Chapter Text
“Yo, Tali sucks at Mario Kart, she’s lost six grand prix in a row! Can you believe it? She even managed to run a full lap backwards, we didn't even know that was possible!” Akali laughs on the other side of the line “Oh, and Ekko was laughing his ass off so hard he got a stomach age and we almost have to call 911”
…
The laugh stops and Akali starts sounding a bit worried “Kai’sa? Are you still there?”
Kai’sa drops her back into the pillows on her bed and sighs “Sounds fun”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah” Kai’sa stops a moment to actually think about how she is feeling and corrects herself “Well, no actually, I miss you guys”
“Aw, we miss you too Kai”
Kai’sa turns herself into one side “I know, but at least you have each other! This town is so damn boring without you, it makes me feel so…lonely”
“I’m sorry, Kai” this is the 10th time Akali has apologized since they moved to Valoran city a few months ago, Kai’sa keeps track of it “I think this Saturday we are all free, maybe you can come over and we all can have a Game Night?”
“My father is out this weekend so he can't drive me there, I could go tomorrow or―”
“No!” Akali interrupts her “I―we are just so full of exams and projects we can't meet on weekdays”
Everytime Kai’sa tries to meet them any other day than Saturday or Sunday she gets rejected, why did Kai’sa think it would be different this time?
If you’re getting tired of me you could just say it, Kai’sa thinks to herself.
“Well, um okay then, I guess we’ll meet another day” Kai’sa tries not to let her voice shake that much.
“Of course!” Akali’s voice eases “I’m sorry, Kai’sa”
And there goes the 11th. Kai’sa sighs and Akali immediately tries to pick the conversation up again to cheer Kai’sa up.
“So what’s Kassadin up to this time?” Kai’sa can’t tell if she’s genuinely interested or is just trying not to make things worse, but she really wants to just chat with her best friend, so she decides to keep the conversation going as well.
“You remember this thesis he’s been working on for years about The Void, right? Apparently there are some super smart people interested on his work and they have invited him to give a lecture on it”
“Damn, your father is going to be famous among those old dudes” Akali chuckles “Where’s the talk?”
“Not sure, let me check my laptop, I think he emailed me his welcome letter” Kai’sa gets out of her bed and opens the laptop on the desk quickly finding the letter with the information “It says: If mystery has a name, it must be...The Void.” Kai’sa reads in a dramatic way making Akali laugh harder.
“Bro, your father is such an Indiana Jones nerd”
“Yeah” Kai’sa has to smile at that, because it’s absolutely true “Come to the newest and most revealing Void thesis holded next Friday at 4:00pm at…” Kai’sa keeps reading “Oh here it is, Harp University…” Kai’sa stops herself and Akali stops laughing “Wait, isn't that your college?”
“Mhm” Akali grows weirdly silent.
Kai’sa’s eyes light up “Omg, Kali! That means I actually can go to your place this weekend!”
“Um, we actually have plans this weekend” her friend quickly speaks again, almost in panic.
Kai’sa’s is in disbelief “What? Akali, you just invited me over this weekend”
“Did I?”
Kai’sa pinches the bridge of her nose “Are you serious right now? Yes, game night was your idea”
“Oh right yeah yeah, um, but I forgot we have this thing on Friday and Saturday and Sunday…didnt I mention it before?” Akali clicks her tongue in disappointment.
Only that Kai’sa knows it's not a disappointing sound, it's a lying sound. Her childhood friend tends to click her tongue every time she lies, and this time is no different from others.
Kai’sa voice is calm again “Nop, you didn’t. Maybe you can remind me about this thing you're doing?”
Akali takes a few seconds to answer “Mhm, yeah, we are um…Sona is adopting a dog!”
Kai’sa deadpans “What now?”
Out of every excuse she could choose, Akali picked…a dog? What the hell.
“We’re going to adopt a dog” Akali hums trying to convince herself and Kai’sa “Yeah”
“Isn’t Sona allergic?”
“Not anymore!”
Obviously that’s not how allergies work, but Kai’sa tries to play along to see how far her friend can take the lie “So, adopting a dog…on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? I didn't know adoption took so much time”
“Um, well you know the drill, dogs are dirty and have to be microchipped and we have to buy dog stuff, bla bla bla”
“Huh” Akali seems to have an answer to everything, but Kai’sa isn’t done yet “So, what kind of dog is Sona adopting?”
“What?”
“I assume you guys have already been to the shelter, I just realized that if you spend so many weekdays busy it is probably because you are volunteering at the shelter and already know the dogs, right?”
“Yeah…of course!” Akali swallows.
“So, what dog?”
“Ummm” there’s a silence so loud that Kai’sa can hear her friend's brain trying to come up with something “yeah…oh, a Redbull!”
Kai’sa tries her best not to burst into tears of laughter “Akali, that's the energy drink! Do you mean a pitbull?”
“No!” Akali is so far into the lie that she can’t stop now “It’s a Redbull, its a…pitbull mix, but red”
“Red? As in, their fur is red?”
“Mhm, that’s it”
Kai’sa knows Akali is stubborn as hell, but this? This is just the next level of it.
“So, Ekko, Taliyah, Sona and you are going to adopt a red dog―a redbull― on friday and saturday and sunday”
“Kai’sa I think someone is calling for me, I have to hang up!”
“Wait, Akali―”
“¡Bye!”
Kai’sa throws herself into bed again and huffs. Why is everything so weird with Akali since they moved? Not that she―or Ekko or Sona or Taliyah― were especially normal before that, but they have been acting weirder ever since, and Kai’sa can’t shake the feeling that is because they are trying to push her away for good.
***
Kai’sa’s weekend routine has looked the same since their friends moved to Valoran city; she wakes up to her alarm at 6:am (crazy early according to Akali, but it has always helped Kai’sa to be more productive) and cooks breakfast for herself and dad. At least the days Kassadin is actually home, considering he spends a lot of time away from home researching and doing field work or whatever.
On days like today, when her father isn't home, she lets the laziness win over and just drinks some peach juice and takes a single loaf of bread, without even toasting it. Breakfast isn’t the most important meal of the day anyway, right?
Kai’sa then goes up to her room and lies down in her bed to cuddle with her favourite white bunny plushie and scroll whatever social media she can. She lets herself brainrot and then usually just changes the phone for some videogames on her laptop.
And when the sun is almost setting, she goes out running. She used to have walks with Akali at sunset. At first Kai’sa stopped going out, but once she started again and changed from walking to running, she discovered the enjoyment of spending alone time in nature with a bit of music. It also helps her restless mind not to overthink for a bit.
However, today she prefers to let her mind overthink and stay home since it's already Sunday and she hasn’t had news neither on her father nor Akali.
Saturday, 4:00pm. to “Best Friend Squad” chat
Hey, has the redbull a name already?
Saturday, 10:00am. to “Dad” chat
Hi
How was the conference? Did they like your Indiana Jones quotes?
Kai’sa stares at the messages she sent yesterday that haven't been answered yet. She did expect this from Akali, it was kind of predictable that all of them would avoid answering about the dog because it's not an easy lie to cover.
I mean, what would they do? Send me a Clifford screenshot? Kai’sa chuckles to herself.
What does worry her is her father. It’s not like him taking this long to contact her daughter. He usually just calls as soon as he’s over with his work to share with her his excitement. Kai’sa tried to call him but it went to voicemail.
She’s about to call him again when her phone screen shows a new notification. Kai’sa opens in and it's surprisingly from their “Best Friend Squad” chat. She cringes a bit every time she sees the group name, but she wasn't able to convince their friends to change it after watching that power princesses show.
Sunday, 7:00pm
Akali: Kai’sa!
Kai’sa: ????
Ekko: she means that her name is Kai’sa :)
Kai’sa: WHAT? Did you seriously named a
freaking red dog after me?
Taliyah: Yep
Kai’sa: Sona did you allow this?
Sona: we miss youuu
Kai’sa: …
Kai’sa runs a hand through her pink hair. Not only are they trying to convince Kai’sa the dog is real but they have named the imaginary animal after her? Unbelievable. And if to prove it, Akali sends her a link to Ekko’s Instagram Story.
Akali: dude, we’ve posted kai’sa on insta, haven't you seen it? *link*
Kai’sa opens the Instagram link to find a story just like Akali said. She sits up on bed to analyze the selfie they’ve posted better.
There’s Taliyah hugging a dog, an actual red dog. Well, it's fur is more pink than red, almost like Kai’sa’s own hair. And it doesn’t look like a pitbull, more like a golden retriever. Where the hell did they get a pink dog?
The selfie is taken by a girl she doesn’t recognize, she has a high blonde ponytail and the brightest smile she’s ever seen. Ekko and Akali are holding some dog toys towards the dog who seems more interested in licking Sona’s hand. Sona has a shy smile on her face but Ka’sa can’t tell if it’s a discomfort smile or is just her personality.
