been flirting with you?”

Lux froze. Her heart skipped so many beats it was a miracle she didn’t pass out on the spot. She frowned, brows furrowing as she searched Jinx’s face. “Why?” she asked before she could stop herself. 

Jinx gave her a look. “Why what?”

Lux swallowed, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “Why would you like me? ”

Jinx’s expression flickered—confusion, then exasperation, then something deeper.

“I mean—” Lux started, looking away, “—I’m too old for you. And I’m boring. And I’m—” she sucked in a sharp breath, forcing herself to say it, “— dying , Jinx.”

Jinx could do better. Lux should push her away. But before she could say another word, before she could build more walls—

Jinx kissed her.

On the lips.

It was quick. Just a peck. Barely more than a brush.

But it left Lux stunned.

Jinx pulled back just enough to meet Lux’s wide eyes, smirking slightly. “Haven’t I taught you anything, Sunshine?” she teased.

Lux’s breath hitched.

Jinx shook her head, still close enough that Lux could feel her warmth. “I don’t give a shit about your age. If anything, it’s hotter that you’re older.” She winked, like she was trying to keep things light, but there was something serious in her tone.

“And you?” Jinx continued, her voice softening again. “You’re far from boring. You’re the most alive person I’ve ever met.” She cupped Lux’s face, thumbs brushing lightly against her skin.

Lux felt like she couldn’t breathe.

“And as for that last part…” Jinx’s grip on her tightened just a fraction. “I don’t want anyone else.”

Lux couldn’t look away from her.

“The reason I’m taking you on this trip,” Jinx murmured, “is because I think I’m done pretending that we don’t like each other and I want it to be just us. No distraction.”

Lux was silent.

For a moment, all she could hear was the distant sound of birds outside, the gentle rustle of silk curtains in the evening breeze, the pounding of her own heart.

Jinx tilted her head. “What are you thinking about now?”

Lux licked her lips, voice barely above a whisper. “That I really wanna kiss you right now. If that’s okay.”

Jinx grinned, eyes crinkling with amusement. “Lux, my heart , you never have to ask me that.”

And before Lux could process it—

Jinx kissed her again. This time, it wasn’t a peck.

And this time, Lux kissed her back. 

Soft at first. Lux was hesitant, as if she couldn’t quite believe this was real. A part of her still thought she’d wake up any second now, tangled in her sheets, feeling like shit because she’d dreamed of something she could never have.

But Jinx wasn’t a dream.

And as if sensing Lux’s spiraling thoughts, Jinx pulled back, just enough to meet Lux’s eyes.

She didn’t say anything at first. Just looked at her—blue eyes searching, full of something Lux couldn’t quite name. Then, slowly, she pressed a kiss to Lux’s forehead.

Then her cheek.

Then the tip of her nose.

And finally, she leaned her forehead against Lux’s, breathing her in.

“I’m not screwing with you,” Jinx murmured, her voice steady, certain.

Lux felt the words as much as she heard them. Her heart ached—not in the usual way, but in a way that made her want to grab onto this moment and never let go.

She smiled. Just a little.

Then she kissed Jinx again. And this time, she wasn’t hesitant.

She pulled Jinx onto the bed with her, hands slipping around Jinx’s waist as they fell back against the plush sheets.

Jinx laughed against her lips, a breathy, giddy sound that sent warmth curling through Lux’s chest.

Lux laughed too, and for the first time in forever, she let herself want .

--

The rest of the vacation went by in a blissful blur. 

They kissed. A lot.

They explored Ionia together, hand in hand, wandering through bustling markets and peaceful gardens hidden away from the crowds. Jinx was constantly pointing at things excitedly, dragging Lux from one stall to another, while Lux just smiled and let herself be pulled along.

They kissed again.

They sampled local cuisines, with Jinx making a dramatic show of taste-testing everything. Lux laughed when Jinx nearly cried over something way spicier than she expected, gulping down her drink while insisting she was fine.

They explored each other’s bodies—slowly, then desperately, then slowly again.

They watched performances by local artists, Jinx humming along to unfamiliar tunes while Lux leaned against her shoulder, feeling more at peace than she had in years.

They kissed.

They rode some exotic animals, with Jinx nearly getting thrown off at one point because she refused to listen to the guide’s instructions. Lux swore her heart nearly stopped, but Jinx just laughed, kissed her on the nose, and said, “Told ya I’d be fine, my heart.”

They explored each other’s bodies again, lost in the warmth of each other’s skin, in whispered words and quiet moans, in the way Jinx’s hands held her like she was something to be cherished.

And true to Jinx’s word, this was a vacation they would remember forever.

Lux couldn’t believe how much her life had changed. Jinx had come crashing into her life like a loose cannon, flipping everything upside down, making her feel alive in ways she hadn’t in years.

Yes, she was sick. Yes, she knew her time might be limited. But for once, she didn’t care . Because she had Jinx.

And this —this wild, messy, beautiful chaos—was the happiest she had ever been.

And it was all because of her .

This beautiful , reckless , infuriating , brilliant young woman who looked at her like she had hung the moon or something.

Later that night, after they had made love for what felt like the hundredth time that weekend, Lux lay awake, watching Jinx sleep—her hair a tangled mess, lips slightly parted, arms thrown carelessly over Lux’s waist. Lux reached out, traced a fingertip along Jinx’s tattoos on her arm.

Lux swallowed hard. Something ached in her chest—not pain, not sickness, but something deeper . And then—

It hit her.

She loved Jinx.

And god help her—she didn’t want to let go.

--

The first 3 months of their relationship went by quickly. When Lux finally told Evelynn that she and Jinx were officially together, her friend didn’t even look surprised.

