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“Come here often?”
No. That’s stupid. It’s a gala.
“Funny seeing you here.”
That’s even worse, she’s a Councilor, her attendance is practically mandatory. Image upkeep and all.
“Have you seen Heimerdinger's new-“ His musings were cut short by a quick side stepper who nearly bumped into him.
“Sorry Sir, didn’t see you there.” The server said, not nearly as focused on Jayce as she was the tray of champagne on her arm.
“It’s no problem… no problem at all.” Jayce replied, too late for the server to hear and too focused on her to move his feet to avoid another collision.
All night he’d been having halfhearted conversations, ones he was sure he’d regret later because there were quite a few things he’d agreed to; and had no recollection of what that may entail. Still new to the spotlight and high life that Hextech had afforded him, Jayce hadn’t quite adjusted to all the public appearances he’d be required to make. Seeing Mel so often was also a new adjustment. They spoke —more like acknowledged each other as business partners did— but Jayce wanted more.
He couldn’t explain the tug, or why he felt the need to look for Mel’s approval each time he presented something, but he always found her eyes anyway. So far everything between them had been solely business, but seeing her float across the floor and offer everyone a piece of her light had Jayce feeling a bit left out.
So, that’s where he’d been. Hovering, really. Far enough that she couldn’t see him and close enough for him not to lose sight of her. Kicking himself over and over for not being able to come up with something to say that didn’t make him look like a complete fool.
“I’ll have another, thanks.” Jayce said to the server that’d silently refilled his flute. He returned a curt nod and watched as the man dove into the crowd seamlessly, getting lost in the whirring mixes of fabrics and colors almost instantly.
The bubbly liquid had kept him teetering on the border that separated intoxication and sobriety. Spacing out his intake had also helped. Heat rose up his spine and he suddenly felt like he was being choked by his too-tight collar and tie. A quick tug loosened the restraint for him to inhale a large breath of relief.
“Pleasure seeing you this evening, Mr. Talis.” Came from a velvety voice just beside him.
The same heat he felt just moments before spiked to new levels, his spine went taut, and his shoulders rose in a way that made him look like a frightened cat. The voice chuckled.
“Forgive me, startling you was not my intention. Are you alright?” She placed a hand on his forearm and peered around his shoulder to catch his eye.
“Councilor Medarda! Mel! I uhm - heh,” He paused to clear his throat, and gain a semblance of composure. “ I-I didn’t see you there. How are you? Enjoying your evening I hope?” He managed. The hand that wasn’t clutching the half empty flute scratched a nonexistent itch at the back of his head.
“I’m enjoying it as much as anyone enjoys these events, I suppose. It is work after all. The performances were lovely though, don’t you think?”
She was still to his side, not quite in his direct line of sight, but he could feel her eyes on him. Could feel the heat jumping off her body onto his.
“I do! Yes. I really liked the harpist.” He sputtered. That was probably the least entertaining bit of the whole evening, but it was all he could come up with.
“Hm… Do you play?”
“The harp? No, not with these hands. It’d sound a lot less beautiful I assure you.” They shared a light chuckle, and he finally chanced a glance in her direction. The heat from before had cooled ever so slightly, but now it consumed his entire being. As their laughter ceased the heat wrapped around his neck and feathered across his cheeks. Flushed. Again, he cleared his throat. “I uh, I play the guitar, actually.”
“Oh? I would love to hear you play.” She spoke with the kind of casualty longtime friends shared.
Before he could reply, people that’d been on various sides of the room started coming together at the center of the floor. The invitation Jayce received had mentioned a dance, but in his time fumbling over his thoughts he completely forgot about it.
Mel handed off her empty glass to a passing tray and watched as pairs formed and the dancing commenced. Her hands were folded at the front and there was a small smile just at the corner of her mouth, her golden freckles caught the faintest bit of light and threw it back at Jayce. A subtle reminder that he’d been staring.
He clenched his fist and swallowed the lump that’d been forming in his throat since they started talking. His nails dug into his palm and sent prickles up his arm that helped ground him.
“Mel?”
“Yes, Jayce?” She asked, moving her focus from the crowded floor to him. Brow raised in question, and maybe even anticipation.
“Would you give me this dance?” He offered his hand to her, palm up, awaiting her answer.
“I’d be honored.” Her smile grew into a smirk as she laced her fingers with his. “After you?”
“Oh- right!”
He led her to the floor, through swaying couples, until they were at the center of the floor. She laid her hand just beneath his shoulder, while he placed his hand at the middle of her back. The backless cut of her gown meant that his hand was in contact with her heated skin.
Jayce wasn’t sure where he found the confidence but something about the way she was looking at him, and that twinkle in her eye emboldened him. He’d never been one for dancing, but, with Mel there were no two left feet, no stumbling. He led her with the grace of a man enamored, and she followed without falter. They separated and Mel twirled under his hand. When they met again he pulled her closer than before, held her just a little tighter. If they’d been just centimeters apart he would’ve missed the soft gasp that fell from her lips.
