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The soft stomping of her heavy boots carry her to her bathroom, flicking on the dim yellow light. Twisting on the tap, she takes a scoop full to splash her face in an attmept to wake herself up a bit. The dirt and grime of now taking over Silco's positon; Vander's position.

What am I doing? She stares at her reflection, her eyes following over the lines of fain scarring on her cheek and neck.

This is the position she's putting herself in. A cycle that she's afraid to break because what else does she know?

Then she felt it. A pressure behind her eyes and crawling up to her temples. She grunts at the headache and covers her eyes to pinch at her fatigued eyelids, figuring it was because she probably hadn't eaten all day.

But before she could even step out of her bathroom, the pain tripled and she doubled over to groan into her sink. She gripped onto the porcelain so hard with her mech hand that a small crack spread through the side.

It pierced through her head so intensely she swore her head was going to explode. A ringing flooded through her brain before it went silent again.

She was panting harshly, releasing the cold porcelain as she stands upright. Her eyes are still closed as she continues to rub at the sore skin. Once the aching subdues long enough for her to open them, she's hit with a blinding light.

Not like the yellow dim light of her bathroom but the light of a scorching sun. Her eyes adjust themselves to see that she's… outside? She turns around to see that she's no longer in her apartment but what appears to be a farmer's market.

What the fuck?

Sevika's headache returns as she tries to conceptualize what the hell is going on. Her eyes dart from vendor to vendor, realizing that she's in the Lanes; not the Lanes that she knows but a cleaner, peaceful version.

Did she take too much shimmer again and was having a lucid dream? Is she hallucinating from withdrawals? As she's racking her brain over what is happening to her, she hears something or someone that runs her blood cold.

"Sev?"

No.

"Hey, honey? Are you okay?”

Then a familar grasp touching her inner wrist, fingertips brushing against her pulse. A touch that she hasn't felt in Janna knows how long; so gentle and with nothing but pure intent.

It's not possible.

"Jesus, Sev, you look like you're about to hurl."

Another hand touches her upper bicep to tug her body to face what she's been convincing herself isn't real. You can't be here. The hand that was on her wrist reaches up to touch her face and she flinches.

Hard.

"Vika?"

The way your voice twinges with concern causes an image of your last moments with her to flash through her brain. How shameful she felt to leave you like that.

"I-I'm fine." She manages, still avoiding your face.

It hurts too much.

"Did you wanna go home? We can come back tomorrow if you're feeling sick." You attempt to understand how she's behaving.

Sevika's swallows the lump in her throat and forces herself to look into your eyes. Hot tears prick at her waterline as you somehow look even more beautiful from the last time she saw you.

You look… alive. Like you aren't living off of scraps, like you weren't pushing and fighting anymore. You look healthy and it's aching Sevika's heart.

"Okay, how about we go and get Isha and go home, yeah?" Your hand reaches for hers.

Sevika hesistates, guilt flooding her system. You don't let her think about it too long as you gently intertwine your fingers with hers.

She shuts her eyes to push back the tears.

Just as warm as she remembered.

"Y-Yeah, I think I just need to eat something." She lies as she allows you to practically drag her through the streets.

"Good thing we're going to Vander's. He always keeps your damn jerky sticks there." Your voice is light and teasing as you scrunch your nose up at her. "Plus, Powders got a ton of fruit hidden in her little lair."

Sevika merely nods along, trying to get her scrambled thoughts together. This is all just so confusing. How did she get here?

The second she enters The Last Drop with you, her eyes widen slightly at the brighter and more lively interior. What shocked her the most is seeing Vander right there at the bar and Silco's arm slung over his shoulders as they speak to Benzo.

That conversation ends the second they spot you and Sevika approaching the bar. Vander's eyes light up and Sevika's chest tightens as she remembers the last thing she ever said to Vander.

"You look weak."

"Mrs. and Mrs. Trouble. Good to see you guys around. I hear Powder's got Isha for the day." Vander's eyes crinkle as he dries off a glass.

Sevika's broad figure stands still as she watches you release her hand to give Vander a quick hug over the bar, cheery giggles leaving your mouth.

"Yeah, well, Sev's not feeling so good so we're gonna take her home."