Kai’sa: So, you actually got a dog
Akali: I told you!
Kai’sa: It lowkey looks like me I guess…Are you guys
trying to replace me? :/
Taliyah: NEVER!
Akali: No one can replace you Kai
Ekko: Yeah
Sona: <3
Kai’sa smiles but the insecurity doesn’t fully go away. Maybe, as strange as it might seem, they weren’t lying. But that doesn't take away the fact that they have been acting weird towards her.
Kai’sa: :)
Who’s that girl btw
Taliyah: Oh, that’s Seraphine she shares classes with Sona
Ekko: Very sweet
Akali: And very intense
Ekko: Yeah XD
Sona: I like her
Kai’sa: cool
Taliyah: yeah, we’ve made new friends, I thought we told you about them!
Kai’sa: nope
Sona: *sends picture*
Kai’sa receives another selfie taken by the same girl―Seraphine. Behind her there’s so many people she needs a few seconds to find her friends among them. Sona is right next to Seraphine with her usual shy smile. Then there’s Taliyah resting her head on a girl with a high bun.
Kai’sa also spots Ekko holding the peace sign with two other girls, a light green-haired with a horn and the other with two pink pigtails. Finally she finds Akali leaning her elbow on the shoulder of a blonde guy with blue highlights who’s hugging another blonde girl with fox ears―a vastayan― who is rolling her eyes at them as if she didn’t want to be there.
Kai’sa: Did the fox girl agree on the
“friends” thing?
Akali: ugh, that’s Ahri she’s so odious and boring
Taliyah: she’s just a bit difficult to read
Ekko: Ezreal and Soraka always say she’s a great
friend tho
Akali: dude, are you all seriously defending her? (:
Kai’sa: Can’t blame Ahri for having that
face around you guys, you ARE annoying
<3
Akali: SHUT UP
Taliyah: rude
Ekko: well we should see which face she makes around you :/
Kai’sa chuckles. Everyone knows she’s not good at meeting new people…or people in general, especially grumpy ones.
Kai’sa: she would love me, duh
and you would have to actually invite me
over for that to happen >:(
Ekko: we will, we promise
Taliyah: yes ^^
Kai’sa sighs. She really wants to believe them but she also doesn't want to get her hopes up, so she doesn’t reply. Instead, she opens again the group selfie of all of them.
That Ahri girl seems really annoyed. Her friends are annoying, but it's clear there must be something else bothering her. Kai’sa stares at her features, her beautiful blue eyes and her flattened fluffy ears.
“She’s gorgeous tho”
Shit, did I say that out loud?! Kai’sa suddenly panics and throws her phone to the other side of her bed and hides her face in her hands.
Keep it together, Kai.
Luckily for her, she doesn't have more time to panic because the front door of her house opens.
“Honey, I’m home!” Kassadin calls her daughter from downstairs and Kai’sa picks her phone before going down to meet him.
“Hey, you didn’t answer my texts” Kai’sa hugs him and when she pulls away she notices her dad’s expression.
It’s a mix between exhaustion and excitement but mainly doubt, with a little bit of guilt. And Kai’sa has seen this face too many times through the years to not know what it means.
“Why do you have your we are moving out face?”
Kassadin puts her hand on Kai’sa shoulder and smiles “We need to talk”
***
When Kai’sa’s mother died, swallowed by the Void when she was only 3 years old, Kassadin started his thesis and focused on it as much as he was able to. Which means that so many times he’s had to move around different cities to study, meet people, attend conferences, etc. And Kai’sa hasn’t had any other option than to go with him.
As she got older, she started noticing how hard it was for her to make friends, as she didn’t spend enough time at any place. She’s never been an extroverted kid, she does enjoy spending time alone, but that doesn’t mean she appreciates being left out of everything and being alone forever.
At 10 years old, she met Akali, this weird young girl who insisted so much on gaining Kai’sa’s trust with her funny jokes and infinite energy. It didn’t take long for Kai’sa to trust her and decide she really wanted her as a friend. Akali adopted her into her small friend group and that’s when Kai’sa made up her mind: she wasn’t going anywhere. She told her father that she didn’t want to move anymore, she even threatened her father by saying she would chain herself to the house so she wouldn't be able to move away from her friends.
And it worked. Kassadin spent a lot of time out of home, but Kai’sa had a home. At least until now.
Ten years later, she’s putting away her room into boxes and loading them inside the car again.
When Kassadin told her the news, that his conference had been a huge success and it had gotten him a job offer at Harp University, Kai’sa was too stunned to speak. On one hand, she was so happy to see Kassadin this excited after all the effort he’s been putting on this thesis. On the other hand, the thought of having to pack and move brought tears to her eyes.
But this time the situation is so much different. She has to move to Valoran city, right where her friends are and study in the same college as them. It is the perfect opportunity for her to return to normality and to not feel lonely and bored.
So, of course this time she hasn’t threatened Kassadin with chaining herself.
***
Their new house is smaller, but Kai’sa’s room is somehow bigger. She has a bed that can fit two persons, a huge desktop for her PC setup and enough shelves to fit all her figures and books. And on top of that, there's plenty of room left to set some mattresses so she can invite the Best Friend Squad for sleepovers.
Not that they seem to want to spend much time with me, though. Kai’sa sighs and lets herself fall into her new―and comfy― bed.
She was actually excited about changing colleges, but when she called Akali to share the news, the only answer she got was a “what?”. And it didn’t sound like a “omg what? I can’t believe we’re going to be all together again, yay”, it sounded more like a “what? we are trying so hard to get away from you and you just follow us? ugh”.
Well, maybe Kai’sa is overreacting, but Akali didn’t sound as happy as Kai’sa would have hoped. As the conversation went, Akali started to seem a bit more comfortable with the idea of Kai’sa moving and apologised for her initial reaction.
That did release some of Kai’sa’s worry, but tomorrow is her first day in the new college and not only she’s worried about entering mid semester and meeting new people, but also about her friends actually acting like they don’t want her there.
As if they’ve read her mind, she receives a notification from their Best Friend Squad chat. It’s a selfie they’ve taken in what seems to be one of the uni cafeterias. Ekko is holding the phone, next to him is Sona and on the other side of the table are Taliyah and Akali, leaving a spot between them and pointing at it with their fingers.
Tuesday, 2:00pm
Taliyah: we’ve already saved you a spot for tomorrow :3
Kai’sa immediately smiles and relaxes. Maybe they do want to spend time with her after all.
Kai’sa: awww, thanks <3
Do I have to sit next to Kali tho?
She burps after every meal :/
Akali: HEY, RUDE! it’s not healthy
keeping the gases inside yk
Kai’sa: sure XD
Sona: you nervous?
Kai’sa: yeah…a bit
I hate getting out of my comfort zone T_T
Ekko: dw, you’ll be okay, we won’t
leave you alone
Taliyah: we’ll introduce you to Ezreal and the others!
Kai’sa: idk if that makes me feel better
Akali: c’mon kai, its better if we introduce you to
new people than if you do it by yourself
yo, you suck at talking
Kai’sa: wow, thanks Kali :)
Akali: <3
Ekko: and we kinda already told them about
you so…
Kai’sa: so I can’t slope off
Akali: yep :)
Taliyah: they’ll love you, don’t worry Kai
Kai’sa: just like that fox girl loves you, right?
Akali: ignore Ahri, she’s insufferable
the rest of them are actually nice
Ekko: we’ll protect you from her if needed XD
Kai’sa giggles. Ahri can’t be that bad. But just in case she’ll focus on the others, she does want to make a good impression on her friend’s friends. And now that she feels more welcomed and wanted by them, she lets herself relax before preparing her things for tomorrow.
***
Akali had said to Kai’sa to meet in the campus cafeteria before she started her classes. Only that Akali hadn’t told Kai’sa how huge the campus is and how many cafeterias there are here. She’s passed three by now and her friends weren’t in any of them.
Kai’sa finally finds them sitting on the terrace of the cafeteria that’s in the center of the main plaza, just in front of the biggest campus library.
“Kai!” Taliyah is the first one to get sight of her and immediately runs towards Kai’sa to hug her as tight as possible.
Kai’sa returns the hug while side eyeing Akali “You could have specified which cafeteria”
“My bad” Akali shrugs before getting up to also hug her. “Weird to see you here” she smiles “but I’m glad you are”
Kai’sa’s lips curl into smile as well.
“Hiii!” Kaisa turns to her side and is met with a blur of blonde hair that also hugs her. Kai’sa doesn’t return the hug this time just because she’s too stunned to move.