People were moving around them, there was chatter and of course music, but Jayce was oblivious to it all. The only thing he was for sure of was Mel. The way she felt in his arms, melded against him like she was made to be there. The spice of her perfume, more intoxicating than all the champagne he’d consumed all evening. The flex of her muscles against his hand with each move they made. He was aware of it all.
“You didn’t strike me as a dancer,” she said, her voice heavy with something akin to intrigue and pleasure all wrapped in one silky bow.
“I’m not,” He pulled away just to look at her. To take in the way her lids hung low over her eyes, and just how relaxed she looked pressed against his chest. “But nothing’s impossible with you.”
At that she laid her head on the back of her hand that was still on his chest. He was sure she could feel the wild thrum of his heart, and wondered if hers was beating as fast as his.
Eventually the music slowed to a stop and they parted. Not because they wanted to, but because they’d look foolish if they stayed huddled up in their bubble. Jayce led her away from the floor, and to a quieter corner. Away from all the prying eyes and gossiping mouths. Mel trailed behind him with a grip on his hand that was just as strong as the one he had on hers. A shared fervency.
The nerves that threatened to devour Jayce earlier in the evening had dissipated and morphed into a being that feasted on whatever Mel could give it. The corner, away from the crowd, would give this thing a shot at over-indulgence. A chance to thrive and bask in Mel’s light, preen under her attention.
“Mel I…” He started, but the words he needed most failed him.
Mel closed the gap between them with sure steps. Her hand twitched in his, and for the first time of the evening he was able to see her cards. A small sign that this thing… was shared.
“Councilor Medarda? Has anyone seen her?” A voice not too far away from their secluded corner called.
Jayce sighed, his fate seemingly decided for him. The voice seemed to be getting closer with its ill-timed inquiries.
“Thank you, Jayce. For everything.”
Jayce brought her hand that was still clutching his own, up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. The cool metal from her ring sent a small chill down his spine. He stepped aside and watched as she straightened up and glided past him, taking her warmth and his breath with her.
Jayce slouched against the wall and chuckled to himself, happy to have carved out just a small amount of her time all for himself.
···•✧•···
After a night of networking, less than honest laughter, and forced smiles —that left dull aches in her cheeks—; Mel was famished. It was far too late for a full meal but the promise of leftover pastries, made that morning by her chef, left her salivating.
The walk from the front door to the kitchen seemed to drag by for eons. It was quieter and darker than usual. When she had evening events she let her staff off early. She preferred to come home to quiet. With no one in the kitchen to greet her, she quickly turned on the light and busied herself with washing her hands. She forwent a dessert plate and went straight for the cake stand on the counter. The glass dome was carefully set aside while she took a moment to decide which treat she wanted. There was a raspberry tart that smelled divine, but the whole ride home she’d been picturing the chocolate drizzled puff pastry with roasted pistachio crumbles on top. One hand held the heaven sent dessert and the other hovered just underneath to catch any fallen crumbs. The first bite was pure bliss. Mel slunk down to rest her elbows on the counter as she enjoyed her small piece of heaven on earth. So entranced that she was oblivious to the curious bystander who stood just at the doorway.
“Well?” He spoke up when he realized she had no intention of opening her eyes.
Mouth full and mid-bite she let out a startled yelp. Mel’s eyes flew open and landed on the cause of her shock. His crooked grin disarmed her then it sparked a warmth that started in her chest and spread like wildfire. Still, she rolled her eyes and groaned.
“You nearly gave me a heart attack, Jayce!” She popped the last bit of pastry in her mouth to stave off the grin she knew was coming.
“I waited for you to notice me, but you were kinda… busy,” he chuckled, padding closer to her. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be a dessert more in my life.”
The faux annoyance had disappeared, and she laughed freely whilst dusting her hands over the sink.
“So? How’d I do?” He asked again, following her out the kitchen, just a step behind her.
“With?” Mel replied with a quick glance over her shoulder, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
“Did you like my performance? Did you like it? I don’t know if you could tell how nervous I was, but it felt so real for me.” He rambled on, and Mel waited for him to stop for a breath before answering.
“You were incredible, Darling. I was quite pleased, couldn’t you tell?”
Jayce held the door to their bedroom open and as she walked past him she lightly dragged her fingertips over his bare chest. She didn’t have to look at him to know that there was a new pink flush to his cheeks and neck.
“I really liked the bit where you stood in one spot for hours watching me like a hawk.” She smirked, looking at him through the mirror of her vanity.
His blush intensified and then he dropped back onto the bed with his arms sprawled out like a starfish.
“I was trying so hard to think of something to say that wasn’t corny, and then they kept bringing me champagne, and I’d see you and I would just lose my train of thought.” He huffed.
“You could’ve said the sky was pink. I still would’ve danced with you.”