Sevika still hasn't said a word to anyone since she entered the etsbalishment, feeling like a fish out of water. Everything is so… peaceful. She can't believe that this is her reality right now.

"You alright, Sevika?" Vander turns his attention to the silent, dazed woman.

Her grey eyes flicker to the man, nodding curtly before breathing out a weak 'yeah'. His eyes linger on Sevika for a second, obviously wanting to ask more questions but decided to keep his concern to himself.

Her gaze follows across the open, bright area of the new Last Drop, locking on the familiar white haired boy. Her eyes squint for a moment before realizing that he was staring right back.

"There a bug goin' 'round? Ekko's been a bit out of it since this morning. Maybe Sevika's caught the damn thing as well." Benzo's curious tone causes Sevika's head to snap to him.

You hum as your hand caresses her upper shoulders, shrugging to yourself. Is Ekko—?

Another familiar voice immerses from behind the bar before Sevika can finish her thought.

Sevika almost sighs but when she sees the blue haired girl, her eyes soften when she sees Isha standing right next to her. Her small hand holds onto two of Powder's fingers. Her big golden eyes widen and she lets out a squeal of excitement at the sight of you and Sevika.

"You're back early." Powder's lips curl into a small smile as she releases Isha to let her run up to Sevika.

Sevika stares down at her for a moment before kneeling down to pick her up like it was second nature. She blinks at Isha who signs something that she doesn't understand.

"Mama is not feelin' too good, angel. Do you want to come home or stay with Aunt Powder?" Your voice is low and sweet as you rub Isha's small back from her clinging position on Sevika's arm.

Mama.

You two are parents. To Isha.

Isha lifts her head up to stare into Sevika's eyes: gold meeting grey. She can feel her throat tigtehning, overwhelmed by the entirety of the situation and not knowing what to do with herself. She's trying more than ever to keep it together but it feels cruel.

Sevika leans her head to Isha's and presses her lips into her scalp, closing her eyes as she feels Isha's small arms wrap around her neck. Her tired sounds only make Sevika's heart ache even more than it was.

"Yeah, I think it's home time now. We'll catch you guys later then." You speak up for your small family.

Powder curtly nods, raising her hand to wave at you three. She signs a goodbye to Isha as she raises her two fingers to her forehead to wiggle them like a bunny. Isha giggles at the sight over Sevika's shoulder and does it back with the little energy she has left.

Sevika keeps Isha tightly to her with one arm underneath her bottom and her other hand finds yours as you make your way back to her place. Well, hers, yours and Ishas in… whatever place this is. A pocket dimesnion of what could be?

It was a blur of walking before Sevika's standing at the front door, you pulling out the key from your satchel to insert it into the slot. Isha had fallen asleep against her shoulder, arms now limp at her sides from her slumber.

"I think Powder just has her run around in circles until she gives out. She always knocks out the second she gets home." You chuckle as you push the door open to be met with the lovely smell of the candle that had been burning before you left the place.

Sevika hums to show she can at least hear you. Your brows set in a furrow as you shut the door behind you.

"Okay, Sevika, what is going on with you? Do you really have a bug like Ekko because truly, we'd have to go and let everyone know just in case they've been in your vicinity and if it's a bad bug, I don't need people calling us irresponsible parents especially if Isha starts to feel sick and she's been playing with the other kids down the street. I don't want to spread anything and have people calling—"

Sevika reaches forward to grab your shoulders with her two flesh hands that she doesn't even remember having. It's been so long since shes had both of her limbs.

"I'm not sick." Sevika emphasizes as she finds your frantic eyes.

"Maybe not but I know you, Sev. Something's up." You sigh, rubbing your forehead. "We've been together for a damn near decade and you don't think I know when somethings up with you?"

The only person who could ever see right through her bullshit. One of the things Sevika missed most about you. How you never cared about how 'scary' or 'intimidating' Sevika appeared to those around her; you were the only one to call her out when she acted even slightly differently.

"I don't…" Sevika raises her hand to her bridge of her strong nose, pinching at the cartilage in an attempt to suppress her headache. "I don't know what's wrong. It's going to sound—"

"Unbelievable? Weird?" You finish for her, crossing your arms in front of your chest as you stare at her with an unamused expression.