The girl seems to catch that and retracts “Oh sorry, that was a bit invasive, maybe a hand shake is better, hi!” She takes her hand to shake it and now Kai’sa can see her face, a girl younger than her with blonde and pink hair with the brightest smile.
Wait, is this the girl who took the selfie?
“I don’t know which selfie you’re talking about, but probably yes! I love taking videos and pictures of us”
“Shit, did I say that out loud?” Kai’sa’s face turns red as she’s been thinking out loud again.
Good thing I wanted to make a good impression. Kai’sa can see Akali laughing at her from the corner of her eye.
“Yes” the girl giggles “I’m Seraphine, it’s so good to finally meet you”
“Um, uh, I’m Kai’sa” she manages to say drying her sweaty hands on her hoodie.
“I know!” Seraphine smiles “They talk quite a lot about you”
“They do?”
“Sera stop! It will go to her head” Ekko interrupts her, but Kai’sa is already happy with the knowledge she’s just acquired.
Sona appears from behind Seraphine and hands Kai’sa a cup of warm coffee that she didn’t know how much she needed. “Thanks, you’re the best” she signs to Sona, who shyly smiles at her back before tugging onto Seraphine’s arm.
“You’re right, we’re late to class” Seraphine pouts, making a sad face “Oh, before we go, we’re holding a party this saturday and we would like you to come!” She invites her.
“I―”
But Seraphine reads her mind somehow and stops her before Kai’sa can make up any excuse. “There won’t be a lot of people, just us, and if you get overwhelmed we can take you home okay? Bye!” and just like that Sona and Seraphine are gone.
“Um, okay”
“See how you’re not good at talking?” Akali jokes earning herself a punch in the arm by Kai’sa.
Ekko laughs and puts an arm in Kai’sa’s shoulder “C’mon lets walk you to your classes”
***
Kai’sa is grateful her friends have accompanied her to the her faculty because there was no way she could have found her bearings by herself in this campus. However, she is still lost. She did download her schedule from the virtual campus, so she knows she has Photography on this period, but she doesn’t know where.
Seriously, how do people get things done here?
After half an hour she manages to find the classroom, but she is obviously late. For a moment Kai’sa considers not entering the class because she hates being late and having everyone paying attention to the only person coming in. But she’s not sure she would know how to go back to the cafeteria so there isn’t really any choice.
Kai’sa takes a deep breath and pushes the door stepping inside. Luckily there are no more than twenty students and all of them are paying attention to their PC screens, so Kai’sa relaxes and scans the place until she finds the teacher.
A white haired woman is sitting at the professor table in front of the whiteboard. She’s wearing a white blazer and a pair of shiny star shaped earrings. The woman readjust her glasses and approaches the screen to read something better. Kai’sa can’t help to wonder how old she is, because she acts like the 80 year old librarian they had back in high school, but at the same time she doesn't seem to have a single wrinkle in her face despite the effort she is making to read that screen. Kai’sa would guess she could be either 20 or 60 years old. Although she’s probably 30.
“...Kai’sa?”
Kai’sa was so focused on analyzing her that she didn't realize that she stopped looking at her laptop when she noticed Kai’sa and now she’s apparently talking to her.
“W-What?”
“You are the new student, Kai’sa, right?” This time Kai’sa processes the full question.
“That’s me” Kai’sa scratches the back of her neck “Sorry I’m late”
She shakes her head “Don’t worry, I still get lost even after three months teaching here” she smiles “I’m professor Morgana”
Kai’sa frowns. How do you know I got lost? I didn’t mention it, did I? Kai’sa thinks to herself.
“You are new so I just guessed, happens to everyone”
“I―” Kai’sa is sure this time she hasn’t spoken out loud. What is going on?
“You can start working on the task, your classmates will explain you what to do” she points one of the non-taken PC’s “Go ahead”
Kai’sa stays still for a moment, shocked by their interaction. She’s nervous so maybe she did speak out loud given her record.
Kai’sa doesn’t sit on the PC Morgana pointed, she instead chooses the one farthest to her and the other students, just in the last row. She turns it on and realizes she hasn’t asked anyone what to do and probably won’t just because she’s too shy to ask.
Kai’sa peeks her head above her screen to try to catch sight of the other students just to see what they are doing and maybe copy them, but she’s interrupted when the student in front of her suddenly turns on her chair to face Kai’sa, making her jumpscare.
“Are you spying on my screen?”
“No!” Kai’sa, cheeks red and too embarrassed to look at the girl in the eyes, pretends she wasn’t looking at the others' screens. “I was just―”
“Trying to see what I was doing on my PC” the girl sighs “I would could that spy”
She doesn’t like how she is basically accusing her of something so stupid. It actually pisses Kai’sa off, her narcissist urge to assume a stranger would only be paying attention to her.
“I don't care about what you are doing”
“My my, aren’t you a charmer”
Kai’sa sighs, still not looking at her “Look, I was just trying to know what task Morgana wants us to do”
The girl clicks her tongue “A cute girl obsessing over me was too good to be true I guess”
Kai’sa’s heart skips a beat. What did she just called me?.
This time she can’t help but to look up at the student. Beautiful blue eyes, charming smile, soft and clean skin, blonde and pink hair and…ears. Fluffy fox ears.
“Ahri?” The name is out of Kai’sa’s mouth before she can’t stop it.
Ahri’s ears perk up “Are we sure you weren’t spying on me?” she raises a brow “Don’t get me wrong, I love attention, but, how do you know my name?”
“I just…” Kai’sa remembers clearly how Akali isn't especially fond of this vastaya and she kinda can see why. But Kai’sa isn’t good at lying nor has the energy for it. “I’m friends with Akali”
“Ugh” Ahri rolls her eyes but then suddenly something seems to click on her head and turns her gaze to Kai’sa again “Wait, are you the one they named that dog after?”
Great.
“Mhm” Kai’sa’s embarrassment can’t get worse than this.
“I didn’t imagine you like this” Ahri’s tail swings behind her back and her ears are pointed at Kai’sa in interest.
“Because I’m not a dog?”
Ahri giggles “Cute and funny”
I really should stop talking.
Kai’sa’s hands are starting to sweat a lot and she doesn’t even know where to look anymore. She doesn’t know what Ahri’s trying to accomplish but she’s succeeding.
Maybe Ahri is able to feel Kai’sa’s heart beating faster, because she stops the teasing “The task is posted on the virtual campus”
Kai’sa gasps, not expecting to hear such a genuine and soft voice coming from the vastaya. “Thanks”
“You’re welcome, Kai’sa” Ahri winks at her before turning to her own screen again.
Kai’sa spends the rest of the class hiding behind her screen and trying to ignore Ahri, just like Akali told her to.
***
The rest of Kai’sa’s week is pretty chill, just catching up with the subjects to not fall behind the other students, and luckily she doesn’t share more subjects with Ahri. Not that she hated her, but she’s not comfortable with the idea of the foxgirl teasing her again.
Kai’sa is laying on the couch of their new home, scrolling on TikTok when she receives a text from Taliyah sending her the location of the party Seraphine invited her to. She’s been avoiding thinking about the party since then, but it is in an hour and she can’t procrastinate anymore.
“Ugh” Kai’sa huffs.
Kassadin closes the book he’s reading to pay attention to her daughter “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing”
“Sure” Kassadin puts the book on the coffee table “Shouldn’t you be at a party?”
“Ughhh” Kai’sa repeats in the most teenager way possible “I just…I don’t know if I should go, I already told you I feel like lately Akali and the others are avoiding me” she sits up on the couch “I don’t know if they want me there”
Kassadin smiles at her daughter “Honey, they’ve invited you because they want you there”
“Well, actually their friend invited me, not them. And Akali didn’t seem happy about it”
Kassadin gets up to sit next to Kai’sa and strokes her knee “Hey, maybe Akali was just having a bad day. She’s your best friend, there’s no way she doesn’t want you there” he smiles.
“Maybe” she tries to smile back “What do I even wear?”
“What’s the party about? Is there any dresscode?”
Kai’sa stops for a moment to think about it “I actually don’t know what are they celebrating, I hope it’s not a birthday party because I haven’t bought anything and I―”
“Honey, you’re overthinking it” Kassadin stops her gently “Just wear something pink, your mother loved how it matches your hair”
Kai’sa leans her head on Kassadin shoulder “Thanks, dad”
***
Kai’sa fixes her hair, adjusting a pink lock behind her ear, before ringing the doorbell on the location Taliyah sent and waits not so patiently for someone to answer. Her heart beats fast trying to convince herself she’s made the right choice coming here.
“Who are you?” A girl with two long red pigtails furrows her brow at Kai’sa “Which team are you from?”
Team? Is this a new way to name friends?
“I’m Kai’sa, Seraphine invited me”
“Seraphine? For real?” the girl chuckles “I would have bet on Shiro and Kuro you’re in Ahri’s team”
Kai'sa shakes her head “What?”