"Oh, please," Evelynn scoffed, sipping her coffee with a dramatic sigh. "I knew it from the start. You were the only one oblivious."

Lux groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Was I really that obvious?"

"Painfully." Evelynn smirked, then reached over to squeeze Lux’s wrist. Her voice softened. "But hey, I’m happy for you. You deserve this, Luxie."

Lux knew she meant it. Evelynn had been one of the few people who had truly supported her, who had stuck by her through everything. And as much as Evelynn teased her, she was genuinely relieved to see Lux happy . 

Jinx made Lux happy.

Two weeks after their unforgettable vacation, Lux had finally told Jinx about her conversation with Viktor—the reality of her worsening condition, and the fact that a heart transplant was something she needed to consider. 

Jinx had been quiet at first, searching Lux’s face with those sharp, electric-blue eyes of hers. Then, she kissed Lux—softly, lingeringly—before whispering, "We’ll figure it out, my heart."

And just like that, Lux felt a little less afraid.

Since then, not much had changed in their daily lives.

Jinx still dragged Lux on spontaneous adventures—whether it was sneaking into an amusement park after hours ( "It’s not really breaking in, we’re just... aggressively visiting," Jinx had argued) or pulling Lux out of work just to drive to the beach for no reason.

The only real difference now?

They were together. Really together.

They kissed freely, touched freely. And at night, they shared the same bed—not just sleeping, but tangled up in each other, whispering in the dark, sometimes doing much more than just talking.

Jinx had also started calling Lux my heart , as if she could claim her with just those two words. As if she didn’t already own Lux completely.

Lux had never known a love like this before.

But despite all that, some things hadn’t changed . Jinx still disappeared sometimes. Gone for days at a time, without telling Lux where she was going or what she was doing.

And for a while, Lux let it go. She trusted Jinx, after all. She loved her.

But then, one day, after Jinx had been gone for four days instead of the usual three, Lux couldn’t take it anymore. And they had their first real fight.

"I'm not asking you to tell me everything," Lux had said, voice tight with frustration. "I just—Jinx, I worry about you. I don’t know where you go, what you’re doing, if you’re okay—"

"I know, I know, I’m sorry, my heart," Jinx had interrupted, looking genuinely guilty. "I hate making you worry, I do. But I—" She hesitated, biting her lip. "I’ll tell you one day, okay? Just... trust me."

And Lux did. God, she did.

She loved Jinx more than she had ever loved anyone.

So, for now, she let it go. She just hoped—prayed—that when Jinx was ready to tell her, it wouldn’t be something that tore them apart. 

--

Time seemed to fly by faster than Lux could process. Being with Jinx was everything she had never expected but so deeply needed. Jinx's presence in her life, with her wild energy, her kindness, her passion—it made everything else seem a little more bearable.

But no matter how much Jinx made her smile, how much her laughter brightened the room, Lux couldn't escape the truth: her heart was failing her.

She tried to ignore it at first, to pretend she was fine, but the weakness started to creep in more often. Her chest hurt, and the fatigue was overwhelming, even when she wasn’t doing anything. She hated how it made her feel so fragile.

And she hated even more the thought of worrying Jinx, of seeing that familiar concern in her eyes.

But one day, it all became too much. She tried to push through, to get up and do something, anything, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. The next thing she knew, she woke up in their bed, the soft warmth of Powder curled up next to her, and the sight that met her eyes shattered her heart.

Jinx.

Lux had never seen Jinx cry before. The tears that trailed down her cheeks were like something Lux never thought she’d witness—Jinx, the strong, wild woman who could take on anything, breaking in front of her.

"Jinx..." Lux whispered hoarsely, her voice weak.

Jinx took a shaky breath, her voice barely a whisper. "I found you in the bathroom, my heart. Unconscious . I thought I lost you."

Lux’s heart clenched painfully. She felt the tears in her own eyes as she whispered an apology, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for scaring you."

Jinx shook her head, taking Lux’s hands in hers. "We need to go to the hospital. Please. "

Lux felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't want to go. She didn't want to hear what Viktor would say. She didn't want the doctor to confirm the one thing she'd been trying so desperately to avoid—the reality that her time was running out.

"I don't want to know, Jinx," she said softly. "They’ll just tell me that the treatment isn’t working. That nothing’s working. I don’t want to hear that again."

But Jinx’s eyes softened, her hand gently caressing Lux’s. "Please," she whispered again. "I can't lose you."

Lux looked at Jinx, seeing the raw fear in her eyes, and her resolve cracked. With a heavy sigh, she finally nodded. "Okay. Let’s go."

--

Now, here they were again, sitting in Viktor’s office. Lux was too exhausted to even sit up straight. The silence in the room hung heavy until Viktor finally spoke, his tone as calm as ever.

"Miss Crownguard, it’s time to seriously consider getting on the waiting list for a heart transplant."

Lux didn’t flinch. She had expected this.

But Jinx’s voice cut through the tension. "How long will we have to wait?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

Viktor hesitated before answering, "We can’t guarantee anything. The waiting list is long, and you’ll need to be monitored closely. It could take months...or longer ."

Lux swallowed hard. Jinx’s face fell at the uncertainty. But Lux, despite the fear swirling inside her, knew what she had to do.

That night, she put her name on the waiting list. Not for herself, but for Jinx. For the woman who loved her so completely, so fiercely, that she could never bear to put her through another moment of fear like the one she'd seen earlier that day.

--

That night, when they got home, Jinx fell asleep in Lux’s arms. Lux could feel the steady rhythm of Jinx's breath against her skin, the comforting warmth of her body pressed close.

But Lux could also hear the weak thrum of her own heart. It was quieter now, struggling. And she knew that no matter how much she tried to ignore it, she couldn't outrun the truth forever.