"Sev, I've been through everything with you. Just… talk to me, please. We'll figure out, okay?"

Sevika recognizes that tone. The same one that you had that night. The night she lost you. A mix of concern, frustration and devotion. Her eyes flutter shut for a moment to give herself a reset so she wouldn't burst into tears.

So, she tells you everything she can remember as you guide her to your living room couch. How she thinks someway, somehow she got placed into this universe that isn't her own, how one second she's in her bathroom and the next she's outside. She doesn't mention how you aren't hers.

But you're smart. Fuck, you always were.

"And us? Is this…" You motion to the air around you two, "how we are in your universe?"

Not anymore, her mind echoes. Thanks to me.

"No."

Your brows raise at the vague response but you don't question it any more. Sevika stares down at you, eyes rounding with vulnerability.

"I don't know how or even if I can go back."

You hum as you reach for the necklace that Sevika hadn't seen until now, rubbing your thumb over the ridge of the pendant.

"Well," you clear your throat. "I think we know a few smart kids that could help us. Powder and Ekko are prodigies with this sort of… thing."

Sevika nods slowly, eyes flickering to the necklace as you continued to fidget with it. You notice her silence and look at where her line of vision is locked on, pausing your twiddling.

"You got this for me. For our anniversary two years ago," you smile sweetly as you seem to reminisce on the moment that Sevika wishes she could look back on as well. "Well I guess not you but… the other you?"

Sevika chuckles at your confusion and nods to confirm.

"It's beautiful." She tells you softly.

You agree with a gentle 'yeah' as your eyes meet once again. You smile small at her as you tilt your head to the side, resting on her larger shoulder.

"We'll figure it out, Sev. I promise." You reach for her calloused hand, intertwining your fingers with hers.

Sevika tenses for a moment but relaxes when you rub at the back of her hand with your thumb. Her belief in your words gives her a sense of a comfort; remembering how easy it is when you're around.

"Hey little man! Hey Pow!"

Your voice stretches to the pair who are in his little lair. Sevika is right behind you with Isha hoisted up onto her hip. Her hair is left in its usual manner with a singular gray clip.

"Hey guys." Ekko waves from his standing position at the chalkboard before going back to doing the equation.

It's been almost a month since Sevika's been on this pocket dimension and she strangely is already used to it. She quickly fell into her role as Isha's mother and what this universes Sevika is like. It came so naturally; like maybe this is where she was meant to be all along.

With Isha, with Powder, with you.

It makes sense. So… maybe she could stay.

She didn't know how to bring it up. You've been so caught up with the kids participating in the Innovators Competition.

She doesn't need you growing another gray hair because of her selfishness.

"Your machine all up and running now 'cause I gotta get Pow ready for tonight." You scold Ekko jokingly as you point at him. "And you should be getting ready too. Mylo and Claggor don't want you guys to be late."

Powder set her own things down, giving Ekko one last look before walking up to you three. She has her bag slung across her body.

Isha wriggles in Sevika's grasp when Powder approaches, practically jumping off of her mother into her aunts' arms. Powder groans dramatically as she holds Isha close, causing Sevika to smile at the sight.

She's too engrossed in the moment to see that Ekko is standing right in front of her now.

"Heimerdinger said this should be good for tonight so," Ekko sighs, too, staring at Powder and Isha giggling amongst one another as you poke at the golden eyed girl. You were probably telling Isha to stop rolling her eyes like her mama.

A smile spreads on her face at the thought.

Sevika merely hums, turning to him slowly and raising a hand to clasp down on his shoulder.

"Thanks, kid. I'll see you tonight then."

Ekko opens his mouth but closes it quickly before nodding curtly. "Yeah. I'll see you, Sevika."

His eyes held something… regretful but he didn't utter what his mind had been thinking about. Sevika didn't push either because she's sure her eyes reflected his own.

After leaving the secluded lair, the four girls made a little salon at your and Sevika's place. Powder's getting her makeup and hair done by you, Isha being your sous-hairstylist by handing you the tools needed and watching intently.

And, well, Sevika makes a quick lunch for everyone, zoning out as she stirs the potato soup. Today is really it.