“Ya know, you’ve got this pink hair, the cute―but fierce―look in your face and your outfit could have been chosen by Ezreal” The girl points at her with both hands “I mean you look way more put together than anyone on Seraphine’s team” she chuckles again “They are a disaster” she adds in a whisper and then laughs.
Kai’sa manages to fake a smile not knowing what to do or to say. Maybe it was a bad idea coming because this is not what she expected. She looks down at her outfit, just pink cargo pants, a white tank top and a―also pink― thick oversized plaid shirt. Kai’sa hopes Ezreal is good at throwing outfits because this is the best she’s been able to dress herself.
“Jinx! Why are you taking so long?” a voice Kai’sa actually recognizes comes from behind Jinx “Kai’sa, you’re here!” Seraphine hugs her and takes her away from Jinx “Come inside!”
Kai’sa lets Seraphine guide her to the living room where she spots her friends. Well, her friends and a lot more people she’s never seen before. A redhaired girl sitting on the edge of a sofa writing on her phone, two really short girls―probably yordles―that seem to be doodling in a notebook and another girl with pink hair and two small pigtails. Kai’sa does recognize the last one from one of the selfies.
“When you said just us I thought you meant just us six” Kai’sa whispers to Seraphine.
“Oh, no I meant all of the Sta―”
“Kai’sa!” out of nowhere Taliyah appears cutting Seraphine off and hugging Kai’sa tight. She can see out the corner of her eye how Seraphine covers her mouth “I was starting to think you wouldn’t come”
“My dad convinced me to come,” Kai’sa confesses.
“Bless him” Ekko joins them and puts her hand on Kai’sa’s shoulder “Hey”
“What is this party for by the way?” Kai’sa finally asks.
Ekko, Taliyah and Seraphine look at each other as if they were having a telepathic conversation that Kai’sa is not allowed to hear. The hesitation on their answer lasts too many seconds to the point that the pink pigtails girl walks to them.
“It’s Ezreal's birthday” she finally answers for them.
“Yes! It is” Seraphine exclaims.
“Oh, I haven’t brought any gift” Kai’sa regrets.
“Oh, looks like we have a people pleaser between us” a new voice comes from behind Kai’sa scaring her. She didn’t notice she was there.
“Syndra!” the pigtails girl scolds her. Syndra shrugs and sits next to the redhead.
“Please ignore her” the girl offers Kai’sa her hand to shake “Nice to meet you, I’m Lux”
Kai’sa smiles at her.
“Syndra has a point” Jinx comes back, from wherever she was, with a blond guy next to her.
“Jinx! Can you all please behave with Kai’sa?” Lux pinches the bridge of her nose. “Please?”
Jinx chuckles “I’ll behave for you, sunshine” she winks at Lux and Kai’sa doesn’t miss how Lux’s cheeks grow a shade of pink.
“Hi, I’m Ezreal” the blonde guy introduces himself to Kai’sa. “Where did you get that top, I love the outfit!”
“Thanks” Kai’sa lets out a sigh of relief at the compliment before she realizes it's Ezreal’s birthday. “And Happy Birthday!”
Ezreal stays silent looking behind him as if that wasn’t directed at him, until Jinx punches him on his side “Oh, of course, my birthday” Ezreals coughs “Thanks!”
Kai’sa can sense the tense environment it’s just been created in. Maybe she said something wrong? Or maybe this is an inner joke of theirs and now they are making fun of her in some sort of telepathic way. Or maybe―
“Let’s go outside, food is ready” Seraphine puts a reassuring hand on Kai’sa’s shoulder and lets herself be guided.
The house has a pretty big backyard that has been set up with multiple lights to create an intimate and beautiful atmosphere with the setting sun. There’s also a big table with a variety of food. Mostly precooked from the grocery store. Kai’sa loves cooking so this is not what she would have chosen if she was the host, but it’s the average student's meal, so she can’t blame them. She spots Akali filling her mouth with snacks and giggles at the sight.
“Hmn!” Akali greets her with a barely understandable hi because of all the food in her mouth. “Kai, you came”
And even though Akali is smiling, Kai’sa still remembers the first negative reaction to her friend knowing she had been invited. And the same reaction when she told them she was moving to their college. And Akali seems to read all that hesitation on Kai’sa’s face.
“Hey, I’m really sorry, I know I’ve been a bit grumpy and all but ya know, I…” Akali’s voice softens “I’m really happy you’re here, Kai”
It may be the 12th apology, but it does make Kai’sa feel better “For real?”
Akali’s expression turns worried, as if she just realized the lack of trust of Kai’sa on her caused by her hurtful behavior. “Yeah, pinky promise”
When they first met back when they were children, Kai’sa didn’t trust Akali at all. Not anything she said or did. So Akali came up with a solution. She promised Kai’sa every time they used their pinky promise it meant they were being totally honest. That way, Kai’sa would always have something to rely on and feel secure. And so far, it's always been true. She takes Akali’s pinky and seals the promise.
“Yo, you’re gonna love this Kai” Akali pulls her friend to one side of the table “We asked Seraphine to buy some peach juice, c’mon!”
Ekko, Taliyah and Sona are giving her thumbs up to confirm Akali’s words.
Peach juice is Kai’sa’s favourite.
Maybe they do want her here after all.
She decides she wants to put some social effort on this party, because her friends apparently care about her being here, and she doesn’t want to disappoint them.
Turns out the two yordle girls are Poppy and Lulu, and the redhead on her phone is Sarah. Kai’sa only exchanges a “hello” with her as she doesn’t seem to be really talkative, at least not with her.
However, she does talk a lot to Ezreal. Well, actually Kai’sa doesn’t really talk. Ezreal started to talk to her at some point and then never stopped. He mostly likes to natter about himself. She’s actually kinda grateful she doesn’t need to do the talking, but it’s been a while and she feels her head is about to explode. So she waits for the perfect moment to excuse herself and get a bit away from him.
She finds a nice couch at the other side of the backyard to sit and recover a bit of energy. It's been less than 10 minutes, and someone sits next to her. Sona greets her and Kai’sa is happy to see it’s her. Sona and Kai’sa always have been alike in some way and they both understand the power of spending time alone together.
“How are you doing?” Sona signals, tilting her head knowing that Kai’sa always has a hard time meeting new people and usually gets overwhelmed.
“Ezreal talks too much” Kai’sa laughs, signing in return.
When they were younger Kai’sa found it really interesting how Sona communicates with sign language, and even if Sona isn’t deaf, Kai’sa has always insisted on using both her voice and her hands when talking to her.
Sona gives her an acknowledgement nod.
“But they are being really nice with me, I think I like them” Kai’sa smiles “Thanks for the invite”
“Thanks for coming, we missed you”
Kai’sa leans her head on her friend's shoulder for a moment. “Me too”
“By the way the others just arrived, do you want to meet them?” Sona asks.
“The others? I thought this was just all of us”
Sona shakes her head “Soraka and Ahri were busy and couldn’t make it until now”
“Ahri?” Kai’sa repeats.
“Seems like I made quite an impression on you” Ahri appears from gods know where and gives her a mischievous smile “You’re already talking about me to your friends” she winks.
“It’s not like that!” It really isn’t, but her red cheeks and high pitch doesn’t make it sound true. Sona giggles next to her.
“Hey, it’s not funny”
“Sorry!”
“I mean, it is a bit funny,” Ahri agrees. “Mind leaving us alone Sona?”
Kai’sa looks at Sona with desperation in her eyes, begging her to stay, but Sona stands up ignoring her.
“Scream if you need help” Sona gives Kai’sa an encouraging smile when Ahri isn’t looking before going back to the others.
Kai’sa’s body tenses when Ahri sits next to her, even though she’s left a considerable space between them.
“You don't have to be afraid of me” this time Ahris smiles showing her fangs “Most of the time anyway”
Why does this girl find so much joy in teasing her? Kai'sa doesn’t know. What Kai’sa does know is that she’s really bad at handling it. Her palms are all sweaty again and even if the night is a bit cold, she feels too warm.
“Sorry, I don't mean to tease, it's just so easy” she lifts her hands in surrender.
“Why are you here?” Kai’sa asks way more rude than she wanted.
“I was invited to the party, silly” Ahri doesn’t seem to mind the rudeness.
“No” Kai’sa shakes her head “I meant sitting here with me”
Ahri smirks “You looked like an easy target”
Kai’sa rolls her eyes “Would you stop that already, please?”
Ahri laughs and ignores her question, just letting the conversation fall into a not so uncomfortable silence. Ahri, without the teasing smile and her expression of superiority, almost looks like a person Kai’sa could be friends with.