She kissed the top of Jinx's head softly, holding her tighter. The world felt fragile, but in that moment, all she wanted was to hold onto this. To hold onto Jinx. Because if there was one thing Lux knew for certain—it was that, no matter what, she couldn’t let go of Jinx.

--

After the day Lux had fainted, waking up to find Jinx anxiously watching over her left a mark on her heart. Jinx hadn't left her side since, her eyes following Lux wherever she went, as though she couldn't bear to take her eyes off her for even a moment. The constant vigilance was sweet, but Lux could tell that it was also suffocating Jinx. Lux didn’t want to be treated like a fragile, ticking time bomb, constantly watched over, constantly coddled.

Jinx had also slowed down on the surprise fun activities. The spontaneous adventures, the wild and carefree moments they used to share, had become fewer and fewer. The smiles that once came so easily to Jinx were now tinged with concern, and it made Lux feel like a burden.

One night, while they were lying in bed, Lux turned to Jinx and spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Please, Jinx, don’t stop living your life because of me. Don’t treat me like I’m already a lost cause."

Jinx looked at her, hesitation flickering in her eyes. "I don’t want to push it, my heart."

"I know," Lux whispered. "But you can’t stop being you. Don’t stop bringing that wild, crazy energy into our lives. I love you for it."

Jinx sighed, clearly torn. "I won’t treat you like you’re a lost cause," she promised, her voice breaking slightly. "But... I need you to promise me something too. If you’re feeling exhausted or weak, if anything feels wrong, you have to tell me. No more hiding it from me, my heart. I can’t go on like this, worrying and not knowing."

Lux nodded, the weight of Jinx’s plea sinking in. She understood. She understood how hard it was for Jinx to watch her slowly decline, and she didn’t want to add to that pain by keeping secrets. "I promise," Lux whispered, placing her hand over Jinx’s, holding it tightly.

But then came the day that Jinx had to leave. Lux could see it in her eyes—the reluctance, the sadness. She didn’t want to go, but something was pulling her away, and Lux knew she had to let her. But now, with everything they had been through, Lux was finding it harder to let go of Jinx, even for a little while.

"Please come back soon," Lux said softly, her voice shaky despite her attempt to sound strong.

Jinx’s lips brushed over her forehead in a soft kiss, lingering just a moment longer than usual. "I will," she promised, her voice a little thick. "I’ll be back as soon as I can."

Lux wanted to ask more. She wanted to ask what was so important that Jinx had to leave, what was it that could pull her away from Lux, even for a short time? But she knew better. Jinx was a mystery, and there were some things she wouldn’t share—things Lux couldn’t change. She understood that.

So, Lux smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "I’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll take it easy. Powder and I will be fine, and Evelynn can come over to keep me company if you want. Just go. I’ll be okay."

Jinx hesitated, her eyes lingering on Lux one last time, as though memorizing every detail of her face, every curve and angle. Then, with a final, reluctant kiss, she stood up, her steps slow, as if she were waiting for Lux to stop her, to beg her to stay. But Lux didn’t.

She wanted to hold onto Jinx, to make her stay, but she couldn’t be selfish. Not when she knew Jinx had to do something important.

"Don’t worry about me," Lux whispered, though the sadness in her voice betrayed her. "I’ll be here, waiting for you."

Jinx looked back one last time before walking out the door, the soft click of it echoing in Lux’s heart. The moment Jinx was gone, Lux felt the emptiness settle in. It wasn’t just her own body that ached with loss; it was the space Jinx had left behind in their home, in their life.

Lux missed her. Instantly. 

--

Life with Jinx was as beautiful and chaotic as ever. Despite everything, despite Lux’s condition and the looming uncertainty of the future, they found happiness in the little things.

Jinx still came up with spontaneous activities for them—midnight motorcycle rides through the empty streets, impromptu art sessions where they’d end up covered in paint, and even stargazing on the rooftop with a flask of warm tea. The only difference now was that they were more careful. Lux listened to her body, and whenever she felt like something was too much, she would tell Jinx. And Jinx—reckless, wild Jinx—would slow down for her, no hesitation, no complaint, just endless patience and understanding. 

She never made Lux feel weak for needing to rest. Instead, she would hold Lux’s hand, kiss her forehead, and say, “Then we take it easy, my heart.”

And Lux knew—knew with every beat of her failing heart—that Jinx loved her.

On days when Lux felt too tired, they stayed in. They curled up on the couch with Powder between them, watching old movies until they fell asleep, sometimes waking up with Jinx’s arms wrapped tightly around her. Jinx had this habit of pressing her face into Lux’s shoulder when she slept, as if she was trying to hold onto her even in her dreams.

It was the happiest Lux had ever been.

But it was true what people said—good things didn’t last long.

Lux noticed it a few weeks ago. Jinx’s breathing, the way it would sometimes hitch as if she couldn’t quite get enough air. The coughing fits she tried to suppress, brushing them off like they were nothing.

"It’s just a cold," Jinx had said the first time Lux brought it up. "Probably caught some virus or something." 

But the coughing didn’t stop.

One night, Jinx woke up in the middle of a coughing fit so bad it left her doubled over on the edge of the bed, clutching her chest like it hurt.

“Jinx,” Lux whispered, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. “You need to see a doctor.”

Jinx exhaled sharply and pulled away, forcing a grin. “Already did,” she said, waving it off. “It’s nothing, my heart. Just needed some meds. I’ll be fine.”

Lux wanted to push further, but before she could, Jinx disappeared again. Gone for days. And when she came back—just like that—she was fine. No more coughing. No more labored breathing. Her skin had a healthy glow, her energy was back, and she grinned at Lux like nothing had ever happened.