She'll leave. She'll go back to the world where she had to pick your beaten to a pulp body up from the ground in the alleyway behind the Last Drop, stupidly thinking that she could save you in time. She remembers how Singed told her there was no possible way the damage could be reversed; that you had lost too much blood. She'll see your gravestone again with a reminder of how soon she had failed you.

What kills her the most is how she could've stoped it. The chembarons decided to take you the second Sevika was vulnerable; too swept up in Silco's plan to avenge Zaun from Piltover. You had gotten into an argument with her just an hour before.

You had begged her to please stop this. She should've listened. She—

"Sev, are you done with the soup?" Your voice calls from the living room, snapping her out of her dooming daze.

Sevika shakes her head at herself, feeling more ridiculous than ever. She brings over the tray of bowls, trying not to let herself tear up at the sight of the different sizes for each member of your family.

You're touching up Powders hair when she walks into the living room, cracking a forced grin as she sets the tray down on the coffee table. Isha reaches for her bowl but you put your foot out to stop her.

"Hey. Wash your hands first, please." You remind your daughter.

Isha huffs before scurrying to the kitchen. Sevika chuckles before folding her arms and staring at your concentrated face as you glide the straightener through Powders strands. You haven't looked at her since she came over with the food.

Were you two avoiding a 'goodbye' or plotting for her to stay? She didn't want to ask or pry. What would be the point? At the end of all this, you'd still have a 'her'. The slowness of getting ready quickly turned into a frenzy as not only did you have to get Powder ready but you had to get yourself done up for the event as well.

Sevika didn't have to do much to get dressed as she, well, won't be staying here for much longer. She winced at her own harsh thought but sucked it up when Isha came to her with a pout, signing 'mama, help, please'.

So, after getting both herself and Isha all ready, you inform Sevika that you and Powder are ready for the event. Powder is adorning a dress in comparison to her casual wear, making her look so much like Felicia it pained her.

Her eyes widen at the sight of you in a delicate dress that she's seen before in her universe; the one that you wore on your very first date. She can't believe that you even have it in this universe and look somehow even more beautiful. She forces her eyes to focus on anything else, not wanting this to hurt more than it already does.

The four of you made your ways down to the Innovators Competition, Isha immediately running into the crowd to find either Mylo or Claggor. Powder excused herself from you and Sevika, dissppearing into the crowd as well.

"Well, they left us." You huff as you turn to Sevika with a dramatic sigh.

"No surprise there." Sevika hums back as she's fully looking at you now.

Your eyes are scanning the crowd, definitely making sure that Isha is in your peripheral. Now that she's able to enjoy you for a bit longer, she notices the slight dark shimmer on your eyes and glossier lips. The necklace glistens underneath the multicolored lights from above, shining down on your skin making you look like you stepped straight out of a dream.

Sensing her burning stare, your head turns to your wife as you tilt your head in curiosity. Sevika blinks at you before avoiding your gaze, standing upright as she wipes her clammy palms on her pant legs.

Before Sevika can even look for a drop of liquor, Isha's running up to you two and grabs one of each of your hands with a whine.

"Woah, sweetie, where are we going?" You chuckle at her eagerness.

Isha jerks her head towards the people dancing to the familiar song playing above.

There's a girl in town and word's gone around, she's just fine

Powder's already motioning for you and Sevika to come and dance along with her and Ekko. Sevika's never been one to… dance. She would stand in the corner, probably something strong in a glass and maybe nodding her if its truly a song she enjoyed. But if this is going to be the last moments with you, she wants to do it right.

So I don't worry my head 'cause I know her heart is tied to mine

Sevika raises her hand with Isha's hand clinging to three of her fingers, twirling her around on her booted feet. You beam at the sight and grab Powder to copy Sevika's motion and spin her around. The two of you throw your head back in elated laughter. Light giggles leave Isha's mouth as Sevika continues her exaggerated movments.

"Switch!" Powder says aloud as she guides you into Sevika's grasp.

She practically snatches Isha into her space, raising her hands up and rolling her shoulders. The little one copies her movements as she faces you and Sevika to sign 'look, Mama!'. You clap at her dancing before leaning into Sevika's larger frame with one hand on her forearm and the other on her broad shoulder.