Her fluffy tail curls up around her arms and it’s when Kai’sa realizes Ahri has gooseflesh and it’s trying to fight the cold.
“I don’t know” Ahri breaks the silence “But I meant what I said, you are cute and funny. I guess I am just curious about you” and this time there’s not a trace of teasing or joking. It sounds so genuine it catches Kai’sa off guard.
“Um, uh, thanks?”
Damn I really do suck at talking.
Ahri just giggles and goes back to hugging her own arms. Maybe she doesn't know how to answer, but luckily she still knows how to be a decent person.
And letting Ahri freeze would make a bad impression on her friend’s friends, right?
And she doesn’t want to disappoint them.
But also Akali doesn’t like Ahri.
But also Ahri just said something nice to her for once.
Ugh, decisions.
Syndra was right by calling her a people pleaser. Kai’sa takes off her plaid shirt and offers it to her. “Here”
Ahri hesitates with a confused look on her face, but when she realizes Kai’sa’s offer is serious, her expression is replaced by gratitude and she immediately puts it on and lets out a breath of relief.
“Thanks”
Kai’sa smiles at her in return and they stay like that in silence. Against all odds, Kai’sa is weirdly comfortable now and wouldn't mind staying like this a bit more.
“Ahri!” Ezreal comes running at them out of breath. “Emergency”
Ahri sighs “For real? Right now?”
Ezreal nods “C’mon”
Ahri gives Kai’sa an apologetic look “Party is over”
And Kai’sa doesn’t even get the chance to ask what’s going on, because suddenly everyone is packing their things and leaving without barely saying goodbye. Kai’sa can’t be more confused. Ahri waves her goodbye and Seraphine hugs her, but no one explains why the party is over, not even her own friends.
Akali does offer to drive Kai’sa back to her home, but refuses to explain what’s happening, she just apologizes way more times Kai’sa can count and says it’s a last minute call from the dog shelter where they volunteer.
But given that she hasn’t seen more pictures of Kai’sa the dog and that Akali has clicked her tongue too many times in the car ride, Kai’sa is sure it is a big lie. She doesn’t push for the truth though, because they all seemed pretty freaked out, so she prefers to leave this conversation for another moment.
But they better give her a real explanation for this.
***
Monday, 3:00 a.m
Akali: we r okay dw
Kai’sa’s friends seem to have disappeared. It’s been four days since the party and she hasn’t gotten any news from them apart from this message. Kai’sa doesn’t know if she should be mad or worried. This has happened before, but this time is different because Kai’sa recalls perfectly the rush and almost panicked faces they all had when they left the party.
And worst of all she hasn’t seen any of them at the uni cafeteria.
Today is no different. Kai’sa walks inside the cafeteria scanning all the faces to spot her friends with no luck. She sighs and looks at her phone just to see a total amount of zero notifications.
What seems weirder to Kai’sa is that not only she hasn’t seen her friends, but she hasn’t catched sight of any of the others either. Not Seraphine walking next to Sona, not Ezreal showing off his hair to everyone, not Lux watching over Jinx and, well, not Ahri teasing her.
It can’t be a coincidence.
Outside the cafeteria it’s starting to rain and all the students having breakfast on the terrace run inside to not get wet. Kai’sa decides this is her cue to get a coffee and head to class before the place gets full of people talking too loud.
When she steps outside, the cold November breeze hits her and she immediately regrets not having picked a warmer outfit. If she still had her favourite plaid shirt she would have worn it, but for some reason she gave it to no other person than Ahri.
Kai’sa shakes her head to avoid remembering their last interaction, but she can’t really shake away the memory of Ahri telling her she thinks she’s cute and funny. She recalls with too much accuracy how her own cheeks grew warmer the more seconds Ahri sat next to her.
This is not a big deal. Kai’sa is convinced that the blushing was just because Ahri’s teasing is annoying. And she is also convinced that she just gave her the shirt because it was the right thing to do.
I would have given it to anyone at that party. Kai’sa justifies it to herself trying to end her own conversation.
Now Kai’sa walks to her Photography class, the one she shares with Ahri, with mixed feelings. She’s freezing and missing her plaid shirt, but the only way to get it back is Ahri. But she doesn’t have Ahri’s number, and she can’t ask for it because no one will answer her. So walking to that class means she might get to see Ahri and get her shirt back. But then again, seeing Ahri means getting more teased, and Kai’sa is definitely not ready for that.
Kai’sa is relieved when she doesn’t spot Ahri in the class. She takes her seat at the back, away from the other students and focuses her attention on professor Morgana. That’s until almost the end of it, when Morgana asks them to partner up for the final project. All the students talk to each other and seem to already have their partners. Kai’sa considers walking to any of them but her social anxiety settles and refuses to let her do anything. She starts to regret choosing to sit so far away from the others because now she wouldn't be panicking this much. Kai’sa almost wishes Ahri was here. She is scanning the room one last time in hopes of finding someone, when a familiar voice comes from behind her.
“Looking for me?” Ahri sits next to her with her usual mischievous smile.
Kai’sa doesn’t face her and instead keeps looking at the other students “I was just getting a partner”
“Telepathically?” Ahri chuckles “I think you need to actually talk to people for that”
“I know okay! I just…” The classmates are already paired up and leaving the class “They were to fast”
“Mhm” Ahri tilts her head in Kai’sa’s direction and it’s pretty clear to Kai’sa what Ahri is trying to tell her.
Not like I have any other option. Right?
Kai’sa takes a deep breath and tries her best to look the vastaya in the eyes “Would you be my partner? Please?”
Ahri takes her hand to her chest in a dramatic way “But you didn’t even took me on a date yet”
“For the project!”
“Is this how you ask other girls out?”
“I don’t―I’m not―” Kai’sa feels the familiar warmth in her cheeks again. Akali had a point, because this is getting insufferable. She’s absolutely not going to go through a whole project like this. She gets up and heads towards Morgana “I’ll just ask if there’s anyone free”
Ahri’s hand on her arm stops her from leaving “Wait” Ahri’s tail moves almost impatiently behind her “I would like to be you partner”
Kai’sa turns to her to protest but Ahri interrupts her.
“For the project” she adds.
Kai’sa looks down at Ahri’s hand in her arm. Her nails, perfectly done with a beautiful coat of glittery pink, are sharp but her touch is soft on Kai’sa’s skin.
It's just one project.
Kai’sa sighs “Okay”
Ahri's ears perk up and her eyes go a bit brighter. She takes her hand away in order to clap them. Kai’sa opens her calendar app ignoring Ahri’s excitement.
“We have to get it done before Christhmas break so we should start soon” Kai’sa checks her empty calendar “Um, when are you free?”
“I’m busy like…everyday” Ahri regrets “Maybe we can work on it in class?”
Kai’sa frowns “Is that why you disappeared?” The question is out before Kai’sa can stop herself.
“What?”
“Sorry, it’s none of my business” Kai’sa apologizes.
“It’s okay, Kai’sa. I―”
But Kai’sa is already packing her things and ready to leave. “I’ll see you around” she waves Ahri goodbye.
Kai’sa wants to know so badly why all of her friends are always busy, why all of them left the party and why all of them have literally disappeared.
But she doesn’t know Ahri and she doesn’t have the right to ask for answers. Kai’sa would rather not hear Ahri at all than being lied to. Because if her own best friend lied to her, there’s no way Ahri would have told her the truth.
Although there’s one thing she could have asked for and totally forgot.
Shit, my shirt.
***
Thursday, 8:00 p.m
Akali: wy des Ahri hav youre shirt?
Kai’sa is running in a park near her house when she gets the strangest text from Akali. She hasn’t seen Ahri since her class, and she hasn’t seen any of her friends at the campus either. They still haven’t answered her messages and this is the first one she gets. Akali usually writes poorly, but this is not like her.
Kai’sa considers ignoring her question: 1. because they've been ignoring her as well and 2. because the first thing she hears from Akali is an accusation and not an explanation.
But Kai’sa quickly realizes it's quite an immature way to react and instead sits on a bench to reply.
Kai’sa: What?
How do you know?
Akali: She waerinng it rigth nw
Kai’sa would have let a small smile slip at that statement, if Akali’s ability to write right now weren’t so miserable.
Kai’sa: I gave it to her at the party
Kali are you drunk?
Akali: no!
Kai’sa rolls her eyes.
Kai’sa: you are writing all weird
u oky?
Akali: wierd is arih with u shit
Akali: shit*
Akali: shirt**
Kai’sa: why are you with her anyway
don’t u hate her or smth?
Akali: I DO
Kai’sa: and still you’re the one with her rn
Akali: agiansst my will
Kai’sa: wdym?
Did she kidnap you or smth?
