Chapter Text
Getting away from the usual routine had its advantages, especially on the coast during the hottest season. Most problems were postponed, and even if the season didn't last forever, it could be enough to bring some rest — even for the most ruthless warrior.
Classic rivals settled their disputes in sand sports or table games, as if for the first time peace was not just a childhood dream. Lux, in particular, couldn't help but be amazed by it: as if this was an opportunity to catch a glimpse of paradise, her eyes sparkled with the truce. Far from her reach, essence of her most sincere prayers, it was not limited to war, political interests or the progress of great nations, but the acceptance of the plural. Among esteemed and infamous figures from all over Runeterra, no one cared that she was a mage. Lux was a champion, a member of the League like any other; and if she was there, it was thanks to the power of her light.
She didn't remember when she had spent so much time away from home, but didn't feel out of place, since in any case, Garen was around and it was possible to recognize other demacian faces. Also considering the hotel's infrastructure and the free pass to a range of evening events, the accommodation was very comfortable overall, for the requirements of a nobleman at least reasonable, so much so that Lux found nothing to complain about. Even the division of rooms, where three were drawn to share each space, was not a problem. The League had recently expanded, certainly not planning to pay for so many people's vacations, let alone go back on what had been promised.
Super close to the beach, the hotel had meals from morning to night, for lunch and dinner contemplating coastal classics, such as grilled fish and seafood, to reinterpretations of typical dishes from each region of Runeterra. And if venturing into gastronomy wasn't enough, the city was full of tourist attractions, natural and cultural. With so much to know, Lux did not restrict herself to drawing a travel itinerary and surrendered to the enthusiasm of novelty: while changing, she laughed when she looked at herself in the mirror, imagining her brother's reaction if she was more daring and decided to take off the short blouse and denim shorts that covered her bikini. It was a hot day, with a breeze so gentle that it barely moved the curtains and failed to bring any coolness. Soon it would be too hot, she knew, but preferred to spare the scandal.
The decision came from her sweet innocence, which although inherent, would be a mistake to consider ridiculous. She was young, kind, hopelessly optimistic but an adult, no longer a little girl who needed to be protected and guided. Maybe that's why it was so comical to witness Garen keeping an eye on her, which happened quite often. The affection of this treatment was always welcome, but Lux could not deny that it sometimes got on her nerves! Especially when she should be having fun. What was the problem with making small talk with strangers? Wink at someone interesting, or come back a little later?
As a perfect picture of the situation, before she left the bathroom, the youngest could already hear him knocking on the door. And anticipating that this would be another day like the previous one, she ended up creating the lamest excuse possible to be alone, at least for a few hours:
“Good morning, brother!” The smile was radiant, but the hand on her forehead indicated something else. “Have you already had breakfast?"
“Yes, we are leaving now to the beach. Just waiting for you.”
He was referring to Jarvan and Quinn.
“Oh, I actually woke up with a very annoying headache. I think I'll stay.”
“Here at the hotel, right?”
The blonde rolled her eyes discreetly, finding a certain amusement in how predictable her brother was.
“Yes, at the hotel.” She emphasized.
Convinced that she should stay, Garen did not insist and left, which resulted in a relieved sigh. Still in the lullaby of relief, Lux threw herself on the bed, curling up there for a few moments. Freer, she took off her blouse, even threw it away before leaving. Lux looked around as she went down to make sure they were gone and soon didn't care about disguising it anymore.
The reception seemed chaotic. New guests came in with their luggage, some with nothing but a small, wheeled suitcase and others with a full set, worthy of a house moving. Reunions took place while the hotel team went out of their way to serve each one in the best possible way, even though they were haunted by the demand. Finally all the champions arrived, causing the place to be filled to capacity.