“See?” Jinx spread her arms out dramatically. “Told ya, my heart. I’m all good now.”

Lux wanted to believe her. She really did. But something about the way Jinx avoided her gaze when she said it made her uneasy. She had a feeling—deep in her gut—that Jinx wasn’t telling her everything. 

--

Lux’s condition had been getting worse, little by little. She tried to ignore it at first, to pretend like things weren’t changing, but there was no denying it anymore.

She couldn’t even walk to the bathroom without her chest seizing up in pain, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. Every simple task felt like an uphill battle, and it was breaking her down, piece by piece.

One night, she just… couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Jinx found her sitting on the floor of their bedroom, shaking, tears rolling down her cheeks as she clutched her chest. Without a word, Jinx dropped down in front of her, gathering Lux into her arms, holding her tight as Lux sobbed against her shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Lux whispered, voice cracking. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Jinx pulled back, searching her face with worry. “Why are you saying sorry, my heart?”

Lux swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Because you have to deal with me like this ,” she choked out. “If you weren’t so nice to me that day at the park… if you didn’t sit next to me, if you just left me alone… you wouldn’t be stuck with an older woman with a failing heart.”

Jinx flinched, her grip on Lux tightening. “Don’t—don’t say shit like that,” she whispered, her voice uncharacteristically soft. “I hate hearing you talk like that, Lux. It makes me sad.”

Lux let out a broken laugh, wiping at her tears. “I just… I don’t want to hurt you.”

Jinx cupped her face gently, her thumb brushing against Lux’s damp cheek. “Then don’t push me away.” She rested her forehead against Lux’s. “I’m here because I wanna be, okay? I love you, my heart. That’s never gonna change.”

Lux closed her eyes, nodding as more tears fell. “I love you too.”

Jinx kissed her then, soft and slow, as if she was trying to press all her feelings into the touch.

The next morning was supposed to be the day Jinx left for her mysterious trip. Lux had prepared herself for it, told herself she would be okay. But that morning, her chest felt worse than ever.

She could barely sit up without feeling like something was crushing her ribcage.

Jinx noticed immediately.

She didn’t leave.

She stayed with Lux the entire day, whispering sweet nothings, rubbing soothing circles on her back, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. She tucked Lux into bed that night, curling up beside her, holding her close as if she could keep Lux safe just by being there. Jinx didn’t say it out loud, but Lux could see it in her eyes—she was scared. And Lux hated that she was the reason why.

She stayed by Lux’s side the entire day and night, whispering sweet reassurances, stroking her hair, doing anything and everything to ease her pain.

"You’re gonna be okay, my heart," Jinx whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I’m here. I’m not going anywhere." 

--

The next few days blurred together in a haze of pain and exhaustion. Lux’s condition didn’t improve, but she tried to stay strong for Jinx. She forced herself to smile, to laugh at Jinx’s stupid jokes, to pretend everything was fine.

And Jinx… Jinx never left her side. She was always there—making sure Lux ate, wrapping her up in a warm blanket, distracting her with dumb jokes, brushing Lux’s hair back when she got too exhausted to move.

But then, Jinx’s coughing fits returned. 

Lux noticed how Jinx tried to hide it, turning away when she coughed, pretending it was nothing. But it wasn’t nothing. Lux could see how much it hurt.

She confronted Jinx about it, but Jinx only smiled weakly and said, “I’ll be fine, my heart. Don’t worry about me.” 

That night, they lay together on the couch, a random show playing in the background— something Jinx had put on to fill the silence.

But Lux wasn’t watching. Her heart was heavy. She turned to Jinx, reaching for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

“I love you,” she whispered.

Jinx blinked, startled by the intensity in Lux’s voice. “I love you too, my heart,” she said easily.

Lux shook her head. “No, Jinx. I really love you. You’ve changed my life in ways I can’t even explain.” Her voice cracked. “I know I don’t have much time left, but I need you to know… I’m grateful for every single second I’ve spent with you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “I just wish we had met sooner.”

Jinx squeezed her hand, her expression softening. “You did change my life, Lux,” she murmured. “I used to think… I didn’t deserve good things. That people like me don’t get happy endings.” She smiled sadly. “But then you came into my life and proved me wrong.”

Lux felt her chest tighten—not from pain, but from the sheer depth of love she had for Jinx.

Then suddenly, Jinx started coughing.

It was worse than before. Lux sat up immediately, panic rising as Jinx hunched over, clutching her chest. The coughing didn’t stop. It grew more violent, racking through Jinx’s body like it was tearing her apart.

Then Lux saw it—

Blood.

Jinx was coughing up blood. Lux’s heart lurched. “Jinx!” She scrambled to her feet, rushing to grab paper towels, water— anything.

But the moment she came back to Jinx—

Pain.

A sharp, crushing pain seized Lux’s chest. The world tilted.

Her vision blurred.

She gasped, reaching out—

The last thing she saw was Jinx’s terrified, tear-filled eyes before everything went dark.

-- 

Lux’s eyes fluttered open, the world around her a blur of harsh, sterile white light. The constant beeping sound reached her ears, and it took a moment for her to gather enough clarity to recognize the rhythmic tone of a heart monitor. Her head felt foggy, and her throat was dry, almost as if it hadn’t been used in days.

She tried to move, but her body felt like it was made of lead. Slowly, she focused on the shapes around her. The scent of disinfectant and the cold, impersonal surroundings slowly sank in.

Hospital.

Hospital?

She couldn’t remember how she got here. Her heart was still pounding, but it was more from confusion than pain. The beeping grew louder in her ears. Her eyes shifted, struggling to adjust to the bright light that hurt her vision.

