Tanhì✩°｡⋆

Vi

• Vi thrives on playful physicality when teasing you. She’ll corner you against a wall with that trademark smirk, leaning in just close enough to watch you squirm. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Or is it just me?”

• She loves catching you off guard. If she sees you zoning out, she’ll casually drape an arm around your shoulders and whisper, “Daydreaming about me again? Happens to the best of us.”

• If you try to tease her back, she’ll laugh and pretend to let you win for a moment before flipping the script. “Oh, you’re getting bold, huh? Careful, sweetheart—I might like that.”

Caitlyn

• Caitlyn’s teasing is subtle and refined, but it always leaves you flustered. She’ll lean in close under the pretense of adjusting your collar or brushing off dust. “There. All fixed. Though I think I’ve distracted you more than I helped.”

• She loves making sly comments during serious moments. If you get flustered over something small, she’ll chuckle softly. “I didn’t know you could be this adorable. Should I be worried?”

• Caitlyn has a knack for watching your reactions carefully and pressing just enough to make you blush. “You’re not used to this, are you? Don’t worry—I’ll go easy on you. For now.”

Jinx

• Jinx teases with pure chaos and energy. She’ll randomly steal your hat or glasses, putting them on and spinning around dramatically. “How do I look? Like your new favorite person, right?”

• She loves poking fun at your flustered reactions. “Aww, are you blushing? That’s so cute! Wait, hold on—do it again!”

• Jinx is the type to lean in like she’s about to whisper something serious but instead says something ridiculous like, “Guess what? You’re stuck with me forever now. Deal with it.”

• She’ll playfully mock your nervous habits or mannerisms. “Biting your lip again? Geez, you’re gonna drive me crazy.”

Ekko

• Ekko teases with quiet confidence. He loves leaning into your space and saying something simple but disarming, like, “You always look this good, or is today special?”

• He’ll lightly call you out when you’re too flustered to respond properly. “You’re not this quiet when we’re talking about other stuff. Something on your mind?”

• If you try to brush him off, he’ll chuckle and lean in closer. “Oh, I see how it is. You’re playing hard to get now. That’s cute.”

• Ekko’s teasing always feels warm and intentional, like he’s daring you to match his energy. “C’mon, don’t just stand there—tell me what you’re thinking. Or do I already know?”

Silco

• Silco’s teasing is intense and deliberate. He thrives on subtle power plays, like brushing a strand of hair from your face and lingering just a moment too long. “You’re awfully quiet. Do I make you nervous?”

• He loves making you second-guess his intentions with cryptic compliments. “You’ve certainly caught my attention. I wonder if you even realize how much.”

• Silco enjoys watching you try to compose yourself under his gaze. “Careful—you might blush yourself into a fever if you keep looking at me like that.”

Vi, however, was as energized as ever. She walked ahead of you, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets, her gait confident and steady. There was something about the way she moved—so casual, so natural—but with an edge of command that made you feel safe without her even saying a word.

“You good back there, slowpoke?” she called over her shoulder, her lips curling into a smirk when she caught you staring.

“I’m fine,” you replied, quickening your pace to match hers. She waited for you to catch up, falling in step beside you as the two of you navigated the uneven streets of the Undercity.

“You sure? You’ve been real quiet,” she said, her tone light but her sharp eyes flickering over you, searching for something. “Did someone mess with you at the bar? You know I’d handle it if they did.”

You shook your head, waving her off. “No one messed with me, Vi. I’m just… tired, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh,” she said, not quite believing you, but letting it go anyway. “Well, c’mon. Let’s get you back.”

The walk back to her hideout was quiet, with only the sounds of distant traffic and the occasional shout from a street corner to break the stillness. The air was thick with the usual Zaunian smog, but with Vi at your side, it didn’t feel as oppressive. In fact, the more you walked next to her, the more you felt… safe. It was strange, the way she could make you feel like you could conquer the world while also making you feel like you were the only thing she cared about at that moment.

You glanced at her profile, catching the way the streetlights painted her face in alternating pools of shadow and light. Her jawline was sharp, her brow slightly furrowed in thought, and her lips—a little too tempting for comfort—curved into a grin whenever she caught you looking at her.

“You staring at me, cupcake?” she asked, her voice low but with a teasing lilt, as if she was waiting for you to admit something.