One of these new guests leaned on the counter, lightly patting the polished marble, as if also infected by the chaotic movement. Lux recognized him quickly, though it was the first time she had seen him outside of Demacia. He wore his classic outfit and his uncut blond hair, a little long, made him unmistakable: it was Ezreal, who used to travel all over the continent and did not shut up about it. Every time they met, he didn't mind masking his interest, always telling long stories, full of details, about "super dangerous" adventures to impress her. It was incredible, however, the dexterity in connecting one subject to another, also the memory not to repeat the stories. Stopping to greet him meant getting stuck in another long talk and losing all of her dear time alone. So, she was discreet and turned around towards the pool space.
The purchase of a popsicle at a kiosk was a pretext to observing the place a little better. A fusion of colors overlapped the vibrant blue of the pool, composed by the buoys, umbrellas and clothes of the people present there. Some radiated all the lightness of fun, like Soraka and Neeko, a vastaya who played like a child and had just hit a volleyball on Sett's head. The one who was with her, little Zoe, soon ran to get it, coming face to face with the offended man who was twice her size and made a shadow fall on her. Naturally she thought she would lose the ball, but he just let out a swearword, moved his hairy ears and resettled to doze off.
By censoring a few laughs, Lux's pretension to mingle with other guests was set aside, soon replaced by the mere pleasure of eating that icy treat. As if following the breeze, she reached with her feet where her eyes had already passed and approached the edges of the pool — near some loungers — thinking about finding out if the water was cold. About to crouch, the voice she avoided hearing surpassed any other sound:
"LUX!" Ezreal shouted, waving as soon as he saw her from the entrance.
By reflex she turned her face towards him, but made a misstep and when she realized, her body and her hair were both completely soaked. A firm tug preceded the thermal shock during what seemed instantaneous: someone sunbathing on those loungers tried to prevent it — holding her by the arm — but ended up falling into the pool as well. Bright red hair, sunglasses and a beautiful hat, all just as soaked. There was the woman with a visible temper, complaining silently through her eyebrows that gave everything away. Lux anticipated terrible offenses and quickly her stomach churned, immersed in an embarrassment that made every hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Between one second and another, she got up from the water and ran without looking back, fleeing from a gaze that pierced her.
The run was sloppy, soon she bumped into the blond and didn't even say a word. How embarrassing! What a coward she was! The best thing to do could only be to lock herself in her room and pretend she hadn't left there. Sprawled on the previously empty bed, she was barely able to avoid reliving what had happened, soon covering her eyes when she felt the same shame again and concluding that it was some sort of curse for having been a little selfish.
~
Lux was on an amazing nap, alone in the room, when her brother returned. Knowing that she was a light sleeper, Garen knocked lightly on the door to make enough noise for the youngest to wake up — which worked well. It was late and he explained his plan: a quick shower to then go to dinner at a restaurant. The proposal to dine out caught her attention, causing her drowsiness to disappear quickly. Not only was she hungry, but also very relieved to learn that they would not eat at the hotel. Not to end up bumping into that redhead.
As soon as the oldest got ready, she did the same, taking as few minutes as he did. And when they went down to the hotel lobby, she was surprised to notice Ezreal with the group of demacians, this time composed of Sona, Xin Zhao and Fiora as well. No, the point was no longer the endless stories, all that she didn’t need was someone not only remembering but also exposing her unfortunate accident. Through a sympathetic pose, Lux spared the formalities and pulled him into a corner to clarify:
“We didn't see each other this morning, got it?”
“Woah, woah, Lux.” He smiled from the side. “Why so much secrecy?”
“Nothing.” She turned her eyes away with the arms crossed. “I just don't want anyone to know what happened.”
“Oh, that spectacular fall?” Ezreal laughed, by no means wanting to offend her. “Why are you so worried about it?”
“To be honest, I don't know. I just kept imagining... how much that woman would curse me.”
“Wouldn't looking for her and apologizing solve this?”
“L-Looking for her?”
“Oh Gods, Miss Fortune of all people. It's not like she's going to kill you and take your head as a trophy—”
Despite the completely carefree comment, full of obvious irony, as soon as he faced her once again, Ezreal was met with an astonished expression.
“Lux, she probably can't even remember and wouldn't give a damn if she did. After all, she tried to help you, didn't she?” He added to console, but the damage was done.
