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Seraphine stared at herself in the mirror, she had fixed and re-fixed her freshly pink hair twice. Reapplied her makeup three times, and changed her outfit five times. It was obvious that she was nervous, though a part of her knew she really shouldn’t be. It wasn’t Sera’s first time performing live in front of a large crowd. It wouldn’t be her last either. It didn’t matter however, pre-show anxiety was her bread and butter at this point. And doing a performance for Piltover’s pride was such a big deal to her.
“Get it together girl.” The singer smacked her cheeks lightly before letting out a soft sigh. She was doing a terrible job at pulling herself together. It was time to call in the master. Turning to face her dresser, Sera found her phone peeking out from underneath Bao's fluffy form. Giving her beloved cat a few pets as she called her best friend.
“Sera?” Blonde hair came into view first, before the camera angle adjusted. Ezreal had an eyebrow quirked and a knowing look in those blue eyes. “Aren't you due to perform in a couple of hours? Don't tell me you're nervous.”
“Well…” Seraphine could feel her face flush, she didn't even need to look at herself in the corner of the screen to know. One hand fidgeting with the butterfly pendant on her necklace. “It's just, You know…”
“I know that my bestie is going to absolutely shine on stage today. I know that the event planners personally contacted her as a local, proud, bisexual, pop icon to open the event. And she's going to show her stuff and put on an amazing performance like she always does.” Ezreal's tone had turned serious, staring sapphire daggers into Seraphine's very soul before flashing his crooked smile.
“Yeah, you're right Ez. Thanks.” Seraphine let out a sigh of relief, a smile reforming on her face. Someone should tell Ezreal to switch his career from archeology to public speaking, he always knew exactly what to say in every situation. No prompting needed.
“Of course I'm right! Now show me the fit.” Demanding words that Sera complied with immediately. Turning her camera around and facing the mirror so Ez could see. Simple but cute, perfect for the warm weather.
“Oh! Look at you! An absolute star!” Ezreal's enthusiasm was off the charts, giving a playful wolf whistle as well. He really knew his target audience.
“Ez! Too much!” That flush still on Sera's cheeks. It wasn't really, but she had to pretend she didn't love her bestie gassing her up. It made it better.
“Whatever.” The blond rolled his eyes. “You good? I'll see you after the show okay?”
“Yes. Thanks Ez. See you later!” A wink from Ezreal and a blown kiss from Sera and the call was over. The singer left feeling so much lighter. Grabbing her bag and keys, it was time to go. One last pat to Bao before she was out the door.
—————
The ride to the park was blissfully uneventful. It wasn’t until approximately five minutes after checking in with event staff that suddenly everything crashed down again. While discussing her stage needs with a staff member, Seraphine suddenly realized she’d forgotten something incredibly important.
Her guitar.
It was at home, sitting in its case, leaning against her dresser. She had forgotten it when she was caught up in Ezreal's flattery. Amateur move. Getting home and back in time was impossible as streets were shutting down and buses rerouted for the parade. The early signs of a panic attack settled in before her brain remembered something potentially life saving.
Pulling out her phone again, Sera frantically scrolled her contacts to find the right person. The call rang five times, an anxiety inducing number of times. Finally the other end picked up.
"Wow. Pinkamena Diane Pie herself is calling me after ignoring my FaceTime request last night? Holy fuck, let me get down on my knees and kiss your feet-"
"Kayn! This is serious!”
“What's going on, Starburst?” Kayn's entire tone switching to something much more fitting for the situation.
“I'm at the park and forgot my guitar and I don't have time to go home and come back and-” Sera’s words were cut off by the man.
“That's it? I got you.” And the call ended, simple as that. Part of Seraphine wanted to throw up, the other part knew that Kayn always came through when it mattered. And he hopefully knew this mattered, he had to, she'd only been talking about it nonstop for the last three months. It would be fine.
It had to be fine.
Ten agonizing minutes of waiting later, a very concerned looking staff member approached the singer.
“Um, Miss Seraphine? There's a Sheida Kayn at the gates saying if he doesn't get to see you right now he's going to commit a hate crime?”
Sera couldn't help but snort at the words. Of course Kayn would say something like that to get immediate attention.
“Yes! He's bringing me something important. Please let him in.”
—————
“One guitar for one Serafiend. Express delivery.” Kayn's laughter filled the air as he approached, a guitar case slung over his shoulder. Sera's savior in combat boots.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” Sera basically threw herself at Kayn, hugging the taller man in relief and joy. Completely missing the way he rolled his eyes before giving her a pat on the back.
“It was nothing. Now you just gotta go tear it up out there. You even got Phel waking up early to see you.” Kayn gave a light ruffle to Sera's hair as he handed off the guitar. “Break a leg out there, I gotta get back to the boys.”
“Will do!” Sera waved as Kayn walked away, letting out a sigh of relief. She had a guitar now. She looked good. Her best friends wished her luck. She had this! She could do this!
A quick soundcheck later, Sera found herself pacing backstage, trying to calm her nerves one last time. She could do this, it was only an event she’d attended many times that she was now opening, it was going to be great. Her phone was full of break a legs and rock ons from all her friends, she just had to do the thing!
Guitar in hand, Seraphine climbed the steps and stepped out onto the stage, a crowd of hundreds of Piltovians and Zaunites alike immediately cheering at her appearance. A crowd of everyone gathered for the same reason, to celebrate queer identities here and across Runeterra. Every single song in harmony for the moment, the last drops of anxiety washed away with it. This was her place, here on stage for all the people like her.
“Happy Pride everyone!” The singer called out to the crowd, followed by a strum of the guitar. “We’re all here to celebrate being queer. So let me hear you sing with me!”