You chuckled nervously, looking away, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. “I—no, I wasn’t. Just thinking.”

“Uh-huh.” She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You know, I’m not blind, sweetheart. You can look all you want. Just don’t think I won’t make you pay for it.”

Her words lingered in the air, charged with something more than just playful teasing. Something darker.

You swallowed, your heartbeat quickening at the subtle challenge in her voice. Vi had always been this way—too confident, too in control—but there was something about tonight that made it feel like she was really in control. The way her body leaned slightly into yours as the two of you walked, the way she subtly guided you forward with just a touch of her hand at your back.

By the time you reached her hideout—a small but comfortable space hidden deep in Zaun’s twisted maze—you felt a mixture of exhaustion and something else. Something… heated. The door slammed shut behind you both, and for the first time in hours, the noise of the streets died down to nothing.

Vi turned, locking eyes with you as she removed her jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. The soft lighting in the room caught the glint of her tattoos, the hint of something dangerous beneath the surface. She stepped closer to you, her boots making a soft sound against the floor.

“You’ve been quiet all night,” she said, her voice low and steady. “Too quiet. What’s on your mind, pretty girl?”

You took a step back, bumping into the wall behind you. The sudden distance between you made your breath hitch. “Nothing, really. Just… tired, like I said.”

Vi wasn’t buying it. She stepped forward, closing the gap between you with ease. “Don’t lie to me,” she murmured, her voice thick with amusement and something else—something darker. “You’ve got that look. The one where you’re thinking too much, but you’re too scared to say it.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but before you could get a word out, Vi reached up, her hand brushing against your cheek, the touch gentle, yet somehow commanding. Her fingers trailed down to your jawline, her gaze not leaving yours for a second.

“Tell me what’s going on, or I’ll figure it out myself,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The air between you thickened, the crackling tension almost palpable as you tried to steady your racing heart. There was something about her presence that was both thrilling and terrifying. She didn’t need to raise her voice to command attention—Vi’s very presence did that for her.

You knew better than to fight it. Vi wasn’t going to let you leave this moment unscathed, and deep down, you didn’t want to. You wanted the fire, the heat, the challenge that came with being close to her.

“I…” You faltered, but she wasn’t giving you a chance to back down.

Her fingers slid down your neck, sending a wave of goosebumps across your skin as she leaned in, her breath warm against your ear. “What do you want, cupcake?” she asked, the question lingering between you two like a dare.

Before you could answer, Vi’s hand slid lower, stopping just above your waist, her thumb brushing against the fabric of your shirt in a motion so casual, so effortless that it made your head spin.

Her voice softened, but the underlying command was still there. “Tell me. I can feel it, you know. You’re thinking about something. So, what is it?”

A slight shiver ran through you as her touch lingered, the heat of her body too close for comfort, yet you couldn’t bring yourself to pull away. You were drawn to her in a way that made it hard to breathe.

“I’m just… thinking about how close you are,” you managed, your voice barely above a whisper.

Vi’s grin widened, and for a split second, you could see the challenge in her eyes, like she knew exactly what you were trying to say but was enjoying watching you squirm.

“You like it, don’t you?” she purred, her fingers brushing the side of your waist with just enough pressure to make you squirm. “I can tell. You wouldn’t be looking at me like that if you didn’t.”

Before you could answer, Vi stepped back with a teasing grin, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. The moment you thought you might breathe again, she spoke.

“Next time, don’t think you can get away with hiding what’s on your mind from me. I always know,” she said, voice thick with playful dominance.

And just like that, she was back to her usual self—cocky, confident, and completely in control. But you couldn’t help but notice the way her gaze lingered just a moment too long. The way she knew that you were already wrapped around her finger.

“You’re mine now, pretty girl,” Vi added with a wink, her voice soft but filled with promise. “I’ll be the one calling the shots, cupcake.”

Note: This fanfiction is a reader-insert story featuring Jayce Talis from the series “Arcane.” It contains themes of romantic tension and mutual affection in a workshop setting.

The soft glow of Hextech crystals illuminated the workshop, casting shifting shadows across the cluttered tables and intricate blueprints. You stepped inside, your boots clicking against the cold marble floor. The faint hum of machinery filled the air, but your attention was drawn to Jayce Talis, leaning over a complex mechanism at his workbench.