Then, a figure appeared in her line of sight—Evelynn, standing at her side. The familiar, comforting presence.

“You’re awake!” Evelynn said with a soft smile, though her eyes were filled with concern.

Lux tried to speak, but her throat felt like it had been coated in sandpaper. No sound came out. She tried again, her lips dry and cracked. Her mouth felt foreign, uncooperative.

Evelynn quickly moved to fetch something, returning with a glass of water, gently helping Lux drink some. It barely helped. Her throat still felt as if it couldn’t bear to work.

When she tried again, her voice cracked painfully, but this time, a word slipped through her lips. “Jinx…”

Evelynn went quiet. The room suddenly felt heavier, colder. A silence that was almost suffocating hung in the air.

Lux’s heart began to race again. Where was Jinx? Why was Evelynn here and not her?

She tried to focus on Evelynn’s face, but the words she saw in Evelynn’s expression were hard to read—until Viktor appeared. He was there, standing at the door, looking grim.

“Let me have a moment with her,” Viktor said, his tone serious. He glanced at the nurse, who stepped back and allowed the space for him to approach.

Evelynn lingered, concern and fear crossing her face, but she didn't say anything, staying silent and supportive.

Lux tried again, her voice weak. "Where’s Jinx?”

Viktor gave her a look—a look that told her this wasn’t going to be easy. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer comfort, though it didn't ease the sick feeling in her stomach. “Lux,” Viktor said softly, his voice almost too gentle for what was coming. "You collapsed over a month ago. You were in a coma.”

A month. It didn’t make sense. Lux could barely process the information. Her heart clenched as the memories started to filter back. Jinx’s blood. Her collapsing heart.

Then the image of Jinx, coughing up blood, came flooding back to Lux. Her heart stopped for a split second as the gravity of it hit her.

Lux’s mind felt like it was spinning, but she forced herself to focus on Viktor’s words as they slowly sank in. The beeping of the heart monitor seemed distant, drowned out by the thundering rush of her pulse. Her body felt numb, her head heavy, and everything seemed like a dream—a terrible, awful dream she couldn’t escape from.

Viktor cleared his throat, his expression a mix of sadness and sympathy. “Lux... there’s more you need to know.”

Lux barely registered what he said. Her thoughts were consumed with Jinx—where was she? What happened to her? The lump in Lux’s throat felt unbearable, but she managed to whisper, “What do you mean? Where is Jinx?”

Viktor sighed deeply, his gaze softening as he sat beside her. “Jinx came to see me a few months ago, just before you collapsed. She told me she was terminally ill... something about her lungs failing. She didn’t have long to live, but she had a request. She wanted to donate her heart to you when the time came.”

Lux’s chest tightened as her breath hitched. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Jinx had known. She had known all along. The woman she loved had known she didn’t have much time left, and yet, she had given everything for Lux—her heart, her love.

“Her lungs were in a state of failure,” Viktor continued, his voice quiet. “But despite that, her heart was still strong—remarkably strong. We ran tests, and it was determined that her heart was perfectly suitable for you. Lux… she chose you.”

Tears welled in Lux’s eyes, her throat constricting as she held back the sob that threatened to escape. She wanted to say something—anything—but the weight of Viktor’s words made it impossible.

Viktor paused, allowing the information to settle before he spoke again, his voice heavy with emotion.

“When you collapsed a month ago... Jinx was with you. She carried you into the hospital. She was holding on, but not for long. Her lungs failed, and she collapsed right after bringing you here. We tried everything we could, but... we couldn’t save her.”

Lux’s world tilted. Jinx had held her... In her final moments, Jinx had been there. She had given everything to save Lux.

“Following her wishes, we performed the heart transplant while you were still in the coma,” Viktor said gently. “Her heart, Lux... it’s inside of you now.”

Lux closed her eyes tightly, overwhelmed with grief and love. Her heart felt like it was breaking all over again, but this time, the pain wasn’t just physical. It was as if everything she had ever known was slipping away from her.

Jinx had loved her so deeply, so selflessly, and now, Lux had her heart. She had a part of Jinx, but it felt like it wasn’t enough. Nothing would ever be enough.

Her stomach dropped. Her vision blurred. Her heart—Lux’s heart —pounded in her chest, steady and strong.

Jinx’s heart.

No.

Jinx—her Jinx—

A sob wrenched from her throat. Her world cracked apart at the seams.

And then, everything went black. 

-- 

Lux woke up again, her heart still heavy with the weight of everything that had happened. She had been sedated countless times, the doctors trying to keep her from spiraling out of control. Every time she woke, the emptiness of her reality hit her like a wave. Jinx was gone, and no matter how hard she tried to hold onto the memory of her, the space beside her remained cold.

Today, when Lux opened her eyes, the room was different. There were two strangers standing near her bed, speaking quietly with Evelynn. One of them was tall with deep blue hair, a sharp but kind face. The other woman was slightly shorter, built strong with short pink hair. Lux’s eyes caught the small tattoo under the woman’s left eye that read “VI,” and her heart skipped a beat. There was something so familiar about her, and it made Lux’s chest ache. She couldn’t quite place it, but the feeling of recognition was undeniable.

The woman with pink hair noticed Lux’s gaze and immediately stopped talking, her eyes softening as they locked on Lux. She stepped closer to the bed. “You’re awake,” she said, her voice a mixture of warmth and uncertainty.

Lux couldn’t understand why, but this woman made her think of Jinx. The energy, the vibe—it all reminded her of her. She was Jinx’s sister, Lux suddenly realized, just like Jinx had mentioned. They hadn’t spoken much about her family, but Lux knew that Jinx had a sister, someone they weren’t particularly close to, though in some ways, they were okay with each other.