Akali: no
mre lke she kidpanned u wthher charm
you r farternizng wth the emeny
Kai’sa: you’re delusional
Akali: Betraryal :/
Kai’sa has so many ideas of how a betrayal could look like and this is not one of them. How is Akali seeking answers from Kai’sa, when she’s the one that has been gone for almost a whole week? Not that Akali seems to be in a great state of mind right now, though.
Kai’sa: betrayal is ignoring me for a week :)
Akali: *typing*
Kai’sa waits for a few minutes and watches the *typing* appear and disappear every few seconds.
Kai’sa: y’all have been ignoring me
after literally disappearing at the party
and now you’re acting like this
What the hell is going on?
Akali: M srry Kai
*typing*
Kai’sa: I’m not mad but please explain
I’m just worried abt y’all
Akali: I kownww :(
Cnt share dtlails, but we r oky
Kai’sa: u don’t sound oky Kali
Kai’sa waits patiently for an answer but she doesn’t get any text. Which only makes her worry worse. Because why is her friend texting her like this? Why is she being so mysterious about everything? What details can’t she share? Why are they always keeping things from her?
It is true that Kai’sa isn’t mad, but she is hurt. Because for some unknown reason all of these people have something in common that Kai’sa isn’t allowed to know, that she isn’t allowed to be part of.
Kai’sa gets up from the bench to head home, when her phone vibrates.
Akali: see u tmrrw cfeteria?
Kai’sa: sure
***
Just like Akali said, the next morning she finds her at the cafeteria’s terrace sitting on a large table that fits all the others in the group. For some reason, the first person Kai’sa spots is Ahri. She seems bored, like she’s been forced to be there. Kai'sa almost envies the way Ahri is able to look so good despite the bored expressions she makes. Immediately after this though, Kai’sa shakes her head and focuses on the other people.
There’s Sona in one of the corners wearing her headphones and moving her head slowly to some beat. Next to her is Seraphine showing the others something on her phone with a lot of excitement. Right to her side there’s a girl she vaguely recognizes from the party, she’s the one who arrived with Ahri. Soraka was it? And beside her is Akali. She rests her head on her hand to listen to whatever Seraphine is telling them and even though Akali seems to be laughing at it, Kai’sa knows her friend a little too well to not notice how exhausted Akali looks. A hangover would explain that, even if Akali told her yesterday she wasn’t drunk.
On the other side of the table, Ezreal, clearly embarrassed, is hiding his face between his hands while trying to convince Seraphine to put her phone away. Jinx is forcing Ezreal to look at the phone and Taliyah tries to stop Jinx in order to protect Ezreal, but at the same time she’s holding her laugh. Kai’sa also notices how Lux and Ekko are trying to calm everyone down.
This looks normal. Too normal. They are acting like nothing’s happened. As if they had been sitting there every morning of this week, when in reality this is the first time Kai’sa sees them since the party. Kai’sa is so deep in her thoughts that she doesn’t see Lux waving energetically towards her.
“Hey, Pinkie Pie! Are you planning on staying there all day?” It's Jinx's voice calling at her that gets her attention.
Suddenly everyone is looking at Kai’sa and expecting her to move. Kai'sa adjusts her backpack on her shoulder before walking toward them. She analyzes the free spots where she can sit as she approaches.
There’s only two spots: one next to Ahri and the other next to Akali. A very tiny part of her that Kai’sa refuses to acknowledge wants to sit next to Ahri, but she walks towards her best friend, which is the safest option. However, a hand on her arm stops Kai’sa from walking any further, sending a gentle spark of electricity through her body. Kai’sa doesn't need to look down to know who’s hand it is.
“I saved the spot just for you” Ahri pats the spot next to her with her free hand. She is smiling at Kai’sa, not with her usual tease-smile, but with a soft one. Her tail is moving back and forth behind her, almost begging for Kai’sa to sit there.
Just this once.
She sits between Ahri and Ezreal, and Ahri's small gesture of gently squeezing her arm before letting go does not go unnoticed by Kai’sa. But she doesn’t have time to analyze what it means as she’s interrupted by Ezreal’s complaints.
“Wait” Ezreal turns to Ahri with the most offended expression he can muster. “Is that why you wouldn’t let me sit right next to you?”
“Oh I’m sorry. You’re way out of my league” Ahri simply answers.
“And Kai’sa isn’t?” Jinx asks the question with a slightly malicious smile hidden behind her drink. She seems to be enjoying this a bit too much, and Lux nudges her so she doesn't continue down that path. “Ouch”
If Kai’sa could snap her fingers and disappear she would. Because she doesn’t wanna hear Ahri’s response, she doesn’t wanna know why she saved a spot for her and she doesn’t wanna know either if she’s out of Ahri’s league.
Kai'sa can feel Ahri's gaze on her, analyzing her cautiously, and even though she doesn't feel judged, being watched by her makes her palms sweaty again. Especially since Ahri seems to be searching for the answer by looking at her. Kai’sa swallows.
Ahri leans towards Jinx and motions for her to come closer as well “Wanna know the answer?” she whispers loud enough for everyone to hear. Jinx nods waiting for the answer impatiently and Kai’sa holds her breath.
“Too bad” Ahri leans back with a satisfied smile as Jinx complains.
Kai’sa lets out all the air she was holding and looks at Ahri who is smiling at her. She doesn’t know why the vastaya has chosen to dodge the question but she is glad she did.
“Attention seeker…” Akali huffs in a hearable whisper.
Kai’sa turns to Akali to see her mouthing at her. Kai'sa has never been very good at lip reading, but judging by Akali’s disapproval face she’s pretty sure Akali is saying “What’s going on with you two?”. Kai’sa mouths back at her a “Nothing” but Akali squints her eyes clearly not convinced. Kai’sa doesn’t have anything else to add because there’s literally nothing.
“So” Taliyah changes the subject “I think we should head to class”
“Wait” Kai'sa decides that it's a good time to ask because, given the circumstances, she may not see them again for a month, and she doesn't want to miss the opportunity. “You guys were gone for a week, what the hell happened?”
Akali gets up and adjusts the backpack in her shoulder “There was a fire in the shelter and we had to help to restore everything”
The quick and direct response takes Kai'sa by surprise. These past weeks they had been taking a little too long to respond and the answers seemed a little too fake. This time, the response almost seems... rehearsed.
Akali starts walking to Taliyah and that’s when Kai’sa notices the slightest different way in her friend's walk. “Kali are you limping?”
“Um” Akali looks down at her leg “I twisted my ankle at the shelter but I’m okay”
Kai’sa is about to argue how that doesn’t sound okay at all, but is interrupted by a hand on her knee that makes her jump.
“Sorry” Ahri takes her hand back realizing she scared her “Mind walking me to class?”
Kai'sa is taken aback by the response, although perhaps she shouldn't be at this point, as it's clear that Ahri has a special interest in her. She looks back at her friends for approval or some kind of salvation, but they’ve already left.
“Okay”
“We are coming too!” Ezreal, linked with Soraka by the arm, rushes next to them.
Ahri hisses at him “Fuck off Ezreal”
“Oh c’mon! You can’t have Kai’sa all to yourself. We deserve to get to know her too” he exclaims, crossing his arms. “She doesn’t know about Jarro Lightfeather yet”
“And she doesn’t need to” Ahri points a threatening finger at him.
“Who's Jarro?” Kai’sa dares to ask, earning herself a growl from Ahri.
Ezreal’s eyes brighten and he unlinks himself from Soraka to link Kai’sa’s arm instead. “Sentinel of Light, 8th Order. He’s a national hero” he starts explaining with so enthusiasm that Kai’sa doesn’t have the heart to tell him she regrets asking about Jarro “Jarro is me, well I’m him. It’s the name I usually use for the missions and―”
Kai’sa doesn’t have the chance to ask what missions he’s talking about because Ahri slaps his face with her tail to cover his mouth. “Enough”
“I think we should get going,” Soraka says to calm things down. She gently puts Ahri’s tail down and takes Ezreal by the arm again. “We're going ahead”
Kai’sa notices Ahri mouthing a “thanks” to her friend before going back to walk alongside Kai'Sa.
“Sorry about that, he can be really annoying sometimes”
Kai’sa shrugs with a smile “It’s okay I’m used to Akali chattering away about her favourite videogames”
“Yeah those two are made for each other” Ahri sighs.
And with that response, Ahri makes it clear to Kai'sa that the hate between her and Akali is mutual. Akali hasn’t explained yet why she dislikes the vastaya so much. Kai’sa has seen how arrogant and mean she can be, although she’s not really been like this to Kai’sa so far. On the contrary, Ahri seems to have a soft spot for her that Kai'sa is still trying to figure out.