Given the shared desire to eat soon, shortly after the conversation between the two ended, everyone walked towards the restaurant. The heat of a typical summer night brought several people to the streets, which seemed as busy as it was during the day, but brighter and more attractive somehow. Regardless, they had no problem getting a table and were quick to choose the dishes, considering it was likely to take time. Ezreal struck up a conversation from the menu options, comparing local gastronomic delicacies with those from more remote regions. The other three men, on the other hand, were more interested in other matters. Garen was a guy who loved challenges, had an easy time getting into something to join in and although sports were his forte, at that moment he described something different:
“Tomorrow there's going to be a Truco tournament around here, I bet we can do a lot better than any unsuspecting noxian.” He said, punching his best friend lightly on the shoulder.
“You two don't even know if you're really going to see anyone from Noxus. They won't be the problem there.” Fiora disagreed, as she judged silly the insistence on that rivalry.
“And do you think we're afraid of those people from Bilgewater?” Jarvan countered.
Considered the original birthplace of gambling, the Serpent Isles region had a certain fame thanks to its talented players — more often, great cheaters.
“It’s a waste of time, that is. I heard that a certain Miss Fortune from there is going to participate and she is very good.” Quinn added.
“Miss Fortune?!”
As Lux’s eyes widened, again the image of that woman formed in her mind. So, she revisited the possibility of her radiant face becoming a trophy, and the hostile face remained sharp, in its smallest details: naturally arched eyebrows, brief brown splatters on her shoulders and face, and a fleshy mouth ready to condemn her. What would be the penalty? Wasn't she already paying a penalty by not forgetting her?
“Do you know her, sister?”
“NO! I mean, why would I?”
The answer was immediate, honest but the reason for a deeper doubt. No, Lux couldn't get closer to know her, right? They were too different; certainly, didn't even have anything in common. Surrounded by dear friends and allies from the outskirts of Demacia, the blonde was always comfortable with these connections, was quick to notice she bothered and preferred to avoid the wear and tear. Even so, she needed to at least try to apologize. And if she couldn't imagine how Fortune felt, the new question was how to do it.
She began by watching her.
Fortune had a strong presence, knowing how to impose her space especially when she was around men, as if she was always in control of the situation. Looks full of ulterior motives, hatred or desire, were not rare and did not cause her the slightest effect. A natural self-confidence, best friend of indifference, golden fruit of those who have nothing to lose. Lux wondered what made this woman so imposing, so sure of herself, though it wasn't surprising coming from a League champion. Would it be a consequence of maturity? A maturity intrinsic to the past, much more than age? The questions multiplied, a curiosity incited by the fear that still paralyzed her.
Even when avoiding Fortune, she couldn’t help but look for her now and then, feeling some sort of excitement when coexisting in the same place, as two celestial bodies in parallel orbits that should never meet. And every time a — totally accidental — exchange of glances happened, the blonde panicked, instantly looking away. Thing is the redhead always noticed it so fast that her panic just seemed even more stupid. She was trying so hard to not show anything, yet, failing so easily. Was this only curiosity speaking too loudly?
There was just something about that lingering apprehension for dealing with the unknown, or better, for losing herself in her eyes. Maybe the universe could bring an asteroid to change her orbit, making them clash once again. Not like they did at first, of course.
Four days passed. Garen and Jarvan had been destroyed in that Truco game and were even more motivated to compete, no longer merely for the glory of Demacia. At breakfast, they would reminisce about their moves, the good hands that didn't come, creating a loop that easily took Lux's thoughts away. That morning, she was eating granola with strawberries and honey but started remembering about the popsicle dropped in the pool. Simple vanilla flavor, with small pieces of peanuts, wrapped in a thin, crunchy white chocolate coating. Soon she decided: first she would go to the pool just to buy one more, maybe two.
