Work Text:
The Crownguard charity event was the most important event of the year, not only for the Crownguard family but also for Luxanna. Though she hated having to smile at everyone and thank them for donations often made out of pure hypocrisy, in the end they were still contributions, and that was enough. Lux liked helping those in need, so she was willing to do what it took.
But this year, that motivation wasn’t enough. Months ago, she had met a fantastic girl who, not long after, became her girlfriend. Her name was Jinx. Normally, she loved to show off her charms, but this time was different.
She had decided not to attend the event. Lux had tried to explain the impact it had on society, but her words fell on deaf ears. It ended in a heated argument, with Jinx storming out of the house, upset. That was three weeks ago. Since then, Lux hadn’t heard from her. She had tried texting, calling, even going to her house, but Jinx never showed up.
This became a real problem for Lux. Even though the event consumed her time and endless hours of work, her mind was only on her girlfriend. She wanted Jinx to be there with her tonight, it was important. But maybe that blinded her, and she failed to see how it also made her feel.
A long sigh escaped her lips, and for a few seconds, her mask of joy slipped away.
“Hey Lux, what’s wrong?”
The familiar voice of her old friend snapped her back to reality.
“Ez, it’s fine. Sorry, I was just… thinking about other things.”
“Things like Jinx, for example?” Ezreal asked with a sincere smile.
Another sigh answered the boy’s question.
“I’m sorry she didn’t want to help you with the event.”
“It’s not that. Well, maybe a little… but what I care about more is whether I caused a permanent break. What if she doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore?”
“It’s not really your fault. This event is very important to you and to many others who need this support. She should have considered that, since she’s your partner.”
“I know, but I pushed her too much, Ez. And I didn’t want to hear her reasons either. She’s always been free to choose what she wants to do. That’s what she’s always given me too, the freedom to choose if I want to do things I never would’ve tried before.”
“Well… I guess that’s one way of looking at it. But aren’t they different things? Trying a new ice cream flavor is one thing. Getting a tattoo ‘just to see if you like it’ is another.” Lux’s expression said it all. “Anyway, I’m sorry, my friend. Maybe it was just a sign she wasn’t the one. Don’t torture yourself enjoy the event you worked so hard for.”
“No, Ez. You don’t know what you’re saying. Jinx is the one. She just is.”
“I’m glad you think so…”
A feminine voice sounded behind them, making them turn toward it. Lux’s eyes widened like saucers, and the words caught in her throat at the sight of the stunning figure with blue hair, braided neatly over her shoulder.
She wore a crisp white shirt, its sleeves rolled to the elbows, confidently showing off her forearms adorned with a pair of dangling gold bracelets. Over it, she had on a perfectly fitted navy-blue double-breasted vest, tailored so precisely it hugged her form and flowed seamlessly into matching high-waisted, straight-leg trousers. The ensemble elongated her figure, making her look taller, more imposing. A golden tie, perfectly knotted, hung firmly against her chest. Her jacket was draped over one arm, her cheeks faintly flushed, and her breathing still quick, signs she had hurried to get there.
Lux stared, utterly mesmerized. It wasn’t just the clothes it was her, the way she wore them, with a confidence that made it seem as if the outfit had been designed just for her.
“Jinx, what a joy to have you here,” Ezreal chimed in, trying to save his friend who stood speechless beside him.
“Sorry for being so late. Bad habit,” Jinx said with a crooked smile, faltering a little at the sight of Lux frozen in place. “I’m sorry, Twinky Wonder. Could I have a moment alone with Lux?”
“Oh, uh…” Ezreal looked at Lux, who could only nod, still robbed of speech. He chuckled softly at her state before stepping aside.
The silence between them grew heavy until Jinx finally broke it.
“Lux, I… I’m sorry. I don’t even know where to start. An apology, I guess, should be at the top of the list…” Nervously, she fidgeted with her trembling hands, her eyes darting restlessly.
“Jinx…” Lux took her hands and pressed them to her chest. “Thank you for coming. You don’t have to say anything. Actually, I… I’ve been such a fool.”
“Wow, never that. Blondie, you’re many things, but a fool isn’t one of them. And I don’t want you crying either you’ll ruin your makeup.” She caressed her cheek, brushing away a stray tear.
Lux blinked in surprise, realizing she was crying.
“I’m sorry, I’m just… so happy you came. And you look beautiful.”
“Thanks. Though, if you want, later you can help me take all this off…” she teased with a wicked grin, leaning closer but then hesitated, stopping short, as if what she wanted to do was now forbidden, a right she had lost.
Lux noticed the hesitation and, without thinking, closed the distance, brushing her lips against Jinx’s at first softly, then with growing hunger. They clung to each other until Lux remembered where they were and broke the kiss with a final lingering touch.
“Shit, Lux…” Jinx gasped, licking her lower lip in search of the faint taste of her lipstick. “It’s only been a few days, and I already missed you so damn much. I’m sorry for the tantrum I threw. Ekko helped me realize if this is important to you, I can survive a few hours surrounded by rich idiots. And, well, I won’t deny how much I loved the way you looked at me in this rented suit.”