And Akali…Akali has a very intense nature that easily clashes with Ahri's personality. But Akali is also the best friend anyone could ask for, she’s loyal, thoughtful, honest and funny. Well lately she hasn’t been very honest, but Kai’sa wants to believe she has a really good reason for that. Her best friend wouldn't lie to her just because, right?
“What are you thinking about?”
“What?” Kai’sa forgot for a moment that she was next to Ahri.
“You look worried about something”
Kai’sa stares at Ahri wondering how she guessed that and if she should actually share her worries or keep them to herself. But Kai’sa has been keeping this to herself for a while now. She can’t talk about this to her friends, obviously. And she has shared this with Kassadin but he can’t really do anything about it. However, Ahri may be able to help. And there’s something in Ahri’s gaze, in the way she talks to Kai’sa, that makes Kai’sa want to trust her.
“It’s Akali” she finally says “I know that you hate each other, but she’s my best friend and I’m worried about her” Kai’sa sighs “She’s been acting weird and now she’s limping and I feel like she’s lying to me about it. It’s the, um…is the fire thing true?”
Ahri’s tail lowers and her ears twitch “I don’t hate her, it's just that she…” Ahri seems to be looking for the right words “We just have different opinions on somethings i guess” she starts to pull the skin next to her nails off “And I don’t go volunteering at the shelter”
“Oh” Kai’sa exclaims a bit disappointed “I thought you were there with her. She told me she was with you yesterday”
“What did she tell you?” that catches Ahri off guard.
“She was texting really weird but she said you were wearing my, um, my shirt so I assumed she was with you”
Ahri sighs in relief “Oh that. Yeah, she got injured near our house so Soraka told her to come so she could heal her” then Ahri suddenly turns to Kai’sa to add something else “Because she’s studying medicine and she knew how to deal with that, of course”
“Oh, okay” Kai’sa can’t tell if Ahri is lying, but she feels like she’s somehow telling the truth. Or at least giving her an actual explanation that doesn’t seem fully made up.
They arrive at their faculty and it’s time to go separate ways. They both stand still without saying anything knowing that they have to go to class but not really wanting to go. Kai’sa tries to find something to say without success, but luckily for her, Ahri speaks first.
“And sorry about your shirt” Ahri’s cheeks become a bit pinker. Ahri takes her phone out of her pocket and hands it to Kai'sa with the contacts app open. Kai'sa takes it, not quite sure what to do with it. “This way you can remind me to bring it to you on our next class”
OH
Kai'sa's fingers move clumsily across the keyboard, trying to type in her own number. She still hasn't figured out why certain interactions with Ahri make her so nervous, but she certainly doesn't like taking so long to complete a task as simple as giving out her number.
When she is done she gives the phone back hoping it isn’t sweaty because of her own sweaty hands. “Uh, there”
Ahri looks down at her new contact and when she looks up at Kai’sa again she doesn’t hide her big smile, instead, she winks at Kai’sa “I’ll text you”.
Then Ahri leaves for class and Kai’sa just stands there, red cheeks and heart beating fast.
***
Kai’sa didn’t expect to get a text from Ahri. Ahri herself told her she’s always busy, so why would Ahri make time to text Kai’sa just for a shirt? Asking for her phone was probably just part of her usual teasing.
However, Kai’sa can’t keep herself from checking her phone every few minutes.
“Expecting a text from someone?” her father calls her out while he fills her bowl of soup for dinner.
Kai’sa startles and flips her phone so the screen faces the table “Sorry” she looks up at Kassadin. They have this rule of no phones when we eat together that none of them ever breaks unless it is for something really important.
Kassadin sits in front of Kai’sa and takes a spoonful of soup into his mouth. “It’s okay, you just seem worried”
Kai’sa sighs “It’s just that, um” Kai’sa has always talked with her father about everything, but for some reason, she’s finding this a little harder than usual to explain. “Ahri asked for my number this morning”
“Oh” Of all the reactions Kaisa expected her father to have, she didn’t expect her father to smile and raise his eyebrows in this particular way. “I see”
“Wha―What does that mean?”
“Oh, nothing honey” Kassadins smile grows wider.
“Hey, what’s so funny?” Kai’sa crosses her arms in her chest.
Kassadin shakes her head “It just seems that you really want Ahri to text you, and you know, that usually happens when you like someone and want to―”
Kai’sa throws a napkin at her father to make him stop and also to distract him from the fact that she is heavily blushing but what her father just implied.
“It’s not like that! I don’t―” like her. Kai’sa doesn’t finish the sentence, instead she leans back in her chair. “Can we just have dinner while you tell me about how your job was today, please?”
Kassin raises his hands in surrender “Okay”
After Kassadin explains to her how they have been going on field trips to examine recent Void activity in the suburbs, she goes to her room, throws herself into bed and burrows her face in her pillow.
It’s barely 10:00 pm and Kai'sa isn't sleepy at all, so, to avoid letting her anxiety consume her, she decides to text the Best friend squad.
Kai’sa: hiii
Anyone wants to play?
Taliyah: sorry Kai, we can’t today
Of course they can’t, they almost never play these days. And since they live together; if one can't do it, none of them can. Kai’sa likes living with her father, but she envies so much that her friends are always all together.
Kai’sa: rejection
Akali: sorry :(
Ekko: we’ll have a Game Night soon, promised <3
Kai’sa doesn’t feel like playing any game alone, so instead she just drops herself into the bed again ready to stare at the ceiling until she falls asleep. Luckily her terrible plan is interrupted when her phone rings and the screen shows her a notification of an unknown number. Kai'sa sits up abruptly in bed and unlocks her phone with shaky hands.
She doesn’t recognize the number, obviously, so she has to enter the message app to see the profile picture just to check that it’s her.
Ahri appears resting her head on a redhead girl, the one who was on her phone the whole party. Sarah? But Kai’sa only has eyes for the beautiful smile the vastaya has in that picture.
Kai’sa stays watching it for some minutes trying to gain confidence to actually open the messages she sent. She clicks her chat and immediately regrets it.
Ahri: *photo*
This one right?
Kai’sa swallows.
It's a selfie.
A selfie of Ahri wearing her shirt. Kai’sa feels her skin grow warmer and she suddenly has the need to throw her phone across the room, because what is this feeling? How does Ahri manage to get Kai’sa to be like this even when it’s just a text.
Keep yourself together, it’s just a selfie.
She gathers all her strength to look at the picture. Ahri smiling and winking at the camera. Her long blonde and pink hair falls on her shoulders that are covered by Kai’sa’s plaid shirt. Kai’sa almost hates how it looks so much better on Ahri than on her, even though Kai’sa’s taller than Ahri and so it’s oversized on her. Kai’sa feels somewhat charmed by the selfie, finding it hard to look away from her.
Kai’sa: yes
Kai’sa doesn’t know what else to say. She is obviously not going to say to her how absurdly cute she looks in it. But she also doesn’t want to be rude by only replying to that. But she really doesn’t know what to add.
Ahri: it’s comfy
and it’s smells like you
WHAT’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN? Kai’sa’s stomach suddenly feels like it’s been filled with butterflies that don't know how to stay still. Either that or she’s going to throw up from the nerves. Or excitement. Or anxiety. Kai’sa doesn’t really know how to name this feeling.
Kai’sa: is that a good thing?
Ahri: yes silly
it smells like peaches
Kai’sa: My shampoo is peach essenced
Ahri: well that explains
Kai’sa is too aware of how awkwardly she’s answering right now and she’s praying that Ahri doesn’t regret texting her, because she really wants to keep talking to her. But Akali was right, she is bad at talking to people.
Ahri: soooo
what are u doing rn cutie?
Kai’sa sighs, relieved that Ahri seems to also want to keep talking to her, who knows why. And then the butterflies kick again after reading that nickname.
Kai’sa: I was going to play with Akali and
the others but they are apparently busy
Ahri: i’m sorry :(
what game?
Kai’sa: Overcooked
it’s a very chaotic cooking game
Ahri: Sarah LOVES that game,
she’s always begging me to play with her
Kai’sa: really???
Ahri: yes!
she gets so bossy
and always makes Ezreal wash the dishes
And just like that, the nerves are completely replaced by the excitement of being able to talk about one of her favorite games. Without realizing it, the topics of conversation change, and suddenly it's half past midnight, and even though she's sleepy now, she doesn’t want to put her phone away.
Although future Kai’sa will regret this decision as soon as her father asks her about Ahri the next morning with a mischievous smile, at the sight of her very sleep deprived but happy daughter.
***
Kai’sa finds it very difficult to meet Ahri’s eyes the next day.
She has terrible dark circles under her eyes from staying up late, and her friends have obviously noticed her lack of sleep. That means they've been questioning her all morning to find out why, and all they've managed to do is make Kai'sa nervous and making her not want to see Ahri today. Basically because she would be unable to look at Ahri, just in case they could tell that she was the cause.