The woman gave a small nod, confirming Lux’s silent assumption. “I’m Violet,” she said gently, “Jinx’s sister. And this is my wife, Caitlyn.”

Lux blinked, her heart hammering. Violet’s presence stirred a whirlwind of emotions inside her—love for Jinx, sadness over her loss, and a deep sense of guilt and longing. Violet stepped closer, studying Lux carefully.

“I’m here because I’d like to meet you, the person that has Jinx’s heart. She also asked me to bring you something,” Violet said. “She came to me a few weeks before she passed. She... she wanted me to deliver this letter to you. She said it was important, that you’d need to know everything. About her, about her lungs, and the decision she made.”

Lux’s hands shook as she processed the words. Jinx had written a letter for her. She hadn’t even known that Jinx had planned for this, that she had known what would happen. It was all so overwhelming.

Violet handed Lux a letter, the paper warm, as if it held the last traces of Jinx’s presence. Lux clutched it tightly, her breath catching in her throat. The room was silent, only the faint beeping of machines breaking the stillness.

“I’ll leave you to read it,” Violet said quietly, her voice soft with understanding. She glanced at Caitlyn, and together, they left the room with Evelynn, giving Lux the space to grieve, to remember, to say goodbye.

With trembling hands, Lux opened the letter. Jinx’s handwriting, wild and messy but full of life, greeted her.

My Heart,

I hope when you read this, you're okay. I hope you're still fighting, because I know you will. I want you to know that you were everything to me. Every moment with you was more than I ever could have asked for. I chose to give you my heart not out of obligation, but out of love. I would give you everything, if it meant you would have a chance at life. I need you to know that I am with you. My heart is inside you now, and I will always be with you, in every beat.

I don’t even know where to begin with this, but I owe it to you to tell you everything.

You probably remember the first time we met at that park on that random Thursday afternoon. I know it must’ve felt like just another day for you, but for me, it was different. I had just learned something that shook me to my core—my lungs were failing. Growing up and working in the factories in Zaun, the air was never kind to me. The pollution, the toxins, they wore me down. Turns out, my lungs got so weak that even the doctors here in Piltover, the city of progress, couldn’t give me the treatment I needed. It was a rare condition, something so unique that no one really knew what to do with me.

That day, I found out I only had weeks to live.

Isn't it crazy, though? That we both received bad news on the same day, and somehow, we ended up sitting on the same park bench together. I don’t believe in fate, but it felt like the universe was trying to make a cruel joke. But that moment changed everything for me, Lux. That’s when my life took a turn I never expected, and suddenly, everything started to make sense.

After I heard the diagnosis, I had to figure something out. And, you know Elise—she’s the one who found a disgraced doctor, some scientist who had been cast aside because of unethical practices. I didn’t care. I was desperate. So I went to him. He gave me unlicensed drugs that slowed the failure of my lungs. It wasn’t a cure, not by a long shot. But it worked for a while. That’s why I was always disappearing, why I kept vanishing for days. I had to get the meds from him, and I couldn’t risk you knowing. The drugs bought me time, but it was never going to stop the inevitable.

And here we are now.

I know I’m running out of time. The drugs stopped working, and I can feel it. My lungs are failing faster than ever before. I know I don’t have much longer, Lux. And that’s why I made the decision that I did. I want you to have my heart. I want you to live. You deserve to keep going. You deserve a chance at life without this constant weight of illness hanging over you. I’m giving you my heart because I love you. Because you matter to me more than anything else.

I know I haven’t been truthful with you, and I’m sorry for that. I never wanted to hurt you, but I didn’t know how to tell you the truth. I don’t want you to be angry with me, but I understand if you are. This decision was mine to make, and I hope you understand why.

I love you, Lux. Always will. And I’ll always be your heart. Don’t forget that.

Your heart,

Jinx

PS: Tell Powder I love her and I’ll always be her favorite mom <3

Lux pressed the letter to her chest, her hands shaking with emotion. She could feel Jinx’s love surrounding her, and yet it wasn’t enough. She wanted more. She wanted Jinx back, the real Jinx, the one who had filled her life with fire and passion and love.

But that wasn’t possible. So she cried, again and again until the doctors and nurse had to come in to sedate her one more time. 

--

Lux still couldn't shake the overwhelming emptiness that lingered in her heart. Every inch of her life felt like a reminder that Jinx was gone, and no matter how much she tried to move forward, it all came crashing down at the most unexpected moments. The visits from Violet and Caitlyn, although kind, only served to remind her of the loss she couldn't escape. They tried to get to know her, to offer comfort, but Lux wasn't in a place where she could muster the strength to carry on a conversation. Her mind was still stuck in the past, replaying memories of Jinx, and nothing could pull her out of it.

Eventually, the visits stopped. Violet, with her gentle persistence, gave Lux her contact information, offering a lifeline if Lux ever needed someone to talk to. But Lux couldn’t bring herself to call. The thought of speaking about Jinx—about anything, really—was too much. The silence, as painful as it was, seemed to be the only thing she could handle.

When Viktor informed her that she could be discharged from the hospital, Lux didn’t feel a sense of relief. The thought of leaving the sterile, quiet room and returning to her empty apartment felt more like a burden than a freedom. Evelynn, who had stayed by her side throughout her recovery, gently reminded her that she'd been taking care of Powder and Jinx's plants while Lux was in the hospital. At the mention of Jinx, Lux felt a familiar ache in her chest. But she mustered a small smile and thanked Evelynn.