He hadn’t noticed you yet, his brow furrowed in concentration as his hands worked nimbly, adjusting wires and calibrating gears. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms smudged with soot and the faint sheen of sweat from hours of labor.

“Burning the midnight oil again?” you teased, leaning against the doorframe.

Jayce startled slightly, his golden-brown eyes darting up to meet yours. When he realized it was you, a warm smile replaced his startled expression.

“Guilty as charged,” he said, running a hand through his tousled hair. “What brings you here this late? Don’t tell me you’re as bad as me when it comes to sleep.”

You shrugged, stepping closer. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d check in and see what you were working on. Besides,” you smirked, “someone has to make sure you don’t blow up half of Piltover.”

Jayce chuckled, the sound low and rich, and gestured for you to come over. “I’ll have you know, my explosions are always controlled. Usually.”

You rolled your eyes but approached, peering over his shoulder at the device he was tinkering with. It was a small prototype, something you couldn’t immediately identify, but the intricate craftsmanship was unmistakable.

“What’s this?” you asked, leaning in to get a closer look.

“Something new,” he said, his voice soft. “A personal project. I was thinking about… energy distribution, how we can make Hextech more accessible.” He paused, his gaze flicking to yours. “It’s not ready yet, but—”

“You’ll get there,” you interrupted, meeting his eyes. “You always do.”

For a moment, the workshop was silent except for the faint hum of the crystals. Jayce’s gaze lingered on you, the weight of it sending a warm flush to your cheeks.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he said softly, almost as if he hadn’t meant to say it aloud.

Your breath caught, and you managed a half-smile, trying to deflect the sudden intensity. “Well, you’d probably be buried under a mountain of failed prototypes and safety violations.”

He laughed, but his eyes never left yours. Slowly, he reached out, his hand brushing yours. The touch was light, hesitant, but it sent a spark through you that had nothing to do with Hextech.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice sincere. “For being here. For… everything.”

You squeezed his hand gently, your heart thudding in your chest. “Always.”

The tension in the air was suffocating, the dim light of Jinx’s workshop casting eerie shadows on the cluttered walls. You stood at the doorway, your breath hitching at the sight before you. Jinx was hunched over her workbench, bright blue hair tied back in a messy braid, her fingers tinkering with some kind of mechanical contraption.

Her world had always been chaos, but somehow, you’d become part of it—an unexpected constant in her swirling storm.

“Are you just gonna stand there like a creep, or are you gonna come say hi?” Jinx’s voice was sharp, but her lips curled into a smirk as she glanced at you over her shoulder.

You laughed softly, stepping further into the room. “Didn’t want to interrupt the mad genius at work.”

“Pfft, you could never interrupt me,” she said, turning back to her invention. “You’re, like, the one thing I don’t wanna blow up.”

That made you stop in your tracks. With Jinx, it was hard to tell if she was joking or being painfully honest. Her mind worked in ways that were beautiful and destructive all at once, and her words often carried more weight than she realized.

“Good to know,” you replied, trying to keep your tone light. “What are you working on this time?”

She spun around on her stool, holding up a metallic sphere covered in intricate etchings and blinking lights. “Boom Ball 2.0,” she declared proudly. “It’s gonna make a huge bang. Bigger than the first one.”

You crossed your arms, raising an eyebrow. “And you’re not worried about blowing this whole place up?”

“Nah,” she said with a wave of her hand. “I’ve got it under control.”

You gave her a look, one she probably found annoyingly familiar by now—the one that said Are you sure about that?

Jinx sighed dramatically and set the device down. “Okay, fine. I’ll test it outside. Happy now?”

“Very,” you replied, stepping closer. “I’d prefer to keep all my limbs intact, thanks.”

She grinned, tilting her head as she studied you. Her eyes, bright and electric, softened in a way that was rare for her. “You’re cute when you’re all worried about me.”

You felt your face heat up under her gaze. “I worry because I care, Jinx.”

The teasing smirk on her face faltered, replaced by something more vulnerable. Jinx wasn’t good at handling emotions—hers or anyone else’s—but you’d learned how to navigate that delicate terrain.

“Hey,” you said gently, reaching out to touch her hand. “You know that, right? That I care about you?”

She hesitated, her fingers twitching under yours. “Yeah,” she said softly. “I know.”

For a moment, the chaos around her seemed to fade, leaving just the two of you in the quiet glow of the workshop.