“I… it’s just that you look so good…” Lux stammered, blushing.
A new voice interrupted:
“Luxanna, what a magnificent event you’ve organized this year. You outdo yourself every time.”
“Councilor Medarda! An honor to have you here.” Lux quickly composed herself and, taking Jinx’s hand, presented her. “Allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Jinx.”
“Girlfriend?” Mel smiled, shaking her hand. “A pleasure. I’m Mel Medarda.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jinx replied, gripping firmly.
“The pleasure is mine. I’m glad Luxanna has someone. She seems to be in better spirits. Take good care of her she’s a dear friend of mine,” Mel said warmly, though her eyes fired invisible daggers.
A chill ran down Jinx’s spine, but she held her ground.
“Don’t worry, Miss Medarda. I’d do anything for her.”
“Excellent, good to know.” Mel turned back to Lux. “I’ll continue greeting the stars some friends I haven’t seen in a while. You two enjoy the event as well.”
“Of course,” Lux confirmed, and as soon as she saw Mel walk away, she planted a kiss on Jinx’s cheek. “Would you really do anything?” she murmured near her ear.
That caught Jinx off guard, delighting in the sound of her voice so close. She answered with an arrogant grin. “That’s why I’m here, gorgeous. But if you keep this up, I’ll drag you out of this little circus and lock you in the first empty room I find.”
Lux couldn’t help laughing. The suggestion was tempting, but abandoning the event wasn’t an option.
“Calm down, tiger, we’ll have plenty of time later. Come on, I’ll give you a little tour.”
“The tour of your legs I already know by heart.”
Lux rolled her eyes, laughing as she pulled her along.
For the rest of the evening, they walked side by side, inseparable. Jinx smiled just enough, endured the bad jokes and boring conversations. Sometimes she drifted off mentally, and when caught, she excused herself by saying the event was overwhelming or joked that she was simply dazed by how beautiful her girlfriend looked. It wasn’t a lie: Lux was breathtaking in her dress, though, in truth, all clothes looked amazing on her. But the mere thought that she could’ve ruined everything, that she might have never seen her this close again all for a couple of rich fools made her stomach twist. The fear lingered, so she couldn’t take her eyes off her, afraid she might vanish in a blink.
But Jinx’s patience had long worn thin. Surrounded by vultures, she slipped away to the back garden when Lux was distracted talking to a friend. She breathed in the fresh night air, loosening her tie and unbuttoning a couple buttons of her shirt.
Her hand reached for the pack of cigarettes tucked in her jacket, which she’d reluctantly put on instead of carrying. Lighting one, she inhaled a long drag, her body relaxing within seconds.
“Blessed be. Just once a year…” she muttered, exhaling the smoke.
“I think the same,” came Lux’s soft voice, breaking the silence as she slipped behind her girlfriend, wrapping her arms around her waist and trailing kisses from her cheek to her shoulder. “I like it, but it’s exhausting. Still, if more of these events were held, more resources would go to institutions in need. This is barely enough…”
“Luxie, you do too much. You can’t carry the world on your shoulders alone.” Jinx caressed the hands holding her as she took another drag.
“That’s why I’m grateful you’re here. Having you with me made it all easier… and I got to introduce you officially.”
“Oh, so now I’m public property too? I used to love my peace and quiet… all because I’ve got a gorgeous, sexy, and brilliant girlfriend who drags me into these things. I expect to be rewarded…”
Between laughter, Luxanna pressed her lips to her neck, kissing and biting down gently on her pale, soft skin. She pressed harder until Jinx let out a moan, then soothed the mark with her tongue, grinning wide. “You’ll be well rewarded, my love, you can be sure of that.” Her hand slid up her abdomen, wrapping her fingers around her tie and tugging it until it tightened. “But just one detail, darling… take off a single piece of clothing, and you’ll lose every reward.”
“What? Come on, babe, I’m already burning up in here, and I can’t even move freely”
“I thought you liked staying still, like a good girl.”
“T… that’s different…” she mumbled, flustered.
“You heard me, sweetheart. Take something off, and you’ll pay for it.” With a final kiss to her cheek, Lux pulled away. “I’m going to say goodbye to the last guests.”
“Oh please, you’ve been with them for hours. Let’s just go home, Luxie,” Jinx whined, loosening the knot that choked her.
Lux’s eyes locked on her. “Untie it, and you’ll have other things to handle… all on your own.”
“Oh come on, Luxie… I’ve been good!” Jinx pouted, blowing out smoke.
Lux paused to process her words, bringing a hand to her chin as she looked her up and down. “You’re right, you have been a good girl. I’ll see you in 30 minutes in the bathroom, and rest assured, I’ll pay for this suit, whether it gets ruined ‘by accident’ or just to see you in it again.” With a flirtatious wink, she disappeared through the doorway.
Jinx didn’t take her eyes off those swaying hips as she left, smiling like a fool, still clutching her tie. With a sigh, she finally let it go. “We’ve lasted this long already…” With a grin, she slipped another cigarette between her lips. She’d need something to keep her mouth and hands busy for thirty more minutes.