But luck is clearly not on Kai'sa's side today because, after a few minutes, Ezreal, Soraka, and Ahri show up. And weirdly enough, Sarah is with them this time. The redhead never joins these gatherings in the cafeteria and it's the first time Kai'sa has seen her since the party.
Kai'sa gives them a small wave and immediately turns her attention to Akali, sitting next to her, and the conversation she’s having with Ekko about some final project. Kai'sa refrains from speaking throughout the entire time, unless someone addresses her directly, as she is afraid her voice will come out shaking. Instead, she focuses on trying to follow the conversation her friends are having and occasionally glances sideways at Ahri. Sometimes she catches her whispering to Sarah, other times looking at Kai'sa (which makes her blush and look at the floor very quickly), but the strangest thing is that Ahri seems shy today. And her cheeks are almost red. Although maybe it's just Kai'sa's imagination.
Before leaving for class, Ahri comes to her and hands her a bag.
“Your peach essenced shirt” she smiles.
Kai’sa looks up at her and can’t help but to stare at Ahri’s beautiful blue eyes that are looking at her in a slightly different way than they usually do. There’s the usual teasing spark in them, but there is something else that Kai’sa can’t quite identify.
“Oh, thanks. I’d forgotten about it” when Kai’sa takes the bag her hand brushes Ahri’s soft skin sending a spark through her body and when she looks up at Ahri she seems just as mesmerized as Kai’sa is.
They both keep staring at each other until Sarah, who is a few feet behind Ahri, clears her throat, snapping them out of her trance. “We should head to class”
Ahri shakes her head and looks back at Sarah “Yeah” she turns to Kai’sa and gives her an apologetic smile “I have to go, I’ll text you later okay?”
Kai’sa smiles back, waves a goodbye at Sarah and when they are gone she lets out the breath she didn’t know she was holding. Ahri is lately taking Kai’sa’s breath away more than she is ready to admit yet.
***
Ever since that day Kai’sa spends almost every night texting with Ahri about everything and anything. Ahri even started to send her selfies with Ezreal and Soraka or pictures of her doing whatever she is doing at that moment (Kai’sa’s favourite are the mirror outfit checks she receives when Ahri is indecisive of what to wear).
Kai’sa has to admit that when they get to spend time together in class or in the cafeteria with the others, the conversations are not as fluid as they are online. And of course that is only Kai’sa’s fault, just because she finds it harder to find the words or to form understandable sentences while being watched by those beautiful eyes that seem to shine whenever she makes Kai’sa blush with any of her cliche flirty lines.
She often finds herself smiling when she thinks about Ekko's words “well we should see which face she makes around you” because so far Ahri, to everyone's surprise (especially Akali’s) only seems to be happy around her. And being honest, Kai’sa is delighted by that. She enjoys spending time with the Vastaya more than she ever thought she would.
Especially because even though she thought moving here would make it easier to spend time with her friends, apparently it is still hard for them to find free time to dedicate to Kai’sa. And Kai’sa doesn’t want to be mad, because she believes there has to be a really good reason for it. But she is disappointed and even though she’s trying so hard not to show it, Ahri seems to have picked up on her mood.
“What's wrong?” Ahri asks her one day in class while they are preparing their project.
Kai’sa hasn’t been paying much attention to Ahri ―or anything― during the whole class, just nodding to whatever Ahri proposes instead of debating her ideas like she usually does.
“Nothing”
“You’re such a bad liar, Kai” that does make Kai’sa pay attention to her. While it is true she and Ahri are becoming somewhat closer, she has never used this nickname before, not even in their late night chats. Only her close friends and her father call her Kai.
Ahri seems to notice Ka’isa’s surprise because she immediately apologizes.
“It’s okay, you can call me Kai” Kai’sa shakes her head “I’m just not used to hear it from anyone other than my close friends”
Ahri leans a bit closer to Kai’sa and grinds at her “Oh, so you consider me a close friend?”
“I―” Kai’sa immediately hates herself for saying that knowing that obviously Ahri was going to take advantage of her word. And she also hates herself for losing her ability to speak whenever Ahri flirts with her. Especially if Ahri is this close.
“Relax, Kai” Ahri backs up a bit, letting Kai’sa breath better “I just love messing with you”
Kai’sa rolls her eyes trying to fight the warmth growing on her “Didn’t noticed at all”
Ahri laughs loud enough for Morgana to “shh” at them, making them both want to laugh even more.
“You look prettier when you are not making that worry face” Ahri tells Kai’sa when they stop giggling. “What got you so worried?”
Kai’sa is about to reply but Ahri cuts her before she even opens her mouth “And don’t tell me nothing is worrying you because you really are a bad liar” Ahri says pointing her finger at Kai’sa’s chest in an accusing way.
“I don’t know”
Kai’sa looks down at Ahri’s finger then she looks up at Ahri. She’s frowning and has a genuine look of concern in her eyes. Kai’sa does know why she is worried. What she doesn’t know is if she wants to share it with the vastaya.
Apparently Kai’sa has taken too long to answer.
“Whatever, you don’t have to tell me” Ahri huffs and retracts her finger.
Kai’sa keeps staring at her. Ahri’s tail is swinging side to side pretty fast and her fluffy ears are pinned against her head, she almost seems annoyed. But then Ahri turns to look at Kai’sa for a second and she notices Ahri’s eyes flickering with something else she can’t quite identify but that looks close to sadness.
It’s been a while since someone other than her father has insisted this much on Kai’sa’s well being. And she desperately needs someone to share her concerns…what harm could sharing this with Ahri do?
“It 's Akali” Kai’sa lets out.
Ahri’s ears immediately perk up and turn to her.
“Well, it's not just Akali, it’s all of them” Kai’sa sighs.
“Sona, Taliyah and Ekko?” Ahri asks softly.
Kai’sa nods “I love them so much, and we’ve always been so close but ever since they moved here…I don’t know it seems like they have been avoiding me” Kai’sa takes a deep breath before carrying on “I can’t stop thinking about how weird they are acting with me. I mean, they are weird. But this is something else, they are straight up lying to me! Well, I don’t have any proof they are but Akali is just as bad as lying as I am, so I’m pretty sure they are hiding something from me and instead of trusting me they are just…distancing themselves from me. And they wouldn’t be hiding anything from me if it wasn't for a good reason, but we haven’t even had a Game Night since I moved!”
Kai’sa pauses, a sad smile forming on her lips “I just moving here would make things better and―and I know they still care about me but… I guess knowing that even though they care they are still trying so hard to avoid me it’s making me worried. Or whatever you wanna call it” Kai’sa shrugs, wiping away the single tear that has formed in her eye to prevent it from falling. “It hurts being left out”
Kai’sa suddenly feels a warm and soft hand on top of hers “I’m so sorry Kai” Ahri is carefully caressing Kai’sa’s hand and looking at her as if she was feeling Kai’sa’s pain herself. Her look is so pure and her touch is so gentle and meaningful that it actually comforts Kai’sa.
They stay like this for a while, neither of them wanting to move, until Kai’sa feels good enough to smile back at her.
“Thank you”
Ahri shakes her head, her hand still on Kai’sa’s “Don’t need to thank me” she smiles “I have and offer for you”
Kai’sa raises her eyebrow not sure if she should trust any kind of offer from Ahri.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that!” Ahri takes her hand away from Kai’sa’s and uses it to softly punch Kai’sa’s arm.
“Ouch” she complains even though it hasn't hurt at all “I’m sorry, what's the offer?”
“Well I don’t know what your game nights or whatever are, but maybe you could come to my place this weekend for a sleepover” Ahri’s voice sounds unusually shy “we can work on the project and maybe you can teach me to play some games”
Kai’sa swallows.
Me? Having a sleepover with Ahri? At her place? And she wants to play videogames with me?
Kai’sa feels lightheaded, close to passing out. She tries to keep it together and calm down. They do have to work on the project…and she does want to spend time with Ahri. Well, not with Ahri. Just with someone other than her father. It 's just that. Right?
“Kai’sa?” Ahri shyly asks.
“I would love to sleep with you” her brain and mouth synchronization betray her once again.
Fuck
Ahri chuckles “Huh, you do?” she leans her head on her hand “You sure you don’t want to take me on a date first?” she winks at her.
Kai’sa hides her face in her hands “No!” Kai’sa is so grateful there aren’t any mirrors in here because she certainly doesn’t wanna check how red she probably is right now “I didn’t mean―I just―I meant that I would like to accept your offer and have a sleepover at your place”
“You’re so cute when you’re flustered” Ahri smiles at her making Kai’sa blush harder.
“Stop!”
Ahri giggles and starts picking up her stuff, since the class has ended a few flirting ago.
“I’ll text you the address, see you this weekend, Kai”