The life that we live and the love that I give to her

"Janna, she dances exactly like her mom." You whisper to Sevika.

She nods blindly in agreement, her eyes never leaving your bright expression.

Her mouth tingles with hesitation as she stares at your bright eyes and smiles. Should she really… leave all this behind? Leave Isha? Leave Powder?

Leave you?

Maybe it is a selfish thing but oh, how she wishes it wasn't.

Each day it grows more and more I'm sure, it shows

Sucking in a deep balancing breath, Sevika detaches herself from you. She mutters a quick 'I'll be back' before making her way out of the convention area. She doesn't look back when she hears a confused noise come from you; not wanting to see the hurt on your face.

The music fades behind her as she finally steps back into the night outside.

She leans on the metal railing as she ducks her head to ease her aching head.

"Sevika!"

Fuck. Your voice calls out as your steps become more prominent. Keeping her head down, she tells you as calmly as she can manage: "I'm fine. Just needed some air."

You don't say anything for a moment, allowing the silence to fall between the two of you. Only the distant sounds of the busy streets and the convention center fill the space.

"You don't have to pretend with me."

This causes her head to finally lift up from its dropped postion. Her posture straightens as she releases the railing to fully turn towards you. Your eyes shine with love and concern, taking a few steps forward to reach for her hand.

She lets you take it.

"I'm not pretending." A lie.

You merely hum. "Maybe not. But you're trying to hide which is damn near close to pretending, Sev."

The fact that she thought she could fool you even for a second was a mistake on her part. You see her. You always have.

“I’ve only ever truly lived when you were there. I can’t breathe the same without you.”

“Sevika,” you turn to her and take the other one of her larger hands, fingers brushing over the softening callouses. “Sometimes, moving forward means leaving a few things behind.”

Her chest tightens at your words, hot, broken tears lining her eyes and clouding her vision. Her head becomes too heavy for her neck as she drops her head to hide the tears threatening her waterline.

“I can’t leave you. Not again, I can’t.” She whispers as if she’s convincing herself that it’ll change what has to be done.

You watch her back shake and your heart aches. You feel for her and hate to see your wife go through something like this. You think for a moment before reaching your free hand up to your necklace; one that your Sevika had given you the moment, your thumb tracing over the ridges of your initials embedded into the metal.

“Here.” You tug the necklace off, turning one of her shaking hands palm up.

You carefully let it trickle onto her hand, smiling solemnly as you shut her fingers around it.

“I can always get another one here just like that. You can take this back with you. Not to mourn me by, Vika. To remember to live again.”

The seconds were ticking; taunting Sevika that the moment she left your side, she couldn’t hold you again. She tightens her fist around it before nodding slowly.

"And if I can't?" Her voice is weak, a bit strained in her throat.

She knows what she's insinuating and she's hoping you don't freak out and tell her to not even think about going that route. You only release her hand to cup her scarred cheek, running your thumb over the skin.

"Then we'll be together again, Sevika." You whisper, your own eyes brimming with beautiful tears.

Sevika leans into your touch, her free hand finding your waist to pull you into her. You gasp softly at the sudden motion when she buries her face into the crook of your neck, wrapping her large forearms around your torso. She lets out shaky breaths as she clenches her fist into the fabric of your dress.

Shivers run down your spine as you carefully wrap your arms around her, sinking into her familar warmth. The two of stay like that for a while; wrapped in the last moments of each others' embrace.

It isn't too long before Ekko finds the two of you outside, sheepishly telling Sevika that Heimerdinger has everything ready.

"We have to go, Sevika."

He, too, seems to have his own hesistant attitude with the entirety of this. Sevika winces as if Ekko had slapped her on a wound.

In a way, he had. Not an external one, at least. Sevika reluctantly releases you from her hold, standing upright. She rolls her shoulders to ease the hefty tension in them. You nod at Ekko, sending him a small smile as you fixate your gaze to Sevika once more.

You didn't have to say a word for her know what you were thinking. Your brows rest in a heavy-hearted manner yet a pained smile decorated your face.

Go before I convince you to stay.

I'll see you again, my love. In another life.