“Good,” you said with a small smile. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

Jinx looked at you, her expression a mix of disbelief and something close to hope. Then, in true Jinx fashion, she broke the tension with a wild grin.

“Great, ’cause if you did, I’d have to hunt you down and drag you back. And trust me, it’d get messy.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Of course you would.”

Vi

• Denial: Vi refuses to accept what’s happening. “No, this isn’t it. You’re not leaving me. We’ve been through worse—this is nothing. You’ll pull through, you always do.” Her voice cracks, betraying her desperation.

• Unyielding Presence: She’s by your side every second, holding your hand like if she lets go, you’ll slip away for good. Her rough, calloused fingers brush your cheek as she whispers, “Stay with me, please. I can’t do this without you.”

• Last Words Through Tears: When it becomes clear there’s no saving you, Vi breaks down. “I love you. More than anything, more than anyone. If I could take your place, I would. In a heartbeat.”

Jinx (Powder)

• Chaotic Despair: Jinx spirals immediately, pacing the room, yelling at anyone who tries to pull her away. “Fix her! Do something! Why aren’t you doing anything?!” Her voice is frantic, her mind refusing to process the inevitable.

• Childlike Pleading: When she finally sits by your side, she clings to you, her head resting against your chest. “You can’t go. You’re the only thing that keeps me… sane. Don’t leave me alone. Please, don’t go.”

• A Broken Goodbye: After you’re gone, Jinx sits in stunned silence, clutching your hand. Her laughter turns hollow as she whispers, “Guess you left me, like everyone else. But I’ll keep you with me. Always.”

Caitlyn

• Silent Strength: Caitlyn tries to stay composed for your sake, even as her heart shatters. She holds your hand tightly, her lips trembling as she says, “I’m here, my love. I’ll be here until the very end.”

• Unwavering Devotion: She brushes your hair back gently, her voice soft but breaking. “I’ve faced criminals, corruption, and danger… but this? This is the one thing I can’t fight.”

• A Love Eternal: As your breathing fades, she presses a tender kiss to your forehead, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’ll carry you with me, always. I promise, I’ll make you proud.”

Ekko

• Desperate to Save You: Ekko throws himself into trying to save you, using every resource the Firelights have. “No, no, no. This isn’t happening. I can fix this. I can fix you.”

• Blaming Himself: When there’s nothing more he can do, he collapses at your side. “This is my fault. I should’ve protected you, kept you safe. I promised I’d never let anything happen to you.”

• A Final Vow: Through tears, he takes your hand. “You always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ll build the future you dreamed of. I’ll make sure your name lives on in every light of Zaun.”

Mel Medarda

• Composed but Devastated: Mel sits beside you, her expression calm but her hands trembling as she holds yours. “You’ve always been stronger than me. I don’t know how to face this without you.”

• A Final Confession: “I should’ve told you sooner… how much you mean to me. How much I love you. I spent so much time hiding my feelings, and now I’ll never get to show you the life we could’ve had.”

• A Quiet Goodbye: As you slip away, Mel presses her forehead against yours. “You were my heart, my one true peace. I’ll carry you with me, always.”

Silco

• A Dangerous Rage: Silco lashes out at anyone around him, demanding answers, blaming them, himself, the world. “This shouldn’t be happening! I’ve built empires; I’ll burn them all to save her. Do something!”

• Uncharacteristic Vulnerability: When it’s just the two of you, his anger fades into despair. He kneels beside your bed, gripping your hand tightly. “You were my light in the dark. My anchor. How am I supposed to go on without you?”

• A Ruthless Promise: As you take your last breath, his voice drops to a chilling calm. “I’ll avenge you. No one will forget your name, and no one will ever cross me like this again.”

Viktor

• Desperate Innovation: Viktor works tirelessly to find a way to save you, even turning to dangerous experiments. “This isn’t over. I’ll fix this. Just hold on a little longer.”

• Heartfelt Regret: When he realizes he’s out of time, Viktor breaks down. “I should’ve spent more time with you, told you how much you meant to me. Instead, I wasted it all chasing dreams that don’t matter anymore.”

Years had passed since that last summer, the memory of your pinky promise with Yelena fading like a distant dream. You never thought you’d see her again—life had taken you both in different directions, and whatever bond you shared as kids was left in the woods where you used to roam.