The smell of rose permeated the air and suddenly Jayce’s woes were naught. He popped up, and scooted closer for a better look at his favorite part of her evening regime.
In the mornings, if he had time, he’d sit or stand for as long as he could and watch Mel apply her makeup. It was a routine that she could probably do in her sleep, and one he’d seen hundreds of times before, but he was enraptured by it all the same. At the beginning, Mel was put off by his lingering stare. She’d find any reason for him to busy himself elsewhere, but now she enjoyed her audience of one.
Some nights, when she was exhausted to the point of skipping steps, he’d step in and help execute the routine to completion. But most times he just watched. Preferred it that way.
“You know there was something we both overlooked, now that I think about it.” She hummed.
“What's that?” Jayce asked only after she’d looked at him in the mirror for his attention.
“It isn’t exactly a first dance if we’re wearing wedding rings is it?” She laughed lightly. “I suppose it could be if we were going for a more scandalous act hm?”
The idea had been Mel’s one evening when they came home from dinner. A thought she’d concerned herself with all that day. Mulling over different scenarios, times, places, and most importantly how Jayce might react. The larger part of her told her that there was nothing to be worried about, Jayce would be happy to get her the moon if she asked for it. Still, the smaller part of her was insistent on filling her mind with doubt. And then, just before they went to bed that evening she’d asked him.
“Have you ever considered role playing? Nothing naughty in particular… I mean… unless?”
Jayce, ever the scientist, asked her enough questions to make her head spin. It was an innocent thought, one she never expected to bear fruit, and here they were weeks later. Jayce came up with the whole scenario, and seemed to be more excited by the prospect than she was. The idea was that he would be approaching her to ask for a dance as someone with a longtime crush. So the fact that he was the one to freeze up on his own plan gave her a good laugh. Mel enjoyed the chase all the while. She spent all evening just out of his reach, waiting for his approach. When she realized the festivities were drawing to a close, and he still hadn’t approached her, she took matters into her own hands.
“We can try it again some other time if you’d like. I’ll write my lines and practice them beforehand.” Jayce offered once again, obviously still bothered by his part in their act.
“It was fun, but I quite like my evenings spent with my husband.”
He watched her rise from her vanity bench, sans makeup and intricate updo. She floated around their room with the kind of grace ice skaters would envy, collecting the items she needed for her bath. Mel gave him a soft kiss on his cheek and on his lips, just to ease whatever residual worry might’ve been chipping away at him. Then she disappeared into the bathroom.
···•✧•···
She came out of the bathroom freshly bathed and ready for bed. Jayce was seated at the head of the bed, scribbling some new equations, or some new thing that plagued his brain, in his journal. It was only once she approached the bed and moved the covers back, that he looked up from his writings. He practically tossed the book on his bedside table and quickly moved pillows and blankets to make room for Mel. She laughed at his sudden disregard for the very thing that had him so enthralled just moments before.
They met in the middle of their foolishly large bed, surrounded by seas of blankets and waves of pillows. Jayce found her hand and brought it to his lips, where he placed a kiss on each knuckle. Lingering just a little longer on the one that held the very ring he forged himself. Soon that hand was lost in the silk soft strands on his head, massaging away any tension she found there. Most nights they spent in silence. Content to just be near one another, touching in some kind of way.
···•✧•···
Later, when they were all cuddled up, Mel tucked snug against Jayce's chest —just on the cusp of slumber— there was a tiny kick.
“Did you feel that?” Mel asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if anything louder might cause a fright.
“Yeah… No?… Can you make it do it again?” Jayce asked, still half incoherent.
“No I can’t make it kick again, Jayce.”
“Sorry.” He yawned.
Before either could make another move there was another kick. Stronger than the last. This time he did feel it.
“It did it!”
“Jayce.”
“Sorry, the baby! I felt it!” He sat up on his elbow, sleep instantly forgotten.
Mel laid back against the pillows and chuckled at the way he shoved the covers away, to get face to face with her belly. She could feel his grin even though there was no light to see it.
The pregnancy had been a shock to them both. A welcomed surprise nonetheless. One that no one other than her doctors knew about. Two people who lived in the public, and had careers that benefited lives other than just their own. They revelled in having something to just themselves. Even if it was for just a short while. They had opted out of finding out the gender of the baby, wanting that to be a surprise as well. Jayce had taken to referring to the baby as “it” which annoyed Mel greatly.
“The baby must’ve been inspired by my great dancing.” He said, rubbing lazy circles over Mel’s slightly rounded stomach.
Thankfully, Mel hadn’t started showing yet. There was a protrusion, sure, but no real bump that would give way to their secret.
“Surely that was it.” Mel’s snicker tapered into a loud yawn. “Maybe you can inspire them to sleep now?”
“Right…I can try,” Jayce situated himself so that he was laying just under her chest, a position that allowed him to talk directly to her stomach. “So… there was this Scientist on the verge of exile… and just before it was too late he was saved by a Goddess.”