On the drive back to her penthouse, Lux suddenly asked Evelynn to make a stop. She gave Evelynn the directions to Elise's—Cuts, Ink, & Metal, the tattoo parlor and hair salon where she and Jinx had spent some time together. Evelynn wasn’t thrilled about the shady area, but she didn’t argue. Lux stepped out of the car and into the familiar space, taking in the dimly lit, grungy atmosphere that used to make her feel alive in a different way. Elise was there, as always, waiting for her with a knowing look.

“I need a haircut,” Lux said, her voice steady but heavy with unspoken grief.

Elise nodded without question and got to work. The silence between them was comfortable, almost like a shared understanding of the sadness Lux couldn’t fully explain. She didn’t need to say much—Elise just knew. Before Lux left, Elise bid her a quiet goodbye, telling her not to be a stranger. Lux gave her a faint smile, nodding in acknowledgment. It felt like the most normal thing to do, but the emptiness still weighed on her as she left the shop.

When they finally arrived back at Lux’s penthouse, the weight of the silence hit her like a wall. The apartment that had once felt like home now felt cold and unfamiliar. There were no more echoes of laughter, no more loud conversations, no more warmth that came with Jinx’s presence.

“I’m gonna need some time alone,” Lux said softly, and Evelynn didn’t hesitate. She gave Lux a brief nod, understanding that there was nothing more she could do. Lux watched her leave, the door clicking shut behind her with a finality that echoed through the empty apartment.

The sadness hit her harder than it ever had before. Lux collapsed onto the couch, overwhelmed by the quiet that surrounded her. But then, Powder, their cat, appeared by her side. The little furball rubbed up against her legs, and Lux instinctively reached down to scoop her into her arms. She didn’t need to say anything; Powder seemed to understand, just like Jinx would have.

Lux carried her to the bedroom, where they both lay down in the dark. Powder curled up next to her, her soft purring filling the quiet room, and Lux closed her eyes, letting the tears flow freely. Together, they mourned Jinx.

Lux couldn’t imagine a life without her, but as she clutched Powder close, she realized that she had to keep going. For herself. For Jinx. For everything they had shared. But that didn’t make the pain of losing her any easier to bear. It only made the loneliness feel even more unbearable.

--

Life, as it often does, kept moving forward, whether Lux was ready or not. The days passed, slipping by in a blur of quiet moments and heartache. Lux found herself waking up each morning with a weight in her chest, the loss of Jinx still fresh, still raw. She tried to carry on, to take small steps toward healing, but some days felt like she was walking through quicksand. No matter how much time passed, no matter how much she tried, the emptiness Jinx left behind was a void that nothing seemed to fill.

Then Evelynn gave her a reality check, a wake-up call that Lux never expected.

"You need to snap out of it, Lux," Evelynn said, her tone gentle but firm. "Jinx wouldn't want you to be stuck in this pain forever."

Lux tried to protest, but Evelynn held up her hand. "Jinx gave you her heart, not just literally, but in every way. She loved you more than anything, and she wanted to make sure you were okay. She wouldn’t want you to waste the time you have left—because you’re still here, Lux. You’re still alive, and you still have the chance to live fully."

Tears welled up in Lux's eyes as she looked at her friend, overwhelmed by the words that felt both like a comfort and a challenge.

"Jinx is inside you," Evelynn continued softly, "and she will always be with you. You need to cherish the memories you have of her, the love she gave you. You need to live your life, because that’s what she would’ve wanted."

Lux could only nod, her heart aching at the thought of Jinx's love, her sacrifice. But the pain was still too heavy, too constant.

"I’ll try," Lux whispered. "I’ll try to be better."

But even she knew it wasn’t that simple. It wasn’t just about saying the words—it was about doing the work, about trying to find a way to live in a world that no longer included Jinx physically. Lux went through the stages of grief in waves, each one taking her by surprise, pulling her under when she least expected it. Some days she could function—could go through the motions of a normal day without being consumed by her sorrow. But then, just as quickly, she would find herself back in the depths of grief, overwhelmed by the thought of never seeing Jinx again.

The months stretched on, and though the pain never completely disappeared, Lux began to learn how to live with it. She stopped expecting the pain to go away and instead focused on accepting it, letting it become a part of her that she could carry without letting it drown her. Every time she touched the scar over her heart, she was reminded of Jinx’s sacrifice, of the love Jinx had for her that had led to that final act.

So, Lux began to do things—small things that felt like victories, little pieces of joy that she could share with Jinx in spirit. She tried to be spontaneous, to do things that Jinx would’ve insisted on, activities that once seemed like too much effort but were now a way for Lux to keep the memory of their love alive. She took care of Powder, their cat, and watered Jinx's plants, feeling a connection to the life Jinx had left behind. Once in a while, she would go to Elise and get a haircut and slowly the woman became one of Lux's close acquaintance.   

With each passing day, Lux felt the weight on her chest lift just a little. Not because the pain was gone, but because she was learning how to carry it. She would never forget Jinx, never stop loving her. But she was slowly learning to live again, to honor the love they shared in ways that made her feel closer to Jinx, not further apart.

Still, there were nights—long, quiet nights—when Lux would curl up in bed, clutching Powder close, and let herself cry for the loss of the person who had meant everything to her. Those nights felt like setbacks, but she knew deep down that grief wasn’t linear. It wasn’t something you could just get over. It was something you had to move through, step by painful step.

But through it all, Lux held onto the memories, the love, and the heart Jinx had given her. And slowly, piece by piece, she began to heal—not because the pain had gone away, but because she had learned how to live with it. For Jinx. For herself. For the love they had shared that would never truly fade.

--

Two years after Jinx passed, a message arrived from Violet. It was a simple text, but the words it carried were anything but.

"Lux, I wanted to let you know... Caitlyn and I have welcomed a daughter. We named her Powder."