Until today.

It was a cold, gray afternoon in the city, far removed from the warmth of those childhood days. You were on your way to a meeting, weaving through the crowded streets, when you saw her.

At first, you didn’t recognize her. The woman standing near a street vendor, scanning the crowd with a sharp, practiced eye, looked nothing like the carefree girl you once knew. Her blonde hair was shorter now, and she wore a black leather jacket with black cargos and dark tactical boots, moving with the kind of grace that made her seem out of place among the passersby. There was something dangerous about her, like she didn’t belong here—not in the way normal people did.

You were about to pass her by, convinced it couldn’t be her. But then she looked up.

Her gaze caught yours, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. She didn’t react right away—just stared at you with those same green eyes you remembered. Then, slowly, her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

“Well, well. Look at you,” she said, her accent thick, her tone almost amused. “Didn’t expect to run into you here.”

You froze, your mind scrambling to process the fact that it really was Yelena standing in front of you. “Yelena?” The name felt strange on your tongue, like it didn’t quite belong to the woman in front of you.

She pulled off her sunglasses and slipped them into her jacket pocket, eyeing you with a mix of curiosity and recognition. “It’s been a long time.”

You blinked, still in disbelief. “Yeah… years. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

She shrugged, like the years meant little. “Life takes you places. You know how it is.”

The words were casual, but there was something in her voice that hinted at the things she wasn’t saying. You’d heard rumors, of course. Whispers of a deadly assassin, someone who worked in the shadows, taking on the kind of jobs most people couldn’t even imagine. And though the Yelena you knew as a child had always been a little rough around the edges, this woman—this version of her—felt like a stranger.

“And you?” she asked, breaking the silence. “What are you doing in the city?”

You shrugged, trying to shake the uneasy feeling creeping up on you. “Work, mostly. You know how it is.” The words felt hollow, like they couldn’t bridge the gap between you.

Yelena nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd like she was always watching, always waiting. “It’s a big change from where we grew up.”

“Yeah. A lot’s changed.”

She smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Not everything.”

You looked at her, confused for a moment, until you realized what she was getting at. The promise. The pinky swear you made as kids, vowing that no matter what happened, you’d always have each other’s backs. It was a silly thing back then, just the kind of thing kids did, but now… standing here in the middle of a city you didn’t even recognize, it felt heavier.

“You still remember that?” you asked quietly.

Yelena’s gaze softened, just for a moment. “I don’t forget things like that.”

The weight of her words hung between you, a reminder of the bond you shared so long ago. It was strange, seeing her like this—older, sharper, more dangerous—but in that moment, you could still see the girl you used to know.

“Come on,” she said, breaking the tension. “Let’s get out of here. I’m sure we have a lot to catch up on.”

You nodded, following her lead as she started walking toward a small café nearby. As you walked, side by side, you couldn’t help but wonder what paths she’d walked to end up here, what stories she wasn’t telling. But for now, it didn’t matter.

Vi

• Pushing You Away: Vi has a bad habit of shutting you out when she’s hurting. After a particularly bad fight in Zaun, she avoids you completely, thinking it’s better to keep you at a distance than risk you getting hurt. You’re left wondering if you’ve done something wrong, the silence between you growing unbearable.

• Broken Promises: She promised to always come back to you, but one day, she doesn’t. When she finally returns, bruised and battered, she sees the hurt in your eyes and knows she’s broken your trust.

• Arguments About Safety: Vi can’t stand the thought of you being in danger, but her overprotectiveness leads to heated arguments. “I can handle myself, Vi!” you yell, and her voice breaks as she responds, “But what if you can’t? What if I lose you?”

• Haunted by the Past: Sometimes, Vi wakes up in the middle of the night, sweat on her brow and a look of pure terror in her eyes. She doesn’t want to talk about the nightmares, but when you try to comfort her, she just whispers, “I can’t lose you like I lost them.”

Jinx (Powder)

• Unpredictable Pain: Jinx’s volatile nature often leaves you walking on eggshells. One day, in a fit of paranoia, she accuses you of betraying her. The words cut deep, and though she regrets it later, the damage is done.

• Past vs. Present: Jinx struggles with the person she used to be and who she is now. She worries she’s not good enough for you, often saying things like, “Why would someone like you love someone as broken as me?”