The colorful portrait has not changed, if not for the blue sky no longer accompanied by clouds. In a few instants under the sun, one could already feel the burning on their skin and the clothes warming up. Lux took shelter in the roof's shadow of one the kiosks, sitting on the stool in front of the counter. When she asked for her dreamed popsicle and the attendant couldn't find it, she approached the cashier next to the freezer, to signal which one she was referring to. Worried about not bumping into anyone, she quickly checked the line and found a stare already fixed on her:
“Cutting in line, demacian?”
Before answering, Lux finally had her order delivered.
“Not at all.”
The man adjusted his hat and laughed. “Listen, there will be a Pool tournament in three days, your brother and friends can still sign up. We'd love to have more losers. I mean, players.”
The blonde's wariness did not cause him discomfort. On the contrary, as if it were an accepted favor, he winked and then walked away.
“If you're that good, shouldn't you want stronger opponents?”
She took the risk, stood firm when he faced her again:
“Well, if I want to win the prize, I'd rather know that I'll play with an advantage.”
"Then what's the purpose? No effort, no overcoming...” Lux looked away before completing her reasoning. “You could improve if instead of this, accepted the most difficult challenges!”
“Tougher challenges, uh? Have you ever overcome yours, brave girl?”
Not a single word came from her lips, for convenience more occupied with the freshness of the ice cream that was already melting. Through her eyes, she followed that curious guy, with long hair, open shirt and black shorts leaving to approach the redhead she avoided. Lux couldn't discern what they were talking about, only a loud, contagious laugh provoked by him. And as her eyebrows rose in a mixture of surprise and delight, her very words, also his, redirected to her chest.
Right there, in secret, she imagined walking towards Fortune. Then she found herself next to her, counting on the typical bright smile to not make it awkward. The woman stared at her with that same look, yet unable to paralyze her again. Both in blue, the redhead showing the skin that the younger one would not dare, with those hoop earrings golden as the strands of her hair. What would it be like to make her laugh? What would she find funny? The mere idea stole a small laugh from Lux, real although the result of the laughter of illusions, after words of irrelevant definition. She didn't know what she was going to say but would bet on whatever, enough to get her attention.
She wanted, needed to get to her. To give in to that strange magnetism that took everything out of place. Guilt, curiosity, admiration, what would be the next word to justify the nervousness that made her heartbeat faster? Maintaining a good distance and restraining such nervousness was the most prudent; to taste more of it the ideal.
Why was she thinking about this?
The day was no different from the others. As the hours passed and the sun began to set, the blue turned orange and the seawater warm, as if trying to come to terms with the muggy atmosphere. The sand, in turn, no longer burned the soles of the feet and reflected the sun's brightness in its small particles. And in the midst of the ebb and flow of the tide, an infinity of shells appeared. Attracted by that variety, drawn by the calm waves, Lux walked on the edge without the slightest concern for the time. As she took one of those shells in her hands, she began to think how small it was in the face of that endless water. Water in constant movement, sanctuary of mysteries that she has read but has not seen. And she would never see for sure, since the biggest risks she ever took involved dealing with her magic and asking inconvenient questions.
So many other shells glittered around her, participants in the tumultuous dance gently guided by the salty orchestra. The one she carried, previously swallowed in that agglomeration, did not have its absence lamented. Carrying it did not affect the landscape in any way, which suddenly, by its solid grandeur, inspired her to be inconvenient once again. A spark of certainty almost censored by the butterflies in her stomach.
Lux entered the water until it was at the level of her knees, where she poked the shoulder of a certain zaunite scolding her sister who was dousing her with a toy gun. She threatened to go after her but postponed because of the sudden contact.
“Hi.” The blonde began, holding tighter the shell from behind. “You’re sharing a room with Irelia and Miss Fortune, right?”
The other ran her hand over the pink bangs to try to remove the excess water. “Why do you wanna know?”
“Hm... because I share with Caitlyn and I figured you’d like to make an exchange.”
The smile, composed of teeth so perfectly aligned, grew as she triumphed over her distrust, with those fists capable of launching her to the other side of the beach. The zaunite expression eased, interested in the offer to the point of ignoring other jets of water and everything else:
“Tonight?”