At first, Lux felt a rush of emotions. Powder? It felt like a piece of Jinx was coming back to her, even in this small, unexpected way. She couldn’t help but ask why the name Powder. Violet’s response was soft, almost hesitant at first, but then she explained with a gentle sincerity.

"Before Jinx was Jinx... she was Powder."

Lux’s breath caught as memories flooded back—the name Powder, the small, soft smile Jinx had given when naming their cat. Powder reminds me of someone I used to know —Jinx’s words echoed in her mind. And now, as Violet shared the reason behind the name, Lux felt a bittersweet warmth in her chest. Jinx was never truly gone; she lived on in those small, beautiful moments that continued to echo through the people who loved her.

Three years since Jinx passed, Lux had become relentless in her pursuit of change. Zaun—its air, its quality of life—had become her mission. She worked tirelessly with scientists, politicians, and investors, doing everything in her power to ensure that no one else would suffer the same fate as Jinx. The fight was far from easy. The road was long, but with each passing day, there were improvements. Small but important ones. Clean air systems started to become a reality. Medical aid and resources that had long been absent from Zaun began trickling in. Lux knew she would never stop, that she’d continue to work until Zaun was no longer a city of suffering, but a city of hope. A place where lives wouldn’t be destroyed by the very air they breathed.

Five years since Jinx passed, Lux found herself standing on the grounds of her family’s estate in Demacia. She wasn’t sure what had brought her here, but the pull of her childhood memories, of the life she had once led, had become too strong to ignore. She stayed for a month, surrounded by the very things that once felt suffocating—the traditions, the expectations, the quiet hum of family life. But it wasn’t all bad. Lux had reconciled some of the fractured bonds with her family, especially with her brother, Garen. They were in constant contact now, slowly repairing the years of distance and hurt that had grown between them. For the first time in a long time, Lux felt like she was learning to coexist with her past rather than run from it.

Seven years after Jinx passed, Lux had built a life for herself that, while different, was still full of meaning. Evelynn had moved to Ionia, leaving behind the complicated politics of Piltover. To Lux’s surprise, Evelynn had found love, something Lux had never imagined the woman would settle into. It was a surprise, but in some ways, it was the most beautiful thing. Evelynn had always been so fierce, so untouchable, but now she was with someone who brought out a tenderness Lux never thought she’d see in her.

Lux teased Evelynn relentlessly about her young lover, just as Evelynn had once teased her about Jinx. There were moments of envy, of longing, as she watched their happiness, but Lux knew she had no right to that kind of jealousy. She was happy for Evelynn—really, truly happy. The woman had found someone who cherished her, someone who made her smile in a way no one else could. And Lux, in turn, was finding ways to smile again, too.

Years had passed, but the journey—though shaped by grief and loss—had made Lux stronger, more determined. And though Jinx’s absence was still felt in the quiet spaces of her heart, Lux had learned to carry on, to live fully and honor the love that Jinx had left behind. Jinx was never truly gone. She was in everything Lux did, in every breath Lux took. And as Lux continued to move forward, she carried her memory with her, always, forever.

Lux felt the weight of the world pressing down on her as the day Powder, the last connection to Jinx, quietly passed away in her arms. It was as if all the strength she had built up, all the progress she had made in the years since Jinx’s death, had suddenly crumbled. Powder’s soft fur, her gentle purring, the way she would curl up beside Lux—everything that reminded her of Jinx—was now gone.

She felt helplessly alone, like a part of her that had been alive for so long had faded into nothing. Lux found herself back to the person she was before Jinx ever walked into her life—empty, lost, and unsure of her place in the world. The fight to make Zaun better, to honor Jinx’s sacrifice, no longer felt like a reason to keep going. The pain of losing Jinx was still there, always would be, but now it seemed unbearable, compounded by the death of Powder.

Lux had been pushing herself so hard, focusing on the work, on Jinx’s legacy. But now it felt like it was slipping through her fingers, like everything was falling apart. She couldn’t find the strength to keep fighting—not for herself, not for anyone else. It was as if the last thread that connected her to life had been severed, and she was free-falling into an abyss, unsure of how to stop herself.

Then came the sharp pain in her chest. It was sudden, but it didn’t scare her. Her heart—Jinx’s heart—had been giving her signs for a while now, but she had ignored them. She didn’t fight it when the doctor confirmed what she already knew: Jinx’s heart was failing. It was as though Lux had been preparing for this moment all along, waiting for it to come, knowing that this would be the end of the road.

Lux didn’t resist when the pain became too much to bear. She simply let herself sink into it, feeling the world blur around her. She closed her eyes, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to feel a strange sense of peace. Perhaps it was time to let go, to finally join Jinx in whatever came after. She had given her heart, her life, her everything—and now, maybe it was time for Jinx to have her back.

One day Lux woke up, she wasn’t in her hospital bed. There was no sterile smell, no beeping machines, no cold walls. The air felt different—warmer, softer. She heard a voice, a familiar, comforting voice calling her name.

"Hi my heart…"

Lux opened her eyes, and there she was. Jinx. Her Jinx, smiling at her, her bright eyes full of the same spark that had first drawn Lux to her all those years ago. And beside Jinx, lying curled up on the bed, was Powder—the same soft little cat that had been with her all this time.

Lux’s heart swelled with a mix of grief and relief. She had missed Jinx so much, but now she was here. They were together again. Powder was with them, too, and for the first time in a long time, Lux felt whole.

Jinx’s hand gently touched her cheek, and Lux’s eyes fluttered closed again. There was no more pain, no more emptiness. She knew now that she had found her peace, and that in some way, Jinx had always been with her, always would be.

"Jinx," Lux whispered, her voice barely audible. "I’m with you now."

And with that, Lux knew that she had finally come home .

-END-