• Explosive Arguments: Her emotions run wild, and when you fight, it’s like a storm. She says things she doesn’t mean, only realizing how deeply they’ve hurt you when you walk away in tears.

• Isolation: Sometimes, Jinx disappears for days without a word, leaving you to worry if she’s even alive. When she finally comes back, she’s tearful and apologetic but can’t promise she won’t do it again.

Caitlyn

• Duty vs. Love: Caitlyn’s role as an enforcer constantly pulls her away from you. She hates the look in your eyes every time she says, “I have to go,” but she can’t abandon her responsibilities, even when it means leaving you behind.

• Strain of Expectations: Her family’s high expectations often bleed into your relationship. When her mother makes a snide comment about your place in Caitlyn’s life, Caitlyn doesn’t defend you in the moment, leaving you feeling betrayed.

• Overworked and Distant: Caitlyn’s work consumes her, and while she swears she loves you, her late nights and constant absences leave you feeling like you’re always second place.

• A Moment Too Late: One day, you’re caught in the crossfire of a case she’s working on. Caitlyn arrives just in time to see you injured, the sight of your blood making her realize how much she’s taken you for granted.

Ekko

• The Weight of Leadership: As the leader of the Firelights, Ekko carries the weight of an entire community on his shoulders. He loves you, but he often feels like there’s no room for your relationship amidst his responsibilities.

• Broken Promises: He’s late to a date for the fifth time in a row, and when you confront him, he says, “I’m trying to protect all of us! Can’t you see that?” His words sting, making you wonder if he values you as much as his cause.

• Survivor’s Guilt: Ekko often pushes you away, convinced that anyone close to him is doomed to suffer. “I’ve already lost too many people,” he says. “I can’t lose you too.”

• The Edge of Goodbye: During a dangerous mission, Ekko is caught in an explosion that leaves him gravely injured. When you find him later, barely clinging to life, he whispers, “I should’ve told you how much I love you more often.”

Mel Medarda

• Political Intrigue: Being with Mel means being thrust into a world of manipulation and hidden motives. When one of her rivals targets you to get to her, she blames herself entirely. “I should’ve known this would happen,” she says, her voice trembling with guilt.

• Walls of Gold: Mel’s upbringing has made her emotionally guarded. She loves you, but she struggles to open up, leaving you feeling like you’re constantly chasing a part of her that she won’t let you have.

• Fights About Priorities: You confront her about how often she puts her political ambitions above your relationship. “Do I even matter to you?” you ask, and her silence feels like a knife to the heart.

• A Love Too Dangerous: One night, Mel tells you she can’t be with you anymore, not because she doesn’t love you, but because she fears the danger her world brings to yours.

Silco

• Tainted Love: Silco’s world is one of violence and power, and no matter how much he loves you, it bleeds into your relationship. You hate the blood on his hands, and he hates that he can’t be the man you deserve.

• Constant Conflict: You argue about his obsession with Zaun’s independence. “Zaun comes first,” he says coldly during one fight, and you can’t help but feel like you’ll always come second.

• A Dangerous Game: One day, you’re caught in the crossfire of his enemies. When he finds you injured, barely conscious, he cradles you in his arms, whispering, “I’ll burn this city to the ground if it means keeping you safe.”

• Doubts and Distance: Silco often wonders if he should let you go for your own good, but he can’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he becomes colder, hoping you’ll leave him before he destroys you.

Viktor

• Workaholic Tendencies: Viktor’s obsession with his research often leaves you feeling neglected. “This is bigger than us,” he says, not realizing how much his words hurt you.

• The Fear of Losing You: Viktor’s declining health makes him push you away, convinced you deserve someone who can give you a future. “You shouldn’t waste your time on me,” he says, his voice breaking as he turns away.

• Unspoken Words: He’s terrible at expressing his emotions, and sometimes his silence speaks louder than words. You’re left wondering if he truly loves you or if his work will always be his first priority.

The sharp tang of blood lingered in the air, mixing with the damp, metallic scent of Zaun. Vi’s boots echoed loudly against the cracked pavement as she sprinted through the maze of alleys, her breath coming in sharp bursts. The anonymous tip about the fight in the undercity had set her on edge immediately. She told herself it wasn’t you, that it couldn’t be, but the knot in her stomach twisted tighter with every step.