Frozen in that smile, the demacian swallowed. In the blink of an eye, her silly new idea seemed too real, and most especially, impossible to turn back. She miscalculated it, soon concluded, but did not hesitate:
“Yes, just tonight.” She said, also to herself.
~
Two beautiful gastronomic islands were finished being assembled when some guests were already entering to choose their tables for an early dinner. Among these punctual guests, with body and mind coated with rigidity, a trio stood out by defying the atmosphere with their loud laughter and the sand that reached their ankles, dispersing easily across the floor. Two men and a woman who didn't mind having a balanced meal, just snacking on a portion of shrimp.
“It's just a matter of probability. One out of every five players are inexperienced and may not have even touched a pool cue in their lives.” One of them commented before another shrimp. “Add the demacian naivety and we have a fast and certain victory.”
“So, ya managed to convince’em to play.”
“Easily, since it was the little sister who gave the message.”
“Tobias, Tobias... always with an ace up your sleeve.” The other, Graves, shook his head not at all surprised. “But don't ya think this will secure your victory.”
“Me and you in the final round?” He said, reaching out with his elbow resting for a handshake.
“Always. You’ll see how your math ain’t surpassing raw talent.”
The broad smile, almost hidden by the big mustache of the man, infected the redhead, who with a low laugh teased:
“Boys! Always forgettin’ that pinch of luck. They got two days to learn, too.”
“Rooting for Demacia, Sarah?” Twisted Fate snapped.
“No, but why invite them through the blondie?”
Noticing a change in the playful facial expressions and a sudden silence, she assured:
“Just curious, that’s all. Do you think she’s the weakest link, or somethin’?
Graves and Twisted Fate then laughed with gusto, somewhat unable to recognize her in that reason. Another portion of shrimp was ordered, this time with more lemons and a hot sauce. Then, the partners exchanged complicit looks, entertained by how it wasn’t obvious to her.
“Whether she’s dumb or not I don't know, although she seems to be. Point is that she is always around, at least wherever you are.” Fate arched an eyebrow as he said it, Fortune did it too. “Do the math, it was just easier to approach her.”
She paused, a little surprised, before concluding. “Fair enough.”
“Fair enough? Thought you knew why and could tell us.”
“Damn, are you guys that bored?” She glanced at each of them, soon understanding it was a losing battle.
Sarah was happy with that vacation. It was not easy to get so many problems out of her mind, but as far as possible, she was succeeding in having some rest. The proximity to the sea, added to the perpetual green of the coastal forest were familiar and brought all the comfort needed, a reflection of the sense of belonging. The troubles that Fate and Graves created also had their fun, as well as the moments when she was alone and allowed herself to wonder if her mother would also enjoy that place. Considered a legend, the redhead tried to experience some of that sparkle that was still overshadowed by the scars of her trajectory, which had certainly begun a bit too early.
Part of that included trying not to take things to heart. Even if her hat, ordered specifically for that trip, got soaked.
“I have no idea. Didn’t put much thought into it, either.” She finally said, “It’s kind of funny though.”
Funny. That was the word she found while her thoughts were still searching for a reason. No, in fact, she didn't care about anything but to have some fun with the way Lux always avoided eye contact. Restless eyes yet always coming back to the same direction. Rumor has it that demacians were tremendous prudes by nature. Fortune couldn't deny, however, that that cute face brimming with innocence was just what caught her attention, especially because it didn't fit in her world. That world where no one can be trusted and everybody has second intentions.
Perhaps Lux was too young to understand these things. Still, Sarah had a certain feeling that age would not change her ways, so restrained but full of so much truth.
“Funny, huh?” Graves grinned.
“Now that you know, just don’t break her heart.”
“Here you go with those stupid jokes. Tobias, I’m telling ya! That’s not what I meant—” She tried, but they were already leaving since there were no more shrimps.
And then she stood there for a while.
“The word is cute. It’s kind of cute though.”