Please don’t let it be her, she prayed silently, even as a deeper, more certain part of her screamed otherwise.

When she rounded the corner and saw you slumped against the wall, battered but alive, her heart nearly stopped.

“Y/N!”

Your head tilted weakly at the sound of her voice. Through the haze of pain clouding your senses, you managed a faint smile. “Vi… you found me.”

She dropped to her knees beside you, her hands trembling as they hovered over your injuries, unsure where to start. “Of course I found you!” she snapped, her voice a mix of anger, fear, and overwhelming relief. “What the hell were you thinking?”

Her voice cracked, and her lips quivered as she fought back the tears welling in her eyes. “You could’ve—” The words caught in her throat, too painful to finish.

“I know,” you murmured weakly, leaning into her touch as she brushed a strand of hair from your face. “But you’re here now.”

Vi’s jaw clenched, and she dropped her head for a moment, exhaling sharply. “Damn right I’m here,” she muttered. “You’re not pulling a stunt like this again. Ever.”

A ghost of a chuckle escaped your lips, though it quickly turned into a wince of pain. “No promises.”

Her hands curled into fists at your words, but instead of snapping back, she let out a shaky breath. Without hesitation, she carefully scooped you into her arms.

“Vi, I can walk,” you protested, though your voice was weak and unconvincing.

“Shut up,” she said softly but firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re hurt. Let me take care of you.”

You relented, resting your head against her chest as she carried you away. The steady thrum of her heartbeat was soothing, but it wasn’t enough to chase away the heavy cloud hanging over you.

By the time she kicked the door to her apartment open and set you down on the couch, the adrenaline had worn off completely, leaving you acutely aware of every bruise and cut. Vi disappeared briefly, returning with a first-aid kit.

“Let me see,” she muttered, her voice low as she knelt in front of you.

You sat silently as she cleaned your wounds, her touch uncharacteristically gentle. Her brows furrowed in concentration, her lips pressed in a thin line. She didn’t speak, but the tension radiating from her was palpable.

“You don’t have to do all this,” you said finally, breaking the silence. Your voice was hoarse, but the words carried a quiet conviction.

Vi froze for a moment, her hand hovering mid-air with a bandage. Slowly, she looked up at you, her blue eyes hard but glimmering with something raw. “Yes, I do,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with an edge of vulnerability.

Your gaze dropped, unable to meet hers. “I didn’t mean for this to happen,” you whispered. “I just… I thought I could handle it.”

“And look how that turned out,” she snapped, her frustration breaking through. But the second the words left her mouth, regret flashed across her face. She sighed, dragging a hand through her pink hair. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I just—seeing you like that…” Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head. “You scared the hell out of me, Y/N.”

“I didn’t mean to,” you murmured.

Vi sat back on her heels, her hands resting on her thighs as she studied you. “Then why?” she asked quietly. “Why would you put yourself in harm’s way like that?”

You hesitated, your fingers curling into the fabric of your pants. The answer was tangled in your mind, too complicated to unravel in a single moment. Finally, you sighed, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

“Sometimes it feels like… like I’m just slowing you down. Like you’d be better off without me.”

The silence that followed was deafening. You risked a glance at Vi, and the look on her face made your chest tighten. She looked like she’d been punched in the gut.

“Don’t,” she said finally, her voice low and trembling. “Don’t you dare say that again.”

Tears welled in your eyes, but you blinked them back, swallowing the lump in your throat. “It’s true,” you whispered.

“No, it’s not.” Vi’s voice was firm now, though it still carried an undercurrent of pain. She reached out, taking your hand in hers. “You don’t get it, do you? You’re everything to me. If I lost you…” She trailed off, shaking her head as her grip on your hand tightened. “I can’t lose you.”

Her words broke something inside you. You wanted to believe her, to take comfort in her warmth and her unwavering presence, but the weight of your own insecurities was hard to shake.

“I’m happy you found me,” you said finally, your voice barely above a whisper. “But part of me wishes you didn’t. Part of me feels like I don’t deserve this. Deserve you.”

Vi’s jaw tightened, and she pulled you into her arms without a word, cradling you against her chest. “You’re wrong,” she murmured against your hair. “You deserve everything. And I’m not going to stop until you see that.”

You closed your eyes, letting her words wash over you. The doubt and the pain didn’t disappear, but in her arms, it felt a little more bearable.